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Hearts on the Fly: A Christian African American & Black Hockey Romance of Forbidden Love and Friends to More
When the game changes, love finds a way to score.
Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.
Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.
As Jabari navigates life off the ice, he's drawn to Val in ways he didn't expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?
"This friends-to-lovers romance scores big."--Rhonda McKnight, author of The Thing about Home
A clean and wholesome African American hockey romance featuring forbidden love, friends to lovers, disability representation, and second chances perfect for fans of Christian sports romances, Emma St. Clair, Pepper Basham, and Melissa Ferguson.
Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.
Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.
As Jabari navigates life off the ice, he's drawn to Val in ways he didn't expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?
"This friends-to-lovers romance scores big."--Rhonda McKnight, author of The Thing about Home
A clean and wholesome African American hockey romance featuring forbidden love, friends to lovers, disability representation, and second chances perfect for fans of Christian sports romances, Emma St. Clair, Pepper Basham, and Melissa Ferguson.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
26 people are currently reading
6036 people want to read
About the author
Toni Shiloh
55 books1,947 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 142 reviews
January 14, 2026
My Quick Takes:
- 4.25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Genre 📚 hockey romance
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 kisses only
- Content 🤔 toxic family relationships, visual impairment
My first book by Toni Shiloh and I loved the strong, bold faith!
This is a Christian fiction book with strong and continuous faith themes throughout the plot. I loved her physical and spiritual way she showed someone stepping from darkness into Christ’s marvelous light. The way the narrative flows gives readers a beautiful picture of what it looks like to seek God first in all things, pray continuously, and be a light in the darkness. I loved the real time, hard faith questions that were brought up in the character dialogue. It acted as a great example of how you can be unashamed and answer faithfully. A lot of books that have faith themes feel like it’s forced or an after thought, and I appreciate how natural it all felt throughout the narrative.
There were a few small details throughout that plot that pulled me out of the story a bit, but I think that’s a testament to her fantastic writing. If the writing is good I usually notice the little nit picky things 😅 the advanced readers copy also had some formatting issues that I hope will be resolved in the ebook release, I did not reflect that in my star rating.
I read this in two sittings so it was an overall successful story and reading experience, I even read the little preview of the next book to come and am already sucked into that story!
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review!
- 4.25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Genre 📚 hockey romance
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 kisses only
- Content 🤔 toxic family relationships, visual impairment
My first book by Toni Shiloh and I loved the strong, bold faith!
This is a Christian fiction book with strong and continuous faith themes throughout the plot. I loved her physical and spiritual way she showed someone stepping from darkness into Christ’s marvelous light. The way the narrative flows gives readers a beautiful picture of what it looks like to seek God first in all things, pray continuously, and be a light in the darkness. I loved the real time, hard faith questions that were brought up in the character dialogue. It acted as a great example of how you can be unashamed and answer faithfully. A lot of books that have faith themes feel like it’s forced or an after thought, and I appreciate how natural it all felt throughout the narrative.
There were a few small details throughout that plot that pulled me out of the story a bit, but I think that’s a testament to her fantastic writing. If the writing is good I usually notice the little nit picky things 😅 the advanced readers copy also had some formatting issues that I hope will be resolved in the ebook release, I did not reflect that in my star rating.
I read this in two sittings so it was an overall successful story and reading experience, I even read the little preview of the next book to come and am already sucked into that story!
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review!
January 17, 2026
This is a Christian Hockey Romance story and I absolutely loved it! Jabari is a hockey player who gets injured and goes partially blind. He gets setup on a blind date not that she is blind too but in the regular meaning of the term haha. He can’t see her very well when they meet so he doesn’t recognize her but she knows him! Val meets her date to find out it’s her sister’s ex. She was going to back out then but Jabari seemed like he needed a friend so their friendship begins. I really loved Jabari and Val! They are both great characters. I felt bad for Jabari with his sight problems but I loved how God used it to turn Jabari to Him. Val hides her friendship with Jabari because if her sister Jackie finds out she will flip out. Of course she does eventually. I loved watching Val and Jabari’s relationship grow and develop into a romantic relationship. They have real conversations and it’s not based on attraction. The Christian content in this book is really good! I also liked the side stories especially with Val’s other sister Fran. Overall a fantastic story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 13, 2026
be still my beating heart. I loved this! so pure, so cute, so swooney, i enjoyed every bit of the spiritual growth and connection. I was not a fan of how Jabari's illness unfolded, something about that situation felt off to me. less inner monologue from the main characters would have been good too but otherwise, I was smiling and rubbing my feet the whole time reading this.
February 14, 2026
**If you are not a Christian and/or a very open minded and curious individual, this romance is not for you.**
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’ve read one other book by Toni Shiloh before, and this one was much heavier on the Contemporary Christian elements. As a believer, it did not bother me. But I can see how it might be a turn off to those who don’t practice the same religion.
With that said, I loved this story! It was very adorable and cozy. I loved seeing a Black Christian family navigate their family drama in an intentional way as opposed to the stereotypical toxic and uncommunicative normal that is so prevalent for most families. I was not expecting the parents of the three sisters to display ownership and accountability when it came to bad parenting decisions, so it was refreshing to see how it can be done in a healthy way.
I also appreciated seeing how the author navigated a love story with a believing FMC and a non-believing MMC. Not only did they get their happily ever after, but Toni Shiloh wrote a very authentic experience for how the MMC came to experience God on his own and the baby steps he tried throughout the story to build up to having his own relationship with God. Outside of the miracle aspect, reading the ways in which Jabari’s faith grew was very beautiful to experience.
Finally, I absolutely loved Val. I’m always a fan of a FMC who is independent and determined, but beautifully flawed. I appreciated experiencing Val learning about her flaws through the empowerment of a partner who truly likes, respects, and cherishes you. It’s one thing to have a partner who acts as an [abrasive] mirror, but it’s a whole different experience to have a partner who is your biggest cheerleader. I’m a much bigger fan of the latter approach, so seeing it play out like that in this story is what gave it a cozier tone.
I’ve already recommended this book to a church friend, so I anticipate I’ll be buying both myself and my friend a copy once this title drops.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’ve read one other book by Toni Shiloh before, and this one was much heavier on the Contemporary Christian elements. As a believer, it did not bother me. But I can see how it might be a turn off to those who don’t practice the same religion.
With that said, I loved this story! It was very adorable and cozy. I loved seeing a Black Christian family navigate their family drama in an intentional way as opposed to the stereotypical toxic and uncommunicative normal that is so prevalent for most families. I was not expecting the parents of the three sisters to display ownership and accountability when it came to bad parenting decisions, so it was refreshing to see how it can be done in a healthy way.
I also appreciated seeing how the author navigated a love story with a believing FMC and a non-believing MMC. Not only did they get their happily ever after, but Toni Shiloh wrote a very authentic experience for how the MMC came to experience God on his own and the baby steps he tried throughout the story to build up to having his own relationship with God. Outside of the miracle aspect, reading the ways in which Jabari’s faith grew was very beautiful to experience.
Finally, I absolutely loved Val. I’m always a fan of a FMC who is independent and determined, but beautifully flawed. I appreciated experiencing Val learning about her flaws through the empowerment of a partner who truly likes, respects, and cherishes you. It’s one thing to have a partner who acts as an [abrasive] mirror, but it’s a whole different experience to have a partner who is your biggest cheerleader. I’m a much bigger fan of the latter approach, so seeing it play out like that in this story is what gave it a cozier tone.
I’ve already recommended this book to a church friend, so I anticipate I’ll be buying both myself and my friend a copy once this title drops.
February 3, 2026
This was my first Toni Shiloh book and I so enjoyed it! Hearts on the Fly is a sweet and clean hockey romance full of faith themes, forgiveness, family drama, and redemption. The dynamic between Val and her family members felt so painfully realistic. I felt for her throughout the story. I also appreciated Jabari’s faith journey. It didn’t feel contrived or forced, but very relatable and I loved watching it slowly unfold. And the progression in his relationship with his mom was another favorite aspect of the story.
The conflict between Val’s family regarding Jabari’s past with Val’s sister was a major accelerant to the story. I really wanted to see how it all panned out, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised at how deep and tough things got. A lot of romances skim the surface with the conflict and brush over it in order to the wrap up the story neatly. Toni Shiloh did a wonderful job diving right into the conflict and letting the messiness and emotional damage land where it may. The conclusion is fully satisfying and authentic.
If you’re looking for a clean hockey romance with faith themes, genuine interactions, and emotional depth, Hearts on the Fly is a great choice!
Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Difficult family
dynamics, macular degeneration representation, unplanned pregnancy
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and the author. All opinions are my own.
The conflict between Val’s family regarding Jabari’s past with Val’s sister was a major accelerant to the story. I really wanted to see how it all panned out, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised at how deep and tough things got. A lot of romances skim the surface with the conflict and brush over it in order to the wrap up the story neatly. Toni Shiloh did a wonderful job diving right into the conflict and letting the messiness and emotional damage land where it may. The conclusion is fully satisfying and authentic.
If you’re looking for a clean hockey romance with faith themes, genuine interactions, and emotional depth, Hearts on the Fly is a great choice!
Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Difficult family
dynamics, macular degeneration representation, unplanned pregnancy
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and the author. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2026
“You showed me the love of God before I even knew that’s what I was looking at.”
Confession #1 – I have read Hearts on the Fly twice now and that line I quoted above made me tear up both times. It’s such a tender theme of this story, and I can’t wait for you to discover how. Confession #2 – I have never been a fan of hockey. It’s not that I dislike it, per se, but that I’ve literally never watched even a few seconds of it. Considering how much I love winter and cold temps, you would think this would be my fave sport to watch instead of (or at least along with) college football. And after falling in love with a few fictional hockey heroes lately – Toni Shiloh’s swoony Jabari Hall being the latest – I may have to actually go to a game one of these days for real. My lack of hockey experience however did not in any way impede my enjoyment of Hearts on the Fly. On the contrary, Shiloh’s vividly written game scenes had me feeling the energy as though I were right there in the arena, rink-side, easily following along. I held my breath at tense moments, nearly raised my hands in victory at the cheerworthy moments, and about got sent to the penalty box after that unfair hit that… well, you’ll have to read to find out.
Before I get too distracted thinking about Jabari, I want to talk about Val. The middle of three sisters, she’s the one that everyone overlooks except for the times when they’re walking all over her. Especially her dad and her big sister Jackie, who – I’m not gonna lie – had me praying for forgiveness over my less-than-gracious thoughts in their direction a couple of times in this book haha. Shiloh always writes family drama so well, but she also does a work in her main characters’ hearts through it, even if those tough relationships aren’t resolved with a tidy neat bow by the end. And that’s certainly the case with Val in Hearts on the Flyi. I really loved Val. Her compassionate spirit, her big heart, her wit, her relationship with God… all of it has me wishing I could stop by her & little sister Fran’s apartment, meet all her plant babies, order in some Chinese food, and watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding with her.
Which brings me back to Jabari. The only coherent word I can use to describe him is SWOON. Yep. That’s all I got. Because he is soooooo swoony. I’m pretty sure I babbled nonsensically every time he turned on the charm… which he does frequently. But not in the ‘player’ sense, because he’s a genuinely good guy who goes through even more of a transformation than Val does. Thanks to a very life-altering circumstance which Jabari must navigate, he’s brought to the end of himself like never before. My heart ached for him and there were many moments that I wanted to reach through the pages and hug him. (I would only have allowed myself a brief second or two to swoon over his muscles, I promise.) Of course, God meets us most tenderly at rock bottom, and Jabari’s journey to wholeness of spirit in this story beautifully demonstrates that God never leaves us alone in our darkness when we incline our hearts toward Him. This author always does a fantastic job of so naturally weaving the gospel, prayer, and the life of faith into her novels, and Hearts on the Fly is one of my fave examples of this.
Bottom Line: Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh is a sweetly swoony sports romance, yes, but it’s also an emotionally-layered story about being truly seen, truly loved, and truly reshaped by grace. And between the breath-stealing chemistry, the character growth, the KISSES (be still my heart), and the gentle-but-solid faith woven throughout, it hit all the right reading notes for me. I dare you to ‘meet’ Val and not want to be her best friend for life, just as much as I dare you to spend a few pages in Jabari’s presence and not feel the urge to fan yourself, especially once he starts pursuing more than a friendship with Val. I loved how she and a couple of his teammates were the hands and feet – and love – of Jesus to Jabari when he needed it the most, and I love how Jabari’s friendship is pivotal in Val’s own life as well. Everything Toni Shiloh writes is a must-read for me, and Hearts on the Fly scored another win for me!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Confession #1 – I have read Hearts on the Fly twice now and that line I quoted above made me tear up both times. It’s such a tender theme of this story, and I can’t wait for you to discover how. Confession #2 – I have never been a fan of hockey. It’s not that I dislike it, per se, but that I’ve literally never watched even a few seconds of it. Considering how much I love winter and cold temps, you would think this would be my fave sport to watch instead of (or at least along with) college football. And after falling in love with a few fictional hockey heroes lately – Toni Shiloh’s swoony Jabari Hall being the latest – I may have to actually go to a game one of these days for real. My lack of hockey experience however did not in any way impede my enjoyment of Hearts on the Fly. On the contrary, Shiloh’s vividly written game scenes had me feeling the energy as though I were right there in the arena, rink-side, easily following along. I held my breath at tense moments, nearly raised my hands in victory at the cheerworthy moments, and about got sent to the penalty box after that unfair hit that… well, you’ll have to read to find out.
Before I get too distracted thinking about Jabari, I want to talk about Val. The middle of three sisters, she’s the one that everyone overlooks except for the times when they’re walking all over her. Especially her dad and her big sister Jackie, who – I’m not gonna lie – had me praying for forgiveness over my less-than-gracious thoughts in their direction a couple of times in this book haha. Shiloh always writes family drama so well, but she also does a work in her main characters’ hearts through it, even if those tough relationships aren’t resolved with a tidy neat bow by the end. And that’s certainly the case with Val in Hearts on the Flyi. I really loved Val. Her compassionate spirit, her big heart, her wit, her relationship with God… all of it has me wishing I could stop by her & little sister Fran’s apartment, meet all her plant babies, order in some Chinese food, and watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding with her.
Which brings me back to Jabari. The only coherent word I can use to describe him is SWOON. Yep. That’s all I got. Because he is soooooo swoony. I’m pretty sure I babbled nonsensically every time he turned on the charm… which he does frequently. But not in the ‘player’ sense, because he’s a genuinely good guy who goes through even more of a transformation than Val does. Thanks to a very life-altering circumstance which Jabari must navigate, he’s brought to the end of himself like never before. My heart ached for him and there were many moments that I wanted to reach through the pages and hug him. (I would only have allowed myself a brief second or two to swoon over his muscles, I promise.) Of course, God meets us most tenderly at rock bottom, and Jabari’s journey to wholeness of spirit in this story beautifully demonstrates that God never leaves us alone in our darkness when we incline our hearts toward Him. This author always does a fantastic job of so naturally weaving the gospel, prayer, and the life of faith into her novels, and Hearts on the Fly is one of my fave examples of this.
Bottom Line: Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh is a sweetly swoony sports romance, yes, but it’s also an emotionally-layered story about being truly seen, truly loved, and truly reshaped by grace. And between the breath-stealing chemistry, the character growth, the KISSES (be still my heart), and the gentle-but-solid faith woven throughout, it hit all the right reading notes for me. I dare you to ‘meet’ Val and not want to be her best friend for life, just as much as I dare you to spend a few pages in Jabari’s presence and not feel the urge to fan yourself, especially once he starts pursuing more than a friendship with Val. I loved how she and a couple of his teammates were the hands and feet – and love – of Jesus to Jabari when he needed it the most, and I love how Jabari’s friendship is pivotal in Val’s own life as well. Everything Toni Shiloh writes is a must-read for me, and Hearts on the Fly scored another win for me!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 7, 2026
I loved this book so much. Hearts on the Fly is tender, emotional, and deeply uplifting. Jabari’s journey—losing his hockey future while facing declining vision—was written with so much honesty and care that I felt every moment of his struggle. His pain, doubts, and growth stayed with me long after I finished.
What truly made this story special for me was the faith. Val’s quiet, steady Christianity and Javier’s genuine friendship were beautiful examples of living out faith with love and patience. The prayers, the hope, and watching Jabari give his life to Christ were incredibly moving and done so naturally and respectfully.
The romance is gentle and meaningful, rooted in friendship, grace, and healing. This book is more than a love story—it’s about redemption, trusting God with broken dreams, and finding purpose beyond what you thought your life would be.
This story touched my heart deeply, and I’m so grateful I got to read it. Highly, highly recommend.
What truly made this story special for me was the faith. Val’s quiet, steady Christianity and Javier’s genuine friendship were beautiful examples of living out faith with love and patience. The prayers, the hope, and watching Jabari give his life to Christ were incredibly moving and done so naturally and respectfully.
The romance is gentle and meaningful, rooted in friendship, grace, and healing. This book is more than a love story—it’s about redemption, trusting God with broken dreams, and finding purpose beyond what you thought your life would be.
This story touched my heart deeply, and I’m so grateful I got to read it. Highly, highly recommend.
January 28, 2026
This was my first Hockey romance book & I am so happy it was. I really enjoyed that it has multiple layers of faith elements from different characters in their own journeys woven in. There was great character development & family aspects in this book.
From the beginning all the way to the end, I was drawn in. I awe’d, laughed, and got teary-eyed throughout. Literally no complaints, this was perfect! 🥹 🩵
I can’t wait to read more from this author and buy the physical copy of this book for my shelf now.
The narrators also did a great job! 👏🏻
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for gifting me this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
From the beginning all the way to the end, I was drawn in. I awe’d, laughed, and got teary-eyed throughout. Literally no complaints, this was perfect! 🥹 🩵
I can’t wait to read more from this author and buy the physical copy of this book for my shelf now.
The narrators also did a great job! 👏🏻
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for gifting me this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
August 31, 2025
Sweet story. (Full review to come.)
September 29, 2025
A great addition to the sports romance sub genre! The story is just as stunning as that cover is. 😍
February 3, 2026
"Back and forth, I move around the rink attempting to make a goal or ensuring the other team doesn’t. When I hit two minutes of play time, I get the signal to hit the bench. The second line comes out, eager to keep up the momentum. The exchange is on the fly and, for the fans watching, probably not obvious if their gaze is on the puck and not us."
Jabari's life is hockey. So when he is blindsided by an injury, he isn't sure how to cope. How can he find purpose and meaning again.
Val's role seems to be peacekeeper. She makes life smoother for everyone else. When she has the chance to follow her heart, will she be brave enough to do so?
While this is a book about hockey, the plot has much more to do with following the lives of the characters. At the beginning, the author notes a personal connection to the storyline, and the heart portrayed in the plot confirms this. This book has many layers.
The hero has lived his life without God, and when faced with a career ending injury, he starts to realize he needs to find faith in One he can trust despite hardship. Since the heroine is so busy keeping peace, particularly in her family, she has forgotten to balance that with truth. When she finally speaks out, changes start to happen. I definitely recommend this contemporary romance!
I did read an advanced copy of this book through netgalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
Jabari's life is hockey. So when he is blindsided by an injury, he isn't sure how to cope. How can he find purpose and meaning again.
Val's role seems to be peacekeeper. She makes life smoother for everyone else. When she has the chance to follow her heart, will she be brave enough to do so?
While this is a book about hockey, the plot has much more to do with following the lives of the characters. At the beginning, the author notes a personal connection to the storyline, and the heart portrayed in the plot confirms this. This book has many layers.
The hero has lived his life without God, and when faced with a career ending injury, he starts to realize he needs to find faith in One he can trust despite hardship. Since the heroine is so busy keeping peace, particularly in her family, she has forgotten to balance that with truth. When she finally speaks out, changes start to happen. I definitely recommend this contemporary romance!
I did read an advanced copy of this book through netgalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2026
✨REVIEW: Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh✨
🎧3.75⭐️ (maybe 4⭐️ for romance lovers)
RELEASE DATE: February 3, 2026
✝️Toni Shiloh writes Christian romance like few other authors. Her characters undergo trials and face struggles, yet they work these with prayer, in such a way that causes their faith to grow. Nothing is sugar-coated or incorporated in a cheesy way.
❤️Both main characters are so relatable. Val is working through dysfunctional family relationships, and Jabari is coping with serious health issues. I also liked the friends-to-lovers storyline.
🤷♀️Why not five stars?
I really struggled to rate this book because I enjoyed just about everything except the way one storyline was handled near the end. Without giving anything away, things wrapped up too neatly for my liking.
🎧The dual audio narration was perfect! This is the first Toni Shiloh book I’ve done on audio, and I think I’ll always listen to her books from here on out.
🥰Thanks to @rbmedia for my ALC. #netgalley
⚠️Profanity: none
Sexual: 1/5 (sweet kisses only)
Other: Unplanned pregnancy, dysfunctional family, blindness
❓Do you prefer to listen to romance on audio, or do you like to read it on the page? I’ve found that I usually prefer audio for this genre.
🎧3.75⭐️ (maybe 4⭐️ for romance lovers)
RELEASE DATE: February 3, 2026
✝️Toni Shiloh writes Christian romance like few other authors. Her characters undergo trials and face struggles, yet they work these with prayer, in such a way that causes their faith to grow. Nothing is sugar-coated or incorporated in a cheesy way.
❤️Both main characters are so relatable. Val is working through dysfunctional family relationships, and Jabari is coping with serious health issues. I also liked the friends-to-lovers storyline.
🤷♀️Why not five stars?
I really struggled to rate this book because I enjoyed just about everything except the way one storyline was handled near the end. Without giving anything away, things wrapped up too neatly for my liking.
🎧The dual audio narration was perfect! This is the first Toni Shiloh book I’ve done on audio, and I think I’ll always listen to her books from here on out.
🥰Thanks to @rbmedia for my ALC. #netgalley
⚠️Profanity: none
Sexual: 1/5 (sweet kisses only)
Other: Unplanned pregnancy, dysfunctional family, blindness
❓Do you prefer to listen to romance on audio, or do you like to read it on the page? I’ve found that I usually prefer audio for this genre.
February 4, 2026
4.5⭐️ This audiobook was straight up church! Toni Shiloh was preaching through a sports romance novel and the entire time I was wishing I had a physical copy to highlight all of the wisdom she was pouring out onto her readers.
There are so many things that stood out to me that I loved about this book, where do I even begin?
First off, I adored the two main characters! Their ability to express their feelings with one another and others was a breath of fresh air. The miscommunication trope has grown old in romance so this was such a refreshing switch up. I loved how easily the author wrote God into this story. Val’s faith was evident in every line without feeling forced or generic. I appreciated that the author wrote imperfect characters with space for them to develop and grow -an unexpected pregnancy out of wedlock, a jealous sister, a broken marriage and an MMC who was closed off to the idea of God.
Usually I’m not a huge fan of extensive internal monologue. Especially when there is so much explaining that it comes off feeling like a therapy session but in this case I didn’t mind it. I actually appreciated Jabari’s internal thought processing as he worked through his questions and doubts while on a journey to finding Jesus.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an ALC of Hearts On The Fly. I adored everything about this audiobook even down to the voice narrators.
There are so many things that stood out to me that I loved about this book, where do I even begin?
First off, I adored the two main characters! Their ability to express their feelings with one another and others was a breath of fresh air. The miscommunication trope has grown old in romance so this was such a refreshing switch up. I loved how easily the author wrote God into this story. Val’s faith was evident in every line without feeling forced or generic. I appreciated that the author wrote imperfect characters with space for them to develop and grow -an unexpected pregnancy out of wedlock, a jealous sister, a broken marriage and an MMC who was closed off to the idea of God.
Usually I’m not a huge fan of extensive internal monologue. Especially when there is so much explaining that it comes off feeling like a therapy session but in this case I didn’t mind it. I actually appreciated Jabari’s internal thought processing as he worked through his questions and doubts while on a journey to finding Jesus.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an ALC of Hearts On The Fly. I adored everything about this audiobook even down to the voice narrators.
February 10, 2026
#BookReview : HEARTS ON THE FLY by Toni Shiloh
4 ⭐
If you enjoy hockey, you’ll appreciate the sports element woven throughout this story. At times, the writing style is more reflective than action-driven, often focusing on processing events rather than fast-paced scenes. While I personally tend to prefer more action on the page, this thoughtful approach does allow readers to truly connect with Jabari’s new reality. His fears, frustrations, and uncertainty about the future feel genuine, and watching him face his challenges while growing stronger in his faith is both moving and inspiring.
At the same time, Val’s choice to date her sister’s ex-boyfriend creates plenty of awkwardness and family drama. Despite the complications, Jabari and Val build their relationship on a strong friendship and steady support. Their chemistry is subtle but meaningful, showing that trust and encouragement are at the heart of lasting love. Overall, this is a heartfelt and uplifting story about faith, growth, and navigating complicated family dynamics.
Thank you Bethany House and netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub date: Feb 03 2026
4 ⭐
If you enjoy hockey, you’ll appreciate the sports element woven throughout this story. At times, the writing style is more reflective than action-driven, often focusing on processing events rather than fast-paced scenes. While I personally tend to prefer more action on the page, this thoughtful approach does allow readers to truly connect with Jabari’s new reality. His fears, frustrations, and uncertainty about the future feel genuine, and watching him face his challenges while growing stronger in his faith is both moving and inspiring.
At the same time, Val’s choice to date her sister’s ex-boyfriend creates plenty of awkwardness and family drama. Despite the complications, Jabari and Val build their relationship on a strong friendship and steady support. Their chemistry is subtle but meaningful, showing that trust and encouragement are at the heart of lasting love. Overall, this is a heartfelt and uplifting story about faith, growth, and navigating complicated family dynamics.
Thank you Bethany House and netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub date: Feb 03 2026
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February 17, 2026dnf @ 30%
This one's totally on me. I saw the pretty cover, and because I didn't read the blurb (I like to go in with as little information possible) I didn't realize it was a Christian romance. I find the entire religion and those who believe in it to be ridiculous so there's no way I'd have been able to enjoy this or acknowledge it as an actual body of work. Saving both the author and I the displeasure of that experience.
This one's totally on me. I saw the pretty cover, and because I didn't read the blurb (I like to go in with as little information possible) I didn't realize it was a Christian romance. I find the entire religion and those who believe in it to be ridiculous so there's no way I'd have been able to enjoy this or acknowledge it as an actual body of work. Saving both the author and I the displeasure of that experience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ALC for an honest review
I didn't know this was a christian romance initially but decided to give it a fair chance. The overall romance was nice and wholesome. I was pleasantly surprised with the story overall ; it didn't feel formulaic. The pacing felt great, the relationship didn't feel rushed and felt very gradual. The main characters were overall good for each other. Also, the romance at the end wrapped up nicely and gave a great story conclusion.
However, this is a very faith heavy book and those aren't for me at all. I didn't like how the disability was handled at the end -
I didn't know this was a christian romance initially but decided to give it a fair chance. The overall romance was nice and wholesome. I was pleasantly surprised with the story overall ; it didn't feel formulaic. The pacing felt great, the relationship didn't feel rushed and felt very gradual. The main characters were overall good for each other. Also, the romance at the end wrapped up nicely and gave a great story conclusion.
However, this is a very faith heavy book and those aren't for me at all. I didn't like how the disability was handled at the end -
January 25, 2026
Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh
This novel follows Jabari Hall, a professional hockey player whose life is upended by a devastating injury and a diagnosis that threatens both his career and his future. As he grapples with depression and deteriorating eyesight, a well-intentioned setup leads him on an unexpected date with Val Elliott, his ex’s sister. What begins as an awkward encounter grows into a friendship and, eventually, something deeper as both characters navigate loss, loyalty, faith, and the possibility of new purpose.
While the premise is emotionally compelling, I struggled with several aspects of the story from a biblical and personal perspective.
One of my primary concerns was the romantic relationship itself. Scripture clearly warns believers against being unequally yoked, yet the relationship between Jabari and Val begins before he is a believer. This tension is never fully resolved in a way that felt spiritually sound. Additionally, Val’s sister is openly living in fornication, yet the narrative focuses more on how this behavior will be perceived by the church than on repentance or accountability. Her concern felt rooted in image rather than conviction.
I was also saddened by how the church was portrayed overall. The repeated emphasis on fear of judgment and the lack of spiritual growth or correction painted the church in a discouraging light.
On a more personal note, I found it uncomfortable that the romantic relationship involved dating her sister’s ex. While the story attempts to justify it emotionally, it felt unsettling and difficult to reconcile, especially within the context of family loyalty and healing.
That said, the book does have meaningful strengths. I appreciated the honest representation of depression and other medical challenges. The reminder that life can change in an instant was powerful, and the exploration of how one person’s depression affects those around them was thought-provoking. The portrayal of vision loss was particularly impactful, highlighting practical realities such as how watching movies or engaging in everyday activities becomes more challenging and requires new accommodations, like relying more heavily on audio.
One line that stood out to me and captured the tone of Jabari’s internal struggle was:
“I’ve got more knots in my stomach than a fisherman’s line.”
Moments like this showed the author’s ability to write with warmth and emotional insight.
In the end, while I appreciated the themes of loss, mental health awareness, and the reality that life can shift without warning, the theological and relational choices made it difficult for me to fully embrace the story. Readers who prioritize strong biblical foundations in Christian romance may find some elements challenging, though others may still connect with its exploration of hardship and healing.
I’ve received a complimentary copy, and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
This novel follows Jabari Hall, a professional hockey player whose life is upended by a devastating injury and a diagnosis that threatens both his career and his future. As he grapples with depression and deteriorating eyesight, a well-intentioned setup leads him on an unexpected date with Val Elliott, his ex’s sister. What begins as an awkward encounter grows into a friendship and, eventually, something deeper as both characters navigate loss, loyalty, faith, and the possibility of new purpose.
While the premise is emotionally compelling, I struggled with several aspects of the story from a biblical and personal perspective.
One of my primary concerns was the romantic relationship itself. Scripture clearly warns believers against being unequally yoked, yet the relationship between Jabari and Val begins before he is a believer. This tension is never fully resolved in a way that felt spiritually sound. Additionally, Val’s sister is openly living in fornication, yet the narrative focuses more on how this behavior will be perceived by the church than on repentance or accountability. Her concern felt rooted in image rather than conviction.
I was also saddened by how the church was portrayed overall. The repeated emphasis on fear of judgment and the lack of spiritual growth or correction painted the church in a discouraging light.
On a more personal note, I found it uncomfortable that the romantic relationship involved dating her sister’s ex. While the story attempts to justify it emotionally, it felt unsettling and difficult to reconcile, especially within the context of family loyalty and healing.
That said, the book does have meaningful strengths. I appreciated the honest representation of depression and other medical challenges. The reminder that life can change in an instant was powerful, and the exploration of how one person’s depression affects those around them was thought-provoking. The portrayal of vision loss was particularly impactful, highlighting practical realities such as how watching movies or engaging in everyday activities becomes more challenging and requires new accommodations, like relying more heavily on audio.
One line that stood out to me and captured the tone of Jabari’s internal struggle was:
“I’ve got more knots in my stomach than a fisherman’s line.”
Moments like this showed the author’s ability to write with warmth and emotional insight.
In the end, while I appreciated the themes of loss, mental health awareness, and the reality that life can shift without warning, the theological and relational choices made it difficult for me to fully embrace the story. Readers who prioritize strong biblical foundations in Christian romance may find some elements challenging, though others may still connect with its exploration of hardship and healing.
I’ve received a complimentary copy, and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
February 16, 2026
OVERALL STAR RATING: 3/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I appreciated the author’s goal with the theme of how important it is to depend on God and leaning on your faith in times of serious trials.
Jabari Hall lives for the sport of hockey. When an injury takes him out of the game and literally renders him legally blind, he’s struggling to grapple with what this means for his future. He finds peace in the friendship he’s formed with Val Elliot.
There were parts of this story that felt a little awkward to me and I had a hard time really connecting with the main characters and rooting for their relationship. Jabari and Val first meet when they’re set up on a blind date. It turns out that Jabari had once dated Val’s sister. Dating a sibling’s ex is already a little strange, but for the first 50% of the book you are under the impression that Jabari cheated on Val’s sister and that’s what caused their break-up. It becomes clear later in the book that he didn’t cheat, and her sister had fabricated the story. The fact that Val was falling for Jabari and chose to pursue a relationship, while intentionally keeping this information from her sister was really rubbing me the wrong way. Jabari also very clearly stated he wasn’t a believer while Val was a Christian. Although Jabari does wind up committing his life to Jesus towards the end, it does start off feeling like a missionary dating situation.
Another of Val’s sisters winds up pregnant out of wedlock and the issue feels a bit glossed over. At one point she does acknowledge that sleeping with her boyfriend was a poor choice and Val does state that dating a non-believer wasn’t the best decision for herself, but the overall tone and issues presented in this book were a little odd for me. Not a bad read, but just “ok” in my opinion. I’m sure there are others out there who will love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I appreciated the author’s goal with the theme of how important it is to depend on God and leaning on your faith in times of serious trials.
Jabari Hall lives for the sport of hockey. When an injury takes him out of the game and literally renders him legally blind, he’s struggling to grapple with what this means for his future. He finds peace in the friendship he’s formed with Val Elliot.
There were parts of this story that felt a little awkward to me and I had a hard time really connecting with the main characters and rooting for their relationship. Jabari and Val first meet when they’re set up on a blind date. It turns out that Jabari had once dated Val’s sister. Dating a sibling’s ex is already a little strange, but for the first 50% of the book you are under the impression that Jabari cheated on Val’s sister and that’s what caused their break-up. It becomes clear later in the book that he didn’t cheat, and her sister had fabricated the story. The fact that Val was falling for Jabari and chose to pursue a relationship, while intentionally keeping this information from her sister was really rubbing me the wrong way. Jabari also very clearly stated he wasn’t a believer while Val was a Christian. Although Jabari does wind up committing his life to Jesus towards the end, it does start off feeling like a missionary dating situation.
Another of Val’s sisters winds up pregnant out of wedlock and the issue feels a bit glossed over. At one point she does acknowledge that sleeping with her boyfriend was a poor choice and Val does state that dating a non-believer wasn’t the best decision for herself, but the overall tone and issues presented in this book were a little odd for me. Not a bad read, but just “ok” in my opinion. I’m sure there are others out there who will love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Hearts on the Fly
Author: Toni Shiloh
Genre: Christian Romance
Format: Audiobook & Ebook
Narrated by: AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (4)
Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice—but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up—only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.
This is a cute, wholesome, super cute read. I normally don't read Christian Romance because I like a little spice with my romance, but this was good! I work in the medical field and do some eye cases, so seeing the main male character, Jabari, struggle with deteriorating eyesight was relatable. I enjoyed Val's character and how she was a God-fearing woman.
The audiobook is dual-narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad. They are both new narrators, and I enjoyed them both. They were easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2.5x speed.
The Ending: Happily Ever After
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Day
Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audiobook, and Bethany for the ebook, in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Toni Shiloh
Genre: Christian Romance
Format: Audiobook & Ebook
Narrated by: AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (4)
Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice—but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up—only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.
This is a cute, wholesome, super cute read. I normally don't read Christian Romance because I like a little spice with my romance, but this was good! I work in the medical field and do some eye cases, so seeing the main male character, Jabari, struggle with deteriorating eyesight was relatable. I enjoyed Val's character and how she was a God-fearing woman.
The audiobook is dual-narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad. They are both new narrators, and I enjoyed them both. They were easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2.5x speed.
The Ending: Happily Ever After
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Day
Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audiobook, and Bethany for the ebook, in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2026
Many thanks to RB Media, Author Toni Shiloh, Narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad, and NetGalley for the ARC of Hearts on the Fly in exchange for an honest review.
This novel in audio was so refreshing. This is a hockey romance with clean story lines, flawed characters, but with the overwhelming presents of God within the storylines. A perfect valentine's book to gift someone who enjoys clean romance or a pre-teen to young adult that would like a clean option for a book.
Jabari has his "first love" taken away from him in a sudden way and needs to quickly learn to adapt and also to rely on help from others--which is not a weakness, but learns its a strength. Val comes in when both of them least expect it after a blind date. Sparks fly and hearts are connected after their first meeting and intimate sharing of Jabari's current tragic situation. Family and sisterhood dynamics are also woven throughout the story beautifully. A must read for everyone, in my opinion.
This novel in audio was so refreshing. This is a hockey romance with clean story lines, flawed characters, but with the overwhelming presents of God within the storylines. A perfect valentine's book to gift someone who enjoys clean romance or a pre-teen to young adult that would like a clean option for a book.
Jabari has his "first love" taken away from him in a sudden way and needs to quickly learn to adapt and also to rely on help from others--which is not a weakness, but learns its a strength. Val comes in when both of them least expect it after a blind date. Sparks fly and hearts are connected after their first meeting and intimate sharing of Jabari's current tragic situation. Family and sisterhood dynamics are also woven throughout the story beautifully. A must read for everyone, in my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 Stars)
This Christian romance delivered a heartfelt story centered on faith, healing, and the beauty of trusting God’s timing. The romance unfolded naturally, allowing the characters to grow individually before fully coming together, which made their relationship feel genuine and earned.
Faith was thoughtfully woven throughout the story without overpowering the romance. The characters faced realistic struggles, moments of doubt, and emotional growth that made their journeys relatable and inspiring. I appreciated how prayer, grace, and forgiveness played key roles in both their personal development and their relationship.
The pacing was steady and engaging, though there were a few moments where I wished for slightly more depth in certain emotional scenes hence the 4.5 rating instead of a full five. Still, the overall message of hope and redemption was uplifting and lingered after the final chapter.
A solid recommendation for readers who enjoy clean, faith-based romances with meaningful emotional arcs.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This Christian romance delivered a heartfelt story centered on faith, healing, and the beauty of trusting God’s timing. The romance unfolded naturally, allowing the characters to grow individually before fully coming together, which made their relationship feel genuine and earned.
Faith was thoughtfully woven throughout the story without overpowering the romance. The characters faced realistic struggles, moments of doubt, and emotional growth that made their journeys relatable and inspiring. I appreciated how prayer, grace, and forgiveness played key roles in both their personal development and their relationship.
The pacing was steady and engaging, though there were a few moments where I wished for slightly more depth in certain emotional scenes hence the 4.5 rating instead of a full five. Still, the overall message of hope and redemption was uplifting and lingered after the final chapter.
A solid recommendation for readers who enjoy clean, faith-based romances with meaningful emotional arcs.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 16, 2026
I’m a fan of Toni Shiloh’s writing. Very cute friend to lovers, Christian/clean romance. I loved Val and Jabari’s relationship. I also enjoyed Val & Fran’s and Jabari’s relationship with his teammates.
I consider myself a Christian, but not a fan of the strict/conservative aspects of Christianity 🤷🏽♀️ so those parts are my least favorite. Val’s family irked me, especially when it came to Fran’s story line and how they treated Val. That older sister Jackie was annoying from start to finish! But they do navigate their drama pretty directly and I appreciated that aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed this one!
I consider myself a Christian, but not a fan of the strict/conservative aspects of Christianity 🤷🏽♀️ so those parts are my least favorite. Val’s family irked me, especially when it came to Fran’s story line and how they treated Val. That older sister Jackie was annoying from start to finish! But they do navigate their drama pretty directly and I appreciated that aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My first book by this author and won't be the last. I liked her writing style it was so easy to read. I loved the story and the message behind it. I felt so bad for Jabari and what he went through i was so happy when he got his vision back!! I hated Jackie she was so toxic and selfish and so was the dad.
I didn't really connect with the FMC she felt more like a mom. Also we didn't see what happened with Charles North and what the NHL did to him for what he did to Jabari!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
My first book by this author and won't be the last. I liked her writing style it was so easy to read. I loved the story and the message behind it. I felt so bad for Jabari and what he went through i was so happy when he got his vision back!! I hated Jackie she was so toxic and selfish and so was the dad.
I didn't really connect with the FMC she felt more like a mom. Also we didn't see what happened with Charles North and what the NHL did to him for what he did to Jabari!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
thank you #NetGallery for the Audiobook arc.
i really loved the relation and the way the story and connection built up between the main characters, this book revolves around faith, religion, finding inner peace, disability rep. This is a heartfelt Christian romance story which delivered a heart warming story centered on faith, healing, and the beauty of trusting God’s timing. since mine was an audiobook, the narrators did a wonderful job capturing the essence and emotions of both Val and Jabari.
i really loved the relation and the way the story and connection built up between the main characters, this book revolves around faith, religion, finding inner peace, disability rep. This is a heartfelt Christian romance story which delivered a heart warming story centered on faith, healing, and the beauty of trusting God’s timing. since mine was an audiobook, the narrators did a wonderful job capturing the essence and emotions of both Val and Jabari.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
This was my first book by author Tony Shiloh and it did not disappoint. What drew me to Hearts on the Fly was that this was a Christian sport romance story with closed door scenes.
This romcom was funny, cute witty banter, relatable characters, friendships and second chances.
I enjoyed the dual narration for this story. Even though both narrators were new to me, I thought they both did a wonderful job of narrating the book. I listened at 1.75x speed.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the gifted audiobook and the opportunity to preview this book. All opinions are my own.
This romcom was funny, cute witty banter, relatable characters, friendships and second chances.
I enjoyed the dual narration for this story. Even though both narrators were new to me, I thought they both did a wonderful job of narrating the book. I listened at 1.75x speed.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the gifted audiobook and the opportunity to preview this book. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2026
Wow. I had forgotten how deep the faith themes run in Toni Shiloh’s stories. This book was a masterpiece that I thoroughly enjoyed! Jabari and Val were so well matched from the very beginning. I loved how they started out as genuine friends with nothing else in mind and then slowly grew into something more. Their romance has to be one of my favorites from this author!
I loved seeing how Jabari’s health issues opened his heart to Christ and encouraged him to ask the really hard questions. He had an amazing group of Godly friends around him who were constantly praying for him even when he still wasn’t sure about Christianity, which was amazing. And the prayers in this book were so touching! It’s one of my favorite things when we see prayer portrayed as natural and such a big part of their lives.
Vals’ family was realistic in that they were all very human. The sister drama was a bit much for me at times, but I really loved how it was handled so it didn’t take away from the story for me. The dynamic between Val and her younger sister was so great to watch and it was so fun that they lived together as well!
Ultimately this was a touching story about two imperfect people drawing closer to God and each other and having faith when life seems out of control. This will definitely be one of my favorite contemporary romances that I will be proud to have on my shelves!
I loved seeing how Jabari’s health issues opened his heart to Christ and encouraged him to ask the really hard questions. He had an amazing group of Godly friends around him who were constantly praying for him even when he still wasn’t sure about Christianity, which was amazing. And the prayers in this book were so touching! It’s one of my favorite things when we see prayer portrayed as natural and such a big part of their lives.
Vals’ family was realistic in that they were all very human. The sister drama was a bit much for me at times, but I really loved how it was handled so it didn’t take away from the story for me. The dynamic between Val and her younger sister was so great to watch and it was so fun that they lived together as well!
Ultimately this was a touching story about two imperfect people drawing closer to God and each other and having faith when life seems out of control. This will definitely be one of my favorite contemporary romances that I will be proud to have on my shelves!
February 22, 2026
Thank you to Toni Shiloh and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to the audiobook for Hearts on the Fly.
This book was incredible; so many emotions captured so well. I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I was experiencing all of the heartbreak and rebuilding right along with them.
If you are looking for a deep sports romance book, please either read or listen to Hearts on the Fly. Absolutely incredible.
I cannot wait to read another book by the talented Toni Shiloh!
This book was incredible; so many emotions captured so well. I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I was experiencing all of the heartbreak and rebuilding right along with them.
If you are looking for a deep sports romance book, please either read or listen to Hearts on the Fly. Absolutely incredible.
I cannot wait to read another book by the talented Toni Shiloh!
February 12, 2026
I loved this book! The romance was so sweet, and I was encouraged by how much the author pointed the reader toward God and his trustworthiness. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and I highly recommend reading this book.
February 12, 2026
AWESOME book!!! 🩵🩵🩵
February 7, 2026
What a heart-warming and cozy read.
Hearts on the Fly is a touching contemporary Christian romance.
Jabari is a hockey player for the Warriors at the peak of his career when an injury results in him being declared legally blind. Val, a middle child who often feels overlooked, is a talented project manager for her family’s sports management company. Even with her professional success, she consistently puts the needs of others before her own.
The story kicks off when Jabari and Val are set up on a blind date. There, Val learns about Jabari’s condition, and Jabari realizes a shocking connection: Val is his ex-girlfriend's little sister.
We follow both characters as they navigate life-altering changes. Jabari must come to terms with his prognosis and search for a new career path, while also embarking on a faith journey as a former non-believer. Meanwhile, Val navigates complex family dynamics and mounting tension once her family learns about her connection to Jabari.
As someone who is not religious, I found Jabari’s faith journey to be surprisingly believable. While I felt the ending was a bit unearned and leaned into the "miracle-esque," it didn’t detract from the overall strength of the story. Both Jabari and Val felt like adults making mature decisions. Their romance was cheesy, wholesome, and exactly what I needed right now.
Things to keep in mind:
* Genre: Christian Romance (No spice/clean)
* Tropes: Friends to lovers, dating a sibling’s ex
* Representation: Disability rep (Macular Degeneration)
* Audiobook: Narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad (9h 52m)
Note on the Narration: I listened to an audio copy of this book, and the narrators did a wonderful job capturing the essence of both Jabari and Val. Hassiem��s narration is clear yet full of emotion. AhDream Smith brings Val to life with her intonation and sass. Her narration is confident while pausing at pivotal points that allow the story to flow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the advanced reader copy of Hearts on the Fly.
Hearts on the Fly is a touching contemporary Christian romance.
Jabari is a hockey player for the Warriors at the peak of his career when an injury results in him being declared legally blind. Val, a middle child who often feels overlooked, is a talented project manager for her family’s sports management company. Even with her professional success, she consistently puts the needs of others before her own.
The story kicks off when Jabari and Val are set up on a blind date. There, Val learns about Jabari’s condition, and Jabari realizes a shocking connection: Val is his ex-girlfriend's little sister.
We follow both characters as they navigate life-altering changes. Jabari must come to terms with his prognosis and search for a new career path, while also embarking on a faith journey as a former non-believer. Meanwhile, Val navigates complex family dynamics and mounting tension once her family learns about her connection to Jabari.
As someone who is not religious, I found Jabari’s faith journey to be surprisingly believable. While I felt the ending was a bit unearned and leaned into the "miracle-esque," it didn’t detract from the overall strength of the story. Both Jabari and Val felt like adults making mature decisions. Their romance was cheesy, wholesome, and exactly what I needed right now.
Things to keep in mind:
* Genre: Christian Romance (No spice/clean)
* Tropes: Friends to lovers, dating a sibling’s ex
* Representation: Disability rep (Macular Degeneration)
* Audiobook: Narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad (9h 52m)
Note on the Narration: I listened to an audio copy of this book, and the narrators did a wonderful job capturing the essence of both Jabari and Val. Hassiem��s narration is clear yet full of emotion. AhDream Smith brings Val to life with her intonation and sass. Her narration is confident while pausing at pivotal points that allow the story to flow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the advanced reader copy of Hearts on the Fly.
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