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Better Together
Jess is nearly 40 when she meets Dan Harris at a party. She is single, sorted, happy – with a great job and a buzzy social and sex-life. All of this is threatened when she falls deeply in love with Dan, who is only 23.
Jess, being older, recognises this as the real, precious thing – but in his immaturity, Dan does not. Unable to cope with the stigma of being with an older woman, he eventually leaves her.
Ten years pass…
Jess, who is still gorgeous at 50, is married now, with a child of her own.They meet again. The years fall away.
This time, Dan understands – but is it too late?
Jess, being older, recognises this as the real, precious thing – but in his immaturity, Dan does not. Unable to cope with the stigma of being with an older woman, he eventually leaves her.
Ten years pass…
Jess, who is still gorgeous at 50, is married now, with a child of her own.They meet again. The years fall away.
This time, Dan understands – but is it too late?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2011
135 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Nicola May
29 books599 followersHello, I'm Nicola May, author of 18 romantic comedy novels.
I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.
For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.
Happy Reading!
I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.
For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 22, 2012
I got this book when it was available as a free download from Amazon. I have previously read, and very much enjoyed, two of this author’s other books.
This book was a real rollercoaster ride, my opinions and emotions were all over the place! It was broken up into three parts, part one explained Jess and Daniel’s history and how they first came to be lovers. I do find it difficult to read about guys/girls cheating on their partners so there were some bits of this book that I found uncomfortable.
It wasn’t easy to predict what was going to happen – there was one mystery involving a child’s paternity that really had me stumped and when I finally found out who it was I have to admit that I was shocked.
Towards the end of this part Jess had a big decision to make and Part two dealt with the aftermath of that decision. It was at this point that I began to get annoyed with Daniel and his selfish ways.
I loved the authors writing style, it made for a very easy read and before I knew it I was halfway through the book! It just continuously surprised me, whenever I thought I had everything sussed out something changed and I’d realise that I got it all wrong.
Part three took me forward in time by ten years (I felt a little bit like Dr Who at that moment ) and I couldn’t wait to see what had happened during that time. Things had certainly changed for her but it wasn’t all as it first seemed!
I enjoyed Jess’s time in Polperro because it brought back memories of my own holidays in Cornwall, the descriptions of the tiny fishing village conjured up vivid images in my mind and it almost felt like I was back there.
Later on in the book things took a sinister turn and again I couldn’t guess who was responsible, from this moment everything changed dramatically for Jess and led to a very unexpected ending.
This was a fab read that kept me guessing throughout.
This book was a real rollercoaster ride, my opinions and emotions were all over the place! It was broken up into three parts, part one explained Jess and Daniel’s history and how they first came to be lovers. I do find it difficult to read about guys/girls cheating on their partners so there were some bits of this book that I found uncomfortable.
It wasn’t easy to predict what was going to happen – there was one mystery involving a child’s paternity that really had me stumped and when I finally found out who it was I have to admit that I was shocked.
Towards the end of this part Jess had a big decision to make and Part two dealt with the aftermath of that decision. It was at this point that I began to get annoyed with Daniel and his selfish ways.
I loved the authors writing style, it made for a very easy read and before I knew it I was halfway through the book! It just continuously surprised me, whenever I thought I had everything sussed out something changed and I’d realise that I got it all wrong.
Part three took me forward in time by ten years (I felt a little bit like Dr Who at that moment ) and I couldn’t wait to see what had happened during that time. Things had certainly changed for her but it wasn’t all as it first seemed!
I enjoyed Jess’s time in Polperro because it brought back memories of my own holidays in Cornwall, the descriptions of the tiny fishing village conjured up vivid images in my mind and it almost felt like I was back there.
Later on in the book things took a sinister turn and again I couldn’t guess who was responsible, from this moment everything changed dramatically for Jess and led to a very unexpected ending.
This was a fab read that kept me guessing throughout.
March 7, 2013
Well I really enjoyed this one. There were parts that made me so sad and parts that I yelled at the book. sometimes walking away from someone is the hardest thing to do and Jess killed me when she did that. I think the love of her life was there, and so what he was younger! I was filled with angst!
I was being a little selfish thinking that I wanted more. I think the book could have been longer. One of my favorite quotes was "Being honest with you, Jess, I actually arranged to see Dave later as I knew that we’d be at it like rabbits if not. And as I am officially on the rebound, that wouldn’t be acceptable, now would it?
I think I hit a little jackpot meeting this author. Now I set out to read the rest of the books and plan a bundle giveaway! She needs to get some press from the states ladies read on!!
I was being a little selfish thinking that I wanted more. I think the book could have been longer. One of my favorite quotes was "Being honest with you, Jess, I actually arranged to see Dave later as I knew that we’d be at it like rabbits if not. And as I am officially on the rebound, that wouldn’t be acceptable, now would it?
I think I hit a little jackpot meeting this author. Now I set out to read the rest of the books and plan a bundle giveaway! She needs to get some press from the states ladies read on!!
June 20, 2014
I have three stories by this author downloaded so they clearly draw my attention but this is the first I've tried and I really didn't like it in the least, I'm afraid. I will give one of her others a chance, however.....
There were too many mistakes in it too for my liking as well. At one point she suddenly lapsed into the first person and I was flicking back to see if I missed something, then Jess was Jess one minute then Jessy the next,Dan discussed a hot night with Jess as though it was the first night he'd ever spent with her when it wasn't, which baffled me somewhat. I didn't like him in the least. I packed it in 15% of the way when he was messing around in an hotel room pausing for dramatic effect. He came across as a juvenile idiot and I fail to see what a mature woman like Jess would see in him and for me it wasn't believable.
There were too many mistakes in it too for my liking as well. At one point she suddenly lapsed into the first person and I was flicking back to see if I missed something, then Jess was Jess one minute then Jessy the next,Dan discussed a hot night with Jess as though it was the first night he'd ever spent with her when it wasn't, which baffled me somewhat. I didn't like him in the least. I packed it in 15% of the way when he was messing around in an hotel room pausing for dramatic effect. He came across as a juvenile idiot and I fail to see what a mature woman like Jess would see in him and for me it wasn't believable.
July 11, 2019
I can't believe I finished this.
Not very good. Actually it's a good idea, just not written very well. I can't say I enjoyed it much. I was willing to give it a go, but I don't think I can read another this author. The plot is ok, but the storytelling is terrible. I was irritated every time that the 2 main characters kept calling each other by their full names every time they spoke to each other. I skipped through quite a lot because I just wanted to get to the end. Sorry, just not for me.
Not very good. Actually it's a good idea, just not written very well. I can't say I enjoyed it much. I was willing to give it a go, but I don't think I can read another this author. The plot is ok, but the storytelling is terrible. I was irritated every time that the 2 main characters kept calling each other by their full names every time they spoke to each other. I skipped through quite a lot because I just wanted to get to the end. Sorry, just not for me.
November 15, 2012
I enjoyed the book but found the formatting quite strange in the respect that it was often difficult to work out who was speaking, strange uses and omissions of speech marks didn't help!
I found most of the characters hard to like too but enjoyed the stroy enough to keep me reading.
I found most of the characters hard to like too but enjoyed the stroy enough to keep me reading.
June 19, 2012
It would have been 4 stars but I didn't like the ending.
March 29, 2013
A lot of twists and enough to make you want to keep reading, though poor grammar and a few typos let it down. I didn't really warm to the characters too much though.
did-not-finish
March 30, 2015Did not finish.
June 10, 2019
The main characters were unlikable; indecisive, lacking morals, taking drugs...
October 3, 2020
*discovered on Amazon Prime*
Really enjoyable easy read. Interesting story line with a few plot twists I wasn’t expecting. These plot twists fuelled the need to know more and therefore struggled to put the book down. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Chick-lit novels. However (SPOILER), I wish the ending was different and they did end up together.
Really enjoyable easy read. Interesting story line with a few plot twists I wasn’t expecting. These plot twists fuelled the need to know more and therefore struggled to put the book down. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Chick-lit novels. However (SPOILER), I wish the ending was different and they did end up together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2019
A big story!!
There was a lot to read about in this story. The characters were really well written. I love it when you can envisage the characters in the story. Sad and funny well worth a read. 🚣
There was a lot to read about in this story. The characters were really well written. I love it when you can envisage the characters in the story. Sad and funny well worth a read. 🚣
March 28, 2019
Fantastic read!!!
Wow this made me laugh, cry and get mad. I was a little disappointed they didn’t get married and have the “happily ever after” but I can see why and it works. Loved Jessica’s character she was so strong & independent!
Wow this made me laugh, cry and get mad. I was a little disappointed they didn’t get married and have the “happily ever after” but I can see why and it works. Loved Jessica’s character she was so strong & independent!
June 26, 2019
Another winner
I forgot how much I love reading books that make you want to shout at the characters not to be so stupid and end up crying with them and hoping they make the decisions you want them to. Well done Nichola
I forgot how much I love reading books that make you want to shout at the characters not to be so stupid and end up crying with them and hoping they make the decisions you want them to. Well done Nichola
March 21, 2020
Absorbing
An absorbing read that I didn't want to put down, despite it's many flaws. Really needed editing, very choppy paragraphs that spoiled the storys flow. And it kept repeating, as though the writer was trying to make the book longer. But nevertheless, I enjoyed it
An absorbing read that I didn't want to put down, despite it's many flaws. Really needed editing, very choppy paragraphs that spoiled the storys flow. And it kept repeating, as though the writer was trying to make the book longer. But nevertheless, I enjoyed it
September 2, 2020
Superb read
Really enjoyed this book and at times couldn't wait to read it. Had some funny moment too. Loved Jess character and all that went on. Pleasant reading and I look forward to more books by Nicola .
Really enjoyed this book and at times couldn't wait to read it. Had some funny moment too. Loved Jess character and all that went on. Pleasant reading and I look forward to more books by Nicola .
December 4, 2020
Recommend
Had this on my kindle for a while, for what reason I don’t know especially after finishing it and was a very good read, how much bad luck can one women have and still be strong.
Had this on my kindle for a while, for what reason I don’t know especially after finishing it and was a very good read, how much bad luck can one women have and still be strong.
October 3, 2018
A nice read lots of drama to stop it from being over easy. Just what I wanted.
January 20, 2019
Fabulous
I loved this book the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read,I love the way Nicola writes she makes the characters come alive
I loved this book the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read,I love the way Nicola writes she makes the characters come alive
June 24, 2019
I loved this book.
So many highs and lows. 😀
I really felt for the main character to the point were I could not put the book down!!
Loved, loved and loved it.
So many highs and lows. 😀
I really felt for the main character to the point were I could not put the book down!!
Loved, loved and loved it.
August 16, 2019
Another great read from Nicola
Great book, great twists, and realistically not all stories end up with the girl getting the guy but this end was very apt.
Great book, great twists, and realistically not all stories end up with the girl getting the guy but this end was very apt.
January 23, 2020
Nice read
I loved this story of Dan and Jess. I couldn’t put the book down. Sad in places but lovely story.
I loved this story of Dan and Jess. I couldn’t put the book down. Sad in places but lovely story.
May 27, 2020
A great read
Couldnt put this book down,
Real escapism from the current situation
Laughed and cried with the characters.
A must read for any romantic
Couldnt put this book down,
Real escapism from the current situation
Laughed and cried with the characters.
A must read for any romantic
July 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this book from start to end if you want a book that’s full of thrills this is for you
December 16, 2020
Brilliant Read!
AnOther corner of a story from Nicola May. I love all of her books! Especially the Cockle berry Bay series!
AnOther corner of a story from Nicola May. I love all of her books! Especially the Cockle berry Bay series!
January 21, 2021
Lovely read
Such an easy pleasant book to read. A love story with a difference. Not an easy book to put down!
Such an easy pleasant book to read. A love story with a difference. Not an easy book to put down!
May 8, 2021
Easy read
I enjoyed this book as the story was quick to develop. I spotted a few misplaced words which was distracting but overall it was a good read 👍
I enjoyed this book as the story was quick to develop. I spotted a few misplaced words which was distracting but overall it was a good read 👍
April 5, 2025
So disappointed
So disappointed in this novel. The heroine has no self esteem. It was nauseating seeing her throw herself at men. Ughh I can’t believe I even finished it.
So disappointed in this novel. The heroine has no self esteem. It was nauseating seeing her throw herself at men. Ughh I can’t believe I even finished it.
February 19, 2013
Gosh this book was total drama from beginning to end! I couldn't put it down, every time you thought it was safe to take a breath, something else happened! I thought the premise behind this book was really interesting, and being a fan of Nicola May's other novels, began this book one Saturday morning and had nearly finished it by later that afternoon! It was fast-paced, covering nearly 12 years in that time, several disastrous encounters between main characters Jess and Dan.
Jess is nearing forty and in the beginning of this novel, seems to have it all, great job, own house, complete financial independence and then a chance encounter with 24 year old Dan, sets all that spinning on its head. A bit like in Nicola May's other novel, Star Fish, I found myself frustrated with the character at some points in the story, showing just how involved I was in her happiness and her relationship with Dan. The drama that goes on in the woman's life is better than even something Eastenders could come up with, truly truly soap opera gold! For some readers, this may be too much drama, but for me it just meant that the book was not something I could put down. I HAD to read on and find out what was going to happen next.
Jess goes through some highs and some lows, but I thought that there was really lovely piece of writing in novel when Jess is having a particularly low moment, and something which most readers will be able to identify or empathise with... "Somehow reading had taken over from hiding under he duvet. She was now hiding behind the characters instead. As long as she was reading about someone else's life, time seemed to go by faster." My only criticism of the writing by this author in this case, is that some of the scenes felt a little rushed at times, some more detail or further explanation of how events came about, would have been entirely welcomed by me, and I don't think would have proved harmful to the pacing of the story or the novel as a whole.
I totally loved the ending of the book and i thought it represented the character of jess really well, a the decision that, had she been real, she would have made for herself, without any help from the author! If you are looking for a quick read which encompasses a compelling love story, some good old fashioned life lessons and high drama involving births, deaths and marriages, then you will love this book. If you have not read anything by this author before, this book is a good stand alone novel and shows off her writing excellently.
Jess is nearing forty and in the beginning of this novel, seems to have it all, great job, own house, complete financial independence and then a chance encounter with 24 year old Dan, sets all that spinning on its head. A bit like in Nicola May's other novel, Star Fish, I found myself frustrated with the character at some points in the story, showing just how involved I was in her happiness and her relationship with Dan. The drama that goes on in the woman's life is better than even something Eastenders could come up with, truly truly soap opera gold! For some readers, this may be too much drama, but for me it just meant that the book was not something I could put down. I HAD to read on and find out what was going to happen next.
Jess goes through some highs and some lows, but I thought that there was really lovely piece of writing in novel when Jess is having a particularly low moment, and something which most readers will be able to identify or empathise with... "Somehow reading had taken over from hiding under he duvet. She was now hiding behind the characters instead. As long as she was reading about someone else's life, time seemed to go by faster." My only criticism of the writing by this author in this case, is that some of the scenes felt a little rushed at times, some more detail or further explanation of how events came about, would have been entirely welcomed by me, and I don't think would have proved harmful to the pacing of the story or the novel as a whole.
I totally loved the ending of the book and i thought it represented the character of jess really well, a the decision that, had she been real, she would have made for herself, without any help from the author! If you are looking for a quick read which encompasses a compelling love story, some good old fashioned life lessons and high drama involving births, deaths and marriages, then you will love this book. If you have not read anything by this author before, this book is a good stand alone novel and shows off her writing excellently.
April 21, 2013
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I discovered Nicola May when I was looking for books by another author, Mandy Baggot (Mandy Baggot). As Mandy's work is brilliant, I thought if Nicola is showing up here then her work must be on the same par. I love discovering new authors and this book definitely made me want to read more by Ms May.
Right from the very beginning I was hooked into the story; the ups, the downs, the love, the trauma, the energy of the characters. Jess is a lovely character, who I gained a lot of respect for with her being a career woman. I loved the addition of Dan; a young, care-free individual and yet a loving and doting father. The character of Hope annoyed me slightly, but I think that may have been the intention. Overall, the characters were well formed and each had their own charms.
One thing that I couldn't quite understand; why did the characters all call themselves by their full names? I have never called anyone I know by their full name in a social situation, so it did grate on me a little when every other sentence was 'Jessy Morley' or 'Mr Harris' etc. I can understand why it was used in some situations but I do think it could have been cut down slightly.
I really enjoyed this book, it took me on an emotional roller coaster and that definitely shows the characters were well written. I am looking forward to reading more from Nicola May and will soon get started on 'Working it Out'.
I discovered Nicola May when I was looking for books by another author, Mandy Baggot (Mandy Baggot). As Mandy's work is brilliant, I thought if Nicola is showing up here then her work must be on the same par. I love discovering new authors and this book definitely made me want to read more by Ms May.
Right from the very beginning I was hooked into the story; the ups, the downs, the love, the trauma, the energy of the characters. Jess is a lovely character, who I gained a lot of respect for with her being a career woman. I loved the addition of Dan; a young, care-free individual and yet a loving and doting father. The character of Hope annoyed me slightly, but I think that may have been the intention. Overall, the characters were well formed and each had their own charms.
One thing that I couldn't quite understand; why did the characters all call themselves by their full names? I have never called anyone I know by their full name in a social situation, so it did grate on me a little when every other sentence was 'Jessy Morley' or 'Mr Harris' etc. I can understand why it was used in some situations but I do think it could have been cut down slightly.
I really enjoyed this book, it took me on an emotional roller coaster and that definitely shows the characters were well written. I am looking forward to reading more from Nicola May and will soon get started on 'Working it Out'.
August 20, 2012
Started off quite good (if a bit stereotypical - unsympathetic partner with tatts, rough as guts etc). I liked the idea of a younger man and older woman - interesting theme which isn't overly done. Writing was good - still not quite at a level I would pay for, (few errors), but improving from Working it Out, and far be it from me to grizzle about a freebie. I liked it enough to be interested in reading more by Nicola May.
It lost me by the end as there was just too much drama. I also wasn't keen on the skipping ahead 10 years - felt abrupt. I didn't really like either of the guys. I thought Dan was a bit of a twat, though he did improve by the end. The whole Alex thing at the end rung untrue also. Jess was for sure the most interesting and convincing of the characters. Got a bit annoyed with her mid book wondering about the value of her life without a child, but that theme frequently irritates me in a book, it's certainly not the only book guilty of it.
Overall ambitious story which works to some extent. If you like chick lit, don't mind a bit of tragedy and fancy checking out a new author, this could be a book for you.
It lost me by the end as there was just too much drama. I also wasn't keen on the skipping ahead 10 years - felt abrupt. I didn't really like either of the guys. I thought Dan was a bit of a twat, though he did improve by the end. The whole Alex thing at the end rung untrue also. Jess was for sure the most interesting and convincing of the characters. Got a bit annoyed with her mid book wondering about the value of her life without a child, but that theme frequently irritates me in a book, it's certainly not the only book guilty of it.
Overall ambitious story which works to some extent. If you like chick lit, don't mind a bit of tragedy and fancy checking out a new author, this could be a book for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews