Better Than Bundle

Better Than #1-4

by Lane Hayes

Sometimes you have to seek something better than what you already have… In Better Than Good, Matt Sullivan never thought he’d have a need to question the labels he’s used all his life, until he meets Aaron Mendez, a man who doesn’t believe in labels. In Better Than Chance, Jay Reynolds is falling for his sexy boss Peter Morgan, but can Jay be happy with what Peter can offer? In Better Than Friends, Curt Townsend and Jack Farinelli develop an unexpected friendship based on their mutual love of baseball, but is that enough to become even closer? In Better Than Safe, Paul Fallon, a fashion advertising guru, deals with enough chaos in his working life; he doesn’t need more when he goes home at the end of the day. Quirky, flighty, and wise beyond his years, Seth Landau challenges Paul’s ideas of safety and might just tempt him into taking a chance.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

724 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2016

About the author

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Than Stories Collection by Lane Hayes is a compilation of four stories following four different couples through their journeys to find love. There is also one novella, Better Than Ten Years Later, that gives us an update on the couple from book three. For almost nine days, I lived in this world with all of these characters and I find myself floundering a bit now that I’m done! These characters are all so deeply stuck in my heart!



First, I have to admit that after I read book one, I fell so in love with Matt and Aaron that I took a short break from this box set and read two separate books that gave us more on their lives. I read Better Than Beginnings which is a collection of short stories that take us through their lives together, and Better Than Home which is them buying their first home together. I just couldn’t get enough of these two!

Book one, Better Than Good, introduces us to Matt and Aaron, the law school student and Aaron that works for a fashion magazine. I loved them so much.



Book two, Better Than Chance, is Jay and Peter who both work for a lobbyist firm. This is an office crush that turns to dislike, then turns back into something more. These two are amazing together.

Book three, Better Than Friends, is an age gap and introduces us to Curt, another lawyer, and Jack, who owns a leather bar, a motorcycle shop, is covered in tattoos and is everything Curt never thought he could have.

Book four, Better Than Safe, is Paul, a fashion advertising guru and Seth, a model, musician and artist. Seth is everything Paul should stay away from but he just can’t help himself. The heart wants what it wants.

All of these books are amazing and I was sad it was over. I adore the way Lane Hayes writes her love stories. She makes their love for each other pour off the pages and it makes my heart so happy.

For more about these books and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

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(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve done a short review of each book in the bundle along with a separate rating. My rating for the bundle is 4.25 stars (which would have been higher except for Better Than Safe's 3.5 star rating). Hayes has a knack for writing strong beautiful men (Peter, Jack), men with a love of the creative arts (Aaron, Paul, Seth) and even a khaki-wearing attorney (Curt). Each of the MCs have palpable chemistry and Lane Hayes writes gloriously hot sex scenes, but she really excels in creating characters who just plain work well together ... after a few initial misgivings. I also liked the way the characters in this series have intertwining lives, and throughout the series we get updates as they move from love to marriage and beyond.

Better Than Friends - 4.25 stars

Better than Chance - 4.5 stars

Better than Friends - 4 stars

Better than Safe - 3.5 stars.

I received a galley copy from Dreamspinner Press, via Gay Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.

Review also posted on GayBook Reviews. Check it out!

[Jodi Ciorciari-marinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this series for awhile and was so glad when I saw this bundle come out. I wasn't disappointed. these are 4 great stories written by Lane.
In Better Than Good, we have Matt and Aaron's story. Matt thought he was straight until he saw Aaron at a club. Sparks fly and Matt knows he is bi and only wants Aaron. Though there is some tension these 2 men fall in love and it was great to see how happy they made each other.
In Better Than Chance, there is Jay and Peter's story. We met Jay in the first book as Matt's gay BFF. Peter is his boss and Jay thinks Peter is straight and a homophobe. We find out that is definitely not true when he pursues Jay. Peter doesn't do relationships but is willing to take a chance with Jay. It turns out that they both are what each other needed. This was a great story.
In Better Than Friends, it is Curt and Jack's time. I have to admit this was my favorite of all of them. Jack was great, he was in his forties and has never found anyone who he connects with until he meets Curt at Peter and Jay's wedding. Jack is Peter's ex so Curt doesn't believe some one as hot as Jack can be attracted to some one as ordinary as him. I loved these 2 together and was so glad it worked out at the end plus the sex scenes were HOT. JAck made Curt want t do things he never would have done and I loved to see Curt let go.
The last story was Better Than Safe, this is where we meet Paul and Seth. Paul is a friend of Aaron's and dated Curt. We didn't learn a lot about him in the previous books but now is his time to tell is story and that he did. Seth and Paul were opposites but something pulls them together. They have something in common that they are both trying to overcome. With each others help they find a HEA that neither of them were looking for.
I have to say I really enjoyed reading these stories. Lane's writing is great and the sex scenes are HOT. I also loved how she wrapped up all the other stories, weaving time bits through all the other stories. I fell in love with these man and sad to see them go but I there are some secondary characters I could see getting their own story too. So I am hoping this series isnt finished yet. Received an ARC from publisher for review. Reviewed by Jodi for Alpha Book Club,

[farmwifetwo]

2 books in. Will leave it for a while . They are repetitive .

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ~ The Better Than series, by Lane Hayes, is like your favorite box of chocolates: each one is a little different, but they all are just so satisfying when you’re craving something simple and sweet. Just like those confections, there is a formula that this author follows in all four books that you might think would get boring due to the repetition. However, the real genius here is that each character this author creates is so complex and well written that one never really focuses on the fact that every story runs pretty much the same course: boy meets boy, both boys are attracted, one wants to be just friends, one boy falls hard, and conflict arises.

Admittedly there are a few things in these stories that gave me pause—for instance, a tendency toward some interesting descriptions of a man’s penis that bordered on purple prose—“throbbing member” comes quickly to mind. Yes, it’s a bit over the top and, unfortunately, used in every one of the books, but those intimate scenes were so intense at times one never focused on that type of eye-rolling descriptor for very long. Also the theme of one lover not wanting to commit while the other falls hard, and continually berates himself for not keeping it simple, is the premise in each one of these novels. Again, this did not bother me at all. I loved seeing how Lane Hayes gave this thematic spine new life in each of her selections, and she did not disappoint. Each couple is so well sketched—three dimensional and realistic—that their path to a happy ever after was somehow unique despite the same plot premise.

I also think there was a tendency for repetition in the inner dialogue of whichever character was struggling with keeping the relationship, or lack thereof, on a friends-with-benefits basis. This, too, was a common theme in the novels and perhaps because I read all four back to back, it seemed to get old after a while, but I still think there was mention of it once too often in all four books. Lastly, the unbelievably handsome men that kept popping up as main characters felt rather trite after a while. I understand that some of the “drop dead gorgeous guy meets fairly less handsome dude” trope was necessary to give a bit more angst to the stories, but honestly, by the last one I was hoping for just two Average Joes discovering their love for each other.

So there are the few nitpicky things I could come up with that stood out, but none of them can take away from the fact that Lane Hayes is absolutely superb at crafting characters with depth and charisma. It’s more than just them being likable guys; instead, you are drawn to these men due to the author’s ability to craft a story that is believable and entertaining. You end up rooting for some and, alternately, want to slap some of them upside the head before long. Real people, this is the strength of a Lane Hayes novel: decent, caring, witty, and oh so human with all the foibles and problems most of us deal with every day. From Matt’s struggle to figure out whether he is bisexual or actually gay, to both Peter and Paul’s struggle to get past bad relationships that left them wounded and fragile, these eight men storm off the page and right into the reader’s heart.

At the end of the day, these men become a family to each other, a network of support and often a sage and realistic voice of reason when it is needed most. From the flighty and flirtatious Aaron, to Jay and Seth, to the older and thoughtful Jack, to Paul and Peter, we watch relationships grow and develop over a span of time—no instant love, no immediate gelling of personalities. No, these guys must work for the stability they so desperately seek in a partner. Matt and Curt round out the group with a sweet and self-deprecating attitude that tugs at your heart over and over again. And because this author is so adept at weaving a story, you find yourself eating these novels up—just like a delicious box of chocolates should be enjoyed.

Four great novels, Better Than Good, Better Than Chance, Better Than Friends and Better Than Safe, make for such enjoyable reading that I can highly recommend this lovely bundle to you.

Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

*copy provided by author/publisher through Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review*


Better Than Good

5 Stars

Matt is in his last year of law school. He is tall, good looking and has a girlfriend, but when his openly gay roommate invites him out for a night of drinking, Matt comes across the most beautiful man he's ever seen. Aaron is an aspiring photographer. He and Matt dance, but go their separate ways at the end of the night. But after spending the week thinking of nothing but Aaron, Matt goes after what he wants.

This was an amazing read. Matt and Aaron had an extraordinary chemistry. The slow burn romance pulls you in and holds you captive. I loved the way the author handled Matt coming to terms with his sexuality, it was done very well and this is probably one of the best GFY's I've ever read. This is a love story in the truest sense of the word. It's pretty low angst, sweet, romantic, funny and sexy. Both characters are lovable, and they just fit together so well. The book is well written, and flows well.


Better Than Chance

4 Stars

If you've read book one, Better Than Good, you'll know how this story ends. Jay and Peter are an established couple in Better Than Good, so Lane takes us back to the beginning to tell us how Jay and Peter came to be.

This too is a slow burn romance, that starts as enemies, moves on to friends with benefits and ultimately leads to the HEA we all know is coming. While this book was well written and enjoyable, I didn't feel the connection and chemistry between Jay and Peter, like I did with Matt and Aaron. Some characters you just don't feel it, even when other readers who've read the same books you did, do feel that elusive chemistry.

Still, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Better Than Friends

5 Stars

We all know and remember Curt, who is Matt's best friend and was his college roommate and also the openly gay friend that dragged Matt out to the club/bar where he met Aaron. Curt meets the older bad boy, Jack at Peter and Jay's wedding. They share a heated make out session. This continues on for months after, while they spend time watching games and getting to know each other, before moving to smoking hot sex. I loved these men. They have so much in common, yet were different enough to keep the relationship interesting. They fit so well together, and the chemistry was electric. The book is well written, and flows well.

Very enjoyable read.

Better Than Safe

5 Stars

While I have loved most of the characters throughout this series, I have to say, in this book I found the character I loved the most and also the one I disliked the most. I loved Seth. I know he is flighty and flaky, but I was drawn to him. I really wanted the story to be told from his POV. I didn't really care for Paul. I found he was a prim, proper and a British snob. Too uptight, but I guess Seth is so Rock~N~Roll, artsy and crass, they seemed to find a balance that worked.

Although I didn't like Paul throughout most of the story, both men had interesting and intriguing backstories. Both men are slightly broken and damaged in different ways and they grow throughout the book. They find a way to help each other trust, heal and fall in love. This was a well written, and well paced book filled with laughter, beauty, sweetness and steamy sex.


The bundle as a whole was amazing, and if you haven't read any of these books, you should get your finger on the one-click button right now!

You can find my other reviews for Divine Magazine at ~ http://divinemagazine.net/jreviews/my...

[Jaymie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Than Good

4.5 Stars!

Originally Read 8/2013
Re-read 6/2016

Matt is comfortable in life. He's almost done with Law School, has great friends, a great family and a steady girlfriend. On a typical night out with friends they end up going to a local gay bar, it's the least they can do since their friend Curt always goes where everyone else wants to go. While waiting for drinks, Matt catches a glimpse of a stunning man making his way to the dance floor. Since he can't take his eyes off of him, Matt follows him. What starts as a simple dance leads to a drink and a little flirting, but is cut short when they have to part ways.

Matt can't stop thinking about Aaron, the more he wants him, the harder it becomes. A couple of run ins with him over the next few weeks lead Matt to start questioning what he wants from life, starting with Aaron. Can he convince himself and Aaron that he's ready to be in a relationship with a man?

I really loved both Matt and Aaron. Matt is a bit naive sometimes, but he's truly sincere throughout the entire story. He is one of those characters I couldn't help but fall in love with. As for Aaron, he's quirky and funny, smart and sweet, and while the two men may be complete opposites they work well together. The author did a wonderful job writing this couple and displaying how much they cared for one another.

While many readers have labeled this as Gay For You, I think of it more as Out For You. Matt may have identified himself as straight, but we learn pretty early on, he's been attracted to men before Aaron. So if GFY is something you usually avoid have no fear Better Than Good is worth reading.


Better Than Chance

4 Stars!

We met Peter and Jay in Matt and Aaron's story. This is the story of how a beautiful and loving couple fell in love. Of course their story was not one that begins with "It was love at first sight".

Jay and Peter were the perfect couple from book one but this gives us a good look at how they met. We get to see that these two had to get past misunderstandings and Jay's dislike of a very different Peter than we are used to.

It was hard for me to really get into this one, mainly because I knew how Jay and Peter were in book one not to mention the prologue. I am not the biggest fan of knowing the ending before the start of the book. It's harder to get invested in it that way, at least for me.

Having said that, as a whole Better Than Chance is enjoyable. I love Peter and Jay. I can't wait to read the next books and see what the author has in store for the different couples.


Better Than Friends

4.5 Stars!

Jack used to date Peter. Peter married Jay. Jay is Aaron's best friend, Aaron dates Matt. Matt used to live with Curt (his best friend). You still with me? Well, this is the story of Curt and Jack, two men who became unlikely friends and then fell in love.

"...when he turned to find his seat, I had the oddest sensation I was getting my first look at someone significant."

Jay and Peter's nuptials are the first gay wedding Curt Townsend has ever attended and while he's excited to celebrate with his friends, he hates to admit he feels slightly out of place. He is surprised when he meets someone as captivating as Jack Farinelli. Curt is certain that they have nothing in common. Jack owns a bar, is covered in tattoos and rides a motorcycle. Curt is a lawyer, wears khakis and spends his free time watching or playing sports.

Jack seems to ooze self-confidence. At 42, he knows what he likes and wants in life. He’s attracted to Curt the minute he sees him and with little effort learns they both have a love for baseball.

Spending time together watching games and fooling around is easy, it's deciding if they should try for more that's hard. Both men will have to learn to trust before they can move forward and hopefully find their own happily ever after.

I liked Jack and Curtis and I thought they made a good couple. I also liked that we were able to see them become friends as well as lovers. Their entire relationship wasn't just based on sex.

The only thing that bugged me was that I never took Curt for being super insecure until reading this book. It didn't fit with my initial ideas of him from book one. It was hard for me to see him insecure and a bit naive. However, I loved that he seemed to still have that clever wit that blended so well with Jack's laid-back teasing personality.


Better than Safe

4 Stars!

Paul Fallon thinks settling down with a nice doctor or lawyer sounds perfect. He isn't going to let himself fall for another artist, that will only lead to pain. So when his friend sets him up with the gorgeous model he has been eyeing, Paul can't help but be skeptical, if only the man wasn't so beautiful.

Seth Landau isn't just a model, he's also a musician and more importantly, an artist. His quirky, off-the-wall attitude and his aversion to being on time may turn some people off, but underneath his laissez-faire attitude is a strong, intelligent man. As much as Paul fights his attraction to him there is something that keeps drawing him back in.

Even though Paul knows deep down things won't work out, he lets Seth talk him into taking a chance. Now Paul will have to learn to let go of his tight control and take a risk. History doesn't always repeat itself and sometimes taking a chance is better than being safe.

Well it was hard for me at first to like Paul, he's a snobby humorless control freak. But somewhere along the line Paul started to break my heart and I realized that he was much more than meets the eye. I started to find his grumpy disposition endearing. Paul was actually one of those people I think you either love or hate and somehow I wound up loving him.

As for Seth, I'm not going to lie I was absolutely not a fan. Again, however much he got on my nerves at first I wound up truly liking him by the end of the book. Will he be my favorite? No, but I think he makes a great match for Paul and I was very happy with the ending.


And on a side note it was nice to have a small glimpse of Rand. It's making me excited to start the next series A Kind Of Stories. I definitely recommend the Better Than series.


***A copy of these books were provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.***

[M L R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this boxed set during 16 hour plane trips to and from Australia. Not sure why I waited so long but loved each story… held my interest and kept me from sleep!

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star all round in this better than series by lane hayes

I couldn't think of one review to put to this bungle so here's my separate ones for each story.
Book 1 matt and Aaron's journey
I loved following matt and aaron's story there were times I wanted to laugh and cry I fell in love with them.
I loved Aaron he was so much fun to read and I loved how loving and careing he was.
For matt it was discovering who he was and accepting it and being happy with himself, he was amazing.
Matt and arron's story was wonderfully amazing.

Book 2 jay and Peter's story
These two had an emotional journey, I loved following jay and peters friendship develope into more I loved it.
I loved these guys, its true never judge a person by first impressions you might be wrong.
You don't know what what will happen until you take a chance you never know it could turn into something wonderful.
Jay and peters story was beautiful.

Book 3 jack and Curt's journey
My heart broke for these guys who were trying to be happy and fighting there demons of the past at the same time trying to move on to the future.
I was shocked how insecure curt was but jack had a way of grounding him and helped curt start to fight his insecurities.
I loved both of there playful sides when they showed.
This was a very intense story I loved it.

Book 4 Paul and Seth's journey
This story was the most intense heartstopping journey of them all.
At first I thought Seth was iamature,selfish and arragant but as I got to know him I fell in love with him because I realised he was hideing hurt under it all and Paul I thought he was a snob until I got to know him and fell in love with him to.
Even though it took a while for Paul and Seth's friendship to develope with the possabiity of it becoming something more I think they both were a bit scared because of both Seth and Paul's demons of the past they were both fighting
When the both started spending more time together I could feel how intense there connection was on every page it was really amazing it were like I was there through it all I loved it.
I agree the greatest risk is not taking one and as Paul discovered the greatest risk to take is better than being safe and missing out on something that could become really special.

I really enjoyed following each couples separate journeys thank you lane Hayes for sharing the guys with us I loved all of them

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!, to quote Paul:)
It poked my "squishy feelings" a bit but not too bad, meaning it wasn't too angsty.
Loved the writing, so fell in love with all the characters, can't even say which book was my favorite.
Okay, maybe the first one. Although I started the series with the third one.
Look forward to reading more books from this author!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviews to be placed on individual books rather than the series as a whole. Please see individual titles.