Something About You by Julie James

You'll remember back in January I found myself surprised and delighted with Julie James' first two novels. I dubbed them "bibliocrack" because as far as cold Januaries and book slumps go, they were good for what ailed me and I eagerly anticipated Ms. James' third novel--Something About You. Fortunately, I didn't have long to wait. In fact, the longest part about it was sitting in my chair at work knowing the book had arrived that afternoon and was waiting at home for me. Now those are the things that really make the afternoon drag, you know? But I can't complain too much as I did get to curl up at the end of the night knowing that both laughter and love awaited me within the pages of this charming novel.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde has closed the deal on her latest case and is taking a much-needed one-night break at a local luxury hotel. But it turns out she picked the wrong hotel as she is kept up all night by her loudly carousing neighbors. After calling the front desk to complain and peeking out her door when security arrives, Cameron is surprised to see a figure retreating from the room next door. Not long after FBI agents take over the crime scene and Cameron is restricted to her room as the only potential eye-witness. But it isn't until Agent Jack Pallas walks into the room that she's sure things are going to hell in a hand basket. Three years ago she and Agent Pallas worked together on a case to bring down one of the biggest crime rings in Chicago. The case went down in flames and words were exchanged that could not be taken back. Jack's career was almost destroyed and he was transferred out to the boonies to defuse the situation. Now he's back in town and his primary eyewitness is the one woman he hates more than any other.

You can count on a good time with a Julie James book and that's what I love about them. The characters are incredibly likable. Even when they're hating on each other, you can tell that undercurrent of honest connection is going to win out. And, perhaps most likable of all, they don't make the too stupid to forgive move. Don't get me wrong, J.D. comes mighty close in Practice Makes Perfect. Dude, seriously? On no kind of level was that ever going to be a good idea. And yet I still love him at the end. And, honestly, I think we have to chalk this up to them all being essentially good guys. Sure they walk around acting cocky and slightly dangerous (in Jack's case certifiably lethal, actually) but they're at heart good guys with their priorities in the right place and their hearts firmly tethered to our girls'--an immensely endearing quality to this reader. Particularly when the girls are smart, educated, and deserving of a good guy's attentions and affection. It all combines to make me incredibly happy. And in Something About You we encounter perhaps the most likable of all. Both Cameron and Jack are so dang noble. It's impossible not to like them both from the very beginning. And as their violent dislike isn't actually that at all, but based on a monumental misunderstanding (and no real despicable acts on their parts), I found myself intensely fond of them both right away and it was fun for a change to just watch them remember everything they liked about each other as they worked together to solve the case. As always, James' secondary characters shine and these were possibly my favorites of hers. Cameron's friend Colin and Jack's partner Wilkins are solid and very intent on protecting their friends. Like I said, there's simply nothing not to like. Something About You is an utterly enjoyable read from cover to cover.


Linkage
Babbling About Books, and More Review
Book Binge Review
The Book Smugglers Review
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Dear Author Review
The Raving Readers Review
Smart Bitches Trashy Books Review
Tempting Persephone Review