Fiction Review

24/7
by Susan DiPlacido
ISBN-10: 1554102170
Review by Heather Froeschl

While New York is the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas is the city that rocks on 24/7. In Susan DiPlacido's novel, "24/7," nothing could be more abundantly clear. Marina Martino is a card counter who just can't stay away from the strip. Living on the east coast, this is a habit that can be very costly, in more ways than one. Miguel Rodriguez is a hot blackjack dealer who is enticed by Marina and odds are that he will come away with more than he gambles for.

Bets are placed and the cards fall as Marina and Miguel heat up the night. Night after night, the first week flies by through elevator rides that we all fantasize about and nearly out of control drives in Miguel's Caddy that leave him breathless. This is one hot affair. But when Marina can't stay away they both realize that this is not just a casual but wild ride. Miguel does things to her that she has never experienced and she inspires him to open up in ways that he has never before been able to. But there is a darker side to both of them and when that all comes spilling out it truly tests who they want to be and what they are together. Deep debt, obligations to dark powers, fear of trust and love, and insecurities are just a few things the two must overcome.

This novel is sizzling hot. This is no light romance; it is a gritty, exciting work of fiction. It is near perfection with its no holds barred sex scenes, emotional roller coaster plots and action packed Vegas settings. The characters are perfectly flawed and deliciously human while the ever-hopping drama filled moments of Sin City surrounds and almost drowns them. This is certainly an adult novel and will likely be passed from girlfriend to girlfriend if readers are even willing to part with it. Like a trip to Vegas, hot and exciting, you will want to return again and again.

For every woman who has even briefly thought of hitting the strip, raking in the bucks and seducing the dealers (and honestly, who hasn't?) this book will take you there through Marina's eyes. There may not be a truly safe bet in the real Vegas but ante up for "24/7" and you won't be sorry.