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Grayson Friends #1
The Way You Love Me
Nothing gets to Shane Elliott. A former Army Ranger, now head of security for a wealthy real estate tycoon, Shane can handle whatever life throws at him—until he meets the beautiful, kindhearted Paige Albright. She's about to inherit a fortune, and Paige's mother has asked Shane to investigate her boyfriend. It should have been a simple, standard assignment for Shane…if only Paige's seductive mix of strength and vulnerability didn't leave him wanting her for himself.
All her life, Paige has put others' needs before her own, even going so far as choosing a man to please her father. Now her mother's mysterious houseguest is tempting her to go after what she truly wants…even if it's the cool, assertive, irresistible Shane himself. But is he who he appears to be? And how can Paige know whether to trust her own judgment—and their red-hot attraction?
All her life, Paige has put others' needs before her own, even going so far as choosing a man to please her father. Now her mother's mysterious houseguest is tempting her to go after what she truly wants…even if it's the cool, assertive, irresistible Shane himself. But is he who he appears to be? And how can Paige know whether to trust her own judgment—and their red-hot attraction?
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Francis Ray
72 books546 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 2, 2008
Shane FINALLY Meets His Match
Okay...no it wasn't as HOT & SPICY as “Only You”, but it's still a GREAT BEGINNING to the “Grayson Friends” series. I was CAUGHT UP in Shane and Paige's journey to love. I ABSOLUTELY love the fact that they actually became friends before they became lovers. It's one of those romance novels that had me saying, “AWWWWW” out loud...LOL...and dabbing at a tear or two. So, even without the “HEAT” I thought Mrs. Ray still spun a sweet, sensual and charming romantic treat. I enjoyed the way Shane took care of Paige! He is DEFINITELY good for a girls ego! And for a man who knew NOTHING about love, he did quite well when courting and tending to Paige's every NEED. He was SEXY, intelligent, generous, EXTREMELY protective and a true gentleman. Shane is determined to protect Paige from any/all harm; including her own foolish behavior surrounding the issues she has with her mother throughout this novel. Shane and Paige compliment each other. He teaches her how to LET GO and have confidence in herself and she allows him to let his guard down and OPEN HIS HEART to things he doesn't even know he desires until he meets her. As always I enjoy catching up with all the Grayson's and their circle of family and friends. I can hardly wait to see what Mrs. Ray has in store for Rio. And I thought Noah and Gayle Mathis were quite a MEMORABLE addition to this series; I hope to see more of them in a future novel. Well done, Mrs. Ray!
Okay...no it wasn't as HOT & SPICY as “Only You”, but it's still a GREAT BEGINNING to the “Grayson Friends” series. I was CAUGHT UP in Shane and Paige's journey to love. I ABSOLUTELY love the fact that they actually became friends before they became lovers. It's one of those romance novels that had me saying, “AWWWWW” out loud...LOL...and dabbing at a tear or two. So, even without the “HEAT” I thought Mrs. Ray still spun a sweet, sensual and charming romantic treat. I enjoyed the way Shane took care of Paige! He is DEFINITELY good for a girls ego! And for a man who knew NOTHING about love, he did quite well when courting and tending to Paige's every NEED. He was SEXY, intelligent, generous, EXTREMELY protective and a true gentleman. Shane is determined to protect Paige from any/all harm; including her own foolish behavior surrounding the issues she has with her mother throughout this novel. Shane and Paige compliment each other. He teaches her how to LET GO and have confidence in herself and she allows him to let his guard down and OPEN HIS HEART to things he doesn't even know he desires until he meets her. As always I enjoy catching up with all the Grayson's and their circle of family and friends. I can hardly wait to see what Mrs. Ray has in store for Rio. And I thought Noah and Gayle Mathis were quite a MEMORABLE addition to this series; I hope to see more of them in a future novel. Well done, Mrs. Ray!
April 17, 2009
Very good book. Couldn't put it down. The Grayson Novels are so good. Can't wait for another one to come out.
October 20, 2012
I couldn't wait to read Shane's book... But the chemistry took too long to develop. I just wanted them to get together already! If it hadn't taken so long it would have been a 4 star book but by the time they finally got together, the book was over!
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. This is a slow burn love story. This is the second book. I’ve read by this author where the daughters have hero worship for their dads.
Paige’s father was a horrible person. His wife had to fake her son‘s death because she found him with a pillow looking to smother her child. Even if the baby wasn’t his who would think of smothering an infant. He died in his mistress bed, and the mistress was blackmailing his widow. I would’ve put all his business on front street and wake up his naïve daughter. But Mrs. Albright is a wonderful mother and protected her children at all cost.
Shane became everyone’s hero. He’s a great character. Paige eventually grew up in her own way and became the perfect partner for Shane and the supportive and understanding daughter her mother deserved.
Paige’s father was a horrible person. His wife had to fake her son‘s death because she found him with a pillow looking to smother her child. Even if the baby wasn’t his who would think of smothering an infant. He died in his mistress bed, and the mistress was blackmailing his widow. I would’ve put all his business on front street and wake up his naïve daughter. But Mrs. Albright is a wonderful mother and protected her children at all cost.
Shane became everyone’s hero. He’s a great character. Paige eventually grew up in her own way and became the perfect partner for Shane and the supportive and understanding daughter her mother deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
Very entertaining!
I have enjoyed this book and the author's writing. I became a fan of her storytelling and writing with the first book I read. I have not read the "Graysons of New Mexico" and other related series, I anticipate reading those too!
I have enjoyed this book and the author's writing. I became a fan of her storytelling and writing with the first book I read. I have not read the "Graysons of New Mexico" and other related series, I anticipate reading those too!
February 1, 2021
I love the love story of this novel. I just wish there was more of a romance than just what was given in the end. Other than that it was an excellent read.
November 14, 2025
The Dream
Paige's dream came true! She got her man and a bonus Brother!!! Heart aches can heal and you can have the love of a lifetime!
Paige's dream came true! She got her man and a bonus Brother!!! Heart aches can heal and you can have the love of a lifetime!
January 7, 2009
Falling in love with someone you have to protect with your life isn't hard to do, even big bachelor Shane Elliot. Keeping your Desire from someone who you are close to everyday is not easy no matter how hard Paige Albright may try. In this Novel Paige's mother is living in fear that Paige will marry a gold digging man just because her father who recently passed liked him. So hires Shane to come and investigate Russell and help her daughter see the light. When an impromptu Flow of desire and awareness hit they are both stunned and begin to feel stuck between a rock and a hard place as there connection grows stronger, closer, and deeper. Paige has to decide what’s more important, what her heart wants or Her Fathers preference. Shane must decide between His commitment to his Friend and Employer Blade Navorone and his growing love for Paige.
Shy Richards
AAMBC Reviewer
Shy Richards
AAMBC Reviewer
November 12, 2012
Loved this story, always love a Grayson story, but the only problem I had was I wished Francis went more into Shane's upbringing, how he grew up and what lead him to Rio and Blade. That's all. Other than that, great love story!
February 25, 2015
I secretly wish I could find the love of any of the men in one of these books. But until that happens I am content with just reading their stories and the fierce love they have for their friends, family and the women they fall in love with.
October 21, 2015
Very nicely done. Another great love story for us hopeless romantics. What girl doesn't dream of her own Black Knight? Shane is every girls dream. Paige is so sweet. You can't help but hope for the best for these two.
April 1, 2008
it a book of romanctic stuff not my tipe of book but the cover made me read it
December 30, 2008
just received the book from my AAMBC book club so im excited to get started
March 23, 2013
I love Shane he is a perfect gentleman. I have been enjoying this series. It's time for Rio to find his one true love.
July 23, 2024
Some books I could read every year again...this is one of them!
(2024)
Just love this story
(2024)
Just love this story
June 3, 2015
Very sweet
Although they fell in love much to quick I did like how the passion ignited. Good read. I would recommend to friends. Romance and sizzle.
Although they fell in love much to quick I did like how the passion ignited. Good read. I would recommend to friends. Romance and sizzle.
March 26, 2016
I loved it. I've been waiting for Shane's story since Dreaming of You. This did not disappoint.
June 14, 2016
Swear I thought Shane was white. Any way I loved the book. But I hate women like Paige, your dad was a cheating abusing whore get over it. You aren't daddy's little girl grow up.
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January 17, 2026Awesome book
Because I wanted to know how Ruth helped Shane and Rio find love like she did with her children and I will recommend this book to all the women in my family
Because I wanted to know how Ruth helped Shane and Rio find love like she did with her children and I will recommend this book to all the women in my family
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October 5, 2017Garbage 0⭐️
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews