Better than Beginnings

A Better than Good Short Story Collection (Better than Stories, Book 5)

By: Lane Hayes

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Matt Sullivan knows he met someone special the night he spots the sexy man on the dance floor. However, he doesn’t know his life is about to change forever. First of all, Matt is straight. Okay, maybe not, but he doesn’t think falling in love and spending the rest of his life with a hotheaded, unapologetically fabulous diva is an option.

Aaron Mendez is confident, smart, and very comfortable in his skin. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. And though he might have reservations about falling for someone newly out of the closet, no one has ever looked at Aaron the way Matt does.

Navigating a relationship has its challenges, but both Matt and Aaron are willing to deal with difficult parents, holiday blues, and learning curves. They know their happy ever after is worth fighting for and that true love is better than good.

No/low angst, sexy fun! This collection of short stories follows the lives of Matt and Aaron from my first novel, Better than Good. The end of one chapter is the beginning of a whole new story, from ordinary everyday life to an engagement, a wedding, and more. This collection is dedicated to Matt and Aaron fans, and those who believe that the real love story happens after the first “I love you".

©2020 Lane Hayes (P)2022 Lane Hayes

I love Matty and Aaron!

I read Better Than Beginnings when it was first published in January 2020. Other than to say what a great performance Nick J. Russo did, I don’t have anything to add to my original review found below:

Better Than Beginnings is such a special treat. I just recently read Better Than Good for the first time and fell in love with Matty and Aaron. In a way I’m glad that I hadn’t read it back when it was first published. Why? Because I almost never re-read books so Matty and Aaron’s story was still fresh in my mind when I began reading Better Than Beginnings. You really need to read Better Than Good before you read this story.

It has been so great to read more about them and their lives together after the end of Better Than Good. We finally learn how it goes for Matt when he comes out to his family; how the two of them get along after moving in together and so many other wonderful scenes that continued their beautiful love story.

This collection is exactly the kind of thing I would love to have for any book with characters that I couldn’t get enough of. While I had copies of many of these from Lane’s website, I actually never read any of them because I hadn’t read Better Than Good yet. I’m so glad that she gathered all of these into one organized book so that they are in the correct reading order.

Thank you for this gift, Lane. ❤

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

Heartwarming HEA

The story-line:
I was introduced to Ms. Lane in Better Than Good. I strongly urge you to visit this story to learn how it all began. Then I was simply hooked. I fell in love with Matt and Aaron, and their connection made them a favorite all-time couple of mine. This story takes us to visit the beloved pair as they navigate through life with its special moments and sometimes nerve-wracking twists. It was such a delight to be reunited with them again and share their happiness.
Each short story was woven into the next, and it read like a whole book. Matt and Aaron are in love, and this tale takes us through their highs and lows, but no matter what, they are a solid and special couple.
All you can hope is the love of Matt and Aaron will grace us in future stories.
Narrator: Mr. Nick J. Russo
The Audio
Mr. Russo has a distinct and easygoing voice that added a great deal to this audio production. I especially love the poignant scene rendered beautifully by the narrator of Matt coming out to his mom and how he dealt with her confusion.
Mr. Russo gave Aaron a unique and uplifting presence, and together I followed these men through graduations, meeting the family, holidays, engagements, and of course their wedding. A delightful listen that I highly recommend, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy listening.

Matt and Aaron

I enjoyed listening to Nick J. Russo narrate all these vignettes of Matty and Aaron.

It is always great to "see" beloved characters evolve , grow up and live their ever after.