Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Baby Queen
SERIES: The Court #3
AUTHOR: Charlie Novak
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 288 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2024
BLURB:
Note to self: falling for the new queen you’re mentoring will only lead to trouble.
Being broke, single, and homeless after winning the UK’s biggest drag show wasn’t how my life was supposed to go. I’m meant to be the one with everything, but thanks to an unscrupulous tour company I’ve got nothing but my image and a mountain of debt.
Moving back home with my mum and taking the first gig I’m offered in a local drag panto is supposed to help me get back on my feet, but meeting Colin tangles me up more than ever.
Colin desperately wants to start doing drag and suddenly I’m helping a baby queen find her feet while falling head over heels for the man behind the lashes.
We all know mixing these power dynamics is a recipe for trouble, but my life is already a mess. Will falling for Colin really spell disaster or is he the only thing keeping me upright in my seven-inch heels?
REVIEW:
Charlie once again excels in this latest book in the series. I liked and enjoyed the previous books, but this one exceeded my expectations. I loved how Charlie explores the murky world of Drag Queens, we all think it is glitz and glamour and a wonderful life and don’t think of how they can be exploited for their talent and fame and the aftermath this exploitation leaves behind.
Anthony has gone from the highest highs, winning Drag Stars UK he finds himself broke, in a mountain of debt and having to move back in with his Mum. I found the portrayal of his state of mind to be compelling all the negative emotions he has, as he struggles to come to grips with what has happened and what he needs to do. His self-doubt, was it his fault, should he have realised what was happening. All the negative emotions to deal with.
Then Colin comes bursting into his life, like a ray of sunshine, eager to start drag. Uncertain and unsure testing out makeup and looks but not convinced he is making the right choices. Two very unlikely people, both outsiders in the area but together they form a strong friendship and maybe a bit more.
When Barbie Summers decided to make Colin her Baby Queen and take her under her wing, she couldn’t have seen what this decision would lead to. Colin, on the face of it, seems like a scholarly nerd, doing a PHd at the university but he is exceptional in his pole dancing classes and dreams of getting up on stage as a Drag Queen.
Watching the friendship between Colin and Anthony develop was magical, as Anthony builds his confidence and helps Colin find his Drag self. In return Colin helps Anthony realise how much he misses being Barbie Summers and how he never wants to give her up.
It was great to see old friends from the other books pop up and get involved, offering Barbie Summers friendship and acceptance. Embracing Colin into the tightknit Drag Community and giving her advice, encouragement, and friendship.
This book tugs on the heartstrings for all Barbie Summers achieved and lost due to trusting unscrupulous people but it is also a feel-good book. The romance between Colin and Anthony was wonderful, not forced but natural, evolving from their strong friendship. This is my favourite book of the series so far.
RATING: 
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