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

Genre, Tropes & Themes

Genre
Shifter Romance • Paranormal Romance • Romantasy • Sci-Fi Romance • Fantasy Romance • Futuristic Romance

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

Book Details

Book Info

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

Narrator	Audiobook Length
Michael Ferraiuolo	7 hours 17 minutes

FAQs

Is this book a standalone or part of a series?

Book 2 of the Lords of the Var series, set in the Qurilixen World — an interconnected sci-fi paranormal romance universe spanning 8 series and 40+ books. Each series stands alone but shares the same alien world.

Does this book end on a cliffhanger?

No. The Playful Prince delivers a complete happily ever after for Prince Quinn and Dr. Tori Elliot. The Qurilixen World continues across connected series.

What’s the heat level?

Spicy. Expect open-door love scenes with explicit detail between a flirtatious alpha cat-shifter prince and the no-nonsense scientist who refuses to fall for his charm.

Who is this book for?

Readers who love playful alpha alien shifter princes, smart no-nonsense heroines who refuse to be charmed, opposites-attract banter, and a sci-fi paranormal world built on royal duty, alien biology, and seductive denial. Perfect for fans of Anna Hackett (Galactic Gladiators) and Veronica Scott (Sectors SF Romance).

What’s the Lords of the Var series about?

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. Lords of the Var is part of the Qurilixen World, an interconnected sci-fi paranormal romance universe.

When was The Playful Prince first published?

Originally released in 2005. The audiobook narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo released in 2016.

Reading Order

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

Falcon’s Mate
Standalone novella set in the Qurilixen Universe

Content Warnings

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 Heat Levels: Spicy

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

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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

★★★★☆ 4.1 · Goodreads (2,337 ratings)
★★★★½ 4.5 · Amazon (701 ratings)

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