It Had To Be You by Francis Ray
Grayson Friends Series
St. Martin’s Press
African American Contemporary
ISBN: 978-0-312-36507-3
Reviewed by Nikita Steele




Renowned violinist, Laurel Raineau, refused to even consider working with the notorious music producer Rolling Deep.  He was well-known for running through women as often as he changed shirts.  With a reputation like that, Laurel didn’t want her musical career to be associated with the likes of him.  Besides, Laurel had more important things to deal with, like working through the grievance with the loss of her beloved father while trying to compose her next album. So, she followed her families’ recommendation of getting away for some much needed rest and relaxation before tackling her huge project.  The last thing Laurel expected to find was love; but, that’s exactly what happened when she met and fell for the handsome and dashing Zachary Wilder.

Famous Musician Zachary “Rolling Deep” Wilder was determined to produce the legendary violinist Laurel Raineau’s next album, but there was one small problem, Laurel refused to have anything to do with him because of his very public reputation.  Nevertheless, Zach was willing to do whatever it took to change her mind.  So, he ‘accidently’ met her while on vacation using his real name fully knowing it could possibly backfire.  And, backfire it did!  Not only did Zach fall hard and fast for Laurel, but she had no idea that he and Rolling Deep was the same person.  Will Zach be able to save the special love between them, or was all hope lost?

It Had To Be You was a joy to read, and my emotions were all over the place.  Although, I knew from the start that Zach’s plan was going to be a failure, I had to give him kudos for his determination. What started out as a scheme, quickly turned into something much more meaningful.  Zach didn’t know how to correct things without hurting Laurel in the process.

While Laurel had lived such an innocent and sheltered lifestyle, she quickly blossomed into a mature woman by handling her situation beautifully after Zach’s betrayal.  Laurel’s reaction was to be expected, and I was so mad at Zach for causing her heartache and betraying her trust.  Yet, he quickly regained my affection by the actions he took to fix his wrongdoings.  Right or wrong, Zach was a bold, compassionate man who was not afraid to go after what he wanted.  The sexual chemistry between the couple was flaming hot and continued to burn intensely until the very end.  This is one Joyfully Reviewed Recommended Read that you will not want to miss out on!

It Had To Be You is book four in Francis Ray’s Grayson Friends series and can be read as an independent.