Review: 'Love Irresistibly' by Julie James
My fondest memory of my first experience with a Julie James book: She is the first author I ever wrote to before I'd even finished her book. I had to tell her that I was no longer allowed to read her book in public because I became a "laughing out loud" lunatic and strait jackets don't look good on me. Five books later, Love Irresistibly is the best one yet. Julie is a lawyer, and Love Irresistibly, about a general counsel and an assistant U.S. Attorney, certainly rings true. This talented lawyer and author is also an award-winning screenwriter. Her books unfold like a movie in your head, and it makes for a great reading experience.
Brooke Morgan, a brilliant lawyer and general counsel for Sterling Restaurants, came from humble beginnings. She wants to climb the corporate ladder and prove that she belongs where she is and where she's going. Cade Morgan, assistant U.S. Attorney and former football star, is making a name for himself going after corrupt politicians. He wants to set up a sting in one of Sterling's swanky restaurants, acting on a tip that a corrupt senator would be dining there. Cade shows up at Brooke's office with two FBI agents in tow thinking they would help intimidate Brooke into helping him. Brooke is no pushover and wants details before she commits. I didn't have to wait long for Julie's trademark witty banter to make its appearance.
"That is nice, Mr. Morgan. Because in response to your tough-guy speech, I, in turn, would've had to give you my tough-girl speech, about where, exactly, federal prosecutors who come into my office looking for assistance can stick their obstruction of justice threats."
What I love about Cade is that he totally respects Brooke's brain, talent and smart mouth. Their intelligent banter, more humorous than snarky, had me laughing out loud many times. Cade Morgan is not your typical macho posturing ex-football player. He's real and down to earth. He could be living on his glory days before his career-ending football injury, but listens patiently when fans want to talk football. Brooke wasn't aware of this part of his past. She thinks Cade's pretty smart and hunky already. They have terrific chemistry. Since Brooke and Cade are both career-oriented, neither is concerned about keeping it casual between them.
Cade finds out unexpectedly that he has a half-brother just before he's to meet Brooke for dinner. He shows up looking frazzled, tie loosened and hair standing on end. He's expecting sarcasm. He's totally disarmed when she takes one look at him and says, "You look like you could use a drink, Morgan."
Out of nowhere, Cade felt a sharp tug in his chest — like a sailboat bobbing around in rocky waters that was suddenly righted by a warm breeze.
One of my favorite sticky note moments.
I loved that humor was a part of their professional contact, their friendship and even their subsequent sex life. After a particularly intense lovemaking session, where they only made it as far as Cade's dining room, they both basked in the afterglow. Then Cade spoke.
"I think this is the first time I've ever used this table," he said against her neck. Brooke began to laugh.
Brooke's best friend Ford, their friends Charlie and Tucker and Cade's friends, FBI agents Vaughn and Huxley, are very strong secondary characters. The closeness, the banter, the support they have for each other adds a layer of richness to the story. They don't take away from the main characters — they actually enhance the story. That means there are no spare words — everything fits so well.
When Brooke is offered an out-of-town job and Cade's absentee father makes a reappearance, these friends prove their worth beyond the humor and banter. Both people in this power couple want a balanced life. It isn't a case of one person giving up anything for the other. I love the gradual realization both Brooke and Cade have, that what they have is lasting. Cade's growing relationship with Zach, his half-brother, is wonderful, too.
I was happy to see an appearance by one of my favorite characters, Jack Pallas, of scruff and glower fame. He did some glowering here, too. It was a special thrill recognizing some of the places in Chicago, having been there.
Julie's books are usually rated hot because she's a master at creating sexual tension. In Love Irresistibly, she cranks up the heat considerably. It's fitting that the last word in the book is "perfect," because this book is.
Mary Grzesik got her start reading cereal boxes. She loves tennis, reading books, talking about books and writing about books. She can't decide which is her favorite thing: her e-reader or her tennis racket.