Playing the Palace had a great premise and fun-to-read characters. It started off beautifully, with a meet-cute and plenty of well-placed pop culture references. As the book progressed, events and characters started to get silly and slapstick, to the point of annoyance.

4.5 stars.

Paul Rudnick's upcoming rom-com, Playing the Palace, is a funny, sweet look at what happens when you fall in love with the future king of England.

Carter Ogden has been wallowing a bit since he broke up with his cheating ex. It’s getting to the point where he almost doesn’t believe true love exists, even though he prays to his patron saint, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, that his prince may come along someday.

And then he does, in the form of Prince Edgar, the openly gay Prince of Wales, next in line to the throne. Edgar and Carter meet at the UN, when Carter’s company is arranging an event that Edgar is speaking at. The chemistry between them is intense, but he’s royalty—isn’t he this polite with everyone?

It’s not long before Edgar makes his interest in Carter clear. But for self-doubting, self-deprecating Carter, trying to have a relationship with the future king is more challenging than he could ever imagine. Not only is Carter and his every action under intense scrutiny by the Palace and the world (and Carter is prone to colossal missteps), but both he and Edgar have their guards up to protect themselves from getting hurt, which keeps them from expressing their true feelings and their fears.

Playing the Palace is romantic, sometimes funny in an almost slapsticky way, and it’s a beautiful story that shows everyone deserves their fairytale romance. Paul Rudnick is a comedy genius, and some of his characters made me laugh—and reminded me of some relatives!

Don’t go in expecting Red White & Royal Blue (which was my favorite book of 2019): this is a very different story and it doesn’t want to be that one. Enjoy the rocky ride with Edgar and Carter (and you may never want to eat trifle again)!

NetGalley and Berkley provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!

Playing the Palace publishes 5/25!!

Okay. There is something to be said for books that just let you escape for a little while. We need that, even if it’s with something frivolous and absurd.

While this book is ridiculous in a way that will leave you shaking your head and nearly cringing, it’s hilarious and for a little while, it let me just escape into a (literally) unbelievable love story. I didn’t hate it.

Let yourself enjoy this book without judgment. You can still find merit in books that aren’t five-starred or making bestseller lists — even if it’s just for over-the-top entertainment value and something to make you smile.

(And just don’t even do the comparison to you-know-which book. Just enjoy.)

A big thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Books for providing me with an advance e-copy of the book.

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

Review: Before reading this book, Phil & I talked at length about something that is important for anyone wanting to read this one...which you should! This is NOT Red, White & Royal Blue. While the storylines are very similar - an American falls in love with a Prince, Playing the Palace established its own voice & take on this trope & I’d LOVE to see less reviews that only compare it to RWRB!

What I loved: “Playing the Palace” was everything it was supposed to be....cute, campy & more modern representation of MM romances. I adored the supporting cast, the snarky banter & the fast-paced, whirlwind romance that anyone with a heart could get swept up in! While this was a more lighthearted & somewhat rushed story, there were some very touching & honest moments that made this novel incredibly endearing & one that I loved reading. By the end, my face genuinely hurt from smiling SO hard!

What I wanted more of: My biggest pet peeve about this book was that I couldn’t visualize Carter & Edgar. Beyond a few descriptors...a dazzling smile, a nice tricep...there wasn’t much to go off of or swoon over.

Also, & this may just be my own personal preference, but if you’re going to talk about all the wild sex you’re having...I wanna read about all the wild sex you’re having. Gimme at least a LITTLE steam! Please! The whole sleeping-with-a-Royal storyline is SOOO hot! Don’t just tease me with it & then not give ANY details whatsoever.

All in all, “Playing the Palace” was just the adorable & cute story I needed...it has my Royal Obsessed seal of approval & I hope y’all check it out on May 25, 2021 when it becomes available.

I struggled to get into this book because of the plot holes and writing. I will still recommend to others looking for a light, royal romance.

I just loved this so much - this was a light, easy breezy, insta-love story that felt like a crossover between an early 2000's romcom & a Disney movie, but more adult & gay.

First things first - this isn't RWRB & it's not trying to be. Yes, there's an American falling in love with a gay Prince, but that's about it. I really think this book stands on its own, there can be more than one gay royal romance out there in the world.

Having said that, "Playing the Palace" hit all the marks for me in terms of what I'm looking for in a romance. This was campy, hilarious, full of memorable characters & swoon-worthy moments, & had me teary eyed more than once (James' video had me grabbing my tissue box, lol). I related so much to Carter - listen, I'm approaching 30 as well & don't have my life anywhere near as together as I'd like it to be, so his issues really hit home (& also, LOVED his obsession w/ RBG). I loved all of the shenanigans he & Prince Edgar went through & found myself really rooting for them.

I thoroughly enjoy reading romcoms & have to say this - representation matters & I love seeing the influx of queer romances that are out there now. If you're in the mood for an easy, quick, fun read, I'd definitely check this out! I can't wait to grab a finished copy, thank you so much to Paul Rudnick, NetGalley, & Berkley Books for providing ARC in exchange for an honest review! (4.5 Stars)

This was such a fun and romantic read! I find sometimes that adult romances can lack the heart in favor of a more sexual focused story. This book had so much heart. It was funny and romantic and sexy!

There is so much fun to be had in Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick.

I know I know. Everyone is thinking this like <em>Red, White and Royal Blue </em>and it's just... not. Not in a bad way, but let's stop comparisions because it is it's own book. Now don't get me wrong, I loved RWRB. But this is a wholly different book so can we please just enjoy it for it's own charm?

Where to begin!?

I love Carter, who is his own worst enemy. This character's vulnerabilities seemed very real as he second guesses himself and suffers from anxiety. What a guy to be suddenly dating the Prince of Wales! Carter's narration is hilarious, clever and witty. There were some real LOL moments. Seeing the world through Carter's eyes isn't a bad thing and is often times hysterical. That added to his charm and also put a very private spotlight on his insecurities. Prince Edgar has his faults too, but what I really liked about this couple was how strong they were together. Sure there was trouble and misunderstandings and def. a certain younger brother and his wife who seemed to be vying for the crown... but I like how two imperfect characters can come together and just make sense. This is Carter and Edgar.

All of the supporting characters are fantastic but my heart has a special place for Carter's sister Abby. She is strong and fearless and really boosts him up when he needs it. Everyone needs someone like this in their life. Also Queen Catherine is so extra. She stole all the scenes she was in and I would happily read a book just about her and her sass.

>Also, IHOP. I wanted IHOP the entire time I read this book. So thanks a lot Paul Rudnick.

<em>Playing the Palace</em> is fun and romantic and all the perfect things to read during a pandemic.

I feel like I need to defend Playing the Palace. I've read so many speculations that it is a "rip off" of Red, White and Royal Blue, but having read both I can declare is is most assuredly NOT. Yes, both have a gay male prince of England, but where they differ, and what Playing the Palace does wonderfully, is that the prince is out and proud. in this story we get to see "how heavy the head that wears the crown" is as he has to not only find his way through being a gay man and finding love BUT he must do so while being a good and fair representative not only for the Commonwealth but the LGBTQ+ community. Yes, giant run-on sentence there, but Prince Edgar really has to keep up appearance for a lot more people and groups of people than one would assume. I enjoyed this book and the romance between Edgar and Carter. I also enjoyed Carter's silly Sophie Kinsella leading character-type antics.

The thing is, Red, White & Royal Blue is genuinely funny. Boyfriend Material has me crying laughing. This book wants to be like that so badly that it's painful. It was so unfunny that it was painful.

The main issue is, though, that it relies COMPLETELY on the jokes. There's no fleshed out story or characterization, nothing else to really redeem it if this is not your kind of humour.

I sincerely meant to finish this book though, but what really tripped me up was the amount of fatphobia. I got halfway through and had to read fatphobic comments on every other page and I just couldn't put myself through it.

So this was very obviously written as a Red, White and Royal Blue readalike, which is fine. But it lacks the charm and, frankly, the character and relationship development to really pull you in. Spending a little more time at the start of the book making the reader care about the characters was an investment that would have paid off. I wonder if perhaps this would work better as a screenplay for a movie, which the author also writes.

This was a fluffy but far fetched romance. I liked the representation and affirmative characters/ support networks, but the narrative felt overdone with a lot of plot holes.

You have to completely suspend reality to read this book. It was WAY too fast paced! The thing I love about reading romance is watching the people fall in love. There was none of that. 3 dates and he's in Buckingham Palace. What?! The book is funny sometimes. The characters are ALL over the top. Carter's embarrassing situations were more painful than funny. I made it halfway and then skimmed the rest.

I loved every ridiculous, laugh out loud moment of this book! It’s not just another version of Red White and Royal Blue, it’s so much more. This would make the best movie!
I just reviewed Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick. #PlayingthePalace #NetGalley

Unfortunately I was not able to get into this book, I tried multiple times and it just was not for me, Definitely will still recommend to others.

Whenever I read, (or view), anything by Paul Rudnick I realize I absolutely wish I was a gay man and could be his very best friend in the whole world. I'm realistic enough to know I'm too old to be of interest to him romantically but would so be happy just to hang out with him, eating chocolate of course, and awaiting his next bon mot. I fell in love with him in the early 90s and have been loyal ever since. It was with great excitement and anticipation that I picked up Playing the Palace. Mr. Rudnick did not disappoint me. Event Planner, well, assistant, Carter Ogden meets a prince and anything else I could tell you wouldn't be necessary. Just know there were moments when I actually heard myself snort out loud - how often does that happen reading a book I ask you? I genuinely tried to share why I thought a line so funny with my husband but it just didn't work. It made me wonder do I need to reassess my whole life - should I have taken another path, should I have not taken the vaccine? But then, like Carter, my new hero, I hear the voice of RBG advise me, "stop being you and just be yourself!" Paul Rudnick you are genius and I love you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This unfortunately is a DNF for me at 42%.

I truly hope this book has some changes made before publishing because it is a fun premise. It, unfortunately, starts in the wrong place, almost info-dumping about the MCs ex without bringing the reader in. This is a theme throughout the book. Despite being broken up with his ex for a while the MC is constantly thinking about him, comparing Edgar to him.

While I was excited to read a royal romance, this reads as if written by someone who's not familiar with the royals at all. Edgar is stiff, too stiff, and his dialogue was difficult to read. That they went out for dates instead of staying in didn't make sense. Then they jumped into a relationship, after barely spending any time together. This book is closed-door but has a brief chapter explaining that the sex is amazing without showing it or building up any sexual tension.

A lot of telling rather than showing, I couldn't push through. I didn't feel the connection with the characters at all. The MC didn't see Edgar as a person, rather as a prince and was a bit rude to him.

Rating: 1 (the MC was too mean and this didn't fit with the trope at all)
Steam: 1

This isn't RW&RB and it shouldn't be, that'd be weird. That said, I think it works quite well as a read alike and I thought it was pretty fun.

It’s like Schitt’s Creek meets the Royal Family. Charming, heartwarming, and hilarious (and for those of you wondering, distinctly different than Red, White, and Royal Blue). A true rom-com. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.

I've got to be honest. I couldn't finish this book.

I really tried. I finished 30% and felt I had read enough to give it a chance before throwing in the towel. There's too many books out there and too little time to waste time on books that aren't enjoyable.

I was really REALLY excited for this book. I mean--a royal romance? A GAY royal romance? A gay royal romance between the crown prince and an American? What's not to love. As a HUGE fan of Red, White, and & Royal Blue, I was, of course, pumped for this one, and so excited when Berkley provided me with a copy for review. But... it didn't live up to expectations. To be completely blunt, it reads like fanfiction. Kind of mediocre fanfiction. The first 20 pages have nothing interesting going on (I think ten of them are the Jewish MC praying in a church?) and then BAM we have the world's most contrived meet-cute and the MC and the prince are almost kissing within five seconds and the prince takes things public two dates later. Just the pacing, and one-sidedness, and overall vibes of this book were not keeping me invested. Maybe I had too high an expectations. But I can't say I recommend it, as I had to DNF.

Thank you to Berkley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

2 stars - 3/10