Member Reviews
Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham is a sweet, closed-door romance and my first by this author. This book is the third in a series (but can be read as a stand alone). It is perfect for romance readers that don't like spice and for fans of The Princess Diaries. Luke Edgewood likes to pretend he hates gushy romance and Hallmark movies, but deep down he's a softy and a true romantic at heart. He's working on a top-secret project in the small European country of Skymar when he runs into a Grace Kelly look-alike at a coffee shop. Little does he know that she's a literal princess and is now working with him on this super secret project! If you're a fan of Hallmark, forced-proximity tropes, and golden retreiver male leads, you will be in love with this book.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a good read if you are looking for a clean story that really fits those days when you just want to escape. Even though you know how the book will go from page one, you want to read how it will play out because you enjoy the characters and their simpler world than our own.
When I saw this book as being perfect for fans of Sarah Adams I knew I had to pick it up. I love that it was a low spice romance with a bit of royalty mixed in.
In Loyally Luke, Pepper Basham brings us a charming romance set in the fictional country of Skymar, where Luke, a rugged carpenter, meets Ellie, who he later finds out is an undercover princess. The story follows typical romcom tropes, with forced proximity as they work together to restore an orphanage. While predictable, the mix of humor, banter, and sweet moments between the two makes it enjoyable, especially as Luke struggles to avoid falling for someone so out of his league. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the plot remains lighthearted and easy to follow.
The relationship between Luke and his sisters, who have been central in previous books, adds a fun dynamic to the story. Luke's loyalty to his family is a constant theme throughout, and it's heartwarming to see him support his sisters even while navigating his unexpected romance. Ellie, on the other hand, is a princess trying to escape her complicated past and rediscover herself, which makes her journey alongside Luke all the more endearing
Despite a few cheesy moments, this clean romance is perfect for fans of Hallmark-style stories, with a bit of royal magic thrown in. While some of the character development might feel rushed, especially the pacing of the romance, the overall charm and humor make this a quick and enjoyable read.
Loyally Luke follows Luke, the only brother of the family, and his time in the fictional country of Skymar. It’s there he meets ‘Grace Kelly’ and follows all the romcom tropes, much to his chagrin. Ellie becomes important to him but their future is unpredictable to say the least. Can they navigate a future, or do they simply enjoy the moments given to them?
This is the 3rd book in the series and captures the relationship with the other siblings we’ve seen in previous books, which is a fun twist. Luke is down to earth and is very easy to relate to. The story is fun to follow along and the banter is great.
Loyally, Luke was an amazing book. I think a lot of young women pine for a male, like Luke, to see them. Really see them. And in this book you get to live through it with Ellie.
Great book, totally re-readable!
“All good guys have a little bit of rogue for the right woman.”
A disgustingly, sweet romance, packed full of all the wonderful clichés and romcom history.
Loyally Luke is a story that I shamefully admit took too long to read. But, it was like a good pair of jeans —easy to get back into.
I actually DNF this book…I know I’m in the minority but I just couldn’t get into it! I really liked the first book in this series, and DID finish and enjoy that one! So when I saw this story, I was excited. Luke had been a great side character and he always made me smile. Not sure if it was the different style of this one compared to the other or what, but I will try to finish it someday…maybe.
This is a delightful fit for readers who enjoy lighthearted, humorous, and hopeful stories that blend romance, inspirational fiction, and Christian themes, making it a perfect pick for those seeking a feel-good, faith-infused love story with a touch of royal flair.
The story was good but the book felt way longer than it should've been. The texts between characters was interesting at first but grew tiring the longer it went on. Overall, a positive experience, just long.
I really enjoyed this latest from Pepper Basham. The Skymar series has been a total treat and Luke's story was the perfect icing on the cake! From meet-cute in the coffee shop to their witty banter, to their fantastic chemistry, this story was adorable from beginning to end! On top of the relationship between the two main characters, I absolutely loved the relationship between Luke and his sisters. If you've read the first two books in this series, you know the background information on each of them and this story just emphasizes each of their personalities. It's quite humorous. As Luke finds himself at the forefront of one of his sister's "in real life" romcom film, he's mortified that his thoughts keep wandering in that direction. It is completely and undeniably enjoyable!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.
Love has a way of finding of two people in need of love when they least expect it. The book follows Luke who loves his coffee ,flannel and dogs. So he accepts a small construction job in a small town to appease his sister . There he founds Grace Kelly who he finds impossible. It's the perfect story for fans of forced proximity ,'spoiled princess' and set in an idyllic town.
I really enjoyed this last installment in the Skymar series! For those who have read this earlier books in this series, you will be well familiar with Luke and his sisters (cousin). Well, now you get to hear his love story!
Much like the earlier books in this series this book is told from multiple perspectives which makes for a fun read "hearing" inside the minds of multiple characters.
I am a big fan of Pepper Besham and read all three books in this series all in a row and it was so fun it get to know the three sibling/cousins in their different aspects and learn about their love stories!
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy of this book!
Fantastic! Loyally Luke is one of those rare books worth reading again and again! This entire series falls into that exclusive category. Treat yourself! Definitely worth the read!
Rachael Shaffer:
This is a cute book! Was I comparing Luke to Luke Danes the entire book? Yes. Yes, I was. And when he hit a point where he became more emotive while talking to his friend, I scoffed a little bit— “Luke would never be that chatty”. And then I remembered he is, in fact, not Luke Danes…So my bad, sorry Luke Edgewood, I’ll try not to conflate the two of you 😂
(It was fun to have the connection between the two grumpy, flannel wearing, fishing, handy Lukes anyway!)
I also really liked having a book start off with a male POV! I definitely felt more connected to him than I did to Ellie. I liked their bucket list dates, too.
Read this if you like:
-Hidden Princess trope
-Grump/sunshine (but more just grump haha)
-Gilmore Girls 😂
-Princess Diaries
-Hallamark movies…or even making fun of them!
3.5 stars rounded up
Rachael Shaffer:
This is a cute book! Was I comparing Luke to Luke Danes the entire book? Yes. Yes, I was. And when he hit a point where he became more emotive while talking to his friend, I scoffed a little bit— “Luke would never be that chatty”. And then I remembered he is, in fact, not Luke Danes…So my bad, sorry Luke Edgewood, I’ll try not to conflate the two of you 😂
(It was fun to have the connection between the two grumpy, flannel wearing, fishing, handy Lukes anyway!)
I also really liked having a book start off with a male POV! I definitely felt more connected to him than I did to Ellie. I liked their bucket list dates, too.
Read this if you like:
-Hidden Princess trope
-Grump/sunshine (but more just grump haha)
-Gilmore Girls 😂
-Princess Diaries
-Hallamark movies…or even making fun of them!
3.5 stars rounded up
Waitttttttttttttttttt I didn't know this was part of a series before I started reading!! I did feel a little left out, but overall it was very easy to understand the setting and characters. Luke is such a likeable a guy, I was almost jealous of everyone who got to know him lol This was a very Hallmark-esque love story, but I'm here for it. I will definitely be reading the first two books in the series.
This was a a sweet book. This was my first book in the series and I did not know what to expect. I love the cover and synopsis but some time it could be missleading. But was sweet as pie. Love it
I received a NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Intrigued by another upcoming book by Pepper Basham, I decided to give this one a try. Initially, I was skeptical about the fictional Scottish island, Hallmark vibes, and the Christian romance angle. As a Christian, I often find these books too evangelical for my taste. However, this story hooked me from the start. The characters communicated openly, making their romance believable, and the Scottish setting felt authentic, not stereotypical. I appreciated the meta moments where they poked fun at Hallmark movies. Most importantly, the characters' faith was subtle yet strong, enhancing the story without overpowering it. I’m now excited to read the rest of the series!
4.5 STARS!
Simply charming!
It has been awhile since I have read a romance book that I enjoyed. Most seem too over the top or "cheesy". While the ingredients of a good rom com do include cheese, Loyally, Luke is sprinkled in with just the right amount. Swoon worthy and laugh out loud!
This was the first of the series that I have read and I loved Luke and Ellie. They both seemed so down to earth and relatable- even for a knight in shining flannel and a real life princess! Luke's inner monologue was hands down the best part! Watching him get frustrated with how his circumstances where looking just like a hallmark movie was a riot. The bells! The book also highlighted serving others and I loved any moments that Luke had with the children form the orphanage. This book is full of heart and I can't wait to read the others in the series!
Read if you love:
- great chemistry
- hilarious writing
- wonderful supporting cast
- stories of redemption
- flannel
- main characters who are real and kind hearted
- heart of service
- all the classic movie references!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful arc!!
This was a really sweet novel. I’ve read the second one in this series and really enjoyed the perspective of Luke and his story of falling for a princess.