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Grayson Friends #4
It Had to Be You
Most musicians would do anything to work with the hot, young record producer known as "Rolling Deep." R.D. can pick and choose any artist he wants—and he wants Laurel Raineau. A classical violinist, Laurel plays soaring music that touches R.D. to his very soul. But the last thing Laurel wants is to work with someone whose exploits with the ladies appear in the tabloids every week.
Not one to take no for an answer, R.D. keeps trying—and failing—to let Laurel know that he's not the player he's made out to be. So he introduces himself to her by his real name, Zachary Wilder, hoping to win her over. But it's Zach who falls under this beauty's spell. Now it's only a matter of time before Laurel learns who the man she's losing her heart to really is—but can she walk away from a passion that feels so right?
Not one to take no for an answer, R.D. keeps trying—and failing—to let Laurel know that he's not the player he's made out to be. So he introduces himself to her by his real name, Zachary Wilder, hoping to win her over. But it's Zach who falls under this beauty's spell. Now it's only a matter of time before Laurel learns who the man she's losing her heart to really is—but can she walk away from a passion that feels so right?
285 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 22, 2010
31 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Francis Ray
72 books544 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 8, 2014
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.
May 10, 2010
Zachary Albright Wilder, better known as music producer extraordinaire, Rolling Deep, wants to produce Laurel Raineau's next album. Laurel is a classical violinist who is a well respected musician and very different from the other musical professionals Zach works with. Laurel refuses to have anything to do with Zach because of his reputation as a lady's man and working with some rap stars who have shady reputations. Zach can't get Laurel out of his mind and will use all his connections to try and meet her.
The opportunity arises when Zach finds out that Laurel is vacationing at a private resort in Playa de Carmen. He quickly flies out there and will try his best to convince her to work with him. Laurel hates the paparazzi and longs for peace and quiet from her current hectic schedule. As she is enjoying dinner, a handsome man asks to join her. Because of his sexy grin and looks, she decides he is harmless. He introduces himself as Zachary Albright and soon they are enjoying each other's company. They decide to see the sights together and Laurel can't help but fall into his arms and engage in an intense love affair.
Zach is riddled with guilt over keeping his true identity a secret from Laurel, but doesn't want what they have together to end. Both are falling deeply in love, and when she finds out about his deception, she feels betrayed, used and wants nothing more to do with him. Zach won't give Laurel up without a fight and pulls out all the stops to prove to her that he can be a man she can trust to help move along her career and also have a future with.
It Had To Be You is the forth book in Francis Ray's Grayson Friends series. This a cute romance about opposites attracting that has more of a feel of a category romance feel to it than a single title release. Laurel is very sheltered and innocent and longs for stability in both her personal and professional life. Zach falls head first for Laurel and helps her live her life to the fullest. At times he is a bit heavy handed, and the fact that he hides his identity is the only real tension that pushes along the story. The story somewhat falters because other than Zach hiding his identity and the outcome of his lies, there isn't all that much going on.
The love scenes between Zach and Laurel are emotional and enjoyable, where you really feel the connection between these two characters. Zach is a good person deep down inside who is very dedicated to his family and friends.
Francis Ray has penned an enjoy contemporary romance that is very simple and easy to read, although some readers many wish for a meatier plot.
The opportunity arises when Zach finds out that Laurel is vacationing at a private resort in Playa de Carmen. He quickly flies out there and will try his best to convince her to work with him. Laurel hates the paparazzi and longs for peace and quiet from her current hectic schedule. As she is enjoying dinner, a handsome man asks to join her. Because of his sexy grin and looks, she decides he is harmless. He introduces himself as Zachary Albright and soon they are enjoying each other's company. They decide to see the sights together and Laurel can't help but fall into his arms and engage in an intense love affair.
Zach is riddled with guilt over keeping his true identity a secret from Laurel, but doesn't want what they have together to end. Both are falling deeply in love, and when she finds out about his deception, she feels betrayed, used and wants nothing more to do with him. Zach won't give Laurel up without a fight and pulls out all the stops to prove to her that he can be a man she can trust to help move along her career and also have a future with.
It Had To Be You is the forth book in Francis Ray's Grayson Friends series. This a cute romance about opposites attracting that has more of a feel of a category romance feel to it than a single title release. Laurel is very sheltered and innocent and longs for stability in both her personal and professional life. Zach falls head first for Laurel and helps her live her life to the fullest. At times he is a bit heavy handed, and the fact that he hides his identity is the only real tension that pushes along the story. The story somewhat falters because other than Zach hiding his identity and the outcome of his lies, there isn't all that much going on.
The love scenes between Zach and Laurel are emotional and enjoyable, where you really feel the connection between these two characters. Zach is a good person deep down inside who is very dedicated to his family and friends.
Francis Ray has penned an enjoy contemporary romance that is very simple and easy to read, although some readers many wish for a meatier plot.
May 27, 2010
What can I say...I LOVED it...from beginning to end...Mrs. Ray has done it AGAIN!
August 14, 2020
The main storyline was really good, but the author introduced too many characters. It was clear that they must have come from other books, but there were too many. It seemed that to truly appreciate this book, one must read numerous others by the author so that the full breadth of the characters can be enjoyed. It proved too be too many storylines - causing too much drama - for me.
July 12, 2022
The story line was cute, but the typos in this book are on another level!
July 29, 2022
I just couldn’t get into this book!
December 22, 2024
love love love. very rockstar falls in love and simply can’t let go. no regrets reading.
January 21, 2026
I was holding my breath!
What a great read. Couldn’t put it down and now it’s 3:15 AM! I was holding my breath when it came time for the truth to come out. Wow!
What a great read. Couldn’t put it down and now it’s 3:15 AM! I was holding my breath when it came time for the truth to come out. Wow!
January 9, 2015
All around wonderful read.
The angst of the hero & Heroine is reflected in the song It Had to be You. Since, I am old school I had to go and listen to the song. I was amazed at the correlation between the two.
Both the heroine Laurel Raineau & the hero Zachary Albright Wilder had life lessons to learn. Laurel's lesson was that assumptions "truly make an ass of you and me". Zachary's is ," Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. ...".
However, they gain insight over time. With the help of family and friends they are able to make amends.
Synopsis
IT HAD TO BE HER
Most musicians would do anything to work with the hot, young record producer known as "Rolling Deep." R.D. can pick and choose any artist he wants--and he wants Laurel Raineau. A classical violinist, Laurel plays soaring music that touches R.D. to his very soul. But the last thing Laurel wants is to work with someone whose exploits with the ladies appear in the tabloids every week.
IT HAD TO BE...WHO?
Not one to take no for an answer, R.D. keeps trying--and failing--to let Laurel know that he's not the player he's made out to be. So he introduces himself to her by his real name, Zachary Wilder, hoping to win her over. But it's Zach who falls under this beauty's spell. Now it's only a matter of time before Laurel learns who the man she's losing her heart to really is--but can she walk away from a passion that feels so right?
The angst of the hero & Heroine is reflected in the song It Had to be You. Since, I am old school I had to go and listen to the song. I was amazed at the correlation between the two.
Both the heroine Laurel Raineau & the hero Zachary Albright Wilder had life lessons to learn. Laurel's lesson was that assumptions "truly make an ass of you and me". Zachary's is ," Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. ...".
However, they gain insight over time. With the help of family and friends they are able to make amends.
Synopsis
IT HAD TO BE HER
Most musicians would do anything to work with the hot, young record producer known as "Rolling Deep." R.D. can pick and choose any artist he wants--and he wants Laurel Raineau. A classical violinist, Laurel plays soaring music that touches R.D. to his very soul. But the last thing Laurel wants is to work with someone whose exploits with the ladies appear in the tabloids every week.
IT HAD TO BE...WHO?
Not one to take no for an answer, R.D. keeps trying--and failing--to let Laurel know that he's not the player he's made out to be. So he introduces himself to her by his real name, Zachary Wilder, hoping to win her over. But it's Zach who falls under this beauty's spell. Now it's only a matter of time before Laurel learns who the man she's losing her heart to really is--but can she walk away from a passion that feels so right?
May 2, 2010
Zachary Wilder “Rolling Deep” is a famous music producer. Everyone who is anyone wants to work with RD. Well everyone but the beautiful and talented Laurel Raineau. Laurel plays the Violin. She wants nothing to do with RD. He has a reputation of being a play boy. Zach has never been turned down before.
When RD learns that Laurel will be taking a vacation down to Playa del Carmen, he books a flight down there. He hopes to show Laurel that there is more to Zach then his image as RD.
It Had to Be You is book four of the Grayson Friends novels. It can be read as a stand alone novel. I say this because it is the first novel I have read by this author. It is not for a lack of not wanting to try a book out by Francis Ray but just never got around to it yet. I can happily say that after reading this book, I will make sure that time does not pass before I pick up another one of Francis Ray’s books.
The sexual chemistry between Zach and Laurel was as hot as the sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen. It was nice to see the softer side of Zach. Zach and Laurel made beautiful music together. If there had to be one book that started my summer out right, it had to be It Had to Be You.
When RD learns that Laurel will be taking a vacation down to Playa del Carmen, he books a flight down there. He hopes to show Laurel that there is more to Zach then his image as RD.
It Had to Be You is book four of the Grayson Friends novels. It can be read as a stand alone novel. I say this because it is the first novel I have read by this author. It is not for a lack of not wanting to try a book out by Francis Ray but just never got around to it yet. I can happily say that after reading this book, I will make sure that time does not pass before I pick up another one of Francis Ray’s books.
The sexual chemistry between Zach and Laurel was as hot as the sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen. It was nice to see the softer side of Zach. Zach and Laurel made beautiful music together. If there had to be one book that started my summer out right, it had to be It Had to Be You.
June 24, 2014
I have read 5 of of the Grayson friends novels and by far this is the best one!! I read it in a day.. Ray kept my attention and she didn't seem to repeat the info of all the Grayson characters over and over throughout the book which she has a habit of doing; makes it redonedit. This is the 4th in the series and it was fresh... Left me wanting more but I was happy with the story line and how she brought the Grayson into the story. Bravo!! The best so far but I still have 5 more to read because I read the second to the last out of order, which was my first introduction to Ms. Ray. I read it right after her passing and since have read the entire series up to the friends novels.. This over all is a great romance series and a quick engaging read
June 8, 2010
This book was a fast romance that includes a lesson in pride and prejudice. The characters were passionate and had just enough realistic characteristics that made them relatable. I was a bit surprised at how fast the book was going but I felt it ended with a full story. What I loved most about the book is how Ms. Ray unfolded the life of musicians in the entertainment industry. She went far beyond the 'glamour' of the life of a celebrity to show what was behind the curtain. There were some parts that were a little too much for me when it came to the character's family members, but overall it was a pretty good read and a great addition to the Grayson Friends series.
October 21, 2015
Francis Ray has a very specific outline that she pretty much follows in all her books. You either love them or hate them. I personally love them. In this particular book, Zach is so dreamy and Laurel is so innocent. Just like with all of Francis Ray's stories, the couple has to overcome some issues. They must learn to trust and forgive. They have to learn that everything or everyone is not always what they appear to be on the outside. If you are going to love someone, you must give them your whole heart and you must be willing to work for what you want. Also,the importance of family is highlighted beautifully (as always).
April 28, 2011
This is a wonderful story. I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters. This my first book from Grayson and I very much enjoyed her writing style. It was clear and consistent. I believed the love between both of them and I believe the characters. I can't wait to read another of her stories. Also I know there was a family chart in the front and I was tad bit worried but I didn't have to worry the story line never needed the family history.
May 1, 2010
Not one of her best work. The dialog was terrible and the characters were not likable.
October 16, 2019
Great story. As usual, I get to the middle and have a hard time putting it down - even for sleep! Always makes me want to start over at the beginning with the Taggarts.
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July 12, 2011Grayson Friends Series
April 19, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book, I was a nice read, I love how this family sticks together..Now I have to go back and read the Taggert/Falcon series...:-))
December 11, 2012
Loved how Laurel came out of her shell....
May 11, 2013
.....Rio Soooo Needs A Book!!!
May 29, 2013
Mr. "Rolling Deep" is certainly a character! I love his determination and change of heart. This was a great read, that many should enjoy!
November 9, 2015
Enjoyed this one...HOT
June 10, 2020
Loved it!
June 30, 2016
First off Laurel needs to get her nose from up in the air. I'm not sure why she thinks cause plays classical music she so much better. Secondly when will Sierrea learn to mind her own damn business.
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January 19, 2026Awesome book
I wanted to know how Zach would feel when he found out that the brother he thought was dead was actually given up so he could live and who Zach would fall in love with
I wanted to know how Zach would feel when he found out that the brother he thought was dead was actually given up so he could live and who Zach would fall in love with
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews