I have found my top read of 2023! Seriously guys, read The Love Script by Toni Shiloh. I don’t want to say too much because I’ll put it in my review, but wow. It blew my socks off!
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About the Book
The Love Script (Love in the Spotlight) Author Toni Shiloh
Published by Baker Books
on August 1, 2023
Genres: Fiction / African American & Black / Christian, Fiction / Christian / Contemporary, Fiction / Christian / Romance / General
Pages: 352
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book HouseA 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 A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.The silver screen's latest heartthrob.
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.
A love that goes off script.
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?
"This fake-relationship story is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance!"--BETSY ST. AMANT, author of Tacos for Two
"Shiloh offers a sweet romance with a strong dose of spiritual truth."--PEPPER BASHAM, award-winning author of Authentically, Izzy
My Perspective
I have met my new favorite Toni Shiloh book. I mean, I love all her books. My favorites have always been the Maple Run Series – every single one of them. But this book? My goodness it must have been so difficult and yet rewarding to write because you can see all the time, effort and possibly tears that she put into it. This book blew me away.
First of all, I need to talk about the friendship between Lamont, Tuck and Chris. Not only are these guys hilarious (I giggled many times), but they are genuine and offer sound advice to each other. I love how Shiloh added their text messages throughout the book. Let’s face it, that’s how we communicate with each other these days. Plus, there was a scene where they were literally all sitting at the same table, and still texting. Yeah, I giggled a LOT when I read that scene. Anyways, you don’t often see male friendships like this in novels, at least not as much as I would like, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it.
Then let’s talk about Lamont’s sweet mother. I love the spiritual honesty she brought throughout the book. Most of my favorite parts were when she was passing on her spiritual wisdom to either Lamont or Neveah. She reminds me of one of the ladies at my church (who has passed on) that was just someone you could do to with anything and know that she was praying and that she would always give sound advice, even when it was tough to hear. I hope to be like that when I’m older.
Of course we can’t forget the romantic thread. Perfect. Brilliant. Lamont and Naveah are my favorite couple of the year. They are not afraid to share their faith, and stick to the morals and rules that they have set in place. I think they are such an inspiration for young couples today. In fact, I think all young adults should read this book! I cannot praise Shiloh enough for writing their story. They were not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, however they showed how young couples can date, be happy, and set limitations. They were joyful, playful, flirty, tender, and so much more.
I cannot talk about this book without mentioning the faith thread. Not only was it brilliantly and beautifully written, but it was bold. Not once was it in your face, however it was across the entire story, and you could tell it was important to these characters, especially Lamont and his mother. The special thing though was how much it convicted me, and spoke straight to my heart. So many good points and life lessons sprinkled throughout the book that point to the Lord and how He alone deserves our praise, trust, and attention. So many different reminders I needed, and will need for the rest of my life. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and will be reread probably a million times.
The Love Script is a combination of rom-com, fake relationship, strong faith, and fun. With characters to adore, lessons to learn, and laughs that have you crying, The Love Script is a book that needs to be in homes and libraries everywhere. I highly recommend this book. More than that, I plead with you to go get a copy and start reading. Then tell me how much you enjoyed it afterwards!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
About the Author
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, In Search of a Prince, won the first ever, Christy Amplify award. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.
Favorite Quotes
But more than that, who was I to judge whether he was Christian enough?
“I don’t want people to think all Christians are hypocrites. I want people to look at my life, look at what I’m willing to do for my faith, and truly seek God as a result.”
Taking of shapewear is worse than removing a sports bra after an hour of doing Zumba.
On-screen kissing was about as romantic as eating a vat of onions before your first date and expecting the woman to swoon.
“It’s more like I was in such a state that once God opened my eyes to Him, I couldn’t help but choose the things that would only glorify Him. It’s no longer about me.”
Yet in all that time, I’d never thought to pray to God about it. To lay my desires at His feet and see what He could do.
“What people at church look like, the style of the sermon – all of that is inconsequential to the real reason I am there: to worship Him. Not to say that the rest doesn’t matter at all. I don’t want to align myself with a church that isn’t preaching Christ or Bible-centric messages. But I also don’t have to get annoying if the song isn’t my favorite. It’s not the genre of the music but the lyrics and the heart posture I’m offering God.”
“You don’t have to do anything big to be noticed by Him. Just be who He created you to be.”
What interests you about this story?
yes!!!! You gushed over all my favorite parts too! loved this book so much
Great review!!! I’m so excited to read this book. 😀