To Win a Prince

Author: Toni Shiloh
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 13, 2020

Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

"Practice patience. Stay in the moment. Don't jump ahead in life and miss the now."
 
I love books about royals and books with a good redemption story....and this newest by Toni Shiloh has both! On a beautiful tropical island country off the coast of Western Africa, a bright and bubbly American fashion designer meets a spoiled, selfish former Etikun prince with nothing left to his name. They butt heads while working together to start a fashion house and learn about grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
 
I loved Iris' completely idealistic, romantic first-person voice. She was over the top but so full of life, passion, and empathy. Ekon's honest and raw first-person voice started out arrogant, self-centered, and unyielding. But slowly morphed to reveal his true self - that sweet, endearing, vulnerable, noble core that made him a prince through and through. The faith thread was strong, and Ekon's redemption is one to be remembered. Catching up with Bri and Mori was also fun.
 
Iris and Ekon's story will make you weep tears of heartbreak and shout for joy at God's faithfulness and love. 

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Monica Huyser

Iris Blakely is the best friend of the Queen of Oloro Ile, a small African country. She is using her talents to start a sustainable clothing line to honor and help the country's citizens. Ekon Diallo is the man who betrayed her best friend--and her new business consultant. Ekon lost his princely title, friends, material possessions, and the respect of many in his country when he betrayed the Queen. To pay for his treasonous actions, he is forced to do community service and assist Iris in her business. Iris and Ekon realize that they need to learn to work together. Can they do it?

I enjoyed To Win a Prince. I loved Iris' loving heart and compassion for people. As time went on, I also liked Ekon. I really liked how well faith was woven into the story. I like the continuous conversations with God that some of the characters had. There were also times they gently called each other out when things weren't quite right with their faith, and I liked that. 

There were themes of mercy and redemption, and the character's faith in this book seemed real. I also liked getting to "see" Brielle and Mori again and catch some glimpses into their married life. I think Shiloh does a great job with the island world she created as I could picture the people, the food, and some of the island life as she filled my mind full of images of Oloro Ile. She also did a good job portraying the Christian life for non-Christians and those who have been Believers for a long time. I also thought the romance was nicely done.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions within this review are my own.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

To Win A Prince is an absolutely wonderful follow-up novel to In Search Of A Prince. I loved the thread of redemption that runs through the book as Ekon goes from disgraced prince to humble jewelry designer and follower of Christ. It’s not an easy journey as he must change his perception of what is important in life. 

I’m glad Iris got her story. Her character drew me to her in the previous book, and I was looking forward to where life would lead her. She was drawn to Ekon from the beginning, even though he was intended for Bri. After his downfall, she is instrumental in helping him change.

Of course, there’s got to be a little conflict, attraction, and romance to round out the story and this one has a perfect balance. I recommend this book.

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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