Review: Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James (aka That Time That Sandra Read a Romance Novel)

I am not usually a fan of romances, but Julie James' Practice Makes Perfect is fantastic.

It brings to mind a delightful movie and cast: You've Got Mail. Indeed this one would make a great film. Julie James' romantic and funny novel has maybe even hooked me into romance as a genre. Anything that makes me laugh, think, "awwww how sweet" and look kindly on the characters and their actions, is a big win for me!

​The setting of Practice Makes Perfect is a fast-paced, high-pressure law firm in Chicago. The characters are a couple of thirty-two year old lawyers on the cusp of making partner in said firm. Payton and J.D.  had a contentious, but outwardly civil, relationship during their years working at the firm. But all bets are off when, only days before the announcement of promotions to partner, they're told that only one can come out victorious. 

They've each been at the firm for eight years with tension building to a nearly explosive level between them. The pressure isn't all it's cracked up to be. Everything is ready to explode between them as they await the firm's decision as to who will make partner. Whoever doesn't make the grade is expected to resign--immediately. Gone. No longer welcome.

A prank war breaks out between the two would-be law firm partners, making each scene crackle with humor and chemistry.

One hilarious scene ensues when during an important court case one of Payton's beloved Jimmy Choo heels breaks; she catapults into the jury box, rips the seam of her pencil skirt straight up the back and exposes her thong-clad butt to the courtroom. All right then! All hell breaks out in the courtroom along with much hilarity.

Unbeknownst to Payton, when she had fallen her skirt – those damn slim-fit skirts she liked so much – had torn at the seam and now gaped open, and sweet Jesus, she was wearing a thong and two tiny white butt cheeks peeked out from between the fold of her skirt –

J.D.'s jaw nearly hit the floor.

Oh god, it was horrible, horrible – well, actually it wasn't all that horrible for him, she had a reallygreat ass – but for Payton, this was a train wreck, a disaster... 

This is but one scene in this delightfully funny, romantic and endearing story.

Alert! A spoiler is coming, but one that's certain in every romance novel.

True love triumphs over corporate greed and inflated egos.

“You're going to stop talking now,” he said, pulling her to him. “Because I've already waited long enough to do this.”  Then his mouth came down on hers, and finally, after eight years, J.D Jameson kissed her.

If you're looking for a book that will make you smile and cause you to laugh out loud, you cannot go wrong with Practice Makes Perfect. It will leave you smiling and thinking that humanity's not all that bad after all. Imperfect people can make beautifully perfect decisions in a flawed world, and all will come out well in the end.

This is my first reading of a Julie James book and it certainly won't be my last.

Sarah recommended Just the Sexiest Man Alive and Julie's FBI series, and I can't wait to devour each one. ​But I'd love to know what else you'd suggest to a romance newbie who loved Practice Makes Perfect--Julie James has only written five books, so I have to find some similar authors! Help!

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