A Run at Love - (Love in the Spotlight) by Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh tackles several weighty subjects in her newest book but it's never a downer! A Run at Love has two characters who are clearly meant to be together but they each believe that the other only thinks of them as a friend. I admit that I'm partial because my Daddy's nickname was Tuck, but Tucker Hale is one of Shiloh's best male characters yet! He's loyal, hard-working, and he never leaves God out of his decision-making. Tuck is devoted to Piper McKinney but he considers himself as being in a different social class. How could he expect her to consider him more than a friend? And then there's Piper. She was adopted by a wealthy white couple so she recognizes her advantages but she's now trying to break into the male-oriented racing world! She knows that Tuck is there to help her in business, but could he ever give his heart to a black woman? I've only recently discovered her writing, but no one creates better contemporary fiction than Toni Shiloh! The setting is my home state of Kentucky and the plot centers around preparing horses for the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby. There's excitement, drama, and references to unforeseen circumstances that have plagued recent Kentucky Derbies. There are also shout-outs to fashion, the famous Derby parties, the mint juleps, and the celebrities that flock to our state on the first Saturday in May. Add some swoon-worthy but sweet romance between "friends" and throw in a faith element that's inspiring but never preachy, and the result is a book that I couldn't put down. I loved this book so much and I can't wait to read the next story in her Love in the Spotlight series!! I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts!

What an incredible contemporary romance set in the horse racing world: the Kentucky Derby! Toni Shiloh never disappoints! Piper McKinney has her own dream: to own a Thoroughbred, have him trained and race in different competitions until he gets to compete in the Kentucky Derby. Her father owns a prestigious Throroubred farm in Kentucky, and horses is all that Piper has seen and experienced as she grew up. But being an adoptee, and of black color in a county where everyone else is white, Piper has struggled with being stared at and experiencing rejection because of living in a horse racing environment where black woman rarely participate. Good thing she has her bff Tucker Hale, who is unconditional in his friendship and support and always has her back. He’s also his trainer for Dream, her prize Thoroughbred, which she has all her hopes up in winning the Derby. But Tuck has loved Piper in silence for many years, and ironically, Piper has always felt this strong attraction to him that goes beyond friendship. They are both afraid to express their feelings because of the risk of damaging their beautiful and unique friendship, so they both pretend to be perfectly comfortable in the friend zone. Tuck knows he needs to prove himself to Piper’s wealthy family, so he has a plan to win Piper’s heart. Suddenly, a shocking scandal involving Piper’s parents comes to light, and Tuck wants to be there for his best friend, but when he discovers his family is involved in blowing up the scandal, he is suddenly afraid if Piper’s growing feelings will withstand such betrayal. Can he fight for the woman he loves, and be honest and truthful about his family’s involvement in her parents scandal? I loved everything about this book! The first thing was the main characters. I just fell in love with Tuck and Piper and their easygoing, loyal and deep friendship. I loved how they could talk about anything to each other and how Tuck would be there with his shoulder for Piper to cry on. It was so sweet how they comforted each other in their most needed times. They both felt relatable, with their dreams, and at the same time, with their fears, self doubts and insecurities of not being enough for the other, being that because of lack of wealth, or because of the skin color. I loved how their love turns unconditional. How they push each other out of their comfort zone to face their fears. There is also a beautiful inspirational message about being valued as how God sees you, not keeping others expectations. Also about stop trying to control and plan everything and let God guide us with his unexpected but always better plans for us. I enjoyed the sweet and adorable romance. I was happy they discovered their feelings for each other at halfway the book, and not at the end. It was so endearing when they transition from bff’s to a boyfriend and girlfriend. It made me laugh how Piper thought they would just stare at each other because there would’nt be anything new to say since they new everything about each other! Such a sweet and tenderhearted romance! I fell in love with Tuck, his integrity, protectiveness, his planning mind, hard work ethic and his patience and understanding of respecting Piper’s times. He’s my new book boyfriend without a doubt! The plot kept me turning the pages until the end! I highly recommend this book to lovers of inspirational contemporary romance with a touch of fun. It was so well done! Can’t wait for book three! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Toni Shiloh’s A Run at Love is a fun, flirty, and unique friends-to-more romance set amid the world of horse-racing and specifically the Kentucky Derby. I thoroughly enjoyed Piper and Tucker’s story. I really enjoy that Shiloh does not wait until the final chapters to get the main characters together as a couple. This novel is more about the development of a relationship that began in childhood and developed into something more over time. The reader gets to “watch” as the characters grow closer through time spent in each other’s company and problems solved together. One of Shiloh’s trademarks is her full use of an attitude and lifestyle of prayer in her characters. These characters rely on their faith in God to guide their life decisions and often talk with God as they live life. This novel has a diverse cast of characters. Shiloh has expertly handled the topic of race, making it an integral and realistic part of the novel, but still keeping the story a sweet, romantic story. Hats off to Toni Shiloh for this wonderful book! I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a sweet friendship-to-more romance! I loved how comfortable it was between Tuck and Piper and the easy companionship they had, even when needing to navigate obstacles, insecurities and frustrations. The main plot’s scandal and its outcome were a shock to me and I found myself very invested in all of the characters that it affected and how each individual chose to go about handling their part. And then, when some of our friends from The Love Script decided to make an appearance, I think I was just as excited as the hero and heroine to see them again! (Plus an Oloro Ile reference!) All in all, this was a fun and exciting, sweet and comforting romance, with a lesson in following God’s plans instead of our own, that I found myself devouring and enjoying greatly!