Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - Better Than People

I loved this book so freaking much. It literally had me on the edge of tears then entire time I was reading. It was just so cozy that I wanted to stay nestled within it’s pages.

I loved the anxiety and depression rep that was in this book. And Simon is so freaking relatable! I really felt for him to the deepest parts of my heart. I just wanted to give him a hug and play with all the pets. And Jack! I loved his big heart, from taking in all of these animals (and giving them all truly terrible but cute names) that needed a home, to illustrating children’s books, to his relationship with his big brother. And when he opened his heart to Simon??! Ugh! It just about killed me with the cuteness and the fluff.

If you couldn’t tell, I really loved this book and I can’t wait to continue with this series. Better Than People is getting a solid five stars. And I would highly recommend this one!!

Content Warnings

menomica's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

“Don’t make the mistake of letting fear convince you that you already know the end of the story. Don’t cheat yourself out of something wonderful because you’re too scared to take a risk.”

If you can’t fuck me the way Jack Matheson fucks Simon Burk in a leg cast then I DON’T WANT IT.

This book was really sweet. The writing was a bit rough but the heart of it was so endearing. I love how Jack and Simon were always communicating

I love that Jack was able to understand the limitations of Simons anxiety and how he learned and actives internalized how to respect and honour Simon’s boundaries.

I love that the sex was incredibly hot and kinky but did not take away from the book or the plot (you could really easily skim them if you wanted).

All in all this was a fun reread. Excited to check back in with the sequel

Content Warnings

tiggerreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was so soft and sweet to read. This was really enjoyable. I liked how Simon was portrayed and how he discussed his anxiety to others. I liked how Jack accepted Simon as he is and wasn't looking to fix him. I liked how their relationship didn't fix their mental issues, but it did make them look at things differently and be open to other options. The animal pack seemed neverending. Way too many for me, but I see how Jack sort of acquired them all. I liked how the animals weren't introduced than ignored, but they also didn't take over the story either.

Content Warnings

meganpbennett's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Children's book illustrator Jack has all the cats and all the dogs, and he enjoys walking them. He's also recovering from learning that his former best friend and business partner isn't as good a friend as he thought. Everything's fine until he breaks his leg walking his pack and needs someone to walk the dogs. Enter Simon, someone who is much better behind a computer than in person, who loves and adores dogs, but can't have one because his grandmother is allergic and he lives with her. It's not exactly love at first sight.

But, this is a romance novel, so despite everything, Jack gets better and Simon decides that he can't live without the pack.

Edit, Feb 2022: I re-read this book, and while I still liked it, it wasn't as good as I'd remembered. The scenes with Simon where he's having issues with his disability were extremely difficult to read, and several of the sex scenes veered in the direction of something that I find really squicky.

Content Warnings

bellarinabookworm's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

charlieg's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

More...