Today I’m sharing my book recommendation for To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh. I loved In Search of a Prince, the first book in the series, and absolutely adored To Win a Prince. I don’t often talk about favorite books because it can be so hard to choose favorite reads from among the great selection of CCR books available. I will call this one, and name To Win a Prince as one of my favorite CCR royalty romances.
Here’s the Book Description for To Win a Prince:
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…
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I loved reading To Win a Prince, Toni Shiloh’s sequel to the wonderful In Search of a Prince. The book can be read as a standalone. That said, knowing the history of what happened during In Search of a Prince meant I was more invested in the characters from the start. This story contains spoilers for In Search of a Prince, and the books are best read in chronological order.
I adored Iris, who is Bree’s best friend from the first book. When Bree discovered she was a princess, Iris traveled with Bree from the USA to the African island country. Bree is now the queen, and Iris is living permanently on the island. Iris is setting up a sustainable fashion business to help the local people earn good money and raise their standard of living.
I didn’t like Ekon in the first book, and it was interesting to unpack his story and understand why he had made certain decisions. Ekon is living out the consequences of his past actions, which places him in Iris’ world, and working closely with her.
I loved how Iris wasn’t prepared to settle and, despite being attracted to Ekon, she was determined to only marry a man who shared her faith and values. Ekon’s inspiring faith journey of forgiveness and redemption played an important role in their developing romance. I recommend To Win a Prince to contemporary romance readers who like royalty romances in an African setting with a strong faith element in the story.
Many thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
We’ve talked about royalty romances at StoryChats @InspyRomance podcast/YouTube in Episode 14 (special guest Carol Moncado) and Episode 58 (Spotlight: In Search of a Prince). We’ve mentioned To Win a Prince in Episodes 88 (September CCR Recent Reads) plus Episode 93 (October Recent Reads) that will be available on Friday, October 14.
RuthieH says
Hi Narelle, I haven’t read ‘In Search of a Prince’ or ‘To Win a Prince’ yet but I loved the blog post Toni Shiloh wrote about Oloro a few weeks back and they’re on my list of books to read. Great to hear you enjoyed them so much, looking forward to them!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Ruthie, The story setting on the tropical African island is stunning! I hope you’ll have a chance to read Toni’s books soon. Thanks for commenting. 😊
TONI SHILOH says
Thank you so much!! I’m so happy you loved TWAP! :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Toni, You’re very welcome! Thank you for writing the books. 😊
Lori Smanski says
I now have the first book and look forward to reading it
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Lori, I hope you’ll enjoy reading both books. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Milla Holt says
I’ve heard so many good things about this book! I’m looking forward to reading it.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Milla, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read it soon. 😊
Kendra Muonio says
Haven’t read any of those but I just won to win a prince in a giveaway so I’m just waiting for it to come in the mail.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Kendra, Yay for winning a copy of the book! Happy reading and thanks for commenting. 😊
Trudy says
I have In Search of a Prince in my TBR stack. Well, actually it’s in my TBR stack that is at my oldest sister’s house, which consists of books that belong to me, but she’s reading first. Lol!! I usually read them first, but my stack was so large, that I’m letting her read quite a few first!!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Trudy, It’s fun that you share books with your sister. Years ago, my grandmother had so many romance books that it was normal for her to share them with her sister and friends first before reading them. They’d put their initials on the first page to keep track of who’d read each book, lol. I hope you’ll have a chance to read Toni’s books soon. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Alicia Haney says
Yes, I am a fan of Royal romances. This book sounds like a great read and I love the cover, I am looking forward to reading it.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Alicia, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read Toni’s books soon. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
I haven’t read but would love to.Niven heard great things about them.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Lucy, They’re great reads, and hope you’ll have a chance to read them soon. Thanks for commenting.
Debra Pruss says
I do enjoy seeing what is happening with the royality in England. I have not read either of her books. My TBR is overflowing. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Debra, 2022 has been a monumental year for the UK royals. I can relate to the overflowing TBR. I hope you’ll have a chance to read Toni’s books. Thanks for commenting. 😊
bn100 says
haven’t read it
Narelle Atkins says
Hi bn100, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read Toni’s books. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Ausjenny says
Im late no buts just late.
I enjoyed both books in the series but loved this one more.
I would have said no to Royalty books then I remember I read these books. I also read one by Darlene Franklin with a prince who comes to America and like most know one knows hes a prince and they fall in love. Its not a trope I seek out but its probably more the blurb that will win me over.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Jenny, A fun and intriguing blurb will catch my attention, too. I’m glad you enjoyed Toni’s books. Thanks for commenting. 😊