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

Julie James (Author)

Book Description

Series: Berkley Sensation | Publication Date: April 3, 2012

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.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425224201
• ISBN-13: 978-0425224205
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law, Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals in Jacksonville, Florida. She then practiced law with one of the nation's largest law 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. Her books have been translated into twelve languages and Julie's most recent novel, A LOT LIKE LOVE, is a national bestseller.

Julie James lives with her husband and two children in Chicago. Her next novel, ABOUT THAT NIGHT, will be available in April 2012.

Visit Julie's website at www.juliejames.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Ashlee - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just the Sexiest Man Alive (Berkley Sensation) (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!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Kansasyankee (Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just the Sexiest Man Alive (Berkley Sensation) (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...(-:

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Stacey Jane Smith (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just the Sexiest Man Alive (Berkley Sensation) (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!