Be aware that there is a significant difference between the reviews and recommendations on this blog. Just because I review a book, TV show, or movie does not mean I recommend it. I am simply analyzing the work and giving my honest opinion of it, as well as providing key points such as the plot summary, age appropriateness (if the reader should choose to read or watch it), and anything else that's noteworthy.
Over the past few weeks I've reviewed the first two books in the Skymar series by Pepper Basham. Today I'm reviewing the third and final book, Loyally, Luke, where Luke Edgewood, the grumpy cousin from Authentically, Izzy and Positively, Penelope, finally gets his own story and romance!
Plot Summary
Luke Edgewood flies into Skymar to renovate an orphanage for the royals of the country. Almost immediately upon his arrival he meets Ellie St. Clare, who annoys and intrigues him at the same time. Just as he allows himself to fall in love with her, he finds out she's actually Princess Ellianna, Duchess of Mara and the North Country. Since she is a working royal and he can't imagine himself being a prince, they agree to be just friends until Luke goes back to the States.
Ellie is in need of a friend, especially as she tries to rebuild her reputation and fulfill her royal duties. The problem is, she doesn't want Luke to be just a friend; she wants more. However, he's not on her parents' list of approved potential husbands. They continue to work as a team and be "friends", but the attraction is hard to ignore when they're together and she can't imagine him not in her life. Is there any way they can be together?
Ellie is in need of a friend, especially as she tries to rebuild her reputation and fulfill her royal duties. The problem is, she doesn't want Luke to be just a friend; she wants more. However, he's not on her parents' list of approved potential husbands. They continue to work as a team and be "friends", but the attraction is hard to ignore when they're together and she can't imagine him not in her life. Is there any way they can be together?
Pros and Cons
Personally, I think one of the best parts of this book is seeing Luke - who's allergic to romance - live out a bunch of romance tropes. His life becomes a Hallmark movie in many ways and it produces a lot of comedy. There are also updates on Izzy and Brodie's relationship, as well as Matt and Penelope's.
Ellie is the kind of character you want to cheer for as she begins to prove she's no longer the woman she was in her past. There are a few mentions of her past, but there are no details.
This book is less epistolatory than the last two, maybe a quarter of it is texts and emails. Those who don't like epistolatory novels may or may not be able to make an exception for this book.
Ellie is the kind of character you want to cheer for as she begins to prove she's no longer the woman she was in her past. There are a few mentions of her past, but there are no details.
This book is less epistolatory than the last two, maybe a quarter of it is texts and emails. Those who don't like epistolatory novels may or may not be able to make an exception for this book.
Notes
Best for teens and adults.
For those of you who have read Loyally, Luke, what did you think of it? For those of you who haven't, would you read it? Tell me in the comments below!
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1 Comment
This was a really good book, but my least favorite of the series. It wasn’t bad, but I liked the first two so much better! I would have loved more Izzy/Brodie and Matt/Penelope. But, alas, this was Luke’s book ;)