Customer Reviews

Queen Of The Universe

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Morning news anchor Kelsy Chandler feels life is great as she enjoys her job, shares a deep love of one another with her child, and has the respect and adulation of her handsome fiancé, undercover police officer Finn Bishop. Perhaps the only down side is that Finn's work makes it difficult for them to share moments alone especially since her son is always around.

Finn would journey into hell if he could make Kelsy happy as she is the QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE, at least in his galaxy. Because of that belief, Finn risks his job to spend time with his beloved in Montana because an undercover cop cannot take a vacation when they are on a case. Meanwhile Kelsy has a career opportunity, but hides the offer from Finn while she considers whether she wants to take the position. Soon the two lovers learn how complex life can get when they omit to tell each other the truth as the web of deceit grows out of control. Both knows they must talk, but each is reluctant fearing the response.

This intriguing contemporary romance works on two levels: the career decisions that impact family especially when mobility and relocating are significant factors for promotions and how omissions can take a life of their own. The character driven story line looks deep at relationships as Finn wants to prove to his once burned beloved that she means everything to him while Kelsy ponders whether giving up her career to become a wife as she once was is too risky. Fans will enjoy this delightful love story.

Harriet Klausner

Nowhere on the cover, or in the first pages before the story, is this book listed as a sequel to Prince of Frogs, yet it reads like a sequel. You have the impression you were already supposed to know some back-story on these characters. Reading this one on its own, you feel a little bit like you've been thrown into the middle of it. I just came to Amazon and checked Prince of Frogs. It's clear from the synopsis that Prince of Frogs came first and should be read first.

As another reviewer points out, the style is a little different, but I'm otherwise enjoying the book. I don't completely get these characters, but I like the plot and I definitely want to keep reading to find out what happens.

Boring plot, boring characters, pointless fighting between the two main characters that goes on and on and on. This book interested me a little in the beginning but eventually I found the two main characters, Kelsey and Finn, so darn annoying, I skimmed the remainder of the book away. At one point, Finn actually wishes that he and Kelsey (his girlfriend) someday get caught having sex by Kelsey's son. He's five - need I say more?

Barbara Plum addresses the troubles of a woman having it all, and the price of being "Queen of the Universe". Kelsy Chandler, is late 30-something lass, beautiful, sexy and seemingly has it all her way. Her life is fairly well ordered. She loves her five-year-old son and he loves her. She has a great job in television - okay she has one creep of a boss, but a lass cannot have everything. She has a sexy man - a decade younger than her - who sees her as the Queen of his Universe.

Only, life is never that simple. Her fiancé, Finn Bishop, is an undercover cop, so sometimes he has problems "being there". Job comes first, it seems. Then there is so little time for romance as son is always around eyeballing the couple. Small cracks in the perfect world are showing up. She is in her late 30s, with a much younger fiancé. What happens in ten years when he wants children of his own and she doesn't? Fears of the relationship disintegrating as "sag" sets in, she wonders if she shouldn't concentrate on her career.

As Finn's job and her work to separate them, communication stops and their love begins to falter. They are no longer talking to each other about these issues that matter. A career advancement is offered to Kelsey, but she holds back from discussing it with Finn, fearing it will make matters worse between them. The less they talk, the worse things become and Kelsy's perfect world is no longer so perfect. Fear keeps them locked into this silent relationship that is spiraling beyond her control.

Plum has demonstrated in her previous works, a bent for not following formula. Some might not "get her" if they are looking for a "quick read". She asks the reader stick with the story, and for that request she rewards them with emotional involvement. At times, the reader will want to smack Kelsy, other times they are howling at her antics. In this society of two career couples, addressing whose career is more important is a decision face by many couples, so Kudos for Plum tackling the problem with such original flare.

Plum's insistence to do fresh tales that don't follow typical formulas will gradually find her audience. Until then, the ones of us who `get her' will just have to spread by word of mouth what a talent she is. Highly enjoyable, worthwhile read.