This audio made the reading experience for this book even more enjoyable than it already was reading it physically. I loved how the narrator brought the characters to life.

Basham’s writing is both engaging and lyrical, immersing readers in the warm and inviting atmosphere of the town. The vivid descriptions of the landscapes and the bond between humans and dogs create a rich backdrop that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. The author's love for animals shines through, adding an endearing layer to the story that resonates with dog lovers and romance enthusiasts alike. Overall, "Loyally Luke" is a delightful read that combines romance with themes of loyalty and personal growth. Pepper Basham has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and inspiring, reminding readers of the beauty of second chances and the bonds that tie us together. This book is sure to leave a lasting impression, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt romantic escape.

3.75 ⭐️

Let me preface this by stating that I did not know this was the third book in a series when I started reading it. That being said there is some back-and-forth communication at the beginning of the story where I had no clue what was going on and I was thinking of DNFing the book. I ended up reading the book to the end.

I figured this book was going to be like any other normal and a royal fall in love book, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was actually an attempt to make it seem that they would not end up together. It wasn’t a major roadblock and you could still see the ending coming but I appreciated the effort.

I had a fun time reading this book. In fact, I am going to find the first two books in the series and read those as well.

I rated it down because it was pretty predictable and I thought it could have done a lot more, but was still an enjoyable read.

**Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**

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.

These characters were so cute! The narrator was perfect! I loved the story and it was so sweet! I enjoyed this book! The characters were lovely and so was the narrator. I was engaged and the writing was interesting!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a copy!

Loved the story, the narraotors did a perfect job in drawing our attention!!! Thankyou to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for this ALC inexchange for an honest review!!🥰💗 RTC <3

I tried, but I just didn't love this book or really couldn't get into it. It was an alright read. I thought the plot was very cliched, despite its endearing qualities.Character Luke exemplified the archetypal Prince Charming. His need to be THE MAN was the root of the problem. The one who is powerful and who refuses to let his tenderness or love for romance water down his manhood. His tenderness and romanticism are plot twists. It had some good aspects, such being light and predictable, but I felt bored with it after 20% because I knew everything that was going to happen. It had a great cast of narrators. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced listening copy for an honest review.

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.

Pepper Basham is such a fun writer! Pretty sure I already loved Luke before I read this book because he is also in Authentically Izzy (which was great too!). I can tell you, something that I LOVE in books is good 'ol fun, flirty, and whitty banter. Basham is SO GOOD at banter! I also really love all the text threads betweek Luke, Izzy and Penelope- their family dynamic is spot on and just feels so so real.
This is a great stand-alone, clean romance, but if you want to read Authentically Izzy and Positively Penelope first, you will already know these characters and be itching to jump into Luke's story! Loved him and Grace. What a sweet read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for this ARC.

Loyally Luke will likely appeal to fans of Hallmark movies. I wasn’t aware this was part of a series, so my perspective comes from reading it as a standalone. While I didn’t feel like I missed crucial details, not having read the previous books may have made it harder for me to connect with the characters.

If you're into cliché romance, constant trope shout-outs, and movie references with a sweet, happy ending, this book will be right up your alley. It’s so sugary, it could give you a cavity. However, I found the characters lacking in chemistry and depth, and the narration didn’t help.

For those seeking a romance packed with every trope—secret royalty, forbidden love, friends-to-lovers, fake dating—this book has it all. The author embraces the cheesiness and pokes fun at it, which I give her credit for. While the right audience will enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

OMG! Luke was an amazing MMC! I loved his interactions with the little girls at the orphanage, those heartfelt moments made him the best. I really liked how Luke and Ellie were practically living a Hallmark romance with plenty of comical moments sprinkled in. I also loved all the nerdy movie references!

To be honest I did not finish this book. It was absolutely too cheesy. And this from a cozy mystery reader!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

Heartwarmingly sweet rom-com! I didn't realize when I requested it that it was considered a Christian romance, which isn't really my thing but honestly- while it pretty obviously has Christian undertones throughout the book, it also isn't overwhelmingly so and was still enjoyable even if you are not a Christian. The narrators did a good job as well.

I loved this book so much! Luke is the BEST! It was a joy to return to Skymar with these delightful characters. I loved Ellie, she was such a great character and I loved how multi-faceted she was! It was tons of fun to watch Luke’s reactions to the romcom-ish, Hallmark movie worthy scenario he found himself in!

I loved this so much. The story, the characters, the writing...everything was just so good and so much fun. The title was actually what made me want to read this book and I still think the title fits the book perfectly.

I am reviewing for the audible version. The storyline was cute but it was confusing with all the voices of the characters. Especially when Luke's family would be talking to each other. Luke was a gentleman and was perfect for Ellie. Glad that Ellie found her happily ever after with everything she had been through. Felt like the story dragged a bit with the repeating of why they couldn't be together. I received this for my honest opinion.

I loved the humor in this story and how alot of it progresses through text messages. A light hearted read that will have you smiling to the end. I received an audio copy and wasn't required to give a good review. The story was great, but the voice of Luke's sister was a bit too much for me, but all in all good especially if you like rom-com.

First I want to thank to NetGalley, author and publisher for offering me a copy of "Loyally Luke" in exchange for my honest review.

This is a sweet and heartwarming story that will leave you smiling. The characters are lovable, especially Luke, who is so loyal and caring. The book has a gentle, feel-good vibe, with just the right amount of romance.

The ending is especially cute and happy, tying everything together in a way that feels satisfying.

If you’re looking for a light, uplifting read, this book is a great choice.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Pepper Basham, and the audio cast (Christopher Ashman; K.C. Sheridan; Kathleen McInerney; Natalie Duke; Gary Furlong; Caitlin Davies; Mhairi Morrison) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Loyally, Luke in exchange for an honest review.

This is the kind of novel that reminds me of those wholesome meet-cutes where someone travels and they meet "the one" over some work happenstance. The scenario is done well and thoroughly enjoyable, and the pacing is great. This is a perfect little (Christian) rom-com.

A Call to Action
Luke Edgewood lives a simple life in the United States countryside. His sister, Penelope, believes taking on a job in a European country, Skymar, will give him the romantic opportunities he needs. Just because he is a thirty year old bachelor sure doesn't mean he is interested in romance. He loves his coffee and spending time with his dogs, and he enjoys his job. Why would he want romance? Luke accepts the job, but not necessarily for the adventure, but rather to put his construction skills to work on repairing an orphanage.

The Meet-Cute
Luke encounters a girl at the airport who seems somewhat irritating, though she does happen to look just like Grace Kelly. At least beyond the airport he never has to see her again. Though of course she is the manager of the orphanage project. Just great! And Luke's sister can't get enough with pestering him about romance and how everything will turn out. Luke doesn't want any of it, but as he works on the orphanage repairs and gets to know Aliana better, he finds she is quite the perfect match. Too bad he doesn't know she is a princess!

Final Thoughts
While certainly full of cliches in the romance genre, the writing is fun, and the approach is wholesome. The use of the meet-cute and slight enemies-to-lovers is a great way to set the stage for the relationship to come between the two main characters. The nerdy elements make the characters more fun and maintains the contemporary feel, even as the reader gets lost in the island of Skymar. This is truly a novel any romance lover will enjoy.

It always amuses me when a character is very anti-Hallmark movie but the on-running joke is how they're living a Hallmark movie - unbelievable, wildest tropes, all the feels. This one was that but with the familiarity of characters I'd read before in previous books in the fictional nation of Skymar as this was a continuation of a series that I didn't realize I'd started. I forgot it was marked as a Christian book by the time I read it but for others who aren't particularly religious, it was all in line with Bible-belt US south and not incredibly heavy handed.
Carpenter and Stonemason Luke comes to Skymar to see his sister and do some renovations on a local cottage when he's also recruited to help with renovations on a local orphanage where he befriends not only several of the kids but one of their benefactors - one of the daughters of the royal family who has taken on the region as a champion for their needs. Elianna's royal status isn't discussed among the townspeople and orphanage, which leaves Luke in the dark as their friendship grows. However, the royal life and the life of a quiet man from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the USA is bound to get a little tricky, and very rom-comy.

#arc
#netgalley
#loyallyluke