Publication date: May 25, 2021
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, LGBTQ
Format: eARC
Source: Berkley and Netgalley
4.5 Stars
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.
Say hello to one of my new favorites of 2021! Playing the Palace was an unexpected gem of a story and it hooked me from page one. I fell head over heels for hapless Carter Ogden and (understandably) reticent Prince Edgar. Event planner Carter, in all his neurotic, self-sabotaging glory, meets England’s Prince Edgar and sparks fly. From a pancake date at IHOP to a stay at Buckingham palace, Carter and Edgar’s whirlwind romance spans two continents and includes plenty of over the top hilarity. As Carter and Edgar go public with their relationship, there are gaffes and humiliations galore (including guest spots judging a televised baking competition with disastrous results), and even the Queen herself (Edgar’s beloved “Nana”) seems intent on sending Carter slinking back to New Jersey in disgrace. Are Carter and Edgar doomed, or can they overcome what seems to be insurmountable obstacles and find a happily ever after?
With an incredible cast of quirky side characters (shout-outs
to Carter’s sister Abby, his great-aunt Miriam, and the Queen), Playing the
Palace was a nonstop ride of snarky, laugh-out-loud humor. It doesn’t take
itself too seriously and instead delivers a campy, frothy good time full of pop
culture references and a wickedly funny narrative. An instant new favorite that
I know I’ll return to again and again.
