Category Archives: Lorelei James

August 5, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James

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.

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Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, Lorelei James, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Want You Series, Want You to Want Me

October 30, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Spun Out by Lorelei James

Title: Spun Out by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Ten
Publisher: Jove
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James returns for another wild ride in Wyoming with a new Blacktop Cowboys® novel.

Years in the Army equipped Bailey Masterson for many things: target shooting, rappelling off cliffs, dodging grenades. She’s lived through horrors that still give her nightmares. But nothing in Bailey’s life-or-death training prepared her for caring for the tiny terror that is five-year-old Olivia Hale. Or how to control her raging attraction to Olivia’s father, Streeter, the rugged, green-eyed cattle rancher who undermines her every move even when he stars in her dreams.

Streeter Hale has room for only two things in his life: his daughter and his job. He doesn’t date. He doesn’t get attached. Not anymore. So not only is Streeter stunned by Olivia’s improved behavior after just a few days with Bailey, he’s downright floored by his immediate attraction to the woman. But with secrets in her eyes and a body that doesn’t quit, Streeter begins to worry that Bailey Masterson might just be the one woman to heal his fractured family and broken heart.

One thing’s for sure–these two wrecked souls are spinning out of control as they desperately try not to fall in love…

Review:

Spun Out by Lorelei James is a sweet and sizzling hot romance that is an uplifting story of healing, new beginnings and love. Although this newest release is the tenth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys® series, it can be read as a standalone.

Bailey Masterson reluctantly returns to Wyoming while she figures out her future. Her military career is in flux and she is in the midst of determining what she wants to do next.  On the surface, Bailey appears relatively well-adjusted, but there is a sense that something serious is bubbling underneath the surface.  While she remains friendly and outgoing, she is rather tight-lipped about herself. Bailey is instantly attracted to Streeter and she has few reservations about indulging in a no strings fling with the hot, single father.

Shattered by the death of his wife years earlier, Streeter Hale is a devoted single dad to five year old Olivia. The years since his wife’s death have not been easy, but Streeter has carved out a life that works for him and his daughter.  He does not date and he spends most of his time with his family.  Ready to make some much needed changes to his life, Streeter is stunned by his reaction to Bailey Masterson.

Olivia is a precocious little girl who is quite smart and she is an energetic bundle of energy.  She has a unique personality and she is a refreshingly non-perfect little girl.  Streeter’s scenes with Olivia are heartwarming and quite humorous.

Bailey and Streeter are vibrantly developed, three-dimensional characters who are dealing with true to life, relatable issues.  Although their relationship has a shelf-life, Bailey is genuinely interested in Streeter and she is quick to convince him to talk about his past.  Streeter gains confidence in himself and eagerly explores his previously untapped sexual fantasies and desires. Their bedroom scenes are extremely hot and boundaries are pushed as they give in to their mutual passion.

Spun Out is a delightfully charming romance that also deals with some very serious subject matter.  The characters are quite endearing and wonderfully developed. Lorelei James perfectly balances the darker topics with humor and the resulting story has plenty of depth and substance. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this  very realistic addition to the Blacktop Cowboys® series.

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Filed under Blacktop Cowboys Series, Contemporary, Jove, Lorelei James, Rated B+, Review, Spun Out

April 3, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: I Want You Back by Lorelei James

Title: I Want You Back by Lorelei James
Want You Series Book One
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James kicks-off her Want You Series with a Lund family cousin hot enough to melt the ice and mend a broken heart.

Former NHL star Jaxson Lund has returned to the Twin Cities, but he’s at loose ends, unsure if he belongs at Lund Industries, or where he stands with Lucy, his ex-girlfriend and mother of his daughter, Mimi. Despite the signs she’d like to leave him in the penalty box, the attraction burning between them reinforces his determination to prove that he deserves a second chance…

Lucy Quade is in a good place with a steady job, a nice apartment, and a well-adjusted daughter, which is why she’s hesitant when Jax insists on co-parenting. It’s not that Lucy doesn’t trust Jax…she’s just unconvinced he can handle multiple responsibilities when he’s been singularly focused on playing hockey. But when issues arise with Mimi, Lucy’s shocked at how levelheaded and paternal he acts, giving her a glimpse of the Jax she used to know, the sexy, sweet man she fell for years ago.

Once Lucy lets her guard down, Jax goes all in to show her how good they are together, but will their past remain too large an obstacle to ever overcome?

Review:

I Want You Back by Lorelei James is an endearing second chance at love romance. This newest release is the first installment in the Want You series (which is a spinoff of the Need You series).

Now retired from the NHL , Jaxson “Jax” Lund has moved back home and he is trying to make amends for his past mistakes.  Now sober, he is determined to make up for lost time with his eight year old daughter, Mimi. Jax also wants to atone for the mess he made of his relationship with Mimi’s mother, Lucy Quade. His drinking and womanizing lead to the end of their romance and years of Jax taking her to court over custody battles and child support payments. He knows he is responsible for the demise of their relationship but Jax is hoping it is not too late to convince Lucy to forgive him and give him a second chance.

Lucy is independent, feisty and speaks her mind.  While she is willing to let bygones be bygones, she is hesitant to completely trust Jax. His past actions hurt both her and Mimi but in the present, he has done nothing to cause her to worry he is reverting to past behavior.  Lucy is still attracted to Jax but she does not if she can believe the changes in him are permanent. She is disappointed that he has been keeping secrets but will this prevent her from giving Jax a fair chance to prove he has genuinely changed?

Jax made huge mistakes during his hockey career. He made massive errors in judgment that ended his relationship with Lucy and will have lifelong repercussions.  Jax has learned from his mistakes and his determination to prove himself is believable and quite touching. Lucy also has some emotional baggage from her childhood that she must make peace with before she can make a decision about her future with Jax.  Will Lucy and Jax be able overcome their fraught past?

I Want You Back is a marvelous romance that realistically depicts addiction and the consequences of Jax’s decisions. Lucy and Jax are well-rounded characters that are flawed but immensely appealing. Lorelei James’s first installment in the Want You series is a beautifully written story of forgiveness and redemption that is heartwarming and uplifting. Readers will be impatiently awaiting the next release in this wonderful series.

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Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, I Want You Back, Lorelei James, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Want You Series

August 6, 2018 · 11:56 pm

Review: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Title: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Nine
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Opposites don’t just attract in the West–they sizzle–and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys® novel.

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa “Riss” Thorpe defines the term tomboy–a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy player Ike Palmer. Seeing him in action on the road, Riss can tell that Ike prefers his women soft-spoken and feminine. And since Riss is obviously not his type, it’s unlikely that they’ll mix business and pleasure when they’re in close quarters together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life as a stock contractor when he started working with Riss, a sassy truck driver who gets under his skin at every turn. But Riss is unlike any woman he’s ever met and her candor inflames him in the most unexpected ways.

After circumstances force a truce between them, Riss and Ike will have to choose to maintain the stubbornness that keeps them apart or take a chance on the fiery attraction that could lead to something more..

Review:

Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James is a sultry yet endearing contemporary romance. Although this newest release is the ninth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series, it can be read as a standalone.

Larissa is outspoken, a little rude and sometimes crude but she is loyal to her friends and family. She is unafraid to go after what she wants and she does not back down from a fight.  Riss is extremely independent but she cannot exactly turn down Ike Palmer’s offer to help her when she needs it.

For the past two years, Ike has been struggling with an unexpected career change. Despite this difficulty, he does not hesitate to invite Riss into his home temporarily. She is not an easy person to get to know and she is not one to rely on someone else so she is initially extremely prickly. Settling into their new routine, Ike is comfortable enough to confide in her about his troubles, but he is quite shocked by Riss’s assessment of him and his current situation.

Despite their very different personalities, Riss and Ike are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Riss has a few rough edges but Ike is completely comfortable with her larger than life personality. Ike is little too complacent and quick to give up instead of working to fix the problems in his life.  Riss does not sugarcoat her opinions and Ike values her input enough to begin making much needed changes but they still hit a few roadblocks as they traverse their new relationship.

Racked and Stacked is an engaging enemies to lovers romance. This fun and flirty love story has a great cast of characters that are charming and easy to like. Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple who are a surprisingly good for each other and their relationship is a joy to watch unfold.  Old and new fans of the series are going to love this sassy addition to Lorelei James’ delightful  Blacktop Cowboys series.

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Filed under Berkley, Blacktop Cowboys Series, Contemporary, Lorelei James, Racked and Stacked, Rated B, Review, Romance

July 23, 2017 · 11:56 pm

Review: When I Need You by Lorelei James

Title: When I Need You by Lorelei James
Need You Series Book Four
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 365 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Rules are tossed aside when a pro football player join forces with a spitfire cheerleading coach in New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James’s brand-new romance…

Heir to Lund Industries and ladies’ man Jensen “The Rocket” Lund has three conditions when it comes to dating:
1) No single mothers
2) No cheerleaders
3) No medical personnel
So it makes no sense that he’s wildly attracted to Rowan Michaels, who breaks all three.

Rowan didn’t pass the rigorous requirements to become an athletic trainer and Vikings cheerleader in the hopes of landing a pro athlete. Been there, done that, and she has a young son as proof that football players and fidelity don’t go hand in hand. When Rowan learns her new neighbor is Jensen Lund, the smoking-hot tight end who takes being neighborly to a whole new level, she’s grateful for the team’s strict no fraternization policy because the sexy man defines temptation.

But Jensen is intent on rushing straight to the goal line to prove to Rowan he’s much more than just a player…on and off the field.

Review:

When I Need You by Lorelei James is a sweet, yet sexually charged addition to the Need You series.  Although this latest installment is the fourth in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend the previous novels as well.

It has been a very tough year of surgeries and physical therapy, but football superstar Jensen Lund has finally overcome the series injuries that have sidelined him for the past year. Although his recovery has been full of frustration and worry, Jensen has arrived at a few surprising discoveries about himself. Now content to spend time on his own or with his family, Jensen has no desire to turn back into the hard partying  playboy he was before his injuries. So why is Jensen suddenly so enthusiastic about spending time with single mom Rowan Michaels and her adorable six year old son Calder?

Between her busy work schedules and raising Calder completely on her own, Rowan has no time or desire for a man in her life.  She is quite self-sufficient with a good relationship with her parents and brother.  Rowan has absolutely no desire to become involved with an athlete, so what possible explanation can there be for her eagerness to hangout with Jensen?

In spite of the very obvious chemistry between them, Rowan and Jensen agree to a platonic relationship.  They initially go into their budding friendship with a few preconceived ideas about each other, but it does not take long to dispel these erroneous assumptions.  Their friendship is refreshingly free from conflict although they do experience a few minor ups and downs as they get to know each other. With such a sizzling  hot attraction burning underneath the surface of their easygoing friendship, will Jensen and Rowan finally give into their desire? Or will Rowan’s fears ruin any chance for a real relationship with Jensen?

When I Need You is a highly entertaining and emotionally compelling novel that old and new fans of the Need You series will enjoy. The characters are vibrantly developed with easy to relate to fears and imperfections. The friendship between Jensen and Rowan is fun and flirty and Jensen’s interactions with Calder are incredibly sweet and tender. Lorelei James once again delivers a romance with plenty of heart and steam without throwing in any unnecessary angst or drama. A truly delightful addition to a much loved series that is extraordinarily heartwarming and quite captivating.

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Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, Lorelei James, Need You Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, When I Need You

March 29, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: All You Need by Lorelei James

Title: All You Need by Lorelei James
Need You Series Book Three
Publisher: Jove
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A pro hockey player and a PR powerhouse burn up the ice in the third sexy Need You novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Mastered Series and the Blacktop Cowboys® Series.

PR agent Annika Lund can spin any disaster into a win. But revamping the reputation of a notorious Swedish hockey player will take every trick in her arsenal, especially when his agent insists that convincing everyone he’s no longer a playboy is top priority. And that it requires a sham relationship—with Annika playing the part of the loving girlfriend.

On fire in the rink and in the bedroom, Axl Hammerquist couldn’t care less about being anyone’s golden boy. So when his agent forces him to play nice with a new publicist, he takes satisfaction in being as much of a pain as possible. But the more time he spends getting to know Annika, the more Axl starts to think that being Mr. Nice Guy might be worth it if it gets him the girl…

Review:

All You Need by Lorelei James is a marvelous enemies to lovers romance.  Although this newest release is the third installment in the fantastic Need You series, it can be read as a standalone (but I HIGHLY recommend the entire series).

Annika Lund  is loyal to her family which is why she grudgingly agrees to help hockey bad boy Axl “the Hammer” Hammerquist salvage his image.  Annika positively loathes Axl whose list of transgressions is looonnng, so she is rather shocked to realize she is attracted to the hockey hottie.  When Axl’s agent suggests the two pretend to be in a relationship, neither is thrilled with the proposal but they both realize the plan has merit.  What neither Axl nor Annika expect is for their contentious fake relationship to turn into a real romance.  What will happen to their budding romance once Axl no longer needs Annika to save his reputation?

Annika is tough as nails but she loves her family so she will do anything to help them.  Axl is nothing like the men she usually dates and she absolutely despises him right from their first introduction.  Hiding her unexpected attraction behind scathing comments and a slew of hilarious nicknames, Annika is taken off guard once she gets to know the man behind the hockey mask and wild reputation.

Axl is an incredibly talented hockey player but his out of control antics are a PR nightmare for his new team.  No one can bring themselves to look past the bad publicity swirling around him so his agent knows he has to clean up his client’s image sooner rather than later. Axl has his reasons for his over the top behavior, but now that he is with a team that he genuinely likes, he is ready to do whatever it takes to smooth his transition with his new teammates. As he spends time with Annika, he realizes he has misjudged her but will Axl be able convince her he is not as out of control as she believes?

Annika and Axl do not make any effort to hide their disdain for each other when they first meet.  Annika is particularly withering during their initial encounters but Axl’s exploits are so incredibly outrageous, he deserves her inventive nicknames and derisive comments. However, once the fake relationship plan goes into action, Annika and Axl finally take the time to get to know one another.  After the various misconceptions about each other are cleared up, will Annika and Axl give in to their simmering passion?  What will happen to their fledgling relationship in the midst of well meaning interference from family and friends?

All You Need is a sizzling hot romance with a fabulous cast of well-developed characters and dialogue that is brimming with humor.  The relationship between Annika and Axl is an absolute joy to watch unfold as their dislike for one another gradually gives way to mutual respect and eventually, love.  Old and new fans will fall in love with this latest addition to the Need You series and the intriguing glimpses of Jensen Lund will leave readers eagerly awaiting Lorelei James’ next release, When I Need You.

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Filed under All You Need, Contemporary, Jove, Lorelei James, Need You Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance