My life has always been in the spotlight. Born to two famous parents and then quickly rising to “super” status in the modeling world ensured that I, Astoria “Tori” Bell, would always have my image plastered across newsstands. Unfortunately, adoring fans weren’t always magnanimous and now I have a stalker on my hands.Oddly enough, the tall, dark, and all-too handsome bodyguard hired to protect me … protect me seems more harmful than the threatening notes from the stalker. As well as his plan to flush out the danger by proposing a fake engagement.
The lines between pretend and reality blur and I have to shore up my resolves. Baggage from my past means I can’t let myself be vulnerable. But the way Marcel Fox treats me has me thinking otherwise.
With a new rock on my finger and the man who put it there by my side, happily ever after seems like a possibility or is that as fake as my public persona?
The Truth About Fame is the second book in the Christian Chick Lit series: Faith & Fortune.
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This is the second book in the new series by Toni Shiloh, and it just keeps getting better and better. In the first book, we are introduced to the three wonderful ladies in this series. Each has a different talent, yet that doesn’t seem to keep them from forming a strong friendship. However, the suspense and threats from the last book keep appearing in this book, so Tori feels she needs to separate herself from her friends and housemates. Fortunately, for us, that means Fox is right there with her.
Toni Shiloh has written a story that will leave you wanting more. I know I do! The story flows with so much tension, suspense, romance, and humor. Her characters are larger than life and boy, I think I’d want to have Fox be my bodyguard! I also loved Ms. Etta; she is the kind of grandma we all need. She tells it like it is and then dishes up some loving sugar!
This is a fun series to read and I can’t wait for the next one to release.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own
The Truth About Fame by Toni Shiloh is a great read! After reading the first book in this series, The Trouble With Love, I was so ready to jump into book #2. I assumed I was going to get a sweet romance about Tori and Marcel. I did get a sweet romantic story for sure, but I got so much more. I was completely unprepared for the scary tension and suspense in the later chapters of this book. There are a few chapters where I’m not sure I breathed properly while I was reading, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I may have skipped ahead a few pages just to make sure everything turns out OK. Seriously, things got intense in an excellent, gripping, and nerve-wracking way!
My heart really went out to Tori. She has SO much baggage that she is carrying all by herself. And, she is trying to protect all her loved ones as best she can, but the crazy stalker in her life seems to always be a step or two ahead of her. It’s so frustrating. If this isn’t enough to have on her plate, Tori’s also struggling with her past and God’s place in her life currently. How does she justify the horrible thing that happened to her as a teen with God’s benevolence, love, and forgiveness? How does she forgive the bad guy in her life when forgiving feels like letting him get away with his bad behavior? How does she trust Marcel now, or any guy for that matter? See what I mean?! This book is WAY more than just a fluffy love story. It’s got tons of layers I just was not expecting. I love it so much.
I am keeping this review short. Honestly, it’s a book that needs to be experienced and I don’t want to accidentally spill the beans on any part of this highly engaging story. Suffice to say, The Truth About Fame is going to stick with me for a long while, and I CANNOT wait for the final book in the series to release. If you are in the mood for a super romantic, suspenseful story with very timely themes, then I highly recommend The Truth About Fame. It’s so, so good!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Toni Shiloh, via JustRead Publicity in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was the first book by Toni Shiloh that I’ve read, and I’m so glad I did! Everything from the settings, to the character relationships, to the amazing AMAZING faith elements was on point. I’m excited to add a new author to my “follow” list.
Exciting Story!
First, I loved this story! The relationship between Tori and Fox kept me highly entertained. I think we could all use a bodyguard like Fox We all need a Miss Etta in our lives too, sharing wisdom and faith.
I love the friendship and love between T. H. & O. They stick together no matter what.
Stalkers and security guards!
My rating is 4.5 stars
Carrying scars that no one could see, Tori gave the illusion that all was well in her life. Yet the need for full-time security for herself and her best friends grated on her enough to make her want to run away. I’m not sure why “”fake engagement”” stories are so much fun but they are and I love reading them. Add a stalker and a handsome bodyguard and you have a winning combination!
I loved Tori’s strength and vulnerability. While I knew about her stalker and the fear he had put into her and her friends from The Trouble with Love, the fact she had been damaged in the past was new. As the details began to unfold, my heart went out to her. Especially due to the blame she put on herself – quite unnecessarily.
I also knew about Fox, her security guard and could tell there was something sparking beneath the surface between the two of them. Well, plus I read the synopsis of this story which confirmed things. 🙂 Though the story was only told from Tori’s point of view, it was clear where Fox’s heart was, at least to me – Tori was oh-so-blissfully ignorant of this.
I hadn’t expected to know the identity of the stalker but realized partway through that I did . It was quite subtle and while I was sad to be right, it was fitting. I was surprised, though, to discover the identity of the accomplice!
As always with Toni Shiloh’s stories, the romance was sweet and the faith element was strong. Tori struggled with the concept of trusting the God who allowed bad things to happen and those who are evil to go unpunished. I loved the way the author used Miss Etta to share eternal truths with her and especially the reminder that Jesus addressed this very question in one of His parables. The truth from the Scriptures was shared accurately and beautifully to make this a romance not only between a man and a woman but revealing the deep love of our God to Tori.
If you enjoy romance that incorporates faith, you will want to be sure to read this delightful story!
Read my review of The Truth About Fame by Toni Shiloh at AmongTheReads.net
Faith and Fortune book two, The Truth About Fame, is another sweet and swoony story with a bit of suspense. It’s about balancing life as a celebrity, protecting friends from a stocker, and falling in love with a bodyguard. The story is captivating and sweet with layers of faith mixed in as well. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this chick lit story.
Series: Faith and Fortune
Genre: contemporary, romance, chick lit
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: July 7, 2020
Number of pages: 223
Other books in the series:
1-The Trouble with Love
3-The Price of Dreams (coming August 25, 2020)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
(First, I would highly recommend reading Book One, The Trouble With Love, as these books build off each other. You’ll love it!)
Book Two in author Toni Shiloh’s Faith & Fortune series gives us the story of Atoria Bell. Tori is a model whose life seems perfect, but as we know money and fame isn’t everything and her charmed life takes a sinister turn. Shiloh has done an outstanding job of writing this twist without it being macabre. Yet it is edge of the seat, page turning, good.
As in Book One, the characters are close friends who care for and watch out for each other. They are well developed and very “human”, even though they are each superstars in some way. I really like all of them and find them very heartwarming. And there’s Fox. What a guy!
I really appreciated the spiritual elements to the story. While not preachy, God is a constant thread. Seriously, if you’re looking for a book that has it all; great characters, a handsome hero, suspense, clean romance and to top it off great dialogue, then you need to get this contemporary story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
4.5 stars
“Despite what most people thought, fame wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.”
The Truth About Fame is the second book in Toni Shiloh’s new Christian Chick Lit series, Faith & Fortune. It is recommended that the Faith & Fortune series be read in order, starting with The Trouble With Love, since the characters and storylines continue throughout the series.
In The Truth About Fame, supermodel Tori Bell finds herself with a stalker. When her stalker’s threats escalate and Tori’s friends are in danger, it is up to Tori and her handsome bodyguard Marcel Fox to find out the stalker’s identity before it is too late.
Even though best friends Holiday, Tori, and Octavia are all famous and wealthy, they have insecurities and struggles that readers can easily relate to. The Truth About Fame deals with some serious topics, but Toni Shiloh keeps the tone light and adds in humor that her readers are sure to enjoy. The banter between Tori and Marcel is perfectly done and endears me to these wonderful characters.
Toni Shiloh continues to bring a much-needed diversity to Christian fiction, and her writing is rich with beautiful messages of faith. Toni Shiloh’s novels always encourage me to dig deeper into the Scripture and reflect on my own life. I have loved every single one of her books, but I think this book might be her best one yet!
The Truth About Fame is highly recommended for readers of inspirational fiction. I can’t wait to read Octavia’s story in The Price of Dreams, which releases in August 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“Maybe, just maybe, my future could be different. I could trust in a God who gave second chances. I could fall in love and trust this man with my innermost secrets and desires.”
I read every story Toni Shiloh writes. The way she draws the reader in and connects us to the characters is amazing. Danger, mystery, romance and faith are key factors in this story. From learning to place trust in God to possibly finding true love, this is another great one by Toni Shiloh. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
The Truth About Fame is as delightful as Mr. Marcel Fox himself. Teasing is always good-natured and never excessive. Big emotions and life-long commitment are gently hinted at until the timing is just right. Relationships are always built on love, faith, and everyday life.
Tori is wound a little tight at times and that’s the characteristic I most identified with. From my experience, I knew she needed a steady, patient man in her life. Marcel is a perfect blend of fierce protector and down-to-earth family man. I loved watching the sparks fly between these two and seeing them navigate one another’s personal and professional lives.
Shiloh delivers what could have easily been a painfully cliche storyline and injects it with faith and an incredible level of relatability. I assure you that chicks of faith from every walk of life will appreciate these characters and their pursuit of happily ever after! This series is highly recommended and lovingly placed on my favorites shelf!
I purchased print copies of this entire series and also received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review. As a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
This series……wow. Shiloh has really outdone herself here. First, I feel like I’m talking with people who are my friends, and by talking I mean reading lol. But seriously, Shiloh’s characters are like comfort food. You feel totally at ease reading about them, and immersing yourself into their lives. Yes they are “rich”, but they don’t seem it. They are just people, who happen to have money, and I can totally see myself hanging out with them on a Friday night.
Second, FOX. Oh my word. He can be my bodyguard, pretend fiancee…..just kidding, I am happily married lol. But seriously – he is so swoonworthy, and such a likable guy. In fact, he’s my favorite out of the group of guys, and I even felt that way in book one when we first met him. And who goes all out for a pretend engagement? Yeah….you’re going to have to read it for yourself.
This book has suspense (the stalker storyline was so interesting, and I did NOT see the culprit coming!), there is romance (get the fans ready), but there is also faith. Tori had a journey she needed to take in this book, and I loved every moment of it. I don’t want to give away anything, but I will say that she’s a character people can easily relate to as far as spiritual journeys go.
All in all – I think this might be my favorite series of 2020. I cannot wait to read book three!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A model who is determined not to fall in love, her perfect bodyguard (really, does this guy have ANY flaws?), her loyal best friends, and a stalker set this book up as a swoonworthy romance with a touch of suspense. As much as I enjoyed the story line, Toni Shiloh shines most in her writing about Tori (the heroine) grappling with why God allows bad things to happen and why He can forgive even the worst of sinners. I love how Shiloh tackles these tough questions and manages to show readers just how much God loves us.
I am loving this series and looking forward to reading book 3!
I really enjoyed reading this author for the first time. She definitely has a way with words. I enjoyed the writing style and flow of the book. It wasn’t too fast or too slow. I liked all the characters especially Fox! Ladies when you read this book you’ll know what I mean, SWOON! I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tori and her friends. I don’t really have any negatives to add to the review except to say, if you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller, than the isn’t for you but if you are looking for a sweet, fun, read with just a touch of suspense than this is totally for you. Also I will add it’s a tad predictable, but that’s okay with me. Just so long as I can enjoy the book. Sometimes we need a bit of predictability in our lives, Right? Overall I highly recommend this book and I am so excited to read the rest of the books in this series and other books this author has written. I received this book from JustRead Tours for free. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This second book in the Faith and Fortune series has a little something for everyone! Suspense, Romance, Witty Banter, and Faith. I was delighted to spend time with Tori and Fox. More than once I held my breath, turning pages quickly to find out what would happen next. Simply put this story is breath-taking!
We all have struggles and things about ourselves to improve. Tori’s struggle is learning to forgive even when those from the past didn’t ask for forgiveness. As Tori discovers, the peace that is found when we let go of our hurt and bitterness and give it all to God is like shedding a bolder that you’ve been carrying with you for years.
I highly recommend this dynamic, engaging story. Pick up a copy to enjoy, you won’t be sorry!
(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.)
The main character in this second Faith & Fortune book is Astoria Belle, is a fashion model. There is just enough mention of her clothes to satisfy the title but not enough to overwhelm those of who will pick fuzzy socks over stiletto’s any day. I do think her occupation is an important part of the storyline as Tori struggles with feeling like everyone wants something from her.
This series addresses the cost of fame and fortune. Some of the perks are obvious. But the drawbacks of being in demand are also noted.
Tori intrigued me as a “minor” character in the “The Truth About Love,” the first book in the Faith & Fortune series. But then she surprised me in this book. For one thing, I thought that she was a woman of faith because her brother “Wally” clearly followed God in book 1. But then in this book, details are revealed as to why Tori struggled to trust God.
(Slight spoiler – skip this paragraph if you truly want to know “nothing.” Anyway we discover that Tori was taken advantage of by someone in her past. I appreciated how the author detailed the experience. Although she was able to get away, the event still traumatized her and charges should have been brought against the man. Sometimes the public might dismiss such cases when they should not be because they are still wrong).
What else I liked … Tori discusses faith more with the Grandmother than with the potential suitor. I appreciated that because missionary dating is not a good idea. She dealt with faith and made strides in trusting God before entering into a relationship.
What made me laugh – the wet hair scene. I never realized how challenging fixing African American hair could be. That was a fun flirty moment. (My fine strawberry blonde hair would never result in anything that interesting).
What surprised me … the identification of the stalker. And the scenes that involved him. Definitely made this a romantic suspense book!
What I appreciated … Fox treated Tori differently than he treated everyone else. There was a distinction from the beginning. That is the way it should be in a committed relationship or with someone we are trying to pursue.
What made me cry … the demonstration of unconditional love, by both God and people.
What makes me sad … now I might have to wait all the way until August 25th to read the last book in the trilogy.
Thank you to @justreadtours for picking me to read an advanced copy of this book because I truly did not wait until July to find out Tori’s story. This review is my idea. All enthusiastic opinions are my own! I am definitely glad that I discovered Toni Shiloh’s books.
I really enjoyed this book and the lessons between the pages. Tori is such a relateable character. This book will open your eyes to the beauty of surrendering all to God. No matter what you have been through, just keep trusting. Fox and Tori had a hilarious beginning to their relationship and they are my new favorite couple.
The book is easy to read and fun. We get a glimpse of what it means to to famous. Genuine friendship, trust and faith are felt in this book.
I received a copy from the author/ publisher via Just Read Tours. All opinions are my own.
This is my first book by Toni Shiloh and I loved it. i look forward to reading the first and last book in the series.
Tori and Fox, this was such a beautiful story about broken people finding their fullness and healing.
Tori a model and Fox her body guard. Tori’s life is in danger because a stalker is threatening her life and fox is dedicated to ensuring she is safe.
This story dealt with how traumatic experiences create strongholds that force us to make decisions that have an effect on us in the future, how do you trust? How do you let love have its way in your heart, when someone that should protect you tries to take advantage of you? The love of God and total surrender helps us deal with the depth of fear in our hearts, I love how finding Jesus even though you are a “Christian” was weaved in Tori’s journey.
I love any story with positive supportive friendships and Toni made my heart glad in telling it so beautifully well.
Perfect love cast our fear resonated in my heart as I read this story. And as you guessed right, Love always wins.
I received this book from justread tours and this is my honest opinion
The Truth About Fame is book two in the Faith and Fortune series. I loved book one, The Trouble With Love, and I loved book two even more! I would definitely recommend reading the series in order, because the friendships and relationships between all of the characters overlap and are very important to the stories.
The attraction between Fox and Tori has been simmering since he became her bodyguard in book one. I loved the way it began to morph into more in this story. Even though they hadn’t known each other for long, it simply worked. Tori and Fox were great main characters. I loved the way Fox was so in tune with the real Tori, and not her famous persona. It made for some very special moments in the story. The faith message was relatable and realistic, leaving me, once again, anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Truth About Fame is the second book from Toni Shiloh’s Faith and Fortune series. This book seems to pick off where book one ended, and as such is probably best read in order. That being said, I did not do that. While I could certainly tell that there was a previous story, I was given enough to understand what had happened without feeling lost, so it certainly can be read as a stand alone as well. However, if you plan to read the series in its entirety, definitely start with book one as there will be some spoilers.
From the beginning, I was drawn into the fun banter and chemistry between supermodel Tori and her bodyguard Fox. I initially didn’t think I was going to enjoy Tori’s character, as she came off a bit rude and standoffish at first, but once she let her guard down, I began to appreciate her much more. From the start, Tori was not a fan of Fox… which naturally always makes for a great romantic chemistry, right? Still, with incidents in Tori’s past, the road to romance would certainly not be an easy one. She has to learn to lean on God and trust Him in her life, which led to a great Christian aspect to this story too.
I also really enjoyed the suspense aspect. I must admit I had a pretty good (and ultimately accurate) hunch of who the stalker might be fairly early on… the hints were there, but very subtle so I really enjoyed trying to figure it out as the story progressed. In the end, I was happy with how everything turned out, and found myself looking forward to the next story that had been set up at the end of this one.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read that I truly enjoyed! Fans of both romance, suspense and celebrity lifestyle will find themselves enjoying this one!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
Awesome book with real issues dealt with and swoony heroes. Loved every bit of the story. Don’t miss out on this Series