Better Than Good

July 4, 2013 by Whit!!!!!!!!!

Title : Better Than Good

Series : Better Than Stories, Book 1

Author : Lane Hayes

Publisher : Dreamspinner Press (BUY IT HERE)

Genre : M/M, Contemporary

Length : 200 pages (e-book)

Published : July 8, 2013

Rating : ★★★★

Blurb :

Matt Sullivan understands labels: law student, athlete, heterosexual. He has goals: graduate and begin his career in law. One fateful night, Matt tags along with his gay roommate to a dance club and everything changes. Matt finds himself attracted to the most beautiful man he’s ever seen. All labels go flying out the window.

Aaron Mendez doesn’t believe in labels, and he’s leery of straight curious men. He makes it clear that he’ll hide his fabulous light for no one. While Aaron can’t deny the attraction between him and Matt, he is reluctant to start anything with someone who is still dealing with what this new label means—especially when that someone has a girlfriend.

Review :

Sigh…I loved this book! I didn’t put it down once I picked it up. It’s not necessarily the most exciting book but man did I fall in love with the characters. It wasn’t terribly angsty either. Just a sweet story about two guys finding each other.

Matt considers himself straight. So it’s surprising when he’s drawn to a beautiful lithe man at a dance club. Matt meeting Aaron wakes up something inside him and it’s more than just physical. He’s mesmerized by him but he’s not totally honest with himself about why. Matt can’t get Aaron out of his head. He’s got a girlfriend but they both know it’s just a convenience thing. Or so Matt thinks. Problem is he doesn’t want her like he wants Aaron.

Aaron likes Matt but he’s not sure if he’s just a straight boy with the curiosity of what’s it’s like to be with another guy. He’s been there before and he’s sworn off closet cases using him no matter how good the chemistry is between them. Matt makes a few steamy appearances but he disappears for months at a time so Aaron doesn’t wait around. He also can’t forget him. Things are told from Matt’s POV but I loved the way we got to know Aaron through Matt’s eyes.

Eventually Matt gets himself together and the two try out being friends but with the connection and desire between these two that doesn’t last for long. It does create some delicious tension. There is that anticipation throughout the book for both characters just waiting for the other guy to run from what they have for different reasons. Those things and the characters kept me hooked from word one.

I know everyone thinks, okay, this sounds like a gay for you I’ve read before and it is, but the difference is Matt is very open to his feelings for Aaron. He isn’t totally honest about them to the people in his life at first but he’s affectionate with Aaron in public and open to anything Aaron wants to do. He never lies to anybody or purposefully makes Aaron feel bad. Matt’s acceptance of his love for Aaron takes a very realistic path. He struggles with adjusting his focus from his career to finding the person he wants to spend every minute with. It’s not just that Aaron is a man, though that does play it’s part in the struggle.

I highly recommend this book. I thought it was sweet and fun. The sex was hot! You could feel the intensity between Matt and Aaron whether it be love or lust. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author. This book was indeed better than good. 😀

Rated 4 stars by Whit