Her Secret Life

What's a woman, with a PhD. in Criminal Psychology, who is the reigning senior editor and crime reporter for 'African American Woman' magazine, doing in the most prestigious gentleman's club in New York City working as a waitress? Dr. Jacqueline Parkton transforms into Jackie Parks at 6:00 p.m. most nights. This extra job helps to afford care for an ailing father currently residing in an upscale nursing home. For almost three years Jackie has worked two jobs plus speaking engagements at universities. In a few more months, she will have enough saved and will be able to live a normal life. But normal for Jackie is relative, she has no social life and no prospects, until club member, Warren Holcomb shares his feelings with her. Jackie has noticed Warren before, but she did not think the interest was mutual and a relationship might jeopardize her secret. Warren, self-made millionaire and business mogul, is the only African American member of the elitist club, Allegory, Inc. He has been watching Jackie for some time, and her role as a waitress, no matter how professional, seems misplaced. He is more than curious about her, but club rules forbid fraternization between members and employees. Warren cannot ignore his feelings, so he must find a way to get to know the mysterious Jackie Parks. HER SECRET LIFE is candidly entertaining. Warren who realizes Jackie is not exactly the kind of woman you take home to see mother, will soon discover that life is not as it seems. Jackie hopes she can justify her reasons for secrecy and add some real normalcy to her life. Ms. Forster gives readers real characters, real dialogue, mature family drama. She highlights community involvement and shares a strong message that love can indeed conquer all. Reviewed by aNN of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is another must read book from Ms. Forster. The author draws you into the story slowly and begins an unforgettable journey into a believable story. The Plot - A woman has been hurt before and no longer trusts traditional love yet she struggles between not wanting to be involved and taking a chance. She leaves it up to the man who wants her to figure out a way they can be together. But, she is not what she appears to be "A Cocktail Waitress". But does it make a difference - Purchase the book and you tell me.

In Manhattan, Jacqueline Parkton lives two lives. During the day, she is editor of an African American Woman magazine; at night she works as Jackie Parks at Allegory, Inc gentleman's club. She initially took the moonlighting job to help her father pay off her mom's enormous medical bills, but continues to work there to pay off her beloved dad's huge medical bills. The problem with her secret night life is club member Warren Holcomb. Jackie is attracted to him and he reciprocates. However, she avoids his advances fearing if he learns about her day job, he will expose her. As he continues to try to make them an entry, they fall in love, but she wonders if she should trust in such a volatile emotion. Once again, Gwynne Forster provides her readers with a delightful contemporary romance starring two likable protagonists who meet at the wrong place to foster a permanent relationship. The audience will admire Jacqueline-Jackie as she takes responsibility giving up much of what she wants out of life to pay exorbitant medical bills. Her efforts cleverly shine a light on the issue of medical costs owed by a hard working caring person (the type ignored during political debates over health care and bankruptcy even with a doctor running the senate). Warren is a nice person, but the audience will wonder whether he can see the full Ms. Parkton and not just the moonlighter he desires. Harriet Klausner