cover image Let’s Stay Together

Let’s Stay Together

J.J. Murray. Kensington, $6.99 mass market (512p) ISBN 978-1-61773-480-9

Murray (A Good Man) delivers a compulsively readable rags-to-riches love story brimming with memorable characters, magical charm, lively repartee, and delicious passion. Vivacious former actress Lauren Short is looking for a new start in life after dumping her high-profile closeted gay fiancé. She begins by answering a sweet letter from a fan. Patrick Esposito, a humble Brooklyn maintenance man, is surprised that Lauren not only replies to his message but welcomes his thoughts. As they move from emails to texts to phone calls to Skype, the tone of their communications progresses from friendly to contemplative to intimate. When Lauren impulsively decides to fly to New York and meet him, Patrick steps on the brakes and offers an alternative. He is proud and determined to give Lauren a proper first date despite his limited resources. They end up in St. Louis on a madcap adventure in a raging blizzard. As Lauren settles into Patrick’s life, not even her mother, his father, or the relentless media can dim their love for each other. Fans of romantic comedy movies will applaud this heartwarming tale and hope for an encore performance. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (May)