Title: Better Than Good (Better Than #1)
Author Name & Publisher: Lane Hayes (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: July 8, 2013 – 200 pgs
Matt Sullivan understands labels: law student, athlete, heterosexual. He has goals: graduate and begin his career in law. One fateful night, Matt tags along with his gay roommate to a dance club and everything changes. Matt finds himself attracted to the most beautiful man he’s ever seen. All labels go flying out the window.
Aaron Mendez doesn’t believe in labels, and he’s leery of straight curious men. He makes it clear that he’ll hide his fabulous light for no one. While Aaron can’t deny the attraction between him and Matt, he is reluctant to start anything with someone who is still dealing with what this new label means—especially when that someone has a girlfriend.
Kara
I have wanted to read this series for a long time but just could not seem to fit it into my schedule. This series is now up to 4 books and I was able to read all 4 books back-to-back.
I loved this book and really enjoyed the author interpretation of Matt. I absolutely fell in love with Matt almost immediately and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. The characters were comical and very lovable. This was a sweet loving story and that Matt didn’t have any angst about suddenly being attracted to a man. What I didn’t really like was the situation that happened between Matt and Aaron before Matt broke-up with his girlfriend. Overall it was a very enjoyable story, now on the book 2.
~Lynn
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1) Can you describe in detail what your writing environment is like?
I write in my dining room. It’s a beautiful room painted in the lightest shade of a blue-green with French windows that open on to a garden. I have plenty of greenery outside and a potted orchid on the table to stare at when my head gets muddled. I could use a better chair, but hey… no complaints!
2) Is there one of your characters that you relate to (from any of your works)? Why?
This is a tough question because I can honestly relate to each of my characters to some degree. But if I were put on the spot I would probably say… Curt from Better Than Friends, minus the messiness! I’m a complete control freak like Curt and I tend to overthink when I should just let things slide. He’s more concerned with punctuality than me (I tend to run 10 minutes behind, but I swear I try!) but I’m with him when it comes to motorcycles. No thank you.
3) If you couldn’t be an author, what would you do instead?
I don’t know! This is my dream job! I get to wear pjs all day and hang out with my dog. What’s not to love? If I were forced to name something, I suppose I’d want to own a small bookstore. Something quaint and inviting with big comfy chairs, a fireplace and someone on hand to bring fresh tea and cookies upon request. Hmm, I’d like to go there now please.
4) Is there anything that you learned during the writing process that you wish you had
known before hand?
It’s hard work! LOL. Writing isn’t the difficult part of the writing process. Editing is.
That is the one thing I think every writer learns at some point. We tend to get caught up with words and forget that balance is important. It’s better to write too much and cut than not write enough and tell a flimsy story.
5) Is there anything that you wish you could change about your book now that it is out?
No. I’m extremely proud of The Right Time. It was by far the most layered and complex book I’ve written to date. I’ve touched on quite a few uncomfortable topics and was nervous before it went to editing that I’d overdone it. But a great team of editors is a godsend! I’m excited for everyone to finally get a chance to read Alex and Nate’s story.
6) How do you come up with new ideas for your story?
I get inspiration from the locations I use. Right and Wrong Stories all take place in LA and Orange County, California, which is where I live. Once the first story is in place, the others come more easily. In the Southern California beach communities, surfing is a big deal. Health, fitness and yes, interior design are big business. There is a large Latino population here as well. Each of the Right and Wrong books are reflective of the area to a large degree. I like using places I’m familiar with and then letting my imagination take over!
7) What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m days away from submitting Book 1 in my new series to the publisher. (I’m busy editing, lol) It’s been a busy year so far for me as an author. The Right Time is my third release within seven months and I have another scheduled for fall. The pace is fast and furious at the moment but I’m very grateful to be doing what I love!
8) Where do you live? Do you think this influences how or what you write?
I live in Orange County, California near the beach. The area is very beautiful but alas, very conservative. I think there may be an interesting correlation between writing MM Romance and living someplace where no one I know would admit to reading my books. Unless they’re doing so in the closet. Hmm. See? There may be a story here…
9) What is your favorite genre outside of the one you write in? Why?
Romance is my number one by far. After that I would say the Classics because I love language. I am in love with words. There is nothing more swoon-worthy than a beautiful turn of phrase. I can happily get lost in Jane Austen books.
10) Do you have any vices? Shoes, coffee, shopping…etc?
Nothing exciting. I wear flip-flops most days (remember I live in So Cal), I drink tea instead of coffee and I don’t have much time to shop. My biggest vice might be travel. If that counts. I decided a while ago that I’d rather spend money on a plane ticket than a new pair of shoes any day of the week. This year I’ve been to New York, San Francisco and Orlando so far. I’m looking forward to filling in the calendar with some fun locations for the second part of 2015 too!
Lane Hayes is finally doing what she loves best. Writing! An avid reader from an early age, Lane has always been drawn to romance novels. She truly believes there is nothing more inspiring than a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel, Better Than Good, was a 2013 Rainbow Awards finalist. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and their very old dog in an almost empty nest.
