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Better Than Good
Dr. Kristen L. Harrison’s life is good. Loving family, amazing friends, and tenure is one service project away. All according to her plan. But a Friday night outing with her best friend reminds Kristen of the one thing she hasn’t been successful at…love.
Eric Davenport has his eyes on the senior consultant promotion. His next project should be the final step to having more control over his travel and work schedule. However, he doesn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams at a game night. Nor for the mystery woman to be his new client.
Kristen cannot afford to get sidetracked. After years of failed relationships and unfulfilled dreams, she’s sure that love is not in her life plan. But tenure is. So, she devises a plan to keep Eric at arm’s length while she fights her growing attraction to him. But is she preserving her happiness or missing out on something better than good?
Eric Davenport has his eyes on the senior consultant promotion. His next project should be the final step to having more control over his travel and work schedule. However, he doesn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams at a game night. Nor for the mystery woman to be his new client.
Kristen cannot afford to get sidetracked. After years of failed relationships and unfulfilled dreams, she’s sure that love is not in her life plan. But tenure is. So, she devises a plan to keep Eric at arm’s length while she fights her growing attraction to him. But is she preserving her happiness or missing out on something better than good?
- GenresChristian Romance
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2023
208 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 18, 2023
Hhmmm….
This book has a good storyline but starts very slow…
*it picks up a bit more than half way through
*I found myself speed reading a lot to get to the points.
*I liked that prayer and the characters’ relationships with God is very present.
*its a love story but not at all hot, heavy or steamy. Spoiler… there are no sex scenes in this book.
*a bit wordy with the first person dialogues way too long. I was tired of the repetitious self doubt from both main characters throughout the book….ok, ok… we get it already… move the story along.
*I dont care for books with needless drama just to reach word count. This wasn’t that exactly but I could see the plot twists from a mile away.
This book has a good storyline but starts very slow…
*it picks up a bit more than half way through
*I found myself speed reading a lot to get to the points.
*I liked that prayer and the characters’ relationships with God is very present.
*its a love story but not at all hot, heavy or steamy. Spoiler… there are no sex scenes in this book.
*a bit wordy with the first person dialogues way too long. I was tired of the repetitious self doubt from both main characters throughout the book….ok, ok… we get it already… move the story along.
*I dont care for books with needless drama just to reach word count. This wasn’t that exactly but I could see the plot twists from a mile away.
May 23, 2023
This was a good story, but the games Kristen played was very juvenile for a woman her age. Then at some point Kristen & Eric both became exhausting with their accusations.
December 24, 2024
Better Than Good by Marie Hobbs
Unexpected Love #1
+456-page Kindle Ebook ends on 451
Genre: Christian Romance, African-American Romance
Featuring: Blurb, Florida, Church Groups, University Professors, Childhood Friends, Family, Cousins, Fictional Small-Town Florida, Quadragenarians, Scholastic Setting, Church Setting, Doesn't Want Anything Serious, Rules, Cousins-Brother, Pharmacy School, Games Trope, Throne of Lies, Workplace Politics, Blurb for Love Next Door
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Ready For Love" by India.Arie, "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige, "Champion" by Darwin Hobbs, "Agnus Dei" by Michael W. Smith, "Video" by India.Arie, "Blow the Whistle" by Too Short, "It’s Tricky" by Run-D.M.C., "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown, "Kiss Of Life" by Sade, "The Truth" by India.Arie Simpson, "Love Calls" by Kem “Best of Me” by Anthony Hamilton, "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" by Missy Elliott, "Before I Let Go" by Maze, "Share My Life" by Kem
Books and Authors mentioned: The Men in Black by Lowell Cunningham, Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino, Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm, The Bourne Series by Robert Ludlum,
Ocean's Eleven by Ted Griffin [based on
Ocean's 11 by Harry Brown, Charles Lederer, George Clayton Johnson, and Jack Golden Russell], Rush Hour by Ross LaManna
My rating: ⭐️⭐️¾💊🎓✝️
My thoughts: 🔖Page 27 of 456 Chapter 4 - This has some awkward choices but it's workable and the story is somewhat interesting.
🔖38 Chapter 5 - This woman is already on my nerves. 😒 I tried to see if the author was related to Darwin Hobbs but all I learned was she's not his wife unless Marie is a pseudonym.
🔖52 Chapter 7 - I almost went to bed without reading from my Kindle, but not today. This story isn't making a lot of sense to me but I'm going to roll with it. I thought boards chose who got tenure.
🔖60 Chapter 8 - The plot has been revealed. Kirsten, you're too old for these games, what are you doing? 🙄
🔖90 Chapter 11 - This is worse than I thought. I may need another book.
🔖125 Chapter 15 - Okay so he's helping decide who makes tenure but working on a different project. These people are on my nerves and the sense is still lacking.
🔖211 Chapter 24 - I want to like this story since it was highly recommended and in my library for a couple of months, but I just don't see it. Kristen is on my last nerve, her reasons aren't adding up for me.
🔖327 Chapter 36 - I'm out of energy and patience. The love interest is on my nerves now, he's nearly 50 and acting like this. Too many games for me, and the story seems to go on forever.
I didn't need 450 pages of middle-aged Christians acting like teenagers. This story did not feel like Christian romance to me at all if anything it's Urban Christian Romance most of the songs mentioned are secular and this character is 47, has been active in the church most of her life but acts like a baby Christian. Her entire story goes against the teachings, she's trusting in herself instead of God and she's lying and encouraging everyone else to lie for her. Then the relationship with LI was confusing, he's the consultant evaluating her tenure project, but he doesn't know she's up for tenure until she tells him, I was confused as to his role at her job for half the book. 40 is also too old to be playing these games. It took me too long to piece together minor details because of the choppy writing style. Overall it was okay but not for me.
Recommend to others: Maybe but not likely.
Unexpected Love Series
1. Better Than Good
2. Love Next Door
Unexpected Love #1
+456-page Kindle Ebook ends on 451
Genre: Christian Romance, African-American Romance
Featuring: Blurb, Florida, Church Groups, University Professors, Childhood Friends, Family, Cousins, Fictional Small-Town Florida, Quadragenarians, Scholastic Setting, Church Setting, Doesn't Want Anything Serious, Rules, Cousins-Brother, Pharmacy School, Games Trope, Throne of Lies, Workplace Politics, Blurb for Love Next Door
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Ready For Love" by India.Arie, "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige, "Champion" by Darwin Hobbs, "Agnus Dei" by Michael W. Smith, "Video" by India.Arie, "Blow the Whistle" by Too Short, "It’s Tricky" by Run-D.M.C., "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown, "Kiss Of Life" by Sade, "The Truth" by India.Arie Simpson, "Love Calls" by Kem “Best of Me” by Anthony Hamilton, "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" by Missy Elliott, "Before I Let Go" by Maze, "Share My Life" by Kem
Books and Authors mentioned: The Men in Black by Lowell Cunningham, Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino, Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm, The Bourne Series by Robert Ludlum,
Ocean's Eleven by Ted Griffin [based on
Ocean's 11 by Harry Brown, Charles Lederer, George Clayton Johnson, and Jack Golden Russell], Rush Hour by Ross LaManna
My rating: ⭐️⭐️¾💊🎓✝️
My thoughts: 🔖Page 27 of 456 Chapter 4 - This has some awkward choices but it's workable and the story is somewhat interesting.
🔖38 Chapter 5 - This woman is already on my nerves. 😒 I tried to see if the author was related to Darwin Hobbs but all I learned was she's not his wife unless Marie is a pseudonym.
🔖52 Chapter 7 - I almost went to bed without reading from my Kindle, but not today. This story isn't making a lot of sense to me but I'm going to roll with it. I thought boards chose who got tenure.
🔖60 Chapter 8 - The plot has been revealed. Kirsten, you're too old for these games, what are you doing? 🙄
🔖90 Chapter 11 - This is worse than I thought. I may need another book.
🔖125 Chapter 15 - Okay so he's helping decide who makes tenure but working on a different project. These people are on my nerves and the sense is still lacking.
🔖211 Chapter 24 - I want to like this story since it was highly recommended and in my library for a couple of months, but I just don't see it. Kristen is on my last nerve, her reasons aren't adding up for me.
🔖327 Chapter 36 - I'm out of energy and patience. The love interest is on my nerves now, he's nearly 50 and acting like this. Too many games for me, and the story seems to go on forever.
I didn't need 450 pages of middle-aged Christians acting like teenagers. This story did not feel like Christian romance to me at all if anything it's Urban Christian Romance most of the songs mentioned are secular and this character is 47, has been active in the church most of her life but acts like a baby Christian. Her entire story goes against the teachings, she's trusting in herself instead of God and she's lying and encouraging everyone else to lie for her. Then the relationship with LI was confusing, he's the consultant evaluating her tenure project, but he doesn't know she's up for tenure until she tells him, I was confused as to his role at her job for half the book. 40 is also too old to be playing these games. It took me too long to piece together minor details because of the choppy writing style. Overall it was okay but not for me.
Recommend to others: Maybe but not likely.
Unexpected Love Series
1. Better Than Good
2. Love Next Door
April 17, 2023
A must read if you enjoy a good novel with with characters with depth. Central characters are Dr. Kristen Harrison and Eric Davenport. Kristen works at the College of Pharmacy for a local university, and Eric is the consultant assigned to her project. Fortunately for them, they didn’t meet thru their professional work lives. Even on an unspoken level, when they met at Game Night they must have sensed they were near perfect for each other. But they had to go thru many trials and tribulations to finally align with God’s will for them. The author takes us on the journey in living color to witness blossoming love, cold-water dashed on love, disappointments of love, enemy attacks on love, misguided perceptions about love, long distanced love, hiding truths while in love-and others. Come along for a great read, and discover love is a beautiful thing
February 20, 2024
I wanted to LOVE this book.
I really wanted to love this book. It was a clean love story. At first I LOVED Eric and Kristen. By the middle of the book, I hated how 2 grown-ups who were close to 50 was acting. I finished it because I needed to know how it ended, but in my opinion, 2 almost 50 year Olds should not have acted the way they acted. They described Eric as being tall and handsome, but I could not stand his insecurities. It was a lot.
I really wanted to love this book. It was a clean love story. At first I LOVED Eric and Kristen. By the middle of the book, I hated how 2 grown-ups who were close to 50 was acting. I finished it because I needed to know how it ended, but in my opinion, 2 almost 50 year Olds should not have acted the way they acted. They described Eric as being tall and handsome, but I could not stand his insecurities. It was a lot.
June 12, 2023
Great 1st book
This was a great story about God’s faith and timing. We meet Kristen, who teaches at a university. She is content with her life and believes that she will not ever marry or have a family. She meets Eric through work who is a consultant and must help her to plan an event. They have immediate chemistry and fall for each other even while circumstances and insecurities come up. This book started out slowly and you wonder if they will ever get together. They did finally after some soul searching and communication. Very enjoyable and I could not put it down.
This was a great story about God’s faith and timing. We meet Kristen, who teaches at a university. She is content with her life and believes that she will not ever marry or have a family. She meets Eric through work who is a consultant and must help her to plan an event. They have immediate chemistry and fall for each other even while circumstances and insecurities come up. This book started out slowly and you wonder if they will ever get together. They did finally after some soul searching and communication. Very enjoyable and I could not put it down.
October 10, 2023
Loved it
Loved this story
The characters were relatable and the storyline as well
Kristen and Eric both in their forties but with long-standing trust issues when it came to relationships and love
But fortunately the insecurities they both had by the time the story ends are overcome
They both have family and friends support
Especially best friends Phoebe and David
This was a very enjoyable story and one that will inspire you to hope and know that what you think is the end it is not
Get your copy today
Great job Marie
Loved this story
The characters were relatable and the storyline as well
Kristen and Eric both in their forties but with long-standing trust issues when it came to relationships and love
But fortunately the insecurities they both had by the time the story ends are overcome
They both have family and friends support
Especially best friends Phoebe and David
This was a very enjoyable story and one that will inspire you to hope and know that what you think is the end it is not
Get your copy today
Great job Marie
July 1, 2024
Refreshing love story. Based on her past, Kirsten feels that romance isn't going to happen for her and thus creates her rules for dating to keep from heartbreak.
Eric is a successful consultant who feels inferior when it comes to women based on his past dating experiences and his cousin-brother.
Fate would have it that these two meet and find that they have an attraction to each other. Along the way, they face challenges that test not only their personal lives but their professional lives as well.
Eric is a successful consultant who feels inferior when it comes to women based on his past dating experiences and his cousin-brother.
Fate would have it that these two meet and find that they have an attraction to each other. Along the way, they face challenges that test not only their personal lives but their professional lives as well.
January 26, 2025
Yes forget the rules
This book was great. The characters are likable. Okay, I'll see that they are mostly likable and I really enjoy reading this. I was totally all in. I hope that this review makes sense. My GPS is speaking, but I really enjoyed it, and yeah, if you enjoy books that are Christian influent, but they're not. Beating you over the head, not that. That's a bad thing, but has some light references. This is definitely a feel good book, but it has all the love and romance there. One likes so basically, if you like melidated Hallmark movies this is for you.
This book was great. The characters are likable. Okay, I'll see that they are mostly likable and I really enjoy reading this. I was totally all in. I hope that this review makes sense. My GPS is speaking, but I really enjoyed it, and yeah, if you enjoy books that are Christian influent, but they're not. Beating you over the head, not that. That's a bad thing, but has some light references. This is definitely a feel good book, but it has all the love and romance there. One likes so basically, if you like melidated Hallmark movies this is for you.
June 12, 2023
Expected More Than Good
I picked this up due to the ages of the main characters. The first few chapters were intriguing but in my opinion, the majority of the book was drawn out. I had to remind myself that the MC were in their late 40s and not 20s. I skimmed 80% of the book due to the back and forth of the MC. I would have preferred a slow burn romance than what we got.
2.5 rating
I picked this up due to the ages of the main characters. The first few chapters were intriguing but in my opinion, the majority of the book was drawn out. I had to remind myself that the MC were in their late 40s and not 20s. I skimmed 80% of the book due to the back and forth of the MC. I would have preferred a slow burn romance than what we got.
2.5 rating
October 11, 2023
Always Trust God
What a delightful story. More than a few times, I found myself getting frustrated with Kristen and Eric for good reasons. Just like the title of this book, God is Better Than Good. Appreciation to Marie Hobbs for writing a book for readers who are over 40. Loved this book and will be reading more from this author. Congratulations on a successful read. Abundant Blessings. 🙏🏽
What a delightful story. More than a few times, I found myself getting frustrated with Kristen and Eric for good reasons. Just like the title of this book, God is Better Than Good. Appreciation to Marie Hobbs for writing a book for readers who are over 40. Loved this book and will be reading more from this author. Congratulations on a successful read. Abundant Blessings. 🙏🏽
August 9, 2024
Assumptions
We all do it. Make assumptions with sometimes faulty or no evidence. Kristen and Eric were no exception. The roller coaster of emotions took them on a ride for their lives but ultimately forged a bond that deepened their relationship. I loved the backdrop of both characters pursuing what they considered their ultimate sign of success only to find out it’s much sweeter when you are sharing it with someone. Loved the storyline.
We all do it. Make assumptions with sometimes faulty or no evidence. Kristen and Eric were no exception. The roller coaster of emotions took them on a ride for their lives but ultimately forged a bond that deepened their relationship. I loved the backdrop of both characters pursuing what they considered their ultimate sign of success only to find out it’s much sweeter when you are sharing it with someone. Loved the storyline.
July 14, 2023
Amazingly beautiful!
This story made my emotions run the gamut. The love story was BEAUTIFUL! The blessings of the Lord maketh rich and add no sorrow. This story definitely shows how our best-laid plans amount to nothing, lol. It's fun and sad, fast paced and slow. It was such a good read. Looking for all of this author's books.
This story made my emotions run the gamut. The love story was BEAUTIFUL! The blessings of the Lord maketh rich and add no sorrow. This story definitely shows how our best-laid plans amount to nothing, lol. It's fun and sad, fast paced and slow. It was such a good read. Looking for all of this author's books.
January 24, 2024
Lived up to Title
This book lived up to its title because it was definitely "Better Than Good." It's the kind of book that makes you feel as if you really know the characters and continue to think of them after the book ends. Great story line and ending. Look forward to reading other books by Marie Hobbs.
This book lived up to its title because it was definitely "Better Than Good." It's the kind of book that makes you feel as if you really know the characters and continue to think of them after the book ends. Great story line and ending. Look forward to reading other books by Marie Hobbs.
February 3, 2024
I cannot say enough positive things about this book! It is so well written. Such a great story. I was captivated the moment I started reading! And I officially have a book crush on Eric! Yessss Marie Hobbs put her foot in this one!!! I didnt want to put the book down! And chiiiiiild...make sure u read the Epilogue!!!!
April 25, 2024
I really enjoyed the story from the main character to the supporting. The only reason I give 4 stars is because of some of the main characters projection that created over the top actions. Insecurities and not wanting to go through what you've been through again is understandable yet it was sometimes like GIRL/YA'LL!! lol Otherwise LOVED IT!!
September 22, 2024
Heartwarming Christian Romance
Black love is beautiful and this book captures it magnificently well! The characters are multi-dimensional and the storyline is layered, yet believable and easy to follow. This book will make you laugh and cry and hope and pray and even speculate and ponder. In more ways than one—this story filled my bucket and nourished my soul!
Black love is beautiful and this book captures it magnificently well! The characters are multi-dimensional and the storyline is layered, yet believable and easy to follow. This book will make you laugh and cry and hope and pray and even speculate and ponder. In more ways than one—this story filled my bucket and nourished my soul!
March 5, 2023
Couldn't put this book down
Well written. Loved the characters, dialog...so much wit. Book had an important lesson to lay down our insecurities and let God work things out in His own time. Can't wait to read the next books in this series. Kudos to the author Marie.
Well written. Loved the characters, dialog...so much wit. Book had an important lesson to lay down our insecurities and let God work things out in His own time. Can't wait to read the next books in this series. Kudos to the author Marie.
March 16, 2023
Thank you, Marie Hobbs!
A sweet encouraging story about two 40-somethings (ages changed a few times in the book) overcoming fear and finding love. Also a great reminder about the cost of being led by fear.
A sweet encouraging story about two 40-somethings (ages changed a few times in the book) overcoming fear and finding love. Also a great reminder about the cost of being led by fear.
June 20, 2023
Pleasantly surprised
I was looking at different authors and came across Marie Hobbs and took a chance. I must say, the characters and storyline were refreshing. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to anyone. I will be checking out her other books.
I was looking at different authors and came across Marie Hobbs and took a chance. I must say, the characters and storyline were refreshing. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to anyone. I will be checking out her other books.
October 8, 2023
Oh my!
This was my first read by this amazing author. And I am excited to read more! I love reading stories in this age bracket. Just when we think we know what's best for us, God shows us He always knows better. Enjoy!
This was my first read by this amazing author. And I am excited to read more! I love reading stories in this age bracket. Just when we think we know what's best for us, God shows us He always knows better. Enjoy!
February 13, 2024
Long read, but worth it
I appreciate that the author wrote about a seasoned couple. Not so old it wasn't believable and not so young that it's unrealistic. The characters were engaging and their conflicts were relatable.
I appreciate that the author wrote about a seasoned couple. Not so old it wasn't believable and not so young that it's unrealistic. The characters were engaging and their conflicts were relatable.
February 14, 2024
Loved it!
This is the first book that I read by Marie Hobbs. It was recommended on Kindle Unlimited. The story was great and the book was very well executed. I will be reading more books written by this author in the future. Well done!
This is the first book that I read by Marie Hobbs. It was recommended on Kindle Unlimited. The story was great and the book was very well executed. I will be reading more books written by this author in the future. Well done!
March 13, 2024
I liked it but this book was entirely too long for no real reason. The author stretched out this ridiculous game too long. I found myself skipping through pages that felt like run on sentences. It was just too much unnecessary writing. Not sure I will read another novel by her.
March 24, 2024
Midlife love story!
It was an excellent story about a middle ages romance which I dont read often. Eric and Kristen overcame their fears of love and commitment. Their relationship with God helped navigate them to trust God’s plan for their life.
It was an excellent story about a middle ages romance which I dont read often. Eric and Kristen overcame their fears of love and commitment. Their relationship with God helped navigate them to trust God’s plan for their life.
May 15, 2024
NOTHING TO SAY!!!!
This book and all types of twist and turns, up and down moments just for Kristian and Eric realize how much they actually Loved one another.....not what I had thought it was gonna be, but it's such a GREAT READ!!!
This book and all types of twist and turns, up and down moments just for Kristian and Eric realize how much they actually Loved one another.....not what I had thought it was gonna be, but it's such a GREAT READ!!!
August 26, 2024
Great Love Story . . .
Great story but I almost gave up on Kristen and her life plan and her being “content”. I thought that an explanation of Eric’s boss would have been good.
Will there be a sequel featuring Phoebe and David?
Great story but I almost gave up on Kristen and her life plan and her being “content”. I thought that an explanation of Eric’s boss would have been good.
Will there be a sequel featuring Phoebe and David?
August 15, 2025
in GOD’S time
Everything that happens in our life is by divine order of GOD. Kristien was a GOD fearing woman who was straddling the fence. Eric was also GOD fearing but was blocking his ow blessings. Great read. I would refer my friends to read.
Everything that happens in our life is by divine order of GOD. Kristien was a GOD fearing woman who was straddling the fence. Eric was also GOD fearing but was blocking his ow blessings. Great read. I would refer my friends to read.
September 4, 2025
Great read!
This book was definitely a good read. Anyone who loves true romance, inspiration, and laughter will not be able to put it down.
Most importantly, true believers in God will love it. ♥️
This book was definitely a good read. Anyone who loves true romance, inspiration, and laughter will not be able to put it down.
Most importantly, true believers in God will love it. ♥️
September 28, 2023
Sublime story
Truly beautiful story. I loved the way the story flowed and the characters were believable.
I hope that the author writes more sublime stories such as these.
Truly beautiful story. I loved the way the story flowed and the characters were believable.
I hope that the author writes more sublime stories such as these.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews