Rules of the Game audiobook

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 WildeSeries: Stardust, TexasSequence in Series: 2Page Count: 384 pagesPublisher: Avon Publication Date: May 26, 2015Rating: 4 StarsISBN-10: 006231128XISBN-13: 978-0062311283Genre: Contemporary RomanceFind this book on: Amazon | Barnes & NobleFor Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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 LineRules 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!!

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This ChickRules 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**

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!!!

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.

Just like the first book in the series this one is great. I love the characters and the town they live in.

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!

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.

3.5 stars

Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book ReviewsRules 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.

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.

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.

4.5 starI 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) firstBack 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.

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.

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.