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Love in the Spotlight #2
A Run at Love
A CONTENDER RUNNING FOR THE ROSESAs 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.A BEST FRIEND RACING FOR LOVEIn 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.A ROMANCE WORTH THE CHALLENGE
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2024
41 people are currently reading
4879 people want to read
About the author
Toni Shiloh
56 books1,888 followersToni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. A native of Texas, she now lives in northern Virginia. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
June 12, 2024
From the first page I fell in love with Piper and Tuck.
Piper and Tuck have been best friends since Piper came to America [no spoilers, but I love the connection]. They have also been in love with each other since before they understand the dynamics of love.
Piper faces some heated situations as she comes to grips with who she is as a person and pursuing who God called her to be. Of course, her best friend is there to comfort her.
Tuck is a man with a plan , but not Gods plan. He faces a battle that only God can win and finds that human timing sucks compared to what God has for us.
I loved following Tuck and Piper as they find out that they both are aligned in God’s timing.
This sweet romance will be a comfort read for me. I loved seeing the characters from The Love Script.
This series doesn’t have to be read in order but it’ll help understand the side characters more.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Piper and Tuck have been best friends since Piper came to America [no spoilers, but I love the connection]. They have also been in love with each other since before they understand the dynamics of love.
Piper faces some heated situations as she comes to grips with who she is as a person and pursuing who God called her to be. Of course, her best friend is there to comfort her.
Tuck is a man with a plan , but not Gods plan. He faces a battle that only God can win and finds that human timing sucks compared to what God has for us.
I loved following Tuck and Piper as they find out that they both are aligned in God’s timing.
This sweet romance will be a comfort read for me. I loved seeing the characters from The Love Script.
This series doesn’t have to be read in order but it’ll help understand the side characters more.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
June 14, 2024
Toni Shiloh has done it again! She never disappoints with bringing swoon worthy moments and faith filled lives in her characters.
I truly enjoyed these two love birds. A wonderful friends to lovers romance, sweet and fulfilling. I loved the family drama, if you know me you know I don't enjoy family drama but Toni Shiloh is an author that does it completely 100% right.
The romance, the horses, the setting all made for a great story that I couldn't get enough of. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
I truly enjoyed these two love birds. A wonderful friends to lovers romance, sweet and fulfilling. I loved the family drama, if you know me you know I don't enjoy family drama but Toni Shiloh is an author that does it completely 100% right.
The romance, the horses, the setting all made for a great story that I couldn't get enough of. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
October 25, 2023
Get your big fancy Derby hats on. You’re gonna love this one!
February 21, 2024
I love Toni Shiloh's novels and this one is a romance with heart. Piper has never quite fit in as a black woman who was adopted by a white family. She feels grateful yet a little unsettled. Now she's trying hard to find her place in the horse racing world that she loves, and she's doing it with her best friend Tuck beside her. He's trying hard to ignore the crush he's had on her for years as he helps her chase her Derby dreams. When her parents are accused of doping their horses and her life begins to feel like it's falling apart in pieces, he's the constant, but will either of them be willing to risk their friendship to take a run at love? This is a sweet story that will tug you back to the pages until you reach the end.
September 5, 2024
3.75 stars. I’ll be honest, despite the fact that I am a Christian, I have been wary of Christian romance books. More often than not I feel like they come across preachy and cheesy. But I trust my girl Nae’s recs and she recommended me this author.
Toni Shiloh found the balance perfectly. God is in this book. The characters pray for His will as they make choices and surround themselves with other believers who give counsel. The Lord is shown just in how they live their lives without ever feeling preachy.
I loved Piper. She’s such a strong character but still figuring out who she is independent of her family and Tucker was the perfect partner for her.
I’m not a horse girl. I’m also not a bearded man in cowboy boots girl. But Toni Shiloh made this story about so much more and I ended up really enjoying it!
Toni Shiloh found the balance perfectly. God is in this book. The characters pray for His will as they make choices and surround themselves with other believers who give counsel. The Lord is shown just in how they live their lives without ever feeling preachy.
I loved Piper. She’s such a strong character but still figuring out who she is independent of her family and Tucker was the perfect partner for her.
I’m not a horse girl. I’m also not a bearded man in cowboy boots girl. But Toni Shiloh made this story about so much more and I ended up really enjoying it!
May 9, 2024
I've been a fan of Toni Shiloh since her indie publishing days. I've loved many of her books. I really enjoyed the first book in the series but, for some reason, this book didn't resonate with me as much. I still enjoyed it and loved getting to know Piper and Tucker. Piper and her spunk, independence, and love for horses came through in all of her interactions. Her first person voice was fun, tender, and down to earth. Tucker and his undying devotion to Piper was so sweet. His third person voice was quirky, funny, and a solid rock for Piper in her life storms. I did enjoy learning about horseracing and seeing Nevaeh and Lamont progress in their relationship was quite gratifying.
Perhaps Piper and Tucker's best friend to more was a little forced and artificial - they both loved each other but had a hard time figuring out the other person's feelings and the process felt a bit overdone and drawn out. I also felt like I stepped into the middle of the book when I started it and kept thinking I had missed something between book 1 and book 2. Still, the characters were pretty awesome and the author addressed topics like inter-racial relationship and trans-racial adoption, which are rarely talked about.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Perhaps Piper and Tucker's best friend to more was a little forced and artificial - they both loved each other but had a hard time figuring out the other person's feelings and the process felt a bit overdone and drawn out. I also felt like I stepped into the middle of the book when I started it and kept thinking I had missed something between book 1 and book 2. Still, the characters were pretty awesome and the author addressed topics like inter-racial relationship and trans-racial adoption, which are rarely talked about.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2025
3.75 - 4 stars
A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh
Piper McKinney is our main protagonist in the story. She is an ambitious woman navigating a male-dominated world of horseracing. Her determination to win the Kentucky Derby is inspiring and there is an added complexity of her journey as a transracial adoptee. Tucker Hale is a good balance of support and strength she needs, both professionally and personally. We see their friends to more romance grow and their connection was very genuine. When a scandal in the media involving Piper's adopted parents ensues, she doesn't know what to do and we see the events of this unfold.
I ultimately enjoyed this book. Toni always writes good faith content in her books. The first half - I didn't truly connect with Piper - I felt like I didn't know her well outside of her adoption story and struggles, but she grew on me after 40% mark. I loved the connection she had with Tuck and seeing the friends to more come to life was nice. Specifically, Chapter 39 and 42 was super sweet.
I liked seeing how her families drama unfolded - it had me wanting to know more and keep reading. How she handled the forgiveness thread was good too. It was nice to see characters from the first book also, because Niveah and Lamont are my favorites!
I did also like the ending as it was beautiful seeing Piper process her feelings about her biological family and adopted family. If you like stories with an adoption thread, horses and a faith thread, check this out.
A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh
Piper McKinney is our main protagonist in the story. She is an ambitious woman navigating a male-dominated world of horseracing. Her determination to win the Kentucky Derby is inspiring and there is an added complexity of her journey as a transracial adoptee. Tucker Hale is a good balance of support and strength she needs, both professionally and personally. We see their friends to more romance grow and their connection was very genuine. When a scandal in the media involving Piper's adopted parents ensues, she doesn't know what to do and we see the events of this unfold.
I ultimately enjoyed this book. Toni always writes good faith content in her books. The first half - I didn't truly connect with Piper - I felt like I didn't know her well outside of her adoption story and struggles, but she grew on me after 40% mark. I loved the connection she had with Tuck and seeing the friends to more come to life was nice. Specifically, Chapter 39 and 42 was super sweet.
I liked seeing how her families drama unfolded - it had me wanting to know more and keep reading. How she handled the forgiveness thread was good too. It was nice to see characters from the first book also, because Niveah and Lamont are my favorites!
I did also like the ending as it was beautiful seeing Piper process her feelings about her biological family and adopted family. If you like stories with an adoption thread, horses and a faith thread, check this out.
April 17, 2024
Toni Shiloh captures so much personality in her characters! And you can tell she does the research! I live in KY-just 2 hrs east of Lexington. I know the traditions and culture. And the fact she includes our state drink? She wins! 🤣
A great sequel to the first book. I really loved Piper and Tuckers story. So many good lessons too. Lots of Christian messages to inspire the reader. I enjoyed how Tucker was an overthinker, excessive planner who had to learn that you need to just let go and Let God sometimes. And that Piper had to learn her value didn't come from MEN'S opinions...just Gods.
4 solid stars!
*I was given a complimentary copy of the ARC by the publishers and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all words are my own!
A great sequel to the first book. I really loved Piper and Tuckers story. So many good lessons too. Lots of Christian messages to inspire the reader. I enjoyed how Tucker was an overthinker, excessive planner who had to learn that you need to just let go and Let God sometimes. And that Piper had to learn her value didn't come from MEN'S opinions...just Gods.
4 solid stars!
*I was given a complimentary copy of the ARC by the publishers and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all words are my own!
May 20, 2024
I truly enjoyed reading this story because it taught me some fun facts about horse racing and everything leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
I could tell that the author had done her research and wrote interesting facts throughout the story.
It was a delightful story of two longtime friends becoming more than friends, even when there were many roadblocks in their way. These are fun books to read because we see each character's struggles, and how life would be so much richer if they only shared their feelings.
Life wasn’t all fun and romance, this story dealt with the pressures of society and dealing with forgiveness after mistakes and wrong choices have been made.
I loved the protectiveness of Tucker. He wanted to make sure Piper accomplished her dream. He also didn’t see her color or ethnicity; he just saw her soul, which drew him to her.
Another thing about this book that amused me was how this story ties into some of this author’s other books. We the readers got to reconnect with some past characters. The fun banter between the guys was so entertaining to read. It showed how strong their friendship was, even though they lived such different lives and locations.
Toni Shiloh has written a beautifully touching story with rich word pictures. Many times, I felt deep emotions as I was reading this book. She has a wonderful way of conveying the feelings of each of the characters in this book. I will always pick up one of her books because I know I will be entertained and yet given thoughts to ponder.
This story had all the drama, tension, humor, and romance that will sit with you for a while. It’s truly an enjoyable book to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I could tell that the author had done her research and wrote interesting facts throughout the story.
It was a delightful story of two longtime friends becoming more than friends, even when there were many roadblocks in their way. These are fun books to read because we see each character's struggles, and how life would be so much richer if they only shared their feelings.
Life wasn’t all fun and romance, this story dealt with the pressures of society and dealing with forgiveness after mistakes and wrong choices have been made.
I loved the protectiveness of Tucker. He wanted to make sure Piper accomplished her dream. He also didn’t see her color or ethnicity; he just saw her soul, which drew him to her.
Another thing about this book that amused me was how this story ties into some of this author’s other books. We the readers got to reconnect with some past characters. The fun banter between the guys was so entertaining to read. It showed how strong their friendship was, even though they lived such different lives and locations.
Toni Shiloh has written a beautifully touching story with rich word pictures. Many times, I felt deep emotions as I was reading this book. She has a wonderful way of conveying the feelings of each of the characters in this book. I will always pick up one of her books because I know I will be entertained and yet given thoughts to ponder.
This story had all the drama, tension, humor, and romance that will sit with you for a while. It’s truly an enjoyable book to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2025
Even though this is my first time reading a book by Toni Shiloh, I think I'm going to start a new tradition of reading one of her books the week of Valentine's Day every year. (But also here and there in between when I feel like reading some really good, romantic Christian fiction.) I had such a great time with A Run at Love -- due in no small part to the book revolving around horses, but also because Shiloh balanced the character development and the pacing and the plot so well.
I've mentioned before that I don't care for romance-driven plots, but I do love plot-driven romances. This was the latter, and I really enjoyed it. Even though it's the second book in a trilogy, and I have not read the previous book, I never felt lost. So well done! I'm looking forward to finding the other two books!
I've mentioned before that I don't care for romance-driven plots, but I do love plot-driven romances. This was the latter, and I really enjoyed it. Even though it's the second book in a trilogy, and I have not read the previous book, I never felt lost. So well done! I'm looking forward to finding the other two books!
May 13, 2024
A Run at Love is everything I've come to know and love in a Toni Shiloh book. The characters are loveable (except when they're not supposed to be), the story is fun, and there are elements of faith that feel so natural and flow through the story. Putting this book down to be a responsible adult and do things like sleep was so hard. Even with that, I devoured it in two days.
Tucker and Piper together were goals. They were clearly such great friends that becoming more just seemed like the right thing! Even if both of them were slow to admit it for different reasons. Ugh, I felt so bad for Piper. Her dad really does let her down when he doesn't turn out to be quite the man she thought. But this does pave the way for a story of forgiveness that is, very realistically, not an easy one. Then Tucker. Sweet, sweet Tuck. I love a good male main character and he is amazing. I also have a soft spot for interracial relationship representation!
Toni Shiloh books are auto reads for me and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I highly recommend you pick up A Run at Love!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Tucker and Piper together were goals. They were clearly such great friends that becoming more just seemed like the right thing! Even if both of them were slow to admit it for different reasons. Ugh, I felt so bad for Piper. Her dad really does let her down when he doesn't turn out to be quite the man she thought. But this does pave the way for a story of forgiveness that is, very realistically, not an easy one. Then Tucker. Sweet, sweet Tuck. I love a good male main character and he is amazing. I also have a soft spot for interracial relationship representation!
Toni Shiloh books are auto reads for me and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I highly recommend you pick up A Run at Love!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
May 27, 2024
A sweet love story with deeper themes that had me hooked until the end!
The book centers around Piper McKinney—a new race horse owner trying to get her thoroughbred to the Kentucky Derby. This may be her race first horse, but she’s from a family with a horse farm dedicated to breeding and racing thoroughbreds.
Piper wants to make a name for herself for many reasons. As a Black woman, she wants to break barriers in the sport she loves. As a transracial adoptee, she wants to find her own identity. And when her family becomes embroiled in a major scandal, this quest becomes even more important—and much trickier!
With her best friend Tuck as her horse trainer, she knows she’s got a good shot. She’s also madly in love with him. But is coming clean about her feelings worth risking a 20+ year friendship? Can Piper win the guy and the race?
Toni Shiloh did a great job with this story! I loved Piper and Tuck’s friendship and the way he supported her. I also enjoyed the deeper themes surrounding identity and forgiveness. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
A special thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
The book centers around Piper McKinney—a new race horse owner trying to get her thoroughbred to the Kentucky Derby. This may be her race first horse, but she’s from a family with a horse farm dedicated to breeding and racing thoroughbreds.
Piper wants to make a name for herself for many reasons. As a Black woman, she wants to break barriers in the sport she loves. As a transracial adoptee, she wants to find her own identity. And when her family becomes embroiled in a major scandal, this quest becomes even more important—and much trickier!
With her best friend Tuck as her horse trainer, she knows she’s got a good shot. She’s also madly in love with him. But is coming clean about her feelings worth risking a 20+ year friendship? Can Piper win the guy and the race?
Toni Shiloh did a great job with this story! I loved Piper and Tuck’s friendship and the way he supported her. I also enjoyed the deeper themes surrounding identity and forgiveness. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
A special thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
I loved reading Tuck and Piper's story in A Run at Love, the guys' group text messages, and a glimpse into the horse racing world.
Piper struggles with being adopted as a Black person into a wealthy white family and is wanting to move out and become independent. Tuck is a planner and has to learn to let go.
Shiloh delivers a fabulous contemporary romance story with faith elements, realistic characters who have their own flaws and struggles, and a romance between two best friends who had grown up most of their lives together.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Piper struggles with being adopted as a Black person into a wealthy white family and is wanting to move out and become independent. Tuck is a planner and has to learn to let go.
Shiloh delivers a fabulous contemporary romance story with faith elements, realistic characters who have their own flaws and struggles, and a romance between two best friends who had grown up most of their lives together.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2024
Am I the only one who just adores the camaraderie between the guys and is shared in the group texts? I just really love it! I also just really love how this author can write such engaging romance that's clean, and full of faith! This second book in the series focuses on Tuck his best friend Piper. They face some tough stuff that impacts their world, which revolves around horse racing. Tuck is such a sweetie, and I love that this story touches on interracial relationships as well as transracial adoption.
You could read this book as a stand alone, but I'd highly recommend reading it after the first book in the series. Some of the framework for the dynamics among the characters was laid out in the first story. And the thread for the series focuses on three guy friends, with the first book following one, the second book following the second, and the third following the third. So a greater appreciation for the characters develops as the series progresses.
Last note, I listened on audiobook, and felt like the narrator did a little bit better job of not sounding as automated and choppy. I did enjoy that her voices for each character was consistent throughout the entire story.
You could read this book as a stand alone, but I'd highly recommend reading it after the first book in the series. Some of the framework for the dynamics among the characters was laid out in the first story. And the thread for the series focuses on three guy friends, with the first book following one, the second book following the second, and the third following the third. So a greater appreciation for the characters develops as the series progresses.
Last note, I listened on audiobook, and felt like the narrator did a little bit better job of not sounding as automated and choppy. I did enjoy that her voices for each character was consistent throughout the entire story.
June 10, 2024
A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh is the second book in the Love in the Spotlight series. If you like horses and horse racing, I think you will enjoy this book. If not, the story around it is still a good one.
Piper McKinney is a black woman in the horse-racing world--a world with little diversity. Her adoptive parents raised Piper on their thoroughbred farm and she is determined to make her own mark in the horse-racing field. Her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, is right there by her side helping her train what she hopes is a winning horse, Dream. Then a shocking scandal involving her parents hits the media and some of the fall-out affects her. Can she overcome the scandal? Is it based on truth or a lie?
I enjoyed A Run at Love, although I was not much of a horse race fan prior to this book. I liked Piper. I also liked Tucker. I could relate to both of them in certain ways. Mostly, I like how real they seemed to be as well as how real the other characters in the book were. I am not a person of color and I have not adopted one so I can't know what challenges are faced in those situations. It was interesting to hear Piper's perspective on the issue. I also have not been in a bi-racial relationship so I don't know what that is like. I feel like Shiloh does a good job of showing the reader through the story some of the issues that could be faced.
I did think A Run at Love would be a lighter read but there are some big issues in this book. I think the author handled them well. I love the themes of forgiveness and redemption in this book.
I like how both Piper and Tucker were people of faith. I especially liked how Tucker had to learn to trust God and not his own time table as I think that is a struggle many Christians have. I also liked that the reader gets an update on Lamont and Nevaeh. We also get a preview of Chris's story in the next book in the series. That next book can't come fast enough for me. Chris is a wildlife conservationist and nature is my happy place so I am thinking I will connect even more to that book.
I received a copy of this book from the author through the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Piper McKinney is a black woman in the horse-racing world--a world with little diversity. Her adoptive parents raised Piper on their thoroughbred farm and she is determined to make her own mark in the horse-racing field. Her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, is right there by her side helping her train what she hopes is a winning horse, Dream. Then a shocking scandal involving her parents hits the media and some of the fall-out affects her. Can she overcome the scandal? Is it based on truth or a lie?
I enjoyed A Run at Love, although I was not much of a horse race fan prior to this book. I liked Piper. I also liked Tucker. I could relate to both of them in certain ways. Mostly, I like how real they seemed to be as well as how real the other characters in the book were. I am not a person of color and I have not adopted one so I can't know what challenges are faced in those situations. It was interesting to hear Piper's perspective on the issue. I also have not been in a bi-racial relationship so I don't know what that is like. I feel like Shiloh does a good job of showing the reader through the story some of the issues that could be faced.
I did think A Run at Love would be a lighter read but there are some big issues in this book. I think the author handled them well. I love the themes of forgiveness and redemption in this book.
I like how both Piper and Tucker were people of faith. I especially liked how Tucker had to learn to trust God and not his own time table as I think that is a struggle many Christians have. I also liked that the reader gets an update on Lamont and Nevaeh. We also get a preview of Chris's story in the next book in the series. That next book can't come fast enough for me. Chris is a wildlife conservationist and nature is my happy place so I am thinking I will connect even more to that book.
I received a copy of this book from the author through the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
October 28, 2025
This was a sweet, clean book. I was grumpy I couldn’t read faster. But the wait was still worth it.
Piper and Tucker have been best friends since they were children and Piper was adopted and brought to live in Kentucky. I really liked this book tie-in with the Kentucky Derby since we live very close to Church-hill Downs. I also love horses. This is part 2 in the Love in the spotlight series. Some of the characters seem to overlap, but looks like they can stand alone.
Now to fill out my bingo challenge. On to the next book.
Piper and Tucker have been best friends since they were children and Piper was adopted and brought to live in Kentucky. I really liked this book tie-in with the Kentucky Derby since we live very close to Church-hill Downs. I also love horses. This is part 2 in the Love in the spotlight series. Some of the characters seem to overlap, but looks like they can stand alone.
Now to fill out my bingo challenge. On to the next book.
May 7, 2024
It’s another late night & I just finished A Run at Love. Didn’t want to go to bed without finishing this sweet love story. It’s the 2nd book of Love in the Spotlight series. I loved it so much. I liked that it was filled with faith. I also learned a lot. It was so interesting. I laughed. I cried both sad & happy tears. Tuck & Piper really captured my heart. I love their journey from best friends to whatever the future holds for them. I didn’t know much about horse racing or the Kentucky Derby. I liked learning bits & pieces about it. I loved the flirty fun banter between them. It was not without some drama. It reminded me of a hallmark type movie. Really the first two books would be excellent movies. I like that old characters showed up & we got to continue a little of their story. I’m excited to read the next one. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.
June 11, 2024
"If you're always planning every step and coming up with contingency plans, are you really trusting in the Lord?"
A Run at Love is another winner from the amazingly talented Toni Shiloh. If this book were in the Kentucky Derby, it would beat out all the others just like Secretariat did years ago. Yep, it's that good. Full of romance, kissing, faith, conviction (yes the Lord can convict you through your reading!), and so much more. Forgiveness, second chances, relatable characters, horses, sweet and funny goats, and bro texting (ummmm give me all the bro texting please!). Have I talked you into reading it yet?
I'm always a little hesitant about the friends to more romances. I just feel like sometimes they can be dry with little to no chemistry. That is NOT the case here thankfully. Shiloh brings Piper and Tuck together with playful banter, tough conversations, love, devotion, honesty, and oh that chemistry. Let's just say the first kiss - yeah I was fanning. But there were also tears. Especially when Tuck bared his heart. Oh he was so sweet, and the way he talked about who Piper was on the inside as being important - yeah if I were her I probably would have fell to my knees.
Now, I don't want to give any spoilers, but I did enjoy the secondary storyline for Piper's parents. That's all I can really say, except I enjoyed what Toni did with it. It shows they too were Christian, yet human. Prone to make mistakes. In fact that was a big takeaway/reminder from this story - Christian's are not perfect. Not even close. We shouldn't judge or assume things about others, and we certainly shouldn't put them on a perfect pedestal.
But perhaps the biggest take away for me was what Tuck needed to learn as well. God's plans are best. His timing is best. We can make all the plans we want, but if it doesn't fall in line with what God wants, then there's really no point. We're wasting time and will end up frustrating if it doesn't follow our plan to a t, which by the way it never does. Shiloh did a great job of showing Tuck's emotions and thoughts as he struggled and tried to find his way around this concept.
Another bonus? We get a peek at what's coming next in the series and let me tell you - I am here for it! I need Chris to get a gal. He's so funny, and I think I would enjoy his story very much. Release day can't come fast enough lol. But until then, make sure you get your hands on this book. Then carve out a good pocket of time to read. Derby hats not required, but they do make it more fun. ;)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Run at Love is another winner from the amazingly talented Toni Shiloh. If this book were in the Kentucky Derby, it would beat out all the others just like Secretariat did years ago. Yep, it's that good. Full of romance, kissing, faith, conviction (yes the Lord can convict you through your reading!), and so much more. Forgiveness, second chances, relatable characters, horses, sweet and funny goats, and bro texting (ummmm give me all the bro texting please!). Have I talked you into reading it yet?
I'm always a little hesitant about the friends to more romances. I just feel like sometimes they can be dry with little to no chemistry. That is NOT the case here thankfully. Shiloh brings Piper and Tuck together with playful banter, tough conversations, love, devotion, honesty, and oh that chemistry. Let's just say the first kiss - yeah I was fanning. But there were also tears. Especially when Tuck bared his heart. Oh he was so sweet, and the way he talked about who Piper was on the inside as being important - yeah if I were her I probably would have fell to my knees.
Now, I don't want to give any spoilers, but I did enjoy the secondary storyline for Piper's parents. That's all I can really say, except I enjoyed what Toni did with it. It shows they too were Christian, yet human. Prone to make mistakes. In fact that was a big takeaway/reminder from this story - Christian's are not perfect. Not even close. We shouldn't judge or assume things about others, and we certainly shouldn't put them on a perfect pedestal.
But perhaps the biggest take away for me was what Tuck needed to learn as well. God's plans are best. His timing is best. We can make all the plans we want, but if it doesn't fall in line with what God wants, then there's really no point. We're wasting time and will end up frustrating if it doesn't follow our plan to a t, which by the way it never does. Shiloh did a great job of showing Tuck's emotions and thoughts as he struggled and tried to find his way around this concept.
Another bonus? We get a peek at what's coming next in the series and let me tell you - I am here for it! I need Chris to get a gal. He's so funny, and I think I would enjoy his story very much. Release day can't come fast enough lol. But until then, make sure you get your hands on this book. Then carve out a good pocket of time to read. Derby hats not required, but they do make it more fun. ;)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 1, 2024
A Run at Love is book two in author Toni Shiloh’s Love in the Spotlight series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Piper McKinney has it all…almost. She’d been adopted by a wonderful couple who have given her an amazing life on their Thoroughbred Farm in Kentucky. She just needs some freedom to forge her own path. Taking the reins on her life, she buys some property and a racehorse, praying this is the start of something phenomenal.
Tucker Hale has been Piper’s best friend since childhood, now working for her folks. He is a man that always has a plan. Though by her actions, he agrees to become her head trainer.
These two best friends love each other fiercely, though neither have admitted it! Will they ever take the leap and confess their feelings for one another? Will their friendship last throughout the deep valleys they are about to travel through? You will most definitely want to find out in A Run at Love! Plus it has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is my own.
Piper McKinney has it all…almost. She’d been adopted by a wonderful couple who have given her an amazing life on their Thoroughbred Farm in Kentucky. She just needs some freedom to forge her own path. Taking the reins on her life, she buys some property and a racehorse, praying this is the start of something phenomenal.
Tucker Hale has been Piper’s best friend since childhood, now working for her folks. He is a man that always has a plan. Though by her actions, he agrees to become her head trainer.
These two best friends love each other fiercely, though neither have admitted it! Will they ever take the leap and confess their feelings for one another? Will their friendship last throughout the deep valleys they are about to travel through? You will most definitely want to find out in A Run at Love! Plus it has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is my own.
May 8, 2024
Tuck and Piper were such wonderful characters! I loved the way they had grown up together as best friends and then both began caring about each other as more than friends. Yet they were scared to risk that friendship and admit to their deeper feelings. But, wow! The moment it came to light that they were interested in each other romantically…one of my favorite scenes for sure!
These two had to deal with a lot emotionally in this story, as Piper’s parents were suddenly in the spotlight for potentially engaging in illegal activities with their racing horses. And this also put a lot of pressure and a negative spotlight on Piper and her own horse who was racing, as well.
There were many important topics covered in this story, including both the difficulties and the blessings that Piper faced as a black woman adopted into a wealthy white family in a white community, the importance of trusting God with the future, the need for forgiveness, and the importance of honesty between a couple. There were also many fun and lighthearted moments between Tuck and Piper, and some great group texts between Tuck and his two best friends from the first book of the series, The Love Script. You do not, however, have to read book one to enjoy book two.
This was a great story and I am looking forward to Chris finding his happily ever after in book three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
These two had to deal with a lot emotionally in this story, as Piper’s parents were suddenly in the spotlight for potentially engaging in illegal activities with their racing horses. And this also put a lot of pressure and a negative spotlight on Piper and her own horse who was racing, as well.
There were many important topics covered in this story, including both the difficulties and the blessings that Piper faced as a black woman adopted into a wealthy white family in a white community, the importance of trusting God with the future, the need for forgiveness, and the importance of honesty between a couple. There were also many fun and lighthearted moments between Tuck and Piper, and some great group texts between Tuck and his two best friends from the first book of the series, The Love Script. You do not, however, have to read book one to enjoy book two.
This was a great story and I am looking forward to Chris finding his happily ever after in book three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
June 1, 2024
Nothing in life ever happens by chance Piper and Tucker were meant to be. This was such an adorable friends-to-lovers Christian romance. Making room for devotion to the Lord Tucker allowed God to guide him when it came to confessing his feelings for Piper. A little tension arose between the two after some family business involving the race horses was exposed. Testing the strength of their friendship would determine whether a relationship could work. The ending was very heartwarming and satisfying. Definitely worth the read especially if you’re a fan of the author. Special thanks to @cocoachapters @bethanyhousefiction @tonishiloh for my gifted copy‼️
February 24, 2025
I sooooo enjoyed this read--it may even be my favorite of the series! It really delved into a lot of deep topics--ethics, family relationships, forgiveness--and I loved the horse racing element. I went through (as I'm sure many of us did) a "horse phase" growing up, and this brought back so many memories of that and the books I read at the time. This satisfied my "adult-era horse phase" feels!
April 22, 2024
A Run At Love was a fun book to read. I loved the plot and learned a bit about horse racing. I think it was fabulous that Piper and Tuck turned to God in every difficult moment. it was interesting reading about how a black person felt being raised in a white culture. Toni Shiloh is an excellent author who always entertains.
So grab a sweet tea and your derby hat, then settle in for a great read.
I was given a copy of A Run At Love with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
So grab a sweet tea and your derby hat, then settle in for a great read.
I was given a copy of A Run At Love with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
May 11, 2024
A Run At Love by Toni Shiloh
Love in the Spotlight #2
12h 51m narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins, 352 pages
Genre: African-American Fiction, Christian Romance
Featuring: Horses, Kentucky, Racehorse, Interracial Romance, Transracial MC, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Adopted, Farm Life, Independence, Kentucky Derby, Racial Issues, Imposter Syndrome, Fear of Rejection, '90s Rom-Coms, Prayers, Media, References to and Spoilers for Previous Book, Long-Distance Friend Group, Insecurities, Scandal, Drama
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "U Got It Bad" by Usher, "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers, "Good Friends" by Maren Morris
Books mentioned: Book of Jeremiah, The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien [John Ronald Reuel Tolkien], Epistle to the Philippians by Paul the Apostle
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🏇
My thoughts: 📱3% 22:26 Chapter 1 - This is not hitting like I was hoping it would and I still don't know how it's connected to the first book, which I loved, I'm gonna have to pass on this for now and come back later. It's not bad but I have a more exciting book calling my name, this was just the refresher I needed.
📱21% 2:41:22 Chapter 9 - I'm not feeling this story but I'm going to stick with it.
📱38% 4:51:04 Chapter 16 - I'm having a hard time with MC, she is all over the place.
📱49% 6:19:12 Chapter 21 - I've been running around all day and some people have issues with the narrator's voice so I didn't get far.
📱60% 7:44:45 Chapter 26 - I'm gonna have to stop giving out all these extra chances to books that just don't move me. I think my issue with this one is I don't relate to the main characters and I find them borderline annoying and I'm not feeling the narration.
📱93% 11:58:38 Chapter 41 - Finally starting to get better, this couple got on my nerves. I hate to take a break this close to the end but I'm going to catch up on my shows and finish at bedtime.
The main character has identity issues which I understand a lot of people have but I personally get annoyed at people who assume everyone is thinking something negative about them, especially when they assume people are racist not by their actions but just because they exist as another race than your own. This was the foundation of this story and it got old fast. I get it but I don't know why the MC felt that way and it wasn't even hinted at till the last quarter. I love a good Southern accent but this one was way too nasally for my taste. Slow burn and not into it was a bad combination. There were way too many mentions of the previous couple, Lamont and Nevaeh, it started to sound like filler. I only stayed with it because I like this author, I'm still going to give book 3 with Chris a good try, but this one wasn't for me. Hopefully, The Christmas Catch is more my speed.
Recommend to others: Not likely but it seems you need to read it to bridge the next book
Love in the Spotlight
1. The Love Script (2023)
2. A Run at Love (2024)
Love in the Spotlight #2
12h 51m narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins, 352 pages
Genre: African-American Fiction, Christian Romance
Featuring: Horses, Kentucky, Racehorse, Interracial Romance, Transracial MC, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Adopted, Farm Life, Independence, Kentucky Derby, Racial Issues, Imposter Syndrome, Fear of Rejection, '90s Rom-Coms, Prayers, Media, References to and Spoilers for Previous Book, Long-Distance Friend Group, Insecurities, Scandal, Drama
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "U Got It Bad" by Usher, "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers, "Good Friends" by Maren Morris
Books mentioned: Book of Jeremiah, The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien [John Ronald Reuel Tolkien], Epistle to the Philippians by Paul the Apostle
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🏇
My thoughts: 📱3% 22:26 Chapter 1 - This is not hitting like I was hoping it would and I still don't know how it's connected to the first book, which I loved, I'm gonna have to pass on this for now and come back later. It's not bad but I have a more exciting book calling my name, this was just the refresher I needed.
📱21% 2:41:22 Chapter 9 - I'm not feeling this story but I'm going to stick with it.
📱38% 4:51:04 Chapter 16 - I'm having a hard time with MC, she is all over the place.
📱49% 6:19:12 Chapter 21 - I've been running around all day and some people have issues with the narrator's voice so I didn't get far.
📱60% 7:44:45 Chapter 26 - I'm gonna have to stop giving out all these extra chances to books that just don't move me. I think my issue with this one is I don't relate to the main characters and I find them borderline annoying and I'm not feeling the narration.
📱93% 11:58:38 Chapter 41 - Finally starting to get better, this couple got on my nerves. I hate to take a break this close to the end but I'm going to catch up on my shows and finish at bedtime.
The main character has identity issues which I understand a lot of people have but I personally get annoyed at people who assume everyone is thinking something negative about them, especially when they assume people are racist not by their actions but just because they exist as another race than your own. This was the foundation of this story and it got old fast. I get it but I don't know why the MC felt that way and it wasn't even hinted at till the last quarter. I love a good Southern accent but this one was way too nasally for my taste. Slow burn and not into it was a bad combination. There were way too many mentions of the previous couple, Lamont and Nevaeh, it started to sound like filler. I only stayed with it because I like this author, I'm still going to give book 3 with Chris a good try, but this one wasn't for me. Hopefully, The Christmas Catch is more my speed.
Recommend to others: Not likely but it seems you need to read it to bridge the next book
Love in the Spotlight
1. The Love Script (2023)
2. A Run at Love (2024)
May 7, 2024
The Queen of Romance Tropes has done it again!
In "A Run at Love," Toni Shiloh effortlessly combines southern charm, hilarious buddy banter, Kentucky Derby history, mischievous goats, unabashed faith themes, the highs and lows of horse racing, endearing characters, and a sigh-worthy friends-to-more romance into a book readers won't want to end. Like, seriously, can we spend another 300 pages with Piper and Tuck?! I miss them already!
If you love a good rom-com and a great hat, "A Run at Love" is sure to be your cup of mint julep!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.
In "A Run at Love," Toni Shiloh effortlessly combines southern charm, hilarious buddy banter, Kentucky Derby history, mischievous goats, unabashed faith themes, the highs and lows of horse racing, endearing characters, and a sigh-worthy friends-to-more romance into a book readers won't want to end. Like, seriously, can we spend another 300 pages with Piper and Tuck?! I miss them already!
If you love a good rom-com and a great hat, "A Run at Love" is sure to be your cup of mint julep!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.
August 24, 2024
3.75 stars, rounded up. My first book by Toni Shiloh, and there was a lot to love:
-characters who must live out their Christian faith in times of trial
-perspective of an African American adopted by White parents
-themes of integrity and forgiveness
The only thing holding back my rating is that I wanted the plot to be more propulsive. There was so much dialogue, and I found myself skimming some parts. I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more on audio?
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
-characters who must live out their Christian faith in times of trial
-perspective of an African American adopted by White parents
-themes of integrity and forgiveness
The only thing holding back my rating is that I wanted the plot to be more propulsive. There was so much dialogue, and I found myself skimming some parts. I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more on audio?
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
May 23, 2024
Where are my romance readers? This is a story you do NOT want to miss. It'll give you all of the heart eyes.
Piper is an adult, but as a the adopted only child of white parents, she's trying to find her identity apart from them. Not an easy task when they're famous parents in the horse racing world. Tucker is the family's horse trainer who has had eyes only for Piper ever since he's known her. Most of the beginning of the story revolves around the two of them dancing around their feelings for each other even though they're only "best friends."
The author covers a lot of important topics in this story, a couple of which are adoption and transracial families. I really appreciated how the author approached the diversity, especially in the horse-racing world, which I know next to nothing about. It seemed realistic how people would focus on a Black woman being the owner of a horse in these big races, but also being the daughter of white parents. So many times I just shook my head because of the insensitivity of questions from reporters and others in the field.
I thought the scandal was interesting, yet not surprising because of the world they all live in. Piper had a lot to deal with in a very short period of time. Thank goodness for Tuck being by her side the whole way. I liked how the author helped Piper and Tucker work out the possible struggle of their races for the reader as they were sharing their thoughts.
Oh my word, the faith that's infused throughout this entire story is absolutely wonderful! I was so thankful how strong that thread was with all of the characters. A lot of Truth spoken by them.
I'm already looking forward to Chris's story!
*I received the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
Piper is an adult, but as a the adopted only child of white parents, she's trying to find her identity apart from them. Not an easy task when they're famous parents in the horse racing world. Tucker is the family's horse trainer who has had eyes only for Piper ever since he's known her. Most of the beginning of the story revolves around the two of them dancing around their feelings for each other even though they're only "best friends."
The author covers a lot of important topics in this story, a couple of which are adoption and transracial families. I really appreciated how the author approached the diversity, especially in the horse-racing world, which I know next to nothing about. It seemed realistic how people would focus on a Black woman being the owner of a horse in these big races, but also being the daughter of white parents. So many times I just shook my head because of the insensitivity of questions from reporters and others in the field.
I thought the scandal was interesting, yet not surprising because of the world they all live in. Piper had a lot to deal with in a very short period of time. Thank goodness for Tuck being by her side the whole way. I liked how the author helped Piper and Tucker work out the possible struggle of their races for the reader as they were sharing their thoughts.
Oh my word, the faith that's infused throughout this entire story is absolutely wonderful! I was so thankful how strong that thread was with all of the characters. A lot of Truth spoken by them.
I'm already looking forward to Chris's story!
*I received the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
May 14, 2024
I loved everything about this book! The fact that the writer has saturated this book with life lessons from a life walking with Jesus is amazing! No one is perfect, and never will be, but when you let God lead your life,He’ll take you places we’ve never been and bring healing and wholeness to those broken places within our hearts.
I know exactly how Piper feels having a best friend that is of another race, and having them see you for you. It’s a beautiful feeling when people see you the way God made you and you both grow and thrive in and out of each other’s spaces. I love how Tuck treasured her as a godly woman.
I also loved how they both had to walk through their own journey with God. It’s not easy but in the end, praying through situations and circumstances is was what allows them to get the breakthrough. I can’t wait to see what the writer has in store for Chris!
I also want to add the beautiful way the writer wrote in Piper’s adoption story. It’s natural to feel like an outsider because you don’t look like the parents who adopted too. It’s natural to what to find out who your birth parents are and who tu look like. But I also know that those who are adopted are no less valuable that if you were born out of their wombs. It was refreshing to see how she grappled with that and how her parents handled their own journeys. But kudos to the writer for inviting up into the equestrian life. I now feel like I can understand it a bit more.
I know exactly how Piper feels having a best friend that is of another race, and having them see you for you. It’s a beautiful feeling when people see you the way God made you and you both grow and thrive in and out of each other’s spaces. I love how Tuck treasured her as a godly woman.
I also loved how they both had to walk through their own journey with God. It’s not easy but in the end, praying through situations and circumstances is was what allows them to get the breakthrough. I can’t wait to see what the writer has in store for Chris!
I also want to add the beautiful way the writer wrote in Piper’s adoption story. It’s natural to feel like an outsider because you don’t look like the parents who adopted too. It’s natural to what to find out who your birth parents are and who tu look like. But I also know that those who are adopted are no less valuable that if you were born out of their wombs. It was refreshing to see how she grappled with that and how her parents handled their own journeys. But kudos to the writer for inviting up into the equestrian life. I now feel like I can understand it a bit more.
May 15, 2024
This is the second book in the LOVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT series by Toni Shiloh, and it's my favorite so far! I enjoyed getting to learn more about Tuck and Piper, who I met in book one. They interested me the moment I met them in THE LOVE SCRIPT, almost more than the main characters in that story. Shiloh did a great job at showing their chemistry, even when they weren't the main couple.
The story had its fair share of surprising moments, and I'm glad I got to see the couple together for over half of the book. I am not one who likes the yearning to be too strong in a romance novel (I understand the long game where the romance is subplot), and Shiloh did a great job creating a nice balance.
With the horse racing, she had done her research, and it showed! I felt like I was going to the races and about to watch the Kentucky Derby. Another part of the story where she did some research was transracial adoption. She presented the topic in a considerate, empathic light, and I commend her for the work she did there!
This book falls in line with a more stereotypical CF book (a tad cheesy), so I don't think I could read another super light romance after it. But I did really enjoy it and can honestly recommend it!
The story had its fair share of surprising moments, and I'm glad I got to see the couple together for over half of the book. I am not one who likes the yearning to be too strong in a romance novel (I understand the long game where the romance is subplot), and Shiloh did a great job creating a nice balance.
With the horse racing, she had done her research, and it showed! I felt like I was going to the races and about to watch the Kentucky Derby. Another part of the story where she did some research was transracial adoption. She presented the topic in a considerate, empathic light, and I commend her for the work she did there!
This book falls in line with a more stereotypical CF book (a tad cheesy), so I don't think I could read another super light romance after it. But I did really enjoy it and can honestly recommend it!
May 6, 2024
A Run at Love is the second book in the Love in the Spotlight series. While characters from the previous book do make an appearance, I do think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.
Before reading this book, my knowledge of horse racing was slim--- just little bits and pieces I'd picked up from the occasional movie on the topic, but my lack of knowledge didn't matter in the slightest. Toni Shiloh very quickly draws the readers into this world and kept me intrigued from start to finish! I enjoyed learning more about that topic, but it was far from the only thing this story had going for it. You also get a wonderfully done friends to more romance, family drama and scandal and great messages of faith all mixed in too. The relationship between Tucker and Piper was really great... friends to more is always fun because there's such a good, strong foundation there and that was certainly the case here. I couldn't help but love both of these characters and them together as a couple. I won't say too much about the scandal--- you'll have to read it to find out--- but it certainly kept me invested in the story. One of the things that I love about Toni Shiloh's books is that her characters truly live out their faith in a way that is apparent in their lives, and we see that here again... they have some lessons to learn, sure, but some of those lessons were reminders I needed myself too. It also took on the topics of interracial relationships and transracial adoptions, which I thought were done really well too. Really, there was so much to love in this book, and I found myself enjoying it even more than the first.
If you're looking for a great Christian romance, this is absolutely one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Before reading this book, my knowledge of horse racing was slim--- just little bits and pieces I'd picked up from the occasional movie on the topic, but my lack of knowledge didn't matter in the slightest. Toni Shiloh very quickly draws the readers into this world and kept me intrigued from start to finish! I enjoyed learning more about that topic, but it was far from the only thing this story had going for it. You also get a wonderfully done friends to more romance, family drama and scandal and great messages of faith all mixed in too. The relationship between Tucker and Piper was really great... friends to more is always fun because there's such a good, strong foundation there and that was certainly the case here. I couldn't help but love both of these characters and them together as a couple. I won't say too much about the scandal--- you'll have to read it to find out--- but it certainly kept me invested in the story. One of the things that I love about Toni Shiloh's books is that her characters truly live out their faith in a way that is apparent in their lives, and we see that here again... they have some lessons to learn, sure, but some of those lessons were reminders I needed myself too. It also took on the topics of interracial relationships and transracial adoptions, which I thought were done really well too. Really, there was so much to love in this book, and I found myself enjoying it even more than the first.
If you're looking for a great Christian romance, this is absolutely one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
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