Only one thing stands in the way of millionaire Gregory MacPherson’s project to revitalize the gritty neighborhood of Ball’s End: a run-down used bookstore. Since none of Mac’s employees seem to be able to get Hailey’s Comic out of the building Mac needs to tear down, he decides to take matters into his own hands. He expects to have it all under control, just like he has everything under control. … control. What he doesn’t expect is to fall hard and fast for the store’s owner—the colorful, willowy, and unexpectedly male, Hailey.
Hailey refuses to give up his lease, no matter how many incentives Mac dangles in front of him, but when it comes to consummating their mutual attraction, he’s a lot more flexible. Soon Mac is finding it as hard to pry himself out of Hailey’s bed as it is to pry Hailey out of the building. With time winding down and no other options, he does the unthinkable.
Mac is trying to improve Ball’s End. Hailey thinks it’s Mac who could stand to be improved. But with a few compromises, they might all end up Better Off.
Note: this book was originally published under the title Him Improvement. No significant changes have been made.
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I’ve never had so much fun reading about someone’s struggles as I did in Better Off.
Gregory MacPherson II is supposed to do his worst to persuade Hailey Green to leave the building he’s the last tenant of. Instead he finds himself utterly captivated by the sweet bookstore owner.
It’s adorable to watch the uptight businessman become all flustered and dreamy eyed around Hailey. The poor guy just can’t wrap his mind around the way he’s feeling. When has he ever paid attention to slim wrists,to sparkly eyes or glossy hair? Why does he suddenly notice all these things about Hailey? Why him,the most inconvenient of choices for a partner?
But Mac wants Hailey, despite being complete opposites. If only there was a way to have the man he desires and make his business plans work out,too. Is there a possibility to have it all?
Well,you should definitely read Better Off and find out. It’s a really entertaining and emotional story. Tanya Chris has written a charming romance,with a deep connection and intense chemistry between the endearing Mac and Hailey. Pick it up to discover if two obviously different men can manage to improve each other’s lives and find happily ever after. You won’t regret it!
Tanya Chris delivered on a sweet and thought-provoking book. It has some excellent layers to it that kept me thoroughly engaged.
The characters in this book really came alive. The depth the author pours into her characters is astounding. I love the fact it’s not just the main characters either but the secondary as well. Tanya Chris has a gift for really highlighting relationships in a believable manner. The world-building was vivid and detailed.
Most of all, I enjoyed the storyline. This is more than just a regular romance. It is apparent that Tanya Chris fully researches each aspect she adds to a book and she uses the topics to enhance the story. It didn’t detract at all and actually helped immerse me in the book.
5 stars for an engaging and beautiful story!
The bleeding heart and the iron-willed tycoon: hearts on fire
I love Tanya Chris MM romance stories and this one is right up there with the best. Romantic leads Hailey and Greg don’t seem compatible anywhere but in the sheets at first, but Hailey is the kind, caring and upbeat, altruistic soul who has the ability to transform Greg’s for-profit-only outlook.
Chris brings the crumbling community of Ball’s End to life with a cohort of endearing characters, like mumbling, stumbling Ethan, overachieving tiny Pia, and spelling-challenged Alexander. Her storytelling ability makes it obvious why this low income community should be saved.
And the hot hook-up that won’t quit is brimming with emotion, something I did not expect from the Greg/Mac who first shows up ready to conquer and gentrify the area using whatever tactics it takes. As Hailey’s threadbare way of living comes to light, Greg is captivated even more by the man and the heat of their passion, if anything, intensifies. I loved Greg’s transformation as he learns “by walking in Hailey’s shoes” that a good life is more than affluence and killer business deals.
With a feel-great! ending, I could not help but heave a sigh of contentment as I read the last page. This one’s a keeper!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book last year under its former title, Him Improvement; this is my voluntary and honest review.