Early Book Review: Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Better Than People by Roan Parrish is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on August 25 2020. Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise. Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.

Better Than People is a read that got me right in the feels. Simon has anxiety, not the mild anxiety that breathing exorcises and Prozac can necessarily solve. I felt like I really got to know him, and a better understanding of what people dealing with that type of anxiety really go through on a daily basis. I related to Jack, and could understand his frustration at needing help and his hurt cause by a friend's betrayal. His isolating himself and pushing away those that wanted to help and stay close was something I would have done in the same situation. Seeing these two find each other, and not only better understand themselves, but help each other find their own strengths, was lovely to read. Yes, there were moments that made me want to shout at the characters, but those moments made everything even more real. I was left hoping the best for these two, and wanting to know more about the secondary characters, and things in the town that were brought up in the story. I hope for more from the author in the near future.

Better Than People is an emotional romance that stayed with me long after finishing the book.