What do you think?
Rate this book
Whitebridge #1
The Queens of Crime
It’s a match to die for…
Best-selling American crime novelist Adelaide Park is running away. Until an altercation with a tractor leaves her stuck in the little English town of Whitebridge with no driver’s license and nowhere left to run to.
Whitebridge bookstore owner Anthea Monroe has been dumped for the umpteenth time and has now officially sworn off women for good. She’s firmly focused on building up her failing business, thank you very much.
From day one, Ant and Adelaide clash. But when an interfering agent pairs them together in a last, desperate attempt to save Adelaide’s career, they suddenly can’t escape each other.
Sometimes running away is the answer. A creepy big house, a disappearing woman, a writing retreat that looks a lot like house arrest, a trip to Vegas, an old people’s home that’s better than Club Med, a life-saving cat and a very, very odd best friend all come together to make sure that opposites really do attract. But in the end, Ant and Adelaide might not be so different after all...
The Queens of Crime is a standalone lesbian romance with a very happy ending from bestselling Sapphic author Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and A Quiet Life.
Best-selling American crime novelist Adelaide Park is running away. Until an altercation with a tractor leaves her stuck in the little English town of Whitebridge with no driver’s license and nowhere left to run to.
Whitebridge bookstore owner Anthea Monroe has been dumped for the umpteenth time and has now officially sworn off women for good. She’s firmly focused on building up her failing business, thank you very much.
From day one, Ant and Adelaide clash. But when an interfering agent pairs them together in a last, desperate attempt to save Adelaide’s career, they suddenly can’t escape each other.
Sometimes running away is the answer. A creepy big house, a disappearing woman, a writing retreat that looks a lot like house arrest, a trip to Vegas, an old people’s home that’s better than Club Med, a life-saving cat and a very, very odd best friend all come together to make sure that opposites really do attract. But in the end, Ant and Adelaide might not be so different after all...
The Queens of Crime is a standalone lesbian romance with a very happy ending from bestselling Sapphic author Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and A Quiet Life.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
86 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 6, 2024
**'Freewriting might be the easiest way to get the right flow of words for your storyline. But also remember, it's goal is in the process and not the product..'
3.5 stars!
It took quite some time before i could get into this 1st book of the 'Whitebridge' chronicle -- once i did, it ended up being an enjoyable rom-com storyline with an array of funny supporting characters alongside the two main leads.
Not highly but recommended book #1!
3.5 stars!
It took quite some time before i could get into this 1st book of the 'Whitebridge' chronicle -- once i did, it ended up being an enjoyable rom-com storyline with an array of funny supporting characters alongside the two main leads.
Not highly but recommended book #1!
March 23, 2023
The little town of Whitebridge is home to The Queens of Crime tiny bookshop concentrating on crime novels. Owner Anthea/Ant Monroe just can't seem to catch a break. Customer traffic is stagnant and to make matters worse, another girlfriend has dumped her. Life sucks! Into that mix comes Adelaide/Ad Park. She is a crime novelist escaping to the UK from the US and stuck in Whitebridge for one month. Don't even ask why - you've got to read the book to find out. Just know that Ant and Adelaide's first meeting is pure snark (on Ad's part).
Waters' characters are funny and eccentric and at the same time down to earth and homey. Max, Mila, Lillian and Joss standout in the secondary cast This easy read, slow romance is tinged with angst, a teary moment, gobs of humor and heat. Gossip rules. The retirement home Lilian is in sounds like a hoot.
Sienna's book is an enjoyable 5 star hit.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout. My review is completely voluntary.
Waters' characters are funny and eccentric and at the same time down to earth and homey. Max, Mila, Lillian and Joss standout in the secondary cast This easy read, slow romance is tinged with angst, a teary moment, gobs of humor and heat. Gossip rules. The retirement home Lilian is in sounds like a hoot.
Sienna's book is an enjoyable 5 star hit.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout. My review is completely voluntary.
did-not-finish
April 5, 2023DNF 46% in. Kindle Unlimited.
I liked the premise, but I thought it would be more 'cozy mystery' and well I guessed entirely wrong. What plot there is seemed itself derivative and thin.
The MC Adelaide is antagonistic and mean spirited, I just couldn't stand her haughty attitude and foul way of treating the townsfolk, and especially "love interest" Ant.
It grated on me, but I was willing to give it a go - but at 46% a verbal sparring and dressing down happens, which ends in a kiss - and it was gobsmackingly eye-roll worthy, so I closed the book and deleted it then and there.
I liked the premise, but I thought it would be more 'cozy mystery' and well I guessed entirely wrong. What plot there is seemed itself derivative and thin.
The MC Adelaide is antagonistic and mean spirited, I just couldn't stand her haughty attitude and foul way of treating the townsfolk, and especially "love interest" Ant.
It grated on me, but I was willing to give it a go - but at 46% a verbal sparring and dressing down happens, which ends in a kiss - and it was gobsmackingly eye-roll worthy, so I closed the book and deleted it then and there.
March 23, 2023
Whenever I’m in the need of laughter and smiles I know picking up a Sienna Waters book will bring me exactly that. She definitely is my go to rom-com author who not once disappointed me. Another thing she is great in is to pair an American and a Brit which of course is one of the things that make these stories so funny.
All of these things we get once more. Once more Sienna Waters made me so happy with this opposite attracts rom-com. Even though a crime bookstore owner and a crime author should be a match made in heaven. At least that’s what you would think before you start to read this book.
Because the big American author Adelaide who fled the states to get rid of her writing block in England and Anthea (Ant) who lives in a small town couldn’t be more different. At least when you only look from far away. Usually they wouldn’t have met, but some circumstances mean for Adelaide having to stay in this tiny town. A tiny town with an annoying bookstore owner. And let’s not forget the annoying bookstore assistant Mila. The one who is just always there if you want it or not. Lol But it’s not only Mila, who I adore, who is annoying for Adelaide. Actually the whole town is.
But as we all know often what we dislike the most is what we need. And that’s exactly what happened here. When Ant is engaged by Adelaide’s assistant to help her with her book, Adelaide couldn’t be more unhappy. Very slowly she starts to see what was missing in her life during the last years and why she probably stumbled into her writing block. What also happens is that the tiny town where everyone seems to know everything about everyone, suddenly isn’t as annoying as it once was. Then there is mystery that has to be solved and well Ant just being so attractive. But it can’t be which is actually one of the things they actually agree on.
Of course we all know what happens at some point, but it’s about how they get there and all the fun they have or not have (lol) that make all the difference and that make me to say you just have to read for yourself. I definitely was very happy once again at the end, which makes me realise that I already said that before. Sorry not sorry I guess. ☺️ and now go and read. I’m sure you‘ll have just as much fun as I had.
Oh, there is one thing I almost forgot. I didn’t only laugh a lot, there is also one scene that made me a tiny bit cry. I am sure when you read it, you will know which scene. 😉
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All of these things we get once more. Once more Sienna Waters made me so happy with this opposite attracts rom-com. Even though a crime bookstore owner and a crime author should be a match made in heaven. At least that’s what you would think before you start to read this book.
Because the big American author Adelaide who fled the states to get rid of her writing block in England and Anthea (Ant) who lives in a small town couldn’t be more different. At least when you only look from far away. Usually they wouldn’t have met, but some circumstances mean for Adelaide having to stay in this tiny town. A tiny town with an annoying bookstore owner. And let’s not forget the annoying bookstore assistant Mila. The one who is just always there if you want it or not. Lol But it’s not only Mila, who I adore, who is annoying for Adelaide. Actually the whole town is.
But as we all know often what we dislike the most is what we need. And that’s exactly what happened here. When Ant is engaged by Adelaide’s assistant to help her with her book, Adelaide couldn’t be more unhappy. Very slowly she starts to see what was missing in her life during the last years and why she probably stumbled into her writing block. What also happens is that the tiny town where everyone seems to know everything about everyone, suddenly isn’t as annoying as it once was. Then there is mystery that has to be solved and well Ant just being so attractive. But it can’t be which is actually one of the things they actually agree on.
Of course we all know what happens at some point, but it’s about how they get there and all the fun they have or not have (lol) that make all the difference and that make me to say you just have to read for yourself. I definitely was very happy once again at the end, which makes me realise that I already said that before. Sorry not sorry I guess. ☺️ and now go and read. I’m sure you‘ll have just as much fun as I had.
Oh, there is one thing I almost forgot. I didn’t only laugh a lot, there is also one scene that made me a tiny bit cry. I am sure when you read it, you will know which scene. 😉
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2023
What can I say? Another great book. I thought THE REVENGE PLOT was Sienna’s best but I think QUEENS OF CRIME nudges it off the top of the list. At least for me. Then again, all of Sienna Waters’ books are top reads. If you want a rom-com that gives you a belly laugh, this is it. There’s also a little bit of ‘I’m not crying. I just have something in my eye.’ And the ending…a completely suitable and satisfying HEA for two characterful characters. I so enjoyed it. I know I ARC-ed it but Sienna Waters genuinely aced it.
May 22, 2024
Enjoyed this: made me laugh - especially the best friend who hides all the time - and felt, though a caricature, that it was based in reality. Recommended.
April 17, 2023
This was a fun, quick read with endearing characters. It's a low-angst, low-spice, sweet HEA. I love the bookstore setting and quirky friends. I wish there was a little more mystery to Edwina Banks, but it's all good. I highly recommend for a warm, fuzzy feeling.
March 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I am generally a fan of Sienna Waters so I had high expectations going in. I'm so glad it did not disappoint.
I found the book to be well-written, with relatable and likeable characters and a captivating story. Even the secondary characters were likeable and drew you in.
I definitely recommend this book.
I found the book to be well-written, with relatable and likeable characters and a captivating story. Even the secondary characters were likeable and drew you in.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 4, 2024
Anthea ‘Ant’ inherited her aunts’ bookshop in the small English provincial town of Whitebridge, specialising in detective books. Adelaide is a famous American writer of detective novels, writing under a pen name.
Adelaide is having writer’s block and rather a burn out, and has a forced stay in the town. Her agent hires Ant to assist Adelaide, to help her get past her writer’s block.
This is mostly a well written story, about how Adelaide, a difficult woman, gets help from the usually bubbly Ant, and together they get Adelaide writing again, and also find a deep attraction for each other. I like very much the way in which both characters internalise their attraction, that they talk about things, and avoid deep arguments. Adelaide is wary of people, thinking everybody wants her for something she can give them: fame, money or influence. Ant is the one that never takes from her, only gives. Ant is stuck in her own head, thinking she is never enough, and she finds it difficult to ask for help, especially as the shop is literally falling down around her.
This is not the best of Sienna Waters’ books. I really really wanted it to be better, as the story has so much potential, but I felt she lost the plot towards the end. The story is well thought out, well planned, with a fun storyline. It’s just she dropped the ball at some point towards the end, and never really managed to pick it up again.
That said, it is most certainly worth reading.
Adelaide is having writer’s block and rather a burn out, and has a forced stay in the town. Her agent hires Ant to assist Adelaide, to help her get past her writer’s block.
This is mostly a well written story, about how Adelaide, a difficult woman, gets help from the usually bubbly Ant, and together they get Adelaide writing again, and also find a deep attraction for each other. I like very much the way in which both characters internalise their attraction, that they talk about things, and avoid deep arguments. Adelaide is wary of people, thinking everybody wants her for something she can give them: fame, money or influence. Ant is the one that never takes from her, only gives. Ant is stuck in her own head, thinking she is never enough, and she finds it difficult to ask for help, especially as the shop is literally falling down around her.
This is not the best of Sienna Waters’ books. I really really wanted it to be better, as the story has so much potential, but I felt she lost the plot towards the end. The story is well thought out, well planned, with a fun storyline. It’s just she dropped the ball at some point towards the end, and never really managed to pick it up again.
That said, it is most certainly worth reading.
July 5, 2023
This was a fun and funny read. Lots of quirky characters and humor. Who wouldn't love an American mystery writer with writers block who runs afoul of the law in a small town in Britain with a close to failing mystery bookstore. Her punishment is having to stay in town since she's had her driver's license "held". Light hearted adventurers ensue!
March 12, 2023
This is Sienna Waters, writing with lots of humor and a little bit of drams. Character who are lovely. What more can you get. There is a laugh and a tear. I enjoyed this relaxed read very much.
I got an ARC for an honest review
I got an ARC for an honest review
March 7, 2023
TLDR: A bookstore owner and an author (F/F) team up to write a mystery novel, and their chemistry makes for a must-read.
If you delight in dark humor you will enjoy The Queens of Crime. This charming, ice queen, age-gap, dual point-of-view romance centers around Anthea Monroe. Set in rural England, Ant is the proprietress of a small bookstore that is struggling to make ends meet. It doesn’t help that her merchandise only consists of crime novels. Yes, Ant’s a lot obsessed with her favorite genre. When Adelaide Parker wanders into her store one afternoon, Ant unknowingly insults one of her favorite author's newest books. It is then that Adelaide decides Ant is small-minded because she lives in a small town and what can a bookstore owner possibly know about writing a mystery? But, doubt creeps in and Adelaide begins to wonder if even she knows how to write a mystery anymore. Can Ant help?
Firstly, I have come to understand that living with a crime-obsessed partner means having eyebrow-raising conversations about murder. Sometimes about my own murder. Sometimes because of a comment I may or may not make about dinner. But always because I do not deserve the absolutely wonderful person who has shared the last decade of her life with me. So, I love how authentic the dialogue comes across. It’s snappy and hilariously sarcastic. I laughed aloud more than once. Waters, I am learning, is quite adept at writing feel-good romance and I smiled from beginning to end.
Secondly, the story radiates charm. Everyone in the town knows everyone and gossip happens just as sure as the sun rises. Even the bookstore, a shrine to crime, is imbued with sentimentality. You read right. A bookstore, filled end-to-end with books about murder, is made sweet. If that hasn’t sold you, the side characters are quirky and fun. Mila is easily my favorite. And then, of course, there’s the central romance with two characters who love to hate each other. Is there anything more charming than falling in love with someone who is equal parts infuriating and intoxicating? If Pride and Prejudice is anything to go by, the answer to that question is “no.” Full stop.
While I think this book is excellent, the romance needs more shared bonding outside of the plot because Adelaide doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to getting to know Ant. I had a similar criticism about the last Waters book I read. The pacing is excellent and it’s difficult to put down. However, the text needs a moment to breathe and demonstrate how the characters might live together day-to-day if the relationship is to go forward. This slight change achieves several things. First, it establishes the characters as complementary parts by demonstrating what they do/don’t have in common. Second, it informs readers what the characters hope for their future. And third, their hope tells us what they’re scared to lose. Putting readers inside the minds of the characters makes the relationship more real.
Regardless, this book is worth sleepless nights and lazy afternoons. It’s humorous, charming, and best of all, fun.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you delight in dark humor you will enjoy The Queens of Crime. This charming, ice queen, age-gap, dual point-of-view romance centers around Anthea Monroe. Set in rural England, Ant is the proprietress of a small bookstore that is struggling to make ends meet. It doesn’t help that her merchandise only consists of crime novels. Yes, Ant’s a lot obsessed with her favorite genre. When Adelaide Parker wanders into her store one afternoon, Ant unknowingly insults one of her favorite author's newest books. It is then that Adelaide decides Ant is small-minded because she lives in a small town and what can a bookstore owner possibly know about writing a mystery? But, doubt creeps in and Adelaide begins to wonder if even she knows how to write a mystery anymore. Can Ant help?
Firstly, I have come to understand that living with a crime-obsessed partner means having eyebrow-raising conversations about murder. Sometimes about my own murder. Sometimes because of a comment I may or may not make about dinner. But always because I do not deserve the absolutely wonderful person who has shared the last decade of her life with me. So, I love how authentic the dialogue comes across. It’s snappy and hilariously sarcastic. I laughed aloud more than once. Waters, I am learning, is quite adept at writing feel-good romance and I smiled from beginning to end.
Secondly, the story radiates charm. Everyone in the town knows everyone and gossip happens just as sure as the sun rises. Even the bookstore, a shrine to crime, is imbued with sentimentality. You read right. A bookstore, filled end-to-end with books about murder, is made sweet. If that hasn’t sold you, the side characters are quirky and fun. Mila is easily my favorite. And then, of course, there’s the central romance with two characters who love to hate each other. Is there anything more charming than falling in love with someone who is equal parts infuriating and intoxicating? If Pride and Prejudice is anything to go by, the answer to that question is “no.” Full stop.
While I think this book is excellent, the romance needs more shared bonding outside of the plot because Adelaide doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to getting to know Ant. I had a similar criticism about the last Waters book I read. The pacing is excellent and it’s difficult to put down. However, the text needs a moment to breathe and demonstrate how the characters might live together day-to-day if the relationship is to go forward. This slight change achieves several things. First, it establishes the characters as complementary parts by demonstrating what they do/don’t have in common. Second, it informs readers what the characters hope for their future. And third, their hope tells us what they’re scared to lose. Putting readers inside the minds of the characters makes the relationship more real.
Regardless, this book is worth sleepless nights and lazy afternoons. It’s humorous, charming, and best of all, fun.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Queens of Crime.' We first meet Ant and Mila discussing Mila disappearing when people walk into the bookstore. Adelaide has a run in with a tractor that I found absolutely maddening and funny all at once. When I read the tractor scene, I was like Ms. Sienna introduced a character that has road rage at a tractor! Hilarious! Loved it and that's my favorite part of the whole book.
Ant is trying to come up with ways to make "The Queens of Crime" relevant and popular again but feels she will step on her aunt's toes.
While Adelaide is stuck in Whitebridge, the first thing she does is to walk into The Queens of Crime and sees her books on a display. Adelaide is hiding a secret from her agent that has her scared besides other things that are bothering her. While being stuck in Whitebridge Ant and Adelaide strike up a friendship that could turn into more. All they have to do is take the plunge.
I absolutely enjoyed the journey Ms. Sienna takes us readers through in this delightful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ant is trying to come up with ways to make "The Queens of Crime" relevant and popular again but feels she will step on her aunt's toes.
While Adelaide is stuck in Whitebridge, the first thing she does is to walk into The Queens of Crime and sees her books on a display. Adelaide is hiding a secret from her agent that has her scared besides other things that are bothering her. While being stuck in Whitebridge Ant and Adelaide strike up a friendship that could turn into more. All they have to do is take the plunge.
I absolutely enjoyed the journey Ms. Sienna takes us readers through in this delightful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2023
It had a really great start. But it fell off at the second half of the book.
I find starting chapters to be my discerning factor on whether the book would be worth finishing.The first few chapters were well written and were able to set the scene while also introducing the main characters into the story. Adelaide and Ant had such distinctive personalities, they were similar yet so different. The plot surrounding this was quite interesting to read.
However, the downfall for this book for me was mainly the plot. There were a few things i disliked. Like where did the podcast go? I know the whole podcast was ruined, but it just ended like that? Also, the way Adelaide was able to write her book quite quickly really put me off. The romance development was a little too quick for my liking, and the way everything was resolved at the end made me want to bang the wall. I didn't really like the fast-paced conclusion and the crashing of the party at all. In the end, i felt that the story was a bit bland.
The side characters in the town were funny to read, and overall, the writing was fine.
2.5 stars.
I find starting chapters to be my discerning factor on whether the book would be worth finishing.The first few chapters were well written and were able to set the scene while also introducing the main characters into the story. Adelaide and Ant had such distinctive personalities, they were similar yet so different. The plot surrounding this was quite interesting to read.
However, the downfall for this book for me was mainly the plot. There were a few things i disliked. Like where did the podcast go? I know the whole podcast was ruined, but it just ended like that? Also, the way Adelaide was able to write her book quite quickly really put me off. The romance development was a little too quick for my liking, and the way everything was resolved at the end made me want to bang the wall. I didn't really like the fast-paced conclusion and the crashing of the party at all. In the end, i felt that the story was a bit bland.
The side characters in the town were funny to read, and overall, the writing was fine.
2.5 stars.
February 18, 2024
super cutie! and i loved reading this with a british accent LOLOLOL
my cawpile score is a 3.71! i thought the characters were fun to read about, even if mila and max sort of came out of nowhere. i loved the topic of family, and what it means to be one. the pov switches did occasionally get lost on me, since this story is told in 3rd person narration, but the narration itself i liked i just would sometimes get confused with exactly whose perspective i was reading at times.
the romance felt very realistic. in the sense that they knew what they wanted, they struggled to accept what they wanted, and they were completely straight up with each other while figuring it out. the banter and fighting turned to lust was such a fun progression that i think was greatly spread out out throughout.
all in all, this was a solid book. it’s small town fun adventures but also queer love at its best. very cute and wholesome.
my cawpile score is a 3.71! i thought the characters were fun to read about, even if mila and max sort of came out of nowhere. i loved the topic of family, and what it means to be one. the pov switches did occasionally get lost on me, since this story is told in 3rd person narration, but the narration itself i liked i just would sometimes get confused with exactly whose perspective i was reading at times.
the romance felt very realistic. in the sense that they knew what they wanted, they struggled to accept what they wanted, and they were completely straight up with each other while figuring it out. the banter and fighting turned to lust was such a fun progression that i think was greatly spread out out throughout.
all in all, this was a solid book. it’s small town fun adventures but also queer love at its best. very cute and wholesome.
March 8, 2023
Nearly ninety percent of this book was excellent,credible and edged with clearly defined characters. Romantic, funny, light hearted and moving along at a good pace.
The last part, however, left me wondering what happened to our author. Was she called away and had to leave someone else to finish the last couple of chapters. The epilogue looks like her writing again - crisp and with humour that has her touch.
Those foreign chapters , however, looked rushed, took on a Walt Disney make-believe cum fairy story air and left reality in the parking lot. Even Sienna can’t completely get away with. Almost but not completely.
So sorry I can’t give this book I otherwise loved, the max stars. Just nicely edgey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The last part, however, left me wondering what happened to our author. Was she called away and had to leave someone else to finish the last couple of chapters. The epilogue looks like her writing again - crisp and with humour that has her touch.
Those foreign chapters , however, looked rushed, took on a Walt Disney make-believe cum fairy story air and left reality in the parking lot. Even Sienna can’t completely get away with. Almost but not completely.
So sorry I can’t give this book I otherwise loved, the max stars. Just nicely edgey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚👩🏼💻🚓🫖🎉
I think it's safe to say that Sienna is the Queen of Grumpy/Sunshine characters. I've read three of her books and this seems to be a recurring theme. I absolutely loved this one just like I loved the others.
This enemies-to-lovers, age-gap, boss/employee (kind of), rich vs poor, ice queen and sunshine love story was amazing to read. I loved the plot instantly, I mean who couldn't when a crime book shop owner who knows everything there is to know about crime has been employed to help a crime author with writers block?
I loved the found family, the characters, the town and the way both Ant and Ad realized that they were worth so much more than they thought.
This book was beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
📚👩🏼💻🚓🫖🎉
I think it's safe to say that Sienna is the Queen of Grumpy/Sunshine characters. I've read three of her books and this seems to be a recurring theme. I absolutely loved this one just like I loved the others.
This enemies-to-lovers, age-gap, boss/employee (kind of), rich vs poor, ice queen and sunshine love story was amazing to read. I loved the plot instantly, I mean who couldn't when a crime book shop owner who knows everything there is to know about crime has been employed to help a crime author with writers block?
I loved the found family, the characters, the town and the way both Ant and Ad realized that they were worth so much more than they thought.
This book was beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2024
What is there to not love about this book. A small village, full of quirky characters including a bookshop owner who just wants to carry on the the legacy of her great aunts by keeping the bookshop they established running.....even though it is quite literally falling down around her. Then there's the (not so icy) ice queen author who just wants to escape from her life and in the process of running finds herself stranded in the small village in the middle of nowhere. And despite their best efforts to not fall in love, too many arguments leading to makeout sessions, lots of stubbornness on both sides and interference from the other villages residents, the end result is a very funny journey towards a happy ever after.
This is the first book by Sienna Waters that I've read and if her other books are anywhere near as good I will definitely reading more of her work.
This is the first book by Sienna Waters that I've read and if her other books are anywhere near as good I will definitely reading more of her work.
March 9, 2023
American novelist travels to England when late to come up with contracted next book. A fairly random road rage outburst (that’s not that well explained) gets her stranded in a small country village when a policeman takes her driving licence from her. That’s not quite how things work in the uk but suspension of disbelief got me past that point.
It’s a testament to SWs writing that I didn’t mind the contrived set up and enjoyed the developing relationship. I loved the witty and sarcastic dialogue and getting to know the characters; both main and supporting.
An easy read with good pacing and characters you can root for. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a testament to SWs writing that I didn’t mind the contrived set up and enjoyed the developing relationship. I loved the witty and sarcastic dialogue and getting to know the characters; both main and supporting.
An easy read with good pacing and characters you can root for. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
Ant ,the owner of a bookshop that deals in crime is asked to help Adelaide Park , best selling crime novelist with her new book by her sole agent in the uk. Adelaide is not too thrilled with the idea of stuck in a little English town in the middle of nowhere . She is much annoyed at Ant and that suffering book assistant Mila. Ant is off women after being unceremoniously dumped by Sarah… The humour in the book is class and the pairing of the two opposites is bound to happen, the in between run up is what makes a good romcom better. My first book by this author but already scanning the shelves for more of this author.
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.
November 16, 2024
An enjoyable read in which the author gets the balance between the story's setting, characters and dialogue right.
Specifically:
- One of the MCs, Ant, was brought up by a sapphic couple. I feel we don't see enough of this kind of representation.
- The other MC, Adelaide - well, her name is 'Adelaide Park'. LOL!
- The secondary characters are quirky, funny, and suitably realised for their roles in the story.
- There are echoes of the Vicar of Dibley(TV show) in the story's humour.
There is an age-gap between the MCs, but it makes sense for their characters and the circumstances in which they meet.
Specifically:
- One of the MCs, Ant, was brought up by a sapphic couple. I feel we don't see enough of this kind of representation.
- The other MC, Adelaide - well, her name is 'Adelaide Park'. LOL!
- The secondary characters are quirky, funny, and suitably realised for their roles in the story.
- There are echoes of the Vicar of Dibley(TV show) in the story's humour.
There is an age-gap between the MCs, but it makes sense for their characters and the circumstances in which they meet.
October 5, 2023
Annoying, then delightul...
I found this story difficult to read at first because one of the protagonists is so grumpy, even mean. But by halfway she's beginning to thaw, and the other main character is so sweet that she helped me get through the unpleasantness. As time goes on, conflicts arise, and both characters alternate between frustrating and adorable. But by the end, as conflicts are resolved and solutions to dilemmas are arrived at - and love takes charge - the story is quite delightful.
I found this story difficult to read at first because one of the protagonists is so grumpy, even mean. But by halfway she's beginning to thaw, and the other main character is so sweet that she helped me get through the unpleasantness. As time goes on, conflicts arise, and both characters alternate between frustrating and adorable. But by the end, as conflicts are resolved and solutions to dilemmas are arrived at - and love takes charge - the story is quite delightful.
March 12, 2023
Another brilliant read by Ms Waters, who, in my opinion is one of the best sapphic writers out there. This time its about an ice queen crime author who ‘escapes’ America to come to the UK. Once in the UK, she ends up committing a small misdemeanour which means she has to stay in a small English village. Once there she meets a crime bookshop owner, who is asked to help with the ice queens new book. Good interesting plot, with humour and a HEA. Really enjoyed it.
March 22, 2023
This book was wonderful. I really enjoyed the verbal sparring that lasted throughout the book. Great characters and all sounded truly British and had their own distinct voices. The humour was wonderful and made me laugh out loud numerous times.
The story was fresh and original and I loved how long the epilogue was. Brilliant!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was fresh and original and I loved how long the epilogue was. Brilliant!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2023
While I liked one of the protagonists for being a bit quirky, a bit guarded, and a bit hard-shelled, but still good-natured and open-minded and kind; I disliked the other one for being unnecessarily rude, I'll-mannered, argumentative without reason, and just icky. I don't know how this romance happened. But, because Ant was cool, and Mila was even cooler (her quirky best friend), I put up with Ad till the end. It wasn't the most pleasurable read, but had some good moments.
March 23, 2023
Small village, big hearts romance. Sienna Waters is one of my very favourite authors and Queens of Crime is a fantastic edition to her 'American meets Englishwoman' collection. Written in her signature easy reading gentle humour style, the characters are funny, likeable, ecclectic and just all around great representation of small village personalities. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2023
an author with dome driving challenges, and perhaps some creative challenges, finds herself stranded with what might be the solution to any number of challenges for her
creative, cultural and career challenges might not be as significant as possible- or perhaps just what they both needed
fun, funny and filled with great characters
creative, cultural and career challenges might not be as significant as possible- or perhaps just what they both needed
fun, funny and filled with great characters
April 19, 2023
Ad and Ant
Adeline Park is a best selling American author whose run away to England. Anthea Monroe owns The Queens of Crime bookstore. When Ad ends up stuck in Whitebridge after her license is taken for a month, her agent hires Ant to help with her writer’s block. A quirky cast of characters makes for a funny and entertaining story. Love it
Adeline Park is a best selling American author whose run away to England. Anthea Monroe owns The Queens of Crime bookstore. When Ad ends up stuck in Whitebridge after her license is taken for a month, her agent hires Ant to help with her writer’s block. A quirky cast of characters makes for a funny and entertaining story. Love it
April 24, 2023
Ant and Adelaide don't make the most convincing romantic couple, but this is an amusing tale. There is a decent supporting cast consisting mostly of stock English countryside characters. Of particular note is shop assistant Mila, an unapologetic introvert who pops up from behind the counter at the most inconvenient times. This is a fun read with a satisfying conclusion.
May 28, 2023
3.5 stars if half points were allowed. This was a sweet and fluffy little romance. Some parts were a bit too unlikely and I am a bit to literal at times which pulled me out of the book. I really enjoyed the best friend character who reminded me of Orla from Derry Girls- which made it even more enjoyable. I wish the MC's quirkiness had been leaned into more than just in the first few pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews