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Until Ray
Two people in the same city but worlds apart.
Until Ray is an unconventional love story of how two young people transitioning into adulthood find each other and develop a bond that will be tested through three decades.
RAY IS LOST …
He lives in northwest Detroit with his mother. When he’s not at home, he’s either at the mall selling women’s shoes or in the club. In both places, he's focused on one thing—picking up women. Only now he’s ready to make a change but isn’t sure how to do it.
THEN SARITA ARRIVES …
At twenty-four, she has an MBA, is a CPA, and works in upper-level management at GM. But all that success comes at a she’s lonely and craves the one thing she’s never had—attention from men.
Dive into a love story filled with soul-searching drama told from two very different perspectives. Until Ray, the first book of a trilogy, is set in the mid-eighties in Detroit, where the author was born and raised.
Until Ray is an unconventional love story of how two young people transitioning into adulthood find each other and develop a bond that will be tested through three decades.
RAY IS LOST …
He lives in northwest Detroit with his mother. When he’s not at home, he’s either at the mall selling women’s shoes or in the club. In both places, he's focused on one thing—picking up women. Only now he’s ready to make a change but isn’t sure how to do it.
THEN SARITA ARRIVES …
At twenty-four, she has an MBA, is a CPA, and works in upper-level management at GM. But all that success comes at a she’s lonely and craves the one thing she’s never had—attention from men.
Dive into a love story filled with soul-searching drama told from two very different perspectives. Until Ray, the first book of a trilogy, is set in the mid-eighties in Detroit, where the author was born and raised.
- GenresWomens Fiction
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2017
58 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Robinson
35 books63 followersCheryl currently resides in Florida. For the past sixteen years, she has been busy writing contemporary adult fiction. While writing is her first love, making delicious green smoothies is easily her second. She also enjoys spoiling her miniature Schnauzer and whipping up healthy meals from recipes she finds online.
For more about Cheryl and the Until Ray trilogy visit: cherylrobinson.com and untilraytrilogy.com.
For more about Cheryl and the Until Ray trilogy visit: cherylrobinson.com and untilraytrilogy.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 3, 2017
Having grown up in and around Detroit, the scenes were set for me in vivid detail. Having frequented the very establishments mentioned was like a walk down memory lane in many ways, the difference being the viewpoint of an intelligent young woman who has no real self-identity, who may have excelled academically, but failed to thrive socially. There were times I felt like I had picked up a "places to go" pamphlet.
Sarita may have grown up with wealth and the correct Detroit address, but her family’s internal dysfunctionality, need to control and snobbery is the perfect recipe to assist her present and future mistakes.
Ray also has grown up in an atmosphere that spells disaster. A disturbed and dysfunctional mother, poverty and the complete lack of personal drive and self-respect have created a man who may want it all, but doesn’t want to do the due diligence to obtain it. He has become the clichéd manwhore and seeks to “make his mark” in the most superficial ways, until he meets Sarita, but even then, his desire to change is more lip service than soul-felt.
It was the very danger and excitement he represented that had Sarita running straight into his web in her misguided attempt to become her own woman and break free from her parents’ iron fist.
Dark, intense and edgy, UNTIL RAY by Cheryl Robinson is a tale of the downward spiral of more than two people, more than their dysfunctional relationships and almost seems to tell the tale of the implosion of a city in crisis. No matter how pretty the backdrop, how impressive the venues named should seem, this is a dark tale of failure, incredible betrayal, emotional weakness and the pain of a loss of innocence. The real world isn’t always pretty, but only by living in it, can we find ourselves. So far, Sarita and Ray are their own worst enemies.
Certainly not an upbeat read, this tale will make strong individuals shake their heads, weak individuals quake and all readers hope for that moment of awakening to come to each and every character.
Trilogy: Until Ray - Book 1
Publisher: Rose Colored Books (June 23, 2017)
Publication Date: June 23, 2017
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 404 pages
Available FREE from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Sarita may have grown up with wealth and the correct Detroit address, but her family’s internal dysfunctionality, need to control and snobbery is the perfect recipe to assist her present and future mistakes.
Ray also has grown up in an atmosphere that spells disaster. A disturbed and dysfunctional mother, poverty and the complete lack of personal drive and self-respect have created a man who may want it all, but doesn’t want to do the due diligence to obtain it. He has become the clichéd manwhore and seeks to “make his mark” in the most superficial ways, until he meets Sarita, but even then, his desire to change is more lip service than soul-felt.
It was the very danger and excitement he represented that had Sarita running straight into his web in her misguided attempt to become her own woman and break free from her parents’ iron fist.
Dark, intense and edgy, UNTIL RAY by Cheryl Robinson is a tale of the downward spiral of more than two people, more than their dysfunctional relationships and almost seems to tell the tale of the implosion of a city in crisis. No matter how pretty the backdrop, how impressive the venues named should seem, this is a dark tale of failure, incredible betrayal, emotional weakness and the pain of a loss of innocence. The real world isn’t always pretty, but only by living in it, can we find ourselves. So far, Sarita and Ray are their own worst enemies.
Certainly not an upbeat read, this tale will make strong individuals shake their heads, weak individuals quake and all readers hope for that moment of awakening to come to each and every character.
Trilogy: Until Ray - Book 1
Publisher: Rose Colored Books (June 23, 2017)
Publication Date: June 23, 2017
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 404 pages
Available FREE from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
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February 5, 2018
I read this for a book club meeting and it is not something that I would have ever chosen for myself. While not exactly street lit, this is not a genre that I usually read so my review is from a bit of an outsider perspective. The writing and story line is very simple though it moves rather quickly. I found myself not connecting with the two main characters or their "love story" and rolled my eyes - a lot. The characters (or author? or both?) seemed obsessed with hair length and skin color which was so annoying and distracting. The book had problematic language and scenarios though I could not determine whether the author was intentional about it. Sometimes it felt very Tyler Perry-esque. The last 50-70 pages felt very long and could have benefited from editing. The most promising parts of the book, in my opinion, were background relationships such as those of Sarita and Graham, Sarita and her sister Sunniva, and Ray and his father. I will likely finish this trilogy in connection with my book club. Even though I have real concerns about this book I am interested in what happens with the characters. 2.5 overall.
August 13, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Until Ray is an unconventional love story set in the mid-eighties. Two young people transitioning into adulthood find each other, but their bond gets tested time and again. Ray is a character who you just want to slap some sense into. He lives in a four-family flat with his mother, and he works at the mall selling women’s shoes. He spends most of his free time in the club, picking up women. He has deep-rooted emotional issues that stop him from becoming the person he could one day be.
Sarita is different, but she too has a vast array of issues. She has an MBA and works in upper-level management. However, success in her career comes at a high cost: she’s lonely and lacks attention from men, something she craves for often. Dr. Graham Emerson wants to marry her, and her parents expect her to say yes, but Sarita isn’t convinced he’s the one for her. She meets Ray on a blind date and is immediately drawn in by his good looks and sense of humor… But can she trust a ladies’ man like Ray?
The strength of this novel is showing how dysfunction brings forth more dysfunction. Sarita has led a sheltered life, and is a bit naive when it comes to matters of the heart. Ray starts out as a womanizer, and though he often swears he’ll change, change isn’t that easily accomplished, as it shows by him often failing in what he sets out or swears to do. I too, like Sarita, offered him probably more chances than he deserved, and felt let down when, once again, he just didn’t appreciate the chances he was given.
Ultimately, it’s a strong book, an emotional rollercoaster that shows that you can’t always change people, and not all people will mature properly, no matter how much you try. It has a lot of depth, the characters all have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and overall, it’s an intriguing read.
Until Ray is an unconventional love story set in the mid-eighties. Two young people transitioning into adulthood find each other, but their bond gets tested time and again. Ray is a character who you just want to slap some sense into. He lives in a four-family flat with his mother, and he works at the mall selling women’s shoes. He spends most of his free time in the club, picking up women. He has deep-rooted emotional issues that stop him from becoming the person he could one day be.
Sarita is different, but she too has a vast array of issues. She has an MBA and works in upper-level management. However, success in her career comes at a high cost: she’s lonely and lacks attention from men, something she craves for often. Dr. Graham Emerson wants to marry her, and her parents expect her to say yes, but Sarita isn’t convinced he’s the one for her. She meets Ray on a blind date and is immediately drawn in by his good looks and sense of humor… But can she trust a ladies’ man like Ray?
The strength of this novel is showing how dysfunction brings forth more dysfunction. Sarita has led a sheltered life, and is a bit naive when it comes to matters of the heart. Ray starts out as a womanizer, and though he often swears he’ll change, change isn’t that easily accomplished, as it shows by him often failing in what he sets out or swears to do. I too, like Sarita, offered him probably more chances than he deserved, and felt let down when, once again, he just didn’t appreciate the chances he was given.
Ultimately, it’s a strong book, an emotional rollercoaster that shows that you can’t always change people, and not all people will mature properly, no matter how much you try. It has a lot of depth, the characters all have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and overall, it’s an intriguing read.
July 2, 2017
Title: Until Ray
Author: Cheryl Robinson
Publisher: Rose Colored Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Until Ray" By Cheryl Robinson
My Thoughts....
What a very interesting read that will keep you turning the pages and leave you by the end wanting more!
When I thought about the story after reading it I found it really sad especially for Sarita. To me the writing was definitely printed on the wall for her to see but for some reason Sarita wasn't able to see it even though she was a very smart person. Sarita had been warned especially by her mother but like so many of us she thought she was following her heart. But was Ray the right man that would truly love Sarita? This author really gives the reader quite a story that you will give one many thoughts long after the read. The characters were simply off the chart...from Ray, Sarita, Solomon, Cynthia, Miss King, Vera, Paw Paw, Boone, Sharon, Faith, Joy, Graham, Tisha, Reid to Veronica to name a few were all well developed, portrayed, defined and believable definitely giving this story a realness that one could feel as if they were there in the mist of it all.
I will not say much about Ray other than ... yes, he let me down and all I can say from that is he definitely needs help! After saying that I will stop and only say pick up "Until Ray" to see how well this author present to the readers such a outstanding read that will leave you shaking your head, saying wow and wanting more! Be prepared for a long well thought out read. It will definitely be interesting how this trilogy will continue on because there are lots of questions that need to be answered and I will look forward to reading more about it. Would I recommend? YES!!
July 5, 2017
Love is truly blind
If you ever what to feel empathy for a character then you have that in Sarita. If you ever want to slap a character then you have it in Ray. Money cannot buy you love or class. This story is one big emotional rollercoaster. There are some missing elements for me. But I guess this is why it's a trilogy. I'll reserve complete judgment.
I will say that sheltering children can have different impacts. Sarita character shows the naivete that comes with being overly sheltered. You can have book smarts and lack common sense.
Ray all messed up. His emotional and psychological problems are real. The issues with his mom, Miss King. Damaging. He is the quintessential example of a no good immature good for nothing f boy. You cannot raise a man.
Together Sarita and Ray was destined to fail, as they were looking for love in all the wrong places. The examples of love they had were much to be desired.
The open ended part for me were the sub characters and their relationships. Solomon and his wife, dysfunctional. Boone and Sharon marriage just wasn't what one would strive to obtain.
I hope in the coming stories Sarita finds her identity. That it's not cliche and that she takes a hard look at herself and comes out victorious.
I hope Ray comes into manhood and stop seeking to identify himself in between the sheets. That he recognize that he can be more than a man who is womanizer . That he accepts his faults, and seeks help from the baggage of his past and upbringing.
I hope Garrett isn't the fall guy for Sarita, and that he actually is more than the surface level .
If you ever what to feel empathy for a character then you have that in Sarita. If you ever want to slap a character then you have it in Ray. Money cannot buy you love or class. This story is one big emotional rollercoaster. There are some missing elements for me. But I guess this is why it's a trilogy. I'll reserve complete judgment.
I will say that sheltering children can have different impacts. Sarita character shows the naivete that comes with being overly sheltered. You can have book smarts and lack common sense.
Ray all messed up. His emotional and psychological problems are real. The issues with his mom, Miss King. Damaging. He is the quintessential example of a no good immature good for nothing f boy. You cannot raise a man.
Together Sarita and Ray was destined to fail, as they were looking for love in all the wrong places. The examples of love they had were much to be desired.
The open ended part for me were the sub characters and their relationships. Solomon and his wife, dysfunctional. Boone and Sharon marriage just wasn't what one would strive to obtain.
I hope in the coming stories Sarita finds her identity. That it's not cliche and that she takes a hard look at herself and comes out victorious.
I hope Ray comes into manhood and stop seeking to identify himself in between the sheets. That he recognize that he can be more than a man who is womanizer . That he accepts his faults, and seeks help from the baggage of his past and upbringing.
I hope Garrett isn't the fall guy for Sarita, and that he actually is more than the surface level .
December 6, 2017
When I think of love I'm reminded of two individuals coming together, you know that old Rhythm & Blues lyric 2 hearts beating as one. Well what happens if only one heart is beating and the other beats for someone else? Or better yet when love is based on family pedigree can it survive? What if you feel this is a love you don't deserve after hearing something for so long that thing becomes who you are unless you have a specific skillset.
Until Ray is a tale of friendship, love and growing up. It's about Sarita's quest for love, Dr. Graham securing the suitable wife and Ray trying to get his life together. However until Ray grows up he will never come up and Sarita, well she might end up in a loveless or a grow to love marriage. Robinson did an excellent job with Book one and I'm definitely looking forward to Book two
Until Ray is a tale of friendship, love and growing up. It's about Sarita's quest for love, Dr. Graham securing the suitable wife and Ray trying to get his life together. However until Ray grows up he will never come up and Sarita, well she might end up in a loveless or a grow to love marriage. Robinson did an excellent job with Book one and I'm definitely looking forward to Book two
July 19, 2017
Emotional Journey
This story definitely took me on an emotional journey. Sarita was a beautiful person with a lovely personality. All she wanted was to be loved. Having to choose between someone she loved and someone her family loved was a great pressure in her life.
Ray...what can I say? He was the epitome of a woman's worst nightmare. A selfish person, his character appeared to grow worse rather than stronger with time.
This was a good novel that kept me on an emotional roller coaster ride.
This story definitely took me on an emotional journey. Sarita was a beautiful person with a lovely personality. All she wanted was to be loved. Having to choose between someone she loved and someone her family loved was a great pressure in her life.
Ray...what can I say? He was the epitome of a woman's worst nightmare. A selfish person, his character appeared to grow worse rather than stronger with time.
This was a good novel that kept me on an emotional roller coaster ride.
December 30, 2017
Compelling tale of reality
Ray & Sarita’s story should help both young men and women look at themselves beyond attraction or lack thereof. It’s so hard to review this book without spoilers, but Ray’s dysfunction is no less than Sarita’s. Covering up mess is just as bad as trying to fix someone else’s mess. I can’t wait to read part 2 but I hope Sarita doesn’t take him back. I don’t care how sorry (literally) he is.
Ray & Sarita’s story should help both young men and women look at themselves beyond attraction or lack thereof. It’s so hard to review this book without spoilers, but Ray’s dysfunction is no less than Sarita’s. Covering up mess is just as bad as trying to fix someone else’s mess. I can’t wait to read part 2 but I hope Sarita doesn’t take him back. I don’t care how sorry (literally) he is.
November 3, 2017
Smh...That Damn Ray
I dont think I could've hated a character so much until Ray came along (no pun intended). Sarita's parents meant well, but they managed to push their children in the opposite direction of their outdated teachings and beliefs; arranged marriages, colorism and people that lived on the bad side of town. Sarita was well on the path of towing the line... until Ray
I dont think I could've hated a character so much until Ray came along (no pun intended). Sarita's parents meant well, but they managed to push their children in the opposite direction of their outdated teachings and beliefs; arranged marriages, colorism and people that lived on the bad side of town. Sarita was well on the path of towing the line... until Ray
January 24, 2018
I’m so glad...
I am so very glad that I took the time to read this book in its entirety. Sarita’s innocence annoyed me, but my heart broke for her. The book started slowly, but the author stirred up emotions in me that has made me with my own feelings. Job well done! I look forward to reading part two!
I am so very glad that I took the time to read this book in its entirety. Sarita’s innocence annoyed me, but my heart broke for her. The book started slowly, but the author stirred up emotions in me that has made me with my own feelings. Job well done! I look forward to reading part two!
July 9, 2017
Good read
It was good. It's not a book that capture my attention of that I couldn't put it down but I aS captivated with Sirata's story line . I would like to know if she found true love.
It was good. It's not a book that capture my attention of that I couldn't put it down but I aS captivated with Sirata's story line . I would like to know if she found true love.
July 27, 2017
Hated Ray
I'm not sure how I feel about this story. The lead man character was a total jerk. The lead female was too naïve. The story was good, but difficult to enjoy the content.
I'm not sure how I feel about this story. The lead man character was a total jerk. The lead female was too naïve. The story was good, but difficult to enjoy the content.
January 8, 2018
Omg
This is My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it I can’t wait to read part 2 to see where where things go and find out what happen
This is My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it I can’t wait to read part 2 to see where where things go and find out what happen
March 13, 2018
Can I say drama!!!!!
This book was so full of drama love every minute. I can't stand Ray made me sick. Next up will be book two.
This book was so full of drama love every minute. I can't stand Ray made me sick. Next up will be book two.
September 25, 2018
Wow
This book speak so much volume. Has so many messages. I see the bad happening and hate that Serita didn't see it. Her inexperienced self couldn't begin to imagine the hurt.
This book speak so much volume. Has so many messages. I see the bad happening and hate that Serita didn't see it. Her inexperienced self couldn't begin to imagine the hurt.
August 30, 2017
Full review here: Crazy Kalm blog
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews