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Wicket Maiden
WICKET MAIDEN is a groundbreaking romantic comedy set in the world of women’s cricket.
It’s the start of a new season for professional women’s cricket team The Scorpions.
Acclaimed batter Ellie, 32, is returning to the game after a long injury, determined to regain her form and her place in the England squad. This is her last chance, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.
Cricket fan Adam, 34, an artist and photographer, has followed Ellie and the team through highs and lows. He’s drawn to her talent, athleticism and public persona - but is content to be a face in the crowd, cheering her on. He’d never date a famous person, anyway.
When events on and off the pitch bring Ellie and Adam together, friendship blossoms, and their careers initially soar. Yet, with romance in the air, Ellie loses focus, jeopardising her dream.
What’s more important to them both - love, or cricket?
A share of the book’s royalties will be donated to pertinent clubs and organisations who champion the development of grassroots, girls’ and women’s cricket.
The story echoes the film “Notting Hill” – the challenge of love between a ‘star’ and a ‘normal person’.
The book touches on the good and bad sides of fame, and shines a light on women’s cricket – the mental and physical challenges, pressure of relentless media attention, community outreach, fan engagement, and the finite nature of the career of professional athletes. Above this, it is, of course, a love story.
The book is a non-spicy romance, and also includes neurodiversity and epilepsy representation.
WICKET MAIDEN is the first in a women’s cricket trilogy.
It’s an engaging, enjoyable read with plenty of character. The funny moments stand out amongst more serious characters/themes.
- Editor
I thought the story was funny, warm and engaging. Ellie and Adam are both hugely likeable characters and you are rooting for them individually in their careers as well as to get together romantically.
- Advance reader
I loved Wicket Maiden! Your love for cricket shines through and it is such a positive book for the sport. I loved the characters and dialogue too - as before, the banter really jumps off the page. Brilliant!
- Advance reader
It’s the start of a new season for professional women’s cricket team The Scorpions.
Acclaimed batter Ellie, 32, is returning to the game after a long injury, determined to regain her form and her place in the England squad. This is her last chance, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.
Cricket fan Adam, 34, an artist and photographer, has followed Ellie and the team through highs and lows. He’s drawn to her talent, athleticism and public persona - but is content to be a face in the crowd, cheering her on. He’d never date a famous person, anyway.
When events on and off the pitch bring Ellie and Adam together, friendship blossoms, and their careers initially soar. Yet, with romance in the air, Ellie loses focus, jeopardising her dream.
What’s more important to them both - love, or cricket?
A share of the book’s royalties will be donated to pertinent clubs and organisations who champion the development of grassroots, girls’ and women’s cricket.
The story echoes the film “Notting Hill” – the challenge of love between a ‘star’ and a ‘normal person’.
The book touches on the good and bad sides of fame, and shines a light on women’s cricket – the mental and physical challenges, pressure of relentless media attention, community outreach, fan engagement, and the finite nature of the career of professional athletes. Above this, it is, of course, a love story.
The book is a non-spicy romance, and also includes neurodiversity and epilepsy representation.
WICKET MAIDEN is the first in a women’s cricket trilogy.
It’s an engaging, enjoyable read with plenty of character. The funny moments stand out amongst more serious characters/themes.
- Editor
I thought the story was funny, warm and engaging. Ellie and Adam are both hugely likeable characters and you are rooting for them individually in their careers as well as to get together romantically.
- Advance reader
I loved Wicket Maiden! Your love for cricket shines through and it is such a positive book for the sport. I loved the characters and dialogue too - as before, the banter really jumps off the page. Brilliant!
- Advance reader
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
1756 people want to read
About the author
Chrissie Harrison
7 books18 followersWriting romcoms is my happy place. After working in other genres for many years, I couldn’t resist the pull towards comedy and romance.
I have a soft spot for stories with strong women, nice guys, and a touch of the bittersweet. I like the connection between my protagonists to be more than physical – a bond that helps solve their problems. Often I shine a light on mental health issues, especially neurodiversity, which is close to my heart.
My novels - including those yet to come - are dual POV stories, sweet rather than spicy, and often put a twist on genre staples whilst being centred on relatable relationships and situations.
Fundamentally, I try to write the books I like to read – those with wit, heart and intelligence.
I’m inspired by the big and small screen as well as books, and have a soft spot for Richard Curtis’ romcoms, timeless TV comedy like The Good Life and Blackadder, less well-known feelgood films and romances (Always, Forget Paris, Roxanne), and newer, brilliantly observed or scripted shows (Colin From Accounts, Dinosaur). Books which make me laugh include Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, The Rosie Project, Cat Lady, and The Hating Game.
Away from the writing desk, I enjoy great scenery, a relaxing train ride, delicious coffee and cake, and catching up with friends and fellow authors.
My debut novel, “Floored”, was published on 4th April 2024. This is the first in a trilogy of interconnected standalones.
My second book, “Match Daze”, a sports romcom, arrived on 10th October 2024. This will begin another trilogy.
1st May 2025 saw the publication of “Wicket Maiden”, a genre defining rom-com set in the world of women’s cricket.
Chrissie Harrison is a pen name.
My parallel writing career spans three decades. I’ve written over a dozen books in a handful of genres, and had a number of theatrical scripts professionally performed.
I have a soft spot for stories with strong women, nice guys, and a touch of the bittersweet. I like the connection between my protagonists to be more than physical – a bond that helps solve their problems. Often I shine a light on mental health issues, especially neurodiversity, which is close to my heart.
My novels - including those yet to come - are dual POV stories, sweet rather than spicy, and often put a twist on genre staples whilst being centred on relatable relationships and situations.
Fundamentally, I try to write the books I like to read – those with wit, heart and intelligence.
I’m inspired by the big and small screen as well as books, and have a soft spot for Richard Curtis’ romcoms, timeless TV comedy like The Good Life and Blackadder, less well-known feelgood films and romances (Always, Forget Paris, Roxanne), and newer, brilliantly observed or scripted shows (Colin From Accounts, Dinosaur). Books which make me laugh include Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, The Rosie Project, Cat Lady, and The Hating Game.
Away from the writing desk, I enjoy great scenery, a relaxing train ride, delicious coffee and cake, and catching up with friends and fellow authors.
My debut novel, “Floored”, was published on 4th April 2024. This is the first in a trilogy of interconnected standalones.
My second book, “Match Daze”, a sports romcom, arrived on 10th October 2024. This will begin another trilogy.
1st May 2025 saw the publication of “Wicket Maiden”, a genre defining rom-com set in the world of women’s cricket.
Chrissie Harrison is a pen name.
My parallel writing career spans three decades. I’ve written over a dozen books in a handful of genres, and had a number of theatrical scripts professionally performed.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to beta read this book. As a lover of romance books and an indifference towards cricket, I really enjoyed Wicket Maiden. Ellie is a strong female lead who has big dreams and aspirations. Adam is a big cricket fan and is always there to cheer on his favourite team. As Adam gets to know Ellie, he finds himself in awe of her celebrity status. Can he overcome his awe, or will she get away?
Wicket Maiden is a multifaceted romcom with many layers to the story. When circumstances throw Ellie and Adam together, will romance blossom?
A modern day Notting Hill with a sprinkle of cricket.
Wicket Maiden is a multifaceted romcom with many layers to the story. When circumstances throw Ellie and Adam together, will romance blossom?
A modern day Notting Hill with a sprinkle of cricket.
May 20, 2025
Ellie is a professional cricketer but she has been having a tough time over the last few months. Some things happened in her life that meant that she lost a bit of focus, and she was also injured. Now she's fully recovered and she is aiming to get back to the top, to reclaim her spot in the English cricket team and she doesn't need any distractions. At the same time, in the back of her mind she is starting to think about the big question of what comes after cricket.
Adam is a big fan of the Scorpions cricket team, and particularly of Ellie, but not in a stalkerish way. He is also an artist and a photographer who does whatever work he can to make ends meet. When their paths begin to cross, Adam knows he likes her, but he has no intentions of dating a famous person, particularly since he was dumped by his ex who was a wannabe social media influencer.
As they spend more time together they both push away from anything more but they are drawn to each other. Adam has long admired Ellie's dedication and drive and she admires his artistic flair and wishes he would push himself forward more!
Whilst this is a sports romance, there is so much more going on here with sub themes around grief, epilepsy, the impact of social media particularly on well known people and more. There is also a gentle humour running through. One clever little thing is that each of the chapters is headed as 1st Over, 2nd Over, 3rd Over etc. At the back of the book the author has shared a list of Easter Eggs where the cricket action was inspired by something that happened in real life and also a guide to the fielding positions which is useful. If you weren't a cricket fan a term like Silly Mid On would make no sense at all without the guide!
To read more
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
Adam is a big fan of the Scorpions cricket team, and particularly of Ellie, but not in a stalkerish way. He is also an artist and a photographer who does whatever work he can to make ends meet. When their paths begin to cross, Adam knows he likes her, but he has no intentions of dating a famous person, particularly since he was dumped by his ex who was a wannabe social media influencer.
As they spend more time together they both push away from anything more but they are drawn to each other. Adam has long admired Ellie's dedication and drive and she admires his artistic flair and wishes he would push himself forward more!
Whilst this is a sports romance, there is so much more going on here with sub themes around grief, epilepsy, the impact of social media particularly on well known people and more. There is also a gentle humour running through. One clever little thing is that each of the chapters is headed as 1st Over, 2nd Over, 3rd Over etc. At the back of the book the author has shared a list of Easter Eggs where the cricket action was inspired by something that happened in real life and also a guide to the fielding positions which is useful. If you weren't a cricket fan a term like Silly Mid On would make no sense at all without the guide!
To read more
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
May 28, 2025
Ellie is a cricketer and Adam is an artist/photographer. When they meet it’s clearly fate but will love or cricket win the day?
This was a very slow burn sports romance. There wasn't any spice and I really liked that because it reminded me of traditional romance stories. I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing style. As soon as I started to read I was quickly thrown into two very different worlds. Ellie’s world of cricket and Adam’s world of art.
The two main characters Ellie and Adam were brilliant and I couldn’t help but like them. Ellie is a cricketer but because of an injury she’s had to take a step back from her career. But now she’s healed she’s back with a vengeance and has a lot of catching up to do. Ellie knows that this is her last chance to get her place back on the England team because time isn’t on her side. She’s already suffered an injury and although she may be young in sports years she isn’t. Adam is an artist and photographer trying to make a name for himself in the art world. He’s also a fan of cricket and Ellie in particular.
Ellie and Adam are from completely different worlds but when they are together they just make sense. They click straight away and despite Ellie being a celebrity she doesn’t act like one. She treats everyone equally and is very down to earth which is something that Adam sees especially when they are together.
I loved seeing Ellie and Adam connect because they start off as friends and then it develops into something more. They don't express how they feel about each other but it’s clear that they deeply care about each other more than friends. I had quite a few favourite scenes but the ones that stay in my mind are when Adam has a seizure and Ellie looks after him. She stays with him until he's feeling better and takes care of him. Then when Ellie suffers a head injury during a match Adam looks after her so she’s not on her own.
A slow burn sports romance.
This was a very slow burn sports romance. There wasn't any spice and I really liked that because it reminded me of traditional romance stories. I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing style. As soon as I started to read I was quickly thrown into two very different worlds. Ellie’s world of cricket and Adam’s world of art.
The two main characters Ellie and Adam were brilliant and I couldn’t help but like them. Ellie is a cricketer but because of an injury she’s had to take a step back from her career. But now she’s healed she’s back with a vengeance and has a lot of catching up to do. Ellie knows that this is her last chance to get her place back on the England team because time isn’t on her side. She’s already suffered an injury and although she may be young in sports years she isn’t. Adam is an artist and photographer trying to make a name for himself in the art world. He’s also a fan of cricket and Ellie in particular.
Ellie and Adam are from completely different worlds but when they are together they just make sense. They click straight away and despite Ellie being a celebrity she doesn’t act like one. She treats everyone equally and is very down to earth which is something that Adam sees especially when they are together.
I loved seeing Ellie and Adam connect because they start off as friends and then it develops into something more. They don't express how they feel about each other but it’s clear that they deeply care about each other more than friends. I had quite a few favourite scenes but the ones that stay in my mind are when Adam has a seizure and Ellie looks after him. She stays with him until he's feeling better and takes care of him. Then when Ellie suffers a head injury during a match Adam looks after her so she’s not on her own.
A slow burn sports romance.
May 24, 2025
Wicket Maiden by Chrissie Harrison
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
WICKET MAIDEN is a groundbreaking romantic comedy set in the world of women’s cricket.
It’s the start of a new season for professional women’s cricket team The Scorpions.
Acclaimed batter Ellie, 32, is returning to the game after a long injury, determined to regain her form and her place in the England squad. This is her last chance, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.
Cricket fan Adam, 34, an artist and photographer, has followed Ellie and the team through highs and lows. He’s drawn to her talent, athleticism and public persona - but is content to be a face in the crowd, cheering her on. He’d never date a famous person, anyway.
When events on and off the pitch bring Ellie and Adam together, friendship blossoms, and their careers initially soar. Yet, with romance in the air, Ellie loses focus, jeopardising her dream.
What’s more important to them both - love, or cricket?
My Opinion
Wicket Maiden was my first book by Chrissie Harrison but it was such a nice read that I am sure I will be back for more. There is so much going on in this delightful book. I am not usually a fan of cricket, but I did find that I was able to enjoy Wicket Maiden.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
WICKET MAIDEN is a groundbreaking romantic comedy set in the world of women’s cricket.
It’s the start of a new season for professional women’s cricket team The Scorpions.
Acclaimed batter Ellie, 32, is returning to the game after a long injury, determined to regain her form and her place in the England squad. This is her last chance, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.
Cricket fan Adam, 34, an artist and photographer, has followed Ellie and the team through highs and lows. He’s drawn to her talent, athleticism and public persona - but is content to be a face in the crowd, cheering her on. He’d never date a famous person, anyway.
When events on and off the pitch bring Ellie and Adam together, friendship blossoms, and their careers initially soar. Yet, with romance in the air, Ellie loses focus, jeopardising her dream.
What’s more important to them both - love, or cricket?
My Opinion
Wicket Maiden was my first book by Chrissie Harrison but it was such a nice read that I am sure I will be back for more. There is so much going on in this delightful book. I am not usually a fan of cricket, but I did find that I was able to enjoy Wicket Maiden.
Rating 4/5
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Delightful Rom-Com That Bowls You Over!
Wicket Maiden is a heartwarming, witty, and refreshingly original romantic comedy that brings together the world of women’s cricket and second chances. Ellie is a protagonist you root for from the very first chapter strong, flawed, and wonderfully real. Chrissie Harrison masterfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, all while crafting a cast of characters that feel like teammates you never want to leave.
If you love sporty settings, fierce female leads, and slow-burn romance with a smart, uplifting vibe, this one’s for you. A perfect read for fans of Beth O’Leary or Sophie Kinsella with a sporty twist that makes it stand out. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Pavilion Girls series!
A Delightful Rom-Com That Bowls You Over!
Wicket Maiden is a heartwarming, witty, and refreshingly original romantic comedy that brings together the world of women’s cricket and second chances. Ellie is a protagonist you root for from the very first chapter strong, flawed, and wonderfully real. Chrissie Harrison masterfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, all while crafting a cast of characters that feel like teammates you never want to leave.
If you love sporty settings, fierce female leads, and slow-burn romance with a smart, uplifting vibe, this one’s for you. A perfect read for fans of Beth O’Leary or Sophie Kinsella with a sporty twist that makes it stand out. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Pavilion Girls series!
May 30, 2025
I think for me this is a 3.5 star but rounding up. A sports romance read. I found it an interesting read as cricket is not really a sport I know much (anything) about. Our main characters are Ellie and Adam. This is a clean, slow burn romance read. A good read with good characters and a good storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2025
Wicket Maiden is a good, and enjoyable sports slow burn friends to lovers romantic comedy read. The story has a good entertaining world building story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this. It’s the first time in a while that I’ve really liked the main characters of a book, especially the lead, Ellie.
This book has everything. Love, loss, life, autism, health and a lust for sport. Women’s sport.
I was fully invested right through to the end and loved how it all played out.
This book has everything. Love, loss, life, autism, health and a lust for sport. Women’s sport.
I was fully invested right through to the end and loved how it all played out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Professional cricketer Ellie and artist and photographer Adam's story is well written with a very good storyline and a happy ending. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2025
The story of Ellie and Adam, she is a professional cricketer and he is a fan. What happens when their world's collide. I liked how it was told from both points of view.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews