Title: Practice Makes Perfect
Author: Julie James
Published Date: March 3rd 2009
Behind closed doors, they're laying down the law.
When it comes to the laws of attraction...
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: to make partner at the firm.
There are no rules...
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 hot under the collar.
(Synopsis Provided By Goodreads)
Payton Kendall is a woman who is keen on laying down the law - no matter who stands in her way. She's got to work twice as hard to prove herself in the field of law - an industry stuck with old school mentality. But Kendall shines brighter than majority of her male counterparts at the office. Then there is J.D. Jameson. Born into the rich and fathered by a high profile lawyer - J.D can't help but follow in his father's footsteps. However, he's determined to carve a path for himself that sets him apart from his parents image. For eight years, J.D and Payton face each other day in and day out at their law firm, trying to one-up the other all in the hopes to show who's alpha at the firm. But when it's brought to their attention that after 8 gruelling years working their butts off, only one of them will be made partner at the firm, the game of who's better really begins.
I think readers who've enjoyed the Tangled Series by Emma Chase will find Practice Makes Perfect enjoyable! J.D is a very loveable character - with his sarcasm and dialogue with Payton. This book definitely has many LOL moments. The chemistry between the characters was amazing, I had a permanent smile while reading through this book!
J.D makes really meat-headed choices at varying points in this story that make for LOL moments but also cringe worthy ones because the effects it has for his work life and eventually love life with Kendall. I think there was an all around varying quality to J.D that made you really want to read on. Kendall had already seemed to have herself established from the beginning so I didn't see that big of a growth with her character. Not to say that she wasn't interesting though because she totally was! Her hippie upbringing and free spirited mother is so opposite to her present day life that I couldn't help but find it really interesting.
There were a few side characters that helped pushed the story along. There is Tyler, J.D's best friend who knew what to say and when. I guess it was the design of his character to be the voice of reason for J.D, but his dialogue never seemed juvenile or 'fake' which was great! Much like Tyler's character, there was Laney who was Payton's best friend. She was a straight arrowed good girl who I think made for a great contrast to Payton's confident demeanour. She was hilarious with her shyness when discussing some sexy taboo topics. She never came across uptight which I commend the author for because this is a difficult task to accomplish majority of the time in contemporary romance books.
The only criticism I have about Practice Makes Perfect is that when the major problem arises - the point in which the couple either makes it or breaks up - was sort of lack lustre. There was little build up and resolution afterward. It came a little to suddenly for it to be dramatic and maybe that was what the author was aiming for. Basically Payton finds out the J.D lied about a one night stand in his office room a couple years back at a company party to their boss which J.D failed to tell Payton about. With the decision of who makes partner approaching Payton takes it the wrong way. The situation happens in a page or two and then it takes about a day for them to resolve it. J.D has to admit that even back then he loved Payton and he couldn't stand to see her with someone else at the time. And when reading it, it does seem all sweet and great but it the grand scheme of things, it lacked the drama and epic-ness.
There were a few side characters that helped pushed the story along. There is Tyler, J.D's best friend who knew what to say and when. I guess it was the design of his character to be the voice of reason for J.D, but his dialogue never seemed juvenile or 'fake' which was great! Much like Tyler's character, there was Laney who was Payton's best friend. She was a straight arrowed good girl who I think made for a great contrast to Payton's confident demeanour. She was hilarious with her shyness when discussing some sexy taboo topics. She never came across uptight which I commend the author for because this is a difficult task to accomplish majority of the time in contemporary romance books.
The only criticism I have about Practice Makes Perfect is that when the major problem arises - the point in which the couple either makes it or breaks up - was sort of lack lustre. There was little build up and resolution afterward. It came a little to suddenly for it to be dramatic and maybe that was what the author was aiming for. Basically Payton finds out the J.D lied about a one night stand in his office room a couple years back at a company party to their boss which J.D failed to tell Payton about. With the decision of who makes partner approaching Payton takes it the wrong way. The situation happens in a page or two and then it takes about a day for them to resolve it. J.D has to admit that even back then he loved Payton and he couldn't stand to see her with someone else at the time. And when reading it, it does seem all sweet and great but it the grand scheme of things, it lacked the drama and epic-ness.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Practice Makes Perfect is a light contemporary romance full of funny moments between two hotheaded, confident lawyers! Definitely give it a read if you're looking for a nice&easy read!
AS ALWAYS,
HAPPY READING!
-SHERRY
Julie James is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! Though this was the last book I read of her, lol. Glad to know you still enjoyed reading it even though it wasn't that awesome for you. Great review!
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Blessie @ Mischievous Reads