Publication Date: April 2nd 2019 by Berkley
Pages: 400
Source: ARC provided by Publisher
About the book:
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?
My Thoughts:
I’m such a sucker for a good second chance romance, even
more so when the couple have a child together, so I was really rooting for Jax
and Lucy to get their HEA! From the
beginning this couple felt like they were always meant-to-be, which was enhanced
by flashbacks to some of their first dates.
A super meet-cute, and palpable chemistry had me hooked! I loved the flashbacks, and I felt like it
gave a depth to their connection that wouldn’t have been there otherwise, but I
was glad we didn’t relive their messy breakup, as I’m not fond of super angsty
romances.
My heart ached for the loss of their relationship since it
was clear neither were over the breakup even though it happened years ago,
right around when their eight-year-old daughter Sophie was born. It’s always tough for me to get over a cheating
in a relationship, but Ms. James handled it beautifully! Not to excuse Jax’s
behavior, but alcoholism and toxic peer influence contributed. I appreciated he
never made excuses, and acknowledged how badly he screwed up, losing “the love
of his life” in the process. He definitely made up for it! Lucy wasn’t completely
blameless in the death of their relationship, IMO, and I’m glad she recognized
her part and worked to change.
Jax and Lucy’s story was mentioned here and there in the Need You series,
so I’ve been eagerly anticipating their turn, and I Want You Back did not disappoint! Loved Jax and Lucy’s story to
pieces! This series is a new spin-off, something I just figured out. I thought
is was part of the Need You series,
and we do have cross-over characters. However, you don’t have to read any of
the other books to love Jax and Lucy’s story.
4.5 Suns
The lovely people of Berkley have generously provided A Paperback Copy of I Want You Back to one reader! The giveaway is open to US Residents only. Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!
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I am a sucker for a second chance too! Great review and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun and perfect read for summer! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI Want You Back sounds like a good read. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Rachel! I really enjoyed this one. I agree that it felt like Lucy and Jax were always meant to be together. :) I'm tempted to go back and read the previous series.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteTricky one to get just right. Those points you made about not seeing the breakup and both acknowledging their part with no excuses would go a long way toward me loving it.
ReplyDeleteI can not remember if I have read her!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by this author, but I believe this one is on my TBR (if not, I'll add it!). I love it when couples in books have kids, because I think it adds another layer to the story and the characters. Children are innately innocent, and often say what they see, so it forces characters to be more honest with themselves. Also, I love men that are good with kids! You should try The Feel Good Factor by Lauren Blakely. Derek is adorable with his nieces and nephew! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I also like that the author didn't try to sweep his cheating under the rug, but addressed it in a honest and mature way.
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
This sounds fantastic. I don't think that I have read this author before but I really like the sound of this one. Second chance romances are a favorite but I like that this couple has a child and the author was able to deal with past cheating well.
ReplyDeleteI love this author. I haven't been in the mood for straight up contemporary lately, but this sounds superb!
ReplyDeleteI love second chance romance too! The two main characters having a child together as well as a past would have me rooting for their HEA also. I've heard wonderful things about this author. Thanks for sharing! Lovely Review!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
I just finished reading When We were Worthy.
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying her Rough Riders series & know I'll enjoy this one too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book! I would LOVE to read it!
ReplyDeleteSounds and looks like a good romantic story my favorite.
ReplyDeletesounds like a great beach read
ReplyDelete