Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.After her fiancé dumps her … dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.
As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.
more
Oh what a great story! I loved Blake and Harlow. Their story is tender and sweet, realistic and full of chemistry. I also enjoyed the trip to various locations around world. And best of all, I so enjoyed the spiritual aspect of this story! It is tied so perfectly throughout the pages. Excellent read!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story was great! I was so impressed with the way the author handled the difficult situations that these characters found themselves in. She adeptly placed Harlow into this reality show situation, where she did not want to be, through Harlow’s desire to help her sister in any way she could.
And Blake ended up being such a complicated character. I liked him so much, and was impressed with his growth throughout the story. I was also impressed with the way the author was able to handle the reality that Blake was not a believer, while Harlow was. And although Harlow knew she shouldn’t fall for Blake, it was something she had trouble not doing. The glaring differences between Harlow’s life and Blake’s life, whether because of their beliefs or due to the way they were raised, made for an interesting match. Both Blake and Harlow carried burdens related to guilt that weighed them down and caused problems in their lives. This was something they both had to learn to recognize and let go of.
I felt the heartache on both sides throughout this story, and it was as if I was experiencing the struggles, as well as the happy times, with these two. I had such fun reading this book and enjoyed it from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I’ve never been one for reality television, and all the issues that are brought up in Love You, Truly are some of the reasons why. The “reality” portrayed is just an illusion, and despite what you see on tv, these are real people with real emotions, and I cannot imagine the pressure they are under with all of their words and actions constantly being put under a microscope.
Love You, Truly gives us a glimpse into one man, whose entire life has been under a spotlight, co-mingling with a normal girl from a small town, both being thrown into a reality dating show, a program that neither wants to be on, but both reluctantly do for the happiness of a loved one. It is a charming premise that delivers on emotion, personal journeys of self-discovery, and plenty of drama.
Blake is the token Hollywood hottie that is craving more than the superficial, and Harlow is the girl-next-door that is playing life safe, yet is tired of being overlooked and craves to be seen. I can totally relate to Harlow, and though her and Blake come from completely different worlds, I was rooting for them from the beginning.
I do feel like the length of the novel was a bit much, but in saying that the story has a wonderful flow thanks to incredible writing by the extremely talented Susan L. Tuttle. I “truly” enjoyed Love You, Truly!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Love You Truly is a fun contemporary romance read. The book is centered around a Bachelor type reality show. Harlow and Blake, the main characters, are a fun pair to get to know. Blake is Hollywood royalty and Harlow is a nurse who also has a passion for photography. Harlow’s sister, Mae, submits Harlow’s name for the show and Harlow cautiously agrees. What begins is an international adventure to film the show. But will Blake choose Harlow in the end? You will have to read to find out.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
4.5
I really enjoyed this contemporary novel! It is set within the world of reality tv, something that is not my normal choice for entertainment, but this can’t-put-it-down story won me over right away. Susan Tutte is a new-to-me author and I will definitely be reading more of her stories! I loved her talented writing skills, authentic characters, humor and beautiful message of faith. She has created a wonderful, entertaining, and poignant story of two people forming a connection despite coming from very different worlds. The spiritual journey for both characters is a lesson in trusting in God for their ultimate good. I highly recommend this sophomore novel by Susan Tuttle!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A sweet story of salvation and trust
My rating is 4.5 stars
Though their backgrounds were completely different, Blake and Harlow both struggled with the same misconception: that they were responsible for another person’s happiness. And, yes, they lived this out in vastly different ways – Blake had no faith in God while Harlow’s faith was strong.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, other than what I remembered of Susan L. Tuttle’s previous book, At First Glance, which I recall dealt with deep heart issues and was handled in a sensitive manner. So, despite my aversion to reality shows and the type of people they seem to attract, I wanted to give this story a try.
I found Love You, Truly to be insightful and tender. Harlow had practically given up her own life so that her sister Mae would not feel left out or because there weren’t funds available due to the expenses related to Mae’s care absorbing all their parent’s income. Harlow had a heart for those in need, those she considered “unseen”, very likely due to feeling unseen herself. Her heart was not bitter and she didn’t even see what she was experiencing to be unreasonable. So when Mae had her heart set on Harlow being on the show, that is exactly what she did.
Blake didn’t know what a healthy relationship looked like. He was a stereotypical playboy, experiencing the emptiness of his lifestyle, and was looking for something more. (Yes, you and I know that a reality show isn’t where you find that!) I loved watching his change of heart and then his change of mind as he began to realize that not only is love real, God is, too. And that God’s love for him supasses any other love and never fails.
There was a good mix of romantic tension, personality clashes, spiritual awakening, and conflict arising from an unexpected place. Love You, Truly is an enjoyable story of learning to trust even when circumstances cause you to doubt, and learning of God’s never ending, unconditional love.
Read my review of Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle at AmongTheReads.net
I adored every page of Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle. With a reality tv show as its setting, the perpetual changes and circumstantial drama held my attention throughout the story. The amazing romantic tension between Blake and Harlow made me resist putting it down even when I should have. As soon as I finished the book, I wanted to start back at the beginning and enjoy it again.
But it wasn’t all reality tv drama and sizzling romance in Love You, Truly. The novel has boldly-stated themes about how true fulfillment comes only from God, finding God’s purpose for one’s life, dealing with rejection, and feelings of inferiority. Both Blake and Harlow experience different types of loneliness and cope with it in different ways. It was a pleasure to find substantial character development in this contemporary romance.
I recommend Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle to readers looking for an amazing Christian romance novel. Seriously, it’s in my top ten books for this year. This was my first book by Susan L. Tuttle and I’ll be on the lookout for more! 5 Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Susan Tuttle’s sophomore release does not disappoint. With an unwitting dating show contestant, a Hollywood stars son prone to headlines, and marvelous banter, Love Your, Truly is a story contemporary romance fans shouldn’t miss.
Harlow’s kind and generous heart is seen through the photographs she takes and her actions that follow. Blake longs for a different kind of relationship than the physical ones he’s used to and, while skeptical of her character at first, he’s drawn to Harlow.
If I could change one thing about this book (and for once, I’m not going to say I wanted more romance!), it would be more of a hashing out of the revelation Harlow shares with her sister. It would have been more well-rounded if Harlow and Mae’s mom and dad were included in that conversation. While the issue is evident through Harlow’s actions, it felt glossed over when the truth comes out.
But, alas, books can only be so many pages, and the events that lead up to a moving salvation experience make this novel more than worth the read. Susan Tuttle is definitely one author I’m looking forward to reading more from.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book was so cute I am not a huge fan of a certain tv show that this may be based off and so some of this I was I was thinking this my come off as corny or cheesy and that never happened. The author draws you in and literally keeps you sucked in till the end. I really really loved Charlie and Darcy they were like what friends are made of. I really like Harlow and Mae as well both very stubborn and independent women who shine with God’s love for their life. I love how the author kept the relationship with God the first and foremost in this story because no matter what that’s what important. This book is a good clean read. There are some tough topics discussed but well worth the read.
Love You Truly will keep fans of reality TV romance flipping pages, eager for the next moment of sizzling connection or snort-out-loud humor. But in the course of the romantic conflict, this story also offers brilliant flashes of character motivations … the fractured thinking that holds us back in life. For example: “While others shone, she flickered, good enough to only go so far. But God needed someone to help fan into flame his larger plans. That was her role, and when she didn’t hope for more, everything went fine.”
After this ’round-the-world adventure with Blake and Harlow, you’ll be a new fan of Susan Tuttle, too!
I was allowed to review an ARC from the author, but this is my true and voluntary opinion. – Denise Weimer, multi-published author of Fall Flip and The Witness Tree