Let's Stay Together

by J.J. Murray

Lauren Short dumped her cheating mega-star fiancé amid major viral media fallout. That was the easy part. Restarting her stalled career as a thirty-something actress. . .not so much. What she needs is advice from someone non-Hollywood. Someone like her surprising new online pen pal. He's a Brooklyn handyman who's understanding, honest--and daring Lauren to do one risky, sizzling reboot of her glamorous life. . .Lauren is the one woman Patrick Esposito has crushed on forever. He never dreamed they'd meet--much less that she could use his help. Or that she would be even more down-to-earth in person. But now their offline romance is making them the hot new celebrity couple. And between the secrets they didn't expect and the trouble they didn't see coming, Patrick and Lauren will need all the right moves to stay real, keep it together, and script their own happily-ever-after. . .

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance

508 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

Prolific 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.

Reviews

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 3 out of 5]

LET'S STAY TOGETHER was my first read from J.J. Murray. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this romance but what I ended up with was a straight forward uncomplicated story with a sweetly entwined love story. What I experienced was a romance without all of the hard edges that are popular in contemporary romance right now. I enjoy the rough and gritty as well but it is nice to have something a bit smoother every now and again and LET'S STAY TOGETHER fit the bill for that. Lauren and Patrick are more mature characters which is also nice if you are looking for a read where the main couple are not still in their twenties and figuring life out.

It is a bit of a stretch for Lauren to have reached out to a fan to the extent that she does but Murray makes it work. Patrick is not the über alpha billionaire with all of the extreme resources to keep Lauren safe and happy. Instead he is an average man with a determination to grab on to the happiness presented to him and make it work even through challenges that could rip them apart. Both Lauren and Patrick are likable characters and I wanted them to get their happily ever after together.

LET'S STAY TOGETHER is a good divergence from the steamy sexy over the top romances. It was also nice to read a romance from the perspective of a male author.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Netgalley ARC for honest review***

Former Hollywood sweetheart Lauren Short has to figure out what she wants to do with her life, after she dumps her cheating fiance. A fiance who just happens to be the current Hollywood "it" man. Amid the fallout after news of her break up gets out, Lauren is trying to decide how to either revive her once successful acting career, or just walk away from Hollywood's bright lights altogether. In order to make the right decision, Lauren decides she can use some help, and she chooses to get that help from a very unlikely source.

Patrick Esposito has been crushing on Lauren from afar for years. He has been following her career since she began acting. He never would have guessed that she would actually respond to a fan letter that he sent to her, but she did. What started out as friendly banter, turns into more than either of them ever could have imagined.

I enjoyed this story. I found Lauren to be sweet and entertaining, while I found Patrick to be the romantic the thought he never could be. The plot flowed well, although I felt that the intimate relationship between the hero and heroine developed a little to fast. The dialogue was funny and entertaining. I thought I would scream when Lauren finally met up with her ex again, because he was bad mouthing her to anyone who would listen. In the end she let Patrick handle him, which I felt he handled well. If your looking for a sweet and funny romance, this story is a great choice for you.

I

[BeParticular · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story was 506 pages of repetitive, boring nonsense. A smart (relatively, given the relationship she had with her most recent boyfriend), beautiful, talented, financially secure woman discovers that she needs only true love, great sex, and children to be completely fulfilled and blissfully happy for the rest of her life. That says it all. And it's no surprise that J.J. Murray is a man. Run far, far away from this book. Blech!

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute romance between Patrick and Lauren. Normally I don't go for instant love, but I think both of them were in love with the qualities of good personalities, so it was easy for them to fall in love. It is very bizarre for a star and a handyman to fall in love so quickly. You can't blame the reporters for their confusion, although the author did a good job proving how annoyingly repetitive they were and brainwashed. I suppose it comes down to money for them.

What bothered me a little was Chazz. At first, I wasn't too thrilled about the author throwing a gay man into the villain part. However, there are quite a few closeted people that take advantage of others to hide their true selves and just take their bitterness out on them. Then you do have whores who don't think about the consequences on STDs (regardless of their sexuality) and don't honestly care about their partner's feelings. That's what a true whore is. Chazz was pretty much that and only cared about getting popular with penis on the side. He was not a romantic or loving man at all. So, the author did a good job showing the readers that. I just wish there was another gay character that got along with Lauren and hated Chazz. (Side note: the common misconception on bisexuality. Chazz was definitely gay for the most part and only uses women to keep up public appearances. That orientation is not an excuse or confusion. Chazz is a very selfish and careless man.)

I guess the only thing that I found hard to believe is that Lauren didn't realize that for seven years and she was way too trusting with Chazz initially. Or she would sacrifice something she loved to do which was acting. No one could be that stupid.

[Red · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer : I was given an ARC of this book in exchange of a fair review. So here's my review ! May be a bit SPOILERY.

It took me two attempts to finish this book. I first started it and got annoyed reading the earlier chapters because of the editing and the excerpts of the script that took a few pages. So I stopped but then took it back. I got better, at first, and I even enjoyed the story that was being developped around this terrible show that Lauren try and turned into a decent one. And now, after having finished the book, I think this plot is the one during which I liked Lauren the most 'cause she actually reacted like a grown intelligent mature woman..

I mean, the romance wasn't THAT bad at first. On the contrary. I found it interesting, especially the fact that the male romantic lead was the opposite of the usual "uber alpha mega-billionnaire total asshole". I liked that he was a very humble, working man, I liked reading about his inner monologue and self-doubts, I found his reactions (towards money especially) very realistic, and I liked his interactions with the tenants, especially with that old polish lady who kept threatening to call his boss. Knowing all those things made me like him and root for him. The problem is I couldn't buy how quickly head over heels Lauren supposedly fell for him...after only a couple of days of online chats. I just can't take insta-love romance seriously, and this one was a pretty ridiculous one. Instant attraction/lust, may be. But love? No. No way. Like, I understand that Lauren may have thought she was in love, but to me it was too superficial to make for a real relationship to actually develop. She wasn't emotionnaly ready for that AT ALL. She litterally jumped into a relationship with the first man who showed her admiration and respect for her, after 7 years spent with a man who played her for fool. So no way she was emotionally stable, mature to be in any kind of relationship, especially not just after exchanging a few emails. You don't get to know, really know people and love them just because they say the right thing or the thing you want to hear from them, or because what they tell you about them makes them look like being decent nice people. Love is deeper than that. It takes time to build. I know most romance like to take the easy way with lust-love at 1st sight, and sometimes it kind of "works" nonetheless, but this times it didn't. At least not for me. .

The way Lauren behaved was like a impulsive 16 years old in lust. She sounded like she was more in love with the idea of being in love with that nice decent guy (who reminded her of her father...if it doesn't sounds like some slight father figure issues...) than being actually in love with/loving him. Also, the way she made her whole life about Patrick the moment she decided she was in love, to the point that ***SPOILER*** she supposedly became and "handywoman" (yeah, just like that) , looks too much like the way she made her whole life about Chazz when they got together and disappeared in this relationship.

What also ticked me off is the way she reacted toward the media. She kept pretending she didn't want to be bothered but she actually kept feeding them, she was craving for the attention, kept reading what they were saying, was disappointed when they weren't that many following her, and kept answering their questions when meeting them.

She behaved like she was acting the part of an "handywoman" and was constantly checking if she was doing it right. I mean, **SPOILERY** she referred to her wedding ceremony as a "scene" as in a movie/theater play; ! She talked about her mother as being her "1st audience", as if she had to perform in front of her her whole "I just got married" act .

Another thing that bugged me is the "booty talk". The sex scene weren't great but not too bad, but the sex talk was just eye-rolling worthy. It just felt like bad sitcom banter.

Also what happened with Patrick at Christmas : not only did Patrick's backstory become very soap opera like, but the "conflict" was resolved in the blink of an eye !

Lastly, I could have done with the slightly Bi-phobic remarks regarding that Chazz guy and all the "outing" plot. It was just NOT funny at all.

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully fun and engaging read--yet another hit by JJ Murray. I really fell in love with Patrick long before he sent the email to Lauren. Without complaint or disrespect, he took care of the many handyman jobs, no matter how trivial or constant the demands of the residents. His empathy for and understanding of several senior citizens in the buildings he serviced, illustrates the point---he is a genuinely good guy. Lauren, and her life as an actress and celebrity was insightful. She has integrity, something that many people in the limelight lack. I liked her from the beginning, but I came to respect her when she did not disclose the true reason for her break-up with Chazz (no spoiler here-gotta read the book!)

In my opinion, the constant internal monologues of Patrick, but especially Lauren, were absolutely hilarious and highly entertaining. It really enhanced the story by giving the reader much more insight into Patrick's & Lauren's personalities and motivations. I loved the emails between the two, some whacky, some sexy, some insightful and some heartfelt thoughts. I just love that the author weaved the emails and the monologues quite seamlessly. Amazing!

The sex scenes and some of the emails were just plain HOT-smokin' hot y'all !!!! No vulgarity. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it. This whole book was such a feel-good book. Some may characterize this book as a riches to rags book; however, it means much more than that. I believe both Patrick & Lauren knew what they wanted ultimately, despite their circumstances in life. This story brought home a very important aspect of life--the outer trappings that we use to judge the worth of a person means diddly; it is truly the content of one's character that counts in the long run.

[Aryelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book but towards the end it lost my interest. The beginning was good, I like how it started off. Even though she was going through a break up and she found someone else, he treated her nice and made her smile. But when they met up and she went back with him to New York, and the paparazzi followed, it was annoying how they wanted to be private but would answer any question they had.

It was almost like they like the attention, but we're playing as if they didn't. I don't know if I'll finish this book but as far as it goes, I wasn't a big fan.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ahhh....I struggled to get through this one too...And in the end it was meh for me...for starters the book dredged on and on and as I said earlier while reading this book I was not feeling the main character Lauren at all. I thought that I would warm up to her but no dice there either. And the male lead was ok but I wasn't starry eyed over him either. I tried though and that's all I can do. At least I finished it...I guess I'm biased when it comes to male and female authors which sucks but it is what it is...

[Rachel Blom · Rating 2 out of 5]

A contemporary romance (which I rarely read) which failed to deliver on it's original premise (actress and penpal-fan fall in love). The main ingredient that was missing was tension. There was little conflict and the story just happily meandered along...boring. Even the fact that it features a rare African American main characters couldn't save the day. Features some steamy sexual dialogue/texts and scenes.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Umm...no. It's not horrible, but it's terribly stretched.

Rating: 2-/5
Recommend: +/--
Audience: Adult
Status: R
Chemistry/Intensity: Ultra-instant
Conflict/Drama: +/--
Character Depth: - (inconsistencies)
Re-read: No

[Wauktown Thumper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this. It was to unrealistic . I understand this is a work of fiction, but this was a little to out there for me. I gave it 2 stars because I'm a JJ Murray fan, but if this was the first book of his that I read I won't read another.

[Malika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Geez. I like this author. But this book got me. I just don't know why this book is as long as it is, how they fell in love almost instantaneously, or how their family expanded at such a lightning pace. It's a lot of story for what is a pretty uncomplicated story. Phew!

[Atinuke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story dragged too long.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried!

This book here!. It was really a struggle for me to read but I finished it, after skipping pages. Who is with a guy for 7 years and not know he is gay.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has been actress, Lauren Short is the talk of the town. She's just been dumped by Chazz Jackson, the #1 action movie star on the planet after 7 years together. She actually dumped him; she caught him in flagrante with 2 men. She is devastated to learn that Chazz has been sleeping with men their entire relationship and she knew nothing about it. As an actress, she still had some fans sending their well wishes after her break-up. One of those people is Patrick Alan Esposito her biggest fan. They start to communicate via email, later meet in person and fall in love.

This story and what happens after they meet is completely ridiculous even for a romance novel. I was very disappointed however the writing wasn't bad (even though some of the dialogue was atrocious) and that is why I am not giving this one star.

FYI this version of the book actually has 506 pages not the 352 listed.

[Laronda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book a try because I liked the storyline, even though it seemed a little farfetched, I figure since I read to escape reality this would be an escape. I think I needed an escape from the heroine. She was all over the place; had no clue what she wanted and seriously needed to get somewhere and sit down. I read reviews that said she was clueless regarding her ex, but I could get passed that, my problem was her career, paps and even her claim of being "shy", girl bye. The hero wasn't all that likable either; I thought that being a "working man" would work in his favor but something was still off. Maybe that he was clueless about her being clueless was his downfall. Either way, I kept reading/skimming to see how it would end, but the ending didn't redeem the story either. Oh well, like another reviewer said... I tried.

[Tracee Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story of a lonely not quite mid-list actress trying to choose which path is right for her, either keep trying to make or give it all up when she meets Mr. Right. If you want to know how an average dude ends up with a beautiful celebrity, this is how it might have happened. Sometimes celebs just want a normal life because they've seen and been the center of real and often hurtful, drama. The story, like others I've read of Murray's again, was a little long and I used to really like long stories but feel authors are getting just a tad bit shorter these days and if it's not a suspense, I feel it can be hard to justify the length but I still liked it all, I still laughed at the antics all the way to the end and I appreciate the diverse cast of characters.

[Janet R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic JJ Murray - Charmingly Entertaining Gem💍

J J Murray never disappoints & this charmingly entertaining romance is no exception! I was hooked & heavily engaged in Lauren & Patrick's sweet 💞 story from beginning to end. Patrick is a true Bae & Lauren is a down to earth sweetheart ! I loved this 📖 & you will too🍷

[Emorgan05 · Rating 1 out of 5]

4 chapters had me like, "ugh." And life's too short for that.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I honestly loved this book! I thought that this romance was "fresh " and unexpected. let me set the plot for you; Patrick is a regular guy who writes his favorite actress after her very public breakup with an action star. he's not looking for anything, just offering her support. Lauren is just a woman in need of a man's attention. They correspond and the fun begins.

The good:
Romance. OMG, I wish Patrick could teach a class about how to be romantic without being obnoxious. I found his style ( and there fore JJ Murray's) to be so refreshing. I'm tired of billionaire bad boy, alpha male, construction worker, cowboys. it's nice to read about a man being an alpha without me having to be told he is an alpha because his bank account or title. My favorite scene's involved St. Louis in the snow. I just found it so quaint and sweet. The scenes didn't need more.

Patrick. Yes, please!

Setting. I liked the descriptions for each city, I could picture each place and really felt like the author took the time to research or visit each site. I wanted a cup of hot cocoa from the Deli and I could see the hotel overlooking the arches.

Papa/Mama. Both were fun no nonsense characters to read.

The bad:
The paparazzi. I felt their interaction got old quick
Having whole conversations during the "adult scenes". No, thanks!

Overall:
This is a well written fun read that I would recommend to any and everyone. The adult scenes are hot, if a bit chatty, and the romance is real and alive. So much so you want the characters to stay together.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing to have a black actress refuse roles because they perpetuated a stereotype only to have the character in question perpetuate the same stereotypes in her real life.

[Michele F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unabashed J.J. Murray Fan

I always enjoy J.J. Murray characters. The heroine is a "has been" actress who is betrayed by her actor fiance. The hero I especially liked. He is an everyday guy _- a handyman/maintenance man for a several apartment complexes in Brooklyn. He is genuine, likable, stalwart as he takes care of the elderly tenants who love to complain. Like all of his stories, this has a lot of humor. The paparazzi gets hold of the story and describe the couple as Beauty and the Beast. They weather the media storm and have a super fast romance.

I usually look for this author's books in the summer but I was pleasantly surprised by the spring offering. I forgot that I pre-ordered it and was surprised when it auto-downloaded to my Kindle the other day.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Simple, feel good love story. A regular joe gets the surprise of his life due to an online pen pal. At a crossroads and looking to get her acting career back on track after a high profile breakup, Lauren Short consults on line pen pal Patrick Esposito. A handyman Patrick cannot believe his luck. He's had a crush on Lauren forever. Although a predictable story with unbelievable scenarios, I found it to be entertaining fun. Would definitely recommend. Received an ARC for an honest review.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Lauren Short is 38 and a former actress. Chazz Jackson is an action movie icon and had been her fiance. She lived with Chazz and caught him cheating on her in the house they shared for 7 years. She had given up acting since she had been with Chazz. She had an email from a fan named Patrick and she wrote back to him. He was thrilled. From their, they start a correspondence together.
I read about about half of this book and couldn't find any interest in in.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Really sweet and feel good romance. The heat meter between Lauren and Patrick was hot. I thought Lauren's mom was tough but loved her unconditionally hard. Patrick's dad was great; 40 years without saying a word wow. His love for his so ad his son's mother was unwavering. Chazz the spaz was a typical egotistical actor - everything is all about what he wants. Good read. Renee and Jay is still my favorite book by this author.

[Winona · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time J.J. Murray fan I think this story/book harkens back to "Renee and Jay" in terms of how fast the love between two people go. It's funny that his prior books have been super slow burns/ lacking much of the sex scenes...and I guess this book he makes up for all those "fade to black." This is the first new book that went STRAIGHT to paperback...what's up with that decision?!

[Tameka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice book to read in the evenings before bed. I would've given it a better rating if it was more realistic. Who buys a ring for a first date with someone you've known for a week? If they had been talking online for a few months before meeting and getting engaged that would've earned it more stars from me. Not the best book from this author, but still enjoyable.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

From the witty dialogue to the UBER hot connection between the characters, this book was good to the last word!

[Judy Hillier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a nice and relaxing read. This was the first book I've read of this Author.
A nice cozy story for those cold night in winter!!