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heabooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
A LOT LIKE LOVE is one of my favorite books and a perfect example of how excellent a writer Julie James is. I can't resist a fake dating trope because I love the tension created between the love interests and this was done well in this book. Nick and Jordan banter and spar throughout as they unsuspectingly begin to fall for each other. I loved the slow burn they have as they try to resist, especially Nick who doesn't do relationships because of his undercover work. But for all his bluster, Nick can't help but fall for Jordan's sarcasm, witty comebacks, and her selfless devotion to her brother. I loved Jack Pallas in SOMETHING ABOUT YOU but Nick embodies the tall, dark, and dangerous label. He's growly, rough, and a badass and the complete opposite of every guy Jordan has dated in the past. But Jordan is no snob and she recognizes the strong protector underneath the "don't fuck with me face". Nick might have some stereotypical ideas about being a man but he never hesitates to treat Jordan with respect and he doesn't back away from starting something real with Jordan. These two had so much chemistry and I'm glad they don't jump into things too fast.
From the first page I loved Jordan and she's the exact type of person I'd be friends with. The sarcasm and jokes exchanged with her brother were so great and even though the Rhodes family isn't good at communication and expressing their feelings, you can really feel the love between brother, sister, and father. On top of that, I loved how down to earth Jordan was. She might be the heiress to a fortune, but she never once looks down on Nick as being out of her league or not good enough for her; she takes people as they are on their own merits. And the way she flirts and banters with Nick during their fake dating was great. Jordan's not afraid to go after what she wants and she's confident in her own skin and that's incredibly sexy; something Nick doesn't miss.
I love everything about this book and for me, it's perfect. From the characters to the writing to the plot, it just checks all my boxes of an excellent romance. I can't recommend this book enough to anyone looking for a great contemporary romance with a light touch of suspense.
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Favorite Quotes:
“Boyfriend, huh? I didn’t realize we had taken things to that level.”
“Oh, I’m sorry—this is my first undercover operation,” Jordan said. “I’m a little unclear about the rules. Are we seeing other people in this fake relationship?”
- - - - -
He might’ve known zilch about cabernet, pinot, and all the other wine varietals, but her kiss was something he’d have no problem describing: luscious, rich, and tantalizing.
- - - - -
Jordan opened her mouth to say something, then shut it. She threw her hands into the air. “How do you always do that? You tiptoe right to the edge of thoroughly pissing me off, then somehow you sweet-talk your way out of it.”
- - - - -
You came into my life and messed the whole thing up and now I’m screwed. Because I’m in love with you. As in balls-out, head-over-heels, watching-Dancing-with-the-Stars -on-Monday-nights, wine-and-bubble-bath kind of love. Hell, I think I’d even wear a scarf indoors for you.”
Jordan smiled, her eyes misty, as she touched his cheek. “That’s the best kind of love.”
From the first page I loved Jordan and she's the exact type of person I'd be friends with. The sarcasm and jokes exchanged with her brother were so great and even though the Rhodes family isn't good at communication and expressing their feelings, you can really feel the love between brother, sister, and father. On top of that, I loved how down to earth Jordan was. She might be the heiress to a fortune, but she never once looks down on Nick as being out of her league or not good enough for her; she takes people as they are on their own merits. And the way she flirts and banters with Nick during their fake dating was great. Jordan's not afraid to go after what she wants and she's confident in her own skin and that's incredibly sexy; something Nick doesn't miss.
I love everything about this book and for me, it's perfect. From the characters to the writing to the plot, it just checks all my boxes of an excellent romance. I can't recommend this book enough to anyone looking for a great contemporary romance with a light touch of suspense.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“Boyfriend, huh? I didn’t realize we had taken things to that level.”
“Oh, I’m sorry—this is my first undercover operation,” Jordan said. “I’m a little unclear about the rules. Are we seeing other people in this fake relationship?”
- - - - -
He might’ve known zilch about cabernet, pinot, and all the other wine varietals, but her kiss was something he’d have no problem describing: luscious, rich, and tantalizing.
- - - - -
Jordan opened her mouth to say something, then shut it. She threw her hands into the air. “How do you always do that? You tiptoe right to the edge of thoroughly pissing me off, then somehow you sweet-talk your way out of it.”
- - - - -
You came into my life and messed the whole thing up and now I’m screwed. Because I’m in love with you. As in balls-out, head-over-heels, watching-Dancing-with-the-Stars -on-Monday-nights, wine-and-bubble-bath kind of love. Hell, I think I’d even wear a scarf indoors for you.”
Jordan smiled, her eyes misty, as she touched his cheek. “That’s the best kind of love.”
eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
You know which review are the hardest to write? The ones for specific type of four-star books, the books that are good, but don't blow your mind, and don't usually have much discussion demanding content (which isn't a bad thing, by the way, since things demanding discussion are often bad).
A Lot Like Love is that kind of novel. Jordan Rhodes is the daughter of a billionaire and the sole owner of her wine store, DeVine Cellers. When she's approached by the FBI for her help in getting into an exclusive party she has the invitation to, she doesn't want any part of it. After all, the FBI was partially responsible for her brother ending up in prison, for eighteen months, for what she considered a minor crime. But when they offer a deal that could help her brother, she has no choice but to agree.
The plan is for it to be a one-evening job. But complications arrise and she finds herself being a longer participant of the investigation, working alongside a very frustrating Agent, Nick McCall.
Yes, you guessed it. This is a love-hate relationship and it's just as fun as you'd expect. Julie James seems to have a knack for these things. But unlike in the previous two books I've read by her, Nick and Jordan don't have any history between them. They're just very different. Jordan is sophisticated while Nick is a little rough around the edges. Basically, she owns a wine store and he thinks all wines taste the same. They butt heads at first, especially since Jordan isn't fond of the FBI and Nick likes to ruffle her feathers.
Their interactions are entertaining. Nick is a little too set in his opinions about what "men" are like (that kinda bothered me). But whenever he fussed about wearing scarfs indoors or pink champagne, it was always in a lighthearted manner, so I didn't hate him. And Jordan challenged him in his set ways, making him try new things. It was one of their bonding exercises, you could say, and a definite highlight of the novel.
The romance between Jordan and Nick was sweet, and fun to read about. The case they were working on wasn't in the forefront like it was in Something About You. It was still important, but the "time" that was spared was devoted to Jordan's store and her family. This was a really good read — though I think I liked the first book a little better. It was light but interesting, with good characters. I had a great time with it and I recommend checking it out. Or any other of Julie James' work. She's a really good author and you shouldn't be missing out on her books.
A Lot Like Love is that kind of novel. Jordan Rhodes is the daughter of a billionaire and the sole owner of her wine store, DeVine Cellers. When she's approached by the FBI for her help in getting into an exclusive party she has the invitation to, she doesn't want any part of it. After all, the FBI was partially responsible for her brother ending up in prison, for eighteen months, for what she considered a minor crime. But when they offer a deal that could help her brother, she has no choice but to agree.
The plan is for it to be a one-evening job. But complications arrise and she finds herself being a longer participant of the investigation, working alongside a very frustrating Agent, Nick McCall.
Yes, you guessed it. This is a love-hate relationship and it's just as fun as you'd expect. Julie James seems to have a knack for these things. But unlike in the previous two books I've read by her, Nick and Jordan don't have any history between them. They're just very different. Jordan is sophisticated while Nick is a little rough around the edges. Basically, she owns a wine store and he thinks all wines taste the same. They butt heads at first, especially since Jordan isn't fond of the FBI and Nick likes to ruffle her feathers.
Their interactions are entertaining. Nick is a little too set in his opinions about what "men" are like (that kinda bothered me). But whenever he fussed about wearing scarfs indoors or pink champagne, it was always in a lighthearted manner, so I didn't hate him. And Jordan challenged him in his set ways, making him try new things. It was one of their bonding exercises, you could say, and a definite highlight of the novel.
The romance between Jordan and Nick was sweet, and fun to read about. The case they were working on wasn't in the forefront like it was in Something About You. It was still important, but the "time" that was spared was devoted to Jordan's store and her family. This was a really good read — though I think I liked the first book a little better. It was light but interesting, with good characters. I had a great time with it and I recommend checking it out. Or any other of Julie James' work. She's a really good author and you shouldn't be missing out on her books.
rellimreads's review against another edition
4.0
11/12/23 - Relisten & review
This is book 2 in Julie James’s FBI/US Attorney series. While this stands on its own - characters from book 1, Something About You, make brief appearances and I think its a little more fun having enjoyed that first.
I loved the pairing of FBI agent Nick McCall and civilian Jordan Rhodes in this fun and sexy romance. Great tropes/themes here: opposites attract, close proximity, and fake dating. Nick gets wrangled into an undercover op that keeps on going beyond what anyone envisioned. Their "just for show" relationship evolves over a series of "just for show" outings & trips. Their banter is so much fun. I fell in love with each of them and it's easy to see why they make a great couple. There's also a few suspenseful moments that give this enjoyable pacing.
I also adored the secondary characters. The other agents were great - but the family interactions were hilarious as well. I'm thrilled that Jordan's twin, Kyle, is getting the next book.
Narration:
Karen White is terrific again. She's wonderful at differentiating the character voices. Plus, I like that she gave Nick that slight New York accent. The banter, emotions, and suspense come through and make for a great listen.
This is book 2 in Julie James’s FBI/US Attorney series. While this stands on its own - characters from book 1, Something About You, make brief appearances and I think its a little more fun having enjoyed that first.
I loved the pairing of FBI agent Nick McCall and civilian Jordan Rhodes in this fun and sexy romance. Great tropes/themes here: opposites attract, close proximity, and fake dating. Nick gets wrangled into an undercover op that keeps on going beyond what anyone envisioned. Their "just for show" relationship evolves over a series of "just for show" outings & trips. Their banter is so much fun. I fell in love with each of them and it's easy to see why they make a great couple. There's also a few suspenseful moments that give this enjoyable pacing.
I also adored the secondary characters. The other agents were great - but the family interactions were hilarious as well. I'm thrilled that Jordan's twin, Kyle, is getting the next book.
Narration:
Karen White is terrific again. She's wonderful at differentiating the character voices. Plus, I like that she gave Nick that slight New York accent. The banter, emotions, and suspense come through and make for a great listen.
klippy's review against another edition
5.0
I am really loving this series -- ready to start the next one.
babeard's review against another edition
4.0
4⭐️ sometimes you just want fast food or a palette cleanser. This is that book! Is it deep and life changing? No! Lol but it’s fun and fast and I like it!
shawniebooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars. I liked the FBI undercover case scenario, but I couldn't get totally into the story.
katyanaish's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, so this was my first contemp romance... after Catherine's review, I was just toooooo tempted, and had to give it a try. And I am glad I did!
The relationship between Nick and Jordan was really a lot of fun - lots of snappy banter laced with heavy sarcasm, and lots and lots of sparks. All in all, it was a great, light, fast, fun read. I think I am going to have to check out more from Julie James.
***4.5***
The relationship between Nick and Jordan was really a lot of fun - lots of snappy banter laced with heavy sarcasm, and lots and lots of sparks. All in all, it was a great, light, fast, fun read. I think I am going to have to check out more from Julie James.
***4.5***