I wasn't sure what to expect from Better Than People, but I was charmed by this story of two animal lovers, one with crippling social anxiety and the other with a broken leg, both struggling to find their way.

After seeing some mixed reviews from my friends, I was bracing myself to not love Better Than People, but Roan Parrish won me over again with this story. It takes place in the same "world" as The Remaking of Corbin Wale, so if you enjoyed that story, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

As someone who doesn't have social anxiety other than the normal nice to meet you jitters, it was humbling and very interesting for me to read about someone who gets so overwhelmed with anxiety around new people that they are physically unable to talk. I thought the author handled that aspect of the story beautifully.

I'm a total sucker for an MC who is experiencing physical intimacy for the first time. And, whew, I loved the sexy times in this story. Just lots of detailed, new-to-sex goodness that I crave. Thank you, Roan Parrish!

The backstories were well developed, and I adored that both MCs were artists. There was so much to love here here, with the brother and the grandma and the ridiculously named dogs, that I couldn't help but be charmed.

The story isn't a fast-paced one, but the beautiful messages about mental health and self-care as well as the relationship-focused story really did it for me. I love MCs with physical/emotional challenges as it gives depth to a story, and I really felt that with this one.

A lovely, lower-angst story (for Roan Parrish), Better Than People will steal your heart, especially if you love animals.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Better Than People was an absolutely delightful of joy and happiness. It was a bit like being wrapped up in a warm hug or surrounded by a pile of puppies. It had a slightly magical feel in the same way Corbin Wale does. I adored both Simon and wanted so much to comfort him and show him the good in the world. Roan Parrish handled his disability with grace and showed the world what it's like for someone in his position. I loved the juxtaposition with the animals that had their own differences and unique needs. Jack was a great character,too and his unconditional love and support of his family of animals, his brother and Simon was so special and sweet. And let's talk about the animals! The whole crew were adorable and sweet and I wanted to cuddle right up to them and be perfectly content. Grandma Jean was also a scene stealer and a hoot and a half. I would happily welcome more of her. But the character that stole my heart the most was Charlie and I just want to love on him forever (and might stage a revolt if he doesn't get a book)!!

This story is all about family and the different forms it takes and overcoming your fears and obstacles in order to find something truly special. And that is definitely better than people

This review will appear closer to the release date at All About Romance.

Grade: B

I like dogs and cats, and I like shifter stories that center “pack.” Unfortunately, despite these things - and my fondness for this author, I didn’t like Better Than People. No, it isn’t a shifter story. But animals and pack are the heart of this story, and if you aren’t a big time dog or cat lover, this book is a tough sell. Jack, one-half of the principal couple, has A LOT of pets (four dogs; three cats) and refers to them as his pack. I was so fixated (and distracted) by these furry friends - and all their pet hair and smelly fur - I couldn’t enjoy the romance. It’s a shame; the opposites-attract love story is tender and lovely.

Jack Matheson is an acclaimed children’s book illustrator on hiatus since his best friend (and collaborator) stole a story from him and then sold it as his own. Depressed, stung by the betrayal, and newly plagued with doubts about his talent, he hides away in his Wyoming cabin with only his pack of rescued dogs and cats for company. Out for a walk late one evening, one of the dogs runs away. After a frantic chase in the dark, Jack finds himself alone at the bottom of a ditch concussed and with a broken leg. Following a brief hospital stay, his older brother Charlie brings him home and gets him settled. Jack hates asking for help and resents needing it, and finally convinces a worried and doubtful Charlie he’s fine on his own. He quickly discovers that navigating crutches, exhaustion, and caring for a menagerie of animals is nearly impossible. He turns to PetShare, an app that matches up pet owners with caregivers. Much to his surprise, someone quickly responds to his ad for help, and when he opens the door the following day, he’s caught off guard by the beautiful man waiting on his doorstep.

Simon Burke loves animals and prefers them to people. After struggling with debilitating shyness and anxiety since he was a young boy, he’s finally able to support himself working from home as a graphic designer. He tries to limit his interaction with clients to email only, and spends most of his time alone or with his newly widowed grandmother (whom he now lives with). Simon hoped to adopt a dog of his own, but his plans changed when his grandfather died. Spotting Jack’s ad on the PetShare app, he quickly responds. Actually knocking on the door and introducing himself proves much more difficult. When he finally forces himself to do it, he’s surprised by the handsome disheveled man who opens the door. Barely able to look him in the eye, Simon can’t get any words out and begins to panic. When he motions to the dogs, Jack follows his lead and quickly introduces them. Before he can ask Simon any questions, Simon grabs the dogs and leashes and sets out.

After this inauspicious meet-cute, Jack and Simon barely interact beyond a waved hello and goodbye whenever Simon comes over to walk the pack. Jack, unhappy with his limited mobility and growing progressively grumpier every day spent on the couch, can’t understand why Simon won’t speak to him and avoids eye contact whenever possible. Simon knows that Jack is frustrated by their lack of communication, and wishes things could be different...but they aren’t. He can’t get the words out to give voice to his struggles, and he doesn’t want Jack’s pity. Fortunately (for this story), Jack persists and Simon starts to “talk” to him by texting.

Talking via text helps Jack and Simon get to know one another, and eventually Simon finds the strength to talk to Jack, too. Every conversation is a struggle...until it isn’t. Jack somehow intuits when Simon isn’t able to communicate with words, and his empathy combined with the pack's easy, eager acceptance of their new friend, gives Simon the confidence to share his struggles. What starts as a careful friendship soon gives way to a flirtation and eventually an affair. Despite the fact that most of Jack’s previous “relationships,” were little more than one-night stands, he knows he wants more from Simon, and Simon - who’s never had a romantic relationship before, is an eager and curious partner. The relationship quickly turns serious, and alone in their bubble with each other and their pack, both men begin to heal from the hurts of the past.

I loved the interaction between Jack and Simon and their intense affection and loyalty to each other almost from the moment they first meet. There’s a generosity and a kindness - an empathy for each other’s struggles - that unites them from that very first awkward porch meeting. And when they eventually become lovers, it’s another happy and passionate journey of discovery. Their shared happiness permeates the story, despite the daily struggle Simon faces every time he’s forced to face the world outside their bubble. Parrish carefully, painfully exposes Simon’s debilitating shyness and anxiety, and like Jack, we bear witness to their corrosive effects on his life. In Jack, he finds a champion in his darkest hour, and a protective confidant who doesn’t seek a quick and easy solution, but looks for ways to help his partner navigate and succeed even as he sometimes struggles. Meanwhile, Simon helps Jack let go of the past and unwittingly becomes the muse that reawakens Jack’s creative spark. The relationship is intense, tender and passionate.

So why didn’t I grade this lovely romance higher? Because I was constantly distracted from the romance, and there isn’t nearly enough of it. Instead, we spend lots of time with Jack and Simon’s furry found family. I found it strange (and sometimes just weird) how much page time is dedicated to these animals. I could forgive it if Parrish ever addressed the elephant in the room (a little animal humor for you): WHEN DOES JACK CLEAN UP ALL THAT PET HAIR?????!!!! No one vacuums or cleans, and they sleep and have sex on the same bed that the dogs and cats use for naps. Pet food is constantly getting spilled and dropped, and Jack uses his own towels to dry off the wet dogs...UGH. Reader! Look, I’m not the neatest person on earth, but all of it - plus the frequent smell of wet dog - just grossed me out. The pack is ever present in this story, and perhaps if I was a bigger animal lover it would have been silly and fun...but I’m just your basic animal lover and it was all too, too much. I would much rather have spent more time with our couple or Jack’s brother Charlie (please tell me he’s getting his own story, sans the menagerie) or Simon’s grandmother. Unfortunately, these charming secondary characters are mostly relegated to the sidelines, leaving readers wishing we could spend more time with them.

Better Than People feels tonally similar (and is loosely linked) to The Remaking of Corbin Wale, an earlier Parrish story featuring an artist with an affinity for animals. Big surprise, I wasn’t a fan of that story either. I can only recommend BTP to Parrish fans who passionately love animals; otherwise, it’s a rare misstep for this talented author.

This is the third of the new Carina Adores line that I've read and, I've gotta say, we are up at three for three so far.

A few years ago, I read a book called The Remaking of Corbin Wale by this author, and it stuck with me. There is a certain magic in those pages that is rarely found in contemporary romance.

Several pages in to this book, I felt as though this book reminded me of the same certain kind of magic. And there's a reason for that, I found out. Despite the very different style of cover art, this book is set in the universe. Corbin Wale's book Two Moons Over featured as inspiration for one of the characters here. Seriously, I wanted this book to exist in real life sooo much just based on the descriptions of it.

We first meet Jack Matheson just before he breaks his leg, requiring the services of the PetShare app afterwards because his large pack of animals doesn't stop needing their walks just because Jack isn't able to take them anymore.

Enter Simon Burke. He is much better with animals than he is with people. His struggles with much of human interaction take up a large portion of his side of the story.

That said, however, I felt as though this novel was a little light on for plot. All the elements were there--Simon's history of anxiety and Jack's difficulty with creating art after being betrayed by a long time collaborator--but although the former held its space in the novel, I felt as though I wanted a lot more of Jack's time with his art to be fleshed out. This is just personal preference for me as it's something that interests me, and may not be the case for other readers.

The romance between the two men was wholly satisfying, as well as romantic advice from Grandma Jean and Jack's brother Charlie being so good and wise.

I'm also hoping that we get a book from Charlie's point of view as part of this line eventually. Fingers crossed!

In a world that is an anxiety-provoking dumpster fire, I thank god for Roan Parrish. Better Than People is a lovely story of two hurt people coming together, made all the more enjoyable by its secondary characters, most of whom have four paws and a tail.

I have to admit I am a sucker for a shy, awkward MC, and Simon is all that and then some. He has crippling social anxiety and frequently cannot manage to speak when he's with other people. Despite that, he has developed a successful small business in graphic design, and he has no problem interacting with his recently widowed grandmother, with whom he lives. He's a little bit like the titular character from Parrish's The Remaking of Corbin Wale, but less of a social pariah.

The other MC, Jack, is grumpy because he is temporarily disabled by a badly broken leg and also because in his opinion most other people suck. At times his misanthropy gets old, but his behavior towards Simon is so utterly perfect that all else is forgiven. He figures out right away what Simon needs and never pushes him, slowly bringing out the sweet, funny, snarky man who is hiding behind the silence. I appreciated the way Parrish portrayed Jack as being professionally stuck because of a deeply hurtful betrayal - but not the kind I assumed at the beginning of the story.

I really liked the fact that the inevitable Big Separation/Reconciliation happened with plenty of pages left in the book. So many times after the kiss and make up scene, it's assumed that everything is perfect, but Parrish shows there is still room for the relationship to evolve. Speaking of kissing, there is a LOT of explicit sex in this book. Much of it demonstrates the feelings that Simon isn't able (and Jack isn't ready) to put into words, but I have to admit I skimmed the last few scenes.

Then there are the four dogs and three cats who make up Jack's pack. Although Jack apparently sucks at coming up with good names, he is devoted to his animals, and his love for them more than outweighs how little patience he has with people. Parrish is obviously an animal lover because she perfectly captures each pet's personality and the interactions between them are remarkably accurate.

Jack's older brother Charlie has an important role to play in the story, and there are hints that not all is well in his world. I'm not sure if Parrish is planning a story featuring Charlie, but I wouldn't mind if she did, even if it's just to catch a few glimpses of Jack and Simon, living happily ever after with what I presume would be an ever increasing number of canines and felines.

ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This was very good. Poor Jack took a tumble & broke his leg and now he is unable to walk his menagerie of animals. I love that one of his cats leads the packs on the walks, that was so fun. He has a dog named Puddles who is afraid of puddles & that made me laugh. This was a relatively low angst, quick read. Poor Simon has such anxiety issues & doesn't people very well. He answers an ad for a dog walker & is overwhelmed by Jack. There are a lot of times that he is just unable to verbally answer/talk to someone. I loved that he was able to communicate via text & that Jack was totally cool with that. Jack slowly breaks through his defenses & they become friends and then lovers. Though Simon will never be "cured", he has found a life with Jack and all the animals in their lives.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Simon was a great character and very relatable. The relationship was a little fast, but not horribly so. I would have enjoyed a bit more conflict but that's probably just me being a bad person XD I generally enjoyed them figuring out how to be together.

I wish I had loved this one because pretty much everything about it should've worked. It's a sweet m/m contemporary, features a lot of pets, and is authored by Parrish. But right from the get-go this was giving me some vague THE REMAKING OF CORBIN VALE vibes (and, spoiler, it's set in the same 'world' I guess? as the self-titled character of said book is mentioned) and while I was utterly wowed by the writing in that book, it wasn't my favourite by this author, either. I think I just prefer this author's darker or angstier work? I don't know what that says about me.

Not much really happens in BETTER THAN PEOPLE. One of our MCs breaks his leg, necessitating the need for a dog walker for his many dogs (and cats), and in walks the love interest. Simon is more than just shy, he has crippling anxiety, and yet somehow, and actually miraculously, considering Jack's near constant grumpiness, they connect. I found the progression of that very sweet but it also transitions from tender and tentative to like.. (fire emoji fire emoji) very quick. Jack is seriously into Simon and he lets him know. Which, great! But, I don't know, it almost didn't fit the vibe?

Characterization-wise, I found Jack a little all over the place but he's dealing with some setbacks, has stuff to navigate, however the dynamic with his brother just kind of baffled me. I felt like we saw his true colours when dealing with Charlie and it would sort take the sweetness out of the moments with Simon. I don't know. In some ways this is very soft, with some real meat to some of the topics and issues needing to be navigated, but.. it wasn't a book I could really lose myself in and maybe that was because of the characters. I could feel for them both but didn't think they were a good fit, I guess? Mostly I was just wishing for better for Charlie. I hope he gets a book.

If you are a fan of THE REMAKING OF CORBIN WALE, I think you'll love this (in fact, I think I actually liked that one more? the rating is definitely higher..). I think a lot of readers will love this. But it's just not going to be a favourite.

2.5 stars

Roan Parrish really understands the human condition and creates characters that that are three dimensional; characters that make you wonder and think. Simon Burke is one such character. He’s witty, creative, empathetic and loving. He has social anxiety that is so intense, it often leaves him paralyzed and incapable of speech. I felt so deeply for Simon. I was awed by his strength and perseverance in social situations that left him physically ill. Jack is also a great character. His professional life took a hard hit that left him rudderless for months before meeting Simon. When an accident leaves Jack incapable of walking his beloved dogs, he puts an ad in a pet share app. Simon responds to the ad since his current circumstances prevent him from getting a dog. As Simon visits twice daily to walk Jack’s menagerie, and becomes more comfortable around him, the two men slowly develop a friendship that eventually leads to more.
I really appreciated how Jack followed Simon’s lead and often asked if he needed help or wanted Jack to speak on his behalf. He wants to help Simon, but doesn’t jump in to be the rescuer. Even from their first meeting, a situation where most people write Simon off as weird or anti-social, Jack is patient and understanding and offers Simon alternative forms of communication. Better Than People is filled with rich dialogue and inner monologues that draw you into each character’s experience. This story is a slow-burn, comfort romance. It is an accurate reflection of the trials of living with crippling social anxiety as well as the efforts of those who love them, to be supportive and patient.

The legion of Roan Parrish fans might be a quiet and unassuming bunch. Yet whenever a new book of hers is about to be released, our collective excitement is downright palpable. Because no matter where her imagination might take us, we know that the sheer humanity of this author’s beautiful stories will grab us, wrap us in, and stay with us for a very long time. Known for giving us romances brimming with compassion, courage, and unwavering optimism, Parrish’s acute observation of human nature and the world around her keeps showing not only in the insightful language of every one of her beautiful tales, but also in the depth and distinctiveness of her characters. In her latest novel, she captures so clearly the deep, paralysing quicksand of shyness and social anxiety, and she does so with a touch that is both gentle and capable of hitting you right in the gut. I have never found a single false note in anything I have ever read by Roan Parrish, yet her latest offering still managed to leave me breathless with wonder.

Read rest of review » https://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2020/06/23/review-better-than-people-by-roan-parrish/

Enjoyable m/m romance. Had less about the pets than I thought (esp. given the title), and handles one of the main character's struggles around social anxiety in a sensitive and realistic way.

Loved. Loved loved loved.

You can feel how much Jack wants to help Simon with his anxiety but also how much he knows and accepts it’s a part of Simon. You can feel how this is a choice to be together even as they fall in love. You can feel how they work together to build a life that is theirs and is a seriously happy HEA.

Great anxiety rep. Great understanding of anxiety by a partner rather than a magic cure. Oh and lots and lots of pets to love.

Now...how about a love for Charlie?

4.5 Stars

‘Better Than People’ by Roan Parrish is another great addition to the Harlequin-Carina Adores monthly series. It’s a wonderful, warm, feel-good gay romance novel that shouldn’t be missed.

It’s unusual to describe a character in a gay m/m romance as ‘adorable’, but that’s exactly the word to describe Simon Burke, the shy graphic designer Parrish has created as one of the main characters in her delightful book.

Simon, who lives with his grandmother, the only person who ever really loved him, has always preferred animals to people.

The other main character, Jack Matheson, is an acclaimed children’s book illustrator currently in need of a dog walker for the pack of rescue animals he lives with. I loved the names Jack had chosen for his adopted pets - his four dogs, Bernard, Puddles, Rat, and Dandelion - and his four cats, Pirate, Pickles, Mayonnaise, and Louis.

Jack needed a pet walker because he recently broke a leg and sustained a concussion in a severe fall. So naturally he turned to an app, PetShare, for help.

Jack’s life view, also shared by Simon, is that pets are much better than people. Unlike people, they’re sensitive, they cared, they gave kindness and love and wanted to be loved. They never betrayed you. They were loyal.

Simon shows up at Jack’s door, answering Jack’s ad, and is suddenly speechless. Shy is an understatement for Simon’s condition. There are times Simon can’t speak a word, and times he becomes physically ill when confronted with the idea of a conversation. There are times throughout the story when Simon and Jack actually talk, and other times when Jack talks while Simon stands next to him texting his answers. These scenes are painfully charming.

Jack has his issues too. Even though he was a successful illustrator, he hadn’t drawn anything in 8 months since Davis Snyder, Jack’s college roommate and the author who wrote stories from Jack’s illustrations, had committed an unpardonable sin in the publishing world.

Set in Garnet Run, WY, there are two other wonderfully supportive characters in ‘Better Than People’ - Jack’s older brother, Charlie and Simon’s recently widowed grandmother. Charlie is currently a hardwire store operator, who from the age of 17, had raised Jack from the time Jack was 13 when their parents deaths had changed both their lives. Jack both appreciated and, as is often the case with people who have to depend on others, resented that fact.

The resolution of the multiplicity of issues facing Simon, Jack, and Charlie <spoiler> and the addition of one more adorable rescue puppy to the family mix </spoiler> is beautifully written.

‘Better Than People’ is the first book by Roan Parrish that I’ve read. It definitely won’t be the last.

I received an Advance Review Copy of ‘Better Than People’ from NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. #BetterThanPeople #NetGalley

3.5 stars

You are so fucking tough. You just did hard shit all day. You are so brave for ding that.

Simon has crippling social anxiety and is an absolute rockstar for still doing things that scare the shit out of him. Also, his grandma is pure gold.
I have mixed feelings about Jack. He's mostly a grumpy teddy bear but I honestly wanted to punch him for his behaviour towards Charlie who damn near raised him after his parents passed away when he was 13. I am anticipating gentle giant Charlie's book next please and thank you.
adored all the animals and that they were the basis for the developing relationship between Simon and Jack!

ARC provided by publishers in exchange for an honest review.

3,5 out of 5

The story begins when Jack, who has been feeling low for months due to his friend/co-worker betraying him, breaks his leg while walking his dogs. Simon, who has severe anxiety and gets panic attacks, connects with him on an app and ends up walking his pack. And of course a friendship sparks between the two men.

If I would divide this double POV book in two, I’d say I loved the first part and tolerated the second. Partly because it wasn’t as slow burn as I hoped and that is something I personally prefer. The characters were still great, Simon is precious and it is very easy to root for him. I love how Roan Parrish didn't glaze over his anxiety and took extra care with Simon's situation. Though in return, it felt like Jack's problems took a passenger seat and got resolved with less attention.

One thing the reader must take into consideration is the fact that this book has a few quite explicit sex scenes. I know some people prefer more subtle sex scenes (as do I actually) so I thought I’d point it out. It gets pretty steamy, if you know what I mean!

I’d also like to add that having animals (dogs and cats) as characters, having them have personalities and quirks, makes this book ten times cuter! There aren’t many supportive characters (besides Jack’s brother and Simon’s grandmother) so the animals provide a lot of support on their own. Besides, it’s always special when animals are included in the story line.

Overall it was a cute book but for me, the story sizzled a bit in the second half. Panic attacks and anxiety was well described (though I have no personal experience with them) and I appreciate the fact that it wasn't downplayed or treated simply as a character trope.

PS: I do hope we get a follow up from the perspective of Jack's brother because the way his character was left in the book sparked my interest!

I thought if I wrote my review right away I'd be able to express how much I adore Better Than People. I was... perhaps a bit premature.

Fabulous story as always when it comes to a Roan Parrish book. I actually had no idea this was headed our way so I consider myself lucky to have snagged this.

Simon and Jack... Simon and Jack aren't complicated. Unless you're asking Simon. He'd tell you they'll never work because he's too complicated to want to be with. Jack, he's not complicated at all. Like, that man is simple to the bone. He wants it. He goes about getting it. Except for those few months he spent pouting in his cabin.

The thing that makes them so uncomplicated is that Jack realizes his mistakes and goes about correcting them. He supports Simon and encourages him. Jack is full of compromise for Simon. And Simon, well he's willing to compromise with Jack (and himself) too. He just has to realize that he wants those things.
They're actually some of the most easy to understand characters that Roan has written. My heart hurt for both men and their upbringing. I'm so glad that Jack had Charlie and Simon has Grandma Jean. She's a hoot and I hope Charlie gets a book.

I finished reading this NetGalley ARC last night in bed, while patting away tears with my sheet. Not only is it so very sweet, not only are the misunderstandings heartbreakingly organic, and not only are the pets adorable and funny and just as sweet as the people, but the anxiety rep is beyond amazing. The ways that Simon's adoring lover screws up are typical - and Jack is trying really hard not to screw up. But understanding what severe anxiety means is a steep learning curve.

I loved the tie-in connection.

I cannot wait for Charlie's story!!!

The book was very cute and I loved the personality of the characters!!! Simon and Jack are amazing. It's a very moving story and left me with a happy heart and a big smile.

Simon is shy, to the point where he has severe anxiety attacks and Jack -although he is not shy- he tend to have a more reserved personality. Both have their problems but together they find a common point and strength. A very nice story with a lot of cute dogs and cats!!!! Hello animal lovers! here you have two cute man in love and their pack.

Another wonderful romance novel from Roan Parrish. Not only does she deliver a story that I loved but her writing takes the whole thing to the next level. It reminded me of Corbin Wale (love the reference to this btw!) in that I fell in love with the story and the writing.

Jack and Simon are two misanthropic men for different reasons, I loved the way they came together, slowly getting to know each other and then developing their relationship beyond something sexual. I felt Simon’s frustration over his anxiety and Jack’s over his perceived helplessness. I appreciated that Jack finally came to terms with the fact that he wasn’t going to be able to “fix” Simon and just needed to support him however he could.

I too prefer animals to people and I loved the role that the pack played in their relationship. Jack’s terrible names were just perfect. I loved the role each of their family members played and how those relationships developed as well.

Overall this book was a delight and I’m already ready for a reread.

I received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for my copy. I liked the book’s premise of two lonely men who needed love. It was a sweet story of trust, friendship and love. Simon loved animals more than people. Jack loved and trusted his animals more than people. Jack broke his leg, and he needed help walking his dogs. After meeting through an petshare app, they soon leaned on each other. I loved how they were stronger together. I absolutely loved all the dogs and cats in the story and their quirky names. This was definitely an enjoyable read.