Nobody But You

Grayson Friends #2

by Francis Ray

NASCAR star Cameron McBride is poised to win this year’s Sprint Cup. But being a successful race-car driver comes with a price: His own life. Cameron knows that his profession puts him at high risk. Thankfully, his latest visit to the hospital left him intact. That is, until he bumps into Caitlin Lawrence…and is thrust back into his painful past. 

The one-time love of his life who left him at the altar, Caitlin could never accept Cameron’s fast and furious existence. The threat of losing him on the racetrack was just too much for Caitlin—and the young son Cameron never knew he had. Now that this chance meeting has changed their lives forever, will Caitlin and Cameron find a way to recapture what might have been?

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, New Adult, Cultural

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 3, 2009

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

[Darla]

Ok, I couldn't finish this damned book AT ALL!! It rubbed me wrong 12 ways from Sunday so I am about to have a serious rant about it!!! I enjoy Francis Ray's books, even though I haven't read one in a while, but I could not do this one!!! Off the bat, Caitlin pissed me off, I CANNOT STAND WOMEN LIKE HER!!! Caitlin and Cameron had a relationship, but Caitlin got tired of seeing Cameron being hurt driving in NASCAR, being worried that something would eventually happen to him, so she chose, on their wedding day, to ditch him!!! For 5 years he couldn't find her and then one day, fate intervened and they saw each other at the hospital. Low and behold, she has a son that, surprise, surprise, looks just like Cameron, down to his dimples and his eyes, hell even his first name. The wench! What a sorry excuse for a woman to conceal the conception and birth of a child from a man, all because SHE decided for everyone that it was "safer" for the baby. Had she told him, and he chose not to be apart of the baby's life, I would not have had an issue, but because she made her self righteous decisions for Cameron and their baby, it is unforgivable. The fact that this story would probably end happily with her and Cameron together, after what she did, I can't work with that. It's not too often a book puts me off like this one did, not even a 50 pages in, but this one did and, call me judgmental, but there will be no recovery for me! Now, I am officially off my soap box!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was actually kinda dissapointed with this book. The plot line provided a great setup to what could've been a great book but everything was just missing. Maybe it's because of all the editing that I do on a regular basis but I noticed several grammar mistakes and typoes that should've been removed before the book was printed. The biggest one being Cameron's last name on the back of the book being Dupree when in the book it's McBride. That mistake should not have gotten past any decent editor.
The book itself just lacked any sense of flow. Everything felt choppy, like something a five-year-old could write. Yes, that was harsh, but her writing was just lacking in maturity.
The ending of the book could have been much better. Cameron proposes and you don't know for sure if the answer was yes until you go on to the epilogue. That should not have been the case. You always want to keep your readers in the know, especially when it's not a mystery, and Ray failed to do that. This isn't the sign of someone who has been writing for several years. The only things that seems to working her way is the fact that she is a black female author writing about black characters.
About her black characters... she seemed to be a little shy introducing them as such. It's one thing to describe someone as having tan skin and an entirely different matter to say they're black. Someone's skin color should not be something that you need to hide. It's something plainly visible on people that you see, so what is the need to hide it behind half-truths. We can't get over racism if we're afraid to point out someone's skin color. It doesn't have to be malicious, but it's something that people need to get used to.

[SassyMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a THRILLING read! I was CAUGHT UP in not only the second-chance romance between Caitlin and Cameron, but also the fast and fun thrills of the whole NASCAR scene. I must admit I found it DIFFICULT to empathize with Caitlin, I mean I understand her fears, but I could NEVER agree with keeping a child away from his father without just cause (such as emotional or physical abuse). Cameron's DEFINITELY a ONE-OF-KIND guy, there aren't many men that would be as FORGIVING or accommodating as he was with Caitlin after the ULTIMATE betrayal. And Joshua was quite the little CHARMER, throughout this novel, I couldn't help but fall in love with him and all his antics throughout this story. Mrs. Ray once AGAIN, had me LOL, reaching for the KLEENEX, and CHEERING as Cameron and Caitlin made an attempt to move pass ALL the hurts and the fears in order to give their son the family he so desperately wanted. I also enjoyed the informative tidbits Mrs. Ray provided throughout about NASCAR and the racing world. I simply love this story; the cast of characters, the bitter-sweet storyline, the racing chills and thrills and as ALWAYS the close-knit family ties, just a wonderful treat! I can't wait for the next installment in the Grayson Friends Series.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Children learn from us, we need to pratice what we preach.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜 the ✍🏾

Enjoyable story! The author writes as if it was a movie and I can appreciate the vivid depiction. The book gives information about NASCAR and now I'm interested in watching. The romance was an emotional experience for the characters and I enjoyed the ride. I'm recommending the series and related series.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover on this app didn’t look like the cover on the book I read 😂 my book had a wholesome picture of the two of them sitting on the beach with their backs to the camera! Anyway, it was an okay book but I won’t read any others in the series

[Bridgetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line

As always Francis Ray a delivers great story line that includes family, love and ability to face fears along with a general knowledge of NASCAR.

[Misherald Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francis Ray brings us the thrill seeker himself story Cameron McBride. While this story stands on its own away from most of the other pieces that, belong with the family series it fits right in as well.

Cameron McBride never thought he would find the one woman who made him fall in love just as quick as she did but all of that came tumbling down when she left him at the altar. That season for Cameron was well let us just say the ugliest thing ever. Cameron never thought he would recover until he discovers a major secret that his ex-fiancée has been hiding from him that blows his minds.

Catlin Lawrence loved Cameron with all of heart but she couldn’t see losing another important person in her life to the thousand pound car that races around on the track after one great lost she decided it was more than enough. However when she walked away she hadn’t realize how much precious cargo she was travelling with and with the decision of a lifetime she finds herself rethinking her decision of four years when Cameron shows up to reclaim what’s partially his.

Cameron & Catlin bumps heads on so many levels due to Catlin’s fear but when the fear shows up in the most precocious thing in their lives they find their selves at lost for how to fix the biggest problem in their lives.

Francis Ray writes a heartfelt story that went beyond the romance but also pointed out some very good information for parents with kids and how to deal with traumatic situations.

[Fedora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cameron McBride's a rarity in the NASCAR world--he's a successful black driver, intent on making it to the top. His world's turned upside down again when at the hospital following a scary but not injury causing crash, he glimpses the woman who turned him upside down and inside out years before when she left him at the altar. Caitlyn Lawrence couldn't resist that glimpse of Cameron, and she's afraid too, because she's got a huge secret--she didn't know she was pregnant when she'd decide she couldn't marry Cameron, but she chose to keep the child to herself.

Ms. Ray did a great job overall with the story--I know it's part of a series, but I didn't feel lost without having read the others. However, I did find myself frustrated at times with Caitlyn's issue, which kept the two of them apart and then spilled into keeping their family apart. Though it was a realistic fear, I impatiently wanted at times for her to simply "get over it"--not a great expectation, but there it is.

A satisfying end when it came, there is definitely a lead in to the other stories in the series.

[Racquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course, Ms. Ray did it again with another installment in the Grayson Friends series. I really liked that Cameron and Caitlin's story was a bit different from the others. The love they shared for each other and their son was unwavering; no matter how much they tried to hide it or fight it. The information on NASCAR was plentiful but a bit repetitive at some points. Towards the ending, the description of the last race was awesome. I really felt that she painted a great picture of the crowd, crew, and excitement of game day. It was an enjoyable read :)

[Zanetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean when he found her and stopped her in the hallway and started talking to her. then he realized that the boy that she was holding was his and I mean that made me made that she would do something like that because he a NASCAR racer that dont mean you keep him from his son I mean she felt bad about it and she realized she was worng so thats a good thing.
I am going to Finshin the book and I will get back with you when I am done.

[Siti Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the begging of the book, I can felt the way she trying to get away from the hospital and try not to bump with Cameron, her ex-fiance. But when he found her I wished that she can escape from him right away...but eventually she has to tell her son who the father. I kind of lose interest in the book when the son (Joshua) traumatize by watching the video of his father crashed. Thank god she married him in the end.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I've got lots of Nascar friends at my library and will be certain to recommend it to them. I never thought I'd want to watch Nascar,but now I might give it a try after reading more about it in this lovely second chance romance. I'm really looking forward to the next story about this McBride family.

[Zarinah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this book and its right around the NASCAR season and so it taught me a few things about the sport. I love this story it was so fast pace and i didnt give it a full 5 because i found few things about the subject of the son unbelievable like one minute he was all daddy daddy and then nothing than daddy dadddy again but besides that this story rocked loved it!!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Grayson Family series then add the Grayson Family and Friends to follow up. I think I have read each book in both series and they kept getting better and of course they are interchangeable so in each book, you still got to hear about how another part of the family is doing. Will have to make sure I add the others to my home library in tribute to Mrs. Ray.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all

I really have enjoyed reading this authors books. This one was very exciting. The way she described the action of the nascar racing made me feel like I was there! This book had it all action, pain, love, family, betrayal, secrets and growth! On to the next book, Duncan!

[Roxanna Haddley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was thoroughly written. The book allowed the reader to find out how the past relatives were doing as well. The book also left several questions that were unanswered, about Cameron's parents. I finished this book in less than a day.

[Melissa Wathington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

[Cheryl Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book was good, the friends are as exciting as the family members.

[SheLove2Read]

secret baby story

[Thais]

This book was really good just thinking about Cameron did something to me. How great it is to find someone who loves you unconditional.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caitlin and Cameron are the first Grayson Friends that I have read and it was GREAT I would read it again.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww this was a really good story.... so emotional at times it had me in tears! Loved it!

[Kobie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to read Duncan's story. Also, Hope's story (she is Cam's PR person.)

[ReadingWonderland · Rating 3 out of 5]

THAT LADY GOT ON MY NNEERRVVEESS!!!! First time reading a book were I genuinely did NOT like the heroine .

[Tigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read this again

Still love it!

[Malia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly I'm in the mood of rereading old favorites. It was even better the second time around.

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was great. But Caitlin got on my last damn nerve. It seems like she just wanted her son to her self. I really just wanted to shake the hell out of her. Cameron should have got full custody

[amaya crosby]

Awesome book

I had to know how Duncan and Cameron broke the McBride curse and show that they are lucky in love and business

[Meleika Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 ⭐️ Overall, I thought the book was ok, but the FMC worked my nerves. I barely made it to the end.