Rating: 
Summary: An Eye-Talian Romance
Review: Written by J.J. Murray, Renee and Jay is a book of firsts. This cunning, fictional book gives a look at life from a very real perspective. The author uses the voice of a young African American female in today's society.
Renee lives in Roanoke, Virginia where she was born and raised. She tries to be independent in spite of her mother's constant nosiness and pushy ways. Roanoke is a small town where whites as well as blacks are very judgmental. Throughout the story, Renee tries to cope with and embrace races other than her own; despite her mother's own refusal to do so. Renee's new attitude and tolerance leaves her in new situations that she is not sure how to deal with.
As the story unfolds, Renee comes face to face with her openness in the form of a sweet, kind, young Italian man. Quickly and dangerously, she becomes interested in this man. Her new feelings create confusion in her house, her life, and her heart. So Renee must deal with these new feelings, and in doing so, creates an interesting story.
It would be true to say that Renee and Jay is a book containing all the aspects of a good book. J.J Murray is a wonderful author nd Renee and Jay is an exceptoinal first novel. I, personally, would recommend this book to anyone interested. With this recommendation I offer a promise that this book will be a book of firsts; and unfortunately, probably a book of lasts.(Good luck in the future, Mr. Murray. . . we'll be reading)
Rating: 
Summary: Love at first sight
Review: I loved this book when I first read the review. I immediately purchased it and was not dissapointed. The characters were so alive and real. I envied Renee and Giovanni's "love at first sight" courtship and was heartbroken at the "Romeo and Juliet" consequences that surrounded them. I highly recommend this book. May Mr. Murray bring us a sequel soon!
Rating:
Summary: all nighter
Review: I started reading this book late one night ....that was a mistake. I got so into the book that I couldn't put it down. Being the product of a interracial family, its hard finding books that show a light on the ups and downs on romance when you cross the color line. I can't wait to see more of his work
Rating:
Summary: The best love story for today's black woman
Review: I am a black woman who has dated outside of her race for years. When I started reading this book, I just couldn't put it down. I found myself reading for twenty-four hours straight. J.J. Murray made me laugh, cry and cheer. Read this book, you will love it. I'm ready for the sequel!
Rating: 
Summary: Missed the mark of a pageturner
Review: First I have to say I am an avivd reader of EJD, ELH, and TM, and JJMurray does not compare to these authors. :-) Sorry to disagree with one of the other reviewers. This is just my opinion. I just finished reading Renee and Jay and while it was an entertaining and an okay read it is in no way a page turner. I will admit I was disappointed having paid hardcover prices for a non page turner especially having read the reviews first . I think I would have felt better had it been a tradesize book . I do appauld the author for his hard work and I think it would have been better for me if it was a tradesize book. I could even suggest it to the bookclub members. Seeing they have a hard time purchasing hc book I will have to pass on the suggestion. I'd suggest if you are interested wait for it to come out in tradesize next year.
The story was entertaining and the author and his wife does make a lovely couple . I hope this does not come across negative because it is in no way meant to be. It was a nice first try for a first time author . I so often say Not all book will be 4 or 5* . JJ's work was an entertaining read just not hardcover price ! These are the words of one avivd reader's opinion .
Rating:
Summary: Modern day Romeo & Juliet it was not......
Review: This was a wonderful novel with some twists and turns but nonetheless is was a page turner. I enjoyed the characters and how they connected but this also left alot to the imagination. If you're looking for a smut novel this is definately not it. It's a nice love story with a happily ever after ending. A good book to pass the time but no Pulitzer Prize. Although I'm anxiously awaiting a sequel......
Rating:
Summary: If I could, i would rate "Renee And Jay" 6 stars!
Review: Very often I find it hard for me to actually sit down and read a book. Due to my busy life with school and a seven month old sister to baby-sit after school, as well as my picky interests in books, its nearly imposible! When I heard that an English teacher at MY school wrote a book, I bought it out of respect for my friends who had the teacher and out of respect for my school, I had no idea I would fall in love with the book after one chapter! Until I read "Renee And Jay", I had never actually laughed out loud or cried when reading a book. The caracters were absolutly wonderful. The caracter Renee portrayed a beautiful, smart, strong African-American woman who had grown up in Roanoke, Virginia, I believe this was my favorite character. I'm a 17 year old white female with a role model from a book my homeroom teacher wrote. I'm actually very proud to say that. This book has changed my view of this little world called Roanoke. I really don't know how else to say this...I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I'm not good with words (obviously) so it's kind of hard for me to write a book review, I just wanted to share how much I enjoyed this book. Thanks!
Rating: 
Summary: It was okay. A nice first try, but not quite a page turner!
Review: I decided to go out and pick up this book because of all the wonderful reviews written about it. I thought, "Okay, I can't go wrong with this one." WRONG! The book wasn't horrible by any means, but the plot was lacking and unrealistic. The fact that Renee and Jay fell in love within 24hrs was far fetched, especially since it was an interracial romance. AND, the fact that they were engaged and prepared to be married within that same 24hrs was ridiculous. It was very hard to take this book seriously from the beginning. The courtship (if you want to call it that) lasted all of one week. Anyways, the best part of the book was the character of Renee. That's it! It was the comedy of her words and thoughts that kept me reading. I was barely able to finish this book. There was just nothing keeping me involved in it. For anyone considering reading this book, "Beware". It's a good book for the 16-21 age group, but for those that are older, it will probably be a disappointment and not fulfilling. If you want to read a well written interracial romance that is both realistic and fulfilling, try the following: 'Close Encounters' and 'The Color of Love' by Sandra Kitt, 'No Commitment Required' by Seressia Glass AND 'Against the Wind' by Gwynne Forster.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining
Review: Renee and Jay is a very romantic, light, and funny. It was a fast read. I loved the characters, even though some of them are not as well developed as those in a Sandra Kitt story. I felt a little cheated by the ending.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious and well written
Review: Traveling home from work during a blistering Virginia snowstorm, Renee encounters an intriguing entity just as white as the snow....Jay. Renee is a brazen around the way sister...confident and sassy, bossy and aloof. Jay is a soft spoken, naive, and all too willing to please Italian. What a combination! The eccentrics of these two characters collide, exploding into a hilarious romantic tale that is sure to entertain you. The bright, candid characters, humorous words, and speedy story line make this novel an enjoyable delight. Mr. Murray did his homework and plunges head first into the wispy and frank mind of a strong, sometimes difficult, black women. Although the throngs of courtship swarm throughout the story, Renee and Jay isn't void of trouble in paradise. The young couple encounters a string of problems and characters that will keep you wanting to read more.
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