Despite not having read Julie James’ previous novel Something About You, I decided to pick up A Lot Like Love. I hesitated at first because I knew that it was more romantic suspense than comedy, the same reason I hadn’t read Something About You. See, I adored her first two books, particularly Practice Makes Perfect, which are both romantic comedies but was afraid I wouldn’t like her more serious novels. Plus I’m also not a fan of very spelled out sex scenes, which is why I don’t read more from the straight romance genre. I like a little left to the imagination, you know? It also may have something to do with my sheltered, conservative upbringing. But in spite of these reservations, I was in need of a lighter, contemporary read, and it’s hard to find someone who does sarcastic humor better than Julie James.
Billionaire heiress and wine aficionado Jordan Rhodes’ life is pretty perfect. Her wine store is doing very well and she’s happy to have broken the heiress mold and earned her own living. Although she has little in common with their elitist snobbery, regular clients in the likes of wine collector Xander Eckhart signify that she’s made it. She even tells herself she’s content without a man in her life. The only thing that she could want is for the release of her twin brother Kyle, who’s in prison for one of the largest (and funniest) website hacks ever.
Undercover FBI agent Nick McCall is one of the finest at his job and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Other than casual flings, Nick doesn’t need a woman in his life, a fact he courteously informs each woman he dates up front. His only want is that he could attend his mother’s 60th birthday party. For his next job, which just so happens to be at wine collector Eckhart’s annual party, he’s doing backup for a younger agent, so it looks like his wish may come true. Instead, Nick’s stuck pretending to be Jordan’s date. When the op doesn’t go as planned, Jordan and Nick have no choice but to stay in their boyfriend/girlfriend characters and for him to miss his mom’s party. Little do they know that their hearts may be in the most danger of all as what’s real and what’s an act begin to intersect.
I’m glad I took a chance on this novel because the promising premise pays off. I’m growing fond of novels where the lines between what’s real and what’s imaginary are blurred. I skipped the couple of smexier scenes but I enjoyed being back in a love-hate relationship with plenty of witty quips and retorts – another trope that James does so well. I found Jordan very likeable. She’s grounded despite coming from a wealthy family and has an interesting career in wine, something I know next to nothing about since I don’t drink. The wine premise is especially appropriate as wine tasting works well as a metaphor for sex. Rugged, masculine Nick is definitely one of my types. 
I liked that Jordan wasn’t sure if she could be attracted to a man’s man over the fashionable wealthy/celebrity types she usually sees. Nick is married to his career and I can relate to that too. One of my favorite no-holds-barred smiling scenes started off by Nick:
“So I’ve been thinking about your question. My character has decided he doesn’t want to see other people.”
“What made you change your mind? Let me guess – the Maserati.”
He chuckled. “Our cover story is that my character has been smitten from the moment he met you. He’s not about to let another man get anywhere near you.”
“Your character sounds a little possessive. Is this something my character should be worried about?
They came to a stop at the light that would take them onto the Drive. Nicks voice was low, even smoother than the car’s engine. “I think your character secretly likes it. You’ve been dating boring, uptight guys for too long. You’ve been looking for something different.”
Jordan looked sharply at the SUV in front of her. “I think your character presumes too much.”
His eyes caught hers in the rear view mirror. “Does he?”
Good times and entertaining stuff. That’s exactly how I can describe the experience of reading A Lot Like Love or any of James’ novels. While I may prefer her comedies I highly recommend this one to James fans and anyone who needs a chick flick in the guise of a book. Who doesn’t? I think I’ll be reading Something About You now. Both novels are definitely not for the faint of heart though so anyone who can’t stomach the occasional f-bomb or graphic love scene, proceed with caution. Count yourself warned. 
Second Opinions
Chachic’s Book Nook Review
Janicu’s Book Blog Review
Glad you liked this one.
I think this one has the most explicit sex in it in all the books. It definitely happens in the right place though, not in the middle of the suspense, so I felt like it was appropriate and didn’t take over the storyline (you know, the “Oh we’re in danger, but your arms are so strong…let’s get it on” scenarios that drive me batty). It is interesting that James is putting more sex in the books as they go along. I wouldn’t mind if it was fade to black instead, I could take it or leave it, but I wonder if there’s been a demand for more sex?
This is very good to know, and makes me happier in my decision to go back and pick Something About You up. I think it’s sad that sex really does sell (perhaps) in books.
Lol that would drive me batty too! Glad I haven’t read a romance like that.
I think it’s one of those things where – you can’t make everyone happy. Some people want sex, some don’t, some don’t care either way. My opinion is I’m OK with sex in my books, but it has to make sense in the story – I just don’t like sex when I feel like it’s a lazy substitute for building up the relationship. Lust is not enough for me to understand why a couple is in love with each other. I need to mental connection! *shakes fist*. Pet peeve is when I’m told about how good-looking one character finds the other and that’s it. Barely any getting to know each other, which leaves me ranting internally “I still don’t understand why you like each other!” – Julie James doesn’t do this to me, phew.
There seem to be a lot of YA relationships based on lust too. Hate that.
Practice Makes Perfect is my fave one as well
I *just* finished this oen last night and while I enjoyed it ~ it’s my least fave of hers. I just couldn’t feel any connectoin between the charcters ~ it was mainly a lust/sex thing. I kind of missed the sparks/banter.
I did really like the characters in Somethign About You though ~ (Jack and Cameron) I think you’d like that one
Also ~ was it just me? OR was there a lot of more descriptive sex in this one than her earlier ones? I am not used to it and it felt quite graphic for me, haha. Were the others like that and I just don’t remember?
Love this review anyway
Yay for PMP!
It was more of a lust thing, you’re right, but it didn’t bother me too much. Though I did miss the humor from PMP and JTSMA for sure.
Oh, so helpful to know you liked the MCs from SAY! I should’ve picked it up ages ago.
No, I think Janice is right, they’re getting more graphic. Thanks for the <3.
I havwe o many typos in that last comment! argh ! shocker!
I don’t ever notice them! I’m always commenting from my phone so I leave tons. Hate it but better I comment than not.
I was actually surprised that this one was smexier than Julie James’ other books. I mean Something About You was already smexier than the first two but I think this one is more so? Like Janice, I wouldn’t mind if the scenes were just fade to black. What I love about Julie James books are they read like chick flicks (maybe because she’s a screenplay writer) and I’m a sucker for love-hate relationships.
Can’t wait for Kyle’s book!
I’m totally with you guys on the fade to black. I liked Kyle so his book should be interesting.
I’m hoping Kyle’s book will be more contemporary romance than suspense romance, since Kyle isn’t in law-enforcement. But it may be that way because it wouldn’t fit in with the other two books in this series. I love a geeky hero though. *crossing fingers that his geekiness will be highlighted*.
Amen! I want it to be contemporary and to have a geeky hero. They are just my type.
I finally got a chance to read this one over the weekend and have to agree: while I loved the storyline and the banter between Jordan and Nick – the sex was way more than I wanted. Definitely more riske than any of her previous books. But like Janice said, it isn’t in awkward spots or anything like that so at least that is a plus. *sigh* I’m just fine with authors leaving more of that sort of thing to our imaginations.