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Better Than #4
Better Than Safe
Paul Fallon is a fashion advertising guru. He’s a genius at dealing with difficult editors, art directors, and designers alike. He thrives on the chaotic atmosphere and constant challenges. But in his personal life, he’s hoping for peace and stability. Settling down with a nice doctor or lawyer sounds perfect. Anyone but an artist. He’s been there, done that, and he doesn’t want to relive the heartache.
Seth Landau is a model, occasional guitarist, and aspiring painter. He’s quirky, flighty, and wise beyond his years. Life has taught him some tough lessons, then given him opportunities he never dreamed of. He’s learned to appreciate the fragility of life and to express it in his work. Seth’s flare for the absurd combined with a supple mind and a beautiful body are too alluring for Paul to ignore. Against his best intentions, Paul is drawn to the younger man whose particular brand of crazy challenges Paul to accept that things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes taking a chance is better than being safe.
Seth Landau is a model, occasional guitarist, and aspiring painter. He’s quirky, flighty, and wise beyond his years. Life has taught him some tough lessons, then given him opportunities he never dreamed of. He’s learned to appreciate the fragility of life and to express it in his work. Seth’s flare for the absurd combined with a supple mind and a beautiful body are too alluring for Paul to ignore. Against his best intentions, Paul is drawn to the younger man whose particular brand of crazy challenges Paul to accept that things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes taking a chance is better than being safe.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2015
82 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
102 books1,703 followersLane 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 20, 2015
Better Than Safe is my favorite book in this series since Better Than Good, and takes place four years after the first book and two years after the third.
Paul, the first-person narrator of this story, was Curt's potential love interest in book 3 before Curt met Jack. Paul is now friends with Aaron and Curt, so we get to briefly revisit with all the couples. This was fun, and I enjoyed reading about Aaron and Matt's upcoming adventure.
Paul is 35, British, and uptight. He's a successful fashion ad executive who drives an Audi and wears Armani. Nothing is out of place in Paul's world, and he wants a man to complement the cultured, structured life he's made for himself.
If Paul is sometimes lonely, so what? He has enough on his plate to worry about a complicated relationship.
Paul's first date with the younger, impetuous, gorgeous Seth is a disaster. Seth is late and rude, jumping between snarky and brooding. A model, artist, and part-time guitarist, Seth exudes confidence.
I'll be honest: I didn't warm up to Seth for a long time. I felt like he played Paul like a fiddle. But maybe Paul needed to be played.
The ups and downs, the sheer chaos of their relationship, made for a fast, sexy read.
The MCs have strong chemistry, and their banter, once it loses its mean edge, is charming and sweet.
Seth seems like a mess: volatile, evasive, scattered. But Paul is not the most reliable of narrators, and it slowly dawned on me that it's not Seth who's falling apart.
The scenes of jealousy and Paul's troubled past as a muse give this story an edge.
Paul is scared of letting go, of losing himself in another person. He doesn't associate love with being safe. Seth, who is wise beyond his 24 years, gets it though.
Hayes' writing is always engaging, and this book had just enough steam and romance to make me happy. The epilogue didn't hurt either.
Paul, the first-person narrator of this story, was Curt's potential love interest in book 3 before Curt met Jack. Paul is now friends with Aaron and Curt, so we get to briefly revisit with all the couples. This was fun, and I enjoyed reading about Aaron and Matt's upcoming adventure.
Paul is 35, British, and uptight. He's a successful fashion ad executive who drives an Audi and wears Armani. Nothing is out of place in Paul's world, and he wants a man to complement the cultured, structured life he's made for himself.
If Paul is sometimes lonely, so what? He has enough on his plate to worry about a complicated relationship.
Paul's first date with the younger, impetuous, gorgeous Seth is a disaster. Seth is late and rude, jumping between snarky and brooding. A model, artist, and part-time guitarist, Seth exudes confidence.
I'll be honest: I didn't warm up to Seth for a long time. I felt like he played Paul like a fiddle. But maybe Paul needed to be played.
The ups and downs, the sheer chaos of their relationship, made for a fast, sexy read.
"I see who you are. The real you. I see past your slick suits and your fancy car. I see the lonely guy who doesn't like his food to touch, hates being late, and has this weirdass compulsion to watch from the sidelines. I know sad movies make you cry, Chinese food makes you smile, and jazz makes you horny as fuck."
The MCs have strong chemistry, and their banter, once it loses its mean edge, is charming and sweet.
Seth seems like a mess: volatile, evasive, scattered. But Paul is not the most reliable of narrators, and it slowly dawned on me that it's not Seth who's falling apart.
The scenes of jealousy and Paul's troubled past as a muse give this story an edge.
Paul is scared of letting go, of losing himself in another person. He doesn't associate love with being safe. Seth, who is wise beyond his 24 years, gets it though.
"[I]t's too late, Paul. You're already on the roller coaster. You have to ride it all the way in with your hands in the air and your heart in your throat."
Hayes' writing is always engaging, and this book had just enough steam and romance to make me happy. The epilogue didn't hurt either.
September 28, 2015
Well....I ended up liking this one a lot more than I thought I would. Needless to say, it wasn't my favorite of the series.
Both MCs frustrated me a times throughout the book, but by the end everything came together.
Paul's the older, broody, stuck in his ways fashion designer. Seth is the younger, flighty, gets lost in the moment model and aspiring artist.
Their first date is nothing short of disastrous.
There was a lot of push and pull and back and forth. Seth frustrated me in the beginning. I found him to be frustrating and immature. I couldn't figure him out. And then he started to grow on me.
Paul and Seth start to finally get on the same page.
Now it's Paul's turn to annoy me. His stunt at Seth's art show....
Seth was really cool about it, therefore sealing his fate as my favorite of the two MCs in the end.
Somehow by the time i finished this one it just worked for me.
Both MCs frustrated me a times throughout the book, but by the end everything came together.
Paul's the older, broody, stuck in his ways fashion designer. Seth is the younger, flighty, gets lost in the moment model and aspiring artist.
Their first date is nothing short of disastrous.
There was a lot of push and pull and back and forth. Seth frustrated me in the beginning. I found him to be frustrating and immature. I couldn't figure him out. And then he started to grow on me.
Paul and Seth start to finally get on the same page.
Now it's Paul's turn to annoy me. His stunt at Seth's art show....
Seth was really cool about it, therefore sealing his fate as my favorite of the two MCs in the end.
Somehow by the time i finished this one it just worked for me.
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April 4, 2025
Better Than Safe is book four in the Better Than series by Lane Hayes. This is Paul and Seth’s story. I had a little more trouble really connecting with these two since I haven’t had much of a chance to get to know them previously. These are two men who surprisingly share a bit of their histories with each other, even though they had no idea.
Paul Fallon is thirty five years old. He works for a fashion advertisement company and is often the one called in for the most dire of circumstances. The fixer! The only thing Paul can’t seem to fix is his own life. He had a great job, a nice car, a beautiful home, but, he was alone.
Seth Landau is twenty four years old and has many talents. He used to be a runway model but now just does some occasional modeling. He loves music and plays guitar. But his love is painting. Seth is a talented artist.
Paul and Seth’s first meeting didn’t go well. But when they accidentally meet again, they are given a second chance to get to know each other and this time, things go much better. But once again, fate is not on their side.
It takes these two a bit to find their way together and even then, it’s a tenuous connection. The chemistry is overwhelmingly strong. But both of these men have been hurt. And Paul carries the most scars, most the kinds you can’t see. But there is something about Seth that even though his mind says, he’s all wrong for you, his heart says, take a chance.
This book is told entirely from Paul’s point of view. I felt so bad for what he’d been through and it was so brave of him to even contemplate being with Seth. But sometimes it’s the things that are scariest of all that can be the most rewarding. They had a hard road. And this book has a bit of a bad guy trying to muck things up. But I knew that their happy ever after would be worth fighting for.
Now, it’s time for the very last part of this series, the newest addition. Better Than Ten Years Later is a short novella featuring Jack and Curt from Better Than Friends. I can’t wait to catch up with them.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Paul Fallon is thirty five years old. He works for a fashion advertisement company and is often the one called in for the most dire of circumstances. The fixer! The only thing Paul can’t seem to fix is his own life. He had a great job, a nice car, a beautiful home, but, he was alone.
Seth Landau is twenty four years old and has many talents. He used to be a runway model but now just does some occasional modeling. He loves music and plays guitar. But his love is painting. Seth is a talented artist.
Paul and Seth’s first meeting didn’t go well. But when they accidentally meet again, they are given a second chance to get to know each other and this time, things go much better. But once again, fate is not on their side.
It takes these two a bit to find their way together and even then, it’s a tenuous connection. The chemistry is overwhelmingly strong. But both of these men have been hurt. And Paul carries the most scars, most the kinds you can’t see. But there is something about Seth that even though his mind says, he’s all wrong for you, his heart says, take a chance.
This book is told entirely from Paul’s point of view. I felt so bad for what he’d been through and it was so brave of him to even contemplate being with Seth. But sometimes it’s the things that are scariest of all that can be the most rewarding. They had a hard road. And this book has a bit of a bad guy trying to muck things up. But I knew that their happy ever after would be worth fighting for.
Now, it’s time for the very last part of this series, the newest addition. Better Than Ten Years Later is a short novella featuring Jack and Curt from Better Than Friends. I can’t wait to catch up with them.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 19, 2015
Better Than Safe is the story of two very different men who fall in love. Paul is 35 and set in his ways. Seth is the 24-year-old artist Paul is drawn to despite all his fears of pursuing a relationship with him. Past hurts in Paul's life make him believe they will never work.
What I loved:
*Paul. There was something about him that I found very endearing. At first glance you might think him a bit stodgy but he was anything but. I know he described Seth as a quandary, but he was a bit of a quandary himself.
*Seth. Gosh, I loved him! He was so quirky and loveable and I loved his view on life- how could I not fall in love?
*The push and pull. Normally I loathe this but it worked here. Didn't matter how hard Paul tried to fight a relationship- it was like a moth to the flame. Resistance was futile!
*Story had a nice, easy flow.
*The dirty talk :D
*The secondary characters. I just LOVED revisiting the gang and seeing where they're at.
What I wished for:
*An alternating POV. It drove me batty not being in Seth's head. It's not the first time I've felt this way while reading a Lane Hayes book. I think that it would strengthen the story if we got both sides. I felt like I'm missing a bit of story and left me wanting more. I am BEGGING Lane Hayes to please write a book from a dual POV.
*Sex. I wanted more. lol
As far as this being the fourth book in the series… do you need to read the other 3 first? Technically, no but I recommend those books as well- especially the first book. It’s one of my all time favorite comfort re-reads.
Overall, this was great! If you love opposites attract and May/December romances- then look no further! This book was fun, sexy, feel good, with a sprinkle of angst on top. Highly recommend! 4.5 I Hope Rand Is Next Stars!
**ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.**
**This review has been cross posted at Reviews by JesseWave:
http://reviewsbyjessewave.com/2015/09...
June 18, 2021
This was my favorite Hayes story to date!
Paul is the ad exec for the fashion industry who's been traveling for years (the book is told entirely from his POV). He's ready to slow down. Seth is the model who paints so he can breathe.
These two are set up on a date by Aaron from Book 1. The coffee date is an absolute flop. Seth is late. Paul gets cheetoh residue on his fancy shirt from the rambunctious toddler in front of him. And Seth keeps talking about wanting to have Aaron set them up because of Paul's sexy British accent. Add on top of that Seth is clearly many years his junior, and Paul is D-O-N-E. He abruptly leaves with a stilted goodbye, nice to meet you, with associated undertones of let's never do this again.
But they do wind up bumping into each other again. And Paul gets to see how he came across that fateful coffee date too. *cough* Snobby, uptight, British bastard. *cough* Seth could not be further from Paul's initial first impression. He's intellectual, insightful, a delightful mixture of caring and thoughtless.
"[He] spoke like an immature college student one minute, then a sage old soul the next."
These two have a lot of push/pull banter in the first half. And I won't lie. Seth gives Paul the run around a bit. It wasn't cool at all. But Paul needed to be shaken up a little. Because this is Paul's POV, you get the impression of this British yuppy ad exec who's uptight, set in his ways, and has everything completely together. But he doesn't. Seth is just what Paul needs.
They tried the date - it was a disaster. So they try friends. Snort - the sexual tension that surrounds these two while they're "being friends" is so scorching hot. It's palpable through my Kindle. And this is where Hayes nailed everything for me. Phenomenal writing during this buildup of characterization. They learn so much about each other, but they just know this is the foundation of something. Seth knows it and is biding his time. Paul knows it but is in complete denial about it.
"I screwed my eyes shut and reveled in the intense sensations, willing myself not to be guilty of romanticizing the moment. But when I opened them to find him staring up at me, I knew with an odd certainty that I was correct. He felt this too. I wasn't alone."
It doesn't just go from friends to love and HEA. There is a very distinct journey to HEA for Paul and Seth. Pasts that collide, best friends that are a little too familiar, and online dating with a pretentious vascular surgeon. But any more detail will get too spoilery. There was never dull moment. I was pulled in from page one! This book was incredibly well-written and is a high recommend!
Paul is the ad exec for the fashion industry who's been traveling for years (the book is told entirely from his POV). He's ready to slow down. Seth is the model who paints so he can breathe.
These two are set up on a date by Aaron from Book 1. The coffee date is an absolute flop. Seth is late. Paul gets cheetoh residue on his fancy shirt from the rambunctious toddler in front of him. And Seth keeps talking about wanting to have Aaron set them up because of Paul's sexy British accent. Add on top of that Seth is clearly many years his junior, and Paul is D-O-N-E. He abruptly leaves with a stilted goodbye, nice to meet you, with associated undertones of let's never do this again.
But they do wind up bumping into each other again. And Paul gets to see how he came across that fateful coffee date too. *cough* Snobby, uptight, British bastard. *cough* Seth could not be further from Paul's initial first impression. He's intellectual, insightful, a delightful mixture of caring and thoughtless.
"[He] spoke like an immature college student one minute, then a sage old soul the next."
These two have a lot of push/pull banter in the first half. And I won't lie. Seth gives Paul the run around a bit. It wasn't cool at all. But Paul needed to be shaken up a little. Because this is Paul's POV, you get the impression of this British yuppy ad exec who's uptight, set in his ways, and has everything completely together. But he doesn't. Seth is just what Paul needs.
They tried the date - it was a disaster. So they try friends. Snort - the sexual tension that surrounds these two while they're "being friends" is so scorching hot. It's palpable through my Kindle. And this is where Hayes nailed everything for me. Phenomenal writing during this buildup of characterization. They learn so much about each other, but they just know this is the foundation of something. Seth knows it and is biding his time. Paul knows it but is in complete denial about it.
"I screwed my eyes shut and reveled in the intense sensations, willing myself not to be guilty of romanticizing the moment. But when I opened them to find him staring up at me, I knew with an odd certainty that I was correct. He felt this too. I wasn't alone."
It doesn't just go from friends to love and HEA. There is a very distinct journey to HEA for Paul and Seth. Pasts that collide, best friends that are a little too familiar, and online dating with a pretentious vascular surgeon. But any more detail will get too spoilery. There was never dull moment. I was pulled in from page one! This book was incredibly well-written and is a high recommend!
September 28, 2015
I am going to be so unpopular with my review. I am so conflicted in my feelings for this book. On one hand, I enjoyed quite a few parts. On the other? I didn't really care about either MC. I didn't like Seth at the very beginning, and Paul was quite boring. Paul's inner dialogue got to be fairly repetitious. The story would start to become enjoyable then BAM! Right back to the same issues over and over. I will also admit that a couple of the smexy scenes were a bit repetitious, as well. I would swear that it was almost exactly the same dialogue with just the names swapped. Not sexy.
*edited for a change in rating*
2.5* the more I think about it, the more I realize how little I really liked either MC.
*edited for a change in rating*
2.5* the more I think about it, the more I realize how little I really liked either MC.
November 11, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“He sat back slightly, studying me in the dim lighting from the overhead streetlamp. Our heavy breathing was accompanied by the sweet soulful voice of Diana Washington singing “Since I Fell For You.”
The moment was fraught with lust and longing. It dared me to stop thinking and take a leap.
Possibly off a cliff, but God, it might just be worth it.”
Kudos to Lane Hayes for writing one of the most infuriating blind dates I have ever had the misfortune of reading as the one that I witnessed between Paul Fallon and Seth Landau in Better Than Safe. Paul wanted to strangle him - I wanted to strangle him! If I was set up on a blind date with someone as dismissive and nonchalant with purposeful belligerence who treated me that way - I would have high-tailed out of there - never ever wanting to see the likes of him ever again! 💢 😠 Heck, I was so appalled at Seth's rudeness, I seriously considered not even finishing the book!
But, like Paul, I must be a masochist; because I continued reading, just like he was drawn back to Seth time and time again.
“I realized this impetuous trip was so very typical of me. I saw something I shouldn’t have or met someone I knew was disastrous to my mental health and well-being and bam! I was instantly transfixed.”
Out of the four protagonists of Lane Hayes' Better Than series, Paul would definitely have to be one of my favorites; his personality, his way of thinking - I empathized so much with how he felt, how he's tired of globe-trotting and being a constant third-wheel and wanting to settle down and just be content living a normal, boring life - never taking a risk in life, perfectly content at playing it safe. So, in a way, I don't blame him for being oddly charmed by the 'puzzling surprise' that was twenty-four-year old, Seth Landau. 💮 'Built like a god, beautifully toned without a trace of hair on his golden skin' Seth is dangerous eye candy - a successful model, a talented painter, an enigmatic musician, who lives the life of thrills on his motorbike - who is everything thirty-five-year-old London-native, Paul Landau is not. And yet, even though, they have nothing in common - from their musical interests to their taste in food - Paul is mesmerized by him - no matter how much Seth's evasive behavior gets under his skin, he can't bring himself to stay away from him. 💘
As much as my own personal pettiness wanted Paul to not give Seth the time of day, and even against his own better judgment, they begin a relationship with each other. Intrigued by the quandary of a conundrum that he was, fueled by the thrill of passion that swept them together and despite. their eleven-year age difference, Paul and Seth they get closer, for in a way, Seth wants the quiet and mundane moments. Having lived in the fashion world for long enough, wanting to experience his music on his own, share his artistic talents at his own pace, he finds a quiet solace in Paul that he didn't have elsewhere. They enjoy spending time with each other - learn the little things that make them who they are - and realizing that they share a connection in their past that cuts deeper than expected. 😟
“I held him through the aftermath of his release a moment later, tenderly cradling his head and kissing his forehead until the shaking subsided. He wrapped his arms around my neck and held me closer when I tried to back away.
“Stay. This feels good. Safe.”
Something inside me stilled. I couldn’t decipher his meaning. Safe. He was safe with me or I was safe with him? Why that word? How was this safe?
It was reckless and foolhardy. Certainly not safe.
However, it was sublime. And for now, that was enough.”
Did I like Seth? 🤔 It's difficult to like him, especially when my first impression of him was not a good one - trust me, I wanted to kick his imperious butt! Yes, I couldn't realistically believe that one person could be so talented - at well, everything - he was the epitome of just such extravagant grandeur - like walking perfection, that his only imperfection was his painful break with his family upon learning about his sexuality. And I realize now that sometimes people act this way as a cover from how much they've been hurt - both Seth and Paul have been, sadly by the same person. 🥺 He was everything Paul needed in his life at this moment - to break free from the ghosts of his past and the painful wounds that prevented him from moving forward to a healthier safer place in his relationships and his heart. Even when his mouthy comments get away from him, even when he's a bit of a brat, gently goading or teasing Paul to do some impulsive decisions or choices - he coaxes Paul out of normalcy - spices up his sex life - and brings a youthful energetic spark to his drab world.
Gosh, and their kisses - like, taking the life out of someone - the fierce passion of intimacy that ignites when they're together - the little domesticity of their cooking lessons, waking up together in bed, the heady paint sessions that are torturous to Paul's soul - it overwhelms and consumes the both of them - and is it strange, but it felt like I was actually witnessing a real relationship. It's an odd comment, I know, but the ups and downs they went through - the way Paul pushed Seth away - for whatever misguided or misunderstood reason, it's how they came back together - that felt so painfully real. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
'Perhaps there really was no certainty in love. Love required faith, trust, and acceptance. There was no place for jealousy or mistrust.' Ultimately, this is the story of learning to trust in love again - to realize that you can be safe with someone else - that not everyone is going to hurt or betray you or use you like a bad relationship has broken your trust and faith in finding love again. It's a beautiful message told in such a tender way of witnessing a love between these two broken pieces that finally find a way to fit together again. 🥹
“I know heartache. I know loneliness. It’s made me cautious in some ways and reckless in others. It isn’t easy to give pieces of yourself when you aren’t sure what you’ll get in return. {...} I get it. But I’m ready to take a chance on us. I won’t give up on you.”
He gave a short self-deprecating chuckle as he traced my jawline tenderly. “I may drive you crazy on occasion, but baby, I promise… you’re safe with me.”
The confession was one of my favorite moments - it was so very tender and so soft, yet so very honest. Paul may sound like a weak character, but he wasn't - just disheartened and broken by his previous relationship and his own family trauma that he's the kind of person I want for to be happy - to feel safe. And for an unlikely pair from very different worlds, who understood that life didn't come with guarantees, who simply needed the other to just be there for the other - then, that was all that mattered. As for the writing, I am amazed at how much I highlighted - there's just something about how she writes her relationships - like it gets under your skin - their thoughts and feelings.
And unlike the previous two books, I appreciated that the writing was not a retelling of their relationship, which was one of the major grievances I had. 👍🏻 It was also lovely seeing the other couples together again, that even despite the rather disastrous dating scenario with Curt, Paul still maintained his friendship with them - 'it was good to know there were people who cared enough to notice my absence when I was out of town. Aaron, as always, was a constant at Paul's side - that solid, steady and sympathetic shoulder that even if he was their matchmaker, he was also their support, who gave Paul the little nudge of a reminder that 'Safe? Love isn’t safe. I think by definition it’s terrifying. But it’s worth it.' ❣️
And if you saw that I wrote a review for book 4 before book 3, then, shh... no, you didn't. 🤫 🫢
“He sat back slightly, studying me in the dim lighting from the overhead streetlamp. Our heavy breathing was accompanied by the sweet soulful voice of Diana Washington singing “Since I Fell For You.”
The moment was fraught with lust and longing. It dared me to stop thinking and take a leap.
Possibly off a cliff, but God, it might just be worth it.”
Kudos to Lane Hayes for writing one of the most infuriating blind dates I have ever had the misfortune of reading as the one that I witnessed between Paul Fallon and Seth Landau in Better Than Safe. Paul wanted to strangle him - I wanted to strangle him! If I was set up on a blind date with someone as dismissive and nonchalant with purposeful belligerence who treated me that way - I would have high-tailed out of there - never ever wanting to see the likes of him ever again! 💢 😠 Heck, I was so appalled at Seth's rudeness, I seriously considered not even finishing the book!
But, like Paul, I must be a masochist; because I continued reading, just like he was drawn back to Seth time and time again.
“I realized this impetuous trip was so very typical of me. I saw something I shouldn’t have or met someone I knew was disastrous to my mental health and well-being and bam! I was instantly transfixed.”
Out of the four protagonists of Lane Hayes' Better Than series, Paul would definitely have to be one of my favorites; his personality, his way of thinking - I empathized so much with how he felt, how he's tired of globe-trotting and being a constant third-wheel and wanting to settle down and just be content living a normal, boring life - never taking a risk in life, perfectly content at playing it safe. So, in a way, I don't blame him for being oddly charmed by the 'puzzling surprise' that was twenty-four-year old, Seth Landau. 💮 'Built like a god, beautifully toned without a trace of hair on his golden skin' Seth is dangerous eye candy - a successful model, a talented painter, an enigmatic musician, who lives the life of thrills on his motorbike - who is everything thirty-five-year-old London-native, Paul Landau is not. And yet, even though, they have nothing in common - from their musical interests to their taste in food - Paul is mesmerized by him - no matter how much Seth's evasive behavior gets under his skin, he can't bring himself to stay away from him. 💘
As much as my own personal pettiness wanted Paul to not give Seth the time of day, and even against his own better judgment, they begin a relationship with each other. Intrigued by the quandary of a conundrum that he was, fueled by the thrill of passion that swept them together and despite. their eleven-year age difference, Paul and Seth they get closer, for in a way, Seth wants the quiet and mundane moments. Having lived in the fashion world for long enough, wanting to experience his music on his own, share his artistic talents at his own pace, he finds a quiet solace in Paul that he didn't have elsewhere. They enjoy spending time with each other - learn the little things that make them who they are - and realizing that they share a connection in their past that cuts deeper than expected. 😟
“I held him through the aftermath of his release a moment later, tenderly cradling his head and kissing his forehead until the shaking subsided. He wrapped his arms around my neck and held me closer when I tried to back away.
“Stay. This feels good. Safe.”
Something inside me stilled. I couldn’t decipher his meaning. Safe. He was safe with me or I was safe with him? Why that word? How was this safe?
It was reckless and foolhardy. Certainly not safe.
However, it was sublime. And for now, that was enough.”
Did I like Seth? 🤔 It's difficult to like him, especially when my first impression of him was not a good one - trust me, I wanted to kick his imperious butt! Yes, I couldn't realistically believe that one person could be so talented - at well, everything - he was the epitome of just such extravagant grandeur - like walking perfection, that his only imperfection was his painful break with his family upon learning about his sexuality. And I realize now that sometimes people act this way as a cover from how much they've been hurt - both Seth and Paul have been, sadly by the same person. 🥺 He was everything Paul needed in his life at this moment - to break free from the ghosts of his past and the painful wounds that prevented him from moving forward to a healthier safer place in his relationships and his heart. Even when his mouthy comments get away from him, even when he's a bit of a brat, gently goading or teasing Paul to do some impulsive decisions or choices - he coaxes Paul out of normalcy - spices up his sex life - and brings a youthful energetic spark to his drab world.
Gosh, and their kisses - like, taking the life out of someone - the fierce passion of intimacy that ignites when they're together - the little domesticity of their cooking lessons, waking up together in bed, the heady paint sessions that are torturous to Paul's soul - it overwhelms and consumes the both of them - and is it strange, but it felt like I was actually witnessing a real relationship. It's an odd comment, I know, but the ups and downs they went through - the way Paul pushed Seth away - for whatever misguided or misunderstood reason, it's how they came back together - that felt so painfully real. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
'Perhaps there really was no certainty in love. Love required faith, trust, and acceptance. There was no place for jealousy or mistrust.' Ultimately, this is the story of learning to trust in love again - to realize that you can be safe with someone else - that not everyone is going to hurt or betray you or use you like a bad relationship has broken your trust and faith in finding love again. It's a beautiful message told in such a tender way of witnessing a love between these two broken pieces that finally find a way to fit together again. 🥹
“I know heartache. I know loneliness. It’s made me cautious in some ways and reckless in others. It isn’t easy to give pieces of yourself when you aren’t sure what you’ll get in return. {...} I get it. But I’m ready to take a chance on us. I won’t give up on you.”
He gave a short self-deprecating chuckle as he traced my jawline tenderly. “I may drive you crazy on occasion, but baby, I promise… you’re safe with me.”
The confession was one of my favorite moments - it was so very tender and so soft, yet so very honest. Paul may sound like a weak character, but he wasn't - just disheartened and broken by his previous relationship and his own family trauma that he's the kind of person I want for to be happy - to feel safe. And for an unlikely pair from very different worlds, who understood that life didn't come with guarantees, who simply needed the other to just be there for the other - then, that was all that mattered. As for the writing, I am amazed at how much I highlighted - there's just something about how she writes her relationships - like it gets under your skin - their thoughts and feelings.
And unlike the previous two books, I appreciated that the writing was not a retelling of their relationship, which was one of the major grievances I had. 👍🏻 It was also lovely seeing the other couples together again, that even despite the rather disastrous dating scenario with Curt, Paul still maintained his friendship with them - 'it was good to know there were people who cared enough to notice my absence when I was out of town. Aaron, as always, was a constant at Paul's side - that solid, steady and sympathetic shoulder that even if he was their matchmaker, he was also their support, who gave Paul the little nudge of a reminder that 'Safe? Love isn’t safe. I think by definition it’s terrifying. But it’s worth it.' ❣️
And if you saw that I wrote a review for book 4 before book 3, then, shh... no, you didn't. 🤫 🫢
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
I'll admit I went into this not having very high expectations and maybe that wasn't fair or kind of me, but I can also admit that I was proved wrong because I really enjoyed this.
Like Paul, I was a bit put off, a lot bewildered, but utterly and hopelessly charmed by Seth. He was quite the unconventional character, definitely not your standard romantic interest who never acted in a predictable manner. He was a little off kilter and impetuous and he was a thing to behold. I don't blame Paul at all for being dizzily besotted.
Paul does have a lot of issues to wade through. He's alot tad stiff and has a tempestuous past which makes him understandably skittish when it comes to a free spirit such as Seth. I thought the yin and yang these two represented were portrayed quite nicely and it doesn't hurt that their interactions were fun/funny/frustrating but also with some very, very nice heat and want.
Of course life owes no one any guarantees - a lesson Paul must realize in order to be happy. Seth is the perfect foil to him and it just so happens that it obviously works both ways.
Thanks Tara for nudging me to read this with you!! You won the drinking round - 7 to 2! Ha ha.
I'll admit I went into this not having very high expectations and maybe that wasn't fair or kind of me, but I can also admit that I was proved wrong because I really enjoyed this.
Like Paul, I was a bit put off, a lot bewildered, but utterly and hopelessly charmed by Seth. He was quite the unconventional character, definitely not your standard romantic interest who never acted in a predictable manner. He was a little off kilter and impetuous and he was a thing to behold. I don't blame Paul at all for being dizzily besotted.
Paul does have a lot of issues to wade through. He's a
Of course life owes no one any guarantees - a lesson Paul must realize in order to be happy. Seth is the perfect foil to him and it just so happens that it obviously works both ways.
Thanks Tara for nudging me to read this with you!! You won the drinking round - 7 to 2! Ha ha.
June 7, 2017
I wanted to love this one, but I had a really hard time. Paul was very stuffy, but Seth -- man, he was all over the place. I nearly DNF'd after reading the first chapter because I couldn't see how anyone in their right mind would give Seth a second date. He was late and then rude. He interrupted constantly and made everything about him. He was an awful date.
But I kept reading. And though I was able to get to know Seth a bit more and he seemed like a decent enough guy, he was still undependable, self-absorbed and flighty for the first half of the book. By about halfway through, though, it was Paul I started to lose patience with. He's rigid, impatient, and I've got to agree with Seth on this -- snobby. Actually, implacable is a good description.
I didn't really warm to either of them until about 65%, at which point I had to admit that Seth is actually the mature one in the relationship. After they both got their act together, I thought they were good together, but this isn't a book I'll read again.
But I kept reading. And though I was able to get to know Seth a bit more and he seemed like a decent enough guy, he was still undependable, self-absorbed and flighty for the first half of the book. By about halfway through, though, it was Paul I started to lose patience with. He's rigid, impatient, and I've got to agree with Seth on this -- snobby. Actually, implacable is a good description.
I didn't really warm to either of them until about 65%, at which point I had to admit that Seth is actually the mature one in the relationship. After they both got their act together, I thought they were good together, but this isn't a book I'll read again.
September 23, 2015
One of my top go to m/m contemporary romance writers in the genre, Lane Hayes always keeps me engrossed by creating engaging, three dimensional characters whose combustible chemistry never fails to deliver the type of sizzling on page sexual tension I absolutely love...as well as some mighty fine man loving! And with the pairing this time of the slightly mature, touch prickly at times, Brit Paul Fallon and part Native American Seth Landau, the gloriously unpredictable, sex on a stick, gorgeous young model/artist/musician…she's ticked all the boxes for me. I fell in love with these guys the moment they set eyes on each other and generated a palpable spark that had me totally glued to this particular instalment in the Better Than series, possibly making it my favourite Lane Hayes love story up to now.
This particular opposites attracts style romance of 'solid, more centred older character' meets 'beautiful, erratic, quirky, younger guy' has been done many times, but when it's done with style and enigmatic characters whose on page presence holds your attention, it always works its magic on me.
I adored Paul but have to say it was Seth's charismatic personality that called to me. He's that beautiful, elusive creature I think we'd all secretly love to have our lives turned upside down by. One minute exasperatingly fickle, wayward, moody and a tad immature...the next...thoughtful, funny and teasingly sensual; with flashes of fierce intelligence and a shrewdness that as we get to see more of him, shows much deeper layers to his character and past history than first impressions indicate. The sort of intriguing, contradictory character who provokes but fascinates at the same time, making everyone around him almost pale into insignificance. Gorgeous to look at and magnetic.
The attraction is instant but their first couple of get togethers don’t go well at all. To the point that despite the inexorable pull he's feeling, Paul is all too happy to put it down to experience and move on yet circumstances keep drawing them back together. The problem is, Seth is Paul's wet dream but he's also his worst nightmare; a quandary that has the thirty five year fashion advertising exec continously fighting a losing battle with the twenty something multi talented model who keeps popping up in his life, tying him in emotional knots about starting anything remotely romantic with the beautiful man.....
For rest of review follow Link-> http://bit.ly/1ivhHov
This particular opposites attracts style romance of 'solid, more centred older character' meets 'beautiful, erratic, quirky, younger guy' has been done many times, but when it's done with style and enigmatic characters whose on page presence holds your attention, it always works its magic on me.
I adored Paul but have to say it was Seth's charismatic personality that called to me. He's that beautiful, elusive creature I think we'd all secretly love to have our lives turned upside down by. One minute exasperatingly fickle, wayward, moody and a tad immature...the next...thoughtful, funny and teasingly sensual; with flashes of fierce intelligence and a shrewdness that as we get to see more of him, shows much deeper layers to his character and past history than first impressions indicate. The sort of intriguing, contradictory character who provokes but fascinates at the same time, making everyone around him almost pale into insignificance. Gorgeous to look at and magnetic.
The attraction is instant but their first couple of get togethers don’t go well at all. To the point that despite the inexorable pull he's feeling, Paul is all too happy to put it down to experience and move on yet circumstances keep drawing them back together. The problem is, Seth is Paul's wet dream but he's also his worst nightmare; a quandary that has the thirty five year fashion advertising exec continously fighting a losing battle with the twenty something multi talented model who keeps popping up in his life, tying him in emotional knots about starting anything remotely romantic with the beautiful man.....
For rest of review follow Link-> http://bit.ly/1ivhHov
January 15, 2020
3.50 stars. This book was my least favorite of the Better Than series. We meet Paul Fallon earlier in Better Than Friends, and he carries that stiff British upper lip into Better Than Safe.
Cashmere-sweater-wearing Paul is set up with model / guitar player / artist Seth (by Aaron, who else?) and their first coffee date is a disaster. A second chance encounter brings them together and wild hot sex ensues, but I felt their relationship lacks that undeniable hot something that Jack & Curt and Jay & Peter had in abundance. I was never quite sure if Seth was just a total jerk, if Paul was ever going to stop being such an OCD prig, and if they were ever going to deal with the elephant in the room and actually communicate about their issues. Unlike the other couples in the series, I was never sure that Seth & Paul really worked as a couple, until the very end of the book.
I know other reviewers have stated this is their favorite book in the series, so I think it's fair to say that perhaps your mileage may vary on this book!
I received a copy of the "Better Than" bundle from Dreamspinner Press, via Gay Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Cashmere-sweater-wearing Paul is set up with model / guitar player / artist Seth (by Aaron, who else?) and their first coffee date is a disaster. A second chance encounter brings them together and wild hot sex ensues, but I felt their relationship lacks that undeniable hot something that Jack & Curt and Jay & Peter had in abundance. I was never quite sure if Seth was just a total jerk, if Paul was ever going to stop being such an OCD prig, and if they were ever going to deal with the elephant in the room and actually communicate about their issues. Unlike the other couples in the series, I was never sure that Seth & Paul really worked as a couple, until the very end of the book.
I know other reviewers have stated this is their favorite book in the series, so I think it's fair to say that perhaps your mileage may vary on this book!
I received a copy of the "Better Than" bundle from Dreamspinner Press, via Gay Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
March 15, 2016
"No one is really safe in this life. You aren’t alive if you’ve never been hurt. And you’ll never really live again unless you take a chance."
So you know what I get for being all judgemental and mean? An enjoyable read is what. It had members and it had Curt but neither really took away from the overall story which was engaging and fabulously easy reading.
It also had Seth. I think Seth is my new favourite Lane Hayes character. He is complicated and flaky and came off as rude at times but as the book progressed we get to see he is really kind of wonderful. I've a Seth crush.
Me and Paul got off to a very shaky start. He was still boring (he was super duper boring in Better Than Friends) but it turns out that's what Paul wanted me to see (silly Paul). He needed an Artist/Model/Musician to get in there and shake things up a bit. And boy did he. Seth and Paul were rather smexy together. Like OMFG smexy. Even the introduction of 'member' in these smexy times couldn't take away from it.
I gave out. I annoyed R * A Reader Obsessed * with my complaining (thanks for the BR dude) but I really did enjoy it all told. It might even be my favourite in the series and that's kind of shocking. This series is funny, it totally confuses me. I vowed to myself after Curt I'd never go back but I'm an addict and I couldn't give up. So glad I didn't.
I predict Rand and Tom next. I don't like either of them. At. All. I can't wait!!
_____________________________________________
Pre-read thoughts:
What I said about Paul in my review for Better Than Friends:
"Oh and Paul, how could I almost forget the secondary love interest? Well it is because Paul is one of the most uninteresting and unnecessary characters ever. Paul was British and liked Jazz. That's about all I learned about Paul. He worked somewhere and traveled a lot but I couldn't bring myself to retain the information."
I've pre-ordered it.
It's like I want to punish myself.
So you know what I get for being all judgemental and mean? An enjoyable read is what. It had members and it had Curt but neither really took away from the overall story which was engaging and fabulously easy reading.
It also had Seth. I think Seth is my new favourite Lane Hayes character. He is complicated and flaky and came off as rude at times but as the book progressed we get to see he is really kind of wonderful. I've a Seth crush.
Me and Paul got off to a very shaky start. He was still boring (he was super duper boring in Better Than Friends) but it turns out that's what Paul wanted me to see (silly Paul). He needed an Artist/Model/Musician to get in there and shake things up a bit. And boy did he. Seth and Paul were rather smexy together. Like OMFG smexy. Even the introduction of 'member' in these smexy times couldn't take away from it.
I gave out. I annoyed R * A Reader Obsessed * with my complaining (thanks for the BR dude) but I really did enjoy it all told. It might even be my favourite in the series and that's kind of shocking. This series is funny, it totally confuses me. I vowed to myself after Curt I'd never go back but I'm an addict and I couldn't give up. So glad I didn't.
I predict Rand and Tom next. I don't like either of them. At. All. I can't wait!!
_____________________________________________
Pre-read thoughts:
What I said about Paul in my review for Better Than Friends:
"Oh and Paul, how could I almost forget the secondary love interest? Well it is because Paul is one of the most uninteresting and unnecessary characters ever. Paul was British and liked Jazz. That's about all I learned about Paul. He worked somewhere and traveled a lot but I couldn't bring myself to retain the information."
I've pre-ordered it.
It's like I want to punish myself.
September 26, 2015
*4.5 stars*
This is my favorite book of Lane Hayes after
.
Very engaging story, I was hooked from the start and my interest never diminished.
Paul is British, too uptight, too organized, too standoffish. He's a successful businessman and every little thing in his life has its place.
Seth is the complete opposite. He's a model/ artist/ guitarist. He's too impulsive, sometimes snarky or even rude and at first glance uncultured. But first impressions are not always right.
Their first meeting is a disaster and it convinces Paul that it is never going to work between them. Besides he wants to settle down and Seth seems to be allover the place.
I admit it took me a while to warm up to Seth, mostly because he kept playing Paul making it hard for me to believe he truly cared and not having his POV didn't help.
But as the story progresses it becomes clear that Seth is wiser and more self aware that he lets on. Poor Paul didn't know what hit him. It was so good seeing him unraveling, starting to have real feelings like jealousy, passion, possessiveness, love. It confuses him and it freaks him out, it leads him to wrong decisions but it is truly beautiful when he realises and accepts his feelings.
"I’d grown up in an unconventional home surrounded by uncertain affection. I yearned for certainty. Perhaps there really was no certainty in love. Love required faith, trust, and acceptance. There was no place for jealousy or mistrust. I loved Seth. It was my certainty."
If you 're looking for an opposites attract story, with loads of steam, an age gap between the MCs, engaging and evocative writing, this is the story for you. Recommended!
This is my favorite book of Lane Hayes after
.Very engaging story, I was hooked from the start and my interest never diminished.
Paul is British, too uptight, too organized, too standoffish. He's a successful businessman and every little thing in his life has its place.
Seth is the complete opposite. He's a model/ artist/ guitarist. He's too impulsive, sometimes snarky or even rude and at first glance uncultured. But first impressions are not always right.
Their first meeting is a disaster and it convinces Paul that it is never going to work between them. Besides he wants to settle down and Seth seems to be allover the place.
I admit it took me a while to warm up to Seth, mostly because he kept playing Paul making it hard for me to believe he truly cared and not having his POV didn't help.
But as the story progresses it becomes clear that Seth is wiser and more self aware that he lets on. Poor Paul didn't know what hit him. It was so good seeing him unraveling, starting to have real feelings like jealousy, passion, possessiveness, love. It confuses him and it freaks him out, it leads him to wrong decisions but it is truly beautiful when he realises and accepts his feelings.
"I’d grown up in an unconventional home surrounded by uncertain affection. I yearned for certainty. Perhaps there really was no certainty in love. Love required faith, trust, and acceptance. There was no place for jealousy or mistrust. I loved Seth. It was my certainty."
If you 're looking for an opposites attract story, with loads of steam, an age gap between the MCs, engaging and evocative writing, this is the story for you. Recommended!
June 17, 2016
2.5 stars
MEH.
See Valerie's review for more elaborate opinion; because she basically said what I thought about this book.
And seriously, with all the issues that Paul and Seth have throughout the book (and that rushed resolution) -- plus the fact that I truly disliked them as a couple -- I couldn't even imagine them together in happily ever after *shrugs*.
Note to Self
After reading three Lane Hayes's books within few days, I come to conclusion that while I can enjoy her romance (despite the hits and misses rating), I personally think that Hayes's sex scenes are tedious. None of them inspire me to read it further. Oh well, some authors write fab sex scenes that glue my eyes on my e-readers, some don't. Personal taste and everything.
MEH.
See Valerie's review for more elaborate opinion; because she basically said what I thought about this book.
And seriously, with all the issues that Paul and Seth have throughout the book (and that rushed resolution) -- plus the fact that I truly disliked them as a couple -- I couldn't even imagine them together in happily ever after *shrugs*.
Note to Self
After reading three Lane Hayes's books within few days, I come to conclusion that while I can enjoy her romance (despite the hits and misses rating), I personally think that Hayes's sex scenes are tedious. None of them inspire me to read it further. Oh well, some authors write fab sex scenes that glue my eyes on my e-readers, some don't. Personal taste and everything.
March 24, 2020
The vibrant artist/model opens the Brit’s eyes !
Snarky, sassy, sexy and we have the story of long haired artist/model Seth, 24, along with advertising guru Paul, 35, a somewhat snobbish British man. These men are oil and water at first, with constant bickering, insulting comments, and criticisms, and smirks.
In between the good humored harping, we do get hot sexy times for these two. We have side characters that are used well, each man has a severe ex, and they are surprised it’s the same guy, who later gets in the way.
Seth brings something into Paul’s staid life, and opens Paul’s thoughts and emotions. We get their pasts, inner thoughts, and deep passions.
The epilogue is a perfect wrap of these two men, and their path forward.
Enjoy !
=====
Snarky, sassy, sexy and we have the story of long haired artist/model Seth, 24, along with advertising guru Paul, 35, a somewhat snobbish British man. These men are oil and water at first, with constant bickering, insulting comments, and criticisms, and smirks.
In between the good humored harping, we do get hot sexy times for these two. We have side characters that are used well, each man has a severe ex, and they are surprised it’s the same guy, who later gets in the way.
Seth brings something into Paul’s staid life, and opens Paul’s thoughts and emotions. We get their pasts, inner thoughts, and deep passions.
The epilogue is a perfect wrap of these two men, and their path forward.
Enjoy !
=====
July 2, 2022
Wonderful story
This was a great book. Great characters. Paul was an only, lonely child who turned into an adult who was very set in his ways. He desperately needed someone like Seth to help him live.
This was a great book. Great characters. Paul was an only, lonely child who turned into an adult who was very set in his ways. He desperately needed someone like Seth to help him live.
January 6, 2016
Loved this one. Thank God that evil stinker Simon Pickard didn't succeed in completely breaking Paul and Seth up, they were great together. The next story A Kind of Truth features Seth's best friend, Rand and a sexy genderbender named Will. 4.5 stars.
Oh, there is a little Paul and Seth freebie on Lane's website, and once A Kind of Truth comes out, a little freebie featuring Rand will appear.
October 12, 2015
The 4th part of the Better Than series.
Seth is kind of excentric, he's a model, an occasional guitarist, and a painter.
Paul works in fashion, he loves the chaotic atmosphere and constant challenges. In his private life he loves it quiet and peacefull.
Then quirky and flighty Seth breaks through the walls around his heart...
Loved the guys... and enjoyed the book. Recommended. :)
September 28, 2015
Could not warm to Paul and his somewhat snobbish regimented character. Seth was totally opposite, flighty and unreserved. They just didn't gel as a couple for me.
August 4, 2022
I really struggled with this one. I like this series and looked forward to Paul's story, but unfortunately for me, I didn't really care for either of these heroes. Paul is one big ball of stubborn angst. His grumpiness was OTT to me. Seth was better. Though he is younger, he definitely was more emotionally mature than Paul. I couldn't get behind them being together much at all.
I am the lone ranger. This is a well loved book and I can see why. It's well written and the heroes in the previous books definitely play a part in Paul's life. I did enjoy seeing further into their lives.
This is a good series. Everyone loved this book but me, so it's clearly me and not the book. 🙅
I am the lone ranger. This is a well loved book and I can see why. It's well written and the heroes in the previous books definitely play a part in Paul's life. I did enjoy seeing further into their lives.
This is a good series. Everyone loved this book but me, so it's clearly me and not the book. 🙅
June 4, 2016
While visiting Aaron at a magazine fashion shoot, Paul spots beautiful model Seth, who he finds staring back at him from across the room. Paul is drawn to the young man, and he and Seth meet again when they are set up on a coffee date by Aaron. This doesn't go so well. In fact it's probably the worst coffee date in the history of coffee dates, but they'll get their chance again.
I'll be honest, I LOVED Seth, and his character made this book a 5 star read for me. I wish the book had been in his POV. I would have loved to get into his head. He was so flaky and flighty, but sometimes you are just drawn to a character, and I was definitely drawn to Seth. He had a very interesting and intriguing backstory I would have loved to get a closer look at. Paul, well, I thought Paul was a snobby, British tosser. I didn't like him throughout most of the book. I found his character too prim and proper for my taste. I just wanted him to loosen up a little. Does the man not own a pair of jeans and a t-shirt for crying out loud?!?! But I felt for him. His story is one of privilege, yet neglect and mental abuse and anguish. While I didn't love Paul from the beginning, I loved the story. It was well written and captivating. It flowed well and moved at a good pace. The characters are well developed and I absolutely loved the growth they showed throughout the story.
The chemistry was good between the characters. The sexual tension palpable and the sex was beyond smoking hot!! On a side note, I read this book after I read "A Kind of Truth", which is a new series, and features Seth's friend, Rand's story in book one. While scenes with Rand were few and far between, I loved getting a peek at Rand (my favorite of all of Lane's characters), before he becomes an established character.
This was an enjoyable story, that I highly recommend!
September 27, 2015
I have a friend from childhood who once explained Sunny & I to someone as “being two very likable people but together…well I hated them both”. That is Paul and Seth. I felt both brought out the worst in each other.
Paul was moody and unsure of himself with Seth. He appeared to be the guy who was going to forever need to be reassured. He was always going to question whether his relationship was an unhealthy repeat of his parents and question the longevity or stability. Why are you here….hopefully he finds the answer, but I highly doubt it.
Seth…Paul didn’t paint him well. Other than the lack of timeliness I can’t say for sure but I got the impression he was…not irresponsible, clearly he wasn’t he’d made his own way as an adult it seemed. I was left with a distinct impression of a young attractive man who was probably smarter than you’d expect…slightly…manipulative. Maybe not, but a chameleon if you will. It’s a survival tactic…I know it well, it doesn’t make you a bad person, it’s just well. I don’t know….it’s…well I possess it as does Sunny and it’s…I do think once someone who loves you realizes it’s a personality trait you have it makes it hard to believe you for lack of a better explanation. So Paul and Seth I possibly could have liked them separately but together…well I hated them both.
Paul was moody and unsure of himself with Seth. He appeared to be the guy who was going to forever need to be reassured. He was always going to question whether his relationship was an unhealthy repeat of his parents and question the longevity or stability. Why are you here….hopefully he finds the answer, but I highly doubt it.
Seth…Paul didn’t paint him well. Other than the lack of timeliness I can’t say for sure but I got the impression he was…not irresponsible, clearly he wasn’t he’d made his own way as an adult it seemed. I was left with a distinct impression of a young attractive man who was probably smarter than you’d expect…slightly…manipulative. Maybe not, but a chameleon if you will. It’s a survival tactic…I know it well, it doesn’t make you a bad person, it’s just well. I don’t know….it’s…well I possess it as does Sunny and it’s…I do think once someone who loves you realizes it’s a personality trait you have it makes it hard to believe you for lack of a better explanation. So Paul and Seth I possibly could have liked them separately but together…well I hated them both.
April 2, 2016
4.5 stars
audio version
I really, really liked this book. This ended up being a well done romance and there were quite a few things I liked about it. Paul is the narrator and he gets set up with Seth by a friend. Seth is much younger and at first glance doesn't seem to have his act together. As the story unfolds though we realize Seth is so much more than he initially seemed. I fell for Seth right along with Paul. At first I thought he was kind of charming but a PITA and way too much trouble but by the end I was all swooney and ready to declare my endless love for him right along with Paul. I thought the plot was interesting and it moved along at a good pace without a lot of angst. I liked how problems would arise but instead of the usual drama we often see in books, these two just communicated (a novel idea I know) and worked through it. There was no insta love and their relationship progressed in a way that felt realistic to me. Some of the most touching scenes were every day moments (like a picnic). The story wasn't filled with sex scenes.....just the right amount...and they were HOT. Seth was a dirty talker and that made the scenes really work for me.
This was by far my favorite book by this author. I've only read book 2 of this series but had no problem reading this without reading the others. The couples from books 1 & 3 made multiple appearances and there is a very brief appearance of the guys from 2.
I listened to this on audio and REALLY liked the narrator. I thought he did a great job on all of the characters and it really made the sexy scenes hotter.
audio version
I really, really liked this book. This ended up being a well done romance and there were quite a few things I liked about it. Paul is the narrator and he gets set up with Seth by a friend. Seth is much younger and at first glance doesn't seem to have his act together. As the story unfolds though we realize Seth is so much more than he initially seemed. I fell for Seth right along with Paul. At first I thought he was kind of charming but a PITA and way too much trouble but by the end I was all swooney and ready to declare my endless love for him right along with Paul. I thought the plot was interesting and it moved along at a good pace without a lot of angst. I liked how problems would arise but instead of the usual drama we often see in books, these two just communicated (a novel idea I know) and worked through it. There was no insta love and their relationship progressed in a way that felt realistic to me. Some of the most touching scenes were every day moments (like a picnic). The story wasn't filled with sex scenes.....just the right amount...and they were HOT. Seth was a dirty talker and that made the scenes really work for me.
This was by far my favorite book by this author. I've only read book 2 of this series but had no problem reading this without reading the others. The couples from books 1 & 3 made multiple appearances and there is a very brief appearance of the guys from 2.
I listened to this on audio and REALLY liked the narrator. I thought he did a great job on all of the characters and it really made the sexy scenes hotter.
February 8, 2020
4.5 Stars ~ "No one is really safe in this life. You aren’t alive if you’ve never been hurt."
It felt like a long time since I had been in the world of 'Better Than', Lane Hayes's very enjoyable creation. I noticed my enjoyment level increasing with each successive book in the series, although after the third installment, Jay and Peter were still my favorite couple and book. I couldn't wait to see what Paul and Seth were going to bring.
Seth and Paul intrigued me greatly, but for completely different reasons. Paul I understood, with his need for organization, quiet, and punctuality. Those are characteristics I have and can empathize with. His loneliness and the facade he puts on hide an enormous amount of insecurity from childhood and a disastrous first relationship. Seth, with his bohemian outlook, artist’s soul, and excessive tardiness, I couldn't understand but I yearned to. I’ve wanted that artistic bent my whole life, but alas, an office drone I would have forever been. Seth may only be twenty-four, but he's wise beyond his years and has enough confidence to take him through any storm.
"I suppose I was more bothered by the fact I had a type I couldn’t shake. And it was invariably the sort of man who was looking for a muse. An inspiration or a diversion until a better source of inspiration took their fancy."
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
It felt like a long time since I had been in the world of 'Better Than', Lane Hayes's very enjoyable creation. I noticed my enjoyment level increasing with each successive book in the series, although after the third installment, Jay and Peter were still my favorite couple and book. I couldn't wait to see what Paul and Seth were going to bring.
Seth and Paul intrigued me greatly, but for completely different reasons. Paul I understood, with his need for organization, quiet, and punctuality. Those are characteristics I have and can empathize with. His loneliness and the facade he puts on hide an enormous amount of insecurity from childhood and a disastrous first relationship. Seth, with his bohemian outlook, artist’s soul, and excessive tardiness, I couldn't understand but I yearned to. I’ve wanted that artistic bent my whole life, but alas, an office drone I would have forever been. Seth may only be twenty-four, but he's wise beyond his years and has enough confidence to take him through any storm.
"I suppose I was more bothered by the fact I had a type I couldn’t shake. And it was invariably the sort of man who was looking for a muse. An inspiration or a diversion until a better source of inspiration took their fancy."
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
October 17, 2015
Answer: Want to read
Question: What is anything written by Lane Hayes?
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ETA ...
3.5 (4.0) White-knuckled Stars
Whoa. What a ride. I can't say that I loved it. It was too uncomfortable but maybe that was the point? I don't know. I will say that I was riveted. I was irritated and aggravated being pushed and pulled throughout the story. And, Seth was a challenge for me. Man, he pissed me off! He was rude, obnoxious, and a complete jackass. Paul's fascination with him sometimes disgusted me. But I could never bring myself to let go. These MCs pulled me in and then pushed me away, time and time again. Despite their difficulties and Seth's shortcomings (which were plentiful), I thought Paul was selfish and weak when the chips were down, which only fueled my frustration with the book!
Bottom line: Wild, passionate, unpredictable, and volatile. A well-written and engrossing read. No doubt Lane Hayes made me work for it but she hooked me from the get-go and, ultimately, I was satisfied.
Question: What is anything written by Lane Hayes?
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ETA ...
3.5 (4.0) White-knuckled Stars
Whoa. What a ride. I can't say that I loved it. It was too uncomfortable but maybe that was the point? I don't know. I will say that I was riveted. I was irritated and aggravated being pushed and pulled throughout the story. And, Seth was a challenge for me. Man, he pissed me off! He was rude, obnoxious, and a complete jackass. Paul's fascination with him sometimes disgusted me. But I could never bring myself to let go. These MCs pulled me in and then pushed me away, time and time again. Despite their difficulties and Seth's shortcomings (which were plentiful), I thought Paul was selfish and weak when the chips were down, which only fueled my frustration with the book!
Bottom line: Wild, passionate, unpredictable, and volatile. A well-written and engrossing read. No doubt Lane Hayes made me work for it but she hooked me from the get-go and, ultimately, I was satisfied.
October 3, 2015
WOW..... Just WOW!!!!! LOVE this book!!!! The last paragraph in the book spoke to me as it will to most people!!!!!
"No one is really safe in this life. You aren’t alive if you’ve never been hurt. And you’ll never really live again unless you take a chance. I am a firm believer the best things in life come along when you aren’t looking and when you finally give up the notion it’s better to be safe."
Just brilliant!!!!
"No one is really safe in this life. You aren’t alive if you’ve never been hurt. And you’ll never really live again unless you take a chance. I am a firm believer the best things in life come along when you aren’t looking and when you finally give up the notion it’s better to be safe."
Just brilliant!!!!
July 3, 2017
4.5 stars.
Well, I loved this book. My favorite in the series, hands down. Paul was vulnerable and emotionally scarred under his uptight businessman persona, Seth was all quirky and flighty and wounded, but had a core of steel, and together they made for an amazing couple.
Well, I loved this book. My favorite in the series, hands down. Paul was vulnerable and emotionally scarred under his uptight businessman persona, Seth was all quirky and flighty and wounded, but had a core of steel, and together they made for an amazing couple.
May 25, 2016
It drives me nuts when I go back and look at an old 3 star review where I wrote nothing. So I'm trying not to do that, but honestly, I don't have anything to say. It was fine. I liked it. I didn't love it.
September 25, 2015
Love this author's writing. This was a sophisticated pairing with lots of emotional depth. The sex scenes pretty much melted the screen of my kindle.
April 14, 2019
I liked the struggle of this romance where Paul is trying to avoid is type in Seth. Seth is all over the place-- very much the flighty artist. Since we get the story from Paul's point of view, we don't know if we should trust Seth either.
Paul has an abusive boyfriend in his past which turns out to be an intersection between Seth and him.
The chemistry in this book is really off the charts. Paul just can't help himself even though he resists and Seth messes up.
I really like that both of these men are far from perfect but they make a perfect match.
The plot stumbles for me in moments where they both need to communicate between them and Paul is too reactive at times but I enjoyed the read.
Paul has an abusive boyfriend in his past which turns out to be an intersection between Seth and him.
The chemistry in this book is really off the charts. Paul just can't help himself even though he resists and Seth messes up.
I really like that both of these men are far from perfect but they make a perfect match.
The plot stumbles for me in moments where they both need to communicate between them and Paul is too reactive at times but I enjoyed the read.
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