A sexy sports superstar discovers his body isn’t the only thing that needs healing in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde.With major league good looks and talent, Dallas Gunslingers relief pitcher Axel Richmond was living the good life. Even if the roar of the crowd could never distract him from the loss of his young son. But now with an injured … with an injured shoulder and his career on the line, Axel is stuck recuperating at a ranch in Stardust, Texas . . . striking out only with his gorgeous physical therapist.
Kasha Carlyle has one week to get Axel back in action or she can kiss her much-needed job with the Gunslingers goodbye. And any chance to seek custody of the orphaned half-sister she never knew existed. She quickly learns that Axel’s guarded heart also needs healing . . . requiring all kinds of sneaky plays and sexy moves in extra innings.
Praise for Lori Wilde’s Stardust, Texas Series and Love Of The Game
“Amusing, passionate, and rampant with sexual tension, this magic dusted escapade is just plain fun and a wonderful harbinger of things to come. Wilde is an expert at developing endearing Texas communities and here gives fans another one to savor.”—Library Journal
“[A] sweet and sexy story of first love, small towns, and family.”—Booklist
“Wilde brings readers to Stardust, Texas, where baseball and romance are the name of the game . . . Wilde has another winner.”—RT Book Reviews
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Awesome book
Good story about two people whose pasts affect their desire for relationships. Axel was focused on his baseball career, not only because it was his dream but also because it was his connection to his dead son. But a shoulder injury put his career in jeopardy and physical therapist Kasha Carlyle was his best chance to save that career. Kasha desperately needed the salary and benefits of her new job if she was going to have what she needed to get custody of her younger sister. Giving in to the attraction could be the death of that dream.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Axel and Kasha. The chemistry was there from the moment they met. Kasha fought it hard for two reasons. First, Axel was her patient, and she refused to cross that line. Second, Axel stirred up feelings in her that she didn’t want. Keeping her emotions under control was very important to her. The things that she experienced as a child watching the interactions of her volatile parents left her with a distrust of passion. Also, her focus has been on gaining custody of Emma. Axel’s main focus remained on his healing and return to baseball and his goals. But he couldn’t deny how drawn he was to Kasha. I enjoyed their early interactions as Kasha used every trick at her disposal to get Axel to cooperate with her treatment. It was great fun to see him realize that she knew what she was doing. The attraction between them continued to build. I admired how Kasha remained true to her ethics, even as it became harder to do so. I liked how Axel seemed to know just how hard he could push Kasha without scaring her away.
I loved how both Axel and Kasha learned to grow and compromise as their relationship progressed. Their time together deepened their feelings, but neither could see how being together was possible. Axel saw his future with baseball creating a conflict between his traveling with the team and Kasha being rooted in Stardust. Kasha’s focus on being what her sister needed left her feeling that there was no room for a relationship. I ached for both while they fought their battles with dreams, goals, and expectations. I loved the realism of their solution, as both of them found a way to make it work.
I also liked Kasha’s realistic struggle over custody of her sister. Her shock at discovering Emma’s existence and challenges were believable. I admired her determination to be part of Emma’s life and her love for Emma was clear. There were some very sweet scenes of the two sisters together. I also felt Kasha’s frustration at the party as her dreams ran up against reality. I liked Axel’s support and his intervention at one point was brilliantly handled. I ached for Kasha as she struggled with the right thing to do.
Throughout the series, there has also been the presence of a magical hope chest. Kasha claimed that she didn’t believe in the magic, but couldn’t deny how two of her sisters found love. I enjoyed seeing her fight the truth of the special wine, especially once she discovered that Axel could taste it too. Now the only one left is Suki – where is her story?
Kasha Carlyle may just have bitten off more than she can chew, but she is bound and determined not to fail, and lose the job she just worked so hard to get. Taking a job with the Dallas Gunslingers came with it’s own set of challenges, the main one being, finding a way to resist the charms of all the handsome ball players, but she is certain she can keep things strictly business… that is until she lays eyes on their relief pitcher Axel Richmond. Axel is on the mend from a shoulder injury, and possibly looking at needing surgery, but he’s hesitant about going under the knife. So, after some discussion it is decided that Kasha will put her therapy skills to good use and try and heal the injured pitcher in a week, and if she can’t she’ll be handed her walking papers. Which seems easy enough… as long as she can resist the heated advances from the charming pitcher!
Dallas Gunslingers relief pitcher Axel Richmond loves what he does, and he’s itching to get back on the field, but his injured shoulder isn’t healing quite fast enough. He isn’t real receptive to surgery, so he decides to take a different approach, one that maybe even more challenging than he originally anticipated… Spending the next week, alone with his thoughts, on a secluded ranch away from the bustling city doesn’t sound all that appealing, but he’s willing to give it a try, especially since he’ll be spending the next week with the Gunslingers gorgeous new therapist…
This charming little read captured my attention right from the start, and had me flying through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a happily ever after brimming with feeling and lots of heart, and I am happy to report I found that and so much more!! I loved reading Axel and Kasha’s story, their relationship felt very real, their intentions were sincere, and the passion they shared was palpable. I love reading small town romances and this one definitely hit the mark, it warmed my heart, left me smiling and looking forward to more! I think it’s safe to say Ms. Wilde has another bestseller on her hands with this one!!