I Want You Back by Lorelei James

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?

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Second chance romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

In this first book, we meet Lucy. She was the love of Jaxson's life. They had a baby girl, Mimi, and when Jaxson's hockey career was at its peak, he gave in to temptation and was not faithful to Lucy.

Lucy and Mimi have been on their own for a while. And despite a rocky start, Lucy did an amazing job at raising Mimi.

When Jaxson's career is finished, he comes home. But his career ending was not the only life change he had to make. With his life back on track, Jaxson wants to be a father to Mimi.

It was fun to see Jaxson and Mimi's interactions. Learning to be a father is probably Jaxson's most challenging lifetime achievement. But in order for Jaxson to feel like his life is completely back on track, Jaxson also wants to win Lucy back.

Watching Lucy and Jaxson figure out how to co-parent and learn whether or not they can trust each other again was, at times, a slow walk. There were funny times too, but mostly, this was a book about learning whether or not love conquers all. While this book was a sweet, second-chance romance, I was hoping it would move a little faster along. Also, there was a lot of talk about the business that Jaxson runs, but nothing really came to fruition.

I do hope that Gabi gets a book of her own, as her interactions with Nolan were both intriguing and hilarious.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
I Want You Back is a second-chance romance but not one like I’ve read before. Jax is a retired hockey star, working at co-parenting his 8-year-old daughter Mimi, and working in his family’s business empire. In the past, however, Jax was a cheater, an alcoholic, a barely present dad who made is ex Lucy’s life very difficult.

Honestly, at the beginning I had no idea why Lucy would give Jax the time of day never mind a second chance. While the story does tell us about some of the bad when it comes to their past, it mostly focuses on the good. We get to see their first handful of dates and see how they fell in love and that gave me hope that maybe they could have that again.

I confess I didn’t feel particularly connected to either Lucy or Jax when reading this but I was interested in seeing how Jax was going to redeem himself, which for me was the most interesting part of the story. I also really liked seeing Lucy and Jax dealing with issues of co-parenting Mimi and seeing them work hard to do the right thing.

I Want You Back is a good story. It was easy to put down because I wasn’t completely emotionally engrossed in it, but it was also easy to pick the story back up because I was genuinely interested in the outcome. This gets a solid three stars from me.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really lovely second-chance romance. If you are fan of sports romance, then this is an interestingly different take on the famous player dealing with fame, its impact on his behaviour, and reinventing himself on retirement. And making reparations for errors previously made.

Jaxson has a fabulous family, who have supported and helped him through some very difficult times. His brother Nolan, in particular, was there to give him the kick he needed to turn his life around.

In all this, the person who suffered no end from his behaviour is Lucy, his one-time girlfriend and mother to his daughter, Mimi. As he now seeks to develop a relationship with Mimi, he has to face how he behaved towards Lucy, and how that may have effected her.

Mimi ensures that this does not become overly dark, by being a fun child who deals well with the new situation she finds herself in, now that her dad is back in town. Lucy has a far more difficult time, but over time we see her come to terms with what happened, how it could be in the future, and admitting that she still loves him, even now.

I loved the family aspects, the fairness, and the effort that he put into making things right. There was also plenty of ice time, although not at the level he had been used to! Cannot wait for the next installment.

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Need You Series and the Blacktop Cowboys® Series. Her books have won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of I Want You Back (Want You #1) by Lorelei James to read and review.

Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Opposites don't just attract in the West—they sizzle—and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys® novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hang Tough.

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 playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is... Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.

With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...

Book 9
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An hour later, after the bride and groom were off on their honeymoon, Riss and Ike were watching the DJ pack his equipment and the guests retrieve their coats.

Riss heaved a sigh. “I’m whupped. Bein’ the maid of honor was stressful.”

“It’s certainly been an entertaining night,” Ike said.

“Coulda been better.”

“How so?”

“It doesn’t really feel like a Wyoming wedding unless at least one fistfight breaks out.”

“Just say the word, sweet cheeks, and I’ll track Ryland down and punch him in the face for you.”

“Aw, lookit you, Palmer. Showing your chivalrous side.” She cocked her head. “Or are you just itchin’ for a fight because it’s a Saturday night and you’re a cowboy?”

“I’m thinkin’ a concussion might erase the mental image of what profile pics the Mud Lilies intend to post on Tinder.”

“And Bumble.”

“You certainly went the extra mile for them.” He paused. “Why?”

“Even though they were distracting us, they wanted advice or they wouldn’t have asked. Besides... I feel for them. Imagine outliving your husband after being married for so long. Sounds like they were used to getting it regular, and then wham! They ain’t getting any at all and they miss it. Maybe it’s unusual that they’re not looking for companionship—they’ve already got that with each other. It takes guts to try something new to reignite their sexuality. A need for intimacy is a human thing, not an age thing. I hope I still crave that lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’ when I’m past what society considers my prime.”

Ike was quiet for a beat before he said, “You never fail to surprise me.”

Riss didn’t break the moment by asking if that was a good or a bad thing. Instead, she said, “And with that... I best be getting home. I have a drop-off tomorrow.”

“You okay to drive?”

“Yep.” She pushed her chair back. “Been an hour since that glass of bubbly.” She paused and debated on bringing up the subject they’d mutually avoided.

Those eerily beautiful blue eyes locked on to hers. “What?”

“Truth time: I’m all for extending this truce.”

Ike’s back straightened and his face turned stony. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, we need to seriously talk about my future runs with Jackson Stock Contracting. Last year didn’t shape up how I expected it—and we didn’t discuss it. So I’m not sure if I somehow didn’t measure up to JSC standards. Now we’ve proved that we can be civil to each other, so I’d like to know JSC’s plans for this year.”

He granted her that insincere salesman’s smile. “I promise I’ll e-mail you a preliminary schedule next week.”

Sure you will.

“And just so you know...” He seemed unsure whether to continue before he did. “I’ve had a blast doin’ all this wedding party stuff with you.”

“Really? I thought it sucked.”

His eyebrows shot up. “You did?”

“Nah. Just razzing ya. It’s been fun in a way I never thought it’d be.”

Ike unfolded that long lean body out of the chair, then stood close enough to cast her in shadow.

“What now?”

“Gimme a damn hug.”

Her heart pounded and that made no sense. “Why?”

“Because I suffered through your blow job philosophy, deflected rumors of our secret sexcapades, helped offer senior citizens hookup advice and interrupted our buddies consummating their marriage... all in the past four hours. I’m feelin’ vulnerable and I need a damn hug.”

“Whatever will people think?”

“Probably that we’re both hammered.”

Riss laughed. “Come here, baby, and let me make it all better.”

Ike wrapped her in his arms.

Oh yeah, the man gave great hugs. And he smelled amazing too. So maybe she held on a little longer than was polite.

But Ike wasn’t inclined to let her go either.

Then his breath teased the top of her ear. “Bet this’ll get tongues wagging all over town.”

“Kneeing you in the groin would stop the gossipmongers.”

“Always with the violence.” He kissed her right cheek, then her left. “You’ll hear from me soon.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance

Riss and Ike have never truly seen eye to eye. They have best friends who fell in love, so their interaction was more forced than voluntary. The two of them like to take jabs at each other. So, when their friends make them maid of honor and best man, they decide a truce is in order.

Riss is used to dealing with sexism. Being a female truck driver, she has to be tough to stand her own ground. So, for her, Ike isn't an issue. She gives as good as she gets. She also has had a tougher life than most. Growing up in the shadow of all of her brothers, she loves them to pieces and would lay down her life for them, but she also wants to stand on her own.

Ike is a rugged cowboy who likes to push Riss' buttons. He raised his sisters and has always been there for them. What starts out as a truce suddenly changes into a friendship when Ike comes to Riss' aid. Ike has some tough lessons to learn, but Riss will be with him every step of the way.

The two of them are great with the banter. They also have great chemistry. It was a little drawn out in terms of their relationship and personal issues, but overall, this was an enjoyable story.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
The awesome telling of frenemies-to-lovers with all twists, turns, and heat that one has come to expect from Lorelei James.

I absolutely adored this book. The characters were well-written, the story believable, and the heat between the two arcing off the page.

Strong alpha females are often written as highly successful, career-oriented women, but in this instance you get the same focused character who happens to be like a lot of people – blue collar, hardworking, and doing the best that they can. If it means working two or three jobs to make ends meet, that's what they do. No complaining, no whining.

Same for men. Most men we read about are successful or upwardly mobile. Rarely do we see a male lead admit that his business is floundering, that he can't make it work. This rare glimpse into life as most know it is great because it shows that two people who are struggling with bills can find time for love and make it work.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the ninth book in the series, and whilst richer if read in order, this is an excellent story in its own right.

Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple, from when we meet them coordinating their respective best friends' wedding thanks to an agreed truce, to the wonderful ending – and every page in between. Whether you had met them in previous books or not, you would learn just why these two are how they are – and what it takes to change... everything!

Riss was brought up by her older brothers, and her view of herself is as a tomboy, she works as a trucker, and she views sex as recreational rather than emotional. We soon understand why, when we meet her brothers. I loved her – and when her strong independent streak results in her badly injuring herself and in need of care, unexpectedly Ike steps up to help.

Ike brought up his three sisters, and whilst he is attracted to Riss, he blows hot and cold, one minute older brother, the next sexy cowboy. Ike is also struggling with his career status, and it is lovely to see that he trusts Riss with the issues he is having and asks for her advice. This mixture of romance, business, the impact of family on both, and the unravelling of their feelings for each other is perfect. These are two people who have to work for a living, who are not perfect, and who don't get lots of lucky breaks. They worry about the cost of healthcare, the lack of spare money, and the future.

This is a really good read, thank you for another engaging installment.

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Need You Series and the Blacktop Cowboys® Series. Her books have won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award.

Connect with Lorelei

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Racked and Stacked (Blacktop Cowboys #9) by Lorelei James to read and review.

What You Need by Lorelei James Audiobook Review

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Mastered Series and the Blacktop Cowboys® Series, the first in a brand new contemporary romance series...

The Lund name is synonymous with wealth and power in Minneapolis–St. Paul. But the four Lund siblings will each discover true love takes a course of its own...

As the CFO of Lund Industries, Brady Lund is the poster child for responsibility. But eighty-hour work weeks leave him little time for a life. His brothers stage an intervention and drag him to a seedy nightclub... where he sees her: the buttoned-up blonde from the office who’s starred in his fantasies for months.

Lennox Greene is a woman with a rebellious past, which she conceals beneath her conservative clothes. She knows flirting with her boss during working hours is a bad idea. So when Brady shows up at her favorite dive bar and catches her cutting loose, she throws caution aside and dares him to do the same.

After sparks fly, Brady finds that keeping his hands off Lennox during office hours is harder than expected. Though she makes him feel alive for the first time in years, a part of him wonders if she’s just using him to get ahead. And Lennox must figure out whether Brady wants her for the accomplished woman she is—or the bad girl she was.

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Another great read from Lorelei James. This is the first book in her new series and I can't wait for book two.

I listened to the audio version of this book, which means I spent a lot of time in the car getting to know these characters. Then I listened to it again just in case I missed anything. I like audio books because they make me feel closer to the characters, the narrators’ voices give the inflection that sometimes the written word doesn't quite convey. The narrators did an excellent job of bringing Brady and Lennox to life.

Brady and Lennox come from different worlds, both professionally and personally. Brady is the CFO in Lund Enterprises while Lennox works in the temp pool. Brady is fascinated with Lennox and doesn't understand why she doesn't seem to receptive to his flirting, but when Brady finds her at this little dive bar that his brothers and cousin drug him out to, he realizes that the person beneath the conservative suits is much more interesting that the woman she presents at work.

I really enjoyed this story of Brady and Lennox learning to merge their lives together. I'm anxiously awaiting the second book in the series.

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romances in the Rough Riders series, the Blacktop Cowboys® series, the Mastered series, the Need You series, and the Legacy series.

Lorelei also writes dark, gritty mysteries under the name Lori Armstrong. Her books in the Julie Collins and Mercy Gunderson series have won Shamus Awards and the Willa Cather Literary Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota.

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Mary Jo reviewed her personal copy of What You Need (Need You #1) by Lorelei James, Narrated by Lidia Dornet & Roger Wayne for this post.