The Prince's Playbook

The Crown Affair #1

by Pamela DuMond

Too filthy to be a fairytale...
The tabloids say I’m alpha, arrogant, and relentless. I can live with that because I’m Maximillian Rochartè, Prince of Bellèno and I make royal problems go away.

The monarchy borrowed millions from shady oligarchs and loans are coming due. I convince a billionaire to fork over a fortune in exchange for marrying his daughter, Lady Cici to my playboy brother. Cici needs a few weeks to clear up loose ends but by then someone will be murdered and dumped into the Black Sea as fish food. Probably me.

I hire Vivian, an out of work American cocktail waitress -- who could be Cici’s sexier, funnier, smarter twin -- to impersonate her for a few weeks. Our chemistry’s crazy and I can’t help but proposition her relentlessly. In spite of my dirty, filthy, all consuming thoughts about what I’ll do to her once I get her in the sack -- I transform Vivian into a ‘lady.’

Now we’re back in Bellèno, weeks have passed, and Cici’s a no-show. I know in the depths of my deceitful heart that I'm falling in love with Vivian. Unfortunately, my brother is too...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Royalty, Amazon, Royal Romance, Erotica

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2018

About the author

USA Today Best author Pamela DuMond writes merry mysteries, modern fairytales, and smart romance.

Pam pitched the "Erin Brockovich" story to Hollywood, was featured on “ABC 20/20," is repped for TV/Film/Lit by Italia Gandolfo at GHLiterary.com, and was a contracted writer for Pixelberry Studios.

Pam's books include the hilarious Part-time Princess © 2014 Rom-Com series, Annie Graceland cozy mysteries, Mortal Beloved 'romantasy' time travel, Courtesan "addicting" psychological thrillers, etc. #Iwritemyownbooks

Pam lives in NC where she consumes audiobooks, swims like a mermaid, and is bossed by cats. Sign up for her newsletter at www.pameladumond.com.

Reviews

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars


*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***


FUNNY, ENTERTAINING, SWOON WORTHY AND HEART MUSSHYING(if that's a word) ROMANTIC COMEDY.


This book has every emotion that you can feel... love, hate, jealously, angst, heartbreak, you name it and this book has it. deceit, suspense, jealously, heartbreak.
It made me smile, laugh, angry, swoon.. you smiles & laughs, some heartfelt moments.



Max and Vivian was so adorable and their chemistry was off the charts, there was so much hot sex *fans herself*
Both Max and Vivian has this electrifying connection, that I was shocked I didnt get the shock through my Kindle. (just kidding)
Really good swoon worthy, entertaining book.
I am dying to read next book to see how this story will turn out.

[Jerecho · Rating 3 out of 5]

The synopsis was intriguing, so I give this one a try. It's a good read. Some banters are funny but some are just cute and can make you smile.

The reason I gave this 3 stars is that I'm not totally hook with the story. You are not bother by it if you didn't finish the book fast. And the thing is does a father really don't know his daughter??? Or perhaps a feeling of blood connection???

Anyway, still it's a good book. Maybe money answers some things, but money can't buy everything. In the end, happiness is something but love is everything.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on iBooks today (12/12/2018)!💝

Blurb:
I, Maximillian Cristoph Rochartè, was Prince of Bellèno. I couldn’t fall in love with American commoner. Or could I?

I stumbled across Vivian in a biker bar when she had the stones to pour a pitcher of margaritas on a guy who was harassing another waitress. She had legs from here to eternity, the devil's own sense of humor, and the face of an angel. She was everything I ever wanted.

But none of that mattered.

The House of Bellèno's crown jewels were being squeezed. The monarchy had borrowed millions and the loans were coming due. I tried re-negotiating the deals but hit a wall. I'd sell my soul to save my family when an even better idea hit me.

I tracked down a billionaire nobleman who was thrilled to fork over a fortune to marry his daughter, Lady Cici, to a prince. But Lord Angus Fontaine wouldn't settle for me—I was the spare to the throne. He wanted his daughter to marry my brother Leopold, the crown prince—the heir.

Then inspiration struck again. Darling Vivian was a dead ringer for Cici. I hired her to impersonate Lady Cici for a few weeks until she could return to Bellèno to marry my brother. It was messy. It was complicated. I loved it.

I was screwed.

Because now weeks had passed, Cici hadn't shown up, and I was falling in love with Vivian. Unfortunately, my brother was too...

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max & Vivian's story is very fun and chaotic - an overall pleasant read.

The banter is fun, witty and entertaining, and the entire cast of characters could very well pass for that of a romantic comedy movie.

Ms. DuMond is quickly becoming a go-to author for fun, quirky romance. I recommend Max & Vivian to you - enjoy their romance story.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, which I received from NetGalley.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

A hysterical, make your heart all mushy, sexy and delightfully entertaining romantic comedy by Pamela DuMond! I so get giddy when I hear about royal romances, and I know that Miss DuMond's romcoms are fun, flirty, sexy and charming, but The Prince's Playbook was even better than I thought it would be with grade A banter and fanfreakingtastic characters and a heck of a worthy storyline. The moment I opened up this book I was hooked! I got lots of smiles and laughs out of it as well as some heartfelt moments that made it all the better. I could seriously read this one again RIGHT NOW because it just quenched my thirst for fun, humorous and steamy romance.

Maximillian and Vivian have such a electrifying and steamy chemistry. Their personalities mesh perfectly together and the light push and pull just makes it all the better. The sex is SMOKING HOT and and the witty dialogue makes it all the more enchanting. Its no wonder Pamela DuMond's books are so popular and why readers are swarming for more.

I give The Prince's Playbook a FUN, FLIRTY, AND SWOON WORTHY FIVE SHOOTING STARS!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary Romance Series 2024. Kobo+ Royal Romance - Rom Com.
MC Vivian DeRose ( disguised as Cici engaged to the Crown Prince) & Maximillian Rocharte,Prince of Belleno in the Alps in Europe (the family fixer)





Review I liked:Pleeeease Let Me Apply For This Job! . . .

If you read the Part-Time Princess novel, you'll definitely enjoy this sexier version. The story is most certainly ramped up with the assistance of dual perspective, thanks to the introduction of the very dirty mind of a very hot ginger prince.

Overall, I have to admit not much changed from the original novel. However, by introducing Max as a more prominent character in being the mastermind behind the Crown Affair, a reader can really fall for the prince. The banter and chemistry between Max and Vivian is almost palpable, both have a lot at stake but it's the ending that is still sooo cute. Oh and the Ladies-in-waiting are still just as hilarious as ever! Can't wait for the next novel to see what will happen next for this crazy in love couple.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m definitively too old for this!
It was a fun read though.
Kind of a mix between a Hallmark Christmas Movie, The Prince and I, and a spicy sauce. Utterly unbelievable but in a fairy tale way. I guess I would have liked it better if I had read it 25 years ago. Not so much now that time has made a skeptic out of me 🤣.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I love Royal Romances, just something about the culture and how they do things differently than us. I am hooked! This book was exciting, thrilling, romantic and I read it in one sitting. I loved the plot and fell head over heels in love with these characters. I loved the bachelor feel with the twist and turns that lead up to the ending. I can't wait for the next installment. I need more!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book. I love it. More detailed author review to follow...

CAN'T WAIT for you all to read!

The Prince’s Playbook © 2018 by USA Today bestselling author Pamela DuMond is the re-imagined, steamier, explicit version of Part-time Princess © 2014 that was originally written and published by Pamela DuMond in July, 2014. Additional content has been added to the original story. (less)

[Cee Cee Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Pamela DuMond, and while it was a little bit different from ‘The Client’ it was still a great read. There were a lot of twist and turns in Max and Vivian’s story, which is a love triangle angle full of heartache and deceit. I can’t wait to see how this angsty romance plays out in the next installment.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! I felt like I was watching an episode of The Royals.

Love, angst, deceit, suspense this story has it all! My first read by Pamela Dumond and I am looking forward to the next installment of The Crown Affair.

Love triangles are not my thing, but this one was absolutely perfect! Max and Viv will stick with me for awhile.

[Amy Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly have to say, I truly love the way this author writes. Pamela DuMond knows how to capture your attention early on in the story then take you on a fun-filled ride. It was fun and witty, totally what I needed for an afternoon read. A romantic comedy unlike anything I've read before.

The blurb sort of had me thinking one way about this story but it ended up being so much more than I anticipated. I wasn't sure if a "royal" type romance would be my thing, but after I got to know the characters and more what the book was about, I couldn't stop reading.

I absolutely loved Vivian and Max. Vivian was like a breath of fresh air and the craziness between her and Max was so over the top. The steam between them was an added bonus. Ms. DuMond will have you falling in love with Max too.

If you're looking for a story that's totally original, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with The Prince's Playbook.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This was a first read by this author for me and it will not be my first. I could not put this book down. Max was so great and I was rooting for him with all of the angst of him trying plan everything and watch the woman he loves be with his brother. Vivian is a wonderful stand in and what will happen with her and CIci. This story had many twists and turns.

I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Max is a steamily hot Prince, and Vivi is a heroic gal playing at heiress to assure quality care for her elderly uncle. Easy to cheer for them both to find a Happily ever after.

Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author.

Despite a few attempted murders here and there, the tone is light, and there's a lot of great humor. Kudos for the condoms & consent.

Also, Labrador retrievers! Puppies make all stories better. Delightful in all the ways.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was so much to like in this book! While there was a love triangle there was also a rich story with twists and turns for both Max and Vivian. The book was also fun and I have high hopes for the next book!

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Vivian's story was fun, twisted and def something out of the ordinary!
The prince and the commoner, adding the whole save the crown affair, and a love triangle..well I can't say I was intrigued at first then hooked ;)
I actually didn't know what I was getting myself into but i ended up loving it..as I said, it was original and kept me truly entertained!
Can't wait for more!

[Ruth McDonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian DeRose is a cocktail waitress at Mugshots, a biker bar. When Prince Maximillian of Belleno watches her come to the aid of her fellow coworker by dumping a pitcher of margaritas on the head of a self entitled douchebag, he knows she is just the feisty girl for his project. Can her new part time job as a princess impersonator turn into a full time job or will Max’s brother, Prince Leo, capture her heart? Watch as the fairytale unfolds! 5 Star Read

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fun, witty and sexy it will make you go through the whole gamut of emotions. Vivian and Max will take you on a wild ride.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Sorry to the author, but this book was so bad. I can't believe that this came from a best selling author. I think the first a major thing that made this book terrible was the plot! Yes, I did read the synopsis, and it actually sounded intriguing, but the execution was unbelievable. I thought that most the the people would know (which a few did), but I thought that the father and whatever would definitely be in on it. But like this father didn't even know his own daughter. Like I don't care how much you look like someone, but a father not knowing his own daughter was absurd. Also that all these other people who knew her didn't figure things out right away? That's too much. Too unbelievable.

Next is that the characters and the story itself was so flat. Apparently she was there for a month, but it didn't read like it. It read like a week tops. Maybe it was the writing, but there was no depth or connection for me to the characters. They were so undeveloped and lacking. I also hated Max's POV of constantly wanting to fuck Viv. Like yeah we get it, but it's getting super annoying. I'm stunned people like this book, but I guess everyone has different opinions.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Crown Affair series. It can be read as a stand-alone book.

Max is the spare heir to the Belléno throne. The country is over extended financially, and Max can find no way out but a marriage of convenience to a landed family with money who would like to be a princess. Lady Cici is willing to be that woman, and her father's deep pockets will rescue Belléno. The only catch? She wants to marry Leo, the crown prince. She also needs a few weeks to tie up loose ends. Max goes to America to find a look alike for Cici to stand in for her until she is home for the wedding.

Vivian is smart, funny, sharp-witted with a razor tongue. She is a waitress at the biker bar when Max finds her and she just got fired and needs cash now to keep her Uncle in his assisted living home. She signs non disclosure contracts, gets a rush training in etiquette and Cici's friends and family and is swept to Belléno.

Chaos reigns, Vivian handles most of it with grace and poise. The tricky part is that Vivian and Max are falling in love. How will they work it all out?

[Beth C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy, but novel idea for a book!

Wow! What a crazy book! Vivian, a cocktail waitress at a biker bar in Chicago, found herself in need of a new job after dumping a pitcher of margaritas on a customer’s head. Thankfully Max, Prince of Belleno was there to witness all of it and had a part-time job offer for her. It what a crazy job it ended up being!
As with all crazy plans, there were complications...forbidden feelings, lies, betrayal, way too many secrets and some huge unforeseen changes to the plan. But Vivian also made some new friendships and got a sweet gift, even if things didn’t work out as planned.
Great idea for the story. But highly unrealistic! Seriously, who’s own father and best friends wouldn’t recognize them?!? And all her stupid questions that someone from Belleno would have already known... the book was entertaining though.

[Rae Sontheyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleeeease Let Me Apply For This Job! . . .

If you read the Part-Time Princess novel, you'll definitely enjoy this sexier version. The story is most certainly ramped up with the assistance of dual perspective, thanks to the introduction of the very dirty mind of a very hot ginger prince.

Overall, I have to admit not much changed from the original novel. However, by introducing Max as a more prominent character in being the mastermind behind the Crown Affair, a reader can really fall for the prince. The banter and chemistry between Max and Vivian is almost palpable, both have a lot at stake but it's the ending that is still sooo cute. Oh and the Ladies-in-waiting are still just as hilarious as ever! Can't wait for the next novel to see what will happen next for this crazy in love couple.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I was to review this book for a honest review*


I thought that the story was really good! I loved that they were from two different worlds and they came together for a situation that the “prince” needed. I love the main girls personality, to me she seem realistic and her situation in the beginning was something that women go through everyday! (Losing their job).


I must say I’m not into “fairytales” about princes and stuff like that, but I must say I loved this one. I think all the characters have great chemistry together and the writing was done very well. I also love a good love story and this one didn’t disappoint!



Overall 4 out of 5 stars!! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The blurb was interesting, but I just couldn’t like these people. Max reads as a very chauvinistic lady’s man, sexualizing Vivian at almost every thought, and not very princely at all. I picked this one at the June 2023 “stuff your kindle” event, thinking that it was a standalone, but it isn’t. The story apparently spans four books, and there’s a love triangle, and I don’t like love triangles. Also, I skipped a lot because there are descriptions of people, things and past events that have absolutely no bearing in the plot, but I guess if you want to sell four books with one thin “overarching” plot you need to include a lot of filling. A. LOT. OF. FILLING.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all, every emotion -- deceit, suspense, jealously, heartbreak, Love, angst—it was like reading a contemporary version of The Crown. I could not put this book down. I enjoyed the Love triangle that is going on and I adored Max- he has a lot on his plate but he is making it work. He is in love with a woman who is with the wrong brother. Vivian is a wonderful woman who happens to be a stand in for CiCi..I wonder what will happen on that front between her and CiCi. This story has so many twists and turns. I am looking forward to the next installment to find out who wins the fair maiden’s hand-- Max and Viv ‘s story will stick with me for a while and one can hope…


My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Imagey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big sucker for royal romance. I read The Prince's Playbook two seconds right after I finished BDB, The Thief. I actually thought it would not be fair to this book because, you know, you read something after a very good book, and your mind was still thinking about the last book. BUT, it didn't happen. I started this book and I got suck into it right away and I had totally forgotten about BDB. Not to mention this is the first book I read from Ms. DuMond. I am so glad I read this book and definitely looking into book 2 of this series and other books from her.

[Kat J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately brings to mind the adage: "the best laid plans o' mice an' men gang aft agley

Although it might seem like a cliche plot, the funny antics of Vivian and the people around here more than make up for it. It becomes a hilarious ride to see what is next when a waitress from a biker bar gets thrown into a royal court with little to no guidance. You bet that hilarity is bound to ensue and it does, in spades.

[KARLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing!

So fun to read this book! I couldn't put it down. Max is a prince from a bankrupt country, and contract Vivian to impersonate a certain lady Ceci. Lady Cecile's father will save the country as soon as the lady marries the crown prince Leo. As ever, things never go the way they're expected, and with that we have a great opportunity reading the ups and downs of this story. It continues on, but you can stop with only this book if you are able to do it!

[Cee Cee Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince’s Playbook by Pamela DuMond
This is my second book by Pamela DuMond, and while it was a little bit different from ‘The Client’ it was still a great read. There were a lot of twist and turns in Max and Vivian’s story, which is a love triangle angle full of heartache and deceit. I can’t wait to see how this angsty romance plays out in the next installment.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, fun, sexy romantic comedy. I loved the storyline and the characters. Once I started reading I didn't want to out it down. Fell in love with Vivian right away. Loved how she doesn't put up with anything and stands up for her friends. Then you have Max who doesn't love a sexy prince. Can't wait to read Book 2.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.