by Lorelei James
Series: Need You #4
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
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.
WHEN I NEED YOU by Lorelei James is the fourth book in the Need You series. The stories center around the Lund family siblings, and this was Jensen “The Rocket” Lund’s story. A strong heroine, an adorable five-year-old, and a sexy man who loves a particular fictional series had me devouring their story. WHEN I NEED YOU, was a sexy, humorous, and heartwarming romance. This friend to lovers, rule-breaking romance is a must read this summer.
Coffee Dates with When I Need You
- First Date: I was a tad worried going in since football jocks aren’t my thing, but Jensen Lund is a serious contender for book boyfriend of the year! Jenson is back from Florida after surgery and extensive therapy to repair injuries to his leg that kept him on the injured reserve list all last season. The setup for how Jenson met Rowan Michaels and her son was perfect. From the get go, I liked Rowan, adored her little boy and knew Jenson was in trouble. Jenson’s rules make Rowan an impossibility for a hookup, let along a romance and Rowan has only one rule no professional players. Between the chemistry and the banter, these two are in serious trouble.
- Second Date: A friendship begins and it was refreshing, fun and hilarious because these two are mentally undressing each other. The emerging friendship felt genuine, and James did a fantastic job of letting the reader get to know both characters through dual pov and alternating chapters. Both are strong, independent and focused. I loved how mature they were and appreciated how they communicated and processed things. In the meantime the three are becoming a little unit, only don’t tell them that.
- Third Date: Realizations, rules, family, and friends all made the story have depth while tugging at my heartstrings and making me belly laugh. When I learned Jenson loved a fictional series as much I do, it was all over I was completely smitten. The relationship between Jenson and Rowan was hot but also showed elements of a sustainable relationship. Lund’s mom was precious from her incorrect puns to her love of family. The ending left me smiling and hoping that we get more books in this series. I am not quite ready to be done with this family and their friends.
WHEN I NEED YOU, delivered romance novel perfection. While it is a part of Need You series, it may be read as standalone. However, my guess is you’ll go back and grab the others.
WHEN I NEED YOU delivered romance novel perfection #mustread #beachread Share on X
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Cyn
Oooh 5 stars! I really really must check out James! Because her books really do sound wonderful. Glad this one was awesome! Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do. I have only read about 1/2 doz of her books, but love the feels she delivers.
Sophia Rose
Shari loves this series and I have it on the list for eventually. They both sound great together and funny about the mutual rules. I like that they try friendship and your reaction has me excited to get around to this one. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad, she loves them, and hope you get to them, Sophia.
Nadene
I love sports romance and this sounds like one I would enjoy.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay. I hope you try it Nadene.
Sarah
WOO TO NEW BOOK BOYFRIENDS! I didn’t realize that James writes mainstream romance now (or ever, lol)! I remember loving her coboy bdsm series. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have read this series and a few others, all were contemporary.
Tyler H. Jolley
Sounds steamy. I’m totally getting Fabio-esque vibes from this cover.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…yeah built like Fabio, but with brains and a love of books…swoon!
Mary Kirkland
I tried reading her books a couple of times but just didn’t care for them.
kimbacaffeinate
She is fairly new to me. I have only read books published after 2014, but have enjoyed them. So sorry you didn’t connect.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
I stalled on the first book of the series. You’ve tempted me to resume reading. Thanks for the review.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do, I have loved all the books in this series.
Carole
This sounds wonderful! I love a good friends to lovers story. Throw in a sport and I am hooked. Great review
kimbacaffeinate
I have a lot of fun with this author. Thanks Carole
Kristin
FIVE STARS?!?!?! Seriously?!?! You don’t give those out lightly and when you do, I notice! Now I have to go add this to my TBR… damn you *shakes fist* I’ve never read one of Lorelei’s books so…. have to add her!!!
*shakes fist* 😉
Kristin
I bought “Just What I Needed” b/c it was $2 cheaper 😉 and the first book didn’t sound as interesting 😀
*shakes fist*
kimbacaffeinate
Lol. I have never read a book I didn’t like by her. Happy Reading 🙂
Jenea
I don’t normally do the whole jock thing often, but I have to say this does sounds pretty and pretty hot too. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it. He is the only brother in sports, so it was a nice break from the Lund company.
Debbie Haupt
I’ve loved jock romance ever since Marie Force waaayyy back when wrote Line of Scrimmage. This looks like its right up my alley a 5 star romance and a scorcher too!
kimbacaffeinate
I will check that out. Thanks, Debbie and enjoy!
Geybie's Book Blog
You make me SO curious, Kim. I want to read it!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing. Awesome review.
kimbacaffeinate
YES! I enjoy this author and I am glad I have made you curious 🙂
Ailyn Koay
when life says F it, and gives you what you don’t want
kimbacaffeinate
LOL. Thanks for the catch on the dates yesterday 🙂
RO
It’s been awhile since I read a sports romance, but my goodness this sounds really good. I’ma fan of football, and the rapport between the two characters seems so well written. I’ve bookmarked this as a reminder to grab this book. Glad you loved it, Kim. Hugs…RO
kimbacaffeinate
The whole series isn’t sports, but one of the brothers is a professional player. I hope you grab it 🙂
Nick
OK I HAVE got to try this series already. I’ve heard such great things. This one sounds amazing. I’m glad it surprised you even though it had a football jock!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you would adore this author, Nick. All the feels and great characters.
blodeuedd
I like sports romance for some reason 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t seek them out but have enjoyed the ones I have read.
Melliane
It looks like a really good romance! I heard great things about this author as well but still need to try her books
kimbacaffeinate
I have enjoyed every book I have read by her.