Luke Edgewood is a rare find—a true gem. He embodies the qualities of a noble, godly man, quietly steadfast in his heroism, which happens to be my favorite kind. His interactions with children are heartwarming; the way he mentors young boys and listens patiently to emotionally overwhelmed little girls is simply precious. And his relationship with his sisters is equally endearing. While he may tease them mercilessly, his genuine care and thoughtfulness shine through, providing them with a supportive ear for their troubles. He's not flawless, but he's undeniably one of the good guys. And let's not forget his aversion to anything remotely resembling "romance" or the dreaded "Hallmark" label—those are practically allergic reactions for him! So naturally, it's only fitting that he falls for a princess.

Ellie, on the other hand, is a darling. As the wayward princess endeavoring to mend her tarnished reputation, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery with Luke's unwavering support. Through his encouragement, she rediscovers her true identity, casting aside the tabloid narratives in favor of embracing her God-given purpose. She possesses a quiet strength that I find truly admirable, and witnessing her growth and transformation is nothing short of beautiful.

Together, Luke and Ellie are an absolute riot. Their initial encounter had me in stitches; the hilarity of their "trope list" only amplified the humor without veering into cliché territory. Despite their differing backgrounds, the rocky start, and the complications of Ellie's hidden identity, they complement each other perfectly. I found myself swooning—something that rarely happens—and completely swept away by their chemistry and dynamic.

Loyally Luke is the third novel in Pepper Basham’s Edgewood family series. After binging many of Pepper’s books and anxiously awaiting this book, I hopped on NetGalley on a whim to try to review this book. I really didn’t think I’d get the chance, so I was so excited when I was accepted.

During the previous books, I had fallen in love with both Brodie (Authentically, Izzy) and Matt (Positively, Penelope) (though Brodie a bit more), but Luke. Wow, Luke. (Fanning self.) The everyman with the huge heart of pure gold, the sweet personality, the southern drawl, the romantic bent that he fights in himself; this guy is swoony! I enjoyed this “secret royal” story so much. Though this is an overused trope (as hilariously mentioned many times in the book), it was still told in a fresh, fun way. I loved how the whole story unfolded, and how the characters from the first two books were brought back. I liked Ellie and I loved their relationship.

I think my biggest disappointment would be that Josephine is treated so poorly by her Christian family in each of the books. She wasn’t mentioned as much in this book as the first, so it wasn’t a huge deal.

Pepper is an amazing writer. Every book I’ve read of hers has shown her talent, and Loyally Luke is no exception! I adore how Pepper infuses faith in her books so perfectly. Not ever preachy, but seasoned with scripture and love. These are real people who are true Christians, not just in name only. Pepper Basham has a fan for life. She’s proven time and again that her books are on my “read immediately” list.

4 1/2 stars

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

I fell in love with Pepper Basham’s writing when I read the first in this series, Authentically Izzy, and I’m definitely a fan for life after reading Loyally Luke. This was a lovely ending to this series, and my favorite of the three books!

In Loyally, Luke, we get the POV of the third Edgewood sibling as he visits the fictional island where his sister met her Prince Charming. But when Luke literally collides with the woman who turns out to be the princess of Skymar, there’s no way he could ever be interested, right?!?

The banter between the two is great, and my heart melted over the way Luke cared for the children in the orphanage he met as he was helping with a remodel.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
Epistolary novels
Sweet romance
Opposites attract
Princess Bride references
Hallmark-type love stories

Thank you Thomas Nelson for the digital ARC through NetGalley.

I absolutely love the Skymar series by Pepper Basham! This is the third book in the series, so I definitely recommend reading the first two books before diving into Loyally, Luke.

Luke is so perfect. Almost too perfect. He's strong in his faith, compassionate, talented, kind, good with kids. And of course he looks amazing in flannel. He's the whole package!

I just love the relationship between Izzy, Penelope, and Luke. Their texts are hilarious. This book really referenced lots of movies and that made it even more fun. I laughed so hard when Luke realized his situation was similar to Hallmark movies and chick flicks he'd watched with Penelope!

I definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves royalty, witty dialogue, sizzling chemistry without the spice, and of course the Happily Ever After!

Thank you to NetGalley, Pepper Basham, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

I don’t know what to say. I mean, I have ALL the feels right now. I’m sad, I’m happy, I’m sad again. Izzy, Penelope, and Luke have become like family to me, and I’m genuinely going to miss them. I hate that my time with these characters is up. Isn’t that crazy? Or, rather, a testament to Pepper Basham’s stellar storytelling abilities. Her characters are SO well created I feel like they are a part of me. As much as each character’s romance became a thing I rooted for in book 1, 2 and 3, I found myself more drawn to Josephine’s, Izzy’s, Penelope’s, and Luke’s family dynamics. I love how they do family. They are clearly unique human beings with their own talents, passions, dreams, and foibles. And they each accept that about one another. They not only accept it, they encourage each other to be exactly their true selves. The love and support, no matter what, is my favorite aspect to this family. I love Josephine’s craziness and her matchmaking ways (And I have to say, there is a Josephine revelation at the end of Loyally, Luke that had me laughing so hard tears streamed down my face. Be prepared to laugh hard!). I love Izzy’s literariness and courage to follow her dreams. I love Penelope’s creativeness and zest for life. She is literal walking sunshine. But it has always been Luke who truly captured my heart from book one. And not because he is a hot book-boyfriend. Nope…it’s because he is the single best brother I have ever read in the history of books.

I am drawn to Luke because he is the brother I wish I had. He is so good. Yeah, he’s a boy, so he pokes fun and annoys and is sarcastic, but he is fiercely loyal, the right kind of protective, and genuinely kind, compassionate, and supportive. He sees who people really are and makes it safe to be that person. When you’re around Luke, there is no shame in being who God made you to be, quirks and all. If you made mistakes in your past, Luke doesn’t hold them against you. And when you are around Luke, there’s no room for fear. You see, Luke is a dragon slayer. Whatever the dragon may be — fear, anxiety, uncertainty, a broken door hinge, whatever! — Luke says and does what is necessary in order to help get a person back on track. Making a mistake in front of Luke is OK because he is never going to hate you, leave you, or think badly of you. He may have some manly sage advice to share, and it will probably be inspired by movies like Rambo and Jason Bourne, but he’s still going to love you. Izzy is right when she tells Luke that he is kryptonite to a broken heart. I wish more people were like Luke. The world would be a much better place.

Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham is an exceptional conclusion to what has been one of the best Contemporary Romance series I’ve ever read. I will absolutely miss my time with these characters, but I am super excited to see what Basham has in store for us readers next. I’m positive it will be as amazing as this Skymar series has been.

I received a galley copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. I basically didn’t like anything about it from the very beginning. The fact that so much of it is told through texts (which don’t even read like texts people actually send in real life) and very long, detailed emails (also didn't seem authentic) was not very engaging. The writing in general didn’t seem very polished. The meet-cute was two people being needlessly rude to each other for the most absurd reason. Penelope kept talking about the meet-cute incessantly. I haven’t read the first two books in this series but judging by Penelope’s texts I would be even less interested in reading her book than Luke’s. The dialogue was stilted and seemed old-fashioned somehow? This just was not the book for me.

This book had a cute premise and it seems most people enjoy it! Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I didn't love the writing style and all the text message conversations. I ended up DNFing. I might try it again at some point.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and the author for this ARC!

Oh man, I adore grumpy Luke. Of course they both start out on the grumpy side. Their meet cute isn't all that "cute". Talk about starting off on the wrong foot. Doesn't take too long for them to begin to see the good in each other though.
I love Luke's relationship with his sisters. Their text conversations are pretty fun. This book had a better balance of narrative to text/email communication.
I enjoyed the gentle poking fun at itself in this romance. Every step of the relationship could all be part of a romcom or Hallmark movie that he claims to despise so much.
I haven't managed to read the first book in this series yet but I enjoyed the second one and loved this one even more. It was pretty delightful.
Favorite part of the story... the press conference. It was very romantic without their being a word of romance in it, all because he did it for Ellie.
An enjoyable read.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Rating 3.5 - but rounding up.

I didn't love this book - it started off great, there was a lot of potential for a fun story between a princess and a regular guy. I loved their meet cute and how angry they were at each other, but then it just fell flat for me towards the second half.

The ending is sweet and I enjoyed the book, it did just feel like a modern version of most historical fiction books. Potentially we didn't get enough of the back stories of the characters and it didn't feel like the development or arcs really concluded properly.

I've read the first book from the same series and I enjoyed that one a lot better.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Read: April 2024

This third book is the capstone of the trifecta that is the Skymar series! Luke was my favourite sibling from the beginning of book one. Each book was somehow better than the last!

Luke is a manly man that ends up meeting a Skymarian princess (unbeknownst to him initially!) and taking a liking to her after an unimpressive initial meet.

He becomes a safe space for her to be a “regular” person and he is wow’d by her beauty, strength, and care for the kids at the orphanage he’s renovating.

Ellie is a young woman who made some poor choices in her past due to the restrictions of a childhood illness and the demands of her royal position. She wants to be true to herself yet honour her parents and Skymarians by fulfillling her station as a reinstated royal. Suddenly she finds herself discovering love that began out of a beautiful friendship. Will she always have to sacrifice something or can she have it all?

After Luke learns of Ellie’s position and her back story, the two attempt to establish a platonic friendship, believing their two different worlds cannot meet. But will sister Penelope’s Hallmark fairy dust find them?

This novel has a lot of great humour, loveable characters, sweet children, great community, and oodles of sigh-worthy romance. You find yourself wanting to keep turning the pages yet not wanting it to end.

I cannot recommend this series enough because it’s smart, fun, and chock full of romance—without any corn! You can’t help but smile (and maybe squeal a bit) as you visit Skymar! You may also develop an affinity for flannel and fishing as a side effect but it’s all good!

***I was graciously provided an advanced reader copy by Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinion are mine alone.

Romance? Ugh. Hallmark movies. Puh-lease. Princesses? You’ve got to be kidding.
That pretty much sums up Luke Edgewood’s views on all things romantic. But when his life begins to look more and more like a RomCom movie plot playing out IRL, what’s a bearded, flannel-wearing carpenter from Appalachia to do?
Loyally, Luke is all the tropes, all the Hallmark moments, all the sighs . . . but will it be all the happily ever after?
Pepper Basham’s third book starring the Edgewoods is packed with laugh-out-loud, make-you-think, and melt-your-heart moments. Though it would be great read alone, readers will find the story so much richer if they first read Authentically, Izzy and Positively, Penelope.
Love, love, love this book!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A princess and a …just a regular guy? This novel wants us to fall in love with the story of a standoffish princess and a flannel wearing guy.

If mostly works. This book was cute if not a little simple. The characters and their motivations were clear and who doesn’t love a royal love story? It’s part of a series that you don’t have to read the first books, but it helps.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I would like to thank netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely end to the trilogy.

When Luke travels to Skymar to fix up some old buildings, he's definitely not looking for romance. In fact, after two of his siblings found happily ever afters in Skymar, he's a bit leery of the place! But even that fact never prepared him for meeting the woman who could have been his match - if it weren't so impossible. Unfortunately, impossible it is, and it soon becomes clear that getting out with his heart intact will be equally impossible. Can Ellie overcome her scandalous reputation and show her people what she really is now: a mature woman ready to serve others? And when family and duty pull Ellie and Luke in opposite directions, can they find a solution that will let them be together?

If you've read previous books in the series, you'll have a fair idea what to expect, so I need only say that this is just as good and you should definitely read it. For those who haven't, you're really in for a treat. The book is full of heart but also has plenty of humour, great characters (including supporting characters), a beautiful setting, some hilarious text exchanges, and a deeply satisfying ending (oh, and get ready to read the others when you finish, because you won't be able to resist!). I've tried to analyse what I love so much about this series, but I'm having no more luck with this books than previous ones - there's something about them that makes them impossible to put down but also dangerous to read while with others (you'll laugh, guaranteed). Best of all, I think Luke has been my favourite of the siblings overall, so to finally see him get the happy ending he so much deserves is great. All in all, a great read and a great end to the series - though I'm very sorry to see it end. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

DNF @ 30% —> skim the rest.

In the beginning, I thought this was a unique story with lots of potential. However, as I read on, this book felt like a crossover between The Princess Diaries 2 and Bridgerton without having any of its own independent development.

The characters felt very flat to me. The writing did not grip or hook me.

The text messages/town gossip column at the beginning of each chapter we are the only locations in which any palpable personality was felt. I read some other reviews that said “the other two books in the series support the epistolary format being similar to You’ve Got Mail.” However, this book is being marketed as an interconnected standalone therefore, I disagree with that sentiment. Additionally, there was no development or personality outside of these parts. Finally, all of the on page comparisons to the story “being like a movie” in every other chapter were too cliché for me.

I would definitely give this author another chance if there were enough reviews from sources that I trust saying the writing is vibrant, developed, and unique.

Y'all, I have loved Pepper's series set on Skymar and I've been begging for Luke's book. Harassing. Needling. Begging shamelessly since August. I got my hands on a copy and inhaled it. I laughed outloud. Multiple times. I may have cried. Seriously! I grinned like a fool. I loved it. Go preorder it now. I enjoyed the prior two books in the series... a lot. But I adored this one. Luke is the perfect hero. Perfect. He may be my first book crush since Gilbert Blythe.

I absolutely LOVED this book, it was exactly what i needed to get out of my reading slump!! So heartfelt and sweet and I may have found my new favorite book boyfriend lol

There's a clear link between romcoms and Hallmark movies. Some novels acknowledge that in sly little winks or brief mentions. Some pretend they're not connected at all. And some - like this one - bludgeon the reader with that link at every turn, having characters discuss it and the narration draw parallels every time anything happens. Sadly this doesn't make it subversive or funny, it just points out how similar the plots are - I very nearly cringed at the scene where Luke explains the 'royalty undercover' trope to Ellie, who at the time is very much undercover! Readers should also be aware, although it didn't bother me, both characters are (undefined) religious and there are mentions of praying and reading devotionals - it's not heavy handed but I know there are readers who don't want any mention of religion at all in their reading.

Although the blurb doesn't mention it, this is the third in a connected series of novels. Events and characters from those novels are constantly mentioned without any context; I would recommend starting with those rather than this one to avoid confusion. I was able to follow the basics but I was definitely missing parts of the story.

Romcoms by their nature are predictable, but they can be well written. I found this one was not interesting to read; there were no surprises at any point. I could have predicted it, point for point, from the summary and the first chapter. The writer constantly mentioned the same points, like Luke's self-effacing nature and Ellie's orange scent - honestly, every single time they met Luke noticed the 'light orange scent that seemed to follow her around'. It's really put me off using orange scents!

I did enjoy the banter between Luke and Ellie; the author has a good hand with dialogue, keeping it light and fun. While "Loyally, Luke" may appeal to readers seeking a comforting dose of familiar romantic tropes and witty dialogue, I personally found the lack of surprises and the constant reminders of rom-com clichés to be uninteresting. But there are readers out there who are going to love this one, and I hope they find it.

LOYALLY, LUKE- Pepper Basham
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9780840716583
E-book ISBN: 9780840716729
May 14, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Scotland- Present Day

When Luke Edgewood gets off the plane in Scotland all he wants is a cup of coffee. While waiting in line to place his order, he spots an attractive woman. He stares at her. After all there is no harm in just staring. Finally placing his order and receiving it, he tastes it, only to find that it tastes like something with a floral flavor. He ordered black coffee. He mistakenly took the coffee of the woman he had been staring at. She accuses him of trying to meet her on purpose and Luke is taken aback.

Princess Elliana St. Clare is used to people trying to meet her which annoys her. When a man takes her coffee, she assumes it is a ruse to meet her, but she is too smart for him. After telling him in no uncertain terms that she is not interested, she goes on her way. Little do both know that they soon will be working together to help orphan children.

That is the start of something good in LOYALLY, LUKE. Luke is a man’s man. As a stonemason and carpenter, he considers himself a practical guy who knows he has emotions but tries not to deal with them too much. Princess Elliana, Ellie for short, has had a lot happen to her and all of it recorded in the media. After spending years acting out and getting in trouble, she is ready to take her place in her family as a working princess.

While it seems at first they have nothing in common, Luke has qualities that help Ellie navigate this new version of herself. Luke, being burned by a woman who thought to change him, is attracted to Ellie but does not see how they can be together with his life in Virginia. Part of the joy of reading LOYALLY, LUKE is figuring out how the two of them are going to get together.

A super sweet and super cute with plenty of humor, LOYALLY, LUKE is a great way to spend a few hours. Go out and grab a copy.


Avis Yarbrough

Well, this is what I get for not looking up an author beforehand (in my defense, it was not listed as such on NetGalley).

But this Jewish reviewer just read a Christian romance.

Here's your warning if you've never read Pepper Basham and just thought "oh, a cute cover" like I did: this is a Christian romance. There is a fair amount of talking about God and how God plays a role in their lives. It's not the end-all of the story, but it's definitely worth being advertised as such.

I am trying to stay objective, ignoring the Christianity talk, in this review. There were definitely some things I really liked here. The epistolary style of writing, the date scenes (the tree one was a definite winner), the clear love letter to Hallmark movies. But there were a few things that made this book fall flat to me.
1) We are told over and over again that Luke is this gruff, grumpy man, but we never see it. All we see are flannels and toxic masculinity with how much he hates any mention of "girly" things.
2) If his masculinity ever came into question, never fear: he will remind us of how much he loves Rambo or Indiana Jones. And how much Ellie was "not like other girls" for understanding his movie references to, you know, some of the best known movies of all time
3) As much as this was a love letter to Hallmark movies, if you forgot, the reminder will be shoved down your throat. I felt my eyes glazing over after the tenth mention in a chapter.
4) Skymar is just...not a well-written country? Like it just feels like Walmart Scotland but then Scotland still exists in this universe? Also, what kind of country name is Skymar? At least Disney realms have names that feel apropos. I could go off on this for a while. I loved the small-town setting, and I loved the trope of the undercover princess, but the country itself missed the mark.
5) The orphanage. It's 2024. It made my insides feel a bit gross how it was all like "oh, the poor orphans!" As if it were a scene in Annie.. But maybe this is mission trip type stuff and I just don't know that because I'm Jewish.
6) Last, but certainly not least: the snowstorm in mid-May. If the author really wanted to include that scene, a classic and mainstay of Christmas Hallmark movies, set the darn story in March. Not May.

I hope this review makes sense for those who do like Christian romances, that my rating is not just because it's not my faith. I think faith-based romance is important. I think closed-door romance is important. Especially when it's kissing only and not alluding to more! But there were a lot of flaws in this story that made me sorely disappointed.