24/7

Susan DiPlacido
Zumaya Publications (2005)
ISBN 1554102170
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (8/06)

I have never actually been to LasVegas, but after reading “24/7,”I feel like I have made several trips to the city.  And what a wild trip!  All that LasVegas is known for is offered up here.  There’s dice rolling, blackjack, fancy cocktails, glamorous women, bright lights, music, Caesar’s Palace, swimming pools, hot temperatures, and even steamier affairs of the heart at night.

Marina Martino is a young woman from the East Coast whose success at card counting and blackjack go hand in hand with her passion for the Vegas lifestyle.  Every chance she gets, Marina finds herself visiting Sin City and fueling her passion.  Miguel Rodriguez is a LasVegas casino dealer who meets up with Martina while both are playing blackjack.  When the two find themselves attracted to each other, the sparks begin to fly.

Marina has never had a serious relationship with any boyfriend and has always thought this suited her just fine.  However, Miguel’s attention gets her to thinking about gambling with affairs of her heart.  Marina has a friend in bartender Vince, who looks out for Marina and gives her sound advice, unlike friend and travel companion Sherri Bruno, who is considered by all who know her as high maintenance.

Marina feels herself falling hard for Miguel until unanswered questions about Miguel’s past surface, and both Miguel and Marina suddenly find themselves in danger.  At this point, Marina questions Miguel’s true intentions toward her and wonders if he might be using Marina to rid himself of some serious financial obligations.  Should Marina put all she has on the line and make a life changing bet, potentially losing everything? Should Marina just turn and walk away from it all, settling on her simple life again on the East Coast?

“24/7” is a story of a love affair with great heat and passion.  Nothing is held back here.  You will not forget the elevator ride or a drive in Miguel’s Black Cadillac, trust me!  Susan DiPlacido has done an excellent job at depicting the intensity of a game of gambling when stakes are high.  I felt I was holding my breath as I read along, waiting for the outcome. “24/7” is for adults only, and I see it suited for groups of girlfriends passing it amongst themselves.  The love scenes are steamy.  They are so vivid; I felt I was invading another’s privacy at times.

“24/7” is a story I will not soon forget.  I especially enjoyed when Marina and Miguel attend good friend Sherri Bruno’s LasVegas marriage ceremony.  It is comical.  If you pick up a copy of “24/7,” prepare yourself for a jolt!  What a LasVegas trip!

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