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Playing the Palace

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Playing the Palace

By: Paul Rudnick
Narrated by: Michael Urie
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About this listen

 One of Buzzfeed's 39 Excellent LGBTQ Books To Read This Month And Always

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. Literature & Fiction Romance Romantic Comedy Royalty Comedy England Heartfelt Witty Funny

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Critic reviews

"Award-winning playwright, humorist, and novelist Rudnick steeps his writing in a deliciously snarky sense of wit while at the same time effectively employing his flair for clever storytelling in the creation of a delightfully quirky cast of characters. The end result is a fizzy, fun, fresh, and fairy tale-like rom-com that will restore readers' faith in true love."—Booklist

“[in] Rudnick’s effervescent new novel…the question isn’t whether love will triumph, only how. The answer may make you cheer.”—The New York Times

"From the screenwriter of Sister Act, Jeffrey, and The Stepford Wives comes this highly anticipated rom-com debut. Event planner Carter Ogden meets and has instant chemistry with the sought after Prince of Wales, giving way to a high-profile romance that comes with a unique set of obstacles."—Oprah.com

“A sweet story that’s both hilariously funny and as romantic as any harlequin.”—Parade

"Delightful."—Frolic

“Rudnick imbues every page of Playing the Palace with a sense of humor and quick-witted snark. It combines the best laugh-track pacing of a sitcom with the big-hearted story arc of a romantic comedy. The over-the-top storylines and characters are guaranteed to leave even the most cynical readers rooting for an improbable happily-ever-after.”—Shelf Awareness

"A charming, funny, highly entertaining love story that reminds us what might happen if we were to get what we wish for."—Edge Media Network

“This charming and sweet romance is pure escapism with heart and soul.”—Barnes & Noble Blog

“[Rudnick] been called one of the funniest writers for stage and screen in the U.S. His latest work of fiction does not fall short of that praise….Rudnick's skill as a writer animates every page, with humor woven through the entire story.”—Gay & Lesbian Review

"Rudnick is always funny; here, he’s also romantic to the core."—Broadway Direct
All stars
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Good book very cheesy but the what made this book for me was all the background characters. Who were just great made me laugh mainly carter's friends and family. clearly predicted but didn't distract from me wanting to listen to it. completed in less 24 hours

chesse bit fun

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Dull story, hard to get attached or relate. Choose this to fill the void after RWRB but it’s rather disappointing. Too cheesy and too unrealistic (I know it’s fiction, but I have read dozens of fiction books with plots that sounded realistic. This isn’t one of them)
Also narration just doesn’t work for me.

Struggling to get to the end

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struggled to finish is an understatement. there's no emotion, the characters were shallow and stereotypical and the humour borders on inappropriate. it tries too hard, and not in a good way.

stale and flat

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This is just a silly story and not a credible MM romance. Itwas a real chore to get through but since I paid for it I perceived

Quite a silly story

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Had been looking for a new MLM story having recently devoured Boyfriend Material and Husband Material but this is definitely NOT it! I’m not sure if it’s the narration or just the poor story and undeveloped superficial characters but I didn’t like any of them - well, maybe Carter’s mum but that’s it! As great as Michael Urie is, his English and Scottish accents are just dire. I wanted to persevere in case I could get past the accents but the story was so basic I had to stop. Unfortunately a waste of my Audible credit.

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