Ellie is a professional cricketer but she has been having a tough time over the last few months. Some things happened in her life that meant that she lost a bit of focus, and she was also injured. Now she's fully recovered and she is aiming to get back to the top, to reclaim her spot in the English cricket team and she doesn't need any distractions. At the same time, in the back of her mind she is starting to think about the big question of what comes after cricket.
Adam is a big fan of the Scorpions cricket team, and particularly of Ellie, but not in a stalkerish way. He is also an artist and a photographer who does whatever work he can to make ends meet. When their paths begin to cross, Adam knows he likes her, but he has no intentions of dating a famous person, particularly since he was dumped by his ex who was a wannabe social media influencer.
As they spend more time together they both push away from anything more but they are drawn to each other. Adam has long admired Ellie's dedication and drive and she admires his artistic flair and wishes he would push himself forward more!
Whilst this is a sports romance, there is so much more going on here with sub themes around grief, epilepsy, the impact of social media particularly on well known people and more. There is also a gentle humour running through. One clever little thing is that each of the chapters is headed as 1st Over, 2nd Over, 3rd Over etc. At the back of the book the author has shared a list of Easter Eggs where the cricket action was inspired by something that happened in real life and also a guide to the fielding positions which is useful. If you weren't a cricket fan a term like Silly Mid On would make no sense at all without the guide!
Sports romance seems to be having a moment right now, and it is great to see a different sport given the chance to shine. I don't think I have even read a cricket romance where the man is the sport star. I do wonder what someone who doesn't understand cricket would make of it, but then again there are millions of cricket fans around the world so there would still be a super huge market. Growing up in Australia, you can't really avoid cricket in summer and I have been known to head to the MCG to watch Australia play along with 100000 other people! I must confess I can only name a few women cricketers though
I also love that some of the proceeds of this book are going to the grass roots of women's cricket, so I hope that this book gets lots of sales!
This is the first in a trilogy so I will be interested to see who the next cricketer is to have their story told.
I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.
Rating 3/5
About the bookWicket Maiden
WICKET MAIDEN is a groundbreaking romantic comedy set in the world of women’s cricket.
It’s the start of a new season for professional women’s cricket team The Scorpions.
Acclaimed batter Ellie, 32, is returning to the game after a long injury, determined to regain her form and her place in the England squad. This is her last chance, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.
Cricket fan Adam, 34, an artist and photographer, has followed Ellie and the team through highs and lows. He’s drawn to her talent, athleticism and public persona - but is content to be a face in the crowd, cheering her on. He’d never date a famous person, anyway.
When events on and off the pitch bring Ellie and Adam together, friendship blossoms, and their careers initially soar. Yet, with romance in the air, Ellie loses focus, jeopardising her dream.
What’s more important to them both - love, or cricket?
A share of the book’s royalties will be donated to pertinent clubs and organisations who champion the development of grassroots, girls’ and women’s cricket.
The story echoes the film “Notting Hill” – the challenge of love between a ‘star’ and a ‘normal person’.
The book touches on the good and bad sides of fame, and shines a light on women’s cricket – the mental and physical challenges, pressure of relentless media attention, community outreach, fan engagement, and the finite nature of the career of professional athletes. Above this, it is, of course, a love story.
The book is a non-spicy romance, and also includes neurodiversity and epilepsy representation.
Purchase Links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wicket-Maiden-groundbreaking-womens-cricket-ebook/dp/B0DVMPT1DN/ https://www.amazon.com/Wicket-Maiden-groundbreaking-womens-cricket-ebook/dp/B0DVMPT1DN/ About the Author I’m an incurable romantic at heart, and a sucker for great humour. I’ve been writing for many years, and all the stories contain either love, or humour, or both – I simply can’t keep these elements out of my work.
I’m inspired by the big and small screen as well as books, and have a soft spot for Richard Curtis’ romcoms, timeless TV comedy like The Good Life and Blackadder, less well-known feelgood films and romances (Always, Forget Paris, Roxanne), and books which make me laugh (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, The Rosie Project).
I have a soft spot for stories with strong women and nerdy or hapless guys.
Fundamentally, I try to write the books I like to read. I hope to distil humour, romance – and sometimes pathos or bittersweet vibes – into my novels.
Outside of writing, I enjoy photography, great scenery, a nice peaceful train ride, delicious coffee and cake, and catching up with old friends. I’m also something of a geek, fascinated by maths, science and even fonts!
Chrissie Harrison is a pen name.
Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrissieHarrison https://www.instagram.com/authorchrissieharrison/ https://www.tiktok.com/@authorchrissieharrison https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorChrissieHarrison https://www.chrissieharrison.co.uk
