When I Need You (The Need You Series)

Lorelei James delivers a sexy and engaging sports romance with When I Need You, and it is one of my favorite reads of the summer. Jensen Lund and Rowan Michaels are two extremely likable characters, and their romance is heart-warming.

Jensen is a star professional football player, who is not interested in single mothers, cheerleaders, or medical practitioners. Rowan checks all three of these boxes; therefore, it seems unlikely that Jensen would ever be interested in her. Wrong. Jensen might have rules for dating, but he’s immediately intrigued and drawn to Rowan even though she’s everything he claimed he never wanted.

Rowan is attracted to Jensen, but she has no interest in getting involved with a football player. But when Jenson lays on the charm, he is irresistible. Their relationship develops at the perfect place as the sexual tension builds, and readers will be captivated by their love story. I adore Jensen, and I love this charming and passionate romance.

ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.

Rowan is a list making, rule following, good girl. She has to be in order to keep her life in order while raising her son. Between her little buy and her jobs as a cheerleader for the Vikings and a coach/trainer for college cheerleading, she doesn't have time for men in her life. When she does find time for men, she has one steadfast rule, she doesn't date athletes.

Jensen is a star football player for the Vikings and the life of the party, or he was until he got injured. When it comes to women, he has 3 rules, he doesn't date cheerleaders, medical professionals, or women with kids. Recovering from his injury and getting back on the gridiron is his only priority, until he meets Rowan.

After an unusual first meeting the sparks start to fly! They try to deny the magnetic pull and agree to be friends, but the heat between them is undeniable. They both have rules about dating that should prevent them from getting together, especially the no fraternization rule laid down by their team. The more time they spend together, the more difficult it becomes to resist each other. As the fourth book in the Need You series, this story tugs at the heartstrings and is impossible to put down. Another great book!

From the outside looking in Jensen Lund is living on easy street. There is no easy street when injury sidelines your career and leaves you doubting yourself. Determined to fight his way through the storm, he sets out to gain back his losses, but ends up meeting two people who change his life. Rowan knows what it means to fight. Nothing has come easy to her and despite the roadblocks she doesn't give up. She works hard at making ends meet and building a better life for her and her son. In no way does she need another heartache. Until Jensen has her questioning whether she should listen to her brain or follow her heart. Lorelei James, knows what it takes to get readers invested in her stories. Strong central characters, excellent writing and eclectic dialogue are just the thing to keep readers coming back for more. When I Need You blends these three traits with a bit of heat on the side.

Copyright of Night Owl Reviews

Ms. James returns to the Need You series with this story revolving around "The Rocket", aka Jensen Lund. Our hero is a star football player who was injured in a game and is now rehabbing and training to return back to the game he loves. He's been out of town for a while, and finds new neighbors across the hall - our heroine Rowan and her son Calder, who are staying at her brothers place while he's backpacking through Europe. The chemistry between the two is fantastic, but since she's a cheerleader for his team a relationship is forbidden by the team, not to mention Jensen has a rule against dating cheerleaders.

We follow along as they get to know each other better and eventually get involved romantically. The story is very entertaining and holds your interest as they resolve their inevitable issues on their way to HEA. I highly recommend reading the latest entree in the Lund series.

Jensen "The Rocket" Lund has 3 rules for dating. No single mothers, no cheerleaders, and no healthcare professionals. His rules have done him well for many years, but as his mother says "rules are made to be beaten." When Jensen meets his feisty new neighbor Rowan, he instantly feels the attraction but she breaks every single one of his rules! Jensen doesn't do drama and his first priority should be recovering from his football injuries and getting off the inactive roster, but when Rowan has a crisis he finds himself smack in the middle of saving her son Calder's summer camp. Who knew his camp project would be so fun? Little by little Rowan and Calder become very important parts of his world. Rowan proves to him that his rules are idiotic. There's just one more obstacle: Rowan doesn't date athletes. Jensen knows what it feels like to be stereotyped and it becomes his mission to prove to Rowan and his family that he's more than a dumb jock. The pressure is high from all sides to prove to his team that he's back in shape, his family that he hasn't completely closed them out, and to Rowan to prove he can be the man she needs! As always LJ writes family dynamics perfectly. There's humor, romance and plenty of Lund family action packed into this story.

Sigh! I love the Lund family. Another great standalone in "The Need You" series by Ms. James. Jensen Lund, "The Rocket", star status pro football player, with a star-studded body, anxiously waiting for the new season to begin, wondering if he will be healed from last season injuries and still have a job, meets temporary neighbor Rowan Michaels, single mom, cheerleader coach at the university and pro cheerleader for Jens team, athletically fit and foxy. Both come with self-imposed rules, ha - love and attraction, has it's own set of rules - funny, sexy story to see what wins out! As always, the characters are portrayed, so well. Jens and Rowan, could be people you know. I couldn't put my book down and definitely look forward to the next in the series.
Lorelei James is at the top of my to read author list!

After a string of injuries leaves him sidelined, Jensen Lund was living in a cloud of uncertainty and determination to resume his career. He's been a loner during the healing process.

Rowan was the best kind of strong heroine. A straight shooter who was comfortable being in charge. She works two jobs and is raising her son without his father in his life. What I love about her is that she doesn't act like a victim.

Rowan and Jensen placed each other squarely in their respective "friend zones" but their chemistry would not be denied.

This beautifully woven story touches on so many relevant topics from ex-relationship issues, celebrity and privilege, feminism and sexism and even intuition.

This series and this story in particular, exemplifies all that is celebrated about the contemporary romance genre. Lorelei James' storytelling is a reminder of why romance novels are single-handedly holding up the publishing industry.

Love the Need You series. There are some many great people in this series Me James could write an HEA. For all of them. Jens, was one of my favorite and I couldn't wait for his book. He is just a sweetheart charmer. Rowan is such a great match for him. She is so independent and yet he feels her in in no time.
And who can not live the play between the Lund sibs and then Mama Lund keeps everyone on their toes. She is so funny and yet so fierce when it comes to her children, But Mr Lund keeps them all moving along. This us a great romance with lots of steamy romance lots of family trials and lots of love and caring. One of the best summer reads out there. But when it is written by
Lorelei James it can't be Any thing but the BEST.

A big thank you to Lorelei James for writing yet another great instalment in 'The Need You Series' for Jensen Lund and Rowan.
What I love the most about Lorelei James books is what an amazing and talented writer she is, and how you fall in love and are drawn into the couple's love story and journey from the very first page and unable to put the book down until it's completed.
I was so looking forward to reading Jensen's story and Lorelei James did not disappoint.
Jensen and Rowan was a beautiful love story - Jensen being the hot, irresistible and loveable NFL player and the beautiful Rowan NFL cheerleader who is also an amazing, protective, dedicated single mum to her adorable son Calder.
The chemistry between Jensen and Rowan is captivating and to read Jensen's journey as he breaks down Rowan's walls she has built surrounding her heart as she had been hurt in the past and is a dedicated, protective single mum and bit by bit with a lot of patience was able to build a strong relationship with both Rowan and Calder, and through the summer camp himself and others with the help of the Lund foundation were able to put together and the way he won us all over at the post game press conference I truly didn't want the story to end.
I loved the relationships between Jensen and Calder which was super, super sweet, how could you not fall in love with Rowan's adorable son and then enters Mama Lund....she is an amazing mother to Jensen and the deep and meaningful discussions between her and Jensen and Rowan and then with Calder Awwww love it!!!!!!!
I can't wait for the next instalment in 'The I Need You Series'!!!!!!!!!!!

I have greatly enjoyed the 3 previous books in this series and really hope we get more!

Jensen Lund is a pro football player who has been injured and is awaiting the decision to see if he will continue. Rowan is a single mother cheerleader who has lots of spunk.

Like always I loved the connection between Rowan and Jensen. Their banter made me laugh at times and I really enjoyed Jensens interactions with Rowan's son, Calder. I was very curious where Jensens story would take us as I read the previous 3 books and I was not disappointed at all!!

If you are looking for a great summer read pick this one! And if you haven't read the rest of the series what are waiting for?

I have really enjoyed the Need You Series and this might be my favorite. Jensen and Rowan are no the stereotypical football player and cheerleader and the story is really great. Both characters defy the stereotypes and are amazing. The Lund family and Jensen are really a favorite of mine. Watching Jensen with Rowen's son, Calder is very heartwarming and really adds to the depth of this story. Great read and I look forward to reading about the Lund cousins in the future.

I look forward to reading Lorelei James and continue to read her books over and over again. Each new book I am so excited to read and fall in love with the characters.

My most favorite of the Need You series! Jensen is the best of the Lunds! You think you are getting a typical jock romance, and then Mrs. James changes things on you. There are so many great dynamics going on in the story that you can't put the book down! Jensen and Rowan's relationship, Rowan and her son, Jensen and her son, All of the Lund family members, etc. You might think that this makes the story confusing, but Mrs. James turns this into a deeper story with so much meaning! This is a beautiful continuation of the Need You series!

Another great installment of the Need You series. You won't be lost if you haven't read the previous books but how could you not ??? Though the main character is a football player and his HEA gal is a cheerleader, it won't turn off any readers that aren't sports fans.
Rowan is a single mother and devoted to her son but can't resist Jensen (the Rocket) star football player rehabbing after an injury. Neither are looking for love but can't deny their attraction.
The supporting characters are funny, interesting and add to the story. I love how characters from previous books are here too and some very intriguing new characters are introduced. All the things you love about a Lorelei James story are here: smexy times, strong characters, great banter and a happy ending !

Jensen, heir to the Lund fortune and pro-football player and Rowan, cheerleader and single mom, both have rules to live by when it comes to getting romantically involved with someone. They meet, decide to be friends only but those so-called rules are quickly thrown out the window. When I Need You is a great read and you'll love Jensen and Rowan as they connect. Rowan's son Calder is a cutie who grabs a piece of Jensen's heart too. Lorelei James doesn't fumble on her way to a touchdown in this latest book in the Need You series.

Oh My- I loved Jensen Lund and Rowan Michaels.. They had an instant chemistry yet wanted to avoid each other.. They both had rules that they wouldn't risk...Yet they find they can't help but connect first as friends thru little Calder, Rowan's young son.. There is no easy relationship but these two just make team work a part of who they are!
This series based in Minneapolis is so spot on and makes me want it to be Vikings Football Season Today!!! Lorelei James another great novel!!!

Jenson Lund is my absolute favorite of the Lund clan. He reminds me of my favorite NFL football player. Rowan and Calder capture your heart. As you read and take the journey with these three you fall head over heels for these three. You absolutely can't put it down once you start. You also get a chance to see some of the Lund family that makes you laugh. When you reach the end you will want more. Lorelei takes you in for a small look into the lives of professional athletes.

https://www.the store.com/When-Need-You-ebook/dp/B01M7X4SEZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1501161555&sr=1-1&keywords=when+i+need+you+lorelei+james

This was another awesome book to go along with the first 3 books that were just as good. Jensen and Rowan started out a friends and then became lovers, but during this time they had to face a lot of obstacles to get to the lover stage, but it worked out.
You will not be disappointed in this book. I promise

Great book that finishes up this immediate family.

Jensen is facing coming back from the injured reserves when he meets his feisty neighbor across the hall. Rowan has sworn off athletes when her son literally runs into Jensen in the hallway.

A wonderful story showing how rules were meant to be broken.

I hope that Ms. James continues the family stories!!

Jensen has no filter, “not happening. And give me some credit, woman, I don’t only think of you naked in my bed. Sometimes I imagine you naked against the wall. Or naked in my shower. But my favorite is you naked on my kitchen table, all spread out in a lickable, effable feast.” This book sucked me in from page one, I loved Rowan's little boy, and I loved how Jensen was with him.

I loved it!! Rowan and Jensen are my now favorites in this series! Rowan is a single mother raising her adorable son and a cheerleader and jensen is nfl player. They both have rules for dating but somehow keep breaking them when it comes to the other. This book is amazing and a must read you will not be disappointed!! ❤️?
I voluntarily read this book for my honest review

Single mom cheerleader, & recovering football star come together in this sweet story. As they are both on each other's 'do not date' lists, inevitability brings them together. Jenson is the dream man every single mother wishes for, & Rowan has it all together, seemingly without a struggle. Again, I expected the usual meet/hook-up/fight/break-up/make-up scenario, but, as usual, Lorelei doesn't stick to the mold!

This has GOT to be my favorite in this series!!!!....I love EVERYTHING about this book!!!!!....Absolutely a Swoon-worthy book in the awesome series!!...Romantic heart-warming. Who would have thought Jenson pro football player could be such a tender heart!!...Rowan a strong loving mother protective of her guys!!!...This book is one of the best!!!...A MUST READ!!!!!

Lorelei James scores another win with When I Need You. This is the 4th book in the Need You Series. Jensen “The Rocket” is coming back after an injury sidelined him all of last season. Rowan is a single mother trying to do it all. Both have strict dating rules but sometimes rules need to be broken in order to get a happy ending. Or as mama Lund says “Rules,” she scoffed, “are made to be beaten.” lol

When I Need You is a standalone book but I would highly recommend reading the entire series.

I love this series. I would recommend this series to anyone. I love the Lund family. They are supportive, connected and loving. Mama Lund is my favorite with her love for her children and her protectiveness. Jensen "The Rocket" Lund is my favorite Lund man. I loved the way he said children and family come first no matter what. Rowan is a hard working devoted mother. The book as a slow burn but I love the build up. I hope to continue this series with the extended family.

This is my favorite book in this series. Lorelei can make you laugh and cry on the same page, and I love this about her books. Jensen and Rowan are perfect for each other. I love the interaction between them, but cherished the interaction with Calder! It’s awesome to see someone write the “ready-made family” with such care. Plus catching up with the other Lund couples is always a plus!

I absolutely love the Need You Series and the Lund family. This is Jensen and Rowan's story and it's fantastic. I loved how their relationship progressed from friends to lovers and they broke all their rules! I was sucked into this book at page one and didn't want to put it down! Cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Sometimes rules are made to be broken. Jensen and Rowan both have specific dating rules excluding each other as potential dates. Thank goodness they're finally brave enough to throw them out the window. I love this series: the quirky family members, nosy friends, steamy romance, just a dash of angst and a happy ever after.

All rules are made to be broken. Jensen and Rowan find this out in the best possible way.
This book highlights that even if you are in the public eye you can still be down to earth and enjoy life's simple pleasures of pizza and Harry Potter.
This latest installment from Lorelei James makes you excited to see which Lund family member she will choose to work her magic on next.
A fabulous book.

Lorelei James can write a wonderful story. I loved Rowan and Jensen. I enjoy friends to lovers stories. This was beautifully developed. I enjoyed Jensen's relationship with her son and how it added to their overall relationship. I am enjoying this series and I hope there are more stories to tell.

This series are the best romance novels ever. This one was fantastic!!! Such a heartwarming story of Jensen and Rowan and how they fall in love. And Jensen's mom, loved how she never gets the sayings right. Definitely recommend this book and the others in the series if you love a sweet romance.

I loved this single parent romance! There is nothing sexier than a man who is good with kids! I loved the way feelings developed between the main characters and Jensen's interactions Calder. I really loved this book and can't wait to check out more by this author.

I absolutely loved Jensen. Right from the very start he captured my heart. I love how him and Rowan fought it but that love made them break every rule they ever had. And how Calder just snuck his cute little self into all that love.great job again Lorelei James

Lorelei James writes a great slow burn! This is the first 'Lund' I have read and even though characters from the rest of the series made appearances, it was a complete standalone. I enjoyed reading about Rowan and Jensen's journey to each other.

Freakin Jensen Lund!! Jeez Lorelei, warn a girl next time. Jensen will melt your heart, seriously. Everything he does is so sweet and on point with being a gentleman. He lets the relationship with Rowan build slowly and perfectly, with just the right amount of heat. And I absolutely love every interaction with Calder. Fantastic book from start to finish!

All rules are made to be broken. Jensen and Rowan find this out in the best possible way.
This book highlights that even if you are in the public eye you can still be down to earth and enjoy life's simple pleasures of pizza and Harry Potter.
This latest installment from Lorelei James makes you excited to see which Lund family member she will choose to work her magic on next.
A fabulous book.

Lorelei James can write a wonderful story. I loved Rowan and Jensen. I enjoy friends to lovers stories. This was beautifully developed. I enjoyed Jensen's relationship with her son and how it added to their overall relationship. I am enjoying this series and I hope there are more stories to tell.

This series are the best romance novels ever. This one was fantastic!!! Such a heartwarming story of Jensen and Rowan and how they fall in love. And Jensen's mom, loved how she never gets the sayings right. Definitely recommend this book and the others in the series if you love a sweet romance.

I loved this single parent romance! There is nothing sexier than a man who is good with kids! I loved the way feelings developed between the main characters and Jensen's interactions Calder. I really loved this book and can't wait to check out more by this author.

I absolutely loved Jensen. Right from the very start he captured my heart. I love how him and Rowan fought it but that love made them break every rule they ever had. And how Calder just snuck his cute little self into all that love.great job again Lorelei James

Lorelei James writes a great slow burn! This is the first 'Lund' I have read and even though characters from the rest of the series made appearances, it was a complete standalone. I enjoyed reading about Rowan and Jensen's journey to each other.

Freakin Jensen Lund!! Jeez Lorelei, warn a girl next time. Jensen will melt your heart, seriously. Everything he does is so sweet and on point with being a gentleman. He lets the relationship with Rowan build slowly and perfectly, with just the right amount of heat. And I absolutely love every interaction with Calder. Fantastic book from start to finish!

Lorelei James has done it again. Every time I read one of her books I think that they can't get any better--except they do, every time without fail. I really enjoyed Rowan and Jensen's story. There were moments of wonderful humor, as well as the expected romance. The first page alone had me laughing out loud! I'm hoping that there will be more books coming in the series as each book makes me want to learn more about each of the family members.

Jensen and Rowan both have rules about dating and that's never been a problem until now. Single mother doing it all on her own and a star football player looking for more.Lorelei James doesn't disappoint,this story is heartwarming and sexy.

Another hit in this contemporary romance series by Lorelei James! Jensen Lund is recovering from a devastating knee injury and focused on returning to football. That is until a sexy new neighbor moves in across the hall. Jensen breaks all his dating rules when he falls for her. These Lund boys sure do know how to win their women!

Best in the series!!! Having read this series from the start I couldn't wait until Jensen's story was told. It was so much better than I even imagined it would be! I can hardly wait to read whose HEA comes next. I just hope I don't have to wait too long. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.