Life is good. A few years ago, I met someone special, came out as bi, fell head over heels, and married the love of my life. A man. But not just any man.
Aaron is a confident, unapologetically fabulous diva who isn’t afraid to take chances. I love that about him. New state, new career path…no problem. Except things don’t always go according to plan. That’s okay. It might be the perfect time to get back to basics and check off a few items on our original list…like buy a house and start a family. Whoa! House first.
However, house hunting isn’t glamorous at all, and with my partnership at the law firm in the balance, it’s kind of stressful. Everything we’ve dreamed of is within reach—if we can just find a place that feels like home, we’ll be better than good.
Better Than Home is a sweet and sexy novella featuring Matt and Aaron from my International Bestselling book, Better Than Good. The lawyer, the diva, and the happy ever after of a lifetime. For readers who know the real love story happens after the first “I love you.”
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
Better Than Home is a novella in the Better Than series by Laye Hayes. This is one more wonderful addition to Matt and Aaron’s story. I am so in love with these two.
Matt and Aaron went to New York but things didn’t go according to plan. So after their time was up, they are returning home, ready for the next chapter of their lives together. Which is to buy a house. The process is much more complicated than they anticipated. Nothing seems right. They just want to walk in to a place and know that it’s home. And then it happens!
Of course, life has a few more twists and turns for them as they deal with their careers, their friends, new neighbors and their parents. But, the love between these two couldn’t be stronger and they are ready for whatever their future has in store for them, as long as they are together.
Now, I’m finally going back to the actual series and starting book two, Better Than Chance, which is Jay and Peter’s story.
What can I say about Matt and Aaron that hasn't been said already? They're one of the most famous and well-loved book couples in M/M romances, and they deserve the title.
It was wonderful to see them again, many years after they first got together, and see how good they were doing. I loved seeing them again, and I'm glad they're still as perfect for each other as they were at the beginning of their story. They're still strong and getting stronger every day.
They had a loose life plan for their future, but in this story, we actually see them making progress on that, making huge life decisions, and adjusting their lives and their expectations according to what comes their way.
I like that Lane Hayes likes to visit them every few years and offers us these glimpses into their lives. We also got to see the rest of the couples from that series, some more than others, but I appreciated all their scenes nonetheless.
I hope there are more stories of Matt and Aaron in the future. There's still so much to come from them. They're reaching a new phase in their lives, becoming more settled, putting down roots, and planning for the next chapter.
This can't be read as a standalone. The story is the continuation of an established couple's relationship, and it won't mean the same if you don't know the characters already. So if you're not familiar with Matt and Aaron, start from the beginning with Better Than Good and follow them on their journey. It's worth it!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
I love when an author feels such a connection to a set of characters that they keep returning to them and gifting us with their stories. Better Than Good was not my favorite book by Lane Hayes, but I loved what inspired her to write it. It wasn't until I read Better Than Beginnings: A Better Than Good Short Story Collection that I truly fell in love with Matt and Aaron as a couple and now I'm completely invested in everything they do, no matter how mundane. There was nothing out of the ordinary or exciting about this book. It was just a glimpse into their lives as they hit another milestone as a couple, but it felt a lot like checking in with old friends and being really happy when you find out that they're doing well. I hope we get to see more of them again in the future.
Honestly, I could read another 10 books about this couple and it wouldn't be enough. Matty and Aaron are the sweetest, I love their relationship, I love the way they talk things through, I love their friends, I love their families (mostly) and I love the way they love each other. Can't recommend this series enough.
**Edit** I adore Matty and Aaron and have read/listened to their story and read the subsequent shorts many times so I knew this was a good book. With Nick Russo narrating it was marvellous, his slightly older, slightly maturer voices were perfect. Another one for the re-listen list 🙂
When I found out there was going to be a novella from this series I jumped at the chance to read it. And it was everything I wanted it to be. Like settling back into something safe and comfortable and finding just the same as you'd left it. Aaron and Matt are older, settled, and just as much in love as they were before. Their New York dreams hadn't worked out the way they'd hoped but that led to something new for them. A whole load of them being sweet to each other, a ton of steam, these guys are addicted to each other, and a new chapter in their happily ever after. I loved everything about it
Better Than Home is like visiting and having a long relaxing brunch with old dear friends . Meaning lots of sweet moments, sharing funny anecdotes and strengthening our friendships. This is how it felt "seeing" these wonderful characters.
This novella is such a treat to all of us who love and cherish Matt and Aaron , their wonderful friends and families and the world building around them.
I loved catching up with what they were up to and I am looking forward "seeing" the next stage in their lives.
I loooove reading stories with the thrill of MCs either meeting for the first time, or friends realizing they feel differently about each other, “enemies” recognizing that just maybe they don’t actually hate each other etc. But there’s something super special about following an established couple as they approach new milestones in their relationships that is heartwarming in a totally different way. Matty and Aaron will always have a special place in my heart. I could easily read about them babysitting their grandchildren 30 years in the future
Matt and Aaron are back, we get to experience their daily lives, career paths and house-hunting adventures. Their love remains strong, with that steamy chemistry still palpable. I loved catching up with them and hope to continue celebrating many more milestones in their lives.
Part of the Better Than Series about a group of friends who navigate law school, self-discovering, and find unexpected love in DC:
When I listened to Better Than Good recently, I’d know Better Than Home would be next up. I’ve owned the older audio for years but had never listened to it. The new book provided the incentive I needed to get up off my duff and listen to it. I did…and I really enjoyed it. Opposites attract is one of my favorite tropes – Matt and Aaron couldn’t be more different. Aaron is artistic. He’s got a good career with a magazine going. Things aren’t perfect, but he’s doing okay. Matt is a lawyer who’s on the verge of making partner – even at such a young age. He’s ambitious. He knows what he wants. Only he gets an offer out of left field that has he rethinking everything.
This book is what happens AFTER the happily ever after. We saw, at the end of the first book, Matt and Aaron ride off into the sunset. We assumed we, as readers, knew what was going to happen. But the author wanted to remind us that life isn’t all sunshine and roses. That real couples face real challenges. That life isn’t always as simple as we’d wish.
I wasn’t sure which way things were going to go for the couple. Matt’s ambitious and knows what he wants with his career. Aaron’s at a loss and floundering. Oh, and the house. Practically a character in and of itself.
This was the perfect book, for me, at the perfect time. And Nick J. Russo’s narration was the cherry on top of a delicious sundae. I needed all the feels, and this book delivered. I plan to go back and listen to all the books in the series. I can recommend this book. That being said, listening to Better Than Good first definitely increases the enjoyment of this one.
It had been a while since I’d read Better Than Good and Better Than Beginnings – both books feature Matt and Aaron – so I went back and read them again before digging into Better Than Home. It wasn’t that I’d forgotten their story (but I have read hundreds of books since I read those) but I wanted to have their story fresh in my mind.
I was so happy to read more about this couple. Better Than Home is like a fabulous extended epilogue. We get to visit with Matt and Aaron and find out what they’ve had going on since they moved to New York at the end of Better Than Beginnings.
The book is all about normal life stuff for Matt and Aaron. Lane Hayes takes us through their move back to D.C., house-hunting, job changes and get-togethers with their friends. There are a couple of spots where things get a bit tense between them but over all this is just a feel-good, low angst story with lots of lots of hot sexy time between these two wonderful (and horny!) characters.
I think there is still great potential for more stories about Matt and Aaron; I really hope that Lane Hayes isn’t done writing about these guys yet.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
This was a swoon worthy visit back with Aaron, Matt and all the friends and family we love! What I loved best was all the steam!! Just kidding, that was SO there and wonderful of course, but what I really appreciated was the reality of their lives together. Everything was not exactly how they had envisioned but they worked through the challenges, supporting each other and living the dream they were meant too! I received an ARC and I have to say Aaron and Matt are so relatable yet such a special couple you want to keep on reading about them!
Matty and Aaron settling into their lives together. I love that we got a book AFTER the initial HEA. I love their love for each other. It’s very special AND I could read these characters forever.
They go through some major life changes and they make it work. Conversations are had and the love they have is stronger than ever. I hope we get more books because I want to know how their next adventure goes because more, more, more is always better in this case with these characters. 😍😍
Another hit for Lane with the next step in the lives of Matt and Aaron. I really hope she continues as she left off on a great cliffhanger and one that I hope means we’ll see the boys again.
A sweet addition to Matt and Aaron's story finding their roots. I liked that somehow, Matt was not that perfect. But Aaron is definitely someone he needed.
It had been quite a few years since I'd read Better than Good, so I went back and read it again before starting this one. It was great to catch up with the guys and to see them settled down and happy.
Matt and Aaron’s origin story was my first Lane Hayes book and among my first audiobooks back in 2014. Since it has been eight years, I did a relisten of that story before going into Better Than Home. I loved the bi-awakening of Matt and Aaron’s assuredness in who he was in that first book, and it was neat to see how they grew into their lives in this new book. I definitely have to say that it’s important to have read Better Than Good before reading or listening to this book. And if you can catch the short stories that might even be better, because there were a few things that I felt like I missed in their journey between the two books.
With Matt and Aaron being an established, married couple, this is the story of what happens after the first handful of years together. Matt and Aaron had devoted this time to their careers and Matt was especially doing well, with a partnership up for grabs at his law firm. Aaron’s job had been good but he missed being around friends and family and now they are looking for a new home together.
Matt is definitely the more conservative of two when it comes to spending money and making big decisions but they finally find a place just as Matt learns that the firm he works for wants him to transfer. This story could have gone in a couple of directions but it was a relief to me that the Aaron and Matt were mature and communicated with each other properly over what was happening in their lives. It definitely wasn’t easy for them between moving, their job choices, meddling mothers/family/friends, and *gasp* the possibility of their future family. Matt and Aaron made it through this book with flying colors because their love was strong and they were honest with each other, and they found ways to make all their dreams come true.
I really enjoyed listening to this next step for Matt and Aaron, I don’t know if they will be revisited but I hope they are. The narrator for this book is different, and Nick J. Russo does a great job taking over Matt and Aaron’s story. I definitely recommend this story to fans of the Better Than series and the author Lane Hayes.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
This novella is the most recent release (April, 2022) in the Better Than series. I love how Hayes has added these slice of life short stories and novellas in this series over time that demonstrate how the characters are progressing on their roads to HEA. I also love that they have a good strong dose of reality along with the fairy tale love story.
This has been one of my favorite series. I love how Hayes took this group of friends, centered the first story around Matt and Aaron and then brought the others into the found family. Then, even better, she expanded on that with these slice of life stories. I really hope she continues to do this from time to time, keeping us updated on these characters and how life is progressing for them as we know there are further life milestones these couples need to hit. We got some nice little updates on the other couples in this novella as well.
These characters have all become as real to me as flesh and blood friends. That’s a tribute to Hayes’ writing and her ability to convey real emotion in realistic characters. No one comes off as a cliché or as two dimensional…they all jump off the page, 3D all the way! A big part of it is the choice of POV. First person storytelling is my favorite and Hayes does a great job getting us inside her characters’ heads.
I certainly hope we will be seeing more of the Better Than family (and oh a future grandmother rivalry will be epic!) but if not I feel like we left them in a good and happy place.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Have you ever wondered what comes after the HEA for one of your favourite couples? Well that’s what Lane Hayes has given us here - a novella which is a cross between an extended epilogue to the Aaron & Matt story, but also a 5 year peek into the future of where their life has ended up. There have been some ups and downs, the downs mostly caused by careers, the economy etc. and it’s good to see they are still solidly happy together and madly in love. That’s not to say they don’t still have to work at their relationship and reach compromises, but I love these guys and this extra look at their lives. Some of my all time favourite couples are Aaron & Matt, Jory & Sam, Tate & Logan, Ash & Pete… and many more. If any more of my favourite authors want to write a “what happened next” novella for any of these guys I’d be more than happy! My favourite quote from the book perfectly sums these guys up after the years they have spent together. Their “routine felt like well choreographed dance steps. So beautiful in its simple synchrony”. Sigh! Let’s hope in a year or so we might get another look at their lives.
It is always such a treat to visit one of my favorite couples, Matt and Aaron. I strongly advise you to read the book that started it all, Better Than Good. This will really let you appreciate the novella and give you a good history of the main characters.
The men are now married and are extremely happy with each other, but, as everyone knows, life has its share of bumps and unexpected twists. The smitten couple is dealing with some unexpected complications. Both are career-related, and Matt and Aaron try hard not to let that affect their relationship.
I love how the two have evolved into such a strong couple attuned to what the other needs. Communication can still be hard, but it comes easier with time.
Both men realize what is truly important, and this is where Ms. Lane truly shines as such a solid writer. It is so easy to fall into one of her stories. I adored seeing other couples from the Better Than series. This story was a pure delight, and I hope we will get to visit the men again. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * * *
I loved this story. Especially in audio format. Nick J. Russo did an excellent job with the voices, even though he did not do the origianal: Better Than Good.
That original story was one of the first audiobooks I ever listened to so it stands out as special to me. Revisiting Aaron and Matt was such a pleasure. TBH, the story was good but my pleasure rating was sky high due to sentimentality more than anything else.
Aaron and Matt have been through some tough times over the past ten or so years but they've come through with their love stronger than ever. It's time to start looking for a home--with enough space for a future family. But, of course, life and their careers and their parents all throw curve balls their way. It was a pleasure to watch them handle all those hurdles and come out on top.
If you've enjoyed the rest of the series, please don't miss this one. It's the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae.
I feel lost and so sad!!!! I'm really not ready to let Matt and Aaron go. Better Than Home was the right story, right characters, right feels, just the right everything and I really, really hope this author brings me more of their lives as they move forward with plans for a family of their own.
QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Quick easy read -- established couple -- opposites but in sync -- oh so sweet -- warmed my heart -- I couldn't stop smiling -- made me laugh -- I will never get enough of these two -- the more I get of them the more I want -- it just keeps getting better and better -- no angst -- no drama -- just what I needed -- one of my favorite couples -- I ABSOLUTELY ADORE the MCs... Matt & Aaron -- great friends -- great family -- other books in this series can be read as stand-alones (but I wouldn't) -- Matt & Aaron's stories are not stand-alones -- made me cry but only because I reached the end... for now I hope -- I think there is more left to tell -- please let there be more -- goes on my "will read again" shelf
It’s been a while since I listened to an audiobook, so I was excited for this one. As always, Nick J. Russo did an amazing job!
I’ll be honest - I don’t recall much of the details of Matt and Aaron’s story in ‘Better Than Good’, as I read it about six years ago. But I do remember enjoying it, and I gave it 4 stars.
I’d definitely recommend a read of book 1, as this isn’t a standalone read. However, even without a re-read of their origin story, I still really enjoyed the continuation of Matt and Aaron’s love story in ‘Better Than Home’.
This short sequel isn’t dramatic or grand in any way. And that’s exactly the point - life happens, and we go with the ups and downs that come with it. This book is a look at what happens after the big HEA.
Better Than Home is an amazing addition to the Better Than Stories series and I am always so happy when I get to spend time with my very favorite couple. Matty and Aaron are wonderful and I love how their relationship gets better and better as they work together to deal with whatever life throws at them. Their connection and chemistry is off the charts and their love for each other never falters. I love getting a glimpse into the lives of all of the couples from this series especially Jay, Peter and their sweet family. I can never get enough of Matty and Aaron and I hope that there are many more stories to come in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Gah! More Matty and Aaron, pardon me while I finish swooning. I absolutely loved reading about the next chapter in Matt and Aaron’s lives! These two always put a smile on my face, and this latest felt so relatable too! Back in DC, they decide it’s time to buy a house. Cue the house hunt in a tight real estate market and I so felt their pain as we just got with this very same process! I loved how they navigated all of the challenges that were thrown their way, and house hunting wasn’t the only one! There is something about Matty and Aaron that just gives me the warm and fuzzies, and I always love catching up with them! If you’re a Matty and Aaron fan, this isn’t to be missed! If you’re new, definitely start at the beginning of their journey with Better Than Good.
I love this series but this book in the series has more angst than the other two books centered on the two MCs. Matty and Aar are still very much in love but they face problems with regard to jobs and housing that get solved. They are settling in as a couple getting into reality. I believe there is another book hinted at in the next issues in their lives - children. The characters are mostly from the prior books BUT the next door neighbours bring Matt to the realization that coming out as bi or gay is continuous and scary. The writing and some of the humour is insight into people is very big plus in Haye's writing.
This was a fantastic novella featuring Matt and Aaron from the Better Than Good book. They are more in love than ever before and are looking to check a few items off their list, like buying a home. This little slice of life that the author gave us into Matty and Aaron’s lives felt so realistic! The story sucked me so quickly and didn’t let me easily but left me smiling! Overall, a fantastic story! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. The story kept me engaged and I literally could not put it down. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Better Than Home is a Better Than Good novella, yet another lovely slice of life story with this fantastic couple, Matt and Aaron. I'm always glad to be back to visit with them and each short story or novella that Hayes adds to this universe adds additional layers to their story. At this point, Matt and Aaron and their whole found family feel like real people. Hayes certainly embraces a winning formula here. I recommend you read the whole Better Than series, but for Better Than Home, make sure you read Better Than Good and then Better Than Beginnings, in that order, before reading Better Than Home.
Next phase of life will be fun! Matt and Aaron are two guys, in love moving through life and growing into their best selves. Life is good and they are doing well personally and professionally. They decide to move to the next state and start a new phase, a new adventure. Watching them go through normal everyday challenges restores our faith in love and relationships. Will they find their 'home'? Will they decide to expand their faily? Watching the q&a and how they work the solutions is fun, exciting and relaxing at the same time. The friends and family are delightful. We wish we had a pair of friends like Matt and Aaron. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am volutarily leaving a review.