Yes, yes, and yes. This book was everything I wanted and more. When I dove into it, I wasn't sure what to expect. The blurb had me intrigued, but I've never read anything by Parrish before, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into. However, any expectations I had likely would've been blown out of the water because... just yes. These characters were everything. This story melted my heart and gave me all the warm fuzzies.

But, it was also holy craappppp hot. Like, I'm talking sizzle off your hair hot.

But... it was ALSO sweet. And the portrayal of anxiety was so spot on and carefully handled that I, as a person who suffers from anxiety--particularly social anxiety--I couldn't help but cheer the author every time something I feel on the regular was found on page and made to seem so... okay. Anytime anxiety or other misunderstood mental health issues is normalized, I can't help but cheer. Bravo to this author, and bravo to this entire story!

Okay, this was absolutely adorable. You have Jack, a children's book illustrator, with an absolute pack of animals at home, who has broken his leg and needs outside assistance. And then you have Simon, who has debilitating social anxiety but, when he can't get a dog of his own, decides to sign up for a petshare, and borrow other people's dogs for some fuzzy companion time. Starting off super awkward between Jack and Simon, their relationship was absolutely lovely, and I sped through the story. Definitely recommend.

This was an interested read. I enjoyed the grump/sunshine aspect of the book. I am always here for a shy protagonist finding their HEA. I liked how kind and understanding Jack was of Simon and took great care during their early interactions.
I really liked how their sexuality was never mentioned. This is similar to how in hetero romance, it never comes up that the heroine is in to men or vice versa. The characters were just who they were. And I think Simon had some trauma regarding is sexuality but it wasn't a main focus.

I liked the side characters.

The two issues I had with this book- there were too many animals. It was hard to keep them all straight. The mentions to Corbin Wale. This person/book is not related to this series. It didn't make me interested in that book, it just made me annoyed there were so many references to it.

I am interested in further books in this series.

Better Than People has a fabulous cast of characters. Seriously, from our romantic couple to their families to a group of pets with just the cutest names ever, they're all lovable, and I love that even the animals have their own personalities. So often, animals in books are rather flat, just there to move the story along. That's not the case with these animals. They all have their own quirks and things that make them stand out from the crowd, and there is a crowd. The romance is both sweet and sexy, and these guys keep the pages turning. Jack is one of my favorite types of character - He's gruff, sometimes downright grumpy, and all heart. Then there's the absolutely adorable Simon, who tugs at every single heartstring. Roan Parrish does an excellent job of explaining Simon's anxiety and making the reader feel his anguish, and I love the way Jack is with him. He may be a grumpy Gus, but he's a big softie with Simon. Other than Simon's anxiety, this one is relatively low on angst, which is especially welcome these days. All in all, this is an engaging romance and a good series start. I'll be interested to see what's next for Garnet Run.

I am such a huge fan of Roan Parrish. I also was in a bit of a book funk then I remembered I had this one to read and review and it totally filled the void in my funk. I absolutely adored Simon and Jack and of course all the fur babies. I loved the fact that Jack and his brother can see people for whom they are and just love people as they are. For Simon he only has that from his grandma, so he didn't expect it from anyone else since that has never been the case. I also have to admit that Simon's grandma is one of my favorite characters as well. She was amazing and loving.

I also love that Jack is a grumpy bastard except when it comes to his animals. Simon brought the best out of Jack and I adored it. I so hope we get Jack's brother's story next. He seems like such an amazing character as well. I liked so many elements of this story and I thought Simon and Jack's love story was very sweet and heartfelt. Can't wait for more from this author and this series.

This was so wholesome and fluffy, istg. I finished it like an hour ago and I still feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It was just what I wanted from a comfort read, it was just such a cosy romance.

I'm a huge homebody myself and I also have anxiety, and while the anxiety rep was... a lot, sometimes, I did end up loving it, and especially how it was handled in terms of the expectations from a new relationship. I just loved the characters, and the pets, and I can definitely see myself revisiting this if I'm in need of comfort.

I will pretty much read anything Roan Parrish writes, and this was no exception. Excellent writing and a great story with characters I really connected with.

My first book by Roan Parrish, but definitely not my last!

I loved Simon and Jack's story--a super slow burn, partly because of Jack's broken leg, partly because of Simon's crippling shyness and anxiety--but goodness, I can't imagine wanting it any other way! Their gradual journey from barely even acquaintances to cautious friends to more is just delightful, especially as it is helped along every step of the way by Jack's interestingly-named, probably-just-a-little-too-large menagerie ;)

As delightful as Jack's animals are (OMG, I loved their individual personalities! So fun!) the secondary human characters here are wonderful too. Simon's grandma (her unconditional acceptance of Simon is so sweet!) and Jack's older brother Charlie (please give him a book, Ms Parrish!) helped make reading this story such a pleasure.

I read this in a single day--I honestly couldn't put it down. Roan Parrish is definitely an author I'll be keeping an eye out for more from in the future!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Only a little bit into Better Than People, I knew I was going to need to read a bunch more books by Parrish, because this was so sweet and also misanthropic.

This book had me at the blurb about the heroes preferring non-human animals to people, because absolutely. Jack has four dogs and four cats, and I love it so much, particularly the cat pirate who likes to go on walks with the dogs. I am such a sucker for cute animals in fiction, and there are animals in pretty much every scene. A couple aren't as well-developed, but I liked them and their terrible names.

Jack meets Simon after he breaks his leg and posts for someone to walk his dogs. Simon shows up, and he doesn't say much but he does love up on the animals. The romance is slow and so, so sweet. Jack's so respectful of Simon, and he gives him the time he needs to feel comfortable to come out of his shell and speak.

Probably my favorite thing about this book is the way Simon's anxiety was handled. He's so anxious about social interaction that he literally cannot talk in most social situations. It's not that he won't; he can't. What I loved was how much this book went to bat for Simon and the fact that this is who he is and that he won't be "fixed". There are some great conversations around ableism too, and I just thought the perspective on everything was so thoughtful, and that the book steered so clearly around the "love fixes all" trope. Simon's the same when the book ends, only he's in love and has one more person in his circle of comfort.

This book really just made my heart happy, and who doesn't need some of that? I hope the next book in the series is just as adorable.

Roan Parrish’s Better than People is a sweet, tender and steamy character-driven romance that is rather less angsty than other books of hers I’ve read and listened to, but is no less enjoyable for that. It’s a lovely, romantic hurt/comfort story featuring two guys who bond over their love of animals and gradually start to build a deep and genuine friendship that turns into something more.

Jack Matheson is a successful illustrator of children’s books, but when his friend and collaborator shafted him by presenting their publisher with Jack’s ideas as his own, Jack – quite understandably – felt terribly betrayed and hurt. Since that happened about eight months earlier, Jack hasn’t drawn a thing; worried that perhaps he won’t ever draw again, he’s holed himself up in his cabin in Wyoming with his ‘pack’ of rescue dogs and cats, cut himself off from his brother (his only family) and drifts from day to day rather aimlessly. That changes when he falls and breaks his leg while out walking the dogs. After a short stay in hospital, his older brother Charlie (who brought Jack up after their parents died) takes Jack home and gets him settled, but Jack refuses any other offers of help and insists he’ll be fine on his own. He quickly realises, though, that the exhausting effort of simply getting around on crutches isn’t compatible with looking after his animals – not being able to walk them is one thing, but even simple things like putting down food and water are impossible (not to mention the continual risk of tripping over one of them!) – so Jack turns to the PetShare app for help. He’s surprised that he’s matched with someone willing to care for his pack so quickly – and even more surprised the next morning when he opens the door and comes face to face with an extraordinarily attractive young man, who seems very uncomfortable and doesn’t say much, but who is clearly good with animals.

Simon Burke has difficulty connecting with people due to the crippling shyness and social anxiety he’s experienced ever since he was a child – at times, he can’t speak a word, and at others he becomes physically ill at the prospect of having an actual conversation. Working from home as a graphic designer, he can limit his interactions with clients to emails only, and he spends most of his time alone or with his recently widowed grandmother. Simon loves animals – being around them soothes him and sometimes he thinks they’re the only ones who really understand him – and had hoped to adopt a dog of his own, but his grandmother is allergic to animal fur, so he signed up to the PetShare app so that he could spend some time with animals, even if they aren’t his own.

Jack and Simon’s initial interactions are awkward to say the least, with Simon barely speaking a word or able to make eye-contact, and Jack not quite sure how to act around him, or why the other man won’t talk to him. Simon understands Jack’s frustration at his lack of interaction all too well – all his life people have been exasperated with him because of it – and he really wishes things could be different… but they aren’t. Eventually however, as Simon and Jack spend a little more time together, Jack suggests that instead of talking, Simon should text him – and from then on, they have actual conversations with Simon sometimes texting and occasionally (once he gets to know Jack more) talking.

A warm and genuine friendship develops between the pair, and this turns into an intense and passionate affair. Jack has never been one for long-term relationships, yet it doesn’t take him long to realise that what he has with Simon is something special and that he wants more than a casual fling with him. And Simon – who has never had a boyfriend before – proves to be an eager, enthusiastic and loving partner. Theirs is a relationship built on mutual trust and understanding; the strength of the affection between them leaps off the page and their mutual happiness shines through. They’re both likeable, well-written characters, and I loved that Jack was so concerned to help Simon feel comfortable, and that Simon was prepared to try things that terrified him to make Jack happy. The author does a spectacular job, in Simon’s PoV, of articulating his frustrations and the feelings of inadequacy that plague him because he can’t do something that comes so naturally to everyone around him.

The story moves at a leisurely pace, but that wasn’t an issue as it allowed plenty of time for the relationship to develop and an exploration of each man’s issues, and for the inclusion of two awesome supporting characters – Jean, Simon’s wonderful, supportive and feisty grandmother – and Jack’s older brother Charlie, who wants so badly to connect with Jack but feels he’s being pushed away. The familial relationships are beautifully written, and I really hope Charlie gets his well-deserved HEA in another book in the series.

The one thing that didn’t sit all that well for me in this book is a very subjective one. I like animals (although I’m a cat person rather than a dog person) but having four dogs – some of them BIG dogs – and three cats in one house just doesn’t make sense to me. Also – letting the animals sleep on the bed during the day (and sometimes at night) is a big nope.

This is the second time I’ve listened to James Cavenaugh. He delivered a solidly enjoyable performance in The Hideaway Inn, and he’s even better here, expertly capturing the personalities of the two leads and clearly differentiating between both of them and the secondary characters. He gives Jack a deep, gravelly tone while Simon’s is softer and higher-pitched; he communicates Jack’s frustration and irascibility very well, and I was especially impressed with the way he conveys Simon’s hesitancy and performs his stammer in such a way as to show that speaking is difficult for him but without leaving long pauses or over-exaggerating it. Mr. Cavenaugh’s engagement with the material is obvious, and he performs the intimate moments and love scenes in a way that really enhances the connection the author has created between Jack and Simon.

Better Than People was an engaging listen, and although not quite everything about it worked for me (the third-act conflict feels a bit contrived), I enjoyed it and will probably listen to it again at some point. James Cavenaugh continues to impress, so I’ll be looking out for more of his narrations.

I have been hooked on Roan Parrish's books since I fell in love with The Remaking of Corbin Wale. There’s just something about her books that hit you right in the feels but also feels like a hug. And I know going into one of her books that I will most likely love it to pieces. I also appreciate that several of her books have tackled some hard subjects like addiction, abusive relationships, and bad family relationships. She always does it in such a way that approaches each subject respectfully while giving me a whole new way to think about those things.

Better Than People was no exception and it gave me a whole new perspective on Simon's type of social anxiety. I quickly fell in love with grumpy Jack and his menagerie but Simon stole my heart from the first time he appeared on page. What I loved even more was these two fairly different people coming together to make something new. I loved their relationship so much! And the pack was super mismatched, quirky, and adorable! They made me want a pet so badly!

I loved the romance a whole heck of a lot but I think what I loved even more was the family relationships! Simon and his Grandmother was so adorable together! Can his Grandma become mine too? I also adored Jack's relationship with his brother as strained and tumultuous as he made it. I also loved Jack's friend group and I hope we see more of them in upcoming books.

In a year where reading contemporary has been a struggle, Better Than People was a bright spot in my reading. It was just the book I needed to read while I was trying to prepare to teach school in a pandemic. I hope there will be more books on this series especially one about Jack’s brother getting his happily ever after. I really fell in love with him! That being said, I'll read anything Roan Parrish writes and I can't wait to see what she does next!

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

I was thoroughly charmed by the characters (pets included) in this romance, and it was just what I needed to read right now. It's the really heartwarming story of graphic artist Simon who suffers from severe, sometimes paralyzing anxiety. He answers an ad on a petshare app to walk dogs and develops a friendship, and then a romantic relationship with the dogs' owner, children's book illustrator Jack. (Well, not just dogs, there are three cats too). Jack's going through a rough patch, having a mental block that is preventing him from creating his art, and dealing with a broken leg (hence needing Simon).

Simon and Jack have both had challenges in their lives to deal with and need to be able to admit when they need help. They are lucky enough to find the one to do it with who shows them the understanding and patience to work things through, while falling in love at the same time. The animals in the story make for some fun secondary characters that pet owners will appreciate (though they may find the number of pets a bit overwhelming for one household!). Jack has a complicated relationship with his older brother Charlie and it looks like Charlie will be the next in the series to get an HEA - I'm looking forward to reading his story too. If you need a break from bad news and want to read something that will lift your spirits, I encourage you to read this romance.

This review has been uploaded to Amazon.

I really liked this book. I loved the opposites attract type - he way the author wrote it. Jack and Simon had a good growing relationship and seeing eye to eye what their status was during Jack's recovery (broken leg) and after.

An enjoyable hurt/comfort romance between two characters very much in need of the loving support of a partner.

Both Jack and Simon’s personalities and situations tug on the heart strings and when they finally start to open up to each other it is delightful. They share some steamy scenes as the book progresses. Jack’s brother and Simon’s grandma also contribute to the enjoyment of the story.

I must admit it took me a while to get into the story. In fact, I switched to the audio version, which hooked me right away. It is superbly narrated by James Cavenaugh.

All the stars for this wonderful addition to my Roan Parrish collection. I love the patience an understanding between the MCs. I always find books that discuss mental/behavioral health issues very interesting, especially when there is never a “right way” to fix the issue.
I was happily charmed and totally enamored by how Jack and Simon approached their differences. Jack dealing with his broken body and broken trust needed Simon to help with his pack of fur babies and sweet Simon with his love for animals could not resist the offer. From the very beginning, even with Simon’s unending anxiety these two guys had a connection that was tender and sweet and sometimes steamier than a fogged up after orgy mirror.
I loved that Simon’s anxiety didn’t drive the entire book with bleakness and gloom but rather shows how he looks at the world and responds to it.
I loved loved this book and can’t wait to read more from Parrish💕

Better than People is easily one of my favorite books I've read this year and here is why: Roan Parrish is magic. I truly don't think she'll ever write a book that won't wow me or make me sob. This book hit me right where I needed it. From characters to dreamy setting to realistic conflicts and gripping backstory, she weaves a novel that's rife with love, passion, and family. I adored it.

Let's start with the voice of the main characters: Jack especially was my favorite because his mistrust in people due to his own trauma touched upon my very personal feelings regarding loyalty. The way his anger was portrayed was so excellent, so healthy, that it let me progress my own anger with people in my life who have stolen some part of me (in Jack's case, it was the story of him and his brother). Jack's own arc in the book doesn't just focus on trusting people but also on opening himself to vulnerability and to reassess what he considers as strength. Since we start the book by Jack's injury, we see a glimpse of his routine with the animals before he has to ask for her. Which is something Jack loathes to do. Not from strangers and definitely not from his older brother Charlie. This all stems from how Jack's parents passed away when he was a teenager, and his brother Charlie had had to take care of everything Jack needed at the mere age of 17. This formed in Jack this resistance to accepting help, especially Charlie's, which manifests in passive aggressive comments and arguments whenever Charlie would show up to Jack's house (which used to be his parents') and fix him dinner or put away the groceries he got him. I understood Jack's frustration so much as a younger sibling but I also felt for Charlie, who is a naturally caring person who simply wanted to provide everything to Jack so he'll never grow up wanting. In the process of learning that strength lies not in what you can physically do, but your own emotional capacity and growth, Jack also manages to understand his lover Simon better.

Let's move on to Simon, who I believe, is one of the best portrayal of anxiety I've ever read in a book. I also think that Simon might be on the autism spectrum (because I am on the autism spectrum and see so much of myself in him). Simon's story is not one of growing out of his shyness, but seeing that he has a right to be angry with a world that wants to meld him into what's appropriate for them. I felt so strongly for Simon and his fears. I cried whenever his panic attacks made him utterly inconsolable that he hid in the unfinished room in Charlie's house and talked to Charlie's cat Jane. Simon knows what he wants from life, however, and it's to live as he has been living without anyone trying to change him. Hence why I adored him. He is sure of himself and his place in the world. but when he falls for Jack, it's very natural that doubt sinks in that Jack will only like him for as long as Jack is injured and can't care for his pack of animals by himself. This, however, is all resolved so beautifully. There isn't a huge blow up about this because throughout the whole book, from their very first meeting, Jack and Simon learn to be around one another without compromising their own comfort. Which is an aspect I loved in this book.

The pack of animals, from Bernard the St. Bernard, to Pirate and Pickle and Puddle (I love those P words), was endearing to my heart. As the cat companion to two felines who are very much my darling babes, I fell hard for every pet, anticipated every scene where the dogs and cats formed a living, breathing family around Simon and Jack.

As you can read from my review: This book is dear to my heart. I'll never forget it.

And I wait, with bated breath, for Charlie's book.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a book that will appeal to introverts everywhere. Simon and Jack are two men who love animals – but find their relationships with people quite difficult. While Jack can be a bit surly and tends to avoid people, Simon suffers from crippling social anxiety. This is the story of the awkward, fumbling start to a very special relationship.

It probably says something about me that I love the animals in this book even more than the humans. Jack’s pack of heavily anthropomorphised dogs and cats are wonderfully entertaining. But the men are pretty wonderful too. Jack may not be great with the people in his life, but he lives for his dogs and he’s passionate about his art. Simon’s anxiety is debilitating but he too is passionate about his work, his grandmother, and Jack’s dogs. For obvious reasons, there is a definite lack of witty banter between these two but the chemistry between them is crazy hot and there is something really lovely about the quiet connection that builds between them.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I wasn't sure about this book because the last one I read by the author missed the mark for me. However, the blurb and title grabbed my interest, so I gave it a go. I'll have to say that I enjoyed this book. I learned so much about people with anxiety worse than mine that I now feel bad for thinking my anxiety sucked. Jack and Simon go from zero to sixty pretty fast, I think, for someone with as bad of anxiety as Simon. Jack and the animals just melt my heart. Pretty good book, glad I gave it a go.

Enjoyable read! I liked these characters including all the animals. I felt the romance happened a little faster than I expected. Simon seemed to have said he wasn’t ready & then suddenly they were having sex. I was hoping for a little more wooing from Jack.

Absolutely adorable book! I am always a sucker for a super shy character, I too struggle to talk to attractive people so I really just relate!

The whole story is very sweet and swoony and I want more more more!!!

A heartwarming but occasionally heartbreaking story that brings two lonely men together who live life very differently. Simon's struggles with anxiety and being able to talk to people is written very well, showing how it affects all parts of his life as well as him physically and mentally. Jack had his trust broken by his best friend and business partner and so now is jaded against relationships as well as losing his passion for his art.
Together, they lift and cajole each other into a better place, helping to put one foot in front of the other and filling a role for each other that they weren't expecting. The friendship moves to more when both become strong enough within themselves, but especially Simon as everything they share is a first for him which makes it more magical.
The pack, Jack's furry family, are fabulous often acting human and showing themselves as individual with their own personalities. They give affection, protection and worry for each other and the humans in their lives. Jack's brother and Simon's grandmother are wonderful people. You can tell how much they care for their important family members though it is shown in different ways what with their different histories.
This was a wonderful relationship to read and I'm happy with how everything played out. There was a lot of learning and developing that both men had to do to get their HEA but it is definitely worth it.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and am happily giving a review.