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The Meet Queue-t
Twelve hours. One fake relationship. What could possibly go right?
Tessa Nelson is done with love. After her ex-fiancé cheated and her mum died, the only thing she’s looking for is closure. That’s why she’s waiting in the longest line of her life to pay her respects to the Queen’s coffin. It’s what her mum would’ve wanted.
She didn’t expect to find Oliver Murphy: a warm, quietly funny history professor who makes her feel seen. When her ex appears out of nowhere (seriously, what are the chances?), Oliver doesn’t hesitate to play along after she blurts out he’s her boyfriend.
Fake dating never felt so real.
But the Queue must come to an end, and so will they—unless she’s prepared to risk the one thing she’s been protecting.
Her heart.
For fans of Emily Henry’s heart and humour and Beth O’Leary’s emotional charm, The Meet Queue-t is a short, steamy romantic comedy about grief, connection, and the unexpected magic of falling for someone—one step at a time.
Tessa Nelson is done with love. After her ex-fiancé cheated and her mum died, the only thing she’s looking for is closure. That’s why she’s waiting in the longest line of her life to pay her respects to the Queen’s coffin. It’s what her mum would’ve wanted.
She didn’t expect to find Oliver Murphy: a warm, quietly funny history professor who makes her feel seen. When her ex appears out of nowhere (seriously, what are the chances?), Oliver doesn’t hesitate to play along after she blurts out he’s her boyfriend.
Fake dating never felt so real.
But the Queue must come to an end, and so will they—unless she’s prepared to risk the one thing she’s been protecting.
Her heart.
For fans of Emily Henry’s heart and humour and Beth O’Leary’s emotional charm, The Meet Queue-t is a short, steamy romantic comedy about grief, connection, and the unexpected magic of falling for someone—one step at a time.
- GenresContemporary Romance
120 pages, ebook
Published July 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 14, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (it’s a shorter story)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person only from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: soon in, pg 5 (chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No but the end of the e-book offers a bonus epilogue set 5 years in the future
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in e-book version from the author
Why I chose this book: I have loved some of Terri Mackenzie’s historical novels so I wanted to try her contemporary persona
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is Harrow’s contemporary debut.
Basic plot:
Tessa finds love in a 12 hour queue line.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance (2022)
- they meet waiting in a queue for Queen Elizabeth II’s casket viewing
- hero is a lecturer in the history department at York
- heroine is a baker
- dimpled hero
- fake boyfriend
- shorter novel
- average novella steam – 1 full scene
Ages:
- heroine is 24, hero is 32
First line:
If you had asked me a month ago what I’d be doing on the eve on my twenty-fourth birthday, I would probably have said eating takeaway in my pyjamas while watching reruns of Love Island.
My thoughts:
What a cute novella! I love close proximity and who would have thought that standing an hours (and hours!) long queue would be the place for love? It was delightful getting to know both mains and even having a run in with an old boyfriend that is put in his place. Super cute, fun and sweet – definitely going to grab more from this series!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first (my 4th, if you include her Terri Mackenzie historical romance persona)
Average rating from me: 5 stars (4.75 if you include her historical romance work)
Favorite book: This one by default (To Marry the Devil if you include her historical romance work!)
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (it’s a shorter story)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person only from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: soon in, pg 5 (chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No but the end of the e-book offers a bonus epilogue set 5 years in the future
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in e-book version from the author
Why I chose this book: I have loved some of Terri Mackenzie’s historical novels so I wanted to try her contemporary persona
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is Harrow’s contemporary debut.
Basic plot:
Tessa finds love in a 12 hour queue line.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance (2022)
- they meet waiting in a queue for Queen Elizabeth II’s casket viewing
- hero is a lecturer in the history department at York
- heroine is a baker
- dimpled hero
- fake boyfriend
- shorter novel
- average novella steam – 1 full scene
Ages:
- heroine is 24, hero is 32
First line:
If you had asked me a month ago what I’d be doing on the eve on my twenty-fourth birthday, I would probably have said eating takeaway in my pyjamas while watching reruns of Love Island.
My thoughts:
What a cute novella! I love close proximity and who would have thought that standing an hours (and hours!) long queue would be the place for love? It was delightful getting to know both mains and even having a run in with an old boyfriend that is put in his place. Super cute, fun and sweet – definitely going to grab more from this series!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first (my 4th, if you include her Terri Mackenzie historical romance persona)
Average rating from me: 5 stars (4.75 if you include her historical romance work)
Favorite book: This one by default (To Marry the Devil if you include her historical romance work!)
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
November 8, 2025
Ebook. Purchased. Fast, sweet, and slightly spicy. HFN not HEA.
July 16, 2025
I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. Thanks also to the author, Ellie Harrow, for sharing her story.
I'm not typically a contemporary romance girl, but I thought this was pretty cute. There were quirky moments in this that kept it from crossing that line into full-blown cheesy romance.
I liked the concept of the two main characters waiting in line of the Queue to see the Queen. I wasn't even aware that that was an actual thing, but it provided a nice backdrop for the two characters to connect.
Even though this was less than 150 pages, there was more depth and chemistry between the two characters than in a lot of full-length novels.
Thelma was also a very brief stand-out character in this novella. She delivered one of my favorite quotes, "I woke up and realized he wasn't half as good as I wanted him to be, and I wasn't prepared to settle for anything other than the best."
3.5/5
I'm not typically a contemporary romance girl, but I thought this was pretty cute. There were quirky moments in this that kept it from crossing that line into full-blown cheesy romance.
I liked the concept of the two main characters waiting in line of the Queue to see the Queen. I wasn't even aware that that was an actual thing, but it provided a nice backdrop for the two characters to connect.
Even though this was less than 150 pages, there was more depth and chemistry between the two characters than in a lot of full-length novels.
Thelma was also a very brief stand-out character in this novella. She delivered one of my favorite quotes, "I woke up and realized he wasn't half as good as I wanted him to be, and I wasn't prepared to settle for anything other than the best."
3.5/5
July 26, 2025
Cute novella !!
August 12, 2025
ARC reader
(no spoilers)
I gave this book four starts because it struck me immediately..who doesn't love a book that starts by mentioning in the first ten lines both Love Island and Taylor Swift? I'm joking, but honestly the story captivated me from the start and I was able to finish it in just a couple of hours because I couldn't put it down. I loved both the main characters and their chemistry with each other since the beginning. First of all I think Tessa is such a strong woman (I know it sounds like a clichè but I promise you It's not) and to put herself in a crowd, queing to pay respect to the queen (with no coffe or food I might add) after a month of her mum's death, for me she is a freaking superhero. And Oliver! Oliver is such a green flag from day one. I guy who reads a Kindle? I've never seen one, It's probably a mythological creature that is extinct (or maybe that never even existed).
In the end I really want to thank the author for sending me the book and giving me the chance to read it and review it and I can't wait to see what happens with the next ones.
(no spoilers)
I gave this book four starts because it struck me immediately..who doesn't love a book that starts by mentioning in the first ten lines both Love Island and Taylor Swift? I'm joking, but honestly the story captivated me from the start and I was able to finish it in just a couple of hours because I couldn't put it down. I loved both the main characters and their chemistry with each other since the beginning. First of all I think Tessa is such a strong woman (I know it sounds like a clichè but I promise you It's not) and to put herself in a crowd, queing to pay respect to the queen (with no coffe or food I might add) after a month of her mum's death, for me she is a freaking superhero. And Oliver! Oliver is such a green flag from day one. I guy who reads a Kindle? I've never seen one, It's probably a mythological creature that is extinct (or maybe that never even existed).
In the end I really want to thank the author for sending me the book and giving me the chance to read it and review it and I can't wait to see what happens with the next ones.
October 4, 2025
The Meet Queue-T by Ellie Harrow is a charming and unique romance novella that takes place against the backdrop of a once-in-a-lifetime moment—two strangers waiting in line to view Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin. Tessa, there to honor her mother’s wish, and Oliver, hoping to witness history, strike up an unexpected connection during their long wait. What begins as small talk gradually shifts into something deeper, leading them to wonder what might come after.
I thought this story was cute and heartfelt, with a premise that really stood out as original. That said, I found myself wishing it had been longer. The short format made the romance feel a little rushed—especially when the couple quickly moved into bed after what was essentially a day together. Personally, I would have loved to see this serve as a prologue to a full-length novel that explored their budding courtship in more depth.
Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read with a creative setup and sweet chemistry between the leads. I’d definitely pick up a longer book about Tessa and Oliver if Harrow ever decided to expand their story.
I thought this story was cute and heartfelt, with a premise that really stood out as original. That said, I found myself wishing it had been longer. The short format made the romance feel a little rushed—especially when the couple quickly moved into bed after what was essentially a day together. Personally, I would have loved to see this serve as a prologue to a full-length novel that explored their budding courtship in more depth.
Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read with a creative setup and sweet chemistry between the leads. I’d definitely pick up a longer book about Tessa and Oliver if Harrow ever decided to expand their story.
July 20, 2025
The Meet Queue-t by Ellie Harrow is the story of Tessa, who stands in the queue to pay her respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, when she meets Oliver. As the hours drag on, they get into an easy conversation and maybe something more.
This was a lovely and sweet cute story. What do you do when you have to stand in line but strike up a conversation with someone next to you? The story captivated me from the first. Tessa and Oliver are very different but have a great chemistry. Tessa, who is a lovely character, wants to honour her mother by being there, and that is sometimes hard for her. And when her ex shows up, Oliver steps in and he is just great. As the story is ending, I hoped something more for them as friends, but Tess is afraid, until a grand old lady shows up and tells her to go for it. I loved that woman! The writing style is nice; the story is easy to read.
The Meet Queue-t is a cute short story, with two likable main characters, in an unusual setting, with humour, some drama, very enjoyable, and a perfect story to read in one sitting.
This was a lovely and sweet cute story. What do you do when you have to stand in line but strike up a conversation with someone next to you? The story captivated me from the first. Tessa and Oliver are very different but have a great chemistry. Tessa, who is a lovely character, wants to honour her mother by being there, and that is sometimes hard for her. And when her ex shows up, Oliver steps in and he is just great. As the story is ending, I hoped something more for them as friends, but Tess is afraid, until a grand old lady shows up and tells her to go for it. I loved that woman! The writing style is nice; the story is easy to read.
The Meet Queue-t is a cute short story, with two likable main characters, in an unusual setting, with humour, some drama, very enjoyable, and a perfect story to read in one sitting.
July 27, 2025
This is a short but powerful story that packs a surprising emotional punch in just a few pages. The characters are impressively well developed for the length—Tessa and Oliver feel real and relatable, and even the side characters are given enough depth to make the world feel full and lived-in.
What could have been a cheesy setup—two strangers meeting in a long queue—turns into a charming and compelling romance thanks to authentic dialogue and natural chemistry between the leads. The banter and quiet moments alike are engaging, and the way Tessa and Oliver interact not only with each other but also with those around them adds unexpected richness to the narrative.
Waiting in line for hours is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time, but in this case, it may just have led to something beautiful. Tessa and Oliver’s journey to a happily-ever-after (HEA) will leave you smiling—and maybe even hoping to find your own serendipitous moment in the most unexpected place.
What could have been a cheesy setup—two strangers meeting in a long queue—turns into a charming and compelling romance thanks to authentic dialogue and natural chemistry between the leads. The banter and quiet moments alike are engaging, and the way Tessa and Oliver interact not only with each other but also with those around them adds unexpected richness to the narrative.
Waiting in line for hours is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time, but in this case, it may just have led to something beautiful. Tessa and Oliver’s journey to a happily-ever-after (HEA) will leave you smiling—and maybe even hoping to find your own serendipitous moment in the most unexpected place.
August 9, 2025
I suspect that the author thought of this story while actually waiting in line to pay her respects to Queen Elizabeth II as she lay in state. The setting is quite believable and the interactions were delightful as the heroine gets surprised by her ex and spontaneously tries to make it appear she is fully over him by introducing the nice history teacher standing next to her as her new boyfriend.
He plays along. It's not a new idea, but it is enjoyably explored as they get close together, have the inevitable misunderstanding leading to a breakup, and then work for that one desperately needed chance to try things out again. As I said, it's not a new idea but in this genre, the enjoyment is found in the journey, and this is a ride you will want to take.
He plays along. It's not a new idea, but it is enjoyably explored as they get close together, have the inevitable misunderstanding leading to a breakup, and then work for that one desperately needed chance to try things out again. As I said, it's not a new idea but in this genre, the enjoyment is found in the journey, and this is a ride you will want to take.
August 11, 2025
3.75 🌟
I picked up this novella as a much-needed palette cleanser and ended up reading it in one sitting.
For such a short book, the characters - side characters included - were surprisingly well developed and full of depth. I easily related to Tessa, having also lost my mother to cancer. And Oliver? Who doesn’t love an attractive, intellectual, former emo kid? The FMC and MMC had fantastic chemistry, and there were moments that had me both laughing and tearing up.
Where the story fell a little short for me - though I hate to say it - was the spicy scene at the end. 🤷♀️ Maybe it just leaned a little too YA for my taste, and I’m being unfair?
Overall, it’s a cute, quick love story that hit the emotional beats but left me wishing for a bit more heat.
I picked up this novella as a much-needed palette cleanser and ended up reading it in one sitting.
For such a short book, the characters - side characters included - were surprisingly well developed and full of depth. I easily related to Tessa, having also lost my mother to cancer. And Oliver? Who doesn’t love an attractive, intellectual, former emo kid? The FMC and MMC had fantastic chemistry, and there were moments that had me both laughing and tearing up.
Where the story fell a little short for me - though I hate to say it - was the spicy scene at the end. 🤷♀️ Maybe it just leaned a little too YA for my taste, and I’m being unfair?
Overall, it’s a cute, quick love story that hit the emotional beats but left me wishing for a bit more heat.
July 20, 2025
I was gifted this ARC by Voracious Readers and it was just what I needed.
The idea that Tessa and Oliver meet in the queue to see the Queen’s coffin is just brilliant.
Tessa has had a really horrible few months with her mum’s death and of course the subsequent funeral. She feels she has to go to a Westminster Hall in honour of her mum.
Oliver is there because he’s a history professor and this is modern history in the making.
Tessa has had her heart broken by a cheating ex fiancée and thinks all men are just not worth it.
Oliver sounds like the perfect gentleman and one that doesn’t like his partner to be treated less than perfectly.
This is their story and I loved it.
The idea that Tessa and Oliver meet in the queue to see the Queen’s coffin is just brilliant.
Tessa has had a really horrible few months with her mum’s death and of course the subsequent funeral. She feels she has to go to a Westminster Hall in honour of her mum.
Oliver is there because he’s a history professor and this is modern history in the making.
Tessa has had her heart broken by a cheating ex fiancée and thinks all men are just not worth it.
Oliver sounds like the perfect gentleman and one that doesn’t like his partner to be treated less than perfectly.
This is their story and I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Voracious Readers only and I'm so happy about it as I've discovered an author that will be added to my favourites.
The storyline and characters are interesting and with the addition of the short chapters it makes you want to read more - I loved the character Thelma which added to the story - I'm hoping she appears in the next book.
It was a novel idea too doing a story around the queue to see Queen Elizabeth, paying respect to her and showing how long and determined people were to wait so long and it also shows you just never know what is around the corner - life is full of surprises.
The storyline and characters are interesting and with the addition of the short chapters it makes you want to read more - I loved the character Thelma which added to the story - I'm hoping she appears in the next book.
It was a novel idea too doing a story around the queue to see Queen Elizabeth, paying respect to her and showing how long and determined people were to wait so long and it also shows you just never know what is around the corner - life is full of surprises.
July 21, 2025
This has been my book of the year so far. How the author crammed so much into 90 pages I'll never know.
Extremely thought provoking, although it is a light and spicy love story, I read this today in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It had everything including, death, comedy and will they won't they.
I particularly liked the King's Cross bit.
I was lucky to receive a copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
Extremely thought provoking, although it is a light and spicy love story, I read this today in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It had everything including, death, comedy and will they won't they.
I particularly liked the King's Cross bit.
I was lucky to receive a copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
July 28, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5/5)
Steam: 🔥
🧠 Characters: My favorite was Thelma 🤍
📖 Plot & Pacing: ⏳🚀 It was a steady slow burn. The longing gazes are what really captivated me and brought me into their world. Including their conversations and how easy going they both were.
🎨 Writing Style: ✍️🪄Easy to follow and transitions were seamless.
❤️ Romance & Chemistry: 💋💘 Fulfilling slow burn.
🎁 Tropes: 📦 Contemporary Romance. It all happens in a couple days.
Steam: 🔥
🧠 Characters: My favorite was Thelma 🤍
📖 Plot & Pacing: ⏳🚀 It was a steady slow burn. The longing gazes are what really captivated me and brought me into their world. Including their conversations and how easy going they both were.
🎨 Writing Style: ✍️🪄Easy to follow and transitions were seamless.
❤️ Romance & Chemistry: 💋💘 Fulfilling slow burn.
🎁 Tropes: 📦 Contemporary Romance. It all happens in a couple days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
The perfect short novella! I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down!
Every character was perfectly written ESPECIALLY Thelma! The scenery, feelings and emotions were so on point for not only the grieving aspect but the internal battles with love as well!
This was such a feel good story that I didn’t want to end! I could have read about Tess and Oliver FOR DAYS! 🤭
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only.
Every character was perfectly written ESPECIALLY Thelma! The scenery, feelings and emotions were so on point for not only the grieving aspect but the internal battles with love as well!
This was such a feel good story that I didn’t want to end! I could have read about Tess and Oliver FOR DAYS! 🤭
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only.
July 7, 2025
The Meet Queue-t by Ellie Harrow
Fresh. An exciting, intelligent, kind new voice in a much-maligned genre. It is short, real, funny, sad - a nod to the value of history, memory and family. Loved it. No billionaires, vampires, shape-shifters, excessive muscle or endless comments on looks and size. Every now and then one got the feeling: this could be me.
Fresh. An exciting, intelligent, kind new voice in a much-maligned genre. It is short, real, funny, sad - a nod to the value of history, memory and family. Loved it. No billionaires, vampires, shape-shifters, excessive muscle or endless comments on looks and size. Every now and then one got the feeling: this could be me.
July 29, 2025
Great read. Believable characters in a situation which was other worldly to the British public.
Sadly too short, which is why I’m giving this 4.5 stars.
Thank you to the author for sharing this story with me in exchange for this review. I hope this gets picked up and turned into a short film for bank holiday Monday viewing.
Sadly too short, which is why I’m giving this 4.5 stars.
Thank you to the author for sharing this story with me in exchange for this review. I hope this gets picked up and turned into a short film for bank holiday Monday viewing.
July 14, 2025
You cant help but to fall in love with Oliver. He is literally perfect and also 🔥🔥. He is not all looks he also has the brains!
Tessa has a sad story but her growth is amazing. I just loved her. She grew to be confident and unapologetically herself!
Tessa has a sad story but her growth is amazing. I just loved her. She grew to be confident and unapologetically herself!
Want to read
August 16, 2025This book was charming and captivating and kept me interested in reading more of it and can't wait to get the psychical copy of this awesome book I would also recommend it to all my friends and family
August 23, 2025
I was given this book through voracious readers. It is a good book! Surprisingly good for them being in the same location most of the book. Wanted to keep reading it! Will look into author’s other books.
July 4, 2025
This is such a cute novella, I loved the set-up of meeting in the infamous queue and the dynamic between Oliver and Tess. This is jam-packed with romance and tension and I enjoyed every second!
July 5, 2025
I love this novella with all my heart! Such a cute (Queue-t?) premise, and OLIVER. I LOVE HIM.
July 16, 2025
3.75⭐ For a novella, it is a pretty awesome read.
August 1, 2025
Very funny. Very very cute. Thelma gives good advice. Live your life instead of how you think someone dead would want you too….
August 1, 2025
it was really good
August 6, 2025
Quick easy read. Pretty cute story.
August 26, 2025
A very sweet, feel good, rom com. Nice, short story for a quick pick me up.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only.
November 1, 2025
I just read this in one go while on the treadmill. I adore Tessa and Oliver! This was such a sweet, emotional story with great spice at the end. I will definitely read the next book!
November 16, 2025
I did not like either of these characters, both of them could’ve fallen in the Thames and it would’ve been no heartbreak to me
Although Oliver sounds hot so.. he’s got that going for him at least
Although Oliver sounds hot so.. he’s got that going for him at least
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews