Suddenly One Summer by Julie James

Suddenly One Summer (FBI/US Attorney, #6)

by Julie James

Divorce lawyer Victoria Slade has seen enough unhappy endings to swear off marriage forever. That doesn't mean she's opposed to casual dating--just not with her cocky new neighbor, who is as gorgeous and tempting as he is off-limits. But once she agrees to take on his sister's case, she's as determined to win as ever--even if that means teaming up with Ford. Investigative journalist Ford Dixon is bent on finding the man who got his sister pregnant and left her high and dry. He's willing to partner with Victoria, despite the fact that the beautiful brunette gets under his skin like no other woman.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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Suddenly One Sumner by Julie James is a delicious beach read with depth and characters you will embrace. This was my first James' novel and while this is a standalone, the hero Ford first appeared in one of her FBI/US Attorney novels. I must admit to being curious. Filled with banter, sexy time and wrapped in heartwarming side stories it is easy to see why Julie James is a favorite.

The tale surrounds two thirty-something characters whose upbringing has them swearing off long term relationships. When Victoria Slade, a successful divorce attorney suffers panic attacks after a home invasion, she temporarily moves into a condominium for the summer until her newly purchased condominium is available. A shared bedroom wall and poor sound proofing soon have her exchange banter with smexy, single investigative reporter Ford Dixon. The tale that unfolds had me consuming this in a single evening.

Suddenly One Summer is a novel the reader will easily slip into, they will soon find themselves laughing, wiping a tear and  becoming fully invested in this couple. The secondary characters weaved throughout gave this novel a small-town community feel and enhanced the story. The depth of the story from the fleshed out characters to the couch sessions with a therapist both surprised and delighted me.  James weaved in delicious banter, page melting heat, humor and side stories that held weight.

Both carries scars from their childhoods but are survivors with successful careers and strong social networks. Victoria’s personality and her need to be observed as “normal” by others was one I am sure many women can relate to. There is a story about Ford’s sister that I found especially touching and I loved the way it caused Ford and Victoria to interact. We do get some miscommunication but it was realistically done and not overly drawn out.

If you are looking for a feel good, swoon-worthy summer read with a small-town feel and a little heat then you cannot go wrong with Suddenly One Summer.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 24 May, 2015: Finished reading
  • 24 May, 2015: Reviewed