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Stardust, Texas #2

Rules of the Game

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A jilted bride meets a superstar baseball player in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde...

Just uttering the word "wedding" makes Jodi Carlyle break out into a cold sweat. So a year after she'd been dumped at the altar, and two days after turning the big 3-0, she decides to break some rules—by dressing to the nines, hiring a limo,and crashing a swanky wedding...

...Where she catches the eye of the Dallas Gunslingers' new star hitter Jake Coronnado. He's hot. He's sexy. He sticks by her side all evening. He's the perfect fling. After a wild weekend, where they do everything and then some, Jodi thinks she'll never have to see him again...hey, she's even told him her name is Gwendolyn! But she thinks wrong.

Because guess who's the best man at Jodi's sister's wedding? And guess who's still as seductive as ever? And guess who's determined to turn their one-night fling into happily-ever-after?

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 26, 2015

120 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read

About the author

Lori Wilde

343 books2,256 followers
Lori Wilde can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to write. She even went to nursing school so she could have a schedule flexible enough to allow her to write on the side. She nursed for 20 years, working in a variety of settings from the newborn nursery to the recovery room, to dialysis. But she never lost her desire to write.

She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.

Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.

She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,753 followers
November 20, 2015

Rules of the Game is the second book in Lori Wilde's Stardust, Texas series. Honestly, she is one of the most talented authors when it comes to her small town contemporary romance stories, no doubt about it. I adore everything she's written, but this one... there was something extra special about Jake and Jodi!

Blurb...

A jilted bride meets a superstar baseball player in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde...

Just uttering the word "wedding" makes Jodi Carlyle break out into a cold sweat. So a year after she'd been dumped at the altar, and two days after turning the big 3-0, she decides to break some rules—by dressing to the nines, hiring a limo,and crashing a swanky wedding...

...Where she catches the eye of the Dallas Gunslingers' new star hitter Jake Coronnado. He's hot. He's sexy. He sticks by her side all evening. He's the perfect fling. After a wild weekend, where they do everything and then some, Jodi thinks she'll never have to see him again...hey, she's even told him her name is Gwendolyn! But she thinks wrong.

Because guess who's the best man at Jodi's sister's wedding? And guess who's still as seductive as ever? And guess who's determined to turn their one-night fling into happily-ever-after?

My thoughts...

I could go on and on about Jake and Jodi, and the quirky population of Stardust. They make me laugh, make me cry, they make me sigh...suffice it to say that Rules of the Game is another winner. As I said above, I adore Lori Wilde's stories, and can't wait to head back to Stardust, Texas one day soon!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books, and to show my appreciation I'm giving them an honest review!
Profile Image for Beth.
3,183 reviews293 followers
May 9, 2015
Rules of the Game combines sexy with a wonderfully sweet romance.

Jodi was left at the alter. She's been gun shy to attend a wedding ever sense. You could say she has wedding PTSD. Knowing she must face her fears and be the maid of honor in her sister's wedding, Jodi decides to crash a highly publicized wedding.

Jake Coronnado is a sexy hitter for the Dallas Gunslingers. When he sees the hot as heck woman trying to break into the wedding, he helps her out and brings her as his date.

The chemistry is instant. Jodi sees another chance to break loose of her carefully controlled world and have a one night stand. Jake knows he's connected with Jodi more than he has to any other woman in a very long time. When Jodi makes her escape Jodi never expect to see Jake again...

Until she meets her future brother in law's best man, Jake Coronnado.

Can Jake convince Jodi that he might be her knight in shining armor?

Fun, fast and packed with fictional friends, Rules of the Game is a delightful read.

I received this ARC copy of Rules of the Game from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 26, 2015.

Written by: Lori Wilde
Series: Stardust, Texas
Sequence in Series: 2
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: May 26, 2015
Rating: 4 Stars
ISBN-10: 006231128X
ISBN-13: 978-0062311283
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com



Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,702 reviews1,116 followers
May 10, 2015
Review-Rules of the Game I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review, thanks to Edelweiss and Avon publishing and Lori Wild, this does not alter my view on this title.
Summary 
Jodi knows that crashing a wedding is just what she needs, its been over a year since she was left at the altar, and she still struggles with the pain of that moment. So she takes her therapists advice, she crashes a wedding, but then she meets Jake, a sexy man who saves her from being found out as a “wedding crasher” and they are connected, and she can’t seem to say no to him, and after sharing a dance and a sensual night in his hotel room, she knows that this beautiful night will always be in her memory but she realizes that she can never have anything “normal” with him and for the first time in her life she wonders if her life would have been different if she had taken his offer for more than a one night stand. While getting ready for her sister’s wedding, working at her bedroom and breakfast she owns and manages, she runs into Jake again, and soon Jake and Jodi are entering into a sexual relationship, but a relationship that turns into something stronger and more binding…a bond that blows them both over with passion and love and trust…
The Hero 
Jake Coronnado is the star hitter for the Dallas Gunslinger’s, and he has been asked to be the best man, which surprises him, but he accepts and gladly. But coming back to Stardust, is also a way for him to face his demons. While away on a game, he lost his wife when she was gunned down in a store, and its been three years and he still hasn’t come to full terms with his wife’s death. Her death almost destroyed him, and he doesn’t know if he is ready for something more, but Jodi is like a breath of sunshine to him, a healing balm, a way for him to find peace and find something more with her, he doesn’t know where this relationship will take him, but he knows he can’t stop craving her. Jake is a hoot of a character, he is not your typical sports hero, despite his athletic talents, he isn’t what he appears to be, he is still hurting, and is quite tormented. But what I also loved seeing what how playful and carefree his character is.
The Heroine 
Jodi Carlyle, has unresolved issues and not just from her ex fiancee…but she was adopted, and her life before was bleak and lonely and she had no one who loved her before her adopted family came into her life. She would do anything for her siblings and her parents. She has tried to move on from the past and build a new life for herself, she likes being in charge and in control, and has a hard time trusting others. She still suffers from being dumped at the altar for a stripper, but she knows that she needs adventure and to let go…but isn’t sure if she can. Control is her saving grace and is all that she knows to function. What I loved about Jodi was how she knows that she has a past, struggles, and is trying to face them. She makes mistakes…plenty, but she also knows herself and is true to that. She doesn’t hide from it, and I loved seeing her spunkiness and seeing her come out of her shell that she has built around herself. She was quite lively and entertaining. Even though there were moments I wanted to shake her…she also is the type of character that become real to the reader.
Plot and Story Line
Rules of the Game is the second book in this latest series, and unlike her other books…this has a different take…its a sports romance, but with a small town feel to it. What I love about Lori Wilde is being able to create a story that I just fall right into. She is an auto author for me now, every story I have read from her has been fun and entertaining and sexy…and this holds true for Rules of the Game. What is great about this story was the emotional development we see in the characters. Both of the main characters are struggling with a past trauma. We also see a form of “magic”–kinda. This is the theme for the series, about sisters who find a box, and each holds a special item, an item that what you wish for you get…and only your soul mate can connect with that item. For Jodi the item is perfume, and no one can smell the scent except for one man…Jake and her wish…to have a sexual adventure…well every time Jake gets a whiff of her perfume he wants to take her clothes off. Quite entertaining really…seeing this arrogant ball player being humbled a bit at times. He does have to work for Jodi and boy does she make him work for it. I love how sassy she is, and the way she has to have her own way…but she gets humbled too. Another great aspect to the story is seeing characters from the first book…since the setting is around their “wedding” but it’s quite fun to see other members of the team…and I sure hope their stories are next. Especially cocky Talbot.
The Cover 
You know I like the cover…with her green dress and the backdrop…very romantic and fun.
Overall View 
Rules of the Game is a story of redemption, healing, learning to trust in love, and fated soul mates. It’s a warm and sweet romance, with loveable characters, Lori Wilde accomplishes a home run with this charming tale that is guaranteed to make you cheer….sensational in every way!! A MUST READ FOR ROMANCE LOVERS!!
Profile Image for Casey.
2,650 reviews47 followers
April 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Rules of the Game is the second book in Lori Wilde's Stardust, Texas series. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but the characters are interconnected. This one was a really sweet and fun book, and I enjoyed reading it. Lori Wilde is a great contemporary romance writer, and I always enjoy her stories. If you are looking for a great quick and easy read, you really can't go wrong with Lori Wilde.

After being dumped at the alter and turning 30, Jodi Carlyle decides its time to face her fears and move forward with her life. She gets dressed up and crashes a wedding. Needing some help after she forgets the invitation she stole from her sister, Jodi catches the eye of a sexy stranger. Jake wants to get to know Jodi better, but she gives him a fake name and refuses to let him get to know the real her. She decides a fling is exactly what she needs and Jake is the perfect person for one. But after they go their separate ways, Jodi thinks that is the last she will see of him. But little does she know that he is the new star of the Dallas Gunslingers, and also the best man at her sister's wedding. Can Jake and Jodi turn their fling into something more?

I really liked Jake. He was sweet and charming. I thought he was great from the very start, and the more I got to see of him the more I liked. I loved that he was so determined to get to know Jodi, even when she wasn't giving him much to go on. She gave him a fake name and tried to end their time together, but he kept pushing for more. It was refreshing to see the guy pursuing the girl, when in romance you so often see it from the other side. Jake had been through a lot, and it was good to see him wanting more after everything he had been through. Jodi had some issues and was trying to move forward with her life just like Jake. They had different ways of going about it, but they were both after basically the same thing. I think that was what made these two so great together, was that they could connect because they both had painful things they were struggling with in their pasts. They were just surviving before, and trying to figure out a way to start living again. Jake and Jodi were great for one another, and I really enjoyed seeing them fall for one another. It was good to see Jodi come out of her shell and I thought that Jake was such a big part of that. These two had a lot of chemistry and were really cute together.

Overall, I thought that this was another good read from Lori Wilde. It was fun and entertaining, and a good read for when you are looking for something light and easy. While the characters are struggling with issues, Lori Wilde has a way of keeping things upbeat and I really like that. I know that I can sit down and just spend a few hours enjoying a good story without it being dark or filled with drama and angst. Her books always leave me feeling happy and in a good mood. There are times when the dialogue and story got a little cheesy for me, but I like the sweetness so it isn't that big of a deal for me. I would recommend this book if you are a fan of contemporary romance, especially if you like a good sports romance. Lori Wilde never disappoints, and I know I will read more from her in the future.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**
Profile Image for Kathleen.
745 reviews33 followers
June 9, 2015
This was the second book in this series that I read and it was just as great as the first book Back in the Game.
What happens when you crash a wedding, should stay at the wedding. But for Jodi Carlyle her wild wedding crash weekend turns up un expectedly at her B&B when he comes to stay there as the best man at her sister's wedding.. and Jodi is the Maid of Honor. Little did she know that Jake Coronnado was the new star hitter of the Gunslinger's which her soon to be Brother-In-Law is the manager... And when a when a mysteries perfume starts smelling like Lavender that only the two can smell, well things just turn just as wild as that weekend in a Dallas hotel at Jodi's B&B.

Lori Wild always gives her fans a fantastic read. I can't wait to see what happens to the next Carlyle sister!!!
Profile Image for Dixie-Lee Campbell.
331 reviews18 followers
June 1, 2015
great book ! humour, results of grief, romance, happy ending brought tears to my eyes.! Picked it up, and hard to put down til the last page. Totally enjoyed. Recommend Stardust, Texas novels. Back in the Game #1, and Rules of the Game #2 and cannot wait to hear what is in store for Kasha, Jodi Carlyle's sister. Thanks Lori Wilde for great visit to Startdust, Texas.
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,705 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2015
Just like the first book in the series this one is great. I love the characters and the town they live in.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,791 reviews123 followers
February 3, 2016
Very good book, with two people who have some pain from their pasts to let go of before they can have the future they want. Jodi is the maid of honor at her sister's wedding, but the mere thought sends her into a mental freeze. A year ago she was left standing at the altar and getting past it has been a challenge. On the advice of her therapist she blings herself up and crashes a celebrity wedding in Dallas. Caught without the invitation she swiped from her future brother-in-law, she is saved from embarrassment by Jake, who makes her his date for the evening.

The attraction between them is instant and hot. Jodi has spent her life being the "good girl" and following all the rules. Indulging in a one night stand with a hot guy is not normal behavior for her, but she figures she'll never see him again. Jake has given up on casual hookups but something about Jodi has him ignoring that rule for this one night. He'd really like to get to know her better, but she isn't cooperating. After they part ways, neither has much luck in forgetting the encounter. Then Jodi is horrified to discover that her walk on the wild side is none other than the best man at her sister's wedding. That means she's going to have to work with him over the next few weeks, while keeping the truth from her family.

I liked Jake right from the start. He doesn't want a meaningless fling and tries his best to get to know Jodi. He can't stop thinking about their night together and is thrilled when he finds her again. Being with Jodi makes him feel alive again after the tragic death of his wife three years earlier. At first he isn't sure if he's truly ready for a new relationship, but the more time he spends with her, the happier he is. He knows that it will be a challenge to overcome Jodi's reluctance, but he is determined. I loved seeing him try to follow her rules while still pursuing her the way he wants to. He's sweet and protective and wants to take care of her. The only thing holding him back is the grief and guilt he feels over his wife's death. As he gets closer to Jodi, he opens up to her about his feelings, which helps him but creates some misunderstandings with her. I loved his big moment at the end, which was sweet and romantic and really funny, too.

Jodi is a bit of a complex character. Like her sisters, she was adopted, though she remembers her earlier life with a neglectful mother. Being adopted by the Carlyles was like a dream come true for her. She never wanted to do anything that would make them regret it, so she was always careful to follow all the rules. She also watched over everyone else. Making sure she had her life under control was very important to her, right down to the way she ate her food. When her fiance jilted her, it wrecked her self confidence and made her feel that she had lost control of her life. Her therapeutic crashing of the wedding was only supposed to be the wedding itself, not a fling with one of the guests. Her encounter with Jake affected her control in a way nothing had before, and it freaked her out. Having him show up in Stardust threatened her control all over again. I loved seeing Jake bring her out of the shell she has built around herself, as she slowly learns to let go a little at a time. Jake works his way into her heart, but she's afraid that his feelings for his late wife will keep him from loving her. I loved seeing her take the risk in the end.

Also as part of the story was Jodi's turn with the mysterious hope chest that was found in the first book, Back in the Game. Jodi finds a bottle of perfume that only she and Jake can smell. The chemistry between Jodi and Jake is hot, but that heat seems to burn even hotter when she wears it. There are a couple of really steamy scenes that come about because of it.

The secondary characters are also great. We get a little more of Breeanne and Rowdy from the first book. Rowdy is the catalyst to get Jake to Stardust as he tags Jake as his best man and also advises him about moving forward through his grief. Jodi's closeness with her sisters plays a big part also, as each of them has something to say about her relationship with Jake. Jake's friend and teammate Talbot is also present, with an attitude that is just begging for karma to catch up with him. I can't wait until it does!
Profile Image for Deborah.
971 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2015
Rules of the Game is the ultimate sweet romance!

Jodi struggles with a the pain of being left at the alter. She's just turned 30, sick of crying the blues, and wants to start living her life again. Knowing she has to be Maid of Honor in her sister's upcoming wedding, she takes her therapist's advice and crashes a wedding. Kinda like get all the jilted wedding feelings out now. While crashing, she meets Jake who is a ballplayer and all sorts of sexy! He helps out the beautiful lady by getting her into the wedding by saying she is his date. The chemistry was intense! It leapt off the page! Jake never felt a connection like this in sometime. Jodi feels it too and decides to take her new lease on life even further by having a one-night stand with Jake. Jodi makes her escape the next morning believing she can't have any relationship with him.

While getting ready for her sister's wedding, Jodi is working her bed and breakfast she owns and in walks Jake. She finds out he is the Best Man in the wedding. Both find that it must be fate to meet up again and both want more from the other. They start up a relationship which grows into much more than they expected. Jake wasn't sure if he was ready for another relationship. His wife died three years before and it devastated him. Jodi is like fresh air to Jake and he just can't stay away!

I really enjoyed reading this romance! I loved the journey Lori Wilde takes them on. Peace, Joy, Love, and Recovery. The characters are real. I could feel their struggles. But I also felt their happiness and joy. They are so adorable and right for each other. The theme of the Stardust, Texas series is about a magical box found by sisters. Each holds a special item that grants you a wish when you find your soul mate. For Jodi, its perfume. No one can smell it except your soul mate who turns out to be Jake, and her wish is a wonderful affair! It's quite entertaining because every time Jake gets a whiff of Jodi and her perfume, he literally can't keep his hands to himself and wants to rip her clothes off her! I was loving it! Such a neat twist to work in! If you are a fan of genuine real characters, sweet romance, with a little fun in the sun(or sack), then snap this up and be prepared to be entertained!

4 stars/3 flames

This book was provided to me by The Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions and rating in this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Profile Image for Sharon Redfern.
714 reviews28 followers
May 19, 2015
Jodi's therapist thinks crashing a wedding will help her get over her wedding phobia. This phobia developed when she was left at the altar by her thieving ex-fiance. Jodi needs to conquer this problem so she can be the Maid of Honor for her sister Breeanne. So, being a girl who has big goals, she crashes a high society wedding, almost gets caught, and has a sizzling one night stand with hunky Jake who saves her bacon with the security.
Jodi fully intends to never see Jake again but she doesn't realize he is a player for the baseball team her soon to be brother-in-law Rowdy works for. The scene where Jake comes to town and unknowingly checks into the boxcar hotel that Jodi owns is hilarious. Jake is still mourning his late wife but has a fierce attraction to Jodi. She feels the same but she is gun shy from her last romance.
I really enjoyed this book. Jodi is so stubborn, snarky and determined to keep Jake at arms length. Jake is kind, also determined and gorgeous but he isn't sure where this hot romance should go. The tension while waiting for them to get their act together kept me turning the pages as fast as I could read the words. I loved the first book in the series ( Rowdy and Breeanne's story) and this was an excellent follow up.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,620 reviews
June 7, 2016
I'm so excited can't wait to read this book. I love Lori Wilde's books. I will write more when I've had the chance to finish the book.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
May 28, 2015
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Rules of the Game is the second story in Lori Wilde’s Stardust series and it was a very enjoyable read. First I have to say that the cover is absolutely beautiful. I’m a cover girl and it definitely got my attention. Having read it now and I look at it again, I love it even more because it captured the hero and heroine exquisitely.

The author has created two very likable and deserving characters in Jodi Carlyle and Jake Coronado. She builds a romance for Jodi and Jake with just a little bit of magic and a whole lot of sexual chemistry between the two of them. Jodi has unlocked the hope chest and found some perfume that only she and Jake can smell. Is he her soul mate? She doesn’t want to believe in soul mates and one true love after being jilted at the altar a year ago. She denies it for so long until she works it out in her mind that she won’t let it go there, and just keep it a sex only thing between her and Jake. I liked how her character developed over the story and how it became so much more for Jodi. She had to face some harsh realities but she is stronger than she gives herself credit for. Fortunately Jake has had more time to process his hurt and guilt that is in his life and has had some degree of closure. He has one more thing to take care of and it should be easy for him but it doesn’t always work out as planned. There wasn’t any big secret revealed or mystery to solve but it does take time to move on and let go for both Jake and Jodi. What I love is that the author makes two halves a whole when they help each other. Jake and Jodi both find that happy ending together and in love. The proposal scene is just too funny and very memorable.

The story may be a little predictable but it is thoroughly engaging with heat and emotion. She strikes a good balance of hot, sexy encounters for Jodi and Jake, along with some time out of the bedroom or coat room, getting to know one another and all the plans before a wedding. The writing is very descriptive and you get a good sense of the emotions they are feeling when they are together and apart. I like her style and I have been a big fan of Lori Wilde’s and all her other series she has written. The Stardust series is fun and her characters are real and lovable for contemporary romance readers to enjoy.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Schultheis.
1,316 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2015
Rules of The Game by Lori Wilde is one romance that I will definitely be re-reading many times over.

The story is well-written, the characters are relatable and make you care about what happens to them, and with Lori Wilde I can always count on a happily ever after that makes me heart feel good.

Rules of The Game revolves around Jodi and Jake. Talk about two characters that make you believe in love! Jodi has been burned before, she was left at the altar and is gun shy. Jodi makes the decision to do something out of the norm, so she crashes a wedding. This is probably the best choice she has ever made, because she meets Jake. The attraction between the two is instant and unwavering. As much as Jodi denies the attraction, it’s only a matter of time before she gives in, because Jake is irresistible. Jake has his own issues though and together they will have to fight through their battles, to have a future.

The dialogue is realistic, the writing flowed smoothly, and the emotions the characters had were right on target.

Anyone who loves romance needs to buy this book. It will restore your faith in love and put a smile on your face while reading. I would definitely recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Gale.
1,945 reviews22 followers
May 31, 2015
Rules of the Game (A Stardust, Texas Novel) is Book two in Lori Wilde’s newest series. As with book one, I am loving it. I am a big Lori Wilde fan but for me, this has been my favorite “town” and people she has written.

Rules of the Game has the same theme as Back in the Game – a hope chest that has a little bit of magic and a little bit of hope. For Jodi Carlyle and Jake Coronado, it is all about “smell”, the perfume Jodi finds in the hope chest. Jodi comes off as such a strong character, something she has believed all her life that she has to portray in order to be accepted as a part of her family. She is adopted and has her own story to tell and you should read it for yourself. Jake is amazing and has had such tragedy in his past but he has also been given the opportunity to make something of himself in baseball. AND HE UNDERSTANDS THAT, PEOPLE! He isn’t a totally self-centered jerk. Really, really loved how good and sweet he is.

The story is funny (just wait until you read about Jodi and the laundry cart) and sweet and romantic, and sexy, all about the power of forgiving yourself, first. And a neighbor’s dog who knows when to show up and create chaos. I can’t wait to read more about the Carlyle sisters and this hope chest! I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rachael.
40 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2015
Gunslingers, wedding crashing, Jodi, and Jake. What do they all have in common?

Rules of the Game by Lori Wilde was such a heart warm read. I highly recommend this book to those who have "loved" and lost. It tells us how Jodi Carlyle, the main character, had loved a man and was stood up at the alter. It had changed her into what I would call a bitter person relationship wise.
Jake Coronado, a member of the Dallas Gunslingers baseball team, has lost a lot in his life. He was a happily married man until they day his wife was murdered while she was shopping in a convenience store. He is suffering still from the loss.
Set the scene with a still hurting Jodi needing to get over her fears of weddings that her ex had "given" to her. Her therapist suggest crashing a wedding to help her get over these fears, so Jodi would be able to assist her sister in her sister's upcoming wedding.
Now take Jodi, Jake, crashing a wedding, and see what they all have in common and how Love can bring two people together.
Rules of the Game is a home run deep into centerfield of your heart! I loved it and hope you will too.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,573 reviews77 followers
June 25, 2015
4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, suspense, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Back in the Game (Stardust, Texas #1)

This is Jodi and Jake’s story. Jodi needs to crash a wedding. What happens when you forget the invite you need to crash said wedding. Jake sees Jodi is about to be kicked from the wedding and he adds her as his plus one. They don’t exchange names so after a night of fun they go there separate ways. Jodi and Jake still think about that one night but what happens when that one night just will not stay in the past? Jodi is maid of honor and Jake is best man. Sparks are about to fly! Can they stay away from each other? Or will Jake’s past relationship come back and ruin everything?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
Profile Image for Shari.
1,845 reviews25 followers
May 30, 2015
Wedding crashing, Jodi, thinks it will help her let go of her feelings of being left at the alter. She meets Jake at the wedding and becomes plus one for Jake. Needless to say they have a wonderful time, for a one night stand. Jodi believes she will never see Jake again, but little did she know he is the bestman at her sister's upcoming wedding. There is an instant chemistry between these two broken hearted people, that Jodi does not want to admit to. She finally agrees to a no strings relationship, only sex, but can Jake win over.
Loved the chemistry between these two characters, great banter that had me laughing out loud at times. Loved the hope chest theme, secret perfume. This book is a homerun out of the park, what's not to love baseball and romance. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book by Lori Wilde for a perfect summer read.
Profile Image for Lara Hulzen.
Author 20 books427 followers
April 20, 2016
I loved this book. Great characters are key to a great book for me. And I couldn't get enough of Jake and Jodi. Jake was the perfect romance book hero. Loving, caring, and willing to fight for the woman he loves. He was a refreshing change as well from the heroes who need reforming or turning from their wayward ways by the heroine. In Rules Of The Game, Jake is a good guy. A really good guy. Perfect? No. Broken? Yes. But wanting to heal. And willing to be vulnerable to win Jodi's heart.
Jodi at times frustrated me with her unwillingness to budge and move forward with Jake, but with her background and personality it made sense. Lori Wilde did a great job of developing Jodi's character. I could relate to her need for control and yet wanting to let go at the same time, just unsure of how, and afraid of the outcome.
Jake and Jodi are a true love story. I look forward to more books in the series.
Profile Image for Julie Eichelberger-Ford.
862 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2015
Rules of the Game is the second in the Stardust, Texas series. Lori Wilde has continued her excellence in writing. This is the story of Jodi, who is maid of honor in her sister's wedding but Jodi has a wedding phobia due to being stood up to at the altar. Her therapist suggests crashing a wedding. Jodi follows this advice and crashes a high profile wedding where she meets Jake. Jake is a star baseball player and dealing with a tragedy of his own, his wife was murdered 3 years ago. The two have a one-night stand and think they will never see each other again, however, Jake becomes best man for Jodi's sister's fiancé. The sparks continue to fly between the two but they must overcome their past to find love everlasting. A wonderful story.
Profile Image for Amy Medeiros.
763 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2015
When i first picked up this book i thought its was just another romance about a poor woman being jilted on the alter and the whole woah as me thing, but boy was i wrong. I loved Jodi and her take life by the horns attitude. The thought of turning 30 is quite scary and I would like to think i would be as badass as her to pull some of the awesome stuff she does througout the book. I kinda predicted that she and Jake would hit it off and then meet up somewhere else and what better place than her sisters wedding lol. I loved that for a change it was the man chasing after the lady and trying to convince her that they were perfect together. It was just a fun and sweet romance that i really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Jana P.
239 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2015
Lori Wilde is easily one of my favorite contemporary writers because she is amazing at writing realistic characters that are relatable.

Rules of the Game is the second in the Stardust, Texas series and continues the story of the Carlyle sisters and their "magic chest". I liked the character of Jodi, but I loved the character of Jake more. I loved their story and both had interesting backstories, despite the cliché that was Jodi's backstory.

Overall, I love the book despite some clichés and predictable situations.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,253 reviews
May 28, 2015
This is the second book in the series and it was a good one. Jodi has been left at the altar and still feels the effects. So she does something impulsive to shake things up in order to prepare for her sister's wedding. She decides to crash a wedding. She needs a little help when she gets there and ends up having a one night affair with one handsome man. What they both don't realize until later is that Jake, her one night stand, turns out to be the best man! Fun and flirty and definitely sexy, yet predictable, I thought it was a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Delaney.
45 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2015
I'm not big on reading what I refer to as 'grown up romance' books. I saw this one on a Facebook advertisement and purchased it on a whim because I needed something different. It was pretty decent for a stereotypical romance novel. I was looking for a quick and easy romance and that is exactly what I got. I would recommend it to die hard romance fans or to people like myself who just want something fun and fast.
Profile Image for Deanna Vrba.
166 reviews8 followers
June 3, 2015
Jodi was trying to get over being left at the altar and her therapist told her to crash a wedding and she had a one night stand with a man name Jake which turn out to be a friend of her sister Breeanne fiancée Rowdy and she was the maid of honor and he turned out the best man at Rowdy and Breeanne wedding and no matter how she tried to fight her feelings for Jake she found love with him, and it was an everlasting love.
Profile Image for Kim Andrade.
221 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2015
LOVED IT!

Lori Wilde's books take me away....to that wonderful, romantic, getaway place that every woman loves to be!! Well written, contemporary romance that pulled me in from Page 1 - I was sad to have it end! Emotional, sexy... chemistry was amazing....You will not be disappointed with this one!!
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,154 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2015
A great romance! Jodi and Jake getting on with their lives trying to move forward. However, each one has a totally different view of how that's to be done. Jodi wants flings and the only flinging Jake wants is with Jodi. Loved their journey.
Profile Image for Tina Wickham duckwald.
66 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2015
Another Hit!!!

I really enjoyed this second book in the Stardust series. The wedding crasher idea had me laughing and I enjoyed the chemistry between Jodi and Jake. For all you contemporary romance and series fans out there, this is a great book series.
Profile Image for Amary Chapman.
1,655 reviews27 followers
May 28, 2015
Rules Of The Game is a sweet contemporary romance with just enough eroticism. Jo and Jake's was the perfect romantic tale. It was over so fast. I can't wait for Stardust 3.
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