Low angst and very romantic, Roan Parrish’s recent novel, Better Than People is an absolutely lovely hurt/comfort story. If pets are a beloved part of your life (and even if they’re not), the way Ms. Parrish inserts them into this couple’s relationship is truly special. A true feel good, comfort romance, Better Than People is a delight.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin/Carina Press for this eARC.

Don't let the stock photo fool you, this book fits right in with all the rest of Roan Parrish's moody, sweet, and cathartic romances. Fans of <i>In the Middle of Somewhere</i> (my fave of her books) will particularly like this one, I think - similar cozy cabin feel.

When Jack breaks his leg and can't walk his whole pack of dogs, Simon agrees to help via an app. Simon has deep social anxiety (and perhaps a different diagnosis that I don't know how to name), but Jack's patience and dogs unlock him a bit. As ever with Roan Parrish, the obstacles are the characters' feelings of their own worth and this book reads like some successful therapy. This book is angsty and steamy but also incredibly cozy and ultimately optimistic about humanity. Plus there are a million descriptions of how cute all of Jack's pets are and Simon's very lovely and sassy grandma.

If you need to feel your feelings, Roan Parrish is ya girl!