by Lorelei James
Series: Need You #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
A hockey romance burns 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 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...
ALL YOU NEED by Lorelei James is the third book in the contemporary romance series Need You featuring the Lund family and takes place in the Twin Cities. Annika Lund, a PR agent for her family company, has her hands full when she finds herself faking a relationship with Swedish hockey player Axl Hammerquist. James shares a romance filled with snark, wicked banter, tender moments and heart. Once again she held me captive, and I devoured ALL YOU NEED in one evening.
Annika finds herself unwillingly helping with the PR for Axl. He has a reputation for public sex and lots of ladies. I would be the first to admit I thought Axl was an arse during our initial encounters even if I laughed at his over the top displays. Poor Annika. She has her mother to thank for this mess. Axl doesn’t heed her advice and soon finds herself faking a relationship with him when she unintentionally finds herself on Youtube. I adore the fake relationship troupe and James had me hooked.
I was unsure of Axl and couldn’t get a handle on this obnoxious player. Thankfully, as James peeled back Axl’s layers and exposed the man beneath I quickly found myself not only swooning but genuinely liking the guy.
Lorelei James has an incredible talent for bringing her characters to life while creating a fast-paced believable story with depth. She ultimately ends up melting my heart and I have a hard time deciding which book and characters are my favorite.
Annika is a powerhouse in her profession and likes to take control. While Axl filled her mind with lustful thoughts, he isn’t the typical suit she usually dates. I loved the vulnerable sides of Annika that James exposed as well as her feisty, stubborn side. It was wonderful seeing this couple’s relationship develop as James took them from annoyed to respect. Their dates and growing friendship were filled with laughter, wicked banter and shock as things moved to something more.
I loved the clever plot twist James gave us and enjoyed time spent with other members of the Lund family. Axl’s motley crew of misfit friends added depth and humor. It also allowed us to see another, softer side of Axl. I was a little worried about the road to my HEA but I absolutely loved how James brought it all together. Fans of Cecy Robson, Jill Shalvis, Mandy Baxter and Jessica Lemmon will enjoy the Need You series.
All You Need by Lorelei James delivered from swoons to twists with plenty of heart. Share on X
Need You Series
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
Somehow I have never read this author and maybe I should check her out. The Lund family sounds fun and the fake romance does as well. I also like that the hero isn’t cookie cutter. Glad this was a good one for you!
kimbacaffeinate
This is the first series I have read by her, and I have been impressed.
The Bibliophile Babe
I need to read something of hers!
kimbacaffeinate
This series was my first and I really enjoyed it.
Katherine
I feel like I need a Swedish hockey player in my life! I went to college with a lot of hockey players and they were a special breed. This sounds like so much fun and I’m curious about the plot twist.
kimbacaffeinate
Back in the day, I use to cut hair and the Flyers practiced right near my shop. I groomed many of them.
Shari
Love this series! The family cracks me up, but the love makes me swoon.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..yes, I enjoy them.
Debbie Haupt
I loved your review Kim and I was under the impression that she only wrote e-rom. I’m going to have to check her out!
Can you read this without tackling 1&2?
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it will work as a standalone, of course the secondary characters are all part of the Lund family..but she lightly reintroduces them. I have never read anything else of hers.
Angela Adams
An addition to me “beach read” list. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo perfect for the beach.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve read a couple of her books and didn’t care for them. Glad to hear you liked this one though.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first series by her Mary.
Quinn's Book Nook
I almost bought this book at Barnes and Noble the other day! I am actually currently listening to Just What I Needed, which is my first James book, and I’m liking it a lot. I don’t love the narrators, but they are okay. But I’m really intrigued for this one, because we see glimpses of Axl and Annika, and it cracks me up! So glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I will for sure be reading it soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad you are reading the series. Bummer about the narration. Yes, the build up was good for this, but like that they will work as a standalone.
Heidi
I am glad that you and Axl finally came to an understanding. I still havent’ tried this author.
kimbacaffeinate
I have had such a good time with this series Heidi.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes! Third super duper positive review on it. I think there’s no doubt I should read this. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Oh please do!
Lily B
gah I have been LOVING the sound of this. Kicking myself for not taking a better look at this book. It’s okay a trip to the store is in order. I need something funny in my life. Glad to hear that Axl grew on you!
kimbacaffeinate
This is full of humor and awe moments Lily. Total feel good.
sherry fundin
Definitely want HEA in my romance, but some trouble along the way is a good thing. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
I could not agree more.
Anna
Unfolding a story like that takes talent and insight. Some days, today, I wish I had both. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Right. She really does so cleverly.
Geybie's Book Blog
This sounds great. I’m curious about the plot twist. This is a new author to me. I’ll check this out. Awesome review, Kim. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
kimbacaffeinate
I have had a blast with this series and each story offers something different and a new couple.
Ailyn Koay
not sure if obnoxious hero deserved a fake relationship to help save him. but hey, cool story
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, PR for sports figure and at first glance no, but yeah he did.
Cyn
There’s so many things about this. I love! Hockey, fake relationship, plot twist and an author I’ve been meaning to check out for a while now! Glad to see you loved it! Awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do and what love to hear your thoughts.
Nadene
Fake relationships is one of my favourite tropes, but not too keen on the obnoxious hero. However, this sounds like it was well done.
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully, his behavior was explained, and his reputation and actions were not the same.
Nick
I love fake relationships and this sounds so interesting. I also love a good obnoxious hero who you get to know better, so I need to meet Axl. And you know I’m always up for some banter!
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I ended up adoring him Nick.
cindy
I do love a plot twist! Thanks for sharing this great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Cindy.
blodeuedd
Oh I have not read her in ages, but I did enjoy her books
kimbacaffeinate
I have really enjoyed this series.