Queen

Gambler's Daughters #2

by Sharon Sala

A Southern Cinderella who longs for adventure may find her prince waiting close to home in the USA Today–bestselling author’s contemporary romance.No stranger to responsibility, Queen Houston took good care of her younger sisters when their errant dad was otherwise occupied. Now that the girls are all grown up, Queen is finally free to pursue her own dreams. And she knows they're bound to take her farther than the Tennessee hills . . . some day.Cody Bonner loves being the father of three young boys, though raising them on his own is a handful. Then Queen shows up. From the very start Cody knows this fiery, flame-haired lady is much more than just a housekeeper. Her remarkable heart and passion move him in ways he's never felt before. The proud, handsome widower's got a love in him that could make Queen happy for the rest of her days. All he has to do is convince her restless royal highness that the sweetest dreams of all wait just inside his door . . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Chick Lit, Family, Childrens

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

Biography



Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did something that I never normally do. I started this older series out of order. Looks like I am on my way to reading all of them. But, it's Sharon Sala. Her books are always entertaining. 😎

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, it is the middle book in a trilogy about three sister. I think how you feel about each book depends on how you connect with each woman. For some reason Queen my least favorite, though it was still an above average read. I do suggest reading the books in order and enjoying the ride these women go on that circles back to where it began, the strength of sisters love.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now I want three little boys and a home in the mountains. Could do without the serial killer, though.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. FuN. FUN!!! This book is pure FUN!!! Sharon Sala has a way of making her characters come to life bit by bit. Like most people, they are also complex. Queen started off as a woman who took no prisoners and was tough as nails. She doesn’t stay that way, but in her change, she gives up none of her independence or toughness. She simply adds another layer. Or, maybe more accurately, she allows another layer that’s always been there to be seen. This book is a series of coincidences. Life can turn on a dime and no one knows that better than Queen and Cody. This book will have you laughing on one page, close to tears on the next, and spitting mad within two more pages. Wonderful story, Ms. Sala!

[Michaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely feels it's age (it was originally published in the early 1990s) the same story line wouldn't work now with cell phones and the internet. I also found Queen character development slightly annoying - she went from being a tough, strong female to crying at the drop of the hat and fainting rather melodramatically. I'm not saying strong people shouldn't cry, just that she does it an awful lot. All that said I still enjoyed the book and it held my attention to the end.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gamblers Daughters series and it was great. Queen was always there for her two sisters when they needed her so why would she not be three for three young’s boys who were being taken from their home by social services. No one would listen that their daddy was missing but Queen did and she protected them from everything but her heart. What a wonderful story about being there for someone even if you don’t know how. Great read

[J Lynn todd]

This Queen totally ruled!

Great read! Story had some heartstopping moments as we saw the passion and romance grow for Queen and Cody. And those.precious boys!!! I am not the only reader who wanted to wring that grandmother's neck! Really liked the Dennis chat and maybe the author can find him his forever love too

[Teresa R.Fieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book !!!

I could not put this book down. I know it’s one of Ms Sala older books but it was so good. Cody and his 3 boys loved Queen so much . It had a wonderful ending can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[P. Gilholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Lots of suspense mixed with love and emotions that make you feel warm and gooey inside!.A true happy ending after a story that reels you in and doesn't let go until the last page. Then you wish it wasn't over! Can't wait for the next one!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read number three

so much emotion and such a wonderful story. Sharon Salsa got it right and tears,to boot . She said it right women cry and yes she brought me to tears happy tears.

[Irene M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

story aging nicely

You can definitely tell this is a pre-internet, pre-cellphones story, but it’s sweet and aging nicely. I wasn’t sure about Queen in book 1 (Diamond) but I really love her and the Bonner family in this one.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review

Sharon Sala you are a marvel. Poignantly heart wrenching, and undeniably unforgettable writing. I never seem to be able to put down any of your stories. Loved it!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything l have read by Sharon Sala. She gives you a little of romance and mystery in every book. I recommend her books a lot when asked for a good read!

[Nancy Kroeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen

Queen was a can't put down story! Sharon Sala is an amazing story teller! I can hardly wait to download Lucky.

[Mum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one is my favorite in the trilogy. Queenie is engaging heroine with more inner strength than most. I loved her pluck and determination. It was a good story.

[ghislaine belair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I loved the characters, the romance and the story.

[Geeah Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this book so many times I can quote it verbatim. And yet, I still loved it. My first intro to single dad/ nanny trope and where I fell in love.

[AlohaMyPikachu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Sharon Sala's Gambler's Daughters series. I've already read all three books in the series and this is my favorite. I'm just a sucker for a book that has kids, home and hearth. Queen Houston leaves her poverty-stricken town and sets out for one destination, but gets sidetracked on the way. Despite having just relinquished responsibility of her two younger sisters, she steps into the role of caregiver to three motherless boys with hardly any qualms. I love books like this where it focuses a lot on family. Also, if anyone is familiar with Ms. Sala's more recent books, they deal with a villain that is out to hurt or kill the heroine, and the hero happens to be along for the ride. This series isn't quite like that, and as a fan of Ms. Sala, it's a nice change from her 21st century heart-thumping suspense novels. This book in particular, the heroine finds antagonists from a couple of corners. An escaped convict and the hero's former mother-in-law who is dead-set on getting her grandsons by any means possible.

What I find great about this series are a couple of things. The first is that because these books are set in the days before the internet and cell phones became a staple, they lend a charm to it that can't be captured in 21st century books. The whole series is based on the premis that three sisters lose their father to a heart attack, sell their home and set out for parts unknown. They have the idea of staying in touch, but lose that fragile connection and need to find a way to reconnect. The books can be read separately without having read the others in the series.

Overall, a great series and I would highly recommend it to any romance fan.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 2 out of 5]

synopsis:
queen's father dies, leaving his daughters free to leave town. he was the town joke, and they are all happy to get away from everything. queen ends up on a bus and gets off when she sees some children being hasseled by the local sheriff. she pretends that she has been called in to look after them. the children are concerned about their father, because he was supposed to be back, but has been missing for over a day now. queen goes home with them and starts setting the house to rights. when cody comes home after being delayed, he finds his "cousin" installed in the house, and order reigning.

what i liked: the kids. realistic portrayal of them.

what i didn't like: the rest of the story. i didn't like the writing style, the characters, etc. i just couldn't get into the writing style.

[mari (givemaribooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a million years ago and for some reason it has become a comfort re-read. I've read the whole series, but I did not like those book anywhere near as much as this one. It is bit outdated, but there is something about this story and this characters that really resonated with me; I really fell for this couple and these kids.

[Cheri D Mendenhall]

Very good

This one of the first Sharon Sala's book I had read many years ago, it's still very good after rereading it. I liked all of the characters in this book, the way Queen got her family after all. It did remind me that too bad Dennis didn't get his own story too.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a three book story. Queen.... Diamond..... and lucky........ Really good books. I had never read any of Sharon Sala befor these but i am sure i will read more of hers.

[Lesli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. Perfect for the beach. Typical Sharon Sala fare. Fast paced.

[Nath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 (B)

[Ruth Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Queen. Finding herself free of any responsibilities manages to find more on her trip to finding herself. A truly wonderful romantic story. Sharon Sala never misses.

[Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

1/1/2007 read