Round The Clock-Dara Girard

Round The Clock
Dara Girard
Harlequin Kimani, Jul 2009, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373861224

Anna Marie Williams works as an Information Specialist at the Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. She has two wishes in life: to tell her drama queen martinet boss the “Cobra” to shut up and to spend a night with Desmond Rockwell, her unrequited high school love. Neither will happen though her boss’ tirades impact her minimally as she grew up abused by her parents and most of her foster parents. At night Anna Marie is Malika the exotic dancer at Sin Palace.

During her last performance in Sin Palace, Desmond shows up and is excited about Malika; he wants to meet her outside of the club, but she is wary of the big hurt once he meets shy Anna Marie. The next day lawyer Glenn Thornberg of Thornberg and West calls to inform her of a surprised inheritance. Anna Marie tells her boyfriend Bruno and her boss she is leaving him and her job. Next she is invited to join the Black Stockings Society and her life continues to improve as Desmond makes it clear he wants her.

The fourth Black Stocking Society (see POWER PLAY) contemporary romance is a super tale due Anna Marie, one of the best lead characters of the year. The story line is driven by the heroine who trusts no one including her younger sister Tracie and her inability to tell the truth re Malika for instance may cost her the love of a lifetime. Fans will enjoy this terrific entry as Anna Marie freshens up the latest visit to the Black Stocking Society.

Harriet Klausner