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I'm Your Girl
Haunted by a personal tragedy, novelist Jack Browning finds the inspiration for his next novel in public library clerk Diane Anderson, a quick-witted beauty who lives vicariously through romance novels. Original.
392 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
30 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Murray
48 books340 followersProlific novelist J. J. Murray writes BWWM romance novels in all genres. He lives with his amazing, talented, and creative wife Kimberlee and their precocious son Steven in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 19, 2019
Bingo A Thon: Very Old TBR
Pink and/or Blue Cover
Chick Lit A Thon: Read a Book With A Pair Of Heels on the Cover
LAWD!!!!!
I usually don't pre-write my reviews. I usually just write what ever comes to my mind and I don't put much thought into my reviews, but you guys already know that.
But THIS BOOK.....
I took some notes and instead of a regular review I'm simply going to list everything I hate about this book.
1) The main character Diane who is Black constantly refers to her skin tone as Suede
2) She also calls her butt, her caboose
3) She thinks that the word Booty is nasty
4) Words used to refer to a penis are Johnson, banana, his thing, and down there
5) The over use of the word Multi Cultural in reference to interracial dating
6) Why are we forced to read pages upon pages of made up books the characters are reading?
7) The love interest Jack is White and is described as pasty, ghost like, and having skin like chalk
8) Jack lost his wife and son 9 months ago and is in deep mourning until the second he meets Diane, then he's like What wife & son?
9) Diane throws away her vibrator because "She has a boyfriend now and won't need it"
REALLY BITCH?
10) Diane and Jack have ZERO chemistry
11) THIS BOOK WAS BORING
12) Diane who 25 is worried that people will think she's "funny" (gay) because she's not married
I CAN'T GUYS!
13) Has the author ever met a Black woman before?
14) INSTALOVE!!!!
15) Did I already say I was bored?
16) The writing is terrible
17) The writing was really terrible
18) The good girls don't have sex outside of marriage trope
19) The good girls don't use foul language trope
20) All women are insecure nags trope
DON'T READ THIS BOOK!!
OR ANYTHING ELSE BY THIS AUTHOR!!!
Pink and/or Blue Cover
Chick Lit A Thon: Read a Book With A Pair Of Heels on the Cover
LAWD!!!!!
I usually don't pre-write my reviews. I usually just write what ever comes to my mind and I don't put much thought into my reviews, but you guys already know that.
But THIS BOOK.....
I took some notes and instead of a regular review I'm simply going to list everything I hate about this book.
1) The main character Diane who is Black constantly refers to her skin tone as Suede
2) She also calls her butt, her caboose
3) She thinks that the word Booty is nasty
4) Words used to refer to a penis are Johnson, banana, his thing, and down there
5) The over use of the word Multi Cultural in reference to interracial dating
6) Why are we forced to read pages upon pages of made up books the characters are reading?
7) The love interest Jack is White and is described as pasty, ghost like, and having skin like chalk
8) Jack lost his wife and son 9 months ago and is in deep mourning until the second he meets Diane, then he's like What wife & son?
9) Diane throws away her vibrator because "She has a boyfriend now and won't need it"
REALLY BITCH?
10) Diane and Jack have ZERO chemistry
11) THIS BOOK WAS BORING
12) Diane who 25 is worried that people will think she's "funny" (gay) because she's not married
I CAN'T GUYS!
13) Has the author ever met a Black woman before?
14) INSTALOVE!!!!
15) Did I already say I was bored?
16) The writing is terrible
17) The writing was really terrible
18) The good girls don't have sex outside of marriage trope
19) The good girls don't use foul language trope
20) All women are insecure nags trope
DON'T READ THIS BOOK!!
OR ANYTHING ELSE BY THIS AUTHOR!!!
September 12, 2013
To make a long review shorter I would love to say I will not continue to read this book. I got through 8 chapters before I wanted to throw this book out of a window( how I got that far...I don't even know).First off enough with the stereotypes. All black women don't call each other "sisters" "sistah" or any other variation. Black women generally cherish big asses and this ridiculous character who is so much of a "sister" it hurts has a problem with it.... I just don't understand. It's okay to be insecure but it was so frustrating to watch her pick part the models and other people for their appearance when people might envy you for your great butt. That brings us to another point. Why does she think its okay to hate characters who are different from her. That's as ridiculous as she makes the other books out to be. The author also writes(as his in book pen name) about a lesbian women and calls her a dyke. I have met very few lesbians who refer to them selves as dykes because it is derogatory. Diane also keeps saying that's not what a "lady" would do, and why would a proper "lady" hang out with a homosexual. Diane...you are at home on Christmas alone. It is frustrating to see this author sound like a sexist. He makes the women character sound like a 60 year old Religion fanatic making me want to scream: "Your homophobia and lack of personality put you there." The religious aspect also controlled way too much of the thought processes in this book making it hard to read. Her mother...lets not go there. I absolutely hate this book. I though I was in for an open minded treat. I was just so upset by the outcome. And honestly what did I expect from a romcom with a pink cover called "I'm your girl"?
October 6, 2010
This book had so many things wrong with it, I'm not certain where to begin. Talk about recycling plot ideas - many of the tropes he uses in I'm Your Girl have showed up in his previous books - the tragedy-stricken white male writer (him) who may have once been a teacher (him again); the educated if somewhat naive and opinionated "sister girl" (his wife? I certainly hope not); the evil mother who is supposedly looking out for her baby's best interests - it didn't work for me in Renee and Jay, and it certainly doesn't work in this book.
A part of me wonders if it truly is the fault of the editors/publishers who are looking to sell to this demographic by literally dumbing it down and instead of giving us characters whom we can relate to on some level, turn them into so-called "hip" stereotypes. Or maybe, Murray just isn't that great at writing I/R's period.
He wouldn't be the first.
The book isn't super-fast paced, and I wouldn't have mind that if it had better written. I also didn't care about the lack of sex scenes (though I'm partial to them, especially in BW/WM IR's). However, the first two-hundred pages reminded me of a train wreck. It's ghastly, bloody and apt to give one nightmares, but I couldn't stop turning the pages, hoping that something would save this book from the "it sucks" category.
Diane Denise Anderson - another black woman, like Renee, I just couldn't be friends with. She was like this poster child for neurotic black women. This is a twenty-five year old woman who could have had a dating life but because she's so 'sheltered' has allowed her happily-married for decades mother decide who she should/shouldn't be with? This is a woman who's mother was 'shamed' because she danced with a white boy way back in junior high but has no problems with an aimless sister who has three out-of-wedlock kids (the Qwans)? So much for independence. She's got a nice body including a nice butt and she's complaining? When many women shoot themselves into body shapers and corsets and push-up jeans just to look like Beyonce?
Okay, most women somewhere in their lives have body image issues, so I can let that pass.
Still, her whole self-pitying attitude was right up there with a lot of the chick-lit characters I've never liked. Don't get me wrong because I do like characters with flaws, but it didn't take her too long to get on my last nerve. For a woman trying not to be the "typical librarian", she certainly made no real attempt at changing the notion - single, depressed and lonely - this is a modern educated black woman? Eek.
Diane scored a few brownie points near the end of the book when she finally lets her mother have it - after the woman finds out she's been "seeing" a white man. And speaking of that - what's up with that typical "white guys smell funny" stereotype Mr. Murray likes to use a lot? Trust me, I've dated enough white guys in my life - including European men - and they don't smell any different than anyone else.
Jack Browning is somewhat more sympathetic - dealing with personal tragedy after the loss of his wife and son - but again, this is a plot device Murray has used ad nauseum (divorce = loss), and it's old. I liked many of his inner monologues, especially his brainstorming process. I loved his drunken discusion of his work-in-progress with his son's teddy bear, Mr. Bear. That was adorable and had the book started off that way, rather than having to slog through nearly two-hundred pages of one self-pitying black woman and her rather narrow-minded views, it might have been a far more enjoyable read. However, like in many of Murray's books, Jack comes off as the bumbling but sincere white guy looking for love and who just happens to find it in a black woman.
Rachel Anderson, Diane's version of "mommy dearest" - the woman whom even the devil would tip his horns to. Predictably she comes around to liking Jack (like at the last twenty/thirty pages of the book); until then she's voicing her opinions about the kind of man he grown daughter should be dating. His past books have all had these psycho moms from hell and makes me wonder if he's having real life issues with his in-laws.
And what, pray tell, is this nonsense about Diane not feeling comfortable about getting married in her old church? Are many church folks so stuck on the race thing that they'd forget to be happy that two people are coming together to build a loving and stable family? Stuff like this would almost make an atheist out of me.
I gave this book a chance even though the author has greatly disappointed me in the past because a previous novel, Original Love, was actually okay. Even though there's a dearth of good I/R romances featuring black women and white men, I'd rather wait than read something that just makes me go "hmm?"
A part of me wonders if it truly is the fault of the editors/publishers who are looking to sell to this demographic by literally dumbing it down and instead of giving us characters whom we can relate to on some level, turn them into so-called "hip" stereotypes. Or maybe, Murray just isn't that great at writing I/R's period.
He wouldn't be the first.
The book isn't super-fast paced, and I wouldn't have mind that if it had better written. I also didn't care about the lack of sex scenes (though I'm partial to them, especially in BW/WM IR's). However, the first two-hundred pages reminded me of a train wreck. It's ghastly, bloody and apt to give one nightmares, but I couldn't stop turning the pages, hoping that something would save this book from the "it sucks" category.
Diane Denise Anderson - another black woman, like Renee, I just couldn't be friends with. She was like this poster child for neurotic black women. This is a twenty-five year old woman who could have had a dating life but because she's so 'sheltered' has allowed her happily-married for decades mother decide who she should/shouldn't be with? This is a woman who's mother was 'shamed' because she danced with a white boy way back in junior high but has no problems with an aimless sister who has three out-of-wedlock kids (the Qwans)? So much for independence. She's got a nice body including a nice butt and she's complaining? When many women shoot themselves into body shapers and corsets and push-up jeans just to look like Beyonce?
Okay, most women somewhere in their lives have body image issues, so I can let that pass.
Still, her whole self-pitying attitude was right up there with a lot of the chick-lit characters I've never liked. Don't get me wrong because I do like characters with flaws, but it didn't take her too long to get on my last nerve. For a woman trying not to be the "typical librarian", she certainly made no real attempt at changing the notion - single, depressed and lonely - this is a modern educated black woman? Eek.
Diane scored a few brownie points near the end of the book when she finally lets her mother have it - after the woman finds out she's been "seeing" a white man. And speaking of that - what's up with that typical "white guys smell funny" stereotype Mr. Murray likes to use a lot? Trust me, I've dated enough white guys in my life - including European men - and they don't smell any different than anyone else.
Jack Browning is somewhat more sympathetic - dealing with personal tragedy after the loss of his wife and son - but again, this is a plot device Murray has used ad nauseum (divorce = loss), and it's old. I liked many of his inner monologues, especially his brainstorming process. I loved his drunken discusion of his work-in-progress with his son's teddy bear, Mr. Bear. That was adorable and had the book started off that way, rather than having to slog through nearly two-hundred pages of one self-pitying black woman and her rather narrow-minded views, it might have been a far more enjoyable read. However, like in many of Murray's books, Jack comes off as the bumbling but sincere white guy looking for love and who just happens to find it in a black woman.
Rachel Anderson, Diane's version of "mommy dearest" - the woman whom even the devil would tip his horns to. Predictably she comes around to liking Jack (like at the last twenty/thirty pages of the book); until then she's voicing her opinions about the kind of man he grown daughter should be dating. His past books have all had these psycho moms from hell and makes me wonder if he's having real life issues with his in-laws.
And what, pray tell, is this nonsense about Diane not feeling comfortable about getting married in her old church? Are many church folks so stuck on the race thing that they'd forget to be happy that two people are coming together to build a loving and stable family? Stuff like this would almost make an atheist out of me.
I gave this book a chance even though the author has greatly disappointed me in the past because a previous novel, Original Love, was actually okay. Even though there's a dearth of good I/R romances featuring black women and white men, I'd rather wait than read something that just makes me go "hmm?"
October 24, 2011
I can honestly and somewhat sadly say that this book was without a doubt in my mind bad and with that said I hope that I don't offend anyone buy saying that I, personally, didn't like this book.
Basically the plot is about a 25-year-old single African-american female who seems to be unlucky in love and is also librarian who reads advanced copies of books and reviews them. Her name is Diane. And the love interest, Jack, is a writer and widower of 30+ years who finds comfort in having strange conversations with himself and drinking, wallowing in his sorrows for his lost wife and son. And although he lost is very serious and very sad, I can't seem to completely connect with Jack as a character because of his pages of deranged conversations with himself. And Diane, like all of the J.J. Murray's characters is obsessed with their back sides. Mr. Murray, not all 'black' females are obsessed with with their asses. However, the story progresses with Jack trying to pick up with pieces and goes to the library to return some overdue books his late son had and this is when he meets Diane. Although I think their meeting was nicely done it doesn't save face for how ridiculously fast they were moving; the next thing I know he wants to write a book about his and have sex with her and she him. I, on the other hand, am all for character development. Their relationship felt rushed. And then there were parts in the book were it completely took long breaks from the story and you read this God-awful bits of stories that were written by fictional 'Urban' authors and Jack who is under an assuming name unbeknownst to Diane.
So in the end I was extremely disappointed even with the ending. Where there some parts that I did like? Sure. Could I name them? No. I was too distracted with the sameness of Murray's writing. All the 'white' guys are really geeky or Italian, and all the his supposedly strong'black' female characters are ass-obsessed and extremely horny. And people just aren't like that. Don't make the characters so much like you that it seems that your writing about different fantasies you have about your life, tell a good story; have a beginning, a middle, and a clean end. Good story telling shouldn't feel like a repeat. But I digress, if you want a good Murray book to read, in my opinion, read Original Love if anything.
Basically the plot is about a 25-year-old single African-american female who seems to be unlucky in love and is also librarian who reads advanced copies of books and reviews them. Her name is Diane. And the love interest, Jack, is a writer and widower of 30+ years who finds comfort in having strange conversations with himself and drinking, wallowing in his sorrows for his lost wife and son. And although he lost is very serious and very sad, I can't seem to completely connect with Jack as a character because of his pages of deranged conversations with himself. And Diane, like all of the J.J. Murray's characters is obsessed with their back sides. Mr. Murray, not all 'black' females are obsessed with with their asses. However, the story progresses with Jack trying to pick up with pieces and goes to the library to return some overdue books his late son had and this is when he meets Diane. Although I think their meeting was nicely done it doesn't save face for how ridiculously fast they were moving; the next thing I know he wants to write a book about his and have sex with her and she him. I, on the other hand, am all for character development. Their relationship felt rushed. And then there were parts in the book were it completely took long breaks from the story and you read this God-awful bits of stories that were written by fictional 'Urban' authors and Jack who is under an assuming name unbeknownst to Diane.
So in the end I was extremely disappointed even with the ending. Where there some parts that I did like? Sure. Could I name them? No. I was too distracted with the sameness of Murray's writing. All the 'white' guys are really geeky or Italian, and all the his supposedly strong'black' female characters are ass-obsessed and extremely horny. And people just aren't like that. Don't make the characters so much like you that it seems that your writing about different fantasies you have about your life, tell a good story; have a beginning, a middle, and a clean end. Good story telling shouldn't feel like a repeat. But I digress, if you want a good Murray book to read, in my opinion, read Original Love if anything.
July 12, 2011
I won this on first reads, and was excited to read it. This is the first novel I have read by JJ Murray. The first 120 pages are just horrible. They are so boring and hard to move through. Jack talks to himself, when he doesn't need to. His story can just be old via his thoughts instead of his thoughts talking back to him. Diane does nothing but sit home reviewing books, and YAY for the reader, we get to read the crap she is reading, instead of learning more about her and her story. The book is full of all the stereotypes and thoughts both racial sides have or people think they have. Its just horrible to move through. The book picks up toward the middle and is easier to move through, but I almost didn't get there. I had to force myself to keep giving it a chance. If you like Murray's work, maybe you can move past this one. If you haven't read any before, don't start with this book. Please try another one, otherwise like me, you probably won't pick up any of the other works produced.
I really hate to give reviews like this. I know writing is not easy, but I have a hard time understanding the editor who was responsible for this book. Did you not see reviews like this coming? I really wish the story part started much sooner, instead of the needless beginning I had to work through in order to get to the story.
I really hate to give reviews like this. I know writing is not easy, but I have a hard time understanding the editor who was responsible for this book. Did you not see reviews like this coming? I really wish the story part started much sooner, instead of the needless beginning I had to work through in order to get to the story.
July 29, 2009
This book seriously was really really bad. I made it to page 61 by forcing myself and then I just couldn't do it anymore. It was just so unrealistic and the writing was just TERRIBLE. I read his other book Original Love (which also sucked) and then I saw that he was the author of one of my favorite movies "Something New". Sooooo, I decided to give him another try.
I couldn't do it. I just couldn't.
Plus all those other stories intertwined with the main is just BLAH. I wanted to read about the main characters, not read the stories that the main characters are reading.
I wouldn't recommend JJ Murray. After two books, I still couldn't digest his reading. It's bland, it's boring, and I don't know how this dude was able to make so many books. I guess there is people in this world who like him and his writing.
I couldn't do it. I just couldn't.
Plus all those other stories intertwined with the main is just BLAH. I wanted to read about the main characters, not read the stories that the main characters are reading.
I wouldn't recommend JJ Murray. After two books, I still couldn't digest his reading. It's bland, it's boring, and I don't know how this dude was able to make so many books. I guess there is people in this world who like him and his writing.
March 20, 2018
ill keep this short ( or maybe not). its confusing and i didnt finish it. the confusion comes from the fact that you are forced to read a book within a book because the main female character reviews books and you would really just like for her to say her review and move on not read the damn story to you. i however did like the male lead from what i got of him until i stopped because he was giving us a story while his co-star was giving us books. i kid you not you will skip lots of her sections or just skim to see where she is back with her own narrative.i held out for a couple of chapters to see if itll change but no it doesnt maybe after the 8 or 10th but thats a lots of space to be read a story. overall the male characters by this author are very strong but not the females. the females are a little weak where not much background is given to feel connected with her as much as the male characters and honestly im not surprised the author is white you can tell with his books but it makes you wonder how many black female friends he has. and when i say you can tell its just that you can feel it because of how strong his male characters are like hes very use to the makeup of these characters not so much black females not that all his black female characters are bad just under written. i will say that he doesnt give lots of black female stereotypes that you see often just that he doesnt fully grasp what being black is and build from it while doing away with stereotypes. i know its confusing what ive said but once you read 3 of his books youll understand.
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March 25, 2008I read a lot of "classic" literature, so lately I've been making an effort to read more contemporary fiction. I should have left this one on the shelf though. It's about an interracial romance and I thought maybe, just maybe, it might be interesting. Nah. For some God forsaken reason, the author forces the reader to sit through long, boring, horribly written passages of books that the main character is reviewing. Speaking of which, the voice of the main character (a black woman) does not ring true at all. The author's name is J.J. Murray, which obviously could be a man or a woman, so after I finished the book, I looked up the author just to see if my instincts were correct about the author being a man and I was right. It's a white man, in fact, who is married to a black woman and has written a bunch of books about interracial romance with black, female main characters. It is hard to write from the perspective of someone from another gender, race or even age than yourself, so I can appreciate that Murray has taken on the challenge, but he has failed miserably...in my opinion anyway. He's written several books though, so somebody thinks this stuff is good.
Other than the main character issue, the other big problem is the pace. A snail could lap this novel. I wanted to find something good to say about this book, but I just couldn't.
Other than the main character issue, the other big problem is the pace. A snail could lap this novel. I wanted to find something good to say about this book, but I just couldn't.
May 6, 2014
Heart warming read. The book starts off with Jack who is the main character, has lost his wife and son six months ago. When Jack starts talking to himself it was a bit weird, his character developed quite well we go from him feeling crushed by the loss of his family to him learning to live again,and to love again as well.
Diana is the librarian, I love the twist on the librarian, she's is young and funky, with a nice personality, as a young woman I found myself connecting with her on many levels.
Race is mentioned in this book from Diane's mother who constantly tells her to date black men n don't bring no white boy home, to Noēl mother being crushed that her son-in-law has moved on to a black woman.
This was hands down my favorite book by JJ Murray. It took sometime to warm up to Jack's character, but towards the end you really see him as a nice man.
This book was warm and honest about romance. It was not exotic or sexual. I love that about this book. I'm finding more and more interracial books have to be exotic and so sexual it looses the focus of the romance, not this book though, you can see that there are sexual tendencies but they don't over power the romance.
Final thoughts, it's a great romance and quick read. Character developments are good, it's funny, it's honest.
Diana is the librarian, I love the twist on the librarian, she's is young and funky, with a nice personality, as a young woman I found myself connecting with her on many levels.
Race is mentioned in this book from Diane's mother who constantly tells her to date black men n don't bring no white boy home, to Noēl mother being crushed that her son-in-law has moved on to a black woman.
This was hands down my favorite book by JJ Murray. It took sometime to warm up to Jack's character, but towards the end you really see him as a nice man.
This book was warm and honest about romance. It was not exotic or sexual. I love that about this book. I'm finding more and more interracial books have to be exotic and so sexual it looses the focus of the romance, not this book though, you can see that there are sexual tendencies but they don't over power the romance.
Final thoughts, it's a great romance and quick read. Character developments are good, it's funny, it's honest.
July 14, 2010
A cute romantic read. I eyed this book at the library for a few weeks and finally picked it up (I'm in a multi-racial relationship as well) and didn't think I'd like it...but I like romances. I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't put the book down--a great plus for me. First of all I had thought this was a female author a quarter of the way, until I checked, and that's amazing. Also, I'm familiar with the location (Roanoke), so that caught my attention.
The only critical thing I'd say about this book are the *long* reviews that the heroine, Diane, takes us through at the first half of the book. Although it's supposed to add to the story--to some degree--it does drag the story. I think some stories could have been shortened or, maybe...just not as many stories.
What I did appreciate, the development of characters Diane and Jack, the romance itself, spiritualism (this was unexpected), and the fictional-honesty: the author took moments that may have really happened in real life and presented them as unrealistic--touching in my opinion.
Like I said, a cute read. And all of this from a man. All the while I had to think someone helped him write this book like Denise helps Jack in this book. Sweet.
The only critical thing I'd say about this book are the *long* reviews that the heroine, Diane, takes us through at the first half of the book. Although it's supposed to add to the story--to some degree--it does drag the story. I think some stories could have been shortened or, maybe...just not as many stories.
What I did appreciate, the development of characters Diane and Jack, the romance itself, spiritualism (this was unexpected), and the fictional-honesty: the author took moments that may have really happened in real life and presented them as unrealistic--touching in my opinion.
Like I said, a cute read. And all of this from a man. All the while I had to think someone helped him write this book like Denise helps Jack in this book. Sweet.
July 4, 2010
This was the first book that I nearly stopped reading. I was thinking about calling it THE WORST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. It started nicely, but then it got REALLY irritating when the books that the main characters were reading almost felt like it took over the story. Fine, the lady is a librarian, the guy is a writer, but oh please!
For awhile, I was like 'wtf is this, I don't feel like finishing this - it's crappy!'What is the relevance of all that?' So to ease my impatience, I skipped all the other 'stories' to get to the juice, or rather, the point of the whole story, the budding relationship between the two main characters, Grace and Jack, which to my relief, was quite funny and sweet. At times though I thought it was kind of corny, and a bit far-fetched, but it was nice...had the author of this novel spent more time getting to the point and focusing on the title of the book, it would have been more enjoyable.There is a first time for everything, but this is the last time that I'll be reading anything by this author...!
For awhile, I was like 'wtf is this, I don't feel like finishing this - it's crappy!'What is the relevance of all that?' So to ease my impatience, I skipped all the other 'stories' to get to the juice, or rather, the point of the whole story, the budding relationship between the two main characters, Grace and Jack, which to my relief, was quite funny and sweet. At times though I thought it was kind of corny, and a bit far-fetched, but it was nice...had the author of this novel spent more time getting to the point and focusing on the title of the book, it would have been more enjoyable.There is a first time for everything, but this is the last time that I'll be reading anything by this author...!
April 1, 2019
Extremely hard to get into. It didn’t grasp my attention. I found it hard to pick up. I hate to waste a book.
November 22, 2022
Diane is Jack’s girl forever
A long book but we’ll worth it! I love J.J. Murray’s writing style. This book and both Jack’s and Diane’s subconscious minds active discussions are hilarious. Diane’s mom is a mess but in the end she’s not what the reader ‘assumes’! Her dad is wonderful, as most dad’s are to their daughters.
This book will keep you laughing and wanting another, future, glimpse of Jack, Diane and their family! I wish there was an Epilogue to know how many children you had and what happened with her job, his writing, etc.
A long book but we’ll worth it! I love J.J. Murray’s writing style. This book and both Jack’s and Diane’s subconscious minds active discussions are hilarious. Diane’s mom is a mess but in the end she’s not what the reader ‘assumes’! Her dad is wonderful, as most dad’s are to their daughters.
This book will keep you laughing and wanting another, future, glimpse of Jack, Diane and their family! I wish there was an Epilogue to know how many children you had and what happened with her job, his writing, etc.
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January 7, 2021I wanted to like this book b/c I'm a librarian...but sometimes you just have to resign a book when you find yourself skimming/skipping more than you are reading. I hate not finishing a book but this was too much.
April 10, 2019
Was an amazing book and was an introduction to an author I now enjoy reading from. It’s amazing book and I would recommend to anyone who wants to read a good romance book.
March 31, 2010
Full-time librarian, part-time online book reviewer Diane (aka "Nisi" aka "Dee-Dee"...which she REALLY hates) Anderson's Mama's getting on her last good nerve and she's ready to go off. But she won't. It's Christmas Eve and with the holidays she's going to do her best to ignore her Mama when she says, "You can have any shade of man as long as he's black." Mama wants her happily married, but only if he's black. Meanwhile, Diane just wants to be happy with someone other than her "special friend," Mr. Tickler.
Jack Browning is dead smack in the middle of one of the worse period's of his life. His wife and son, both of whom he loved beyond compare, have been dead six months and he still feels like he can't go on. The book that he put his heart and soul into writing went under the editor's red pen only to come out so much less a book than it went in. And to make matters worse, his conscience is wearing him thin as it continually tells him that he needs to move on with his life. It's what his wife would have wanted. Upon deciding to take the first steps in living the rest of his life, Jack starts to clean house and while cleaning his son's room, he discovers three small library books that end up changing his life.
"I'm Your Girl" by J. J. Murray is the story of how an unfortunate coincident can turn into love everlasting, regardless of who has issues with it.
This is the point in the review where I tell you a ton of cute little witty things about this book to make you want to run out and buy "I’m Your Girl" immediately. Instead, I’ll just tell you the unvarnished truth. Mr. Murray has once again written a story that’s both witty and touching. Featuring short chapters that are long on deep emotions. "I’m Your Girl," introduces us to relatable characters placed in situations that sadly, some of us may find ourselves in. Going on with life, when our reason for living has died. While others try to find a life, but instead find themselves living vicariously through the books they read. Facing the people that we love, admire and want to think the best of us, but ultimately deciding it’s more important to find our own happiness, than to allow their opinions and feelings about our lives effect how we live them. Simply put, "I’m Your Girl" is for the romance reader that wants to reach the last syllable in the story, close the cover and sit back and smile knowing that they’ve only read this book for the first time.
Jack Browning is dead smack in the middle of one of the worse period's of his life. His wife and son, both of whom he loved beyond compare, have been dead six months and he still feels like he can't go on. The book that he put his heart and soul into writing went under the editor's red pen only to come out so much less a book than it went in. And to make matters worse, his conscience is wearing him thin as it continually tells him that he needs to move on with his life. It's what his wife would have wanted. Upon deciding to take the first steps in living the rest of his life, Jack starts to clean house and while cleaning his son's room, he discovers three small library books that end up changing his life.
"I'm Your Girl" by J. J. Murray is the story of how an unfortunate coincident can turn into love everlasting, regardless of who has issues with it.
This is the point in the review where I tell you a ton of cute little witty things about this book to make you want to run out and buy "I’m Your Girl" immediately. Instead, I’ll just tell you the unvarnished truth. Mr. Murray has once again written a story that’s both witty and touching. Featuring short chapters that are long on deep emotions. "I’m Your Girl," introduces us to relatable characters placed in situations that sadly, some of us may find ourselves in. Going on with life, when our reason for living has died. While others try to find a life, but instead find themselves living vicariously through the books they read. Facing the people that we love, admire and want to think the best of us, but ultimately deciding it’s more important to find our own happiness, than to allow their opinions and feelings about our lives effect how we live them. Simply put, "I’m Your Girl" is for the romance reader that wants to reach the last syllable in the story, close the cover and sit back and smile knowing that they’ve only read this book for the first time.
June 6, 2010
It was a struggle to get through this book. I loved Diane because she reminded me of myself so much. Some of her comments could have come out of my own mouth. I also think the book had at least 200 extra pages it didn’t need. I have to give J.J. Murray his props I thought the woman character was totally believable. Now Jack the male character was a serious stretch but then again I might think that more because my handsome white man did not walk into my life yet.
Diane struggled with the review of the book Jack wrote and I had the same dilemma with JJ's book. I read the whole book from start to finish because I do value honesty and couldn’t review a book I did not actually read. This took me longer than I wanted to read the book because it kept losing me with the passages from the actual books Diane was reading. I felt that was one of the main reasons this book didn’t get 4 stars--it took to long to get to the point and as much as I bought the happy ever after ending I am not sure everyone will buy into it and that's why people pick the book up or pass it to a friend.
I will read more of J.J.'s work because there was definitely something good there I am just hoping it is better in some of his other books
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
February 2, 2012
This book was completely different from anything I have read. At first, I thought there were too much “thinking” going on and not enough action. Slowly the stored wraps you up with its humor, wit, and charm. It was a touching and endearing story. Diane the lead character, and her mama for that fact, seem pushy and kind of spoiled. The whole ensemble of characters was great the unique way the story was told was great. Also, I like how the author inserted stories in throughout some of the “thinking” to keep the reader involved in the story. The only thing that really bothered me about this book was that J.J. Murray goes on diatribes for some reason, in at least 2 out of the 2 book that I have read of his. Think the is this part where he rants for like 3 pages about how fake and unrealistic Hollywood is, as if to say when I pick up a book I am now trying to get a break from reality. Also the whole these kids to 5 page diatribe made me want to pull my hair out. These things are not imperative to the story and it did not help me solidify Diane’s voice I already had that down, it kind of feels like he is trying to push he views on you. All in all Mr. Murray is a great author I plan on reading more of his books and I do rank ‘I’m Your Girl’ as one of my favorites.
August 13, 2010
I've won this book from FirstReads! It's the second I've won so far, so thanks, GoodReads! And thanks to JJ Murray for sending a signed copy.
This is the first inter-racial romance I've read and it was interesting. It's about a white man who writes novels and a black woman who works as a clerk in the public library and sidelines on giving book reviews.
The approach of alternating first person voices of the protagonists was very effective in conveying to the readers their many differences not just as male and female but also as white and black. Not only that, the first person voice of the male protaganist even alternated with its own self! The book is a showcase of how people, different as they are can be united in love.
The pace at the start was kinda slow for me, especially on the parts where the author introduced parts of the novel Diane was reading, and the one that Jack was writing. Whatever slowness it had at the start, the ending more than made up for it - though it was a little too fast for me; a little more stretching/lengthening of the plot before the climactic ending would have been great.
This is the first inter-racial romance I've read and it was interesting. It's about a white man who writes novels and a black woman who works as a clerk in the public library and sidelines on giving book reviews.
The approach of alternating first person voices of the protagonists was very effective in conveying to the readers their many differences not just as male and female but also as white and black. Not only that, the first person voice of the male protaganist even alternated with its own self! The book is a showcase of how people, different as they are can be united in love.
The pace at the start was kinda slow for me, especially on the parts where the author introduced parts of the novel Diane was reading, and the one that Jack was writing. Whatever slowness it had at the start, the ending more than made up for it - though it was a little too fast for me; a little more stretching/lengthening of the plot before the climactic ending would have been great.
June 17, 2010
This author was recommended to me by several friends here on Goodreads, but this book, wasn't all that I'd hoped it would be. The premise was solid, but I think a lot of what the author did (i.e. Diane's reviews of other books, Jack's constant conversations with his subconscious) took away from what could have been an excellent novel.
I skipped through a lot of Diane's reviews (all except for the ones actually for Jack's own book, Wishful Thinking). Because for the life of me, I couldn't understand why the other reviews were so important to their story. IMO, they come across as just filler material.
Another issue that I had with the novel, was the introduction of side characters that were either: a. Never to be seen again. b. Just existed for no apparent reason and did nothing to propel the plot forward.Some of the side characters that were introduced, could have played a more important role in the overall development of Jack & Diane's relationship, but didn't. So, why were they even introduced?
While it wasn't terrible, the book certainly didn't live up to its potential. And, honestly, the last 60 pages of the book saved it from getting a 2 star review.
I skipped through a lot of Diane's reviews (all except for the ones actually for Jack's own book, Wishful Thinking). Because for the life of me, I couldn't understand why the other reviews were so important to their story. IMO, they come across as just filler material.
Another issue that I had with the novel, was the introduction of side characters that were either: a. Never to be seen again. b. Just existed for no apparent reason and did nothing to propel the plot forward.Some of the side characters that were introduced, could have played a more important role in the overall development of Jack & Diane's relationship, but didn't. So, why were they even introduced?
While it wasn't terrible, the book certainly didn't live up to its potential. And, honestly, the last 60 pages of the book saved it from getting a 2 star review.
September 15, 2010
let me start off with that this is one of few interracial novels i've read. there were several laughable parts and some endearing moments that made it enjoyable, but i found myself skipping more than half of the novel because of all the "mind" talking, book reviewing and writing the characters did. i did like the compassion of the male lead Jack and completely loved the ending and his surprises for Diane. the mom was annoying through out the novel but redeemed herself at the end. she became one of my favorite characters in the novel, besides her husband. the depiction of the races was done pretty well without any stereotypes; surprisingly. there seemed to be a respect for both races and for women, which was very refreshing. the way Jack treated Diane as just a women and not a "black women" as if she were different; pleased me very well. for that i know i'll read more from Murray. i just hope all the extra non-needed material is taken out and more development of the characters and their love is shown in his other novels.
September 23, 2010
Okay, This one started out good until you get to all the "book reviewing" Diane was doing and the writing that Jack was doing. It was a bit to excessive and honestly, pointless IMO to have so much of this in the book. So after going through like 3 chapters of this, I started skipping the parts with this in it. If you can get through all this or just decide to skip it like me, you will find a really well written heart warming love story.
I was very pleased with this one. I actually started crying in the very begining as we are getting to know Jack. The HEA was pretty good although it felt a bit rushed. Her mom and his mother-in-law (mother of his 1st wife) their hang-ups with the whole race thing really got on my nerves. Thank God you don't have to read alot of this, it does not over shadow this story one bit. I would recommend this one. It was a good story and over way too soon.
I was very pleased with this one. I actually started crying in the very begining as we are getting to know Jack. The HEA was pretty good although it felt a bit rushed. Her mom and his mother-in-law (mother of his 1st wife) their hang-ups with the whole race thing really got on my nerves. Thank God you don't have to read alot of this, it does not over shadow this story one bit. I would recommend this one. It was a good story and over way too soon.
May 15, 2010
This book started kind of slow and at times it jumped from one plot to the next so quickly it was distracting from the main characters. Once I got to the middle of the book I must say I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I did end up enjoying this book. I do realize many reviewers felt the ending of the book was unrealistic, but I feel that's sort of the point of fiction, especially romantic fiction. It takes you out of your everyday life and gives you fantasy, fun and unrealistic endings that give you the warm fuzzies. Hopefully my review was better/nicer than Nisi's.
August 19, 2010
This was the very first book that I read by J.J Murray, and I have to be honest, at first I was pretty bored with reading what 'Diane' was reading and reviewing. I highly enjoyed 'Jack' and his conversations with himself, it was as if it was a whole other character, and it was comical at times. Once the characters interacted with each other and started to see more of each other, I couldn't put the book down. It was so wonderful how Jack found himself slipping into a regular life again because he had found love with 'Diane'.
Because of this book, I am now a J.J Murray fan. This story was pure love and I loved it.
Because of this book, I am now a J.J Murray fan. This story was pure love and I loved it.
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April 21, 2011I'm intrigued by someone who writes multicultural romance because I like to know their thought process of how one develops love. J.J. Murray was entertaining and I could relate to the characters circumstances. I also appreciated the author's references to the characters' beliefs as motivation for some physical retraint. It's nice to read a book with some description of contact without being explicit. I am looking forward to really additional books by Mr. Murray.
But I do have a question. Can any romance writer write about a heroine that is older? (Can we at least break 40?) Older women need love too.
But I do have a question. Can any romance writer write about a heroine that is older? (Can we at least break 40?) Older women need love too.
November 25, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Library clerk Diane Anderson finds it easier to live vicariously through romance novels than to land a flesh-and-blood man of her own. She's too voluptuous to attract the kind of black man her mama wants as a son-in-law, and just exotic enough to attract the kind of white man Mama forbids. But when novelist Jack Browning walks into the library one afternoon, looking lost, she's intrigued. And soon, against all odds, Diane is knocking down the wall Jack has built around his heart, becoming the inspiration for his art...and maybe even for his life.
LOVE YOUR AUTHORS! WRITE A REVIEW!
Library clerk Diane Anderson finds it easier to live vicariously through romance novels than to land a flesh-and-blood man of her own. She's too voluptuous to attract the kind of black man her mama wants as a son-in-law, and just exotic enough to attract the kind of white man Mama forbids. But when novelist Jack Browning walks into the library one afternoon, looking lost, she's intrigued. And soon, against all odds, Diane is knocking down the wall Jack has built around his heart, becoming the inspiration for his art...and maybe even for his life.
LOVE YOUR AUTHORS! WRITE A REVIEW!
May 17, 2010
"Won this on First reads"
Read rest of the Review at Sugar Lover Book Reviews
Diana to me comes of as a little cold hared, like she dose not gives things a chance first before she judges.For on, she will be reading a book and because she dose not believe in some thing in real life she will bash it before she really has the chance to get into it. Though i think she will change when she encounters Jack.
Read rest of the Review at Sugar Lover Book Reviews
Diana to me comes of as a little cold hared, like she dose not gives things a chance first before she judges.For on, she will be reading a book and because she dose not believe in some thing in real life she will bash it before she really has the chance to get into it. Though i think she will change when she encounters Jack.
April 13, 2010
I learned that my life may be boring but if I hold out LOVE will find me. This book made me feel hopeful that dispite what life throws at you you can survive and find REAL LOVE; REAL LOVE can find you no matter where you are. It is also important to keep yourself open and not shut out a potential LOVE because of color or job status or the other silly things we think are important to a good relationship. LOVE IS JUST LOVE. If you limit yourself you could be missing out on some extraordinary experiences.
June 24, 2010
This was the first book that I have read by J.J. Murray, I picked it up because I was interested in reading an interracial romance novel just out of curiosity. Overall, I liked the book, but I couldn't figure out if I liked it or not until more than halfway through the book. I found Dianne's book reviews and Jack's conversations to be too draining on the overall story. In the end, they really don't make much difference to the story so first 200 pages of the book could definately be left out.
August 4, 2009
Read about 40 pages and just couldnt go on. I ended up skimming the end of the book and it is quite fictional and predicatble. Not a fan of the authors writing either. The character Jack has this concious that keeps talking to him and it really annoyed me...to negative. I also did not like Jacks history - it was really too sad for the rest of this book...and honestly really made me not want to read the entire thing.
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