Bunco Babes Tell All

by Maria Geraci

A hot, sassy, Southern romance about girlfriends, gossip, the game of love- and the game of Bunco. Woman cannot live by Bunco alone. Meet the Bunco Babes of Whispering Bay. Every Thursday night they roll dice, drink frozen margaritas, and catch up on all the gossip in their small north Florida town. Kitty Burke is the only Bunco Babe who is still single-which is okay-but she's thirty-five and may need to face the fact that her image of Mr. Right is all wrong. Take Steve. Very sexy-but on paper, with three failed marriages and a shady career, maybe not great husband material. And yes, his ring tone is "Freebird." Fellow Babes Shea and Pilar definitely vote thumbs down. But maybe there's more to Steve than meets the eye. Is it time for Kitty to roll the dice and hope that she can be as lucky in love as she is in Bunco?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Book Club, Womens Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary, Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2009

About the author

Maria Geraci writes feel-good small-town contemporary romance. She’s a two-time RITA® Finalist and a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards and Romantic Times’ American Title Contest. Her stories feature strong women, dreamy heroes, lots of laughs, and a little bit of heat. Born in Cuba, she was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. She and her husband of thirty-plus years (along with their four dogs) are thrilled to call central Florida home again. She loves hearing from readers. You can write to her at maria@mariageraci.com

Maria also writes cozy mysteries as her alter ego Maggie March.

Reviews

[ScrappyMags]

Okay, I'm a lover of chic-lit through and through and have racked up quite an array of this genre in my "read" pile, so I was SHOCKED this got 4 stars on average. Sorry to the author and all, but I'm convinced most of the reviewers on here are 1: paid by the publisher or 2: close friends of the author or 3: Bunco club members of hers. This book is soooo cliche' prince-charming-in-hiding and a whole lot of the cheese factor, BUT.. it was a fast read. I will say that. No depth. Very little character substance or development. I actually found myself intensely disliking the main character who has a horrible work ethic but then just bitches and moans throughout about having no money. Did she actually do much work besides the one great save-her-ass deal that fell into her lap? Cliche 3 friends - the hot one, the nice one, the career-obsessed one and you really don't know much more than that except one loves to spice up her sex life and the other is balancing her career and family (zzzz.. sorry I fell asleep). I didn't have enough characterization there to really love them either. The cheese factor was through the roof. Example - the main character rushes to find the man of her dreams bursting to tell him she loves him, in the middle of the night, and... he says nothing and takes her ...to the beach?? Really? In the middle of the freakin' night he doesn't say a word and walks her to the beach? When you're dying to see that person and tell him something that important? Are you kidding? Soooooooo cliche. And then your friends, your 30+ year old friends call his cell phone while you're with him? Uh... no. It was like the ultra-happy ending that made me kinda sick. If my friends did that I would think they need therapy for regressing to middle-school behavior. If you wanted the scene at the beach - set it at the beach, but don't have characters do unrealistic behaviors to create a setting. Then the ending, the main character decides to live with a dude she's known less than a month? Puh-lease. She's definitely NOT the smart one. I did see a few shining moments where I thought it was realistic - actually the sex stuff was pretty well-written, but then the cheese factor took over and I couldn't stand it. It was cringe-worthy, a chic who thinks her butt is too big who meets a guy who is supposed to be poor, turns out to be a millionaire... I thought the story was "eh" okay... totally predictable. A 1.5, but I gave it the round up.

[Colleen]

I entered the contest through Goodreads to win this author's book (Bunco Babes Gone Wild) never expecting to win (who does) - but then I did! Wow - it doesn't take much to excite me!! Then I realized this author and I have a few things in common. When I received the book, I noticed the author lives in Tallahassee, FL - small world, I live in Tallahassee. She is a member of a local Bunco group here - I'm in a Bunco group too (different one of course). She works at the hospital in Labor/Delivery - yeah, no, I don't work there, but my mom does (she's a pediatric nurse). I also realized (when I rec'd the 2nd book) that there was a 1st book - Bunco Babes Tell All and I had to start with it first.

I have to say, I so enjoyed this book about a group of Bunco girls. You don't have to play to understand the book, but it helps a bit. It helps knowing what it's like to meet and get crazy with a special group of women. I also enjoyed the way the author brought in facts and tidbits about living in North Florida (especially loved the references between FSU & UF - go Noles!).

There are 3 women in this book that are the founders of the Bunco Babes and also best friends(Kitty, Pilar & Shea). There are obviously 9 other women in the group, but the focus of the book is mostly on these three (and from Kitty's POV). Kitty is the only one of the 3 who is still not married. She meets Steve, who she thinks is a plumber and they hit it off (literally). But things are not always as they seem and this story has lots of twists and turns. The book was a wonderful story about friendship and finding love in unexpected places. Just a fun book to read all around!! Kudos to the hometown girl!!

[Sabrina]

Sometimes I run across a book that I enjoy so much that I can't help but wish the characters would invite me over to play sometime. That was exactly how I felt after reading Bunco Babes Tell All by the very talented Maria Geraci! In fact, I've wanted to crash her Bunco night and beg her to be my friend – since I only live a few hours away I've really had to restrain myself!

This book gave me the same sense of longing for a group of strong female friends as Sex and the City had. These women are not only believable, but you'll want them as your closest pals. They'll be your support network and the ones making you laugh out loud. They come to life as you turn the page, and I felt deeply connected to them. It takes a great writer to pull the reader in so deeply and I can't wait to read the next books in Maria's Bunco Babes series.

The story of Kitty and Steve was delightful to read and I loved them as characters. Each is interesting in their own right which makes the payoff when they come together even better! From the first meeting that includes bathroom humor, mistaken identity AND a male stripper, to the obstacles they overcome, I was under their spell. This book's characters had me thinking about them days after having finished the book and I'll be happily following their relationship in the coming Bunco Babes books.

This book is a fun, sassy, laugh out loud read that will leave you looking for your own Bunco Babes group, and counting the days til the release of the next book in the series! (Hint – It's soon!) I finished this book weeks ago, and I've been itching to pick it back up for a re-read for the past few days! I really loved it and know my copy will be worn and dogeared before the end of the year!

[Michele]

Not as Much About Bunco as it is About One of the Babes
This is a fast read. Very fast, with snappy dialogue and colorful characters. I admit I felt obligated to read it because not only do I belong to a bunco group, but also it just so happens I, too, wrote a novel about a group of women that play bunco. The novels share a "borrowed interest" on the popular dice game and also depict the strength of women's friendships. Reading it was (almost) as fun as a night out with the girls.

Where the novels differ is how this talented storyteller, Maria Geraci, took the smart (commercial) approach of focusing primarily on one of the twelve women comprising the bunco group, and she brings in two others as significant satellite characters. It (again) makes for a fast read when you really only care about what's going on with one woman. However, I couldn't help but feel the others were left out, and it didn't truly give me a feel for the group. Therefore, I believe it isn't a novel about a bunco group . . . it's a novel about a Florida real estate agent who, for a few weeks, has a complicated life. And it just so happens to belong to a bunco group.

Do they really have the time to meet EVERY Thursday? (Our group and all of those with which I'm familiar meet only once a month).

There's a gratuitous sex scene starting off the tale . . . so if you like that kind of thing, you'll most likely enjoy the rest of Kitty's romp as well.

3.5 stars

From the author of "It's Not Your Mother's Bridge Club."

[Jessica]

Won this book in the first reads program! Absolutely fan-freaking-tastic book!!! I could not be happier that this is a series and cannot wait to get the second book.

From the very first page (which pretty much never happens for me) my attention was captured and held all the way to the last word. Geraci has crafted wonderfully developed characters, a storyline that keeps you wanting more, and a fun escape from life. This is chick-lit at its finest. A beach read by the highest of standards (with the exception of a few words which I considered too raunchy for my prude taste).

By the end of that first chapter, I already felt like I knew these girls. I felt they were the very type of girls I would be friends with - mid-30's, fun-loving, beach-going, witty, loyal and out for an adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself with a full range of emotions from laughing out loud to crying with empathy. This book, and the Bunco Babes is FUN, FUN, FUN! I loved cheering them on, and again, can't wait to see more of them!

I would recommend this to all of my late-20 and my entire range of 30-year old girlfriends.

[Melissa]

This book is about friends, romance and the spirit of a small town community!

Kitty meets Steve when she needs help with a plumbing issue on her Grandmothers home..little did she realize what would happen when she met Steve..

I liked the friendships of the "Bunco Babes", they really stuck together and helped each other out!

There are funny parts in this book, that kept me turning the pages to see what happens next. =)
also included... are instructions on how to play "Bunco" and some wonderful recipes!

Great book! I really enjoyed it!

[Lita]

This was a great, fast beach read. I enjoyed so much I emailed the author. The "bunco babes" are made of three girlfriends from the same small beach town. Things start changing when developers want to build condos, which would change how things have been.

Kitty is celebrating her mid-30 birthday in an crumbling house she inherited from grandmother, no money, and attraction to a mysterious outsider. Their weekly bunco get together reveals their lives through funny and touching accounts. A very funny opening in the book sets the tone...I plan on reading the sequel.

[Rhonda Hoornstra]

I really enjoyed this book :) I play bunco once a month with friends so the book was a fun read!

[Ellz Readz]

My thoughts...Woot, Woot, party time! I read a summary for the the next book, Bunco Babes Gone Wild and thought it sounded really funny. So I was very pleased when Maria graciously sent me a copy of the first book to review. I really enjoyed Bunco Babes Tell All. Let me first say, send the kiddies to their room, 'cause this book is for the grown-ups only. There were some really steamy scenes throughout the book. They were tasteful, but I caught myself with my mouth hanging open on numerous occasions. Kitty is 35, childless and single, not to mention smart, beautiful and charming. Her toilet gets clogged during her weekly Bunco game and she has to call a plumber to come (ahem) unclog her toilet. Steve, who we discover is not really a plumber, is our very sexy, very mysterious hero. Kitty has her work cut out for her, because Steve is like a closed book, except in bed.

Maria Garaci did a wonderful job writing a witty story about love, trust and friendship. The Bunco babes are friends that everyone wants. They are loyal, fun and know how to have a good time. Their motto is 'what happens at Bunco, stays at Bunco". Each weekly game usually reveals some sort of drama (good or bad) as they share their signature drinks. I am encouraged to get my girls together for a night of games and goodies. This story reminds me how much I love and need my friends.

This is the first book outside of the paranormal genre that I have read in a while. I had a hard time putting it down. Bunco Babes Tell All is a fun, light-hearted read and I recommend it to all mature readers. There is even a "how-to" section in the back of the book so you can organize your own Bunco night. The next book in the series, Bunco Babes Gone Wild is on the top of my shopping list. I recommend you add it to yours too! Be sure to go to Maria's website to read about some real Bunco groups, get some ideas for your own party menu and take the fun quiz to see which Bunco girl you are, I'm a Kitty.

[Marcia]

Kitty Burke is the only one of her friends who is still single, in the small Florida town of Whispering Bay. Aside from her real-estate business all she has in her life is her weekly game of Bunco with her friends. She is 35 and wants to find love, but her Mr Right is nowhere to be found in this small burg. She is also trying to come up with the money to purchase her grandmother's house from her mother.
She grew up in this house and it means a lot to her, despite that it is in need of a lot of repairs. Then comes along Steve, who is not a plumber, but comes to fix her broken toilet, during her birthday party, where her friends had hired a male stripper. She finds Steve more attractive. But with three failed marriages, can he possible be her one? These is a extremely funny book and even includes instructions for playing Bunco (which I still don't get) and recipes. If you are looking for a good laugh, then this is a book to read.

[Gina]

I was surprised twice. Once by finding this cute title in a discount store and secondly by finding it entertaining and enjoyable. A familiarity with Bunco made it an easy connection with the characters. The romantic scenes were just the right amount of "steamy" and propelled the relationship through the story which had a few surprises and twists.

[Jane]

Bunco Babes Tell All by Maria Geraci is a little insight as to what goes on at the Thursday night meets of the Bunco Babes. We also follow Kitty Burke and her attempt at finding love and being the best realtor in Whispering Bay. Lots of laughs following the Bunco ladies and their antics. Great read!

[Ilena Holder]

A woman in my Bunko league bought this book and we passed it around one by one. We only play monthly, so it took a while to get to me! Wow, it was fun, sexy, and sassy! They say there is a part two, but nobody has purchased it yet. Guess I should! it has been 3 years since we all read it and we still talk about it and laugh.

[Maria]

Of course I gave my own book 5 stars:)

[Serena]

I received this as a Goodreads giveaway. This was an easy, fun beach read about friendship, romance, and sex (and, of course, a little Bunco too).

[Wendy]

I read this book with Melissa, as a pen pal read, and really enjoyed reading it with her.
It's a lot of fun and a great chick lit story.

[Chris]

Book Club Book- April 2012. Very fast read- enjoyable. Everything, as expected, tied up with a bow. Not a deep thinker, but just what I needed.

[Julie]

this book was left behind on a plane so I picked it up and read it in two days. Fast, fun, funny read.

[Gale Harrington]

Easy, fast read. A bit cutesy and predictable, but fun. I've spent many nights with my BUNCO babes, so that part was definitely relatable and made me miss them!!

[Jessica Grace]

Absolutely fabulous read! It was an easy read, very relatable. I'm a Florida girl and it was really cool reading a novel where the setting is in places and cities I've been to. The characters experience their ups and downs which is partly why I liked it so much. It wasn't a fairytale, it was very much like real life. Kitty, Pilar, and Shea have a true friendship that makes them more like family. I don't want to provide any spoilers but this book had me laughing, crying, LOLing and aweing. It really tapped all of my emotions. I can't wait to read Bunco Babes Gone Wild! That's next on my list.

[Jsess]

Quick, light read. It was good to have a funny romance between some heavier titles I’ve been reading lately. I’m in a bunco group of very special ladies who have my back, so the title spoke to me. I’d recommend this to anyone as a great beach read.

[Brandie]

This is a cute, fun read about a group of Bunco-playing friends. They live in Whispering Bay, a small town with little development. The story centers around Kitty, the realtor, and her two best friends, Shea and Pilar. It is part women's fiction and part romance.

[Chastity]

Easy read. Fluff.. Sometimes you just need to. ;-)

[Sue]

Great book

I really liked the characters in this book it's very interesting how they all interacted and then there are other books focusing on character from this book

[Ashley Andrist]

The book and characters are so much fun in this book! I really enjoyed it!

[Robin]

Great beach read!

[Cindy Murphy]

This was an ok book. Characters were pretty superficial and typical plot. Not sure i would recommend

[Tiffanie]

Kitty lives in a small town in flordia mainly where retired people go to live. When a big time man comes to town wanting to buy beach front land to build small rise condos on he asks kitty to be his broker she had no idea in taking this deal that the land he was buying included where the retirement center is and it will be tore down. She was only in it for the commission so she could be her grandmothers old house that her mom wants to sell or have torn down. It holds so many memories for kitty. But the house does have some major issues plumbing being one of them. And it just so happens that the guy who normally does her plumbing was put on a job and sent his cousin to do it even though he don't know much about plumbing. But kitty soon learns he's single hot and good in bed but there is so many secrets bewteeen. Them.

[Krista]

A cute (slightly racey) story of Kitty, a north Florida realtor and her good friends who get together every week to play Bunco, a dice game played by a group of twelve (usually women). A clogged toilet emergency before she's to host Bunco leads to a chance encounter with the hunky Steve, the nephew of her usual plumber who is unavailable for a service call. One things leads to another and another and then things get complicated.

This was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed the Bunco aspect of the story since I've been part of a Bunco group for the past few years. Includes notes in the back for how to start a group, play the game and shares a couple of recipes.

[L (Sniffly Kitty)]

I liked it. It was a good sort of semi-mindless fun romance. Not dark or overly dramatic. Good amount of pre-destiny, but not a lot of annoying characters. The character development might have been a bit weak, but I'd read the next one in the series since they are a pleasure to read.

Disclaimer: I won this from First Reads.