(Book Reviews): Better Than People + High Heat

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Better Than People by Roan Parrish

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: 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.

Review: Animals really are better than people. Enough said.

But okay, back to the actual book. I really love Roan Parrish as an author, but this is one of my lesser favorites. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t find myself as invested in the story as I have been. I think the steamy romance became a bit too much once it was incorporated – though it doesn’t happen right away, as Simon isn’t used to relationships. I just felt that not enough was happening outside of those moments.

However, I did really like both of the guys. And all of Jack’s animals. These cats and dogs really had personalities of their own – like a dog that is afraid of puddles and sticks shaped like lightning bolts. It was really cute, and again, animals are better than people.

All in all, this wasn’t my most favorite from Parrish, but it’s still worth a read if you’re a fan or interested in the premise!

High Heat by Annabeth Albert

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all…

Review:  This is the second book in the Hotshots series, which follows a group of smoke jumpers. It’s a really interesting career and I appreciate the research that Albert obviously does to make this “world” come alive. The first book in the series (these are all companion novels with overlapping characters) is Burn Zone, which I liked for the most part. I think I enjoyed High Heat a bit more, though there is definitely a lot less of the actual smoke jumping.

I’m a big fan of Annabeth Albert and I usually love all of her books. For some reason, this hasn’t been my most favorite series. I’m still definitely here to read the next book though. I find the world fascinating and I enjoy the characters. I think there’s some sort of disconnect there for me, but it could very well just be a personal thing or a “timing” thing, so don’t let my thoughts deter you from checking this out if you are curious! In general, I highly recommend Annabeth Albert.

Want to read the first book, Burn Zone?