Queen of the Throne

by Shari J. Ryan

**A Romantic Comedy Novella ** (If you aren’t a fan of real life toilet humor...skip this one ;) ) Have you ever sat down in front of an incredibly hot man, ran your stiletto covered foot up the side of his leg, then felt a rumbling erupt in the pit of your stomach? A rumble so fierce, you were forced to clench harder than you even thought you were capable of clenching. This is my life. I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and it has affected me in ways I try not to talk about. It hasn’t just ruined almost every date I have gone on—it has simply ruined my life. I’ve gone to dozens of doctors in search for a solution and every test has come up inconclusive. That was until I met Dr. Channing…I mean, Noah. He was the mouth-watering gastroenterologist who probed me five minutes after we met. Love was instantaneous. The way he cupped my butt-cheek ever so gently showed me a preview of what my future could be. I will never forget that colonoscopy, and I will relive it every night in my dreams until the day I see this man again.

Genres: Humor, Contemporary, Romance

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2016

About the author

Shari J. Ryan is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over 40 novels, with more than 700,000 copies sold and translations in 13 languages. She writes emotionally evocative WWII fiction inspired by true stories that have resonated with readers around the globe. Her work has earned Top 100, Top 10, and #1 chart rankings, as well as two Rone Awards.

As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.

For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.

Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.

Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

Reviews

[Pauline (Passionate About Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering your significant other at the most embarassing moment of your life!
I was on the floor laughing from start to finish... Shari J. Ryan managed to make a chronic condition embarassingly hilarious without smashing the heroine of this story to pieces. The queen of this porcelain throne finally meets her king who will grant her her Happily-Ever-after by sweeping her off her thone.... confused? Well, read this awkward romantic comedey and see why she is better "off" than "on" her throne. 5 Ludicrously Jovial Stars for a story that brought constant tears of laughter running down my face!

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the concept of QUEEN OF THE THRONE was a sad kind of funny. Sad because it's a shitty (sorry) situation to be a girl, or guy, with IBS and all the disgust and lack of understanding other people can have, but funny because I mean you do have to laugh at it -- and yourself -- when this kind of mess happens to you; even if all you have is the stomach flu. But ultimately, though the jokes weren't bad and the puns were pretty awesome-terrible, I didn't like the way the heroine's friends treated her or the comments at her expense. Maybe their intentions were good, maybe they were never unfeelingly cruel, but their lack of compassion and understanding was just really frustrating to see, especially from two so-called besties. And I mean wow don't even get me started on the hero; this doctor definitely should've been fired, no matter how Channing his Tatum was.

A silly and definitely original little novella but I would've liked more depth and support for our poor poopy pal.

[Lourdes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sydney is young, pretty and single. She also has a serious case of IBS and it has taken a toll on her dating life. Her friends want her to take drastic measures and grab the bull by the horns so to speak, but she'd rather stay at home safe until the doctors can help her out. Then she meets a new doctor who is a doppelganger of a famous actor, but what's a girl to do when the hot doc has literally already seen her worst side?
This short was a fun read, full of the most outrageous toilet jokes and puns I've ever heard and was quite enjoyable until the very end. I felt it lost momentum and left me wanting.
In all, if you have the stomach for a string of serious toilet humor, you should pick this up and get a good laugh.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick fun read. I wouldn't mind reading more from the characters. And poopuri is the best! haha

[Raven Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical and quick easy read!

LOVED IT. This was an easy read, with funny quips and dating humor with a very relatable main character and a wonder happy ending. Had a blast reading this! The author kept the story interesting and unpredictable while keeping the story moving right along. I read through this fast, too fast! Need to get another of her books now!

[T.B. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for “Queen of the Throne,” by Shari J. Ryan

So, I've never read a story like this. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but laughing at something most people going through wouldn't find laughable- was an excellent surprise! I gave 5 stars, and without giving too much away, here's an overview:

Plot: For a short story in an anthology, I was so pleased that the plot had no loose ends. There was a problem, followed by an exploration of the problem, and it ended with a resolution. Yes, if you want to know what happens afterward, Mrs. Ryan would have to expand into full book mode, but it is not necessary. I did not feel that this believable story was incomplete or cut short in the middle.

Characters: Sydney wants what most women want, but she has a mortifying secret only her roommates since college (and her old grizzled doctor) know about. Dating has become unbearable and next to impossible, as her condition gets worse and remains undiagnosed... Until she meets Noah, the unlikely hero she didn't know she needed.

The Writing: The story flowed well and was an easy read. Told from the main character Sydney's POV, it allowed me to empathize with her on a flustering & totally new hysterical level of discomfort!

In Case You Wanted to Know: This is a shitty story. Literally. S.J.R. brilliantly finds a way to make an embarrassing aspect of the character's life, funny. Not every writer would have the guts to talk about, let alone tackle with sarcastic wit, such a sensitive topic as IBS. But this author blows it up like a bathroom after too many tacos!

Overall: S.J.R. Did a great job! Humor is so terribly hard to convey on paper, yet, this lady nailed it!This was my first story of Shari's that I've read, and I truly loved it!

*I received an advanced copy of the Anthology this story was a part of, in exchange for my honest review. I originally posted this review in the “One Size Fits All” Anthology.

*This book review format is copied and used by permission, from awesome amazon.com user: DeeArr1

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Queen Of The Throne, Sydney is young, beautiful, single and suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. It never fails to flair up on dates or when meeting people. Desperate times call for desperate measures that will have you chuckling at the situations Sydney finds herself in. Upon meeting the Dr who is doing her colonospy, Noah and Sydney both feel an instant attraction . Can he be both her cure and her true love.

I loved every single second of this short novella. Shari Ryan has gone from breaking my heart and putting it back together to having me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. She's taken a very delicate situation for Sydney and made it into a story everyone is sure to love. Filled with characters you will enjoy spending time with Queen Of The Throne is an absolute must read.

[Ashley Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

HILARIOUS!!!! This book reminded me of late nights laughing with friends in college. It was a fantastic light read that kept me rolling in laughter. I loved it from start to finish. On a serious note, as someone who suffers from chronic illness, it did resonate with me on a real level about how lucky I am to have my Prince Charming despite my illness. Shari Ryan is one of my favorite authors and this novella was great! 5*'s all the way!

[Jessica Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking brilliant

This is the best . The realist fiction about IBS that I suffer from. It was so right on and the truth is if you don't laugh about you, then you cry. It's embarrassing and it makes you have to change situations to deal with it. I loved Sydney she was a freaking hoot, who had to deal with a crappy stomach. Some might find this book gross, or a little to much TMI, but it is real illness that lots suffer from. Anyway everyone poops just some more than others. Great read it seriously makes me want keep my head held high. I want more chapters of this amazing characters. Paging Dr. Channing

[Barb Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total 5* read!

*received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

I laughed my arse off at this one. Which is the point, right? The characters, the story and the hidden desires in this one will fill your heart with laughter as you get to know the characters. I mean, Oh My god, Sydney. I was in love with her from page one. not even joking. The girl was got it all going for her but as life does it keeps her on the outside at times. She is a strong hearted, loud girl who just wants to find love... and its on that journey that she opens up and you get a full view of all of her. Quirks and all.

*originally read as part of the One Size Fits All Anthology*

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Carla's Five Star review of Queen of the Throne

This story will make you laugh! Suffering from IBS myself, I could totally relate to the situations that Syndney found herself in. The things that happened to Sydney really do occur. Kudos to Shari for taking what is quite often an upsetting medical problem and adding some much needed humor! After all, they do say that laughter is the best medicine!!

[A.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[M L · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who suffers from IBS I completely understand this book! This was a sweet and light hearted read! I love Shari's books!! Sydney has health problems that affect her life until she realizes she can't hide it from the one man who knows what is going on - Noah the doctor! And Noah the doctor is here to stay! This is a quick and funny read!!❤️😂❤️😂

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

28 yr old woman is plague with stomach issues which has impacted her dating life.

She sees a doctor who turns out to be cute, if not a bit direct about her pooping issues. Turns out, he's more than into curing her illness, wink wink.

Her friends are obnoxious and immature and I found that to be more distasteful than the attempts at literal potty humor.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a couple of chronic illnesses myself, I laughed myself silly at this rom-com! It is delightfully well written and the characters are really believable! I loved it!! I received an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing the story!

[Nstefa · Rating 4 out of 5]

With extreme IBS it’s not an ideal position to be in when your on a date or many dates for that matter but when Prince Charming / mr channing Tatum comes along and swoops in it’s a fun ride

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't go back to sleep this morning. So I wanted to read something light and funny.
Omg...
This book had me laughing! I woke up my poor husband!
If I was in Sydney situation I would have died! I felt so bad for her!
I loved how she found someone when she least expected it.
If you're looking for a light funny read. This is your book!

[Delevingne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept, but I needed more. Still a fun short read.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and entertaining read about bathroom humor. I giggled out loud a few times.
Fun read!

[Rebecca M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toilet humour at its best...

3 1/2 stars.
Firstly I'd like to say, I really like this author's writing style. She brought a common shitty medical problem that no-one likes to talk about, into a rom com situation. There were a lot of ass-puns that made me smirk, sometimes cringe. I will be reading this author again.

The subject matter didn't scare me, in fact I was curious after book friend Hollis read it not long ago (I think based on a dare) and her review made it sound not so bad, after all, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a common situation for a large portion of the population, including my partner who developed it in his forties. I'm familiar with elimination diets, colonoscopies, stomach problems, cramping, the pain, etc.

(***Please note spoilers ahead***)

But don't get me started on the possibility of a lot of the things here actually happening in real life. One, a colonoscopy has 24 hours of preparation to be done prior, with a full bowel cleanse, involving a prescription detox solution and clean foods. You're not going to go on a date during this and eat a butter coated steak dinner, because your date likes women who eat more than rabbits. And there's no way in hell that any dear friend (or two) will get you out on a triple-date after a medical procedure. I would have liked the heroine to have a bit more back bone. (But I suppose we would have missed that gassy/tampon butt-plug scene if she stayed home).

I felt a little sick when her doctor, even if he looks like Channing Tatem, hit on her. Some women may fantasise about attracting their Hot Doctor, but I kind of cringed, and read on between fingers. This is Taboo Territory, ladies!! I kind of kept reading, hoping that the doctor was a smoke screen, she was going to end up with the Hot Cop. I would have felt a lot more comfortable with that, even though the Hot Doctor was actually really sweet, and tucked her into bed, post procedure, post bad blind date, post gassy tampon/ass drama. You see, her Hot Doctor, is also an IBS sufferer, it was meant to be...

(***You can come back now***)

But, I liked the author's writing, I read it with a smile, mostly, I even have some of her other books to check out. This is a fair attempt to normalise a common medical problem that people don't like to talk about, even if the author took some improbable liberties for the sake of humour, and a taboo love interest to boot, of which you may or may not be comfortable with ;-). Overall, I liked this story, even while feeling slightly conflicted. I have no regrets.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

This novella is definitely a must-read! Especially if you like loads of laughter and painfully embarrassing situations, which this story has plenty of! It can definitely make your day less sh*tty!

[Kathleen Burcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was hilarious. There was times that I was crying because I was laughing so hard. I can so understand what the MC Sydney was going through. It was a quick read and had me turning the pages to keep seeing what else was going to happen to Sydney. I would so recommend this book if you would want a quick read and need a good laugh.