Toni Shiloh is a wife, a mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and the Selah Award.
In this interview, Toni talks about her latest novel, The Love Script.
FF: Please provide a brief summary of your new novel The Love Script.
Hollywood hair stylist and makeup artist Neveah loves making those in the spotlight look their best. But when the spotlight is on her after a photo of her and Hollywood heartthrob Lamont goes viral for all the wrong reasons, they find themselves in a fake relationship to save their careers. In a world where nothing seems real, can Neveah be true to herself …and her heart?
FF: This novel is the first book in your new Love in the Spotlight Series. What do readers have to look forward to in this series?
I’m so excited about this series. You’ll get real-to-life characters who are thrust into the spotlight. In the world of internet famous, these books will show how hard it is to navigate fame, faith, and love.
FF: Since The Love Script takes place in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, what unique challenges do your characters Nevaeh and Lamont face?
Nevaeh and Lamont are living a fish-bowl life. Their every move seems to be tracked on social media, and hashtags are created just to keep up with their romance. Nevaeh has a hard time figuring out what’s real and what’s not. Whereas Lamont has to face the threat of being cancelled and trusting in God’s plan.
FF: What are you most excited for readers to experience as they pick up this series?
I’m hoping they’ll be entertained but see the depth of faith necessary to navigate life’s challenges. Hopefully there will be laugh-out-loud moments as well as the need to swoon.
FF: Can you tell us a little bit more about Neveah and Lamont? Anything special that readers should know?
Hmm, readers should know that Nevaeh cracks jokes when nervous. That she’s plus-size but refuses to be defined by her curves. That she has a dream and is doing her best to see it come to fruition. As for Lamont, readers should know he loves his devotional time with the Lord. That he became famous via YouTube. That he has two guy friends who make appearances throughout the book and bring in some lighthearted moments.
FF: Did you learn anything interesting while researching for this book?
Yes! There are so many tidbits I found interesting and wanted to incorporate into the story if possible. For instance, a lot of people in LA don’t like to travel outside their neighborhood. Considering I knew my characters would be going here and there, I tried to mix the real with the fictional.
FF: What aspect of the story did you enjoy writing the most?
The text conversations with Lamont and his two guy friends. I am not going to lie, I cracked myself up. My husband thought it was strange every time I laughed since I was the creator of the story.
FF: What themes present themselves to readers in The Love Script?
You’ll find reality vs perception, letting God defend you or devising your own plans, what it means to truly worship God, and more!
The Love Script
An African-American Christian Contemporary Romance Fiction Set in Hollywood
Toni Shiloh
Bethany House
Genres: Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2023
ISBN-10: 0764241508
ISBN-13: 978-0764241505
Book Summary:
A 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 A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.
The silver screen’s latest heartthrob.
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.
A love that goes off script.
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?
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