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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Overall
This is an excellent exploration of the "broken" and the "fixers" and how they work together and how they clash. Admittedly, I love a broken character, and this story played that point well. In addition, the main characters have Dom/Sub relations, although the complexities of Jesse's past make any real "play" fall somewhere between difficult and impossible (at least within the scope of this book). Still, the idea is explored.
This novel is character driven, with a plot that focuses on the characters' emotional advancements. The most action happens in car trips and emotional blow-ups, but the story doesn't require more than this, as it keeps true to what the blurb offers. I would definitely recommend this novel to readers who like character/emotional studies, broken characters, and emotional suffering and who don't require a heavy plot.
Strengths
One of the things I appreciated most about this story was that nothing was easy for the characters. They didn't 'get' each other right off the bat. They had arguments, disagreements, and differing expectations. While outside sources didn't cause too much conflict, they did precipitate events by adding outside pressure. There was a realistic struggle that progressed the story and forced the main characters to deal with the issues and baggage each carried. There is never a magical outside source that fixes things, but instead the character is enabled to overcome what he needs to overcome.
Better is an emotionally compelling piece that digs into the heart. In some ways the topics the book broaches are difficult to read and highly sensitive matters, but they are well handled and didn't feel triggering. I was pulled along on the emotional journey with both characters and enjoyed it to the very end.
A good mix of characters with most, if not all, doing their best to 'help' their friends--whether that help is wanted or not! Although elements of this world and the people in it are seen with rose-tinted lenses, reality is still respected, in sequences of events and in characters. This definitely has a "feel good" ending that rounds out a rather heavy story with hope.
Weaknesses
While not necessarily a weakness, the narration is told in a third-person expanded voice, which means we jump from person to person. It was properly handled and mainly stuck to the main characters (if not completely, I can't recall now), but some readers may have difficulty adjusting to this type of storytelling, since it's not as common a perspective.
There isn't much plot outside of emotional development, which, again, isn't a weakness, but readers should expect this going into the story. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this character exploration of a topic that--honestly--gets used a lot in the books I read. Or maybe I just hunt those books out. Either way, I felt it was done well and made up for the lack of any action-based plot.
The only real weakness was toward the end where Jesse evolved a little too quickly in order to slip in a sexy sex scene. I can't grade too hard against it because everyone is different, but I felt rather startled at the advancement from "Don't touch me," to "I'm ready for this!" ...Though who wouldn't want Aadon to hold him down and make love to him? Really.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
This is an excellent exploration of the "broken" and the "fixers" and how they work together and how they clash. Admittedly, I love a broken character, and this story played that point well. In addition, the main characters have Dom/Sub relations, although the complexities of Jesse's past make any real "play" fall somewhere between difficult and impossible (at least within the scope of this book). Still, the idea is explored.
This novel is character driven, with a plot that focuses on the characters' emotional advancements. The most action happens in car trips and emotional blow-ups, but the story doesn't require more than this, as it keeps true to what the blurb offers. I would definitely recommend this novel to readers who like character/emotional studies, broken characters, and emotional suffering and who don't require a heavy plot.
Strengths
One of the things I appreciated most about this story was that nothing was easy for the characters. They didn't 'get' each other right off the bat. They had arguments, disagreements, and differing expectations. While outside sources didn't cause too much conflict, they did precipitate events by adding outside pressure. There was a realistic struggle that progressed the story and forced the main characters to deal with the issues and baggage each carried. There is never a magical outside source that fixes things, but instead the character is enabled to overcome what he needs to overcome.
Better is an emotionally compelling piece that digs into the heart. In some ways the topics the book broaches are difficult to read and highly sensitive matters, but they are well handled and didn't feel triggering. I was pulled along on the emotional journey with both characters and enjoyed it to the very end.
A good mix of characters with most, if not all, doing their best to 'help' their friends--whether that help is wanted or not! Although elements of this world and the people in it are seen with rose-tinted lenses, reality is still respected, in sequences of events and in characters. This definitely has a "feel good" ending that rounds out a rather heavy story with hope.
Weaknesses
While not necessarily a weakness, the narration is told in a third-person expanded voice, which means we jump from person to person. It was properly handled and mainly stuck to the main characters (if not completely, I can't recall now), but some readers may have difficulty adjusting to this type of storytelling, since it's not as common a perspective.
There isn't much plot outside of emotional development, which, again, isn't a weakness, but readers should expect this going into the story. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this character exploration of a topic that--honestly--gets used a lot in the books I read. Or maybe I just hunt those books out. Either way, I felt it was done well and made up for the lack of any action-based plot.
The only real weakness was toward the end where Jesse evolved a little too quickly in order to slip in a sexy sex scene. I can't grade too hard against it because everyone is different, but I felt rather startled at the advancement from "Don't touch me," to "I'm ready for this!" ...Though who wouldn't want Aadon to hold him down and make love to him? Really.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
3.5 Stars
First, the constant POV changes threw me. I had to read a lot twice, because I wasn't sure if it was Aadon or Jesse that I was supposed to be reading.
Jesse is a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse. He was raped so many times, he didn't even realize he was being raped--that's EFFED UP! He moved across the country to get away from his ex, with his best friend and protector, Sarah. But, to be honest, I thought Sarah walked on eggshells around Jesse too much. Let the guy be. He's a big boy. He'll come to you if he needs you, like he always does. It was annoying, Sarah's constant worry and nagging.
Then we meet Aadon and well, he's kind of an odd one. I wasn't sure what was going on in his head. To be honest, he was more messed up than Jesse. I wanted to strangle the ever living shit out of Aadon's parents. That's all that needs to be said about them. Aadon is attracted to Jesse and wants to get to know him. So he pursues him and a relationship forms. But, it fizzled quickly.
My heart broke for Jesse. But, I was getting REALLY upset with him for It seriously hurt my heart. I think that's where I cried for the first time. I literally had to put my kindle down and just bawl. For every single rape/abuse survivor. For those who were too scared or too humiliated to tell their story. For those who had to endure the horrific pain they went through. Then my heart soared when he stood up for himself for the first time. It was beautiful to watch. Of course, I cried again, but happy tears.
I think I need a sequel. There are too many loose ends.
LOVED the Three Musketeers :) Leo and Mike were great.
Overall, good book about overcoming abuse and realizing you can't always be a fixer. (I rounded up in my rating due to the emotion it caused me!)
First, the constant POV changes threw me. I had to read a lot twice, because I wasn't sure if it was Aadon or Jesse that I was supposed to be reading.
Jesse is a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse. He was raped so many times, he didn't even realize he was being raped--that's EFFED UP! He moved across the country to get away from his ex, with his best friend and protector, Sarah. But, to be honest, I thought Sarah walked on eggshells around Jesse too much. Let the guy be. He's a big boy. He'll come to you if he needs you, like he always does. It was annoying, Sarah's constant worry and nagging.
Then we meet Aadon and well, he's kind of an odd one. I wasn't sure what was going on in his head. To be honest, he was more messed up than Jesse. I wanted to strangle the ever living shit out of Aadon's parents. That's all that needs to be said about them. Aadon is attracted to Jesse and wants to get to know him. So he pursues him and a relationship forms. But, it fizzled quickly.
Spoiler
I could see Jesse being a sub, but Aadon did not strike me as a Dom at all. It was really hard for me to buy that story, but that's just me. A real Dom would have had the power to say NO! This isn't what Jesse needs right now. A real Dom wouldn't have gave in to his desires like that.My heart broke for Jesse. But, I was getting REALLY upset with him for
Spoiler
almost letting Anthony get away with it.I think I need a sequel. There are too many loose ends.
Spoiler
How did Jesse and Aadon handle the financial situation? Whatever happened with Sarah? Everything okay? Did Ricky and Jesse talk about healing? Is Ricky better? Will he have to stay in the halfway house forever? Does Jesse keep in contact with David and Justin?LOVED the Three Musketeers :) Leo and Mike were great.
Overall, good book about overcoming abuse and realizing you can't always be a fixer. (I rounded up in my rating due to the emotion it caused me!)
What an emotional ride this book turned out to be! I really enjoyed Better, and I'm not ashamed to admit that it made me cry. I found the angst to be a little overwhelming in places, but it was still a nice and very well written story. Aadon and Jesse were so cute together, and I was rooting for their HEA all the way through. There were a lot of interesting secondary characters, such as Ricky, Sarah, Mike and Leo, who certainly added to the story and gave it more depth. Mike (or Sweet Thing, as he likes to be called) was particularly awesome, and would LOVE to read his story ;) I'll definitely be checking out more by this author :)
This book is an emotional journey into the lives of two young college men. One has been 'broken' by abuse and the other is supporting a brother who was similarly damaged and has resultant mental problems. Although initially attracted, Jesse and Aadon need to work through many issues if they are to be together.
The story is full of heartbreak and anger but also the desire to find a way to move on. The subject matter includes abuse, rape and self-harm. There are no easy answers and the author shows both men making mistakes as they navigate through a complex relationship.
My only criticism is regarding the dominant side of Aadon which I did not find convincing. Reference is made to him looking for someone to submit and he sees this need in Jesse. He voices some thoughts on control and trust and opinions about how a Dom should act. I didn't see enough in his actions to support this side of his personality.
This book is flagged with BDSM as genre but, although some reference is made, there are no real BDSM scenes. The sex is limited. This book is more about dealing with issues and building the trust needed to establish such a relationship.
The story is full of heartbreak and anger but also the desire to find a way to move on. The subject matter includes abuse, rape and self-harm. There are no easy answers and the author shows both men making mistakes as they navigate through a complex relationship.
My only criticism is regarding the dominant side of Aadon which I did not find convincing. Reference is made to him looking for someone to submit and he sees this need in Jesse. He voices some thoughts on control and trust and opinions about how a Dom should act. I didn't see enough in his actions to support this side of his personality.
This book is flagged with BDSM as genre but, although some reference is made, there are no real BDSM scenes. The sex is limited. This book is more about dealing with issues and building the trust needed to establish such a relationship.
Jesse Turbul has tried hard to put the traumatic events of his last relationship behind him. The experience left him unable to trust--not just someone else but even himself--and as much as he wants to move on, it seems like the reminders just keep coming back to haunt him. When he meets Aadon in the library, he finds himself wanting to get past his issues more than ever, but he learns that you can't rush things that shouldn't be rushed. What Jesse doesn't know is that Aadon is dealing with some issues of his own. His brother, Ricky, experienced some trauma of his own in his youth, and after turning to drugs to cope, is in a facility--and Aadon is the only member of his family who is willing to support and stand by him. It is a lot for one person to take on, and while it might make him uniquely suited to understand where Jesse is coming from, it might also mean that Aadon is much closer to his own breaking point than anyone realizes. Can the two find the right balance between love, support, and space to deal?
There is a lot of backstory here that reveals itself as the book goes on and brings out the characters' pasts (especially Jesse's) in layers. This works to help readers understand the complexity of the issues at play without throwing everyone our way all at once. There are some details that are never revealed, but this is balanced with enough information to get the picture and a recognition that those details aren't necessary to engage with the plot and the characters and understand what they are going through. I found this to be an enjoyable and interesting read, and although it's not all sunshine and rainbows, there is a bit of an uplifting feel to it overall.
There is a lot of backstory here that reveals itself as the book goes on and brings out the characters' pasts (especially Jesse's) in layers. This works to help readers understand the complexity of the issues at play without throwing everyone our way all at once. There are some details that are never revealed, but this is balanced with enough information to get the picture and a recognition that those details aren't necessary to engage with the plot and the characters and understand what they are going through. I found this to be an enjoyable and interesting read, and although it's not all sunshine and rainbows, there is a bit of an uplifting feel to it overall.
was a really nice book. i kind of wish their was a sequel.
As a young and inexperienced man, Jesse had been looking for a Dom. What he had found was a man who confused dominance with abuse. And whose abuse of Jesse was severe enough to eventually land the man in jail. Jesse has moved across country to a new school, hoping for a fresh start. And finds himself attracted to Aadon.
Aadon has a brother whose own abused past led to drug addiction and mental illness. He can't save his brother and he can't change Jesse's past. But maybe he can give Jesse a future.
This book is about recovery and trust, and dealing with abuse. And about discriminating love from just wanting to help someone. It could have been an emotionally intense read, but the frequent switches in POV kept me from becoming truly immersed in either main character's thoughts and emotions. I found this an interesting read with good characters and a nice understanding of the implications of abuse, but not an emotionally enthralling one. Some readers may prefer this less angsty treatment of a difficult subject.
Aadon has a brother whose own abused past led to drug addiction and mental illness. He can't save his brother and he can't change Jesse's past. But maybe he can give Jesse a future.
This book is about recovery and trust, and dealing with abuse. And about discriminating love from just wanting to help someone. It could have been an emotionally intense read, but the frequent switches in POV kept me from becoming truly immersed in either main character's thoughts and emotions. I found this an interesting read with good characters and a nice understanding of the implications of abuse, but not an emotionally enthralling one. Some readers may prefer this less angsty treatment of a difficult subject.
(Originally posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
4.5 Stars - Oh, Jesse and Aadon! Where can I even begin? Both of these characters were so, so terrific in so many flawed, wonderful ways. Jesse is just a heartbreaker, struggling to recover from a lot of scars, both internal and external. Aadon is struggling to pretend he doesn't have as many issues as he does as he fights an uphill battle for his ailing older brother, Ricky.
Samms did a great job avoiding easy solutions or turning either of her leading men into stereotypes. In fact she did a great job of sort of setting up a cliché dynamic only to make it clear that such a relationship wouldn't work for either Jesse or Aaddon. I especially love that their being people in need of love and happiness was far more central to Better's plot than their sexual orientation.
Along the way to finding a fresh start with each other, both men mess up badly together and apart in such natural and painful ways. There was so much give and take, so many emotions, so many moving scenes, and just so much believability to their relationship from start to finish. Neither one is fixed, neither one is completely broken, and neither one is stronger than the other. They will probably never have all the answers or a cure-all for all they've been through, but they have each other and that was a lovely message.
So the plot was really engaging and the writing was lovely. There were a lot of cooks in the kitchen as far as minor characters were concerned, but they all served a purpose. I particularly liked Aadon's friends and family as well as his therapist. I got a bit tired of Jesse's support network since there seemed to be a lot of guilt-tripping from all sides and plenty of anxiety-inducing phone calls involved that never seemed particularly helpful. The light shed on Jesse's close friend Sarah's behavior towards the end of the book made me roll my eyes and groan because I really hoped the author wouldn't go there, but none of the minor characters actively interfered or ruined the book for me.
In conclusion, Better is a beautifully executed Romance that I could not recommend highly enough and one that I will certainly re-read in the near future. After I read more of Mrs. Samms' books, of course. And do not even get me started on how much I want to have the babies of Chapters 20 and 21.
4.5 Stars - Oh, Jesse and Aadon! Where can I even begin? Both of these characters were so, so terrific in so many flawed, wonderful ways. Jesse is just a heartbreaker, struggling to recover from a lot of scars, both internal and external. Aadon is struggling to pretend he doesn't have as many issues as he does as he fights an uphill battle for his ailing older brother, Ricky.
Samms did a great job avoiding easy solutions or turning either of her leading men into stereotypes. In fact she did a great job of sort of setting up a cliché dynamic only to make it clear that such a relationship wouldn't work for either Jesse or Aaddon. I especially love that their being people in need of love and happiness was far more central to Better's plot than their sexual orientation.
Along the way to finding a fresh start with each other, both men mess up badly together and apart in such natural and painful ways. There was so much give and take, so many emotions, so many moving scenes, and just so much believability to their relationship from start to finish. Neither one is fixed, neither one is completely broken, and neither one is stronger than the other. They will probably never have all the answers or a cure-all for all they've been through, but they have each other and that was a lovely message.
So the plot was really engaging and the writing was lovely. There were a lot of cooks in the kitchen as far as minor characters were concerned, but they all served a purpose. I particularly liked Aadon's friends and family as well as his therapist. I got a bit tired of Jesse's support network since there seemed to be a lot of guilt-tripping from all sides and plenty of anxiety-inducing phone calls involved that never seemed particularly helpful. The light shed on Jesse's close friend Sarah's behavior towards the end of the book made me roll my eyes and groan because I really hoped the author wouldn't go there, but none of the minor characters actively interfered or ruined the book for me.
In conclusion, Better is a beautifully executed Romance that I could not recommend highly enough and one that I will certainly re-read in the near future. After I read more of Mrs. Samms' books, of course. And do not even get me started on how much I want to have the babies of Chapters 20 and 21.
Very touching, emotional and well told love story dealing with the damages of sexual abuse
Jesse is 21, a third year college student, who is still living with the trauma of having been brutalized by his partner two years earlier. He was young, inexperienced, thought the man understood his needs, and would give him what he desired with care and love. He was so wrong, what he got instead was such cruelty and abuse that it completely broke him. Even when that beautiful law student Aadon approaches him, he can't get himself together enough to pursue a relationship, not really, he's terrified.
Aadon knows from the get go that Jesse is not alright, something really bad has happened to him. He more than anyone has seen what the aftermath of abuse looks like. His only brother, is a shell, his mind shattered, the result of years of trying to ignore the pain from his own abuse.
Aadon wants Jesse too much, there must be a way he can make it work. Aadon is a fixer. He has a need to make everything alright. He's a protector, a nurturer. But Jesse can't be fixed, he's too damaged. What he needs is to face just how horrible what happened to him was, and how dark things got. That's the only way that they can move forward. No matter how much they care for each other.
There where three things I really loved about this book. One, I thought the MCs where done really well. They were both broken boys. Jesse by what happened to him. Aadon by the burden of being left alone to care for his brother, without any support from his parents. The way that they were forced to figure out things between themselves, and individually was really good. There was never a secret formula that came along to fix things, or the right word or perfect kiss. With them it would always be hard, but not trying was not really an option.
Two, I loved the secondary characters. Aadon's friends who were supportive and fiercely loyal. Jesse's mother who despite how hard it was to understand her son's sexual needs and desires, never hesitated in her love, or in her conviction that her son didn't ever deserve to be abused like he had been. Sarah, Jesse's best friend, might have been good too, if she hadn't been so incredibly annoying.
Three, I thought Jesse and the cutting was done very well. It was not morbid or gratuitous, and it was not used as way to get a gasp or a reaction. I really appreciated that.
I mostly really loved these two young men, what a hard road they had to travel. It was not perfect, even when they had found a way to move forward together, but it was a satisfying ending. They were on their way.
There were tough moments for sure, some semi-graphic descriptions of abuse, and some of the times with Ricky, Aadon's brother, were really hard.
Jesse and Aadon broke my heart a few times that's for sure, but they figured it out. Jesse finally understood what it was about Aadon that made him the man he needed. "I can be afraid with you and still know I'm safe. That's the difference. That's why I love you."
Very good book. I recommend.
Jesse is 21, a third year college student, who is still living with the trauma of having been brutalized by his partner two years earlier. He was young, inexperienced, thought the man understood his needs, and would give him what he desired with care and love. He was so wrong, what he got instead was such cruelty and abuse that it completely broke him. Even when that beautiful law student Aadon approaches him, he can't get himself together enough to pursue a relationship, not really, he's terrified.
Aadon knows from the get go that Jesse is not alright, something really bad has happened to him. He more than anyone has seen what the aftermath of abuse looks like. His only brother, is a shell, his mind shattered, the result of years of trying to ignore the pain from his own abuse.
Aadon wants Jesse too much, there must be a way he can make it work. Aadon is a fixer. He has a need to make everything alright. He's a protector, a nurturer. But Jesse can't be fixed, he's too damaged. What he needs is to face just how horrible what happened to him was, and how dark things got. That's the only way that they can move forward. No matter how much they care for each other.
There where three things I really loved about this book. One, I thought the MCs where done really well. They were both broken boys. Jesse by what happened to him. Aadon by the burden of being left alone to care for his brother, without any support from his parents. The way that they were forced to figure out things between themselves, and individually was really good. There was never a secret formula that came along to fix things, or the right word or perfect kiss. With them it would always be hard, but not trying was not really an option.
Two, I loved the secondary characters. Aadon's friends who were supportive and fiercely loyal. Jesse's mother who despite how hard it was to understand her son's sexual needs and desires, never hesitated in her love, or in her conviction that her son didn't ever deserve to be abused like he had been. Sarah, Jesse's best friend, might have been good too, if she hadn't been so incredibly annoying.
Three, I thought Jesse and the cutting was done very well. It was not morbid or gratuitous, and it was not used as way to get a gasp or a reaction. I really appreciated that.
I mostly really loved these two young men, what a hard road they had to travel. It was not perfect, even when they had found a way to move forward together, but it was a satisfying ending. They were on their way.
There were tough moments for sure, some semi-graphic descriptions of abuse, and some of the times with Ricky, Aadon's brother, were really hard.
Jesse and Aadon broke my heart a few times that's for sure, but they figured it out. Jesse finally understood what it was about Aadon that made him the man he needed. "I can be afraid with you and still know I'm safe. That's the difference. That's why I love you."
Very good book. I recommend.