REVIEW: Love of the Game by Lori Wilde

In Love of the Game (Stardust, Texas #3) by Lori Wilde, Major league pitcher Axel Richmond is nursing his injured shoulder wondering if his career is over when Dallas Gunslingers physical therapist Kasha Carlyle offers him a lifeline. She believes she can help him heal without radical surgery, getting him closer to his dream of playing for the Yankees. But Axel is a man always in motion and Kasha wants him to slow down. Hard work and training is the only thing keeping his grief over the loss of his son Dylan at bay. His desire and emotions for Kasha may be just what he needs, though, to move past the injury to his shoulder…and his heart.

Speechless. He was speechless. Struck dumb by her beauty.
“Are you going to stand there staring all night, or make your pitch, player?” Heat and affection for him danced in her eyes, and he laughed because being with her felt so damn good.

 

Kasha prides herself on holding her feelings in check, remaining calm and dependable, especially in regard to her job. But being adopted and finding out that she has a biological half-sister, Emma, has made all the difference. She has a connection with her sister that transcends anything she’s ever felt. And her new job with the Gunslingers is the first step in getting custody of Emma. Kasha realizes, however, as soon as the air crackles with attraction between herself and Axel that she’ll have her work cut out for her. She can’t afford to lose her job by getting involved with a client. But Axel is the one man she might not be able to walk away from.

“…Keeping my heart closed off was a failing. I realize that now. Emma was the crack that opened the door, but you…”
“What about me?” he asked.
“You were the dynamite that blew my heart wide open.”

At times thoughtful and tender, other times playful and sexy, Love of the Game was a solid sports romance from Lori Wilde. The insta-lust our hero and heroine felt was absolutely combustible, messing up their careers and their lives. But it was so worth it.

‘He was as sexy as ten kinds of sin, and twice as handsome, and he was studying her through heavily lidded eyes as if she was the most fascinating creature he’d seen in years.’

There were actually a lot of layers to this story. Not only was this of course a romance between Kasha and Axel, but they were also dealing with trauma from the past that shaped each decision they made. And those tough situations were all about family, which played a big part in how this book concluded. I think what touched me most was how compassionate Axel and Kasha were with each other once they opened up about his son’s death and her turbulent beginnings in life. It was heartbreaking to read details of their journey, but the emotions Lori Wilde was able to evoke were stirring and poignant.

Speaking of evoking emotions, for me, some of the most beautiful scenes were between Kasha and her newly discovered half-sister Emma. Just the way Kasha thought about Emma, that ‘soul recognition’ between family, was truly powerful and brought tears to my eyes. Emma was full of wonder and joy over everything in life and I thought it was just what Kasha needed. She was already a very grounded individual, but it brought emotions and love to the forefront for her after years of hiding her feelings.

Axel’s passion for baseball, and life in general was also good for Kasha. I loved that he didn’t give up on his ‘Sphinx’, flirting with her and trying to bring her out of her emotional shell. Axel was a prime example of an alpha guy with a golden heart. He had swagger and seemed like he had an ego, but he really just thought of himself as a lucky man who got to do the thing he loved most–play baseball. I won’t spoil the story behind the loss of his son Dylan, but I can say that I was impressed with how Lori Wilde was able to make the depth of his grief seem so real and tangible. My heart broke for Axel. But I was glad Kasha was able to empathize and help him start to heal.

Axel and Kasha’s attraction was evident from page one, carrying this couple through the trials and tribulations they battled. I think romance fans will find this to be a heartwarming and enjoyable story for sure.

Book Info:

Published: April 26th 2016 | by Avon | Stardust, Texas #3

A sexy sports superstar discovers his body isn’t the only thing that needs healing in thisnewest 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 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.