Wicket Maiden | Sports Romance | Chrissie Harrison

Paperback

Synopsis
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.

WICKET MAIDEN is the first in a women’s cricket trilogy.

Reviews:

“A fun will they won’t they kind of romance novel. I really enjoyed being immersed into the world of women’s cricket. It’s an unusual backdrop but Harrison really made it work. Harrison is going on my list of rom-com writers – Wicket Maiden is a fab read and you don’t need to be a cricket fan to enjoy it!”

“I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing style. The two main characters Ellie and Adam were brilliant and I couldn’t help but like them - they click straight away.”

“It’s a lovely, very considerately done read which, as well as featuring a gentle and sweetly awkward romance. The cricket is also genuinely immersive and exciting.”

“Whilst this is a sports romance, there is so much more going on here. There is also a gentle humour running through.
Sports romance seems to be having a moment right now, and it is great to see a different sport given the chance to shine.”

Tropes:

• Hurt/ Comfort
• Slow burn
• Strong FMC
• Only one bed with a difference
• No 3rd act break-up
• Cinnamon roll MMC
• Sports romance