A Run at Love is book two in author Toni Shiloh’s Love in the Spotlight series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Piper McKinney has it all…almost. She’d been adopted by a wonderful couple who have given her an amazing life on their Thoroughbred Farm in Kentucky. She just needs some freedom to forge her own path. Taking the reins on her life, she buys some property and a racehorse, praying this is the start of something phenomenal.
Tucker Hale has been Piper’s best friend since childhood, now working for her folks. He is a man that always has a plan. Though by her actions, he agrees to become her head trainer.
These two best friends love each other fiercely, though neither have admitted it! Will they ever take the leap and confess their feelings for one another? Will their friendship last throughout the deep valleys they are about to travel through? You will most definitely want to find out in A Run at Love! Plus it has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is my own.

Toni Shiloh's "A Run at Love" is a captivating and poignant tale of ambition, identity, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of the competitive world of horse racing, the novel follows Piper McKinney, a Black woman defying societal norms to make her mark in the industry. Piper's relentless pursuit of her dream to win the Kentucky Derby is met with a myriad of challenges, including prejudice and scrutiny surrounding her past as a transracial adoptee. Amidst the turmoil, she finds solace in Tucker Hale, her best friend and trainer. Tucker harboring unspoken feelings for Piper, devises a plan to train her horse to victory, hoping to prove his worth. Their journey is punctuated by a media scandal that threatens to unravel everything they have worked for. Piper and Tucker must confront their pasts, navigate societal expectations, and fight for their love and dreams. Shiloh masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of characters, exploring themes of identity, race, and the pursuit of excellence. Piper's resilience and determination as she faces adversity are both inspiring and relatable. Tucker's unwavering support and willingness to embrace change are equally endearing. The love story between the two characters is both tender and passionate, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. Shiloh's writing is evocative and engaging, immersing the reader in both the thrilling world of horse racing and the personal struggles of her characters. Her portrayal of the challenges faced by marginalized individuals is nuanced and thought-provoking, fostering empathy and understanding. "A Run at Love" is not merely a love story or a sports novel. It is a powerful and timely exploration of race, identity, and the human spirit. Shiloh has crafted a story that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.

I loved reading Tuck and Piper's story in A Run at Love, the guys' group text messages, and a glimpse into the horse racing world.
Piper struggles with being adopted as a Black person into a wealthy white family and is wanting to move out and become independent. Tuck is a planner and has to learn to let go.
Shiloh delivers a fabulous contemporary romance story with faith elements, realistic characters who have their own flaws and struggles, and a romance between two best friends who had grown up most of their lives together.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Toni Shiloh's novels and this one is a romance with heart. Piper has never quite fit in as a black woman who was adopted by a white family. She feels grateful yet a little unsettled. Now she's trying hard to find her place in the horse racing world that she loves, and she's doing it with her best friend Tuck beside her. He's trying hard to ignore the crush he's had on her for years as he helps her chase her Derby dreams. When her parents are accused of doping their horses and her life begins to feel like it's falling apart in pieces, he's the constant, but will either of them be willing to risk their friendship to take a run at love? This is a sweet story that will tug you back to the pages until you reach the end.