Better Than People by Roan Parrish is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on August 25 2020. Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise. Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.

Better Than People is a read that got me right in the feels. Simon has anxiety, not the mild anxiety that breathing exorcises and Prozac can necessarily solve. I felt like I really got to know him, and a better understanding of what people dealing with that type of anxiety really go through on a daily basis. I related to Jack, and could understand his frustration at needing help and his hurt cause by a friend's betrayal. His isolating himself and pushing away those that wanted to help and stay close was something I would have done in the same situation. Seeing these two find each other, and not only better understand themselves, but help each other find their own strengths, was lovely to read. Yes, there were moments that made me want to shout at the characters, but those moments made everything even more real. I was left hoping the best for these two, and wanting to know more about the secondary characters, and things in the town that were brought up in the story. I hope for more from the author in the near future.

Better Than People is an emotional romance that stayed with me long after finishing the book.

Ugh, this book was too good. As a dog lover and a queer romance lover, this was like a marriage of the best things in life.

Roan Parrish is a new to me author and I was very excited to give her a try since this book sounded amazing! I love animals and especially dogs so I quickly fell in love with the pack and their little quirks, they are adorable.
I found the book enjoyable and cute, but I personally didn't fully buy the main characters' chemistry. It sounded forced and insta-lovey and I never fully fell in love with them or really felt like they should be together forever.
I had fun reading this and liked the writing style, but was not too invested in the romance, which is a bummer.
I'll nevertheless try more books from this author soon!

Better Than People is a sweet romance by Roan Parrish.

Simon's a fragile man. He's not necessarily broken, but it's as if he's never been allowed to exist without fearing that he'll fall apart. His anxiety is all encompassing and often painful to read. I definitely appreciate the way the author dealt with his anxiety, with care and compassion.

When we meet Simon, he's unable to talk to strangers at all, but he feels comfortable with animals. By responding to Jack's ad to walk his dogs, Simon gets the chance to feel the love of animals, as well as meeting the man with whom he can fully come alive. I love seeing the change in Simon.

This is a story that revolves around Simon's anxiety, with Jack helping him to cope better, as well as learning how to deal with it himself. Written in alternating pov, the reader is pulled into the mindset of both men and experiences everything along with them.

Jack's thoughts sum him up wonderfully - "Sometimes Jack felt what it must be like in Simon's head with a pang of sadness."

And then there's Jack. He's an artist who's dealing with an injury. He has some major trust issues. His love of animals is awesome, and like Simon, he trusts animals more than people.

This is a story with a broken leg, severe social anxiety, and some cute dogs, including a lovable Saint Bernard named Bernie. There are some worthy side characters who add to the entertainment and there are some wonderful first times that up the spice factor.

Better Than People is a great pick the next time you're in the mood for major hurt/comfort read. Roan Parrish will satisfy you with this sweet, feel-good read.

Super cute and low-key romance between two pet lovers, one recovering from a broken leg, the other having intense social anxiety.

Content warnings include: broken leg from falling down a slope, partially unprotected sex on-page, social anxiety, anxiety attacks, vomiting; mentions of bullying, ableism, animal abuse, death of parents.

There was definitely a lot of focus on the pets in this book. The animals didn't exactly have their own arcs, but they were very present, and there were a ton of adorable scenes with them. Pet lovers, both cat and dog ones, will definitely get their fill reading this book.

The writing was lovely as usual for this author. I've enjoyed Parrish's sex scenes in particular in the past, but in this book it got a bit too much for me. Simon and Jack really had a lot of sex, and I skimmed over them mostly, partially because I wasn't in the mood, partially because just a few scenes before they already had sex and I wanted to get back to the plot.

That said, the plot is very low-key. Jack is recovering not just from his broken leg but also from a friend's betrayal and art block (he's a children's book illustrator - in that context there were cameos from The Remaking of Corbin Wale), and as their romance blossoms, he and Simon learn to navigate Simon's intense social anxiety in the context of their relationship.

I enjoyed the side characters. Charlie, Jack's brother, was lovely, and I'm hoping there will be a book about him in the future. Jean, Simon's grandmother, was great, I totally adored her! I liked that both protagonist's had important family dynamics going on, that at no point were depicted as being less important that the romantic relationship between them.
The other side characters, mainly Jack's friends, also seemed cool, but they barely appeared. I would have liked to meet them more thoroughly.

Overall a lovely romance that can be read slowly for it's low-key plot, or binged easily for its readability.

"Jack's trying to p-protect me," Simon said, voice shaky but there. "I get all w-w-weird with new p-people."
Van and Rachel instantly softened.
"People are the worst," Rachel pledged. Simon smiled.

This was such a precious book!! I absolutely loved Jack and Simon, both as a couple and as individual characters. Simon's character development and journey with his anxiety were really interesting to read about, and I love how Jack's grumpy but super caring attitude contributed to it. I liked that Simon's anxiety wasn't solved by his relationship with Jack, and thought that it was a realistic conflict to have in their storyline. The challenges Simon faced, and how Jack learned to help, was a really nice thing to read about. Their dynamic was adorable and I just loved every moment where Jack was there simply supporting and holding Simon when he needed him. There were also so many wholesome and sweet scenes between Jack, Simon, and all the animals. If you like animals, then Jack probably has one that you'll enjoy or can relate to one of your own pets. I really loved the storyline between Jack and Charlie as well and seeing Charlie be the supportive big brother to both Jack and eventually Simon. Jack also had some really great friends, and Simon's grandma was amazing.

Overall this was such a fun, sweet book to read and would definitely recommend to anyone that loves grumpy characters, shy characters, really supportive couples, and adorable cats and dogs!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded to 4 because of the quality of writing

I am a huge fan of Roan Parrish’s writing; it has a beautiful, lyrical quality. With that said, the writing of Better Than People is lovely as any of her other books, but the story itself felt like something was missing.

Simon Burke suffers from debilitating social anxiety; he is unable to speak in most settings and has difficulty with almost all human interaction. He loves animals but is unable to keep one because of his living situation. Jack Matheson has an insane number of pets and the need for help after breaking his leg. An app matches them together, and a slow friendship is formed.

The story revolves around Simon’s gradual ability to talk to Jack and eventually date Jack. But other than a quirky grandma, a brother who seems to need his own book to explain his issues, and some one-scene friends, it’s just the two of them. And Simon’s anxiety. Over and over. I kept thinking there would be more but something more to it, but there really wasn’t.

Nice off-page cameo by Corbin Wale.

What better way to fall in love, than over the mutual love of animals!

Extreme grump, Jack has broken his leg and now needs help taking care and walking his pack (his many dogs and cats). Thankfully in this modern age there is an app for that! Through the app, Jack connects with Simon, who is eager to help with the pets in return for some love and kindness the only animals can give.

Simon is cripplingly shy. He can’t talk or make eye contact with Jack as he visits twice a day to help with the pack.

Jack is intrigued by Simon and works to build up a comfort level between them, as he sees and accepts Simons difficulty interacting with people. Soon they become friends and lovers…

But as Jack’s cast is removed and he can get back out into the world, will he leave Simon behind once he realizes that he can’t change the way he is?

This was such a sweet romance! I loved how both characters had their own flaws and past hurts to work though. The consideration and respect given to each of their situations was done beautifully. I especially enjoyed that Simon was not magically able to overcome his condition. Jack may have solved many of his issues, but Jack had to accept and work with the limitations that Simon could live within. Mental health issues are not solved in an instance and often a person lives with their affliction for a lifetime. Partners needs to be kind and accepting of the realities that are involved. This was represented very well.

Jack and Simon made a great couple and the only ones left out of the bedroom were the pack animals. The sex scenes were very steamy and respectfully done. These two has sizzling chemistry in and out of the bedroom!

As always, Carina Press delivers the happily ever after I crave! A cute read that I could not put down and totally recommend!

Better Than People by Roan Parrish is scheduled to release August 25th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin and the Harlequin Publicity Team. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#BetterThanPeople #RoanParrish #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Insta-attraction romance between a man who has lost trust in people and a man who fears his anxiety will keep him from ever experiencing love.

And there are dogs....lots of them. As well as a few cats.

Simon wants nothing more than to find his own place and get a dog, but when his grandfather dies and he moves in to help his grandmother his dreams are deferred-again. Jack doesn't trust people, he wants to be left alone in his Wyoming cabin with only his animals to witness his misery. One day, Jack falls and breaks his leg, requiring him to find help walking his pack of animals.

Simon, desperate to find a way to connect with the animals he worries he will never own answers the ad and that is when sparks fly.

Jack is instantly attracted to Jack, but when ever he tries to talk with Simon he runs away or gives one word answers. Simon is attracted to Jack, but his anxiety keeps him from sharing his feelings. When both admit how they feel the relationship builds, but will love be enough to keep this couple together.

I liked the book premise. Give me dogs and the people who love them and I will cheer that couple on. The romance was sweet but in stark contrast to the intimacy which was filled with dirty talk. Not a favorite of mine and didn't seem to really fit the personality of Simon. There wasn't enough tension in the relationship. The problems were slight and easily resolved, which made the push and pull of the relationship weak. The HEA also went on a little longer than necessary which made me think another shoe might drop, and it never did.

The writing was stellar, which is what kept me turning pages. I did like the characters of Jack and Simon but without more tension in the relationship, especially on Jack's part, the love note fell a little flat.

Included as a top pick in bimonthly August New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached).

This book was so much more than a love story! Simon is this painfully shy and socially anxious individual that is essentially trapped in his own mind sometimes, which is a shame because he is witty, sarcastic, and an all around good guy. He feels most at ease around animals. Jack is a book illustrator that has lost his will to draw and hates to depend on other people for anything. When Jack breaks his leg and needs help with his animals, Simon enters his life. The way these characters interact is such a beautiful dance of one step forward, two steps back. Both of these men have demons that they are fighting but the desire that they have for each other might just be strong enough to overcome what is holding them back. There is so much underlying emotion in this book...caring, understanding, trust, and intense need. The more that you learn about these men, the more you want them to connect on a personal and physical level. The animals are also a big part of this book. Their complete love and acceptance play a big part in helping both of these men in their times of need. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book so much for a lot of reasons, but the main one is that Simon and Jack and Simon's grandma and Jack's brother are the most incredible characters. I want to be friends with all of them. I really hope Parrish is going to write more in this world because I love these people and I just want to spend all the time with them.

The book kicks off with a depressed Jack walking his pack of animals (mostly dogs, but a cat walks with them as well) when one (Puddles) runs off and Jack falls and breaks his leg chasing after her. He then obviously needs assistance in walking the Pack so he uses an app and Simon shows up on his doorstep. Simon has tremendous anxiety, but more than that, Simon essentially freezes when expected to talk to someone and can't quite manage it for the most part until he becomes more comfortable with them (and will still have moments). Anyway, slowly Simon and Jack begin to become friends and then more.

What I love about Parrish's writing is how well she puts anxiety on the page. She is so good at emotions and I love reading her books because they are always so exquisitely crafted. I loved Simon and Jack and I was so delighted to follow them and their love story. By the end of it, I wanted more books following Charlie (Jack's brother) and even some of Jack's friends. I love the way each animal had their own personality and I loved Jack's naming convention. I also really loved how this story explores losing your desire to do something you're passionate about and trying to get that back. This book was excellent.

Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Adores for the review copy!

The cover and title are what drew me in. I didn’t read the description at all (which really shouldn’t be that shocking to people at this point). I love that Puddles made it to the cover. Puddles is my favorite dog in the book. Puddles is a lot like my chiweenie, but with a lot less attitude. So if you are a dog person, then this book will have some really cute scenes for you. It has a lot of dogs responding like people and exactly the right moment. Has a lot of dogs on the peripheral of the scene sort of stuff. There were a lot of animals though, so if you are a one dog sort of person this might be a bit overwhelming.

This book wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t the best m/m romance I have read. It had a lot of slow and meandering time. There was a lot of just slow sections. The slow was enjoyable, but I never got any level of excitement. I was hoping for a lot more excitement in the romance. I did enjoy the meandering plot, it is a sort of plot I like. I didn’t like that part of the meandering plot was romance tropes (miscommunication being the biggest issue). The trope was resolved so quickly it just felt thrown in and not like it really belonged to the couple.

I don’t see why the men were together. They got together pretty much based on looks and then went from there. This is not the romance I was hoping for, but that is true of so many romance novels. I need more than looks to get it. Once the relationship was going (which was not confirmed on page that they were dating, instead of just hooking up so no idea where the characters got the idea that was how dating worked), I liked it. I liked the way they interacted. I liked the way they tried to communicate and support each other. I liked that.

What I didn’t like was the random feeling sex scenes. Was there really a need for an outdoor blowjob while the animals watched? No. There was inconsistent condom use. Condoms are needed for oral sex, not just anal. I did really appreciate the use of lube and stretching. So the execution of the sex scenes was better than normal, but not the best. The frequency of the sex was too much for me. It just didn’t fit the meandering feeling of the book. I will read straight up erotica without an issue, but when the sex takes away from the feel or the plot, I have some issue. The dirty talk was also pretty tame and just felt like bad narration that was thrown in. Was it to highlight just how little Simon talked? It just felt like a detail that didn’t fit.

I didn’t like the ending. It felt too fast based on the rest of the book. I also have a huge issue with one specific detail, but I don’t want to spoil it so super vague moment here: don’t give this sort of gift. Seriously, it is not ok. It ends so badly in a lot of cases. Just don’t. The gifts that Simon and Jean exchanged were cute and I loved that detail. It fit the story and it fit the characters so well (and it fit me). I just wish the ending was a bit more meandering and gentle like the rest of the book was. I also wish the side characters were fleshed out more. They play huge plot roles at time, but I knew so little about them. It felt like they were just there to move the plot instead of fill the world. This just might be me being cranky over the fact that this book was not in fact about Jean the whole time. It mostly is. Jean was the best character. Fight me.

I have to start by saying that this is my first time reading this author and I liked so much the way the author writes and that I can’t wait to read more books written by Parrish.

I liked the book very much, the story is so sweet and interesting. I loved the way the author talks about mental health and don’t try to romanticize it. Parrish takes this as the way it should be, real and with respect. The message is incredible, how the author talks about love and that love doesn’t “fix” people or does their life better, that love is there to support them when they need it.
I loved Simon so much, he is so sweet and I wanted to hug him all the time. This character is what we need in books, a good representation that shows us how he lives the way he does. It’s a message for all of us to respect and understand the way they are.
I loved Jack too, how he slowly and with respect learned to understand Simon. It’s true, he made mistakes but he was open to learning everyday more and more.

There is just one thing that I didn't like and is that some things happened very fast, I would have liked those to last a little bit longer, but it’s ok.

This book has a healthy and pure relationship that filled my heart with joy and happiness. If you have the chance to read it, do it, you will love it.

Simon and Jack were a delight to read about.

Simon’s anxiety and Jack’s jaded outlook on life made them both lousy at communicating. I liked the work around to talking with each other. Simon’s life experiences weren’t the best but Jack barged right in and forced Simon out of his shell. In return Simon gave Jack a path back to his art.

Of course, the “better than people” menagerie gave the book a so much depth and a feeling of gentle happiness. Each of their foibles was a commentary on the lives they had lived.

I’d say the book was medium on the angst. What kept it from being to heavy was brightness I felt from Simon as he started to live his life.

This story was touching, lovely, fairly steamy, and just overall enjoyable.

A story about two animal lovers, thrown together by circumstance.
I was instantly infactuated with 'the pack', Jack's menagerie of rescues and their quirks.
However, even though I empathized with both Jack and Simon, I didn't feel like I was ever fully invested.

The romance was sweet and the connection was there, but it didn't completely take me away.

I did love Simon's grandmother though, and I feel like there was more of chance for development if we had met more of Simon's family.
My heart instantly went to Charlie though, and I feel like maybe he might get his own book? (I would read that in a heartbeat)

Overall, this was a short and sweet escape, with fluffy friends.
I did appreaciate the portrayal of Simon's social anxiety, and how being on a relationship with Jack didn't instantly fix him, or even significantly improve his condition. Amen for that.

This book was quite a miss for me. The characters were likable but their romantic relationship lacked something for me. There was no buildup so for me I didn’t feel invested in the romance of it. From awkward interaction to make out sessions. I was missing some connection or sparks.

I’m sure many will love this. However I will not be sharing my comments in a full review on this one outside of NetGalley.

I really enjoyed reading this heartwarming book! The connection between the main characters felt very feeI. However I felt like there was more attention spent on the animals than the main characters, so it took me a while to fully focus on the book. I wanted the story to solely focus on the romance. Despite that small issue, I would recommend!

Oh my stars I absolutely loved this book. All the animals. I want to hold them and cuddle with them and just be. This was a lovely and wonderful story and I'm greatly looking forward to the audio for it as well so I can relive the magic. I really appreciated the crossover in this with Corbin Wale that was a real treat. I liked the depiction of social anxiety in this and how the characters worked through it and learned to communicate their needs with each other. Roan strikes the balance between them both marvelously!

Animals really are better than people. Enough said.

But okay, back to the actual book. I really love Roan Parrish as an author, but this is one of my lesser favorites. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t find myself as invested in the story as I have been. I think the steamy romance became a bit too much once it was incorporated – though it doesn’t happen right away, as Simon isn’t used to relationships. I just felt that not enough was happening outside of those moments.

However, I did really like both of the guys. And all of Jack’s animals. These cats and dogs really had personalities of their own – like a dog that is afraid of puddles and sticks shaped like lightning bolts. It was really cute, and again, animals are better than people.

All in all, this wasn’t my most favorite from Parrish, but it’s still worth a read if you’re a fan or interested in the premise!