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FBI/US Attorney #1
Something About You
Fate has thrown two sworn enemies...
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and for nearly ruining his career.
Into each other's arms...
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and for nearly ruining his career.
Into each other's arms...
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.
307 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
About the author
Julie James
12 books9,660 followersNew York Times bestselling author Julie James 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. Her books have been translated into twenty-two languages and Julie’s ninth novel, THE THING ABOUT LOVE, is now available.
Julie James lives with her husband and two children in Chicago, where she is working on her next novel.
Visit Julie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JulieJamesfan...
Follow Julie on Twitter: http://twitter.com/juljames and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliejamesa...
Julie James lives with her husband and two children in Chicago, where she is working on her next novel.
Visit Julie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JulieJamesfan...
Follow Julie on Twitter: http://twitter.com/juljames and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliejamesa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,056 reviews
January 19, 2013
Ok, here comes a quick and short review (quite a feat for me!!) :P...
BAM! BAM! BAM!
(What does it remind you of?)
WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA.....
(C'mon readers!! You know the answer!!!!)
Wheewammawamma-BAM! Wheewammawamma-BAM!
(Ok, more clues? Here they come...)
Smack! Smack!
"Oh shit, I'm cooommmminnggg!"
Yes! Oh yes! YES!
You've finally got it right!!
It's the WALLBANGER!!!!
NO! NO! NO!!! Hold your horses, people!
Unfortunately it's not him....
Our wallbanger is....
BAM!!!
SHOCKED???
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, you know those little blue pills???
They're magical, readers!! Can make a man go on for hours and hours....:P
They can work wonders!!
Well, good for him!! :P
But not so good for Cameron Lynde.....
The wall behind the king sized bed shook with enough force to rattle her headboard, and Cameron cursed the hardwood floors that had brought her to such circumstances.
Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago, and Cameron Lynde managed to find one next door to a couple having a sex marathon!!!!
But this wallbanging business turns deadly....
"What happened to the woman next door?"
"She's dead."
And Cameron finds herself in the very uncomfortable, undesirable position of being the sole witness to the murder....as if an assistant U.S. attorney needs more trouble on her plate....*sigh*
No sleep and a murder...this was definitely not her night!
And it takes a turn for worse when he walks in, the FBI agent assigned to this case....
Agent Jack Pallas
Handsome (of course!).
Tall(double of course!!).
And...
Glowering: dark; showing a brooding ill humor!!! :D
He's the same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown 3 years ago - and for nearly ruining his career....And getting him transferred to icy Nebraska.....
And 3 years later here they are....
Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago and she picked the one that would lead her back to him.
They strike each other with razor sharp words...
But at the same time they can't seem to keep their eyes and minds off each other....
[image error]
"...I was standing on the stairs when Jack first showed up at the door, and I saw the way you looked at him, Cam."
Cameron threw her hands up in frustration. "What is this so-called 'look'?" Whatever it was, she was going to have to start taking extreme measures to guard against it.
Amy grinned. "You know the Tom and Jerry cartoon where Tom hasn't eaten for days and he imagines Jerry looking like a ham? Kind of like that."
The killer is on the loose....there's a high profile case to be solved....So, they need to forget the past and focus on the case at hand...
That is, if they can stop themselves from killing each other....
Or pouncing on each other!!!
So, you go and find out what happens.....
While I figure out how to stop grinning because there's just something about this story that has me laughing out loud everytime I think of it....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This is not a mystery novel because the killer's identity is known to us from the very beginning (or almost from the very beginning....27% in is quite early enough to be called the beginning, right? :P) but it's a light, laugh out loud romantic read which you won't regret spending your time on. :))
ENJOY!! :D
BAM! BAM! BAM!
(What does it remind you of?)
WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA-WhaMA.....
(C'mon readers!! You know the answer!!!!)
Wheewammawamma-BAM! Wheewammawamma-BAM!
(Ok, more clues? Here they come...)
Smack! Smack!
"Oh shit, I'm cooommmminnggg!"
Yes! Oh yes! YES!
You've finally got it right!!
It's the WALLBANGER!!!!
NO! NO! NO!!! Hold your horses, people!
Unfortunately it's not him....
Our wallbanger is....
BAM!!!
SHOCKED???
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, you know those little blue pills???
They're magical, readers!! Can make a man go on for hours and hours....:P
They can work wonders!!
Well, good for him!! :P
But not so good for Cameron Lynde.....
The wall behind the king sized bed shook with enough force to rattle her headboard, and Cameron cursed the hardwood floors that had brought her to such circumstances.
Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago, and Cameron Lynde managed to find one next door to a couple having a sex marathon!!!!
But this wallbanging business turns deadly....
"What happened to the woman next door?"
"She's dead."
And Cameron finds herself in the very uncomfortable, undesirable position of being the sole witness to the murder....as if an assistant U.S. attorney needs more trouble on her plate....*sigh*
No sleep and a murder...this was definitely not her night!
And it takes a turn for worse when he walks in, the FBI agent assigned to this case....
Agent Jack Pallas
Handsome (of course!).
Tall(double of course!!).
And...
Glowering: dark; showing a brooding ill humor!!! :D
He's the same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown 3 years ago - and for nearly ruining his career....And getting him transferred to icy Nebraska.....
And 3 years later here they are....
Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago and she picked the one that would lead her back to him.
They strike each other with razor sharp words...
But at the same time they can't seem to keep their eyes and minds off each other....
[image error]
"...I was standing on the stairs when Jack first showed up at the door, and I saw the way you looked at him, Cam."
Cameron threw her hands up in frustration. "What is this so-called 'look'?" Whatever it was, she was going to have to start taking extreme measures to guard against it.
Amy grinned. "You know the Tom and Jerry cartoon where Tom hasn't eaten for days and he imagines Jerry looking like a ham? Kind of like that."
The killer is on the loose....there's a high profile case to be solved....So, they need to forget the past and focus on the case at hand...
That is, if they can stop themselves from killing each other....
Or pouncing on each other!!!
So, you go and find out what happens.....
While I figure out how to stop grinning because there's just something about this story that has me laughing out loud everytime I think of it....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This is not a mystery novel because the killer's identity is known to us from the very beginning (or almost from the very beginning....27% in is quite early enough to be called the beginning, right? :P) but it's a light, laugh out loud romantic read which you won't regret spending your time on. :))
ENJOY!! :D
August 14, 2009
Re-read 7/31/22:
Still a 5 star fun, sexy read!
And I really wish Julie James would write another book. It's been years (2017, I think) since she had a book release.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
This is my first read by author Julie James, and I absolutely loved it! I devoured this in a single sitting. Something About You has everything I enjoy in a contemporary romance/romantic suspense read.
*Hot, brooding, gruff, protective alpha hero who’s former Army Special Forces, a Special Agent with the FBI, and drives a Triumph motorcycle? – Check and YOWZA!
*Strong, intelligent, yet genuine heroine? – Check!
*Witty, often laugh-out-loud, dialogue? – Check!
*Amusing, sexy repartee between the H/H? – Check!
*Perfect dose of suspense? – Check!
*Electric, magnetic chemistry and smokin’ hot sexual tension? – Check!
*Steamy love scenes? – Check!
*Cover ties in perfectly with the book? – Check!
Now I’m off to consume A Lot Like Love!
Still a 5 star fun, sexy read!
And I really wish Julie James would write another book. It's been years (2017, I think) since she had a book release.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
This is my first read by author Julie James, and I absolutely loved it! I devoured this in a single sitting. Something About You has everything I enjoy in a contemporary romance/romantic suspense read.
*Hot, brooding, gruff, protective alpha hero who’s former Army Special Forces, a Special Agent with the FBI, and drives a Triumph motorcycle? – Check and YOWZA!
*Strong, intelligent, yet genuine heroine? – Check!
*Witty, often laugh-out-loud, dialogue? – Check!
*Amusing, sexy repartee between the H/H? – Check!
*Perfect dose of suspense? – Check!
*Electric, magnetic chemistry and smokin’ hot sexual tension? – Check!
*Steamy love scenes? – Check!
*Cover ties in perfectly with the book? – Check!
Now I’m off to consume A Lot Like Love!
July 9, 2015
“My God, Jack-with a look like that, you two should just get a room. And try not to pick the one with a dead body next to it this time.”
That's right Julie James,you have reduced me into a gibbering incoherent mess!And that being said by a person whose job is to make valid,coherent arguments.Now every time I close my eyes,I picture Jack.freaking.Pallas.
“More like a chocolate molten lava cake. A dessert so sinful, so luscious, so filled with inner heat it made a girl want to lick each and every crumb right off the plate. That was Jack Pallas.”
I drooled.That's the ugly,embarassing truth.Whilst reading Something About You I.actually.drooled.And I thought my fangirl symptoms couldn't get any worse.
*sighs*
Let's take it from the start.Cameron Lynde is an Assistant U.S. Attorney who decides to give herself a treat and spend the weekend in a five star hotel,only to become witness to a murder involving a Senator.As if things weren't bad enough,the FBI investigation's leader is Jack Pallas,a man who holds a grudge against her for three years.When her testimony is the only thing that keeps the Senator out of jail,she has to constantly interract with said agent and the danger she faces brings them unexpectedly close.
“If it makes you feel better, I don’t give a fuck what comes through that door.They’re not getting to you.”
I loved loved LOVED this book!!It was really enjoyable and funny,with a generous dose of steam and hot'n'heavy tension (generous meaning your skin crawled with anticipation and your mouth dried and yes,drooling and hyperventilation and extremely high pitched noices were involved).If I thought J.D. from Practice Makes Perfect is hot,then Jack Pallas is a freaking volcano .
Lots of lava people.And sexual tension and angst and unspoken feelings and stolen kisses.Jack is glowering (dark;showing a brooding ill humor) and fits the strong alpha male type that sets you on fire.Grumpy,sassy but extremely adorable when he admits how he feels,he is pure perfection!Cameron is also a great,hilarious and relatable heroine and holy moly their chemistry is off.the.charts!!They are so stubborn that they keep fighting and bickering and driving each other crazy,until they embrace their feelings!I also loved the secondary characters,Amy and Collin and Wilkins are fantastic!!
“Jack turned to Cameron. "Do you just line them up, waiting to yell at me, on the off chance I'll stop by?”
Even though we learned pretty soon who the killer was,there was suspense and action,and secrets and betrayal that made Something About You a nice romantic suspense novel.My instinct about Julie James was right;I have found a new favorite romance author!!
September 13, 2016
4.5 stars!
Thank you Katerina for recommending this book! I have truly fallen in love with Jack Pallas. But maybe I shouldn't have started this book at 11pm. By the time I reached the climax (double entendre lol), it was 3 am. Not the best time to read about men hiding in your closet, let me tell you. My heart was beating so fast and I was so paranoid I had to turn on the lights!
Sometimes, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde has the most rotten luck. She just wanted to pamper herself in a five star hotel without becoming a prime witness to a high profile murder case for a day. Is it too much to ask for?
Now that she got herself involved, she's forced to interact with the one man who humiliated her three years ago because of a dropped drug syndicate case. Tall, dark, and glowering, FBI Special Agent Jack Pallas has no wish to get involved with Cameron, especially since he believes she's the reason he got shipped out from Chicago to Nebraska three years ago. But if they want to clear the senator's name and find the real culprit, he and Cameron will have to work closely together.
Lot of sexual tension here. The two "hate" each other, but it's pretty obvious that before things went to shit, they had something going on there. Those three years apart have not diminished their palpable chemistry, and now that they have to be in constant communication, they'll try to figure out if they can fight the strong they have over each other.
To be honest, I'm not that much of a romantic suspense fan since I freak out easily, but damn it, I couldn't put this book down! I had to know who killed Mandy, why he did it, and I wanted to see him and the rat get caught. The culprit's identity is revealed somewhere in the middle of the book, but there's still a suspense factor because we don't know what he'll do once he finds out Cameron's the star witness.
Jack freaking Pallas. Man, I love my male leads tall, dark, handsome, and brooding. Jack is all that. He was a freaking badass undercover agent and he knows how to kill you using a paperclip. He's sassy, has a sense of humor, and he's too damn hot. But I loved how thoughtful he was and how protective and caring and loving and oh my god I can't I have too much feels!
[image error]
Of course, we can't forget about Cameron. She's an amazing character; a smart, sexy, funny, strong female lead. Her dad was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty; because of it, she wanted to seek justice by making sure that people like the person who killed her father got the punishment they deserve.
The side characters were lovable, too! I loved Collin and Amy, and adored Jack's partner, Agent Wilkins. Collin and Amy were amazing friends to Cameron, and I loved their loyalty. Agent Wilkins seemed like Jack's total opposite, but it's what made them click. He was the good cop to Jack's bad cop persona.
Julie James writes great rapport between her characters. I love it! That's one of the things I loved about Practice Makes Perfect, and I'm glad I got to see that again in Something About You. She also writes strong female characters who excel in what they do. I love it! Plus, brooding male leads are my kryptonite. Thank you, Julie James.
Damn it, I want more Jack Pallas.
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In all my years with the army and the FBI, there's only been one person I've ever had any problems controlling myself around."
Thank you Katerina for recommending this book! I have truly fallen in love with Jack Pallas. But maybe I shouldn't have started this book at 11pm. By the time I reached the climax (double entendre lol), it was 3 am. Not the best time to read about men hiding in your closet, let me tell you. My heart was beating so fast and I was so paranoid I had to turn on the lights!
Sometimes, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde has the most rotten luck. She just wanted to pamper herself in a five star hotel without becoming a prime witness to a high profile murder case for a day. Is it too much to ask for?
Now that she got herself involved, she's forced to interact with the one man who humiliated her three years ago because of a dropped drug syndicate case. Tall, dark, and glowering, FBI Special Agent Jack Pallas has no wish to get involved with Cameron, especially since he believes she's the reason he got shipped out from Chicago to Nebraska three years ago. But if they want to clear the senator's name and find the real culprit, he and Cameron will have to work closely together.
Lot of sexual tension here. The two "hate" each other, but it's pretty obvious that before things went to shit, they had something going on there. Those three years apart have not diminished their palpable chemistry, and now that they have to be in constant communication, they'll try to figure out if they can fight the strong they have over each other.
To be honest, I'm not that much of a romantic suspense fan since I freak out easily, but damn it, I couldn't put this book down! I had to know who killed Mandy, why he did it, and I wanted to see him and the rat get caught. The culprit's identity is revealed somewhere in the middle of the book, but there's still a suspense factor because we don't know what he'll do once he finds out Cameron's the star witness.
Jack freaking Pallas. Man, I love my male leads tall, dark, handsome, and brooding. Jack is all that. He was a freaking badass undercover agent and he knows how to kill you using a paperclip. He's sassy, has a sense of humor, and he's too damn hot. But I loved how thoughtful he was and how protective and caring and loving and oh my god I can't I have too much feels!
[image error]
Of course, we can't forget about Cameron. She's an amazing character; a smart, sexy, funny, strong female lead. Her dad was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty; because of it, she wanted to seek justice by making sure that people like the person who killed her father got the punishment they deserve.
The side characters were lovable, too! I loved Collin and Amy, and adored Jack's partner, Agent Wilkins. Collin and Amy were amazing friends to Cameron, and I loved their loyalty. Agent Wilkins seemed like Jack's total opposite, but it's what made them click. He was the good cop to Jack's bad cop persona.
Julie James writes great rapport between her characters. I love it! That's one of the things I loved about Practice Makes Perfect, and I'm glad I got to see that again in Something About You. She also writes strong female characters who excel in what they do. I love it! Plus, brooding male leads are my kryptonite. Thank you, Julie James.
Damn it, I want more Jack Pallas.
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August 14, 2012
Another re-read. Yep, still a solid 4 stars. I wish she would write faster! Although she has a new one coming out soon. The two main characters have a past, and not a romantic past, at that. There was an attraction 3 years ago ... there still is. Jack is sexy, handsome, rugged! LOL. Everything I like in a hero. And he is a nice guy too. Cameron is beautiful, independent, strong... everything I like in a heroine.
Who the fuck is this guy. I need to stalk him on Pinterest!! LOL.
Julie James is an auto buy for me. Solid reads every time.
Sigh, a man who reads!
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW
**************************************************
Sometimes I am just in the mood for a nice, solid read of a good book with a good storyline, minimum sex and absolutely no BDSM or hidden agenda and stuff like that. Julie James definitely delivers. This was a re-read and was just as good the second time around. Look forward to her new book coming out very soon.
Who the fuck is this guy. I need to stalk him on Pinterest!! LOL.
Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago and she picked the one that would lead her back to him.
Julie James is an auto buy for me. Solid reads every time.
What really caught her attention were all the books. An entire wall of Jack's living took was filled with books - hundreds of them - organized neatly on dark mahogany shelves. More books rested on the lower shelf of his coffee table.
Sigh, a man who reads!
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW
**************************************************
Sometimes I am just in the mood for a nice, solid read of a good book with a good storyline, minimum sex and absolutely no BDSM or hidden agenda and stuff like that. Julie James definitely delivers. This was a re-read and was just as good the second time around. Look forward to her new book coming out very soon.
October 5, 2017
I listened to this audiobook. I really enjoyed this one. Sometimes you just need to listen to a nice love story that will end up all good. I love Julie James' style of writing..a lot of fun, cute dialogue, romance and some suspense all in one! I will definitely read/listen to more Julie James. She writes the kind of contemporary romance I like. I think I may have discovered a new favourite author in the romance genre!
June 30, 2016
Fun. Sexy. Sweet.
Julie James certainly made my addiction to her books reach a whole new level. Something About You is a real page-turner. It captured my imagination, made my heart pound furiously, and melted me into a puddle.
Cameron Lynde is an Assistant District Attorney who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was supposed to spend a relaxing night at luxury hotel, but turned out, she’d become the only witness to a crime that involved a U.S. senator. And when she thought her day couldn’t get any worse, then came Jack Palls, a man who made a comment on national television, told thirty million people that she had her head up her ass.
FBI Special Agent Jack Pallas was assigned to this murder investigation. He’d believed that Cameron was the one responsible for ruining his career three years ago. Given their history, how could he stay professional and handle this case like any other?
I loved almost everything about this story. It was fast-paced and it kept me engaged from the first page to the last. Jack is so wonderful, so sweet, and sinfully sexy. Some of the secondary characters nearly outshone the hero and heroine. The dialogue was smart, funny, and true to life.
Then why not 5 stars?
I really, really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but sadly, I just couldn’t. My reason was that I couldn’t quite convince myself that Cameron is a warm or gentle or tenderhearted person. Normally, I always admire strong heroines but I don’t know why it was so hard for me to warm up with her. Somehow I guess it might be because she has such a strong personality and that made me feel like she is half robot-half woman. I couldn’t pretend that her lack of feminine charm didn’t matter because it did, and that bothered me a lot.
However, this was a great romantic story with the perfect amount of suspense woven in, one of my engrossing reads. It was very well-written and I really enjoyed reading this book. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense story shouldn’t miss this one.
Julie James certainly made my addiction to her books reach a whole new level. Something About You is a real page-turner. It captured my imagination, made my heart pound furiously, and melted me into a puddle.
Cameron Lynde is an Assistant District Attorney who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was supposed to spend a relaxing night at luxury hotel, but turned out, she’d become the only witness to a crime that involved a U.S. senator. And when she thought her day couldn’t get any worse, then came Jack Palls, a man who made a comment on national television, told thirty million people that she had her head up her ass.
FBI Special Agent Jack Pallas was assigned to this murder investigation. He’d believed that Cameron was the one responsible for ruining his career three years ago. Given their history, how could he stay professional and handle this case like any other?
I loved almost everything about this story. It was fast-paced and it kept me engaged from the first page to the last. Jack is so wonderful, so sweet, and sinfully sexy. Some of the secondary characters nearly outshone the hero and heroine. The dialogue was smart, funny, and true to life.
Then why not 5 stars?
I really, really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but sadly, I just couldn’t. My reason was that I couldn’t quite convince myself that Cameron is a warm or gentle or tenderhearted person. Normally, I always admire strong heroines but I don’t know why it was so hard for me to warm up with her. Somehow I guess it might be because she has such a strong personality and that made me feel like she is half robot-half woman. I couldn’t pretend that her lack of feminine charm didn’t matter because it did, and that bothered me a lot.
However, this was a great romantic story with the perfect amount of suspense woven in, one of my engrossing reads. It was very well-written and I really enjoyed reading this book. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense story shouldn’t miss this one.
September 19, 2012
So this book caught my attention the other day when I read this quote: >>>> “More like a chocolate molten lava cake. A dessert so sinful, so luscious, so filled with inner heat it made a girl want to lick each and every crumb right off the plate. That was Jack Pallas.” and I realized that I really needed to meet that man! Soooo, this became my random rainy Saturday read and I was not dissappointed!
Here's how I see Jack to start us off:
The book was a delightful, fun, lighthearted read – a bit of a blend between murder mystery and romance.. so I guess that would make it romantic suspense although there isn’t anything that will put your heart in your throat. That being said, I still didn’t want to put it down.
Right from the beginning, it had me laughing… here are the opening lines of the book:
“Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago, and Cameron Lynde managed to find one next door to a couple having a sex marathon.
“Yes! Oh yes! YES!”
Cameron pulled the pillow over her head, thinking – as she had been thinking for the past hour and a half – that is had to end sometime. ”
Trying to take a break from her life, Cameron decides that a pampered weekend in a 5-star hotel would be just what she needs. Of course, its just her luck that she happens to be placed next door to the couple engaged in a loud, lengthy sex marathon. Unpleased, she phones the front desk to complain, but when security arrives, the guy is gone and the girl is dead. The FBI are called in and her luck keeps on coming when swoon-worthy Special Agent Jack Dallas walks through her door. With their rocky history from three years ago, neither of them are thrilled to be involved in the same case. But as things escalate with the investigation leading to scandals, hostage situations, witness protection, shootings and more, the sparks between begin them to fly…
“Jack clenched his jaw. “Christ, Cameon…. What the hell am I supposed to do when you look at me like that?”
“Ignore it. Stay focused on the fact that you hate me.
“I’m trying. I’m really trying here.”
The story started out strong with the writing style being fun, smooth and catchy. It is told from multiple POVs – including the killer’s. The storyline is pretty typical mystery format – engaging but not overly surprising, but its the BANTER that flew back and forth that was gold! Fast, witty, funny – it made the pages fly by.
“Glowering”—she liked that description. It was certainly more insightful than the generic “asshole” she’d been going with for the past three years.
Cameron was a strong, independent heroine. Jack was a hot, swoony hero. The book wasn’t overly focused on the sexual aspect of their relationship, but they also didn’t have any relationship crisis. There was a bit of steam (although I might have wished for some more), a lot of laughs, and some mystery… if you are a fan of romance but want to try out a quick, fun mystery, this would be a great read for you
Here's how I see Jack to start us off:
The book was a delightful, fun, lighthearted read – a bit of a blend between murder mystery and romance.. so I guess that would make it romantic suspense although there isn’t anything that will put your heart in your throat. That being said, I still didn’t want to put it down.
Right from the beginning, it had me laughing… here are the opening lines of the book:
“Thirty thousand hotel rooms in the city of Chicago, and Cameron Lynde managed to find one next door to a couple having a sex marathon.
“Yes! Oh yes! YES!”
Cameron pulled the pillow over her head, thinking – as she had been thinking for the past hour and a half – that is had to end sometime. ”
Trying to take a break from her life, Cameron decides that a pampered weekend in a 5-star hotel would be just what she needs. Of course, its just her luck that she happens to be placed next door to the couple engaged in a loud, lengthy sex marathon. Unpleased, she phones the front desk to complain, but when security arrives, the guy is gone and the girl is dead. The FBI are called in and her luck keeps on coming when swoon-worthy Special Agent Jack Dallas walks through her door. With their rocky history from three years ago, neither of them are thrilled to be involved in the same case. But as things escalate with the investigation leading to scandals, hostage situations, witness protection, shootings and more, the sparks between begin them to fly…
“Jack clenched his jaw. “Christ, Cameon…. What the hell am I supposed to do when you look at me like that?”
“Ignore it. Stay focused on the fact that you hate me.
“I’m trying. I’m really trying here.”
The story started out strong with the writing style being fun, smooth and catchy. It is told from multiple POVs – including the killer’s. The storyline is pretty typical mystery format – engaging but not overly surprising, but its the BANTER that flew back and forth that was gold! Fast, witty, funny – it made the pages fly by.
“Glowering”—she liked that description. It was certainly more insightful than the generic “asshole” she’d been going with for the past three years.
Cameron was a strong, independent heroine. Jack was a hot, swoony hero. The book wasn’t overly focused on the sexual aspect of their relationship, but they also didn’t have any relationship crisis. There was a bit of steam (although I might have wished for some more), a lot of laughs, and some mystery… if you are a fan of romance but want to try out a quick, fun mystery, this would be a great read for you
January 25, 2023
This was a nice easy read. It had a decent plot, good pacing, some suspense with an equal amount of steam and really funny side characters. The two mains had great chemistry, a good backstory, a bit of miscommunication *which I hate* that was resolved quickly and satisfactorily. Lots of funny and sexy banter, this was a very nostalgic read for me, back to before books became seriously sex heavy and the sex scenes way too graphic for my liking. There was a very balanced mix here with lots of push and pull within the love story, but it was wrapped up and gave us enough time with them together as a couple at the end. It had action and angst but not too much of either. This was a great palate cleanser and lighter read. Mid way between a hfn and hea, the final chapter acted as an epilogue (or may well have been, but I listened on scribd audio) and was very cute. The only thing that took away some points for me was that the entire intrigue or mystery was revealed to us as a reader early on. Because this was written in third person omniscient pov, we see into the murderers mind and know his motives and relive the murder from his perspective in chapter eight. I would have liked more mystery and sleuthing in this and less of the familiar contemporary romance tropes (forced proximity, fake dating and miscommunication). I always prefer external conflict to internal, however this book did offer both and the internal didn't feel annoying or contrived.
I recommend this as light fare, but not for anyone looking for a procedural type cop/lawyer romance, this wasn’t that.
Thanks to Inna for the reco, I didn’t hate it! Yay!
I recommend this as light fare, but not for anyone looking for a procedural type cop/lawyer romance, this wasn’t that.
Thanks to Inna for the reco, I didn’t hate it! Yay!
September 5, 2011
This was picked for our Smut Monday Club reading and even though I read it before, I wanted to read it with everyone again. I forgot how much I really liked this! Actually after reading this for the second time, I realized I loved it!
This is a simple, drama and frustration free, romance! There is no angst or love triangle to pull you hair out over! There is just snarky, witty, banter between the main characters, Cameron and Jack, and a fast, fun, and super-sexy plot.
Cameron is a prosecutor for the Chicago DA and happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She's staying in a fancy hotel, treating herself to some pampering while her hardwood floors are being re-done. Unfortunately for Cameron, she gets stuck next door to a very amorous couple that keeps her awake with their Viagra induced antics. At the end of all this, we're left with a dead woman, and a Senator for a suspect. Cameron ends up being the only potential witness in a high profile murder case with Jack Pallas, FBI agent, leading the investigation. This is Cameron's worst nightmare because she has a less than friendly history with glowering, but hunky, Agent Hottie, Jack! Don't worry, all this will be explained when you read this story (you must, by the way!).
I loved how well this story developed. You don't want to put this down! The plot is fast-paced and well-thought out, and the dialogue is smart and funny. And let's not forget Jack! Glowering, and darkly handsome, Jack! Who doesn’t lust after a hot, Alpha male in law enforcement?!! Loved this description of him: "a lean, muscular build and a face that was just barley saved from being almost too handsome by that five o'clock shadow." and then this one: "Rugged hotness, sex in a shoulder harness." So, yes, he was pretty much one of my favorite malefantasies characters! Cameron was also a worthy female lead. She was a strong, independent woman with a big heart and a lot of sass! There were so many quotes that had me laughing and sizzling! I laughed about this one:
Purple Hair stopped dusting blush over Cameron's cheeks. "Hold up. Are you talking about the dark-haired guy who came in with you? The one who searched me before I could do your makeup?" Cameron grimaced. "Sorry about that." "Don't be-it was the highlight of my month. That's the guy you're holding out on? Sweetie, you need to grab that stallion and ride him like a cowgirl."
Funny, I just had a vaguely similar conversation with my lovely GR friend, Laura, about cowboys! Haha!
So, if you like romance, with a smart plot, do yourself a favor and pick this one up! You won't be disappointed.
This is a simple, drama and frustration free, romance! There is no angst or love triangle to pull you hair out over! There is just snarky, witty, banter between the main characters, Cameron and Jack, and a fast, fun, and super-sexy plot.
Cameron is a prosecutor for the Chicago DA and happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She's staying in a fancy hotel, treating herself to some pampering while her hardwood floors are being re-done. Unfortunately for Cameron, she gets stuck next door to a very amorous couple that keeps her awake with their Viagra induced antics. At the end of all this, we're left with a dead woman, and a Senator for a suspect. Cameron ends up being the only potential witness in a high profile murder case with Jack Pallas, FBI agent, leading the investigation. This is Cameron's worst nightmare because she has a less than friendly history with glowering, but hunky, Agent Hottie, Jack! Don't worry, all this will be explained when you read this story (you must, by the way!).
I loved how well this story developed. You don't want to put this down! The plot is fast-paced and well-thought out, and the dialogue is smart and funny. And let's not forget Jack! Glowering, and darkly handsome, Jack! Who doesn’t lust after a hot, Alpha male in law enforcement?!! Loved this description of him: "a lean, muscular build and a face that was just barley saved from being almost too handsome by that five o'clock shadow." and then this one: "Rugged hotness, sex in a shoulder harness." So, yes, he was pretty much one of my favorite male
Purple Hair stopped dusting blush over Cameron's cheeks. "Hold up. Are you talking about the dark-haired guy who came in with you? The one who searched me before I could do your makeup?" Cameron grimaced. "Sorry about that." "Don't be-it was the highlight of my month. That's the guy you're holding out on? Sweetie, you need to grab that stallion and ride him like a cowgirl."
Funny, I just had a vaguely similar conversation with my lovely GR friend, Laura, about cowboys! Haha!
So, if you like romance, with a smart plot, do yourself a favor and pick this one up! You won't be disappointed.
January 1, 2022
Reread 11/15/22: stars. It’s a rare book that I can reread for a second time in the same year and still be just completely engrossed in the story. I hate this author for not continuing to write more books. Damn her and her amazing writing. Movies are sooooo overrated. Can anyone recommend someone similar?
Original: 4.5 stars. I really loved this story. It's smartly written and kept me engaged throughout. I loved that the characters were adults throughout - no immature behavior or idiocy. I also appreciated that the storyline wasn't totally predictable. There's no reason for me to leave a long review since I seem to be last to the party when reading this book.
Totally safe; no om/ow drama, no virgins, no cheating, hero not a manwhore, no scenes with om/ow.
Original: 4.5 stars. I really loved this story. It's smartly written and kept me engaged throughout. I loved that the characters were adults throughout - no immature behavior or idiocy. I also appreciated that the storyline wasn't totally predictable. There's no reason for me to leave a long review since I seem to be last to the party when reading this book.
Totally safe; no om/ow drama, no virgins, no cheating, hero not a manwhore, no scenes with om/ow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2013
4 Stars!
Cameron, Assistant US Attorney and Jack, FBI Special Agent, had a major disagreement while working together on a case three years before. Some of it got to national television and because of that Jack was transferred to Nebraska.
Now, after all this time, Cameron has to spend the night in a hotel and ends up being the key witness to an homicide next door. And since there’s a senator involved she ends up going to protective custody. Well, the detective responsible for the case is nothing more than Jack, who just got transferred back to Chicago and they both still have issues with the other.
But having to spend a lot of time together, they have time to solve their past problems and a lot of misunderstandings… and when all that is out of the way, they start to find out that they don’t dislike each other that much.
It may even be the opposite. And they’re both pretty cute finding that out.
I liked this book more than I was expecting. If I have one thing to say it’s just it should have kept the level of fun we’ve had in the beginning. I started to be completely hilarious and that just got lost with the book, and it was sad. Except for that, the story was sweet with some pretty heated moments and it got me hooked since the beginning.
Definitely, a series to follow.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: Not completely original and predictable at some points, but sweet, funny in some moments and with a nice “reading-flow”.
Writing Style: Third person. Several POV’s but mostly the main characters. Pretty engaging.
Character Development: although some minor annoyances, both characters are very likeable and their connection feels extremely real. The supportive cast is also good.
Steam: Starts late but it’s kind of hot when it eventually happens.
HEA:
Cameron, Assistant US Attorney and Jack, FBI Special Agent, had a major disagreement while working together on a case three years before. Some of it got to national television and because of that Jack was transferred to Nebraska.
Now, after all this time, Cameron has to spend the night in a hotel and ends up being the key witness to an homicide next door. And since there’s a senator involved she ends up going to protective custody. Well, the detective responsible for the case is nothing more than Jack, who just got transferred back to Chicago and they both still have issues with the other.
But having to spend a lot of time together, they have time to solve their past problems and a lot of misunderstandings… and when all that is out of the way, they start to find out that they don’t dislike each other that much.
It may even be the opposite. And they’re both pretty cute finding that out.
I liked this book more than I was expecting. If I have one thing to say it’s just it should have kept the level of fun we’ve had in the beginning. I started to be completely hilarious and that just got lost with the book, and it was sad. Except for that, the story was sweet with some pretty heated moments and it got me hooked since the beginning.
Definitely, a series to follow.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: Not completely original and predictable at some points, but sweet, funny in some moments and with a nice “reading-flow”.
Writing Style: Third person. Several POV’s but mostly the main characters. Pretty engaging.
Character Development: although some minor annoyances, both characters are very likeable and their connection feels extremely real. The supportive cast is also good.
Steam: Starts late but it’s kind of hot when it eventually happens.
HEA:
May 23, 2011
If you happened to read my review of Practice Makes Perfect you will already know the kind of book that you can expect from Julie James. Her chick-lit romance novels are very funny and full of witty banter with some wondefully quotable lines. You will also know if you read my other review that this book got a bit more graphic on the sex scenes. Of course, this isn't anything like a Lora Leigh novel but I've pointed out before that some of the best stories have no need to be overly graphic. This book had just the right amount of sexiness.
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as I enjoyed Practice Makes Perfect. I'm not sure what it was exactly but I found that for some reason I didn't relate to the female protagonist as much. There was nothing wrong with Cameron, she's another perfectly quirky and sarcastic heroine but I liked Payton more and it stood out somewhat when it came to my enjoyment of the novel. Don't get me wrong, I loved Something About You but where I was inching towards 5 stars with Practice Makes Perfect, I don't feel quite as generous with this novel.
The story is about a US attorney, Cameron, who is the key witness in a murder case (in a situation which is highly amusing, I assure you) and the FBI agent leading the investigation is none other than agent hottie who got transferred to Nebraska three years ago because Cameron almost screwed up his career. He's a sexy badass with a glowering look and a 5 o'clock shadow... stubble is the newest form of sex toy apparently seeing as I can't seem to escape it in what I've been reading lately.
Anyway, tensions are high, the sarcastic remarks are flying... but underneath it all there is still that undeniable: "god, I want to punch you in the face... and then have angry sex with you on the floor". What I've learned most from Julie James is that two people who hate each other are actually just looking for any excuse to have sex with one another.
I'm going to read a couple of serious books (who am I kidding? I'm reading Beauty Queens by Libba Bray) and then I'm going to move on to A Lot Like Love. And then I'll read a couple of other 'serious' books and, hopefully, by then Just the Sexiest Man Alive will have arrived from Amazon. Fun, fun, fun!
May 24, 2021
DNF at 34%
Nothing interesting has happened yet and I have already read over 100 pages. I'm getting bored with so much explanation of the crime committed that it still doesn't seem to have an end. 🙄🙃
I did not like the narrative either, so I will not continue with this series.
Nothing interesting has happened yet and I have already read over 100 pages. I'm getting bored with so much explanation of the crime committed that it still doesn't seem to have an end. 🙄🙃
I did not like the narrative either, so I will not continue with this series.
December 1, 2015
*Because my laptop is extremely screwy right now at home, I have to pick and choose which books to write reviews about [for the time being]. I loved this book with all my heart and it was so so so sexy...I really want to come back and add a review for it next week if I have time, and if nothing else I'd like to post some quotes. But, as it is, it's looking like just quotes. This truly saddens me, but I'd rather post something than nothing at all. :( I'll be back :P
After my extreme and totally unexpected disappointment that was The Raven King, this book brought back a smile to my face and made me immensely happy. For that, this book deserves all the stars.
And, ya know, another sexy mother fucker named Jack had my heart beating so fast I thought it was going to implode. :PPP
Thanks, darling Jennifer, for this wonderful Christmas gift ♥
RTC, if I can get my stupid laptop working
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August 17, 2013Another review dug out of the depths of the internet. Embarrassingly I couldn't remember anything about this book at all and then I got the end of the review and I was like "ahhh, Wilkens!" and it all came flooding back 😂
Just fair warning, my writing, in general, tends to be quite spoiler-heavy. This is partly because I like to discuss things in detail, and partly because I've just never been that spoiler-averse. The way I see it, if Romeo and Juliet can get away with giving away the ending in the opening paragraph, it can't be that big a deal.
That said, I was a little bit surprised by the fact that Something About You has a spoiler in its actual series title.
The book tells the story of Assistant US Attorney Cameron Lynde and badass FBI agent Jack Pallas. The title of the series, however, is the FBI/US Attorney series. So … umm … anybody what to guess what career changes Cameron might experience over the course of the book?
There's a lot I liked about Something About You, and a couple of things I was confused by. Okay, that's a lie, there was exactly one thing I was confused by: the title. Leaving aside the fact that I keep wanting to call it There's Something About You (I think possibly due to the unfortunate parallel with nineties sex comedy There's Something About Mary) I just couldn't quite work out how the title went with the book. Obviously I don't have a huge amount of experience here, but to me there's just nothing about the title which suggests, well, FBI agents or (Assistant) US Attorneys.
Obviously judging books by their titles is just as foolish as judging them by their covers (although not quite proverbially so), but to me the title Something About You conjures up a heartwarming story about a guy and a girl who have some kind of quirky chance encounter and get together after a series of unfortunate misadventures. Possibly involving a dog. It doesn't really suggest a story about an Assistant US Attorney who overhears a murder and is thrown back into contact with an FBI Agent who falsely believes that she ruined his career three years ago. Unless the current title is an abbreviation, and it was originally called Something About You Made Me Think, Three Years Ago, That You Had Intentionally Ruined My Career Because I Insulted You On Television, When In Fact You Had Not.
The other unusual thing about the book is that, rather than being dedicated to a friend, partner or family member, it is dedicated to “The jokers in the room next to me at the JW Marriott San Francisco – As you kept me awake with your antics, this is the book I wrote in my head.”
To which I say: fair play to you, Julie James. More people should respond to life's irritations by writing novels in which the people who irritated them get brutally murdered.
So yes, sticking to the age-old strategy of writing what you know, Ms James begins Something About You with her heroine in a hotel being kept awake by her neighbours having noisy sex. She is woken up again by almost-but-not-quite-the-same noises at three in the morning and, when she goes to the spyhole to see who has been keeping her up so late, she inadvertently catches a glimpse of a murderer leaving a crime scene.
Things evolve quickly from there. It turns out that the first set of noises that emanated from the room next door were caused by a senator having sex with a prostitute, while the second set of noises were caused by somebody else murdering said prostitute. For those who are keeping count, that's two out of three of the Romantic Suspense novels I've read so far that have opened with dead callgirls. Now I do appreciate that unregulated sex work is dangerous for all sorts of reasons, but … well … other people get murdered too, and the use of working girls as go-to victims in this sort of story is a trope which is not entirely unproblematic.
Anyway, senator, dead prostitute, scandal scandal. The political angle means that the FBI get involved (it would otherwise be a straight up murder case), and that puts Cameron back into contact with Jack Pallas, the FBI agent with whom she had been working a major mob case three years ago, and who had ultimately been demoted and posted to Dallas as a direct consequence of that case.
It occurs to me that I've actually read remarkably few romances in which the hero and heroine have an existing relationship. I think I can see why this is – it's the same basic reason that a lot of fantasy (particularly urban fantasy) tends to be told from the point of view of a relative ingénue, it's useful for the reader to be introduced to your central story elements at the same time your protagonists are so that they can understand what's happening as well as the characters do.
Of course the downside of this strategy is that it means you have to establish a lot very quickly. I've talked before about the confusion I tend to experience when, forty seconds after meeting the heroine, the hero suddenly becomes incapable of thinking about anything else. Jack's PoV in Something About You, therefore, made a lot more sense to me. He already knows who Cameron is, and he has some pretty good reasons to be thinking about her a lot because she's a witness in his case, and because he blames her for wrecking his life. And the way his anger towards her gets tangled up with his attraction to her feels emotionally plausible to me. In some books, I've found myself thinking “well yes, I get that he/she is hot, but don't you have some other rather more pressing concerns, like the murder/terrorists/crazy faery king?” In Pallas' case, however, Cameron is so intimately bound up with basically everything that's going on in his life – both in her current status as a witness and in the wider context of his career – that it makes perfect sense that his thoughts will keep coming back to her no matter the circumstances.
I mean, don't get me wrong. Boinking the witness you're supposed to be protecting, when you were specifically brought in because she's already had a gun to her head and the detectives protecting her weren't up to the job, isn't exactly the height of professionalism, but the book does a good job of maintaining a kind of plausible deniability. I think the basic rule is that if you have the characters say that they definitely can't do something often enough, it's okay when they eventually do it.
I really liked Jack. He seemed pretty alpha to me, but not in an asshole way. I didn't have a problem with his overprotectiveness because, well, it was kind what he was there for, and apart from their past disagreements, he seemed to respect Cameron's ability to do her job and her right to live her life. That said, his backstory is almost parodically over the top. The last time he and Cameron met, they'd been trying to prosecute this big mob boss called Martino. Jack had been undercover in Martino's gang, but his cover had been blown, and he'd wound up being captured and tortured. He escaped because one of the gangsters in charge of capturing and torturing him made the mistake of untying Jack's hands so that he could stab a kitchen knife through his arm. This gave Jack the opportunity to escape, using a knife that he had pulled out of his own arm in order to stab his captor to death, then stealing the guy's gun and shooting another seven dudes.
Now for what it's worth, Jack's torture at the hands of Martino and his gang is actually played very straight most of the time, and one of the things that interested me about the book was the fact that he seems to be genuinely affected by the experience, and Cameron treats the subject very sensitively with him. But he still escaped a gangland torture dungeon and shot seven dudes with a stolen gun that he held in his one good hand.
So umm, yeah. Don't screw with Jack Pallas, because he will shoot your ass.
The actual plot is relatively straightforward. It isn't really a mystery at all. You get scenes from the killer's PoV a few chapters in, and in a funny way you get the impression that catching the killer isn't really on anybody's agenda. This sounds like it would be annoying, but it actually makes a lot of sense in context. The FBI are involved because the crime had a blackmail angle and a senator was implicated, so as far as I could work out their primary concern wasn't so much catching a killer as making sure a senator didn't get stuck with a murder rap. And for that all they needed was Cameron to stay alive, they didn't actually need to solve the crime per se. There's a sort of unstated assumption that there is an investigation going on in the background, but since the identity of the killer isn't a mystery to the reader, and it's established fairly clearly that the cops basically have nothing to go on except Cameron's extremely vague description there's no real expectation that it will bear fruit. Instead the central narrative tension comes from the need to keep Cameron safe, and of course from her relationship with Jack (and, secondarily, from her relationships with her friends, of whom more later).
Thinking about it, I also weirdly liked the killer. I mean, he was a dick, but I think in suspense (romantic or otherwise) there's a tendency to dial up the nastiness of the villain to the point at which they become almost cartoonish. While the killer in Something About You was unpleasant, he wasn't gratuitously evil. He basically killed one person because she tried to double-cross him, then tried to kill the only witness. He does reflect briefly on how awesome and easy he found killing people, but at no point is it suggested that he's going to transform into a misogynistic serial killer. In a strange way, I could sort of empathise with his decisions. I mean obviously I don't condone murder, but he came across believably as a man who had got himself into a bad situation, and was mostly just panicking (ironically he'd probably have got away with the initial murder if he hadn't tried to silence the witness).
All of this adds up to a plot that is tense, tightly paced, and well grounded a set of believable characters. Which is, y'know, pretty cool.
I should probably also take a moment to express my appreciation for the supporting cast. Cameron has two friends who she's known since college, and they're both well articulated and interesting. There's Amy, who is currently in the middle of planning her wedding, and who gives a good impression of at once being meaningfully part of the heroine's life and also clearly having her own stuff going on. Then there's Collin, who manages to be a Gay Best Friend without falling particularly into Gay Best Friend stereotypes – he's a sports writer, he's not remotely effeminate (not that there's anything wrong with men, gay or otherwise, being effeminate) and he's clearly into Guy Stuff. Plus he gets his own relationship arc over the course of the story in which he splits up and gets back together with his boyfriend and while it's very off-page, there's no sense that the book doesn't take it seriously.
Just as Cameron has her friends, Jack has his partner Wilkins. Wilkins was pretty cool – although there were times I wasn't sure what the author was trying to do with him. He's nicely distinct from Jack – he's African-American, uses four-dollar words and has eclectic interests including Collin's sports column and romantic comedies. At times his character seemed almost metatextual. There's a bit about 38% of the way into the Kindle edition when Jack is telling him that Cameron met another man at the mall, and Wilkins responds by telling Jack that he might be in trouble because Cameron's had a Meet Cute with another guy. I mean how can you not love a dude who talks about the events in the book he appears in using appropriate genre terminology.
Okay, maybe that's just me. But seriously I would totally read a Wilkins spinoff.
Everything I learned about life and love from reading Something About You: Never miss your best friend's wedding, even if you might get murdered. If you capture Jack Pallas, leave his hands tied and keep him away from sharp objects. If you commit a crime, and there's only one witness, and you don't know if she can identify you, trying to murder her probably isn't the best plan.
Just fair warning, my writing, in general, tends to be quite spoiler-heavy. This is partly because I like to discuss things in detail, and partly because I've just never been that spoiler-averse. The way I see it, if Romeo and Juliet can get away with giving away the ending in the opening paragraph, it can't be that big a deal.
That said, I was a little bit surprised by the fact that Something About You has a spoiler in its actual series title.
The book tells the story of Assistant US Attorney Cameron Lynde and badass FBI agent Jack Pallas. The title of the series, however, is the FBI/US Attorney series. So … umm … anybody what to guess what career changes Cameron might experience over the course of the book?
There's a lot I liked about Something About You, and a couple of things I was confused by. Okay, that's a lie, there was exactly one thing I was confused by: the title. Leaving aside the fact that I keep wanting to call it There's Something About You (I think possibly due to the unfortunate parallel with nineties sex comedy There's Something About Mary) I just couldn't quite work out how the title went with the book. Obviously I don't have a huge amount of experience here, but to me there's just nothing about the title which suggests, well, FBI agents or (Assistant) US Attorneys.
Obviously judging books by their titles is just as foolish as judging them by their covers (although not quite proverbially so), but to me the title Something About You conjures up a heartwarming story about a guy and a girl who have some kind of quirky chance encounter and get together after a series of unfortunate misadventures. Possibly involving a dog. It doesn't really suggest a story about an Assistant US Attorney who overhears a murder and is thrown back into contact with an FBI Agent who falsely believes that she ruined his career three years ago. Unless the current title is an abbreviation, and it was originally called Something About You Made Me Think, Three Years Ago, That You Had Intentionally Ruined My Career Because I Insulted You On Television, When In Fact You Had Not.
The other unusual thing about the book is that, rather than being dedicated to a friend, partner or family member, it is dedicated to “The jokers in the room next to me at the JW Marriott San Francisco – As you kept me awake with your antics, this is the book I wrote in my head.”
To which I say: fair play to you, Julie James. More people should respond to life's irritations by writing novels in which the people who irritated them get brutally murdered.
So yes, sticking to the age-old strategy of writing what you know, Ms James begins Something About You with her heroine in a hotel being kept awake by her neighbours having noisy sex. She is woken up again by almost-but-not-quite-the-same noises at three in the morning and, when she goes to the spyhole to see who has been keeping her up so late, she inadvertently catches a glimpse of a murderer leaving a crime scene.
Things evolve quickly from there. It turns out that the first set of noises that emanated from the room next door were caused by a senator having sex with a prostitute, while the second set of noises were caused by somebody else murdering said prostitute. For those who are keeping count, that's two out of three of the Romantic Suspense novels I've read so far that have opened with dead callgirls. Now I do appreciate that unregulated sex work is dangerous for all sorts of reasons, but … well … other people get murdered too, and the use of working girls as go-to victims in this sort of story is a trope which is not entirely unproblematic.
Anyway, senator, dead prostitute, scandal scandal. The political angle means that the FBI get involved (it would otherwise be a straight up murder case), and that puts Cameron back into contact with Jack Pallas, the FBI agent with whom she had been working a major mob case three years ago, and who had ultimately been demoted and posted to Dallas as a direct consequence of that case.
It occurs to me that I've actually read remarkably few romances in which the hero and heroine have an existing relationship. I think I can see why this is – it's the same basic reason that a lot of fantasy (particularly urban fantasy) tends to be told from the point of view of a relative ingénue, it's useful for the reader to be introduced to your central story elements at the same time your protagonists are so that they can understand what's happening as well as the characters do.
Of course the downside of this strategy is that it means you have to establish a lot very quickly. I've talked before about the confusion I tend to experience when, forty seconds after meeting the heroine, the hero suddenly becomes incapable of thinking about anything else. Jack's PoV in Something About You, therefore, made a lot more sense to me. He already knows who Cameron is, and he has some pretty good reasons to be thinking about her a lot because she's a witness in his case, and because he blames her for wrecking his life. And the way his anger towards her gets tangled up with his attraction to her feels emotionally plausible to me. In some books, I've found myself thinking “well yes, I get that he/she is hot, but don't you have some other rather more pressing concerns, like the murder/terrorists/crazy faery king?” In Pallas' case, however, Cameron is so intimately bound up with basically everything that's going on in his life – both in her current status as a witness and in the wider context of his career – that it makes perfect sense that his thoughts will keep coming back to her no matter the circumstances.
I mean, don't get me wrong. Boinking the witness you're supposed to be protecting, when you were specifically brought in because she's already had a gun to her head and the detectives protecting her weren't up to the job, isn't exactly the height of professionalism, but the book does a good job of maintaining a kind of plausible deniability. I think the basic rule is that if you have the characters say that they definitely can't do something often enough, it's okay when they eventually do it.
I really liked Jack. He seemed pretty alpha to me, but not in an asshole way. I didn't have a problem with his overprotectiveness because, well, it was kind what he was there for, and apart from their past disagreements, he seemed to respect Cameron's ability to do her job and her right to live her life. That said, his backstory is almost parodically over the top. The last time he and Cameron met, they'd been trying to prosecute this big mob boss called Martino. Jack had been undercover in Martino's gang, but his cover had been blown, and he'd wound up being captured and tortured. He escaped because one of the gangsters in charge of capturing and torturing him made the mistake of untying Jack's hands so that he could stab a kitchen knife through his arm. This gave Jack the opportunity to escape, using a knife that he had pulled out of his own arm in order to stab his captor to death, then stealing the guy's gun and shooting another seven dudes.
Now for what it's worth, Jack's torture at the hands of Martino and his gang is actually played very straight most of the time, and one of the things that interested me about the book was the fact that he seems to be genuinely affected by the experience, and Cameron treats the subject very sensitively with him. But he still escaped a gangland torture dungeon and shot seven dudes with a stolen gun that he held in his one good hand.
So umm, yeah. Don't screw with Jack Pallas, because he will shoot your ass.
The actual plot is relatively straightforward. It isn't really a mystery at all. You get scenes from the killer's PoV a few chapters in, and in a funny way you get the impression that catching the killer isn't really on anybody's agenda. This sounds like it would be annoying, but it actually makes a lot of sense in context. The FBI are involved because the crime had a blackmail angle and a senator was implicated, so as far as I could work out their primary concern wasn't so much catching a killer as making sure a senator didn't get stuck with a murder rap. And for that all they needed was Cameron to stay alive, they didn't actually need to solve the crime per se. There's a sort of unstated assumption that there is an investigation going on in the background, but since the identity of the killer isn't a mystery to the reader, and it's established fairly clearly that the cops basically have nothing to go on except Cameron's extremely vague description there's no real expectation that it will bear fruit. Instead the central narrative tension comes from the need to keep Cameron safe, and of course from her relationship with Jack (and, secondarily, from her relationships with her friends, of whom more later).
Thinking about it, I also weirdly liked the killer. I mean, he was a dick, but I think in suspense (romantic or otherwise) there's a tendency to dial up the nastiness of the villain to the point at which they become almost cartoonish. While the killer in Something About You was unpleasant, he wasn't gratuitously evil. He basically killed one person because she tried to double-cross him, then tried to kill the only witness. He does reflect briefly on how awesome and easy he found killing people, but at no point is it suggested that he's going to transform into a misogynistic serial killer. In a strange way, I could sort of empathise with his decisions. I mean obviously I don't condone murder, but he came across believably as a man who had got himself into a bad situation, and was mostly just panicking (ironically he'd probably have got away with the initial murder if he hadn't tried to silence the witness).
All of this adds up to a plot that is tense, tightly paced, and well grounded a set of believable characters. Which is, y'know, pretty cool.
I should probably also take a moment to express my appreciation for the supporting cast. Cameron has two friends who she's known since college, and they're both well articulated and interesting. There's Amy, who is currently in the middle of planning her wedding, and who gives a good impression of at once being meaningfully part of the heroine's life and also clearly having her own stuff going on. Then there's Collin, who manages to be a Gay Best Friend without falling particularly into Gay Best Friend stereotypes – he's a sports writer, he's not remotely effeminate (not that there's anything wrong with men, gay or otherwise, being effeminate) and he's clearly into Guy Stuff. Plus he gets his own relationship arc over the course of the story in which he splits up and gets back together with his boyfriend and while it's very off-page, there's no sense that the book doesn't take it seriously.
Just as Cameron has her friends, Jack has his partner Wilkins. Wilkins was pretty cool – although there were times I wasn't sure what the author was trying to do with him. He's nicely distinct from Jack – he's African-American, uses four-dollar words and has eclectic interests including Collin's sports column and romantic comedies. At times his character seemed almost metatextual. There's a bit about 38% of the way into the Kindle edition when Jack is telling him that Cameron met another man at the mall, and Wilkins responds by telling Jack that he might be in trouble because Cameron's had a Meet Cute with another guy. I mean how can you not love a dude who talks about the events in the book he appears in using appropriate genre terminology.
Okay, maybe that's just me. But seriously I would totally read a Wilkins spinoff.
Everything I learned about life and love from reading Something About You: Never miss your best friend's wedding, even if you might get murdered. If you capture Jack Pallas, leave his hands tied and keep him away from sharp objects. If you commit a crime, and there's only one witness, and you don't know if she can identify you, trying to murder her probably isn't the best plan.
April 22, 2011
This is my first book by author Julie James, so I had no idea what to expect. I know she has legions of readers who love her stories, so that left me hopeful.
I'm so glad I read this book! It was fun from cover to cover. I laughed. I laughed some more. I got a little worried here and there about the safety of our hero and heroine. And I couldn't put it down, even with my own deadlines pending. (I took a vow not to stay up late unless I was making progress on my book. I don't think staying up till 2 AM reading this one aligns well with that vow.)
Cameron and Jake are thoroughly enjoyable characters with a past. I loved them both. Julie James has a unique voice that manages to infuse humor into almost any situation and which felt very real to me, especially when inside Cameron's head.
Cameron is like so many of us — a real contemporary heroine. She's also an idealist with a believable background that shapes her character throughout the story. Jack is completely swoon-worthy — an FBI agent determined to do his duty by Cameron, even though he blames her for the demise of a case that he'd all but given his life for three years earlier. These two have some seriously obstacles to overcome, and when they do and finally get horizontal together, it's delicious.
(Side note: I've met FBI guys up close and personal. Sadly none of them were like Jack. Suits? Yes. Guns? Yes. Personality? Um, no. Sexy? HA!)
I've heard that James' previous books didn't include the suspense element that ran through this book. Personally, I enjoyed the suspense, but then that's what I write, so I'm biased. This wasn't angsty, blood-soaked, guts-and-horror, tortured-special-ops-team suspense. Like Cameron, the story kept its sense of humor throughout, even while bringing us some heart-pounding moments. James' background as an attorney gave a sense of authenticity to the heroine's work, as well as the professional side of her relationship with Jack.
I absolutely loved the secondary characters, especially Collin, an openly gay man and one of Cameron's two best friends. He was a delight. One of the biggest laugh-out-loud moments for me involved him.
What didn't I like about the book? I can't find a single thing. I plan to read A Lot Like Love/ as soon as I get caught up with my own writing.
I'm so glad I read this book! It was fun from cover to cover. I laughed. I laughed some more. I got a little worried here and there about the safety of our hero and heroine. And I couldn't put it down, even with my own deadlines pending. (I took a vow not to stay up late unless I was making progress on my book. I don't think staying up till 2 AM reading this one aligns well with that vow.)
Cameron and Jake are thoroughly enjoyable characters with a past. I loved them both. Julie James has a unique voice that manages to infuse humor into almost any situation and which felt very real to me, especially when inside Cameron's head.
Cameron is like so many of us — a real contemporary heroine. She's also an idealist with a believable background that shapes her character throughout the story. Jack is completely swoon-worthy — an FBI agent determined to do his duty by Cameron, even though he blames her for the demise of a case that he'd all but given his life for three years earlier. These two have some seriously obstacles to overcome, and when they do and finally get horizontal together, it's delicious.
(Side note: I've met FBI guys up close and personal. Sadly none of them were like Jack. Suits? Yes. Guns? Yes. Personality? Um, no. Sexy? HA!)
I've heard that James' previous books didn't include the suspense element that ran through this book. Personally, I enjoyed the suspense, but then that's what I write, so I'm biased. This wasn't angsty, blood-soaked, guts-and-horror, tortured-special-ops-team suspense. Like Cameron, the story kept its sense of humor throughout, even while bringing us some heart-pounding moments. James' background as an attorney gave a sense of authenticity to the heroine's work, as well as the professional side of her relationship with Jack.
I absolutely loved the secondary characters, especially Collin, an openly gay man and one of Cameron's two best friends. He was a delight. One of the biggest laugh-out-loud moments for me involved him.
What didn't I like about the book? I can't find a single thing. I plan to read A Lot Like Love/ as soon as I get caught up with my own writing.
February 22, 2010
Something About You was a quick, fun read that I really enjoyed. Julie James has a writing style that makes you feel like you are either living the heroine's life or are her best friend because she includes a lot of mundane and funny inner thought processes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde and FBI agent Jack Pallas don't exactly have a good past after he embarrassed her on national television because she didn't bring an important case to trial. Three years later, Cameron is staying at a hotel when there is a murder in the next room and she catches a glance at the murderer. As luck would have it, FBI agent Jack Pallas happens to be the agent in charge. Cameron and Jack trade barbs with each other as Jack interviews her. Cameron is placed under protection by the local police while Jack tries to solve the crime.
Cameron and Jack are forced through circumstances to spend a lot of time together, where they find much to their dismay that they have an irresistable attraction to each other. After Cameron's life is put in jepardy, Jack goes into full protection mode because she has become important to him. But will Cameron and Jack figure out who the murderer is before he has a chance to get to them?
This was such a fun read! I enjoyed the witty banter and funny inner thought processes. It's a fast read without a lot of extraneous details but the core characters are very engaging. I really enjoyed both Cameron and Jack, they had so much chemistry together. There was a love scene in the book for those afraid of her "fade to black" books, though it wasn't too detailed. There was a lot of sexual tension and fun interludes to enjoy, as the attraction between Jack and Cameron just had to explode sometime.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, fast-paced contemporary romance. It's a fun way to spend a few hours!
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde and FBI agent Jack Pallas don't exactly have a good past after he embarrassed her on national television because she didn't bring an important case to trial. Three years later, Cameron is staying at a hotel when there is a murder in the next room and she catches a glance at the murderer. As luck would have it, FBI agent Jack Pallas happens to be the agent in charge. Cameron and Jack trade barbs with each other as Jack interviews her. Cameron is placed under protection by the local police while Jack tries to solve the crime.
Cameron and Jack are forced through circumstances to spend a lot of time together, where they find much to their dismay that they have an irresistable attraction to each other. After Cameron's life is put in jepardy, Jack goes into full protection mode because she has become important to him. But will Cameron and Jack figure out who the murderer is before he has a chance to get to them?
This was such a fun read! I enjoyed the witty banter and funny inner thought processes. It's a fast read without a lot of extraneous details but the core characters are very engaging. I really enjoyed both Cameron and Jack, they had so much chemistry together. There was a love scene in the book for those afraid of her "fade to black" books, though it wasn't too detailed. There was a lot of sexual tension and fun interludes to enjoy, as the attraction between Jack and Cameron just had to explode sometime.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, fast-paced contemporary romance. It's a fun way to spend a few hours!
March 18, 2011
A list of my favorite things:
1. Mondays
2. Smut
3. Glowering men
4. Stories sans love triangles
5. Mondays
6. Smut
7. Motorcyle riding men
8. Witty characters with tons of chemistry
9. Mondays
10.Smut
Well look at that! Something About You clears the list! :D
This book was a perfect kick-off to Smut Monday. I really enjoyed Cameron and Jack’s story, and let me just get this out of the way… They were HOT! I loved the chemistry and witty banter between these two protags. Their moments and conversations had me re-reading several choice scenes. ~blushes~
Also, this book was a constant high with very little downtime, which caused me to breeze right through the pages enjoying every minute of action and intrigue.
I really liked how Julie James didn’t draw out the drama, especially between Cameron and Jack’s past. It was presented and resolved pretty quickly leaving room for the good stuff, which was their off the charts chemistry and slow building romance.
All very well done and I can't wait to read the next book in this FBI series. Nothing better to squash the Monday blues than a good dose of smut. :D
Happy Smut Monday!
1. Mondays
2. Smut
3. Glowering men
4. Stories sans love triangles
5. Mondays
6. Smut
7. Motorcyle riding men
8. Witty characters with tons of chemistry
9. Mondays
10.Smut
Well look at that! Something About You clears the list! :D
This book was a perfect kick-off to Smut Monday. I really enjoyed Cameron and Jack’s story, and let me just get this out of the way… They were HOT! I loved the chemistry and witty banter between these two protags. Their moments and conversations had me re-reading several choice scenes. ~blushes~
Also, this book was a constant high with very little downtime, which caused me to breeze right through the pages enjoying every minute of action and intrigue.
I really liked how Julie James didn’t draw out the drama, especially between Cameron and Jack’s past. It was presented and resolved pretty quickly leaving room for the good stuff, which was their off the charts chemistry and slow building romance.
All very well done and I can't wait to read the next book in this FBI series. Nothing better to squash the Monday blues than a good dose of smut. :D
Happy Smut Monday!
March 11, 2010
3 1/2 stars
When I added this book to my GR bookshelves, I put it in the "romantic suspense" shelf because what else should I think considering that the hero is an FBI agent and the heroine is an assistant U.S. attorney, right? Well, now that I finished reading it, I had to move it from the "romantic suspense" shelf to the straight "contemporary romance" shelf, because the suspense is almost nonexistent - the reader is aware of who the bad guy is and what his next moves are all the time. To be strict, the romance isn't that strong either - it was nowhere to be seen in the first half of the story and it didn't take my breath away when it finally started - but I think "contemporary romance" is the genre that fits this book the most.
Overall, everything in the story was kind of subdued, I don't know exactly how to explain it. Strangely enough, that didn't make reading the book boring and I actually had fun doing it - mostly because I liked the main characters (Jack, Cameron, his partner Wilkins, her friends Collin and Amy). I enjoyed "watching" their interactions and wouldn't mind having them as RL friends. Ms. James's solid writing helped the plot to move smoothly and easily, without major bumps in the way, but she could have used a bit more showing than telling. Jack's and Cameron's reminiscences about the past read like a recap sometimes, not the most exciting way to find out about a character's history.
All things considered, this was a good read. I didn't love it like many of my GR friends did, but it's still a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for a nice contemporary romance.
When I added this book to my GR bookshelves, I put it in the "romantic suspense" shelf because what else should I think considering that the hero is an FBI agent and the heroine is an assistant U.S. attorney, right? Well, now that I finished reading it, I had to move it from the "romantic suspense" shelf to the straight "contemporary romance" shelf, because the suspense is almost nonexistent - the reader is aware of who the bad guy is and what his next moves are all the time. To be strict, the romance isn't that strong either - it was nowhere to be seen in the first half of the story and it didn't take my breath away when it finally started - but I think "contemporary romance" is the genre that fits this book the most.
Overall, everything in the story was kind of subdued, I don't know exactly how to explain it. Strangely enough, that didn't make reading the book boring and I actually had fun doing it - mostly because I liked the main characters (Jack, Cameron, his partner Wilkins, her friends Collin and Amy). I enjoyed "watching" their interactions and wouldn't mind having them as RL friends. Ms. James's solid writing helped the plot to move smoothly and easily, without major bumps in the way, but she could have used a bit more showing than telling. Jack's and Cameron's reminiscences about the past read like a recap sometimes, not the most exciting way to find out about a character's history.
All things considered, this was a good read. I didn't love it like many of my GR friends did, but it's still a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for a nice contemporary romance.
January 1, 2011
Alright, this book has a number of firsts for me. For instance, this was the first romantic suspense novel I have read and this is the first novel I have read from romance novel author, Julie James and it was definitely worth experiencing with! “Something About You” is a romantic suspense novel by Julie James and this book is definitely on the top of my favorite romance novels list as it is full of drama, action and hot, smoking romance that will send any romance fans' hearts aflutter!
U.S. Attorney, Cameron Lynde, was spending the night at a luxurious hotel to relax when she notices that a crime scene had happened in room 1308, the room that Cameron was right next to and Cameron realizes that a prostitute named Mandy Lobard was murdered in room 1308 after she was making love to Senator Hodges! Since Cameron was the only person who saw the mysterious person running away from the scene of the crime, she is a witness to this crime and to add on to her troubles, she finds out that Special Agent Jack Pallas has come back to Chicago to get to the bottom of this high-profiled homicide. The problem with this arrangement is that Jack and Cameron have been enemies ever since three years ago when Jack made an unflattering statement about Cameron's involvement with the case of Roberto Martino being mysteriously dismissed all over national television! Now, Jack and Cameron are finally reunited with each other, but can they rekindled the flame between them that was distinguished three years ago?
Recently, I have been reading many historical and paranormal romance novels and I have enjoyed reading each one! Now, I have stumbled upon a romantic suspense novel that I have literally stayed up most of the night trying to finish because this was such a fantastic and exciting book! There were many things about this novel that really interested me, but what really interested me the most was the history about the author, Julie James and how she was able to incorporate the inner workings of law firms into this novel. Julie James had once clerked for the United States Court of Appeals in Jacksonville, Florida and has practiced law for many years before she become a writer. I thought it was awesome seeing how Julie James was able to add in her experiences in the law firm through this book because not only did it made this novel up for some good reading, but it also made this novel so authentic that I was immensely into learning about the system of the law firm. Julie James did an awesome job at balancing the romance and the mystery plots of this novel without making it favor towards one of the plots and it just created an exciting drama that I really cannot get over!
What I really loved about this novel were the main characters, Jack Pallas and Cameron Lynde. I thought that the relationship between Jack and Cameron was extremely interesting since this was the first romance novel I have read where the plot involves a couple trying to rekindle a flame that was distinguished between them years ago and I loved the pace of how these two try to get back together as a couple without going through it too fast. What was so awesome about Cameron and Jack's relationship was that Jack was willing to put his life on the line to protect Cameron and that is one aspect of a romance hero that really tops my heroes list and a guy I would not mind protecting me! Also, to top that, who would have thought that Jack would look so sexy in his casual jeans and t-shirt wearing outfit that exposes the ripples of his muscles? That is pure romantic hero heaven right there! I also loved the heroine Cameron as she is intelligent and is extremely loyal to Jack, as she truly trusts him with her life. If there is anything in this novel that made this novel a hot and sizzling read, it was the sex scenes between Jack and Cameron and man were they sizzling!
For anyone who does not approve of sex scenes, this book is littered with it and also there is some pretty strong language in this novel. So anyone who do not approve of sex scenes and languages could skip over these.
Overall, “Something About You” is a truly brilliant crime romance novel that anyone who is looking for action as well as hot romance can easily enjoy!
And I like to thank my GR friend, Autumn for recommending me this book!!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
U.S. Attorney, Cameron Lynde, was spending the night at a luxurious hotel to relax when she notices that a crime scene had happened in room 1308, the room that Cameron was right next to and Cameron realizes that a prostitute named Mandy Lobard was murdered in room 1308 after she was making love to Senator Hodges! Since Cameron was the only person who saw the mysterious person running away from the scene of the crime, she is a witness to this crime and to add on to her troubles, she finds out that Special Agent Jack Pallas has come back to Chicago to get to the bottom of this high-profiled homicide. The problem with this arrangement is that Jack and Cameron have been enemies ever since three years ago when Jack made an unflattering statement about Cameron's involvement with the case of Roberto Martino being mysteriously dismissed all over national television! Now, Jack and Cameron are finally reunited with each other, but can they rekindled the flame between them that was distinguished three years ago?
Recently, I have been reading many historical and paranormal romance novels and I have enjoyed reading each one! Now, I have stumbled upon a romantic suspense novel that I have literally stayed up most of the night trying to finish because this was such a fantastic and exciting book! There were many things about this novel that really interested me, but what really interested me the most was the history about the author, Julie James and how she was able to incorporate the inner workings of law firms into this novel. Julie James had once clerked for the United States Court of Appeals in Jacksonville, Florida and has practiced law for many years before she become a writer. I thought it was awesome seeing how Julie James was able to add in her experiences in the law firm through this book because not only did it made this novel up for some good reading, but it also made this novel so authentic that I was immensely into learning about the system of the law firm. Julie James did an awesome job at balancing the romance and the mystery plots of this novel without making it favor towards one of the plots and it just created an exciting drama that I really cannot get over!
What I really loved about this novel were the main characters, Jack Pallas and Cameron Lynde. I thought that the relationship between Jack and Cameron was extremely interesting since this was the first romance novel I have read where the plot involves a couple trying to rekindle a flame that was distinguished between them years ago and I loved the pace of how these two try to get back together as a couple without going through it too fast. What was so awesome about Cameron and Jack's relationship was that Jack was willing to put his life on the line to protect Cameron and that is one aspect of a romance hero that really tops my heroes list and a guy I would not mind protecting me! Also, to top that, who would have thought that Jack would look so sexy in his casual jeans and t-shirt wearing outfit that exposes the ripples of his muscles? That is pure romantic hero heaven right there! I also loved the heroine Cameron as she is intelligent and is extremely loyal to Jack, as she truly trusts him with her life. If there is anything in this novel that made this novel a hot and sizzling read, it was the sex scenes between Jack and Cameron and man were they sizzling!
For anyone who does not approve of sex scenes, this book is littered with it and also there is some pretty strong language in this novel. So anyone who do not approve of sex scenes and languages could skip over these.
Overall, “Something About You” is a truly brilliant crime romance novel that anyone who is looking for action as well as hot romance can easily enjoy!
And I like to thank my GR friend, Autumn for recommending me this book!!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
May 18, 2021
3.75-4 stars
JJ’s Something About You thoroughly delivers both the steamy🔥 & the suspense in good measure (albeit predictable with the suspense as the reader is clued in first yet believable enough to be entertained while waiting for the other shoe to drop) with a sassy, smart heroine & a grumpy, protective hero.
SAY has been a little tough for me to decide how to rate it. This evening, I have been trying to figure out what has me resisting going over 4 stars, because there really isn’t anything wrong with it or complain worthy per se for what it is. Best thing I can come up with is, for my personal preferences, I think is that I was missing a little swoon & feels, & perhaps a little better sense of Jack, besides being an FBI agent. But those points are pretty minor because honestly, I’m still pretty satisfied with the read.
I’m really enjoying JJ’s writing style. Though their stories are quite different, hers is probably the most satisfyingly similar to Lauren Layne’s I’ve come across. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
JJ’s Something About You thoroughly delivers both the steamy🔥 & the suspense in good measure (albeit predictable with the suspense as the reader is clued in first yet believable enough to be entertained while waiting for the other shoe to drop) with a sassy, smart heroine & a grumpy, protective hero.
SAY has been a little tough for me to decide how to rate it. This evening, I have been trying to figure out what has me resisting going over 4 stars, because there really isn’t anything wrong with it or complain worthy per se for what it is. Best thing I can come up with is, for my personal preferences, I think is that I was missing a little swoon & feels, & perhaps a little better sense of Jack, besides being an FBI agent. But those points are pretty minor because honestly, I’m still pretty satisfied with the read.
I’m really enjoying JJ’s writing style. Though their stories are quite different, hers is probably the most satisfyingly similar to Lauren Layne’s I’ve come across. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
February 18, 2017
4/5 stars
reread:
15/01/19
This is such an enjoyable series, the books (I amend; the ones I've read so far in this series) always begin with the two main characters hating each other and slowly (please note; slowly) a romantic relationship begins to bloom. I love this particular trope because it makes the end of the book and the eventually relationship, so much more heart felt.
I feel like this series combines all the best things in a trashy romance book; angsty, heart felt emotions, attractive males, hilarious banter, and kick-ass professional women with bloody kick-ass careers.
This novel centres around Jack and Cameron who had worked together prior to the beginning of the story and both have held a severe grudge after Jack publicly humiliates Cameron on live news as he holds her to blame for almost ruining his career.
They meet again after Cameron accidentally witnesses a murder and Jack, as a FBI agent, is called in to question her. The whole book is filled with banter and mistaken assumptions. When Cameron survives an attempt on her life after her involvement as a witness is leaked, Jack moves in and becomes her personal body guard of sorts. Predictably, they slowly begin to fall more and more in love.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and this will be my go to trashy romance series.
“I’ve licked stamps who were more excited than you by that kiss.”
reread:
15/01/19
This is such an enjoyable series, the books (I amend; the ones I've read so far in this series) always begin with the two main characters hating each other and slowly (please note; slowly) a romantic relationship begins to bloom. I love this particular trope because it makes the end of the book and the eventually relationship, so much more heart felt.
I feel like this series combines all the best things in a trashy romance book; angsty, heart felt emotions, attractive males, hilarious banter, and kick-ass professional women with bloody kick-ass careers.
This novel centres around Jack and Cameron who had worked together prior to the beginning of the story and both have held a severe grudge after Jack publicly humiliates Cameron on live news as he holds her to blame for almost ruining his career.
They meet again after Cameron accidentally witnesses a murder and Jack, as a FBI agent, is called in to question her. The whole book is filled with banter and mistaken assumptions. When Cameron survives an attempt on her life after her involvement as a witness is leaked, Jack moves in and becomes her personal body guard of sorts. Predictably, they slowly begin to fall more and more in love.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and this will be my go to trashy romance series.
March 8, 2010
Julie James is definitely one of my new favorite authors. I also think that it's safe to say that she's officially one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. And trust me, that's quite a feat. Contemporary romance is probably my favorite genre, yet for some reason almost none of my favorite authors are writers of contemporary romance. I think I might be harsher on them because I love that genre the most. Well, congratulations, Julie James, because you have succeeded where many have failed, and you are now a definite auto-buy for me.
I want Jack Pallas's babies. He's so...Jack. He's intense, sexual, intensely sexual, intelligent, fierce, loyal, sarcastic, focused, and just, well, sexy. How could you not want that man's babies!? If for nothing else, I would love Julie James simply because she created Jack Pallas. I mean, really. Bravo.
Cameron is one of my favorite heroines in a long time. She was great, as I've realized that all James's heroines are. She is sassy, witty, smart, caring, loyal, determined, brave, and well, she's pretty damn sexy too! I definitely have a girlie crush on Cameron Lynde.
I absolutely adored two of the secondary characters, too--Collin and Wilkins. They were so adorable and funny. Amy, a.k.a. Bridezilla, was pretty awesome, too, if I do say so myself.
I have to say, I was very, very pleased with the sex in this book. In Just the Sexiest Man Alive and Practice Makes Perfect, there were not a lot of details about the sex. It was more like it was mentioned that they were having sex and you had to fill in the details yourself. With this book, though...Thank you, God. Because, while I love Jason and J.D., Jack is the one I particularly wanted all the sexual details on! Hey, I just noticed that all the heroes' names start with J so far! Anyway, back to the sex. So yeah, it was really great. That damn Cameron! So lucky!
Oh! And yay for the job upgrade for Cameron! And really yay for prosecuting That Case That Almost Ruined Jack's Career And Created Three Years Of Animosity Between Jack And Cameron! WHOOP!
So, yeah. Julie James is an Author Goddess. This book was totally and completely fantastic. So, Something About You, can I have your book babies? I'll give you a moment to think on that.
Favorite Quotes:
"See if you can find her keys," he told Wilkins.
"Are you kidding? What if she wakes up and sees me rummaging around in there? You don't touch the purse. The purse is sacrosanct."
(Jack and Wilkins, page 54)
A shoulder. He was going crazy over a fucking shoulder.
He swore, turning to Wilkins. "What's the deal with that sweater, anyway? Is there a reason she can't keep herself clothed? Did she buy the wrong size? Seriously, somebody needs to throw a coat over that woman." He shoved away from the bar. "I'm going to walk the room. Make sure everything is still secure."
(Jack, page 169)
"Congratulations, counselor," Jack said. "You deserve it."
She could tell from his tone that he was hiding something. "You knew already, didn't you?"
Jack laughed. "Okay, I knew. Davis let it slip that two agents in our office had been assigned your background check. I've had reservations every night this week at Spiaggia, waiting for Hodges to tell you. I figured you should finally get your dinner there, and this was the perfect reason."
Impossible man--being all sweet and everything. "I'm still trying to decide how I feel about the fact that you knew about this before I did."
"Don't be disappointed," Jack said. "The fact that I've been ridiculously proud of you for days doesn't change how excited you should be about this. Besides, I pretty much know everything. You should probably just start getting used to it."
"And on that note, I'm hanging up," Cameron said.
"Rushing me off so you can call Collin next?" Jack teased.
"No," she said emphatically.
Damn, her really did know everything.
(Jack and Cameron, page 303)
"Does this mean what I think it means?"
"I suppose that depends on what you think it means. If you think it means I'm asking you to move in with me, you'd be right." Her expression turned more serious. "If you also think it means that I wake up every morning wondering what I did to deserve having you back in my life, well, you'd be right about that, too."
(Jack and Cameron, page 305-306)
"We sort of come with the package," Collin explained. "Think of it as a collective gift from all of us to you" five bona fide annoying and overly intrusive new best friends."
"It's the gift that keeps on giving," Wilkins said.
Jack grinned. "I'm touched. Really. And since it appears I'm going to be moving in, let me be the first to say that all of you are always welcome at my and Cameron's house. Subject to a minimum of forty-eight hours prior notification."
(Collin, Wilkins, and Jack, page 307)
I want Jack Pallas's babies. He's so...Jack. He's intense, sexual, intensely sexual, intelligent, fierce, loyal, sarcastic, focused, and just, well, sexy. How could you not want that man's babies!? If for nothing else, I would love Julie James simply because she created Jack Pallas. I mean, really. Bravo.
Cameron is one of my favorite heroines in a long time. She was great, as I've realized that all James's heroines are. She is sassy, witty, smart, caring, loyal, determined, brave, and well, she's pretty damn sexy too! I definitely have a girlie crush on Cameron Lynde.
I absolutely adored two of the secondary characters, too--Collin and Wilkins. They were so adorable and funny. Amy, a.k.a. Bridezilla, was pretty awesome, too, if I do say so myself.
I have to say, I was very, very pleased with the sex in this book. In Just the Sexiest Man Alive and Practice Makes Perfect, there were not a lot of details about the sex. It was more like it was mentioned that they were having sex and you had to fill in the details yourself. With this book, though...Thank you, God. Because, while I love Jason and J.D., Jack is the one I particularly wanted all the sexual details on! Hey, I just noticed that all the heroes' names start with J so far! Anyway, back to the sex. So yeah, it was really great. That damn Cameron! So lucky!
Oh! And yay for the job upgrade for Cameron! And really yay for prosecuting That Case That Almost Ruined Jack's Career And Created Three Years Of Animosity Between Jack And Cameron! WHOOP!
So, yeah. Julie James is an Author Goddess. This book was totally and completely fantastic. So, Something About You, can I have your book babies? I'll give you a moment to think on that.
Favorite Quotes:
"See if you can find her keys," he told Wilkins.
"Are you kidding? What if she wakes up and sees me rummaging around in there? You don't touch the purse. The purse is sacrosanct."
(Jack and Wilkins, page 54)
A shoulder. He was going crazy over a fucking shoulder.
He swore, turning to Wilkins. "What's the deal with that sweater, anyway? Is there a reason she can't keep herself clothed? Did she buy the wrong size? Seriously, somebody needs to throw a coat over that woman." He shoved away from the bar. "I'm going to walk the room. Make sure everything is still secure."
(Jack, page 169)
"Congratulations, counselor," Jack said. "You deserve it."
She could tell from his tone that he was hiding something. "You knew already, didn't you?"
Jack laughed. "Okay, I knew. Davis let it slip that two agents in our office had been assigned your background check. I've had reservations every night this week at Spiaggia, waiting for Hodges to tell you. I figured you should finally get your dinner there, and this was the perfect reason."
Impossible man--being all sweet and everything. "I'm still trying to decide how I feel about the fact that you knew about this before I did."
"Don't be disappointed," Jack said. "The fact that I've been ridiculously proud of you for days doesn't change how excited you should be about this. Besides, I pretty much know everything. You should probably just start getting used to it."
"And on that note, I'm hanging up," Cameron said.
"Rushing me off so you can call Collin next?" Jack teased.
"No," she said emphatically.
Damn, her really did know everything.
(Jack and Cameron, page 303)
"Does this mean what I think it means?"
"I suppose that depends on what you think it means. If you think it means I'm asking you to move in with me, you'd be right." Her expression turned more serious. "If you also think it means that I wake up every morning wondering what I did to deserve having you back in my life, well, you'd be right about that, too."
(Jack and Cameron, page 305-306)
"We sort of come with the package," Collin explained. "Think of it as a collective gift from all of us to you" five bona fide annoying and overly intrusive new best friends."
"It's the gift that keeps on giving," Wilkins said.
Jack grinned. "I'm touched. Really. And since it appears I'm going to be moving in, let me be the first to say that all of you are always welcome at my and Cameron's house. Subject to a minimum of forty-eight hours prior notification."
(Collin, Wilkins, and Jack, page 307)
March 6, 2010
A really cute quick read with light-suspense and a romance-comedy storyline. And better yet, this time we get a good dose of steam between the H/h.
Asst US Attorney Cameron Lynde witnesses a murder, and then finds herself working with FBI agent Jack Pallas to bring the bad guys to justice. But Jack doesn't care for Cameron at all, as he blames her for nearly ruining his career three years earlier. Of course, as they work closely together their attraction to each other becomes more than they can resist.
Both Jack and Cameron were wonderful characters and the best part of the book. Likable, funny, smart and sexy when it counted. The dialog and chemistry between these two is where the magic really happens in this book, as the suspense storyline itself is pretty typical fluff we've read many times before.
This is a quick read at 307 pages, but it was all fun. And when the romance heated up between Jack and Cameron, the scenes don't quickly fade to black and move off stage like they did in this authors first book. (I never read the second book, so I can't comment on the steam level of it.) While this isn't a burning hot romance, fans of steamy romances will be well pleased. I know I was.
Asst US Attorney Cameron Lynde witnesses a murder, and then finds herself working with FBI agent Jack Pallas to bring the bad guys to justice. But Jack doesn't care for Cameron at all, as he blames her for nearly ruining his career three years earlier. Of course, as they work closely together their attraction to each other becomes more than they can resist.
Both Jack and Cameron were wonderful characters and the best part of the book. Likable, funny, smart and sexy when it counted. The dialog and chemistry between these two is where the magic really happens in this book, as the suspense storyline itself is pretty typical fluff we've read many times before.
This is a quick read at 307 pages, but it was all fun. And when the romance heated up between Jack and Cameron, the scenes don't quickly fade to black and move off stage like they did in this authors first book. (I never read the second book, so I can't comment on the steam level of it.) While this isn't a burning hot romance, fans of steamy romances will be well pleased. I know I was.
June 7, 2013
My reactions while reading this book were of two types.
A) Haha, Cameron and Jack are so funny and cute together!
B) What the heck just happened?
So, these are the two reactions that stuck with me throughout the whole book. I must say that Something about you is damn entertaining and hilarious. And believe me, you will love Cameron and Jack. Their witty banter will keep you filled till the very end!
“Cameron threw her hands up in frustration. “What is this so- called ‘look’?” Whatever it was, she was going to have to start taking extreme measures to guard against it.
Amy grinned. “You know the Tom and Jerry cartoon where Tom hasn’t eaten for days and he imagines Jerry looking like a ham? Kind of like that.”
Just don't mind my three stars, I don't know what's wrong with me but I've been giving three stars to a lot of books lately. I guess I'm expecting too much from a book.
Let's make it 3.5 stars, shall we?
For those of you who love crime solving witty agents, this is the perfect book for you!
A) Haha, Cameron and Jack are so funny and cute together!
B) What the heck just happened?
So, these are the two reactions that stuck with me throughout the whole book. I must say that Something about you is damn entertaining and hilarious. And believe me, you will love Cameron and Jack. Their witty banter will keep you filled till the very end!
“Cameron threw her hands up in frustration. “What is this so- called ‘look’?” Whatever it was, she was going to have to start taking extreme measures to guard against it.
Amy grinned. “You know the Tom and Jerry cartoon where Tom hasn’t eaten for days and he imagines Jerry looking like a ham? Kind of like that.”
Just don't mind my three stars, I don't know what's wrong with me but I've been giving three stars to a lot of books lately. I guess I'm expecting too much from a book.
Let's make it 3.5 stars, shall we?
For those of you who love crime solving witty agents, this is the perfect book for you!
August 3, 2015
*4.5 SIZZLING STARS*
"I wake up every morning wondering what I did to deserve having you back in my life."
It seems like I've been on a contemporary romance/adult reading spree the last few days and boy am I enjoying it! I loved that this was a mix between suspense and romance, including some pretty steamy scenes. If anyone knows some similar books to this one, please feel free to recommend because I literally slaughtered this novel in less than 5 hours lol.
Full review coming soon!
"I wake up every morning wondering what I did to deserve having you back in my life."
It seems like I've been on a contemporary romance/adult reading spree the last few days and boy am I enjoying it! I loved that this was a mix between suspense and romance, including some pretty steamy scenes. If anyone knows some similar books to this one, please feel free to recommend because I literally slaughtered this novel in less than 5 hours lol.
Full review coming soon!
January 31, 2018
I get the cover now :)
I haven’t reas this series in order, but the books can be read as standalone. Jack and Cameron were two of my favorites so far. Each book in the series is the same (love to have with humor) but different in its own way and I love all of them. Julie James really makes me laugh, every book is a gem.
There are steamy parts I don’t particularly care for but they’re just a teeny tiny bit and easily skipped (if you’re like me)
I haven’t reas this series in order, but the books can be read as standalone. Jack and Cameron were two of my favorites so far. Each book in the series is the same (love to have with humor) but different in its own way and I love all of them. Julie James really makes me laugh, every book is a gem.
There are steamy parts I don’t particularly care for but they’re just a teeny tiny bit and easily skipped (if you’re like me)
February 4, 2018
Enemies to lovers and all that...
I liked it, even though i wasn't quite into the whole 'suspense' crime thrillery thing for some reason...and I usually love mystery/thriller genre...but here, smth was off...maybe the pacing, or maybe it was just me...
In fact, I think it was me...😕 and i believe I would like the book more if the circumstances were better off...
My bad
October 13, 2016
This book is everything I want in a fun, lighthearted rom-com—witty banter, sizzling chemistry, a little bit of suspense, and a romance that delivers on every level. It’s part of my comfort reread series for a reason: no matter how many times I pick it up, it never fails to entertain.
If you’re looking for a feel-good romantic comedy with sharp dialogue, a great couple, and just the right amount of suspense, this is it. No wonder I keep coming back to it!
🎶 Bad Liar – Selena Gomez
🎶 Sparks Fly – Taylor Swift
🎶 Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
‐---‐------------------------------------------------------------------
I slways come back to this book and reread it for some much needed feelgood and warm feelings..
Love the premise, characters, and the romance ...
I don't know what the number of my reread is, but I know it won't be the last..
reread this as I needed some light and fun after finishing an emotional book
this was good as I remember it..
If you’re looking for a feel-good romantic comedy with sharp dialogue, a great couple, and just the right amount of suspense, this is it. No wonder I keep coming back to it!
🎶 Bad Liar – Selena Gomez
🎶 Sparks Fly – Taylor Swift
🎶 Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
‐---‐------------------------------------------------------------------
I slways come back to this book and reread it for some much needed feelgood and warm feelings..
Love the premise, characters, and the romance ...
I don't know what the number of my reread is, but I know it won't be the last..
reread this as I needed some light and fun after finishing an emotional book
this was good as I remember it..
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