Name: I Want You Back
ISBN: 9780451492746

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?

I Want You Back

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I was first introduced to Lorelei James with her Need You series. I inhaled those books as they were released, falling in love with her writing and characters even more as the series continued. The Lund family is one of my favorite bookish families. I was over the moon when I learned she was writing a spinoff series set in the same world. Her Need You series is off to one hell of a strong start with I Want You Back. What a fantastic and realistic read.

Y'all know second chance romance is my jam. There's just something about watching two characters come back to each other. I couldn't have been more excited to start reading Jaxson and Lucy's story. (Side note: if you ever want to get me hooked on a series, kicking it off with a second chance romance is a great start.) I'm not really sure what to say about Jaxson and Lucy. They weren't perfect. They have quite the past. There's a lot to get through if they're ever going to find their way back together. I remember side-eyeing Jaxson in the Need You series, so he was going to have to work to earn my love, too. It wasn't easy and it wasn't quick, but he did manage to do it eventually.

I want to be cautious not to be too spoilery here, because this book did take me by surprise a couple of times with the issues that came up. As much as I loved the intensity of the chemistry between Jaxson and Lucy, the romance wasn't my favorite part of this book. Don't get me wrong, it was fantastic. It was honest and realistic. Which, of course doesn't always mean pretty. The honesty is what I probably loved most about this book. The ugliness wasn't glossed over, both in their past and in some of the situations they deal with for their daughter Mimi. You know how book kids usually bring comic relief and sweet moments? Don't expect a lot of that in I Want You Back. She has her challenges, too. She's a good kid underneath it all, but she's definitely struggling.

If you're a fan of the Need You series, you'll probably want to catch up with the Lunds again in I Want You Back. I loved it and can't wait to see what's next for this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Favorite Quotes:

I feel like drinking you down until I'm drowning in you. Until you're seeping into my pores and filling me back up again. And again.

"Fair warning: I'm not going to play fair. I remember exactly how to make you hot and wet."

Lacey

I've been DYING for Jaxson and Lucy's story since they were first introduced in the series. I couldn't wait to see how Lorelei James would redeem Jaxson, as he couldn't be more awful in previous books. As a professional hockey player, he messed up big-time with the love of his life and their child. Now that he's retired, he's determined to win back Lucy's heart and be the father he should have been. I Want You Back is a fantastic redemption story that I highly recommend if you're a fan of the Need You series!

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.