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Playing the Palace
One of Buzzfeed's 39 Excellent LGBTQ Books To Read This Month And AlwaysTHEIR 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 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.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
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December 18, 2020Okay so I'm sure everyone is thinking how similar this is on the surface to Red, White, and Royal Blue but I'm hoping that the plot (and more importantly its characters) will be unique enough to stand on its own. So fingers crossed.
June 19, 2021
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!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
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!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 16, 2024
Too much of a power imbalance for the romance to feel genuinely romantic. And any time it seems like there might be a cute private moment between the two of them, it's immediately undercut by the fact other people are there to witness it and post on social media about it. The prince man is the one with unlimited resources, so why the hell is Carter the one who puts all the work into the relationship!? He reaches out, he puts his job on the line, and he confesses his undying love at the end! What the flying fuck does the prince do!? Nothing, that's what. Prince Charming needs to be the one running through airports, not Carter. I just think it's rich how Prince Edgar is presented as this, like, force of change and tolerance as if he didn't belong to a family that's only ever been a symbol of the opposite. Edgar isn't of the people, he isn't one of us. He's not a colleague, he's a fucking colonizer.
*Months later edit: Oh yeah, Carter also says prince whatever is prettier than Beyoncé, which is a lie. Like, come on dude...
*Months later edit: Oh yeah, Carter also says prince whatever is prettier than Beyoncé, which is a lie. Like, come on dude...
June 16, 2021
I really wanted to like Playing the Palace... but I really didn't like it. I really, really didn't.
First things first, this book while looking at it and reading the blurb might seem similar to Red, White & Royal Blue. But that's all there is to it. The actual book, is nothing like it. This felt shallow in comparison.
I don't think I need to review the story it self. Regular man meets prince, prince and said man falls in love and there's obstacles along the way. You know that story, I know that story, everyone knows that story.
Let's start with what I did like. (Insert pause while I think if there was anything at all). Ok, I did like the first maybe 50 pages. I liked getting introduced to Carter and his friends. At this point I even liked the humor.
What I didn't like was the rest of the book. It's only told from Carter's perspective and let me tell you, I got tired of being in Carter's head really fast. The author was trying for funny, but all it came across was shallow. I couldn't feel what Carter was feeling because he was hiding his feelings even for the reader behind every single gay stereotype there is. Yep. Everyone. Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, RuPaul's Dragrace, not liking sports (ok, that one was quite funny), musicals. You name a gay stereotype and you'll find it in this book. I don't know a single gay person who embodies every single stereotype and I found it extremely annoying. I would've needed Prince Edgar's perspective. Not only to get a break from Carter's head but to gain any kind of sympathy towards the prince. As it turned out in this book he came across ass rude, stiff and very unlikeable. Some of the things he did to Carter or made Carter do was plain rude. Carter deserved better. I didn't feel the connection between Carter and Edgar and I really didn't understand why Carter fell in love with him at all. Except being told by the author that the do indeed, love each other. Every single person in this book is acting crazy for the laughs, and it got so tiring.
Overall the whole book felt pretty shallow and like it was just touching on the love story, not breaking into it. I'm a sucker for a good royal romance, but this, really is not it.
First things first, this book while looking at it and reading the blurb might seem similar to Red, White & Royal Blue. But that's all there is to it. The actual book, is nothing like it. This felt shallow in comparison.
I don't think I need to review the story it self. Regular man meets prince, prince and said man falls in love and there's obstacles along the way. You know that story, I know that story, everyone knows that story.
Let's start with what I did like. (Insert pause while I think if there was anything at all). Ok, I did like the first maybe 50 pages. I liked getting introduced to Carter and his friends. At this point I even liked the humor.
What I didn't like was the rest of the book. It's only told from Carter's perspective and let me tell you, I got tired of being in Carter's head really fast. The author was trying for funny, but all it came across was shallow. I couldn't feel what Carter was feeling because he was hiding his feelings even for the reader behind every single gay stereotype there is. Yep. Everyone. Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, RuPaul's Dragrace, not liking sports (ok, that one was quite funny), musicals. You name a gay stereotype and you'll find it in this book. I don't know a single gay person who embodies every single stereotype and I found it extremely annoying. I would've needed Prince Edgar's perspective. Not only to get a break from Carter's head but to gain any kind of sympathy towards the prince. As it turned out in this book he came across ass rude, stiff and very unlikeable. Some of the things he did to Carter or made Carter do was plain rude. Carter deserved better. I didn't feel the connection between Carter and Edgar and I really didn't understand why Carter fell in love with him at all. Except being told by the author that the do indeed, love each other. Every single person in this book is acting crazy for the laughs, and it got so tiring.
Overall the whole book felt pretty shallow and like it was just touching on the love story, not breaking into it. I'm a sucker for a good royal romance, but this, really is not it.
March 23, 2022
RWRB fanfiction
April 14, 2021
I normally don't read cute stories (remember, I DNF'd Red White & Royal Blue), but I really enjoyed Paul Rudnick's upcoming romantic comedy,
Playing the Palace
. Utterly corny, yet also so fun, this story takes you on a journey through the eyes of Carter Ogden. Carter lives in New York City with his two roommates and meets Prince Edgar during a work event. The Prince is next in line for King of England and Carter is starstruck. Edgar is openly gay and a celebrity in both the LGBTQ+ community and mainstream media. To no surprise, Edgar and Carter forge a relationship. Their relationship has many strides and hurdles; navigating through each of their families and through the tabloids. Overall this story was maybe a bit too cute for my liking, but I definitely picked it up at the right time. I binged the entire book in two sittings, which is unheard of for me when it comes to romance. Definitely a fun ride and lighthearted, pick up
Playing the Palace
when you're looking for a book to make you smile.
January 19, 2022
Need something uplifting and want to laugh out loud?
Playing the Palace is hilarious, cheesy, and completely over the top. Picture Bridget Jones 2.0 and out and proud gay. It delivers a lot of one-liners and really awkward and cringe-worthy situations. I read it with a constant smile on my face.
Carter and Edgar meet and are immediately totally utterly smitten. They even almost kiss within ten minutes or so after meeting for the first time if it weren’t for the security guards. They’re both fucked up, anxious, and afraid of letting the other one down. There are so many extreme characters in this story: Carter’s sister Abby who loves celebrities and her wedding gown, especially her wedding gown; his aunt Miriam who’s 4 feet tall with towering ash blond, shellacked hair; his roommate Louise who has her own ideas about monarchy (Edgar is the enemy of equality and human rights), and of course THE queen of England who forgets Carter’s name continually and calls him an amphibian, an amoebic plage and a rancid crustacean.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was so fast paced, particularly in the first part. Those sentences! Imagine 100 words, a dozen commas, and a lot of banter within one sentence (I might be exaggerating a little 😂). I wonder how this will be narrated on audio. The narrators literally won’t have time to breathe. As a reader, I hardly got time to think because there were words and commas and more words and more commas and—taking a deep breath—way more words and commas.
Read this if you need some fun and don’t mind exaggeration. There’s a lot of banter, it’s witty and hysterical. More a com-rom than a rom-com, if you know what I mean. Don’t read it because you want to read RWRB 2.0. There are some resemblances: for a moment, Carter hates Edgar’s guts because he’s perfection itself, Edgar and Henry both have boring brothers, AND the queen disapproves of their relationship at first. But that’s it. Furthermore, there’s no resemblance, NONE! Don’t take this story too seriously; just sit down on a quiet afternoon or evening and enjoy! I definitely laughed out loud!
After finding out who Paul Rudnick is, I wouldn’t be surprised if this book will be adapted on screen.
I received an ARC from Berkley and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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May 27, 2021
Y'all already see the similarities between this and "Red, White & Royal Blue". I know. I saw them too. Don't worry, all the similarities are superficial. But, to be clear, the reason I didn't like this book isn't because it wasn't RWRB. It's because I found it unfunny, hard to read (both because of the way it was written and because of how little I enjoyed the plot), and dare I say, a little too cringy for my taste. It gave very tumblr, archiveofourown levels of dialogue and inner monologue.
This book was not for me, unfortunately. For one, I did not like the writing style. It was frequently over descriptive. The main character uses oddly specific similies that I guess were supposed to be a running joke, but that I didn't find funny. Sentences went on and on to the point that I frequently had to restart passages because I lost the thread of the paragraph.
Moreover, none of the characters acted like real people. They talk in ways that no real people do, and they're all way too willing to share personal information or deep emotional truths with people they've just met.
And the actual plot was meh. The main character was so neurotic, and blew everything way out of proportion; again, I think this was partially in service of comedy, but I didn't find it funny. The chemistry of the main couple was more told than shown, and their "romance" is way too quick, even for a whirlwind romance. They almost kiss during their first encounter, and they're inviting each other to meet the family after date two? I won't drop any spoilers for specific events, but their entire relationship remains like this throughout the book. I audibly said, "What?!" out loud multiple times while reading of their relationship progression.
All in all, I found this poorly written, and surprisingly childish for a story with this much sex. I felt entirely too much second hand embarrassment reading this. There is little to no emotional depth despite attempting to explore Carter's sense of self worth and Edgar's "trust issues"; he didn't seem to have many issues with trust when he decided to track down and date a random man he'd talked to for 10 minutes max. The characters range from interesting (Carter's sister and aunt), to forgetable, to caricatures (all of Carter's roommates, the Queen of England). It honestly gave me the vibes of any given generic fanfiction on ao3. Don't get me wrong, I've read good fanfic, but this is not it.
I've heard that the author is a playwright, and that his other stuff is good, so I'll check that out. But honestly? If you're looking for a gay romance with an uppity British dude, just read "Boyfriend Material" by Alexis Hall.
This book was not for me, unfortunately. For one, I did not like the writing style. It was frequently over descriptive. The main character uses oddly specific similies that I guess were supposed to be a running joke, but that I didn't find funny. Sentences went on and on to the point that I frequently had to restart passages because I lost the thread of the paragraph.
Moreover, none of the characters acted like real people. They talk in ways that no real people do, and they're all way too willing to share personal information or deep emotional truths with people they've just met.
And the actual plot was meh. The main character was so neurotic, and blew everything way out of proportion; again, I think this was partially in service of comedy, but I didn't find it funny. The chemistry of the main couple was more told than shown, and their "romance" is way too quick, even for a whirlwind romance. They almost kiss during their first encounter, and they're inviting each other to meet the family after date two? I won't drop any spoilers for specific events, but their entire relationship remains like this throughout the book. I audibly said, "What?!" out loud multiple times while reading of their relationship progression.
All in all, I found this poorly written, and surprisingly childish for a story with this much sex. I felt entirely too much second hand embarrassment reading this. There is little to no emotional depth despite attempting to explore Carter's sense of self worth and Edgar's "trust issues"; he didn't seem to have many issues with trust when he decided to track down and date a random man he'd talked to for 10 minutes max. The characters range from interesting (Carter's sister and aunt), to forgetable, to caricatures (all of Carter's roommates, the Queen of England). It honestly gave me the vibes of any given generic fanfiction on ao3. Don't get me wrong, I've read good fanfic, but this is not it.
I've heard that the author is a playwright, and that his other stuff is good, so I'll check that out. But honestly? If you're looking for a gay romance with an uppity British dude, just read "Boyfriend Material" by Alexis Hall.
March 10, 2022
I remember absolutely nothing from my 10th grade Chemistry class, but I do know, for a fact, that this book has way less chemistry in it then my brain does.
I thought I was trash for the American fallz in love with a prince trope. I've seen that fucking Netflix Christmas movie with the girl from that one Power Rangers season like 10 times. I don't know what I'm trash for anymore.
The characters were annoying. There feelings developed put of nothing. It tried to be funny, but the jokes missed everytime. I couldn't tell the side characters apart. I think I hate myself more for not DNFing this.
I thought I was trash for the American fallz in love with a prince trope. I've seen that fucking Netflix Christmas movie with the girl from that one Power Rangers season like 10 times. I don't know what I'm trash for anymore.
The characters were annoying. There feelings developed put of nothing. It tried to be funny, but the jokes missed everytime. I couldn't tell the side characters apart. I think I hate myself more for not DNFing this.
Read
December 20, 2020Okay. But where have I heard this story before? 🤔😂. Am I going to read it regardless? Hell yes!
March 1, 2021
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
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
February 25, 2021
This is not Red White and Royal Blue and I really wish people would stop comparing them and commenting how disappointed they are that this wasn’t the exact same book?? It was hilarious and wonderful! I devoured it in record time and I hope there’s a sequel with some of the other characters getting their HEA
September 11, 2022
4.5 Stars
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. Suspend your disbelief with this one, it's meant to be a cute, fun read, & sometimes those are just what we need.
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 Romance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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. Suspend your disbelief with this one, it's meant to be a cute, fun read, & sometimes those are just what we need.
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 Romance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 12, 2024
DNF @50%
The worst thing about this book is that it has no plot. A New York boy and the crown prince of England fall in love – sounds like a great romance story, but sadly it is not. I still don't know why they love each other, except for just being told so. The two meet, fall in love, date and fuck. Well that's it. The rest is just everything that crosses the narrators mind, related or not. Mostly not. It's like brain vomit.
Also everything is just so over the top. All the people are behaving like they're crazy. Not the funny way of crazy, just crazy crazy. It's like the sitcom version of a sitcom version of a sitcom. And then there are tons of cultural references. Like in every sentence three of them. I felt like Picard in that Star Trek episode, where he was stranded on a planet with this other captain, who just talked in metaphors.
The whole book is just balderdash going absolutely nowhere. And it's not even funny, only just annoying. Like that wedding episode, that was really sending me.
Let me finish this rant with an actual quote from the book that perfectly sums up all this utter nonsense:
We were equal. He was destined to become the king of England, and I was a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey
The worst thing about this book is that it has no plot. A New York boy and the crown prince of England fall in love – sounds like a great romance story, but sadly it is not. I still don't know why they love each other, except for just being told so. The two meet, fall in love, date and fuck. Well that's it. The rest is just everything that crosses the narrators mind, related or not. Mostly not. It's like brain vomit.
Also everything is just so over the top. All the people are behaving like they're crazy. Not the funny way of crazy, just crazy crazy. It's like the sitcom version of a sitcom version of a sitcom. And then there are tons of cultural references. Like in every sentence three of them. I felt like Picard in that Star Trek episode, where he was stranded on a planet with this other captain, who just talked in metaphors.
The whole book is just balderdash going absolutely nowhere. And it's not even funny, only just annoying. Like that wedding episode, that was really sending me.
Let me finish this rant with an actual quote from the book that perfectly sums up all this utter nonsense:
We were equal. He was destined to become the king of England, and I was a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey
June 4, 2021
I may write a full review later or I may not, but for now I will just say that this was genuinely the worst book I’ve ever read and I am deeply concerned for anyone who enjoyed it.
July 22, 2021
Funny and sweet romantic comedy
Carter Ogden fantasized about the Prince of England growing up--who didn't? Openly gay Prince Edgar is handsome and easy to adore. When Carter meets Edgar through a work event, sparks fly. Before he knows it, it seems like the two are dating. But their relationship receives intense media scrutiny--and the disapproval of the Queen of England. Can they find a happily ever after when it seems like everything--and everyone--are against them?
"He was destined to become the king of England, and I was a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey; we both knew what we were supposed to be doing, but we were fighting it. When it came to emotional stability, neither of us had a prayer."
This is a cute and funny story overall. We have Carter, who is reeling from a breakup and does not feel worthy of love and then Edgar, who is scared to trust. It's not easy to be in a relationship when you're the Prince of England. As Edgar states, he's "a symbol and an institution." The two meet at the United Nations and there's definitely some insta-chemistry, but they are also pretty sweet together. You can't help but root for this pair.
"Because ever since I can remember, there's been only one unthinkable sin, and that was disgracing my family and my country, in any way. I was being held to a different standard, which I agreed with. I had one job: to represent the royal household and to make England proud, and I was a calamity."
The book is a little ping pong-ish in its highs and lows. Everything is good... and then it's not. Rinse and repeat. At times, it seems a little insane that Edgar and his family cannot trust Carter, yet you can understand how utterly crazy and invasive the British media is--we see it all the time. I would have liked to see the two communicate a bit more, but new relationships are hard.
The cast of characters in PALACE are wonderful--completely engaging. Carter's family and friends are adorable, especially his sister and aunt Miriam. They make you laugh and cry. There's an excellent vomiting scene with poor Carter that will have you cringing and chuckling. Parts of this story are just plain hilarious. But it's also serious in its look at finding love after loss, insight into homophobia, and seeking acceptance for yourself and your partner, no matter what kind of relationship you may be in.
Overall, this is a fast and fluffy romantic read that also offers a good take on acceptance. 3.5 stars (rounded up here).
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Carter Ogden fantasized about the Prince of England growing up--who didn't? Openly gay Prince Edgar is handsome and easy to adore. When Carter meets Edgar through a work event, sparks fly. Before he knows it, it seems like the two are dating. But their relationship receives intense media scrutiny--and the disapproval of the Queen of England. Can they find a happily ever after when it seems like everything--and everyone--are against them?
"He was destined to become the king of England, and I was a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey; we both knew what we were supposed to be doing, but we were fighting it. When it came to emotional stability, neither of us had a prayer."
This is a cute and funny story overall. We have Carter, who is reeling from a breakup and does not feel worthy of love and then Edgar, who is scared to trust. It's not easy to be in a relationship when you're the Prince of England. As Edgar states, he's "a symbol and an institution." The two meet at the United Nations and there's definitely some insta-chemistry, but they are also pretty sweet together. You can't help but root for this pair.
"Because ever since I can remember, there's been only one unthinkable sin, and that was disgracing my family and my country, in any way. I was being held to a different standard, which I agreed with. I had one job: to represent the royal household and to make England proud, and I was a calamity."
The book is a little ping pong-ish in its highs and lows. Everything is good... and then it's not. Rinse and repeat. At times, it seems a little insane that Edgar and his family cannot trust Carter, yet you can understand how utterly crazy and invasive the British media is--we see it all the time. I would have liked to see the two communicate a bit more, but new relationships are hard.
The cast of characters in PALACE are wonderful--completely engaging. Carter's family and friends are adorable, especially his sister and aunt Miriam. They make you laugh and cry. There's an excellent vomiting scene with poor Carter that will have you cringing and chuckling. Parts of this story are just plain hilarious. But it's also serious in its look at finding love after loss, insight into homophobia, and seeking acceptance for yourself and your partner, no matter what kind of relationship you may be in.
Overall, this is a fast and fluffy romantic read that also offers a good take on acceptance. 3.5 stars (rounded up here).
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June 24, 2021
although the book is kinda funny, it's not enough to carry the entire book and at certain point it becomes boring and too exaggerated (for me!).
the speed feels too out of control because it goes: they meeting > pursuing each other > dating > falling in love > breaking up > getting back together > the end.
while a bunch of things happen or try to but they are too focused on each other, yet they break up because of something silly.....anyways...
the most funny character is the queen, which is really sickning for me to assume.
this book had a lot of potencial but as i tried to say, it seems that the author rushed too much so it could have a little bit of everything but it ended up a mess, i really wanted to like it but yeah...not my cup of tea!
the speed feels too out of control because it goes: they meeting > pursuing each other > dating > falling in love > breaking up > getting back together > the end.
while a bunch of things happen or try to but they are too focused on each other, yet they break up because of something silly.....anyways...
the most funny character is the queen, which is really sickning for me to assume.
this book had a lot of potencial but as i tried to say, it seems that the author rushed too much so it could have a little bit of everything but it ended up a mess, i really wanted to like it but yeah...not my cup of tea!
dnf
June 6, 2021did not finish @ 27 %
↪ This was just boring. I couldn't get into it. It's suppose to be a romcom and have all the feels but I definitely wasn't getting those vibes. Also, just way too insta-lovey. And the mains had no chemistry.
↪ This was just boring. I couldn't get into it. It's suppose to be a romcom and have all the feels but I definitely wasn't getting those vibes. Also, just way too insta-lovey. And the mains had no chemistry.
March 11, 2024
I've given this a B- for narration and a D+ for content at AudioGals
When I read the synopsis of Playing the Palace a few months back, my immediate reaction was a big, fat NOPE. (Any author who uses the term “Crown Prince” to describe the heir to the British throne and doesn’t bother to discover that while the term CAN be applied to the heir apparent to a monarch, the term is NOT used in the UK where the male heir to the throne is the Prince of Wales – gets an immediate no from me). I even put the book on my “No Way José” shelf on Goodreads! BUT. The offer of a review copy of the audiobook came my way and as, at the time, I was completely out of review copies, I thought I’d give it a try. Just to see if it could possibly be as bad as I expected.
Long story short: It is.
Carter Ogden, an associate event architect in NYC, meets Edgar, the Prince of Wales at the UN, where Carter’s company is organising an event. Edgar asks Carter if he’ll listen to his speech and maybe give him a few pointers, and within minutes, they’re almost-kissing – but are interrupted before any actual lip-lock can take place and Edgar has to leave. Carter doesn’t expect to ever see Edgar again, so he’s surprised when he’s invited to dinner at a swanky restaurant the next night. Except that instead of eating at the swanky restaurant, they end up at an IHop. Yes, really. After that, it’s radio silence for two weeks – until Edgar turns up at Carter’s work with a picnic lunch; he explains that he’s going back home in a couple of days and would like to see Carter again – which is how come he ends up being Carter’s plus one for his sister’s wedding… and at the end of the evening, going back to Carter’s flat for some royal rumpy-pumpy. (The bedroom door is tightly closed, btw.)
Then – and this is when things go from bad to worse – Edgar invites Carter to accompany him to England so Carter can meet HIS family. That is – his grandmother the Queen.
That’s the set up and of course the story proceeds exactly as expected. I have to say that for the first few chapters, I was thinking fairly optimistically; I really liked Carter’s voice and his snarky commentary, and new-to-me narrator Michael Urie captures his engaging mix of sarcasm and vulnerability really well. The author’s sense of humour comes through very strongly and I found myself actually laughing out loud at a couple of points (his description of the venue for Carter’s sister’s wedding reception as “Neoclassical New Jersey Mob Boss” is one that stands out, as does a later one, where Prince Edgar’s major-domo, James, stands waiting for Carter to arrive at JFK with a name board reading “Peasant” – that one had me almost snorting tea.)
BUT. The actual story is full of SO much implausibility and utter ridiculousness, and the romance – which moves so fast that it blurs into non-existence – is so disappointing that my optimism soon evaporated and I only finished listening so that I could write this review. Playing the Palace is a rom-com without the “rom”.
So, in the list of my not-favourite-things about this book, we have “no romance” at the top. Here are some of the others.
Those are just the things I can remember in detail; there were SO MANY others as I was listening that were just as crass and cringeworthy, but I’ve obviously done a good job obliterating them from my memory. And the sad thing is that the author does make a number of very pertinent points – about media intrusion, about how difficult it is to be a gay, out celebrity and a number of other things – but they just get buried beneath the onslaught of Dumb.
Sigh.
Michael Urie does a decent job with the narration. The English accent he employs for Edgar is pretty good with only a few small slips, and the deep, booming voice he uses for James reminded me of Cogsworth in the original (animated) Beauty and the Beast! He delivers James’ dry, snarky comebacks brilliantly, and as I said at the outset, he’s also terrific as Carter – who is the only PoV character. With the secondary characters, the accent is more wobbly, as he attempts some regional accents that he’d have been best advised to avoid. He doesn’t do much to differentiate between male and female characters though; it’s obvious that different characters are speaking, but there’s no real attempt to make the women sound feminine, which meant I had to rely on dialogue tags quite a few times. Mr. Urie is a talented performer though, and I’d happily listen to him again. Just… not in this book.
After all that, if you decide NOT to steer clear of Playing the Palace, then on your own head be it!
This review originally appeared at AudioGals
When I read the synopsis of Playing the Palace a few months back, my immediate reaction was a big, fat NOPE. (Any author who uses the term “Crown Prince” to describe the heir to the British throne and doesn’t bother to discover that while the term CAN be applied to the heir apparent to a monarch, the term is NOT used in the UK where the male heir to the throne is the Prince of Wales – gets an immediate no from me). I even put the book on my “No Way José” shelf on Goodreads! BUT. The offer of a review copy of the audiobook came my way and as, at the time, I was completely out of review copies, I thought I’d give it a try. Just to see if it could possibly be as bad as I expected.
Long story short: It is.
Carter Ogden, an associate event architect in NYC, meets Edgar, the Prince of Wales at the UN, where Carter’s company is organising an event. Edgar asks Carter if he’ll listen to his speech and maybe give him a few pointers, and within minutes, they’re almost-kissing – but are interrupted before any actual lip-lock can take place and Edgar has to leave. Carter doesn’t expect to ever see Edgar again, so he’s surprised when he’s invited to dinner at a swanky restaurant the next night. Except that instead of eating at the swanky restaurant, they end up at an IHop. Yes, really. After that, it’s radio silence for two weeks – until Edgar turns up at Carter’s work with a picnic lunch; he explains that he’s going back home in a couple of days and would like to see Carter again – which is how come he ends up being Carter’s plus one for his sister’s wedding… and at the end of the evening, going back to Carter’s flat for some royal rumpy-pumpy. (The bedroom door is tightly closed, btw.)
Then – and this is when things go from bad to worse – Edgar invites Carter to accompany him to England so Carter can meet HIS family. That is – his grandmother the Queen.
That’s the set up and of course the story proceeds exactly as expected. I have to say that for the first few chapters, I was thinking fairly optimistically; I really liked Carter’s voice and his snarky commentary, and new-to-me narrator Michael Urie captures his engaging mix of sarcasm and vulnerability really well. The author’s sense of humour comes through very strongly and I found myself actually laughing out loud at a couple of points (his description of the venue for Carter’s sister’s wedding reception as “Neoclassical New Jersey Mob Boss” is one that stands out, as does a later one, where Prince Edgar’s major-domo, James, stands waiting for Carter to arrive at JFK with a name board reading “Peasant” – that one had me almost snorting tea.)
BUT. The actual story is full of SO much implausibility and utter ridiculousness, and the romance – which moves so fast that it blurs into non-existence – is so disappointing that my optimism soon evaporated and I only finished listening so that I could write this review. Playing the Palace is a rom-com without the “rom”.
So, in the list of my not-favourite-things about this book, we have “no romance” at the top. Here are some of the others.
Spoilers Ahoy!
Those are just the things I can remember in detail; there were SO MANY others as I was listening that were just as crass and cringeworthy, but I’ve obviously done a good job obliterating them from my memory. And the sad thing is that the author does make a number of very pertinent points – about media intrusion, about how difficult it is to be a gay, out celebrity and a number of other things – but they just get buried beneath the onslaught of Dumb.
Sigh.
Michael Urie does a decent job with the narration. The English accent he employs for Edgar is pretty good with only a few small slips, and the deep, booming voice he uses for James reminded me of Cogsworth in the original (animated) Beauty and the Beast! He delivers James’ dry, snarky comebacks brilliantly, and as I said at the outset, he’s also terrific as Carter – who is the only PoV character. With the secondary characters, the accent is more wobbly, as he attempts some regional accents that he’d have been best advised to avoid. He doesn’t do much to differentiate between male and female characters though; it’s obvious that different characters are speaking, but there’s no real attempt to make the women sound feminine, which meant I had to rely on dialogue tags quite a few times. Mr. Urie is a talented performer though, and I’d happily listen to him again. Just… not in this book.
After all that, if you decide NOT to steer clear of Playing the Palace, then on your own head be it!
This review originally appeared at AudioGals
July 9, 2021
I’m continually shocked by the material people will pay to have published. I’m not trying to sound overdramatic, but this was arguably one of the worst books I’ve ever had to endure. I think it took everything I hate in literature and put it into one 272 page book.
I’m trying to practice positivity, so I’ll skip my complaints about everything. Instead, I’ll simply say that in no world would an event architecture from NYC tell the Queen of England that he is going to perform fellatio on the Crown Prince. I refuuuuuuse to believe that. Refuse. I get the world thinks Americans are tacky, but I can assure you that there is at least glimpses of decorum.
Honestly, I vote that books or movies with corny banter should be banned. I don’t know what circle of hell we’re currently stuck in with this middle school- pun type humour, but I want to be done. Let me out, please. I’m begging.
I’m trying to practice positivity, so I’ll skip my complaints about everything. Instead, I’ll simply say that in no world would an event architecture from NYC tell the Queen of England that he is going to perform fellatio on the Crown Prince. I refuuuuuuse to believe that. Refuse. I get the world thinks Americans are tacky, but I can assure you that there is at least glimpses of decorum.
Honestly, I vote that books or movies with corny banter should be banned. I don’t know what circle of hell we’re currently stuck in with this middle school- pun type humour, but I want to be done. Let me out, please. I’m begging.
June 20, 2021
This was good but it went by way too quickly and it is missing something.😬💕
April 8, 2021
Humorist, screenwriter and hilarious Twitter poster (@PaulRudnickNY) Paul Rudnick gives us the gay fairy tale we always secretly knew we needed but could never admit out loud. This isn't a kid's fairy tale. It's also not erotica. It's a sweet, funny, deliciously melodramatic story of a would-be king finding love with a smart, awkward American man. I dare you to get through to the end without shedding a tear. Perhaps this might have seemed too over the top even a year ago, but because of the Harry and Meghan real-life story, Playing the Palace now seems like the perfect description of the Monarchy moving through the 21st Century - finding true love and refocusing their energies on creating real good in the world. You'll fall in love with Price Edgar and Carter. You'll want Abby savagely in your corner. Sure it's absurd, but that's what life truly is. And why can't we finally, truly get our happy endings? All of us. Every last one of us. 4 out of 5.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. Pub date: 5/25/2021
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. Pub date: 5/25/2021
July 1, 2021
edit : i’m just slowly and purposely blocking this out of my memory ,,,,, like this was a solid 3 star and a decent read BUT ALSO so cringe that i am trying to forget i ever laid my eyes upon it
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you know those books that are so bad but for some absurd reason you actually enjoy reading them???
like this was So Bad and ridiculous and ,, not even in a good fun way like i Know i shouldn’t be comparing it to rwrb because it was never going to be that but that book was ridiculous in the best way whereas this was just ridiculous . like i promise you the prince of england isn’t about to be a guest judge on some weird spin off of the great british bake off jdkfkflfo
(also ???? did they get married after like . dating for a week i swear it felt like they had Just Met i mean go for it but also What)
—————————————————————-
you know those books that are so bad but for some absurd reason you actually enjoy reading them???
like this was So Bad and ridiculous and ,, not even in a good fun way like i Know i shouldn’t be comparing it to rwrb because it was never going to be that but that book was ridiculous in the best way whereas this was just ridiculous . like i promise you the prince of england isn’t about to be a guest judge on some weird spin off of the great british bake off jdkfkflfo
(also ???? did they get married after like . dating for a week i swear it felt like they had Just Met i mean go for it but also What)
September 21, 2021
Besties this was awful.
Playing the Palace is about a young event planner named Carter. After beating cheated on by his ex, his heart is broken and he isn't looking for love, just hook ups. He doesn't expect to meet his childhood crush and Crown Prince of England, Prince Edgar but they hit it off. As their romance causes a media storm, they face countless obstacles.
Even though I'm not a stan of a certain other prince / american romance novel anymore, it was loads better than this poor knockoff. I first tried the audiobook but then couldn't get into it but it wasn't the audiobook, the book is just awful. The writing is so bad and cringy and all of these characters were even worse. Carter is so gross and dumb and Edgar is brainless. They are both so dumb and cheesy and it hurts.
I hate it when books just RANDOMLY USE CAPSLOCK IN A FIT OF RAGE and it made it even worse when characters would rOAr and screech like ??? You good fam?? Carter is such a damn baby and everything dumb that happens in this book is because he has no brain cells and only thinks with his dick. The entire time he's with Edgar (which, hate that name), he keeps mentioning how famous and cool it is. He mentions how he's sleeping with someone on the cover of a magazine and blah blah the crown prince and it was such creepy fan behavior and Edgar was just like, that's fine???
If you're going to have a famous person / non-famous person romance the LeAST you can do is make it somewhat believable and not just this fan shit that makes it sound like he's only interested because the dude is famous. He never acts normal around him and just goes on and on about m'prince. Why would you ever want to be with someone like this, who doesn't even treat you like a damn normal person? Carter doesn't even try to act like he's not a complete annoying asshole either.
The ending doesn't even make sense because they literally break up, not talk for ages, and then suddenly are getting married? Y'all dumb.
Stupid awful writing and even the title is a joke in the book.
Playing the Palace is about a young event planner named Carter. After beating cheated on by his ex, his heart is broken and he isn't looking for love, just hook ups. He doesn't expect to meet his childhood crush and Crown Prince of England, Prince Edgar but they hit it off. As their romance causes a media storm, they face countless obstacles.
Even though I'm not a stan of a certain other prince / american romance novel anymore, it was loads better than this poor knockoff. I first tried the audiobook but then couldn't get into it but it wasn't the audiobook, the book is just awful. The writing is so bad and cringy and all of these characters were even worse. Carter is so gross and dumb and Edgar is brainless. They are both so dumb and cheesy and it hurts.
I hate it when books just RANDOMLY USE CAPSLOCK IN A FIT OF RAGE and it made it even worse when characters would rOAr and screech like ??? You good fam?? Carter is such a damn baby and everything dumb that happens in this book is because he has no brain cells and only thinks with his dick. The entire time he's with Edgar (which, hate that name), he keeps mentioning how famous and cool it is. He mentions how he's sleeping with someone on the cover of a magazine and blah blah the crown prince and it was such creepy fan behavior and Edgar was just like, that's fine???
If you're going to have a famous person / non-famous person romance the LeAST you can do is make it somewhat believable and not just this fan shit that makes it sound like he's only interested because the dude is famous. He never acts normal around him and just goes on and on about m'prince. Why would you ever want to be with someone like this, who doesn't even treat you like a damn normal person? Carter doesn't even try to act like he's not a complete annoying asshole either.
The ending doesn't even make sense because they literally break up, not talk for ages, and then suddenly are getting married? Y'all dumb.
Stupid awful writing and even the title is a joke in the book.
July 3, 2021
this book was bad. usually, i can get through a book without thinking that the author has either never written a character before in his life or has no idea how to write a plot but that didn't happen with this one. the only character that i thought had even a little personality was the queen and that makes sense because being 63 himself paul definitely knows how to write grumpy old people. the main love interests didn't have any personality AND they met on like page 10??? so you barely had time to understand either one before they are thrown together. which is bad. my apologizes to sarah for recommending this book, i should've read the reviews before hand
i like the cover tho
i like the cover tho
August 30, 2021
this book is honestly the worst book I’ve ever read and I’ve read the entire after series and read the kissing booth. nothing has ever physically pained me more than reading this stereotypical red white and royal blue knock off
January 4, 2022
2.5 stars
An onslaught of sarcasm and pop culture one-liner with no real characters or story, Playing the Palace reads like an early 2010s canceled sitcom without a laugh track, with quirky 'characters' spitting out joke/punchline in desperate succession (ba-dum-bum-CHING!), and completely neglects on integrating any real human depth. So what's left is a hollow shell of a 'love story' with no on-page development, but filled with sequence of dramatic nonsense and juvenile humor (you know a book is in trouble when projectile vomiting is its comedic centerpiece).
As if the author simply needed a place to dump all of his Twitter antics or scattered jokes, I can't deny Playing the Palace does offer some stereotypical, surface-level entertainment, but if you're looking for a romantic comedy, you'll be shocked (and maybe enraged) at how under-delivered this is in the romance department — How did this fanfic level material get a major publisher release?!
p.s. If you simply HAVE to check this out — get the audiobook performed by Michael Urie, who did an excellent job that's way beyond what this material deserves.
An onslaught of sarcasm and pop culture one-liner with no real characters or story, Playing the Palace reads like an early 2010s canceled sitcom without a laugh track, with quirky 'characters' spitting out joke/punchline in desperate succession (ba-dum-bum-CHING!), and completely neglects on integrating any real human depth. So what's left is a hollow shell of a 'love story' with no on-page development, but filled with sequence of dramatic nonsense and juvenile humor (you know a book is in trouble when projectile vomiting is its comedic centerpiece).
As if the author simply needed a place to dump all of his Twitter antics or scattered jokes, I can't deny Playing the Palace does offer some stereotypical, surface-level entertainment, but if you're looking for a romantic comedy, you'll be shocked (and maybe enraged) at how under-delivered this is in the romance department — How did this fanfic level material get a major publisher release?!
p.s. If you simply HAVE to check this out — get the audiobook performed by Michael Urie, who did an excellent job that's way beyond what this material deserves.
Want to read
July 7, 2021Wow. This book really took me by surprise. Of course, I got it like most people probably did, because it was about a gay American falling for a gay prince of England. Remind you of another book? Well, forget it cause it's not some clone of Red, White and Royal Blue.
I would say it's a bit of RWRB, mixed with the hilarity and outrageousness of Boyfriend Material. Is fucking funny, it's swoony, and most importantly it stands out on its own.
Carter is a Ln almost thirty gay man in NYC. Recently dumped (cheated on) and wondering what's the point to love. Enter, handsome prince Edgar, heir to the Throne and out and pride international homosexual. A chance meeting turns into IHOP dates and international plane rides. Royal mishaps abound wherever Carter goes trying to impress the unimpressable Queen of England to prove he's worthy of Edgar.
Don't go into if you what "accuracy" about how the Royals function. Or even believability. It's outrageous and ridiculous and easily sweeps you along for the chaotic and fun ride.
I rarely laugh out loud at books. Usually it's a mild chuckle, or a brief smirk and a thought of "that was funny". But I am not kidding when I say I was cackling at this. It was such a wonderful uplifting and ridiculous read.
If you want a light hearted book that's a quick read I'd easily suggest this cute story.
I would say it's a bit of RWRB, mixed with the hilarity and outrageousness of Boyfriend Material. Is fucking funny, it's swoony, and most importantly it stands out on its own.
Carter is a Ln almost thirty gay man in NYC. Recently dumped (cheated on) and wondering what's the point to love. Enter, handsome prince Edgar, heir to the Throne and out and pride international homosexual. A chance meeting turns into IHOP dates and international plane rides. Royal mishaps abound wherever Carter goes trying to impress the unimpressable Queen of England to prove he's worthy of Edgar.
Don't go into if you what "accuracy" about how the Royals function. Or even believability. It's outrageous and ridiculous and easily sweeps you along for the chaotic and fun ride.
I rarely laugh out loud at books. Usually it's a mild chuckle, or a brief smirk and a thought of "that was funny". But I am not kidding when I say I was cackling at this. It was such a wonderful uplifting and ridiculous read.
If you want a light hearted book that's a quick read I'd easily suggest this cute story.
July 12, 2021
I had heard...not great things about this book, so I went in with pretty low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. No, it's not the most well written book, but...it's a royal romance. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it succeeded at being funny and witty and putting together a fairly convincing romance. Anyone who says it's too much like Red, White & Royal Blue has never read another romance, especially a royal romance; it's been done many times before and will be done many more times.
July 3, 2021
Dnf'd around 40%
Why is it that a lot of my most anticipated reads this year end up being disappointments? I was so excited about this one but it ended up being cringy as hell, the characters had literally no chemistry whatsoever and they felt so off at times I don't even know how to explain it. The only thing that kept me entertained until the cringe was too much was the humor in the writing style. It was definitely funny, but absolutely not enough to redeem the rest of the book.
Why is it that a lot of my most anticipated reads this year end up being disappointments? I was so excited about this one but it ended up being cringy as hell, the characters had literally no chemistry whatsoever and they felt so off at times I don't even know how to explain it. The only thing that kept me entertained until the cringe was too much was the humor in the writing style. It was definitely funny, but absolutely not enough to redeem the rest of the book.
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