Time doesn’t heal all wounds. Sometimes they just scab over.Haunted by memories of a failed marriage, trauma surgeon Barbie Anderson escapes to her hometown for a fresh start. But the quaint community of Pumpkin Rest has memories and failures of its own that should stay buried. When Barbie runs into ex-con biker Jake Chambers, he stirs up anger and resentment in her that she doesn’t want to face. … doesn’t want to face. He reminds her of the one man she’s never gotten over and dredges up decades-old heartache. With his rugged criminal exterior and gentlemanly demeanor, the silver fox may have the other women in Pumpkin Rest falling at his feet, but not Barbie.
She refuses to let her guard down and have her heart broken again. When a series of revelations come tumbling forth, Barbie is forced to confront her past and trust Pumpkin Rest’s most sought-after bachelor where she’ll soon learn that love wears many faces.
Will secrets from the past destroy their future or will old wounds finally heal, allowing her to love again?
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This latest gem by Beth Flynn is exquisite. Better Than This is a slow-burn kind of romance featuring two incredible characters in Barbie and Jake. They found each other at a time of their lives when both were simply trying to start anew in the small town of Pumpkin Rest. Becoming neighbors should have been easy and uncomplicated but as the story progresses there is nothing simple about the undeniable chemistry these two have together.
A love story between two 50 somethings! Thank you Beth Flynn for showing the world that the 4th quarter is all kinds of wonderful! I couldn’t help but grin over and over again as Barbie and Jake navigate their new-found relationship in a world where youth tries to reign supreme. These two have it all going on even while trying to come to grips with their individual pasts that seem to want intrude in on their burgeoning romance.
There is a ton of mystery surrounding Jake and it’s hard for Barbie to keep her head in the game as the late love of her former life keeps messing with her heart and the man she is falling hard for.
This is such a cleverly crafted book and the way Flynn ties all the loose ends together is beyond brilliant. I was rooting hard for Jake and Barbie to find a forever kind of love with one another because they are genuinely good people and all that they endure should only strengthen their bond. Secrets and heartbreaking revelations threw me for a loop more than once but the way Flynn guides this journey, I’m still amazed at how it all turns out. Barbie and Jake and the secondary characters who compliment this story perfectly were in the best possible hands with a gifted author who writes from the heart.
This is my new favorite Beth Flynn book and one I’ll definitely reread more than once. It spoke to me on a level that made my soul sing and I am forever grateful for having had the honor of reading it.
Better Than This deserves all the stars and more!!!
Bravo.
There’s nothing #Better than reading a story with likable characters, but when you find a story with likable, extraordinary ordinary characters, then you hit the jackpot!
This is what I discovered as I read Better Than This!
The author offered the reader a refreshing departure from other romances in that the characters are older, more mature, and unapologetically flawed.
The writing was flawless, the story flowed nicely and the characters evolved slowly and meticulously.
Barbie and Jake’s story was one I wanted to devour as soon as it hit my kindle. However, this is a story that requires patience and control to read and capture every word.
Suspenseful, and passionate, as this complicated small town story evolves, there are hints of past and present connections making the story of Barbie and Jake more intriguing and compelling.
This story slayed me as the emotions Barbie is forced to face from her past, made the story a unique kind of gritty and her character so realistic and relatable.
Is it redemption or second chances?
You must read and decide!
A complete standalone, the added bonus was the walkthrough of characters from Nine Minutes.
Wowza..I had forgotten how much I love Beth Flynn’s writing..shame on me.
Better Than This was so different from her previous books but still phenomenal.
Jake is 55…Barbie is 52. It was refreshing to read a book with losers characters..real people..real experiences.
I’m still reeling from the ending..
Holy moly! This book keeps you guessing up until 96%.
Fourth Quarter..over time..Hail Mary..my mind is blown.
Major book hangover.
This is a spin off – stand-alone but I highly suggest you read the previous books because characters are mentioned from previous books.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ PERFECTION
Series~ A Nine Minutes Spin off
Source~ Kindle eBook – borrowed from KU
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Beth Flynn will always be an author that I one-click for! And “Better Than This” did not disappoint me! In true Beth writing style, she kept the twists and turns going throughout the book, keeping me glued to my seat. So much so, that I read it in one sitting!
Dr. Barbie Anderson (age 52) and Jake Chambers (age 55) are in their “4th quarter” of life. I have to say that I loved the fact that these characters were older and more mature. It kind of gives me (age 53) hope to find my HEA, “Because everyone knows the fourth quarter is where the real action is.”
After divorcing her husband, Barbie Anderson decides to return to her hometown of Pumpkin Rest. She needs time to heal, so she can move on to the next chapters in her life, but memories (some good – some bad) from her childhood are playing tricks on her mind and heart.
Jake Chambers is an ex-con biker who is now an orderly at Hampton House and a doppelganger for Kenny, Barbie’s first love. Jake knows that he needs to take it slow with her and let her come to terms with her past. He is dealing with some secrets of his own, and he is not so sure how to deal with them!
Love. love, love this story and the slow burn between these two characters! Darlene was a hoot and I loved her no b.s. personality. She was an added bonus to this story line!
Highly recommend this book!
This was my first Beth Flynn book and I am glad I read it after having met her. Beth’s writing is so twisty and honestly even after I finished this book I was still confused. I had to ask a friend what was going on. My brain hurt. This book was an awesome second chance love story. What would you do to be with the one you love? How far would you go? There is a sense of “what is going on, is he or isn’t he?” through the whole book. I loved Jake and hated Fancy. I love a twisty read and this delivered!
This book is such a beautiful Intricately woven story with so much emotion and attention to details. It spans decades so it’s full of childhood experiences, cherished moments and painful memories. All the good the bad and the ugly parts of life, we go through them all with these characters.
A story of first love and broken hearts where the past and the present collide.
It’s about family and friendships, secrets and revelations, forgiveness and second chances this story has it all.
The pace is slow burning it’s not a quick race to the finish but a tantalising promise of the best things come to those who wait.
Beth Flynn is a master story teller her writing is flawless. This book was an absolute pleasure to read. I was completely absorbed in the lives of Barbie and Jake. They fascinated and consumed me right up to the very last page.
All I can say is WOW!!
It really doesn’t get any Better Than This.
Only Beth Flynn can write such a perfect tale. I enjoyed it sooo much!! Loved!!! This is going to make me have to reread 9 minutes again. I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend all of her books!! Must read!!! Now I have to find someone to talk about this!
4.5 Fourth Quarter Stars!!!
My goodness, just closed the kindle on this one… My mind is spinning… Yet again a book from this author that is woven so tightly that the quality of workmanship outshines in this beautiful story.
Barbie has moved back to Pumpkin Rest, the place where she grew up. A successful trauma surgeon back in the city she left, now working in a doctors office in town treating all the locals. Hoping to get back on track after a failed marriage, she is back where it all started for her.
Jake is the love of my life 😉 and when he rolls past Barbie’s house the first time, its a memory that will be hard to erase! Who paints that on their HARLEY!!! LOL. But anyway, Jake sure makes an impression with Barbie. One that I don’t think Barbie herself was ready for.
Frenita on the other hand. I’ve got a couple cans of Whoop A** I’d like to open up on her. Barbie’s only relative and it had to be Frenita. Good golly, to have a sister that did the things Frenita does to Barbie… They’d be digging a grave to bury Frenita before the week was over! Deep breath in… Slow breath out… Family can come and go…. I’m praying that Frenita finds a man and sticks with him so that she is forever out of Barbie’s life!!
I am a proud member of the fourth quarter and can testify right along with Jake and Barbie that this statement is 100% correct!!!
“The fourth quarter is where all the excitement happens.”
Read this book word for word…unravel each and every detail. Its all there in the writing… Just waiting to be uncovered!
Better Than This by Beth Flynn is one of those books that seeps into your soul.
It’s one of those books that has such a strong and unique storyline, with such phenomenal and impactful characters, that it leaves you wanting to bury yourself in their emotions and mysteries.
I love that Flynn is an absolute master at weaving a story that keeps you on your toes. You’ll be reading and wanting to message her a thousand times with theories and suspicions. (BTW, she is completely silent, and won’t give you an inch of a hint!) lol.
And what I love most of all, is that these characters touch each of us in different ways. We all will find connections with different characters and want to immerse ourselves in their emotions.
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. But I love the glimpses of characters we’ve all grown to love as fans of Beth’s Nine Minutes Series.
“I’ve never been a big fan of football, but even I know the fourth quarter is where all the excitement happens.”
5 Phenomenal Stars
Better Than This was simply amazing! Beth always writes an emotionally charged, complex story and this one tops the list! Barbie and Jake are both heading into the “fourth quarter” of their lives and it was SO refreshing to read a story about a couple who are in their 50’s and navigating the world of starting a relationship at this stage of their lives.
Barbie is a 52 year old doctor who has recently moved back to her childhood home in Pumpkin Rest, South Carolina. Fans of Beth’s other books will remember that little town we got a brief glimpse of in Tethered Souls. Well now we get to see it in all it’s small town glory, and I have to admit, if that were a real town, I would move there in a heartbeat.
Jake is an orderly at Hampton House, where Barbie volunteers her time. He’s grown very close to Johnny, who is the younger brother of Barbie’s childhood sweetheart, Kenny. He also happens to be a dead ringer for Kenny and the only man Johnny will let get near him.
The slow burn romance between Barbie and Jake was crafted perfectly by Beth. Both Barbie and Jake are dealing with tons of things that happened in their pasts, Barbie dealing with a hateful, mean spirited sister who slept with her husband, among lots of other things. Jake’s past included a stint in prison and a record that will never go away. Can these two navigate a possible future together? Why would a doctor like Barbie want to be with an ex con like Jake?
Things get a little more complicated when Barbie finds out Jake has bought the farm next door to hers that used to belong to the Pritchard’s, Kenny’s family. How will she feel about this man she’s growing closer and closer to living on her first love’s land?
Beth has quickly become known for her ability to weave a very complex tale that is full of twists at every corner, secrets galore and revelations that are often wonderful but sometimes heartbreaking. I absolutely loved highlighting all of the little Easter Eggs I uncovered throughout the story and the subtle references to things we’ve read in her other books as well as cameo appearances by a couple of beloved characters. This book is listed as a Nine Minutes Spin Off Novel, but you absolutely can read this as a standalone. But I will say, if you read this as your first Beth Flynn Book, you will definitely want to go back to the beginning and work your way through the Nine Minutes catalog of books. I gaurantee you, you will instantly fall in love with the characters and never want to stop reading about them!
This book is pure magic, Beth!
Better Than This is so much more than a romance. It’s a story full of lies, betrayal, unexpected chances, fate, sacrifice, confessions, love, and healing. Yes, it really is all that!!!!
Barbie Anderson is a trauma surgeon who seeks refuge in her small hometown of Pumpkin Rest after her failed marriage. She wants nothing more than to start fresh, and fix up the old farmhouse she grew up in. But once there she meets Jake Chambers, the ex-con who bears a striking resemblance to Kenny, the first boy she gave her heart to decades ago. It’s then she realizes her past is coming back to haunt her. Our hero, Jake may be an ex-con, but he’s the kind of guy everyone falls in love with- gorgeous and charismatic with a heart of gold. His only flaw is the secret he’s hiding.
As I journeyed with Barbie between the past and the present, I was left stunned and outraged by the secrets, betrayals, and vindictiveness of certain family members. Her sister, Fanny, being on the top of that list. I don’t think I ever disliked a character as much as her. I was thankful for Barbie’s best friend, Darlene. She was a source of constant support, and I enjoyed her version of tough love whenever Barbie needed a reality check.
In true Beth fashion, every chapter came with a new depth and twist that kept me turning the pages. The writing was descriptive and painted a clear path for me to follow. For those who have read a Beth Flynn story, understand that nothing is ever what it seems, so it’s pointless to let yourself assume you know what direction to go. There is no lack of character depth or emotion. Lord knows my emotions were all over the place, and that to me is a sign of a truly remarkable book. So, if you’re looking for a good romance, with an unpredictable story full of mystery and intrigue, this is the one!!!
LOVED IT!
This is not a book from the Nine Minutes Trilogy, however some of the characters are spoken of and some make small appearances. It’s written in true Beth Flynn fashion, with twists and turns you don’t expect that’ll keep you guessing until the finish.
4*
Kenny and barbie were teen sweethearts both found friendship and comfort after living with not to happy homes.
His father was a mean drunk who was cruel to him.
Her grandmother was so mean treating her younger sister differently and taunting her throughout life.
Their lives changed when she was sent to camp and he disappeared without her knowing.
A broken marriage has her returning to the home her grandfather left her.
A ghost from her past fetches back memories but are her gut feelings correct? Jake has many things about him and wanting what is best for Barbie is his goal.
Another great book.
I really enjoyed reading and hope Bevin and Slade get to tell their story
Loved this story about a mature couple and the amazing love story they share. As usual Beth Flynn lets you believe you’ve solved the mystery, then you realize you haven’t solved it and finally it all comes together. She weaves suspense, mystery and deep love into a story that won’t let you put the book down. This one isn’t about an MC, it’s a story of love and just because you’re not in you 20’s, 30’s, etc, your life’s not over. The fourth quarter is where all of the excitement is. Flynn’s writing ability just amazes me.
“Because he hurt you, Barbie. What he did was unfair and heartbreaking, nobody would argue that. But Kenny is gone, and can’t come back. You may not have forgotten him or the pain he left behind, but you’ve moved on from the little girl whose heart was crushed.” This line is my favorite in the entire book. To me this is what begins the story of Jake and Barbie. And what a story it is!
If I could give this book 50 stars it wouldn’t be enough!! It took me a full 24 hours to be able to process everything from this book. Beth is a true story teller, not just an author.
Beth Flynn has a way with sucking you into a story. I know when I read her books, the world around me ceases to exist. She has a way of making the characters and story line become real, this is the sign of a true story teller and not just an author. Once again she did just that.
Barbie and Jake were so relatable, being older characters, I could completely relate to them. Their struggles, their emotions, everything about them made them more than characters, I found myself thinking I could hang out with this couple and have a blast. Another reason I LOVE Beth’s books, her characters become friends/family.
I was on the edge of my seat with this book from chapter one. There were times when I thought I had the ending figured out and I would go back and forth. The ending did not fail. The entire story did not fail.
There are so many golden nuggets from the other books that I feel you should read the previous books to totally understand some of the references and who the other characters are and how they play into this book.