Tag: Shiloh Toni

A doctor feeling fractured

Dr. Erykah Kennedy, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, finds herself at a crossroads in life. At forty-one, she’s achieved remarkable success in her career, yet when it comes to her love life, she feels hopeless. But when she meets Christian Gamble, a passionate wildlife conservationist, an unexpected bond forms between them despite their contrasting worlds.

A wildlife enthusiast ready for more

Chris has yet to find someone to share his adventures with, but as his friendship with Erykah starts to blossom, he begins falling for her in every way. When tragedy strikes and Erykah suddenly becomes guardian to her nieces, Chris helps her pick up the pieces.

Two hearts destined by nature

With their lives turned upside down, finding their way to a lasting love while putting their faith in God may be the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced.

The Nature of Love is a clean, African American contemporary romance with themes of friends to lovers and the healing power of love. This heartfelt happily-ever-after tale is the series finale of Shiloh’s beloved Love in the Spotlight novels.

My Review:

Eeeeeppp!!!! Excuse me while I swoon and squeal and happy dance over these characters, this series and the epic epilogue that brings everyone from all three books together in the best kind of happily ever afters!

Toni Shiloh is one of my favourite authors for a number of reasons. First, her characters. They are multi-dimensional with layered backstories that make it easy to connect with them. And feel for them! Which brings me to the second reason I love Shiloh’s books – she engages my emotions to the point I am totally invested in her characters. I’m not just reading about them I’m living their experiences right along with them. And then there’s the third reason, and perhaps the most important one – the way she weaves in significant faith threads that stir my soul and encourage my own relationship with Jesus.

And, mercy, but Erykah’s faith journey is a powerful reminder that God is always with us…especially during the times we feel most vulnerable and alone. I loved the way Chris patiently encouraged her interest in his faith, answering her questions with candid honesty. And what a prayer warrior! Simple, direct and heartfelt. Honestly, who can resist a guy like that? Erykah tried but failed miserably…eventually.

Which brings me to what I loved about the romance: it’s a slow-burn, purposeful friends to more kind of love story with lots of emotional depth. Lots of time for a reader to bond with these characters and delight in the subtle tension drawing them closer as the story progresses. Sheer romantical ecstasy! And I appreciated that both hero and heroine are on the ‘mature’ side for this genre – early forties. With successful professional lives and interesting careers.

Of course, no ‘Love in the Spotlight’ book would be complete without all the bro-bantering and texting between all three heroes. These guys are there for each other no matter what. Anything from lame joke pick-me-ups to empathetic listeners or united prayer partners, these guys do friendship right. So much fun to get glimpses into Tuck’s and Lamont’s lives as well. No worries though if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, you’ll still be able to enjoy this one as a standalone. Though I’m betting once you finish ‘The Nature of Love’, you’ll be scrambling to get your hands on ‘The Love Script’ and ‘A Run at Love’.

I preordered this book from audible and thoroughly enjoyed Dioni Michelle Collins’ narration. She has been the voice of this series through all three books. Love that continuity, especially since Collins is an amazing performer who breathes life into all these characters. Would definitely recommend the audio edition for discerning fans of this format.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Nature of Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 15 2025

As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse racing world. Raised on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper’s dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.

In an effort to win Piper’s heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper’s horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner’s circle–and each other.

Award-winning author Toni Shiloh makes a run for the roses with this heartwarming novel that reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories are found within our own hearts.

My Review:

“Let go of your plans and let God order your steps.”

First off, let me start out by saying how much I appreciate the strong faith elements Toni Shiloh includes in her novels. Artfully woven into every nuance of story, inspiration is as much a character as, well, the characters. Powerful and yet never heavy-handed or overbearing. And it brings such depth and heart and hope to the story! Nurtures my soul and lifts my spirit even as I’m entertained…and sometimes it even goes beyond that, speaking truths into my life that I need at the exact right moment. Inspirational words from an inspired author. This is why I crave Christian Fiction!

And then there’s the romance. Eeeepppppp!!!! Make sure your fainting couch is clear so you have a soft landing for all the swooning because Tuck is….happy sigh…pretty near perfect in all his imperfectness. 🙂 Love the way the ‘friends to more’ trope plays out. Tantalizingly delectable from the get go, building to mildly frustrating when neither Piper or Tucker is willing to make the first move. And then, just when I thought I couldn’t stand it another second…zap! Fireworks ignite and the romance starts to sizzle.

These two are so good together! And I love the pacing. There’s enough conflict to keep things interesting without any forced drama to keep them apart. And so many rich layers to both the characters and the plot! Shiloh touches on some significant issues with grace and compassion while opening a path for some great discussions if a book club or reading buddies feel so inclined.

I’m not a huge horse racing fan (show jumping is more my thing) but I’ll admit to being captivated by the intriguing insights into the racing world. Definitely added to the compelling nature of the plot and provided more than a few edge-of-your-seat scenes that kept me riveted.

Oh — and there’s a sweet, subtle nod to the author’s Oloro Ile novels which was all kinds of fun!

I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins. She gave an incredible performance, bringing these characters and story to life which enriched my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the A Run at Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 18 2024.

Hollywood hair stylist Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood heartthrob Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for a fake relationship–something he never thought he’d consider in a million years.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

Toni Shiloh dazzles in this irresistible red-carpet romance with spotlight-stealing laughter, faith, and a happily ever after.

My Review:

Cheshire grinning while basking in bibliophile euphoria after finishing this book. You know, when a story sinks so deep into your heart that it takes a minute to shake the fictional world loose and resurface into your far less colourful one? That’s the way ‘The Love Script’ left me feeling.

Sigh! This one is pure romance in all it’s glorious wonder! The way Shiloh plots the story and blends humour and angst is astounding. Great pacing as the relationship between Lamont and Nevaeh grows out of uncertain circumstances. Just so beautiful and believable and inspiring and downright hysterically funny in places.

And….eeeeeepppppp!…Fake Dating Trope Alert! And it’s done so well. I really appreciated the way they went into their relationship with their faith and standards at the forefront of every decision. Prayer plays a significant role in every aspect of this romance as the author allows her characters to grow in integrity and purpose. So, so good!

I am so not a starry-eyed Hollywood kind of reader but Shiloh sold me anyway. Lamont’s story is such a powerful testimony because it contrasts with that glitz and glamour background. A real juxtaposition between his two worlds as he strives to reflect the light of Christ in all that he does.

This would make a fantastic book club selection because there are so many great talking points in this novel. From unrealistic beauty standards to the hype of social media and the cancel culture and troll mentality that brings.

I listened to audible edition expertly narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins. She gave an amazing performance and really breathed life into these wonderful characters. Perfect author/narrator pairing!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Love Script , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 23 2024.