Texas Novel, Rules of the Game: A Stardust

Lori Wilde hits a home run with Rules of the Game! Jodi and Jake are two people that suffer from trauma from their pasts. Jake lost his wife, and Jodi was jilted at the alter. Jodi does not want to relinquish control, Jake is Afraid of love, both are afraid of losing something important. The story is rather funny as Jodi crashes a wedding where she first meets Jake, who turns out to be the best man in her sisters upcoming wedding. Jodi surrenders to a hot weekend with Jake, never thinking she'll see him again. Jake is spellbound by Jodi and her beauty, her tough girl act also turns him on as she presents a challenge in that way. He manages to break her down bit by bit, but will Jodi ever fully relinquish control? Stardust is a charming town, the characters are lovable, and the sisters have a heartwarming relationship. I like how there is the element of magic carried through this series, a box that contains objects which when used or worn, have some special quality that only the person that found it and the person they are fated to can recognize. It's about soul mates. Plenty of heat and small town romance! You must read along to find out if Jodi and Jake's fling will turn into the real thing. Love this series and love Lori Wilde!

Honest review for free copy.

Jodi was left at the alter on New Year's Day and her therapist recommended she crash a wedding to help her get over her phobia before she plays maid of honor at her sister's Valentine's Day wedding. So she takes her sisters discarded invitation to the celebrity wedding of the season. There are security people everywhere and when it's time to show her invitation, Jodi trips and falls to her knees, spilling the contents of her purse which has lipstick, room key, , condoms, but no invitation. Jodi finds herself scooped up by a stranger who explains that she is his plus one.
Jake is intrigued by the redheaded stranger who refuses to give him her real name. He knows part of his attraction is her resemblance to his deceased wife whom he lost three years ago. But he also feels that there is more. Jodi and Jake eat, dance, laugh and when Jodi attempts to leave, he follows her. They share pie and coffee at a diner across the street. One thing leads to another and they have a one night stand. Jodi leaves the following morning going back to her former life without telling Jake her real name. Yet, Jodi definitely felt something for Jake because she kept remembering that flabulous night and delightful smiles would often appear on her face at random times.
Two weeks go by and Jodi and Jake meet again, at Jodi's B&B (all boxcars Jodi and her childhood friend have refurbished). Jake is in town to attend an engagement party for which he is the best man. Jodi is certain Jake somehow stalked her, until she shows up at her sister's engagement party and there stands Jake! They will be sharing wedding duties together!
This story has a little mystery/mystical element, some humorous events, and a whole lot of heat! Jodi's sisters are a "force to be reckoned with" and I look forward to reading about them.

Rules of the Game is an awesome follow up to Back in the Game. There are both part of the Stardust, Texas series but you will have no trouble reading either of them as stand alone. I think I have found yet another favorite series from the very talented Lori Wilde. I'm loving this series and I can't wait for book three.

This is one of those books I loved so much that I don't know where to start to tell you how much I enjoyed it. Let's start with the sisters.I LOVED Carlyle sisters are so close and from such a loving tight knit family. I love the family interaction in this series. They are all adopted and LOVE each other so much. I was so happy to catch up with Breeanne and Rowdy. It's always nice to see friends when you are reading a series book.

Jodi Carlyle has been through a lot. Her childhood was not good before she was adopted by the Carlyles. She remembers horrible things she went through as a young child. Then the fool she was about to marry ran off with some bimbo and embezzled money from his company. How could I not help but adore Jodi from the beginning. She tough, strong, independent, a wonderful sister, and very busy business owner.

Jake Coronnado is the new star hitter of the baseball team that Rowdy manages now. Jake has suffered an unimaginable loss of his wife. The way she was taken from him is so heart breaking. My heart really went out to Jake. His trying to get on with his life and he really didn't feel the urge to do that until he meets the beautiful lady in the green dress.

I love how Jake and Jodi keep meeting in different situations. Their attraction to each other is hot and steamy. The chemistry between these two is wild. Even when they try they can not keep away from each other. Things keep pulling them back together.

These two injured souls just may be able to help each other heal. It's going to take time, patients, and a lot of understanding but they just might be what each other needs.

Can you tell I LOVED this story. I was so engrossed in the story that I read over half the book the day I received it in the mail. That was in between trying to get other things done. I was completely captivated by this fabulous story and I could not wait to see what was going to happen next.

I am so excited to see what Miss Wilde has in store for the other Carlyle sisters. I can't wait to see what they may find with their keys. I don't want to tell too much about that because it's a really great theme to the series.

I know I will be impatiently awaiting the next story in this series. I love Lori Wilde's writing style. She writes fun, charismatic characters that have very dramatic stories to be told. She always has me engrossed in her books in the first chapter and hangs on to my attention all the way through out the book.

I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Rules of the Game.

Contemporary Romance

Stardust, Texas

Jodi Carlyle breaks out into a cold sweat when the word “wedding” is uttered. It has been a year since she was dumped at the altar and two days after turning 30. She decides it is time for her to break some rules, which she does by dressing to the nines, hiring a limo, and crashing an upscale wedding.

While there she catches the eye of Jake Coronado who is the new star of the Dallas Gunslingers. He is sexy and hot and he also stays by her side all evening. Jodi figures he is the perfect fling. She also thinks after a wild weekend where they do everything and then some and with him thinking her name is Gwendolyn she will never have to see him again. She thinks wrong.

Jake is the best man in Jodi’s sister’s wedding. He is also just as seductive as ever. Jake is also determined to turn their one-night stand into happily-ever-after.

This is a story that will pull readers in and also pull on their heartstrings. This one has some amazing characters that make for a book that is very hard to put down. Readers will both want to take their time reading it and also reading fast just to see how things turn out between Jodi and Jake. This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone readers will find it much more enriching and enjoyable if they read the first book first. It will also have readers wanting to return to Stardust and hoping to have another book from Stardust very soon. This is an author that never disappoints and writes some wonderful small town romances that will have readers remembering them long after they finish each book. This is definitely a must read.

Receive a review copy

I’m back for more Stardust, Texas, and I have to say that I’ve enjoyed being back in this small town. After reading the first book, Back in the Game, I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for the eldest Carlyle sister, Jodi!

Right at the beginning, Jodi Carlyle surprised me with her plan to crash a wedding. She has specific reasons for taking on this stunt, but I love how her inner vixen shines through it all. The newest Gunslinger baseball player, Jake Coronado, happens to be at this wedding, and let’s just say he definitely notices one particular redhead, so much so, that things get pretty wild real quick!

One of the things that made me giggle in this book is that each chapter is titled with one of Jodi’s wedding crasher rules. Titles like Look the part, What happens at the wedding stays at the wedding, and my favorite…Do not have sex in the coat closet.

The heart of this story centers around two good people getting their second chance at love. Jake is ready to find love again, and he seems to know exactly what Jodi needs as she works through her issues. I adored these two together, and I loved seeing the Carlyle family and townspeople interact with each other again. That slightly magical and mysterious hope chest has been passed around again, so I’m looking forward to see what adventure awaits the next Carlyle sister. If you’re looking for something sweet, steamy and small town that’s also funny and touching, then plant yourself right in the Stardust, Texas series! *I was gifted this book, and this is my honest review.

This book was a prize given by the author. This book is one of the most captivating I have read in a long time. I felt I was living Jodi's live and felt through the words speeding through or drifting my mind. The further you read the more you become Jodi and want her to work through the pain and life unforgiving happenings she has gone through. When Jake appears in the picture he takes your breath away while you laugh and try not to draw him into your heart. First site is in no way the way he engulfs you. Jodi as on guard as she is can not keep him out of her thoughts or heart no matter. She comes close but the love of family and Jake himself stops the clock until she returns or encounters Jake out of the blue where she has no idea he will be moved back into her heart. No deeper love is there than that which will not allow life to stop. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
I will be rereading this gift many times. Thank You Lori Wilde. After reading this one book of you many it is so wonderful as an author I have a time trying to write a book that will even come close to this. My gift to you reader is the title of this book you need to order it for yourself.

Sarah Collier knew that Travis Walker was destined to be her soul mate. She even tried to stop his wedding as a teenager! Now years have past and Sarah has grown up to become a famous children's author. A letter from a sick child in her hometown brings her back. She finds herself in shock when the little girl's father is none other than Travis. Travis remembers the teenaged Sarah Collier from when she interrupted his wedding, but this grown up Sarah is not what he expected. Sarah has never forgotten making a fool of herself over Travis and wants the past to be forgotten. Travis has a different plan: getting Sarah to give them a chance.

The First Love Cookie Club is just plain fun! Lori Wilde presents us with a sweetly romantic love story about fated soul mates. Just the right kind book for quick pick me up, you can't go wrong with The First Love Cookie Club.

Melissa
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

How can you not like a book that has witty , sarcastic banter between two people? Jodie , who was dumped at the altar over a year ago decides to be reckless one day. She dresses herself up, bling and all and off she goes to do something crazy . What a great idea she has by crashing a wedding , or so she thinks . To her rescue is the dashing yummy Jake Coronado, who helps her get into the wedding. Oh my Jodie, what have you gotten yourself into?

The story moves at a great pace with characters who are attracted to each other with a chemistry that sends sparks flying. I always love reading Lori's books because they are so funny and utterly charming . There are lots of surprises in the book and both characters have let's say "baggage" they need to work on. It's a love story at its best with strong characters, laughter and even a mysterious magical hope chest . Will Jodie and Jake have a lasting relationship? Can they overcome their past hurts and find love? It's another great story from one of the best romance authors around .

I listened to this book through audible, but returned it and can't rate it now on the audible site. The first three hours of listening was so slow. The first sex scene in that section was 45 minutes long. I ended up fast forwarding through it because it was taking so long. I kept turning it off, then would try to listen again, but ended up giving up and returning it. I had 3 hours left and was rolling my eyes half of the time. The characters don't share anything but physical chemistry. Unless it happens in the last three hours they never really sit down and talk to each other, just suddenly fall in love (lust), and make a bunch of ridiculous reasons why they can't see each other. It was also weird that Jodi looks like she could be Jake's dead wife's sister. There were parts of the book that held my attention for a little bit, which is why I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1.

Here we go back to the wonderful town of Twilight Texas in the 3rd book of the series. These stories just get better and better. It is so much fun to re visit some of the characters from the previous stories.

Sarah Collier absolutely loved spending time with her grandmother in the town of Twilight on her holiday & Summer breaks from boarding school. That is until a very humiliating event occurred that made her want to never step foot in the town again. And her plan of never coming back would have worked until a certain ladies club(LOVE THEM!!) decided to intervene. 9 years later after the event that Sarah would like to forget about, she is a well known Children's author known as Sadie Cool.
The ladies Club invite Sadie Cool(not telling any one else who she really is) to Twilight to make her honorary mayor of the day, give her to the key to the city and involve her in other holiday festivities.

Travis Walker is a single dad to a 8 yr old daughter with serious health issues. Little does Travis know that the author of his daughter's FAVORITE book, who has been invited to their town just happens to be the girl who is 5 years younger than him and would always come to visit his next door neighbor but also happened to be the one who had a major crush on Travis as a child.

What happens when these two come face to face again and Travis sees that his neighbor's granddaughter has grown up into a very beautiful woman?? Mix in the match making ladies who always seem to be putting Travis & Sarah together in situations and you have another fun filled story.

The two stories before this one in the Twilight, Texas series are

The Sweetheart's Knitting Club
The True Love Quilting Club

Jodi Carlye is determined to overcome being jilted at the alter a year ago. Following the advice of her therapist, she buys an expensive dress and crashes a wedding. She decides to take her adventure further by giving into a little naughty temptation in the form of a one night stand with baseball player Jake Coronado. After an amazing night together, she leaves thinking she will never see him again.
Until, he ends up being the best man in her sister’s wedding. Can she let go of her past heartbreak and take a chance on Jake?
Jake has a few issues of his own. Being a widower has closed off a part of his heart and he doesn’t know if he is willing to risk falling in love again. The pain of grief accompanied by the guilt he feels for wanting to move on make it hard for him to let go of his wife. Can he see through the memories of the past to embrace the future with Jodi?
When I read a book by Lori Wilde, I expect to find a sweet, steamy, and well written romance. This book is right on the mark. It has a sweet intensity that only Wilde can deliver. I highly recommend picking this one up

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.

The First Love Cookie Club by Lori Wilde
Sarah is an author writing books for children. She was due back in Twilight to help with the angel tree, where you selected a name and granted their wish.
She had tried to stop Travis Walker from marrying when she was 15. She is now 24 and uses a different name for writing.
Love the legend of the cookie and catching up with others in town and their jobs. Such a relaxed atmosphere.
His wife had left him, not being able to go through the multiple hospitalizations the child went through. He was there for his daughter, Jazzie and making sure she had everything.
Sarah was Jazzie's wish as she reads her book all the time and wanted to meet her for the longest time.
She gets kidnapped and taken to the Horny Toad Tavern, holiday costume and holiday aromas. The people of town knew her and her relatives.
Although they were thrown together on the float for the parade she tried to avoid him at other events, at all costs.
The cookie club was at it again, Sarah and Travis both agreed that the club was matchmaking again...
Love all the charity events Sarah takes part in, the baking, the parade, book signing, etc...
Healing power of cookies, this is priceless!
She took a peddle boat out on the lake to relax, it was so peaceful and calm, and the boat started filling up with water...
Story is of others and how secrets of the past are brought out and it breaks couples up.
Hot passionate romance only adds to this tale.

I was really in the mood for a Christmas book this season so I picked this one up. I was drawn to the cover and the fact that is sounded like cookies were involved. I was immediately drawn to Sarah Collier, aka Sadie Cool, author of the amazing The Magic Christmas Cookie. The premiese of her award winning book is the kismet cookies her grandmother and her used to make on Christmas Eve as the story goes you place them under your pillow and the one you dream of is who you are destine to be with forever. While the story has been a wild sucess, the cookies did not work out the way she had dreamed, as she reflects on the wedding she interrupted 9 years eariler. Sarah's PR person brings to her attention that she has been invited to a small town festival by a young girl named Jazzy who is very ill, as she reads the letter she figures out that it is Twlight Texas the same town that her grandma lived in when she interrupted this wedding. Despite all her hangup she goes back, who would have know that Jazzy is the daughter of Travis Walker, the man she thought she was destine to be with forever. This fun loving yet heart touching story of a small town and what they would do for each other is well written. It is a little unbelieveable but still makes you want to believe in the magic of Christmas. A nice simple read for this holiday season. It does make me want another book written to pick up where this leaves off.

Sarah Collier grew up loving Christmas as she and her beloved grandmother placed kismet cookies under her pillow. Though very young she knew who she one day would marry and on Christmas Eve every year with the cookies under her head dream of her beloved Travis Walker. However when she was fifteen, her fantasy crashed when Travis married someone else. She no longer dreams of kismet.

Almost a decade has passed since her fairy tale died. Sarah has become the successful children's book author Sadie Cool. Ailing Jasmine asks to meet her favorite author so the First Love Cookie Club tries to arrange for Sadie to come to Twilight, Texas. Although she would prefer to refuse, as this is the hometown she fled, Sarah agrees to come see Jazzy, Travis' daughter. Like Sarah, Travis thinks fairy tales are a sham, but neither of them understands the power of the First Love Cookie Club members enhanced by a little girl's Christmas wish.

The return to Twilight, Texas (see The Sweethearts Knitting Club and The True Love Quilting Club) for the holidays is a delightful warm contemporary romance. The cast makes the tale fun to read as the lead couple is obviously in love with each other but though it is déjà vu all over again as they plan to go on with their separate lives. However, the second time has one enormous difference: First Love Cookie Club. Although the story line is thin, fans will enjoy stopping in Twilight for cookies made with TLC.

Harriet Klausner

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.

This is another wonderful, classic Lori Wilde book. The heroine just wants to know that she can get back in the game for her sister's upcoming wedding. She decides to crash a swanky wedding and have a fling! After all, she was dumped and publically humiliated at the altar one year ago. She'll never open her heart again! Then she meets the hero, has a hot and heavy fling with him, then leaves, believing she'll never see him again. Unfortunately, he's the new best man at her sister's wedding!!
Let the hilarity, the lust, the fear of being left again, and the nosy family and friends of a small town ensue!

This is the first book I have ever read by Ms. Wilde and I bought it based on a recommendation by Eloisa James on Facebook. Being the Christmas season, I bought it solely on how lovely it sounded - being reunited with your first love and having him fall in love with you.

That said, if you are looking for a plot with a lot of depth, this is not the book for you. It is a sweet, easy read, and while the story and the characters are rather predictable, it is still very enjoyable.

This story, unfortunately, leaves a lot of loose ends. I realize that a sequel is most likely in the works, but the ending (and the actual uniting of Travis and Sarah) felt clipped and disjointed. After the return of Travis's ex-wife, I was waiting for Travis to find out about his aunt's interference (and subsequent butt-kicking), and was rather disappointed when it didn't happen. Finally, Jazzy's miraculous recovery at the very end is a bit of an eye-roller.

I have recommended it to a friend but I doubt I would read it again.

With more than forty-five books under her belt, Wilde's work truly speaks for itself. Her ability to string together such an engrossing tale of lost love, searing heartbreak and seeking your destiny makes her a standout in the field.

Bestselling children's author, Sarah Collier--better known as Sadie McCool to her fans--is no longer the awkward, prepubescent girl that made a complete fool of herself years before in the tiny southern town of Twilight, Texas. Though the ensuing embarrassment, which followed her very public exclamation of undying love and proclamation of shared destiny as she attempted to prevent the wedding of her teenage crush continues to haunt her daily life. Sarah is honest enough with herself to understand that she is emotionally fragile and to some extent closed off.

Fighting through what feels like permanent writers block, Sarah is desperate to follow her debut with an even greater story though not as frantic as her publicist and agent. When her agent turns over a fan letter from a sick child requesting Sadie's presence for the Christmas festivities in her town, Sarah is compelled to change her plans hoping that a little holiday cheer will be exactly what she needs. That is until she realizes that the town requesting her visit is Twilight, Texas.

The heartache and emotional rollercoaster is palpable as Sarah is reintroduced to her long-lost love and realizing that he is the single father of the young, sick child is almost more than Sarah can take.

"The First Love Cookie Club" is a beautiful spiral of passions as Wilde's characters simply weave their way into your heart.

Reviewed by Shannon Raab with Suspense Magazine
[...]

Now a famous children's author, Sarah reluctantly returns to her hometown to grant a child's wish even though her teen heart was broken by the little girl's father, Travis Walker. The romantic, sensitive teenager, crushed by distant parents, failed relationships, and public humiliation has grown up to be a secluded, reserved adult afraid to risk her heart. Abandoned by his wife and raising his sick child, Travis has devoted his life to his sick child leaving no room for relationships until Sarah returns to town. A heart-warming story of how two people overcome their fears to find their happily-ever-after. While this was the first Lori Wilde book I have read, it will definitely not be my last.

I really liked the main characters, Jake and Jodi. The chemistry came right off the pages quickly. I had fun watching her deal with Jake's affection and larger than life presence. They both had some obstacles to get over before they could finally get there HEA. I Genuinely had a fun time reading this and watch their story play out. This was a fun, romantic, quick story for me and glad I had the chance to enjoy this read :)

This book was recommended from a friend on facebook - so I grabbed by Kindle and spend Sunday in Twilight, Texas. This is great character bases novel about Sarah Collier who when she was 15 year old attempts to stop her first crushes wedding. It is now years later and she has return 'home' a successful writer after a sick child writes that meeting Sarah is her special wish. What Sarah doesn't know that the sick child is Sarah first crush Travis. Excellent!

If you enjoy this genre I would also suggest; Falling for Gracie,Compromising Positions,Her Perfect Revenge,Burning Up (Hqn) and There Goes the Bride.

I have enjoyed the series so far, altho this one took a bit longer to get into than the first -- took me a while to remember who these people were -- would've been nice to have the mention of the hope chest a few pages earlier. Other than that -- and a bunch of editing errors (tenses wrong, incorrect punctuation) -- if it hadn't been a library copy I'd've certainly fixed them all! -- it was a good story. But which sister is next?

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

It's hard not to like Lori Wilde's books. Her character's seem to find themselves tangled in the web of love more often than not, but there is always a happy ending in sight. Just what the reader wants. I'm happy she dug deeper into the psych of the male character Jake, revealing the truth behind his always cheery and witty personality. I would have appreciated more physical love attributes and maybe more drama and therefore I'll give the book three stars.

I adore Lori Wilde's romances, and The First Love Cookie Club has a very emotional story behind it. Read the acknowledgments at the beginning of the book and you'll understand why. Lori excels at writing small town romances, and with this latest, the heroine, Sarah Collier returns back to Twilight, Texas. This is where Sarah spent most of her holidays and summer vacations with her grandmother since her cold and distant doctor parents had no time for their sweet, sensitive, very romantic thinking chubby daughter. Her grandmother fed into Sarah's fantasy of finding her one true love, and when Sarah is only fifteen, she thinks she has found that with her handsome older neighbor, Travis Walker. But Sarah is crushed when she finds out that Travis is getting married on Christmas morning. Sarah goes to stop the wedding and announces she and Travis are meant to be together because of the dream she had thanks to the Kismet cookies she put under her pillow. Sarah is mortified in front of the entire town when Travis basically pats her on the head and tells her to run along.

Nine years later, Sarah no longer believes in romance or true love. She lives in New York and is a best-selling author of a children's book under the name, Sadie Cool. She has lost all her baby fat and doesn't care if her parents don't love her. She also hates the holidays, including Christmas, but is cajoled into going back to Twilight for the Christmas Festival where she'll be treated like a star because she's a small town girl who has done well for herself. Sarah is more than nervous about returning. What if she sees Travis again and he makes fun of her? She still hasn't lived down her humiliation over her very childish outburst years ago.

Travis is a single father trying to do his best where his sick daughter, Jazzy is concerned. His wife walked out on them because she couldn't deal with Jazzy's life threatening breathing problem. Jazzy is Travis's whole life, where he'll do whatever he can to make sure she stays well and alive. Jazzy adores The Magic Christmas Cookie by Sadie Cool, and her dream is to meet the author. And when Sarah meets Jazzy, she falls in love with the fragile little girl. She's also still very much attracted to Travis who doesn't ridicule her, but welcomes her back in his own special way.

Sarah slowly finds the joys of Christmas again with Travis and Jazzy's help. Travis has thoughts of romance on his mind when it comes to Sarah, although she'll only be in Twilight for a short time. And then when Jazzy has a turn for the worse, including someone from Travis's past who comes back into the picture to causes problems, he turns to Sarah to lean on. She begins to question if she can go back to her sterile, hermit life back in Manhattan when all she could ever want was in Twilight.

The First Love Cookie Club is uber-cute. The reason this book struck gold for me wasn't the courtship between Sarah and Travis, but the deep love and devotion Travis has for his young daughter. Jazzy's own story will tug at your heart, and she is the true spirit of Christmas from her innocent excitement and her strength to have a fulfilling life for as long as she can even though she may not have a future.

The ending is way too pat and eye rolling ridiculous, as if someone waved a magic wand over Sarah and Travis to make sure there is no more drama or heartache in their lives. The sudden appearance of a few characters took something away from the plot. And I also found a strange inconsistency regarding Travis's ex-wife that didn't make any sense. It would have been better left out of the story and really irked me, when up to this point, I was really enjoying what I was reading.

Can we say this would be a perfect Hallmark movie that would evoke an ending much like The Grinch That Stole Christmas? Why yes, I think I will say that it is.

Other than my issues with the last few chapters and an annoying misunderstanding that comes out of the blue between Travis and Sarah, I really did enjoy The First Love Cookie Club. It's one book to read while snuggling in your snuggie with a cup of hot chocolate at your fingertips. A lovely holiday romance story for those who need some joy and sweet optimism in their reading material.

Katiebabs

I was really enjoying this book, thinking how very refreshing to read a beautifully written story, with flawed, but endearing characters who actually have deep conversations about their innermost feelings. It wasn't all about sex, but about truly falling in love. I thought perhaps this could be one of Lori's finest and that's saying a lot, as I have great admiration for her other books. Then . . . that left turn into Crazyville!

A minor character suddenly becomes front and center and reveals a deep, dark secret, spinning her into actions that make no sense. Another character appears, whose actions also make no sense. Our heroine retreats back to her annoying juvenile self, instead of maturing after all that self-discovery. The poor hero is a befuddled mess. Then, when things are barely wrapped up, the story is over. Here is where an epilogue was desperately needed, as I really wanted to know exactly how these characters were able to straighten this out.

Lori, I think you are terrific, but jeesh! Did you go off on vacation and give the last third of the book to someone else? I would still recommend this book, but beware of the last part. It's a head scratcher!

In this most recent title from Lori Wilde, the cooking and craft mavens of Twilight, Texas are at it again. The targets of their matchmaking this time are Sarah Collier, AKA renowned childrens' book author Sadie Cool, and local game warden Travis Walker. Sarah is lured back to Twilight by the titled True Love Cookie Club to answer a wish for a very sick little girl, only to discover that she's the daughter of her teenage crush. So what's the big deal, you ask? Sarah crashed the wedding of said sick little girl's parents 9 years previously, declaring before all and sundry that Travis was her destiny...
Well, of COURSE the path of True Love doesn't run smooth, but there's lots of pathos, humor (and cookies) along the way, and a chance to catch up with beloved characters from Ms Wilde's previous Twilight TX books. Can hardly wait for the next book in the series, myself.

Lori Wilde has done it again!!! I loved this book so much, book one was fantastic and this one was absolutely outstanding!! This story was about Jodi and Jake, these two are both getting their second chance at love and I love the road it took to get there. These two were great together, they're verbal banter was great. I loved book two, I can't wait for book three!!!

When I saw this book in the library I thought it would be a nice lIght romance that would keep my mind off surgery I was having in a few days. I like well written chick lit and romance as well as more robust mysteries and adventure but the theme was mostly so ridiculous and the writing just fair at best that I finally gave it up about half way through. Lots of errors throughout and even sentences repeated from one paragraph to another. There really was no tension, just repeatedly contrived situations as if the author was rushing to reach a deadline, which was probably the case as she's as prolific a writer as Nora Roberts without the talent. With so many really good and fun writers out there I won't be wasting my time on this author.

I am a lover of contemporary romance novels and as such I had to read Lori Wilde's Rules of the Game. Lori is known to me from Cupid, TX and those books were so addictive I've already re-read them. With a track record like that I had to get a peek at the second Stardust, TX book.
Overall the book was a great quirky read with some very hot and well described scenes that really worked in their placement and for the characters.

The characters themselves were a bit confusing at times and hard to get to know. I know all books are meant to be able to stand alone in this series. With that in mind I thought about how much I really know about Jodi. From this book, not as much as I'd like. I think we get a good look at her physical attributes and motivations but not enough information about her family dynamic beyond "they're close." In a family of 4 women I feel there'd be a little more to it than that. Usually the tidbits about the secondary characters are what get me really excited for the next book. In this case I'll read the next book because I want to finish the series and now I want to know what I missed out on about the characters from this book. So it's more curiosity than excitement per se. I also had a really hard time pegging Jodi's or Jake's personalities. They're lovable and we're pulling for them but I didn't get that "I totally know them now" feeling. In the beginning Jodi gave herself over to instinctual, animalistic physical interactions but what still using words that most people couldn't spell or define. That language felt heavy and out of context for the scene. I thought that was a hint about her character but you never find out why she randomly, and during sex, uses huge words that don't seem to fit the flow. With Jake you get a scene when he's with Rowdy and he's very much relaying that showing feelings is feminine and guys shouldn't do such things but Jake himself is an emotional man and that is shown over and over. I found these things contradictory and they really messed up the flow of the story for me.

I would say I liked the book but the secondary characters need some fleshing out to keep me coming back to Stardust. I'd recommend this book to others, but not necessarily those who don't already love contemporaries or authors like Lori or who haven't read Back in the Game.

I really enjoyed the book this was the first time I have read this author and it will not be my last. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Sarah/Sadie her behavior both past and present struck a cord in me. I loved the relationship Travis had with little Jazzy and was touched by the conveyance of this by the author's beautifully written words. This is a great book, I am eager to read more by this author especially Christine's story.

This book was given out at RWA Nationals and I saved it for closer to the holidays to read. I really enjoyed it - loved the characters and how layer by layer we got to see them grow. I really liked how the heroine, Sarah, got stronger by the end and really put herself out there for the family and man she loved. It's a real feel-good Christmas story with the magic of a close-knit, small town and chock full of traditions.

Rules of the Game by Lori Wilde is another incredible romance that will sweep readers off their feet and into a happily ever after. A jilted bride struggled with anything that involves a wedding. And when she is told to crash a wedding by her doctor, Jodi never expected that it would forever change her life. Trying to enter into a wedding in which she had a ticket but forget due to a stranger distracting her, her decides to cover for her. Telling the man that she's with him. Upon entering the wedding, Jake feels a connection instantly to the pretty redhead. She looks similar to his dead wife. Could that be why he feels so strongly attracted to this woman or it is fate leading him to his new destiny? Jodi feels the same way. She's struggling with not liking the hot sexy stranger name Jake. Everything about him lures her in deeply. But will he be her new doom or her new hope? One night of hot passion and two troubled souls destined for one another.

I highly recommend reading, Rules of the Game by Lori Wilde. This is the second novel I have read by her and it's just as good as the one before it. I couldn't put this cute, funny, and intoxicating novel down until I read the entire book in one sitting. The baseball star, Jake is funny and irresistibly charming. A man that every woman could easily fall for and Jodi is the strong independent woman who goes out of her way to help everyone else. But when it comes to herself she doesn't know how to relax or to let go. That's where the novel heats up, with Jake showing how to live again. Both characters go through a tough past and with each other are able to move forward, that is if Jodi can put aside her fear. Overall, I rate this story a five out of five stars.

This story had everything: the reunion of a couple who knew each other as children, camaraderie of women who'd lived in the same small town for year, a spunky kid, and Christmas traditions. The conflict was almost painful to read because I remember some of those same feelings as an awkward teen toward my first love. Wonderful story with fully fleshed characters.

This series does not have cliff-hangers, but should be read in order. Entertaining small town romances. Believable characters, entertaining and educational dialogue. Easy to follow story line.

I will re-read this book and look forward to other works by this author.

I received a copy of the new Christmas First Love Cookie Chronicles from Lori Wilde in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed that one so much I wanted to go back and read the first one. This one was just as enjoyable. Each of the characters is very believable. Throughout the story you are rooting for Travis and Sarah to work things out.

I truly enjoyed this book. It's always so nice to be able to step into the shoes of a character or characters. I also enjoy reading books that are in a series. When I selected this book, I didn't know there was a series following it but now I'm elated because this isn't the end. It can go on for a while longer.

I totally recommend this book and author. I just finished this book and found it to be a very well written and heart warming storyline. I think it shows what actions made by people can affect others and then how you can overcome those feelings of inadequacy by even different or the same people opening up and helping you with the issues. Excellent show of how a love for children can bring people together and that children feel and know more than we give them credit for. I would read this book again and again. Job well done, Lori.

I was in the mood for a book full of holiday cheer and thought this looked like just the thing, but oh, no, it wasn't. It managed to turn me into a bah-humbug curmudgeon after only a few chapters. It is, as many reviewers before me have said, full of strange actions and inconsistencies on the part of many characters, while at the same time also having lots of predictable, boring conversation. I suppose it works as a feel-good story if you don't think as you're reading it. The plot has been fully summarized and dissected by reviewers before me. Let me just add my disappointed 2 stars to the mix.

Starts out interesting, with a good twist. About halfway through, things get very predictable. I personally would rather the author took more time giving the characters more depth and spent less time on the sex. I don't need to know every move. I prefer that something be left to the imagine.

I have just completed this book and I have to tell you that tears rolled down. I just loved it. Cannot express how beautifully written it was and just enjoyed it completely.

Thank you.

P.S.-can't wait to read next book

I got hooked on Lori Wilde by reading her Wedding Veil series. I thought the series was delightful; interesting, quirky and just great reads.

The First Love Cookie Club.....are we sure Lori Wilde wrote it? It was a Harlequin Blaze stretched out into a novel. I found the the plot very light in depth. And I should have had a game going with myself.... how many times does Ms. Wilde mention that Sarah is not good with crowds...take a shot. Sarah likes being by herself....take a shot. Sarah wasn't fond of crowds...take a shot. Sarah kept people at a distance...take a shot. I'd be drunk by half-way through the book, which I found was a chore to finish.

It started out with a clever premise but quickly became so unrealistic with dialogue that wasn't true to the characters or anything remotely human. I know these books are fantasy but the couple was so over the top I couldn't relate. I only made it through about 20 pages and quit reading.

I would recommend this story to anyone who loves a heart wrenching story of a sick child, a father's love and struggle to make her well, an unfulfilled first love and secrets kept that should have been revealed set in a small town that truly cares about
those in need of its love and support through hard times. This book kept me wondering whether there would be happy endings
for all involved and I finally had to just keep reading till the end. Looking forward to reading more books of this series.

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.

This was a wonderful story of the power of love and how two disparate personalities can perfectly balance each other. I loved the ending and, as I so often do with a good book, I had to re-read the final chapters.

Rules of the Game is the second in the Stardust Texas series and this is the story of the Carlyle sisters and their magic chest. I loved the characters. I love the magic chest. This was another great read I'm looking forward to the next in this series and I highly recommend reading it.

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.

I absolutely loved The first love cookie club from page 1 to the end. It is well written the characters were fantastic I laughed and I cried. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
It's a terrific book and I highly recommend reading it.

I've read novels by Lori Wilde a few years ago and mildly enjoyed them so looking for something light I thought this sounded promising. Unfortunately it didn't have the lightness and sweetness of her earlier books, rather it was cliched and heavy going with the MC's issues just overshadowing the the romance. It seemed a lot more sexed up than her earlier books too. I like a good sex scene but the first one in this book goes on for pages and pages and just repeats itself with over the top cliches:velvet lips, hot mouths, ragged breathing, scorching kisses .... you get the idea and it just went on and on.

But the main problem with this story is the endless and repetitive internal dialogues of the MCs on why a relationship wasn't a good idea but nevertheless they can't control themselves. Now I know in real life people can get into these endless patterns of questioning themselves and reliving every detail of every interaction with their significant other when they are in that falling in love stage. But just as it can be really boring to hear your BFF go on about her new love so too it is boring to read this intenal dialogue. The story was just one big internal dialogue sandwiched together with a few smears of everyday life to create the interactions necessary between the MCs to enable more fodder for more internal dialogue.

Finally I found Jodi, the h, hard to relate to. Yes she had a tragic back story that accounted for her need for control but whereas other writers can make such a character vulnetable and appealing, Lori Wilde didn't pull that off with Jodi. Instead she comes across as prissy, uptight, bossy, bad tempered and boring. If I can't relate to the h of a story I can't finish it. I gave up at about 60%.