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Toni Shiloh | When a hockey player is set up on a blind date, sparks fly in ways no one expected

February 3, 2026

What is the title of your latest release?
HEARTS ON THE FLY

What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
He’s a hockey player who just lost everything. She’s his ex-girlfriend’s sister and completely off-limits. When his teammates set them up on a blind date, sparks fly in ways no one expected.

How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I actually did a vote on my social media and Washington DC had the most votes.

Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Definitely because I feel like we’re really similar in a lot of ways.

What are three words that describe your hero?
Steadfast. Loyal. Charming.

What’s something you learned while writing this book?
That I take so much for granted when it comes to sight.

Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I’m definitely a wait until I’m completely done type of person. I don’t want to get distracted or get too in my head, so I’d rather wait until the first draft is over before going back and editing with fresh eyes.

What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Desserts! It’s usually the first thing I look at on a menu and I choose that a lot faster than my main course.

Describe your writing space/office!
I have a normal desk and chair that honestly aren’t that appealing. However, it’s the stuff on it that makes it me. I have a typewriter pencil/pen holder that’s overflowing with all types of pens (I’m addicted to them). It also has figurines of a hippo, elephant, and turtle. Then there’s a couple of pictures of family. I also have bookish stickers on my computer and a couple of affirmations to brighten my day.

Who is an author you admire?
I’m not sure I can pick just one, but I’ll try. I really admire Sarah Morgenthaler. Her book The Christmas You Found Me was so heartwarming and I just love the way she brings emotions into a book and really makes you feel.

Is there a book that changed your life?
The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers has stuck with me long after I finished it and I have also reread it a few times. It’s definitely life changing.

Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published). Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
Well, I’m a hybrid author so I actually self-published before ever receiving “the call.” However, when I did receive the call when I was first published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired imprint, there was lots of squealing to be heard on my end.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romance! If it doesn’t have romance in it, I’ll probably pass on it.

What’s your favorite movie?
Pride and Prejudice. I’ve seen the 2005 version (I do own the BBC version as well) so many times my sons can recognize it whenever they pass by the TV.

What is your favorite season?
Spring! It’s so pretty and not a lot warmer than winter, lol.

How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With cheesecake and being surrounded by my favorite people.

What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I’m always happy to recommend Crash Landing on You which is my favorite k-drama.

What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Oh that’s so tough. I love seafood.

What do you do when you have free time?
I’m usually reading, or watching k-dramas or some rom com, or playing video games with my family.

What can readers expect from you next?
I’ll have a Christmas release this September titled MATCHMAKING CHRISTMAS.

HEARTS ON THE FLY by Toni Shiloh

A Christian African American & Black Hockey Romance of Forbidden Love and Friends to More

When the game changes, love finds a way to score.

Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice—but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up—only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex’s sister.

Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister’s heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val’s guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.

As Jabari navigates life off the ice, he’s drawn to Val in ways he didn’t expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?

Romance Sports | Multicultural African-American [ Baker Publishing Group, On Sale: February 3, 2026, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764245206 / eISBN: 9781493452583 ]

Buy HEARTS ON THE FLYAmazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Books-A-Million | Indie BookShops | Ripped Bodice | Walmart.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR

About Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. 

Love in the Spotlight | K-9 Companions

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