Reviews

Something about You by Julie James

heabooknerd's review

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5.0

I love SOMETHING ABOUT YOU and it's one of my favorites! I would classify this as contemporary romance though there is a mystery and some suspense included. It has a nice blend of both genres as well as some great comedy. The writing was really enjoyable, especially the witty banter between the characters. The pace was a bit slow in the beginning as the story was established and the heat doesn't kick up between Jack and Cameron until about 40% but I never really felt bored by the story. All parts of the story were well fleshed out and there was plenty of backstory as to the conflict between Jack and Cameron. We actually get a bit of a flashback to the case they were working on three years ago and though I liked having all the information, some of this could have been summarized more to pick up the pace in the first half of the book.

But what I enjoyed the most about this book was the characters, from our hero and heroine to our side characters. Cameron was a wonderful heroine; she's intelligent, tough, and a dedicated woman who really seems to have her life together. I especially liked that she didn't fight having FBI protection and she understands that she's in danger. I hate when romance heroines refuse protection; I mean come on, independence isn't as important as your life. Cameron doesn't have this problem and it clearly demonstrates she's the smart person we're told she is. I also really loved her friendship with Amy and Collin and I'm glad that Julie James included so much of them in the story because all MCs should have friends to round out their lives.

It didn't take long for me to fall for Jack and his glowering, gruff demeanor that really hides a soft marshmallow inside, at least where Cameron is concerned. He's understandably angry when they are first reunited because he believes she's the one who got him transferred three years ago. However, he never lets that interfere with Cameron's safety and once things are cleared up he's not afraid to show Cameron how much he wants her. Jack is very much an alpha male but he's not obnoxious about it and in fact the few times Cameron and Jack butt heads, it's a wonderful battle of wills. But the wonderful banter isn't just reserved to these two because Jack and his partner Wilkins have some great conversations. I would love to have Wilkins' story because he seems like such an easy going and funny guy and he was a great foil for Jack's more serious personality.

Everything really worked for me in this story and I was really impressed by Julie James's writing and her storytelling. The chemistry between Jack and Cameron is great and though things start off a bit slow, the development of their relationship is genuine and a joy to read.

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Favorite Quotes:

He looked exactly the same as he did the last time she’d seen him three years ago: tall, dark, and scowling.

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Jack frowned. “Cameron, I told you not to get me anything.”

“Well, I figured that was one of your seemingly endless supply of orders that I plan to ignore.”

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“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.”

eesh25's review against another edition

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4.0

Cameron Lynde is an Assistant US Attorney. She’s treating herself to a weekend at a five-star hotel after closing a case (and because of renovations in her house) when, what do you know, she gets stuck with neighbours have very loud sex. Then the girl next door is found dead and Cameron is the only witness as she not only heard a lot of what was going on in the room, she also saw a glimpse of the killer (only his back) from her peephole as he was leaving. Being a witness to a murder can be dangerous and it doesn’t help that the case is being handled by Special Agent Jack Pallas, the guy she really doesn’t like.

It’s a classic love-hate romance, which is exactly what I wanted. No matter how many books are written, this is one trope that will never get old for me. The banter, the quips, the slow warming up to the other, the sexual tension… I love it all and Julie James does it right.

The reason Cameron and Jack don’t get along is not a huge and dramatic one. It’s a reason that’s perfectly valid and enough to justify the animosity between them, but not the kind that creates angst. Which is absolutely perfect because angst, even when I get why it’s there, is not fun. I loved that this book mostly revolved around Cam and Jack clearing up misunderstandings and moving past the… well, past. And of course, solving a case and making sure Cam didn’t get murdered, even though barely anyone even knew that there was a witness, much less who that person was. The security was a necessary precaution, one that lead to Cam and Jack putting up with each other.

And the “putting up with each other” was so much fun. At first their interactions were more sarcastic, with more bite to them. Then they became cute, but still funny. The two also had a lot of respect for one another, even while they kinda hated each other, and especially after. See, they used to like the other before whatever happened, happened. So reconciling wasn’t just about seeing each other in a new light, but also remembering what they saw before things went wrong.

As for flaws… I don’t know. I’m not sure I had any problems and if I did, I don’t remember. Which means it probably wasn’t anything important.

I really liked this book. The characters, the romance, the humour, the story, the writing, the case, all of it was really good. The four stars are because, to me, this is a four-star novel, if that makes sense. There are no problems, is what I’m saying and I highly recommend giving it a shot. This was a really good time and I’m looking forward to reading more by Julie James.

pamu's review

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funny lighthearted
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

cutenanya's review

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4.0

This book is a pleasant surprise because books from the romantic suspense genre can be disappointing (either due to the lack of plot, crazy actions taken by the heroine, an illogical leap to a neat solution, or an overdose of sex). Miraculously, in Something About You, James not only manages to obtain a fine balance between romance and suspense, but also creates a sexual tension so intense I keep screaming they should just do it right then and there and spare me the urge to throw them into a bedroom and slam the door.

I really enjoy the witty and clever dialogues as well as the adorable supporting cast, especially Collins, Amy, and Wilkins. Too bad James hasn't really written a story with Wilkins as the main hero as that could be interesting unless he turns out to be those who can only grab Oscars for supporting actor but never main actor.

I highly recommend this novel if you're on a trip or just resting in your bed with a glass of wine and dream about a sexy man who glowers from time to time.

rellimreads's review

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4.0

9/18/2023 - relisten (and finally review!)

This is book 1 in Julie James’s FBI/US Attorney series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. The start is hilarious yet quickly turns ominous and kicks off a fabulous mystery. US Attorney Cameron Lynde unwittingly overhears a murder and it’s none other than her nemesis FBI Agent Jack Pallas leading the investigation.

Circumstances force Jack to not only protect Cameron but also to realize she isn’t who he thought she was. I loved the balance of romance, mystery, suspense, and procedural. Some sections from the antagonist’s perspective add further depth to the story. The pacing was perfect and I found myself hesitating to push pause.

I enjoyed the resolution as well as Jack & Cameron’s HEA. I’m looking forward to book 2, A Lot Like Love.

Narration:
Karen White is great here. Not only does she give all the characters unique voices but I love the way her voice goes slightly lower when she’s performing the parts from Jack’s perspective. Awesome listen.

brendalovesbooks's review

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3.0

I liked this okay, but not well enough to have me hurrying to read anything else by this author.

klippy's review

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4.0

First book I have read by Julie James but it will not be my last.

bonreads40's review

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4.0

This was a really good contemporary romance. I loved the dialog, the heroine was smart, the hero was amazing. Very highly recommend.

babeard's review

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4.0

4⭐️ GREAT FOR IN BETWEEN SERIOUS READS! This is just a cute romance book! It’s not super deep lol but it’s a cute fast read! Love that it doesn’t follow the dreadful pattern of normal romance novels of get together breakup and the last chapter get back together.

chelsiec's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.0