Better Than People

By: Roan Parrish

Narrated by: James Cavenaugh

"An irresistible queer romance." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

It’s not long before their pet-centric arrangement sparks a person-centric desire…

Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly 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.

Four dogs, three cats and counting. 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.

Carina Adores is home to romantic love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.


Garnet Run
Book 1: Better Than People
Book 2: Best Laid Plans
Book 3: The Lights on Knockbridge Lane

Added to my favorites list

Quiet, understated, and perfectly delivered by James Cavenaugh.

This story has depth and heart and has taken its place in my favorite listens. I’d like a hard copy on my bookshelf too. Not many make that cut.

I have nothing but good things to say about both writing and performance. Definitely worth your time and money.

What an amazing story!

This book shows that love is for everyone!! I chose this book because I love dogs, but it is full of love: love of animals, love of family, romantic love. This HEA leaves you with more hope than any other HEA I’ve ever read.

Very melancholic.

Better Than People was a sweet, yet very melancholic read. Who knew that an innocent request for a dog walker would lead to two men finding just what they needed in each other.
Boy did my heart hurt for Simon, I can't imagine living with the crippling anxiety he does on a daily basis. I feel like his anxiety was dealt with in a realistic way, although I don't live with it myself so I can't say with certainty if it was for sure. I appreciated that he wasn't automatically "healed" by the love of a good man, which would have rang completely false. Jack was very caring with him, but he did stumble a few times which is to be expected when navigating a new relationship, no matter what a person might be going through or facing.
Jack was dealing with his own troubles when he hires Simon, the least of which was his broken leg. He was a bit of a broken man, thanks to the betrayal of his best friend, and found himself in a dark place. Hiring Simon turned out to be the best thing to happen to both of them.

I enjoyed this slow burn, sweet romance. Even with everything Simon and Jack were both facing, I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, miscommunication, or outside interferences. Better Than People was a lovely story of two men getting to know each other, and developing a friendship that turned into so much more.

James Cavanaugh was the perfect choice for narrator. His voice was very calm and soothing, but he brought the *heat* when needed. I thought he did a really wonderful job bringing both Jack and Simon to life.

Sweet story!

Simon touches your heart, I loved the dogs in the story. If you are looking for a cute and loving book, here it is!

quite sweet!

I love stories that have characters from outside of the "norm" - as in not the average Everyman. And I liked that story strayed from your average cute guy meets cute guy. I mean cute guys meet, but it has more depth going on too. Creative premise and original characters (including pets!)

this was a very sweet story, also the narrator has a very hot voice in the bedroom scenes! ❤️‍🔥