The Playful Prince Book Cover for the cat shifter paranormal romance Lords of the Var Book Series

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The Playful Prince

By Michelle M. Pillow

Lords of the Var® Series Book #2

A “touching and humorous” paranormal romance (RT Book Reviews) from a New York Times bestselling author: Cat shifter Prince Quinn is on the prowl when he meets scientist Tori Elliot, a human who claims to be immune to his charms. Can they keep their relationship strictly professional… or will their animal instincts take over?

Cat shifter Prince Quinn isn’t looking for a serious relationship. In fact, he’s never even considered it. He’s content to enjoy life to the fullest, never taking anything but his royal duties seriously. However, when a new scientist arrives on his planet to test for biological weapons, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Dr. Tori Elliot is at the palace to do a job and no matter what she’s going to act like a professional… which means not succumbing to the seductively playful alpha male prince.

5 Stars! “I was held captive by every word”

A Qurilixen World Novel

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What Readers Are Saying

★★★★★

5 STARS! “Michelle Pillow has the ability to weave her skillfully written words into an extraordinary story..an emotional storyline which is sensually stunning and adds an intriguing mystery to the mix, I was held captive by every word in this book. The Playful Prince proves that Ms. Pillow is a premier writer of passionate romances.”

EcataRomance

9/10

“The Playful Prince has been very well written by Michelle M Pillow, her style, particularly her ‘swear word’, being rather unique.This story occasionally brings a smile of happiness to your face, and sometimes a frown of worry, but you will always be engrossed in the storyline. Ms Pillow is definitely an author to look out for!”

Novelspot

★★★★★

5 CUPS! “Ms. Pillow weaves love into a tale of survival with a generous portion of humor. … written with a style uniquely belonging to the author.”

Candy

Coffee Time Review

Book Details

When a cat shifter prince crosses paths with a scientist claiming immunity to his allure, sparks fly in this charming and hilarious paranormal romance. Will they resist their wild attraction or succumb to their deepest desires?

Print Pages	Hours to Read	Total Words
396	6 – 7 Hours	64K

Original Copyright Release Date: 2005/05

SERIES BY SERIES – Author-Recommended Order

This is for reading one series at a time, in order of first-in-series publication. If you prefer, you can find a chronological timeline here. There are also reading tips if you want the full choose your own path experience! Books are released all the time, so be sure to check the Reading Order page in the menu for the most up-to-date lists and alternate reading experiences.

Dragon Lords

Lords of the Var®

Dynasty Lords

Space Lords

Qurilixen Lords

Captured by a Dragon-Shifter

Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides

Tori Elliot, the very dignified scientist, opened her mouth. Her heart beat furiously in her chest, thumping so hard it echoed in her ears. For a moment, no sound left her as she kept her eyes focused straight ahead. There was a dramatic pause and all around her was dead silence. Suddenly, the twentieth century Old Earth music picked up and her naked body jerked into movement. She belted out the tune into her mouth sanitizer turned microphone with her mirror as an audience. After a few bars, she dropped the mouth sanitizer and danced and sang around her metal cabin. Her arms flung through the air, wild and carefree, as she slowly dressed.

The spaceship she was on belonged to the Exploratory Science Commission. The ESC hired out staff and freelance scientists to large corporations, mostly contracting ecological work with mining companies and wealthy environmentalist groups. The ship had been traveling through deep space for weeks, just now reaching the outer edge of the Y quadrant.

Tori didn’t really care where they were. Her last job, testing mineral compounds fourteen thousand feet below the ice surface of Sintaz, had been a great success. With the bonus the drilling company had given her, she’d made enough space credits to support herself in high style for at least a couple of years. She was going to take that money and indulge in a month long spa treatment on Quazer while she figured out her next move.

The material of the black, skintight jumpsuit stretched as she pushed her arms into it. The outfit molded to her body, covering her arms and legs completely. Even though she didn’t technically work for ESC but was a freelancer, she was expected to dress in uniform when contracted through them. The uniforms all came with a transmitter sewn into the v-neckline, so the company could find them if anyone went missing. There was always a certain amount of risk in what she did, but the scientific rewards were well worth it. Besides, she never took unnecessary chances.

“Doctor Elliot.”

“Ah, crap!” Tori jumped. The Old Earth music automatically turned off as the voice invaded her privacy. Turning to the round cabin mirror, she quickly smoothed down her wild hair and threw it over her shoulders. She stood, watching the shiny surface. It glimmered slightly, fading into a view screen. The image of the ship’s senior ESC advisor, Doctor Fontaine, replaced her reflection.

“Good Morning, Doctor Fontaine,” Tori answered, keeping a rigidly professional expression. Her heart skittered around in her chest from being frightened in the middle of her impromptu dance number. That was the last thing she wanted her colleagues seeing.

“Is everything all right, Doctor Elliot?” Fontaine asked. He was an older man with graying black hair. He wore the black jumpsuit of the company covered by a white lab coat. Tori hadn’t had much contact with him on Sintaz because he stayed up on the surface while she went below ground with her crew. “You look flushed.”

“I was logging in my fitness hours early.” Tori dutifully answered. Okay, so it was a stretch of the truth, but she had worked up a sweat. Besides, she hated logging in fitness hours.

“Ah, quite right,” Fontaine answered, easily dismissing his question. “Listen, we have a minor situation. The Human Intelligence Agency is coming aboard to commandeer our ship. They’ve asked that all personnel records be turned over to them immediately, and we have complied. They have assured us that this should only delay travel for a few days at most.”

“What does the HIA want with a bunch of scientists?” Tori asked, mildly concerned. “Do they suspect something onboard this ship?”

“I don’t have all the details, doctor, but they seemed most insistent that it’s an intergalactic emergency. They’ve requested you to head up the team.”

“Wait, what team?” Tori demanded. Blast it! She was on vacation, as of the completion of the last assignment. She wasn’t ready to take another job so soon. Besides, she hadn’t signed a contract with ESC. They couldn’t force her to do anything. Keeping her voice level, she said, “I’m not personnel. Why were my private records handed over? As of the completion of my last mission, I’m technically a civilian passenger.”

“Sorry, doctor, they had an intergalactic warrant. We had no choice but to give them the qualifications of all onboard scientists.” Fontaine’s expression gave nothing away, but she didn’t expect it to.

If the HIA wanted her to head up a team, she knew she’d have to head up the team. They might pay her, but she wasn’t happy about being forced to do a job. Technically, she’d be given a “choice”, but if she refused they could make the rest of her career a nightmare. When they were finished with her, she’d be lucky to get work teaching school children scientific categorizing on some remote jungle planet.

Well, Fontaine said it was only a few days delay so it shouldn’t be that bad. They probably had a tanker ship carrying liquid ore crash in an isolated area, or some other type of ecological disaster. Why else would they need her? Her specialties were alien biology and geology. Remaining professionally calm, she stated, “Very well, Doctor Fontaine. Please inform me when they arrive. I’d like to be briefed on my new assignment as soon as possible so I can prepare.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Fontaine said. “Your willingness is noted and appreciated.”

“Doctor.” Tori nodded in dismissal. The mirror blipped, and she was once more alone with her reflection. Under her breath, she grumbled, “Willingness my ass.”

What did the HIA want with her? She didn’t feel like working. She needed a break—a long, relaxing vacation in a place that didn’t have arctic temperatures all year round.

Tori sighed, her good humor dampened by the turn of events. The music started again where it had left off, but she was no longer in the mood. Irritated, she called, “Music off. Bed.”

The music turned off, and a narrow bed slid out of the metal wall of the cabin. She threw herself down on the stiff mattress with a thud. Groaning heavily, she stared at the metal ceiling in dejection.

With a grumble, she turned her back on the room, facing the metal wall. “So much for my time off.”

CW:

Violence: The story may contain scenes of violence related to the conflict, threats, or action sequences.
Political Intrigue: There are elements of political intrigue that involve manipulation, power struggles, and betrayal.
Biological Threats: The plot revolves around a biological weapon threat, which may be distressing for some readers.
Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience personal struggles, including navigating complex relationships and societal expectations.
Environmental Catastrophe: Themes related to environmental devastation and ecosystem risks are explored in the narrative.

Michelle M. Pillow’s books contain adult subject matter, graphic violence, and are not suitable for all audiences.

Book Heal Levels: Spicy

Genre:

Tropes:

Fated Mates, Alpha Hero
Planet in peril
Lovers in denial
Nobility & Royalty
Cat Shifter
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Love
Action & Adventure

Themes:

Political intrigue intertwining with romance
Science and fantasy elements in a romantic relationship
Exploration of duty versus personal desires in love

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Lords of the Var Series

A Qurilixen World Series

The Savage King

The Playful Prince

The Bound Prince

The Rogue Prince

The Pirate Prince

About the Lords of the Var® Book Series

The cat-shifter princes were raised to not believe in love, especially love for one woman, and they will do everything in their power to live up to their father’s expectations. Oh, how the mighty will fall.

This series is part of the Qurilixen World.

Lords of the Var® Reading Order

Recognition and Reviews

5 STARS! “Michelle Pillow has the ability to weave her skillfully written words into an extraordinary story..an emotional storyline which is sensually stunning and adds an intriguing mystery to the mix, I was held captive by every word in this book. The Playful Prince proves thatMs. Pillow is a premier writer of passionate romances.” EcataRomance

5 CUPS! “Ms. Pillow weaves love into a tale of survival with a generous portion of humor. … written with a style uniquely belonging to the author.” Candy, Coffee Time Review

9/10 “The Playful Prince has been very well written by Michelle M Pillow, her style, particularly her ‘swear word’, being rather unique.This story occasionally brings a smile of happiness to your face, and sometimes a frown of worry, but you will always be engrossed in the storyline. Ms Pillow is definitely an author to look out for!” Novelspot

4 1/2 HEARTS! “This is an awesome story and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it…Michelle M. Pillow is fast making a name for herself with her creative and erotic adventures. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.” Angel Brewer, The Romance Studio

4 STARS! “Readers will enjoy this return to planet Qurilixen for the entertaining story of a second Var prince. Some of the characters may be familiar, but the love story is not; this is a brand-new adventure..touching and humorous. The plot twists will entertain old and new readers alike.” Romantic Times Magazine