Just the Sexiest Man Alive

By: Julie James

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A fabulously fun, romantic comedy from a dynamic new talent.

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan - not in the courtroom and not in her personal life. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in the next big legal drama, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

©2010 Julie James (P)2010 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[James'] familiarity with both the law and the film industry lends credibility to this fast-moving, contemporary romantic comedy between two strong-willed characters.” (Booklist)

“Even in the improbable world of Hollywood's top actors, Julie James introduces believable characters with real motivations behind their actions. With two witty and charming main characters, the dialogue is sure to keep the reader entertained.” (Fresh Fiction)

“In her debut novel, James shakes up the world of lawyers and celebrity romance, producing a captivating, beautifully written story. The fireworks between the characters fuel the plot and will keep readers flipping the pages at a dizzying pace.” (RT Book Reviews)

Cute, Funny Romance

This was an enjoyable romance with a lot of funny moments. I wasn't super crazy about the main guy - he was a spoiled Hollywood star and was almost too spoiled to be likable, but I loved the main girl; she was smart, hilarious and didn't take any crap from the guy. I'd recommend the book if you want something light and funny. I also really liked the narrator. This is the first time I've listened to a book read by her and I'd definitely listen to another one.

The story is better than the title..

It's not that deep, but it was light, entertaining and less cheesy than most chick lit. The male character was a little one-note, but the female lead was sarcastic and kind of funny.

I found the narrator a little irritating in the beginning, but got used to her and thought she relaxed as the story went on. Generally enjoyable!

This story wrapped me up swept me away

While this was as predictable as most chick lit is, it was fantastic! I didnt want to stop
Listening, I even had it on my iPod at the gym!

A thoroughly enjoyable chick-lit romance!

Where does Just the Sexiest Man Alive rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James is an immensely entertaining contemporary romance. It’s a stand-alone and a lighter read than the author’s FBI/US Attorney series. I’ve actually had the audio on my phone for months – and finally hit play over the weekend. OMG, what took me so long? It’s a charming romantic comedy and a perfect escape or beach read - exactly what I needed at the time! I listened to some of it while walking a local bridge and feared that someone would report me as deranged because I giggled and/or laughed out loud too any times to count and I might have also shouted yes a few times.

The ending is warm, satisfying, flashy and a bit cheesy – but I’m not complaining. I’d listen to this audio again and my fondest wish is that this story would be made into a movie. If you are looking for a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable chick-lit romance with great character interactions including lots of hilarious moments, I’d highly encourage you to check out Just the Sexiest Man Alive too.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I LOVED both of the primary characters! Taylor is a focused woman when she arrives in L.A. from Chicago. She has her sights set on becoming a full partner in her law firm – and the EEOC suit she is litigating is to be a crucial steppingstone to her goal. I liked that Taylor is portrayed as a powerful, independent, smart, professional woman who has worked her way up the ladder with no funny business.

In the beginning, I didn’t care for Jason. He was to put it simply: full of himself and a womanizer. Suffice it to say that Taylor wasn’t impressed with Jason’s celebrity stature nor did she take crap from anyone. I would cheer Taylor as she would effortlessly put him in his place with her quick wit and their snarky banter – much to Jason’s surprise. However, it wasn’t long before he started to grow on me to where, by the end, I was in love.

What about Karen White’s performance did you like?

I’ve read that this book was Karen White’s first romance narration. You would never know it from her polished performance as it was stellar. Both her male and female voices sound genuine. She differentiates between the characters to where I always knew who was speaking. Her pacing is perfect and she exudes the proper emotions with finesse. Karen is one of my very favorite narrators. I’ve loved everything I’ve picked up that she’s narrated and Just the Sexiest Man Alive is no exception. Her voicing definitely added to my enjoyment of this audio.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The one person who could break my heart is the only one who should have it.

Any additional comments?

This is the story of Jason Andrews, an actor deemed to be the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine, and Taylor Donovan, a labor attorney. Just the Sexiest Man Alive is an adversaries-to-lovers old-fashioned romance with a measured relationship build-up. It is not an insta-love tale. The characters have a lot of chemistry and their storyline is addictive. There’s even a deplorable villain.

Not credible

The protagonist is arrogant. The story is not credible. Why would anyone fall in love with such an arrogant person?

Julie James story is delightful

Julie's characters are believable, her dialogue witty and fun.

Please make ALL her books available as audiobooks.

Not as good as the FBI series..but likeable

This standalone novel is not as good Julie James FBI series but it's likeable. It's good listen if you're on a road trip and need something light.

Well written but underwhelming

While well written, the narrator kept mispronouncing names - Lila, Leena, Leelo, Gino, Nino. Production should have caught these mistakes. Maybe something was lost in translation but I expected more from this story. It just ended with a ...?

Read or listen, love it either way.

Where does Just the Sexiest Man Alive rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely one of my favorites to listen to. Perfect for background noise when I am working on the computer.

What other book might you compare Just the Sexiest Man Alive to and why?

Julie James first in her FBI series Something About You. Funny dialog and strong female lead with an even stronger male lead.

Have you listened to any of Karen White’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first one I listened to but have now heard Something About You. Waiting for next credit so I can download A Lot Like Love.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh for sure.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoy reading but can't read all the time. With audiobooks I can still enjoy my favorite stories and get my work done.

Sexy and Sweet

Where does Just the Sexiest Man Alive rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

this is a good old fashion love story. Strong heroine, smart dialogue and fun times.

What did you like best about this story?

good writing and a good story

Have you listened to any of Karen White’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Ms White brings out the sexiness out of the hero's she reads

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen in one sitting