Review & Giveaway: When I Need You by Lorelei James

When I Need You (Need You #4) by Lorelei James

Publication Date: July 25th 2017 by Berkley Books
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

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 Enterprises 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 Michaels 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.

My Thoughts:

Jensen “The Rocket” Lund suffered from a sports injury in last book, one that’s taken him out of the last playing season with surgeries and physical therapy. Facing such a serious and possibly life altering event has changed some of Jensen’s views on life.  I like the change and growth it brought out in him. He wanted to be recognized as more than just an athlete, rich guy, or a playboy.  Yes, football is a large part of his life, but he realized that things could change so easily. Casual hookups no longer appeal to him, either, but Rowan Michaels, the woman who lives across the hall breaks all his relationship rules:  no single moms, no cheerleaders, and no health care workers. The rules have served him well, until he met Rowan.  She’s gorgeous on the inside and out, so they’ll just be friends.  Right…that’s really going to work out!

Rowan has worked hard to get where she is as a coach and cheerleader for The Vikings football team, and her job is important to her as the sole provider for her six-year-old son, Caulder.   She’s very wary of jocks, won’t date one, since she got burned so badly by Caulder’s father. But Jensen Lund tempts her like no other man since she’s become a mother.  He’s surprisingly sweet and funny, and has a way with Caulder.  Still, no matter how much she’s attracted Rowan must be careful.  It’s not only her heart on the line.  Also, there’s a “no fraternization” policy that could threaten her career if she decides Jensen is worth the trouble.

When I Need You is my favorite installment so far in the Need You series! The romance was a slow build, friends-first-relationship that made the pay-off when they finally got together sweeter for the wait.  I enjoyed their “just friends” situation, too. Their flirty banter back and forth, and sizzling chemistry made it obvious Jensen and Rowan would burn-up the sheets once they got together!  I appreciated there wasn’t any unnecessary drama between them, because it’s so frustrating when that’s thrown in just to create conflict if it doesn’t feel natural. I liked how Jensen handled the “no fraternization” policy, as well.

I so love the Lund family, especially Jensen’s mom, Selka! This Swedish matriarch is a fierce momma cat to all her grown children, not that they always appreciated that, lol. Her attempts at English sayings were hilarious:

“You are feisty? Or just contrary?”

“Both. It’s harder for you to put me in a headlock if I’m standing across from you.”

“Headlock.” Her lips curled slightly. “I have no UPC moves.”

UPC? What the hell? “You mean…UFC?”

“Yah. Whatever. I am harmless.”

I laughed. “I doubt that.”

I look forward to a story centered on Dallas and Igor in the future, but I’m really hoping for one with Lucy and Jaxson Lund.  It’s obvious Jax wants back in with his Lucy and young daughter, but he was a complete ass to them in the past! Not sure they could patch things up after all he did, but I’m sure Lorelei James could make it happen believably if she decides to.

4.5 Suns

Connect with Lorelei James:

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The fabulous people of Berkley Books have generously provided a copy of one book from The Need You series (What You Need, Just What I Needed, All You Need or When I Need You) to one lucky reader.  Winner's choice! The giveaway is open to US residents only.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. Good luck!

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