To Catch a Prince: To Catch a Prince & The Frog Prince

by Gillian McKnight

Two books in one.

Stepsisters and best friends Helene Masterson and Alexis Worth could not be more different. One is preppy, one is punky; it's a wonder they get along at all. But they do agree on something: how much they love royalty. When they get the chance to travel to exotic locations like London and Paris, where actual princes live, they know this is their only shot to become royalty themselves. Too bad other, non-prince boys keep popping up and trying to ruin everything.

Will Helene and Alexis give up their tiara-wearing dreams for their new (ridiculously cute) reality? Or is it really possible to catch that prince?

The race is on in this bind-up edition of two novels by McKnight: "To Catch a Prince" and "The Frog Prince."

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Fairy Tales, Young Adult Contemporary, Princesses

432 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2011

About the author

Gillian McKnight is the author of To Catch a Prince and The Frog Prince. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the New School. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute teen romance about 2 stepsisters/best friends who spend a summer in London & Then Paris where they have amazing internships & adventures. Not very real life adventures & the teen girls are perfect looking with perfect lives but it made for a fun weekend read

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written for a teen just trying to pass the time without being COMPLETELY bored out of their mind. It wasn't amazing writing, nor was it a very original plot line, but it had just enough of a cliche touch to it to interest me into buying it, that and the fact that it had two books in one (score!). It wasn't awful to read like some school books, but it wasn't a page turner. Only took me a few days to finish because of its huge font and lack of need of thought while reading. If i hadn't been stuck in a hotel room with nothing else to do other than watch the US Golf Open, i probably wouldn't have finished it. I do not recommend this book, but i am also not condemning it.

p.s. this is one of the books i read over the summer for Avery's class

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book??/ Even though it was so stupid that they would ever think they call fall in love with Prince William and have them fall in love with the children like ok maybe if it was another world and prince william wasn't like 30 and them being 15 lol But their own boys they eventually fall for...that was cute.

[Kayleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. This book was about two stepsisters that are best friends and complete opposites one is preppy and one is punk. But no matter how different they may be they are always there for each other. Theses sisters have some the richest parents in the country and are off to London with their aunt for a little vacation. But what Alexis the preppy sided sister doesn't know is that her sister has a huge crush on prince William. When she finds out though she decides to put her sisters crush up for a bet to see who can get him first. That is until they meet two British boys who are as well best friends. Which puts there feelings and commitment to the test. Who do you think they will chose.

[Lies Tangalayuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's finally over....

[Magaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would I read it again? Hell no but it wasn’t as bad i thought it was going to be. So yeah 3 stars🤷🏻‍♀️

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

this shit was cheesy af.

[Kate Abrames · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly did not enjoy this book..It didn’t hook me and I found the plot very bland. Would not recommend.

[Loreto Eulufi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf pág. 82

[Valerie (Reader of books. Enthralled by Words.) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am led to believe that these are Gillian McKnight’s first books and I applaud her for it. Completing a book and getting it published is not an easy task.

I grew up closer to the “poor” side than the “rich” side of things so this book wasn’t super relatable for me. I couldn’t believe that Alexis could go out and in one afternoon come back with an internship from Vogue. Nor could I comprehend spending lavish amounts of money on nothing at all. The girls decided to fly to Malta to see Prince William like it was no big deal. Their “boyfriends”also flew out to see them. Maybe this actually happens but it was implausible to me.

I appreciated how Gillian broached the subject of divorce. It is a sticky situation and anger is natural. I thought that she portrayed anger incredibly well. I could super identify with the girls whenever they were angry with their estranged parents. It was well written and I think that any girls who are going through a messy divorce could find real solace in this book.

My biggest criticism is that the first book and the second book are exactly the same. The exact same formula is used and it wasn’t for me. There are also some inconsistencies between the two books. Alexis and Simon are crazy in love and then just a little time later, they call it quits because Alexis is over it? She made a grand gesture and then it just faded? On the other hand, Laszlo and Helene were made for each other but then Laszlo just stops e-mailing?

I did really enjoy the romance for Alexis in the sequel. It was organic and I could see it developing into a nice friendship. I really enjoyed meeting Phillipe and understanding why Alexis was so scared throughout the process of it.

I know that I said my biggest criticism was that the books were the exact same but I lied. My biggest criticism is that in both books, the girls get into a stupid argument and don’t talk for weeks and weeks. I have a sister and we are best friends. We fight but I could never go without talking to her for even a day. I couldn’t relate to it at all. I just don’t understand how a stupid argument could get in-between them for so long.

The book was very dream fulfilling while still teaching some hard lessons. It is easy to think that we have it all figured out only to realize how wrong we are. Our dreams aren’t always what is right for us and it is a good realization to have even if it is a hard one. There was a lot of romance in the novels but there’s also a lot of self discovery for both of the girls which is super important for girls of all ages to read about. It was interesting to see how each girl would try out different roles in order to see what they ultimately want out of life.

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted on Alexa Loves Books

To Catch a Prince was just as light, fluffy and pleasant a read as I expected it to be - and sometimes, that's the kind of book I really enjoy. Though it was quite an easy read (I finished it in under four hours), I thought that Gillian McKnight did a lovely job enticing me into reading about these two best friends/stepsisters and their adventures over the span of two summers.

What drew me into the story was not the plot (although that was pretty fun, especially considering the amazing locales of London and Paris that the girls get to visit and the cool internships they both get to have). It wasn't the romance aspect either (although I'm definitely leaning towards the French men).

No, what really drew me in were the two main characters themselves - Helene Masterson and Alexis Worth.

Helene is depicted as being outrageously funky and eclectic, her own uniqueness constantly shining through no matter how she hides it. I loved her artistic & literary knowledge, and I have the feeling the two of us would be thick as thieves when it came to reading books and exploring foreign cities. She's also quite outgoing, the social butterfly and throughout the book, I found her to be engaging.

Alexis, on the other, despite some similarities, is self-contained, poised and almost regal. She's the classic beauty of the two, and I can see her dressed in the most put-together, stylish, preppy looking clothes in my mind. Though initially, I would have written her off as a spoiled rich brat, I found myself warming towards her when I noted her love of fashion, her secret romantic side and her determination to accomplish her goals.

Their relationship is really what I loved about the book - they're best friends and stepsisters, how cool is that? And though the books cover some very interesting bumps in the road when it comes to their friendship (most of which involve a certain prince and family issues), I loved how they truly cared for one another in the way that only the truest and best of friends can. Just reading their conversations, silly plans and escapades made me smile because I could imagine getting into similar scrapes with my own friends, who I consider just as much my family as my actual family.

Final say: This book is a light, charming read. I'd consider it perfect for a quick commute or a trip to the beach.

[Magic Shop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked these books. The plots were interesting and kept me reading and the personalities of the characters were really described really good. This book consisted of two stories. To catch a Prince and The Frog Prince.

To catch a Prince- This story is about stepsisters and best friends Alexis Worth and Helene Masterson and its their summer vacation and their going to London. Helene the punky and smart one has a summer internship at a art museum. On the plane ride she admits to Alexis the preppy and pretty one that she has a crush on Prince William. They make a bet on who can catch him first (hence the title) before the summer ends. They have some crazy adventures. but meet some new people and actually makes some great new friends and some love occurs, of course.
There is a hint to the next book where we know the location which Helene says, "Then we'll meet up again," Helen grinned. "Next summer. In France?"

The Frog Prince- Helene is going to see her dad and his new wife who is a movie star and who Helene thinks is going to be horrible. She seems upset because Laszlo has not been emailing or calling her. Alexis gets a fax from her mother who she has not seen for a long time and that she wants to have her on her ship in Greece. They like the previous book, have some crazy adventures and actually have a good trip. The ending was sweet and left off on a good note.

Overall this was a great book and will be loved by many girls and maybe boys you never know. Hope you enjoy this book like I did. This book made me and everyone else who will read it feel like a princess because everyone can be a princess if they just try.

[Ji Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, this book was way below my reading level. I would say it is really amusing for the pre-teens and early teens. It has that Disney movie vibe of cheesiness, yet still enjoyable. The plot was good enough, I suppose, though I wish there was something less predictable. I read both the books in the series as this book in particular is both of them combined. The adventures Helene and Alexis experience is cute and their relationship is interesting. What I didn't like was their shallowness. Perhaps it's because of the target audience is younger, I still found their reactions and emotions too short or no deeper development to them. They are supposedly best friends/sisters, yet in a flash suddenly they aren't? Then in a flash are? Then not? Then are? The quick transitions between buddy-buddy and not was a little annoying. It seemed too shallow and I know that I would have more feelings behind it. The author kind of brushed on those feelings, having the sisters' jealousy underneath fuel their bet, but even their fights didn't seem like fights. The characters called it a tremendous fight, but to me, I was wondering to myself, "That was a fight?" The second book was a little better, especially with what the girls felt towards each other and how the divorce of parents influenced them. I didn't like the the gap with Simon and it bugged me about Lazlo since I had no clue what they did. I guess it was happily ever after for everyone, though some minor details just made it a meh book. Also, the switching of p.o.v.'s was a little confusing. A good, quick read to distract your mind. Highly suggested for younger peeps, who I'm sure would love it a lot.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mom actually read this book before me and liked it. But when I read it, I had a lot of mixed emotions.

The characters were extremely unlikeable. They were too spoiled, too ungrateful and too catty to really like and understand. The book synopsis also pleaded their unbreakable friendship. But in these TWO books, they were probably only friends for 7 chapters collectively. Great friendship, huh?

While the premise was fun, I couldn't get into it that much. My favorite characters were probably Simon & Laszlo, the former didn't even have a chance in the second book. While I could relate better to Helene, I had no sympathy for Alexis. I do love how Helene & Laszlo's romance played out. Definitely the most, and maybe only satisfying part of the book.

This book was actually two books in one. The second one--'The Frog Prince' was the better one in my opinion. I loved the scenery (London & Paris) and the writing was higher than average. I just couldn't get past the unlikeable characters, and how everything was wrapped up in the end.

I'm not sure if I'd even recommend it to people who love prince-fiction. They make William look soooo bad! But if you're looking for a thoughtless read, give it a try.

[Haley Yeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "To Catch a Prince" was one of my favorite books that i have read this year! In some parts of this book I think girls (and maybe guys) could possibly connect with the characters and with what is happening to them. The drama of girls, the respectability of having a job, and the importance of relationships of all kinds are some of the things that this book has to offer the youth. My favorite part of the book would have to be when Helen and her sister Alexis realize that Price William is not all that, and Simone and Lazlo are their real princes. This is my favorite part because they were both so convinced that Prince William was their dream guy when at the end they see that he two boys they met were just for them. I would recommend this book to a female classmate just because most guys don't want to read love story books, which this is. But I think that Megan Cannon would really enjoy this book because she likes reading books about romance and that sort of stuff, like me!

[Laura]

This was a really good book! It's about two step-sisters/best friends, Helene Masterson and Alexis Worth. The book takes you through two of their summers. The first in London, England and the second in Paris, France. Alexis and Helene are total opposites. Alexis is very girly, preppy, and glamourous. Helene is artsy, funny, and has a style of her own. They may be opposites, but they couldn't live without each other. During theses girls' summer they have wonderful summer internships, stay in nice places, and best of all try to catch their Princes. I think that any girl would like this book. You can connect with both of the girls in different ways. I really enjoyed this book!

[q · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book if you want to pass time and just want to giggle and go 'Aw!'

I don't usually go for books with cringey covers but I was bored out of my mind! I picked it up at the library without any second thoughts and read it.

I couldn't put it down, to be honest. I HAD to know what happened to the sisters and whether they actually got Prince William (?!)

While it isn't an excellent book, I'd recommend it for some light-hearted read. Though if you're completely devoted to the royal family, I don't really think you'd completely fancy the description of Prince William in the book. Just a warning.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically what you would expect for a young adult novel about two girls trying to track down a prince they don't even know. The version I read was actually two books in one. In the first book, I found it hard to distinguish the two characters due to the writing style, enen though the girls were supposed to be complete opposites. The second book, entitled The Frog Prince, moved along a little better and was more enjoyable than the first.

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2024

2020
Alexis and Helene are two stepsisters who love each other (and mostly get along). These internationally jet-setting girls try to find love on different continents. Although they don't always make the wisest choices (they are sixteen/seventeen after all), they are almost always remarkably likable throughout the series. I like that they have two totally different personalities, but they generally bring out the best in each other.

2016

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the very beginning, I thought that this book was pretty cheesy. Though, it did have it's moments where it was cute and I actually liked it, but all around, I thought that it was an alright book. There wasn't anything too spectacular about it and nothing that really jumped out at me as amazing.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh. To be honest, this book is really implausible. Sixteen-year-olds are not going to walk into the offices of British Vogue and score an internship. Sorry. I'm sure I would have enjoyed this novel more if I were fourteen.

[P.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

*not a review*

Not exactly the read I was hoping for but still fun. It's cliché and unbelievable. It's cheesy and sometimes you may not like the characters, but ultimately it's a fun read worth checking out if you ever want a light read. Very entertaining.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aimed at 13-15 year old girls, this romance is now dated. (It gives a very negative portrait of pre-marriage Prince William.) It includes a bit of language and a lot of focus on sexual behaviors (though done without explicitness). The plot and characters seem superficial and a bit stereotyped.

[Jasmine Heredia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not an incredibly memorable book. It was a relatively entertaining book and if you're bored it's a good/cute book to read but it's not like a 'wow my life was changed' book.
It's about two stepsisters/best friends and their lives/attempts to get boys...

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, charming and surprisingly relatable!

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. It was entertaining but I don't think it was anything special.
Kind of outdated with the girls chasing Prince William and all...

[Kristina Rogers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Possibly the worst book I've ever read.

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5. More review coming eventually.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute, but sometimes the girls were real brats.

[Cookiesandbooks13]

I think the first book was amazing i am on the second book it a two in one book it is a romatic teenage love story for hopeless romantics like me heheheh