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The Kazanovs #1
To Charm a Prince (Douglas Trilogy, #2)
A handsome prince and a shy, young beauty are plunged into a dangerous game of intrigue and betrayal where only true love can save them. Original.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
105 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Grasso
62 books156 followersI'm a dog person. Who lives with 10 cats. Get the picture?
My first brush with the romance genre happened in my high school junior year. I discovered Gone With the Wind and hid it behind my American history book to read during class. (The Civil War is American history.) The ambiguous ending left me dissatisfied, though. Rhett and Scarlet needed a happily-ever-after. Believing in happily-ever-afters positively screams romantic-at-heart.
On the other hand, I love murder and mayhem as much as happily-ever-after. My usual television fare is fiction and nonfiction crime shows, not love stories. Which accounts for the mysteries I sneaked into my historical romances. Now I'm trying my hand at writing a humorous mystery, sans historical and sans emphasis on the love interest. I even prepared for my mystery-in-progress by attending the local NRA's Pistol School. Shooting pistols is great fun. I adore the .22 semiautomatics.
After graduating from high school without distinction, I earned both Bachelor and Master degrees at a state college. Again, without distinction. I held several part-time jobs during my college days: file clerk in an insurance company, long-distance telephone operator, kimono-wearing waitress in a Japanese restaurant.
And then I began my teaching career, eighteen years in the eighth grade and thirteen years at the high school. Weary with the same old routine, I decided I needed a creative outlet. So I decided to write a romance novel but only managed to talk about writing one. After five years of listening to me, a friend said to stop talking and start writing.
So I did.
I made every mistake known to man. Blunder would be a more appropriate word, but I did learn using the trial and error method. As well as studying the works of authors I admired.
After five years of writing for nothing but love, I sold my first novel. Since then, I've sold eighteen novels and won several awards--- National Readers' Choice Award New England Readers' Choice Award, Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice and KISS Awards, B. Dalton and Bookrak Awards for best-selling author. My novels have been translated into fifteen languages and sold in twenty countries.
If I had my life over, would I become a writer? Nope. I would enjoy being a Victoria Secret model. Perhaps in my next incarnation I won't be too old, too short, or too unphotogenic.
My first brush with the romance genre happened in my high school junior year. I discovered Gone With the Wind and hid it behind my American history book to read during class. (The Civil War is American history.) The ambiguous ending left me dissatisfied, though. Rhett and Scarlet needed a happily-ever-after. Believing in happily-ever-afters positively screams romantic-at-heart.
On the other hand, I love murder and mayhem as much as happily-ever-after. My usual television fare is fiction and nonfiction crime shows, not love stories. Which accounts for the mysteries I sneaked into my historical romances. Now I'm trying my hand at writing a humorous mystery, sans historical and sans emphasis on the love interest. I even prepared for my mystery-in-progress by attending the local NRA's Pistol School. Shooting pistols is great fun. I adore the .22 semiautomatics.
After graduating from high school without distinction, I earned both Bachelor and Master degrees at a state college. Again, without distinction. I held several part-time jobs during my college days: file clerk in an insurance company, long-distance telephone operator, kimono-wearing waitress in a Japanese restaurant.
And then I began my teaching career, eighteen years in the eighth grade and thirteen years at the high school. Weary with the same old routine, I decided I needed a creative outlet. So I decided to write a romance novel but only managed to talk about writing one. After five years of listening to me, a friend said to stop talking and start writing.
So I did.
I made every mistake known to man. Blunder would be a more appropriate word, but I did learn using the trial and error method. As well as studying the works of authors I admired.
After five years of writing for nothing but love, I sold my first novel. Since then, I've sold eighteen novels and won several awards--- National Readers' Choice Award New England Readers' Choice Award, Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice and KISS Awards, B. Dalton and Bookrak Awards for best-selling author. My novels have been translated into fifteen languages and sold in twenty countries.
If I had my life over, would I become a writer? Nope. I would enjoy being a Victoria Secret model. Perhaps in my next incarnation I won't be too old, too short, or too unphotogenic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 29, 2015
So this was the first historical romance I ever read when I was a teen. My mom used to get boxes of books for free so I snooped one time and found this one. She never knew I took it haha. But anyways, I loved it :) since then I've been hooked which should tell you how good this book really is.
I know that Samantha isn't perfect but that was the best part about her :) I connected to her and knew that in her place, I would've done almost the same things that she did. That's the best type of characters, the kind that makes you really wish to be them and connect with their lives.
Now the Prince, he's a complicated case :) but so alpha and a heart throb. Okay, he has some stupid moments and decisions, but what man doesn't?
This was truly an amazing story and I will always say that Patricia Grasso is one of my favorite romance authors :)
I know that Samantha isn't perfect but that was the best part about her :) I connected to her and knew that in her place, I would've done almost the same things that she did. That's the best type of characters, the kind that makes you really wish to be them and connect with their lives.
Now the Prince, he's a complicated case :) but so alpha and a heart throb. Okay, he has some stupid moments and decisions, but what man doesn't?
This was truly an amazing story and I will always say that Patricia Grasso is one of my favorite romance authors :)
June 30, 2010
This book is for those who find arrogant men with more than a hint of cruelity in them, attractive.
February 4, 2019
As my second read by Patricia Grasso, I did expected something similar to the first book I read, but it was rather different, more a single romance story about two people and less a tele novella serial like Tempting The Prince (which was new for me and very refreshing).
But here stop the difference, after there are the main characters with like my previous read an alpha arrogant and overbearing hero and a sweet but a bit too weeping heroine.
The story went smoothly and while I thought with time Samantha will become stronger, she stayed rather the same, weakened by her doubts and insecurities, only growing a spine from to time and easily crushed. While Rudolf kept going as a total jerk and asshole. I didn’t liked him for most of the book, he was hurtful, most of the time aiming to hurt and wound her and succeeding.
Even if it was a story with many heartbreaking moments because they were unable to correctly communicate, it didn’t felt like an angsty read, they were in need of having faith in each other and trusting another but Rudolf behaved badly breaking Samantha’s confidence in him.
Hopefully the story was lightened and refreshed with the brothers Drake and Grant, two cute kids.
My very complain is there was no groveling on Rudolf’s side, he was awful and a complet son-of-a-bitch on their wedding day, ruining everything and any memory she could have hoped from this important day. At this point, I would have loved to see Samantha grow a spine and refuse to accept him back at all, or if yes, not so easily, he should have crawl on his knees and lick the ground she walked on, why I rate this book 4 stars, I just do hope the next book will feature a stronger heroine and a less an asshole hero.
But here stop the difference, after there are the main characters with like my previous read an alpha arrogant and overbearing hero and a sweet but a bit too weeping heroine.
The story went smoothly and while I thought with time Samantha will become stronger, she stayed rather the same, weakened by her doubts and insecurities, only growing a spine from to time and easily crushed. While Rudolf kept going as a total jerk and asshole. I didn’t liked him for most of the book, he was hurtful, most of the time aiming to hurt and wound her and succeeding.
Even if it was a story with many heartbreaking moments because they were unable to correctly communicate, it didn’t felt like an angsty read, they were in need of having faith in each other and trusting another but Rudolf behaved badly breaking Samantha’s confidence in him.
Hopefully the story was lightened and refreshed with the brothers Drake and Grant, two cute kids.
My very complain is there was no groveling on Rudolf’s side, he was awful and a complet son-of-a-bitch on their wedding day, ruining everything and any memory she could have hoped from this important day. At this point, I would have loved to see Samantha grow a spine and refuse to accept him back at all, or if yes, not so easily, he should have crawl on his knees and lick the ground she walked on, why I rate this book 4 stars, I just do hope the next book will feature a stronger heroine and a less an asshole hero.
July 15, 2017
"Great Hopping Giles!" I barely could make it past page 10 in this book and finally stopped after page 50. Since I have finished every book I have ever picked up, (no matter how horrid) that in itself says a lot. One thing I despise in any book is the over use of a curse. In life none of us repeats the same phrase over and over, yet within 3 pages the heroine said "Great Hopping Giles" at least 3 times. Of course the author loves the saying so much that she had everyone saying it, even the villain who is Russian (would they really use the same curse phrase?). The heroine is a simpering miss whose character was never developed even when I reached page 50. The villain is evil, we are led to believe he is evil only because he keeps showing up pointing a gun. Of course, even though he points it at the hero in broad daylight and everyone sees him (several times), the minute someone shows up he just runs off. The hero is a hero simply because he is a Prince. All he does is utter one line sentences telling the heroine what to do, and because she has a slight limp and is a weak person she does whatever he says. We are told that her family lost their lands and home to a man that swindle her parents, yet there is no development or backstory as to why, so when she decides to marry said man's relative, the reader could care less.
I have liked several of Patricia Grasso's books but this one is definitely a non keeper.
I have liked several of Patricia Grasso's books but this one is definitely a non keeper.
May 17, 2016
Samantha Douglas é uma jovem insegura porque é coxa por conta de um acidente sofrido quando criança. Embora sonhe em casar, acha que não tem chances de encontrar alguém que a ame acima de sua aparência. E numa festa ela encontra um Príncipe Russo (Rudolf) que consegue conquistá-la e promete voltar para vê-la. Mas, algo o impede de retornar, envolvido em um dilema com o irmão que tenta matá-lo de qualquer forma.
Tempos depois, aparece quando ela já está comprometida com outro, mas um incidente o obriga a fugir com ela e assim a compromete socialmente. Entretanto, enquanto vivem afastados, se relacionam como casados. Um periodo de sonhos para ela. E eles chegam a ponto de adotar dois garotinhos espertos que cruzaram o caminho deles.
Mas quando retorna a sociedade, mesmo dizendo gostar dela, Rudolf não quer casar porque já veio de um casamento conturbado.
Rudolf é um príncipe arrogante, que faz o que quer e quer que ela o obedeça cegamente. Ás vezes a maltrata com palavras rudes, se arrepende para logo depois agir de forma brusca. Não é um personagem carismático, por sua pedância. Samantha com seus truques e seu amor pelos garotos me conquistou mais do que ele.
Tempos depois, aparece quando ela já está comprometida com outro, mas um incidente o obriga a fugir com ela e assim a compromete socialmente. Entretanto, enquanto vivem afastados, se relacionam como casados. Um periodo de sonhos para ela. E eles chegam a ponto de adotar dois garotinhos espertos que cruzaram o caminho deles.
Mas quando retorna a sociedade, mesmo dizendo gostar dela, Rudolf não quer casar porque já veio de um casamento conturbado.
Rudolf é um príncipe arrogante, que faz o que quer e quer que ela o obedeça cegamente. Ás vezes a maltrata com palavras rudes, se arrepende para logo depois agir de forma brusca. Não é um personagem carismático, por sua pedância. Samantha com seus truques e seu amor pelos garotos me conquistou mais do que ele.
May 2, 2014
OK. How to start. I really didn't like this story. Samantha had no back bone and was a complete pushover. Often thought someone just needed to slap sense into the twit. The prince was a total prick. Just when I thought he was turning into a somewhat nice guy, he would do/say something that only an asshole would say/do. I didn't like how the family (except Tori) turned against Samantha neither. Total 180 from the first book. There were parts of the story that had holes in it. Mainly the children. I wish I hadn't spent the money or time reading this book. Don't know if I want to read the next in this series for fear of wasting more time and money.
January 5, 2021
Highly Charged
Every chapter in this book held my attention. It is very fast paced and loaded with moments that does things to my heart.
The hero is a prince with a slightly complicated background. Though he is not brooding, he is alpha-ish in a way. The heroine is an innocent brave soul. She and the hero are a perfect match. I like the humor and wit of both characters. There were lovemaking scenes that were hot but not too graphic. The writing is almost perfection even with its flaws. I gave four stars because towards the end a major rift happens but not much major groveling to match it. But quite alright since the story overall is spectacular.
Every chapter in this book held my attention. It is very fast paced and loaded with moments that does things to my heart.
The hero is a prince with a slightly complicated background. Though he is not brooding, he is alpha-ish in a way. The heroine is an innocent brave soul. She and the hero are a perfect match. I like the humor and wit of both characters. There were lovemaking scenes that were hot but not too graphic. The writing is almost perfection even with its flaws. I gave four stars because towards the end a major rift happens but not much major groveling to match it. But quite alright since the story overall is spectacular.
October 20, 2024
The title is an apt description of the novel
This was an extremely well written book. I wasn't crazy about the male principal -- he was arrogant and a had very deep-seated sense of entitlement. That bone deep conviction doesn't lend itself to easy eradication. He was however very convincingly drawn. His female counterpart was more to my liking but suffered from a serious lack of self respect. Despite these characteristics I was caught in the spell woven by Ms Grasso and devoured the tale right up to the end. The title says it all, it's about pleasing the prince.
This was an extremely well written book. I wasn't crazy about the male principal -- he was arrogant and a had very deep-seated sense of entitlement. That bone deep conviction doesn't lend itself to easy eradication. He was however very convincingly drawn. His female counterpart was more to my liking but suffered from a serious lack of self respect. Despite these characteristics I was caught in the spell woven by Ms Grasso and devoured the tale right up to the end. The title says it all, it's about pleasing the prince.
February 7, 2019
Ugh
I have to agree with the other Poor reviews of this book. I didn't even finish it. I got irritated with the way he talked down to her in the beginning and then in the same sentence she was praying to God and talking about her breast being exposed and leaning against his erection. It gave me an uneasy feeling I didn't like the combination at all. Save your time
I have to agree with the other Poor reviews of this book. I didn't even finish it. I got irritated with the way he talked down to her in the beginning and then in the same sentence she was praying to God and talking about her breast being exposed and leaning against his erection. It gave me an uneasy feeling I didn't like the combination at all. Save your time
July 17, 2019
Prince Rudolf Kasanov & Lady Samantha Douglas's story was amazingly wonderful. His life has been shaped by a heart breaking secret & a devastating betrayal. She believes she has nothing to offer & unworthy of love due to a physical short coming. Together they will fight all obstacles to obtain true happiness. Highly Recommend. Happy Reading.
October 16, 2024
Interesting 😎
I had mixed thoughts when I started reading. I couldn't decide if I liked it or not but the book took an unexpected turn that kept me at the edge of my seat.
Kudos to Patricia Grasso, a book well written.
I had mixed thoughts when I started reading. I couldn't decide if I liked it or not but the book took an unexpected turn that kept me at the edge of my seat.
Kudos to Patricia Grasso, a book well written.
October 18, 2024
Never felt any real danger here. They were danger adjacent. The children were a nice touch but they disappeared at some point in the story. I did like the book but I don't feel the characters were ever in any real outside trouble. They were more injurious to each other.
April 28, 2019
Still a good story. I just don’t like the part where the prince wouldn’t allow the h to explain and emotional hurt her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2019
I think I hate the characters from this book
Or the ability of the author to portray believable human beings.
The plot had promise. But the execution ...
Or the ability of the author to portray believable human beings.
The plot had promise. But the execution ...
January 8, 2020
Good book
dnf-terrible
March 15, 2020Couldn’t get into it. Bored
Read
March 25, 2022When I go on a historical romance bender, I find comfort in the tried and true formulas in the subgenre. This book has it. I enjoyed it.
October 25, 2024
Exciting
Couldn't put it down. From the first page to the last the story was so good. I read it all in a half a day. Absolutely wonderful read.
Couldn't put it down. From the first page to the last the story was so good. I read it all in a half a day. Absolutely wonderful read.
December 8, 2024
Action and intrigue come together in this story and after all is overcome Samantha and Rudolph find their hea
January 11, 2025
Great story
This was a really Good book. I stayed up all night reading it because I couldn't put it down. Lots of twists and turns.
This was a really Good book. I stayed up all night reading it because I couldn't put it down. Lots of twists and turns.
September 23, 2020
the so called hero is a jerk and the heroine is a doormat. As if that wasn't enough there enough plot holes to drive a truck through....
she is missing for 3-4 months & the entire time she doesn't seem too concerned that her family my actually be worried about her, she insists on carrying her violin throughout her kidnapping yet later you see little or no reference to her playing it, ever since the last book I've been waiting for a real description of the incident that caused her limp & I'm still waiting, he is in agony about telling her about his illegitimacy yet has no qualms about letting her think his wife is dead instead of just divorced from him, for someone that used to pick pockets to help put food on the table she is staggeringly naïve and the list goes on.....
I've been re-reading these books since I've got new books later in the series & I wanted to catch up. Maybe that's why I've notice that the author literally cuts and pastes stuff from one novel to another. The heroines mannerisms (the cursing female), situations (rescuing poor children), the hero saving his child from an unfit mother and the sympathetic servants.
I'm hoping the other books about the Kasanov family will be an improvement. Hopefully some of the issues raised in this book will resolve themselves with the telling of the stories of Rudolf's siblings & the last Douglas sister.
she is missing for 3-4 months & the entire time she doesn't seem too concerned that her family my actually be worried about her, she insists on carrying her violin throughout her kidnapping yet later you see little or no reference to her playing it, ever since the last book I've been waiting for a real description of the incident that caused her limp & I'm still waiting, he is in agony about telling her about his illegitimacy yet has no qualms about letting her think his wife is dead instead of just divorced from him, for someone that used to pick pockets to help put food on the table she is staggeringly naïve and the list goes on.....
I've been re-reading these books since I've got new books later in the series & I wanted to catch up. Maybe that's why I've notice that the author literally cuts and pastes stuff from one novel to another. The heroines mannerisms (the cursing female), situations (rescuing poor children), the hero saving his child from an unfit mother and the sympathetic servants.
I'm hoping the other books about the Kasanov family will be an improvement. Hopefully some of the issues raised in this book will resolve themselves with the telling of the stories of Rudolf's siblings & the last Douglas sister.
October 5, 2010
This is the first book I had read, both in the Kazanov/Douglas series, and by Patricia Grasso in general. It turned out to be well worth picking up. While Samantha can come off as "depressing" sometimes, with writing like 'shame was an old friend wrapped around me', she really comes into herself by the end of the novel. Even with lines like above you can still tell she's trudging along and not letting life keep her down. She's even better in the snippets from other books we get a glimpse of her in. She is perfect for Rudolf, and Rudolf is perfect for her, obviously, but in the process of turning out to be her prince charming, he is also quite an ass. His story is interesting, and I love the brothers. I love the scene when they are pulling up to the ball... actually, I love the entire Ball scene (At their old house), and the sisters. The family dynamic is wonderful. I love stories with extended families :) I highly recommend this series.
April 1, 2016
Loved the book. I read this book long before I realized that it was the 2nd book in the Douglas saga. Samantha has always been self conscious of herself and her limp. She was injured years ago by her fathers enemy who ruined him. Years later after a Prince asks her to dance with him, her life changes in so many ways. Prince Rudolf leaves his Russia home to London's Society. You have intrigue, an over barren Prince a shy girl, danger, lust, passion and then love all wrapped up in a wonderful read!!!
November 8, 2015
TERRIFIC
This story line was really different than most foreign dignitaries stories. I loved Samantha insecurities and low esteem. And understood why she felt this way as I have this in my life but the Prince helped her and I loved how she picks strays. The tears and LAUGHTER go along way to make this book interesting.
This story line was really different than most foreign dignitaries stories. I loved Samantha insecurities and low esteem. And understood why she felt this way as I have this in my life but the Prince helped her and I loved how she picks strays. The tears and LAUGHTER go along way to make this book interesting.
February 24, 2024
Ugh. We get it, she has a limp and is a “cripple”. We get it, he is a (literal) bastard. If I took a drink for every time the author reminds us of that, I would be trashed by the second chapter. Also repeatedly rubbing his “manhood” against her “lady nub”, just is not sexy. Give this a pass, unless you’re in to that sort of thing.
2022 nursery rhyme challenge-to
2022 nursery rhyme challenge-to
July 19, 2014
I love each book in this series! A very talented writer that keeps you captivated from beginning to end. I read one book and had to go find the rest in the series because I couldn't put the book(s) down.
April 26, 2014
I found the prince to have multiple personalities and to be abusive. And don't get me started on Samantha's all to willing to forgive nature. I just couldn't stomach this couple.
June 20, 2014
Loved it.
I had not read this author until recently but will definitely read more. Besides a beautiful romance there is humor and some very touching moments.
I had not read this author until recently but will definitely read more. Besides a beautiful romance there is humor and some very touching moments.
April 28, 2017
Me gusto más que el anterior, pero tampoco me encanto
Samantha me cayo bien, aunque le perdono unas al príncipe, que por Dios!!!!! Menos mal al final lo puso a sufir un poco
Samantha me cayo bien, aunque le perdono unas al príncipe, que por Dios!!!!! Menos mal al final lo puso a sufir un poco
April 30, 2017
This story is an absolute delight. Loved the strengths and weaknesses of both the Prince and Samantha and how they worked out their differences.
Patricia Grasso has written a smooth and very easy to read book full of cunning and intrigue, family values, caring and loving for others as well as for their partners. There is is also an evil villain, delightful family members and two very cute little boys, a dog and a little girl that have been written into this story.
All of this goes to make for a wonderful read which I wholeheartedly recommend.
Patricia Grasso has written a smooth and very easy to read book full of cunning and intrigue, family values, caring and loving for others as well as for their partners. There is is also an evil villain, delightful family members and two very cute little boys, a dog and a little girl that have been written into this story.
All of this goes to make for a wonderful read which I wholeheartedly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews