Better Than People: A Novel

I have yet to read a book by Roan Parish that I didn't like. This book is no different. The writing is amazing, and even with the challenges they faced, Simon and Jack's story was beautiful and touched my heart just like her other characters. And all the animals made it that much better. I'm excited to read Charlie's story. He definitely deserves one

Audio Review: Performance – 5 Story – 5 Overall – 5 So sweet, lots of feels and I loved the narration! I loved this book so much. The blurb is really great and explains the story pretty well. What it can't really convey is the extent of Simon's debilitating social anxiety and inability to cope with people even in a one-on-one situation. He is worse than shy; he becomes so completely tongue tied that he can't speak, or if he can he stutters very badly. My heart ached for him. Jack was betrayed by someone he trusted and now he only wants to be with his pets. After breaking his leg, he doesn't have a choice but to get some help with his menagerie of rescued dogs and cats. It doesn't take long for a kind of kinship to develop between Simon and Jack. As Simon adjusts to Jack, he eventually is able to carry on a conversation with him without feeling the need to run away. Simon's grandmother was a great secondary character as was Jack's brother Charlie. They both provided additional depth to the story and insight into the main characters. I really couldn't stop reading/listening to this once I started. I was totally drawn in by the writing and excellent performance by James Cavenaugh. He did a fantastic job of portraying both of the MC's in this book but he really excelled with Simon. This is the first audiobook I've listened to him perform but I'm sure it won't be the last. A review copy of the ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and a review copy of the audiobook was provided by Harlequin Audio, but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book. ***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

I rarely give 5 stars to a book. This book is everything i look for in a book. Genuine, interesting, characters stuck in their own heads, falling in love unexpectedly. Super romantic. The sex scenes were also fantastic; well woven into the story, patient, authentic, loving and hot as heck. The neuro atypical anxiety experience was captured with love. The joy of discovering a world where words aren't needed to communicate. Super nice to read a book where the gayness of relationship wasn't an issue for any characters, including friends and family. I will definitely read this book again and recommend to my friends.