Angela Ruth Strong

The Forever Sky, a powerful title. You would expect a powerful book to back the title, wouldn't you? I found a slightly above average western romance that followed a couple whose love had been given to each other and lost by their own choices yet stubbornness followed with a dose of unforgiveness (my word). While I came to enjoy the story there were too many points of views for my liking, six in all and that makes it hard to like a story that you would normally find two point of views or maybe four. While the switching of characters was somewhat annoying I did enjoy the book for the most part, yet a certain character I couldn't stand because they were supposed to like a different character that was more mature, older, but their love interest that they ended up with was somewhat younger and I at times was confused by their part in the story since they so often changed their feelings. In order to not give spoilers I won't say more but I would have liked the secondary romance to have been worked on more so that it could have shown more real change in attitude and feelings than it did -- somewhat immaturely.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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This book is a great choice if you're looking for a story that makes you giggle and laugh out loud! Author Angela Ruth Strong shares a delightful romantic comedy that is laden with great characters, humor, and inspiration. We see from the start Gemma's feelings for Karson but it doesn't look like he reciprocates them. Yes, her actions may border on stalking but shouldn't this grumpy hero be flattered?

I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and I also like that Strong offers the points of view of both Gemma and Karson. When you add witty banter with amazing chemistry, the results are a swoon-worthy romance that will make you sigh in satisfaction! Grab a copy of Hero Debut for your own pure reading enjoyment!

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.… (más)

Hero Debut is the first novel that I’ve read by author Angela Ruth Strong and all I can say is where have I been?? The second book in the Love Off Script series, Hero Debut takes readers on quite the romcom adventure, one that I did not know I needed until now.

Gemma is the woman at the center of the saga. With an overactive imagination and breathtaking beauty, Gemma is grabbing life by the horns and fighting to live her dreams, and right now her starry eyes are focused on Lieutenant Karson, the police officer that “rescued” her.

Gemma is the sunshine heroine that is paired with the perfect grumpy hero, which is one of my favorite tropes. Gemma is insanely bubbly, optimistic, and a dreamer, a girl after my own heart. Karson reminds me so much of my husband. A man that seems gruff on the outside but inside shines a heart of gold and a fierce will to protect, Karson is the type of hero that everyone wants to rescue them.

Together they are the perfect pairing, though it takes Karson a little longer to make this realization. Gemma seems to always find herself in some kind of mess and Karson always seems to be there to rescue her. There are some tongue-in-cheek moments that had me snickering, and just like our main characters, those moments are paired with moments of real heart, like the realization of what you can make room for if you’re willing to let the baggage go.

This was such a fun read for me and honestly one of my favorite novels so far this summer! It is so lighthearted with that great romcom vibe that makes it the perfect beach read. All of the characters are flawed and amazing, each complimenting the story in their own unique way. I love how the author paints such a vivid picture of organized chaos, weaving strictness with creativity, and finding the perfect balance between the two with two imperfect people.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (más)

Thanks to Kregel Publications and author Angela Ruth Strong for an advance reader's copy. And thanks to NetGalley for a digital ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed author Angela Strong’s 2021 novel “Husband Auditions,” and this was more of the same: a joyful rom-com with likable characters, witty dialogue, and a page-turning plot, especially since it’s billed as the second in the “Love Off Script” series. It was fun and frothy, with some of the same characters from book #1, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. And it’s heartening to read a faith-based rom-com which includes many references to Bible stories, truths, and individuals.

I liked the hero theme that is introduced by the title and is woven throughout the novel. Each chapter begins with a quote by a different author referring to heroes, heroines, or superheroes. And the novel presents the hero topic immediately with main character Gemma describing Karson as her hero in the first sentence.

The premise of this entertaining rom-com is equally balanced between romance and comedy. Gemma has a crush on Karson, the police officer who rescued her in an embarrassing meet-cute situation several months ago.

I had to suspend my disbelief when reading about Gemma’s antics during the Citizen’s Safety Academy, which includes training by both the police and fire departments. And it was difficult for me to accept Gemma’s success as a screenwriter, but this is fiction after all, so I told myself to just go with it.

While the novel is fun and frothy, the story alternates between Gemma’s ditziness and Karson’s painful, long-standing personal issues which prevent them from engaging in a mature relationship for much of the novel. But in true rom-com fashion, the satisfying ending is entertaining and uplifting.… (más)