This book was surprising but also delightful. The book explores Dr Erykah Kennedy and Chris Gamble’s friends to lovers relationship. The author does close proximity while keeping faith as the focal point really well. This is probably one of the authors heavier themed books, exploring death and grieving which surprised me. It was an enjoyable conclusion to the Love in the Spotlight series and I loved seeing all the characters come together at different points. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own!

Every time I pick up a book by Toni Shiloh I know I'm in for a treat. I have simply adored the Love in the Spotlight series. Some of my favorite parts are the text threads between our three male buddies. A mix of comedy and spiritual hard truths that just really had this reader smiling. And I have been waiting for "gramps" story - aka Christ, the elder friend. Not only was it nice to see a romance between people around my own age, it was nice to see the camaraderie between him and his buddies, despite the age difference.

Now let's talk romance. Shiloh Is. A. Master. Not only does she have all the swoony moments you want in her romances, she's got sizzling chemistry, realistic life issues and how they can interfere with romance, conflict, and such beautiful faith themes. Erykah had something MAJOR happen to her, and man it had be crying. But after that, as she's trying to pick up the pieces with the ruggedly handsome Chris beside her, Shiloh shows real emotion and internal struggle. Even in the midst of heartache we have emotions and natural attractions that can't be helped. And how Shiloh shows that between Erykah and Chris is simply magic.

The Nature of Love is a beautiful addition to an already amazing series. In fact, I think it's my favorite. Shiloh reminds readers that even in darkness there is a light - a light that will lead, guide, and help. There's a reason Shiloh's one of my favorites. And all the pages of this book prove why. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Toni Shiloh’s final novel in the Love in the Spotlight series might just be my favorite. The Nature of Love tells the story of Chris Gamble and Dr. Erykah Kennedy, two characters introduced in the preceding two novels.

I loved this story and loved the characters in this story. Shiloh has written a story of two individuals who had decided that love was out of the picture for them. How they navigate hardships together and fall in love in the process kept me invested in their story. This book is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and faith in the One Who is Love. I always enjoy Shiloh seamless inclusion of prayer in her novels.

Toni Shiloh’s novels just get better and better the more she writes. I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary Christian romance. Shiloh includes enough of a backstory that this book could be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. However, you will definitely want to read the first two novels and enjoy them as well.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a fabulous conclusion to the Love in the Spotlight series! I’ve loved the way Toni Shiloh has featured each of these famous friends finding love. In The Nature of Love, we finally get Chris’ story! He’s the “old man” of the group at just 42. But, when he meets the talented, beautiful orthopedic surgeon Erykah, he may have finally found his match.

Dr. Erykah Kennedy’s achieved quite a lot in her life but the one thing that’s eluded her is love. When she meets Christian Gamble, a wildlife conservationist, while bonding over their same taste in burgers, she’s immediately intrigued. When they meet again, it seems like fate, but when tragedy strikes & Erykah finds herself the guardian of two young nieces, will it put a damper on their budding friendship or bring them closer together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this reverse grumpy/sunshine, friends to more, slow burn, instant attraction romance! Erykah’s always wanted to be a mom, but thrust into instant motherhood is a huge challenge, especially when the children are grieving. Chris is the knight in shining armor who offers his home & his heart as they work through the complications of a new life.

I loved how these mature characters handled this difficult situation. Chris knows this isn’t the right time for romance & tries to maintain a friendship, but the tug for more is there & I loved the way he was so respectful of Erykah & the girls.

Erykah & Chris both have complicated pasts which make them both cautious of a relationship. I loved how real these characters felt & watching them turn past pain into healing & forgiveness. Erykah has a profound faith journey & Chris is right there to help as she works through loss & learning about God.

The two adorable kids in this book definitely grew on me. It’s definitely a challenge being thrust into a completely new environment. I loved the way animals & nature helped in the healing process.

Chris & Erykah aren’t alone in this, & I enjoyed how they relied on both old & new friends to help navigate this new situation. There’s plenty of delightful humor & swoon worthy romance to beautifully balance the grief.

Highly recommend! Thought part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone, but you’ll definitely want to pick up the other books in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

I was so excited that Chris was getting his story, and author Toni Shiloh didn’t disappoint me. This is my favorite book in her Love in the Spotlight series. While you could read The Nature of Love as a stand alone, it will make more sense if you read book 1, A Run at Love, and Book 2, Love Script, because we see the same characters throughout. Each book has a different focus.

Wonderful, well developed characters bring this story to life. Chris is a wildlife conservationist, Erykah is an orthopedic surgeon. Neither are looking for a relationship and are in fact running the other way. Until God causes their paths to cross Yes, God is in this story as well. Shiloh doesn’t shy away from her faith and writes it into her stories in a way that doesn’t feel pushed but natural.

This book has it all. Grief, love, joy, sorrow, friendship, and faith. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

One of my favorite things about the Love in the Spotlight series has been the friendship between Lamont, Tuck, and Chris – from their hilarious banter (and usually-debatable romance advice) to the authenticity with which these perhaps-unlikely friends hold each other accountable in their walks with God. Most often this shows up in the form of their ongoing text conversations which make me smile on the regular… but every once in a while we get to see them all together in one place. And The Nature of Love delivers those ‘in person’ moments in spades, only one of the many reasons that it’s probably my favorite book of the series. (I say ‘probably’ only because I LOVE ALL THREE BOOKS so much, for different reasons, and being forced to officially choose between them would send me into a mental tizzy.)

But, for the sake of this review, let’s examine the other reasons I would give for why it IS my fave of the series, just in case I am forced to decide. (If your first reaction to the previous sentence is ‘that’s a cop-out, Carrie’, you’re totally right. I’m a big chicken who can’t bring myself to tell Lamont or Tuck that ‘poor old’ Chris’s book beats theirs in a vote. LOL)

1. THE FEELS. Oh my heart, y’all. I read an early version of this book last year and I’ve still not recovered from all the emotions it took me through. I laughed. I swooned. I grinned big. But I cried, too, and there were a couple of scenes where I thought my heart would break right in two. Because The Nature of Love is lots of fun, and it’s witty and it’s swoony… and it also explores life-altering news and ongoing grief, the kind that could undo even the strongest among us. And Shiloh does each of these aspects – and the combination of all of them together – so beautifully. The humor is perfectly timed, even in the grieving, and she achieves the perfect balance of making us chuckle without making light of the characters’ loss. Which brings me to…

2. Erykah‘s faith journey. Watching her come to a relationship with Jesus is just exquisite. I always love the way Shiloh incorporates faith into her stories, in such natural and engaging ways, and this is one of her best faith journeys yet. The questions Erykah asks as she tries to understand what she’s reading in her Bible, what she’s experiencing in her pain, what she sees in Chris’s life, they are spot on and made me love Erykah’s character even more than I already did. Which brings me to…

3. Chris. (He’s actually worth about 10 reasons all on his own.) He is a hero of heroes in his own quiet, steady way in this story, and the way he jumps into the middle of Erykah’s crisis and acts as the tangible hands and feet of Jesus for her is so touching. Plus, he’s pretty hot for a guy in his forties (#understatement), and I adored watching him help Erykah with her nieces and her dog Charlie. Which brings me to…

4. The secondary characters. Especially Charlie the cutie-cute dog who stole my heart and Cheyenne the sassy five-year-old who stole the show. So fun!!

Bottom Line: The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh is every bit as delightful a romance as its marvelous cover would suggest, but it’s also so much more! Chris and Erykah won my affection from their meet-cute to their meet-twice and on through their growing friendship, forced proximity, and eventual romance. I loved their honesty with each other and the ways they mutually supported and respected each other, too. Grief and loss share the page with wit and flirting and a little bit of sass (for good measure), all of it skillfully balanced and threaded with meaningful faith themes through layered characters. I’m so sad to say goodbye to this series, but Shiloh gifts us with the perfect epilogue to make the parting sweeter. Do yourself a favor and carve out some uninterrupted time to read this gem of a story – your uplifted heart will thank you for it!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh is a beautifully crafted story that touched my heart. Shiloh weaves a gentle, faith-filled romance that feels authentic and deeply emotional. The characters are relatable, each facing their own struggles and doubts, yet finding love and grace along the way. I was especially moved by the way Shiloh integrates faith into the characters’ journeys without it ever feeling forced—it’s organic and inspiring, making their growth feel real and heartfelt— which is what I truly appreciate about her writing.

The chemistry between the two MCs i found was sweet and tender, and while the romance blooms a bit slower than I expected, the depth of their connection more than makes up for it.

The warmth, authenticity, and faith in this book make it a truly touching and memorable read. THE NATURE OF LOVE is a beautiful conclusion to the Love in the Spotlight series. I’ll miss these characters and this now perfect friend group. Thank you Toni for blessing your readers with these feel good and faith-filled stories.

I found this story absolutely captivating. Erykah was very relatable in her insecurities, and her focus on what needed to be done, pushing aside any emotion or curiosity as they had become liabilities to her.

Watching her come alive through her relationship with Chris and the girls was so cool. It was painful, but beautiful.

And Chris, stretching himself and his solo world to include 3 people who truly needed him, and then freaking out because there came a time when he needed their help instead of him being the one who could help? Lamont called him on that but good! :)

I couldn't put it down, and I doubt you can either.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author/netgalley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

Author Toni Shiloh has saved the best for last! I've enjoyed the first two romances in the Love in the Spotlight series, but this final book is now my favorite. Erykah Kennedy and Christian Gamble are both older (early 40s), with satisfying careers but their personal lives are lacking, to say the least. Watching them become friends and seeing Erykah's gradual reliance on Christian is heartwarming but this book offers so much more!

I'm always impressed by Shiloh's ability to write stories that resonate with so many, and I always treasure the powerful faith messages she shares. Her characters may be fallible, but they always experience a growing awareness of their need for God and the assurance of His ever-present love. At first, Erykah's faith journey is tentative, but oh, the joy when she finally understands the goodness of God. If you enjoy contemporary fiction with adorable children, supportive friends, witty conversation, and a romance that will make you swoon, grab a copy of The Nature of Love. There's also an epilogue that will leave you cheering! Toni Shiloh has truly outdone herself.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There were no expectations of a positive review.

Chris and Erykah find themselves in a situation that is undeniably heartbreaking, but beauty rises from the ashes, as these two individuals find that they are no longer alone and can not only rely on the Lord but also on one another. These two have such wonderful chemistry! From their first meet-cute, I knew there was something special about this pair.

Chris’s friends are a gleaming beacon that shines throughout this novel. They are always there with a listening ear and offer support that shows that love is a verb. The scenes where Chris does his YouTube videos are also great. I am chronically online, and YouTube is a daily occurrence for me, so reading these scenes was almost like watching one of my favorite YouTubers. I loved it!

This novel took some twists and turns that I was not expecting, which made this seemingly innocent story have so much more depth. It’s these unexpected instances that really helped flesh out the narrative, not to mention the strong character development and the budding relationship between Erykah, Chris, and the girls.

I really enjoyed the epilogue and how it wasn’t focused on what a typical clean romance happily-ever-after might be. Though there is a lot of love, it shines even brighter with family, friendship, and faith, which was quite refreshing. I truly enjoyed this novel so much and can’t wait to read the other novels in the series!

A wonderful conclusion to this series! I love how boldly and unapologetically Christian Toni's writing is.

I have been highly enjoying each book in the Love in the Spotlight series and personally feel they have just been getting better and better! I have been coming to better know most of the characters over the course of the series so I’m sure being invested in their lives and what comes next has helped keep me interested, which I think speaks to Toni Shiloh’s ability to hook you. But The Nature of Love has definitely been my favorite so far.

After hearing poor “old man” Chris getting picked on by Tuck and Lamont for two books now (in their friendly banter way of course), I was glad it was finally his turn to be in the spotlight (ah, see what I did there!). With Chris being a conservationist/YouTube personality and Erykah being an orthopedic surgeon, these are two jobs you don’t often see main characters having in romance novels so it definitely helped continue to make this series unique.

Admittedly, I was so not ready for some heartache as this book was really starting to get going! I know that is super vague, but I don’t want to give away too much and spoil something, but wow! My jaw definitely dropped open when I read it and I went “no!” Then later, Chris and Erykah get hit with some more hardship that they have to work through. Their friendship and any budding relationship gets put to the test for sure. I do love how Erykah takes a stand for herself at one point after struggling with social anxiety (hello representation!) for most of the book. I was like “yeah girl, you tell him!” I do love a good girl power moment and Chris certainly needed a little metaphorical kick in the behind!

The epilogue was so sweet! Getting a glimpse several years into the future for all three couples is always so nice after you’ve become invested in a series like this. While you don’t have to read this series in any order technically, I would definitely encourage reading the other books before this one so you can more fully appreciate the epilogue!

Oh my goodness. What a beautiful book! I loved this one. Toni Shiloh does an excellent job of crafting characters that feel like friends. I’ve loved this series, and this is my favorite in the series! Absolutely beautiful.

I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are mine.

The Nature of Love is a wonderful wrap up to the Love in the Spotlight series. It’s a book that you could pick up and read even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. However, if you have read the entire series, you will especially love the interactions between the three couples from all of the books and the fun series epilogue at the end of this one.

This novel has many wonderfully swoony moments between Chris and Erykah, but it also deals with the heavy topic of grief due to the death of close family members. The deaths occur off page, but the grief is very real for Erykah and her oldest niece and is definitely a focal point of the story, so be advised if that is something that you are sensitive to. I think that the author handled it all very authentically, giving weight to how much it affected everything in Erykah’s life from that moment on.

The faith journey in this novel was remarkable and an integral part of the storyline. It felt authentic to this couple’s interactions together. The questions Erykah raised as she tried to determine what she believed and the ways her eyes were opened to things she hadn’t seen before were beautiful additions to the overall movement of the plot.

Chris and Erykah were so good together and a great representation of people who were slightly older than many of the couples that you typically find in romance novels. Their experiences and the positions they held in their occupations felt realistic to their ages, as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading The Nature of Love, the third book in Toni Shiloh’s Love in the Spotlight series set in Colorado. Erykah is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon who is married to her career. She raised her younger sister because their parents were incapable and bailed on them. Erykah is an independent woman who has spent years prioritising her work at the expense of her personal life. Her best friend is her younger sister who married and moved to Kentucky. Erykah loves her five-year-old niece, Cheyenne, and her baby niece, Ashlyn.

Chris is a YouTube star and wildlife conservationist who lives in an eco friendly log cabin home. He feels like the fifth wheel in his friend group, but he can’t forget the excruciating emotional pain from being jilted at the altar. He’s happy his two close friends, Lamont and Tuck, have found their future wives and are busy making wedding preparations. Chris has a generous heart, but he’s wary of relationships.

Chris and Erykah’s meet cute is adorable, and they become friends who ignore the underlying attraction that could lead to something more. Erykah’s life is turned upside down when she suddenly becomes the caretaker of her young nieces. Grief is a theme that’s explored in the story. I empathised with the characters and shed a few tears while reading about their difficult circumstances.

Chris is Erykah’s friend and her rock who lives his faith and plays a role in Erykah’s journey to faith. I loved how Erykah’s salvation story sets the stage for Erykah and Chris to become more than friends. It was fun reuniting with Lamont and Nevaeh plus Tuck and Piper from earlier books in the series. The strong friendship between the men, and the group messaging where they support and pray for each other, is an important part of the story.

I recommend The Nature of Love to contemporary romance readers who like friends-to-more romances that deal with hard issues, including grief and the daily challenges of caring for young children, and have a strong faith element in the story.

Thank You to Toni Shiloh for creating this masterpiece!

This book was beautifully written and captured so many emotions - grief, loneliness, frustration, anxiety, fear, love. I saw myself in so many of these characters and that made the read relatable and more enjoyable. I love how the author wove spiritual teachings without seeming overbearing. I rooted for Erykah from page one until the end…well actually I’m STILL rooting for her! Shiloh creates amazing male leads theatre swoon worthy and admirabl.

Thank you again to Toni Shiloh and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Nature of Love is such a cute story!!! 🤎😍
Erykah and Christian are not only drawn to each other, but faith in this love story. All the feels in this Colorado smalltown setting. When I say this was CUTEST COZIEST love story. ...any time you can envision the characters as you're reading the story and want more- significant a of a great reading experience. Taking a chance on both love and faith is the challenge this book leaves you with.

#BookReview : THE NATURE OF LOVE by Toni Shiloh

It's a wonderful story of faith, love, friendship, and partnership. Erykah Kennedy, a top-notch orthopedic surgeon, had a charming meet-cute with Christian Gamble at a restaurant. God brought them together to help each other heal. It's a love match tested even before it truly begins, yet you have faith that it will endure once the challenges are overcome.

The story reminds me that we may not always understand the present circumstances of our lives, but God sees our future and can orchestrate events for our benefit.

The novel explores grief and the diverse ways we cope with loss. I deeply resonated with Erykah's emotional journey, experiencing its ups and downs firsthand. Grief is undeniably challenging, but we must persevere in the life God has given us and embrace the new reality.

The story is also profoundly comforting as Erykah delves deeper into her new found faith and embraces God's presence in her life. God was always there, but it was through reflection and prayer that Erykah came to recognize His constant support.

Despite the underlying sadness, the story is filled with blessings. The children, particularly Cheyenne, are delightful. Cheyenne, a mini drama queen, provides many humorous moments. Chris and Erykah cherish these children deeply. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with Lamont, Nevaeh, Tucker, and Piper. Their enduring friendship and heartwarming conversations are truly special. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.


Rating: 5 ⭐
Series: Love in the Spotlight, Book 3
Pub date: Feb 04, 2025

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is such a beautiful story of love and partnership while also finding strength in faith.

Erykah Kennedy is a top of the line orthopedic surgeon who is living her best life, or so she thinks. She is friendly, but really has no true friends. She lives and breathes her work, which is probably why she is so good. She has no time nor desire for love. She has no time nor desire for God either, which is what makes her meeting with Christian Gamble so interesting.

Christian Gamble is a wildlife conservationist who loves all creatures great and small and believes all of God's creation should be taken care of. Christian got burned a long time ago by a woman that he thought he loved, so he has no desire for a relationship either. However, he does have great friends.

When these two first meet it is by chance, but that second meeting was meant to be. They were being prepared for a time when they would need each other. Chris was a true inspiration and witness to Erykah. She could not believe it when he prayed for one of her patients, whom he did not even know.

The bombshell that comes left me in tears, while also screaming at the book that this could not be happening. Chris is there when she needs him most, and goes above and beyond the call of a friendship (a new friendship at that), to be a comforter for her. I must confess he stole my heart with his giving ways and willingness to share his faith with boldness and without fear. There were some very sad times in this book, but there were also some very fun and funny scenes. Dance mode was one of my favorite scenes. You will get it when you read it. Add in an adorable dog named Charlie and the book was complete. I also loved seeing some of my favorite characters from books 1 and 2 in this series.

Toni Shiloh has a gift for sharing an inspirational romance with a faith message that will warm your heart, and characters that will steal their way into your heart, and you will wish you could get to know them outside of a book.

This book deserves more than five stars and deserves applause and an amen.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a beautiful, soul nourishing story that highlights the power of faith, the power of love, the power of friendship and the power of community. Both main characters, Erykah and Chris, have fulfilling work that they love, but they are lonely and unsatisfied with their personal lives. They came into each other’s life just when they needed each other the most. Erykah has to deal with horrible loss and with Chris’s emotional and spiritual support, she learns to move forward. This story is both heart wrenching and hopeful…and eventually joyful as the signs from above become more apparent to Erykah and Chris, guiding their way.