Just the Sexiest Man Alive (Berkley Sensation) [Mass Market Paperback]

Julie James (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 7, 2008 | Series: Berkley Sensation

A fabulously fun, romantic comedy from a dynamic new talent.

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan--not in the courtroom and not in her personal life. So when she's assigned to coach People's Sexiest Man Alive for his role in the next big legal drama, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this awkward debut romance, the supposed hero's juvenile behavior sets the stage for a frustrating read that not even a sparkling final third can mitigate. Taylor Donovan, a brilliant Chicago lawyer visiting L.A. to defend a sexual harassment case, is not happy to be assigned to help heartthrob actor Jason Andrews prep for a courtroom drama. As they begin working together, Jason predictably behaves like a spoiled teenager, but becomes increasingly enchanted with Taylor. She eventually begins to see Jason as a nice guy underneath his Hollywood attitude—with sleazy, jealous actor Scott Casey as a convenient foil—but she can't set aside her trust issues. As Jason tries to convince Taylor to stay in L.A., the book suddenly turns witty and romantic, but getting there is no fun at all. (Oct.)
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From Booklist

Chicagoan Taylor is driven to succeed, and her track record in defending corporate clients against sexual-harassment lawsuits is unsurpassed. On loan to her firm’s Los Angeles office, she reluctantly agrees to coach big-name actor and sexy heartthrob Jason Andrews for his upcoming role as a lawyer. His attitude irks her, while her insistence on maintaining a professional distance intrigues him. James herself is a practicing attorney in both Chicago and L.A., and her familiarity with both the law and the film industry lends credibility to this fast-moving, contemporary romantic comedy. --Lynne Welch

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425224201
• ISBN-13: 978-0425224205
• Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 4.2 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After graduating from law school, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals. She then practiced law with one of the nation's largest firms for several years until she began writing screenplays. After Hollywood producers optioned two of her scripts, she decided to leave the practice of law to write full-time.

Julie's books have been listed on the American Library Association's Reading List for Top Genre Novels, Booklist's Top 10 Romances of the Year, and have been featured as one of Cosmopolitan magazine's Red Hot Reads. Julie's novels also were chosen as the Best Contemporary Romances of 2010, 2011, and 2012 in the All About Romance Readers' Polls. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages and Julie's sixth novel, LOVE IRRESISTIBLY, is now available.

Julie James lives with her husband and two children in Chicago, where she is currently working on her next book.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut Novel! October 12, 2008

By Ashlee

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I've been a little leery of reading debut authors lately after one too many bad experiences, so I admit I did hesitate in picking up this book (even though I loved the cover and it kept drawing me back to it). Definitely a mistake on my part. Just the Sexiest Man Alive is one of the best debut novels I've read in a very long time! As a fan of virtually every sub-genre in romance, I found it surprisingly refreshing to have a light-hearted, sweet, romantic storyline without a vampire or serial killer in sight. Contemporary romance seems to be on a downward shift lately and authors are more frequently jumping onto the paranormal bandwagon (which I am a fan of, but every now and then you just want to pick up a nice boy-meets-girl story without a lot of subplots and angst involved).

This book follows a somewhat simple premise, but puts a unique spin on it. Yes, boy-meets-girl, boy-ticks-off-girl, hate at first sight ensues, but the difference being that girl is a very successful lawyer and boy is "The Sexiest Man Alive" (three times over) and the biggest name in Hollywood. An unbelievable plot told in a very believable way. When Taylor Donovan finds out she is supposed to "coach" Hollywood playboy Jason Andrews for his new upcoming legal thriller that he's scheduled to film, she's initially star struck. But after a no-show (twice) on his part, she's not impressed when he saunters into the courtroom two days late and a dollar short.

These two characters start their first scene off with a bang and the witty banter (especially during their first meeting) kept me turning the pages. There is sexual tension in nearly every scene - although actual consummation of said tension is very limited. I finished it in less than a day and actually found it hard to put down....

If you're looking for a light contemporary romance, this is definitely a book I would recommend. If her next book is as good as this one, I've found a new autobuy author! Read more ›

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.. February 16, 2009

By Kansasyankee

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I read the first editorial review and "almost" clicked off to look at another book and I am glad I did not. If you are into vampires, murder or lots of sex..this is NOT the book for you. If you like contemporary romance books with a great story and lots of humor..THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU! Publishers Weekly missed this book by a mile on their review. I loved this book so much that from now on if Publishers Weekly gives a book a bad review...I'm probably going to buy the book.
This story is about Taylor Donovan, a lawyer that has moved to L.A. to cover a sexual harassment trial. Busy with the trial her boss asks her to also help Jason Andrews prepare for his upcoming film where he plays a lawyer. Jason blows off their first appointments and that gets him off on the wrong foot with her. Good looking and People's Sexiest Man, Jason is used to women falling over themselves for him not getting in the last word and walking away. It is a fun filled book from beginning to end.
Jason't long time friend, Jeremy is a hoot in the book (a book with him would be good). In my opinion this book compairs to Susan Elizabeth Phillips books. I love her humor.
I read where Julie's next book is also about lawyers. I was disappointed when I read the preview at the back of the book...I was thinking the new book would be lawyers from Taylor's law firm. Didn't want the story to end...(-:

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun! Fun! Fun! October 15, 2008

By Stacey Jane Smith

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Just the Sexiest Man Alive was so much fun to read! I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time! I love well written, engaging, realistic and witty contemporary romances and this book was fabulous! I had a smile on my face while reading and I didn't want the story of Taylor and Jason to end. I can't wait to read the next book by Julie James!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars contemporary romance at it's finest. March 15, 2009

By she reads

Format:Mass Market Paperback

My only complaint with Julie James is her handling of sex scenes. I just don't like the odd choppy style 'then she was naughty in her apartment, in the foyer, inside the front door...' It would be better if she simply they kissed... then picked up afterwards.

That complaint aside, this book is fabulous. It's everything I look for in a contemporary romance. GOOD characters I can root for, excellent supporting cast, details and scenes that make me smile and even laugh... yep. The tale of sexiest actor alive (Jason) vs attorney (Taylor) is one I'll enjoy again and again.

I thought the balance of "LA life" and life as a serious lawyer was balanced and contrasted in interesting ways. The building of this relationship was awesome, and I only wish it had been longer so I could have read more! Two thumbs way up.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just The Sexiest Man Alive...Extremely Delightful Read! April 22, 2011

By Bonnie

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a lovely light chick lit, contemporary romance story. If you are looking for a roll-in-the-sack Harlequin romance novel, this is not it. This book has substance and a storyline that is quite delightful.

Taylor Donovan is Chicago lawyer visiting L.A. to defend a sexual harassment case with hopes of winning the case, which could be the case she needs to make her a partner at her home office. While she is in L.A. on this case, she is assigned to help the oh-so-popular babe magnet actor Jason Andrews prep for a courtroom drama. The story really begins when Jason misses two appointments with lawyer Taylor. This sets the stage for how she begins to feel about him, and thus, her hatred for Jason begins immediately because she only sees him as a spoiled, arrogant Hollywood star. When he does show up in her courtroom, the bantering and enchantment begins; it leaves a smile on your face, and it will continue throughout the story.

More and more as they work together, Taylor begins to see Jason as a nice guy underneath his Hollywood attitude. At the same time, Jason is beginning to have these feelings he has never experienced before. There is sexual tension throughout the story but there is also light humor that makes this so much more enjoyable. Coming towards the end, Jason tries to convince Taylor to stay in L.A. but doesn't come out and say anything more. This is where the book suddenly turns seriously romantic, but getting there is no fun for either Jason or Taylor; however, for the reader, it's the anticipation that we have been waiting for and it finally detonates and sparks go flying off the grid. This is a very enjoyable,lovely read...highly recommended!