Customer Reviews

Better Than (Dafina Contemporary Romance)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

WOW...when you pick up this novel you will be treated to an inspiring, exciting, amusing and EXTREMELY sizzlin' true-to-life romantic delight. I was TOTALLY caught up in voluptuous "pretty Deborah" and free-spirited, sexy-as-all-get-out Jason's budding relationship from beginning to end. I enjoyed the fact that Deborah and Jason had "old fashion" upbringing, both being raised by their grandmother's, they adopted many of their ways. Jason was very chivalrous and Deborah definitely knew how to take care of her man and was quite the "homemaker" (putting her foot in it when she cooked and keeping a clean house) not many young people do these things anymore, it was REFRESHING. Ms. Esdaile has fashioned a very plausible plot and a cast of well-developed and UNFORGETTABLE characters. I found the conflict and drama that the characters, (main and secondary) had to struggle through made this novel that much more compelling and entertaining. It's the cutest thing when Deborah and Jason first meet, and even though their attraction is instant and mutual, Deborah decides to forgo any further contact with Jason. However, it appears fate has other plans for Deborah, and throws Jason all up in her life. But will Deborah allow Jason to mend her broken heart and show her that he is "Better Than" ANY man that has hurt her in the past?!! And will Jason realize that despite his dysfunctional family secrets and betrayals, "pretty Deborah" is ready and willing to be there for him, to share in his joys and pains, if ONLY he'll let her. Or will they both realize too late that their lives are better than, since they became involved with each other?!! Ms. Esdaile has created a captivating GROWN & SEXY romance about personal and professional growth, love and life, one definitely NOT to be missed!

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I have to tell this book is so good Leslie has a new fan. I am going to her website to see her other books. This book is so good I could not put this book down and you start reading the book you want be able to put it down either. You meet Deoborah & Jason and it is instance attraction between them. For Jason he was a gonner when he first saw her and he call her the cutiest name pretty Deborah I tell the book will have you laughing, crying. I tell Leslie take you on Journey in this book she take you to church and while you are sitting there reading don't be surprise if you see youslef throwing and waving you hand in the air and thanking Jesus. I can't say enough about this book. Their love scene is AWESOME.......and will have you right there with them. As I have said I will be checking out her other books and if they are anything like this I will be HAPPY. I am hoping that this will be a series I would love for the other brother and sister have a story.

Thanks for a wonderful book I finished this two days ago and it is still fresh in my mine the relationship between Jason & Deborah they are so good together..............

Louise

APOOO Rating: 4.5

Deborah Lee Jackson is a woman ready for change. After receiving divorce papers after Christmas, she decides to completely overhaul her life. She plans to start once the New Year begins. Deborah's plan is to take several classes at the local university to get her health in order and release some creative energy. Jason Hastings loves his best friend, Wil, like a brother but when Wil asks him to teach a few classes in his absence, Jason is a bit peeved to have his few months of painting time disturbed. A chance meeting at a local herb store brings Deborah and Jason face to face. As a painter, Jason is always on the hunt for inspiration and he believes he has found it in the voluptuous, Amazon beauty. So, he does what any logical painter would do, he asks Deborah to sit for him. But Deborah does not need a man in her life when she is trying to make a change. The two think they will never see each other again until Jason shows up to instruct Wil's classes.

Upon a second meeting, the chemistry these two first felt in the herb store still exists. All Jason Hastings wants to do is show pretty Deborah, that he is better than all the other men she has ever encountered in her life.

Better Than by Leslie Esdaile is a steamy fast-paced love story. The most enjoyable parts in this book were the characters. They were very believable as people, especially Deborah. She dealt with issues concerning her self-image as a full-figured woman and her issues with her single-parent father. Leslie Esdaile is an extraordinary romance author. Her talents really shine through with this book. The unexpected twist that happens to Jason's character is one that adds intrigue to this story. All in all, Better Than is a story about making changes in one's life and finding that one true love. I recommend this book to extreme romance lovers.

Reviewed by Chantay
APOOO BookClub

In Leslie Esdaile's latest romance Better Than, she shows you that a good man loves you for what's on the inside. This story begins with the newly divorced Deborah Lee Jackson beginning a new year. Besides being newly divorced, Deborah is not getting any fulfillment out of her job and she is slightly overweight. Determining not to wallow in self pity, Deborah decides to make some New Year's resolutions that will help her improve her mind, body, and her life. Since she always wanted to go back to college and take more classes, she signs up for some at the local university. It is in her art class that she meets her handsome instructor Jason Hastings, a man who is so devoted to his career that he's sworn off women in order to concentrate on it more. Jason only took the art instructor job to help out his friend and vows not to let this class ruin his career. Although they're not looking for love, it seems to eventually find them and bring them together. Will their new found love be able to stand up to the problems that the outside world may bring?

I LOVED this book! It showed the true battle that some full-figured women struggle with when it comes to love and life. Although Deborah is a full-figured woman, I truly loved this story because Deborah's story could be anyone's story, regardless of their size. Ms. Esdaile's story lets women know that there are some good men still out there. And if those men truly love you, they won't care about how you look on the outside, but just what's in your heart. The only thing that man wants to do is heal a broken-hearted woman. So if you love a good romance story that has a touch of drama, then this is the story for you. I highly recommend Better Than. And who knows, it might inspire you to make a life change to better your mind and body. At least, that's what it did for me.

Reviewed by LaShonda Bates
for Urban Reviews

OMG- Leslie does it again!
I've been waiting for Leslie's next romance novel for over a year. I knew it would be good bcz she's a hell of a writer.

But, "Better Than", is probably her best yet! If you're a Leslie Esdaile romance fan, then you know how her books just wrap you up and take you away. Well, "Better Than" was like a mix of my 2 prior favs, "Sister Got Game" and "Take Me There".

First off, I liked "pretty Deborah" from the opening pages. She was so real and easy to relate to. She's a woman who wants to push the "RE-SET" button on her life. Newly divorced, slightly overweight, professionally unhappy, and lonely too.

Then we're introduced to Jason, a fine and compassionate artist recovering from a bad relationship.

When they met at the health store, it was like BAM!! You could feel the sizzle and the heat drip from the pages like sweat. I said to myself, "buckle up" because these two are gonna take me for a ride.

Deb and Jason's attraction takes off like a rocket with sensuality and passion pouring all over the place. You wanted these two bruised souls to find healing in each other. And boy, did they find healing ---- SEXUAL HEALING.

But then, life starts to get in the way of their budding relationship. Her family. His family. Secrets. Lies. Betrayal.
These negative forces swirl into a destructive storm that Deb and Jason's new love may not be able to handle. But as with any "life storm", where do we go for refuge? We go to church asking God for answers.

Ya'll, Leslie takes the reader to church --- Took me to the rail and had me crying in my own living room!!!!!

BUY IT! - You'll feel "Better Than" for having read it . . . .

Deborah Lee Jackson is attempting to starting her life anew. Recently divorced and working at a job with no room for growth, she decides to remake herself in terms of her education, spirituality and her physical appearance. Doing this leaves no time nor desire for a man.

Jason Hastings is a commissioned artist dancing to his own beat, and he too is recovering from a relationship gone bad. While shopping at a health food store, Jason and Deborah meet as he helps her select items for her newly found desire to become a vegan.

On the home front, Jason's bestfriend asked him to cover some college classes for him while he is touring. Against Jason's better judgment, he accepts and again runs into Deborah. The two start a heated and fulfilling romance, but the drama within their family intervenes.

Deborah's mother died while giving birth to her and she always felt her father blamed her. Deborah's father is a military man and raised her with the same discipline and stringent rules as an officer would raise his troops. Jason is considered the unconventional one within his family. While all have advanced degrees, Jason is the only one not working the corporate 9 to 5 job, which is a constant thorn in his family's side. Being the youngest of four children, Jason was raised by his grandmother and is several years younger than his siblings. Growing up, he accepted the fact that he lived with his grandmother and not his parents and siblings. During a monthly Sunday dinner, the truth is revealed as to why and fireworks begin.

I enjoyed this romance by Leslie Esdaile; a romance which was typical in the beginning of boy meets girls and falls in love, but quickly interjects issues which must be dealt with in order for the relationship to sustain itself and to grow. Esdaile's knowledge and portrayal of the artistic world and the vegan lifestyle was an educational journey for me. The issues were finally coupled with the tried and true religious and spirituality piece of taking your troubles to the Lord and leaving them there. BETTER THAN by Leslie Esdaile is a very interesting and enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

It deserves 5 more! This book was just beautiful. I love the connection between Jason and Deborah. It was deep on every single level. I love how they drew strength from each other. Jason made Deborah find her voice and let her know that she could reach her goals and Deborah made Jason a better painter. The details of the paintings allowed me imagine how they looked. This is a true inspirational story and I will only settle for Better Than like Deborah.

There are no other words to say other than Awesome!! this book was a great read as all of her other books. So as a die-hard fan of all of her books ( the "Trust" Series,"VHL" Series, her new Crimson Moon Novels and her other contemporary romances.) Leslie most definitely has the "gift". This was a beautifully crafted story.

OMG- Leslie does it again!
I've been waiting for Leslie's next romance novel for over a year. I knew it would be good bcz she's a hell of a writer.

But, "Better Than", is probably her best yet! If you're a Leslie Esdaile romance fan, then you know how her books just wrap you up and take you away. Well, "Better Than" was like a mix of my 2 prior favs, "Sister Got Game" and "Take Me There".

First off, I liked "pretty Deborah" from the opening pages. She was so real and easy to relate to. She's a woman who wants to push the "RE-SET" button on her life. Newly divorced, slightly overweight, professionally unhappy, and lonely too.

Then we're introduced to Jason, a fine and compassionate artist recovering from a bad relationship.

When they met at the health store, it was like BAM!! You could feel the sizzle and the heat drip from the pages like sweat. I said to myself, "buckle up" because these two are gonna take me for a ride.

Deb and Jason's attraction takes off like a rocket with sensuality and passion pouring all over the place. You wanted these two bruised souls to find healing in each other. And boy, did they find healing ---- SEXUAL HEALING.

But then, life starts to get in the way of their budding relationship. Her family. His family. Secrets. Lies. Betrayal.
These negative forces swirl into a destructive storm that Deb and Jason's new love may not be able to handle. But as with any "life storm", where do we go for refuge? We go to church asking God for answers.

Ya'll, Leslie takes the reader to church --- Took me to the rail and had me crying in my own living room!!!!!

BUY IT! - You'll feel "Better Than" for having read it . . . .

Amazing read. I am dissapointed that Iwill not get to read another romance novel from Leslie. I love this book as well as take you there and Sister got game. She will be missed!!