Maria Geraci is a new author who has given me a book I adore. Admittedly I picked it up mostly because I wanted to find out what a bunco babe is but the story pulled me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down. This group of friends who meet weekly for bunco, booze, food, and friendship are a fascinating microcosm of life. Whether championing a cause like the senior center or just trying to survive when a mother drops in unexpectedly, it just seems like something many of us would do. Kitty makes some tough decisions with and without her friends' support. Sometimes she messes up, sometimes she shines, but she's a loveable character all the time.

The women who started it all, Kitty, Pilar Diaz-Rothman, and Shea Masterson are the kind of friends that only evolve through longevity and shared secrets. Ms. Geraci seems to pull us into their circle to let us share their trials, tribulations, and fun. She tells a story with warmth and humor that at times will have us shaking our heads in a ‘been there, done that' moment. Underneath it all is the kind of real caring among people who sometimes stick their foot in their mouth, sometimes bite their tongue until it bleeds to protect feelings but always try to do the best they can. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
May 12, 2009