Customer Reviews

Not Even If You Begged

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Francis Ray's contemporary fiction gives the mature reader a chance to read about women who share similar issues. Her characters are aging gracefully as they exert their independence, enjoy the finer things of life and find romance. In Not Even If You Begged, Ray delivers a novel that depicts the life and budding romance for two widowed women, neighbors Traci Evans and Maureen Gilmore.

Maureen thinks that her widowed neighbor, Traci, would be perfect for her son. The only problem is that Traci is still angry with her philandering dead husband. She is unwilling to trust or date any man, even the charming and persistent Dr. Ryan Gilmore. Determined to break down her barriers, Ryan develops a game plan to show her that all men are not out to hurt her.

While out on the town with the merry widows of the Invincible Sisterhood, Maureen is flattered but taken aback by the looks she receives from Simon Dunlap. Thinking she would never see him again, she is again taken aback when Simon arrives with her son, Ryan, to investigate a burglary at her home. Maureen cannot deny the attraction is mutual, but what would a man, at least 10 years her junior, want with a menopausal woman like her?

Not Even If You Begged is an enjoyable read. The women are multi-faceted. Maureen is kind-hearted and nurturing by nature. Not only with Simon, but also with a young, troubled teenager who works in her shop. Traci is a tough attorney but very self-conscious about her weight and leery about forming lasting relationships. Ray intertwines a fatal attraction, inconvenient hot flashes, and introduces interesting secondary characters to make for a fun read. With the help of the "Invincibles" , both Traci and Maureen are able to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their happiness. Mature readers of romance and women's fiction should enjoy this book.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

Sharing a common bond in the loss of their mates and residing in the same neighborhood, these senior citizens have formed a clique: The Invincible Sisterhood. Their loyalty and devotion to each other transcends time and life's many crises. Traci Evans has become an honorary inductee despite her age.

Maureen Gilmore is satisfied with her simple life running her antique shop, gallivanting with her cohorts and spending time with her son. Lo and behold, she meets sexy Simon Dunlap, a policeman in the same age bracket as her son and also Ryan's good friend. Despite the obvious reasons that she shouldn't be attracted to him, she's fighting the electric chemistry and the smoldering looks and messages that he's boldly sending her way.

Traci enjoys the camaraderie shared between the ladies of the sisterhood, but doesn't share in the fond memories of their mates. Upon her husband's death, she discovered his adulterous ways and it has left a bitter taste in her mouth. Ryan Gilmore, Maureen's son, is a successful OB-GYN and a playboy that for some inexplicable reason can't seem to deny the growing attraction he has for the aloof Traci.

Francis Ray lulls you into the tug of war that these two couples encounter in dealing with the age differences and familial ties while introducing the issues of a teenager seeking acceptance from a parent and peers. This is a calming read full of true life decisions, romance, sensuous love scenes, and a bucket full of lessons for one and all because you never get too old to learn. Ms. Ray has delivered with her signature style and I recommend it to those looking for a refreshing love story with just enough spice to entertain and stimulate your mind.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

In NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED by Francis Ray, the ladies of the Invincible Sisterhood, founded by Maureen Gilmore, all have one thing in common: they are all widowed. They are also best friends and have each other's back. They have taken under their wings Maureen's young neighbor as an honorary member. Traci Evans, also widowed, discovered her husband's infidelities at his death and has been embittered ever since.

When Traci meets her neighbor Maureen's son, her first instinct is to avoid him, because after all, men are basically no good and she will never allow herself to be in a vulnerable position again. Besides, he is too good looking to be interested in her full-figured frame. But, Ryan Gilmore has other thoughts. He is determined to get next to Traci, because he likes what he sees. Will he be able to get past the trust and image issues she has?

Maureen lost her husband four years ago and she misses the intimacy of a relationship. When she meets Simon, she immediately assumes he is someone to introduce to Traci. Little does she know, her son is staking out that territory for himself and Simon only has eyes for her. Maureen is flattered, but Simon is more than ten years younger than she and also, her son's fraternity brother. What will people think? It will take everything the Invincibles have to convince her to go for it, but will she be able to get past her insecurities?

Ray always manages to take everyday issues and people and turn them into warm, tender messages of love and hope. At the heart of this multi-layered novel is a touching story of triumphs over personal issues and sufferings that evolve into a beautiful story of second chances and love. Her heroine is a smart, sassy, in-your-face, full-figured woman who'll make all big girls proud. As always, Ray's writing is on point, moving and electrifying. For a richly engrossing tale of love, lust, friendship and hope, you must get this.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the way two different love stories were intertwined within the one storyline. In all honesty I think each story could have stood alone. If I would have changed anything, it would have been to give a little more insightand depth to the character of Traci. In spite of her denials I thought she fell rather fast for the good doctor. I could have done with more couple angst between the two of them. But still a great read!!

I guess this is one of those books you would call "chick lit". Although the story had a nice flow....I just felt that Elise's character wasn't really needed in the story. Maureen's character kinda irritated me because honestly I really didn't think what she was so worried about was that big of a deal in this day and age. It was a nice story but in my opinion it was just an okay read.

Give a big shout out for Traci Evans - a full figured, self-made woman with a nose for business and a heart of steel. Traci is a widow taking her life back from an cheating husband. She is determined to make the most out of her life despite the pitfalls she has endured. But Traci can't do this on her own; she has the unconditional love from her next door neighbor and sista friend, Maureen.

Maureen has invited Traci to join the Invincible Sisterhood (a group of elderly widows looking to get the most out of life). Traci's loves her involvement with the sisterhood and is getting her groove back through conversations with Ryan. The new detective in town, Simon, seems to have lit a spark under Maureen as well. The action in this novel is phenomenal. Watch the antics of secondary characters - Jason, Elisa, and Ezekiel.

Ray understands that love is everywhere. The characters are real - full figured, smart, older, hard working, and sexually awake. The subplots are difficult to follow at times but do not take away from the overall story. NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED proves that love is all around and even the everyday folks can be the focus of a bestselling romance!

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

I have been waiting on a new Francis Ray novel, And it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed this book, I could relate to Traci on lots of levels and I just loved the Invincibles, they were a riot!!. The best was the story of Maureen and Simon, although I am not of the age of "personal summers" yet, I truly enjoyed reading about the romance of mature women and men. This book was a 1 day read.

this is a 10-star story..........For the readers whowanted to know what
happen to Justine and Brianna this is your answer.
Mz. Ray you did it again this is a story of learning to trust, love
and just living..............the reader will laugh, cry, and get even
I love the one where Traci decked Elise............loved it
loved it..............Thank you..............Debe

Unconditional love...

Luther Vandross said it best when he sang, "There's nothing better than love..." And whether it is the devotion of your friends, family, spouse or significant other, the sense of completeness you feel when real, unconditional love abounds, is...simply indescribable.

Meet Traci & Maureen, friends, neighbors and members of the Invincible Sisterhood, who find love when they least expect or want it.

Traci Evans, a beautiful, plus size, widowed lawyer, had such a bad marriage that she's not only bitter when it comes to matters of the heart, but she vows never to let another man get that close to her again. So when Dr. Ryan Gilmore sets out to become more than her neighbor's son, Traci is having no part of it.

Maureen Gilmore is a wealthy, established 59 year old businesswoman, and also widowed. Her marriage was idyllic; a once in a lifetime experience. After the death of her husband, Maureen wasn't expecting to find that kind of love again. But when love calls, you have to answer, even if it's in the form of a younger man.

To say I loved this book would be a gross understatement. I immediately identified with Traci. Not only are we the same age, but my entire life, I've experienced the same self-esteem issues with regards to my plus size frame, wondering if people would ever see past the exterior and recognize the goodness that lies within.

And the Invincibles...they were hilarious and truly epitomized what real friendship should be. Everyone should be so lucky to have a group of friends who are with you through thick and thin; the good and the bad, dropping everything to be there by your side when you need them the most.

Not Even If You Begged, national bestselling author Francis Ray's latest release, is an exemplary celebration of true friendship, undeniable passion, pure adoration and bona fide devotion. In my humble opinion, this is Ray's best work to date.

--Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Length:: 2:55 Mins

What a wonderfully refreshing book!
Traci's husband died while cheating on her. She's joined a widow's club with some really fun characters! She's not looking for someone, but when one of the gals at the club has a total hottie son that is very interested in Traci it's hard to say no. But, someone else is after the hot guy and she will do anything within her power to destroy any budding relationship.
I love the way the book inspires women, how it inspires sisterhood and that it shows a strong woman holding her own and not taking and flack.
Francis Ray is always a good bet!
In Another Man's BedAny Rich Man Will Do