Every time I sit down to write a book, I ask myself how I can make an old idea fresh? In THE LOVE SCRIPT, I paired the fake dating trope with a celebrity romance set in Hollywood.
On the surface, this idea isn’t fresh; however, what makes it new—because believe me, there are plenty of fake dating, celebrity romances—is that my heroine and hero agree to date for real. Both have strong convictions and are uncomfortable with the lying aspect fake dating brings. They want to be able to go to sleep at night, knowing they weren’t doing something wrong.
Yet even though they agree to date for real, the world at large has no idea this is their first interaction. Even the parents of my heroine, Nevaeh, think the relationship is genuine and has already been going on for some time. You see a paparazzi photo was snapped then shared on media outlets suggesting their relationship contradicts the faith my hero, Lamont, boldly shares. In a world where you can be cancelled for perceived wrong, Nevaeh and Lamont are trying to change the narrative to save Lamont’s reputation.
Despite the heavy topic that ensues, The Love Script is laced with humor from my sassy heroine and witty banter between her and Lamont. Not to mention some nuggets of wisdom from the hero’s mother and Nevaeh’s older neighbor. Lamont presents a steadfastness that hopefully will land him on readers’ book boyfriend lists.
The Love Script is also book one in my new series: LOVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Unlike most romance novels, the series is not focused on female friendships but the male counterpart. Lamont has two friends he turns to for accountability. This fresh spin on relationships gives us text threads between the three that will endear the reader as well as produce a few laughs.
In the subsequent novels—releasing in May of 2024 and February of 2025—the readers get to watch as the male leads fall in love under the spotlight. It’s something that’s relevant in today’s culture considering how often social media makes its own headlines and shrinks the world to our fingertips.
I hope as readers take a journey with Nevaeh and Lamont that they’re entertained, but also take a moment to consider how they want to impact the world and how they view others. After all, each of us has our own platform whether we realize it or not.
Love in the Spotlight Book #1
Hollywood hair stylist Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood heartthrob Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.
Lamont Booker's bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent's push for a fake relationship--something he never thought he'd consider in a million years.
With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?
Toni Shiloh dazzles in this irresistible red-carpet romance with spotlight-stealing laughter, faith, and a happily ever after.
Christian | Romance Contemporary [Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: August 1, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764241505 / eISBN: 9781493442164]
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media.
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