Power Play

This was the first book I've read by this author and I was very impressed. This was a very good and easy to read book. The story line was good and kept my interest. Very nicely done.

As my first time reading a book by Dara Girard I can't wait for the other three "Black Stocking Society" stories. What an excellent read! Mary and Edmund are two reluctant people who discover that love maybe scary but its worth the risk. Mary is a meek 'don't rock the boat' kind of gal who dons a pair of thigh highs and discovers her "inner diva" and Edmund has power and money but no true happiness in his life. Edmund chooses Mary for the wrong reasons but she turns out to be the right choice for him. And those of you who are like me and want to know if this story has passion and sexual tension you won't be dissappointed. I am anxiously awaiting the next story due out in October 2008 and the third one named "Body Chemistry" due first of next year!

I won't give you a summary of the book since the other raters have done that and it can be read above. Instead I want to tell you why this book is special. Dara Girard is an insightful writer with a great sense of humor that comes through in all of her stories. Don't be fooled by the back of the book; though this story appears light hearted and a little unbelievable (ie: The Black Stockings Society), trust me when I tell you that the author can pull it off. Not only are the characters multi-dimensional, they're real, with real problems, and not-so-perfect families everyone can relate to. The storyline is fun, yet the message is profound, and it's easy to fall in love with Mary and Edmund's story. I can't wait to read the other three books in this mini series. If you're looking for a romance novel with a unique plot, relatable characters, and great dialogue you will not be disappointed. Ms. Girard has a way of creating heroines that must find the inner strength to live life on their terms, without making them appear weak and pathetic. The author has a way of creating interesting male leads that are sexy, passionate, and romantic, without being mushy and over the top. Buy this book and prepare to spend an enjoyable evening reading, laughing, and wishing you were apart of the Black Stockings Society.

I really enjoyed this novel. Dara Girard has a gift of crafting characters and creating stories that pull you so deep into the story you don't want it to end and you're thinking about it long after you've finished the last page. Mary and Edmund are two examples of Girard's awesome gift. Mary used to have a problem saying no. She would be the last person to rock the boat. Edmund counts on her wimpy demeanor to help his project go through without a lot of stress and drawbacks. Neither of them count on an invitation to a select society of women in sexy stockings to change everything. I loved watching Mary come into her own and learn how to value herself. There were so many life lessons in this fun romance that I think anyone who reads it would come away feeling a little more assertive. Edmund is just the kind of hunky alpha hero we all love and the new and improved Mary is just the kind of heroine to bring him to his knees with love. This is a great read and I look forward to the next installments in this hot new series.

I loved this story! Mary Reyland is a women who always goes with the flow whether it's with work or romance. She allows people to run over her to keep from upsetting anyone. She puts others first and the final straw comes when she is turned down again for the 5th time for a long due promotion and then arrives home and her lover has left with just about everything in their shared apartment and left her. Edmund Davis comes into her life picking her to head a foundation because he too has the impression that she is a push over and will do as she is told without question. Just as she is at her lowest she receives an invitation to the The Black Stockings Society and the contents has the answers to all her problems so she decides to join. She finally has the courage to stand up for herself and gets a makeover that gives her the confidence that she need to finally take control of her life and let no one else run over her. You will have to read the book to find out all the details but believe me it was well worth it.