Welcome to Cozy Jo's Romance Review blog. This is where you'll find reviews and discussions on historical or contemporary romance books and maybe a few other bits and bobs thrown in for good measure.
So come on in, sit down and find yourself a good romance book to read.

Showing posts with label Julie James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julie James. Show all posts

Saturday, 7 April 2012

About that Night by Julie James


Exceptional and smart romance

5 stars

The first night they met, Rylann Pierce tried to shrug off the attraction she felt for Kyle Rhodes. Yet after one incredible kiss it was hard to dismiss. After being stood up, she figured she would never see him again.

Nine years later, Rylann is a top U.S. attorney and ready to get her life back in order after a bad break up. Then who should walk into her courtroom and back into her life but Kyle. The attraction’s still there but this time he’s an ex-con and her star witness in a murder trial. Rylann’s career has always come first but she’s coming to realise that her life might need to be shaken up a bit and Kyle’s just the man to do it!

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I have been a huge fan of Julie James since reading her first book and this one just cements her as an exceptional contemporary writer and one of my all time favourites.

Kyle first appeared in James’ previous book, A Lot Like Love, which featured his twin sister’s story. You don’t have to have read that book or any of the others to understand and like this book although if you have read it then Jordan and Nick (as well as some of the supporting cast and Cameron and Jack from Something About You) make brief appearances which is always fun.

I’m always looking for a heroine that I can both like and root for and Rylann fits the bill. She’s sassy, fiesty, fun and sarcastic yet retains a vulnerability that makes her extremely likeable. She’s also smart and works hard which I like a lot. Kyle is a hard working, sexy and passionate man and one that I couldn’t help but fall for. He may be an ex-con but don’t let this put you off! Together the pair have such spark, chemistry and the banter was genius and had me laughing out loud on occasion.

Once again this book is set in the world of lawyers, the FBI and everything that entails. The storyline is realistic yet never getting bogged down in detail and makes for a book that I just couldn’t put down. The storyline flows nicely and there’s always something new to keep your interest. This is the kind of book that makes you want to live the characters lives and I finished it feeling rejuvenated while also feeling very sad that I couldn’t keep reading.

If you like smart romances with sparkle and wit then I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a real page turner and one which I enjoyed immensely. A very well deserved 5 stars.

Monday, 9 January 2012

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Another sharp and sassy romance
5 stars

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of her own boutique wine store, Jordan Rhodes’ name is on the guest list of all the best parties in Chicago. But it’s just one party that the FBI want her help to get into – the exclusive party thrown by a renowned restaurateur and alleged mob money launderer. Jordan’s not keen on her “date” but she’ll do what she has to do in exchange for her brother’s release from jail.

As the top undercover FBI agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has been in his fair share of tricky situations. But pretending to date Jordan tops his list of difficult tasks when the pair can’t be alone together for more than 5 minutes before the sparks begin to fly and the arguing starts. But when their one date turns into two, this straightforward assignment starts to feel like something a whole lot more that neither of them expected.


This is another winner from Julie James and it is chock full of her trademark wit, humour and smart and sharp banter. It stands completely alone but we did get little cameo appearances from Cameron and Jack from her previous book, Something About You.

My favourite thing about Julie James’ writing is always the way that her main characters spark off each other. Despite this being a constant in her books the plot and characters are always so fresh and new and a joy to read from start to finish.

Jordan was a great character – strong and confident yet still likeable and relatable. But it was Nick who stole the show and my heart. I just love brooding, dark and mysterious men who fall hook, line and sinker for the girl of their dreams. Nick and Jordan together had great chemistry and some sexy scenes that greatly complemented the story.

I was also very happy to hear that Julie James’ next book (About That Night) will be Jordan’s brother, Kyle’s story.

The more I read of Julie James the more I love her writing style and her stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking out for a sexy, sassy romantic story. 5 stars.

Monday, 2 January 2012

Something About You by Julie James


Another excellent romance from Julie James
5 stars

All Assistant U.S. Attorney, Cameron Lynde, wanted when she checked into a luxury hotel was some pampering and a good night’s sleep. Instead she was kept awake by the amorous couple in next room which ended in murder. Now she’s under FBI protection and, of course, the man assigned to the case is Special Agent Jack Pallas – the same man who blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago that nearly ended his career.

So now the pair have to work together to solve the crime and keep key witness Cameron safe. It’s no surprise that being in such close proximity will make the sparks fly but it’s a surprise to both when it’s the sparks of lust and not animosity that start to burn.


This is another great contemporary romance that I couldn’t put down from start to finish. I loved the sassy, intelligent characters and the great chemistry between the pair. Cameron was a strong woman but far from a stereotype and someone I admired, rooted for and wanted to be! Jack was the perfect foil for Cameron as well as being a first class hero. Glowering, broody and a man’s man – he is the kind of guy any woman would wish for.

The story was interesting, exciting and didn’t rely on the obvious conflicts or dramas to move the story on. While involving a little bit of suspense over the killer, the book wasn’t in the least bit scary and I’m a complete wuss when it comes to things like this! This is definitely the kind of story that you just have to keep reading and that you really invest in both the characters and the book as a whole.

Julie James is truly becoming one of my favourite contemporary authors. Her characters are smart and witty with great chemistry and banter and the story has the right balance of romance and action/suspense. Furthermore she always leaves me wanting more and with that happy glow when I’m finished a book. Now a definite auto buy for me and something I’d recommend for everyone especially fans of Susan Andersen. 5 stars.

Friday, 30 December 2011

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James



Wonderfully smart and sexy romance 
5 stars

For eight years lawyers Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson have been working towards partner in the law firm where they both work. In public they are perfectly civil but in private they constantly try to outdo the other.

But all bets are off when they are asked to work together on a high profile case. As they begin to get to know each other for real the sparks of antagonism turn to the sparks of attraction. But when they are told that only one of them will make partner the war can truly begin. Soon both are getting hot under the collar but who will win in the end?



I have to go right in and express how much I enjoyed this book. I had read (and adored) James' previous book, Just the Sexiest Man Alive, so decided to get her next and now have decided to read every book she's ever written!

There were many reasons for my love of this book. I do enjoy couples that bicker and argue before they realise they're perfect for each other and James' is the master of this type of relationship. Payton is a strong woman but one that you can both relate to and also admire and root for while J.D. is a confident, sexy man who, underneath it all, is vulnerable and in need of the love of a good woman. Together the pair had near palpable chemistry and I loved them separately and as a couple.

The story was interesting and really amusing at points. I could barely put the book down and finished it really quickly as the pages kept on turning. The ending was satisfying and the whole book left me with that upbeat, happy feeling that only the best books can give you.

Overall this was a smart, sexy and funny contemporary romance with great characters and a really enjoyable story. I would highly recommend it and hope that you like it as much as I did. 5 stars.

Saturday, 2 July 2011

Just The Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James



Fabulous romance – adored it!
5 stars

Hot shot lawyer, Taylor Donovan, has recently transferred to LA to deal with a high profile sexual harassment case and she is determined to win. Her work is her life and she’s known to be cool, calm and collected both in the courtroom and out. But that changes when she’s told she has to teach an actor how to do her job.

Jason Andrews has just been voted the sexiest man alive and he’s always been able to make women fall at his feet. The fact that Taylor seems immune to his charms is quite disconcerting but he’s sure there’s a spark of something behind her sarcasm and he’s determined to prove that she might just be his perfect match.


This is the first book by Julie James I’ve read and I was hooked from the first page.

Taylor was a sassy and no-nonsense kind of girl but with a soft side that made her realistic and definitely not a stereotypical ball-busting lawyer.

Jason, the world famous movie star, started off as arrogant and spoiled but as the book and his relationship with Taylor progressed you saw his attitude shift to become a man you couldn’t help but want for yourself.

The pair had amazing chemistry and although there were no graphic sex scenes, there was more sexual tension and chemistry in this book an in many erotic novels I’ve read. The romance and the will-they, won’t they storyline gave me butterflies in my stomach and the conclusion had me sighing in romantic delight!

Overall, I adored this novel and more especially the relationship between Jason and Taylor. I will definitely be looking out for Julie James’ other novels and would recommend this to anyone who likes a fun, sweet and intelligent romance. 5 stars.