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Better Love #2.5
Better Than the Beach
What's better than a sunny beach vacation for my winter break?
Maybe being snowed in with a gorgeous stranger….
Let’s go to the beach for winter break, my sorority sisters said.
It will be a blast, they said.
Sand, salt water, hot surfers,
and the perfect setting for losing my v-card.
What more could I want for the holidays?
Well.
Nobody considered the chance for a winter storm grounding all flights, changing my layover from hours to days.
No one thought about how that winter storm cancelling all flights at the holidays would mean no hotel vacancies, leaving me utterly stranded.
And certainly nobody foresaw the kind airport bartender who took pity on me, offering me a room in her quirky, mischievous grandmother’s charming bed and breakfast.
No one knew there would be a sudden, unexpected visit from a gorgeous older man.
No one predicted the chemistry I’d feel between us.
The heat he’d create. The magic of it all.
No one considered any of this.
Especially not me.
Come to the beach for winter break, they said.
It will be so much fun, they said.
But...
I’m starting to think that being snowed in with Professor Nolan Montrose might end up being better than the beach.
***
Better Than the Beach is a 30,000 word holiday novella. It's a spicy, feel-good romance with an HEA that takes place in the Better Love world. It is not necessary to read the other books in the Better Love series to enjoy Better Than the Beach.
Better Than the Beach was first released as a 12,000 word short story titled "A HOLIDAY LAYOVER" in a free romance anthology in 2021, as well as a FREE short story download to newsletter subs last year. It has since been expanded into a 30,000 word novella.
Maybe being snowed in with a gorgeous stranger….
Let’s go to the beach for winter break, my sorority sisters said.
It will be a blast, they said.
Sand, salt water, hot surfers,
and the perfect setting for losing my v-card.
What more could I want for the holidays?
Well.
Nobody considered the chance for a winter storm grounding all flights, changing my layover from hours to days.
No one thought about how that winter storm cancelling all flights at the holidays would mean no hotel vacancies, leaving me utterly stranded.
And certainly nobody foresaw the kind airport bartender who took pity on me, offering me a room in her quirky, mischievous grandmother’s charming bed and breakfast.
No one knew there would be a sudden, unexpected visit from a gorgeous older man.
No one predicted the chemistry I’d feel between us.
The heat he’d create. The magic of it all.
No one considered any of this.
Especially not me.
Come to the beach for winter break, they said.
It will be so much fun, they said.
But...
I’m starting to think that being snowed in with Professor Nolan Montrose might end up being better than the beach.
***
Better Than the Beach is a 30,000 word holiday novella. It's a spicy, feel-good romance with an HEA that takes place in the Better Love world. It is not necessary to read the other books in the Better Love series to enjoy Better Than the Beach.
Better Than the Beach was first released as a 12,000 word short story titled "A HOLIDAY LAYOVER" in a free romance anthology in 2021, as well as a FREE short story download to newsletter subs last year. It has since been expanded into a 30,000 word novella.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2023
98 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Brit Benson
20 books1,877 followersBrit Benson writes real, relatable romance novels. She likes outspoken, independent heroines, dirty-talking, love-struck heroes, and plots that get you right in the feels.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
December 19, 2023
Better Than the Beach was a mostly light holiday read with college student Cassie (h) ending up stuck in Denver due to weather instead of on the beach, which leads to her meeting PhD student and professor Nolan (H) at his mother's B&B. There's some cheesiness here and some contrived angst with a pretty pat resolution, but I liked the holiday feel of this novella and the ending did leave me happy.
Nolan is 11 years older than Cassie but they felt on the same level for the most part, esp since Nolan acts pretty goofy with his older brothers. Cassie had originally planned on losing her virginity on her winter vacation to Hawaii and lo and behold, her unexpected wintry locale forces her in proximity to a man who lights her up. The attraction is very much mutual and Nolan is both lustful and smitten. I personally thought the focus on her virginity was a little much (this is from her perspective), but their time together at the B&B was cute and steamy. I loved Nolan's mom and how she was sly and very much matchmaking. Nolan had been with a woman that his family hated, but his family loves Cassie from the first introduction. Some of his mom's antics though piled on that cheesiness factor while also making me wonder where she was hiding herself at times.
However, the story took an unnecessarily dramatic turn as Cassie was leaving and immediately following the less than stellar send-off, she thinks she's been ghosted. Despite the way things seemingly ended between them, Nolan had inspired Cassie to grasp what she wanted for her future and 8 months later, she's pursuing what she truly wants to do with her life when she's brought back into Nolan's orbit. Except he didn't ghost her by choice (which is part of the overly contrived part) and all it takes is a bit of catching up for them to pick right back up. The epilogue is a slightly less than 2 year jump ahead and very cute and adorable with their HFN/HEA. I even got a little choked up.
Written in first person, dual POV. No om drama, some ow drama when H's ex shows up because she's a crazy one. H not a virgin but has been celibate for almost a year and h was a virgin. Both celibate during the months that they were apart.
Nolan is 11 years older than Cassie but they felt on the same level for the most part, esp since Nolan acts pretty goofy with his older brothers. Cassie had originally planned on losing her virginity on her winter vacation to Hawaii and lo and behold, her unexpected wintry locale forces her in proximity to a man who lights her up. The attraction is very much mutual and Nolan is both lustful and smitten. I personally thought the focus on her virginity was a little much (this is from her perspective), but their time together at the B&B was cute and steamy. I loved Nolan's mom and how she was sly and very much matchmaking. Nolan had been with a woman that his family hated, but his family loves Cassie from the first introduction. Some of his mom's antics though piled on that cheesiness factor while also making me wonder where she was hiding herself at times.
However, the story took an unnecessarily dramatic turn as Cassie was leaving and immediately following the less than stellar send-off, she thinks she's been ghosted. Despite the way things seemingly ended between them, Nolan had inspired Cassie to grasp what she wanted for her future and 8 months later, she's pursuing what she truly wants to do with her life when she's brought back into Nolan's orbit. Except he didn't ghost her by choice (which is part of the overly contrived part) and all it takes is a bit of catching up for them to pick right back up. The epilogue is a slightly less than 2 year jump ahead and very cute and adorable with their HFN/HEA. I even got a little choked up.
Written in first person, dual POV. No om drama, some ow drama when H's ex shows up because she's a crazy one. H not a virgin but has been celibate for almost a year and h was a virgin. Both celibate during the months that they were apart.
December 11, 2024
🎧𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛
⏳𝟬𝟯𝗛 𝟭𝟭𝗠
🎙️𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗲 & 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘀
❝ Cassie had one goal for her holiday in Hawaii, to finally lose her V-card. But fate had other plans! An unexpected snowstorm left her stranded at Nan’s charming B&B, where she crossed paths with Nolan, a sexy older professor…
💭This quick holiday novella is packed with instant chemistry, steamy holiday flings, and a mom who takes meddling to a whole new level. Seriously, Nolan’s mom doesn’t just nudge, she practically shoves them together with her magic touch! Cassie and Nolan’s spark is undeniable from the moment they meet (thanks, Nan), and their connection only heats up from there🔥
❄️I enjoyed this, was just not a fan of the third-act breakup. But the way the story wrapped up totally made up for it. Nan worked her matchmaking magic one last time, and it was so satisfying.
🎧As for the narration? Greyson and Alexis nailed it! Their performance brought the characters to life and made the story so engaging. This is the kind of audiobook that’s perfect for cozying up with during the holidays, definitely one to add to your festive playlist!
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰⭐️ | 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝟮🌶️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:𝟰🎧
✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 THE AUTHOR AGENCY 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨
December 8, 2024
• Age Gap
• Forced proximity
• "Call me professor"
• Virgin h
• Holiday getaway
• Holiday Novella
I can't recommend this series enough! It was the first series where I fell head over heels in love with Brit's writing and I've been hooked ever since! After completing this series I kept meaning to go back and read this short little novella. But as luck would have it Brit announced this book was coming to audio! And I knew I had to jump in line to grab it! And like the rest of the series it fits perfectly. And we get to see glimpses of other characters in this series! 😍
I'm normally not one for novellas I get very invested in the characters and just when I'm falling hard for them it's over! However!!! Brit gave us the sweetest HEA! And the character's development was perfect. Nothing is left open-ended. And it followed so incredibly well!
🎧Audiobook review🎧
Dual narration
Narrated by Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens
These two were perfect for Cassie and Nolan! Alexis' gentle voice brought out Cassie's character so well! And Grayson is always a favorite of mine! Especially when it's an age-gap romance! And then add to it with him playing a professor!! YES PLEASE! Especially when he commanded her to say "Call me professor" 🫠 Sold!! These two nailed this short little novella!! 😍
December 9, 2023
This is an enjoyable novella to read during the holiday season.
Cassie is on her way to two weeks in Hawaii when she gets delayed in Denver due to snow. All flights are cancelled, and no hotels are available by the time she calls. Due to kindness from a stranger, she finds a B & B to stay at until the storm passes. She is surprised by a stranger showing up in the shared bathroom the next morning who turns out to be the owner's son, Nolan.
They are instantly attracted to each other and sexy times between them occur. Their time is limited as she plans to continue on to Hawaii once the flights are flying again, though. Can they continue their relationship after her vacation?
I love that this story didn't feel like a novella. It felt complete and had a very satisfying ending.
Read this if you like:
Age gap
Forced proximity
Virgin heroine
Steamy
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cassie is on her way to two weeks in Hawaii when she gets delayed in Denver due to snow. All flights are cancelled, and no hotels are available by the time she calls. Due to kindness from a stranger, she finds a B & B to stay at until the storm passes. She is surprised by a stranger showing up in the shared bathroom the next morning who turns out to be the owner's son, Nolan.
They are instantly attracted to each other and sexy times between them occur. Their time is limited as she plans to continue on to Hawaii once the flights are flying again, though. Can they continue their relationship after her vacation?
I love that this story didn't feel like a novella. It felt complete and had a very satisfying ending.
Read this if you like:
Age gap
Forced proximity
Virgin heroine
Steamy
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 7, 2023
When Cassie gets her flight to Honolulu canceled because of the weather, she's stuck at the airport and the circumstances lead her stranded in a B&B. There she meets Professor Nolan and this forced proximity makes them get to know one another.
This was the perfect novella for this season. It puts you into the festive mood with a short, but to the point festive romance. It has such a cosy setting , awesome secondary characters, chemistry between the two leads and all the tropes are just *chef's kiss*. Snowed in, age gap, virgin heroine, HEA with a sweet epilogue! And the best part was the cameos from beloved characters from the Better Love series. Looking forward to the next book by Brit Benson!
This was the perfect novella for this season. It puts you into the festive mood with a short, but to the point festive romance. It has such a cosy setting , awesome secondary characters, chemistry between the two leads and all the tropes are just *chef's kiss*. Snowed in, age gap, virgin heroine, HEA with a sweet epilogue! And the best part was the cameos from beloved characters from the Better Love series. Looking forward to the next book by Brit Benson!
December 21, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
December 10, 2024
ALC AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Better Than the beach
Better Love • Book #2.5
By: Brit Benson @britbensonwritesbooks
Narrated by: Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens
Holy professor!
Better Than the Beach is a sexy novella following Cassie and Nolan, narrated by Grayson Owens and Alexis Paige. When Cassie’s flight to Hawaii is grounded due to weather, Cassie is welcomed at a small B&B to wait out the storm. With the holidays approaching the owner of the B&Bs son, Nolan unexpectedly shows up, one unlocked bathroom door and an accidental run in is all it takes and this sweet holiday romance blossoms. But, when the weather clears and Cassie Is finally able to fly to Hawaii, all she can think about is the sexy professor whose number she never got. Grayson and Alexis did a wonderful job narrating Better Than the Beach in dual. Alexis was able to give us the understanding of Cassie with her being young in age yet mature in life, showcasing her confidence and spunk as well. I loved Grayson’s narration of Nolan, voicing his intelligent, kind and dominant side that brought the heat. This is a cute novella with fun family banter, and spicy holiday vibes.
❄️College Student
🌴Professor
❄️Age Gap
🌴Virgin FMC
❄️Snowed in
🌴Novella
🫶🏼Thank You @theauthor.agency for the opportunity to listen and review.
Better Than the beach
Better Love • Book #2.5
By: Brit Benson @britbensonwritesbooks
Narrated by: Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens
Holy professor!
Better Than the Beach is a sexy novella following Cassie and Nolan, narrated by Grayson Owens and Alexis Paige. When Cassie’s flight to Hawaii is grounded due to weather, Cassie is welcomed at a small B&B to wait out the storm. With the holidays approaching the owner of the B&Bs son, Nolan unexpectedly shows up, one unlocked bathroom door and an accidental run in is all it takes and this sweet holiday romance blossoms. But, when the weather clears and Cassie Is finally able to fly to Hawaii, all she can think about is the sexy professor whose number she never got. Grayson and Alexis did a wonderful job narrating Better Than the Beach in dual. Alexis was able to give us the understanding of Cassie with her being young in age yet mature in life, showcasing her confidence and spunk as well. I loved Grayson’s narration of Nolan, voicing his intelligent, kind and dominant side that brought the heat. This is a cute novella with fun family banter, and spicy holiday vibes.
❄️College Student
🌴Professor
❄️Age Gap
🌴Virgin FMC
❄️Snowed in
🌴Novella
🫶🏼Thank You @theauthor.agency for the opportunity to listen and review.
December 16, 2023
Listen, if Brit writes it, I will literally riot to make sure I get my hands on it. She is one of my all time favorite authors and just a gem of a human being that I absolutely adore. So when she announced that she was writing a holiday novella and we would see little snippets of past characters....well lets just say I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.
This turned out to be one of my favorite holiday reads this year. While it's a novella, it certainly doesn't read like one and Brit makes sure to give us everything we could possibly need! I loved every single second of this book and only yelled at her once or twice! ((wink wink)).
If you are looking for your next five star read, this is it. Do it. Right now. Thank me later and give me all your thoughts! It's absolutely perfect and I will take zero criticism on it! Brit, thank you for always trusting me with your babies. I just love them dearly!
This turned out to be one of my favorite holiday reads this year. While it's a novella, it certainly doesn't read like one and Brit makes sure to give us everything we could possibly need! I loved every single second of this book and only yelled at her once or twice! ((wink wink)).
If you are looking for your next five star read, this is it. Do it. Right now. Thank me later and give me all your thoughts! It's absolutely perfect and I will take zero criticism on it! Brit, thank you for always trusting me with your babies. I just love them dearly!
December 22, 2023
❤️ Favorite
Cassie planned to go to Hawaii for the holidays but the weather kept her in the mountains instead. In a small B&B where she was supposed to be alone, she meets Nolan and spends her vacation with him instead.
----------
I absolutely loved this novella! I love the way Cassie and Nolan meet. I love how they spend their time together, getting to know each other, making the most of it, Nolan's family... I loved everything about it.
I loved the ending and it felt like I got their full story in only a hundred pages.
This was my first Brit Benson book and it will definitely not be my last!
Cassie planned to go to Hawaii for the holidays but the weather kept her in the mountains instead. In a small B&B where she was supposed to be alone, she meets Nolan and spends her vacation with him instead.
----------
I absolutely loved this novella! I love the way Cassie and Nolan meet. I love how they spend their time together, getting to know each other, making the most of it, Nolan's family... I loved everything about it.
I loved the ending and it felt like I got their full story in only a hundred pages.
This was my first Brit Benson book and it will definitely not be my last!
December 19, 2023
Cassie finds herself stranded at the airport instead of on the beaches of Hawaii like she had planned. She wanted warm beaches, cold drinks, and a hot surfer to lose her vCard to.
When she ends up in an Inn, with a HOT older guy who is a professor. Things indeed heat up in their forced proximity. Nolan didn’t expect to stumble upon Cassie in his childhood home, but they instantly click.
A spicy, age gap, forced proximity holiday read you’ll definitely enjoy!
When she ends up in an Inn, with a HOT older guy who is a professor. Things indeed heat up in their forced proximity. Nolan didn’t expect to stumble upon Cassie in his childhood home, but they instantly click.
A spicy, age gap, forced proximity holiday read you’ll definitely enjoy!
December 9, 2024
ALC REVIEW
I listened to this ALC as a stand alone, and literally ate this up! Cassie is looking forward to a Christmas break away from the hustle of school with her friends when an expected turn of events leaves her stranded at an airport. She luckily finds someone who gives her a place to stay at a Victorian style b&b. Que in sexy professor. (11 yr age gap) This is filled with small town charm, all the Christmas feels, and a hot tub scene( which are a fave for me)! I really enjoyed this one Brit never misses for me and I’ll be excited to go back and read this full series!
What to expect
Age gap
Snowed in
Forced proximity
Christmas Novella
I listened to this ALC as a stand alone, and literally ate this up! Cassie is looking forward to a Christmas break away from the hustle of school with her friends when an expected turn of events leaves her stranded at an airport. She luckily finds someone who gives her a place to stay at a Victorian style b&b. Que in sexy professor. (11 yr age gap) This is filled with small town charm, all the Christmas feels, and a hot tub scene( which are a fave for me)! I really enjoyed this one Brit never misses for me and I’ll be excited to go back and read this full series!
What to expect
Age gap
Snowed in
Forced proximity
Christmas Novella
December 27, 2023
This is 100% of my the best Christmas novellas I’ve read! It was short and sweet, it has spice and a dirty mouthed professor. The small town was to die for, it was whimsical and Christmas-ey. I read this in one sitting and I swear I could have read a whole length book of their story.
Favourite quotes:
“So beautiful,” he rasps. “I wonder how this pretty face would look wearing my cum.” I whimper and press my thighs harder together. Oh my god, this man is dirty. “I could paint your lips with it.” He growls as he thrusts into my mouth. “Fuck, I could paint your breasts with it. You would look so gorgeous covered in me, Cassandra.”
“Words, Cassandra. I need to know you’ll tell me if you need anything from me.” I nod again. “Yes, Professor. I promise.”
“I want to suck on your clit and fingerfuck you until you come,” he says, and his voice is all sex and hunger. He wants me, really wants me, and I want him to take me.
Favourite quotes:
“So beautiful,” he rasps. “I wonder how this pretty face would look wearing my cum.” I whimper and press my thighs harder together. Oh my god, this man is dirty. “I could paint your lips with it.” He growls as he thrusts into my mouth. “Fuck, I could paint your breasts with it. You would look so gorgeous covered in me, Cassandra.”
“Words, Cassandra. I need to know you’ll tell me if you need anything from me.” I nod again. “Yes, Professor. I promise.”
“I want to suck on your clit and fingerfuck you until you come,” he says, and his voice is all sex and hunger. He wants me, really wants me, and I want him to take me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
I have been reading a lot of holiday and Christmas themed novels and novellas lately and this is one of my favorites! Cassie and Nolan are just absolutely adorable and I loved their love story!
🩵 Small town romance
🩵 Age gap
🩵 Forced proximity
🩵 Virgin FMC
🩵 Professor MMC
🩵 Snowed in
🩵 Naughty Nanta (hilarious!)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔
After Cassie’s plans for a two week long vacation of sun and fun turns into one full of snow after her plane gets cancelled. But when she meets a nice bartender named Mallory who offers up her grandmas (Nanta’s) bed and breakfast, Cassie know that she needs to make the best of her time until she can get to her tropical vacation.
When Nolan comes home for Christmas, he expects to be snowed in with just his mom, but when he finds out that she is hosting an unexpected guest, Nolan’s time home gets a lot more interesting.
Nolan and Cassie seemingly keep getting pushed together since they are the only others on the property and they decide to have some fun. But they agree that said fun will end once she gets a new plane. But their spicy times were perfect! The hot tub scene will forever be living rent free in my head!
I loved this book and their relationship so much! I also loved the side characters and everything that they brought to the story – especially Nolan’s brothers and their antics!
I am hoping that we get to see these two in future books because their love is just so heartwarming to read.
🩵 Small town romance
🩵 Age gap
🩵 Forced proximity
🩵 Virgin FMC
🩵 Professor MMC
🩵 Snowed in
🩵 Naughty Nanta (hilarious!)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔
After Cassie’s plans for a two week long vacation of sun and fun turns into one full of snow after her plane gets cancelled. But when she meets a nice bartender named Mallory who offers up her grandmas (Nanta’s) bed and breakfast, Cassie know that she needs to make the best of her time until she can get to her tropical vacation.
When Nolan comes home for Christmas, he expects to be snowed in with just his mom, but when he finds out that she is hosting an unexpected guest, Nolan’s time home gets a lot more interesting.
Nolan and Cassie seemingly keep getting pushed together since they are the only others on the property and they decide to have some fun. But they agree that said fun will end once she gets a new plane. But their spicy times were perfect! The hot tub scene will forever be living rent free in my head!
I loved this book and their relationship so much! I also loved the side characters and everything that they brought to the story – especially Nolan’s brothers and their antics!
I am hoping that we get to see these two in future books because their love is just so heartwarming to read.
December 6, 2024
3.5⭐️
This is a quick and lighthearted novella, and I listened to it in one sitting. The narrators, Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens, were new to me, and they were great as Cassie and Nolan.
Cassie's plans of a vacation on the beach in Honolulu get sidetracked by all the flights being cancelled due to a storm, along with her plans of losing her v-card to a sexy surfer/bartender. She ends up staying at Nan's B&B while she waits for the next flight out, and this is how she meets Nolan.
Nolan has been going through a rough patch, feeling a little lost and filled with regrets about not giving his family the time he should've the last few years and wants to make up for it while also trying to find himself again.
The two feel an instant spark, and as they spend their time getting into the Christmas spirit, talking, opening up, and celebrating each other's holiday traditions, they feel a deeper connection. And what was supposed to be just a fling while waiting for the storm to pass slowly turns into something more. Nan was just here being the perfect matchmaker, spreading her Nanta Clause magic to get these two together.
I really liked how Cassie and Nolan bonded over their love for academics and their interests being along the same lines. Nolan was also the first person whose opinion on her pursuing music therapy gave her the push she needed to consider it more seriously because she knew he could relate to her work as their fields were closely related. The spice was also definitely steamy (hot tubs always seem to do the trick).
Although I wish the two had the more important conversations on page. Like what had happened with Nolan's ex to make him distance himself from his family and how it factors into him feeling like he didn't know himself anymore.
I also wish he'd had a more in-depth conversation about his ex with Cassie so things felt more resolved or helped in giving us an understanding of his relationship with his ex. She just randomly popped up and then disappeared, and I didn't even know what happened between Nolan and her after Cassie left.
The drama towards the end felt a little dragged out and unnecessary in my opinion since it kind of took away from their budding romance, and then their reunion just didn't seem satisfactory to me. Just a 2-minute conversation to clear up all that had happened over the course of months was not convincing enough for me. Also, the reasoning felt sort of weak and lame. I also wish there was a chapter from Nolan's POV side during said period, trying to put in his efforts to get to Cassie so we could know how hard he truly tried rather than just saying it.
Thank you to Brit Benson and The Author Agency for providing me with the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quick and lighthearted novella, and I listened to it in one sitting. The narrators, Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens, were new to me, and they were great as Cassie and Nolan.
Cassie's plans of a vacation on the beach in Honolulu get sidetracked by all the flights being cancelled due to a storm, along with her plans of losing her v-card to a sexy surfer/bartender. She ends up staying at Nan's B&B while she waits for the next flight out, and this is how she meets Nolan.
Nolan has been going through a rough patch, feeling a little lost and filled with regrets about not giving his family the time he should've the last few years and wants to make up for it while also trying to find himself again.
The two feel an instant spark, and as they spend their time getting into the Christmas spirit, talking, opening up, and celebrating each other's holiday traditions, they feel a deeper connection. And what was supposed to be just a fling while waiting for the storm to pass slowly turns into something more. Nan was just here being the perfect matchmaker, spreading her Nanta Clause magic to get these two together.
I really liked how Cassie and Nolan bonded over their love for academics and their interests being along the same lines. Nolan was also the first person whose opinion on her pursuing music therapy gave her the push she needed to consider it more seriously because she knew he could relate to her work as their fields were closely related. The spice was also definitely steamy (hot tubs always seem to do the trick).
Although I wish the two had the more important conversations on page. Like what had happened with Nolan's ex to make him distance himself from his family and how it factors into him feeling like he didn't know himself anymore.
I also wish he'd had a more in-depth conversation about his ex with Cassie so things felt more resolved or helped in giving us an understanding of his relationship with his ex. She just randomly popped up and then disappeared, and I didn't even know what happened between Nolan and her after Cassie left.
The drama towards the end felt a little dragged out and unnecessary in my opinion since it kind of took away from their budding romance, and then their reunion just didn't seem satisfactory to me. Just a 2-minute conversation to clear up all that had happened over the course of months was not convincing enough for me. Also, the reasoning felt sort of weak and lame. I also wish there was a chapter from Nolan's POV side during said period, trying to put in his efforts to get to Cassie so we could know how hard he truly tried rather than just saying it.
Thank you to Brit Benson and The Author Agency for providing me with the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2024
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5 -Dual style
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Angsty: 🔥🔥/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Sure will
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: Audiobook
•Trope: Holiday Novella.
Close Proximity, Snowed in, age gap (11 years)
• Thoughts:
Another Holiday story that I am gushing over! Nolan and Cassie are adorable!! I love their instant connection. Everything about this story flowed and was effortless, you are hooked to this story from the beginning. Both characters are so easy to love, and their Storyline is so easy to fall in love with. But then again, Brit is a magical Unicorn full of greatness!! So naturally, the story is going to be good.
NARRATOR THOUGHTS:
•Dual Narration
•Listening at a 1.5 speed.
Now let's talk narrators! Alexis Paige is a new to me, narrator, and I loved her! She did such a great job! Her voice and tempo are perfect! I really am lookong forward to more books that she is in.
Grayson Owen....sighh.... no complaints from this girl! He does such a great job in anything that he narrates. I was super excited he was going to be narrating for Brit Benson.
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5 -Dual style
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Angsty: 🔥🔥/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Sure will
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: Audiobook
•Trope: Holiday Novella.
Close Proximity, Snowed in, age gap (11 years)
• Thoughts:
Another Holiday story that I am gushing over! Nolan and Cassie are adorable!! I love their instant connection. Everything about this story flowed and was effortless, you are hooked to this story from the beginning. Both characters are so easy to love, and their Storyline is so easy to fall in love with. But then again, Brit is a magical Unicorn full of greatness!! So naturally, the story is going to be good.
NARRATOR THOUGHTS:
•Dual Narration
•Listening at a 1.5 speed.
Now let's talk narrators! Alexis Paige is a new to me, narrator, and I loved her! She did such a great job! Her voice and tempo are perfect! I really am lookong forward to more books that she is in.
Grayson Owen....sighh.... no complaints from this girl! He does such a great job in anything that he narrates. I was super excited he was going to be narrating for Brit Benson.
December 14, 2023
Rating: 10/10
Spice: 2/5
Tropes: Christmas; Novella; Age gap (10 years); Forced Proxy (snowed in);
When Cassie's flight to Hawaii gets canceled because of the weather she's stuck at the airport with no hotels for her to stay in the bartender offers her family's bed and breakfast where she meets professor Nolan.
I'm convinced there is not a book Brit Benson could write that I wouldn't love and obsess over her. I was over here like there is no way she'll make me FEEL like she usually does in a 100 page novella. Ally you foolish foolish girl. DO YOU NOT KNOW BRIT? ugh. I'm telling you I swooned ALL OVER THIS BOOK. the chemistry was electric. The feels were intense. and i was UNWELL for a whole ass chapter. Cassie coming into her own and really figuring out what makes her happy and not her family made my heart all warm and tingly and Nolan was just so swoon worthy. SUCH a good holiday read.
Spice: 2/5
Tropes: Christmas; Novella; Age gap (10 years); Forced Proxy (snowed in);
When Cassie's flight to Hawaii gets canceled because of the weather she's stuck at the airport with no hotels for her to stay in the bartender offers her family's bed and breakfast where she meets professor Nolan.
I'm convinced there is not a book Brit Benson could write that I wouldn't love and obsess over her. I was over here like there is no way she'll make me FEEL like she usually does in a 100 page novella. Ally you foolish foolish girl. DO YOU NOT KNOW BRIT? ugh. I'm telling you I swooned ALL OVER THIS BOOK. the chemistry was electric. The feels were intense. and i was UNWELL for a whole ass chapter. Cassie coming into her own and really figuring out what makes her happy and not her family made my heart all warm and tingly and Nolan was just so swoon worthy. SUCH a good holiday read.
December 13, 2024
Falalala-Loved it!
Better Than The Beach is a BIG mood in a small package! This novella has everything you want in a romance: sunshine, tension, and spice that will leave you blushing.
The push and pull between Nolan and Cassie is deliciously addictive, and their chemistry is so palpable you feel it crackling off the pages. Brit Benson does a great job of crafting their connection, making every interaction sizzle with intensity! Cassie is the perfect mix of charm and sass, and Nolan's dirty mouth alone could light a fire (Yes, Professor! 🥵).
Beyond the romance, the character development shines. Both primary and secondary characters felt layered and real. Nan, out there scheming like it was her full time job!
Overall, this was the perfect blend of tension, satisfaction, and holiday fun! If you're looking for a quick read that feels like mini-vacation with a side of heart palpitations, Better Than The Beach is calling your name. Answer it. Thank me later.
Better Than The Beach is a BIG mood in a small package! This novella has everything you want in a romance: sunshine, tension, and spice that will leave you blushing.
The push and pull between Nolan and Cassie is deliciously addictive, and their chemistry is so palpable you feel it crackling off the pages. Brit Benson does a great job of crafting their connection, making every interaction sizzle with intensity! Cassie is the perfect mix of charm and sass, and Nolan's dirty mouth alone could light a fire (Yes, Professor! 🥵).
Beyond the romance, the character development shines. Both primary and secondary characters felt layered and real. Nan, out there scheming like it was her full time job!
Overall, this was the perfect blend of tension, satisfaction, and holiday fun! If you're looking for a quick read that feels like mini-vacation with a side of heart palpitations, Better Than The Beach is calling your name. Answer it. Thank me later.
December 16, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
For a quick holiday read, I enjoyed it!
Cassie has her heart set on spending her holidays in Hawaii and hooking up with a surfer-bartending type of guy. However, with a layover in Colorado and inbound snow storm her flight out gets cancelled. Finding herself in a B&B and a ‘Nanta Claus’ she finds herself in a forced proximity to a newly single professor. With some seduction on Cassie’s part, she finds herself replacing the fantasy of an attractive surfer-bartender hook up with an intelligent professor.
Sprinkles of open door scenes, the HEA was swoon-y. I love a good proposal story. 🥰
Thank you Brit Benson for the ARC of this holiday novella!
For a quick holiday read, I enjoyed it!
Cassie has her heart set on spending her holidays in Hawaii and hooking up with a surfer-bartending type of guy. However, with a layover in Colorado and inbound snow storm her flight out gets cancelled. Finding herself in a B&B and a ‘Nanta Claus’ she finds herself in a forced proximity to a newly single professor. With some seduction on Cassie’s part, she finds herself replacing the fantasy of an attractive surfer-bartender hook up with an intelligent professor.
Sprinkles of open door scenes, the HEA was swoon-y. I love a good proposal story. 🥰
Thank you Brit Benson for the ARC of this holiday novella!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
This was such a sweet and adorable romance novella perfect for reading on a cold winter night, curled up with a hot drink and sitting by a fire.
Cassie and Nolan take us on a whirlwind journey of second chances and finding love unexpectedly. The instant attraction and chemistry between them was undeniable and deliciously sexy. And the amazing secondary characters had me giggling like crazy.
Wonderfully written with amazing characters, a fantastic storyline and an absolutely beautiful ending.
LOVED IT!
Cassie and Nolan take us on a whirlwind journey of second chances and finding love unexpectedly. The instant attraction and chemistry between them was undeniable and deliciously sexy. And the amazing secondary characters had me giggling like crazy.
Wonderfully written with amazing characters, a fantastic storyline and an absolutely beautiful ending.
LOVED IT!
November 25, 2024
This was such a fun spicy holiday novella. It’s festive, filled with great characters, and instant chemistry. Cassie’s flight is delayed due to a snowstorm in Denver. She was on her way to Hawaii for two week. She meets a stranger who helps her find an Inn to stay at until flights start flying again. Here she meets Professor Nolan! I feel like they both fell so fast and hard in this story.
🎧The audiobook is narrated by Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens. Their chemistry was perfection in their voices! I loved listening to them tell the story. It was magical and such a fun audiobook.
🎧The audiobook is narrated by Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens. Their chemistry was perfection in their voices! I loved listening to them tell the story. It was magical and such a fun audiobook.
December 7, 2024
Another enjoyable novella to help get you in the holiday spirit. Cassie finds herself stranded at the airport due to a snow storm. But when the bartender tells her about her family owned B&B she can stay at, Cassie doesn’t realize just how much her life is about to change. Cassie falls hard and fast for the owners son, Nolan. I loved their instant chemistry and add in a dash of holiday magic and you get perfection. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 22, 2024
Better than the Beach is an age gap, forced proximity, virgin heroine, spicy holiday novella. It was short and sweet and I loved every second of it. Cassie and Nolan’s instant attraction and chemistry was so good. The audiobook is the way to go, it’s performed by Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens and they did an amazing job.
December 12, 2024
Brit Benson is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to get my hands on this little novella! It was such a quick, fun, entertaining audiobook. I loved how Nolan and Cassi were brought together, their commonalities and how much chemistry they had, and the quaint and cozy B&B setting. We definitely get a full story even though it’s short, I didn’t feel like anything was missing. Being snowed in can be so fun!
AND I love a story with a meddling mom/grandma, and Nan was just the best! You don’t want to miss out on her shenanigans.
The audiobook is produced by Lyric Audiobooks, and performed by Grayson Owens and Alexis Paige. I had so much fun listening to them portray Nolan and Cassie, and feel like they captured their personalities perfectly! @graysononthemic @alexispaigenarrates
Listen if you like ⇣
🤍Holiday novella
🎄Forced proximity
🤍Age gap
🎄Insta-love
🤍Snowed in
🎄Dirty talking MMC
🤍Dual POV
🎄Spice
Thank you @theauthor.agency and @britbensonwritesbooks for the ALC!
AND I love a story with a meddling mom/grandma, and Nan was just the best! You don’t want to miss out on her shenanigans.
The audiobook is produced by Lyric Audiobooks, and performed by Grayson Owens and Alexis Paige. I had so much fun listening to them portray Nolan and Cassie, and feel like they captured their personalities perfectly! @graysononthemic @alexispaigenarrates
Listen if you like ⇣
🤍Holiday novella
🎄Forced proximity
🤍Age gap
🎄Insta-love
🤍Snowed in
🎄Dirty talking MMC
🤍Dual POV
🎄Spice
Thank you @theauthor.agency and @britbensonwritesbooks for the ALC!
December 2, 2024
3.5/5 stars for the story
4/5 stars for the narration
Better than the beach is a fast paced, holiday Novella that I listened to in one sitting. Nolan & Cassie happen to meet at his mom's B&B where they get snowed in. There was instant attraction and they acted on it pretty fast. They were honestly really good together. Nolan was supportive of her and gave her the push she needed to pursue her dreams. I do feel like the whole virgin point was brought up more times than I cared for. Even though this story was short (113 pages), I felt like it covered everything really well.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and it was a dual narration. The narrators, Alexis Page & Grayson Owens, were new to me but I enjoyed them. Grayson has a big calming, smooth tone to his voice that really captivated me. Although during certain parts of the story his voice got kind of quiet and I couldn't quite understand some things he said. That being said, I did enjoy it and would recommend it.
What to expect:
💗Age Gap (11 years)
❄️Holiday novella
❤️🔥Insta-love
👩🏼Meddling Mama
🏡Forced Proximity
🎇Virgin FMC
The audiobook releases December 9. Thank you to The Author Agency & Brit Benson for this ALC.
4/5 stars for the narration
Better than the beach is a fast paced, holiday Novella that I listened to in one sitting. Nolan & Cassie happen to meet at his mom's B&B where they get snowed in. There was instant attraction and they acted on it pretty fast. They were honestly really good together. Nolan was supportive of her and gave her the push she needed to pursue her dreams. I do feel like the whole virgin point was brought up more times than I cared for. Even though this story was short (113 pages), I felt like it covered everything really well.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and it was a dual narration. The narrators, Alexis Page & Grayson Owens, were new to me but I enjoyed them. Grayson has a big calming, smooth tone to his voice that really captivated me. Although during certain parts of the story his voice got kind of quiet and I couldn't quite understand some things he said. That being said, I did enjoy it and would recommend it.
What to expect:
💗Age Gap (11 years)
❄️Holiday novella
❤️🔥Insta-love
👩🏼Meddling Mama
🏡Forced Proximity
🎇Virgin FMC
The audiobook releases December 9. Thank you to The Author Agency & Brit Benson for this ALC.
December 19, 2024
Brit writes it I’m going to read it. This book might have been short but I really enjoyed the holiday feels and who doesn’t love getting stuck somewhere with snow ❄️. Being a California girl beaches are my favorite but I always enjoy whatever Brit writes 🫶🏼🫶🏼
December 15, 2024
This book was such a good listen! I loved it so much. The voices were perfect, the writing was excellent! I adored this little gem!
December 23, 2024
Tropes
- Holiday romance
- Age Gap
Better Than The Beach was a cute wee holiday novella read. College student Cassie was stuck at the airport on her way to Hawaii but ended up in Denver. She ends up staying at a B&B where she meets Nolan, he’s 11 years older and a college tutor. Nolan’s family does some sneaky match making and their romance blossoms.
It was cute, spicy and wholesome but a bit too cheesy at times. And immature but hey, it’s Christmas
- Holiday romance
- Age Gap
Better Than The Beach was a cute wee holiday novella read. College student Cassie was stuck at the airport on her way to Hawaii but ended up in Denver. She ends up staying at a B&B where she meets Nolan, he’s 11 years older and a college tutor. Nolan’s family does some sneaky match making and their romance blossoms.
It was cute, spicy and wholesome but a bit too cheesy at times. And immature but hey, it’s Christmas
December 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this spicy holiday vacation novella. Cassie is on her way to Hawaii to join friends for the holidays when the weather cancels her flight. At a B & B for a few days she meets Nolan, who changes the direction of her life.
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration done by Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens. They both brought the story to life making it the perfect listen anytime of the year.
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration done by Alexis Paige and Grayson Owens. They both brought the story to life making it the perfect listen anytime of the year.
December 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Our FMC was headed to Hawaii for the Christmas holiday and winds up stuck in Denver due to weather conditions. This was such a light, feel good holiday novella! Nolan and Cassie’s connection was immediate, which I loved seeing as this is a novella. I loved watching the two of them together and they made it so easy to fall in love with them both. Nanta Claus was my fav character by far - she was such a hoot!!
The narration was so amazing! Grayson Owens is one of my top male narrators and he did such an incredible job. His voice is so soothing and hearing it paired with Alexis Page was the cherry on top. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and felt like it ended a bit dramatically but I definitely do think the story is worth a listen.
Holiday novella
Age gap
Small town
V!rg!n heroine
Forced proximity
The narration was so amazing! Grayson Owens is one of my top male narrators and he did such an incredible job. His voice is so soothing and hearing it paired with Alexis Page was the cherry on top. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and felt like it ended a bit dramatically but I definitely do think the story is worth a listen.
Holiday novella
Age gap
Small town
V!rg!n heroine
Forced proximity
December 9, 2024
I read this novella last year, and I fell in love with Nolan and Cassie, so getting the opportunity to listen to it this year was a perfect way to start December - it also helps that Brit is one of my favourite authors, and if she writes it, I am going to read it, or in this case, listen to it.
This lovely story falls in the 'Better Love' series, just after the second book. Now you don't have to have read the others to know who Cassie is, but you do get glimpses of others in the series in this book. This is a dual narration audio, and both narrators were perfect for their roles. Grayson was a new to me narrator, but I'll be headed off to find more of his work, because he was just so easy to listen to, but was commanding enough in just the right ways.
This lovely story falls in the 'Better Love' series, just after the second book. Now you don't have to have read the others to know who Cassie is, but you do get glimpses of others in the series in this book. This is a dual narration audio, and both narrators were perfect for their roles. Grayson was a new to me narrator, but I'll be headed off to find more of his work, because he was just so easy to listen to, but was commanding enough in just the right ways.
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