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Better Than
Feeling unfufilled in her job and determined to lose weight, young divorcée Deborah Lee Jackson is ready for a complete mind, body, and spirit makeover, but Jason Hastings, a successful, free-spirited artist dedicated to his career, is not really what she had in mind. Original.
- GenresRomance
Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
1 person is currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Esdaile Banks
8 books43 followersSee L.A. Banks
Leslie Esdaile Banks: New York Times and USA Today Best-selling author, L.A. Banks has penned over 40 novels and 12 novellas in a wide range of genres and is the recipient of the 2009 Romantic Times Booklover's Convention Career Achievement Award for Paranormal Fiction and the 2008 Essence Magazine Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business Award for the State of Pennsylvania. Recently she was featured as a speaker on the HBO Special on Vampire Literature and Legends as a prelude to the True Blood premier.
A native of Philadelphia, Banks is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program, and alumnae of Temple University's Master of Fine Arts in filmmaking program. She writes under the pseudonyms; L.A. Banks, Leslie Esdaile, Leslie E. Banks, Leslie Banks, and Leslie Esdaile Banks. She has won several business as well as literary awards, and writes in genres as diverse as romance, women's fiction, crime suspense, and paranormal. She has contributed to magazines, newspaper columns, and has written commercial fiction for a variety of major publishers: St. Martin's Press, Simon and Schuster, Harlequin, Kensington Publishing, BET/Arabesque, Dark Horse Press, Genesis Press, Parker Publishing, Harper, and Tor. Her non-fiction work includes the riveting and motivational story of Bank's life journey in her contribution to the Chicken Soup for the African American Soul anthology.
Banks' writing career took a new twist when she won the coveted contract with Paramount/Showtime in collaboration with Simon & Schuster/Pocketbooks to write a book series for the popular cable network television series, Soul Food. Banks was also contracted to write the Universal Studios/Dark Horse Press novelization of the movie, Scarface, which takes a look at the main character Tony Montana's life two years before he emigrated from Cuba to American in 1978. In addition, Banks penned a four-book crime thriller for Kensington/Dafina, beginning with Betrayal of the Trust, under her alternate pseudonym, Leslie Esdaile Banks. From there, Banks transitioned into another hot genre—the world of paranormal fiction, where she has penned a 12 book Vampire Huntress Legend series under the pseudonym, L.A. Banks, for St. Martin's Press, as well as a hot new werewolf series, Crimson Moon Novels (a six book series.) Banks has also moved into ebooks with Red Rose Publishing, graphic novels, comics, manga and even a new YA, entitled, Shadow Walker, for her thriving Vampire Huntress Legends series, as well as a young adult paranormal series that is under development.
Currently Banks writes full-time, is a member of The Liar's Club, and is always working on multiple projects and anthologies simultaneously. She resides in Philadelphia with her daughter, who attends her graduate studies alma mater—Temple University.
Leslie Esdaile Banks: New York Times and USA Today Best-selling author, L.A. Banks has penned over 40 novels and 12 novellas in a wide range of genres and is the recipient of the 2009 Romantic Times Booklover's Convention Career Achievement Award for Paranormal Fiction and the 2008 Essence Magazine Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business Award for the State of Pennsylvania. Recently she was featured as a speaker on the HBO Special on Vampire Literature and Legends as a prelude to the True Blood premier.
A native of Philadelphia, Banks is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program, and alumnae of Temple University's Master of Fine Arts in filmmaking program. She writes under the pseudonyms; L.A. Banks, Leslie Esdaile, Leslie E. Banks, Leslie Banks, and Leslie Esdaile Banks. She has won several business as well as literary awards, and writes in genres as diverse as romance, women's fiction, crime suspense, and paranormal. She has contributed to magazines, newspaper columns, and has written commercial fiction for a variety of major publishers: St. Martin's Press, Simon and Schuster, Harlequin, Kensington Publishing, BET/Arabesque, Dark Horse Press, Genesis Press, Parker Publishing, Harper, and Tor. Her non-fiction work includes the riveting and motivational story of Bank's life journey in her contribution to the Chicken Soup for the African American Soul anthology.
Banks' writing career took a new twist when she won the coveted contract with Paramount/Showtime in collaboration with Simon & Schuster/Pocketbooks to write a book series for the popular cable network television series, Soul Food. Banks was also contracted to write the Universal Studios/Dark Horse Press novelization of the movie, Scarface, which takes a look at the main character Tony Montana's life two years before he emigrated from Cuba to American in 1978. In addition, Banks penned a four-book crime thriller for Kensington/Dafina, beginning with Betrayal of the Trust, under her alternate pseudonym, Leslie Esdaile Banks. From there, Banks transitioned into another hot genre—the world of paranormal fiction, where she has penned a 12 book Vampire Huntress Legend series under the pseudonym, L.A. Banks, for St. Martin's Press, as well as a hot new werewolf series, Crimson Moon Novels (a six book series.) Banks has also moved into ebooks with Red Rose Publishing, graphic novels, comics, manga and even a new YA, entitled, Shadow Walker, for her thriving Vampire Huntress Legends series, as well as a young adult paranormal series that is under development.
Currently Banks writes full-time, is a member of The Liar's Club, and is always working on multiple projects and anthologies simultaneously. She resides in Philadelphia with her daughter, who attends her graduate studies alma mater—Temple University.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 11, 2008
A Grown & Sexy Romance
WOW…when you pick up this novel you will be treated to an inspiring, exciting, amusing and EXTREMELY sizzlin’ true-to-life romantic delight. I was TOTALLY caught up in voluptuous “pretty Deborah” and free-spirited, sexy-as-all-get-out Jason’s budding relationship from beginning to end. I enjoyed the fact that Deborah and Jason had “old fashion” upbringing, both being raised by their grandmother’s, they adopted many of their ways. Jason was very chivalrous and Deborah definitely knew how to take care of her man and was quite the “homemaker” (putting her foot in it when she cooked and keeping a clean house) not many young people do these things anymore, it was REFRESHING. Ms. Esdaile has fashioned a very plausible plot and a cast of well-developed and UNFORGETTABLE characters. I found the conflict and drama that the characters, (main and secondary) had to struggle through made this novel that much more compelling and entertaining. It’s the cutest thing when Deborah and Jason first meet, and even though their attraction is instant and mutual, Deborah decides to forgo any further contact with Jason. However, it appears fate has other plans for Deborah, and throws Jason all up in her life. But will Deborah allow Jason to mend her broken heart and show her that he is “Better Than” ANY man that has hurt her in the past?!! And will Jason realize that despite his dysfunctional family secrets and betrayals, “pretty Deborah” is ready and willing to be there for him, to share in his joys and pains, if ONLY he’ll let her. Or will they both realize too late that their lives are better than, since they became involved with each other?!! Ms. Esdaile has created a captivating GROWN & SEXY romance about personal and professional growth, love and life, one definitely NOT to be missed!
WOW…when you pick up this novel you will be treated to an inspiring, exciting, amusing and EXTREMELY sizzlin’ true-to-life romantic delight. I was TOTALLY caught up in voluptuous “pretty Deborah” and free-spirited, sexy-as-all-get-out Jason’s budding relationship from beginning to end. I enjoyed the fact that Deborah and Jason had “old fashion” upbringing, both being raised by their grandmother’s, they adopted many of their ways. Jason was very chivalrous and Deborah definitely knew how to take care of her man and was quite the “homemaker” (putting her foot in it when she cooked and keeping a clean house) not many young people do these things anymore, it was REFRESHING. Ms. Esdaile has fashioned a very plausible plot and a cast of well-developed and UNFORGETTABLE characters. I found the conflict and drama that the characters, (main and secondary) had to struggle through made this novel that much more compelling and entertaining. It’s the cutest thing when Deborah and Jason first meet, and even though their attraction is instant and mutual, Deborah decides to forgo any further contact with Jason. However, it appears fate has other plans for Deborah, and throws Jason all up in her life. But will Deborah allow Jason to mend her broken heart and show her that he is “Better Than” ANY man that has hurt her in the past?!! And will Jason realize that despite his dysfunctional family secrets and betrayals, “pretty Deborah” is ready and willing to be there for him, to share in his joys and pains, if ONLY he’ll let her. Or will they both realize too late that their lives are better than, since they became involved with each other?!! Ms. Esdaile has created a captivating GROWN & SEXY romance about personal and professional growth, love and life, one definitely NOT to be missed!
April 27, 2010
I don't even know where to begin with this review. The dialogue was real and flowed well, the descriptions were fierce (especially when Esdaile describes Jason's painting scenes & the exhibit), and the love scenes were so sensual, I had to fan myself a couple of times. The characters were well developed and just so damn likable, I loved how Jason would be reduced to almost caveman-like syllables when he was around Deborah Lee - was too cute! If you are a fan of contemporary romance with real characters, this is the book to read!
December 2, 2017
Better Than by Leslie Esdaile....the book transcends written pages as one reads it the feels, see and are total engulfed in the actions and feelings of the characters. The moods are contagious and the successes elation!!
August 26, 2008
A great love story about Plus size woman with a lot of love to give to all.
December 12, 2014
I expect a certain amount of emotional upheaval and character development in romance novels, but this book seemed to keep the intensity longer than most. I found I barely had time to recover from the latest development before I was sent into another scenario that left me weeping or laughing or warm from a heartfelt exchange. The two main characters really captured my attention. They were very interesting, had a lot going on, and fit together quite well. Even though they were slightly conservative in how they thought about relationships, religion, and family, they were definitely not conservative in their sex lives or in their openness to new ideas. The backdrop was a colorful intersection of cultures - Philadelphia culture, African American culture, health conscious culture, art culture, and even African American church culture. And while these painted a nice picture with broad strokes, the author avoided stereotypes by being quite specific and creating unique people and experiences. The writing was very natural, and Ms. Esdaile often scattered poetic descriptions and phrases into the mix, which definitely heightended the experience for me. On the negative side, I was bothered by a few things that kept this from being a perfect book for me. The last section of the book seemed rushed and crammed full of more highlights than were necessary. The safe sex consciousness that was refreshing in the first half was totally forgotten for no apparent reason in the second half. Finally, the character development was unevenly balanced toward the end, which I felt slighted Deborah, the main female character. Overall, though, a wonderful book with vivid and real characters, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good romance, with a lot of consciousness-raising, and a lot of drama.
The main plot is that two people have been out of the dating scene for different reasons and find themselves thrust back into it after some chance encounters. Their attempts to resist each other's attraction are quite amusing, their desire for each other seems natural and gets quite steamy, and they both do a lot of growing throughout the book, both with each other and on their own. I really enjoyed their interaction, in fact I found myself wishing we saw more of them together during the book, both in and out of the bedroom. Instead, they spent a lot of time in parallel explorations and growth, which I admit made for a healthier relationship and made their characters stronger.
I was extremely excited to see all the talk about trust and safe sex as part of exploring their relationship. This is so rare in romance books and in society at large. The sex scenes were very explicit but they were always couched in the context of their relationship and their trust of each other. However, I thought they really did the safe sex foundation a disservice later in the book. It didn't ruin it for me, but it prevented it from being exceptional in that regard.
I liked that she mixed literal descriptions and conversations with the occasional burst of poetic description. Here's one:
The man was rapping hard about the future, telling her she was a work of art, his canvas, and begging her to let him work. What could she do as he painted himself across her; stroked her to tears; and made her run like watercolors, cry out in deep, soulful blues, and shriek with white-knuckled ecstasy?
If you like that kind of stuff, there is plenty in this book.
I enjoyed the many cultural references throughout the story. Some of the slang is so realistic that it is specific just to Philadelphia, and I spent some time looking up interesting words and phrases. The language made you feel that the characters were part of their larger environs and so made the story bigger in some ways. I also liked that she included an African American church scene, full of charismatic preaching, choir stomping, and congregation Amen-ing. However, some of the religious content became a bit heavy-handed at times, and I would have preferred watching the characters react to each other, and leave the religious interpretation up to the reader.
The end of the book felt rushed and superficial to me, adding too many milestones while glossing over some development for the main female character, Deborah. From the beginning and middle sections of the book, I expected a lot more followup on her progress, and was disappointed when that was overshadowed by Jason's achievements.
All in all, a very good book. My disappointments need to be offset by the fact that this book came very close to being one of my favorites.
The main plot is that two people have been out of the dating scene for different reasons and find themselves thrust back into it after some chance encounters. Their attempts to resist each other's attraction are quite amusing, their desire for each other seems natural and gets quite steamy, and they both do a lot of growing throughout the book, both with each other and on their own. I really enjoyed their interaction, in fact I found myself wishing we saw more of them together during the book, both in and out of the bedroom. Instead, they spent a lot of time in parallel explorations and growth, which I admit made for a healthier relationship and made their characters stronger.
I was extremely excited to see all the talk about trust and safe sex as part of exploring their relationship. This is so rare in romance books and in society at large. The sex scenes were very explicit but they were always couched in the context of their relationship and their trust of each other. However, I thought they really did the safe sex foundation a disservice later in the book. It didn't ruin it for me, but it prevented it from being exceptional in that regard.
I liked that she mixed literal descriptions and conversations with the occasional burst of poetic description. Here's one:
The man was rapping hard about the future, telling her she was a work of art, his canvas, and begging her to let him work. What could she do as he painted himself across her; stroked her to tears; and made her run like watercolors, cry out in deep, soulful blues, and shriek with white-knuckled ecstasy?
If you like that kind of stuff, there is plenty in this book.
I enjoyed the many cultural references throughout the story. Some of the slang is so realistic that it is specific just to Philadelphia, and I spent some time looking up interesting words and phrases. The language made you feel that the characters were part of their larger environs and so made the story bigger in some ways. I also liked that she included an African American church scene, full of charismatic preaching, choir stomping, and congregation Amen-ing. However, some of the religious content became a bit heavy-handed at times, and I would have preferred watching the characters react to each other, and leave the religious interpretation up to the reader.
The end of the book felt rushed and superficial to me, adding too many milestones while glossing over some development for the main female character, Deborah. From the beginning and middle sections of the book, I expected a lot more followup on her progress, and was disappointed when that was overshadowed by Jason's achievements.
All in all, a very good book. My disappointments need to be offset by the fact that this book came very close to being one of my favorites.
April 8, 2019
A story of two people who'd you'd least likely think would be good for each other. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, but in a good way.
April 2, 2013
This story really touched my heart, Jason and Derboah's relationship was just as natural as the food they ate Better Than any thing or anyone they every knew before. There was a scene in this book where Debroah went to church that scene was so wonderfully written I felt I was in church with her. The way the authors words flowed through the pages was pure magic , this story is touching , sensual ,and artistic . The author became a artist when she wrote this book she painted a picture of soul stirring love ,her words so beautiful I could read them book over and over again. I want my Better Than but as I learned in this book if you want something better you have to start with yourself.
November 5, 2011
Love this book. I wanna man like this. This was a realistic romance right here. I will definitely be reading this book over and over. My favorite scene was Chapter 15, when Jason met Deborah's dad for the first time. so hilarious.
December 20, 2008
The was actually better than many of the romances I have read.
September 9, 2010
Better Than!!!! I loved this book, an excellent story of true love and how life unfolds itself.
July 15, 2010
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews