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Queenie Baby #1
On Assignment
Meeting your hot new boss in a bar while singing karaoke—bad. Being fixed up with your old high school boyfriend by your meddling sister—annoying. Making out in your sister's minivan with said boyfriend—embarrassing. This week is shaping up to be a doozy for aspiring singer/songwriter Diana Hudson.
'On the wrong side of thirty' according to her mother and still living the bohemian lifestyle of a musician, Diana is having a double martini day. Although a sought after performer on the not-so-happening Annapolis, Maryland bar scene, Diana works as a temp at Greene's Staffing to pay the bills. Her assignment this week: help the cape-wearing Mr. Vann Pyre find love online. Unfortunately for Diana, the only man in her life for months has been Max, her fluffy, white Shitzu-Poodle with a crooked overbite and a bad attitude. But unexpectedly, Diana finds herself up to her chin in men. Her mysterious new boss, Mark Greene, smells so good she'd like to hang him from her rearview mirror, and her chiseled, super-sexy high school sweetheart, Rick Ellis, is back to sweep her off her feet. When Diana's love life goes from nonexistent to off the charts, will she give an old romance a second chance? Or will she take a chance on new love?
'On the wrong side of thirty' according to her mother and still living the bohemian lifestyle of a musician, Diana is having a double martini day. Although a sought after performer on the not-so-happening Annapolis, Maryland bar scene, Diana works as a temp at Greene's Staffing to pay the bills. Her assignment this week: help the cape-wearing Mr. Vann Pyre find love online. Unfortunately for Diana, the only man in her life for months has been Max, her fluffy, white Shitzu-Poodle with a crooked overbite and a bad attitude. But unexpectedly, Diana finds herself up to her chin in men. Her mysterious new boss, Mark Greene, smells so good she'd like to hang him from her rearview mirror, and her chiseled, super-sexy high school sweetheart, Rick Ellis, is back to sweep her off her feet. When Diana's love life goes from nonexistent to off the charts, will she give an old romance a second chance? Or will she take a chance on new love?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2013
170 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Christina A. Burke
13 books49 followersChristina wrote her first novel, a time-travel romance, more than 20 years ago. Writing fell by the wayside as family and career obligations took over. She earned a Doctorate in Business Administration, taught for colleges, managed staffing agencies, and started several entrepreneurial ventures, until she found her way back to fiction writing through the unlikely avenue of metastatic breast cancer.
She believed laughter is the best medicine and hoped her readers found a cure for what ails them following the wacky antics of the characters she created. Sadly, Christina passed away in 2016 after losing her battle with cancer.
She believed laughter is the best medicine and hoped her readers found a cure for what ails them following the wacky antics of the characters she created. Sadly, Christina passed away in 2016 after losing her battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 12, 2013
Writing distinct yet memorable characters can sometimes feel cliché, but Burke successfully managed to make each character in Queenie Baby their own quirky ‘self.’ Add a breezy style of writing and laugh-out-loud situations (I love the way this author’s mind works!) and it gets even better.
Add a little romantic angst with more than one guy (okay, maybe it was a tad past ‘romance’ and into ‘lust’), a little mystery and a ‘bad guy’ and it’s even more fun.
I enjoyed it more than Stephanie Plum (which, after three books, I got tired of, so I hope Burke doesn’t drag this out too much and ruin it). But then again, I’m an author and musician myself and could relate to crazy personalities (I think I know some of those people!!) AND to Diana’s need to write songs.
There wasn’t a typical resolution to the ‘mystery’ part of the story, which can sometimes irritate me (I’m not a fan of series that end a book right in the middle of a story). But it had enough ‘closure’ (in the relationship area) that I didn’t feel too bad about it ending… while still leaving room for the next book in the series.
Add a little romantic angst with more than one guy (okay, maybe it was a tad past ‘romance’ and into ‘lust’), a little mystery and a ‘bad guy’ and it’s even more fun.
I enjoyed it more than Stephanie Plum (which, after three books, I got tired of, so I hope Burke doesn’t drag this out too much and ruin it). But then again, I’m an author and musician myself and could relate to crazy personalities (I think I know some of those people!!) AND to Diana’s need to write songs.
There wasn’t a typical resolution to the ‘mystery’ part of the story, which can sometimes irritate me (I’m not a fan of series that end a book right in the middle of a story). But it had enough ‘closure’ (in the relationship area) that I didn’t feel too bad about it ending… while still leaving room for the next book in the series.
June 28, 2013
I hate when i get excited when the publishers mark a book making a reference to "Stephanie Plum series", and then i fall into the book and realize that isn't not up to pair with Janet Evanovich comical style. So not the case in this book. I laughed my ass off as the characters were introduced from the 'Free balling' granddaddy to the sister who supports but also nags the hell out of the main chica mixed in with rednecks and honestly its like being at home. Plus add a side of hotties and to me you have an awesome story.
May 8, 2014
I almost gave up on this book several times. Conflict was resolved way too easily to make the plot and characters interesting. Dialogue was flat, and paced awkwardly. If I had it to do over again, I would never have started reading Queenie Baby in the first place.
October 22, 2013
This is a fast, fun read and I enjoyed it immensely!
June 11, 2013
This was a quick, funny read. It wasn't too "fluffy" as some of the chic lit books and didn't have too many steamy scenes or religious references. I have the free kindle version which has an update I assume to correct several of the editorial errors in it. I didn't realize it was one of a series so was disappointed that there was no ending. For those that read Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books, there's a familiar flair with the main character who always is in the wrong place at the wrong time, meeting eccentric people, and who is juggling the affections of two men. I look forward to the next one for light but entertaining reading.
September 25, 2021
A bit too cozy for me. Won't be continuing with the series.
March 28, 2016
I wanted something light and funny and somehow picked this book.
Well, it's light and funny, so I won't complain about that, but it still wasn't for me. The pacing felt wrong, things seemed to happen at the wrong moments and without anything leading into them. Crazy characters galore, they were fun, but their purpose seemed totally to create crazy scenes that didn't add anything to the plot.. And that's the main reason this book wasn't my cup of tea: the plot seemed to be missing but it somehow had to do with the heroine having to choose between two men and someone stealing money from the company she worked for as a temp, a grandfather in the hospital, sibling issues and a not quite picking up carreer as a singer. And the worst for me was that it turned out to be the first in a series that can go on and on, so there wasn't any fulfilling closure with a HEA.
I should have done more research before starting this, but then I never would have tried it. For those readers who love chick-lit and can't wait to keep reading a series that has the same heroine in all the books and don't really care about character development but love crazy situations, this could be a very good choice for you.
Well, it's light and funny, so I won't complain about that, but it still wasn't for me. The pacing felt wrong, things seemed to happen at the wrong moments and without anything leading into them. Crazy characters galore, they were fun, but their purpose seemed totally to create crazy scenes that didn't add anything to the plot.. And that's the main reason this book wasn't my cup of tea: the plot seemed to be missing but it somehow had to do with the heroine having to choose between two men and someone stealing money from the company she worked for as a temp, a grandfather in the hospital, sibling issues and a not quite picking up carreer as a singer. And the worst for me was that it turned out to be the first in a series that can go on and on, so there wasn't any fulfilling closure with a HEA.
I should have done more research before starting this, but then I never would have tried it. For those readers who love chick-lit and can't wait to keep reading a series that has the same heroine in all the books and don't really care about character development but love crazy situations, this could be a very good choice for you.
May 13, 2013
Loved it. I hate to wait for the next one to come out in June, but I guess I will have too. I loved her dysfunctional family. Let's face it, who has a normal one. If anyone says they have, they need to be sent of for a mental exam also with Mrs. Kester. I loved that name as I am certain everyone who has come across her path has wanted to kick her in the Kester!! Both the guys in her life sound like they are super hot and one is from the past and one is brand smoking new. Yummy. I love how she has not listened to her crazy family and done what any other them have told her and done what she wants to do and what she loves. That is falling her dream, and in the end, that is what everyone should do right? Maybe she will find love in the end as well as an extra bonus. I hope so, she is awesome. Can't wait for the next one.
November 25, 2013
4.5 stars!
I downloaded this book free on my Kindle and I'm so glad I did because I might not have discovered it otherwise. It was hilarious! It's not a novel that will change your life but it is definitely a great way to pass the time - It was fun to be a fly on the wall of Diana's ("Queenie Baby's") life as she dealt with her career aspirations, her crazy and quirky family and her love life. I absolutely loved how "kooky" all of the characters were, especially the members of Diana's family, and the way they engaged with each other. There were some sexy parts too and Diana's romantic prospects were both swoon-worthy. I admit there were parts where I rolled my eyes over the number of men throwing themselves at Diana - seemed a bit too good to be true - but nevertheless, this was truly an entertaining read.
I downloaded this book free on my Kindle and I'm so glad I did because I might not have discovered it otherwise. It was hilarious! It's not a novel that will change your life but it is definitely a great way to pass the time - It was fun to be a fly on the wall of Diana's ("Queenie Baby's") life as she dealt with her career aspirations, her crazy and quirky family and her love life. I absolutely loved how "kooky" all of the characters were, especially the members of Diana's family, and the way they engaged with each other. There were some sexy parts too and Diana's romantic prospects were both swoon-worthy. I admit there were parts where I rolled my eyes over the number of men throwing themselves at Diana - seemed a bit too good to be true - but nevertheless, this was truly an entertaining read.
June 27, 2013
I <3 this book! What a fun light read! The supporting characters were hilarious and made me laugh out loud. The situations that Diana kept finding herself in were over the top and ridiculous. But at the same time made sense. She is just one of those people crazy things happen too. The dysfuntional family, the cookoo neighbor, and over the top characters at the temp agency made this a fantastic book. Ive been swinging between reading new adult and paranormal books. This is exactly what I was looking for. No angst, no drama (well some drama), no crazy shit to save the world. This was just like I said in the beginning, a fun read with a whole lot of laugh out loud wacky situations. Im in love with this series and can't wait to read book 2.
April 26, 2013
Hilarious!!! It's been a long time since I've read a book where I've literally laughed out loud! This book is a great combination of comedic situations, romantic interludes, and crazy family dynamics. The writing is down-to-earth, but even advanced readers will not lose interest. I really enjoyed the main character, Diana Hudson! She finds herself in some of the craziest situations! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
November 5, 2025
This is 2 & a half stars, not 2. I wanted to love it and parts of me did adore the outrageous characters alongside the zany humor. I'm no prude but there was too much talk of sex and way too quickly in the book. Can I get some character development please? The pacing was awkward and it got to the point where I was like, "okay, Queenie Baby is desirable, we get it, move on with the rest of the story!"
With that said, this was a decent humorous read that kept me up past my bed time.
With that said, this was a decent humorous read that kept me up past my bed time.
April 3, 2019
This is a quick read but I really thought this book had no character development. I was not interested in Mark it was like one day and they some how are crazy about one another, yet there was nothing to make me feel that way when they interacted. I just think it’s a pretty bland way of writing. I think it could’ve been so much more if the characters were better written.
June 28, 2013
I read this because it was in the free section on amazon. I wasn't too excited about it but once I started reading I couldn't stop. I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times.. Which rarely happens when I read.
May 20, 2013
Good book. Funny and romantic. Now I'm ready to read the 2nd book in the series, coming out in June!
June 27, 2013
This was a wonderful, sweet, short read!! It had me laughing all the way through it!!! Loved it!!!
January 30, 2017
Funny, very entertaining!
December 4, 2021
What a crazy ride!
This book has a little bit of everything : wanna be rock star, career struggles, funny karaoke bar scenes, hilarious family drama, crazy neighbor encounters, old flames rekindled, exciting new romance, a mystery, rich business family drama, a hostage situation, bribery, a peculiar dog, a vampire, and so much more. It sounds so odd - and it is! But somehow it kind of all works!
Diana, affectionately called Queenie Baby by her crazy granddaddy, works at a temp agency during the day while playing gigs when she can in hopes of making it big in the music business. Her newest temp job has her working for a vampire! This is just a side story in the plot line but adds to the odd hilarity of the book. Diana’s friend Carol runs the temp agency and has discovered that someone’s been stealing from the company. This brings on some drunken karaoke and the first encounter with the boss, Mark, looking into what’s happening with the company. Mark and Queenie have some sparks. But then Queenie’s interesting family helps her get reacquainted with her ex, Rick. So a love triangle plays out amidst other family drama and solving a work mystery. Diana’s family interacts surrounding her granddaddy’s shenanigans, and Marks family all comes to town to figure out the business. Some pretty crazy situations play out between figuring out a love life and trying to save a company!
Too bad it doesn’t wrap up at the end! This is a sequel book that makes you keep reading to find out what happens . . .
There is so much going on! It’s a bit far fetched and out very over the top. I don’t think it’s a book everyone would enjoy. But it’s funny and entertaining. Definitely held my interest. Some descriptions of people and places are pretty stereotypical and might be offensive to some. But I think it’s meant to just be humorous.
I only read this because it starts with Q. (I’m counting it as Queenie Baby - not On Assignment.) Still needed a Q to have read a book starting with every letter of the alphabet this year.
But I was pleasantly surprised! I actually enjoyed reading this book. I guess I’ll have to read the next one to see what happens!
This book has a little bit of everything : wanna be rock star, career struggles, funny karaoke bar scenes, hilarious family drama, crazy neighbor encounters, old flames rekindled, exciting new romance, a mystery, rich business family drama, a hostage situation, bribery, a peculiar dog, a vampire, and so much more. It sounds so odd - and it is! But somehow it kind of all works!
Diana, affectionately called Queenie Baby by her crazy granddaddy, works at a temp agency during the day while playing gigs when she can in hopes of making it big in the music business. Her newest temp job has her working for a vampire! This is just a side story in the plot line but adds to the odd hilarity of the book. Diana’s friend Carol runs the temp agency and has discovered that someone’s been stealing from the company. This brings on some drunken karaoke and the first encounter with the boss, Mark, looking into what’s happening with the company. Mark and Queenie have some sparks. But then Queenie’s interesting family helps her get reacquainted with her ex, Rick. So a love triangle plays out amidst other family drama and solving a work mystery. Diana’s family interacts surrounding her granddaddy’s shenanigans, and Marks family all comes to town to figure out the business. Some pretty crazy situations play out between figuring out a love life and trying to save a company!
Too bad it doesn’t wrap up at the end! This is a sequel book that makes you keep reading to find out what happens . . .
There is so much going on! It’s a bit far fetched and out very over the top. I don’t think it’s a book everyone would enjoy. But it’s funny and entertaining. Definitely held my interest. Some descriptions of people and places are pretty stereotypical and might be offensive to some. But I think it’s meant to just be humorous.
I only read this because it starts with Q. (I’m counting it as Queenie Baby - not On Assignment.) Still needed a Q to have read a book starting with every letter of the alphabet this year.
But I was pleasantly surprised! I actually enjoyed reading this book. I guess I’ll have to read the next one to see what happens!
August 1, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I kept waiting for the mystery to happen and then we reached the end of the book and I realised the mystery had been unfolding all along. Okay so there was no murder but I enjoyed it all the same. Mainly because of the characters and the crazy antics they got into, the neighbour needed to call the police out a lot. The story is a light hearted humorous romance with a touch of mystery. It's only a touch of mystery because the main character didn't really do any investigating and the story centres around her work (in the office or on assignment as a temp and In bars as a musician), her love life (the men are lining up for dates) and her family (two parents and steps, four grandparents and a sister with her family and all as crazy as each other) but somehow it works and I am looking forward to the next book.
Diana aka Queenie baby is still waiting for her big break as a singer and while she waits singing karaoke in bars she works at a temp agency. This week she has to work with eccentric cape wearing Mr.Vann Pyre but if that isn't enough to turn her to drink her grand dad has escaped from the retirement village and is moving in with her, her sister sets her up with her old boyfriend from high school and the boss is making an expected visit to the office. The old boss is thinking of retiring and his nephew is sent in to uncover some discrepancies in the books. Shame he was also the man Diana made a fool of herself with singing karaoke and getting drunk. Can Diana find a way to make a better impression on him and maybe keep her job in the process?He has already met her crazy granddad, what more could go wrong?
I liked the narrator and thought she was the right choice for what I imagine a singer, up beat and bubbly
Diana aka Queenie baby is still waiting for her big break as a singer and while she waits singing karaoke in bars she works at a temp agency. This week she has to work with eccentric cape wearing Mr.Vann Pyre but if that isn't enough to turn her to drink her grand dad has escaped from the retirement village and is moving in with her, her sister sets her up with her old boyfriend from high school and the boss is making an expected visit to the office. The old boss is thinking of retiring and his nephew is sent in to uncover some discrepancies in the books. Shame he was also the man Diana made a fool of herself with singing karaoke and getting drunk. Can Diana find a way to make a better impression on him and maybe keep her job in the process?He has already met her crazy granddad, what more could go wrong?
I liked the narrator and thought she was the right choice for what I imagine a singer, up beat and bubbly
October 19, 2017
At one point a character in the book calls the events that happen during the book as a “comedy of errors” which I’m thinking of adding as a shelf to my Goodreads for books like this one and maybe others like the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. Meaning this kind of book is about people just going about their life, trying to follow their dreams while being surrounded by a cast of characters that throw life into turmoil, and hijinks ensue.
I loved the characters but I hate love triangles added solely to the story to add another level of conflict. The conflict of the story (continuing during the rest of the series) is enough. The whole Rick, Diana, Mark thing just made me lose interest. Hopefully that part will be less a part of the rest in the series.
I loved the characters but I hate love triangles added solely to the story to add another level of conflict. The conflict of the story (continuing during the rest of the series) is enough. The whole Rick, Diana, Mark thing just made me lose interest. Hopefully that part will be less a part of the rest in the series.
March 3, 2022
free ebook
she works as a waitress and also as a temp. she is typing up a book for a author who writes with a fountain pen and wears a cap. the chef where she makes min wage wanted her to go to his house with him but she said she was busy.
her grandpa shows up, no pants on , they got wet. the police were called by the neighbor but they didnt believe her as she smelled of liquor when queenies drunk boss threw up on her slippers
she had to drive her grandpa back to her sisters
her bosses new boss (she met him in a bar and she doesnt date men she meets in bars) needs her help in the office as her boss hurt her back and is at home. the accounting numbers are off.
she decided not to get back with her x but try to make a relationship with her new boss
i would read more of this series
she works as a waitress and also as a temp. she is typing up a book for a author who writes with a fountain pen and wears a cap. the chef where she makes min wage wanted her to go to his house with him but she said she was busy.
her grandpa shows up, no pants on , they got wet. the police were called by the neighbor but they didnt believe her as she smelled of liquor when queenies drunk boss threw up on her slippers
she had to drive her grandpa back to her sisters
her bosses new boss (she met him in a bar and she doesnt date men she meets in bars) needs her help in the office as her boss hurt her back and is at home. the accounting numbers are off.
she decided not to get back with her x but try to make a relationship with her new boss
i would read more of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
Quirky and funny. “Queenie baby” has got herself into a little puzzle In the love department. Exes coming out of the woodwork and fighting to prove her songs are hers and all in the middle trying to save her job and ignore the nagging of her family. It’s a cute read and funny.
September 15, 2020
This was a funny book with good characters. Fun summer read!
May 23, 2021
Families!!! Can’t live with them and can’t live without them!!! A vampire and Karaoke!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
October 3, 2021
cute book
Fun story. Too many crazy things happen to this girl! Funny and I can relate to the crazy family members! I enjoyed this book. Thanks.
Fun story. Too many crazy things happen to this girl! Funny and I can relate to the crazy family members! I enjoyed this book. Thanks.
December 28, 2022
Funny
Humorous situations with a quirky cast of characters. A new love interest and an old flame keeps the main character hopping.
Humorous situations with a quirky cast of characters. A new love interest and an old flame keeps the main character hopping.
dnf
January 31, 2025DNF @ 6%. The conversational writing style doesn't really work for me. Even worse, it's all so very bland.
September 29, 2024
Absolutey Hilarious
I accidentally read book two first so had to go back and fill in the blanks. Oh gosh this was so incredibly funny. Now I can't wait to read book 3 for the next crazy adventure.
I accidentally read book two first so had to go back and fill in the blanks. Oh gosh this was so incredibly funny. Now I can't wait to read book 3 for the next crazy adventure.
March 17, 2017
A really funny book
This is a very entertaining book. I loved all the characters, well written with a twist of comedy thrown in for fun. Enjoyed the fast pace and all the antics of her friends and relatives. I am referring to my s sister's and friends.
This is a very entertaining book. I loved all the characters, well written with a twist of comedy thrown in for fun. Enjoyed the fast pace and all the antics of her friends and relatives. I am referring to my s sister's and friends.
October 28, 2023
OMG, this doesn't even deserve one star. I actually hated all the characters. The main character (it was so bad I can't even remember her actual name) is stupid, annoying, whiney, gutless and self absorbed. She lets everyone walk all over her and thinks that its ok-it pisses me off! I hate weak woman who won't open their mouths to defend themselves(at least once in a while)-not a book I'm interested in reading. I didn't find any of it amusing. This book was so awful, it was painful to finish, I bitched the entire time and had to grind my teeth and make myself finish. Just. Painful. I don't recommend this AT ALL. Really mad that I spent money on such crap.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews