The new sexy contemporary romance in New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James’s Want You series, set in Minneapolis–St. Paul.Hockey player Gabriella “Gabi” Welk spent her life in pursuit of championships, but she has little to show for it besides dusty trophies and second-place medals. Now her career consists of several part-time jobs to make ends meet. When Gabi gets a chance at her dream … gets a chance at her dream job, she swallows her pride and asks her nemesis—smart, sexy and savvy Nolan Lund—for help.
Since being named future CEO of Lund Industries, Nolan has tried hard to overcome his reputation as a fun-loving playboy and ladies’ man. For the first time ever, he’s more focused on the company than his personal life. He spends his free time at the ice rink his brother owns, cheering on his niece at her hockey games…and watching Gabriella Welk, the superstar athlete and assistant coach who gets under his skin in a way he can’t ignore. He’s shocked when Gabi agrees to trade a favor for a favor.
They have little in common besides their mutual mistrust, but between family crises and sibling rivalries, Nolan and Gabi realize they want to be more than just friends—much more.
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One of my top quick reads for the summer! I loved this intriguing sports based enemies to friends romance that Ms. James spun in this novel. Not all sports heroes need to be men, women are bad as8 athletes too, and Gabby Welk is right up there. The former olympian women’s hockey player has erected a solid wall to hide her heart of gold, it takes a persistent man like Nolan Lund to break through and see the diamond inside.
Everything we have come to expect as readers from Lorelei James’ books is in this novel. Witty banter, relatable characters with all their flaws out there for people to see, great plot development and a HEA. What more could you want for a summer’s day?
I thought this was going to be so emotional, but it wasn’t. And for that, I’m so thankful, just because I’ve been reading a lot of emotional ones that I need one pick-me-up read. This is just perfect.
Gabi and Nolan both are victims of misconceptions by other people. People thought because Gabi’s a hockey player, she’s brute and cold, unlovable, or incapable of love. And that’s what happened with her ex, who had fallen in love with her little sister. Nolan’s reputation was tainted from his action from years ago, and people still hold him accountable for that. Working for his family’s company, he has never felt more looked down on and left out than before.
Nolan had made a false impression of Gabi when they first met. This book started as they kind of made up and work through a friendship. Gabi found herself asking Nolan for his help and spending more time with him. Slowly, their friendship is progressing into something more
I love their love story! I wouldn’t say there’s a clear romance development when there were still friends. But when they started seeing each other, you can clearly see their love, their romance. Nolan’s a very great guy and Gabi’s just so perfect for him. She understood him more than anyone and vice versa. And that they made time for each other despite their differences in work commitments. For once, the MCs don’t whine for not having enough time for each other. A total win!
Highly recommend this one!
Second book in the Want You series, a contemporary series by famed LLJ. Love her western books, but she makes quite an impact with the contemporary genre. Plus it’s just an awesome read. The Lund’s are an intriguing family and I see lots more in the future.
Nolan and Gabi make a statement about misconceptions of others. Hockey star Gabi doesn’t need the superhero coming in to save her. She wants to be the superhero. Billionaire Nolan Lund has everything he needs, except a true partner. The way they make their friendship work and eventually turn into a relationship is truly a story to enjoy.
This book is a wonderful enemies to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn that will keep you turning pages to see if they can possibly find happiness with each other. My first read in the the series but I will have to go back and catch up. The Lund family certainly has my attention.
Gabi is trying to find her place in the world with a career in the world of hockey somewhere. She hasn’t completely decided which way to go. She knows she loves the sport, loves playing, loves coaching and just being involved. Currently working as an assistant coach and program director, but has the opportunity of a lifetime pop up.
Nolan has his hands full working for Lund Industries, being named the up and coming CEO after his big brother steps away from the company business and purchases the arena. Clothing and fashion have always been his thing, but when you have the money to have it all why not. Struggling with his new position in the company and if this will truly make him happy. When the snarky employee of his brothers ask him for help, how can he refuse?
The more time that Gabi and Nolan spend together the more they realize that even though they are complete opposites. They seem to get each other very well. They are excepting of each other just the way they are. But will it be enough? Can they take this friendship that has started to the next level?
This book is full of quick wit and fun humor. Looking forward to some more Lund family drama.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
4.7 stars
4.7 stars
I love this author. Prior to reading the first book in the Want You series, I had only known this author with her Western romance. She is a phenomenal author that can write anything, but I am really liking her more contemporary take on romance.
This book was much different in certain aspects of Luce and Jax’s story, in the fact that other than some preconceived notions on Nolan’s part there was no real history with Gabi. I enjoyed watching Nolan discover himself and how he listened to what it really was that he wanted instead of just what he was “destined” to become. Gabi was a breath of fresh air. I loved getting the chance to see her as a strong woman that was also a woman in a pretty much male-dominated sport unless it comes to the Olympics. There was a fierceness about her that I appreciated.
Much of the story was geared around to totally opposite people discovering that sometimes opposites do attract. They both offered something to the other and I enjoyed watching it blossom into something more. I wondered how these two were going to manage a relationship with the career aspirations that they both had. The author did a good job showing how, with a little compromise, they were able to manage to do that. There were some definite bumps in the road. Loved the few glimpses of Jax in the book again too.
Definitely recommend this book. It is refreshing to see a contemporary romance breaking the mold by having not only a woman in the starring role of a sports romance but seeing her as a Hockey player.
I was lucky to get a review copy of this. I will always jump at the chance to review this author and her work.
This author continues to blow me away with the stories she tells. This book starts off with instant chemistry and it continues to grow until the end and even when it ended, I wanted more!
Gabbie and Nolan’s story has the perfect amount of angst and build up. I devoured the book to find out what happened next and loved every second of it. Each of these characters are ere strong, intelligent and full of drive, I enjoyed watching them fight for what they wanted.
I can’t recommend this book enough, it can be read as a stand-alone but the Lund family is amazing so you will end up reading them all anyway!
Once lauded as a hockey star and revered coach, Gabi has just been trying to make ends meet. She’s a former Olympic hockey star and made history as a female collegiate hockey coach, but she refused to stand by and watch the women get shortchanged. Now she’s doing odds and ends, including some work for Stonewall Lund. This wasn’t her plan, her passion is the sport, but fortunately she’s finally seeing a light at the end of this dismal tunnel- she’s landed a potentially live changing job interview for her dream job. With few options to turn to for help, she turns to Stonewall’s brother Nolan to help her dress the part and to charm her potential employers who run in very different circles. Affluent future CEO Nolan is the perfect mentor- this is his wheelhouse- Nolan is charismatic and debonair. As they spend time together, something more starts to surface of their dislike, but can the suave and composed billionaire truly connect with the direct, bold, and sassy hockey star?
These two definitely did not like each other at first- this big-time enemy to lovers. Nolan is a playboy- seemingly stuck up, far too concerned with appearances. And Gabi is a tough girl, not from Nolan’s world. The animosity, the sparring is at times intense, but as they get to know each other and see each other in other avenues (Nolan outside of his CEO visage, Gabi coaching Nolan’s niece), they build a mutual care and respect- they start to be friends. And, a humiliating romantic setback for Gabi really softens Nolan to her. They determine to support one another with each of their respective challenges, and over time, that blossoms from hate to care to romance.
This is definitely a bit slower burn than I prefer, and while I do love some good enemies to lovers, these two were just SO ornery with each other at first- especially since we saw them bantering in Book 1 already. But, I appreciated the naturalness with which this progressed- these two had negative perceptions about each other- narratives they’ve told themselves about the other that they each have to unravel and delegitimize. Both characters have layers of complexity underneath the surface for their interest, and us, to expose. And, their romance is complicated not only by their doubt in the other but by both of them having a bit of an existential crisis themselves based on their current professional challenges- both have spent years trying to debunk the stereotypes and judgments made about them in their fields. They’re grappling with their own path to contentment, which their budding feelings for one another complicates. Even though they both share similar fears- both are camouflaging their own insecurities about their worthiness.
This romance explores the age old romantic lesson of not judging a book by its cover- we can only learn about a person through listening, through learning- by trying to walk in their shoes. This slow burn contemporary romance shows us how two opposites, two enemies can find common ground- ground that isn’t new, that they just didn’t take the time or care to discover until now. Funny how the very person you assumed the worst in somehow sees the best in you that no one else sees- funny how the person you loathe somehow becomes the only person you need. That’s the journey Lorelei James takes us on- with all the angst, all the banter, all the tension, all the steam, and most importantly, all the heart.
When I first read the description of this book I just knew I had to jump at the chance to read an early copy. While this is the second book in a series it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I have not read the first book and I did not feel lost at all but I do want to read the first book now.
I love that this is a sports romance where the heroine is the athlete. It’s my favorite thing. Enemies to lovers fun. Gabi and Nolan’s story had me hooked from the beginning this is a definite must read.
A sweet and sexy slow burn kind of romance that gets you in the right spots. Want You to Want Me is a fantastic read to get lost in.
Nolan Lund is the never settle down, fun loving, different woman on his arm kind of man. With a personal shopper and always dresses to the nines there is no wonder the man has gained the nickname of the Prince of LI. Nolan is honest in what he does. He may be a ladies man but he’s no player. Nolan is smart and willing yet still has a lot to learn. In many aspects of his life. I enjoyed how his romantic side emerged when he realized that everything he thought about his type was blown out the window when love smacked him in the face before he even knew what was happening.
Gabi Welk is a force. An amazing hockey player and a fantastic coach. This woman has a talent and determination to achieve anything she could possibly want. Her will is almost as strong as her compassion and heart. There is more to Gabi than meets the eye and that is just the beginning of what I loved about her. Her tough exterior hides to the world her own self doubt. At what could be one of her lowest of low an unlikely Prince in fancy pants knocks down a wall or two and allows Gabi so see someone more.
The verbal sparring and bickering between these two are worth the read alone. The back and forth, pushing each other’s buttons, showing each other both the will and stubbornness they possess. I love their slow burn and build up. They way Gabi and Nolan got to know one another and build something wanted and needed was natural and remarkable. They allowed each other to be themselves. Even if it took them both a bit to figure it out. Enemies to lovers and opposites attract, Gabi and Nolan have an emotional story but I know you will be entertained. Ms. James gives readers heart, humor and sexiness wrapped up beautifully in Want You to Want Me.
Want You to Want Me is a slow burn, opposites attract, friends to lovers sports romance. The hero and heroine are complex and likeable. I particularly found Gabi to be quite relatable, she’s a strong, driven women and former Olympic hockey player. She can come off as a little aloof at times, whereas Nolan is her opposite, he’s quite personal and social. Nolan is hardworking, but struggles for his work ethic to be recognized, and to be taken seriously. He’s a bit of a ladies man, and a metrosexual to boot.
The banter this pair shares is witty, fun and flirty but also antagonistic. They love to verbally spar with each other, and the tension oozes off the page.
There is quite a lot of drama around family and work, and as this was the first title I’d read in the Want You series, at times I struggled to keep all the Lund family straight. Overall an enjoyable read.
Man alive but I love the Lund collective.
This one was extra fun because it’s a sports romance, but the heroine is the sporty one. The roles are flipped in a way that seems like it might not work for me – but it totally did. That is, Gabi is the sort of tomboy hockey heroine and Nolan is the metrosexual reformed manwhore and that’s not even the entirety of the way the script is flipped between these two. It was refreshing and fun and honestly heartwarming.
This is a frenemies to lovers story. There is no love lost between Gabi and Nolan in the beginning, but it’s all done with a sort of respectful and affectionate undercurrent. The banter quickly heats up and it was impossible not to fall for these two while they fell for each other. They’re a perfect balance of sweet and sexy (and there’s no question that their physical chemistry is 100% on point). I loved their relationship. I loved how they communicated so openly and honestly, and how drama free their relationship was. They were just perfect together!
That said, there was plenty of drama going on in the storyline. While I adore them, the Lund collective continues to multiply and it can be challenging to keep them all straight. Add to that some work drama and some family drama and – well, there’s a lot of drama here. It occasionally failed to hold my attention, but then just like that I’d find myself sucked back in, desperate to know how it all played out. I’m so invested in this series – and in this family – that I will always be back for more. This was another fun, flirty, and emotional addition to this fantastic series!
4.5 stars
Want You to Want Me is my first book by the author and I rather enjoyed the story.
I love a good hockey romance and this didn’t disappoint.
I liked Gabi, she was a strong woman who strived to do her best in her career, although she does struggle somewhat in other aspects of her life.
When Nolan overhears her speaking to her soon to be ex-boyfriend, needless to say the ride these two go on is flirtatious with witty banter and the chemistry is off the charts!! I liked Nolan and although things are a bit dicey in his family, he seems to go after what he wants! I genuinely loved the way their relationship progressed!
Secrets, drama and a whole lot more rap this storyline up in a fantastic sports romance meets the billionaire bow!
3.5 Breaking Down Assumptions Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
This is part of the Lorelei James Galaxy of her many series. When James puts her mind to it, all the books flow.
This is the second entry to the Want You series. This has Nolan, the future CEO of Lund Industries and past Olympic Hockey player Gabriella “Gabi” Welk. These two have been crossing paths due to the past connections from friends and family. There is no love lost between them due to a combination of things. Nolan, thinking he was doing something good, took Gabi for a drink after she had been dumped by a past boyfriend. He overheard it happening and asked her out as a way to be supportive.
Unfortunately, while at the bar, Gabi overhears Nolan saying some unflattering things about her. Bam, Gabi decides fine, that is who he is, she doesn’t need it.
These two cross paths again at a family gathering and Gabi, the strong woman she is, calls Nolan out on what she heard. What is important is Nolan sincerely apologizes and from there, they have a fresh start. Soon they start texting and learning more about who they really are. When Gabi needs help for an important meeting, Nolan is the one she turns to.
This story worked and also let us think there may be more to the series.
This is a wickedly smart, clever, and sexy story! Nolan Lund is HOT, and there’s more to him under those perfect clothes. Gabi’s softness and sweetness shines through as she gets to really know Nolan. This is a perfect read that is light hearted with a complex story line. I can’t wait to read it again!! Lorelei James #loreleijames #newrelease
Want you to Want Me (The Want You Series, Book2) By Lorelei James
I absolutely love this book. I’ve been waiting for Nolan’s book for awhile and I’m so glad I finally got to read it. I think Gabby is positively perfect for Nolan. The chemistry with between these two just makes your heart melt. This book has a little bit of everything in it. It made me cry and it made me laugh and then it made me cry some more. I’m so glad that Nolan and Gabby have finally gotten their happy ending.
P.S. Some of my favorite scenes are them text messaging back-and-forth. It’s just so real life.
This book is about Nolan Lund and Gabriella (Gabi) Welk. They met when Jax Lund put his daughter Mimi in a hockey class for kids her age. Nolan and Gabi always had snide remarks for each other when they first met.
As they got to know each other, they both decided to try and go from enemies to friends. As this progressed along, they decided to see if they could take it from friends to lovers. Things progressed good, but of course they had their ups and downs, trust issues, and everyday life stuff, to throw curve balls at them, but they overcame them.
The story is a good one and it was nice to see some of the cousins (i.e. Brady, Ash and Annika) in this story, along with Jax popping up in here also.
For me, I just didn’t feel the chemistry for these two like I did in the previous book in this series or with the Need You series. But like I said it was a good read.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I loved being back in this world. There were so many old faces that we saw pop up and I loved every minute of it. I loved how Gabi was the hockey player and it twisted the scene for us.
Gabi was tough on the outside but on the inside, she just wanted to someone to see her for her. When Nolan first meets her, he gets the wrong impression and they become enemies. I love a good enemies to lovers romance so this was right up my alley.
Nolan was a player in the past, but it’s clear that is never what he really wanted. Really getting to know Gabi was something that he needed to get him over keeping everyone at arms length. He never let anyone else in, he went from one extreme to another trying to be what people wanted him to be.
What I loved about this was that both of these people had such distorted opinions on who the other was, but watching them grow together and learn how to be with another person in a functional relationship made me fall in love with them even more.
We all know I hate players, but Lorelei does it in such a way that it doesn’t bother me, and that is what sets her apart in my eyes. I can always trust her and I love that about her books.
Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley and Lorelei for allowing me to read this early
I just loved Gabi and Nolan!!!!! They were opposites while being so similar. They were frenemies while getting along so well. They complimented each other, the ying to the others yang. So confident and so confused. Arrogant while completely empathic. Close to their family but still set apart from them. Secretive and brutally honest. They did a fabulous fandango dance around each other before committing to the rhythm. They had great banter, they were on fire in the bedroom, they were each others confident without saying a word sometimes. They made me smile, they had me tearing up, they had me squirming in my seat. The completion of their story tied in beautifully with their start, and has left me with a happy smile on my face for them