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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Well. Wow! Amazing! Fun! Swoony! Hilarious! Romantic! All the
Pepper Basham’s epic Skymar trilogy ends with fireworks in this dazzling final installment, Loyally, Luke. I honestly can’t believe how perfect this series has become. The humor, romance, movie references, characters, and storytelling were top-notch. From the first chapter, the writing hooks you with its charm and comedy. Each book starts off light and fun, but within the feel-good rom-com tropes lie impacting messages that bring depth and heart to the plot.
“Sometimes the best people to come into our lives are the ones we least expect. The ones who we can’t see fitting, but they change everything. Even the things they don’t plan to change.” ~ Pepper Basham
I was really curious how Pepper Basham would write Luke’s story. After reading the first two books, readers will know how much he abhors technology and romance. Yet, Pepper deftly handles this challenge with grace and brilliance, taking us into the mind of this grumpy, black-coffee-loving, flannel-wearing countryman. The combination of texts and storytelling was perfect, making Luke’s internal journey and interactions all the more relatable and entertaining.
Luke really took me by surprise in this book. Every romance trope was thrown at him, yet he seemed to lean into it, proving that all along, he was a closeted romantic. I also respected how he remained firm in his standards and beliefs but welcomed change as God opened his heart to Ellie.
“Maybe this happily-ever-after gig wasn’t so bad after all.” ~ Pepper Basham
The banter in Loyally, Luke was nothing short of a gold mine. Luke brought a delightful juxtaposition of ruggedness and tenderness, making him a new favorite book boyfriend. On the other hand, Ellie added layers of reliance and growth to the narrative as she fought to rebuild her life. The mutual loyalty and commitment between Luke, Ellie, and their families were beautifully portrayed.
A standout aspect of this novel was how it handled adult topics with sensitivity and realism. Ellie’s past is messy, but her transformative journey is relatable. Pepper Basham’s portrayal of mature love was also refreshing. Luke and Ellie’s relationship was driven by more than passion and attraction; it was underscored with respect, understanding, and a realistic approach to life’s priorities. While most romances show protagonists sacrificing everything for their love interest Loyally, Luke showed that while every relationship comes with sacrifice, it’s admirable to hold tight to your family and duties. Fairytales are great fun to read, but (as Luke so often pointed out) they aren’t real. Not everyone has the privilege of living happily ever after, and this aspect of the story was really authentic, setting it apart from traditional romance narratives.
“Love held power, a truth he knew soul-deep. The earthly sort didn’t always prove magical—he had a track record to support a failure here and there—but the heavenly, pure, all-in kind sure did.” ~ Pepper Basham
The supporting characters were also brilliant with their quirkiness and meddling. Penelope remains the fiery redhead who believes in pixie dust and pushes Luke to embrace the fairytale. Meanwhile, Izzy was the bookish, clear-headed ally who helped Luke when things became messy. Ellie’s friend Maeve was also a great addition as she perfectly represented a girl’s best friend; I loved her nicknames for everyone.
The moral of Loyally, Luke is that God knows our hearts. He knows exactly what we need and has worked it out according to His plans. Even the things that seem impossible are possible for our God. If we put our trust in Him and release our deepest desires into His care, we will see how our stories are written according to His perfect timing.
“Why would God send someone so . . . interesting into her life when she couldn’t allow herself to even consider a future with him? To strengthen her self-control? To help her prove she’d changed? She shook the thought away.” ~ Pepper Basham
Loyally, Luke ticked all the boxes and brought this series to the perfect close — you will be satisfied with everyone’s ending. I cannot rave about the Skymar trilogy enough; it is the perfect summer read that will have you booking a ticket to a foreign country in search of a bookshop owner, accountant/dancer, or prince.
“Sometimes the best people to come into our lives are the ones we least expect. The ones who we can’t see fitting, but they change everything. Even the things they don’t plan to change.” ~ Pepper Basham
I was really curious how Pepper Basham would write Luke’s story. After reading the first two books, readers will know how much he abhors technology and romance. Yet, Pepper deftly handles this challenge with grace and brilliance, taking us into the mind of this grumpy, black-coffee-loving, flannel-wearing countryman. The combination of texts and storytelling was perfect, making Luke’s internal journey and interactions all the more relatable and entertaining.
Luke really took me by surprise in this book. Every romance trope was thrown at him, yet he seemed to lean into it, proving that all along, he was a closeted romantic. I also respected how he remained firm in his standards and beliefs but welcomed change as God opened his heart to Ellie.
“Maybe this happily-ever-after gig wasn’t so bad after all.” ~ Pepper Basham
The banter in Loyally, Luke was nothing short of a gold mine. Luke brought a delightful juxtaposition of ruggedness and tenderness, making him a new favorite book boyfriend. On the other hand, Ellie added layers of reliance and growth to the narrative as she fought to rebuild her life. The mutual loyalty and commitment between Luke, Ellie, and their families were beautifully portrayed.
A standout aspect of this novel was how it handled adult topics with sensitivity and realism. Ellie’s past is messy, but her transformative journey is relatable. Pepper Basham’s portrayal of mature love was also refreshing. Luke and Ellie’s relationship was driven by more than passion and attraction; it was underscored with respect, understanding, and a realistic approach to life’s priorities. While most romances show protagonists sacrificing everything for their love interest Loyally, Luke showed that while every relationship comes with sacrifice, it’s admirable to hold tight to your family and duties. Fairytales are great fun to read, but (as Luke so often pointed out) they aren’t real. Not everyone has the privilege of living happily ever after, and this aspect of the story was really authentic, setting it apart from traditional romance narratives.
“Love held power, a truth he knew soul-deep. The earthly sort didn’t always prove magical—he had a track record to support a failure here and there—but the heavenly, pure, all-in kind sure did.” ~ Pepper Basham
The supporting characters were also brilliant with their quirkiness and meddling. Penelope remains the fiery redhead who believes in pixie dust and pushes Luke to embrace the fairytale. Meanwhile, Izzy was the bookish, clear-headed ally who helped Luke when things became messy. Ellie’s friend Maeve was also a great addition as she perfectly represented a girl’s best friend; I loved her nicknames for everyone.
The moral of Loyally, Luke is that God knows our hearts. He knows exactly what we need and has worked it out according to His plans. Even the things that seem impossible are possible for our God. If we put our trust in Him and release our deepest desires into His care, we will see how our stories are written according to His perfect timing.
“Why would God send someone so . . . interesting into her life when she couldn’t allow herself to even consider a future with him? To strengthen her self-control? To help her prove she’d changed? She shook the thought away.” ~ Pepper Basham
Loyally, Luke ticked all the boxes and brought this series to the perfect close — you will be satisfied with everyone’s ending. I cannot rave about the Skymar trilogy enough; it is the perfect summer read that will have you booking a ticket to a foreign country in search of a bookshop owner, accountant/dancer, or prince.
This seemed like a super cute novel, the beginning was cute, but then I felt like the characters were a bit flat, and the story was predictable, some of the conversations and exchanges between the characters seemed a bit young, especially for this to not be a YA.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson (publisher) for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson (publisher) for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is easily my favorite in the trilogy! Although this can be read as a stan alone, I do think you need to read the previous two books in order to appreciate Luke’s total Luke-ness. It placed our favorite flannel wearing, southern drawl accented Grinch at the heart of the most rom-commy rom-com of all time and I loved every minute.
Thank you to #netgalley for allowing me to review a free audio of #loyallyluke in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #netgalley for allowing me to review a free audio of #loyallyluke in exchange for my honest review.
This really toed the line on comfort level of kissing.
DNF @ 30% —> skim the rest.
In the beginning, I thought this was a unique story with lots of potential. However, as I read on, this book felt like a crossover between The Princess Diaries 2 and Bridgerton without having any of its own independent development.
The characters felt very flat to me. The writing did not grip or hook me.
The text messages/town gossip column at the beginning of each chapter we are the only locations in which any palpable personality was felt. I read some other reviews that said “the other two books in the series support the epistolary format being similar to You’ve Got Mail.” However, this book is being marketed as an interconnected standalone therefore, I disagree with that sentiment. Additionally, there was no development or personality outside of these parts. Finally, all of the on page comparisons to the story “being like a movie” in every other chapter were too cliché for me.
I would definitely give this author another chance if there were enough reviews from sources that I trust saying the writing is vibrant, developed, and unique.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In the beginning, I thought this was a unique story with lots of potential. However, as I read on, this book felt like a crossover between The Princess Diaries 2 and Bridgerton without having any of its own independent development.
The characters felt very flat to me. The writing did not grip or hook me.
The text messages/town gossip column at the beginning of each chapter we are the only locations in which any palpable personality was felt. I read some other reviews that said “the other two books in the series support the epistolary format being similar to You’ve Got Mail.” However, this book is being marketed as an interconnected standalone therefore, I disagree with that sentiment. Additionally, there was no development or personality outside of these parts. Finally, all of the on page comparisons to the story “being like a movie” in every other chapter were too cliché for me.
I would definitely give this author another chance if there were enough reviews from sources that I trust saying the writing is vibrant, developed, and unique.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I just finished reading Luke's story and I'm very, very sad.
Why am I sad?
Because the epicness of Skymar romance is over! Because now I've finished the book and I wasn't done yet! Because this is by far one of my all-time favorite series' and now it's done!
But, oh, what a finish! I soaked up every single drop of this literary beauty and I'm full to bursting with joy. Pepper Basham just has a way with contemporary romance that both curls your toes and warms your heart, all while encouraging your soul and enriching your faith.
I don't quite know how she does swoony so well while keeping the romance sweet. That's most definitely a gift, and I still say she needs to teach seminars on how to do this!
A good satisfying read, a heart that's full and a teary eyed grin that makes my face hurt? Bring it! And if I waxed poetic, gushed over imaginary characters, or seriously fangirled at all... just blame it on a Basham book!
My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. My review is truthful and has not been solicited.
Why am I sad?
Because the epicness of Skymar romance is over! Because now I've finished the book and I wasn't done yet! Because this is by far one of my all-time favorite series' and now it's done!
But, oh, what a finish! I soaked up every single drop of this literary beauty and I'm full to bursting with joy. Pepper Basham just has a way with contemporary romance that both curls your toes and warms your heart, all while encouraging your soul and enriching your faith.
I don't quite know how she does swoony so well while keeping the romance sweet. That's most definitely a gift, and I still say she needs to teach seminars on how to do this!
A good satisfying read, a heart that's full and a teary eyed grin that makes my face hurt? Bring it! And if I waxed poetic, gushed over imaginary characters, or seriously fangirled at all... just blame it on a Basham book!
My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. My review is truthful and has not been solicited.
Another amazing live story! Luke and Ellie complimented each other so well. A story of how couples mesh together to become better together. I loved the humour and movie/book references. Love, love, love!
Ahhh, this was a delightful finish to an enchanting series.
I was down with a cold last week, so jumped ahead in my TBR pile to this gem; I needed a laugh, and knew anything by Pepper Basham would fit the bill. This absolutely did the trick!
After two books written from the female perspective/a female MC, it was fun to flip the switch with Luke. His story made for an entirely different ballgame (or Hallmark movie, a reference I'm sure he would hate--which makes me love it all the more, haha). I was truly sad for the book to end, because not only was it over, it meant the series was, too!
Plenty of LOL moments, as to be expected; Basham continues to shine here and bring plenty of humor!
For new readers entering the series (yaaaaaay, you have much to look forward to): I do recommend reading the books in order, as they build on each other.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was down with a cold last week, so jumped ahead in my TBR pile to this gem; I needed a laugh, and knew anything by Pepper Basham would fit the bill. This absolutely did the trick!
After two books written from the female perspective/a female MC, it was fun to flip the switch with Luke. His story made for an entirely different ballgame (or Hallmark movie, a reference I'm sure he would hate--which makes me love it all the more, haha). I was truly sad for the book to end, because not only was it over, it meant the series was, too!
Plenty of LOL moments, as to be expected; Basham continues to shine here and bring plenty of humor!
For new readers entering the series (yaaaaaay, you have much to look forward to): I do recommend reading the books in order, as they build on each other.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
