Sunday 9 October 2022

Book Review: To Win A Prince

 

From the Back:

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 . . .

My Reflections:

This is Shiloh's sequel to her first book "In Search of A Prince." I absolutely loved that book and  was excited to see what was in store for Iris Blakey, the bff to Brielle who is the Queen of Oloro Ile.

Iris, is an exuberant lively character full of emotions and love for people. Having just started up her new fashion business. Her plan is not only to create a sustainable clothing line but also to give back to Oloro Ile and it's people. Filled with excitement and dreams Iris launches full steam ahead into making those dreams a reality.

It is not easy sailing however, the business sustains all kinds of road blocks that keep Iris on her toes. One thing that is forefront in her mind is the matter of her new Business consultant, Ekon.

Ekon is not your typical Business consultant he is actually the fallen prince who tried to betray Queen Brielle's title. As punishment he is ordered by the council to do community service along with helping Iris as she launches her new career. Thing is Pampered Ekon is holding onto so much resentment and bitterness for his punishment he can't see past his own nose to care about anything other than restoring the good graces with his father and the upper-class citizens of Oloro Ile. 

Iris and Ekon come to an understanding from the start, this is just a business deal and a way to complete Ekon's sentence and community service hours. It all seems so simple..

Ah, not so. As Ekon grows and matures and with the help of Iris his heart starts to soften. The blinds are slowly peeled back layer by layer until he is reduced to face his past and the person he was. Does it come too late? (I loved the fantastic plot twist, it really added depth to the story.)

Iris tries to keep focused on the tasks at hand, but her heart has other ideas. Torn with what she knows is right and what her heart is telling her she must lean on God to find out his true plan for her life. This is no easy task for a dreamer. Is there any hope for Ekon? Can he turn around his life? What about his heart, is he brave enough to be vulnerable?

I loved the depth this story had, it comes off as a fluffy dreamy type novel but in truth it is filled with the struggles of character, the call to faith and the courage to rise above and follow a path less traveled. There are quite a few surprises to be had in this story! I was entertained by the musings of both characters and their crazy antics. And yes, I fell in love with the Suck up Ekon, he won my heart by the end of the novel. If you love fairytales and happily ever after you will love Shiloh's newest novel, but do your self a favor and read book one!

Well done Toni Shiloh, I can't wait for what you have in store for us in your next!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.



Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince has been praised by OprahDaily.com, Popsugar, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable...

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Book Review: Dangerous Beauty




From the Back:

What is the price of freedom?

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can't stay safely in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana's rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

My Reflections:

"Dangerous Beauty" is a poignant and raw novel about the travesty of human trafficking. Melissa Koslin has written a moving yet powerful story, filled grit and honesty. She tackles the subject with tact, giving readers just enough detail to become engaged and embroiled in the story, without becoming traumatized by the sensitive subject matter. 

Taken by the Cartel and sold Liliana finds herself in a new country fraught with dangers. She manages a harrowing escape and is mercifully helped by a complete stranger. Liliana must trust this man as she finds he is the only way out to safety. Meric her rescuer is a man of secrets, he is stoic in his interactions, and Liliana is not sure where she stands. Struggling to learn a new language, and gently testing the boundaries around her she grapples to find her way and navigate the dangers and beauty of this new country.

In a blink of an eye, Meric has turned his world upside down. In his rash attempt to help Liliana he has opened up wounds he has been trying to bury for as long as he can remember. Afraid that he will lose control of his tightly held secrets he tries his best to close himself off and keep Liliana at a distance. It is impossible however to ignore the pain this woman has experienced and he finds himself trying his best to help her deal with her trauma and heal.

Their relationship is tenuous at best and they make quite an odd couple. Having both seen a dark side of life that few have, they must both work hard to find a way to healing and happiness.

Melissa Koslin is a master storyteller. She addresses human trafficking head on painting an accurate picture of the ugliness of the situation, yet showing us the strength of the human heart when we let God's love and grace unravel the pain.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Melissa Koslin

Melissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books....

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