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Graysons of New Mexico #5
Only You
Sierra Grayson is next in line for love. If her four older brothers managed to get married off, surely Sierra can't be far behind. At least that's the outcome her matchmaking mother, Ruth, is hoping for…whether Sierra―smart, too sexy for her own good, and stubborn to a fault―wants it or not. But little does Ruth know what else fate has in store. After a chance meeting billionaire real estate mogul Blade Navarone 'wins' Sierra at an auction. Both are stunned by the intense sexual attraction and fight it for different reasons. A legend in the industry, Blade is known to be ruthless and relentless―a cruel twist of fate taught him to be no other way. But can Sierra trust him to treat her as more than just another acquisition? And if Blade does allow himself to care for her, will Sierra herself be willing to give up her hard-won independence and make a lifelong investment? Or has a mother's luck run its course?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 2, 2007
30 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Francis Ray
72 books539 followersFrancis Ray was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling African-American writer of romance novels. Her literary fiction series – Taggart and Falcon, the Invincible Women, Grayson Family of New Mexico, and Grayson Friends – have consistently made bestseller's lists. She was born in Richland, Texas, and studied nursing, receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in 1967. She began writing in 1987, while continuing to work as a nurse, and had her first book published in 1992.
AWARDS
Romantic Times Career Achievement
EMMA
The Golden Pen
The Atlantic Choice
Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers' Choice Award Winners for AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE Reviewers' Choice Awards – Best Books Not Even If You Begged, St. Martin's Griffin (February 2008)
Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award for Nobody but You
Written's 2010 Readers Choice Book of the Year for If You Were My Man
AWARDS
Romantic Times Career Achievement
EMMA
The Golden Pen
The Atlantic Choice
Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers' Choice Award Winners for AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE Reviewers' Choice Awards – Best Books Not Even If You Begged, St. Martin's Griffin (February 2008)
Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award for Nobody but You
Written's 2010 Readers Choice Book of the Year for If You Were My Man
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 9, 2007
Unforgettable
Can we give it up for Mrs. Francis Ray and "Only You"! If you're a fan, you all know you waited with bated breath...just like me for her to finally get to the LAST child, the ONLY daughter...the MOST stubborn of the bunch. All I can say is she did an EXCELLENT job with Sierra and Blade's romance. And as much as I couldn't wait for it to get here, I hated to see the Grayson/Falcon Series come to an end so soon...or does it END?!!!! Ruth Grayson is the mother of all mothers, she sure knows how to pick 'em. Will her match-making end with her children or will she continue to meddle in THE affairs of the heart?!!!! When you read a Grayson/Falcon tale you not only get a very intense romance, you get some thrilling suspense-filled moments, along with some action and adventure and you definitely get that strong, intense family bond thing they have goin' on, which makes you want to be a member of this imaginary family or at least a close friend.~~~~~~~I enjoyed the instant attraction between Sierra and Blade. The storyline flowed effortlessly across the pages. The characters are always memorable. Main and secondary characters will have you lol quite often at their antics. I love the way Blade and Sierra took care of each other, the way they wanted to protect the other, to put a smile or keep one on the others face and the compassion and understanding that they shared was just so endearing. Blade is definitely a man that knows how to provide TOTAL and ULTIMATE satisfaction to the woman he finally decides to open his heart to, not just a physical satisfaction, but emotionally and intellectually, too. However can he let go of his past fears and finally take a second chance at love?!!! If he does finally give into Ms. Sierra, he will surely have his hands full...can he handle that much woman?!!!! I totally got caught up in all the passion and romance this couple shared throughout this story. A Definite MUST Read...you WILL NOT be disappointed!
Can we give it up for Mrs. Francis Ray and "Only You"! If you're a fan, you all know you waited with bated breath...just like me for her to finally get to the LAST child, the ONLY daughter...the MOST stubborn of the bunch. All I can say is she did an EXCELLENT job with Sierra and Blade's romance. And as much as I couldn't wait for it to get here, I hated to see the Grayson/Falcon Series come to an end so soon...or does it END?!!!! Ruth Grayson is the mother of all mothers, she sure knows how to pick 'em. Will her match-making end with her children or will she continue to meddle in THE affairs of the heart?!!!! When you read a Grayson/Falcon tale you not only get a very intense romance, you get some thrilling suspense-filled moments, along with some action and adventure and you definitely get that strong, intense family bond thing they have goin' on, which makes you want to be a member of this imaginary family or at least a close friend.~~~~~~~I enjoyed the instant attraction between Sierra and Blade. The storyline flowed effortlessly across the pages. The characters are always memorable. Main and secondary characters will have you lol quite often at their antics. I love the way Blade and Sierra took care of each other, the way they wanted to protect the other, to put a smile or keep one on the others face and the compassion and understanding that they shared was just so endearing. Blade is definitely a man that knows how to provide TOTAL and ULTIMATE satisfaction to the woman he finally decides to open his heart to, not just a physical satisfaction, but emotionally and intellectually, too. However can he let go of his past fears and finally take a second chance at love?!!! If he does finally give into Ms. Sierra, he will surely have his hands full...can he handle that much woman?!!!! I totally got caught up in all the passion and romance this couple shared throughout this story. A Definite MUST Read...you WILL NOT be disappointed!
September 16, 2010
Did not enjoy it. I wanted it to be over.
The two main characters are too perfect. They are both rich, beautiful, smart and do everything better than anyone else. She wears the best clothes, does the best job, drives fast, gets on a tempermental horse but gallops away competently, and saves the day at a wedding by playing the harp when the hired harpist doesn't show. I was a little bored with all the perfection. Then I was bored, waiting for the relationship to take off. They both were attracted to each other but kept postponing intimacy for most of the book. For example on page 199, he said "why don't we put each other out of our misery?", then they start kissing, then he said "I'd better go." This unrealistic delaying did not make a good story.
CAUTION SPOILER: I was mad at Sierra at the end, when she got mad at Blade for having a security person follow her. Sierra knew Blade feared she might get kidnapped, but she made him call off security saying she could take care of herself. Then shortly thereafter, she was careless and was kidnapped. She was stupid to get rid of her security.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: current day San Francisco, Dallas and Mexico. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary African-American romance.
The two main characters are too perfect. They are both rich, beautiful, smart and do everything better than anyone else. She wears the best clothes, does the best job, drives fast, gets on a tempermental horse but gallops away competently, and saves the day at a wedding by playing the harp when the hired harpist doesn't show. I was a little bored with all the perfection. Then I was bored, waiting for the relationship to take off. They both were attracted to each other but kept postponing intimacy for most of the book. For example on page 199, he said "why don't we put each other out of our misery?", then they start kissing, then he said "I'd better go." This unrealistic delaying did not make a good story.
CAUTION SPOILER: I was mad at Sierra at the end, when she got mad at Blade for having a security person follow her. Sierra knew Blade feared she might get kidnapped, but she made him call off security saying she could take care of herself. Then shortly thereafter, she was careless and was kidnapped. She was stupid to get rid of her security.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: current day San Francisco, Dallas and Mexico. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary African-American romance.
September 7, 2020
Tantalizing
This is what happy ending means.....this story had me dreaming of lovers past, present and future. Everybody deserves a love like their because loves always wins
This is what happy ending means.....this story had me dreaming of lovers past, present and future. Everybody deserves a love like their because loves always wins
November 12, 2020
Loved this Series
I loved all 5 books but I couldn't put this one down. This story about Sierra and Blade is wonderful.
I loved all 5 books but I couldn't put this one down. This story about Sierra and Blade is wonderful.
June 10, 2023
This was so good. Can't wait to read more of her catalog.
August 5, 2008
"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Leo Tolstoy
No-where is this quote more true than all these 'happy family' romances. You know those ones, where the matriarch/patriarch decides that, "Forsooth, alone is the same as being lonely, and no -one can choose the right mate for you but I. Because I know that you're going to object my lovely, I'll do it behind your back, because all is fair in twu wuv".
In addition, you have the nosey sisters, over protective brothers (is there any other kind? What happened to the, "Okay, I'll leave you well enough alone, but if you need a shovel and a shallow grave, I'm there" brothers?) and by the time you get to the fifth book in the series, there are so many characters around that you need a stick, register and family trees to keep them in line.
Oh and in the end, when the character thinks that s/he found his/her own (wo)man anyway... well, see first paragraph above.
Unluckily for me, I started with Only You the fifth book in the Grayson family series.
I knew I was in trouble when I read this line: "Since she was a direct descendant of an African high priestess and a Native American shaman, Sierra didn't question how she knew he was hurting, or her own actions."
On reading this sentence (in the first five pages in the book), I went, "Oh snap, Jazz! She's part Pocohantas, part Aida, with a bit of Mulan for spunk... all Disney princess. Jazz, Sierra Grayson is a Mary Sue, the only character deficit is recklessness, Americans like recklessness, I'm doomed! Doomed!"
It was the last romance novel on my camping trip. I had no other choice but to push on.
It doesn't help that Sierra charms everyone that she meets, she bubbles, and emotes and empathises. I expected her to start speaking to animals a la Cinderella. If Sierra couldn't have afforded Versace, Escada or Ralph Lauren black label lines - she'd have gotten her animal friends to make it for her- and it wouldn't be sweat shop labour, no, because they were doing it for Sierra. The Mary Sue comparison is not shaken that in a pinch at the wedding reception she was able to play harp, with the dexterity of a Joanna Newsom, thus saving the day.
Anyways, for what its worth, here's the plot: Sierra Grayson gets put up for one of those auctions for 'charidee' - she gets won by Blade Navarone, they fall for each other hard and fast. Of course, Blade is emotionally distant, due to some tragic accident in his past, and is a bit of gruff. Sierra sets to woo him (cue the *Beauty and the Beast* Disney soundtrack) and find a way to make him want to break through the ice of his emotions and love her despite himself.
*headdesk*
Snarking aside, the book is fairly well written. I actually liked Blade Navarone - it's rare that you see a descendant of 'the first peoples' that isn't a noble savage ala Cassie Edwards, and relatively three dimensional. He's pulled himself up by his footsteps and is a relatively sympathetic character - I can't stay that about Sierra, since despite her supposed recklessness, she comes out better than before. When I'm reckless, I have credit card bills up the whazoo and wondering when I'll be able to squeeze my size 12 body into a size 8 two piece tiger striped bikini on a beach in Britain.
I'm hesitant to put this as an IR romance, since Sierra Grayson is the descendant of an Indian shaman and all. The sex scenes were pedestrian - I really expected Blade to have some technique in the bedroom (it was implied, okay?) - and thought the only reason why Sierra was impressed because she was a virgin (oh, yeah, I forget to put that in the Disney princess ticky box). Because the sex scenes were clumsily done, I thought the writer would have been better off making the action fade to black, or just go poetic. Then, the plot twist at the end of the book was so obvious, Stevie Wonder could have seen it coming (I did).
Oh, and it's could NOT care less. NOT could care less. Editors of these books, I'm looking at you.
No-where is this quote more true than all these 'happy family' romances. You know those ones, where the matriarch/patriarch decides that, "Forsooth, alone is the same as being lonely, and no -one can choose the right mate for you but I. Because I know that you're going to object my lovely, I'll do it behind your back, because all is fair in twu wuv".
In addition, you have the nosey sisters, over protective brothers (is there any other kind? What happened to the, "Okay, I'll leave you well enough alone, but if you need a shovel and a shallow grave, I'm there" brothers?) and by the time you get to the fifth book in the series, there are so many characters around that you need a stick, register and family trees to keep them in line.
Oh and in the end, when the character thinks that s/he found his/her own (wo)man anyway... well, see first paragraph above.
Unluckily for me, I started with Only You the fifth book in the Grayson family series.
I knew I was in trouble when I read this line: "Since she was a direct descendant of an African high priestess and a Native American shaman, Sierra didn't question how she knew he was hurting, or her own actions."
On reading this sentence (in the first five pages in the book), I went, "Oh snap, Jazz! She's part Pocohantas, part Aida, with a bit of Mulan for spunk... all Disney princess. Jazz, Sierra Grayson is a Mary Sue, the only character deficit is recklessness, Americans like recklessness, I'm doomed! Doomed!"
It was the last romance novel on my camping trip. I had no other choice but to push on.
It doesn't help that Sierra charms everyone that she meets, she bubbles, and emotes and empathises. I expected her to start speaking to animals a la Cinderella. If Sierra couldn't have afforded Versace, Escada or Ralph Lauren black label lines - she'd have gotten her animal friends to make it for her- and it wouldn't be sweat shop labour, no, because they were doing it for Sierra. The Mary Sue comparison is not shaken that in a pinch at the wedding reception she was able to play harp, with the dexterity of a Joanna Newsom, thus saving the day.
Anyways, for what its worth, here's the plot: Sierra Grayson gets put up for one of those auctions for 'charidee' - she gets won by Blade Navarone, they fall for each other hard and fast. Of course, Blade is emotionally distant, due to some tragic accident in his past, and is a bit of gruff. Sierra sets to woo him (cue the *Beauty and the Beast* Disney soundtrack) and find a way to make him want to break through the ice of his emotions and love her despite himself.
*headdesk*
Snarking aside, the book is fairly well written. I actually liked Blade Navarone - it's rare that you see a descendant of 'the first peoples' that isn't a noble savage ala Cassie Edwards, and relatively three dimensional. He's pulled himself up by his footsteps and is a relatively sympathetic character - I can't stay that about Sierra, since despite her supposed recklessness, she comes out better than before. When I'm reckless, I have credit card bills up the whazoo and wondering when I'll be able to squeeze my size 12 body into a size 8 two piece tiger striped bikini on a beach in Britain.
I'm hesitant to put this as an IR romance, since Sierra Grayson is the descendant of an Indian shaman and all. The sex scenes were pedestrian - I really expected Blade to have some technique in the bedroom (it was implied, okay?) - and thought the only reason why Sierra was impressed because she was a virgin (oh, yeah, I forget to put that in the Disney princess ticky box). Because the sex scenes were clumsily done, I thought the writer would have been better off making the action fade to black, or just go poetic. Then, the plot twist at the end of the book was so obvious, Stevie Wonder could have seen it coming (I did).
Oh, and it's could NOT care less. NOT could care less. Editors of these books, I'm looking at you.
March 15, 2017
This book was all too perfect. Perfect people, perfect looks, perfect material things, yadda, yadda. Even when something bad happened to the main character she was not harmed.
January 8, 2012
Great classic romance between successful businessman Blade Navarone and real estate broker Sierra Grayson. This is truly the old style romance where the women are always virgins no matter how old they are but if that doesn't annoy you, you'll enjoy it.
Mainly I appreciate writers like Ms. Ray who show successful black families as normal instead of an anomaly. There are too many books that just play into negative stereotypes. Ms. Ray's family sagas are a nice balance to that.
This is book 5 in the Grayson family series, don't start these books unless you're prepared to get sucked in!
Mainly I appreciate writers like Ms. Ray who show successful black families as normal instead of an anomaly. There are too many books that just play into negative stereotypes. Ms. Ray's family sagas are a nice balance to that.
This is book 5 in the Grayson family series, don't start these books unless you're prepared to get sucked in!
September 20, 2015
This was definitely my favorite Grayson story. Love can be so complicated and unpredictable but it's such a beautiful thing. This story (the entire series) is a lesson on love. What it means to truly love someone. How a family should love one another unconditionally and stick with one another. It shows how there will be ups and downs in any relationship but with the right love it will endure. Even though the Grayson family and their eventual spouses are not your typical everyday people, the lessons still apply. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to their stories.
June 1, 2011
I Absolutely Loved Loved Loved how the book read! I was so into the story that I didn't want to put the book down! I just finished reading it for the second time, I read it for the first time two years ago! Beautiful Story of God, Love, Family, Friendship, Loyalty, Trust and the Determination of one woman to heal the heart of a man she Loves. Oh and I loved how The Mother, Ruth had a hand in picking all the mates for her children, even her youngest child!
January 14, 2012
Out of all 5 books, this was my favorite! I absolutely love Sierra'a spunky character. I also love the fact that she wouldn't give up on Blade Navarone. Her mother couldn't have picked a better person for her daughter. The only thing that I wish would have been incorporated in this family at some point was them having children. I hate to see this family series end. Job well done Francis Ray...:-))
February 11, 2012
I read this book because I had just won(First Reads giveaway)another in the Grayson series, and thought it would give me a better perspective in evaluating that book. The story is a romance taking place in San Francisco, Texas, New Mexico and Riviera Maya, Mexico. It had an element of suspense, as well as some predictability to the story. I would give it about 3 1/2 stars and look forward to reading A Seductive Kiss, which just arrived today!
December 1, 2014
Sierra is the only Grayson girl ! This is the First EVER Francis Ray book that I have read and it will be the best. Sierra and Blade romance was dangerous and sexy. I LOOVED IT !!!!! My favorite type of love are the ones that are hard to get. Blade was hardcore and mean and Sierra was sweet and sassy. She helped him love again and I just LOOOVE that. ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS !!!!
May 27, 2016
I like the book overall, i'm a little confused about Blade's wife tho. Why exactly was she kidnapped and how where they kidnapped from a store full of people. Also I accidentally read this book before the others. In the other books Sierra was kind of annoying, I don't understand why she thought marriage meant she would be cleaning and cooking for some guy.
May 22, 2022
One of the best family series ever! There's no resisting the sheer magic, romance, and some times dangerous elements of the love affair between mega luxury resorts mogul Blade Navarone and Realtor extraordinaire, Sierra Grayson. You will laugh; you will cry; you will gasp and often sigh. I guarantee that you will become a fan of Francis Ray's Grayson family and want to read more about them.
April 13, 2013
Sierra Grayson & Blade Navarone is my favorite couple of the Grayson books but the only thing that made it not get the 5 stars I was expecting is the ending. There were just a few things that I felt were lacking in the ending to make me buy it.
August 16, 2013
Good romance, but it could have been so much more. I just felt like it left me wanting. The storyline could have had a little more adventure, but I guess that is not her forte, so we got the romance. Happy I got to read it. Thank goodness for Google Play Books!
March 26, 2017
This one was probably my fav from the series...I love how Ruth was not involved, but somehow she was involved. I wonder if Sierra will ever find out if her mother had already made the choice for her and I wonder if the readers will ever find out how Ruth was able to pull it off.
April 17, 2009
Great. The Grayson Novels are a must read.
July 6, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. As a character, Blade is a little unrealistic but that's what Romance novels are made of! I would love to have him sweep me off my feet.
September 26, 2010
I enjoy reading Francis Ray especially the old stuff (from the 90's).
April 27, 2011
awesome
January 8, 2012
Loved Blade, I am such a sucker for a tortured hero and no one writes them quite like Francis Ray
March 2, 2012
Love all the stories with the Grayson family.
March 11, 2012
One word "HOT"!
May 21, 2012
Great Series
November 7, 2012
Loved this story through and through! I fell in love with Blade! It's amazing the love and passion he had for Sierra! Can't wait to read the next Grayson story. Francis Ray never disappoints!
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October 14, 2012THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I FELT LIKE I WAS APART OF EVERY PAGE. IM LOOKING FAWORD TO READING YOUR OTHER BOOKS, ESPECIALLY THE ONES DEALING WITH THE GRAYNSON FAMILY.
November 13, 2012
The perfect love story! Loved this book!
November 30, 2012
Loved this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews