Step into the sizzling world of the Need You series by Lorelei James, where the wealthy Lund family navigates love, lust, and life in the vibrant heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul! This contemporary romance series blends steamy encounters with heartfelt family dynamics, offering readers a delicious escape into stories of personal growth and transformative love. With alpha males and strong-willed women, Need You captures the Midwestern spirit while delivering romance that’s equal parts spicy and sweet.
Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn office flings or fake relationships that turn real, this series has something for every romance lover. Let’s dive into the origins, stories, and lasting charm of Need You!
How Need You Began
Lorelei James, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her erotic Westerns like the Rough Riders series, launched Need You in 2016 with a fresh focus on contemporary romance. Inspired to explore a new setting and dynamic, James crafted the Lund family—a wealthy, close-knit clan running Lund Industries in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Her goal was to blend her signature sensual style with deeper emotional arcs, creating a series that feels modern, relatable, and rooted in Midwestern values.
James’ shift from cowboys to corporate tycoons didn’t dim her knack for crafting chemistry-driven stories. Drawing on her South Dakota roots, she infused Need You with a grounded, Midwestern sensibility, making the series a standout in her extensive catalog.
The Heart of Need You
The Need You series spans four main books, each following a Lund sibling’s romantic journey. What You Need kicks things off with Brady Lund, a workaholic CFO who finds his match in Lennox Greene, a reformed rebel with a wild past. Their office romance sparks as they balance professional boundaries and undeniable attraction. Just What I Needed follows Trinity Carlson, an artist, and Walker Lund, a restoration specialist, whose fake-date-turned-real-love story is packed with humor and heat.
All You Need dives into the sports world, pairing PR powerhouse Annika Lund with bad-boy hockey player Axl Hammerquist in a fake relationship that ignites real passion. Finally, When I Need You wraps up with Jensen Lund, a pro football player, and Rowan Michaels, a single-mom cheerleader, in a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers tale that defies team rules. Themes of work-life balance, family loyalty, and personal reinvention weave through each book, set against the bustling backdrop of Minneapolis’ corporate and sports scenes.
James’ style is lighter here than in her erotic works, but the chemistry remains electric. The Midwestern setting—think snowy winters and community-driven values—grounds the glamour of the Lunds’ world, making their stories feel authentic and relatable.
Why Need You Resonates
Need You has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its blend of steamy escapism and emotional depth. Fans praise James for crafting characters who feel like real people, from Brady’s nerdy charm to Annika’s fierce independence. The series’ focus on family dynamics and personal growth strikes a chord, offering readers not just romance but stories of self-discovery. Reviews highlight the series’ ability to balance humor, heart, and heat, earning it a loyal following.
Its Midwestern setting also sets it apart, bringing a fresh perspective to a genre often dominated by coastal cities. By celebrating the Twin Cities’ culture and community, Need You feels like a love letter to the heartland, resonating with readers seeking stories that feel both glamorous and grounded.
- Publication Years: 2016–2017
- Number of Books: 4 main novels
- Awards: Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee
Grab What You Need and dive into the Need You series’ world of romance, family, and Midwestern charm! Whether you’re craving a spicy fling or a heartfelt love story, the Lunds have it all.