"Being Queen of the Universe costs!"

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.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted October 5, 2005