Synopses & Reviews
Nathalyia Fontaine has been the sole proprietor of the restaurant Fontaine since her husband died four years ago. She hasn't dated anyone in all those years, choosing not to open her heart again, or risk revealing her dark past. That is, until she meets Rafael Dunlap.
Rafael is a hostage negotiator with his own set of problems. Though he loves women, he vows he'll never marry because his job is just too unpredictable. He can't imagine leaving a widow and children behind. But his thinking and game plan of loving and leaving changes when he meets Nathalyia. Though she tries to resist him, Rafael sweeps her into a whirlwind romance. When the unexpected happens, and Nathalyia is forced to keep it a secret, she ends things with Rafael before he can break her heart. But when Rafael is in harms way, will Nathalyia resolve to tell him the truth before it's too late? Or will past demons keep them apart forever?
Review
Praise for Francis Ray:“Ray, a prolific storyteller in the mode of Nora Roberts, demonstrates a veterans skill for crafting fascinating, soulful characters.” –Publishers Weekly on If You Were My Man
“The best storyteller of the Century. From the first page to the end, I fell in love with Francis Ray.” --Mary Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of Whos Loving You? on And Mistress Makes Three
“This is Francis Ray at her best!” --Victoria Christopher Murray, Essence bestselling author of Too Little, Too Late on And Mistress Makes Three
“Francis Ray is, without a doubt, one of the Queens of Romance.” --A Romance Review on The Way You Love Me
“Such a sexy, seductive page turner of reignited passion, hope and true love." --Trisha Thomas, bestselling author of Nappily Ever After on In Another Mans Bed
Review
Praise for Francis Ray:
“The best storyteller of the Century. From the first page to the end, I fell in love with Francis Ray.” --Mary Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of Whos Loving You? on And Mistress Makes Three
“This is Francis Ray at her best!” --Victoria Christopher Murray, Essence bestselling author of Too Little, Too Late on And Mistress Makes Three
“Francis Ray is, without a doubt, one of the Queens of Romance.” --A Romance Review on The Way You Love Me
“Such a sexy, seductive page turner of reignited passion, hope and true love." --Trisha Thomas, bestselling author of Nappily Ever After on In Another Mans Bed
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Review
"Ray, a prolific storyteller in the mode of Nora Roberts, demonstrates a veterans skill for crafting fascinating, soulful characters with believable motives and mishaps."--Publisher's Weekly on If You Were My Man "An artful, sensual storytelling feat about a woman needing healing and a man with bridled passion."--Fresh Fiction on If You Were My Man
Synopsis
From New York Times-bestselling author Ray comes an intriguing story of friendship, romance, heartbreak, and, for Nathalyia Fontaine, an acceptance that life ultimately gives her what she needs.
Synopsis
Nathalyia Fontaine has been the sole proprietor of the restaurant Fontaine since her husband died four years ago. She hasn't dated anyone in all those years, choosing not to open her heart again, or risk revealing her dark past. That is, until she meets Rafael Dunlap.
Rafael is a hostage negotiator with his own set of problems. Though he loves women, he vows he'll never marry because his job is just too unpredictable. He can't imagine leaving a widow and children behind. But his thinking and game plan of loving and leaving changes when he meets Nathalyia. Though she tries to resist him, Rafael sweeps her into a whirlwind romance. When the unexpected happens, and Nathalyia is forced to keep it a secret, she ends things with Rafael before he can break her heart. But when Rafael is in harms way, will Nathalyia resolve to tell him the truth before it's too late? Or will past demons keep them apart forever?
Video
About the Author
Francis Ray is the New York Times bestselling author of the Grayson novels, the Falcon books, the Taggart Brothers, and Twice the Tempation, among many other romances. Her novel Incognito was made into a movie aired on BET. A native Texan, she is a graduate of Texas Woman's University and has a degree in nursing. Besides a writer, she is a school nurse practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. She lives in Dallas.
Reading Group Guide
1. Rafael wanted Nathalyia from their first meeting. Do you think a strong sexual attraction initially draws most couples together?
2. Nathalyia was wealthier than Rafael, yet money was never an issue between them. Would you date a man less successful than you? How important is income in a relationship?
3. Nathalyia was ashamed of her family and denied their existence. The decision came back to haunt her when her sister showed up at Fontaine. Is there ever a valid reason for turning your back on your family? Can anyone, no matter how dishonest or deceitful, be redeemed? Could Nathalyia's sister?
4. Clarice had a quick temper, a caring heart and a record of going out with losers. Why do you think some women have trouble finding good men? Do they settle? Are they impatient and just get tired of being alone, or are some men, especially the no-good ones, very persuasive?
5. Jake loved Clarice, but he didn't speak up because of the scar on his face and their fifteen year age difference. Have you ever cared for someone, but were afraid to tell him/her? If you didn't speak up, do you regret your decision?
6. Is there ever a good enough reason not to tell a man he's the father of your baby?
7. The road to happiness was not smooth for Nathalyia and Rafael or Clarice and Jake. Lies, secrets, fears, and insecurities all played a role in keeping them apart. When do you know you love a person and that love is worth the risk? Is it a feeling? Something he/she said or did?