The book was cute. The narration was great. I do think it was too long for what it was. I also wasn’t a huge fan of all the hallmark and God references, a bit cringy.

I really enjoyed this story. I have enjoyed the other books in this series because I think the characters are fun and imperfect but I love seeing them find their true loves. I loved how Luke fell for a princess and the impossibility of their situation. I liked how their romance developed and how the author was able to come up with a believable solution for them being together. I loved how the story is a mix of text messages and narration. I think that makes the story unique and a fun one to read. I would definitely recommend this book and this whole series. I also loved the narrators and how they read the story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Initially I didn't realize this was the third in a series but after finding it out it helped explained the involvement of so many characters who didn't really add anything to the story.

This is a squeaky-clean romance with some grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, royal romance, tropes going on. I love romance regardless of if it's spicy or clean, but I also really like subtlety and this book had none of it. It seemed like it was almost calling itself out for how cheesy and obvious it was.

I did not enjoy this book. I did it as an audiobook and while I can appreciate a full cast of characters the accents were not great. The production was a good quality.

It didn't seem like there was any chemistry at all between the two main characters. As a reader I didn't feel like there was anything that made me care about their story. I also feel like using texts/emails to express dialogue is lazy when used to the extent it was in this book. I understand I didn't read the other books in this series, but I felt that Luke's sisters were super annoying.

I can't give this book a good review based on my experience reading it as a standalone, but I would consider reading the other books to see if it changes my impression of this one.

A sweet, opposites attract, dual POV Royal romance between Ellie, a Skymar Duchess and Luke, the American carpenter who travels to her country to help renovate an orphanage. As the two work closer together they try to come to terms with the short-term nature of their friendship but feelings get real quickly (as they always do) and there's a perfect Notting Hill esque grand gesture ending.

While I found this one a touch long, I did enjoy all the text message exchanges between Luke's sisters who feature in the previous two books of the series - their cameos were a lot of fun. Recommended if you enjoy a light-hearted, kissing only romance that is sure to put a smile on your face. It was also really good on audio with a full cast of narrators.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I look forward to more in this series if Luke's third sister hopefully gets her own story next!

Loyally, Luke is the third book in the Skymar series. While I think you might have some better understanding of the family dynamics in Luke's family if you've read the previous books, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

I must admit, I didn't expect to love this book nearly as much as I did. While I enjoyed the previous two books in the series enough to keep reading them, they weren't my favorite books by Pepper Basham. Part of that, I think, was the epistolary style that those were written in. I enjoyed them by the end, but it always took me a little longer to get into. While this book does have a lot of fantastic sibling text threads and emails too, it's overall written in a more traditional style. That definitely may have played a part in my enjoyment, but honestly, a lot of that was just Luke himself. This was such a great character. I'd enjoyed him in the previous books, but his own love story was absolute perfection. Growing up the only boy, he knows more than he'd like about Hallmark movies and romcoms... but her certainly never planned to be living one in real life! And yet, that's exactly what happens when he finds himself falling for a real-life princess. I loved the pop culture references and his need to balance out his sisters influence with action flicks... but he's ultimately the biggest sweetheart and it was hard not to be charmed by this fantastic story. There were so many moments that had me laughing out loud and I couldn't get enough.

If you're looking for a great Christian romance that will have you laughing out loud and swooning at the same time, this is absolutely one not to be missed.

As for the audiobook version, it was fantastically done too. The narrators did an amazing job of bringing this story to life!

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was a cute, clean romance. This is the third book in the Skymar series. I haven’t read the first two books, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything. It can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed the setting of the story, a small European country and I liked all of the side characters. There are a lot of side characters to get to know in this book. Luke and Ellie were cute and I enjoyed their romance. Though at times, I did find Ellie a bit annoying. I appreciated how the book ended with a compromise and a HEA.

If you are looking for a cute, clean royal romance, then I recommend you read this book.

Read if you like:
👑 Clean romance
👑 Royal romances
👑 Forbidden love
👑 Hallmark movies

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and to the author, Pepper D. Basham, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Audio version of this book and found it a struggle to get through. Not that the story was not interesting, I have a hard time connecting with a book if I do not connect with the narrators. I have not read the other books in the series and perhaps if I had I would have found it more interesting for the cameo/crossovers. I never like to yuck someones yum, so I think my review should be taken with a grain of salt.

DNF at 41%

Every single character, save the female main, is unbearably annoying. The worst is the main, Luke. At one point after realizing he finds a woman attractive he actually says “gross, romance” or “ew, girls” or some other iteration. Apparently being a masculine manly man means you don’t ever have soft feelings towards women- at all. Upon realizing he likes the way the love interest smells he actually says he better go home to watch Rambo to save his manhood. In fact, in the 40% I suffered through, Rambo is mentioned at least SIX times.

I had no idea this was the third in a series as I got it as an advanced audiobook courtesy of Harper Collins. Safe to say I probably won’t be picking up the first two stories.

Thank you Harper Collins for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A rom-com full of hilarious rom-com references and terminology?! You don’t have to ask me twice-sign me up! Luke, a gruff, southern contractor, has temporary work in Scotland and meets and begrudgingly falls for a princess. I enjoyed that this book focused on the male main character, a departure from then norm, and included epistolary elements too. This book is the third in the Skymar Series by the author, but I went into it blind and despite a few spoilers of how the first two end (typical rom-com endings), it was easy to follow and a cute story. The Southern accent that the male narrator used for Luke’s thoughts and the female narrator’s Scottish accent were full of charm and made the characters come to life, and I also enjoyed the full cast for the supporting characters too. Can I take a moment to mention this cover design too?!…you had me at the pencil tucked behind the flannel, too belt wearing, scruffy bearded man staring at his nemesis in a field of flowers.

The audiobook was overwhelming so I did not end up finishing it. It was hard to keep up with all the narrators especially during the text conversations. I couldn't keep track of what voice was whose as they only said the name the first time.
And it mentioned an accompanying enhancement pdf. I feel like the kinda defeats the purpose of having the audiobook. Maybe I'm just not familiar with this option though.
Additionally, it got really weird when he was drinking his coffee. He was overly into his coffee that it seemed off. I know that is really specific but it was a strange way to describe how he reacted to the coffee. It felt like he was going to make love to it.

I knew going into this book I would fall for Luke after getting a peek at his character in the first two books in this series, but I didn't' realize I would fall for him this hard. What a fantastic hero!
This story was charming. It felt like a warm summer day or a sweet hug. The characters were all so genuine and I absolutely loved how the story itself was written with a full cast, featuring dual POV and some delightful texts and messages between other characters. The audiobook version was delightful to listen to as it featured a full cast production and each narrator did so well with their individual characters, it brought it to life, I could have been watching a Hallmark movie listening to this story.
Speaking of Hallmark, this story cracked me up with all the funny references to Hallmark movies and their common plots and tropes. I loved the way the author wove that into the plot itself. It just added to the overall charm. The royal falling for a commoner and overcoming obstacles, including hidden identity, was so sweet.
Back to Luke and my new found crush on him as a fictional character, I loved so much how he SAW Ellie for who she truly was and the way he made even her smallest dreams come true. He's practically perfect. I enjoyed their moments together so much.
If you're in the mood for a cute, feel-good novel, make sure to pick this book up.
I listened to an advance listening copy of this novel from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio on Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thought the audiobook was AMAZING! I loved the detail to have various cast members!

This is my first time reading a Christian fiction novel, so to see how the Pepper Basham included these themes into the narrative, specifically how God's presence in Luke's life influences his thoughts and decisions, was fascinating! While the mentions of Him were frequent, at least to someone that doesn't identify with any particular religion like myself, they never felt out of place or forced.

Luke was kinda-sorta giving toxic masculinity, which, given the character's traits and beliefs, made sense? The constant references to "manly" movies were a bit cringe.

Skymar seems like such a charming place to live with just the right amount of small-town feel, it was a perfect setting! Because of that, I couldn't help feeling a twinge of sadness when Ellie decided to move to the US, but ultimately, if she's happy, I'm happy!

The family dynamic between Luke and his sisters was a highlight to read, I adored they teased their brother, but made sure to remind him of his worth and supported his decisions.
Ellie's contact and friend, Maeve, however... REALLY got on my nerves, especially with her repeated jokes about taking Luke for herself.

I would have loved to delve deeper into their histories instead of the glimpses we did get. Luke's emotional growth throughout the book is evident, and it's heartwarming to see him fall in love.
Despite this being the third book in the Skymar series, it was my first introduction! I plan on reading the other two now when I can.
This novel has a great balance of romance, faith, and love - give it a try!

Loyally, Luke is a sweet Christian romance. I really enjoyed reading this novel! Luke is working on a renovation project when he meets Ella. Just as their romance begins, he finds out her secret: she’s a princess! The plot was great as well as the romance. I loved the characters. The only criticism I have is that there could have been more faith content. Highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading more by this author. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

YouTube Review: 05/08/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

I have enjoyed this fun series and Loyally, Luke was a great addition to it. Luke is such a likable, good guy, not to mention swoon-worthy flannel loving carpenter. He is in Skymar to do some remodel work. As the only boy in a family of three sisters, two biological and one a cousin raised by his parents, Luke knows more about girl movies than a fellow should. To compensate, he watches plenty of action flicks, like Rambo, Mission Impossible, and others. This is a lighthearted and humorous story with laugh out loud moments and with many sweet and romantic ones as Luke works on an orphanage with and develops a friendship with Ellie, a real princess. There is an attraction but how can a country boy from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina have more with a real princess? Sweet romance with a foundation of faith. I recommend for those who love romance in an impossible situation.

I wanted to note before anyone states this is a Christian Publishing Agent which means this book has Christian themes. There is a lack of physical intimacy described which is refreshing. I enjoyed the lack of Smut in this book as I find it overwhelming in a majority of books. The things I did not like were the multiple voices for every POV. It became too much, and the voices tended to be high pitched more than usual. This is a sweet book and while cheesy it was well done. I do think this is one of the rare times I would prefer to physically read the book over listening. The audio was though not as bad as others in the past. Another issue I did not like was the man having a strong stereotypical macho attitude. It really promotes unhealthy aspects but it was only pieces here and there. Overall, I do find it sweet and refreshing and would recommend the book to book clubs. I would rate it a solid 3 on audio and 3.5 on the book.

My heart is full is full to bursting with bibliophile rapture! I. Can’t. Even….

My brain is scrambled and my tummy hurts from laughing so hard and my knees are still buckling in preparation for a swoon every time I stand. Because Luke is the hero of my heart. The best of all book boyfriends.

I’ve anticipated this book since first meeting Luke in ‘Authentically Izzy’ to the point I was almost nervous to read it because my expectations were so high. Happy to report that Pepper Basham did not disappoint and neither did the stellar cast of performers who narrated the audio book. Seven narrators!!! Christopher Ashman, K.C. Sheridan, Kathleen McInerney, Natalie Duke, Gary Furlong, Caitlin Davies and Mhairi Morrison. They all did a brilliant job of bringing these characters to life and I think avid audio ‘readers’ will be thrilled with their listening experience. I sure was!

So…if you’ve been following this series, ‘Loyally Luke’ delivers exactly what you’d expect…times a billion! So much fun! The meet-cute! Snicker. Cue the banter that doesn’t let up the whole read through. And let me tell you, I was already in love with grumpy Luke, but flirty Luke about did me in. My fainting couch needs new springs!

One thing I found interesting is that the author mixed up the format in this third book where the emails and messages are interspersed with ‘live action’ scenes. If you’ve read one of the other books in this series, this will make sense (I hope) but if you haven’t, I’ve likely totally confused you. Explanation: The first two books are written in epistolary format for the first half and then switching to a combination of emails/texts and ‘in the moment’ POVs for the rest of the story. In this one, there’s definitely less emails and texting and the book starts on in real time with Luke just off the plane as he arrives in Skymar. I enjoy both styles, but I know some people aren’t a fan of epistolary novels so this strikes a happy medium.

We still get enough Izzy and Penelope (and even Josephine) input (Luke’s sisters/cousin) through their correspondence, which kept me grinning, because they go all Disney Princess on him in a big way much to his consternation. There are so many wonderfully clever movie references which become quite hysterical because it’s Luke realizing he’s caught in the snare of one of his sisters’ romcoms. He kept needing to watch Rambo to centre himself. Bwahahaha! But there is no getting away from all those romantic tropes!

And his princess’s story? Heartbreaking and inspiring. The paparazzi — Gah! We occasionally get the point of view of a gossip columnist which set me off every time. (And scary to contemplate, but Pepper Basham would make an excellent tabloid reporter!)

Gah — there’s so much more to gush over but this review is way too long. You just need to read this book — the whole series, really — and then we can form a Luke fan club and gush to our hearts content.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

This is the third book in the Skymar series. Luke was featured in the first two and whole this is a standalone story, it is best enjoyed having read the others. You really come to understand the family relationship and Luke's personality in those books before getting to his story.

I will begin by mentioning that I listened to this book, as I did the others. I really thought the narrators, especially the male narrator, made the story in the other books. His accents were perfection. This audiobook is a bit different than the others. They each had a male and a female narrator. This one has a FULL CAST! This is the first book I have listened to with a full cast reading it. I loved it so much! I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley, and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Thomas Nelson. I specifically didn't request an advanced ebook because I knew I wanted to listen to this. That being said, I would have liked to follow along in the ebook some just to see how the print version compared to cast's reading, especially the text messages.

This book does not contain as many emails or text messages as the previous 2 books, and the only negative feeling about the audio I had was the reading of all of the descriptions of the emails especially. I would like to see if this one was written like the others and just read differently because of the different characters or not. But either way, I loved listening to the book!

And I loved the story! It had tongue in cheek nods to romance tropes and Hallmark movies. It was fabulously written. I laughed so many times. And Luke is just the sweetest big lug of a guy there is!

While I did receive the complimentary audio, I am happily and voluntarily leaving my honest review.

DNF at 21% - I enjoyed the grumpy x grumpy, enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes, but I just couldn’t get into the story and the characters. What mostly kept me listening was the love of all the accents and the good narration.

Grumpy exterior/cinnamon roll interior American Luke bumps into a Grace Kelly look-alike who just so happens to be a princess of Skymar. He is going to renovate an orphanage and they start to get close. Told by multiple narrators with letters, texts, and gossip rags. I had read some reviews that the letters that opened each chapter was distracting and confusing, but the narrators had very different voices, and I think that helped to keep the characters straight in my head.

The banter was sweet. I didn't realize that it was a Christian fiction until about halfway in, which I typically do not go for, but it was cute overall. I loved that Luke was hesitant to think that he could be the leading man in a HEA tale.

I didn't read the first two in this series. but this was a nice standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5, cute Royal/commoner romance where he doesn’t know who she is until he’s already head over heels for her

Thank you Netgalley for the audio ARC