Love of the Game by Lori Wilde Book Review

Title: Love of the Game 

Author: Lori Wilde

Series: Stardust Texas #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Avon 

Pub Date: April 26, 2016

Pages: 384

My Copy: Hardcover in my Too Be Read Pile

Book Summary:

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

Book Review: 

A really good story about two people who happen to come into each other’s life by circumstances neither understands. Axel and Kasha are two adults who happen to meet each other through their jobs and things happening that neither of them expect.

We learn that both Axel and Kasha have some work to do to get the things that they both need and want. Axel wants and needs to rehabilitate his shoulder so he can get back to playing baseball. All the doctors suggest that he should have surgery, but surgery has risks to it. Kasha we learn is a physical therapist and has this job on a trial basis. She also is attempting to adopt a half-sister Emma, who has developmental issues. We learn that Kasha needs this job and really wants custody of her half sister. So when an opportunity provides itself she gives an honest opinion to Axel. 

I like how these two individuals both are goal oriented and have things they need to accomplish and want very much. So of course Kasha suggest that he needs rest and relaxation. He likes her honesty and wants her to be his physical therapist. This was interesting. Because he feels an amazing attraction to this woman, plus she is honest and straight forward with him. Axel really likes this about this women. He feels like she will tell him how it is, plus he really wants to get to know Kasha a lot better. Kasha will be able to help him.

Kasha believes this is a man who is going to be a challenging patient because he’s not the type to sit and wait for things to help. Also Kasha really needs this job. She figures if Axel gets better with her method, she can get custody of her sister, but that will be challenging for a lot of reasons, she finds out for different reasons. So they agree that they need a place that’s private and secluded to help with the therapy, and Axel has a friend who can loan them their place. 

Things happen of course during the therapy and in their lives, yet things get more complicated when they realize they are developing feelings. Kasha knows its inappropriate to have a relationship with her patient. Yet both of them they can’t deny the attraction at all. Plus Axel and Kasha give each other honest advice when things happen. I like how Axel tells Kasha that sometimes things don’t go the way you plan, especially when you are dealing with children. I like how they both pursue their goals, but also learn a lot about each other’s past.

The past is a big part of what drives both of our main characters. I like that both of these characters have to deal with their pasts. Their pasts have defined in them in very strong ways. I like how as their relationship grows, their becomes a very deep friendship and maybe a bond. Axel also  tells Kasha that sometimes things don’t always go the way that you had hoped for or planned. So as things progress…. Axel and Kasha realize that they need more.

So as the old relationship of therapist and patient slips away, a new one happens. One that is very deeply about attraction and maybe commitment. I like this relationship and find that both of them try to fit into their lives, but a curveball gets thrown in Axel’s way when he is offered a chance to play for the NY Yankees. This has always been his dream job. Also Kasha gets custody of her half sister and that also proves to be challenging in different ways. I like how both of them make an effort to be with one another and nothing goes as planned at first, but then Axel does something extraordinary. 

He finds that his life is empty and meaningless without Kasha in it and decides that he needs her in his life. So he does this big romantic gesture and asks her to marry him and she accepts. I like that these two individuals find themselves with each other and grow stronger together. The ending was wonderful. I truly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more books by this author.

Rating:

4 Hearts