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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Age Is Only A Number, January 24, 2008
Francis Ray's contemporary fiction gives the mature reader a chance to read about women who share similar issues. Her characters are aging gracefully as they exert their independence, enjoy the finer things of life and find romance. In Not Even If You Begged, Ray delivers a novel that depicts the life and budding romance for two widowed women, neighbors Traci Evans and Maureen Gilmore.
Maureen thinks that her widowed neighbor, Traci, would be perfect for her son. The only problem is that Traci is still angry with her philandering dead husband. She is unwilling to trust or date any man, even the charming and persistent Dr. Ryan Gilmore. Determined to break down her barriers, Ryan develops a game plan to show her that all men are not out to hurt her.
While out on the town with the merry widows of the Invincible Sisterhood, Maureen is flattered but taken aback by the looks she receives from Simon Dunlap. Thinking she would never see him again, she is again taken aback when Simon arrives with her son, Ryan, to investigate a burglary at her home. Maureen cannot deny the attraction is mutual, but what would a man, at least 10 years her junior, want with a menopausal woman like her?
Not Even If You Begged is an enjoyable read. The women are multi-faceted. Maureen is kind-hearted and nurturing by nature. Not only with Simon, but also with a young, troubled teenager who works in her shop. Traci is a tough attorney but very self-conscious about her weight and leery about forming lasting relationships. Ray intertwines a fatal attraction, inconvenient hot flashes, and introduces interesting secondary characters to make for a fun read. With the help of the "Invincibles" , both Traci and Maureen are able to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their happiness. Mature readers of romance and women's fiction should enjoy this book.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet Love, I hear you calling out my name., February 10, 2008
Sharing a common bond in the loss of their mates and residing in the same neighborhood, these senior citizens have formed a clique: The Invincible Sisterhood. Their loyalty and devotion to each other transcends time and life's many crises. Traci Evans has become an honorary inductee despite her age.
Maureen Gilmore is satisfied with her simple life running her antique shop, gallivanting with her cohorts and spending time with her son. Lo and behold, she meets sexy Simon Dunlap, a policeman in the same age bracket as her son and also Ryan's good friend. Despite the obvious reasons that she shouldn't be attracted to him, she's fighting the electric chemistry and the smoldering looks and messages that he's boldly sending her way.
Traci enjoys the camaraderie shared between the ladies of the sisterhood, but doesn't share in the fond memories of their mates. Upon her husband's death, she discovered his adulterous ways and it has left a bitter taste in her mouth. Ryan Gilmore, Maureen's son, is a successful OB-GYN and a playboy that for some inexplicable reason can't seem to deny the growing attraction he has for the aloof Traci.
Francis Ray lulls you into the tug of war that these two couples encounter in dealing with the age differences and familial ties while introducing the issues of a teenager seeking acceptance from a parent and peers. This is a calming read full of true life decisions, romance, sensuous love scenes, and a bucket full of lessons for one and all because you never get too old to learn. Ms. Ray has delivered with her signature style and I recommend it to those looking for a refreshing love story with just enough spice to entertain and stimulate your mind.
Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Second Chances, January 29, 2008
In NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED by Francis Ray, the ladies of the Invincible Sisterhood, founded by Maureen Gilmore, all have one thing in common: they are all widowed. They are also best friends and have each other's back. They have taken under their wings Maureen's young neighbor as an honorary member. Traci Evans, also widowed, discovered her husband's infidelities at his death and has been embittered ever since.
When Traci meets her neighbor Maureen's son, her first instinct is to avoid him, because after all, men are basically no good and she will never allow herself to be in a vulnerable position again. Besides, he is too good looking to be interested in her full-figured frame. But, Ryan Gilmore has other thoughts. He is determined to get next to Traci, because he likes what he sees. Will he be able to get past the trust and image issues she has?
Maureen lost her husband four years ago and she misses the intimacy of a relationship. When she meets Simon, she immediately assumes he is someone to introduce to Traci. Little does she know, her son is staking out that territory for himself and Simon only has eyes for her. Maureen is flattered, but Simon is more than ten years younger than she and also, her son's fraternity brother. What will people think? It will take everything the Invincibles have to convince her to go for it, but will she be able to get past her insecurities?
Ray always manages to take everyday issues and people and turn them into warm, tender messages of love and hope. At the heart of this multi-layered novel is a touching story of triumphs over personal issues and sufferings that evolve into a beautiful story of second chances and love. Her heroine is a smart, sassy, in-your-face, full-figured woman who'll make all big girls proud. As always, Ray's writing is on point, moving and electrifying. For a richly engrossing tale of love, lust, friendship and hope, you must get this.
Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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