Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Wine, a Sexy FBI Hunk and Fun with Julie James

by Anna Sugden

... Who could ask for anything more?!

I’m delighted to welcome one of my favourite contemporary romance writers to the Lair, Julie James. If you haven’t come across Julie’s books, where have you been and what are you waiting for?!

Julie pens best-selling contemporary romances that are smart, sexy and laugh-out-loud funny. Featuring delicious heroes and feisty heroines, you won’t be able to put her award-winning books down until you’ve read them from cover to cover.

Her latest release, A Lot Like Love is no exception - I devoured it in one sitting! (But I’ll let Julie tell you all about it *g*)

So, without further ado, let’s give Julie a rousing Lair welcome. Make yourself at home, Julie. Feel free to grab a drink and a cabana boy, gladiator or hockey hunk for your pleasure.

Julie: Thanks for having me here at the Lair! And thank you as well for the nice words about my books! Okay, so let’s see… given the wine backdrop to A Lot Like Love, I’ll grab a glass of Zinfandel and settle in. Feel free to send one of those cabana boys by at any time to take my order. : )

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Julie: Sure! I’m a lawyer; I practiced law for six years at a large firm before leaving to write full-time. I started my writing career with screenplays, and when the option on my first script expired without the film being made, my film agent suggested that I turn the script into a book. That script then became my first novel, Just the Sexiest Man Alive.

On the personal side, I live in Chicago with my husband and two children—in fact, I just had a daughter four months ago. I took a few months off from writing to spend time with her, but now I’m back up and running and have started writing my next book, which will be about the brother of the heroine in A Lot Like Love.


[Anna: Ooooh - can't wait to see who you're going to pair Kyle with!]

We love call stories in the Lair - can you share yours with us?

Julie: “The Call” came right after my first child, my son, was born. My agent was super-excited (as was I) and said that Berkley wanted to buy my book as part of a two-book deal. She said they wanted to know if I could put together a synopsis for my second book as soon as possible. My first response was, “Um, okay, but can you tell them that I have a ten-day old baby? I can barely find time to shower right now.”

Can you tell us about A Lot Like Love?

Julie: A Lot Like Love is about a wealthy wine store owner who agrees to pose as the girlfriend of an undercover FBI agent (as part of a sting operation) in exchange for her twin brother’s release from prison.

Readers can expect lots of back-and-forth banter, verbal sparring, and an opposites attract dynamic between a sophisticated businesswoman (and billionaire heiress) and a rough-around-the-edges FBI agent from Brooklyn. It’s a fun contemporary romance with a suspense subplot.


Here is an excerpt:

Jordan took a seat at the conference table. She watched the blizzard that raged outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, dreading the snow she’d have to shovel when she got home. Perhaps she should look into getting one of those power snowblowers, she mused. Or a man. Either could be quite handy in inclement weather. Then again, snowblowers took up a lot of garage space, and she generally liked to keep at least a three-foot buffer around the Maserati. Not to mention, most of the men she met presumably had even less interest than she did in shoveling snow—they likely would hire someone else to do that kind of thing. The downside to dating Italian-loafer types, she supposed.

Maybe she needed to find more of a guy’s guy. One of those men who could start a fire with two sticks, change a flat tire with one hand tied behind his back, and wasn’t afraid that a snow shovel would scuff his cashmere-lined leather Burberry gloves.

The door flew open and in walked Nick McCall.

Someone, however, who at least knew what a razor was.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Rhodes,” he said.

As Huxley followed Nick into the conference room, Jordan noticed that both men had shed their coats. She also saw that they were armed, catching glimpses of the shoulder harnesses and guns they wore underneath their suit jackets.

“What happened to your file?” she asked.

“Would you believe it? We couldn’t find the darn thing,” Nick said. “Guess we’ll just have to march on without it.” He gave Huxley a nod.

“Everything we’re about to tell you is extremely confidential, Ms. Rhodes,” Huxley began. “You can tell no one about the purpose of this meeting.”

Easy enough for her to do, since she didn’t understand the purpose of the meeting. “All right.”

“You already know that this pertains to Xander Eckhart. For some time now, we’ve had him under investigation. We believe he’s running drug money through his nightclubs and restaurants for an organized crime syndicate led by Roberto Martino. You may have heard about the recent indictments of Martino and the others in his organization.” Huxley gave Jordan a moment to process all this.

“You seemed surprised,” Nick said.

She shot him a look. “Of course I’m surprised. I had no idea Xander was messed up in anything like this. You’re sure of this?”

Huxley nodded. “Yes. We’ve been watching Eckhart. We’ve seen him on several occasions with a man we know to be one of Martino’s associates. They meet in Eckhart’s office, which is located underneath the main level of his restaurant, Bordeaux.”

“The one down the hall from his wine cellar, you mean,” Jordan said.

Nick sat forward in his chair, interested in this. “You’ve been inside Eckhart’s office?”

"Yes. Last year at his Valentine’s Day party, he gave me a tour of the entire space at Bordeaux.”

“How well do you remember the interior of the office?” Huxley asked. “Would you be able to describe it, tell us the placement of the furniture, that kind of thing?”

“I can certainly try,” Jordan said. “Is that what this is about? You want me to describe Xander’s office to you?” It seemed too insignificant for all the secret-agent rigmarole.

Nick shook his head. “Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. What we want is for you to help us get inside Eckhart’s office. This Saturday night.”

It took her a moment. “You mean during the party?”

Nick folded his arms on the table. “How would you feel about bringing along an undercover agent as your date, Ms. Rhodes?”

Jordan leaned in to meet him halfway. “I think that depends on who the date is, Agent McCall.”


You’ve mentioned that you love the old black and white romantic comedy movies. Which ones are your favourites and have inspired you?

Julie: Oh, pretty much anything with Cary Grant. : ) I particularly like His Girl Friday and The Philadelphia Story. I love the back-and-forth verbal sparring between the heroine and hero in those movies.

And since you brought up the subject of older movies… I’d love to hear from everyone else! What’s your favorite black and white romantic comedy, and why?

One lucky commenter will win a copy of the fabulous A Lot Like Love.

After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law, Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals in Jacksonville, Florida. She then practiced law with one of the nation’s largest law 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. Her books have been translated into six languages and Julie’s most recent novel, A Lot Like Love, hit bookstores on March 1st.

To find out more about Julie and her books, or to read an excerpt of A Lot Like Love, visit her at www.juliejames.com . Julie is also featured in the March issue of RT Book Reviews.

100 comments:

Sheree said...

"Bringing Up Baby" was a lot of fun! As was "Something About You"!

Sheree said...

Cary Grant as a nerd and Katherine Hepburn with a leopard named Baby - can't go wrong!

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha, Anna and Julie! I luv "How to Marry a Millionare" with Marilyn Monroe, Bette Grable, and Lauren Bacall. To this day, I laugh at Marilyn and her glasses!

Jane said...

Congrats on the new release, Julie. Can't wait to read the scene that involves the dress on the cover. I love Ginger Rogers and so my favorites include "Top Hat" and "The Gay Divorcee."

RFTC Blog said...

I am drawing a complete blank trying to think of something. Everything that comes to mind was in color. Gidget is one of my alltime favorite movies.

Donna MacMeans said...

I like "Some Like it Hot" and "How to Marry a Millionaire." Love those old comedies.

So my question is - how does a lawyer get involved writing screenplays?

Christine Wells said...

Hi Julie! Welcome to the lair. Thanks for inviting Julie along, VA. Banter and lawyers are right up my alley. Love your books, Julie!

I'm with you on Cary Grant. He is just the ultimate hero, IMO. An Affair to Remember and The Philadelphia Story are among my favourites. I also love Audrey Hepburn. Sigh. They don't make them like that any more...

Looking forward to A Lot Like Love!

Helen said...

Well done Sheree have fun with him

Hi Julie and Anna

I have heard so much about your books Julie they are already on my must have list and I am looking forward to reading them.

Congrats on the nomination for your book Something About You in the Australian Romance Readers Awards Favourite Contemporary Romance whoo hoo I will be at the convention and the awards dinner on Saturday night and will be cheering.

I too love the old black and white movies An Affair to Remember has to be my favourite and Bringing Up Baby and another favourite is The Long Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez love these movies.

Thanks Anna for inviting Julie along today. Julie congrats on the new baby they are beautiful I will be presented with my 6th grandchild on Monday and we are all getting excited.

Have Fun
Helen

mariska said...

Hi Julie,
one of my favorite authors :) Love love to read A Lot Like Love !!

My first reading of your book was Something About You then continue with Practice makes perfect. and I'm hooked ever since..

I've never watched any white and black movies, i guess i'm too young *grins*

Anna Sugden said...

Bringing Up Baby was fun, Sheree. Cary and Katherine had a great comedic partnership. I have a wonderful Hirschfeld drawing on my wall of Bringing Up Baby and it always makes me smile.

Anna Sugden said...

Morning, Kim - that is such a fun film and with three wonderfully different actresses. Perfect for a dreary afternoon.

Anna Sugden said...

That's such a great cover, isn't it, Jane?! I know you'll enjoy the fireworks between Nick and Jordan.

Ah *happy sigh* Fred and Ginger. Love them.

Anna Sugden said...

We'll let you mention your favourite films in the glory of Technicolor, Danielle - as long as they're classics. One of my favourites is in colour - Charade, with Cary Grant and the most beautiful woman ever, Audrey Hepburn. She was great with the banter too.

Anna Sugden said...

Some Like It Hot is lovely hubby's all-time favourite film, Donna. For Christmas, a few years ago, I found an original press book in mint condition for him. It's wonderful with all the different promotional articles and adverts.

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Christine - they certainly don't make them like that. There is something special about Cary, for sure. As for Audrey, how I want to look like her when I grow up *g*.

Charade is the perfect mix of those two for me, plus there's a fun romantic suspense plot which keeps you guessing to the end.

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Helen - congrats on yet another grandbaby! Do keep us posted!

Oooh how exciting that Julie's up for an ARRA award - we'll be rooting for her! I know you'll love her books ... just don't start one late at night because you won't be able to sleep until you finish it!

Anna Sugden said...

LOL you youngster, you, Mariska!

Glad to see another Julie fan here in the Lair. I started reading her because someone compared our own wonderful Susan Sey to Julie ... since I loved Money, Honey, I knew I had to pick up Just the Sexiest Man Alive ... and then I was hooked!

Scorpio M. said...

I love Julie's books. The banter between her h & H is always a hoot!

I admit I don't watch many old b&w films but I do remember one that was very romantically tragic but redeeming called "Never Say Goodbye" (I think).

Laney4 said...

Good morning, Banditas! I hope you are enjoying this ever-changing-weather month of March and getting tons done on your to-do lists!

I haven't read any Julie James books YET, but I definitely would like to! What grabbed my attention was reading "even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly", as well as your own comment of "Julie pens best-selling contemporary romances that are smart, sexy and laugh-out-loud funny." Yup. I love witty dialogue in books and can never have too much of it. I recently read a laugh-out-loud book while waiting over 2 hours in a clinic. OMG, I loved it! Mind you, the people around me I'm sure were giving me strange looks because I just couldn't quit laughing (quietly). If they had only known that in that same book after a good laugh, three pages later tears came to my eyes from a sad scene of the story. I think it's amazing when an author can make the reader feel such different emotions, let alone so close together in the story.

As for black and white movies, I'm sure I'm much too young to remember such a thing (yeah, right!). Okay, I'm not too young. I enjoyed Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies like Pillow Talk, and, like other readers, enjoyed Some Like It Hot. There were the Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney movies, Judy Garland/Fred Estaire movies (Easter Parade), and lots more musicals too. Thanks for reviving the memories!

desere_steenberg said...

Hi Julie,

Wow this interview was stunning ! You made me remember so many wonderful old movies I felt like crying with joy !So thank you so much.

A for my favorite old black and white comedy The Good Humor Man. The main actor is a Ice Cream Truck Drive and he it is believed he is witness to a crime and of course has a mob after him, thus he finds himself is some pretty perculiar situations that are just too hilarious and had me rolling with laughter.

It is a real cheer me up movie if whenever you feel down !If you have not seen it really you must !

Take Care
Desere

Anna Sugden said...

Glad to see another of Julie's fans here, Scorpio. It's a wonderful talent to be able to make your reader laugh, I think!

I looked up Never Say Goodbye - can't go wrong with Rock Hudson in a film!

Anna Sugden said...

We're having lovely weather over here, Laney - spring is finally here! The cherry blossoms are out and the spring flowers are beginning to show too.

I know what you mean about laugh out loud funny books - I always seem to be on a train when I'm reading them. The court-room scene in one of Julie's books had me crying with laughter - I think the people sat opposite me must have thought I was nuts! The other time was reading the first chapter of SEP's Natural Born Charmer - the woman opposite wrote down the name of the book when she saw me laughing.

LOVE the Rock Hudson and Doris Day movies - such fun!

Anna Sugden said...

I've never heard of that movie, Deseree, but will have to check it out. Reminds me of some of the old Ealing comedies with Alec Guinness - like Kind Hearts and Coronets and the Lavender Hill Mob!

Minna said...

only one I can think of right now is Some Like it Hot. I've seen a theater version of it, too, years ago in Joensuu.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I have to agree about Cary Grant. They just don't make 'em like him anymore.

The Philadelphia Story is probably my favorite--it's one I own and watch. I've been wanting to see Bringing Up Baby; and I always enjoy It Happened One Night.

All the old movies I'm remembering that I love are color. *LOL* North by Northwest. "Now, what can a man do with his clothes off for twenty minutes? Couldn't he have taken an hour?"

Landra said...

Welcom Julie! Those cabana boys hopefully brought you a glass and a few refills by now!

Sheree congrats on the chook!

The only Black and White romantic comedy I can think of is the African Queen. Bogart and Hepburn were great together. Gone with the Wind was a romantic comedy but Scarlett and Rhett had such teasing and feisty conversations.

Anna now that you say Julie's writing is as yummy as Bandita Susan (Money Honey is the 1st contemporary I ever purchased!)
then I am off to purchase another book for my nook!

cheryl c said...

My favorite is Some Like It Hot. Seeing guys dressing and acting like women is a hoot!

BTW, Julie, all of your books are on my keeper shelf. I so enjoy your witty dialog.

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Julie! Love your books and can't wait to read A Lot Like Love. It's on my tbr waiting for me!

I adore those old movies, especially the ones with Cary Grant and the Doris Day/Rock Hudson comedies. They sure have stood the test of time, haven't they?

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna and Julie!

I love the old Thin Man movies with Myrna Loy and William Powell...and of couse, Asta. Also, Desk Set and My Girl Friday.

Julie, I loved "Something About You", and I just started "Practice Makes Perfect". Great characters!

Congrats on the GR, Sheree!

Jen

Julie James said...

Hi everyone!

Sorry I got here a bit late... with two kids under four years old, time is not on my side in the mornings. : )

Just wanted to say thanks to the Romance Bandits for having me here! Now I see there are some questions and comments for me, so let me get started...

Julie James said...

Sheree: another Cary Grant classic-- such a fun movie. And I'm glad you enjoyed SAY!

Aloha, Kim! I haven't seen How to Marry a Millionaire-- I'll have to check it out!

Jane: thanks for the congrats! Okay, I hate to admit it, but I've never seen a Ginger Rogers movie...

Julie James said...

Danielle: LOL, no worries. The rom/coms done in color are great, too.

Donna: I LOVE Some Like It Hot. Great choice. As for how I got started in screenplays... well, I knew no one in Hollywood and had no clue how to write a script. But I had an idea for a romantic comedy, so I bought a book on how to write screenplays and sat down and wrote one in my spare time (I was still working at my law firm then.) I cold queried agents and film managers, and got lucky when there was some interest in my script. And the rest is history! : )

Julie James said...

Christine: Oh, and Affair to Remember--such a good film. Oh, the scene at the end when he comes to visit her and he's so mad that she didn't show up... [sigh] I need to watch that again soon. : )

Helen: thanks for the congrats on the ARRA nomination! That was such an honor. And congrats on the upcoming arrival of your grandchild!

Mariska: Thank you! That's such an honor! Glad you enjoyed my books.

Julie James said...

Anna: Thanks again for having me here, and for the nice words about my books! I haven't seen Charade, but with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, how can it go wrong? I'm adding it to my Netflix queue.

Scorpio M: thanks! Glad you enjoyed my books! "Never Say Goodbye"... hmm... I haven't heard of that one... I'll have to look it up. Although I generally prefer comedy to angst. : )

Julie James said...

Laney: You know, I've been meaning to check out a Doris Day/Rock Hudson movie, because everyone says the dialogue in those is great. There was a movie out a few years ago with Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor that was an homage to that style, I believe... (although I can't remember the name of that movie right now.)

Julie James said...

Desere: Okay, your description of The Good Humor Man definitely caught my attention. Sounds hilarious. Another one for the Netflix queue. : )

Minna: Another vote for Some Like It Hot! Such a good movie.

Julie James said...

Desere: Okay, your description of The Good Humor Man definitely caught my attention. Sounds hilarious. Another one for the Netflix queue. : )

Minna: Another vote for Some Like It Hot! Such a good movie.

Anna Sugden said...

I saw the theatre version a few years back too, Minna, with Tony Curtis in the role of the millionaire. It was a hoot!

Julie James said...

Ms Hellion: Okay, a couple of things: First, I love It Happened One Night!! (A) it has Clark Gable, (B) the Walls of Jericho scene cracks me up. I even did an homage to the Walls of Jericho scene in Something About You.

Second, I also love North By Northwest!! Seen in several times. But I don't remember that line in the movie-- and that's an awesome line. Guess I need to see it again. : )

Kat said...

They may not be in black/white but I adore Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies.
Loved the new book. I have a question or two… do you know what J.D.’s initials stand for? And if so are you ever going to share?

Anna Sugden said...

It Happened One Night and North by Northwest are great movies, Ms Hellion. Some great lines in both!

I'm such a fangirl that I had Mount Rushmore on my Bucket List because of North by Northwest *g*.

jo robertson said...

Hi, Julie! Welcome to the Lair. I hope everyone's made you comfortable. Has one of the cabana boys brought you a drink?

Hmmm, adore old B&W movies. I think "It Happened One Night" is my favorite, though.

Your books sound delightful!

Julie James said...

Slush: the African Queen is another great one. Hepburn and Bogart were fantastic together in that.

Cheryl: Thanks! I'm flattered that my books made it to your keeper shelf. And another vote for Some Like It Hot!

PJ: Thank you! Hope you enjoy ALLL! And you're right--great movies like that will never go out of style. : )

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Slush - oh yes, Bogart and Hepburn in African Queen is an excellent choice. The first time I watched it, I was expecting to be disappointed, but was swept away *g*.

How cool that we got you into contemps through our fab Bandita, Susan! You'll definitely love Julie's books! I can also recommend some others, when you're ready *g*

Anna Sugden said...

Yay Cheryl! Julie's books are on my keeper shelf too!

Good to see another vote for Some Like it Hot.

Julie James said...

Jennifer: Thank you! Hope you enjoy PMP as well! I've seen the first Thin Man movie and liked it... I'm not sure I even knew there were sequels! Need to check those out.

Anna Sugden said...

Hey PJ! I can't believe I've beaten you to a book! Given our similar tastes in contemps and romcoms, you know this is one you'll enjoy!

I think it's amazing how well those films have stood the test of time - just goes to show, good writing is timeless.

Julie James said...

Kat: I'm laughing because I get so many questions about this. Yes, I do know, but.... I never say what J.D.'s initials stand for. A woman has to have some secrets, right...? : )

Anna Sugden said...

Oh Jennifer, you've mentioned another of my all-time favourites, Desk Set. The dialogue is so snappy in that and Hepburn and Tracy play off each other perfectly.

I keep meaning to get the Thin Man movies - I saw part of one years ago and enjoyed it - must put it on my list.

Anna Sugden said...

Hey Julie - great to see you here. With two kids under 4, I'd be lucky to make it anywhere! You deserve a medal!

Julie James said...

Anna: too funny about Mount Rushmore.

Jo: thank you, yes--the cabana boys have been keeping me well-stocked in drinks. : ) And another vote for It Happened One Night!

Anna Sugden said...

Oh you'll love Charade, Julie, and the Rock Hudson/Doris Day movies! Pillow Talk is so clever and funny!

Anna Sugden said...

Ooh Kat - great question! I wonder if Julie will share - after all, it's only us in the Lair ... and the cabana boys ... and the hockey hunks ... and the gladiators ... oh and Ermingarde the dragon, but she can be trusted to keep it quiet. Unlike that pesky rooster.

Anna Sugden said...

Good to see another vote for It Happened One Night, Jo - it's my favourite Clark Gable film (can I admit I don't like Gone with the Wind?). I think Claudette Colbert was under-rated as a comedic actress.

Anna Sugden said...

BTW - mean to say to avoid the remake of Charade (The Truth About Charlie - with Thandie Newton in the Audrey Hepburn role!) - it's awful. I couldn't even remember what it was called, so had to Google it.

runner10 said...

I don't watch B&W movies.
I do like I Love Lucy. She was one of the greats.

Lexi said...

My Man Godfrey with Carole Lombard and William Powell, or Stage Coach with John Wayne or Red River with JW and Montgomery Clift, and The More the Merrier and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town with Jean Arthur and . . . I'll shut up now. I love old movies.

Book Chatter Cath said...

One of the first b&w movies I ever saw was 'Some like it hot' with Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis (in drag)
I didn't really know what drag was then (I think I was 10) and it cracked me up something awful to see a guy pretending to be a women!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julie James said...

runner10: She sure was. : )

Lexi: I can't believe it-- I haven't seen any of these! More for the Netflix queue.

Cath: Another vote for Some Like It Hot! It's a classic.

Janga said...

I just finished reading A Lot Like Love. What a great story! Now I am eagerly awaiting Kyle's book.

I love the b/w romantic comedies from the 1930s and 40s. Many of my favorites have already been mentioned, but I'll add the Tracey-Hepburn films such as Adam's Rib and Pat and Mike to the list, along with The Lady Eve with Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda and The Shop Around the Corner with Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart. The latter is the forerunner of You've Got Mail.

Johanna R Jochum said...

I'm a Marilyn Monroe fan and I love How to Marry a Millonare and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I also love those old Doris Day movies with Rock Hudson like Pillow Talk!
Thanks for sharing today great post!

Louisa Cornell said...

Oh Sheree you got our favorite matinee idol. At least in his own mind. Enjoy your day with the GR !!


Hello Anna and Julie!

Love the idea of a cultured heiress and a hunk from Brooklyn. That alone makes for GREAT comedy and romance!


John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in The Quiet Man. Some really great banter in that and just a really great romance.

An Affair to Remember. Sigh!

Pillow Talk - Rock Hudson and Doris Day

Bringing Up Baby - Of course!

Some Like It Hot - one of the great comedies of all time!

How To Marry A Millionaire - Marilyn Monroe had such a talent for comedy.

desere_steenberg said...

Anna your so right on the money there with your description.Julie I am glad it caught your attention you must check it out.

Anna and Julie thank you very much for the opportunity to chat to you both and thank you for the awesome giveaway!

Jenn3128 said...

I'd have to throw my hat in with Some like it hot as well. I had to think a bit though, most b&w's that I've watched have all been horror!

Random side note, I was dreaming about an FBI hunk last night. And that's all I can say about that.

Anna Sugden said...

Runner - I Love Lucy is a classic and guaranteed to make you laugh!

Anna Sugden said...

Some great titles, Lexi - good to see John Wayne getting some love!

Have you seen The Perfect Specimen with Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell? It's the same kind of humour as My Man Godfrey.

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Cath - I don't think I got the thing about men in drag either. It took me years of watching pantomimes over here to understand the real humour of the pantomime dames.

Anna Sugden said...

Ah Janga - a woman after my own heart - love Adam's Rib and Shop Around the Corner too! You've Got Mail is one of the few remakes that I thought worked well, though Nora Ephron claims it's more of an 'homage' than a remake.

Which reminds me - I don't know why - I also love Mr Blandings Builds his Dream House. There's a wonderful scene with Myrna Loy describing the colours she wants each room painted.

Anna Sugden said...

I've been trying to think of the other Marilyn Monroe film all day, Johanna - thank you for reminding me of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes!

Doris Day was in a pretty good remake of that classic My Favourite Wife (Cary Grant and Irene Dunne) - I think it was with Jimmy Stewart.

Anna Sugden said...

John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara always seemed to have great banter, Louisa. Despite his slow way of speaking, I think it was John Wayne's twinkle in his eyes that gave him away *g*.

Anna Sugden said...

You're very welcome, desere - one of the great things about the Lair is being able to host our favourite authors for you.

Anna Sugden said...

Now Jenn - you can't mention a dream about a hunky FBI agent and leave it at that! Come on - this is the Lair! LOL

B&W horror films - wow - somehow they're so much more scary than the colour ones.

ClaudiaGC said...

There are so many great movies already mentioned. But I think Some Like It Hot is my favourite!
I love Julie's books and can't wait to read ALLL!

Julie James said...

Hi Janga: glad you enjoyed A Lot Like Love! And great movie suggestions. You know I have to admit, I prefer You've Got Mail to The Shop Around the Corner. Is that terrible?

Julie James said...

Johanna: thank you! Another vote for Pillow Talk! I really need to check that one out.

Louisa: Thanks! Hope you enjoy ALLL! And those are great film suggestions. I agree with you about Marilyn Monroe and comedy.

Julie James said...

Jen: Well, that sounds like quite a pleasant dream... : )

Julie James said...

Claudi: Another vote for Some Like it Hot. That may be the day's winner... And I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my books--hope you like ALLL as well. : )

Barbara E. said...

My favorite black and white comedy is Bringing up Baby, because I love Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. I'll watch any old movie that either one of those actors are in, they're fabulous.

Barbed1951 at aol dot com

Kimberly said...

Evening Ladies!!

Loved the excerpt, definitely another book in my TBR pile!!

Although it wasn't in black and white I think my favorite "old" movie is An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. I also loved Pillow Talk with Rock Hudson and Doris Day.

Ohhhhh, and I pretty much loved anything with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby!! They had such amazing chemistry!!

Great topic!! Think I'll be watching something "old" this evening!!

Anna Campbell said...

Sheree, it's a while since he visited you!

Julie, welcome to the lair. Anna, what wonderful guests you bring us.

Julie, huge congratulations on the birth of your daughter. I almost feel like I'm acquainted with her as you were carrying her when we met at Romcon. Wasn't that fun? And it was such a hoot to meet you in person.

Love your call story. Sometimes life really does get in the way, doesn't it?

Ooh, favourite black and white comedies? How long have you got? One of my all-time faves is Some Like It Hot. One of the cleverest scripts I know of and what an amazing cast. Love Bringing up Baby. Love My Favorite Wife. Seriously, that one is hilarious. Love the original of An Affair to Remember which was called Love Affair with Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne. And then of course, we've got Audrey. Adore Roman Holiday and just recently for the very first time saw Love in the Afternoon. Poor Old Gary Cooper wasn't far off kicking off this mortal coil but goodness, they were lovely together. She really was so beautiful, wasn't she?

Oh, must stop. Could be here all day!

Just let me say they don't make 'em like they used to!

Anna Campbell said...

Kim, love How to Marry a Millionaire. And we get three love stories in that one!

Anna Campbell said...

Jane, weren't those Fred and Ginger movies just the bee's knees? I love the saying that he gave her class and she gave him sex appeal. It's a little too simplistic but there's a grain of truth there.

Anna Campbell said...

Julie, SEEEEEEE CHARADE!!! It's got one of the cleverest scripts I've ever seen made into a film and Cary and Audrey are magic together. Wait until she asks him "Do you know what's wrong with you?" Sigh!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Lexi, I ADORE Red River. I wrote a whole favorite things post about it on my website: http://www.annacampbell.info/favethings.html Just click on May 2009. Montgomery Clift was seriously sexy in that!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Anna, I haven't seen the Perfect Specimen. It sounds like a hoot. Must check to see if I can get it on DVD.

Daryl Wood Gerber a.k.a. Avery Aames said...

Julie, you and I seem to have a very similar career path. I'm looking forward to reading A Lot Like Love. One of my favorites: An Affair to Remember. The hitchhiking scene: priceless!

~Avery
AveryAames.com

donnas said...

Bringing Up Baby was great. But I really love the old Fred and Ginger movies. Oh and who can forget Audrey Hepburn.

Anna Sugden said...

So pleased to see so many Julie fans in the Lair today - means I'm not the only gushing fan girl *g*.

Another vote for Some Like it Hot!

Anna Sugden said...

I'll watch pretty much any movie with those two in them too, Barbara - as long as there's a happy ending. I saw one film with Cary in it that was so sad that I couldn't bear it and switched channels. Can't remember what it was called.

Anna Sugden said...

Hey Kimberley! Who can resist giggling with Bing and Bob?! I also loved Bing and Frank Sinatra in the remake of The Philadelphia Story, High Society. One of my fave songs is "Did You Evah?"

Anna Sugden said...

G'day Anna! I knew we'd be hearing from you with a fun list!

There was definitely something about Gary Cooper *sigh*.

Another unknown favourite is Third Finger, Left Hand which has a cute little song it about Ohio!

Anna Sugden said...

Oh yes, Anna - isn't that just the best line in Charade? I swoon every time I hear it! Great shower scene too *g*

Anna Sugden said...

I don't think you can get The Perfect Specimen on DVD, Anna. I've been looking for years. That and Third Finger, Left Hand are two I've been trying to find with no joy.

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Avery - how funny that you and Julie have followed similar paths. Then again, we have a few lawyers turned romance novelists here, don't we?!

Anna Sugden said...

Glad to see another fan of the old movies and the lovely Audrey, Donna! It's been such fun today and I've dug out a classic for tonight to watch!

Julie James said...

Good morning again, everyone! I saw some comments came in last night, so I wanted to pop in again.

Barbara and Kimberly: well, you both chose Cary Grant movies, which are my weakness. : ) Really, he was just so sauve and sophisticated in everything he did.

Anna: Thanks for the congratulations! It was lovely meeting you at Rom Con. I can't believe how times flies... not even a year later, and I have a five month-old.

You picked such great movies. I really wish there were more hours in the day to rewatch all these...

Julie James said...

Anna: Okay, you sold me--I'm adding Charade to the Netflix queue. : )

Julie James said...

Avery: how cool! Although I think you were much more entrenched in Hollywood than I ever made it. : ) Hope you enjoy A Lot Like Love!

Donna: I'm a fan of both Hepburns. : ) Such style.

Julie James said...

Anna: I didn't know there was a remake of The Philadelphia Story! How did I miss this?

Julie James said...

Oh my gosh, Anna C., I just went to add Charade to my Netflix queue and realized I have seen it. Just didn't recognize it by the title. Good pick--I liked that one!