Love in the Spotlight series by Toni Shiloh

Love in the Spotlight series by Toni Shiloh This series was five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐stars across the board.

These books can be read as standalone books, but if you start one, fair warning, you will probably have to read them all. Which isn’t a bad thing. Because this series was amazing. We have the three MMCs of each book who are friends. They are godly Christian men who text each other, check in, and share prayer requests.

The Love Script is the first book, and it sets the ground perfectly for this series. We have Hollywood, actor/ sexiest man alive, hairdresser, cancer survivor, fake-dating-to-more romance.

I had a copy of A Run at Love and thought I could just read the second book in the series first, but I had to go back and read The Love Script. A Run at Love was everything you want in a rom-com. It had a cute story. Set in Kentucky, we have horses, southern charm, best friends-to-more romance, family trust broken, and forgiveness.

The Nature of Love is the perfect conclusion to this series. It has Friends-to-more romance, beginning faith journey, animals, a cute dog, characters in their 40s, tragedy, aunt guardianship of nieces, and more.

This series will be a read again for me. I look forward to reading more from Toni Shiloh. I might already have the In Search of a Prince series on the way.

The Love Script

The Love Script is not the first book and will not be the last book I have read written by Toni Shiloh. This was the perfect beginning to the perfect series. I will for sure be reading this series again.

The character development was great. We have Lamont Booker- actor and sexiest man alive. He seems to have it all going on the outside. But on the inside, he is dealing with the stress of his mom’s past cancer journey and his new image as a Christian. Nevaeh is a hair stylist. She just wants to be on the outside, and she finds herself in the spotlight.

The setting was good. I enjoyed the Hollywood setting. It gave a fun dynamic to the story. The storyline was fun. I enjoyed watching Lamont and Nevaeh navigate the fake relationship as they fell in love. The banter was witty and fun.

The romance was perfect. I loved this fake-dating-to-more romance. It hit the nail on the head. This was a kisses-only book with no spice, and it was perfection.

Toni Shiloh did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved the godly men who encouraged Lamont, and all the prayer and encouragement to pray about the hard situations.

A Run at Love

A Run at Love is not the first book I have read written by Toni Shiloh, and will not be the last. This is the second book in the Love in the Spotlight series, and I read it first. This book can be read as a standalone, as it follows a different couple in a group of friends. I read this and instantly had to go back and read book 1.

The character development was great. Piper is adopted. She is a black woman in a white dominated community. I loved seeing her struggles and thoughts. Then her world comes crashing down. Tuck has loved Piper for a while and now agrees to train her horses. He is struggling to figure out what to do with their friendship. Tuck has his group of friends from around the USA that he texts for support, and this is what connects the series. It was a fun dynamic, and I loved seeing that they encouraged each other in faith and to pray about things. Having such a godly group of men in Tuck’s corner was great. Especially when Tuck uncovers what his father had done.

The setting was great. I loved being in Kentucky and the Horse races. It was a fun dynamic. The storyline was great. I loved watching Piper branch out and try to be her own woman. Staying with the family business but doing it on her own. Then her world falls apart. But she navigates it with grace and is able to forgive. I don’t want to give any spoilers. But all in all, this story was great. I could not put it down.

The romance was perfect. I loved this friends-to-more romance. It hit the nail on the head. This was a kisses-only book with no spice, and it was perfection.

Toni Shiloh did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved the godly men who encouraged Tuck, and all the prayer and encouragement to pray about the hard situations.

The Nature of Love

The Nature of Love is the third book in the Love in the Spotlight series by Toni Shiloh. Toni Shiloh has become an instant recommendation for me. The Nature of Love is the final book in this series, and though I am sad to see it end. I am so glad I got to spend time with this group. And if Toni Shiloh decided to come back to this series, I would not be mad. All in all, I will be returning to say hi to this group of friends again.

The character development was great. I loved watching Erykah navigate grief and her sudden guardianship of her two nieces. What a whirlwind of an adventure. Christian is the oldest in the friend group, and we find him opening up his home to this new friend, Erykah.

The setting was good. I enjoyed being in Christian’s eco-friendly home. The storyline was great. I enjoyed watching Christian and Erykah working together and becoming their own family.

The friends-to-more romance was the perfect kisses-only romance.

Toni Shiloh did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved the godly men who encourage Christian, and all the prayer and encouragement to pray about the hard situations. I loved seeing Erykah’s faith journey.

The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

The Atlas of Untold Stories is the second book I have read written by Sara Brunsvold, and each time it has been such a pleasure. This was such a sweet story with classics wrapped into a road trip adventure, bringing this mother-daughters crew closer together as they go through some hard things and learn to let go. This is the perfect summer read.

Chole was such a fun character. I loved her bright, sunshiny attitude. Planning out this road trip with the hopes of proving she is an adult and can plan. While multiple things don’t go as planned. She has a Pollyanna attitude and is able to find the good in each circumstance. Lauren is internally unraveling while trying to portray that she is the oldest sister with a put-together life. Watching her navigate through the loss of job and eating disorder brought some real life to the character. Edie is struggling with her childhood trauma. Which makes it hard for her to let go of her daughters. She shows how generational things can cause a trickle-down effect. The characters were great, and I loved watching them develop over the course of the book.

The setting was great. I loved the road trip dynamic and the different literary and film references in the book. Makes me want to do my own road trip featuring book stops. The storyline was great. The struggle that each lady was dealing with in such tight quarters was very real.

Sara Brunsvold did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Burning Truth by Kelly Underwood

Burning Truth is the first book I have read written by Kelly Underwood, and it was such a pleasure. This is the fifth book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series, and though I am excited to see what happens next, I am not sure I am ready to be done with Alaska. This can be read as a stand-alone. 

The character development was good. I loved getting to know Grizz with his grumpy personality. Dani is trying to repair her reputation as a journalist. While being out of her comfort zone in the Alaska wilderness. 

The setting and storyline were great. Throughout this series, I have come to love Alaska. We come face to face with the militia again, but in a new camp. This time they are coming after the reporter. Some new information is uncovered about the group. There was not as much firefighting in this story, but it was still a great story. 

The opposites attract romance was a perfect kiss-only romance. It gave off Beauty and the Beast vibes with Grizz’s grumpy outside, held up in his cabin while the militia is trying to break in, as they fall in love. I am not sure if this was intended, but I enjoyed it. 

Kelly Underwood did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. As Grizz and Dani learn to trust God. 

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Shadowed Witness by Angela Carlisle

Shadowed Witness is the first book I have read written by Angela Carlisle, and I am excited to read more. This was an intense romantic mystery thriller/suspense, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was very well written, and the twist surprised me.

The character development was good. Allye is struggling to figure out what is going on with her health. With all these mysterious symptoms and her aunt’s MS diagnosis, could that be her mysterious illness? In the middle of this, Allye also finds herself in the middle of a murder. Eric is on the case and trying to help Allye figure out what is happening. He is also trying to help out the two boys who are left orphaned after their mother was found murdered. Eric is trying to eradicate the drug problem in the town. Watching Eric struggle through the case and his past is great, watching his change.

The small-town setting was perfect for this story. The storyline kept me on my toes. I enjoyed all the layers of this story. We have Allye trying to figure out what is going on with her secret illness, her being gaslit, and if she even witnessed a murder. Being on the case with Eric and Allye trying to solve the case was a fun adventure to go on. The main drug dealer was a surprise, and figuring out the other people's involvement was heartbreaking. Could not ask for a better suspense thriller story.

This friends-to-more romance was the perfect kisses-only, no spice book.

Angela Carlisle does a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. Reminding the reader to put their trust in God and lean into Him in the hard parts.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti

The Neighbor and the Gifts is not the first book I have read written by Danielle Grandinetti, and will not be the last. This is the second book in the A Christmas Cabin Novella series. It’s a novella, so it is short and sweet with a nod to the twelve gifts of Christmas.

The character development is good. Ollie is receiving these packages from a secret admirer. Trying to figure out who he is and what his intentions are. Titus is dealing with the past as well as working out his feelings for Ollie, whom he has loved since they went to school together.

The setting was perfect. The rustic cabin in the woods creates the perfect setting for suspense. The storyline was a whirlwind, but a fun adventure. The gifts follow the 12 gifts of Christmas in their unique way. As the gifts keep showing up, even when they are hiding, the search is on to figure out who is delivering the gifts, which keeps you on your toes. It is a Christmas story, but I read it in July, and it could be enjoyed any time of year.

The friends-to-more romance between Ollie and Titus is sweet and perfect as a kisses-only romance.

Danielle Grandinetti did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the novel.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson

Sometimes You Stay is the second book I have read by Liz Johnson and the second installment in the Red Door Inn Romance series. You do not need to read the first book in the series; you could read this as a stand-alone. But you will not be disappointed if you choose to read Meddling with Mistletoe. Sometimes You Stay was such a cute Hallmark vibes story that it was the perfect read.

The character development was great. Cretia was such a fun character to get to know. Her mom is a hoarder, and she has swung the opposite to counteract. With Cretia’s whole life in a suitcase and backpack, she has become scared to stay anywhere and put down roots. Which works perfectly with her influencer job. Finn is very focused on trying to expand the family business to make his dad proud. Due to a misunderstanding, he is hard on himself and needs to overcome these issues and learn to let others help him. The Newfie dogs also played a role and cannot be left out. Joe Jr. is such a big, goofy dog. I loved the role that he got to play. The whole crew of dogs was such a fun dynamic.

The setting is perfect. I have always loved Prince Edward Island. I always dreamed of living there one day, and though I don’t, I did come close. Having a story that takes place in PEI was so fun. I enjoyed the small-town East Coast island town. The storyline was perfect. From the first big splash, I was sucked into this story. Watching Cretia struggle her way without her electronics. Learning to let others help her when she was without her stuff. Watching Finn open up and show his true side was sweet. His love for helping others and animals was perfect.

This opposites-attract romance is the perfect no-spice, kisses-only romance. It is perfect and sweet, with the perfect level of swoon.

Liz Johnson did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Lady of Shadows by Kelly Fernlake

Lady of Shadows is the first book I have read written by Kelly Fernlake and I look forward to reading more by her. This is book three of the Blood Kings: Legends series and it was a joy to be back in the world of Er’Rets. It hooked me in from the start and I could not put it down.

The character development was great. I loved getting to know Lady Tara. We meet just after her husband has died. It was a loveless arranged marriage. She is in love with her shield Carmack. Now they are off to try and find her brother and the missing crew. Carmack is in love with Lady Tara but has also sworn a celibacy vow. As Lady Tara’s shield her safety is his top priority.

The setting for this book was fun. We got to spend some time on the sea which made for a fun change in pace. The storyline for this story was fast-paced and fun. We have the death of a spouse in turn freeing Tara from an arranged marriage. We have magic potions, powers-blood-voicing and tanniyn-sea serpent. Lady Tara and Carmack and their group are off to find the missing crew. When they stop in enemy territory, things

Kelly Fernlake did a great job intertwining faith throughout this fantasy story in an allegorical way. It is dripping with scripture and truth that comes from the old scriptures.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde

No Stone Unturned is the first book I have read written by Jenelle Hovde and I look forward to reading some more. This Regency time period romance had the perfect pairing of history, slow burn romance, an archeology dig, faith, and forgiveness.

The character development is great. Bridget is trying to run the household after her mother’s passing, searching for her wayward brother while uncovering the antiquities. She has a feisty personality which made for some great banter—watching her learn to forgive and learning to trust God again. Rafe finds himself back in the place he escaped as a young boy. Trying to save the family estate, while also dealing with the rumors behind the family’s past. Rafe finds his uncle’s journal and is processing the change in his uncle. Rafe is a broody character. I loved seeing him change throughout the book as he falls in love and finds forgiveness.

The setting was perfect. I loved the Hawthorn Abbey estate and Perry’s farm; it brought the Regency time period to life. The storyline was fun. We have regency dances, antiquities, suspense, mystery of who is doing all these things-missing letters, torn out pages, thorns in saddle- it kept me engaged and I could not put the book down.

The romance was a sweet, slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers, kisses-only romance.

Jenelle Hovde did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. Seeing the work of God in the characters, and the reminder that God cares for us.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Who Touches the Mountains by Deborah Raney

Who Touches the Mountains is the first book I have read written by Deborah Raney and it has been such a pleasure. I look forward to reading more books by her. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next one in the future.

The character development was great. Liesl has the perfect job, until it is no longer perfect. Trying to figure out her next steps in life and where she wants to be. Zach is still trying to process and grieve the loss of his wife, Jenny. Pulling back the layers and watching him go through some of the grieving process was encouraging.

The setting and storyline were great. I loved being in the North Carolina mountains at this cute little Inn. It was totally Hallmark vibes. As the storyline progressed, and we got to meet some of the other characters I had a fun time trying to figure out what the significance was at first. As it was coming to light, it was interesting to see what would pan out, and then the big plot twist happened. I was not ready for that (no spoilers). But the connection that happens between Liesl and Zach brings a different depth.

The romance was a sweet, kisses-only romance that was perfect. I loved that Zach was getting a second chance at his happily ever after again.

Deborah Raney did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved how much scripture and prayer were included. Even their struggles in coming back to God. I loved that even though both Zach and Liesl took a break from church while they were going through their struggles, they both chose to go back to church and reconnect with God.

Burning Secrets by Susan May Warren

Burning Secrets is not the first book I have read written by Susan May Warren and it will not be the last. She has become an instant read for me. I have found everything so far, written by her is enjoyable, and Burning Secrets was no exception. This is the fourth book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series. Though it can be read as a standalone, you cannot go wrong reading the whole series.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know JoJo more. Seeing her love for wildlife-the wolves brought an added dynamic to the story. Crew had some issues to work through as well. Being undercover he has a few things to work out.

The setting and storyline were great. Through this series, I have come to love Alaska. Once again, we come face to face with the militia and learn some new details about it. As Crew is there undercover as an FBI informant, we get to see more of what is going on. This book kept me in suspense.

The fake relationship to more is the perfect fit for this story. The romance aspect is low-spice, kisses only, and perfection.

Susan May Warren does a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story. It was a great reminder that God is always there for us. Even in the hard times, even if we don’t feel like we can see Him, God will never leave us.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Meet Me on Blueberry Hill by Lisa Jordan

Meet Me on Blueberry Hill is the first book I have read written by Lisa Jordan and it did not disappoint. This is the fourth book in the Jonathan Island series, and it has completely blown me away. Featuring different authors but all creating this perfect story. You can read this as a stand-alone, but you will not be disappointed if you read them all.

The character development was good. Sadie is dealing with the loss of her sister and her past relationship that ended badly. Learning to trust men again after being burned in her past relationship takes a process. Asher is dealing with the guilt of feeling responsible for the deaths of friends. Seeing him process this all while also trying to find who he is and who he is in Christ.

The setting and storyline were perfect. I loved the Hallmark small town/island setting. If you love Hallmark movies this is the story for you. You have a secret identity, untold truths, carriage rides, and the boy next door.

This grumpy next-door neighbor romance between Asher and Sadie is a sweet and low-spice, kisses-only romance.

Lisa Jordan did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved seeing the real struggle of the characters as they come back to God after such a great tragedy.

Quote: “I’m sorry for the pain you’re feeling. Just know, God will never betray you. Or humiliate you. His love will sustain you and give you the strength to move forward. You can always go to Him for wisdom and guidance. He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Home Safe by Tracy Baack

Home Safe is the third book I have read written by Tracy Baack, and she has become an instant read for me. This book will pull at your heartstrings and instantly fall in love with the characters. Cheering them on all the way.

The character development was fantastic. Danae is trying to figure out her life as a new single mom, while also dealing with her dysfunctional relationship with her parents. Jason is battling all kinds of emotions as he fights to find new ground in his new life with Danae and all the trauma he has gone through in his short life. Griffin is working to figure out who he is outside of baseball.

The setting was perfect. I didn’t know how I would feel about a sports trope as that is not my favorite thing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Baseball trope. Even though there were a lot of scenes on the Baseball field/stands, there were a lot of times where it was off the field. The balance was perfect.

The storyline- tugged at my heartstrings. There were many layers to this story. Danae is in the process of adopting Jason, while also meeting and falling in love with a famous baseball player, Griffon, each with their own issues. I loved that there was insight into dealing with trauma for kids and that they dealt with it in a real way, both for adults and kids.

This opposites-attract romance was a kisses-only story. It was clean and perfect.

Tracy Bacck sometimes includes faith in her books, this book does not. The only hint to it is that prayer is mentioned a few times, but other than that, there is nothing mentioned. It does not take away from my rating, though I did want to mention for those who purely like Christian fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.