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A Good Man
She's had celebrity, isn't hurting for money, and is living peacefully single in Charlotte, North Carolina. Still, Sonya Richardson can't resist starring on a hit reality dating show to give America a taste of what a real black woman is like. And this former pro athlete is breaking all the rules of "Hunk or Punk," refusing to bling-up like a diva, and tackling whatever high-octane drama her suitors have in store. But one contestant is throwing Sonya off her game. He's surprisingly kind, way too easy to spill her secrets to--and giving her the kind of hope she hasn't felt in a long, long time ...
Widowed former pastor John Bond knows he's the show's "designated white guy," expected to fail every challenge and be gone in a month. He also knows he has to take risks to change his lonely life and find love again. The odds may be against him, but Sonya's honesty and resourcefulness are inspiring him to do whatever it takes to stay in the running, win her heart ... and prove their dreams can be a reality.
Widowed former pastor John Bond knows he's the show's "designated white guy," expected to fail every challenge and be gone in a month. He also knows he has to take risks to change his lonely life and find love again. The odds may be against him, but Sonya's honesty and resourcefulness are inspiring him to do whatever it takes to stay in the running, win her heart ... and prove their dreams can be a reality.
456 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
28 people are currently reading
240 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 36 reviews
December 7, 2013
The best part of the book is the relationship between Sonya and John. The author does what a lot of the good romance authors do and lets his two mains connect through conversations, personality reveals, and a potent attraction to one another. He builds a wonderful chemistry between the two of them. This, along with some great dialogue, is worth all three stars I rated the book.
However after what is a promising start and a very engaging first 40-50% of the book, it begins to slowly implode in both credibility and interest for me.
I had so many feels about this book that I wrote a looooong review
However after what is a promising start and a very engaging first 40-50% of the book, it begins to slowly implode in both credibility and interest for me.
I had so many feels about this book that I wrote a looooong review
July 7, 2013
Generally I have a problem with the authors stories because the lead African American women in my opinion is just dumb as hell and spends her entire time in the story trying to get sexed. The feature that stands out the most is their a** and then that is where we spend a lot of time. We have to focus now on a detailed description of her a** and what is being done to it.
Ok so here we are I have this book, I have for like almost six weeks and have not opened it to read it. Should I waste my time with this book or should I move on. I have 27 more books to read by summer ends. Ok I have it , so what the hay. I start this book with no real expectation of liking it. This book started off very slow. I almost stopped reading it three times mostly due to the inner monologues. I have never seen so much italic in my life. It was a bit maddening. So, what do I do? I skip like the first 11 + chapters. In my whole time as a reader I have never felt the need to do that. Avid readers I ask your forgiveness, but what’s done is done.
Ok so enters, John/Arthur as the lead male. From the moment he enters the story full time this book is on. I am really digging this story and truly enjoying myself. I like the lead female, I like the lead male they don’t themselves bring a lot of drama to the table and they are very down to earth. Oh but wait every good story need an a** hole or a jerk, in this case this story gets both (Kim and Aaron). Aaron is a jock he coulda, woulda, shoulda been famous but is not and has the ego to match. Kim is the smart mouthed, rude, disrespectful, hoochie dressing, overly pierced, overly tatted, overly horny a** hole in the story. The thing about Kim however is that you can tell she is intelligent and would not take much to get her in shape. She is allowed to run amuck and no one had the foresight to put her in her place.
There was an abundance of religion and Christianity in the story which I had no problems with. What I however did have a problem with was the Uber-Christianity and righteousness coming from people who lusted the whole time in the story. They turned right around and talked about God and doing what is right on the exhale and by the inhale they are grinding and feeling each other up. LOL , really? For a while I was really pissed off. As I understand it is not easy being a Christian when the flesh is involved but dang couldn’t they at least pretend to struggle with what they were doing? They gave in at almost every turn. So despite how I feel about that I was actually really pleased with the story. There were really strong likeable characters and real things going on. So I would actually recommend this book. LOL
July 10, 2022
5.0⭐️ Whatta Man,Whatta Man,Whatta Mighty Good Man-Yes He Is!!
The title of this book brought back fond memories of that hip hop song recorded by Salt 'N' Pepa featuring En Vogue (Whatta Man, Whatta Mighty Good Man) back in the day. And, like that happy, fun-filled song, Mr. Murray's latest book, "A Good Man," is a witty, highly entertaining, hilarious romp! I absolutely loved this book for several reasons. First, I didn't expect to LMAO all through the book---that was a huge and welcomed surprise (and change from my typical reading fare). Second, Mr. Murray managed to convey his thoughts and commentary about dating-type reality shows without ever becoming "preachy"--that takes a great deal of skill and talent. In this day and age where "reality" television abounds, "A Good Man" gives us an uproarious glimpse into the behind the scenes reality TV manipulations that are specifically designed to increase audience viewership; the very creative editing jobs that attempt to alter our perceptions of events that supposedly occur on reality shows; and, the alterations of scenes that are decidedly calculated to invoke certain audience responses.
I loved the "token'" white man and the heroine, Sonya. In fact, there were several lovable stand-out, wacky characters to root for in this book. To delve into the "meaty" substance of the book would be to deprive you of this most pleasurable reading experience. Be ready for some real entertaining stuff written by a true master of the craft, IMHO. Mr. Murray continues to wow me.
The title of this book brought back fond memories of that hip hop song recorded by Salt 'N' Pepa featuring En Vogue (Whatta Man, Whatta Mighty Good Man) back in the day. And, like that happy, fun-filled song, Mr. Murray's latest book, "A Good Man," is a witty, highly entertaining, hilarious romp! I absolutely loved this book for several reasons. First, I didn't expect to LMAO all through the book---that was a huge and welcomed surprise (and change from my typical reading fare). Second, Mr. Murray managed to convey his thoughts and commentary about dating-type reality shows without ever becoming "preachy"--that takes a great deal of skill and talent. In this day and age where "reality" television abounds, "A Good Man" gives us an uproarious glimpse into the behind the scenes reality TV manipulations that are specifically designed to increase audience viewership; the very creative editing jobs that attempt to alter our perceptions of events that supposedly occur on reality shows; and, the alterations of scenes that are decidedly calculated to invoke certain audience responses.
I loved the "token'" white man and the heroine, Sonya. In fact, there were several lovable stand-out, wacky characters to root for in this book. To delve into the "meaty" substance of the book would be to deprive you of this most pleasurable reading experience. Be ready for some real entertaining stuff written by a true master of the craft, IMHO. Mr. Murray continues to wow me.
August 14, 2017
More men like John Bond Needed
This novel grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. It was funny, sweet and cry. Challenged the way you look at people. Was full of integrity and warmth. Christians aren't one dimensional beings, we face what everyone faces.
John Bond, is the kind of man you rarely see in a romance novel. His warmth, wisdom and passion are so needed. The thing though he isn't the only good man, the book is filled with them, because the world is filled with them.
Sonya was life and it was interesting watching her find her self . This novel will take you places you've never been and you will be left with wonder of it.
This novel grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. It was funny, sweet and cry. Challenged the way you look at people. Was full of integrity and warmth. Christians aren't one dimensional beings, we face what everyone faces.
John Bond, is the kind of man you rarely see in a romance novel. His warmth, wisdom and passion are so needed. The thing though he isn't the only good man, the book is filled with them, because the world is filled with them.
Sonya was life and it was interesting watching her find her self . This novel will take you places you've never been and you will be left with wonder of it.
May 19, 2013
I proudly admit to being somewhat prudish. When reading a book, for me, there needs to be more than Hero meets Heroine ... has a two second conversation ... has mad sex several times and it ends. Thankfully, this is not one of those books. Sonya Richardson is a 40 year old former WNBA star, without any relationships or attachments. She perfectly content to sit on the couch, watching Man vs. Food, HGTV and letting life pass by. Her life is turned upside down when she agrees to being the African American Princess on the reality show, Hunks or Punks.
Widowed former pastor John Bond was content with his stagnant life in the city of Burnt Corn, Alabama. He was not looking for a wife or excitment, but on a whim submitted an application to Hunks or Punks. Imagine his shock when he was accepted. The wife or excitment he was not looking for is at his fingetips.
This is a tale of mature love with the basis of actually knowing your partner. Sonya and John's courtship takes place in a mansion with 12 other men competing, on national television being recorded 24/7. It seems like impossible odds, but they prove the scripture that says love is patient. I am not saying it was easy peasy, but it was so refreshing to see a man work to earn the love of his woman.
The story does have sex scenes that was in synch with Sonya and John. Don't read this book expecting unbridled passion, it is definitely NOT that. Read it for the character growth and realistic romance. I need to find a John Bond.
February 24, 2016
This was my first time to read this author and I definitely enjoyed the story. The author has a writing style that gives you a running commentary of the inner thoughts of the two main characters Sonya/Jazz and John/Arthur. It was sometimes entertaining and sometimes annoying. When Manny picked John up from the airport it was the first time I laughed hard and I love it when a book makes me laugh, makes me cry or makes me scared. On page 104 I almost fell out of my chair laughing at the introduction to the Nubian princess. I also enjoyed Bob and Larry's chapters and Bubble Bill and Juicy's. I laughed just about every time. This book was enjoyable but it was entirely too long. This book didn't need to be 456 pages when you already know the end of the book at the very beginning. I would have completely deleted chapters 50-56.I didn't see that they added anything to the story. I started speed reading to get it over with. If you enjoy a humorous fun to read story you will enjoy this one.
June 7, 2017
This is my review and how I see it. Author J.J. Murry in this interracial clean novel of two mature people finding love on a reality television show. One a former basketball superstar with daughter issues and the other a widower that desires to be a pastor again, but needs a spouse.
Can these two find love and gain what it is they are looking for in the shark-infested waters of Hollywood reality television. Things started off a bit rocky for these two in the beginning, until a food message and a swimming lesson started a little fire. This book was quite comical in some parts while others dragged on a bit; however, it was a good read despite the daughter and her attitude is a bit much to take.
Will the guy get the girl or will there be a wrench thrown in by the daughter, producers or the remaining crew?
To find out read this funny to me clean romance about 'A Good Man.'
This is my review and how I see it.
Can these two find love and gain what it is they are looking for in the shark-infested waters of Hollywood reality television. Things started off a bit rocky for these two in the beginning, until a food message and a swimming lesson started a little fire. This book was quite comical in some parts while others dragged on a bit; however, it was a good read despite the daughter and her attitude is a bit much to take.
Will the guy get the girl or will there be a wrench thrown in by the daughter, producers or the remaining crew?
To find out read this funny to me clean romance about 'A Good Man.'
This is my review and how I see it.
October 26, 2016
Amazing - a IRR with a Christian couple at the center of it and it wasn't awkward or some weird tract on staying a virgin! I haven't read a JJ Murray novel in years and this was a good one to start with. Sonja was a woman after my own heart: grown, sensible, romantic, successful, and lonely. John was adorable - awkward but earnest and with a sly heat that made this really sloooow burn burn. Why the slow burn works: because while folks are moving slow, they know what they want. There is no dithering. And the secondary characters were awesome and provided nice comic relief. A full and complete story that I really enjoyed.
September 12, 2017
Sweet interracial love story. I like the way Murray gets in some digs at the "Reality" show culture. Of course, the love story takes a while to be resolved, with a few surprises along the way. If you like romance and the subject matter doesn't offend - there's also a strong Christian theme - then this one will make you smile.
February 24, 2016
The best part about the book was the two TV producers going back and forth between dealing with Sonya's decisions for the show.
July 27, 2013
Just too much of everything with this book. The dialogue as so not believable, and some what cheesy at times. I had to finish reading it... Just because I started it... SMH at this one...
March 30, 2015
100 pages too long - started good, the middle was kind of slow - the ending was nice.
February 21, 2019
This was a sweet love story. Almost too sweet. There was very little conflict, the two main characters knew they would be together almost from the first moment they met. Which seemed to be a waste of the reality TV setting of the story.
The reality TV part was, for me, the worst part of the story, since it seemed so unbelievable. Would any Bachelorette-style television show have so much trouble finding talent that they would take people who are 15 years older than their target with no distinguishing features? If they get a star that had been a pro ball player and an Olympian, wouldn't they want to highlight that in their ads? And then they would make such a loose contract that their star could walk all over the show format? Maybe I just don't know enough about reality TV, but it didn't ring true to me.
That being said, I did love the characters. The book also made me feel a little weepy in a few places. And I liked that they had characters who were religious, but in a loving, non-preachy way.
If you're looking for a sweet love story, this is a great choice. If you're looking for more tension or suspense, then you might want to pass it by.
The reality TV part was, for me, the worst part of the story, since it seemed so unbelievable. Would any Bachelorette-style television show have so much trouble finding talent that they would take people who are 15 years older than their target with no distinguishing features? If they get a star that had been a pro ball player and an Olympian, wouldn't they want to highlight that in their ads? And then they would make such a loose contract that their star could walk all over the show format? Maybe I just don't know enough about reality TV, but it didn't ring true to me.
That being said, I did love the characters. The book also made me feel a little weepy in a few places. And I liked that they had characters who were religious, but in a loving, non-preachy way.
If you're looking for a sweet love story, this is a great choice. If you're looking for more tension or suspense, then you might want to pass it by.
October 10, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this book!
I normally don't read anything close to what's called "Christian fiction" because it always starts good but then slides into 200 or 300 pages of sermons and prayers.
I can go to church for that, I don't want to read it.
yet this novel perfectly melded together the sensitivity of faith and romance into characters that felt like they could be real people.
☆☆☆☆☆ star read and I'd definitely read from this author again.
I normally don't read anything close to what's called "Christian fiction" because it always starts good but then slides into 200 or 300 pages of sermons and prayers.
I can go to church for that, I don't want to read it.
yet this novel perfectly melded together the sensitivity of faith and romance into characters that felt like they could be real people.
☆☆☆☆☆ star read and I'd definitely read from this author again.
August 19, 2018
Just okay
Love the concept of the book, but it crept along pretty slowly. I enjoyed the scenes where the two main characters were together, but they were few. I skipped a lot of pages and didn’t miss anything.
The other reason for the low score is the dialogue. Some of the conversations were just unrealistic. It was hard to really get into the book because I kept having to stop to reread some of the ridiculous conversation.
Love the concept of the book, but it crept along pretty slowly. I enjoyed the scenes where the two main characters were together, but they were few. I skipped a lot of pages and didn’t miss anything.
The other reason for the low score is the dialogue. Some of the conversations were just unrealistic. It was hard to really get into the book because I kept having to stop to reread some of the ridiculous conversation.
February 3, 2018
A few good men
Another great story with real characters in a fake reality tv world. JJ Murray always delivers on a book that I have to stay up into the wee hours of the night to finish. While this isn’t my favorite book from him, it’s still a winner.
Another great story with real characters in a fake reality tv world. JJ Murray always delivers on a book that I have to stay up into the wee hours of the night to finish. While this isn’t my favorite book from him, it’s still a winner.
March 5, 2020
I am a fan
I am a fan of JJ Murray. I've read several of his books and have enjoyed them all, and this book did not disappoint. This is a love story taking place on a reality show. The best part is that it is mature love. Refreshing!!
I am a fan of JJ Murray. I've read several of his books and have enjoyed them all, and this book did not disappoint. This is a love story taking place on a reality show. The best part is that it is mature love. Refreshing!!
November 1, 2022
Great Read
This book had a good pace to it. There was just enough intrigue to keep you reading. At one point it did get a little over chatty during John and Jazz's date. Aside from that, it turned out the way I expected.
This book had a good pace to it. There was just enough intrigue to keep you reading. At one point it did get a little over chatty during John and Jazz's date. Aside from that, it turned out the way I expected.
July 7, 2018
Amazing
Read this author. Just absolutely amazing. On to reading Kicked to the Curb. All of JJ Murray's books so far have touched me and moved me.
Read this author. Just absolutely amazing. On to reading Kicked to the Curb. All of JJ Murray's books so far have touched me and moved me.
July 30, 2018
Was this his first book? Because clearly he couldn't make up his mind between first and third person, hence the 3 star review. Otherwise cute, sweet and funny.
May 3, 2019
A good book about a good man
I read this some years back, and quite remember how good it is. It will make you laugh a lot and maybe cry a little.
I read this some years back, and quite remember how good it is. It will make you laugh a lot and maybe cry a little.
November 10, 2019
Great read!
October 16, 2013
"People say they're in love or out of love. Love shouldn't be something to get and then get out of. Love shouldn't be something you fall into or fall out of either. Love isn't that easy. Love is not some place you can walk into and then leave any time you want. Love is permanent place to stay."
Well said, John. Well said.
This is by far, my longest romance novel I've read. And I enjoyed every page I read. Every single page.
What will happen when a widower assistant deacon from small town which even GPS couldn't trace, decided to take a part in reality show with one thing in mind: finding a wife? What will happen when a former WNBA athlete agreed to be a Nubian Princess by tagging along her own cynical daughter to be her best friend?
This was my second book of J.J. Murray I've read, and I hope it won't be my last. And he did it, just like in The Real Thing. It's effortlessly funny, refreshing, and worth to read. I loved it!
Well said, John. Well said.
This is by far, my longest romance novel I've read. And I enjoyed every page I read. Every single page.
What will happen when a widower assistant deacon from small town which even GPS couldn't trace, decided to take a part in reality show with one thing in mind: finding a wife? What will happen when a former WNBA athlete agreed to be a Nubian Princess by tagging along her own cynical daughter to be her best friend?
This was my second book of J.J. Murray I've read, and I hope it won't be my last. And he did it, just like in The Real Thing. It's effortlessly funny, refreshing, and worth to read. I loved it!
April 25, 2013
A woman is convinced to enter a bachelorette reality show and breaks all the rules, proving that genuine reality is as good for ratings as scripted "reality." Sometimes the story felt a little long, but for the most part, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. Murray should be congratulated for generally keeping her "talking points" subtle, but clear enough to be recognized. This is also one of very few books that had me laughing out loud.
This book contains alcohol use, sexual descriptions, smoking, and swearing.
This book contains alcohol use, sexual descriptions, smoking, and swearing.
December 16, 2015
I came upon this book by mistake while I was requesting a library item with a similar title. There was no synopsis of the book to go by but the book cover caught my attention and I decided to request the book and read it. This book had me laughing so hard on several occasions reading it. I had to put the book down at 2am to catch some sleep. I picked up the book as soon as I woke up and didn't put it down until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be on the lookout for other titles by this author. Kudos on making christian love funny, beautiful and inspiring.
March 26, 2015
This was a great read and I couldn't put it down. The first day I started reading it, it was as a break from one of the many Kristen Ashley books I've been reading and an hour passed and I was 200+ pages in! This was a great romance, and unlike most of what I've been reading (and what authors have been popping out lately), it was a true romance and not erotica disguised as romance! This was a definite game changer from all of the normal and new adult romances I've been reading.
January 5, 2014
I don't know how J.J. managed to meld reality tv and a preacher, and thats was drew me to this book. When I picked this up at the library I actually laughed. 'Yeah right. Okay, get this.' Then make the preacher white.. what? I was hooked when John did the shoe thing(no spoilers.)I love watching love bloom.
April 27, 2013
This had me laughing from the start. Story started feeling a little too long toward the end and just wanted Murray to wrap it up. What was surprising to me was that J.J. Murray is a man. Props to you! Look forward to reading more of his books.
May 21, 2014
I gave this book 5 stars because it was really humorous, however i think it is very very cliche when it comes to the white guy. But it was thoroughly entertaining, I really wish there was a black bachelorette. *dreamy sigh* someday
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! It had everything that I love in a good book, God, romance, humor, good values and unpredictability.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews