Better Than Home

Better Than Stories, Book 6

By: Lane Hayes

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

The lawyer, the diva, and a new adventure…

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 best-selling book Better Than Good. The lawyer, the diva, and the happy ever after of a lifetime. For listeners who know the real love story happens after the first “I love you”.

©2022 Lane Hayes (P)2022 Lane Hayes

a nice peek into the future

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.

Better Than Home

Nick J. Russo once again brought Aaron and Matt alive with his outstanding narration of Better Than Home.

I love that Lane Hayes continues giving us - Better Than Series fans- a look and insights into these beloved characters lives as time goes by.

Matt and Aaron!!

I absolutely loved Matt and Aaron's story.

This short listen was everything I needed.

Seeing my favorite couple being domestic adter getting their must deserved HEA filled my heart with so much joy and happiness!!

This was an amazing listen overall.


The narrator performed an amazing audio delivery and narration.

Matt and Aaron 4-Ever!

Oh boy, I loved this when I read it with my eyes back in April 2022 but when I listened to the audio performance by Nick J. Russo I was totally blown away. He always does a fantastic job but I’m not sure any of his performances have brought me to tears as much as this one. Now I’m sure a lot of that is due to Lane Hayes’ excellent writing and her fondness for Matt and Arron, but there was just something about listening to Nick read this story that really got to me – in a good way.

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 complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

Wonderful Production

Audio: Narrator Mr. Nick J. Russo

Mr. Russo is such an accomplished narrator. He was a perfect choice to capture the men that started Ms. Lanes Better Than Series. This novella follows our now married MCs, and the production did a spectacular job. I loved the very distinct and perfect renditions of Matt and Aaron. The audio relayed the problems and frustrations the newlyweds encountered, making this story relatable. The listener followed the men as they dealt with life’s frustrations and several crushed dreams. Aaron is a bit over the top – alright, very dramatic, and Mr. Russo did nail it! Matt’s patience and love are evident in the narrator’s interpretation. This audiobook was such an enjoyable way to get into this sweet romance. I highly recommend this perfect escape while visiting my favorite couple.

Storyline: It is always 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 unforeseen 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 revisit the men.