Playing the Palace – Mini Book Review

Author: Paul Rudnick

Genre: LGBTQIA/Romance

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Publication Date: May 25, 2021

Book Description: THEIR LOVE STORY CAPTIVATED THE WORLD…THE CROWN PRINCE AND THAT GUY FROM NEW YORK

When a lonely American event planner starts dating the gay Prince of Wales, a royal uproar ensues: is it true love or the ultimate meme? Find out in this hilarious romantic comedy.

After having his heart trampled on by his cheating ex, Carter Ogden is afraid love just isn’t in the cards for him. He still holds out hope in a tiny corner of his heart, but even in his wildest dreams he never thought he’d meet the Crown Prince of England, much less do a lot more with him.  Yes, growing up he’d fantasized about the handsome, openly gay Prince Edgar, but who hadn’t? When they meet by chance at an event Carter’s boss is organizing, Carter’s sure he imagined all that sizzling chemistry. Or was it mutual?

This unlikely but meant-to-be romance sets off media fireworks on both sides of the Atlantic. With everyone having an opinion on their relationship and the intense pressure of being constantly in the spotlight, Carter finds ferocious obstacles to his Happily Ever After, including the tenacious disapproval of the Queen of England. Carter and Price Edgar fight for a happy ending to equal their glorious international beginning. It’s a match made on Valentine’s Day and in tabloid heaven.

Rating: 4 Stars

Mini-Review: A LOL take on a royal romance, that I just adored. Prince Edgar is the first openly gay crowned prince, when he meets Carter Ogden by chance at an event, the fireworks are instantaneous.

Paul Rudnick does not really do anything special with the trope, but somehow I just loved this so much. The narration by Carter is just so delightful, with all the humor, mishaps and fears one might have when suddenly thrown into the limelight.

I found myself totally rooting for Edgar and Carter. This is totally a fluff read but who cares, sometimes that is exactly what you need.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.