REVIEW : Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
Author : Julie James
Publisher : Indonesia - Elexmedia
US - Berkeley Sensation
Source : Bought
Pages : 408
Summary from Goodreads :
When it comes to the law of attraction, there are no rules. The battle between the sexes is about to make these two lawyers hot under the collar. Opposites collide when two lawyers try to make partner at the same firm. Payton Kendall is a feminist to the bone. Cocky J.D. Jameson was born privileged. But when they're asked to join forces on a major case, they gain a newfound awareness of each other's personal assets. The partnership spot will be offered to only one of them, though. The competition heats up. Sparks fly. Let the games begin.
Another delightful Contemporary Romance from Julie James and I enjoyed it so much! I really like enemy-becomes-lover story and although it took a bit time to catch up with Payton and J.D. than with Taylor and Jason from Just The Sexiest Man Alive (it's still my most favorite of her novel so far =P), I admitted they're the most adorable, funniest couple ever from all CR novels I've read. Both of them are professionals and successful, people with good career but also very childish when they have to dealing with each other feeling. It was very refreshing and I got a good laugh reading how adults could act in such a cute way =D.
J.D and Payton have been in a 'secret' competition for 8 years, they've been doing their best in handling many cases, to prove they are the best partner candidates for the firm they work on. We can say that J.D is lucky enough to be born as a rich man, which means he's more reliable, has more privilege and knows many prestigious places, also seems getting his success very easily. Payton who can't accept it has been working hard to show that woman also can do as good, or even better than man, that she can't be lose from a spoiled, cocky rich bastard like J.D. Then one day their competition becomes real, and here comes all hillarious moments in order to get a chance filling only one partner seat, a major change of previous plan that stated they both would be partners at their firm. Both J.D and Payton (note : they thought they've been hating each other) have to team up, to lure a potential client, and the one who gave the most contribution would be a winner. At first, because each J.D and Payton are very desired to win, they do almost everything, in clean or even dirty and childish way to gain the victory. But as time goes by, as they spend times together more than they had before and know their real selves and condition, they finally fall in love harder to each other, which brings more confusion how to decide both of their future.There was a LOT of hillarious moments and sarcastic banters that made me laughing so hard, especially when I read about their adult version of kiddies fight, you know something like "I have to come earlier than him/her" then something like "a simple threat (broke a girl's heel) created a very bad outcome (ripped skirt, lol, God poor Payton!), and the stake was really high (your perfect image and dignity, ouch!)" and then revenge was decided, and so on. But since they're adults, they can handle it professionally and still (hardly) manage to apologize. I also loved the romance, absolutely not one of an instant love making and it has to pass through a long journey filled with lots of (hillarious) moments. To be honest, although I more than just enjoyed their fights, I found it's a bit ridiculous how they finally admit they've been in love with each other after spent TOO MANY YEARS, because of J.D's childish's reason. But I think that's a part of it's charm. Speaking about adult scenes, well, it was just one, steamier than JTSMA but definitely not overwhelming, even James did write it in a cute way
Many reviews said J.D and Payton were too different. Yes, they're in different gender and background. But I found they have quite similar characteristic : hard worker, professional, and yes, childish. Being childish can be quite annoying especially if we see it from adults, but because they showdd it at a 'right' time, when they're jurt alone, and it's rather cute =D. So fun and refreshing to see some adults who are professionals, act not too seriously but at the other moment they can act charmingly cute especially in front of someone they love. I still found J.D and Payton are very likable, like most all of James' characters.
Reading this book made me so thankful it might not just me, a grown-up with a little too much 'childish' side buried inside. The ending is really surprising and pleasing, J.D and Payton finally get what they have dreamt for so long, even bigger. If you like funny, happy and 'almost-clean' contemporary romance, you should give this book a try. You won't be disappointed at all!
Oh anyway, one thing kinda bugging my head until now, about what the heck is J.D's real name? Ms. James hid it until the end of story!
Happy reading! =D
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Back to Bahasa! =p
Jadi karena Nana dari Reading in The Morning mengoperkan tongkat estafetnya ke saya, maka review ini saya partisipasikan ke Lomba Estafet Review Buku #LERB yang diadakan oleh Bookoopedia. Kalau berminat mengetahui cerita buku ini, bisa didapatkan di bookoopedia :)
