Please join me in giving a huge welcome to friend and award winning author, Julie James. Julie has a much awaited book, Something About You, coming out in March.
Beth: Welcome Julie! Always a pleasure to have you. I’m one of many who are excited about your upcoming release, Something About You.
Julie: Thanks for inviting me! So glad to be a part of the contest for RELEASE (which I’m really looking forward to, by the way. . .)
Beth: How is Something About You different from your previous books?
Julie: Something About You is both similar to, and different from, my previous two books. Similar in the sense that, like Just the Sexiest Man Alive and Practice Makes Perfect, it has a lot of humor, and back-and-forth banter and sexual tension between the heroine and hero. But what’s different is that I’ve added a suspense subplot.
Beth: What was your biggest challenge in writing Something About You?
Julie: Balancing the humor and the suspense. I had to figure out when to pull back and keep a scene light and funny, and when to get serious. You can’t have your heroine cracking jokes when her life is in danger, or people will think she’s a nit-wit. On the other hand, heavy, dramatic scenes didn’t work with this book either, so I had to find the happy medium.
Beth: Your hero and heroine of Something About You—Jack and Cameron: which one would be more fun for you—Julie James—to hang out with?
Julie: Question: am I married in this scenario? If not, then I’ve got to go with Jack.
Beth: What are you most afraid of?
Julie: I’m not the biggest fan of flying. I do it, and get by, but there is a lot of gripping of the armrests involved.
Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?
Julie: Oh, I guess I’d say that there’s a lot of serious stuff going on in the world, and if people are able to pick up one of my books and escape for awhile—with a smile—then I think I’ve done my job.
Beth: Give us a quick look at your next book. I know it presented some challenges for you.
Julie: Here’s a brief description:
FATE HAS THROWN TWO SWORN ENEMIES. . .
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends in bloodshed. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and nearly ruining his career…
. . .INTO EACH OTHER’S ARMS
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it’s no joke: the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension…
Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?
Julie: I really like the moment when the hero and heroine (Jack and Cameron) first encounter each other in this book. They have a bad history related to a former investigation they both worked on, and haven’t seen each other for three years. Needless to say, they’re not pleased to run into each other again.
* * *
“I think I should speak to the agent in charge. Who is it?” As a prosecutor for the Northern District of Illinois, she had worked with many of the FBI agents in Chicago.
“Some special agent—I didn’t catch his name,” Ofï¬cer Man-Boy said. “Although I think he might know you. When he told me to guard this room, he said he felt bad for sticking me with you for this long.”
Cameron tried not to show any reaction, but that stung. True, she wasn’t exactly buddy-buddy with a lot of the FBI agents she worked with—many of them still blamed her for that incident three years ago—but with the exception of one particular agent who, fortunately, was miles away in Nevada or Nebraska or something, she hadn’t thought that anyone in the FBI disliked her enough to openly bad-mouth her.
Ofï¬cer Man-Boy looked apologetic. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re so bad.”
“Thanks. And did this unknown special agent who allegedly thinks he knows me have anything else to say?”
“Only that I should go get him if you start acting fussy.” He looked her over. “You’re going to start acting fussy now, aren’t you?”
Cameron folded her arms across her chest. “Yes, I think I am.” And it wouldn’t be an act. “You go ï¬nd this agent, whoever he is, and tell him that the fussy woman in room 1307 is through being jerked around. And tell him that I would appreciate it very much if he could wrap up his little power trip and condescend to speak to me himself. Because I would like to know how long he expects me to sit here and wait.”
“For as long as I ask you to, Ms. Lynde.”
The voice came from the doorway.
Cameron had her back to the door, but she would’ve recognized that voice anywhere—low and as smooth as velvet.
It couldn’t be.
She turned around and took in the man standing across the room from her. He looked exactly the same as he did the last time she’d seen him three years ago: tall, dark, and scowling.
She didn’t bother to mask the animosity in her voice. “Agent Pallas . . . I didn’t realize you were back in town. How was Nevada?”
“Nebraska.”
From his icy look, Cameron knew that her day, which had already been off to a most inauspicious start, had just gotten about ï¬fty times worse.
The entire except can be found here.
* * *
Beth: LOL. How was Nevada? “Nebraska”. Love it. Thank you for joining me at the Release Contest, Julie!
Julie has generously offered a prize to one random commenter today of either Just the Sexiest Man Alive OR Practice Makes Perfect. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with either of these sophisticated romantic comedies. You can learn more about Julie and her books here.
For those of you in the Chicago area, remember that myself, Julie, Shiloh Walker and Colleen Gleason/Joss Ware will be at Barnes and Noble Lincoln Park on March 13th for a book signing. Visit https://www.bethkery.com/book-signings for details.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:39 am · Link
Thanks for the wonderful interview your new book sounds awesome and I can’t wait to read it.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:52 am · Link
Hi Julie & Beth
Julie, there’s “something about” your writing that hooks me every time. I’ve read this many times about your books – “very sexy even though there’s not a huge amount of sex.” I can’t imagine how hot they’d be if you included lots of that LOL. I really miss your posts on your blog. Don’t enter me as I have both of your wonderful books. So looking forward to SAY
January 25th, 2010 at 10:00 am · Link
Hi Julie! *waves* Thanks for sharing – Cameron sounds like a riot!
“You go ï¬nd this agent, whoever he is, and tell him that the fussy woman in room 1307 is through being jerked around. And tell him that I would appreciate it very much if he could wrap up his little power trip and condescend to speak to me himself.”
I love it!! Another one goes on the TBB list LOL
And thanks again Beth
January 25th, 2010 at 10:26 am · Link
I’m always looking forward to new authors to read, yours sound good!
January 25th, 2010 at 10:27 am · Link
Love the excerpt and the interview. Not to mention, that’s a terrific cover for your newest book. Great job!
January 25th, 2010 at 10:39 am · Link
Great interview! I am really looking forward to reading this.
I sure wish that I was in the Chicago area as I would love to meet you and honestly everyone that is going to be at the signing. I hope that you all have a wonderful time.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:40 am · Link
Hi Julie! I’m really looking forward to this one. 😀
January 25th, 2010 at 10:49 am · Link
darn, I wish I lived close to Chicago 🙁
after perusing the info on both of these novels, I think they both look great!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:15 am · Link
great interview and excerpts.I’ve seen these books around,I definitely have to check them out.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:25 am · Link
Hi everyone!
Thanks so much, Beth, for having me here today! As I said above, I’m really looking forward to the release of Release. (I’m sure that joke’s been done 100 times but it’s a Monday morning.) 🙂
And thanks to everyone for the nice comments about the excerpt and the cover! I should warn you, Ms. Mary G, that SOMETHING ABOUT YOU is steamier than my previous two books. . . it just seemed to fit with the tone and feel of the book.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:27 am · Link
Loved the excerpt!!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:35 am · Link
Hi Julie,
I loved Just the Sexiest Man Alive and I’m looking forward to your every new release! This new book sounds wonderful, great excerpt!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:48 am · Link
I love a scowling hero. Brooding is sexy. : )
Your books are amazing!!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:51 am · Link
I’m a new convert and I’m eating up any details I can about Julie’s new book. It sounds awesome and I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the great interview, both of you!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:53 am · Link
Great interview and excerpt. I love the cover to Something About You. 😀
January 25th, 2010 at 12:08 pm · Link
Oh My Julie
That’s sounds more like a tease than a warning. Suspense & more steam…I was already looking forward to it before. March 2 can’t arrive soon enough!!
Thanks
January 25th, 2010 at 12:14 pm · Link
Great interview. I have your books on my wishlist and Something About You is getting added now. It sounds great and I loved the excerpt. Thanks for sharing!!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm · Link
Another new author that I would love to start reading. Thank you for visiting!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:56 pm · Link
I agree with everyone else – great excerpt. I enjoyed your first two books, so I’m sure this one will be terrific, too.
I know you started out in law before a writing career. Which is more difficult: writing a brief; a screenplay; or a novel? I’m sure each has its own set of unique challenges. Also, have you seen the show Castle? It balances humor and suspense every week.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:04 pm · Link
I always love it when there’s humor and sexual tension between the two leads. The suspense is going to be a great addition.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:08 pm · Link
I love humorous banter♥. Thanks for the wonderful excerpt and for the chance to win!
January 25th, 2010 at 1:13 pm · Link
Hi Julie and Beth,
Thanks for sharing a great excerpt!! I just love the cover to Something About You.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:14 pm · Link
I love Julie’s books. Anxiously awaiting SAY.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:45 pm · Link
Can’t wait ro read your new release Julie !!! I’ll be in Chicago on april 16th… grrrr I’m missing the book signing 😥
Thanks for the contest !
January 25th, 2010 at 1:53 pm · Link
Is it March yet? I really want to read this book. I love good banter.
I hope to meet you both at the signing in March.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:07 pm · Link
Hello again, everyone! Yes, I should’ve mentioned how much I’m looking forward to the signing with Beth, Shiloh, and Colleen/Joss on March 13th. I think it’s going to be tons of fun.
As for your question, Kim, for me I’d say that novels are the toughest to write. Not that writing screenplays and legal briefs are easy tasks, but sheer length-wise, novels take the most work. But they are also the most fun to write, IMHO. 😉
January 25th, 2010 at 2:18 pm · Link
Job well done because for me, your books have been a great way to escape, making me smile and laugh. I can’t thank you enough for that.
I’m eagerly awaiting your upcoming release. March can’t come soon enough.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:02 pm · Link
Hi Julie!
thanks for your post – and a “no comment” to the excerpt 😎
I haven’t had the chance to read one of your books, but they sound great – can’t wait to get my hands on them!
wish you all the best,
Ina
January 25th, 2010 at 3:04 pm · Link
Oooh–nice excerpt. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for visiting.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:24 pm · Link
I loved that excerpt. Sounds like a really great fun book.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:37 pm · Link
I loved the excerpt, it looks great. I’ve read great reviews for your books, but I haven’t read any yet. :blush:
Julie, now that you branched out a bit by adding a suspense element to your latest release, do you think you’ll try something other than contemporaries?
Thanks!
January 25th, 2010 at 4:37 pm · Link
*Waving at Julie*
Just wanted to say hi Julie and say good luck with Something About You, it sounds amazing and I’m egar to read it.
Please don’t enter me Beth, I’ve read both JTSMA and PMP twice and loved them both!
Best to both of you..
L
January 25th, 2010 at 4:39 pm · Link
Julie, I love your books and can’t wait to read Something About You!?!?
January 25th, 2010 at 5:19 pm · Link
The interview was great and your book sounds awesome!
Nice cover.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:38 pm · Link
Julie,
I loved both of your previous books, but this one sounds like the best one yet! And the cover is fantastic! Can’t wait to read it.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:51 pm · Link
Julie, I enjoyed your excerpt. Thanks for visiting. 😀
January 25th, 2010 at 6:00 pm · Link
Something About You sounds fantastic! As does all your other books! Great interview!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:22 pm · Link
I read the book excerpts and they sound great.
I look forward in reading them and your other works.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:50 pm · Link
Great interview and excerpt!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 7:20 pm · Link
oh, i’ve been waiting for my chance to have this book 😀
Love the Excerpt !
January 25th, 2010 at 7:21 pm · Link
I loved the excerpt! This is a book that will go on my TBB list.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:42 pm · Link
Thanks for the interview. I enjoyed the excerpt!
January 25th, 2010 at 7:43 pm · Link
tall, dark, and scowling…my kind of man. Yum! I’d like him to come knock at my door. lol Adding this one to be list.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:02 pm · Link
Great interview. I do love a story that has humor woven into it. Without humor, life would be way too serious. I’m really looking forward to reading this new one.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:18 pm · Link
Let’s see where I left off since I checked in last. . . Maered: in my screenwriting days, I wrote both romantic comedies and thrillers, so I do like both genres. But I think, novel-wise, I’ll stick with contemporary romances for now. I like being able to incorporate humor into the stories. BUT that doesn’t mean I won’t use suspense again as a subplot. In fact the book I’m writing right now has a minor suspense subplot. And a couple of the characters from SOMETHING ABOUT YOU make an appearance–that’s the first time I’ve done that in a book.
Somebody mentioned the show “Castle.” I don’t watch it, but every time I see a commercial for it, I wonder why I don’t. I think the chemistry between the female and male leads looks fantastic. Besides, it’s got Nathan Fillion, who is quite easy on the eyes… 😉
January 25th, 2010 at 8:31 pm · Link
Castle is addictive. Not very realistic, but completely entertaining! And yes…Nathan Fillion is delicious. : )
January 25th, 2010 at 9:14 pm · Link
Something About You has been on my TBR list for months now, March can’t come fast enough.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:24 pm · Link
Julie, I do love your books and look forward to the March release.
Castle is a great show – it has the funny banter that I love (like the other poster mentioned) – and I love that in the books I read.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:18 am · Link
I enjoyed the excerpt and would love to read your book.