Ekon Diallo, the disgraced prince who tried to overthrow the crown, is forced to perform work for Iris in her fledgling business designed to help women build sustainable careers in fashion. Despite Ekon's troubles, Iris is drawn to him. The problem is she is more given to emotion and fantasy than to reality. Still, the way she helps Ekon get back on his feet after everything is stripped away from him is heartwarming. It's also wonderful seeing how Ekon grows and learns how to do things for himself. I enjoyed it a lot.

I loved this second book set in Oloro Ile. It's a book that makes you excited to pick it up and keep reading. I hope there are more...maybe about Iris' brother. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A great follow up to In Search of a Prince! Can be read as a standalone, but a richer story when read with In Search of a Prince. I love the characters in this story and the growth that they both had to go through both personally and spiritually. Such a great story of redemption and forgiveness with a twist thrown in towards the end! A great read for lovers of sweet romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

While not being explicitly marketed as a series, To Win a Prince is a follow-up to Toni Shiloh’s previous Bethany House release, In Search of a Prince. Two supporting characters from the first book are now the focus, and while this book is very much a stand-alone, you get further context for the relationships between the characters and the hero’s current predicament by reading in order.

Ekon was involved in some shady stuff in the previous book, but I always got a sense there was something more to it. He has complex family loyalties, and those conflicted with his loyalty to his country. He’s sentenced to contributing to the community, which gives him more perspective of the privilege he has been afforded due to his position, but simultaneously the messiness of his family and secrets of his true origins begin unraveling. I love seeing him going from the cocky, self-assured royal of book one to someone who doesn’t even know where he stands in relation to those who raised him, because of those secrets.

Iris is a pretty cool character too. It’s fun seeing her working to do good in helping the citizens of Oloro Ilé. She does get much less development by comparison, with her role serving mainly as a guide for Ekon on his path of redemption and self-discovery. Their romance is pretty cute, and it’s great to see them connect as they spend time together.

Structurally, this book is a bit different than the first. The first book was first and foremost Bri’s journey as she came into her own as a ruler, with the prominent subplot that she needed to choose a husband. But this book follows both Ekon and Iris on their journey together, following the romance beats a bit more closely. Narratively, I enjoyed the first book more because it was heavier on the intrigue, but Ekon’s character arc made me really enjoy this one.

This is another sweet read from Toni Shiloh, and while there are some stylistic differences, I would recommend it to fans of the first book who want to continue the story. And if you’re looking for a Christian/low-heat Black romance, I recommend giving this one a try.

I was really looking forward to reading this book. Most of the reviews I heard were great. The story line was wonderful. The faith element was very strong. I was a little disappointed with Ekon and Iris characters. They both had very high power jobs but I felt the reactions to their attraction was almost high schoolish! That’s probably not a word but I couldn’t describe it any other way. I did love the way God was working in all their lives to restore and rebuild relationships. I will not be reading the first book or the next in this series.

Author Toni Shiloh pens another well-written contemporary inspirational romance featuring a Black American woman who falls for a disenfranchised African prince.

In To Win A Prince, fashion entrepreneur Iris Blakely establishes her fashion business in the African nation where her best friend Brielle is queen (see To Search For a Prince). Bri assigns Ekon Diallo to guide her through local business requirements. Stripped of his princely title and forced to do community service, disgraced Ekon serves as her business consultant to make amends for his actions.

Can an entitled Ekon learn from his experiences to become a better man? Can Iris benefit from his business acumen without losing her heart? Can they learn from one another?

Shiloh, author of numerous contemporary romances, creates another royal romance that builds on her earlier work (To Search For a Prince), also set in the fictional Oloro Ilé, a tropical African island. Iris is a compassionate visionary, while Ekon is an unlikeable nobleman whose actions strip him of his privileges. As he navigates his new life, Ekon is faced with abandonment by his family and friends, but Iris recognizes his potential and befriends him.

Forgiveness, a nod to the prodigal story in the Bible, family secrets, second chances, and redemption permeate the novel. Readers will welcome a return to Oloro Ilé, rejoice to see Bri’s story updated as well as meet new characters. As with her other works, To Win A Prince is a clean romance, with faith elements and a good storyline.

Recommended for all fans of royal romance fiction, especially fans of Rachel Hauck and Carol Moncado.

Carol R. Gehringer
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

This is the second book in Ọlọrọ Ilé series though it’s a standalone. You do not need to read the first book to quickly understand or get into the second book, though I recommend the first book since it is just as good as the second one.

This book follows Brielle’s, queen of Oloro Ilé, best friend Iris. Iris is now a resident in Oloro Ilé, building her fashion business. But Ekon, the other main character next to Iris, is summoned to work for her as part of his punishment for conspiring to take the queen’s throne.

The main plot of the story is character based. It follows Iris and Ekon as they learn about each other, how they relate to each other, and how the adapt to their new lives and positions in Oloro Ilé. I found the plot authentically written, from the environment, which was immersive, to character struggles, internal and external. I especially think the author did a great job illustrating how one sorts out their thoughts – fears and desires, with God as their foundation.

There were no true negatives for me. The story was evenly paced, and every chapter served a purpose. Though I assumed how things would end, I didn’t know how those things would get there. Plus, I couldn’t predict some of the surprises that popped up towards the end.

In sum, I recommend this book to those who like internationally based stories and clean romances with heartfelt, relatable characters.

***This book was given to me by Bethany House and NetGalley for an honest review.***

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.

No surprise here, as I'm for sure a Toni Shiloh fan, but I loved To Win a Prince! It was so much fun to return to what I imagine in my head is the beautiful country of Ọlọrọ Ilé. While not a technical sequel, this book picks up after In Search of a Prince ends. In To Win a Prince, we get the story of Bri’s best friend Iris, who is such a fun, dynamic, go-get-em type of girl. I mean, you kind of have to be this kind of powerhouse if you want to move to a completely new country that is so far from home and open and operate a new business to help give the women of this country a way to leave poverty.

After reading In Search of a Prince, I had absolutely no idea how I could possibly like Ekon enough to root for him as the leading man in a romance novel, but I just had to trust Toni Shiloh that there was a reason to love him and that what Iris saw in him, we would see at some point. And that was certainly the case. Ekon had such a redemption story arc that eventually I was able to give him the benefit of the doubt. After he was required to work with Iris as part of his punishment from actions you read about in In Search of a Prince (no spoilers, go read it!), he is shown just how privileged a life he has lived, how he has the ability to make a life for himself, and how the love of Jesus can change your life.

There were SO MANY heart wrenching but also just absolutely incredible moments that I can’t go into detail about because it would contain spoilers. But let me just say it brought tears to my eyes because of just how powerful and moving these moments were. Like wow. I highly encourage anyone to read this book. You don’t need to read In Search of a Prince first, but that is also a good book so I recommend that as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.

This is a great read! I loved everything about this book, the setting, the characters and the power of God's redemption. This book will touch your heart and soul. It deserves more than 5 stars!!
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and Toni Shiloh via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was another beautiful, faith-filled story from Toni Shiloh.

I really liked Iris in the previous book, and was so happy that she got her own story. She really shines here. Her compassion and empathy are on full display. I loved how she saw the best in people, even when they couldn't see it themselves. She was such an encouraging friend.

Now, Ekon, on the other hand? I didn't think there was any way I'd like him. His actions from the previous book and his snobby attitude at the beginning of this one had me cringing. But WOW! What a redemption story! I don't want to say too much, but I was in awe by the end of the story.

I enjoyed this followup story just as much as its predecessor, In Search of a Prince, which was a tall order considering how much I adored that one. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys inspiring romances.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

This book was fabulous! I love a good redemption story with a love story plot. Iris was an enjoyable character and when I thought I had it all figured out the story took an unexpected twist! I wish Oloro was real.

An American fashion designer and a disgraced prince find their hearts at risk in this modern fairy tale.

Iris Blakely is ready to take the fashion world by storm, creating a sustainable line of clothes to bring more opportunities for fair trade and commerce to Oloro Ilé. I loved that Iris got her own story as she was one of my favorites from In Search of a Prince, I loved her passion for her project, as well as her heart for others. I liked getting to know more about her and her family as well as continuing to see her standing by her best friend Bri.

One of my favorite things was seeing Ekon's evolution over the course of the book, his attitude and heart, as well as perspective. I admired his willingness to learn, and loved seeing him try new things.

A wonderful follow up to In Search of a Prince, that brings to life a different side of Oloro Ilé outside the royal walls. Strong themes of faith and redemption, as coupled with a sweet modern royal romance make for a nearly irresistible combination! You won't want to miss Iris's story in To Win a Prince!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the first book I've read by Toni Shiloh, and I really enjoyed it! I did not read the first book in the series, but I didn't need to in order to catch up with the characters.

The main character, Iris, loves fashion and she wants to bring something to the little island her best friend, Bri, find herself ruling as their queen. In the book prior, the love interest in TO WIN A PRINCE, Ekon, tried to help dethrone the rightful heir. As a result of his transgressions, he loses his title and now has to work with Iris to help get her fashion company up and running.

Thus bringing them together.

I loved how Shiloh so artfully spun a romance not meant to be if the two were unequally yoked, also showing how that scripture is properly translated (which I loved). Iris is a romantic and had a crush on Ekon before this book began; however, she does not allow herself to go there because he does not believe in God. His journey to find himself, become a better man, and also find God was beautiful. It made their love story all the more interesting and deeper than others that I have read.

There was a little cheese, but the sharp cheddar goodness we all love. I will definitely be reading another book by this author!

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, and 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 the perfect balance. I recommend this book.
I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews and reviews and NetGalley. This is my honest review.

If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend giving Toni Shiloh’s books a read! Although I personally didn’t enjoy To Win a Prince as much as In Search of a Prince, Shiloh has a great writing style. I think what made it more difficult for me to get into this book was the near-instant love—it read like way more than a mere crush. That being said though, Shiloh does write romantic tension very well. With her fresh voice and lovely gift for storytelling, you definitely need to add Shiloh’s books to your TBR. 3.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was so excited to read To Win a Prince, by Tony Shiloh, since this book is about Iris Blakely, Brielle Adebayo's best friend (from In Search of a Prince).

Iris is a staunch and steadfast friend to Brielle, queen of Oloro Ile, a fictional African island. Anyone would value and appreciate having Iris as their friend, too. She has a strong desire to assist Oloro Ile's female population to escape abject poverty. To accomplish her goal, she puts her fashion sense to the task and starts a business.

Ekon Diallo's assignment to finish his community service by working as a business consultant at Iris's fledgling commercial enterprise leaves her feeling more than a little overwhelmed, and for good reason.

Shiloh has a gift of exquisitely expressing the island's richness and beauty as well as the kindness and forgiving nature of the characters. She does it in a way that piques your interest and your desire to take a trip there in order to see and experience all she details. This story is a wonderful romance, sprinkled with a dashes of humor, religion, and realism.

Despite being a sequel, To Win a Prince can be read independently and is easy to follow along.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

A huge thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am a huge fan of Toni Shiloh so was so excited to read this book. In the book we follow the ' cunning' Ekon who is forced amicably to work with Iris . This is a story of how God's love will find us, run us over and how redemption is for all of us. Toni Shiloh brings out themes such as love, mercy, grace, God's timing. Highly recommend it.

I love Toni Shiloh’s newest story To Win A Prince - the perfect follow up for In Search of a Prince. As we return to Oloro Ilé, we find Iris Blakely running her new business. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Toni Shiloh does an amazing job bringing all the rich culture of this island African nation to life for the reader. If you like contemporary fairy tales and stories of redemption, read this book! I love the main characters because we witness their journeys of personal growth throughout the story.

For Iris, we see her learn to really trust God for the hopes and dreams she has for her life. Her devotion to God and His will for her life are truly inspirational to the reader.

Ekon’s journey looks a little different, as he comes to terms with his new place in society. He learns some hard lessons as well, discovering nobility has very little to do with one’s royal heritage and title. “I had gone from believing nobles were above others to knowing that true nobility came from the heart. True nobility did not rise above but lifted those around them.”

Toni Shiloh fills the pages with descriptions of the beautiful scenery, culture and life on the island, along with real life lessons and lots of humor and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

so so good! I loved the sequel! Iris is a fun main charecter. I loved the dynamics of her relationship and the mc hero is so swoony

Oh my goodness, I love this series! To Win a Prince is such a great follow up to In Search of a Prince. I enjoyed being back in Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa and getting an update on Brielle while her best friend Iris Blakely gets a chance to run her start up fashion company to help struggling citizens rise above poverty. Ekon Diallo has lost everything and is forced by royal council decree to help Iris get her company off the ground.

This story is so much more than a story about a prince. It is a beautiful story about walking with the Lord even when we feel unworthy.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters become who they were meant to be. I enjoyed the friendships, the family dynamics, and the humor sprinkled through this story. I marvelled at the compassion, mercy, love, and forgiveness in this story, and I felt sorrowful at the lack of love in one family.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Would it be too much to have a button under my desk to press that alerted my secretary to guests who needed to be ejected from the building?"
"Okay, his superior attitude was starting to grate on my nerves."
"Mr. Diallo," I intoned, 'do you plan on being a help or a hindrance?"
"A hand appeared in my face, and I screamed, scooting my rollaway chair backward. I crashed into the wall behind me.....My face took on the hue of the Humand Torch."
"Careful, your snobbery is showing." "Boy this prince-ex-prince-was having a rough time of it."
"When was the last time someone had genuinely cared about my well-being?"
"Oh sesame chicken, I'll never think of you the same way."
"I prayed that Ekon would soften his heart toward the Lord."

I highly recommend To Win a Prince and I thank the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.