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.
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Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle is one of the BEST contemporary Christian romances I have ever read. I devoured this book in just under 24 hours as I could not put this marvelous story down. I love that the plotline seamlessly weaves my two favorite tropes: the “two worlds collide” trope and the insta-hate trope. As soon as I got through chapter 1, I knew Blake and Harlow were going to be characters I would want to root for the entire time. I also very much enjoyed the many settings. Love You, Truly is a novel I could escape into as I got to visit Michigan, California, Budapest, and Austria. Of the places I got to “visit,” Austria was my favorite! I loved researching the touristy places Blake and Harlow saw. It sort of felt like I was there with them. While I heartily enjoyed the plot, setting, and characters, what I really appreciated are the timely themes. I must admit that there were a few moments Ms. Tuttle had me in tears because her themes resonated deeply in my heart.
There’s so much to talk about with this story it’s really difficult to pick just one focus, but the message that really struck me is Tuttle’s illustration of control. In very unique ways, both Blake and Harlow are control freaks. For Blake — a man constantly in Hollywood’s limelight — his form of control is to build up walls and never allow the types of relationships that require one’s heart to be involved. Blake refuses to be vulnerable because vulnerability can lead to disappointment, pain, and heartbreak. Instead, Blake becomes superficial, and in this, he can control his environment and heart. Harlow, like Blake, does not want pain, rejection, or heartache either, so her go-to self-preservation is to control literally EVERYTHING — her weight, her eating, her sister, her job, her sister’s foundation, etc. The girl won’t eat popcorn with butter or allow cream in her coffee. And she always says no to chocolate. This is how controlling Harlow is, she never says “YES” to anything. This strong need to control everything in their lives leaves both Blake and Harlow exhausted, sad, and lonely. And, over time, both realize that this need to control boils down to one fact — they don’t trust God.
Boy, did this message smack me up-side the head! In this, I saw a lot of myself in both Blake and Harlow. When bad happens, when chaos occurs, my knee-jerk reaction is to clean and fret and work harder. I feel like if I can just create order in one part of my life I can gain control over all parts of my life. But, like Blake and Harlow, I just end up ragged, lonely, and sad. By the end of this novel, God was flooding my brain and heart with trust verses. Proverbs 3:5 repeated itself in my brain a couple of times — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Watching Blake and Harlow attempt to be their own god and control every facet of their lives was a great reminder for me to check myself, and then go to God to ask for forgiveness for all the ways I try to lean on my own understanding.
Love You, Truly is more than I could ever put into words. I know this review doesn’t do it justice, which is why I highly recommend you purchase a copy today so you can experience all the amazingness that is Love You, Truly. If my review hasn’t convinced you to purchase your own copy, then the breathtaking kisses alone should be enough reason to buy this book now! LOL!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via JustRead Publicity. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The novel gives an inside look at “reality” shows where so much is planned to give the reaction the producer desires. It also demonstrates how hard the competition is on the emotions of the contestants.
Believable characters plunged in the middle of unreal television scenes may be an eye-opener for some readers. Harlow’s strong faith and Blake’s search for authentic love is a strong theme in the story, strengthening the appeal for me.
This contemporary romance kept me interested from beginning to end.
I have a new favorite contemporary romance author! Susan Tuttle’s novel wraps Christian principles and romance in a sheathe of sizzle and keeps you page-turning all the way to the totally satisfying HEA. Highly recommended!
This book was a “one sit” read for me, I couldn’t put it down! Wit, spunk, and attraction that sparks kept me hanging on every word and devouring page after delightful page of Love You, Truly!
Although I’m not a reality television fan, for some reason I nearly always enjoy books set in those outlandish situations and this book is no exception. Harlow and Blake each have serious trust issues and neither dares to hope for happily ever after, especially with one another. Their verbal sparring is enormously entertaining from the start. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, I found both characters to be genuine and relatable.
Themes of salvation, purpose, trust, and perspective take this story from entertaining to encouraging. I highly recommend this story and have purchased the author’s debut to enjoy as well!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Author Susan Tuttle tackles reality TV romance a la The Bachelor in Love You, Truly, but manages to layer in a few surprises along the way. Oh sure, there’s jealousy and competition for the guy, but Tuttle’s characters are more than props. She gives both Blake (the hero) and Harlow (the heroine — love the name) depth and true-to-life motivation for why they make the choices they do throughout the story. This was my first romance for 2020 and I wasn’t disappointed.
Susan L. Tuttle delivers another incredible read! This story is jam packed with butterflies, tender moments, conflict, and truth. I love how the characters come to the realization that they are deeply loved by their Creator and that they have a purpose. If you haven’t read one of Susan’s books yet, you won’t be disappointed!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
What an awesome way to kick back and relax during the Holiday season. I wasn’t sure if I would like this story as I hate reality TV shows, but this book was fun. I love a story with strong characters and Godly principles. Thanks Susan Tuttle, I look forward to your next story.
This book hooked me from the beginning. I will admit that I was not sure about the dating show premise, but I found this book to be interesting, and the characters were realistic. I would give this book five stars, but the physical romantic descriptions were a bit too much for my taste.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I can’t say often that a fiction book has changed me, but Love You, Truly by Susan Tuttle has! I loved this book! It is has romance, humor, character growth, a fun storyline, and a wonderful message of God’s love. But, there is also a depth to it that totally took me by surprise.
Susan Tuttle has such a way with words that she makes you feel the way the characters are feeling. I laughed and shed a few tears right along with Blake and Harlow. This story also has the most touching, tear inducing salvation seen I’ve ever read. I literally got chill bumps.
In a word, the story is about love. Yes, it’s a love story between Blake and Harlow, but more than that, Susan Tuttle has shown the love of God beautifully. She has shown the fruits of the Spirit in action and I am praying this story gets into the hands of everyone who needs it- which is everyone! Love You, Truly is definitely one of my top books of the year!
Even though I don’t watch reality dating shows, I couldn’t put down Love You, Truly. I absolutely loved the writing in this contemporary romantic fiction and I quickly became absorbed in the journey. I really liked the heroine but the hero took a little warming up to, for me. Tuttle’s flawed characters had quite the road to discovery. I especially appreciated the lessons of faith which were woven in naturally. The romantic scenes were wonderfully written and I think the humor added along the way was a great strength of this enjoyable story. It is definitely worth the read! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Since I don’t watch reality TV shows, I wondered if I would find this book interesting. But let’s be honest, the cover on the book is wonderful, so why not judge a book by its cover?
So I opened the book. It wasn’t long before I learned that Harlow Tucker’s disabled sister secretly signed her up for a reality dating show. Okay . . .
So her sister was involved. Interesting. Why?
Harlow is going on the show to please her sister. Her sister has muscular dystrophy, which is a rather noticeable problem, but it brings with it some psychological baggage for Harlow, which isn’t so obvious. Plus, the two are trying to start a non-profit to purchase wheelchairs for kids.
This caught my interest. And the more I turned the pages, the more I wanted to continue turning them.
Blake, the available bachelor, doesn’t really have his heart on doing the reality show.
It turns out that he is just trying to make his mother happy. A mother who seems to be a master puppeteer who knows just how to work the marionette strings on her son.
Okey-doke, this is sounding more and more interesting. So the pages continue to flip.
Both Harlow and Blake have come to the show with some fairly significant family baggage. But still, there is an instant spark of interest even if it’s sometimes hidden behind a façade.
And of course, there are the other contestants on the reality show who are. . . well, a little too stereotypical in my way of thinking. Though I think perhaps they are more authentic than I’d like to think.
There are a few twists and turns, especially toward the end, that make this story quite interesting.
It’s a story that will no doubt keep you turning pages.
What Concerned Me
While at times I was excited that some great thoughts were being presented, the next minute I felt it was too preachy, and not in a subtle way. I realized toward the end that the whole book seemed to seesaw with the thoughts of excellent writing, then a bit overpowering with preachiness.
What I Liked Most
I did like that this presented lots of great thoughts, and it was inspirational in many ways.
This was my first read by the super-sweet Susan Tuttle, and I can’t wait to read her other books. There were so many things to love. From the fabulous settings, to the complex relationships, I found myself flying through the pages. And the faith elements! My word! I LOVED THE FAITH ELEMENTS! It’s refreshing and a relief to see such amazing faith elements in a novel.
This is a delightful, clean romance. If you’ve ever watched The Bachelor and wanted to read a novel in the same vein, you’ll want to check out Blake and Harlow’s story.
I definitely connected with Harlow’s sense of her life not really feeling used and felt drawn to that part of her storyline. I also loved the fact that she was a photographer, and of course the travel element is awesome.
I did feel as though Blake and Harlow got away with a lot more than the producers of a reality TV show would let them (like would Harlow really have been allowed to just wander around the cities they were visiting on her own? It seems like the actual contestants on The Bachelor and other reality TV shows are kept under closer wraps).
I found several of the side characters intriguing as well. I would love to learn more about the back story for Blake’s two friends and their romance along with what the future holds for Harlow’s sister Mae.
A recommended read for sweet romance lovers especially those who enjoy stories with travel.
*I received a review copy of this novel from the author via JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Susan Tuttle’s Love You, Truly is truly a book full of all kinds of emotions. Against a background of a television dating show, Blake and Harlow work through a myriad of issues to get to their Happily Ever After.
I am not a fan of television dating shows, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. Blake and Harlow have both faced some hard things in their pasts and have serious trust issues. This provides a great deal of conflict in the book. Sometimes I felt myself gritting my teeth and wanting to slap one of them for their reactions, but considering the past stories, their reactions were realistic. Also, the way that Susan Tuttle can evoke these kinds of emotions in me as I read is one of her strong suits!
I will caution anyone who does not enjoy reading about a relationship that begins when one of the characters is not a Christian. In the beginning of the novel, Blake is not a believer and is often a jerk. All I can say is, “Keep reading!”
I am looking forward to more from Susan Tuttle in the future and recommend this book!
I’m not a fan of reality TV, and have not enjoyed other books with this theme, but Love You, Truly is a hit with me. It’s full of charm, humor and witty dialogue. I loved the main characters – felt for them, rooted for them – and did not want lay the book aside to do other things. Susan Tuttle is an author to watch.
In reflection, I think several factors combine to make this such an enjoyable read. Tuttle is a skilled writer who knows how to tell a story that engages the emotions. And the dating show is just the framework through which Blake and Harlow interact. Love You, Truly is really all about relationships – not only romantic, but sister/sister and parent/child. The very reason they reluctantly agree to be cast on the program is out of compassion for a family member. Blake thought it would make his mother popular again and prevent her depression. For Harlow, it was a way to gain the funding necessary for her dream – Wheels on the Ground, an organization to provide wheelchairs for children in need, “who blended into the fabric of their world, unseen because they were unable to contribute.”
Best of all is the spiritual journey of both characters – Blake, who thought Christianity was fake, and Harlow, who discovered the truth of Ephesians 1:4: “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” That love was “giving to someone simply because you loved them.” The believer/non-believer aspect is handled really well, with faith being seen and shared through personal friends.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
OH THIS BOOK COULD’VE BEEN A 5 STAR READ FOR ME! It made me cry. That says a lot about a book in my eyes, but there were some big things that hindered my 5 star rating.
I connected with Harlow in a way I’ve never connected with a character before. My older brother has a disability called cerebral palsy, and my whole life has revolved around that. In HER vulnerable moments I felt that pain. I’ve had those questions. And I’ve also received that peace to know I’m chosen.
There is a scene in this book where she has an EMOTIONAL heart to heart with her sister and I cried. I actually had to put the book down because I was there, I was having that discussion, and its hard. So ALL of the props to Susan for capturing the side of disabilities no one ever talks about, the other people it affects who have to sacrifice too. You wrote it well!
I did like watching Blake come to God. He fought it HARD, but in the end God won his heart. (Are we surprised?! ) It was definitely a nice redemption arc.
I adored the chemistry between Blake & Harlow. They really did blend well together, and their snark was EVERYTHING!
But the continuous back and forth of them not trusting each other, then trusting each other, then one small thing (that could’ve been handled if they talked about it like adults) making them storm off like children and lose all trust in each other again just got old! It just felt immature.
Now, I understand they both had been hurt in the past! I get that, however they shouldn’t have “trusted” the other person so readily if they weren’t ready.
Another thing that really bothered me is how fast they would assume the worst of each other. If you love someone, and say you know them better than that WHY would your first reaction be to say they’re a liar and never give them a chance to give you their side of the story.
I don’t handle name besmirching/integrity dragging story lines very well. And that is what it felt like to me.
Its hard for me because I really did like a lot of the story aspects. I really liked the “bachelor” troupe! The author did an amazing job getting me sucked into the story. I laughed, I cried, I connected with characters like I never have before. But I couldn’t get behind their “blame now, explain later” attitude.
I want to try another book by Susan Tuttle! I did enjoy her writing style, and I loved parts of this book.
I rated it a 3.5/5 stars.
*This is a ROMANCE book. There is a lot of kissing, talk of premarital sex, and an intense scene on a beach. It got heated in a few places! Just a heads up for anyone who is looking for content warning.*
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
This is a great book by a new to me author, but to be honest I have mixed feelings about it, there were many things about it that I loved, but some other things that didn’t work for me.
I loved the heroine, Harlow. I really admired her strong relationship with Jesus and that even in her struggles as well as in the midst of the reality dating show she was not willing to compromise her standards! Before starting this book I didn’t know how prominent a role the faith story would feature and I was so happy to discover that God is at the very center of this story. The faith journey is my very favorite part of this book, it was truly spectacular!
While I loved the heroine, sadly I never fell in love with the hero, I think because he seemed to keep flip flopping from the kind sweet guy to the Hollywood playboy at a moment’s notice and even though I understood the reasons for this it did make it difficult for me to trust him for a good portion of the book.
Something else that didn’t work for me personally was the reality Dating show aspect of the story, I did read the blurb beforehand so I knew it was a part of the book but I guess I didn’t realize just how big a part of the book it would be. Like Harlow I do not watch any of these types of shows, I don’t have anything against those who do but it is just not my cup of tea, and I think this is probably why the middle section of the book lagged a bit for me, though I greatly appreciated that the author made clear what we all know is true which is that reality shows are not really real and all the outcomes are controlled by the TV networks, and like I said before I was delighted that Harlow held onto her convictions amidst the drama and chaos! Though I did struggle with the middle portion of the book I absolutely loved the beginning and ending! I also loved the author’s voice and writing style, she had me laughing and smiling numerous times, and I definitely look forward to reading her previous novel! Even though this book didn’t quite become a favorite of mine, I definitely did enjoy it and recommend it.
(4 Stars!)
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
A story of trust, of brokenness, of healing and finding God, of believing in His promises. I admit I’m not a big fan of the finding love type of reality TV. Though I do find them intriguing, I don’t find they represent reality. Tuttle has a different twist. When Harlow Tucker is surprised by her sister and nominated for Call For Love, she is horrified. It’s the last thing she wants to do, especially when she realizes it’s Blake Carlton. The same man who took her coffee that morning is the same man who is playing the bachelor! She’s mortified, but I loved the banter. In the end she just can’t turn the offer down as it will help her sister’s charity. As she struggles to trust after a broken heart and hello, how does she trust a reality show in a run with so many other women. He’s just trying to help his mom, but doesn’t expect her sweet down home style to affect him. The chemistry between them runs hot and cold, but I enjoyed their journey. It was interesting and unique, and had me rooting for Harlow, while not liking the other girls. It was interesting seeing behind the scenes what a reality show is like. I did struggle with so much back and forth, but totally understand the struggle with trusting one another.
I loved seeing Blake grow from a very worldly man to realizing maybe what he had wasn’t what was really important. His journey to faith seemed very real. I loved his best friends encouragement, too. I really enjoyed Harlow’s story and felt like many of us could relate as Christians with wanting to do better, be better, and live better. Her journey really is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to do any of those things to be accepted by Christ…we are loved. This is the first book I’ve read by Susan Tuttle, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. She does not shy away from modern day struggles, but deals with them in a fresh and faith building way. Her unique style of storytelling kept me hooked.
I also loved the adventure of traveling different places. I felt the same way she did the first time I had my passport stamped. Her feelings really stuck with me how incredible international travel was. It was fun seeing her view of the world. I especially loved her perspective on photography and the fresh way she looked at people and culture. Her faith was woven in so well and really added depth to the storyline. Her struggle is with not seeing herself as special. His struggle is feeling used and unloved. God brings them both together to find who they really are in His eyes. Just beautiful.
I have voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of Love You, Truly by the publisher and JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is about a young lady who hates reality tv that gets coerced into becoming a contestant on a “Bachelor” type show to help out her sister’s charity. I also hate most reality shows, but I LOVED this book. The characters were strong and realistic. What I appreciated was the main man’s commitment to trying to protect the female character from the pitfalls of fame. Yet there are definite frequent conflicts and misunderstandings which make the book seem realistic overall. This is the official sophomore release for Tuttle, and I have loved both of her books. I will definitely read her next book! If you like clean romance with a Christian message, this book is highly recommended!
So many things I loved about this story I hardly know where to begin!!!
Ms. Tuttle takes the reader inside the not-so-real world of reality TV. Blake and Harlow are about as opposite as two people can be. The kind of opposite that gets under the other’s skin.
Both dealing—or not dealing, as the case may be—with deep seated issues. And in a particular twist for this reader, those particular issues are ones too familiar to this reader. Both feeling unappreciated and the need to prove their worth to those closest to them.
I appreciated the honesty in how Ms. Tuttle portrayed both Blake and Harlow juggling their teeter-tottering emotions against the ever growing mutual attraction. Her writing drew me into the story, brought it alive with each page. I wasn’t just reading characters, I was meeting people, making friends. (and enemies!)
I adore scenes in which a character comes face to face with God, the unasked questions answered, the unheard voice suddenly “heard.” And when [NAME] faced [HIS/HER] encounter, the truth in the moments gave me chills. [HIS/HER] life changed in the depth of [HIS/HER] most private moments, and most familiar and favorite surroundings. Just like God will do with any one of us when we’re seeking—or resisting Him.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
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