Life is good for Eric Schuster. He owns a highly successful tech company, has a great group of buddies, and he’s about to marry his best friend, the man of his dreams. Eric is pleasantly surprised to find the transition from friends to lovers has been easier than he thought. But after running into an overly friendly ex-boyfriend on an impromptu trip to their shared hometown, Eric realizes things … things are about to get complicated.
Zane Richards is a quintessential California surfer dude turned professional sailor. His laid-back approach has helped him navigate difficult times in his life. Eric may not share his easy-going mindset but Zane knows without a doubt Eric is the one. However, carving a future together may require confronting a piece of the past Zane thought he’d left far behind. Both men will have to decide if they’re willing to risk what they know for a chance to lean into always.
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This review is for both Leaning Into Love and Leaning Into Always as both books are about the same two MCs and I read them one right after the other.
I’m still a relative newcomer to Lane Hayes’ books; I read my first one in August 2018. I have a lot of catching up to do and that includes the Leaning Into series. I’ve only read the first two books in this series at this point but I can’t wait to read the others.
Both Leaning Into Love and Leaning Into Always are about Eric and Zane who have been best friends for several years. This book sets up their relationship and leaves them in a good place. The bonus chapter, Wedding Prep lets us know that things aren’t always smooth as they get things ready for their big day but there’s never any doubt that they are OK.
I was really happy to read more about Eric and Zane in Leaning Into Always. A little wrench gets thrown in their path when Zane’s old f*ck buddy enters the scene. Eric has some major jealousy issues going on but it’s a romance and they definitely get their HEA.
I enjoyed this second book in the series which continues to focus on Zane and Eric from book one.
Eric’s lack of self-esteem gets a little whiny at points but overall it’s a low angst read. Once again there is a throat punch candidate which I always enjoy. But Eric is a much better person than I am because I’d have been “I told you so”-ing all over the place.
Again, the ending is a bit abrupt. We go from crisis moment to epilogue without anything in between. That’s a bit jarring. I need more of a wind down/resolution time after the crisis moment.
But I like this cast of characters and I’m looking forward to the next book as I continue to binge read this series.
This little tale gives us another look into Zane and Eric’s lives and relationship. It also introduces one of Zane’s ex, who’s a jerk. It was fun to spend some time with these fellas. This book would better off listened to after you listen to Leaning into Love first. The narrator does a great job, if you end up listening to it on audio. Either way, it’s a must read.
Solid read
4.5*
Eric and Zane are so sweet, I just love them! I’m so glad we got more to their story, even if I didn’t realize how much I wanted it. And can I say I’m now greedy and still want more?!?
Eric was a little needy in this book but I love how caring and gentle Zane is with him, even when he’s being insecure, and let’s be honest- a little bit frustrating. But Zane never let him feel that way for too long- he was always there, making sure Er knew how much he loved him, and that he was the only one for him.
They have such a special bond, developed through years of friendship, that even the appearance of an old “friend” can’t break them.
Gosh these boys are so freaking sweet! I love Zane’s dominance and the way Eric loves him. The way they love each other just makes me feel all happy inside.