Search - Practice Makes Perfect

I was less than thrilled with this book. The characters were stock and predictable, and I saw the solution to their work dilemma coming from about page 50. The author would start the one thing that will make me overlook other flaws--witty banter between the main characters--but then would literally cut it short with an "etcetera." I kid you not. So frustrating.

~ DELIGHTFUL ROMANCE BETWEEN TWO . . . ENEMIES? (4.5 stars) ~

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT is my first book by Julie James. Verdict: It was great and I'm looking forward to reading her other ones! Payton and J.D. (still curious about what that stands for!!) were wonderful leading characters and their antagonism at the beginning of the book was so enjoyable (and many times laugh-out-loud funny). It was never extreme to the point of making the change in their relationship unbelievable - actually the opposite - and watching its progression was really fun. The book also has great secondary characters that brought humor to the story and helped to show the main characters' depths.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was that there were no major contrivances to throw everything off repeatedly and to constantly keep the hero and heroine apart. Aside from an unexpected twist towards the end, all the obstacles in their relationship are real ones that are faced by real people outside of the fiction world (unlike the madmen murderers on the loose or psycho crazy ex-girlfriends who sabotage everything). For me, this aspect made the book all the more enjoyable, since it wasn't hard to believe that a love story like this one could actually take place.

I think my only criticism is that the book felt a little on the short side. There were definitely other things that were mentioned that could have been expounded and explored a little more. The fact that they were brought up and then just left there made the story seem a little too easy at times. I know, I just wrote that I don't like major contrivances - and I don't - but I think tension between the hero or heroine and some of the secondary characters around them can be productive and add to the story. Examples that come to mind are "Perfect Chase" (his sole purpose was to move Payton and J.D.'s relationship along), J.D.'s strained relationship with his father, Payton's with her mother, etc.

SUMMARY (from back cover):
Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face-to-face, they're perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they have kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as coworkers for one reason one: to make partner at the firm.

But all bets are off when they're asked to join forces on a major case. Though apprehensive at first, they begin to appreciate each other's dedication to the law- and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection does not last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it's an all-out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers how under the collar . . .

RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) BET ME by Jennifer Crusie - 5 stars
(2) GETTING WHAT YOU WANT (Stepp Sisters, Book 1) by Kathy Love - 4.5 stars
(3) WANTING SOMETHING MORE (Stepp Sisters, Book 3) by Kathy Love - 4 stars

Overall: Really good read - loved the competition between these two characters and their inner dialogs. The writing is top notch - smart and humorous. I'm a fan and will have to go find Just the Sexiest Man Alive (James' debut novel). I found myself wishing I could read faster, I just wanted to know what happens next. But - I was left with a nagging feeling because after that tallying all the things Payton and J.D did, J.D. was by far the worse person, yet his explanation was a little late and a little rushed, and in that aspect this book doesn't quite satisfy. This was the only fly in my ointment however, and I think I'd reread other parts of the book.

Lawyers Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson have worked as Associates in the same law firm for eight years. And for eight years they've been competitive rivals, one always trying to out do the other. Now their boss has asked them to work together to land a big account. He's also told them that both are up for a partnership with the firm, but only one of them will be named partner.

This was a quick read with witty dialogue. I enjoyed this book so much more than this author's previous book. There are several funny scenes in this book, one that made me laugh out loud. My rating: 4 Stars.

The dialogue in Practice Makes Perfect is truly inspired; it’s witty, believable, and at times laughs out loud funny. The main characters start out in complete opposition and have a hate for each other that crackles with the heat of underlying chemistry, which ends up being a perfect recipe for great banter and just the right amount of sexual tension. Julie James' writing reminds me of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, which is a huge compliment because I love SEP. I was smiling and laughing throughout this story, can't rave enough about this book :) Contemporary romance doesn't get much better than this.

Grade: B+

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are two associate lawyers who have worked in the same law firm for the last 8 years. Both are two hard working individuals who are fantastic at what they do. That is where the similarities end. Payton and J.D. have a healthy dose of competitiveness to their relationship and are always trying to out perform the other. Recently they have been assigned to the same case and will have to learn to work together. Not only that they are both up for partner and have been told that only one of them will be chosen.

I loved Practice Makes Perfect! This is a witty, fun, fast-paced read that I couldn't put down after picking it up. Right from the start the tone of the book was set with the first scene when Payton is preparing for work. She is rushing around getting ready, trying to beat J.D. to work. The competition begins and may the best man, or woman win. It never lets up and there are many wonderfully clever written scenes. Scenes that remain memorable long after the book has been read.

Both Payton and J.D. have chips on their shoulders. They are flawed, but I think in a good way. They are not perfect people, yet they are down right likable. At first glance J.D. might seem like a pampered elitist pretty boy - but nope, he is not like that all. Yeah, he has a lot of money, but he doesn't flash it all around. At the core he is practical and a hard worker. Payton is fiercely competitive and strong in her beliefs, but she doesn't come across as pushy. She is fair and open-minded. Really, these two were very well balance individuals.

Another big point in favor to the story is that the romance was very believable. J.D. and Payton knew each other for a long time. For 8 years they competed and fought with one another. I think it could be thought of as 8 years of foreplay! Next thing you know, each is seeing the other in a new light. One of my favorite scenes is when J.D. and Payton discuss what the other felt the first time they met. That was a very sweet scene. I definitely recommend this book for fans of contemporary romance, or those who love a light-hearted comedic romance.