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!… (more)

“Darlin’, no man wants any part of him to sparkle. Ms. Meyer has hoodwinked a generation of women.” I laughed out loud at this quote! A Run at Love is a new favorite from Toni Shiloh. From the first page I was drawn in to this delightful, thoughtful, funny, sweet, childhood friends to more romance! It’s also infused with faith and an inspirational, thought provoking look at race, interracial adoption, and interracial couples.

Paige was born in Africa and adopted by a wealthy white family who owns a horse racing empire. Paige has also developed a love of horses and horse racing and wants to be the first Black woman to win the Kentucky Derby. As she struggles with trying to find her own path in this competitive arena, she leans on her best friend and horse training partner Tucker whom she’s secretly in love with. As she navigates her feelings towards her biological parents, adoptive parents, and Tucker, she also has to deal with unwanted publicity and accusations against her father.

Tucker’s been in love with Paige since childhood. He wants to be worthy of her and make his business a success before he reveals his romantic feelings for her. He has a whole list of how he’s going to accomplish this. But as his carefully laid plans begin to crumble, he soon realizes that he needs to seek God’s plans for his life.

Paige and Tucker are such a cute couple! I loved the way they were both pining for each other for years and worried about what the other would think when they revealed their feelings. I loved how they easily transitioned from friendship to love. I enjoyed their 90’s romcoms and the fun humor they shared. Theirs is an interracial romance and I appreciated the way the author addressed race in such an inspirational, thoughtful way.

I honesty didn’t know much about horse racing going in to this book, but I soon came to appreciate the hard work that goes into choosing and caring for the right horse. I was cheering right along with Tucker and all Paige’s friends and supporters with each race Dream enters leading up to the Kentucky Derby. There’s also a darling little goat named Baby who plays an important role. Her father’s business comes under scrutiny as a nosey journalist investigates Paige’s past which brings a bit of suspense and drama to the story. I enjoyed how this offers a chance for change and growth. I also love Paige’s and Tucker’s friends and how they supported each another.

Defintely add this funny, romantic, well written, inspirational. romcom to your must read list! Though it’s part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I recommend reading the first book though to really appreciate all the characters and group of friends. I can’t wait for Chris’ story! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.… (more)

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.… (more)