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Invincible Women #2
Any Rich Man Will Do: A Novel
In this new novel from the national bestselling author Francis Ray, a bad girl falls on hard times, and forgiveness and redemption are the only things she has left.
Broke and living in a shabby motel, beautiful bad girl Jana Franklin has become an outcast in the elite Dallas society she once ruled. With her divorce from wealthy Gray Livingston, her dubious past, and no skills to claim, Jana is unable to support herself. Without friends and without hope, she has no one she can depend on but herself.
Then one night she stumbles (literally!) into Olivia Maxwell's store, Midnight Dreams. There she meets Tyler Maxwell---the first man she can't maneuver, toy with, or fool. After this chance meeting, tough girl Jana learns that it takes more than scheming to get her man.
Broke and living in a shabby motel, beautiful bad girl Jana Franklin has become an outcast in the elite Dallas society she once ruled. With her divorce from wealthy Gray Livingston, her dubious past, and no skills to claim, Jana is unable to support herself. Without friends and without hope, she has no one she can depend on but herself.
Then one night she stumbles (literally!) into Olivia Maxwell's store, Midnight Dreams. There she meets Tyler Maxwell---the first man she can't maneuver, toy with, or fool. After this chance meeting, tough girl Jana learns that it takes more than scheming to get her man.
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2000
9 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Francis Ray
72 books541 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 8, 2014
I wasn't really feeling the ending but I liked this book. The redemption story of Jana was written really well. I'm just not a fan of people suddenly getting married to wrap up the story line so everyone gets a happy ending. It still would have been a good story if the couples had just...continued to date. It would have been more realistic that way.
February 21, 2012
Two love stories in one. This was beautiful. (Jana & Tyler, Olivia and Julian)
June 27, 2019
An easy read, simple plot a happily ever after story. Steeped in repentance, forgiveness caring and romance. Trial and the support of friends moving in the direction of family. Jana and Tyler , Olivia Juilian and Griffin, storm the mountains of bigotry deceit and greed to dwell at a summit of love conquers all
My first book by Francis Ray, i can read more of her
My first book by Francis Ray, i can read more of her
September 20, 2017
I'm not really into romance novels but this one didn't seem half bad. There wasn't any serious character development outside of the obvious changes. I didn't get a feel of true racial identity, but maybe that dissolves with amassed wealth. Wait, who am I kidding? Overall, this book seemed to marry the forgiveness of religion with the rebirth if self after a crisis. The ending felt rushed though wrapped with a tidy bow of happiness. Other than a few minor editing distractions, this book was rather well written and moved along at a great pace. I'd definitely read more by this author.
April 7, 2018
better than I thought it would be
September 2, 2020
One of my favorite books
February 9, 2022
😍😍
Wow, love this book . Have read it a few times. Thank you. Love all,of your books.love reading them again and again.
Wow, love this book . Have read it a few times. Thank you. Love all,of your books.love reading them again and again.
March 31, 2013
Do you believe people can change? Any Rich Man Will Do focuses on change and how people react to it.
Jana lived the majority of her life as a gold digger. Moving quickly from one wealthy man to another, regardless of his marital status, role in the community or family relation. Jana has flipped her last trick and spent her last dollar, which is why she is living in a pay-by-day motel. Believing she has one last opportunity to catch a man while wearing an out-of-season, two sizes too big formal gown, she crashes the high society gala of the year. At the gala, she not only sticks out like a sore thumb but she is confronted by Priscilla, leader of the socialites, and tossed out. Thinking she can go no lower, Jana accepts the cash proposition of a famous basketball star. During the ride to a secluded location, he attempts to rape her, but at a stop light Jana garners enough strength to run.
Her energy is completely drained as she reaches the storefront of Midnight Dreams. Upon entering the store to ask for a drink of water she faints which alarms the storeowner, Olivia and her brother Tyler. Olivia takes Jana to the hospital to be checked out. However, Tyler is not as trusting because he believes Jana might be running game. The doctor examines Jana and determines that she is suffering from malnutrition. She is discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go, or so she thought.
Jana and Olivia become fast friends. Olivia has a garage apartment for rent and a sales position open at the store. Jana needs a place to live and a job. Olivia has problems trusting people while Jana has never needed to trust anyone. Both ladies have issues with men so they help each other, learn from their mistakes and trust God to bring forth the right mate.
Once again Francis Ray has written a spectacular romance that is sure to hit the bestseller list. Her characterizations are fantastic, the love scenes are dramatic and the fighting scenes are full of action and suspense. The plot moves along at a fast pace, offering a few twists that will keep you guessing. Any Rich Man Will Do is an example of why Ms. Ray continues to dazzle readers and is one of the most popular African American authors writing today
Jana lived the majority of her life as a gold digger. Moving quickly from one wealthy man to another, regardless of his marital status, role in the community or family relation. Jana has flipped her last trick and spent her last dollar, which is why she is living in a pay-by-day motel. Believing she has one last opportunity to catch a man while wearing an out-of-season, two sizes too big formal gown, she crashes the high society gala of the year. At the gala, she not only sticks out like a sore thumb but she is confronted by Priscilla, leader of the socialites, and tossed out. Thinking she can go no lower, Jana accepts the cash proposition of a famous basketball star. During the ride to a secluded location, he attempts to rape her, but at a stop light Jana garners enough strength to run.
Her energy is completely drained as she reaches the storefront of Midnight Dreams. Upon entering the store to ask for a drink of water she faints which alarms the storeowner, Olivia and her brother Tyler. Olivia takes Jana to the hospital to be checked out. However, Tyler is not as trusting because he believes Jana might be running game. The doctor examines Jana and determines that she is suffering from malnutrition. She is discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go, or so she thought.
Jana and Olivia become fast friends. Olivia has a garage apartment for rent and a sales position open at the store. Jana needs a place to live and a job. Olivia has problems trusting people while Jana has never needed to trust anyone. Both ladies have issues with men so they help each other, learn from their mistakes and trust God to bring forth the right mate.
Once again Francis Ray has written a spectacular romance that is sure to hit the bestseller list. Her characterizations are fantastic, the love scenes are dramatic and the fighting scenes are full of action and suspense. The plot moves along at a fast pace, offering a few twists that will keep you guessing. Any Rich Man Will Do is an example of why Ms. Ray continues to dazzle readers and is one of the most popular African American authors writing today
March 18, 2015
The beautiful 32-year-old, and 3 times married Jana Franklin is going to learn an important lesson. She has made her livelihood using, controlling & influencing men. Jana is crestfallen after a divorce and subsequent scandal. She goes to a charity gala in Dallas, Texas without an invitation or permission. She is looking for one more well to do man that will take care of her, but she's driven out hastily by the disapproving hostess. With no money, no friends, no family that will help, she finds herself touseled and wavering on her last pair of worn shoes in front of the small linen store owned by Olivia Sanders. Jana is so tired and feels like she is starving. She faints inside Olivia's shop. Olivia, a big-hearted woman, takes compassion on her. Olivia gives her somewhere to stay and a job in her store. Olivia's brother, Tyler Maxwell, is protective of his sister, and very masculine. Jana makes a sexual advance at him right away. He is not one to be easily conned but suddenly he is attracted to and puzzled by this lost, attractive woman. Tyler is duty-bound to find out more about this strong but delicate creature. Jana learns about devotion and independence.This story follows her transformation.
July 26, 2013
Any Rich Man will Do by Francis Ray
Jenna Franklin had crashed a charity event to try to get the attention
of a rich man. She is on the blacklist of her friends, she had no where
to go and nobody to turn to.
She went into a store (olivia and her brother Tyler) and faints and
they take her to a hospital to get checked out. They don't want to
get sued. It was all due to her not eating. Olivia will see after her
and takes her with her after being checked out. She tells them her name
is Janet as nobody would ever help Jenna.
after they grab her things from the locked hotel room they give her a bag
of takeout food and go to their house, she's to stay for a few days.
She agrees to work in the shop and ends up selling $1500 pair of monogrammed
sheets and getting a commission. The brother and sister are so inviting
and really make her feel at home. She wants to move on but is comfortable
where she is now.
She keeps comparing her life with what Olivia has and wishes her family life
was even a little bit like it.
Tyler is really falling for Jenna...
Custody and court hearings really turn this book around.
Jenna Franklin had crashed a charity event to try to get the attention
of a rich man. She is on the blacklist of her friends, she had no where
to go and nobody to turn to.
She went into a store (olivia and her brother Tyler) and faints and
they take her to a hospital to get checked out. They don't want to
get sued. It was all due to her not eating. Olivia will see after her
and takes her with her after being checked out. She tells them her name
is Janet as nobody would ever help Jenna.
after they grab her things from the locked hotel room they give her a bag
of takeout food and go to their house, she's to stay for a few days.
She agrees to work in the shop and ends up selling $1500 pair of monogrammed
sheets and getting a commission. The brother and sister are so inviting
and really make her feel at home. She wants to move on but is comfortable
where she is now.
She keeps comparing her life with what Olivia has and wishes her family life
was even a little bit like it.
Tyler is really falling for Jenna...
Custody and court hearings really turn this book around.
July 30, 2015
WOW!
Jana was a hard character to like based on her history in the previous novel, where she was the resident villain. Some of the people she hurt (Gray, his wife, his grandmother, etc) were so endearing. However, I take my hat off to Ms. Ray---you are a true artist. I have read so many of your books, but Jana's road to redemption was riviting and remarkably touching. "To forgive is divine". To forgive one's self is a painfully Herculean task that requires mercy, humility, atonement, the love of God, and the ability to love someone else more than you love yourself. Additionally, it is hard to accept when those who should love you are incapable of doing so. But God does have His angels. Jana did it all. It was hard to read because the characters were so powerful and real. There is a message and a lesson here for everyone. Thank you for this beautiful story.
Jana was a hard character to like based on her history in the previous novel, where she was the resident villain. Some of the people she hurt (Gray, his wife, his grandmother, etc) were so endearing. However, I take my hat off to Ms. Ray---you are a true artist. I have read so many of your books, but Jana's road to redemption was riviting and remarkably touching. "To forgive is divine". To forgive one's self is a painfully Herculean task that requires mercy, humility, atonement, the love of God, and the ability to love someone else more than you love yourself. Additionally, it is hard to accept when those who should love you are incapable of doing so. But God does have His angels. Jana did it all. It was hard to read because the characters were so powerful and real. There is a message and a lesson here for everyone. Thank you for this beautiful story.
February 5, 2013
This book was simply OK. The errors became a serious annoyance once I realized they continue throughout the whole book. I got soooo tired of Jana's character. I didn't need to read every other page how she changed. The reader gets it! Eh. Decent read overall.
With that being said, I did really enjoy the sex scenes they were very well written. Also, the plot is pretty good. Just could use some better execution.
With that being said, I did really enjoy the sex scenes they were very well written. Also, the plot is pretty good. Just could use some better execution.
May 24, 2008
*Sigh* Oh Francis Ray what happened to the days of old when your novels fasinated me so? Didn't love it, the characters had no particular affect on me. In fact they were weak and uninteresting for such an excellent premise.
July 19, 2007
Inspiring
Enjoyed this book. It had some of everything. Love, betrayal, secrets, forgiveness, suspense and not one but two romantic storylines. Well done Francis Ray.
Enjoyed this book. It had some of everything. Love, betrayal, secrets, forgiveness, suspense and not one but two romantic storylines. Well done Francis Ray.
June 26, 2008
I loved this book. It had a very unusual storyline which attracted me to it from the beginning. It had some good moments, some iffy ones. Overall a good book.
February 11, 2009
This book sounds sleezy, but it helps define morals. There is a wicked twist in the end where I felt she would go good and then she doesn't.. sad for real!
January 5, 2010
Book was heavy in how we should look at people. Prime example of God changing people who want to be changed.
November 29, 2011
I am in the mood for Ms. Ray...reading all of my collections right now.
December 9, 2012
Fantastic read. I couldn't put it down.
June 2, 2014
I love this book and the love of Jana & Tyler and Olivia & Julian. On to book 3.
August 16, 2014
Francis ray did it again another down home funny romance novel. Full of suspence. Loved it.
Read
January 24, 2016 Very good read. All money is not is not good money as discovered within the novel.
June 2, 2016
People can change but can the people around them accept it.??
April 15, 2017
The theme was kind of belabored but I really enjoyed Ray's prose and how each character had a complete backstory and motivation driving them. I really liked both Olivia and Jana and loved reading about how they solved their respective problems.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews