Nikki lives with a perfect trifecta of noes. No guys. No dates. No way. After years of keeping men at bay, Nikki Gordon has it down to a science. No one, not even the sweet, hunky Shorty Smalls can change her mind. Period. So if she’s got it all figured out, why does her heart sink to her toes when she sees Shorty with another woman? Read Risking Love today and see what happens when you risk your … your heart to the care of a good man.
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Nikki Gordon, the hostess at the Maple Pit, had come to Maple Run six years ago hoping to hide from bad memories of betrayal and violation by a man she trusted. Shorty Smalls has eyes only for Nikki, and her heart melts when Shorty’s around, but she believes she’s not worthy of him because of her past. Only when Nikki faces the memories and fears that have held her captive and gets counseling does she heal. When she’s finally honest with Shorty, he understands that she must learn to trust him before their relationship can grow into more than friendship. He’ll wait as long as it takes. A sweet romance with a strong faith element.
Wonderful parallel of God’s patient, unconditional love for us. A great end to the Maple Run series. Toni Shiloh is officially one of my favorite authors.
This is the second book I have read by Toni Shiloh and I can not rave enough about it. Risking Love is an easy read that takes you through the healing process of a young woman who was hurt by someone she trusted. The people around her tried all the ways they could think of to convince her to leave the past behind but only when she had something she truly wanted did she move forward.It was just deep enough to make the gears turn, but not so deep that I couldn’t enjoy the romance. It was fun to see Nikki blossom and come out of the pit she was in after the attack. I was irritated with her family as they pushed her to work on their time table. I praised Shorty for encouraging her and letting her take her time.
If you are looking for a great beach, or Back Porch, read, I think Risking Love will be a great addition to your summer reading list.
The sweet anticipation of finally experiencing Nikki and Shorty’s story was just a sip of ice water before the feast! As the fourth book of the Maple Run series, this would have been an obvious opening for a dessert level story but Toni Shiloh always feeds her readers right!
Instead of tickling our ears with a sweet and simple happily ever after, the author serves up more. Readers get more authenticity, more vulnerability, more challenging yet edifying conflict, and ultimately more hope, healing, and redemption.
Truly gifted storytellers don’t just give readers what they want because the best stories speak to our hearts in ways we don’t even realize we need… which makes that happily ever after all the sweeter. I highly recommend this heaping helping of comforting soul food for your reader heart and don’t miss out on the previous installments of the Maple Run series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This was such a heartfelt story! I have not read any of the other Maple Run books, but I was able to follow along just fine with Risking Love. I’m sure that I would have loved these two characters even more if I had gotten to know them in the other three books. But, as it was, they both won me over easily in this story.
The author did a great job of creating two characters that I really liked. Nikki had a very traumatic past to overcome and Shorty was so understanding and caring. I loved they way both of the characters relied on God, as well as the way Nikki sought treatment and Shorty sought the advice of his father in the situation.
Risking Love a great setting and wonderful characters. Even though it dealt with a sensitive topic, I was left feeling uplifted and happy.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Such a sweet conclusion to round out the four couples of Maple Run! I’ve enjoyed getting to know the other three couples and have been waiting for some time to delve into Shorty and Nikki’s story. Nikki has a broken past that she’s been running away from. Her creativity in visual arts has dried up due to her emptiness in her soul and spirit. She has a long way to go in learning about forgiveness but Shorty (aka Gregory), in his loving kindness and steadfast faithfulness, slowly chips away at the tower she’s built around herself for the last six years and shows her what true love looks like. The story flows easily, the characters are real and lovable, and faith element is woven into their lives effortlessly. Returning to Maple Run, with all the charm and quirk of a small town and its lovely inhabitants, is like returning to a favorite vacation spot. Even if you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, the people of Maple Run will welcome you with open arms through this book.
I received a copy of the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Author Toni Shiloh writes contemporary Christian novels with rich diversity and has become a favorite author of mine. The final book in the Maple Run Series, I’ve been waiting for Nikki and Shorty’s story and Risking Love is not a disappointment.
Shiloh isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects but does it with delicacy and grace. I won’t give any spoilers here but to read about Shorty as he gives Nikki space to heal, while still assuring her of his love, is so heartwarming. Such a wonderful man!
The town of Maple Run has become a favorite book destination and I wish the Maple Pit was a real place. I’m sure I’d meet these wonderful characters there. I highly recommend that you read the entire Maple Run series. I know I’ll be visiting again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
When it comes to a book written by Toni Shiloh, I don’t even need to read the back-cover copy. It’s a must buy! I know that I am in for a delightful story, one that I will live alongside the characters. A story that will not only linger in my memory but one that I will grow from as well. Risking Love checks all the boxes. I enjoyed my time with these friends and didn’t want it to end.
A trip to Maple Run with Toni Shiloh is always a delight! The characters in Toni Shiloh’s books are real, honest, people. They make mistakes, they have baggage that weighs them down. But regardless of past hurts and past mistakes, they learn and grow and they lean on God and press together with a community of God-fearing friends.
Risking Love can be read as a stand-alone, however, there are appearances from friends we have met in earlier books. Honestly, all of the stories are fantastic, so you might as well get them because you don’t want to miss out on knowing this delightful community of characters!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
So many of us have issues from our past which color our present life. Sometimes those issues can even keep us from fully living and enjoying God’s blessings. This is the case for Nikki. Her past had a very hurtful dark event and it has kept her from experiencing the full life God had for her. However, that doesn’t keep Shorty from caring for her and wanting a relationship with her.
I love how Toni Shiloh writes with such beautiful examples of God’s healing powers. In one of the scenes it was so beautiful I had tears in my eyes. God really loves us even when we might have scratches, dents, cuts or marks in our lives. He loves us because He made us. What a beautiful example of God’s love for us and our worth to Him even with all our faults!
This book also had lots of fun banter and sweet romance. The author knows how to balance these together in a wonderful way.
Oh, now I also must comment on the character who had me up in arms. When I was reading the parts with Trina in it the primal instincts came out in me and I wanted to rip her eyes out! Toni Shiloh really knows how to write a villain!
I also appreciated how the author showed the tension between Nikki and her family. Which portrayed how deeply the pain was and how something like this doesn’t just affect the victim, it can affect the whole family.
Even though there is pain and hurt out there, God desires to heal those hurts, and give hope for the future!
I want to thank the author for writing such a wonderful story. I highly recommend you pick this book up.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
What I think you should know:
Risking Love is the 4th book the Maple Run series, It can be a standalone book, but the series is so good that I recommend you start at the beginning. Toni Shiloh has written a great series, the characters in the book feel like old friends to me, and I love how they are woven together. We have met Nikki and Shorty in previous books but didn’t get their story until now. Nikki Gordon is in love with Shorty, the problem is that she doesn’t realize it until she sees him with another woman. However her bigger problem is due to her past she isn’t ready for anything more than friendship. The thing she doesn’t know is some of the greatest loves start out as friends.
What you might want to know:
Nikki has suffered a horrible trauma that has left her unable to move forward with her life on a personal level. To me she seems to be in survival mode rather than really living, but she has to do it on her own time table while her family thinks they can force her into moving on. Shorty is a dreamboat , he is patient, kind and loving. He is steady and wants to help the woman he loves no matter what.
What touched me about this book:
I love that Nikki and Shorty exchange Bible Verses as a way to encourage each other. I love that The author shows that it is ok for a Christian to seek counseling from a therapist. There are so many wonderful things about this book that I could go on and on. This is such an inspiring story of healing and forgiveness
Who will love this book ( just to name a few):
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Contemporary Fiction
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this novella! This was my first by Toni Shiloh, and it will not be my last! Even though this was technically the fourth in the Maple Run series, it wasn’t necessary to have read any of the others previously, though I’m sure if you had, you would have enjoyed the cameos from previous couples.
I absolutely loved the characters! Both the hero “Shorty” and heroine Nikki were so relatable, admirable but real. I loved how the hero was actually a strong Christian guy who was willing to wait for and be faithful to the girl he’d fallen for. But he still doubted whether she was the right one for him, and so he continually prayed to the Lord. And Nikki, even though I couldn’t relate to her circumstances, I loved her transformation, fueled by Scripture verses and people who really cared about her.
Without giving any spoilers—which is hard!—I will just say that the ending few chapters were so satisfying, with a touch of humor. I laughed out loud and almost swooned with giddiness. It was perfect!
The only two things I disagreed with were:
1. In Chapter 5, when the author says, “Everyone on earth was His, but only a few answered the call of His heart.” That is technically not theologically correct, as only those who have “answered the call of His heart” in their hearts by faith, accepting salvation by grace, are called His children. Of course, God is the Creator of each one in their mother’s wombs, and as such has ownership of all people, but I wouldn’t say that this was what the phrase “everyone on earth was His” implied.
2. In the Epilogue, during the vows, they both repeated that they would be responsible “for her every necessity” and “for his every necessity.” I’m sorry, but only God can meet every need. This is one of the misconceptions that leads to unhappy marriages, that your spouse is to meet your every need. That makes them your god. We need to find our ultimate satisfaction in God alone.
I did love some of the little details. As a lover of music and worshiping, I loved the reference to a contemporary Christian song in chapter 11. 🙂 Even though the author couldn’t legally include the lyrics, I started singing the song right away, and I love the symbolism to Nikki’s life.
I also enjoyed the art references. Yes, the “purple pen” in chapter 12 would soothe me, too. There is just something about the color purple that seems to speak to us creatives. 😉
And the reference in chapter 18 to ordering nachos at the movie theater? Yes! Finally, someone who gets me. 🙂 I’m not a popcorn person, and I always order nachos when I can afford them. 😉
All in all, it was one of my favorites of the year so far! I adored it and will be re-reading this one often, which is the ultimate stamp of Lila’s approval. 😉
Favorite quotes:
“I’m not sure I can handle the conflict. I’m not even sure there will be conflict, but anxiety is trying to rise and take over in my mind.” (chapter 9)
“…That I’ll wait for a yes until I’m old and gray.” “Oh, goodness. Finish your speech, and you’ll get your yes.” I cracked up laughing! Maybe my favorite proposal ever!!! (chapter 21)
(I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
This story was very emotional for me to read. It brought back some bad memories and I was a bit hesitant to read it. Nikki has been through a very traumatic event and decides to move away from her town to try to heal and start fresh. She has always been close with her brother but now they were distant to each other. Nikki won’t let anyone in and I could really relate to her. Her trust is gone and all she wants to do is work and then go home to her place and be alone. But was she really living? Her joy had been taken away and she needed to find a way to overcome her pain and fear.
Shorty is the perfect example of a gentleman. He likes Nikki but knows something is holding her back. I loved how he approached her as a friend and never pushed. The scriptures they start texting each other was a great way to communicate and share their heart with each other. His gentleness towards Nikki is so nice and I loved how he never crossed boundaries.
The author offers many scriptures in the story that really help Shorty to encourage Nikki that she is special and worthy to be loved. She sees herself as damaged goods, but Shorty sees a woman who is beautiful, caring and needs someone to show her how a gentleman treats a lady. The story is well written and shares insight into a broken family that needed healing. Nikki make amends to her family. But more importantly, she needs to forgive herself and know it wasn’t her fault. As she digs deeper into scripture, we see glimpses of a heart beginning to heal. Will Shorty be the man she learns to trust? Can he show her how blessed he is to have her in his life?
It is a beautiful story that takes a tragedy and turns it into healing and freedom from the past. I felt like Shorty had so much patience and never gave up on Nikki. He is a true example of a Godly man. I hope you grab a copy of this book and let Nikki and Shorty’s story fill you with hope, forgiveness, freedom from the past and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Swoon…Shorty Smalls is such a gentle, kind, loving, patient, caring, romantic Godly man!
I love how he cares for Nikki, how patiently he waits for her timing, and how he helps in her healing. I loved the daily text messages sent between Shorty and Nikki. I love how prayer plays such an important part of their relationship.
There are many heart touching moments in this book, I want to share them all but I won’t. You’ll have to read them for yourself.
I devoured this book in one sitting, I didn’t take a single break, it’s that good. It was fun to see familiar characters but if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, that’s okay you will still enjoy this one. Of course, you will want to go back and read all the stories.
Toni Shiloh brings all the emotions to life in her books and with this series, your tastebuds get seriously involved too.
Once again, I am left wishing The Maple Pit was a real restaurant, I very much want to go there for a meal.
Return to Maple Run for another romantic and satisfying read! Toni Shiloh is such a great author and you can see her heart for God through her writing. If you like to see Christian characters struggling with real life through Scriptures and prayer, you really need to try this author.
Toni Shiloh excels at writing real characters with real challenges and real hurts. The fourth installment in the Maple Run series cements that fact.
Nikki has distanced herself from her family and an unimaginable betrayal by moving to Maple Run. Yes, she’s made friends but, after six years, continues to keep them at arms length. Friends who include Shorty Smalls, who has wanted more than friendship with Nikki since the day he met her and considering her disinterest, questions whether he should continue to hope for more.
The way in which Shorty goes about pursuing Nikki as well as her healing journey are what stood out most to me in this book. Once these two make decisions about their relationship, they communicate with each other. What a refreshing change it was to read how Shorty sought God first and supported Nikki however she most needed it.
Shiloh also includes the importance of family and friends (as well as their counsel). It’s books like Risking Love that keep me returning to Shiloh’s novels. Every. Single. Time.
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.
Taking a chance on love
I am a fan of Toni Shiloh’s books. She has a way of taking deep heart matters and shining the light of truth on them, helping her characters experience freedom from their pasts through the power of Jesus. Without being preachy. So when I saw her latest book, Risking Love, I knew I wouldn’t be risking anything by reading it.
Shorty is the sweetest, kindest, most patient man! The mere fact that he has waited six years for Nikki to be ready to let him become more than a friend is evidence to that. I loved the way he was willing to lay his heart bare and yet was hesitant to do so for fear of scaring Nikki.
As I have come to expect from Ms. Shiloh, she incorporates spiritual truths and character growth naturally into the narrative. They were touching and insightful.
My analytical brain did have trouble with some of the details, though. They weren’t really important to the story, yet my mind just wouldn’t let go of them. Ugh.
While I believe this story is intended to stand alone, and it does, for the most part, I did feel there was backstory I missed reading. It started six years into Shorty and Nikki knowing each other and the waiting and wanting to be with the other had been going on for a long time. So I recommend reading the Maple Run series in order.
If you enjoy Christian romance, you should add this to your TBR (to-be-read) list.
Read my review of Risking Love by Toni Shiloh at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed Nikki and Shorty’s story. I love how their relationship developed. Readers will see her struggle to be in a relationship with Shorty but her past experience and fears are holding her back. Shorty is what some would consider old- fashioned. He believes in courting Nikki and being patient with her. You will love how he win her trust. I think they are one of my favorite couples in this series. What a great was to close out this series.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
WOW! How do I even begin to express how much I love this book? Toni Shiloh is one of my favorite authors and I eagerly anticipate everything she writes! I have been dying to read Nikki and Shorty’s story ever since book 1 in the Maple Run series, and oh my word it was SO worth the wait!
Reading one of Toni’s books feels like relaxing on a porch swing on a summer day or snuggling under your favorite cozy blanket on a chilly fall evening, she sweeps you into her story from the first word and you can’t stop reading because you feel so at home there!
I already knew and loved Shorty and Nikki before starting this book, but I got to know them so much better and felt like I became even closer friends with them throughout their story. And I fell completely, 100%, head over heels in love with Shorty, he is such an incredibly sweet, funny, caring, thoughtful, honorable, and humble man of God that he continuously had me melting into a puddle at the amazing way he treated Nikki and all the beautiful things he did for her!
I adore this small fictional town of Maple Run, Virginia and it was an absolute joy to get to hang out there once again and catch up with all the characters from previous books in the series and see what was going on in their lives. This book tied up all the threads of their stories in a beautiful way, and even though I hated to say goodbye to the whole gang in Maple Run, I was delighted to leave them all living out their own happily ever afters!
The faith story was one of my favorite parts of this book, it was amazing and I know God will use it to touch numerous lives and hearts!
I loved every single moment of this book and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
If you are a fan of Christian contemporary romance this series is a must read! You will not be sorry!
Risking Love is definitely one for the keeper shelf and I anticipate rereading it many times in the future!
(5 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.
Risking Love by Toni Shiloh was heartbreaking and heartwarming. Risking Love is the fourth book in Toni Shiloh’s Maple Run series. Ms. Shiloh wrote a story that made you want to cry and laugh. There were characters that you could connect with and they became your friends. Nikki has lived in fear these last few years, fear that has caused her to say no guys, no dates, and no way. She is fine the way she is, but then why does Shorty Smalls make her want to change her mind?
Nikki was truly an amazing character. She had been raped and at times she felt so broken. However, Nikki tried so hard to trust God and get back on track. She was brave, but she was also scared. I was cheering her on as I read about her journey. I wanted her to succeed so much and to find peace. I loved reading about her with Shorty, he helped her grow and find peace.
Shorty was so sweet. He faithfully pursued Nikki and I loved reading about their relationship. He was such a nice guy and he truly loved Nikki. He wanted her to feel safe and get “better” on her own timetable. He encouraged her, but he didn’t push her.
I loved reading about Nikki and Shorty as they learned to trust each other and what it meant to be in a relationship. Shorty helped Nikki grow and heal. It was fun to see characters from the previous books and I loved the family aspect in this book. Nikki had to learn how to lean on God and trust Him despite her past circumstances.
I read this Risking Love in one day, it was so good! I would totally recommend it. Risking Love is a clean Christian romance, however the main character was dealing with the ramifications of being raped. It was a great book but I know that some would have a hard time with it. I loved Risking Love! And I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Shiloh will write!
If this is the last in this series, then I will absolutely miss Maple Run and it’s characters. It’s the kind of place I’d love to live in. Where God, family, and valuing the people you care for are of utmost importance. Nikki and Shorty are such a sweet couple. As Nikki works to overcome trauma that keeps her from moving on, Shorty is kind, patient, and prays often for her, and for their relationship. How romantic is that? Swoon-worthy might be an overused phrase, but it fits here! I always look forward to Toni’s next book!