Release Blitz: Leaning Into Forever by Lane Hayes (Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Release Blitz: Leaning Into Forever by Lane Hayes (Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Title:  Leaning Into Forever

Series: Leaning Into Stories, #7

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: June 29

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 75K

Genre: Romance, Comfort, Healing , Heartbreak, New Beginnings, Contemporary Romance

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Synopsis

Geordie de la Rosa is a legend among wine lovers in Napa Valley. His ultra-fabulous style paired with a penchant for leading impromptu sing-a-longs has made him a star attraction at Conrad Winery. Co-owning a well-respected winery was never Geordie’s aspiration but he likes the niche he’s made for himself. He won’t deny that his job and his friends have helped ease his heartache and grief after the death of his longtime partner.

Levi Yeager excels at the art of reinventing himself. He’s been a minor league baseball player, a college coach and now a restaurant owner. The problem is he doesn’t know a thing about the food business. And when his chef quits unexpectedly, he’s afraid his new venture is doomed. But Levi isn’t a quitter. It may be the only thing he has in common with the beautiful, sassy man from the neighboring winery who agrees to help get his new business up and running. Neither man counts on their fast friendship or the wild attraction they feel for each other. However, they know they won’t stand a chance until they let go of the past and lean into forever.

Excerpt

“My game is coming back. If I keep talking and you keep listening, you’ll eventually warm up to me. Where was I?”

“The psychology of alliterations,” I deadpanned.

“Right. Your tone is imperial, you use alliterations like a poet and you dress like a diva. You’re pleasant to strangers but you hold them at bay. You’re kind but controlled. Most likely you were an elite member of a royal family in a former life.”

“You’re probably right,” I said, amused in spite of myself. “Since you have me figured me, let me see if I can do the same.”

“Be my guest.” Levi made a sweeping motion with his left arm before resting it on his steering wheel. The casual gesture was ripe with potent masculinity. And I hated that I noticed.

I tore my gaze from his stubble jaw and cleared my throat. “You’re a newly out sports enthusiast at a crossroad.”

“Sports enthusiast at a crossroads,” he repeated with a laugh. “I guess that’s better than has-been athlete looking for a new gig.”

“As you said, I do have a way with words and I’m a firm believer it’s crucial to accentuate the positives.” I set my hand over his without thinking then pulled back when a familiar spark of awareness skittered along my spine.

Levi smirked. “You’re weird. I like you.”

“Thanks. I like you too. Platonically of course,” I added.

“Of course. What exactly is my crossroad?”

“I’m not sure. Perhaps you quit your job to try a new venture with this lover who dumped you and now you’re heading to LA to woo him back—”

“Not a chance,” he snapped.

I raised a brow at his vehemence. “Or…you’re going on a fact-finding mission to salvage what you can of your original idea and determine what comes next.”

Levi nodded. “Closer.”

“Have you thought about selling the diner?”

“Yes. But I’m not going to.”

“Why not?”

“I have nothing to lose. And you know what? It’s kinda liberating. No net required ’cause I’m already free falling. Have you ever felt that way before, Geord?”

Every fucking day.

Silence fell like a blanket between us. Soft and warm and safe.  I didn’t want to break the quiet but I couldn’t allow myself to be pulled under either.

I licked my lips and whispered, “Yes.”

Suddenly, I couldn’t move and I couldn’t look away. Maybe I was a sucker for ruggedly handsome men who weren’t ashamed to reveal their vulnerable sides. I admired that he made free-falling sound like an adventure. I’d been doing it for nearly four years and my outlook was nothing like Levi’s. I worked my ass off to make sure no one knew how tired and raw and afraid I felt every damn day. I clung to the best parts of my past like a lifeline, hoping my ghosts would ease the inevitable ‘splat on the concrete’ nosedive I had coming my way.

Levi’s story was certainly different, but I recognized something in him I knew too well. A desperate spirit that wasn’t quite ready to give up. I’d like to think that sense of acknowledgment was why I leaned across the console, closed my eyes and pressed my lips against his.

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5+++ Stars!!!

Leaning into Forever is book 7 in the Leaning into Series and while it could technically be read as a standalone, I wouldn't really suggest it. We met the fabulousness that is Geordie in book 2 and then again in several of the other books of the series, so I suggest reading them all if you haven't yet.

I knew going in that this was going to be an emotional read for me, I loved Geordie from the moment I met him and especially so once I learned of his backstory. Reading how deep was his grief after losing his lover, Mike, was heartbreaking. His pain was so raw and poignant, despite him turning up his flamboyance to try to hide it from others that I just wanted to make it better and see him thrive. I adored Levi from the first moment, he was so swoon-worthy and perfect for Geordie. He was patient and understanding and supportive. Really, the man deserved a medal, LOL. And I just adored him and Geordie together, the progression of their relationship was so natural and organic that when Geordie came to realize what was happening, he was deep into it. Their chemistry was scorching and despite being opposites in several senses, they complemented each other.

I loved seeing Wes and Nick and Ryan and Dan and have them being such an integral part of the story, especially Wes and Ryan, who were both so amazing with Geordie. And it was lovely catching up with the rest of the guys, even briefly as it was.

I absolutely despised Marshall, and while I didn't hate Kevin, Levi's ex, I wasn't all that happy with him after the last time he spoke to Geordie.

Overall, this book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I was a blubbering mess during several parts of it, thankful that my kindle read it to me (text-to-speech) because I couldn't really read through my tears. It's definitely my favorite in the series, though, so even if Ms. Hayes made me cry, and I'll probably have a massive book hangover, I have no trouble recommending it. It's a compelling, captivating read and one that I will surely read again several times in the future.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Meet the Author

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and won first prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

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