The Flower Queen: A 1970's Suspense Romance

by Kay Freeman

It began with a dying husband and it ended in a dynasty.

It took away her husband’s pain on his deathbed, kept her from losing the family farm, gave her the power to build a thriving business, but it’s illegal to grow in every state in the country in 1978. It even brings her first love from high school back; the only problem he works for the FBI. Will their occupations implode their romance or will the opposite happen? A second chance at love, opposites attract , rags to riches heroine trope story.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2024

About the author

Kay has an undergraduate degree from Moore College of Art and Design and an MFA from Vermont College.

Author Skye Warren's book, The Pawn, was the first romance book that she fell in love with.

She believes romance takes you on a journey. In the process, it transforms the heroine, the hero, and the reader.

Kay started writing romance after her author Calia Wilde chose her manuscript for RWA's RAMP program in 2021. She's written five books, Truth Moon, published by The Wild Rose Press, and four others, Hitman's Honey, an award-winning romance suspense novel (Mid-Atlantic Authors Society), and gothic romance novella, The Devil You Know. Kay writes for substack, What Do Romance Writers Think About? to give back to other writers.

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
This was a great fast paced romance suspense/ thriller, with intriguing cold case mysteries, illegal activities, and some spicy romance.
This has a lot going on but it kept me gripped throughout. I loved the second chance romance that blossomed between Marnie and Wayne, but this definitely isn't a sweet story, there's trauma, loss, death, violence and haunting secrets.
Set in the 70's there's nostalgic nods through the music, setting and society values, and it draws on the small town aspects. It also explores vulnerability, desperation, and the desire to protect the ones you love, even if that means turning to crime.
It incorporates drug dealing, murder, and extortion, alongside FBI investigations and undercover operations.
It was interesting seeing the story from 3 POV, especially Dan's, and how everything was interconnected.
This does end on a cliffhanger, and there's still plenty of mysteries to be solved, so looking forward to the next book!
It definitely has Breaking Bad vibes, and remember to check the trigger warnings.

[Elizabeth VanHorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was a very fast read, I couldn’t put down! I loved the mix of suspense, thriller, romance, drama all wrapped into one. This small town feel, with a main character, Marnie, who is a mother who experienced so much tragedy and loss, trying to dig her way to a better life of both love and money. It for sure left me wondering and yearning for more of this story!!

[Reagan Hopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

💭 My initial thoughts
This book has trigger warnings before you start reading so your aware of what your about to delve into. "In my case, my husband Jack factored into the unreliability. He's now become even more unreliable, because he's dead." This sentence alone pulled me in and had me laughing so much that I couldn't put the book back down.

💭 Plot
Marnies Husband died leaving her with lots of debt, she gets an put of debt opportunity from Rico after he discovers she grows some of the finest weeds. But Childhood sweetheart Wayne is FBI. What does this mean for them, and secrets and unaliving leads to more answers about the past.

💭 Characters
The characters in this book all have some kind of doubles lives going on, everyone has a secret. My favourite was definitely Marnie, she's one women you wouldn't want to mess with!

💭 Book Information
This is Book 1 of a series (The Flower Queen) with book to due in spring 2025
206 pages
Available now on Kindle and in Paperback.
1970s suspense romance
Dual POVs with a few added POVs from Dan and Rico.
Small Town Romance
Second Chance Romance
Please check Trigger warnings before reading ⚠️

💭 Overall wrap up.
I enjoyed the sarcasm of Marnie so much. The things she came out with just had me in hysterics. “I know why you work here now. You're a penny. Two-faced and not worth much."
I loved the story line so much and I'm going to be patiently, painfully waiting until spring 2025 for the next installment. The fact that this book had the perfect mix of Genres, the crimes, cold cases, romance, just makes it the perfect comfort read 📚

💭 Recommend
I'd recommend this to anyone that likes a bit of romance, with crime and spice.

💭 Favourite Quote.
"I think that’s pretty funny, that you think you need a bodyguard when you’re around me. Or are you worried you'll be attacked by a renegade cow?"

💭 Favourite Chapter.
Chapter 22

💭 Summed up in one Sentence
Banter and sarcasm, with Spice and Gangsters

💭 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💭 Spice
🌶🌶

[Erin Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW

The Flower Queen- Kay Freeman

4/5⭐️

✨✨✨✨✨✨
This book was truly such a great read. It was fast paced and easy to read with characters that were easy to follow. You will be left on a huge cliffhanger at the end of this one and yes it’s definitely killing me already knowing I have to wait for so many answers! There were definitely some twists and unexpected things that happened that had my mouth dropped. Seriously Marnie is one strong Lady with everything she is having to deal with. I would have probably broke but she just kept pushing. I loved the added king pins and drugs from the 70s POV, definitely different than what I usually read. Overall this was such a good book and when deciding to add to your TBR make sure to check the trigger warnings!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Fast Paced
- Romance
- Thriller/Suspense
- Cold Case
- Mysteries
- Small Town feels
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a this #giftedcopy for an honest review in my own words.

@kayfreemanthewriter
@lovebookstours

✨What’s your last, current, next?

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[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick summer beach read. Marnie, our sometimes over the top crazy and paranoid MC that the reader will end up loving, has been through a lot. She trusts no one. She is the boss of her story now. Her husband recently passed away from pancreatic cancer and her financial world is crashing in on her. (Remember this is the late 70’s women didn’t have the responsibilities in the household that they do now). Marnie has a part time job at the local diner with her best friend Kate and together they hash out a plan to get Marnie financial freedom and back on her feet.
This small town is full of secrets and lies for generations. The police force seems to scratch each others backs more often than they solve crimes. Marnie’s high school sweetheart Wayne (who you will love) shows back up in her life and wants to save Marnie from everything she has been and is going through.
There are a lot of triggers in this, rape, murder, extortion, drugs and child abuse. Oh and yes there are some very spicy, holy smokes, now I love Wayne moments. Shew (wipes away beads of sweat) Kay Freeman blends, murder, suspense and romance together into a beautiful story that will have you asking questions and be NEEDING the next book.

[Alis Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flower Queen by Kay Freeman is a suspense novel that has a little bit of romance in it. The novel is from a few people’s points of view which head up each chapter, and I have come to love. The book has some definite trigger points, so I would suggest you read the information first before reading. Freemans way with words gives you a real sense of the personas of the characters described. She shows vulnerabilities of the victims and makes it easy for you to connect with them.
There are secrets galore, drug lords, FBI, friends and enemies all unravelling with current crimes intertwined with past crimes. The book was easy to follow, and I read it in a coupe of sittings. I did like the main protagonists; the characters were well thought out. The only thing for me is you will need to read book 2 to find out what happens to some of the characters so there are a few unanswered questions but that does not detract from the 4 stars this book deserves. In conclusion, a book full of suspense, with twists and turns, with past crimes colliding with current crimes and a little romance, for good measure, added into the mix.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Flower Queen series and first of all, can we just appreciate this front cover!?
How absolutely stunning it is and this was obviously the thing that initially drew me to this book!

Secondly, we need to address the content that definitely comes with a few warnings - so be aware and check out the info before starting to read.

Finally, if you don't like being left on a massive cliffnager, then maybe wait a while before reading this one so you can just binge the series - as this book definitely left me with many questions and the many twists leave us dangling on the last page.

I was initially a little upset by this because I hadn't realised that it was a series and that book 2!8£ already planned and on its way.
I felt that the storyline could have been much more developed and descriptive than it was and I could have kept reading ....
This was a fairly short book and quick read!
But knowing now that there's more to come, it totally makes sense to have been written this way.

I loved the storyline which was really intriguing, especially with the way it left lots of things open.
I was a little wary of Marnie at first but as we read, we see how her behaviour has evolved following the treatment she's encountered.

Although set in the 70's, this didn't feel dated at all.
I loved the suspense created by the mafia style theme along with the second chance romance and we see a few spicy scenes too.

I really enjoyed this and am obviously desperate to get my hands on book 2 to find out what happens next!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the beautiful cover fool you, this is not a sweet love story, the story inside is dark and intense! (Check the trigger warnings). Even the title is misleading as the crop Marnie grows is not the garden I expected. That siad, this was a book that kept me reading. The author has a way with words and I have a very clear picture of the town, the characters and the main character Marnie’s farm. Marnie has not had an easy life and is struggling to survive. She makes choices and does things that had me asking (ok, screaming) ‘why?” and ‘what is she thinking?’. With her first love, Wayne, back in town things look to be changing but can she trust him? Or will her choices destroy them both? Short chapters, told from dual points of view (Marnie and Wayne) had me racing through the book and I was left wanting more. Book 2 is in the works and I can’t wait!

Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot to explore in this book, and a lot is glossed over very superficially, which is a pity, I think if it were teased out a bit more then it would really aid the readers all-round experience.
There's a lot of trigger warnings within, including drugs, extortion, rape, murder, and abuse. There's also some explicit sexual scenes.
It's set in the 70s, but honestly, it didn't feel like it was. The language and behaviours felt a lot more modern.
I liked the relationships between the main characters and felt they were explored well. Marnie isn't the most likeable of characters, but the majority of her behaviours are well explained through her trauma experiences.
I wasn't sure where it was leading to, so to discover it was leading to a sequel was quite a surprise. I'd definitely like to know what happens next to everyone though.

[Alyssa Mohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of action from start to finish. I love that the book was set in the 1970's. It is interesting to read how things were back then. The storyline was great, but the plot makes the story. The book was spicy and there was so much suspense. I enjoyed the suspense the most. I feel it added depth to the story.

There was an eclectic group of characters. I love how diverse they are. I felt my heart break for the two main characters. Marnie and Wayne have both been through hell and back and came out stronger. My heart breaks for Marnie. Because of what happened to he, she has been stuck in the past and not able to move on with her life. I love how Marnie and Wayne balanceeach other.

The author definitely knew what she was doing while writing this. You are left with a huge cliffhanger and wondering what happens next. I do not want to wait until 2025 to find out.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1978, it was illegal to grow, harvest, or sell marijuana in all fifty US states. That doesn’t mean people didn’t do it, though. Some did it because they believed it should be legalized, others for simple profit. Marnie started growing it to ease her dying husband’s pain. She had no way of knowing the chain of unlikely events this simple act would set in motion.

This is a story about heartbreak, romance, prohibition, and conflicting lifestyles. Marnie is a completely sympathetic and fully realized character. Learning about her plight in a small town with many secrets takes the reader on a fascinating journey with unexpected depth and heart. It’s impossible not to root for Marnie as she copes with life’s ups and downs. Where she ends up is a place she would never have expected, and neither will those who venture into these pages.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow....as a young adult in 1978, I really enjoyed this book set 'way back then'.

I could relate to Marnie, not that I experienced all the trauma she did, but because I had friends with so many of those things happening to them at that time. Lots of trigger warnings, so beware if you have issues with drugs, rape, abuse, and other issues that women at that time period kind of just kept inside.

I enjoyed the thriller and suspense aspect of this book as well as the reunification with her high school sweetheart, Will her choice of career stop the romance? Can Marnie find what she wants and have the life she aspires to?

This was a pretty quick read for me and I was disappointed it went so fast.

[Lauren Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very unique storyline and I was all for it! Looking at the cover of this book, I would never have expected the story that lies within it! Also, how beautiful is the cover though!?

This book was filled with dark humour and sarcasm and so many interesting characters! Marnie was a strong independent woman and through desperation, managed to get herself roped into some dodgey business. The story was very fast paced and things moved rather quickly in terms of her work and her relationships. There were a few spicy scenes in there as well!

The epilogue has definitely left me with many questions and really looking forward to reading what comes next in the sequel!

So… don’t judge a book by its cover and pick this dark story up and give it a go!

[Almiria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flower Queen by Kay Freeman is a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre as well as a satisfying suspense and romance novel. Set in the 1970s, we meet Marnie, who turned to Marijuana (while it was still illegal in the USA) to alleviate her dying husband’s pain and save her home. But things don’t go well for her when the FBI comes knocking.

I really enjoyed the original core idea and setting and topic of this novel. The story reads quickly, making it a page-turner rather than your typical contemplative historical fiction. While I would have enjoyed it if the author had spent more time on setting the scene and creating an immersive environment, the fast-moving suspense elements will keep you reading.

[Faeofashandpayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review 4 stars

Thank you LOVE BOOK TOURS and author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First let me start with this book is not my usual genre however I really enjoyed it.


Marnie, the strong yet vulnerable protagonist, captivates with her intriguing backstory and deep love for animals.

Her connection with Wayne sparks a second-chance romance, a favored trope of the mine.

Disability representation adds depth to the narrative, while dark moments enhance the overall intrigue.

Overally this was a quick read, that had some very dark moments which make the story even more interesting.

If you like the below read this book  📖

• Spice
• Romance
• Second chance trope
• Murder mystery
• Secrets
• Crop growing 🙊
• Trauma

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect dose of fantasy

This book is a real charmer from the first page you start reading it. It is an escape to a world where magic flourishes in a fairy tale with a curious modern touch, combined with fantasy and reality to perfection.
I identified with the protagonist as she is shown as a small town dreamer who manages to achieve her dreams but not before having to go through unexpected and difficult challenges.
The author's vivid descriptions paint scenes that transported me directly into the heart of the enchanted forest.
What I liked most about this book is that it explodes your imagination and leaves you wanting to read one more chapter. This makes it a perfect read for those who love to believe in the magnificent and fantastic. I recommend it 100%.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival and the relentless passage of time

Marnie is a woman burdened by financial struggles and haunted by a tragic past. The plot manages to capture her daily struggles. It goes from overwhelming bills to the scars of a murdered mother, but she still is able to cling to a hope-laden yet troubled future. Which I think is admirable. The characters, especially Marnie and her confidante Kate showed me what resilience and raw humanity actually look like. The writing style is rich in detail and dialogue. I was really immersed in Marnie's world. Survival and the relentless passage of time are huge topics here. Melancholy and hope were also a big part in this amazing and intriguing story. Definitely a must read.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating novel
What a captivating story! I read the first lines of “The Flower Queen” and I was glued to the pages until I finished it. Kay Freeman’s stories mingle suspense, secrets and romance.
This is the story of a strong and resilient woman who, after losing her husband, must start a new life from scratch. Luckily, she has the tools to reinvent herself; she builds a thriving but illegal business. Everything seems to be alright until life brings her first love closer to her… this man works for the FBI.
It’s fascinating how the events of this novel twist all the time. Marnie is a dynamic character with strong will. I liked this kind of female character; I also liked Kay’s writing style. I enjoyed it a lot! I highly recommend it.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marnie’s story begins as a story of survival, she has to save her farm as it’s all she’s got. What began as a small crop for medicinal purposes to ease her husband‘s pain as he suffers from cancer, soon becomes a key to saving her home. In the 1970s pot was illegal all across the US so she was taking a huge gamble, especially as her high school love returns and she discovers he’s an FBI agent. Marnie is a strong character who will do whatever it takes to save her farm, however, she is haunted by the unsolved murder of her mother, which makes her paranoid and nervous as well. The attention to detail brings the seventies to life. The story is well written, pacy and engaging. It’s also a great combination of suspense and spicy romance. I highly recommend it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey there, fellow book lovers! Let me tell you about The Flower Queen by Kay Freeman—it's like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of passion, danger, and intrigue! Picture this: a badass widow determined to save her family farm turns to illegal flower cultivation in 1978. Talk about a wild ride! But here's the kicker—her old flame from high school, now an FBI agent, comes waltzing back into her life. Sparks fly, tensions rise, and you're left hanging on every word, wondering if love can conquer all. Freeman's writing is like a breath of fresh air, blending romance with suspense in the most addictive way possible. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this exhilarating read! 🌸

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flower Queen is a romantic suspense novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Set in 1978, the story follows a widow who finds herself entangled in the dangerous world of illegal flower cultivation to save her family farm. What I enjoyed most about this book was the characters and their complex relationships, especially the forbidden romance between the main character and her high school sweetheart, who now works for the FBI. The author’s vivid storytelling drew me in from the first page, making it impossible to put the book down until I reached the satisfying conclusion

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced quick read. There was a lot going on, drugs, cold cases, recent crimes and romance. But it was easy to follow. The book is written in a multi POV style.

Im not sure that any of the characters were particularly likeable. I would have liked the characters to be fleshed out a bit more though, they felt a little flat at times. I did love Marnie's sarcasm though. And everyone's personality was a result of their upbringing. Quite a lot of which seems to have been traumatic.

The book is set in the 1970s, but actually felt a lot more modern to me. I didn't realise when I started that it was a series and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I have to comment on the beautiful cover of this book, it really drew me in and gives a great first impression of the book.

I was also very intrigued by the blurb and who can resist a little romance mixed with a bit of suspense.

The book is quite short so a nice quick read. I particularly enjoyed reading about Marnie, the main female character, and seeing her try to overcome her difficulties the best she can.

I was pleased to find out there is a book 2 as not everyone’s stories were finished in this book so it will be good to read on!

I would say do check the trigger warnings before diving in.

[Georgina Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how fast paced and gripping this story was, the romance was done well and had a little bit of spice. That being said there were a lot of traumatic themes including violence and death which made the story very gripping but it’s definitely more crime suspense than romance.

The different points of view were interesting and made the secrets and overlapping plots really intriguing. The 70s setting transported me to a different era and was done really well, reflecting the music and society of the time.

The ending left me hanging though and I really want to know what will happen in the next book!

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating book chronicles the incredible transformation of a woman who, faced with adversity, manages to survive and thrive in a hostile and prohibitive environment. The story begins heartbreakingly with a very strong image of a painful death.
What I like most about this story is that the sad and painful moment that the protagonist goes through does not limit or paralyze her; on the contrary, it drives her to continue succeeding in her life.
The story takes a turn when her first love and new experiences arrive. It is an inspiring work that highlights the resilience, strength and capacity for reinvention of a woman in the face of the most extreme adversities.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flower Queen presents a history tale, a romantic story between two opposites that attract, but love might not be enough to bridge these differences when operating outside the law. Freeman starts the story in the middle, giving a thorough background to The Flower Queen, sharing her painful story and vindicating her particular personality.

This book is designed for lovers of romance. Situated in the past, the author prints her nostalgia for those times. The story explores in deep the life of the characters and teaches how every decision impacts the end result. It's a medium-sized story, perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Keeping this review spoiler-free, I definitely recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read

This is a fun story to read, with likable characters and a storyline that makes you want to keep reading. The writing style is probably a matter of taste, some might be fine with it and some might find it too simplistic, it would be a total reader preference. As someone familiar with Grants Pass, Oregon and the whole southern Oregon area, I enjoyed reading a book that takes place there and describes the town and area in pretty good detail, that was a treat. Overall, an interesting crime novel with characters that have you rooting for them. I could see this being a good easy summer read, if that's what you're looking for.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 70’s was a great decade and the author did a fantastic job with the setting and feeling of the times. There’s no loss of action in the story - making it hard to put down. And then there’s spice. I mean spicy and suspense perfectly blended. Of course, we needed a diverse group of varied personalities to keep the pages turning. Marnie and Wayne have had a tough go but continue to grow through the struggles. I liked how they complemented each other. The only downside deals with the ending. I’m not a fan of books ending with a cliffhanger, I like everything wrapped up nicely with a bow.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regard The Flower Queen as an unputdownable love story about the messiness of life when in love since the storyline is also heartbreaking.
Freeman knows how to write romance, how to sweep us up and make us feel as if we are actually feeling that love. This is, in my view, what romance books are all about.
The Flower Queen brims with heart, wit, conflicts, romance, and longing; which I believe are the signature ingredients of my favorite night or vacation reads.
I will be reading anything Freeman writes. I devoured this one and I know I will do the same with the coming ones.