No Ordinary Love

by J.J. Murray

He has a touch of genius, but no talent for romance—until he meets her . . .   Tony Santangelo has a mild form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome—but it hasn’t stopped him from finding success as a songwriter under the name “Art E.” His condition makes him unusually honest and straightforward, which can sometimes make things awkward with women. Despite his musical accomplishments—and his six-foot frame, dark blue eyes, and wavy black hair—the handsome Brooklynite has lived a bit of a lonely life, though he does have a caring brother to keep him company. And hobbies to keep him busy, like obsessively watching the Weather Channel . . .   But when he meets Trina Woods, he’s suddenly tempted to leave his comfort zone. The beautiful nurse seems to appreciate his shyness and sensitivity, and even his little eccentricities. Meanwhile, Trina’s gotten herself onto a reality show, and before they know it, they’re the media’s hot new Cinderella story.   But under the glare of spotlights—as Tony copes with his overprotective brother and overwhelming celebrity—the two must face trouble head on, and write their own one-of-a-kind love song . . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Nursing, Adult Fiction, Fiction, Music

446 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2016

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

[Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down one of the best books I've ever read. I laughed, cried, and fell in love with Tony and Trina and, hopefully, so will you.
Mr Murray, thank you for this wonderfully poignant book which I will be reading again and again.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth…These are the things to fear…

-Tetsuko Kuroyanagi

Kuroyanagi's poignant quote is so much J.J Murray's essence to "No Ordinary Love."

Okay readers, this is a must read!

Murray's writing was exceptional! I felt the writing style was perfect and so consuming with all the "feels" going on. Musician and songwriter, Tony aka Art E. and nurse, Katrina Woods were a great couple who both wanted what came easily to them. I am trying not to give away this storyline but know this it was hard putting this one down. Tony was different but in a good way for everyone he met with the exception of two very secondary stupid characters ( Katrina aka Trina, ex husband, Robert (cheater) and a parent of a child with Asperger's Syndrome) in the book. You will laugh, cry, laugh some more and even curse at pivotal parts throughout the course of this memorable book as well.

I strongly recommend "No Ordinary Love" to readers who loves humor with the "feels" of a strong hero with Asperger's Syndrome and a feisty but caring heroine who gets her second chance at LOVE!

5 extraordinary stars *****

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Ordinary Love,  J.J. Murray

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, General fiction (adult)

Another new to me author ;-) Its always a trip into the unexpected with authors who’s works I’ve not read, you never quite know what to expect. I had a great time reading this though, very emotional at times.

Tony – he's a 40 year old high functioning Asperger's man. He’s incredibly talented in many ways and a very famous musician, composer and songwriter. He lives with his brother Angelo, who’s his day to day carer and manages his career.

Tony is such a lovely man, honest as so many people with social disorders are, he can’t see why people get upset when he tells them things. Its wrong to lie so why don’t they like the truth? He’s got a point but that's all part of social conditioning, and many people have issues that affect it, not just those with Asperger's. As it happens my granddaughter had several problems when younger, some related to speech function, and she spent time in a speech and language unit where part of what she was taught was use of appropriate and inappropriate language. We were glad she couldn’t speak clearly when she announced loudly to people things like “you’re very fat, are you having a baby?” or “your hair is messy”.... It’s hard for people to understand its not deliberate rudeness, there’s no intention but just a statement of fact, and its easy to see where poor Tony was confused.

Angelo too is a fantastic man, done his best for Tony and given him a huge amount of confidence. Carers of people with issues often “coddle” them too much, scared they’ll get hurt either physically or mentally, but everyone needs the chance to be the best they can and Angelo has had a great positive effect on Tony. Like any parent though he’s finding it hard to let go. Tony has finally reached the stage where he wants his own wife and children, he see’s Angelo with Aika, and the love they share and wants that for himself ( he sees a bit too much, and that makes for some great moments too!)

Trina is a great nurse but being given all the rough tasks by her supervisor, as are all the dark coloured nurses. She’s had a tough past where her cheating ex left her with huge debts, and she’s struggling day to day for money. When Tony starts talking to her on his lunch break she at first is a bit wary, but he soon breaks through to get her trust, and they start a fantastic relationship where he just blossoms. From a shy and cautious individual he takes hold of his nature and extends it, and with Trina’s help he’s got a chance at the future he dreamed of. There’s the issues of his fame though, the media who always want to drag people down, who look for the dirt in the most innocent of situations. Of course there’s his long time protector too, Angelo who wants to be certain Trina isn’t just some gold digger out to take advantage of Tony. 


Its a fabulous story, full of laughter and tears, a very emotional read. At times it is a little cheesy, and it would be great to think people and the press would act that way but cynic that I am I have my doubts...I found it very slow starting and put to one side on first time of reading, but picked it up a few days after and once I reached about 20% I was hooked, so invested with what Tony wanted, the wonderful people he met, the  way his story was told so honestly. I don’t know any high functioning people with Asperger's to the degree Tony has it, only one who’s got minor issues and didn’t discover that til she was older, and another who’s a bright person but sadly her mum has not encouraged her to see herself as anything but someone with Asperger's who can’t do x,y,z....that’s really sad, as I think many people could have a more satisfying life if encouraged to reach full potential and not just treated as kids with disabilities.  

This isn’t a conventional romance, doesn’t follow the usual pattern of a meets b and they’re together, part after a conflict and then back for that HEA. This treads a path all of its own. If you want a book to make you think, to make you laugh, to make you cry and finish it feeling really satisfied then this is perfect.

Stars: Five, a wonderful read.
 
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

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

***Netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Trina wants a second chance at love. After helping her husband realize his dream of becoming a surgeon, he leaves her for another woman. Strapped with bills her husband left behind for her to pay and a job where she's not appreciated, she definitely deserves a do over. Tony is a special man in more ways than one. For the last sixteen or so years of his life it's just been him and his brother. When Angelo, his brother, meets someone special, Tony realizes he wants that too, and he's determined that know one, not even Angelo, will stop him from finding his special someone. This a story about how to very different people come together and realize that their differences is what makes them so perfect for each other. Now all they have to do is convince everyone else that they truly belong together.
From reading the synopsis I really wasn't sure what was in store for this couple, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised when I finally figured it out what was going on. The story was a little slow for me in the beginning, and I wasn't crazy about how it started off with Trina and what she was willing to do to get her second chance. I don't want to give away the story so I can't mention everything that these two were up against, but let me say it would take a very special person to see how extraordinary a person Tony was after just one encounter with him, and Trina was definitely that person. What I loved about her was how she accepted him, issues and all and loved him for his quirkiness. By far, Tony is who made this story for me. I don't think he ever really cared about how people felt about him, and was pretty content and happy with his life. That is, until he realized that with the right person, it could be so much better. For me this story was about how even if you're not what the majority of people may see as normal, it only takes one person, the right person to see you as perfect, flaws and all. I think the author did a great job writing a very sweet romantic love story that involves dealing with and accepting someone with disabilities. I give this book a solid 4 stars!

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++++++⭐️ Just when I thought this author had reached the pinnacle of excellence in his writing career, he shocks my socks off! WOW. This book surpasses my loftiest expectations, and I am a huge J.J. Murray fan, having read all of his IR/BWWM romances. The main character, Tony "ART E" Santangelo, is a musical genius both in songwriting and in piano playing. He has Asperger's Syndrome, and has been protected his entire life by his brother, his guardian. By happenstance, he meets a local woman who is dark brown and she is nice, honest and understanding. She does not condescend or shy away from him. Her husband, Matthew, is white and they have what Tony views as a "snowflake child." Tony wants that for himself.

He enlists his brother's help to find his dark woman. He finds Trina's bio online for a reality show called Second Chances. She did not make the show; however, everything about her, Tony liked. He made up his mind to go to San Francisco to meet her and have "snowflake" babies. That is the backdrop of the story, and while I've not read any reviews, someone undoubtedly gave much more detail than I have given here. Words seem to escape me. I want to read this story again, and again and again! This story is much more than a love story between a black woman and a white man. It's about acceptance, it's about honesty, loyalty. It's about the day-to-day life of a man who has Asperger's syndrome, the challenges he faces, and how others around him view him and interact with him. It reminded me of how we all should treat others, regardless of their circumstances, race, disability, etc. And, while this book told the poignant story of Tony and Trina, it also has tons of humorous moments because Tony does not (really cannot) lie, he has no filter, and everything said to him and around him is taken quite literally. What a hoot! Tony and Trina's sexual escapades were so hot, and they were dealt with tastefully. I believe it was a risk to have a hero with Asperger's syndrome, but J.J. Murray handled it so very expertly. Believe me, you will fall completely in love with Tony--he is a remarkable human being, and he's definitely a shining star!

If you have never read one of J.J. Murray's IR books, start with this one. It has everything you'll ever want. Try it please. It is so masterfully written. A+++++++++++++

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was initially very hopeful about this book. The sample drew me right in and I love romances with quirky, out of the norm lead characters. However, this book quickly took a left turn and went off the rails. There were just too many unbelievable situations and the characters were such caricatures that by the end I was just glad it was finished. I had problems with Tony and his sudden conversion from being a guy who could barely function on his own to a guy who was able to travel across the country alone and function in a completely new environment. He started the beginning of the book as quite autistic, but by the end, it was like he'd suddenly been cured and was almost normal. Since there is no cure for autism, that's pretty impossible. However, my bigger problem was with the character of Trina. I'm a former nurse and a resident of the Bay Area and the way her situation at her hospital was depicted was ridiculous. No nurse would ever be treated the way she was, especially in CA (and the Bay Area) which has a very strong nurses union and very strong workplace anti-discrimination laws. Not only that, but there are any number of hospitals in the Bay Area, all of whom have nursing shortages, and if Trina and all of the other dark-skinned nurses at that hospital were being victimized, why in the world would she have stayed in such a hideous job? She wouldn't even have to leave the area, she could get a job anywhere. Plus, nurses are very well paid here (in the $35-$50/hr range) so to depict a nurse with 10 yrs of experience as broke, unable to pay her bills, and without any options to change her life is absolutely laughable. . If I ignored the problems and inconsistencies with the characters, the fact that the author clearly doesn't know work environment in the Bay Area, and the persistent racial stereotyping, the book was entertaining, so I did finish it, but I can't rate it any higher.

[Red · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well...That was a disappointment.... I was given an ARc of this book in exchange for a review, and here it is !

It started really interesting and promising, but then it went all downhill from there. I liked that the introduction started with the male character and I liked that he was the anti-Super duper alpha male hero stereotype. I liked the description of his New York life, reading from his brother perspective and how he diecided to go and search for a partner. The female character was interesting too, even if a little too much on the "poor dark skinned black Cinderella searching for her Prince Charming", but that was bearable. But then, the reality tv sequence happened and had me cringing for its underlying misoginy and transphobic jabs. And after the "meet-cute" between the hero and the heroine, it didn't stop rolling my eyes at the unbelievibility and over-the-top cheesyness of the story. At some point it even felt like the hero's condition was used more like a quirky personality trait than a medical/social condition. Also, the bits of fat-shaming were so so unnecessary. Ugh! Even the racial/colorism issue (which the author staed wasn't "racism", like, TF?!) which could have been interesting was delat it in a very caricatural way. As for the "confrontation" with the ex-boyfriend, it was just a mess.

As a whole, this book was unbearable to read, it even had fun, nice moment, but it just got annoying at some points and there were not much of a plot/tension really. So, yeah, a disappointment.

Now, since there is no "meh" rating, and 1 star would be for a book I realy disliked, I will give this one 2 stars, but advise other to DBR ("don't bother reading".

[TSN ☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

[Deloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This book is so amazing , I've never read this author before but I will definitely read him more now. I liked the way Tony's story was told , it was believable , and heart warming, it was romantic in a Tony kind of way. This is the third book I've read about the male protagonist having Asperger syndrome , this I s the most believable and the best written. This book was fun to read ,and I could not put it down. I felt the story was almost like a fairytale , with Tony as the knight in shining armor.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, just AWESOME!

I loved this book. It celebrates love, and no matter what differences you may have, there is someone to love you just for you. I loved Tony and Trina. When they looked at each other, all they saw was love; not Tony's Aspy syndrome or Trina's skin color, just love. I just finished this book, and I'm in tears. Great book.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Another hard-to-put down, laugh-out-loud, page turner from J.J. Murray. Want to spend an enjoyable afternoon with a well-written book? Download this one hunker down for a good read.

[Precious]

I just don’t like Trina. I don’t like to read about ‘woe is me’ black women/girls. I am tired of this type of black girl.

[Sonia189 · Rating 2 out of 5]

More a 1.5
I felt this book was a disappointment and although it begun well, the more I read, the less I enjoyed it.
I think the way the racial/social message is conveyed was not well done. The author could have kept the ideas and the need to highlight what he felt was important to share/tell but I feel the way this was written was not the best way to do so.
I was bothered by several scenes in the book and although the romance had its moments, I was not able to be sympathetic with the heroine.
I skimmed some paragraphs, I rolled my eyes at many scenes and the end went on and on...
Sadly, this book didn't work out for me.

[Umi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baca novel ini harus sedia tisu banyak. Bukan cerita mengharu biru menye-menye. Tapi bagaimana penulis berhasil menceritakan tentang cinta yang murni, antara kakak pada adiknya yang punya kondisi istimewa, antara keluarga kecil multi racial yang penuh cinta dan perhatian, antara laki-laki autis dengan wanita impiannya. Juga tentang kebaikan yang tulus yang menghampiri Tony, si pemeran utama.
Setiap bab ceritanya begitu menarik dan mengundang senyum dan air mata. Pemeran utamanya, Tony Santangelo. Laki-laki 40 tahun penderita aspenger tapi genius musik begitu menarik perhatian. Tingkah lakunya yang apa adanya, jujur, juga tulus begitu mudah untuk mencintai karakternya, Ditambah dengan karakter pendukung yang juga nggak kalah menariknya. Angelo, kakak Tony yang protektif dan begitu menyayangi adiknya yang autis, Aika, pacar Angelo yang perhatian pada Tony, Angela dan keluarganya yang juga banyak membantu Tony, dan banyak karakter yang ditemui Tony di San Fransisco. Karakter utama ceweknya, Trina juga mudah untuk disukai. Wanita 32 tahun yang mengalami kegagalan pernikahan dan cuma berharap mendapatkan cinta tulus dari pria yang setia. Trina adalah gambaran wanita jujur pekerja keras yang sayangnya malah dipermainkan oleh mantan suaminya dan diperlakukan buruk di rumah sakit tempatnya bekerja sebagai perawat hanya karena kulitnya gelap. Di novel ini memang digambarkan tentang keberagaman di Amerika. Penceritaannya adil antara orang yang masih saja rasis walau millenium udah berganti dan juga orang-orang baik yang dengan senang hati membantu tanpa melihat rupa atau kondisi orang lain.
Novel ini begitu menggugah hati dan pantas mendapat lebih banyak apresiasi.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bravo! No Ordinary Love was a beautiful, touching love story. It was warm and colorful and so unique. I don't know that I have ever come across a book that spoke so well of loving someone with special needs. It was a refreshing experience to read about Tony and Trina overcoming their challenges and finding a pure and innocent love.

This story started out perfectly sweet. Upon first meeting, I loved Tony. I had mixed feelings about Trina, however. I certainly felt for her after the horrendous way her ex treated her and because of the unfair treatment she received at work, but I did not care for how she put herself out before the world. By the time she met Tony, I had trouble getting a read on her motives. Over time, her position and interest became clear. She was definitely a rare find.

The one scene I did not care for was when Trina went before the review board. She handled herself so well at the start. Why did the author turn it into a profane, name calling, highly unprofessional rant presented by the heroine, as if she had to resort to that "I told her" type of stance to be heard? I did not like it one bit. Nope.

Rating: 3/5 Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: Contemporary
Chemistry/Intensity: +/-
Conflict/Drama: +/-
Family Dysfunction: No

NetGalley ARC

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com

Anthony ‘Tony’ Santangelo has lived the life of a recluse for far too long due to his overprotective brother. As someone with Asperger’s syndrome – a type of autism – he’s used to making connections quickly. But those connections help him to write beautiful songs, not interact with people easily like others do. Realizing how lonely his life is now that his brother has found someone he wants to spend his life with, Tony decides it’s time to experience life for himself. Starting with taking an adventure to find the woman of his dreams, Trina Woods; or technically, the woman he’s caught a glimpse of on the internet website, Second Chances. Read More

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. This is the first book I have read from this author and I absolutely loved it. I laughed throughout the story and felt such compassion for those with diseases and disorders that many people don't understand. Readers were given a small insight into Asberger's syndrome. While the speed of the romance and trust was very quick and may be unrealistic in real life it didn't matter. Books are an escape and should have touches of real life while still leaving the reader feeling happy... I have enough real life happening around me - it was the perfect blend for me.

[kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...Great love story

I truly enjoyed the characters and as always Murray has you laughing with the smart wit of the main character.
Love comes in all shapes, forms, colors and people and is shown in many different ways. Tony and Trina's relationship shows that love has no bounds.

I read in one day ...it was so good...so now I have to clean house extra time tomorrow...but it was worth it

[Ann Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have never read a romance novel where the hero was a old high functioning Asperger's man! Tony is a handsome, talented musician, composer and songwriter who lives with his brother Angelo. Angelo manages Tony's complicated and orderly daily routine as well as his professional career. The brothers are a fantastic duo who support one another in life and love. Proving "there is someone out there for everyone", Tony's story is a refreshing read by an author that was new to me.

[Trickiegyrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I have read many books by Mr. Murray,. This is my favorite. Tony Santiago is a musical genius with Asperger's Syndrome. Trina Woods is an overworked and underpaid nurse. They meet through Tony's determination and courage. Thank you Mr. Murray for giving us a new alpha male and showing that labels do not define a person. Don't pass by this story, it's a keeper.

[Pearline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Loved the main character Tony and his determination to fall in love in spite of his disability.I also loved that we got to get caught back up with Angela and Matthew from his previous book. Would like to read more about Tony and how he deals with life as a father and husband.

[G.S. Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read.

I loved this look from beginning to end. To see Toni and his growth was amazing. And Trina was so patient with him and treated him like a human as it should have been. Man I would recommend this book to anyone. Just wonderful!

[Anita Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

I throughly enjoyedthis book. It shows love and music are universal. There is a lesson in that. It is a great read.

[Mary Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked to start but got really repetitive and pointless. Stopped at 71%

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little love story

[kittykat AKA Ms. Tortitude · Rating 3 out of 5]

WOW. There's so much to love about this book, but at the same time, there's some stuff that is nothing short of disgusting and ridiculous too. Hence why only 3 stars, the bad really does outweigh the good for me.

The good - Tony. He is truly a one of a kind romance hero. He is kind, thoughtful and romantic albeit awkward and introverted. I don't know how true to life the portrayal of his autism is, but to the mainly uneducated me it seems relatively sincere and believable. He is, of course, a genius, as autistic MC's have a tendency to be in romance books, but never mind.

The bad - the whole dating show thing with Trina was just so cringe-worthy. And so much of her character portrayal made her out to be a 'gold-digger with a heart of gold'. I'd look for receipts, but honestly, I can't be bothered. Also, the whole work debacle. If I was caught playing hooky from work because I was on national TV having the time of my life, you can bet I'd be hauled in, I expect it! Also, and I know that colourism is a thing and does exist, but really... that part of the story was taking things to the extreme.

TBH, the bad is such a shame because the good is so good. Tony, despite his many habits that would take some time getting used to, was such a sweetheart.

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't stop laughing but only because of this book's absurdity. I know you're supposed to suspend belief for works of fiction, but this was just over the top. The saccharine goofiness coupled with weird treatment of race and disability had my eyes nearly rolling out of my head from start to finish. Good luck if you're giving this one a go -- it bored me more than anything.

[As an aside, this is the least realistic portrayal of a 32-year-old I've encountered -- homegirl was giving 50+, pathetic, and bitter... ("ha ha" - Tony)]

[Nala Mili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is refreshing and i love it! ♥♥

[Jumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost too sweet...