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The Universal Search For Love
Better Than Sex follows a self-proclaimed sex god on a mission to check off his sex bucket list who decides to turn a shy virgin into the next sex god; what he doesn’t expect to develop feelings. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
When I was young and coming out of the closet, I felt out of step with the gay community. I’m a private, introverted person, and the gay scene can be very overwhelming to people who aren’t naturally extroverted. I channeled some of those feelings of being an outsider when I wrote the character of Mickey, the shy virgin who Spencer offers to make over.
Spencer’s best friend Xander uses sarcasm and snark to cover up some of his deeper insecurities. When I was in college, I had a similar defense mechanism, though I can’t say I did it with as much flair as Xander. (Thankfully I’ve outgrown this, and now I’m a delight to be around LOL.)
Pepper, the rescue dog that Mickey eventually adopts, is drawn from my memories of the black lab my family had when I was a child. His name was Fritz, and he was a loyal and loving companion.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Themes of friendship and found family run through most of my work, and those themes are front and center in Better Than Sex.
The main theme I explored was the universal search for love and acceptance. Too often, we seek external validation, hoping that attention and positive regard from others will fill the gaps within ourselves. But external validation can feel hollow. Deeper validation of our worth requires vulnerability, allowing someone to see us – not as an idealized version of ourselves, but as we truly are.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The second book in the series, set for a Fall 2025 release, delves into the love story between Spencer’s sexy, charismatic friend Blake and a sweet, studious man named Ethan. The story takes the reader behind the scenes of the adult entertainment industry, as Blake chases his dream of becoming a star.
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Spencer’s thirtieth birthday is right around the corner, and he wants to say goodbye to his twenties with a bang. Literally.
As a self-proclaimed sex god, Spencer has sworn off love and dedicated himself to finishing his F***-it List – a collection of wild fantasies he’s checked off one by one. Now, only one fantasy remains: rock a virgin’s world with a night of unforgettable sex.
Shy, sweet Mickey seems like the perfect candidate, but he’ll need a major confidence boost before he’s ready to go all the way. Hoping for a chance to be Mickey’s first, Spencer makes him an offer he can’t refuse – he’ll transform Mickey into San Francisco’s next sex god.
Mickey, who’s always felt out of step with the gay scene, jumps at the chance to reinvent himself. It isn’t long, though, before styling tips and flirting lessons give way to stolen glances and heart-to-heart conversations, and what started as a playful makeover begins to look a lot like falling in love.
For Spencer, feelings were never part of the plan. But as Mickey blossoms into a self-assured man and their connection deepens, Spencer is forced to ask himself: is Mickey just another checkmark on his list, or could he be the man who finally makes Spencer believe in love?
Better Than Sex is a steamy, slow burn, opposites-attract romance. Loaded with humor and heart, Kit Erikson’s award-winning debut novel explores friendship, found family, and the messy, wonderful lengths we go to for love and acceptance.
Better Than Sex
In Better Than Sex, Kit Erikson spins an unapologetically raunchy and surprisingly heartfelt story of two very different men navigating their lives and desires in San Francisco. Spencer is a charming yet commitment-averse playboy whose self-image as a “sex god” belies deeper insecurities, while Mickey is a wholesome, endearing nanny grappling with his inexperience in love. Their paths cross in a chance encounter, setting the stage for a journey that blends humor, longing, and emotional growth.
What stands out most is Erikson’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth. The opening scenes, particularly Spencer’s internal monologue about his “sex god” rules, had me laughing out loud. His morning-after exchange with Rory is witty and over-the-top, yet it highlights Spencer’s struggle to maintain emotional distance. On the other hand, Mickey’s tender moments with Logan, the child he cares for, exude warmth and sensitivity. One scene where Mickey comforts Logan with a stuffed tiger encapsulates his nurturing nature, making him instantly relatable.
The writing style is bold and descriptive, yet not without its quirks. Erikson doesn’t shy away from graphic depictions of sex, but these moments are balanced with tender, introspective scenes. Spencer’s ongoing quest to complete his “f*ck-it list” showcases his hedonistic lifestyle but also subtly reveals his fear of vulnerability. Similarly, Mickey’s internal debates about putting himself out there romantically tug at the heartstrings. Erikson weaves these contrasting tones seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged while switching between the characters’ perspectives.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of self-acceptance and love. Both Spencer and Mickey seek validation, one through hookups and the other through his dream of a romantic connection. Their development feels genuine, with moments of vulnerability that hit hard. Spencer’s realization about the hollowness of his lifestyle, juxtaposed with Mickey’s hesitance to take risks, creates a compelling narrative arc with a satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend Better Than Sex to fans of LGBTQ+ romance who enjoy stories that mix explicit content with genuine emotional weight. Readers looking for a blend of humor, steam, and heart will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a story that’s not afraid to embrace both its lighter and darker moments, making it as memorable as it is entertaining.
Pages: 396 | ASIN : B0DMMMN9CX
LITERARY TITAN 