Title: Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James
Want You Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
The new sexy contemporary romance in New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James’s Want You series, set in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Hockey player Gabriella “Gabi” Welk spent her life in pursuit of championships, but she has little to show for it besides dusty trophies and second-place medals. Now her career consists of several part-time jobs to make ends meet. When Gabi gets a chance at her dream job, she swallows her pride and asks her nemesis—smart, sexy and savvy Nolan Lund—for help.
Since being named future CEO of Lund Industries, Nolan has tried hard to overcome his reputation as a fun-loving playboy and ladies’ man. For the first time ever, he’s more focused on the company than his personal life. He spends his free time at the ice rink his brother owns, cheering on his niece at her hockey games…and watching Gabriella Welk, the superstar athlete and assistant coach who gets under his skin in a way he can’t ignore. He’s shocked when Gabi agrees to trade a favor for a favor.
They have little in common besides their mutual mistrust, but between family crises and sibling rivalries, Nolan and Gabi realize they want to be more than just friends—much more.
Review:
Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James is an entertaining, charming and steamy romance. This second installment in the Want You series can be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend book one).
Nolan Lund is the sharp dressing CEO in waiting of Lund Industries who is growing frustrated at being marginalized at the family business. He made a costly mistake in the past, but he has also taken full responsibility and works hard to ensure it never happens again. He is self-aware, does not try to play down his faults and he is working to improve himself professionally. In his personal life, Nolan has given up his revolving door of meaningless flings but his family has yet to acknowledge this change. He occasionally makes thoughtless comments but when he is called on them, Nolan is quick to apologize without making excuses.
Grabriella “Gabi” Welk is a refreshing breath of fresh air. She has given up her spectacular hockey career but she loves her coaching job. Gabi is confident and speaks her mind but she is not afraid to admit when she is out of her depth. She is also dealing with a family issue but unlike Nolan, she needs time to process before dealing with it. She hides her hurt feelings behind sarcasm and avoidance. When an unexpected opportunity comes her way, Gabi needs a bit of a push to step out of her comfort zone.
Gabi and Nolan know each other casually through Nolan’s brother since he is her boss. When Nolan just happens to be around when Gabi hits a low point, he volunteers to accompany her as she drowns her sorrows. They are just starting to get to know each other when Gabi overhears something that leaves her fuming at Nolan. Once they clear the air, they strike up an unlikely friendship that gradually turns into an unexpected romance. But a misunderstanding threatens to derail both their relationship and Gabi’s future professionally. At the same time, Nolan discovers how deep the betrayals at work run and he must make a tough decision about Lund Industries. With their professional lives uncertain, will Noland and Gabi find a way to fix their fractured love life?
Want You to Want Me is a fun, flirty and scorching hot romance. Both Nolan and Gabi are vibrantly drawn characters who are easy to relate to. While the conflict in their relationship is a little easy to predict, the truth about what is going on at Lund Industries is an unexpected twist. Lorelei James brings this captivating romance to a heartfelt, sighworthy conclusion. I highly recommend this marvelous addition to the fabulous Want You series to readers of the genre.
