If you love witty banter, smart and driven characters, and the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, 'The Thing About Love' is a great pick. Julie James brings her signature blend of romance and workplace drama to this FBI-centered story with two competitive agents, Jessica and John, whose past rivalry sparks into something more. Fans of light romantic suspense and those craving a fun, feel-good read with interesting insights into FBI life will really enjoy this one. If you're a fan of Julie James or authors like Lauren Layne, you'll feel right at home here.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book might not be for everyone - if you’re looking for high drama, unpredictable twists, or super-steamy romance, you might find this one a bit too safe or predictable. Some readers wanted more character depth and originality in the plot, and a few felt the banter and sexual tension didn’t hit the usual Julie James high notes. If you don’t appreciate a slow-burn office romance or want lots of action over relationship focus, this might not be your jam.

A charming, easy-to-read workplace romance with classic Julie James wit, but may feel a bit familiar or mild to those wanting something edgier. Great for fans of smart, lighthearted love stories.

About:

"The Thing About Love" by Julie James follows FBI Special Agents John Shepherd and Jessica Harlow who have a complicated history from their time at Quantico. Forced to work together on an undercover assignment in their hometown of Chicago, they navigate a mix of animosity, competitiveness, and attraction. As they confront their past and face a fresh start after failed relationships, the story unfolds with humor, angst, romance, and a touch of action. The book delves deep into the complexities of their relationship, blending real-life issues with office romance dynamics in a modern and engaging manner.

Characters:

The characters are strong yet flawed, with a dynamic that evolves from antagonism to mutual respect and attraction.

Writing/Prose:

The writing combines witty dialogue and emotional depth through flashbacks, making it engaging and aligned with the author's known style.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows two FBI agents navigating their complicated history while partnering on an undercover case, dealing with personal issues and previous relationships.

Setting:

The setting spans multiple locations, primarily in Chicago and Florida, with significant flashbacks to Quantico.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with slower developments in character relationships but punctuated by engaging interactions and tension.

Next to John, the guy in the middle seat was in his early forties and dressed in a suit and lime-green shirt. “Man, it’s a packed flight tonight.” He held out his hand in introduction. “Steve Fox. Cor...

Notes:

The protagonists, John and Jessica, both have a history from their FBI training days at Quantico.

John is described as looking like Chris Hemsworth in an FBI uniform, while Jessica resembles Reese Witherspoon.

Both characters are dealing with the aftermath of failed relationships; John was cheated on, and Jessica is recently divorced.

The story is set across various locations including Chicago, Florida, and Virginia.

The book features a classic enemies-to-lovers trope with a strong emphasis on witty banter.

The sexual tension between Jessica and John is a key component of their relationship, although the sex scenes themselves are described as underwhelming.

The book is praised for its strong character development, particularly how both lead characters are portrayed as competent and driven agents.

Readers appreciate the blend of romance and action within the FBI setting, but some feel the plot's pace is slow at times.

Flashbacks play a significant role in revealing the characters' backstories and their initial perceptions of each other.

John is trying out for the elite Hostage Rescue Team while dealing with personal issues related to betrayal from friends and partners.

Has Romance?

The romance is a significant element in the story, characterized by strong chemistry and emotional development between the protagonists.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

The New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly One Summer blows the covers of two FBI agents who can't hide who they are from each other...

FBI agents Jessica Harlow and John Shepherd have a past. The former lawyer and cocky Army Ranger clashed during their training at Quantico and gladly went their separate ways after graduating from the Academy. Six years later, the last thing either of them expects is to be assigned to work as partners in a high-profile undercover sting.

For both of them, being paired with an old rival couldn't come at a worse time. Recently divorced from a Hollywood producer and looking for a fresh start, Jessica is eager to prove herself at her new field office. And John is just one case away from his dream assignment to the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team. In order to nail a corrupt Florida politician, they'll have to find a way to work together-a task that becomes even trickier when they're forced to hole up at a romantic beachfront resort as part of the investigation. Suddenly, the heat behind their nonstop sparring threatens to make the job a lot more complicated...

READERS GUIDE INSIDE

2017

•

381 pages

Ratings (8)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (3)

1 comment(s)

eljpal578

Loved It

10 months

I needed a light, pleasant book and this did the trick perfectly! Snarky quips, undercover operations, FBI agents doing it - what's not to love?

What can you read after
The Thing About Love?

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About the Author:

After graduating from law school, New York Times bestselling author Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals. She then practiced law with one of the nation's largest firms for several years until she began writing screenplays. After Hollywood producers optioned two of her scripts, she decided to leave the practice of law to write full-time. Julie's books have been listed on the American Library Association's Reading List for Top Genre Novels and Booklist's Top 10 Romances of the Year, and have been featured as one of Cosmopolitan magazine's Red Hot Reads. Julie's books have been translated into seventeen languages, and her most recent novels are The Thing About Love, Suddenly One Summer, It Happened One Wedding, Love Irresistibly, and About That Night.

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The Thing About Love

Julie James

Book 7 in the series:FBI/US Attorney

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