What do you think?
Rate this book
Captive in His Castle
Captured by her enemy Drago Cassari would stake his multinational business on the fact that Jess Harper is a thief and a liar. In order to protect his family, he must keep her close. But captive in his palazzo, feisty Jess soon gets under his skin. Drago knows he is a fool, but Jess is like a fire in his blood....
Being with Drago is like heaven and hell-exquisite nights give way to harsh reality when she discovers she's pregnant. Now she's bound to the arrogant Italian-and the sins of her past-forever....
Being with Drago is like heaven and hell-exquisite nights give way to harsh reality when she discovers she's pregnant. Now she's bound to the arrogant Italian-and the sins of her past-forever....
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Chantelle Shaw
675 books159 followersI grew up without a TV, let alone DVD’s, computer games etc that my kids spend so much time engrossed in, but I learned to read at an early age and from then on I was always entertained – so much so that my friends used to hide their books when I visited them because all I wanted to do was read!
When I was a teenager I discovered Mills & Boon romances in my local library, and so began a lifelong love affair. I still remember that feeling of anticipation when I settled down with a pile of books - all bearing the famous rose logo - knowing that I would be drawn into a world of love, passion and emotional intensity that I have never found in any other books. I enjoy reading a wide range of books, especially historical novels, and I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, mainly I think because her characters seem so real, but I love romances and unashamedly admit that I only want to read books with a guaranteed happy ending. Reading is my joy and pleasure and I don’t want to cry buckets at the end of a book or have my sleep disturbed by its gruesome content.
For me, the characters in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances are the key. I love reading and writing about strong, alpha heroes and feisty, independent heroines who find that they can’t fight the blazing attraction between them.
When I married my own tall, dark, but sadly not wealthy hero, we moved out of London to the Kent coast and started a family that grew and grew. I adore my six children, and when they were small I loved being a stay-at-home mum, but there can be days, as I’m sure many of you know, when you feel isolated and – dare I say it – bored of conversing with three-year-olds. Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were my life-line and my sanity and I read them whenever I had a spare five minutes (in the bath, pacing the floor at three am with colicky baby on one shoulder and a book in the other hand!)
My imagination soared and I decided to try and write a book myself. My first attempt was typed up on a manual type-writer with the full-stop key and the letter p missing. Luckily my hero and heroine were not called Paul and Poppy, but it still meant going over my manuscript with a pen to fill in the gaps!
That first book was duly rejected as were my next two. I suppose I was disheartened and by now I had four small children and very little spare time, so although I continued to read romances, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until my youngest son started school that I tried writing again. I was struggling to come to terms with the death of my darling mum Gabrielle and writing became my therapy. Mum had always nagged me to get on and write a book and had an unshakeable belief that I would one day be published – I’m so glad that she was proved right and my biggest regret is that she isn’t here to share my success with me.
I wrote two more books which were both rejected by HM&B, but I was given some advice on my writing from the editorial team that encouraged me to try again. Third time lucky certainly applied to me – the day I received ‘the call’ was exactly four years after Mum had died. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life - but instead of chatting to the editor about contracts I had to dash off and pick my sick daughter up from school. Reality is never far away in my house!
I have now had nine books published - At the Sheikh's Bidding was released in September 08. My next book, Argentinian Playboy, Unexpected Love-Child will be out in the UK in July 09, and The Greek Billionaire's Innocent Princess in the UK in August 09. I have just had my twelfth book accepted and am already busy on my thirteenth. Now that my children are growing up I am able to write every day between 9 am and 3 pm, but often I become so involved with my characters that I sneak off to write again in the evening!
I feel I must be one of the luckiest people in the world to be doing something that I love, but I work hard at my luck and I believe that w
When I was a teenager I discovered Mills & Boon romances in my local library, and so began a lifelong love affair. I still remember that feeling of anticipation when I settled down with a pile of books - all bearing the famous rose logo - knowing that I would be drawn into a world of love, passion and emotional intensity that I have never found in any other books. I enjoy reading a wide range of books, especially historical novels, and I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, mainly I think because her characters seem so real, but I love romances and unashamedly admit that I only want to read books with a guaranteed happy ending. Reading is my joy and pleasure and I don’t want to cry buckets at the end of a book or have my sleep disturbed by its gruesome content.
For me, the characters in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances are the key. I love reading and writing about strong, alpha heroes and feisty, independent heroines who find that they can’t fight the blazing attraction between them.
When I married my own tall, dark, but sadly not wealthy hero, we moved out of London to the Kent coast and started a family that grew and grew. I adore my six children, and when they were small I loved being a stay-at-home mum, but there can be days, as I’m sure many of you know, when you feel isolated and – dare I say it – bored of conversing with three-year-olds. Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were my life-line and my sanity and I read them whenever I had a spare five minutes (in the bath, pacing the floor at three am with colicky baby on one shoulder and a book in the other hand!)
My imagination soared and I decided to try and write a book myself. My first attempt was typed up on a manual type-writer with the full-stop key and the letter p missing. Luckily my hero and heroine were not called Paul and Poppy, but it still meant going over my manuscript with a pen to fill in the gaps!
That first book was duly rejected as were my next two. I suppose I was disheartened and by now I had four small children and very little spare time, so although I continued to read romances, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until my youngest son started school that I tried writing again. I was struggling to come to terms with the death of my darling mum Gabrielle and writing became my therapy. Mum had always nagged me to get on and write a book and had an unshakeable belief that I would one day be published – I’m so glad that she was proved right and my biggest regret is that she isn’t here to share my success with me.
I wrote two more books which were both rejected by HM&B, but I was given some advice on my writing from the editorial team that encouraged me to try again. Third time lucky certainly applied to me – the day I received ‘the call’ was exactly four years after Mum had died. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life - but instead of chatting to the editor about contracts I had to dash off and pick my sick daughter up from school. Reality is never far away in my house!
I have now had nine books published - At the Sheikh's Bidding was released in September 08. My next book, Argentinian Playboy, Unexpected Love-Child will be out in the UK in July 09, and The Greek Billionaire's Innocent Princess in the UK in August 09. I have just had my twelfth book accepted and am already busy on my thirteenth. Now that my children are growing up I am able to write every day between 9 am and 3 pm, but often I become so involved with my characters that I sneak off to write again in the evening!
I feel I must be one of the luckiest people in the world to be doing something that I love, but I work hard at my luck and I believe that w
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 6, 2013
Although I have enjoyed reading this author’s books I do find that some of them have been a bit of a hit and miss for me…and Captive in his Castle is one of those misses.
I'm on a "rolling of eyes" phase but really....
It started with the cover…yes the COVER!!! I hate when the publishers use cover photos that look NOTHING like the characters are described. Tell me if I am wrong in saying that the said cover was nothing like the heroine in this story.
I read the Mills & Boon edition, the cover looking like this
However, let me show you how the author describes Jess Harper ….
Does that fit with the cover foto??? Where's the RED HAIR?????
That was the first thing that irritated me…and I know it’s not the author’s fault because the PUBLISHER chooses the book covers…..but that just annoyed me to no end!!
Then there are the two mc’s…Jess Harper, who I thought in the beginning was going to be the kind of woman I could “bond” with…..she’s independent, a carpenter and a painter…now that’s a new take on a heroine….and then what happens to her when she meets the gorgeous Drako? Turns into a gibbering and idiotic woman!!!! Allows him to hold her captive – okay in a fabulous Venetian palazzo…but suddenly nothing matters but Drago, Drago, Drago!!!!
So, yes Drago is a gorgeous and very rich Italian…actually a Venetian and I can understand Jess drooling a bit over him….but does she have to go “limp” for him. Funnily enough I was not that crazy about him at the start, I did like him at the end….he did show a sensitive side that redeemed him.
There is some emotional parts in the story....not going to reveal what and I am more than happy with the epilogue...which I was not expecting.
Let me end by saying that it’s not exactly a horrid book and I am sure there are loads of other readers who will like it…but it kind of “didn’t do it for me”….
I'm on a "rolling of eyes" phase but really....
It started with the cover…yes the COVER!!! I hate when the publishers use cover photos that look NOTHING like the characters are described. Tell me if I am wrong in saying that the said cover was nothing like the heroine in this story.
I read the Mills & Boon edition, the cover looking like this
However, let me show you how the author describes Jess Harper ….Swallowing hard, Drago studied the woman’s face. It was a perfect oval, and her delicate features looked as though they had been sculpted from fine porcelain. The high cheekbones gave her an elfin quality that was further accentuated by her slanting green eyes. Her long, damp, dark red hair contrasted starkly with her pale skin.
Does that fit with the cover foto??? Where's the RED HAIR?????
That was the first thing that irritated me…and I know it’s not the author’s fault because the PUBLISHER chooses the book covers…..but that just annoyed me to no end!!
Then there are the two mc’s…Jess Harper, who I thought in the beginning was going to be the kind of woman I could “bond” with…..she’s independent, a carpenter and a painter…now that’s a new take on a heroine….and then what happens to her when she meets the gorgeous Drako? Turns into a gibbering and idiotic woman!!!! Allows him to hold her captive – okay in a fabulous Venetian palazzo…but suddenly nothing matters but Drago, Drago, Drago!!!!
So, yes Drago is a gorgeous and very rich Italian…actually a Venetian and I can understand Jess drooling a bit over him….but does she have to go “limp” for him. Funnily enough I was not that crazy about him at the start, I did like him at the end….he did show a sensitive side that redeemed him.
There is some emotional parts in the story....not going to reveal what and I am more than happy with the epilogue...which I was not expecting.
Let me end by saying that it’s not exactly a horrid book and I am sure there are loads of other readers who will like it…but it kind of “didn’t do it for me”….
October 20, 2017
Lagano stivo za opustanjeee ...
December 25, 2020
This is a relatively new author for me and I must admit I am delighted to discover her. This was a great story with a fabulous hero and heroine. Well developed plot, beautiful prose, and realistic dialogue- this was really enjoyable. My only complaint is that the ending was so fast and the epilogue could have been longer and more detailed. Hence 4 stars and not 5.
March 29, 2015
Baš mi se svidjela! Odlični likovi,mjesto radnje još ljepše, zanimljiv zaplet i još bolji rasplet! Odmorila sam se uz nju i zabavila!
February 8, 2024
Previše klišejasta i sladunjava i pomalo nerealna.
June 4, 2021
Captured by her enemy. Drago Cassari would stake his multinational business on the fact that Jess Harper is a thief and a liar. In order to protect his family, he must keep her close. But captive in his palazzo, feisty Jess soon gets under his skin. Drago knows he is a fool, but Jess is like a fire in his blood….
Being with Drago is like heaven and hell—exquisite nights give way to harsh reality when she discovers she's pregnant. Now she's bound to the arrogant Italian—and the sins of her past—forever
Being with Drago is like heaven and hell—exquisite nights give way to harsh reality when she discovers she's pregnant. Now she's bound to the arrogant Italian—and the sins of her past—forever
May 21, 2016
This novel was so emotional and beautifully written. I did enjoy the story and both the hero and heroines multiple confessions about their past. It was everything it should be to me and I would most definitely recommend it.
June 10, 2013
I left this book till last from this month's selection of M&B moderns that I bought, because the blurb did not make it sound particularly brilliant. But it turned out to be the one I enjoyed the most. There was so much emotion packed between the pages.
August 10, 2018
For once, a Harlequin romance was set elsewhere in Italy. Loved the backdrop of Venice, as little as there was of it. Otherwise, a quick billionaire man vs. common English female romance, seems to be a pattern these stories follow.
June 22, 2017
Very good reading!!!
May 3, 2020
Aunque es un harlequin, no todos son buenos. No se, a esta historia le falto mas picante o mas paginas.
December 8, 2020
Protagonistas: Drago & Jess
Profesiones: Empresario & Pintora
Pais: Londres & Venecia
Profesiones: Empresario & Pintora
Pais: Londres & Venecia
May 22, 2026
Zatočena u njegovom dvorcu, izdavač Znanje
April 9, 2016
The book starts out with Angelo in a coma. Drago found out that his cousin had been living with Jess Harper. He hopes she is the key to getting his cousin to wake up. Jess had no idea that her roommate had been in an accident, and is in the hospital. She is torn between leaving her business, and traveling out of country to help her friend. Jess knew she had to try to help her Angelo. Angelo and his family are very wealthy. Jess had no idea. Drago had her investigated, and found out she had been charged with fraud. He knows his cousin just lost most of his trust fund, and blames Jess. The emotions in that part of the story is raw, and my heart went out to Jess. She had been charged for fraud, but she was set up, when she was only 17, The only thing she did wrong was trust, and fall in love with the wrong man. Years later she is still paying for her mistake. The only person that can prove her innocents, that she did not steal from Angelo, is laying in a hospital bed in a coma.
I like the chemistry between Jess, and Drago. The sexually tension between the two was fierce. What I loved most about this book, is the two talked things out, and really communicated. They did keep secrets at first, but they did end up trusting each other 100% by the end of the book. The two acted like adults. I needed to read this book. I'm sick of heroine's, or hero's acting like jerks, or throwing fits.
If you are looking for a book with strong emotions, and little drama, I recommend this one.
I like the chemistry between Jess, and Drago. The sexually tension between the two was fierce. What I loved most about this book, is the two talked things out, and really communicated. They did keep secrets at first, but they did end up trusting each other 100% by the end of the book. The two acted like adults. I needed to read this book. I'm sick of heroine's, or hero's acting like jerks, or throwing fits.
If you are looking for a book with strong emotions, and little drama, I recommend this one.
September 15, 2013
very nice one !!entertaining n an easy read. i have to emphasize that i liked every part abt the story. der was no moment dat i disliked intensely which usually happens wid the other books.. but it was still only a 3 star. what i mean is dat it was still only a 3 star while i did not detest any part of the book..when on the other hand, books i detested some parts got above 3 star. der was so much pain in their past but i was not affected..which shows i was not enchanted or attached. is it only me !?
December 2, 2015
Drago Cassari is livid with Jess Harper who he thinks swindled his younger cousin. When his cousin is badly injured in an accident and is lying in ICU and is asking for Jessie, Drago to help his family inheritance traces her and flies her to Greece to get his cousin bac from a coma
But the unexpected happens and Jess is not at all like Drago thought her to be, but still cynical he keeps up his guard though he is attracted to her...
But the unexpected happens and Jess is not at all like Drago thought her to be, but still cynical he keeps up his guard though he is attracted to her...
January 3, 2015
I really liked it.
It's a short book and I enjoyed first 3/4 of the story.
Main characters were funny and sweet and I wanted a happy ending for them.
After she , everything was a bit hurried and I wanted more big gestures from him.
But all in all, not bad.
It's a short book and I enjoyed first 3/4 of the story.
Main characters were funny and sweet and I wanted a happy ending for them.
After she , everything was a bit hurried and I wanted more big gestures from him.
But all in all, not bad.
Read
December 29, 2014"Set amidst the opulence of romantic Venice, Shaw's remarkable, heartrending romance showcases an unforgettable couple whose depth and combustible chemistry scorch the pages." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Read
December 29, 2014Category: Passion
May 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and although I don't recall reading many books from this author, I look forward to finding more.
June 17, 2013
Good, quick romance. Pretty typical plot with a twist. I enjoyed reading this one.
August 1, 2014
What happened to the business she loved, that she just abandoned to marry Drago.
December 12, 2014
Hlkaye güzel di bazı yerlerinde inandırıcı olmasa da...
June 13, 2015
Stvarno odličana opuštajuća knjižica!
May 11, 2015
Gonna need kleenex...
May 31, 2013
I loved this, it was a great story!
October 2, 2014
Enjoyed it thoroughly....
"ti amo" ;)
"ti amo" ;)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews