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Stillwater Dusk
Her love opened his heart.
His love set her free.
Jack McAllister never thought he'd fall in love with a ballerina. She’s a wondrous dream who dances into his life, gently prying open his wounded heart. But with endless debts mounting and the threat of foreclosure on his family’s ranch, he lives a life the wealthy beauty could never understand.
Giselle Stratford is given every advantage an affluent family can provide, except unconditional love. Bound by the demands of perfection, she trains relentlessly under her mother’s critical eye, desperate for approval.
When Giselle finally breaks out on her own, she stumbles into a new life and straight into Jack’s arms. He’s strong in a way she desperately needs, and his tight-knit family fills all the cracks left in her heart by her own. But the world she's left behind has the power to tear them apart, and they’ll have to fight to hold on to their love.
His love set her free.
Jack McAllister never thought he'd fall in love with a ballerina. She’s a wondrous dream who dances into his life, gently prying open his wounded heart. But with endless debts mounting and the threat of foreclosure on his family’s ranch, he lives a life the wealthy beauty could never understand.
Giselle Stratford is given every advantage an affluent family can provide, except unconditional love. Bound by the demands of perfection, she trains relentlessly under her mother’s critical eye, desperate for approval.
When Giselle finally breaks out on her own, she stumbles into a new life and straight into Jack’s arms. He’s strong in a way she desperately needs, and his tight-knit family fills all the cracks left in her heart by her own. But the world she's left behind has the power to tear them apart, and they’ll have to fight to hold on to their love.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2018
12 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Castillo
42 books436 followersJoin LG Castillo's mailing list for information on sales and new releases!
https://www.lgcastillo.com/newsletter
Known for her heartfelt cowboy romance and action-packed paranormal romance, USA Today Bestselling Author L.G. Castillo writes books that explore the tumultuous and psychological journey of self-discovery and falling in love. Her stories feature dramatic, life-changing events interspersed with a good dose of humor, feisty heroines, and the swoon-worthy men who love them.
When she's not writing, L.G. is binging on Netflix or adding up frequent flyer miles for her next vacation. She's been married to her own swoon-worthy hero for over two decades.
https://www.lgcastillo.com/newsletter
Known for her heartfelt cowboy romance and action-packed paranormal romance, USA Today Bestselling Author L.G. Castillo writes books that explore the tumultuous and psychological journey of self-discovery and falling in love. Her stories feature dramatic, life-changing events interspersed with a good dose of humor, feisty heroines, and the swoon-worthy men who love them.
When she's not writing, L.G. is binging on Netflix or adding up frequent flyer miles for her next vacation. She's been married to her own swoon-worthy hero for over two decades.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2018
A new book from author L.G. Castillo always brings a smile to my face. I love her writing style and how easily I can relate to her characters. Every single reading escape from this author has left me with a heart bursting with love. I was over the moon excited to meet these new characters in Stillwater Dusk.
Get ready to meet the McAllister Brothers!! In this book, we follow Giselle Stratford and Jack McAllister. One tragic night changed the entire destiny of the McAllister Brothers. Giselle Stratford enters Jack McAllister's life in the most unexpected moment. The sweet ballerina he meets is like a soothing balm to his soul. As days go by, they get to know each other and their bond grows. Their journey has many ups and downs, but their love story is stronger than any obstacle coming their way.
I really loved Giselle and Jack's sweet love story. It gave me all the feels. I have read many stories about rich girl/poor boy falling in love and no matter how many times authors will write about it, I always find a way to connect with each story. I loved how they each opened up about their life and how together they found their happy place.
Stillwater Dusk was a captivating reading escape filled with many fascinating characters. The McAllister Brothers and all the supporting cast in this book stole a piece of my heart. I love how strong this family is. G-Daddy always brought a smile to my face and I love him to pieces!! This was an amazing reading escape and I can't wait for more!
I give, Stillwater Dusk, by L.G. Castillo, 4.5 sweet, captivating, love will conquer all stars!
Get ready to meet the McAllister Brothers!! In this book, we follow Giselle Stratford and Jack McAllister. One tragic night changed the entire destiny of the McAllister Brothers. Giselle Stratford enters Jack McAllister's life in the most unexpected moment. The sweet ballerina he meets is like a soothing balm to his soul. As days go by, they get to know each other and their bond grows. Their journey has many ups and downs, but their love story is stronger than any obstacle coming their way.
I really loved Giselle and Jack's sweet love story. It gave me all the feels. I have read many stories about rich girl/poor boy falling in love and no matter how many times authors will write about it, I always find a way to connect with each story. I loved how they each opened up about their life and how together they found their happy place.
Stillwater Dusk was a captivating reading escape filled with many fascinating characters. The McAllister Brothers and all the supporting cast in this book stole a piece of my heart. I love how strong this family is. G-Daddy always brought a smile to my face and I love him to pieces!! This was an amazing reading escape and I can't wait for more!
I give, Stillwater Dusk, by L.G. Castillo, 4.5 sweet, captivating, love will conquer all stars!
May 18, 2018
Jack and Giselle’s love story is told as the author contrasts two very different families that have each experienced loss. The MacAllister brothers lose their parents in a very sudden and tragic accident when Jack, the youngest, is 13. The oldest brother Luke quits college giving up football and a chance at a pro football career, middle brother Noah gives up a scholarship to Juilliard and Jack is left to feel like everything is his fault. As the book skips ahead several years we find Jack and Noah in college and Like working 12-hour days to try and keep the family afloat. Jack is a bad boy with anger issues who stumbles into Giselle as she is running away from a therapy appointment. Jack skips his own therapy session to help her escape.
Giselle Stratford is a promising ballerina who is under the right control of a mother who gave up her own ballet career to raise Giselle. Her father is extremely wealthy, but entirely absent from Giselle’s life. Giselle is still hurting over the loss of her loving older brother Declan who died in a plane crash.
Giselle and Jack come from entirely different socio and economic backgrounds and have very little in common yet they fall in love. Her mother has an obvious spy inserted into Giselle’s life in her dance partner Anton. Giselle’s mother is determined to control Giselle and is willing to go to extreme lengths to keep Giselle dancing and away from her cowboy love Jack.
This was a new to me author who I enjoyed reading. The writing had me laughing, sighing and nearly in tears at various points. The books starts out with a prologue that is a highly tense and emotional point in the story, before leaving off and starting back 5 years in the past. Once the book advances to the current time period when Jack and Giselle are in college the story slowly builds as these two spend more time together. I enjoyed the book and would love to read more books by this author especially to see what happens to some of the other characters; especially Aimee, Like and Noah.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Giselle Stratford is a promising ballerina who is under the right control of a mother who gave up her own ballet career to raise Giselle. Her father is extremely wealthy, but entirely absent from Giselle’s life. Giselle is still hurting over the loss of her loving older brother Declan who died in a plane crash.
Giselle and Jack come from entirely different socio and economic backgrounds and have very little in common yet they fall in love. Her mother has an obvious spy inserted into Giselle’s life in her dance partner Anton. Giselle’s mother is determined to control Giselle and is willing to go to extreme lengths to keep Giselle dancing and away from her cowboy love Jack.
This was a new to me author who I enjoyed reading. The writing had me laughing, sighing and nearly in tears at various points. The books starts out with a prologue that is a highly tense and emotional point in the story, before leaving off and starting back 5 years in the past. Once the book advances to the current time period when Jack and Giselle are in college the story slowly builds as these two spend more time together. I enjoyed the book and would love to read more books by this author especially to see what happens to some of the other characters; especially Aimee, Like and Noah.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2018
Luke, Noah and Jack. These are the McAllister brothers.
The close-knit, happy family suffered a great thud when their parents, James and Grace, died in a road accident.
In addition to all the sadness of the event, for Jack, still a boy, there was the burden of guilt.
And for years Jack had borne this guilt and made him a rebel.
And the more he rebelled, the more he felt guilty for keeping the other family members stuck to a promise.
When he met Giselle Stratford, a ballerina who was studying in the same place where Noah and Aimee - a family friend - studied music, he felt that somehow their fate was intertwined.
But Giselle's mother thought differently.
Giselle came from a wealthy family, and the only person who paid attention to her, despite years of difference in age, was her older brother, Declan.
Their mother, Camille Stratford, saw her daughter only as a means to achieve greater success, being the main ballerina of a company. For this, Giselle could not have friends, social life, distraction.
Her life was only to study and rehearse.
Until she meets Jack. And his family. Loving, festive, happy. Everything she did not have at home.
And even though they were both so young, they recognized the pain each one carried in their chest and saw that one could be the healing of the other.
However, they would have to fight to get together.
For a long time a contemporary book did not touch me so deeply.
The McAllister brothers' pains and struggles are so well described and so real that they could be happening right now with someone you know.
It hurts my heart to see Jack's suffering and, even more so, when a character does so many evils with other people. So the end of the story is so important and touching.
I can not wait for the next book. And here, in my mind, I'm already imagining the happiness of a certain girl when she finally gets the love of her life....
more than 5 stars
The close-knit, happy family suffered a great thud when their parents, James and Grace, died in a road accident.
In addition to all the sadness of the event, for Jack, still a boy, there was the burden of guilt.
And for years Jack had borne this guilt and made him a rebel.
And the more he rebelled, the more he felt guilty for keeping the other family members stuck to a promise.
When he met Giselle Stratford, a ballerina who was studying in the same place where Noah and Aimee - a family friend - studied music, he felt that somehow their fate was intertwined.
But Giselle's mother thought differently.
Giselle came from a wealthy family, and the only person who paid attention to her, despite years of difference in age, was her older brother, Declan.
Their mother, Camille Stratford, saw her daughter only as a means to achieve greater success, being the main ballerina of a company. For this, Giselle could not have friends, social life, distraction.
Her life was only to study and rehearse.
Until she meets Jack. And his family. Loving, festive, happy. Everything she did not have at home.
And even though they were both so young, they recognized the pain each one carried in their chest and saw that one could be the healing of the other.
However, they would have to fight to get together.
For a long time a contemporary book did not touch me so deeply.
The McAllister brothers' pains and struggles are so well described and so real that they could be happening right now with someone you know.
It hurts my heart to see Jack's suffering and, even more so, when a character does so many evils with other people. So the end of the story is so important and touching.
I can not wait for the next book. And here, in my mind, I'm already imagining the happiness of a certain girl when she finally gets the love of her life....
more than 5 stars
May 17, 2018
This book is a wonderful combination of sugary sweet and tear-filled angst.
The book starts with a high-strung prologue, making you wonder what happened to lead to this situation.
We’re then transported back several years, to a picture-perfect family celebration. I was delighted to find a reference to my black pug Kenzie here! Then tragedy strikes, and young Jack McAllister can’t help but feel like he’s to blame for its consequences.
Fast forward to college. Jack is struggling to cope when he stumbles upon an enchanting ballerina in an unpleasant situation with her dance partner. He’s immediately drawn to Giselle Stratford, and tries to get to know her. Things are not made easy, thanks to her meddlesome mother and dominating dance partner, but eventually, things start to blossom.
It was lovely to see them both opening up to each other about their individual heartbreak, and finding kindred spirits through that.
But then things suddenly fall apart, and Jack is left wondering what went wrong. He decides to get the answers he needs for himself, and embarks on a trip across the country. While he is prone to rash decisions, a testament to his youth and being the youngest sibling, he does show a lot of maturity in his reasoning behind his actions.
The ending is heart-warming and very sweet, and shows a growing of not only Jack’s and Giselle’s characters, but also of Jack’s family dynamics. I would have liked to see a bit more, though, perhaps a glimpse into the (near) future?
The book starts with a high-strung prologue, making you wonder what happened to lead to this situation.
We’re then transported back several years, to a picture-perfect family celebration. I was delighted to find a reference to my black pug Kenzie here! Then tragedy strikes, and young Jack McAllister can’t help but feel like he’s to blame for its consequences.
Fast forward to college. Jack is struggling to cope when he stumbles upon an enchanting ballerina in an unpleasant situation with her dance partner. He’s immediately drawn to Giselle Stratford, and tries to get to know her. Things are not made easy, thanks to her meddlesome mother and dominating dance partner, but eventually, things start to blossom.
It was lovely to see them both opening up to each other about their individual heartbreak, and finding kindred spirits through that.
But then things suddenly fall apart, and Jack is left wondering what went wrong. He decides to get the answers he needs for himself, and embarks on a trip across the country. While he is prone to rash decisions, a testament to his youth and being the youngest sibling, he does show a lot of maturity in his reasoning behind his actions.
The ending is heart-warming and very sweet, and shows a growing of not only Jack’s and Giselle’s characters, but also of Jack’s family dynamics. I would have liked to see a bit more, though, perhaps a glimpse into the (near) future?
May 26, 2018
When I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of Stillwater Dusk, by author L.G Castillo I was not sure what to expect. Let me say, I was not disappointed.
The story follows Jack McAllister and Giselle Stratford. She is a ballerina who comes from money. He is a cowboy who’s family is on the verge of loosing everything. This is a story of love & tragedy. Their relationship was well developed.Follow their fight as they overcome the adversities that continuously keep them apart. It kept me from turning off my light and before I had known it I was almost at the last chapter.
This was my first time reading a book by author L.G Castillo. I truly enjoyed this novel. I only wish this story was a little longer, an epilogue perhaps. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more work from L. G Castillo.
The story follows Jack McAllister and Giselle Stratford. She is a ballerina who comes from money. He is a cowboy who’s family is on the verge of loosing everything. This is a story of love & tragedy. Their relationship was well developed.Follow their fight as they overcome the adversities that continuously keep them apart. It kept me from turning off my light and before I had known it I was almost at the last chapter.
This was my first time reading a book by author L.G Castillo. I truly enjoyed this novel. I only wish this story was a little longer, an epilogue perhaps. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more work from L. G Castillo.
July 19, 2018
Captivating...
This is an uncomplicated bittersweet love story that is like a breath of fresh air... two people who find a safe harbour in each other’s arms against the odds...
A rancher and a ballet dancer... the two do not automatically go together and yet Giselle and Jack have chemistry and all the right feels... but there are obstacles to their relationship and they will both have to reevaluate their circumstances and beliefs if they are to find their HEA..
A captivating romance that kept we emotionally engaged throughout..I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind Date with a book.
This is an uncomplicated bittersweet love story that is like a breath of fresh air... two people who find a safe harbour in each other’s arms against the odds...
A rancher and a ballet dancer... the two do not automatically go together and yet Giselle and Jack have chemistry and all the right feels... but there are obstacles to their relationship and they will both have to reevaluate their circumstances and beliefs if they are to find their HEA..
A captivating romance that kept we emotionally engaged throughout..I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind Date with a book.
July 30, 2018
Stillwater Dusk : A Sweet Western Romance is just that. It's sweet, it's a western and it's a romance. awwwww
The McAllister Brother's are Jack, Noah & Luke, their grandpa "G-Daddy" and family friend Aimee. I'm guessing this will be a series of quick stories that will follow all of the brothers.
Westerns Romance is typically not my jam, add in the sweet and it's almost too much. Well I'm happy to say that I enjoyed STILLWATER DUSK very much. It touched my heart, gave me all the feels and even had me chuckling a few times. It's a quick read that I was able to devour in about 2 hours and look forward to reading more about these brothers.
The McAllister Brother's are Jack, Noah & Luke, their grandpa "G-Daddy" and family friend Aimee. I'm guessing this will be a series of quick stories that will follow all of the brothers.
Westerns Romance is typically not my jam, add in the sweet and it's almost too much. Well I'm happy to say that I enjoyed STILLWATER DUSK very much. It touched my heart, gave me all the feels and even had me chuckling a few times. It's a quick read that I was able to devour in about 2 hours and look forward to reading more about these brothers.
May 18, 2018
From the very beginning I was captivated with Jack and Giselle's story. This is sweet story of two people who have a painful past and together they learn to live again. It made me laugh at times and had my heartbreaking at others. The other characters are very interesting as well. I am intrigued to see Noah's and Luke's story. As well as to see more of G-daddy, I love his lesson of a real man not being embarrassed to show his love!
May 19, 2018
As always, LG Castillo delivers an emotional and powerful romance. Stillwater Dusk has a strong cast of characters, all of which are well developed and make you feel like you are a part of their world. This traditional story of a rich girl and a country boy does not hold the same feel as others, as the story is unique and strong. Well written, passionate, and heartwrenching. I could not put the book down. I read it in one and a half days!
May 15, 2018
This is the quintessential love story; rich girl, poor bad boy fall in love. Her mother is a control freak trying to live her life vicariously through her ballerina daughter. She was willing to subject her daughter to anything just to have her way.
I cried for them.....
I was gifted this book by the author in return for an honest review.
I cried for them.....
I was gifted this book by the author in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2018
I received an advanced copy in return I agreed to post an honest review. Well done!!! Love when characters draw me in.....this story sure did that!!! Needed the tissues for sure!!! Enjoyed the story,loved the relatablilty of the characters. Sure hope there are other books to continue the saga would love to see where everyone ends up!!!
May 18, 2018
Wow, what a beautifully written charming love story. I was hooked from the first chapter and was so taken in by the characters I didn't want to stop reading. You will find yourself completely immersed in the story and its scenes. I sincerely hope this is the first in a series of books, I need to know what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 4, 2018
This is the most wonderful,most painful and most emotional love story I have ever read.This story made me cry more times than I can count.I honestly cannot thank the author enough for giving me the opportunity to read such a beautiful heartfelt love story which I am never going to forget...
February 13, 2020
I am totally confused, am I missing something, is there another book, what??? The book just ended with her talking to her mom at Anton's house, her mom handing her papers (about buying the ranch and building etc etc ) Please help me out here, thanks otherwise great book.
May 30, 2018
***I was provided with an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
The moment I began to read this story I thought the story was going a certain way and I knew what the outcome would be like, but it completely took on a different route it captivates you with it’s unique and passionate characters. I wanted to read a new book on each character right from the beginning and I hadn’t even begun to experience all this book would offer.
The plot is common but yet very different you have your two main characters who have lived a painful past and are trying to overcome their pain and memories but things don’t always turn their way. You have the controlling and erratic mother who wants to micromanage her daughters life and will stop at nothing to have things go her way.
Many obstacles will try to tear them apart will they succeed in overcoming their pain and finally live out their HEA?
Truly enjoyed this story I can’t wait to read more from the other characters in this book they were just as well developed and charming as these beautiful characters I fell in love with Jack and Giselle!
The moment I began to read this story I thought the story was going a certain way and I knew what the outcome would be like, but it completely took on a different route it captivates you with it’s unique and passionate characters. I wanted to read a new book on each character right from the beginning and I hadn’t even begun to experience all this book would offer.
The plot is common but yet very different you have your two main characters who have lived a painful past and are trying to overcome their pain and memories but things don’t always turn their way. You have the controlling and erratic mother who wants to micromanage her daughters life and will stop at nothing to have things go her way.
Many obstacles will try to tear them apart will they succeed in overcoming their pain and finally live out their HEA?
Truly enjoyed this story I can’t wait to read more from the other characters in this book they were just as well developed and charming as these beautiful characters I fell in love with Jack and Giselle!
August 10, 2025
A DNF but it had amazing potential to be better. There was something that didn't click. The beginning was shaping up to be great then I just found it difficult to stay committed to it.
June 8, 2018
Jack McAllister knew that Giselle Stratford was something special upon first meeting. Jack may be a college student and rancher doesn't shy away from hard work. Giselle is immersed in the world of ballet and doesn't really know much of anything outside of ballet. Jack opens up Giselle's world. Yet reality crashes in on the young couples life tearing them apart. Will the couple remain apart? Your answers await you in Stillwater Dusk.
I really enjoyed the characters and story. The characters and story were compelling, complex, complicated, real, raw, rich, bold, mysterious, honest, pure, and flawed. I look forward to more work from this author in the future.
I really enjoyed the characters and story. The characters and story were compelling, complex, complicated, real, raw, rich, bold, mysterious, honest, pure, and flawed. I look forward to more work from this author in the future.
June 14, 2018
I absolutely love this book. Stillwater Dusk will pull at your heart strings all the way to the end. Giselle a rich city ballerina. Jack a rugged cowboy. Opposites attract? Giselle is a ballerina from New York and Jack is a cowboy from Texas. This book had my attention til the very end. Definitely a good read anytime.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews