What do you think?
Rate this book
Drift
Roland Stonebrook had no idea how Ree Cooper would change his life until he let her go …
For nine months after they met in his Vermont bookstore, Roland and Ree were inseparable, enjoying a spontaneous, passionate relationship filled with lively arguments and daring romantic adventures.
If only Roland hadn’t bought Ree that engagement ring ...
Nineteen barren years after their tumultuous breakup, Roland, now 50, goes on a transcontinental quest down the East Coast and across the United States to the West Coast to find Ree. On his journey, Roland falls in love with a country he never really knew and rediscovers the only woman he has ever loved—before he even finds her.
Epic in scope and awash with warmth and humor, DRIFT takes readers on a journey across America to true and everlasting love.
For nine months after they met in his Vermont bookstore, Roland and Ree were inseparable, enjoying a spontaneous, passionate relationship filled with lively arguments and daring romantic adventures.
If only Roland hadn’t bought Ree that engagement ring ...
Nineteen barren years after their tumultuous breakup, Roland, now 50, goes on a transcontinental quest down the East Coast and across the United States to the West Coast to find Ree. On his journey, Roland falls in love with a country he never really knew and rediscovers the only woman he has ever loved—before he even finds her.
Epic in scope and awash with warmth and humor, DRIFT takes readers on a journey across America to true and everlasting love.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
39 people are currently reading
26 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 29, 2017
This was my second book by Mr. Murray and I enjoyed it immensely. In the last 10% of the book I laughed so hard. Then I cried and I laughed again. Mr. Murray’s literary voice is not easy to define; it’s as odd, intelligent, romantic, and meaningful as his characters. There is a quirkiness about the men and women in his books that’s so unusual it makes you wonder if they resonate because they’re authentic, which I realize is a slightly bizarre thing to say about fictional characters, but I blame Mr. Murray for inspiring my attempt at mindful analysis as well as my reading tastes going way off the beaten track, into foreign territory.
This story is man’s fiction as it’s told from Roland’s POV and while surprisingly sensitive, Mr. Murray still tells it in a manly way with witty observations and not a lot of gratuitous exposition (unless of course he can make the moment even wittier).
The story also has many parts, the first about love with strange, often symbolic, almost slippery heartfelt connections between the magnificent Ree and her Roland. It is not hard to see, poetry or no poetry, that their love is real but that neither is really ready to rifle through the required rabbit hole for the also requisite redemption they both need to rejoice in that love. And yes, the book and its author also inspire alliteration.
The second part of the book can be described as a road trip with many adjacent parts, and is evocative of the book’s title without depicting it in an exacting way. Interestingly, for me the road trip starts before the actual road trip even begins, with the introduction of a fascinating character that could almost derail the entire story if you weren’t absolutely positive that there was great significance in their appearance. And that is how the road trip moves the story along, pleasantly (for the most part) dropping in on absorbing settings or situations, and even more engaging characters. I love the road and all the adventures it naturally implies so this was a section of the book that easily became the unputdownable part for me.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that Roland and Ree were so genuine they not only deserved to have their story shared -- but that it was told, with excellent caring hands. Definitely the most unique romance novel I’ve read so far, this year. For something completely different and extremely well written give it a try.
This story is man’s fiction as it’s told from Roland’s POV and while surprisingly sensitive, Mr. Murray still tells it in a manly way with witty observations and not a lot of gratuitous exposition (unless of course he can make the moment even wittier).
The story also has many parts, the first about love with strange, often symbolic, almost slippery heartfelt connections between the magnificent Ree and her Roland. It is not hard to see, poetry or no poetry, that their love is real but that neither is really ready to rifle through the required rabbit hole for the also requisite redemption they both need to rejoice in that love. And yes, the book and its author also inspire alliteration.
The second part of the book can be described as a road trip with many adjacent parts, and is evocative of the book’s title without depicting it in an exacting way. Interestingly, for me the road trip starts before the actual road trip even begins, with the introduction of a fascinating character that could almost derail the entire story if you weren’t absolutely positive that there was great significance in their appearance. And that is how the road trip moves the story along, pleasantly (for the most part) dropping in on absorbing settings or situations, and even more engaging characters. I love the road and all the adventures it naturally implies so this was a section of the book that easily became the unputdownable part for me.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that Roland and Ree were so genuine they not only deserved to have their story shared -- but that it was told, with excellent caring hands. Definitely the most unique romance novel I’ve read so far, this year. For something completely different and extremely well written give it a try.
August 9, 2017
Love reclaimed!
J. J. Murray is awesome! A must read! Roland Stonebrook and Ree Cooper are soulmates, each broken in their own way. One from a humdrum existence and ordinary complacency and the other from a traumatic childhood. While running from her own demons, Ree meets the handsome sexy Bookstore owner Roland Stonebrook and jumpstarts his lackluster life with spontaneity, energy and love. Roland is instantly smitten not only by Ree's beauty but her uninhibited, fierce and fiery personality; unapologetic ability to embrace as well as challenge life's rules of conduct.
Two lovers who have found their true love but because of past pain not caused by them, they allow their fear, pride and stubbornness to separate them, for twenty years. Only to realize that their souls can only be happy and free when they're together as one!
In a cornucopia of fervency, whimsy and anecdotal candor, J. J. Murray has masterfully composed words and breathed life into a story of love found, love lost and love reclaimed!
J. J. Murray is awesome! A must read! Roland Stonebrook and Ree Cooper are soulmates, each broken in their own way. One from a humdrum existence and ordinary complacency and the other from a traumatic childhood. While running from her own demons, Ree meets the handsome sexy Bookstore owner Roland Stonebrook and jumpstarts his lackluster life with spontaneity, energy and love. Roland is instantly smitten not only by Ree's beauty but her uninhibited, fierce and fiery personality; unapologetic ability to embrace as well as challenge life's rules of conduct.
Two lovers who have found their true love but because of past pain not caused by them, they allow their fear, pride and stubbornness to separate them, for twenty years. Only to realize that their souls can only be happy and free when they're together as one!
In a cornucopia of fervency, whimsy and anecdotal candor, J. J. Murray has masterfully composed words and breathed life into a story of love found, love lost and love reclaimed!
October 16, 2018
Wow!
So raw and pure in its evolution of growth, truth and love. There is simple kindness even in the darkest light. Love where there is pain from those who were to love you and protect you most.
Ree and Roland had a heart and soul connection that could not be severed by time or distance. Love is a constant. Love is perfect in its truth. People are flawed.
I loved this journey of word play, love, sex and discovery. I didn't agree with Ree on some views but once her trauma, that many experience, was revealed, I could understand. It takes time, strength and love to face tragedy and live. The road to be together physically took 19 years. The love and soul bond never broke.
So raw and pure in its evolution of growth, truth and love. There is simple kindness even in the darkest light. Love where there is pain from those who were to love you and protect you most.
Ree and Roland had a heart and soul connection that could not be severed by time or distance. Love is a constant. Love is perfect in its truth. People are flawed.
I loved this journey of word play, love, sex and discovery. I didn't agree with Ree on some views but once her trauma, that many experience, was revealed, I could understand. It takes time, strength and love to face tragedy and live. The road to be together physically took 19 years. The love and soul bond never broke.
July 25, 2017
I loved this story. Ree was a very complicated person, however that did not stop Roland from falling in love with her. Ree truly loves Roland, but because of the things that's happen to her in her life she's afraid of love. Roland falls for her hard despite her complications. I cried and literally laughed out loud while reading this book. I only wish it hadn't taken them 19 years to realize that they belong together. You will not be disappointed. I wish they each had friends the Mr. Murray could write about just to keep up with Roland and Ree.
January 26, 2019
Drifting...
I don't have the words to decipher how I feel about Drift. It is an amazing book with memorable characters. It is so filled with love, but for me it is also equally filled with soul wrenching pain. Maybe some passionate relationships require this. Drift is a powerful tale of love, loss, discovery, growth, healing, determination, acceptance, and the reuniting and {re}birth of a more true love. Embark on the journey and read it.
I don't have the words to decipher how I feel about Drift. It is an amazing book with memorable characters. It is so filled with love, but for me it is also equally filled with soul wrenching pain. Maybe some passionate relationships require this. Drift is a powerful tale of love, loss, discovery, growth, healing, determination, acceptance, and the reuniting and {re}birth of a more true love. Embark on the journey and read it.
July 9, 2017
It was quite a ride.
I really liked this book. It was ridiculously long and I must it admit it started slow enough where I thought about stopping (Okay, I did stop. But I started again). Once you get in about 30% the book really draws you in and once you and Roland embark in his road trip, you're hooked. Good read and satisfying ending.
I really liked this book. It was ridiculously long and I must it admit it started slow enough where I thought about stopping (Okay, I did stop. But I started again). Once you get in about 30% the book really draws you in and once you and Roland embark in his road trip, you're hooked. Good read and satisfying ending.
March 9, 2020
Drift was an okay read for me. The story is well written but the characters were hard to relate to. For me there was total ambivalence towards Ree. I just didn't care if he (Roland) reconnected with her. But I did just because I wanted the story to end.
I am a huge J. J. Murray fan and will continue to read his work. But this one is not in my read again pile.
I am a huge J. J. Murray fan and will continue to read his work. But this one is not in my read again pile.
July 23, 2017
An Amazing Journey
I enjoyed this book it took me a few days to read it. I really got to know the characters and watch the relationship unfold, and learned some literary information in the process.
I enjoyed this book it took me a few days to read it. I really got to know the characters and watch the relationship unfold, and learned some literary information in the process.
November 2, 2021
Take This Journey
I think I will remember this story forever.
I appreciate that healing is personal and the wounded wants to come to love whole
Bravo
I think I will remember this story forever.
I appreciate that healing is personal and the wounded wants to come to love whole
Bravo
July 10, 2017
What a mind boggling story
J.J. Murray wrote a well developed deep story on complicated characters. Sheree "Ree" Cooper was definitely a complicated, eccentric, highly intelligence but damaged woman. She suffered from PTSD from an early childhood event that she could not remember but she knew that she kept people at a distant to shield her heart, even though she had a bubbly outgoing personality. But, when Roland Stonebrook met her, he found her "intoxicatingly interesting, gloriously attractive and perhaps the sharpest person he ever met." He fell completely in love with this strange vivacious woman. No one could ever compare to her.
But Ree's soul was alone and drifting like a person without a home. She was restless and desperately needed healing. She could not accept Roland's proposal for fear their relationship would not last. She needed to heal first. This shattered Roland's heart and he in turn shattered her heart with his response to her rejection. It took almost twenty years for Roland to realize that he could not escape her magic. It stuck to him like glue, laid dormant waiting for him to hear feel and see her again. He still loved her, he needed her. He had to find her. He was a man on a mission to find his heart, his soul, his home.
His traveling from one side of the country to the other to find her, reignited his deep abiding love he had for her. His journey taught him more lessons about himself as well as learning more about his love with each place visited in his search. Ree came to realize that he was her healing balm. She felt complete with him. Even after twenty years apart, their love was as strong as ever. When Roland did find her, it was all they needed to work on their HEA, they were finally home, souls reunited.
Mr. Murray has a way of writing that keeps one interested in his well developed plots and characters. I enjoyed reading this heart rending soul stirring romance that had me cheering in the end for Roland and Ree.
J.J. Murray wrote a well developed deep story on complicated characters. Sheree "Ree" Cooper was definitely a complicated, eccentric, highly intelligence but damaged woman. She suffered from PTSD from an early childhood event that she could not remember but she knew that she kept people at a distant to shield her heart, even though she had a bubbly outgoing personality. But, when Roland Stonebrook met her, he found her "intoxicatingly interesting, gloriously attractive and perhaps the sharpest person he ever met." He fell completely in love with this strange vivacious woman. No one could ever compare to her.
But Ree's soul was alone and drifting like a person without a home. She was restless and desperately needed healing. She could not accept Roland's proposal for fear their relationship would not last. She needed to heal first. This shattered Roland's heart and he in turn shattered her heart with his response to her rejection. It took almost twenty years for Roland to realize that he could not escape her magic. It stuck to him like glue, laid dormant waiting for him to hear feel and see her again. He still loved her, he needed her. He had to find her. He was a man on a mission to find his heart, his soul, his home.
His traveling from one side of the country to the other to find her, reignited his deep abiding love he had for her. His journey taught him more lessons about himself as well as learning more about his love with each place visited in his search. Ree came to realize that he was her healing balm. She felt complete with him. Even after twenty years apart, their love was as strong as ever. When Roland did find her, it was all they needed to work on their HEA, they were finally home, souls reunited.
Mr. Murray has a way of writing that keeps one interested in his well developed plots and characters. I enjoyed reading this heart rending soul stirring romance that had me cheering in the end for Roland and Ree.
November 20, 2017
A May December interracial love story. Not the author's usual type of story, but a good read.
December 9, 2017
This book wasn't for me. I felt like the author was just rambling, there was no context for me. I kept reading hoping it was going to get better but it didn't .
However I am a follower of Mr. Murray's books so I'll keep reading for a while.
However I am a follower of Mr. Murray's books so I'll keep reading for a while.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews