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Better Than Sex

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Silver Medal Winner, LGBTQ Fiction – 2025 Readers' Favorite Awards
Silver Medal Winner, LGBTQ Romance – The Bookfest 2024 Awards
Silver Medal Winner, LGBT Fiction – 2024 Global Book Awards


Spencer’s thirtieth birthday is right around the corner, and he wants to say goodbye to his twenties with a bang. Literally.

As a self-proclaimed sex god, Spencer has sworn off love and dedicated himself to finishing his F***-it List – a collection of wild fantasies he’s checked off one by one. Now, only one fantasy rock a virgin’s world with a night of unforgettable sex.

Shy, sweet Mickey seems like the perfect candidate, but he’ll need a major confidence boost before he’s ready to go all the way. Hoping for a chance to be Mickey’s first, Spencer makes him an offer he can’t refuse – he’ll transform Mickey into San Francisco’s next sex god.

Mickey, who’s always felt out of step with the gay scene, jumps at the chance to reinvent himself. It isn’t long, though, before styling tips and flirting lessons give way to stolen glances and heart-to-heart conversations, and what started as a playful makeover begins to look a lot like falling in love.

For Spencer, feelings were never part of the plan. But as Mickey blossoms into a self-assured man and their connection deepens, Spencer is forced to ask is Mickey just another checkmark on his list, or could he be the man who finally makes Spencer believe in love?

Better Than Sex is a steamy, slow burn, opposites-attract romance. Loaded with humor and heart, Kit Erikson's award-winning debut novel explores friendship, found family, and the messy, wonderful lengths we go to for love and acceptance.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

44 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Kit Erikson

5 books15 followers
Celebrating love between men with sweet and steamy stories where true love wins in the end!

Although Kit’s been writing stories since he was a teenager, it wasn’t until 2020 that he stumbled upon the world of M/M romance. Obsessed with the love story between David and Patrick on Schitt’s Creek, he longed to experience more stories about relatable men in healthy, loving, same-sex relationships. Imagine his delight when he discovered that M/M romance is a thriving niche!

Kit loves crafting sexy, funny, and heart-warming stories about men that feel like they could be your best friends (or boyfriends). His debut novel "Better Than Sex" won a silver medal for LGBT Fiction in the 2024 Global Book Awards.

He’s a tailor by trade – and yes, someday he will write a romance about a tailor – and lives in Portland, Oregon. When he’s not reading or writing, he’s watching scary movies, putting together miniature kits, or listening to episodes of The Why Files on YouTube while he sews.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Jess.
99 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2025
I first met Spencer in Holding Holden and I knew then that he was an undercover lover boy, but let’s get to him & Mickey, shall we?!

Spencer is a self-proclaimed sex god sort-of looking to settle down & Mickey is a self-conscious little bean who wants to make some new friends and meet the love of his life at the same damn time.

These two have a couple of meet-cutes actually & low and behold, Spencer discovers that Mickey can help him cross the last item off of his sex god bucket list, sleeping with a virgin. Here’s where Spencer messes it all up… He thinks he can give Mickey confidence by making him a sex god of his own while at the same time not catching feelings lol… Uh-huh, sure Jan.

OMG, the ‘will they, won’t they, do you finally see that he is right for you’ was a little bit frustrating because Spencer was being willfully obtuse, like SIR PLEASE stop fighting it! And the whole time Mickey is STILL only pining for Spencer while other men are definitely noticing him and starting to take interest. Just lying to themselves the whole time lol.

Let me just say, Spencer’s bestie Xander is a hater. Of course, Spencer should have been honest with Mickey from the jump but he was getting there. In his own way. Maybe. I do need Xander to fall to his knees for someone in his own book with the way he was acting but I digress...

My favorite quote is from Chapter 32, ‘I want to stop pretending Mickey is just a pal… I want to stop trying to convince myself that I’m not falling for him. I want to hold him and tell him I was meant to be his.’

Spencer and Mickey were down bad without each other. I wish Spencer’s apology gave me a little bit more, but Mickey got his man in the end lol.

I enjoyed this story & I’m looking forward to the next book.

-ARC Review
Profile Image for The Word Nerd Reviews Blog.
986 reviews58 followers
November 17, 2024
Better Than Sex by Kit Erikson is a lovely romance that delves into the complexities of love, desire, and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of the Mickey, who navigates the rarely highs and often lowest of lows of modern relationships.

The plot is engaging, with well-developed characters that feel authentic and relatable. Mickey’s journey is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, as he grapples with his insecurities and the challenges of finding true love. An opposites attract romance, Spencer is the sex god that Mickey would like the opportunity to be.

Mickey and Spencer’s relationship is a central focus. Their dynamic is both intense and tender, with undeniable chemistry. Mickey, with his guarded heart and past traumas, finds solace and understanding in Spencer’s unwavering support and patience. Spencer, on the other hand, is drawn to Mickey’s strength and vulnerability, creating a bond that is both passionate and healing, for both of them.

One of the story’s main elements is the theme of found friendships. Mickey is introduced to the Sex Gods, Spencer’s close-knit group of friends who adopt Mickey, offering support, laughter, and acceptance. These friendships are portrayed with warmth and authenticity, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system. The interactions among these friends add a layer of richness to the story, showcasing how friendships can be just as transformative and significant as romantic relationships.

The author’s writing flows well and is easy to read, making it easy to get lost in the story. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the nuances of modern relationships. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of introspective moments and dramatic twists.

The novel explores themes of self-worth, the importance of communication in relationships, and the idea that love can be found in unexpected places. It challenges traditional notions of romance and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to truly connect with another person.
Better Than Sex is a delightful read that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the complexities of love and relationships. With a good dose of emotion and a lot of laughs, it’s an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,871 reviews14 followers
December 2, 2024
Mickey and Spencer ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

This such a super sweet story. It's one of love, patience, support, and self discovery. Both characters were fantastic, their story was endearing, I loved it. I recommend and I decided to keep this review spoiler free because imo it's well worth going into without them.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Theodore.
939 reviews11 followers
April 3, 2025
DNF @ 21%

1. Unironically calling themselves sex gods is kinda cringe
2. The fetishization of virgins was gross. From Spencer specifically adverising for it to Xander suddenly changing his tune the second he found out that Mickey had never had sex before, all of it just reeked of judging people based on their sexual status as if the fact that Mickey was virginal was the only reason he had value as a person. I only stuck around because I foolishly thought that it was just the hook to get the story started, but it was repeated so much (and so sincerely) that it got to be too much.
3. Xander's sudden about-face on his stances around the men he surrounded himself with was completely unbelievable. What, you're telling me that just because he saw Mickey sitting across from him at the speed dating event that he suddenly felt the bad for every man he'd ever rejected for not being an Adonis? Why? Because Mickey was so average?
Profile Image for Caroline  Griffith.
245 reviews6 followers
November 12, 2024
I first met Spencer in Holding Holden and when I read the description for this story/series, I knew I wanted to read more. Despite Spencer being a SF Sex God, you could tell in the earlier novella that he had a heart of gold but unsure give all of himself.

Spencer and the rest of his crazy group are made up of sex gods and a couple. Spencer is firmly in his sex god stage at the age of 30 but he's a goal short, sleeping with a virgin. One nearly falls right into his lap, however he gets more than he bargains for with Mickey.

Mickey is a sweet good looking man, but he's a bit average and a virgin. He has an awesome job as a nanny to young boy who lost one of his fathers and Mickey knows quite a bit about loss. He's so focused on this life and a bit about his boss that he's ready for a relationship and to lose his v-card. When his charge drops a stuffy he's met with one of the most handsome men he's ever met and it'll take a speed dating meet cute for them to spend time together.

Spencer realizes a few things, Mickey needs gay friends, a community for support, some styling advice and a fully intact v card. He's perfect for Spencer's conquest and it'll give Mickey the confidence to move on and forward as a Sex God. But the more time they spend together, the more he WANTS to spend his free time with Mickey. Mickey is easily falling for Spencer and wants more but he's unaware of the list, he just wants Spencer to give him everything he needs.

Spencer's birthday is here and he realizes while he wants Mickey, he doesn't want him for the list completion. He may just want Mickey but he knows he cannot have him, love is bad and hurtful. Sex is easy and good but not fulfilling. Mickey takes a birthday rejection on stride after a mind blowing makeout session but figured it's for the best. But they take advantage of Mickey's gift to Spencer and that night changes everything. Mickey had the confidence to go after what he wants but it's spoiled by sex god, Xander and Spencer doesn't have the wherewithal to stop Mickey from running out the door and explaining about the list and everything that happened.

Both men are distraught without the other but Spencer caused this chaos however we learn and meet the why behind his sex god ways. He also learns that he is ready to give up his sex god ways if it means he can have Mickey. However when Spencer attempts to make amends he fears that Mickey may have moved on with the shelter manager. They have another meetup at speed dating thanks to meddling friends who know they are meant to be with each other. Their second chance brings out the best in one another and allows Spencer to grow as a person and as an artist and Mickey finds his person and his people.

This was a great start to the series and I am very excited to continue reading the series and some novellas for other characters we meet.
1,648 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2024
This is a beautiful story of two men, one very experienced and one with no experience, discovering that the best laid plans don’t always work out as expected. Mickey and Spencer have their first passing encounter courtesy of Mr. Stripes, each note a spark of interest, then move on with their day, though each finds thoughts of the other crossing their minds. They actually meet and talk at a speed dating event, and the interest grows. Mickey is a virgin in every sense of the word, and as part of his plan, Spencer starts to work on building Mickey’s confidence and helps him reinvent himself so he is more comfortable in the gay scene. As they spend more time together, a friendship develops, and goals start to change. Past history begins to influence both and plays a significant part as events unfold, with miscommunication a major factor (as it often is) as the two reassess feelings and desires for the future. It was interesting to observe the changes in both as each matured in their own way, to watch the changes of the dynamic in all of the friend group, not just Mickey and Spencer, and to see how good intentions can often backfire with disastrous results.

The development of the relationship and the characters seemed very realistic and honest to me, and the care and awareness that Spencer showed to Mickey indicated that his old goals were beginning to blur. Both were reaching out, but internal fears held them back.

I particularly remember and identified with the reactions of both MCs to the description of the photographs in the two scenes in the art galleries, and to Spencer’s photography sessions with the 25 year married couple and the gay couple in the park. I enjoyed the enthusiasm Mickey showed during the unique s-x lessons that Spencer created for him as part of his “education”, and was touched by Spencer’s instructions as he guided Mickey through his new experiences, demonstrating through his actions that the feelings were there, just maybe not as intellectually aware of them yet as he would be. Each of these stood out with me, both as I read them and now after the book is done.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and read it in one session, unable to put it down. I loved the MCs and liked the supporting characters a lot, though Xander had moments I wanted reach in and smack him. Logan was adorable, Keith was supportive, and Mickey was so good with Pepper. I would definitely recommend this book, as there are parts that will definitely stick with me, and it will go on To Reread list.

I reveived an Advance Review Copy from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,646 reviews
November 18, 2024
I had caught up with all of my ARCs, requested a toooon more, and proceeded to avoid them. Oops. Here's Kit Erikson's "Better Than Sex." It's first novel in the San Francisco Sex Gods series.

["Spencer’s thirtieth birthday is right around the corner, and he wants to say goodbye to his twenties with a bang. Literally.

As a self-proclaimed sex god, Spencer has sworn off love and dedicated himself to finishing his F***-it List – a collection of wild fantasies he’s checked off one by one. Now, only one fantasy rock a virgin’s world with a night of unforgettable sex.

Shy, sweet Mickey seems like the perfect candidate, but he’ll need a major confidence boost before he’s ready to go all the way. Hoping for a chance to be Mickey’s first, Spencer makes him an offer he can’t refuse – he’ll transform Mickey into San Francisco’s next sex god.

Mickey, who’s always felt out of step with the gay scene, jumps at the chance to reinvent himself. It isn’t long, though, before styling tips and flirting lessons give way to stolen glances and heart-to-heart conversations, and what started as a playful makeover begins to look a lot like falling in love.

For Spencer, feelings were never part of the plan. But as Mickey blossoms into a self-assured man and their connection deepens, Spencer is forced to ask is Mickey just another checkmark on his list, or could he be the man who finally makes Spencer believe in love?"]

This one had Park Avenue Princes vibe. In a good way and in a you're-going-to-fuck-up-in-the-future kinda way (like the first Park Avenue Princes book...like She's All That). So like... loved the 90s rom-com feel, but hated the feelings of impending heartache/crying.

Because Spencer fell pretty hard, pretty fast (even if he didn't know what he was feeling and/or denying his feelings), and some of his friends weren't so...keen.

Whereas Mickey, our sweet as fuck Mickey, knew he was falling but couldn't do anything about it, didn't want to do anything about it. He knew Spencer would probably break his heart (we all did (see: She's All That third-act-break-up drama)), but sometimes being in love is worth it.

LUCKLY, these two had a very happy, very cheesy, very dorky ever after. ;)

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#betterthansex #kiterikson #sanfranciscosexgods #sanfranciscosexgodsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Isabelle Peterson.
Author 18 books465 followers
December 18, 2024
✨ Heartfelt, Steamy, and Unforgettable – A Story to Devour! ✨

I’m not sure I have the words to properly express how much I LOVED this book! From the very first page, I was captivated by Mickey and Spencer’s beautifully imperfect journey. The characters felt so real—vivid, flawed, and deeply human. And the love they shared? It was raw, tender, and utterly soul-stirring.

The pacing was sheer perfection. Yes, it’s a slow burn, but it never dragged—not for one second! Mickey, navigating his inexperience with vulnerability, and Spencer, who is the complete opposite, shared a connection so profound it leapt off the page. Watching Spencer care so much about Mickey (without spoiling anything!) melted my heart. Their journey was both achingly slow and intensely satisfying, building to some scorching spicy moments that were brimming with emotion and meaning.

This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about emotions, vulnerability, and growth. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t moments where I wanted to scream at both boys—sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of love—but that’s a testament to the incredible depth of their characterization. They felt so real that I felt their highs and lows and insecurities along with them.

The side characters were equally delightful! They added richness and warmth to the story, and I can’t wait to see more of them in future books. And I can’t forget to mention the dogs—what an adorable touch! 🐾

Favorite quotes? So many! But Mickey’s determination shone in:
~~~~
“I like you. And we were on a date tonight. I’m a grown man, Spencer, and I know what I want.” Mickey closed the distance between them. “I want you.”
~~~

And then this gut-wrenching moment of realization, which broke me:
~~~~
The click of the lock mechanism made him flinch. It was so final. He wouldn’t get to rewrite the ending of their story. There would be no heart-to-heart conversation, or tearful reunion. No second chances or do-overs. There was only a click, like the cocking of a pistol aimed at his heart.
~~~~

This book was everything I wanted and more—full of heart, heat, and unforgettable moments. If you love stories that make you feel every emotion under the sun, with characters who will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

5/5 stars. I’ll be counting down the days until the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
4,738 reviews436 followers
January 28, 2025
In Better Than Sex, Kit Erikson spins an unapologetically raunchy and surprisingly heartfelt story of two very different men navigating their lives and desires in San Francisco. Spencer is a charming yet commitment-averse playboy whose self-image as a “sex god” belies deeper insecurities, while Mickey is a wholesome, endearing nanny grappling with his inexperience in love. Their paths cross in a chance encounter, setting the stage for a journey that blends humor, longing, and emotional growth.

What stands out most is Erikson's ability to balance humor with emotional depth. The opening scenes, particularly Spencer's internal monologue about his "sex god" rules, had me laughing out loud. His morning-after exchange with Rory is witty and over-the-top, yet it highlights Spencer's struggle to maintain emotional distance. On the other hand, Mickey's tender moments with Logan, the child he cares for, exude warmth and sensitivity. One scene where Mickey comforts Logan with a stuffed tiger encapsulates his nurturing nature, making him instantly relatable.

The writing style is bold and descriptive, yet not without its quirks. Erikson doesn't shy away from graphic depictions of sex, but these moments are balanced with tender, introspective scenes. Spencer’s ongoing quest to complete his “f*ck-it list” showcases his hedonistic lifestyle but also subtly reveals his fear of vulnerability. Similarly, Mickey’s internal debates about putting himself out there romantically tug at the heartstrings. Erikson weaves these contrasting tones seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged while switching between the characters’ perspectives.

The book's greatest strength lies in its exploration of self-acceptance and love. Both Spencer and Mickey seek validation, one through hookups and the other through his dream of a romantic connection. Their development feels genuine, with moments of vulnerability that hit hard. Spencer’s realization about the hollowness of his lifestyle, juxtaposed with Mickey’s hesitance to take risks, creates a compelling narrative arc with a satisfying conclusion.

I highly recommend Better Than Sex to fans of LGBTQ+ romance who enjoy stories that mix explicit content with genuine emotional weight. Readers looking for a blend of humor, steam, and heart will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a story that’s not afraid to embrace both its lighter and darker moments, making it as memorable as it is entertaining.
Profile Image for Kristina.
396 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2024
This is a solid start to a very promising series!

Spencer has made the most of being a twentysomething gay man in San Francisco. He's even had a "bucket list" of sexytime situations that he has almost completely finished. With his thirtieth birthday fast approaching, he needs to check off the last item...a virgin. Enter Mickey, an adorable but innocent man who is newish to the city and tired of being ignored by every man he sees. Surely it can't hurt to befriend the self-proclaimed sex god and get some tips--after all, they're not going to catch feelings or anything.

This book takes a trope that can be cringey (adorkable makeover) and overall does a really good job with it. Spencer finds himself attracted to Mickey well before he realizes they could benefit each other, and he's oblivious enough to give some "idiot to lover" vibes which I love. The ones who say they don't do feelings always fall so hard, and it is always so good to see.

Mickey was a sweet man, and seeing him come into his own was truly great. I liked that he didn't try too hard to mold himself into the person Spencer was trying for and stayed true to himself. And he and Spencer really were super cute together, when Spencer wasn't getting in his own way.

There were some sweet moments, some funny moments, and some steamy moments (for all that this is mostly a slow burn, there is still some chemistry). Throw in some great friends (except one) and an adorable dog and you've got the ingredients for an enjoyable book.

There was one thing that happened (which you can guess based on the premise) that made me extremely angry, and I think that a certain side character did not do nearly enough to make it up to one of the people involved. That part does not totally ruin the book, but I also think it could have been a very good book without it.
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,726 reviews17 followers
November 18, 2024
WHAT A FANTASTIC START TO THE SERIES!💕🌈

The blurb intrigued me as I don’t know this authors work but I do now!

It as a thrill to see the gay community of San Fransisco through the authors eyes!

💘Drag Queen mama bear
💘Speed Dating
💘Found Family
💘Sweet broken dog
💘Rules to being a sex god

“falling asleep in the arms of someone you love–was the best feeling in the world. It was even better than sex.”

Holy smokes but this book gripped me from the beginning chapter right to the end , I just could not put it down as I had to force myself to get some sleep this morning!

The characters were just swoon worthy and funny but also complex as they all have their story to tell and Spencer and Mickey told theirs with so much emotion and heart it was just amazing!

“Someday, someone will fall in love with you, just as you are. He’ll see how amazing you are.”

I don’t want to give too much of the story away but when a player forgets to find hookups and completing his f*ckit list because of a certain sweet ordinary guy that mesmerises him need I say more?

I enjoyed their heartfelt journey and found family of fellow sex gods and friends at the Blind Tiger and dog shelter!

Their meet cute was entertaining and sweet and a prelude to things to expect later with them.

Oh the rules of Spencer- and the sexual mentorship will be his downfall when he tutors Mickey…

They have a hard won happily ever after with a tearful , emotional epilogue!

Oh my heart bleeds for Zander, I hope he finds the person to heal him like Mickey did for Spencer!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
Profile Image for Tara Bennett.
Author 6 books22 followers
November 21, 2024
Spencer was a self-proclaimed ‘sex god,’ and he lived the life that he had created with his friends. Sex was fun and temporary. You don’t get attached to your hookups, you don’t fall in love, and you follow the rules established by the club. But as Spencer turns thirty, he realizes that there might be more than hookups, and that concept really hits home when a sweet man grabs his attention.

Mickey had a lot to deal with, and before he knew it, he was twenty-eight and still a virgin. Things never seemed to come together for him when it came to men. When he meets Spencer, something between them ignites, but Mickey has no interest in just hooking up. He wants it to mean something. Why must he be attracted to a man who declares he has no interest in a relationship? There has to be a middle ground, friends-with-benefits? All Mickey knows is that Spencer is the one he wants to lose his virginity to, and the rest can be figured out later.

OPINION: I love this story. There are almost four hundred pages, which gives you a lot of story to sink your teeth into. Both of these men are lovely in their own way. Mickey may be a virgin, but he isn’t a delicate flower; he has wants and needs. He willingly jumps into new things instead of letting his inexperience swallow him whole. It makes the character very charming. Spencer is a big softy that has a big wall protecting his bruised heart. He is likable. The friend group is a lot of fun, and you really get to know them all. There aren’t a lot of spicy scenes, but there are a few that are sweet and sensual. This is a low-angst sweet love story that I very much enjoyed reading.
Profile Image for Amanda Winter.
809 reviews24 followers
November 18, 2024

This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. The writing was well-crafted, and the romance between Spencer and Mickey unfolded as a sweet and satisfying slow burn. I appreciated how their relationship developed naturally, with tender moments and emotional depth that kept me invested from start to finish.

Spencer and Mickey were both endearing characters with distinct personalities that made their journey even more compelling. Spencer’s reserved nature and Mickey’s charm created a dynamic that felt authentic and relatable. Their chemistry grew gradually, making their eventual connection all the more rewarding.

One of the highlights for me was the cast of side characters, who brought added warmth and complexity to the story. Each of them felt fully realised, with hints of their own intriguing stories waiting to be told. I’m genuinely excited about the possibility of future books exploring these characters further, as they enriched the world and added layers to the narrative.

This book left me eager to read more from this author, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for their future work. If you enjoy heartfelt, slow-burn romances with memorable characters and a touch of sweetness, this is a story you won’t want to miss!
Profile Image for Boys From The Bookshelf.
183 reviews32 followers
November 18, 2024
This is my first full length read by Kit Erikson . I had previously read the prequel novella and really liked it, so I was excited to get into this one.

‘Better Than Sex’ is the first in the ‘San Francisco Sex Gods’ series and follows Spencer, who’s living out his wildest fantasies and living up to his Sex God persona, all while shunning love. That is until he crosses paths with Mickey.

Spencer is looking for a virgin that he can have an incredible night with, and Mickey seems like the perfect choice.

The title somewhat implies a sex filled romp of a story, and there is some heat, but I found it to also be very heartfelt and sweet too. As the MCs build feelings towards one another and a relationship develops they find that their ‘opposites attract’ dynamic gives way to tenderness and a real connection.

This slow burn is engaging and the characters are well written, I found myself invested very quickly. The plot is solid. Its both emotional and funny in equal measure. There were some tearful moments but the HEA was very satisfying, all be it hard earned.

I am very much looking forward to more from this series.

Read if you love
Opposites attract
Unexpected emotions
Found Family
A great mix of side characters
Slow burn/medium heat.
Profile Image for Mary Forster.
736 reviews16 followers
November 23, 2024
Spencer has a list that he wants to finish and there is one item left for him to complete it and that's finding a virgin. Him and his friends came up with a group known as the sex gods and there are rules to being part of that group however sometimes rules are meant to be broken. When Spencer lands eyes on Mickey, he can't help but get to know him better.

Mickey is a nanny and loves what he does. He takes care of his siblings and always wears hand-me down clothes so nothing ever looks right on him. When he Spencer helps him out one day with Mr. Stripes, he will never forget him. One day he runs into him again and gets an offer that he can't refuse with Spencer on getting a makeover. Mickey enjoys being able to hang out with Spencer but he doesn't feel like he should be part of the sex gods when he has never done anything at all.

Things change between the two the more time they spend together however when Mickey is informed of what is left on Spencer's list, it's an eye opener for him. Spencer now has to really figure out if all his rules are worth losing possibly the best person to enter his life.

I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
796 reviews7 followers
November 14, 2024
Mr. Stripes, sex vulture, zhuzhing, Bilbo Briggs, oh sugar beet, ank-sis, pink squeaky ball, Pepper Briggs

392 Kindle app-pages--that's the length of this book, but it doesn't feel like that long. It's because "Better than Sex" is well-written, the story is captivating, flows smoothly, and keeps up the pace. It never drags. The angst level is medium for both MCs. The steam level is high, especially when the MCs make love. The secondary characters are mostly likeable and surprisingly well-developed.

Mickey Briggs is a live-in nanny for families with young children dealing with grief and a 28 year-old virgin who hasn't even been kissed. He's naìve, nice, and sweetly adorable. To top it off, he volunteers at a rescue dog shelter!

Spencer Ewing is a freelance photographer with a sex bucket list (f***-it list) to be completed by age 30. His 30th birthday is two weeks away. He and his friends are self-anointed sex gods with rules. One rule is no dating, only hookups. He has only one task left: sleep with a virgin.

I was delighted with and enjoyed reading this story. I ardently recommend it.
1,896 reviews7 followers
November 26, 2024
The best laid plans.......

Meeting Spencer in the free story, Holding Holden, I was actually quite charmed by him so was looking forward to his book.
The blurb tells you what to expect and that's what you get. Spencer is far more worldly-wise, as a self-proclaimed sex god, than sweet and awkward Mickey but Spencer finds not only is Mickey the unicorn he needs to complete his list, he actually likes Mickey and wants to help him find his confidence, his community and his own inner sex god.
I loved how Spencer fell in love with Mickey without realising what was happening. He was hooked before he even realised Mickey had cast his line and it was funny and endearing. Mickey was just a sweetheart and all I wanted to do was give him a hug. They were perfect for each other and I loved them together.
This is a long book but it didn't feel like it when I was reading and the time with Spencer and Mickey flew by. I loved the rest of the cast and I'm looking forward to see who is next. There's also two other free stories to enjoy and you'd get more out of this if you read all three before Better Than Sex.
Profile Image for TUKricker.
309 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2024
Don't judge a book by its cover, that's what they always say. Have I been guilty of this prior, yes, did I do that when I selected this book, maybe. Thinking from the picture and the title we would get young debaucherous sex in a San Fransico setting, why not.

What I thought I was getting was a far cry from what I actually got. The Way Erikson leads you on with the light and playful first third of the book is nothing when he drops in some 2000s-style rom-com make over scenes in the second and then the heart-renching conclusion in the third.

I will say my favorite part of the whole book was the third half. The background of both MCs and the totality of how they got to the point where they met was so sweet. The HEA was also fantastic and a bit unexpected.

Every time I read books like this I am always taking a tally of the supporting characters to see who would make the best choice for the next book in the series. My money is on Xander, that boy has a past I would like to dive into.
Profile Image for Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§).
825 reviews75 followers
June 16, 2025
The Sex God and the Innocent Virgin. MM

At 28 years old Mickey Briggs a Manny, was giving up on ever loosing his virginity. When he first set eyes on Spencer Ewing he felt something in his chest flip over. It was during a flash dating event that they met again. Spencer took Mickey under his wing to teach him how to bring out his best looks on a shopping spree. Mickey is falling fast.

Spencer is withholding a secret from his ‘Fucket List’ even though he told Mickey that he and his friends were ‘Sex Gods’ and didn’t date, when Spencer’s friend and roommate spills the beans to Mickey on such a special occasion, Mickey is distraught and leaves without a goodbye.

Kit Erikson is a first time read for me and this book was just right for my mood today.
Loved the camaraderie between Spencer and his friends and of course the poor innocent adorable Mickey and his BFF Jasmine who saves the day.
238 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2025
So much of this book was just dumb. I'm actually a little embarrassed that I finished it but, in my defense, I kept hoping that there would be something to justify finishing it so I kept going. That was a mistake. It never got better.

The premise was gross. I understand that we're supposed to see the gold underneath the poop, but so many of the main characters were gross and I don't mean because they had sex with a lot of people. I mean that they were gross people. We're supposed to feel triumph when one of them is able to overcome their tragic backstory and see the value in love, but they're simply gross and childish and they never stopped being gross to me–– as people. This book was dumb and I feel dumb for having read it.

The only decent thing I'm willing to say about it is that at least there weren't a lot of typos and basic editing mistakes. The content is a zero but, technically, there was effort put into that part of the process. I could give it two stars, but I won't.
308 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
Spencer is jaded, a founding member of "the sex gods" he is one box from checking off his "fuck-it" list. The problem is how do you find a gay man in San Francisco that's a virgin. The sex-gods have only four rules. #1 No sleep overs, #2 No repeats, #3 Try everything (amended to try everything that seems interesting ie: no golden showers), and most important #4 No falling in love. Spencer is three weeks away from turning 30, how will he find that unicorn a gay virgin. If what he has done in the past doesn't work, try something new. And he finds Mickey at speed dating, after meeting the sweet man outside the Wayside diner.
Deciding to bring Mickey into the sex-gods group and refine Mickey the tables get turned and the student becomes the master. Mickey manages to reconnect Spencer to his more authentic side and learn to love again.
140 reviews
April 27, 2025
Spencer is jaded, a founding member of "the sex gods" he is one box from checking off his "fuck-it" list. The problem is how do you find a gay man in San Francisco that's a virgin. The sex-gods have only four rules. #1 No sleep overs, #2 No repeats, #3 Try everything (amended to try everything that seems interesting ie: no golden showers), and most important #4 No falling in love. Spencer is three weeks away from turning 30, how will he find that unicorn a gay virgin. If what he has done in the past doesn't work, try something new. And he finds Mickey at speed dating, after meeting the sweet man outside the Wayside diner.
Deciding to bring Mickey into the sex-gods group and refine Mickey the tables get turned and the student becomes the master. Mickey manages to reconnect Spencer to his more authentic side and learn to love again.
Profile Image for Kristi.
433 reviews
November 16, 2024
This was an engaging read. I was a little worried about it being 400 pages, as I’m really used to less than 300 most of the time now, but it didn’t FEEL like 400 pages. I adored sweet Mickey. He was such a sweet character and I hurt for him having missed so much due to his family’s circumstances. Spencer, on the other hand, was almost willfully obtuse about their situation. I appreciated how clearly he saw things eventually, but he irritated me again by making assumptions and letting so much time go by without having a simple conversation. Xander was just a jerk. He needed to do some serious groveling. The end was so great it was worth my irritation. Slow burn, low angst, low-medium heat, HEA.
Profile Image for Lily .
157 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this story a lot!

Spencer and Mickey were very sweet. This is definitely a slow burn. There were times when you just want to shake both MC’s. Spencer is a self proclaimed “sex God“ and definitely a player. He spends most of the book denying that he wants to be in a relationship with Mickey.

And poor Mickey is totally inexperienced and naïve and a lot of things. He has very low self-esteem and is a character that you definitely just want to hug.

This one is a pretty low steam until the very end. The relationship development between the two characters is well written, but it took me a while to get into this one. I would say give it at least six chapters before you decide.

Overall, it’s a great book and I would highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Megan McGrath .
578 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2024
Spencer & Mickey
This book was fantastic! I was excited to dive into it based simply on the blurb, but it was even better than expected. I started reading it and just couldn't put it down!

Spencer is a very charismatic playboy, the complete opposite of the timid virgin, Mickey. But they work so perfectly together simply based on the pieces of their personalities that compliment each other. Their more comfortable banter is really cute, and when Mickey talks about Spencer putting on an act for other people but not him, it makes Mickey feel very special.

There were a lot of fun and entertaining moments in this book between the MCs and their friends. I was surprised at the level of emotional turmoil near the end of the book though. I always expect some angst, but this book spent so much time in a more comedic setting, that the relationship woes actually took me a bit by surprise.

I absolutely loved Better Than Sex. It was a very entertaining read and I'm really interested to see how Kit takes the rest of the series.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
745 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2024
What a great book to kick off this series. An engaging story about a "player" (Spencer) who has given up on love and is all about hooking up and he has one to do on his bucket list --take someones V-Card. Mickey the sweet shy guy is the perfect candidate. But in his quest to makeover Mickey, feelings start for Spencer something he did not plan for or anticipate. I love how both men grow up in different ways, and gotta say I wanted to hug and keep Mickey close from harm, and much of the time I wanted to slap Spence, but in his evolution he grew on me and I can to like him. A great read. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
3,012 reviews19 followers
November 19, 2024
Spencer believes he's sworn off love and as he is approaching 30 he decides to set about fulfilling a sexual bucket list. He wants to rock a virgin's world and he thinks Mikey would be just the guy. But Mikey makes Spencer work for it and it gives them a chance to spend a lot of time together during which the oblivious Spencer comes to realize that he is spending time with the man for him. This was a sweet romantic comedy in which the experienced guy had as much to learn as the guy he was wooing. Spencer needed to learn about love and romance and Mikey was the guy to help him see that.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie Richardson.
2 reviews
November 18, 2024
I read a prequel novella in a free download cause I thought the cover was pretty and loved it and wanted to know more. When I saw the first full book was coming out I couldnt wait to read it and was not let down! It not only focused on the couple but also on the entire group and their personalities and made me even more excited to read about the rest of the sex gods. I read it over the course of 2 days, I just had to keep reading to see how it turned out. Cute love story, not super spicy but enough tension to keep me interested, great read!!
Profile Image for Esther.
65 reviews
October 29, 2025
This was a very entertaining read. Well written. Wonderfully structured. I was very sad when it ended. I enjoyed getting to know these characters, their flaws, their strengths and their (hidden) desires. Can’t wait where this series takes us.

The story combined some of my favorite things: banter, flirting, drama, trauma and sex. Also there are puppies.

I received a copy of this book as an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews.

(Also don’t miss out on the short stories you’ll find when you subscribe to Kit‘s Newsletter - they are fire)
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,639 reviews14 followers
November 12, 2024
I had no idea how the author was gonna give Mickey and Spencer their happy ever after, but Im glad they got there.
While they both had issues from their pasts, its unsurprising that theres quite a bit of miscommunication & misunderstandings.
Think Mickeys shyness made me love him more, esp with how he interacta with Logan and Pepper.
Soooo many times I wanted to knock out Xander, but I guess he felt threatened by Mickey from the beginning. Im glad he sorta-kinda redeemed himself in the end.
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