Dreaming of You

August 7, 2006
The third novel in Ray's Grayson family saga is a warm, winning story of friendship, lust and love—and how the lines between them can blur. Sexy restaurant owner Brandon Grayson is the next child on his mother's matchmaking hit list: she'd like him married off, and quick, just like his two brothers. Determined to thwart her plan and hold on to his freedom, Brandon decides to go celibate, forgoing dating altogether. When a leaky pipe in his apartment must be repaired, he puts up at the hotel run by Faith McBride, one of his oldest friends and the little sister of one of his best buddies. What Brandon doesn't know is that Faith has been in love with him since she was a self-conscious teen, and she's got a plan to snare him. Of course, between Faith's kindness and curves, Brandon begins rethinking his friendship, and his vow of abstinence. The pair's cat-and-mouse game is suspenseful and fun, and even though Ray's writing doesn't dazzle, the novel is sweet and honest without being saccharine, making it a full, enjoyable read.

Mama Ruth Grayson has set her mind on matchmaking; her latest target is her third son, Brandon. While he evades that snare, his best friend's little sister tries to set another. This contemporary African-American comedy of manners is a stylishly written romp. The wonderfully nuanced narration by Kevin Free makes it a laugh-out-loud comedy. Not even his over-the-top falsetto--his choice of depiction for most of the female characters--can detract from this tour de force. Free makes the camaraderie between these characters so real the listener will want to become a member of these delightfully dysfunctional families. Free is at the top of his game with this wonderful piece of chick-lit. P.R. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine