Sandy M’s review of I Want You Back (Want You Series, Book 1) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 2 Apr 19

You know, it doesn’t matter what Lorelei James writes, I’m going to love it. No matter what. I’ve read her for so many years now and expect an emotional, fun, family-filled romance from her. Not once in all those years has she ever let me down. The start of her new Want You series, a spin-off, I guess you could say, from her Need You series, is a case in point. At every turn Jax and Lucy and little Mimi pull your heart strings, make you laugh out loud, and give you a hugely satisfying time with them and their family.

Jaxson has retired from hockey and finds himself in a quandary as to what to do with his life now. His family want him at Lund Industries, but he’s beginning to see that type of work just isn’t for him. He does his darnedest to find his place there, but he finally bites the bullet and lets his family know he’s moving on. And that’s what I love about Ms. James’ families – they support one another in every way possible, don’t force issues, and help each other no questions asked. Jax also wants a second chance with his ex-girlfriend, Lucy, who also works with the company. She’s the love of his life, mother of his little girl, and he knows he made mistakes that pushed her away when he was still in the game. So grovel and prove to her they belong together, he will.

Lucy has done fine without Jax. He’s the typical man, so when he let her down, she really expected it. The hurt wasn’t any less, however, and she’s not sure she can go through it all again if she allows him back into their lives. But the man is determined, and I love how he so-very-subtly seduces her with the little things, working his way toward the biggest reward of all. They have a lot of fun in the meantime, work on co-parenting a sly and sassy child, and their heart-to-hearts are full of sincerity and genuine revelations.

As usual, Lorelei James treats all issues her characters go through with love and sensitivity. When Jax reveals the biggest bombshell of his life, I held my breath right along with him waiting for Lucy’s reaction. As betrayed as Lucy has felt for so long, she’s an understanding and forgiving woman. No wonder Jax loves her. The scenes with Mimi throughout go from fun and laughter to frustration and vexation, but this little family works through everything thrown at them.

I don’t know who’s next in the series, but I can’t wait and I know I will love it every bit as much as I did this one, no doubt about it.

Berkley has very generously given us a copy of I Want You Back to give away to one of our readers. Leave us a comment about your favorite Lorelei James book to be in the running to win.

Grade: A

Summary:

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?

Read an excerpt.