Review: American Queen by Sierra Simone

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Ever since we fell head-over-heels in love with Priest by Sierra Simone, I've been waiting for her next book, hoping that it would knock my socks off just as thoroughly. Well, I've been slacking a bit this year in following authors, and their coming releases, closely. In other words, I haven't been author stalking like I should be. So it was nearly release day when I learned that Ms. Simone was shortly releasing a new book. I ran to Goodreads to check the book summary and proceeded to wait impatiently for the book to hit my Nook app. 

 Fortunately I had a quiet weekend with the house all to myself, so when I got my hot little hands on American Queen I was able to dive in and wallow in it, finishing it in about a day, barely surfacing for food and sleep. It was glorious.

 Come with me through the jump and I'll tell about American Queen, why I am awed by it, and why I will be stalking Sierra Simone much better from now on. I'll try to keep my spoilers to a minimum. 


Sierra Simone is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. She pushes the limits and makes you think, building relationships that aren't traditional, that might be uncomfortable, but always show stunning depths of emotion and connection. You can probably tell from the book summary that the central relationship is going to develop into a love triangle, but the configuration of the three points ends up being utterly unexpected and riveting. It's not your typical heroine-can't-decide-who-she-loves situation. It's so much more complex and surprising, which seems to be where Sierra Simone excels. 

 I loved the way she revealed the layers of the central relationship, making what could have been an eye-rolling insta-love into something so much deeper. Here's the point at which I don't want to give too much away, but I thought the choice to show moments in time from the present and two points in the past was perfect, giving readers just enough information to keep us guessing, wondering, and always turning pages. I need to reread the book understanding where it ends up, because I love seeing those clues scattered throughout that I always miss the first time. 

 I also adored the Arthurian touches that gave this already wonderful book another added dimension. My knowledge of Arthurian legend is limited, I admit, but I loved seeing all of the classic characters and plots I know in a modern story. In fact, it makes me want to delve deeper into tales of Camelot, intrigued to know if these same affairs show up in the old legends. At any rate, the brilliant touch gave an already wonderful story an added literary flair that sets it apart from your typical contemporary romance. 
But make no mistake: this book is also classic Sierra Simone with impeccable smut. It definitely has a certain kink that won't be everyone's cup of tea, but the story will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. Filthy, filthy smut, woven into a love story that left me speechless by the end. 

 I was riveted by American Queen, finishing it in less than a day, only to find out at the end that it's the first in a trilogy. American Prince is scheduled to release in March of 2017, and American King in August. Thank goodness they are each just a few months apart, because I'm not sure I'd make it with a year or more between each book. Until then, I'll be stalking Ms. Simone so that I never miss a release. 

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