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 M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers