Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 Julie James has done it again and written a fun, sexy story that is very entertaining and a delight to read. Victoria Slade is a successful divorce attorney and has definite commitment issues and is suffering panic attacks after her home was broken into. She's temporarily moved into a rental for the summer and she's jumped to the wrong conclusion about her new neighbor Ford Dixon. Ford is an investigative reporter and doesn't like the assumptions she's made about him and goes out of his way to antagonize her. But when she takes on his sister's case of finding her baby daddy, they have to set aside their feelings and work together. 
 It's good to see Ford get his own story after his appearance in Love Irresistibly as Brooke's best friend, along with his two guy friends, Charlie and Tucker. When these guys get together there are always laughs and they do provide comic relief. Ford is your all around good guy. He champions for the underdog in his work, a good friend and a protector for his family. When he uses his investigative skills to find the father he enlists Victoria's help and sees her in a new light. He has his own commitment issues, having an alcoholic father, and doesn't see himself with anyone for the long run. 
 What I love about Julie James' heroines is that they are smart, independent and have successful careers. They haven't been lucky in the love department but don't need a man to make them happy. Victoria is no different. She's even made alternate plans in case things don't work out. However, the break-in at her place triggered panic attacks and brought back memories of her past in which she'd rather keep them in her past. She starts therapy sessions and they uncover the reasons for her behavior and she finally confronts the truth. I like that she tries and puts up a good front to keep it together. When she starts on a verbal rant she goes 100% and can be a bit intimidating. It took the course of the story for Victoria to find herself in the position where she needs to take a stand, in spite of her fears, for her shot at happiness. She's a wonderful character and her growth is evident which makes her loveable and believable. 
 Suddenly One Summer was a fun and flirty story, with a touch of spice and heat. Ford and Victoria are meant for one another because they definitely challenge each other like no one has done before. The epilogue was very endearing because it just shows you that they are willing to work together because they truly care and love. You can definitely read this as a stand-alone, since I don't think it is part of her FBI/US attorney series, more like an additional story of a secondary character. Julie James sets a good pace in her story telling and it always leaves you with a big smile on your face. 
 Review copy provided for an honest review.