Review: Better by Carey Heywood

Release Date: February 17, 2014

Better 

by Carey Heywood

5 stars

I love this story!!! <3 It reminded me a lot about The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski, except that the characters here go on a world tour instead of a road trip. At first I thought the story might be too lengthy, or that it could get boring and become some kind of a trip advisory.. but no, I was very, very pleased with everything about this book!

BETTER is a story about a person's journey to finding his/herself, and learning to identify what are the most important things in life that a person ought to fight for. 

I think those things were what the characters in this book were headed for. Aubrey is set to take a trip around the world in memory of her Aunt Ally. She might be 24 years old, but she's never left home. Naturally, her parents--her father, specifically--thought it best that she be accompanied by an experienced world traveler. This is where Adam, a professional photographer, comes in.

At the beginning these two don't like each other much. He thought she was a spoiled princess, she found him arrogant and judgmental. These first impressions are not off the mark though, to be honest. Aubrey did come across as a brat. She sneaks out and leaves Adam in their hotel rooms numerous times (with strangers too!). He, on the other hand, had a tendency to be cocky and restrictive, which was what drove Audrey to plot against him each time. Thank goodness both of them did not prolong their childish antics, otherwise it would have been irritating to read! 

So, we have two people who are very different from each other, who nevertheless find each other attractive, rooming together and touring the world for several weeks. It's easy to see how things will progress. :)

I love how Carey Heywood wrote this story. The tome of the book was just perfect in my opinion. It's not sizzlingly steamy, but it is romantic. It has an almost dreamlike quality to it, which is appropriate because it lets the reader experience what the characters are going through. They are enjoying a break from the world. Aubrey and Adam are in this bubble, and at the moment it's perfect.

The thing about bubbles though is that they eventually have to burst. In Aubrey and Adam's case, they need to decide if what they have found during their time together is something they want to preserve even after they head for their respective homes.

BETTER is also a story of maturity. I love how the characters, Aubrey especially, grew as the story progressed. As I've said earlier, she was quite a brat at the beginning. In fairness to her, she is also aware that she needs to make some important decisions soon, and that whatever she decides will affect the rest of her life. Adam was quite the same. He had enjoyed the life of a bachelor before meeting Aubrey. Is he willing to sacrifice some things in his life for her? I daresay this is a question all men deliberate at some point in their lives, and I like that it's featured in this book. 

BETTER is a refreshing change if you've read dark, intense books in succession. Carey Heywood's writing is very light and dreamlike at times. I really liked that she mentioned well-known and documented places and landmarks. I looked them up as they hopped from one continent to another, and it was like joining Aubrey and Adam on their tour as well. Seeing what these characters were seeing made it easier for me to connect with them and really get into the story. 

I recommend this book if you want a very good story without too much angst or dark overtones. Oh, and one last thing: See that cover? The chest is a significant object in the story. The story and events surrounding it are very touching and inspiring. That's another thing you can look forward to in this book! :)

Buy Links ➜ Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Synopsis:

Aubrey is embarking on a bucket list trip around the world, the last wish of her Aunt Ally. It was supposed to be the trip Ally would take when she got better. Now it's just a chance for Aubrey to say goodbye.

Adam escapes in his solo trips overseas, working just enough to fund the next one. When the opportunity to circle the globe falls in his lap he can't refuse. The only catch, he won't be traveling alone this time.

Unable to hide from each other Adam's overprotective nature thwarts Aubrey's desire to find her own way. Can they move past initial assumptions to find something better?