My Deal by Mary Sharina is a memoir that relates her early years growing up in England to a working-class family and how she was chosen to be a Bunny Girl in the Playboy Club in London. A two-hour commute twice a day at all hours of the day or night took her from her parents’ council house to the bright lights of the capital and a very different life. She trained as a croupier, working on the gambling tables wearing the famous Bunny costume. Rules were strict and standards of behavior high, but that did not stop Mary and her other workmates from meeting up with many of the mega-rich punters who would win or lose thousands of pounds every night. She was taken to several places in the Middle East and once to Africa, as a guest of princes and oligarchs. She had several romantic liaisons around the world and lived a life of parties, beaches, wining and dining, and high society. Her first marriage was not a success, and it took several years for her to find happiness.

The subheading of Mary Sharina’s book My Deal is How Playboy Raised Me from Poverty to Power, and it takes us behind the scenes of the famous establishment in London founded by Hugh Hefner. It was not all glitz and glamour, standing for six hours in stiletto shoes was exhausting and even a chipped nail could result in dismissal. Mary experienced a new life, meeting the rich and famous, drinking and dining in all the top venues in London. The author mentions that one reason for sharing her story was to set the record straight about the sleazy side of the Playboy clubs and magazines, which she says was not the norm. That did not stop Mary from accepting invitations from Middle Eastern princes and other very rich clients. Her descriptions of how the other half live, the palaces, household staff, limousines, expensive champagne, and exotic food open the door to a sumptuous lifestyle few of us will ever experience. From the first page, Mary Sharina’s life is a roller coaster of travel, fashion, jewelry, perfume, love, and loss. If only for the time it takes to read her book, you can immerse yourself in a different world and share her adventures. This is an interesting book that is easy to read and will appeal to a wide audience.

My Deal unveils the life of Mary Sharina, a strong-willed woman born into a working-class family who transitions into the life of a London Playboy bunny and casino worker. It touches on many iconic moments from Mary's past, like growing up in post-war England, and the events that drove her to become a Playboy bunny. My Deal candidly covers the struggles (both physical and mental) that Mary had to endure as a bunny. Fame and wealth came at a price, but Mary persevered through it all. Brighter days were ahead for her. Mary ultimately hung up her bunny costume and embraced other fulfilling moments, like immigrating to Canada, family life, and her career as a librarian. Despite the many labels assigned to her as a bunny, Mary's powerful tale demonstrates that, in the end, she defines who she is as a person.

Mary Sharina is a talented wordsmith with a sincere soul. My Deal is a quick and enjoyable read written from the heart. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. In this candid and touching memoir, Mary relates the course of her life—from her humble beginnings to her exciting life experiences. This gripping memoir is about life, the challenges we face, and the decisions we make. I admire Mary's bravery and the unique circumstances that took her down multiple pathways and to different intersections. I'm sure readers will genuinely connect with her story and her bravery. Her story will give readers hope and insight as they also set out on the path to self-fulfillment.