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Better Love #2
Better With You
Riggs Stanton is a thief.
He’s also a liar, a jerk, and a playboy jock.
Sure, I might have thought we had a connection.
I might have thought he was worth breaking my “no dating” rule. He might have even given me the best orgasm I’ve ever experienced to date.
But it was a farce.
A trick.
Another lie.
And I don’t make mistakes twice.
Now he says he needs me.
One week of my help and I never have to deal with him again.
For ten grand, I can suffer anything for seven days.
Even Riggs Stanton.
Except…
The more time I spend with him, the more I get to know him, the more I question myself.
What if what we shared before was real, and it’s everything else that’s fake?
**Better With You is the second interconnected standalone in the Better Love series by Brit Benson.
This enemies to lovers new adult romance is sassy, sexy, and has a guaranteed HEA.
It is not necessary to read Love You Better before enjoying Better With You, though this book will contain minor spoilers for book one.
He’s also a liar, a jerk, and a playboy jock.
Sure, I might have thought we had a connection.
I might have thought he was worth breaking my “no dating” rule. He might have even given me the best orgasm I’ve ever experienced to date.
But it was a farce.
A trick.
Another lie.
And I don’t make mistakes twice.
Now he says he needs me.
One week of my help and I never have to deal with him again.
For ten grand, I can suffer anything for seven days.
Even Riggs Stanton.
Except…
The more time I spend with him, the more I get to know him, the more I question myself.
What if what we shared before was real, and it’s everything else that’s fake?
**Better With You is the second interconnected standalone in the Better Love series by Brit Benson.
This enemies to lovers new adult romance is sassy, sexy, and has a guaranteed HEA.
It is not necessary to read Love You Better before enjoying Better With You, though this book will contain minor spoilers for book one.
ebook
First published November 20, 2021
562 people are currently reading
3797 people want to read
About the author
Brit Benson
18 books1,869 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 250 reviews
November 29, 2021
A sweet and emotional college romance.
Better With You was a great follow up book to Love You Better. We now follow Bailey as she figures some life stuff out and reluctantly falls in lurve.
Bailey and Riggs have a fun banter filled meet cute, some steamy encounters, and then it all goes kaboom. Withholding some truths takes something that had potential and legit just messes it all up. Both of these characters are dealing with their own stuff, but they do find some sort of happiness in each other whether they both want to or not.
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that’s set in college then download this baby ASAP. There’s baking. Hot naughty bits. Funny banter. Deeply emotional life stuff. And just an entertaining journey from lovers to you’re dead to me, and slowly slowly back to lovers.
Tiktok - https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2su9A8/
IG - https://instagram.com/p/CW3XpBhrGX0/
Better With You was a great follow up book to Love You Better. We now follow Bailey as she figures some life stuff out and reluctantly falls in lurve.
Bailey and Riggs have a fun banter filled meet cute, some steamy encounters, and then it all goes kaboom. Withholding some truths takes something that had potential and legit just messes it all up. Both of these characters are dealing with their own stuff, but they do find some sort of happiness in each other whether they both want to or not.
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that’s set in college then download this baby ASAP. There’s baking. Hot naughty bits. Funny banter. Deeply emotional life stuff. And just an entertaining journey from lovers to you’re dead to me, and slowly slowly back to lovers.
Tiktok - https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2su9A8/
IG - https://instagram.com/p/CW3XpBhrGX0/
December 12, 2022
Sweet & Spicy
“I don’t know if I want to choke him to death with my bare hands or choke myself to blackout on his dick. It’s very inconvenient for me.”
Oh my goodness this book was amazing, I loved it. It was well written, I could feel the characters emotions off the pages. It left me emotional and super hungry with all the recipes. It was sweet and spicy with my favorite trope, enemies to lovers.
“I don’t know if I want to choke him to death with my bare hands or choke myself to blackout on his dick. It’s very inconvenient for me.”
Oh my goodness this book was amazing, I loved it. It was well written, I could feel the characters emotions off the pages. It left me emotional and super hungry with all the recipes. It was sweet and spicy with my favorite trope, enemies to lovers.
Read
November 27, 2021I wrote this book! I've also read it a few (maybe 50) times, so let me give you a rundown of what to expect.
In Better With You, you'll get:
✨Enemies to lovers (but more like lovers to enemies to...well, you'll see...)
✨Grumpy/Sunshine
✨Alpha jock who loves his momma
✨"Girl at the rock show meets girl next door” heroine
✨iTs JuSt SeX
✨But there’s only one bed!
✨Boys Who Bake ™️
✨2000s pop-punk references
✨Lots of steam and lots of sass and a filthy mouth
✨Some heart-wrenching pain tho
If that sounds like your thing, check it out!
In Better With You, you'll get:
✨Enemies to lovers (but more like lovers to enemies to...well, you'll see...)
✨Grumpy/Sunshine
✨Alpha jock who loves his momma
✨"Girl at the rock show meets girl next door” heroine
✨iTs JuSt SeX
✨But there’s only one bed!
✨Boys Who Bake ™️
✨2000s pop-punk references
✨Lots of steam and lots of sass and a filthy mouth
✨Some heart-wrenching pain tho
If that sounds like your thing, check it out!
December 1, 2022
Better With You is a fabulous follow up to Love You Better. Enemies to lovers with amazing chemistry and banter between Bailey and Riggs. Their first meeting was so damn good. I couldn’t control my giddiness cause the connection between these two was immediate.
I already knew Bailey from book 1 and there she made a huge impression on me and here in her own story she didn’t disappoint. She’s the kind of heroine I enjoy to read. Strong, opinionated and loyal to the core. Riggs definitely did his part too. The rugged scruffy guy who just wanted to the right thing. I fell for him hard. He and Bailey delivered the steam. Big time.
What really makes this story shine is the characters. Not only the two MC’s but also the side characters as it was with book 1. The friendship between Bailey, Ivy, Kelley and Jesse is so special. I enjoyed every scene with them cause they’re are family. They’re so much fun and support one another one hundred percent.
Next up is Jesse and I’m so ready for this knitting jokester. I can’t wait to be back with this wonderful group of friends.
5 Origami Stars
I already knew Bailey from book 1 and there she made a huge impression on me and here in her own story she didn’t disappoint. She’s the kind of heroine I enjoy to read. Strong, opinionated and loyal to the core. Riggs definitely did his part too. The rugged scruffy guy who just wanted to the right thing. I fell for him hard. He and Bailey delivered the steam. Big time.
What really makes this story shine is the characters. Not only the two MC’s but also the side characters as it was with book 1. The friendship between Bailey, Ivy, Kelley and Jesse is so special. I enjoyed every scene with them cause they’re are family. They’re so much fun and support one another one hundred percent.
Next up is Jesse and I’m so ready for this knitting jokester. I can’t wait to be back with this wonderful group of friends.
5 Origami Stars
November 25, 2021
Boy oh boy. This book was a freaking rollercoaster of emotions. I smiled, I cried, I swooned, I fanned, I screamed and then all over again. It's not often that a book makes me feel so much and I'm writing this review still with tears in my eyes. But even though you may or may not feel as much as I did, I guarantee that it is worth it.
The chemistry? Off the charts! Sexual tension? Burning down entire buildings. The characters? Ducking amazing!! This book has some of my favorite tropes like hate to love and one bed. I started loving the book as soon as I started it. Then something happened and it gave me pause. I wasn't sure where this was heading and what was happening, but as soon as everything clicked I just wanted to keep going. And I'm so happy I did, because I ended up devouring it and loving it!
Brit has been proven once again that she's a new favorite author, as I've loved her books and I'm craving for more. You definitely need to read her books, meet her characters, feel along with them. Recommend them 100%
The chemistry? Off the charts! Sexual tension? Burning down entire buildings. The characters? Ducking amazing!! This book has some of my favorite tropes like hate to love and one bed. I started loving the book as soon as I started it. Then something happened and it gave me pause. I wasn't sure where this was heading and what was happening, but as soon as everything clicked I just wanted to keep going. And I'm so happy I did, because I ended up devouring it and loving it!
Brit has been proven once again that she's a new favorite author, as I've loved her books and I'm craving for more. You definitely need to read her books, meet her characters, feel along with them. Recommend them 100%
November 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this, the start was fire, I loved the chemistry, the ending got too bland and boring and sickly lol though and the angst went away 😂
November 19, 2021
Let me preface this review by saying just be prepared to be hot and hungry!
This book was *baker's kiss*, I loved this book so much! Better With You is easily one of my favorite reads of 2021. Riggs and B were the best, I thought this while reading multiple times but this book made me literally both hot and hungry. Better With You is a lovers to enemies to lovers, yes you read that right. And let me tell you these enemies sure know how to love, they are both dirty talkers which first of all I love a Heroine who knows what she wants and that's exactly Bailey. Bailey is relatable and I want to be her best friend. She is everything I want in a character while reading. She's real, B experienced pain, both past and present, that you can't help but feel for her. I think that's what made it so easy to love her. And that goes for Riggs, aka Alex, too. Riggs is an asshole but is also the sweetest momma's boy who can make you laugh and swoon in one second and want to hit him in the head with a rolling pin the next second. Along with the pain they both endure, there was sweet and laugh out loud moments. It was fun and dirty while serious and heartbreaking. You might want snacks, a bottle of something cheap but delicious, and possibly a box of tissues nearby when you read this book because of how perfect everything is. I'm not saying either character is perfect, if anything their imperfections shine throughout. It's like even through their imperfections they were better with each other, yes I went there haha. There was character growth and development from both the hero and Heroine which really hammered down the story for me. Honestly I feel like I'm babbling at this point but that's because this book made me feel all the emotions and I just love it so much. I definitely recommend everyone reading this book because these characters are amazing and so is the story!
This book was *baker's kiss*, I loved this book so much! Better With You is easily one of my favorite reads of 2021. Riggs and B were the best, I thought this while reading multiple times but this book made me literally both hot and hungry. Better With You is a lovers to enemies to lovers, yes you read that right. And let me tell you these enemies sure know how to love, they are both dirty talkers which first of all I love a Heroine who knows what she wants and that's exactly Bailey. Bailey is relatable and I want to be her best friend. She is everything I want in a character while reading. She's real, B experienced pain, both past and present, that you can't help but feel for her. I think that's what made it so easy to love her. And that goes for Riggs, aka Alex, too. Riggs is an asshole but is also the sweetest momma's boy who can make you laugh and swoon in one second and want to hit him in the head with a rolling pin the next second. Along with the pain they both endure, there was sweet and laugh out loud moments. It was fun and dirty while serious and heartbreaking. You might want snacks, a bottle of something cheap but delicious, and possibly a box of tissues nearby when you read this book because of how perfect everything is. I'm not saying either character is perfect, if anything their imperfections shine throughout. It's like even through their imperfections they were better with each other, yes I went there haha. There was character growth and development from both the hero and Heroine which really hammered down the story for me. Honestly I feel like I'm babbling at this point but that's because this book made me feel all the emotions and I just love it so much. I definitely recommend everyone reading this book because these characters are amazing and so is the story!
November 23, 2021
Bailey is a college student on a mission to fix the wrongs of her past & in order to do that, she needs to win a baking competition in her local area with a $2,000 cash prize. Before the competition, Bailey meets a handsome stranger who reaches for the same bottle of vanilla extract as her. He’s persistent to track down Bailey & her number, and before long, their flirty banter turns into fun in the sheets.
The last thing Bailey expects is for her new friend with benefits—whose real name is Riggs—to be a competitor at the baking competition and for him to have a girl hanging on his arm. And to make matters worse? He takes her prize, fair and square.
But there just so happens to be another competition in Chicago with an even bigger prize & it requires the competitors to be in pairs. Even though Bailey hates Riggs, she needs the money and so she agrees to be his partner. Bailey wants to hate Riggs, but the more time they spend together, the more the ice around her heart melts…
Better With You by Brit Benson is book 2 in the Better Love series. Wow this book knocked my socks off and wrecked me all in the span of a few hours! I was a sobbing mess by the end of this and loved every second of it. This is a very emotional read that deals with topics such as: transphobia, death of a loved one, terminal illness. On a lighter note, Bailey & Riggs had great chemistry and I loved the baking element that was ever-present the whole story. Highly recommend this one & one of my favorite reads this fall! 5/5 stars.
Thank you Wildfire Marketing & Brit Benson for my review copy!
The last thing Bailey expects is for her new friend with benefits—whose real name is Riggs—to be a competitor at the baking competition and for him to have a girl hanging on his arm. And to make matters worse? He takes her prize, fair and square.
But there just so happens to be another competition in Chicago with an even bigger prize & it requires the competitors to be in pairs. Even though Bailey hates Riggs, she needs the money and so she agrees to be his partner. Bailey wants to hate Riggs, but the more time they spend together, the more the ice around her heart melts…
Better With You by Brit Benson is book 2 in the Better Love series. Wow this book knocked my socks off and wrecked me all in the span of a few hours! I was a sobbing mess by the end of this and loved every second of it. This is a very emotional read that deals with topics such as: transphobia, death of a loved one, terminal illness. On a lighter note, Bailey & Riggs had great chemistry and I loved the baking element that was ever-present the whole story. Highly recommend this one & one of my favorite reads this fall! 5/5 stars.
Thank you Wildfire Marketing & Brit Benson for my review copy!
April 26, 2023
Brit Benson has completely WOW'd me with this book! The risks she takes, the pertinent and current social issues she tackles, and the magnetic chemistry between Riggs and Bailey blew me away!!
This story goes well beyond the enemies-to-lovers trope. You will read and experience so much depth and different layers to these characters, as well as the sub-plots. I fell for Riggs & Bailey immediately, and then I just kept falling, becoming more and more invested in them and each of their lives.
Bailey's confident and sassy persona is so refreshing, and Rigg's cocky swagger, yet compassionate and vulnerable sides are OH SO SWOON-WORTHY!! I fell for this guy HARD, and wanted to become Bailey's next BFF.
The side-characters are outstanding, the story-telling is next level brilliant, and the wit, humor and emotion on each and every page make this a FIVE STAR, MUST READ! Well done once again B Benson! I cannot wait for what's next!
This story goes well beyond the enemies-to-lovers trope. You will read and experience so much depth and different layers to these characters, as well as the sub-plots. I fell for Riggs & Bailey immediately, and then I just kept falling, becoming more and more invested in them and each of their lives.
Bailey's confident and sassy persona is so refreshing, and Rigg's cocky swagger, yet compassionate and vulnerable sides are OH SO SWOON-WORTHY!! I fell for this guy HARD, and wanted to become Bailey's next BFF.
The side-characters are outstanding, the story-telling is next level brilliant, and the wit, humor and emotion on each and every page make this a FIVE STAR, MUST READ! Well done once again B Benson! I cannot wait for what's next!
November 17, 2021
Before I even started this book I listened to the playlist. Not gonna lie either I rarely listen to playlists that go along with the books, but in this case I’m so glad I did. These songs and especially the older ones I grew up listening to brought back so many emotionally filled memories and took me back to a time where my angsty teenaged self thought I could rule the world and life was easy, but above everything else I learned to have fun and live in the moment without a care in the world. And if these songs could do this to me and make me feel this way I could only imagine what reading this book would do.
There are books that once you read the first few pages you just know it’s going to leave a lasting impression. I found myself down memory lane while reading this story. There were parts where it felt as if Brit plucked those things out of my head, it felt so real. I loved this book in way where you love a favorite song you can’t stop listening to or a favorite sweater where once you put it on your engulfed in warmth and everything just feels right. This book brought the nostalgia and it filled my heart with so much happiness, it was like coming home.
Bailey was pure fire. She completely stole my heart I loved that girl so freaking much. I don’t know how many times I said “yeah, same.” I found myself nodding my head countless times at the things she said and did because I’d say and do exactly that. I loved her personality and how she didn’t let things get to her. She was driven and determined and no matter what she kept going even though it seemed bleak. I loved her strength and dedication. And yes, even though she came off as prickly, when you were part of her circle that meant that she cared and that takes a lot when it comes to Bailey. She was an all around amazing person inside and out and even though she might not think so, there was a light to her that shined brightly.
Riggs, oh dear lord Riggs ruined me. This complicated, infuriating, possessive man had me in my feels. I loved how comfortable he was in the things he did that not most guys like him would do. I loved how he was a good son and a good friend and just an all around great guy. He had me swooning nonstop and gave me butterflies and left me a mushy mess. I just freaking loved him.
Bailey and Riggs were electric. The chemistry between them was instant and you absolutely felt the sparks they gave off. I loved their banter and bickering so much, they definitely had me in hysterics. They share a connection that’s beautiful and infinite and I just loved them soooooooo much.
Better With You was a spectacular read. It had so many elements I love in a romance novel. It had me in a tidal wave of emotions, but also filled my heart with giddy happiness. My Midwestern and Illinoisan heart loved the references that were sprinkled throughout this book from the “yeah, no’s to the no, yeah’s” and especially the big one when it comes to soft drinks, it will and will always be “pop.” I also can’t forget to mention that I loved the baking element in this book and it made my baking heart happy too. Brit wrote a seamlessly outstanding story and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait for what’s to come. Definitely, definitely, definitely recommend!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
There are books that once you read the first few pages you just know it’s going to leave a lasting impression. I found myself down memory lane while reading this story. There were parts where it felt as if Brit plucked those things out of my head, it felt so real. I loved this book in way where you love a favorite song you can’t stop listening to or a favorite sweater where once you put it on your engulfed in warmth and everything just feels right. This book brought the nostalgia and it filled my heart with so much happiness, it was like coming home.
Bailey was pure fire. She completely stole my heart I loved that girl so freaking much. I don’t know how many times I said “yeah, same.” I found myself nodding my head countless times at the things she said and did because I’d say and do exactly that. I loved her personality and how she didn’t let things get to her. She was driven and determined and no matter what she kept going even though it seemed bleak. I loved her strength and dedication. And yes, even though she came off as prickly, when you were part of her circle that meant that she cared and that takes a lot when it comes to Bailey. She was an all around amazing person inside and out and even though she might not think so, there was a light to her that shined brightly.
Riggs, oh dear lord Riggs ruined me. This complicated, infuriating, possessive man had me in my feels. I loved how comfortable he was in the things he did that not most guys like him would do. I loved how he was a good son and a good friend and just an all around great guy. He had me swooning nonstop and gave me butterflies and left me a mushy mess. I just freaking loved him.
Bailey and Riggs were electric. The chemistry between them was instant and you absolutely felt the sparks they gave off. I loved their banter and bickering so much, they definitely had me in hysterics. They share a connection that’s beautiful and infinite and I just loved them soooooooo much.
Better With You was a spectacular read. It had so many elements I love in a romance novel. It had me in a tidal wave of emotions, but also filled my heart with giddy happiness. My Midwestern and Illinoisan heart loved the references that were sprinkled throughout this book from the “yeah, no’s to the no, yeah’s” and especially the big one when it comes to soft drinks, it will and will always be “pop.” I also can’t forget to mention that I loved the baking element in this book and it made my baking heart happy too. Brit wrote a seamlessly outstanding story and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait for what’s to come. Definitely, definitely, definitely recommend!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
November 23, 2021
5 HUGE Origami Stars! Loved this book so much!
I wish I was a writer so I could write a review to express what a wonderful thing this book is. Every moment was perfect; from the heartbreak to the humor and from the steamy to the sweet. Everything about it just worked.
I can't recommend this book enough. Just read it and fall in love with Riggs and Bailey like I did. It will leave you hugging your book to hold on to these characters for just a bit longer!
I wish I was a writer so I could write a review to express what a wonderful thing this book is. Every moment was perfect; from the heartbreak to the humor and from the steamy to the sweet. Everything about it just worked.
I can't recommend this book enough. Just read it and fall in love with Riggs and Bailey like I did. It will leave you hugging your book to hold on to these characters for just a bit longer!
December 10, 2021
This book had everything I love about romance in it! I can't believe this is only the second book that this author has written. When I say that I am in love with her writing...believe it, I'm in love.
The hero in this book, Briggs is just...yummy. He's a college athlete (yum), loves his mama (yum), and can bake and cook like it's nobody's business (Amen). Our heroine is probably one of my favorite recent heroines because she's bold and upfront, and yet a softness forming in her heart for Briggs. The chemistry between these two is so intense. From their first interaction I needed more, and from their first taste I knew they'd be dynamite on the page. This is some thigh-clenching goodness. And the feelings, ohhh the feelings.
But that angst...whew. It came out of nowhere and quite literally had me power-reading through my lunch break because I couldn't stop. They're doing so good, then BAM it's utter chaos. You'll know what's coming because you'll get a snippet of it from book 1. But even knowing that, I was still floored. I couldn't believe what I was reading. But leave it to my man Briggs to make it work.
Briggs and Bailey you guys...they're where it's at. Read this book. Love this book. Then come fangirl with me about how much we can't wait for the next book in the series.
The hero in this book, Briggs is just...yummy. He's a college athlete (yum), loves his mama (yum), and can bake and cook like it's nobody's business (Amen). Our heroine is probably one of my favorite recent heroines because she's bold and upfront, and yet a softness forming in her heart for Briggs. The chemistry between these two is so intense. From their first interaction I needed more, and from their first taste I knew they'd be dynamite on the page. This is some thigh-clenching goodness. And the feelings, ohhh the feelings.
But that angst...whew. It came out of nowhere and quite literally had me power-reading through my lunch break because I couldn't stop. They're doing so good, then BAM it's utter chaos. You'll know what's coming because you'll get a snippet of it from book 1. But even knowing that, I was still floored. I couldn't believe what I was reading. But leave it to my man Briggs to make it work.
Briggs and Bailey you guys...they're where it's at. Read this book. Love this book. Then come fangirl with me about how much we can't wait for the next book in the series.
November 24, 2021
5+ STARS FOR BETTER WITH YOU!! FAVORITE BOOK SO FAR IN 2021
I absolutely loved Bailey and Riggs, they have engraved their names on my heart. These two had me captivated all the way through....I could not put this book down. Their story had all the feels and more. This was my first book by this author and I need more words....it was so good.
I absolutely loved Bailey and Riggs, they have engraved their names on my heart. These two had me captivated all the way through....I could not put this book down. Their story had all the feels and more. This was my first book by this author and I need more words....it was so good.
April 21, 2023
3.5 stars
This book started out really strong for me and I was eating this new adult/just a hookup to enemies to lovers romance up. It's very emotional at times (please check content warnings) and definitely had my heart hurting a time or two. I loved the banter between Bailey and Riggs and the baking show competition was a great forced proximity set up after their pasts/motivations were revealed (though I did find Rigg's overly territorial/jealous streak a bit much).
My favorite parts were Rigg's relationship with his mother and the found family between Bailey, Ivy, Kelley, and Jesse. That friend group showed up time and time again for each other and they provided love, understanding, and lots of laughs. Riggs and Odette melted my heart and made it ache all at the same time. The sweetness and bond between them was beautiful and I loved the addition of all the French language.
What kept me from loving this, was the continued lying by omission/miscommunication. It bothered me that Riggs was not more forthcoming about what was going on the second time around and I wasn't fully convinced he would have come clean if Talia hadn't forced the issue. The ending wrapped up way too conveniently (Bailey's relationship with her parents, Rigg's future with baseball, etc) and though I appreciate what the author was trying to do, it all felt too tidy and neat. We get it - Riggs is rich. It started to feel like he was a genie at the end granting wish after wish. The writing was addictive though and even though I didn't love it, I definitely want to read more by the author.
Tropes: found family, enemies to lovers, second/third chance-ish, forced proximity, just a hookup, only one bed, epistolary (texts), sports, grumpy + sunshine
CW: ALS, terminal illness/deterioration leading to death of parent, transphobia, forced outing, bullying, death of loved one, dead naming, grief, toxic/strained parental relationship, financial hardship
This book started out really strong for me and I was eating this new adult/just a hookup to enemies to lovers romance up. It's very emotional at times (please check content warnings) and definitely had my heart hurting a time or two. I loved the banter between Bailey and Riggs and the baking show competition was a great forced proximity set up after their pasts/motivations were revealed (though I did find Rigg's overly territorial/jealous streak a bit much).
My favorite parts were Rigg's relationship with his mother and the found family between Bailey, Ivy, Kelley, and Jesse. That friend group showed up time and time again for each other and they provided love, understanding, and lots of laughs. Riggs and Odette melted my heart and made it ache all at the same time. The sweetness and bond between them was beautiful and I loved the addition of all the French language.
What kept me from loving this, was the continued lying by omission/miscommunication. It bothered me that Riggs was not more forthcoming about what was going on the second time around and I wasn't fully convinced he would have come clean if Talia hadn't forced the issue. The ending wrapped up way too conveniently (Bailey's relationship with her parents, Rigg's future with baseball, etc) and though I appreciate what the author was trying to do, it all felt too tidy and neat. We get it - Riggs is rich. It started to feel like he was a genie at the end granting wish after wish. The writing was addictive though and even though I didn't love it, I definitely want to read more by the author.
Tropes: found family, enemies to lovers, second/third chance-ish, forced proximity, just a hookup, only one bed, epistolary (texts), sports, grumpy + sunshine
CW: ALS, terminal illness/deterioration leading to death of parent, transphobia, forced outing, bullying, death of loved one, dead naming, grief, toxic/strained parental relationship, financial hardship
November 15, 2021
EPIC book hangover. I needed this book. I was having a hard time getting into anything but this book.... My gosh, it has everything that I adore.
I couldn't love the two MC any more.
"You talking sports to me, Barnes?"
Riggs - *sigh* He's a cocky athlete with an soft, sweet, gooey side to him. The contradictions with him kept me so interested. He could be a tough, dirty talking sex god, or a sweet momma's boy who can bake. He is going to rank right up there with favorite book boyfriends.
Bailey - There is so much more than meets the eye with her. Sure, she is an emo punk chick... but she is very complex. I want to be her.
I devoured this. I was a sobbing mess. There are so many facets to this story, but I really didn't expect how emotional it is. Please, please read this book. You won't regret it.
I couldn't love the two MC any more.
"You talking sports to me, Barnes?"
Riggs - *sigh* He's a cocky athlete with an soft, sweet, gooey side to him. The contradictions with him kept me so interested. He could be a tough, dirty talking sex god, or a sweet momma's boy who can bake. He is going to rank right up there with favorite book boyfriends.
Bailey - There is so much more than meets the eye with her. Sure, she is an emo punk chick... but she is very complex. I want to be her.
I devoured this. I was a sobbing mess. There are so many facets to this story, but I really didn't expect how emotional it is. Please, please read this book. You won't regret it.
November 24, 2021
**I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review**
This book grabbed me from the start, and just didn’t let go. I’ve read it in one sitting, I swooned, I worried, I went through it all with Riggs and Bailey. These two deserve all the happiness in the world! Life is a rollercoaster of good times and bad, of love and grief, and everything in between, and this story takes you through everything. It holds a special place in my heart.
And the music playlist made reading it even better, I’ve listened to it while reading the entire time, enjoying some flashbacks and dancing breaks with several songs!
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
This book grabbed me from the start, and just didn’t let go. I’ve read it in one sitting, I swooned, I worried, I went through it all with Riggs and Bailey. These two deserve all the happiness in the world! Life is a rollercoaster of good times and bad, of love and grief, and everything in between, and this story takes you through everything. It holds a special place in my heart.
And the music playlist made reading it even better, I’ve listened to it while reading the entire time, enjoying some flashbacks and dancing breaks with several songs!
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Read
November 5, 2021Edited Manuscript.
Bailey's story is everything I wanted it to be. Brit's writing has grown so much and the characters and plot line in Better With You clearly illustrates that idea as well as the fact that she feels more confident in her words and had a clear vision for how this story would play out. It's a definite must read.
Bailey's story is everything I wanted it to be. Brit's writing has grown so much and the characters and plot line in Better With You clearly illustrates that idea as well as the fact that she feels more confident in her words and had a clear vision for how this story would play out. It's a definite must read.
June 14, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Sometimes home is a beautiful, intricate, chaotic, imperfect mosaic of people you've collected and places you've been, held together by the experiences that have made you, adding pieces to it, for the rest of your life."
What You'll Find:
✔️Enemies to Lovers Romance
✔️Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️Fun Meet Cute
✔️Hook Up
✔️One Bed
✔️Dual POV
MINI REVIEW
I am just in awe that this is only the authors second published book. The story is so well crafted and flows so smoothly. It pulls you in, brings heart and emotion, while also being sexy and fun. There is so much more to these MC's then meets the eye. They have secrets. And I liked the way they connected in sharing these. The author also handles important topics such as Trans Rights and ALS well and with care. Highlighting what's important in tough moments. It has such a great friendship, found family, focus that I really loved in the first book and has carried on into this one. The emotion in the end though, gahhhh. This was such a well rounded story. I definitely recommend. I am so excited for Jesse and his story next!
What You'll Find:
✔️Enemies to Lovers Romance
✔️Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️Fun Meet Cute
✔️Hook Up
✔️One Bed
✔️Dual POV
MINI REVIEW
I am just in awe that this is only the authors second published book. The story is so well crafted and flows so smoothly. It pulls you in, brings heart and emotion, while also being sexy and fun. There is so much more to these MC's then meets the eye. They have secrets. And I liked the way they connected in sharing these. The author also handles important topics such as Trans Rights and ALS well and with care. Highlighting what's important in tough moments. It has such a great friendship, found family, focus that I really loved in the first book and has carried on into this one. The emotion in the end though, gahhhh. This was such a well rounded story. I definitely recommend. I am so excited for Jesse and his story next!
October 8, 2024
How disappointing that this could've been a GREAT story had I not felt the divisive words within the story. I see enough division in my country in the news. The very last thing I need is to have it in my books , my ESCAPE.... First and Last time I read this author if this is the kind of messages they send in their stories.
November 25, 2021
I loved everything about this book!
"Bailey is like an origami star made from the last page of a book I am absolutely loving. Beautiful and intricate and necessary."
When Bailey Barnes first meets Riggs Stanton, she knows him by a different name. He works hard for her attention and, no matter how hard she tries, there's no ignoring the chemistry between them. One night turns into two, then turns into several nights, as well as days of texting and getting to know each other. She's just started to trust him when the truth about him blindsides her - at the worst possible moment. She cuts him out of her life, but he barges back in with an offer that she ultimately cannot refuse.
"He kisses me like he means it, and it's terrifying."
God, I adored Riggs and Bailey's story! They were dynamite together! Riggs was boyish, charming and eager. He obviously had something going on and was caught up in a web of his own making, albeit with good intentions. Bailey was a little firecracker! She was prickly and sassy but also pretty stubborn. Both of these characters had giant hearts and I fell in love with the way they connected and gelled, in spite of their differences. I found this story so sexy, pretty amusing and heartwrenchingly emotional. A fabulous read!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon:
"Bailey is like an origami star made from the last page of a book I am absolutely loving. Beautiful and intricate and necessary."
When Bailey Barnes first meets Riggs Stanton, she knows him by a different name. He works hard for her attention and, no matter how hard she tries, there's no ignoring the chemistry between them. One night turns into two, then turns into several nights, as well as days of texting and getting to know each other. She's just started to trust him when the truth about him blindsides her - at the worst possible moment. She cuts him out of her life, but he barges back in with an offer that she ultimately cannot refuse.
"He kisses me like he means it, and it's terrifying."
God, I adored Riggs and Bailey's story! They were dynamite together! Riggs was boyish, charming and eager. He obviously had something going on and was caught up in a web of his own making, albeit with good intentions. Bailey was a little firecracker! She was prickly and sassy but also pretty stubborn. Both of these characters had giant hearts and I fell in love with the way they connected and gelled, in spite of their differences. I found this story so sexy, pretty amusing and heartwrenchingly emotional. A fabulous read!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon:
November 15, 2021
From the meet cute to the HEA I was invested. The two things I knew going in were:
1. it was enemies to lovers
2. there’s baking involved
and I’m so glad that was all because I throughly enjoyed unwrapping the layers of this book.
Brit’s writing just hits. It’s quirky and funny, steamy and romantic, emotional yet sweet. It checks off every box for a great romance. There are some seriously good one liners that made me bark out in laughter. It’s simply impossible not to fall in love with these characters, both main and side.
Riggs is a possessive, alpha jerk face at times but omg I loved him so much. Like big, BIG love! He’s the perfect balance with a super sweet, imaginative side that counteracts it all. He only gets that way over Bailey and gah, Cupid’s arrow straight to the heart. Not to mention that mouth and swagger! He’s a keeper.
Bailey is a super special character to me because we share an affinity for a multitude of things. From pop punk to small town life to tenacity to her “ideal life” she is incredibly relatable and I don’t often feel as drawn to heroines as I do her. Bailey made my soul happy to read, she’s not a run of the mill heroine.
This is Brit’s second book and she really evokes a lot of emotions in it. You’ll want to read straight through to find out this twin flames’ journey. The small details woven into the story line made me swoon. Better With You put my heart through the ringer a bit but it left it impeccably full of love.
1. it was enemies to lovers
2. there’s baking involved
and I’m so glad that was all because I throughly enjoyed unwrapping the layers of this book.
Brit’s writing just hits. It’s quirky and funny, steamy and romantic, emotional yet sweet. It checks off every box for a great romance. There are some seriously good one liners that made me bark out in laughter. It’s simply impossible not to fall in love with these characters, both main and side.
Riggs is a possessive, alpha jerk face at times but omg I loved him so much. Like big, BIG love! He’s the perfect balance with a super sweet, imaginative side that counteracts it all. He only gets that way over Bailey and gah, Cupid’s arrow straight to the heart. Not to mention that mouth and swagger! He’s a keeper.
Bailey is a super special character to me because we share an affinity for a multitude of things. From pop punk to small town life to tenacity to her “ideal life” she is incredibly relatable and I don’t often feel as drawn to heroines as I do her. Bailey made my soul happy to read, she’s not a run of the mill heroine.
This is Brit’s second book and she really evokes a lot of emotions in it. You’ll want to read straight through to find out this twin flames’ journey. The small details woven into the story line made me swoon. Better With You put my heart through the ringer a bit but it left it impeccably full of love.
November 23, 2021
This is an interesting enemies to lovers - and back and forth several times! Misunderstandings abound in this book, and secrets never stay secret.
I loved Bailey as the romance heroine with swagger - a blue haired, motorcycle riding, baking bad girl with a perpetual scowl.
Her relationship with Ivy (who we read about in Love You Better) is such a wonderfully healthy friendship. I totally loved how they normalized talking about their mental health in such a great casual and loving way. Their “How’s your head? You good for company?” is not asking about a recent concussion; it’s asking “How’s your mental and emotional health today?”
Riggs/Alex is another story. He is a very sympathetic and swoon worthy character, but rather than dealing with issues in his life, he does a lot of hiding. And it’s funny, because he seems like the more open of the two.
Alex and Bailey have a ton of chemistry, and not just because of their time in the kitchen. These two light it up!
I loved how these two helped each other realize their real futures, and not just the path of least resistance that they were both headed for. Because that’s not how life it meant to be lived.
Great romance with lots of yummy treats thrown in too!
I loved Bailey as the romance heroine with swagger - a blue haired, motorcycle riding, baking bad girl with a perpetual scowl.
Her relationship with Ivy (who we read about in Love You Better) is such a wonderfully healthy friendship. I totally loved how they normalized talking about their mental health in such a great casual and loving way. Their “How’s your head? You good for company?” is not asking about a recent concussion; it’s asking “How’s your mental and emotional health today?”
Riggs/Alex is another story. He is a very sympathetic and swoon worthy character, but rather than dealing with issues in his life, he does a lot of hiding. And it’s funny, because he seems like the more open of the two.
Alex and Bailey have a ton of chemistry, and not just because of their time in the kitchen. These two light it up!
I loved how these two helped each other realize their real futures, and not just the path of least resistance that they were both headed for. Because that’s not how life it meant to be lived.
Great romance with lots of yummy treats thrown in too!
November 23, 2021
Book 2 in the series but one for me from Brit Benson. Luckily all books in the series can be read as standalones so reading out of order is completely okay.
This book has so many great things going for it. There is plenty of sarcasm, banter, and verbal sparring and some of it is hilariously funny.
Along with laughter some truly heavy and worthy topics are covered. From the lack of rights and respect that LGBTQIA2S+ communities have, the impact of parental and spousal abuse.
How life is impacted by a quick death or having to watch someone die from a slow moving disease that slowly robs them of life.
There is so much to gush about but I really can't wait for you all to read about my friends Dimestore Thor and Slipper Dick, it's the bromance you never knew you needed.
I have voluntarily left this review.
This book has so many great things going for it. There is plenty of sarcasm, banter, and verbal sparring and some of it is hilariously funny.
Along with laughter some truly heavy and worthy topics are covered. From the lack of rights and respect that LGBTQIA2S+ communities have, the impact of parental and spousal abuse.
How life is impacted by a quick death or having to watch someone die from a slow moving disease that slowly robs them of life.
There is so much to gush about but I really can't wait for you all to read about my friends Dimestore Thor and Slipper Dick, it's the bromance you never knew you needed.
I have voluntarily left this review.
November 14, 2021
I don’t know how this is only Brit Benson’s second book! She writes like a seasoned pro! I was given an ARC and could not put it down! Bailey is the sassiest, saltiest, badass heroine that you’ll wish was your BFF! She’s one of my favorites of the year. And Riggs, oh my Riggs… the sweetest, tastiest, most delectable hero that you’ll definitely want to… devour! Their chemistry is off the charts. I loved everything about this book! 🔥🔥🔥
Both books in the Better Love series are MUST READS!!
If you haven’t read Book 1, Love You Better, go get it now! You’ll want to read it before Better With You. Each book is a standalone, but the characters are all interconnected. And honestly, Brit Benson’s writing is FLAWLESS! You WANT these books! The friendships alone make these books worthy! The hot steamy romance is icing on the cupcakes! #iykyk
Both books in the Better Love series are MUST READS!!
If you haven’t read Book 1, Love You Better, go get it now! You’ll want to read it before Better With You. Each book is a standalone, but the characters are all interconnected. And honestly, Brit Benson’s writing is FLAWLESS! You WANT these books! The friendships alone make these books worthy! The hot steamy romance is icing on the cupcakes! #iykyk
November 13, 2021
Riggs is a cocky pitcher for his college baseball team. He has an amazing relationship with his mother and can’t do anything right in his fathers eyes. Bailey is a struggle college student with a horrible relationship with her parents with major emotional baggage. Bailey and Riggs bond over their love of baking and their emotional relationships with their families. Bailey has every right not to trust him, can he prove to her that he can be trusted? This was a emotional journey that I’m glad I took. Riggs and Bailey found each other when they needed each other the most. They were able to help each other while helping themselves. The author handled the two sensitive subject matters very well. The stories were raw and well written. I look Forward to reading more books by this author.
November 23, 2021
I don't know how to write this review. I am speechless. I felt Bailey into my bones, there were so many of her characteristics that were me . . . like I felt that this author followed me around in my early 20s to get inspiration for Bailey. Which we all know is totally ridiculous for too many reasons but the biggest one is I am sadly older than her. But moving on. Despite all the similarities between the FMC and me, Riggs and Bailey consumed me. I laughed out loud - the banter between these two was on point. I cried - these two had me on such an emotional rollercoaster. I swooned - despite Riggs' man bun he was so amazing and swoony but Bailey was the ultimate swoon - how she was there to be a rock when Riggs needed her the most. Because sometimes we need to swoon over the FMC and I totally did swoon over Bailey. Better With You was an emotional rollercoaster that I loved every second of. I absolutely loved all things Riggs and Bailey. I adored Love You Better . . . but Brit out did herself with Better With You. All consuming, gut wrenching, laugh out loud perfection. I don't think I have ever been able to relate/connect with a character as much as I did with Bailey.
November 21, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK TIMES A THOUSAND!
Bailey was the PERFECT heroine. I adored every single piece of her. She was my absolute favorite.
And then Riggs - better yet, ALEX. Oh my, be still my French loving heart! Wowowow. Although he pissed me off at almost every turn. He was perfectly flawed and so so damn swoony.
Brit does an impeccable job at mixing, folding and kneading in intricate parts of their story. She had me CACKLING, full on crying with laughter. She hit me with the feels, pulling on my heartstrings and making me cry sad tears and tears of joy. And she made it steamy. Holy hell - that man has ruined me, hi, husband, Est-ce que tu parles français!? Please?!
This is a must read! I absolutely fucking loved this book!
Bailey was the PERFECT heroine. I adored every single piece of her. She was my absolute favorite.
And then Riggs - better yet, ALEX. Oh my, be still my French loving heart! Wowowow. Although he pissed me off at almost every turn. He was perfectly flawed and so so damn swoony.
Brit does an impeccable job at mixing, folding and kneading in intricate parts of their story. She had me CACKLING, full on crying with laughter. She hit me with the feels, pulling on my heartstrings and making me cry sad tears and tears of joy. And she made it steamy. Holy hell - that man has ruined me, hi, husband, Est-ce que tu parles français!? Please?!
This is a must read! I absolutely fucking loved this book!
November 23, 2021
This book had me feeling a variety of emotions. There were a few scenes that had me sobbing, but I credit that to being an emotional reader.
Absolutely loved every moment of this book. From the meet cute, to the discovery, to the reunion, to the sharing of the painful parts of their stories, to their happily ever after.
There isn't one thing that I would change in this story. Loved the characters. The setting was good. The story though, that was so good.
Absolutely loved every moment of this book. From the meet cute, to the discovery, to the reunion, to the sharing of the painful parts of their stories, to their happily ever after.
There isn't one thing that I would change in this story. Loved the characters. The setting was good. The story though, that was so good.
December 28, 2021
Well Ms Brit Benson you got me. It took two books to make me the super fucking fan I am and will remain. I loved book one, but THIS BOOK, this book right here. Flawless. The tension, the angst, the goodies, banter, it checked EVERY box I have as a romance reader and I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH. I can't wait for more from Ms Benson. Her stories are romantic, strong, and her characters are the same. The friendships are real, strong and worthy. This is a MUST READ book and I will continue to push it on everyone that enjoys an intelligent, beautifully written love story. xoxo
July 24, 2023
I adored Bailey in Love You Better, so I was thrilled to read more of her story in Better With You! Bailey is so bad***, but she’s also incredibly devoted and loyal to her friends and family. Riggs is instantly drawn to her and their chemistry is off the charts! I love the two of them together and how he eventually brings out Bailey’s softer side. Riggs’ relationship with his mom is so sweet and lovable. Brit absolutely nailed the enemies to lovers, forced proximity tropes with this one!
As a continuation of the Better Love series, the side characters were AMAZING! This little found family adds so much fun and is always there for one another. Both the love stories and the friendships are equally so strong and unforgettable!
This can be read as a standalone, but I love this whole series so much and highly recommend reading them all in order so you can fall in love with this little found family friend group just like I did! 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
As a continuation of the Better Love series, the side characters were AMAZING! This little found family adds so much fun and is always there for one another. Both the love stories and the friendships are equally so strong and unforgettable!
This can be read as a standalone, but I love this whole series so much and highly recommend reading them all in order so you can fall in love with this little found family friend group just like I did! 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
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