Customer Reviews

Any Rich Man Will Do

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jana Franklin was used to men taking care of her. She had no need for friends or employment as long as the wealthy men of Dallas were willing to subsidy her lifestyle. That was before her downfall. Humiliated and hungry, Jana opens the door of Midnight Dreams and faints. Luckily for her, Tyler Maxwell and his sister Olivia were there to help her. Fearing a lawsuit, they took her to the hospital where she was treated by Dr. Julian Cortez. For Tyler, Jana was a mystery waiting to be solved. For, Olivia, Jana was a woman in need and she was going to do everything she could to help, including taking her home and hiring her to work in her shop. For Jana, Olivia proved to be something she had never expected to have, a true friend and Tyler was a man who wanted her for more than just her body. The relationship between Jana and the Maxwell siblings is what makes up Francis' Ray newest novel Any Rich Man Will Do.

While touted as women's fiction, for this reader this book is another example of why Francis Ray is one of my favorite romance writers. The conflict and resolution were just enough to keep me eagerly turning the pages. Ms Ray usually includes social issues and during your reading and fantasizing, a lesson is being woven throughout the story. While reading this novel, the store Midnight Dreams had me longing for any linen store that sells Fretti sheets and towels. If you enjoy glamour and romance, this is the novel for you.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

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.

Reviewed by M. Bruner for Loose Leaves Book Review

For far too long, Jana Franklin's battle cry was 'ANY Rich Man Will Do.' But as past deeds have a way of catching up, Jana falls on hard times. She becomes an outcast from the elite society she once ruled. Attempts to reconcile with her ex-husband prove fruitless, which leaves her living in one star hotels and crashing socialites' parties. For the first time in her life, she absolutely has nowhere to go.

A desperate Jana stumbles into specialty store, Midnight Dreams; a store that specializes in linen for the rich and famous. The irony of this moment is that Jana supported herself for the longest on the luscious sheets of rich men's bed. So it will be her knowledge of exquisite linen that will be her saving grace. Olivia Maxwell, owner of Midnight Dreams has always had a soft spot for the under dog; so she offers Jana a place to stay and a job. Olivia's brother, Tyler, sees Jana as a liability for his sister and maybe something else equally damaging for himself.

Determine to prove Tyler wrong, Jana is desperate to accomplish things that before were once beneath her consideration. She becomes fast friends with Olivia and develops confidence in herself, outside of the bedroom. But Jana's issues are rooted in an unusual past, and until she can conquer them, her biggest struggle will be with herself.

Ms. Ray is proving that she has the vision and skills to lessen her grip on the Romance genre and move into more demanding literary waters. She gives us a tale of redemption that is believable but not maudlin. This is a well written story of learning about hard work, self-respect, and the fact that maybe 'love can be better the second time around'. Any Rich Man Will Do will undoubtedly appeal to readers of any financial status.

Jana Franklin has to hit rock bottom and finally face the facts with who she really is and with what is really important in her life. Starting over is hard-especially if you have burned bridges along the way and stepped on everyone you know in the process. While trying to get back on her feet, she cannot believe that after all she has done, strangers can trust her, help her and eventually love her for who she is now. She finds freindship and love from two very special people.

This is my first time reading a Francis Ray novel and it won't be my last. I couldn't put this book down. I was done in two days. The book is about Jana a woman that goes from a gold digging hoe to a reformed and polished woman. Olivia is broke and nearly living on the streets when she is rescued by Olivia a linen store owner. Olivia gives Jana a second chance despite her shady past. Jana finds herself falling in love with Tyler. Will Jana accept love when she has never been loved before or will she turn to her old ways. Although I really liked this book the plot was predictable at times. It seemed like the same theme of will Jana change or not kept repeating itself. Nonetheless the book was quite good. Also, although this book is by an African American author its not perse a typical Eric Jerome Dickey novel. Its more along the lines of Connie Briscoe or Mary Morrison. Enjoy.

This book was like hot cocoa on a cold day.
I enjoyed this book so much I purchased it for my daughter and several family memebers.
The story was GOOD! This story was about people with morals. This was a great love story. It also was a message to young women, that they are special, their voice does count.
I told my daughter, you never ever have to settle. God has a man out there just for you. I strongly believe that, there is a man for everyone who will treat her like a gift. This book gave her that added assurance that waiting for Mr. Right is not so bad.
Thank you for such a wonderful story!
If you have not read this, YOU MUST!
an avid fan!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jana Franklin (bit character with a lot of 'tude) from Like the First Time has reaped a lot of heartache on people. This is her story. If I told more you wouldn't want to read it but read it you must.

I really enjoyed this book . I thought that you captured the readers attention with the intricate detaild that you provided. You have been my favorite author for quite sometime now and I just want you to keep up the good work.

Kristin Detroit.

This book was really good. Mrs. Ray did an awesome job in developing the characters and stressing the point of forgiveness, repentance and faith. I found it very refreshing that she didn't try to sugar coat or make excuses for Jana's character nor that of her mother and father. Although this book is fiction, it mirrors real life in the fact that not all family relationships are perfect and sometimes people don't forgive and forget. As a parent it was hard to grasp how uncaring and often times down right cruel Jana's parents were toward her, but I believe it's extremely common in many families today. I loved this story. After reading this I aspire to be as caring, giving, generous and humble as Olivia.

Again, Ms. Ray have given the readers a wonderful book of love and down right earth shattering facts. Sometimes we are faced with circumstances whereby we may think or even say, "Any Rich Man Will Do." Well, read this book to find out that all the time this is not so.

This is Jana Franklin's story, rich spoiled girl down on her luck and literally put out until she stumbles upon Olivia Maxwell and Olivia's brother, Tyler Maxwell. This book is a great eye opener, great romance included. A must read, it deals with life in all aspects and what can happen, indeed what goes up must come down. It's also a story of compassion and real friendship.

Jana thought at this time in her life that "Any Rich Man Will Do" for what she needed at this very moment. After meeting Tyler, Jana thought, "Oh well, he is rich, so what the heck." However, Jana did not count on her actually falling in love with Tyler, who was not only rich, but was a respectable, likeable man who knew how to treat a female -- with respect, dignity, and honesty. Tyler is truly a brother that any woman would love to have in her life and actually deserves to have.

Ms. Ray has put Jana and Tyler together when Jana needed a decent and honorable man at the high point in her life. This is an eye opener to let women out there who are down on their luck or just plain vulnerable know to keep the faith, hold out and truly there is some man out there just waiting for you. Also, know that all the time, it is not how much a man is worth to you, but how much you are worth to that man -- not in monetary value, but in spirit, kindness, personality, and most of all love -- which is the greatest asset anyone can offer another person.

Enjoyed the story, Ms. Ray. Thanks for giving us another great one! Love you.