When hotel security is unable to get a response from the room adjoining Cameron's, it soon becomes apparent to her that something might be wrong. And that something ends up being definitely wrong when the FBI arrive, most especially in the form of dark, brooding, scowling Special Agent Jack Pallas. Could Cameron's night get any worse?

Unfortunately the answer to that question ends up being a resounding yes, because a dead body has been discovered in the room next to Cameron's, and she just might be their key witness to a possible murder. Because of the nature of the crime and the parties involved, the case is now in the hands of the FBI, most specifically the hands of Jack Pallas and his partner. Cameron hasn't seen Jack in three years, since a case they had been working on together blew up in his face, an event he blames on her entirely. Now they must work together and catch a killer who very much does not want to get caught, and who just might be after Cameron in order to protect his identity.

Despite their rocky past, Jack takes his job very seriously, and intends to prevent anything bad from happening to Cameron while on his watch. Even if it means watching her every moment, whether she's on a date, throwing a bachelorette party, or attending her best friend's wedding. And most especially if it means he can't stop thinking about how soft her skin looks, how completely gorgeous she is, or how he has this incredible urge to kiss her at any given moment....

My thoughts:

Julie James is on a serious roll with her writing. As I mentioned to her, she is now 3 for 3 with me, slamming those home runs outta the ballpark with her stunning sexual tension and clever dialogue. What I think makes it more enjoyable is you can actually imagine two people interacting the way Cameron and Jack do.

Another reason I love Julie's books is that she creates these really complex heroines that on a superficial level, you might dislike and/or be very jealous of, but then she gives them a brain and adds a huge dose of substance and conscience which makes it hard to deny. Cameron has the type of magnetic personality that draws you in, and she's not a person who goes about drawing attention to herself or always trying to make herself look good. That doesn't mean she isn't good at what she does, because Cameron is very capable in her role as the Assistant U.S. Attorney, but she works hard at it, and her effort shows. She's no slouch in her career. In addition, we see the softer side of Cameron when she's hanging with her friends. She's the type of person that her friends can rely on to have their back, and isn't afraid to show her love for the people in her life. I'd definitely want to have someone like her in my corner.

Now let's get to Jack, because really, what great romance would be complete without the perfect hero. Now Jack is not perfect, not by a long shot, but he happens to be rather perfect for Cameron. He's gruff, cantankerous, and tenacious. He's also sexy as all get-out with a scowl that just won't quit. He's undeniably attracted to Cameron, though he tries to pretend otherwise, especially in the beginning. And if that wasn't enough to make you melt, he rides a motorcycle, which is very, very hot. Let's just say I'd jump on his bike anytime. But I digress. What I meant to say is that Jack lives and breathes his life as an FBI agent, and serving in the name of justice. Three years ago, justice was denied him, and it caused an ugly rift between him and Cameron. When they first meet again, those feelings are reawakened, but also something else. Jack may think he doesn't like Cameron, but what he really doesn't like is what happened to him back then, and her part in it. Now he's responsible for protecting her as a key witness to a murder, and the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to hold on to his anger. She's not the career-driven bitch who only cares about looking out for herself. But it takes him a little while to figure it out. But by then he's already unable to stop thinking about her, and wanting to touch her.

Back before things got ugly three years ago, there was mutual respect between the two of them, and a budding attraction. But things ended between them before they could even start. Now that they are spending so much time together, the walls inevitably come down. Defenses are dropped. Feelings realized. When the case becomes more dangerous and Cameron's life is threatened, a lot of truths are uncovered. The type of truths that make a reader very, very happy to be reading as Cameron's and Jack's story unfolds. These two beautiful, charismatic, intelligent, engaging people are falling in love, and there's nothing more wonderful to watch. Unless of course I was the heroine, but that's the story going on in my head.

Another highlight for me would be the frequent mentions of Chicago. Oh how I love to picture the story taking place on the streets of the city not so far from me. It makes what I visualize that much more vivid and convincing. Also makes me imagine if one day, as I'm walking down Michigan Avenue, I could be walking right by two people who could possibly be Cameron and Jack.

An additional mention I have to make is that a dress similar to the one Cameron is wearing on the cover of the book makes an appearance in the story, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I thought that was pretty cool. Just a special note that made this story that much more fun to read. A most satisfying read that I hated to see come to an end. Lucky for me I can go back and re-visit Jack & Cameron again and again :)

*** "Something About You" comes out March 2nd, less than a month away. I'll be getting at least one copy of the book with this gorgeous cover, and stay tuned for a contest sometime in March. Julie (along with Beth Kery, Colleen Gleason/Joss Ware & Shiloh Walker) will be having a signing on 3/13 in Chicago, so I intend to get some signed copies :) ***