Article and Interview by Elise Cooper
The Billionaire in Boots by Julia London is the latest of two books that show why she is “Queen of the Banter,” writing family-focused funny and endearing tales with snappy, witty, and teasing dialogue between the hero and heroine.
The Billionaire in Boots has a lively dialogue, a sassy heroine, and a hero unsure of himself. But instead of having a royal environment this plot has a western cowboy theme. A scene in the book shows how these two butt heads. Nick, the hero tells the heroine, Charlotte, “I’m not actually the grim reaper.” She asked him why he was at the bar, “Shouldn’t you be at your house staring at a rescue cow or something?” His response, “The cows are down in the valley. I wouldn’t be able to get a good look.”
Nick also feels unappreciated and not able to make a useful life for himself. After his father died, he had to take over the cattle ranch, which is something he never wanted to do. He gave up his dream to become a commercial pilot. He is a cowboy who loves the ranch but doesn’t want to run the ranch, but knows he has to help get it out of financial disaster. He put everything aside for duty. But he was not alone because Charlotte was the office manager who knew far more than he did. She also has a dream, to settle down with her prince charming and raise a family instead of being a career-oriented person.
All the heroines seem to have a common characteristic: smart, direct, charming, and know what they want out of life, and Charlotte is no different. Nick, as with the other heroes are thrown into a life they would not have chosen for themselves and rely on the heroine to help them find themselves.
The story includes tenderness and humor throughout. It involves a love/hate relationship, passion, and characters somewhat at odds with societal norms. The snappy sarcastic dialogue moves the story along allowing readers to laugh, smile, and cry with the characters.
Elise Cooper: The Billionaire in Boots cover of a black lab is so cute. Is that your dog?
Julia London: I have yellow labs. I am on my third, Moose. I wanted the dog in the story to be a lab because I love them so. But I have to say that my current one with the quarantine is driving me nuts. He is almost eleven and has forgotten the rules. Moose was the basis for the dog in the story, Rufus. He has done some of the stuff Rufus has done. For example, the scene where the dog walks over everything, this is definitely Moose. My labs have always been goofy.
EC: Nick could not pursue his dream?
JL: I really like the idea of people who have a dream and for whatever reason cannot pursue it. I have known people in my life who thought they were going to do something else and that did not happen. I also like that it would make the hero grumpy.
EC: How would you describe Nick Prince?
JL: Obviously grumpy, but also disgruntled and feels like he got the wrong end of the deal. He has a good heart. Nick is a loner which is why flying is so important to him. He could see the world without family and responsibilities. I think he is resentful of his father and family who never considered what he wanted.
EC: How would you describe Charlotte?
JL: Bubbly, rock solid, someone everyone can rely on. She has ambition, but it is a goal toward happiness. She wants the whole nine yards of a husband and children. My oldest sister was like that because all she wanted was to be a mother and wife. Charlotte is self-assured and was emphatic that no one would tell her how to lead her life.
EC: How would you describe the relationship?
JL: It was a slow burner. I like that it developed over something other than a physical attraction. Having worked together they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There were no surprises. I really like this idea of office relationships.
EC: The scenes with the dating apps were hilarious?
JL: I hear a lot that the descriptions and pictures do not match what the people put on site. I know a lot of people who did meet through an app. I also went on the sites to see how people presented themselves to the world.
EC: There were a lot of references of the author Harlan Coben?
JL: I am not a friend of his, but I think after all those mentions in my book he should be my friend now. LOL. I wanted an author that both males and females would read. I have read a couple of his books and thought he would be the perfect author for the entire family to pass the book around.
EC: Softball plays a role?
JL: I was in a co-ed softball league in my thirties. I always have been sporty, but not really good at softball. I played 2nd base and the outfield. I stopped playing after I nailed the 2nd baseman with an errant throw from the short outfield position. No one was sad to see me go. I am much better at volleyball. Now I don’t play team sports, but do love to go on biking vacations.
EC: Is this book the last in the series?
JL: Probably, because all the loose ends were tied up. I did love creating the entire dynamic of the Prince family. I think I am done writing cowboy stories for a while.
EC: Next books?
JL: The next Princess book, A Princess By Christmas, comes out in the fall. The two countries in this book come to London for a peace summit. The hero is new but the heroine is Eliza’s sister Hollis. As was referenced in this book she wants to move from a gossip columnist to write meaningful articles. Eliza and Sebastian will be back.
A book out in August, You Lucky Dog is about a dog walker that switches two Bassett Hounds.
EC: THANK YOU!!
