The Nature of Love - (Love in the Spotlight) by Toni Shiloh (Paperback)

This book was a refreshing read after a slump, with a great mix of romance and humor while also addressing grief and loss in a meaningful way. Dr. Erykah Kennedy and Chris Gamble were both endearing characters with their own struggles, and I really enjoyed seeing their personal growth and how they overcame challenges. Their journey felt authentic, making it easy to root for them. I also appreciated the representation—Black characters in Christian fiction aren’t something I see often from traditional publishers, and it was great to read a story where faith was clearly woven in through prayer, Bible reading, and church. Seeing characters turn to God in difficult moments made the story even more impactful. While the way they finally got together felt a bit cringey for me, the story as a whole was engaging, enjoyable, and kept me invested until the very end.

Well, did I ever get fooled or what?!! A couple of chapters in I thought this was just a love story happening too soon—a lighthearted chick flick filled with flirty banter and mushy romance with very little substance. And THAT, my reader friend, is why you shouldn't give up on a book too soon! Our heroine, Erykah Kennedy, has devoted her life to her career as a brilliant orthopedic surgeon and doesn't even know how to flirt and Christian Gamble, a wildlife conservationist, isn't interested in being burned by love again. When a terrible tragedy occurs that threatens to squeeze my heart in a million pieces, I realized I indeed had been fooled by the first few chapters . . . definitely not a fluffy, light romance here! There are so many rich layers and complex issues to be dealt with in this novel—intense grief, feelings of isolation, s**ual purity, and single parenthood. Many kudos to author Toni Shiloh for not shying away from the tough stuff! Highly recommend! *I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.*

Every book in this series so far has been great, but I think this book was my favorite. Erykah was a fascinating character, and it was easy to relate to her work-centered life and loneliness. I was happy to read Chris' story after learning so much about him in the previous books. Charlie the dog was a delightful addition to the story, and he provided much needed fun and relief from the difficult, tragic events taking place. I appreciate the focus on God and biblical truths, since it is easy to get wrapped up in circumstances and forget that God has everything under control. No spoilers, but this book has one of the best endings I have read in a long time. I highly recommend this book and am so glad I was able to read it. It would be wonderful to see these characters in another book in the future! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author and publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Toni Shiloh’s final novel in the Love in the Spotlight series might just be my favorite. The Nature of Love tells the story of Chris Gamble and Dr. Erykah Kennedy, two characters introduced in the preceding two novels. I loved this story and loved the characters in this story. Shiloh has written a story of two individuals who had decided that love was out of the picture for them. How they navigate hardships together and fall in love in the process kept me invested in their story. This book is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and faith in the One Who is Love. I always enjoy Shiloh seamless inclusion of prayer in her novels. Toni Shiloh’s novels just get better and better the more she writes. I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary Christian romance. Shiloh includes enough of a backstory that this book could be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. However, you will definitely want to read the first two novels and enjoy them as well. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Nature of Love is the third in the series, and might be my favorite. The story is weightier than the first two, with possible triggers, but it made Chris and Erykah's love story that much sweeter. I loved the addition of Erykah's nieces. They added some needed levity to the story, and gave opportunities to glimpse both Chris' and Erykah's softer, nurturing sides. Chris is probably my favorite of the guys after reading this book. Swoony and willing to step up and help with kids that aren't his? Yes, please. I'd intended to read the first two several months ago, but got busy. I ended up reading all three in a row, and I'm so glad I did. It added an extra layer of satisfaction to watch the friendship between the three guys from the start, and how it grew, adding the ladies in as their stories unfolded. Their relationships added so much to the overall picture of the stories, and I adored the epilogue, giving us a glimpse of all our friends several years after the end of the last story. This whole series was fantastic. I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. This opinion is my own.

Such a Wonderful and Inspiring Love Story! I like how the blurb introduces Surgeon Erykah as a doctor feeling fractured and Chris Gamble as a wildlife enthusiast ready for more. This is not the typical romance, and I loved how a mature couple -entering their forties-, who are opposites -grumpy/sunshine-, and who have experienced heartbreak, complement themselves so perfectly and fall in love during trying circumstances, which solidifies their friendship growing into much more. Also, this is the perfect story to read on Valentine’s month! I found this book endearing, heart-tugging, deeply emotional, and it gave me all the feels. I don’t know how she does it, but she can blend a story that has drama, loss, grief, uncertainty, but also light humor, witty banter, and even make you laugh at times. And it all feels natural. I felt so involved in the characters struggles, that I experienced all these emotions with them. The part of a sibling loss is not easy to describe, I thank God that I haven’t experienced it, but the pain felt real and acute. I love the way two opposites start a friendship, obviously Chris was interested from the start, but the way he conquers Erykah’s heart by being a true unwavering loyal friend touched my heart deeply. I loved these two quotes: Erykah: “I was in awe of this man. I had never met someone who would put their life on hold to help another. Surely, that wasn’t normal, no matter how many times he professed otherwise”. Chris: “I’ve been alone, and I’ve also grieved. I believe no matter what a person is facing, they should never face it alone.” Erykah had struggled all her life to work hard and raise her sister by herself. Each simple act of kindness Chris has, turns around the world for her. It was inspiring to see how Erykah discovers that God hears her and answers her prayers in unexpected ways. The way she learns to pray is humbling and natural. Chris’s faith was another inspiring part of the book. He trusted God completely, and the way he prayed for Erykah was so moving. Along with Erykah, I fell in love with this man: his kindness, his patience and gentleness, the way he treated Erykah’s nieces, his cheerful and optimistic self, and yes, his love for animals and nature, and the way he fought to help preserve God’s creation. Erykah’s growth during the story was relatable and touching. I was impacted and reminded of the way an act of love and kindness can change other lives. The romance was very sweet, the way I like them. I love how they respect each other and put boundaries when needed. Erykah’s nieces were super cute and realistic. The way a child can deal with grief can be so different, and I liked the way Chris and Erykah dealt this issue with the girls, and always putting them first. In short, this is a love story that depicts the “nature” of true love pretty well. I also enjoyed immensely to revisit the characters from the two previous books. Their friendship is so solid, the way they support each other, especially through prayer, and their funny banter and jokes. Love the part of the text group threads. All in all, a highly recommended contemporary romance that will touch your heartstrings and inspire you! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Nature of Love is awesome! It is #3 in the series “Love in the Spotlight” but I think you would be fine reading it as a standalone. I do not recommend that though because the first 2 books are very good. Trigger Warning: This book does deal with grief but it is handled in a sensitive, realistic manner in my opinion. Chris is just the best guy, so many good qualities. Everyone would want to meet and keep Chris, he's just that outstanding. Erykah is a very different person but I came to enjoy her also. At first I thought she was weird because I do not know anyone in their 40s who has never had a date. But as I kept reading she grew on me and by the end of the book I was totally on her side. Toni Shiloh is such a great writer, she really brought the characters to life. I kept wanting to pray for them and had to remember they were fictional. 😊 The girls are also written extremely well – I could just see their little faces and I enjoyed their sassiness. The story is phenomenal but I will not give any spoilers. This is one you really want to read, it’s sweet, swoony and also compelling because you can’t wait to see how things work out. And the ending is wonderful! Highly recommend.

Author Toni Shiloh has saved the best for last! I've enjoyed the first two romances in the Love in the Spotlight series, but this final book is now my favorite. Erykah Kennedy and Christian Gamble are both older (early 40s), with satisfying careers but their personal lives are lacking, to say the least. Watching them become friends and seeing Erykah's gradual reliance on Christian is heartwarming but this book offers so much more! Erykah's gut-wrenching grief over the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law is powerfully depicted, along with Christian's unflinching support through Erykah's grieving process and her new role as "Mommy" to her two young nieces. How can a woman who's always been alone know how to help two children adapt to life without their parents? When will Christian realize he wants to be more than a friend to this newly formed family? I'm always impressed by Shiloh's ability to write stories that resonate with so many, and I always treasure the powerful faith messages she shares. Her characters may be fallible, but they always experience a growing awareness of their need for God and the assurance of His ever-present love. At first, Erykah's faith journey is tentative, but oh, the joy when she finally understands the goodness of God. If you enjoy contemporary fiction with adorable children, supportive friends, witty conversation, and a romance that will make you swoon, grab a copy of The Nature of Love. There's also an epilogue that will leave you cheering! Toni Shiloh has truly outdone herself. I received a copy from the author and publisher. There were no expectations of a positive review.