All I Ever Wanted

Grayson Friends #8

by Francis Ray

Naomi Reese is a divorced mother with a small daughter named Kayla, a new life in Sante Fe, and, finally, some distance from her abusive ex-husband. All she wants now is a home of her own where she and Kayla can finally feel safe. With one bad marriage behind her, she can't even dream of falling in love again. 

Until she meets Richard...

A tall, handsome veterinarian with a warm smile and big heart, Richard Youngblood is the kind of man any woman could fall for. Not only does he have a wonderful way with animals, he's great with little Kayla and--Naomi has to admit--he's easy on the eyes. Richard definitely has his sights set on her, too. But first, Naomi has to free herself from her past--and learn how to love again--before she can have all she ever wanted with the man of her dreams...

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Contemporary, Cultural, Contemporary Romance

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 26, 2013

About the author

Francis 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

Reviews

[Kesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Graysons and their friends. If only life imitated art?

[Reshemah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Ray has done it once again with another great Grayson Friends book. If you remember Naomi and Richard from Luke and Catherine's story, Naomi was in danger and Richard was the Vet who gave her a job and saved her from her ex-husband. Now we finally get there story. Naomi doesn't want to loose Richard's friendship because he has been so good to her and her daughter, Kayla but she knows he wants more but can she be the woman he needs? Richard has been in love with Naomi and her daughter for sometime. He doesn't want to rush her but he can't keep his feelings to himself for much longer. Francis Ray has yet to disappoint me with her awesome books. Congrats to Mrs. Ray on another five-star banger.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi had to learn to not let fear consumer her life. Richard was there to teach her that there was nothing to fear in him. Their journey long the pay off immeasurable. Take a look at the journey to love.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG this was one of the best books I've read. I love the Grayson Series and the friends. I loved the courage of Naomi to overcome her fears and Richard was the best person in the world to help her. His patience was outstanding. I can't wait for Lance and Fallon's book. Great work Ms. Ray.

[Karen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francis Ray brings in home again. I have yet to read one of her books and not fall in love with it. She finds was to bring tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. Her books instill hope. Thnk you for another phenomenal book Mrs. Ray!!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story! I waited for this for a while! It was great to have a more in depth look at Naomi and Richards relationship. I waited for Naomi to have a happy ending!

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length: 289 pages
Style: African American Contemporary Romance
Series: Grayson Friends #8

This was a story that can depict real life and although the main character, Naomi, was in an abusive relationship in her past, she didn't come off depressing and gave life to her character. After escaping with her daughter, Kayla, Naomi started a new life while constantly looking over her shoulder. After settling down, she has built a new life for herself with a circle of Grayson family and friends. Within this circle she meets, Richard, who has become her saving grace and almost a father figure to her daughter.

The opening of the story as dark as it seems describing Noami's past, it draws the reader into the story as you are interested in following Naomi's life. Because of Naomi's past, I thought the pace of Richard and Naomi's Romance was appropriate and appealing. There romance started out slow, but warming up to both characters was apart of the appeal to me. Of course, it is always a pleasure to see familiar names/characters from previous books connected to the Grayson family and friends. Kayla was a sweet heart and an important character in this story, without her, I don't think the appeal of Richard and Naomi in this particular story would be what it is. I also liked the chemistry between Fallon and Lance. Fallon was Naomi's neighbor and Lance was Richard's cousin.

Apart from liking this story a lot, it had a sort of simplicity to it. I actually wanted more details on Naomi's family, as she wasn't able to depend on them throughout the story so that peaked my interest. I also that the ending came to an abrupt end. Apart from these things, for me, this was a likable and enjoyable read from the author and a well added addition to the series.


RNJ
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[Shameka Erby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francis Ray writes the best modern romance I’ve ever read. Easy reads with layered characters and heart melting romance. The women are just as strong as the men, and the men are as protective and loving as we wish men could be all the time. The Graysons are one of my favorite families of hers. I can’t wait to read the next one of their friends to fall in love.

[Lorice DeBlanc-Brim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Love, love, love it. Naomi left an abusive marriage to start over. Dr. Richard wanted more out their friendship. But Naomi had to get over her fears and trust issues. The Grayson's are such a close knit family. You will definitely enjoy this read.

[amaya crosby]

Awesome book

I had to know how Naomi and kayla's relationship with Richard was progressing and if Naomi would let her fear go

[Jordyn B]

Unfortunately I just don’t like Ray’s style of writing.

[Linda Bruchert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable

[Fragile Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a page turner

Loved diving into Dr. Youngblood and Naomi’s love journey.
They kept me coming back until I got too sleepy to go on, until the next day.

[Sophia Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was at times hard to read but a touching story it was very well written. I liked the story line. And the romance was not out of this world but it did a good job. I fell in love with the characters and this story really had great plots and I loved the character development.

[Dafort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers have been waiting a long time for Naomi and Richard’s relationship to come to life and Ms. Ray did not disappoint. All I Ever Wanted provided more insight into Naomi’s past relationship and how it was continuing to affect her and her daughter. Richard, Catherine and Luke were godsends for Naomi and aided in overcoming her past and rewriting her future. Richard was a very patient man and little Kayla was such a sweetheart in this book. Naomi tried to consistently push Richard away but he was determined to pursue a relationship with Ms. Reese.
This was a story of healing and learning to trust after a disastrous past relationship. The road was not an easy one and did Richard give up on Naomi….readers will have to pick up All I Ever Wanted to discover if these two were successful in finding love.

[Michelle Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart just melted while reading this book! Richard and Naomi's story is so full of love and I couldn't keep the cheesy smile off my face. There are lessons about courage, trust, patience and understanding. Once again Francis Ray beautifully highlights the importance of family and friends and sticking together. Above all, this story shows how true love can make all the difference in the world. When you find that someone that you can give your whole heart to, you will be amazed at all the things you can accomplish/overcome together. I loved the Grayson's stories but Richard and Naomi's love story was hands down my favorite. It's more realistic and touches the heart. You'll love it and you won't want to put it down. I'm already thinking about when I should re-read this one

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not well paced. Part of my problem was as I said that I thought Naomi and Richard had been together in the background of the series for quite some time. Apparently not.
The next problem I had was with the pacing, Naomi spends half the book pushing Richard out of her life and the turns around and is leaning towards marriage and so the relationship is especially rushed as it has half the time to show us why Naomi is willing to trust Richard.

And finally I'm sick to death of the abusive ex story right now. No-one's doing anything new with it and it's starting to be overdone.

OP:
Would've thought that they'd already be together, but not complaining.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

“All I Ever Wanted” by Francis Ray touches on a very real issue…spousal abuse. Naomi is a woman on a mission. Deciding to flee with her daughter in order to escape the abuse, Naomi is happy to have a fresh start. Love is the last thing on her mind but when Richard Youngblood catches her eye; can he make her realize its ok to love again?
“All I Ever Wanted” was a good read. I loved the characters. They were very well developed. There were some parts that were a bit predictable but overall the story flowed well. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Carla Towns
AAMBC Reviewer

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd definitely call this one a sweet romance. It was a very slow and steady read. I thought the build up for Naomi and Richard took a bit too long. Yes I understand she had to get over her issues, but I just felt like I was reading about a man and woman's friendship for 60% of the book. It was definitely not as passionate as the previous Grayson Friends books that I have read. Overall the writing was well done, but that wow factor was missing here. I hope Fallon and Lance's book turns it up again

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I've read by Francis Ray, just picked it up in the new book section at the library. Will not be the last (take me a while to get through them)
Enjoyed it very much. Good characters and interesting subject.

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the longest I did not like Naomi because although she went through a lot, she was just untouchable to me. Richard did everything he could and she still wouldn't trust him. And I really would've thought that Luke and Cath would have adopted a baby or had IVF by now.

[Michelle Chavis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok......

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow & steady read. I wanted her to quit playing the victim but the romance works.

[Carmellia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!!! As usual!!

[SassyMama · Rating 3 out of 5]

An EXTREMELY sweet read. A bit slow getting to the romance and/or action...but still a good read...nice to see how Naomi and Richard FINALLY got together.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good read...i felt,like it was a bit rush....i got tired of Naomi pushing Richard away....But they found love in the end...it was very predictable.

[Té Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books I was waiting years for Francis Ray to write (like Rio's story coming out later this year can't wait!!!) She did not disappoint! Loved it!

[Tigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time reading this story...love it when I go back and reread some of my all time favorites!
Miss Francis Ray

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Ray's done it again! I am a huge Grayson's fan and I loved this story!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi and Richard live in Santa Fe!!! It's pretty cool to read about places I've been before :)