A Way With

2 Book Series

De: Lane Hayes

Narrado por: Alexander Cendese

Tony De Luca is a simple guy. He works for his uncle’s Brooklyn-based construction firm. And he knows from experience that keeping his head down and doing his job is the best way to deal with the meddlesome family members he sees daily. They think he’s quiet and, maybe, a little awkward, but the truth is more complicated. Tony has a secret he isn’t ready or willing to share. He’s an expert at avoiding familial scrutiny. At least, he was until the sexy guitar player showed up.

Remy Nelson is a small-town, free-spirited guy looking for a new life in the big city. He stays busy by playing his instrument on a busy Manhattan street corner during the day and bartending at night. Remy is more interested in finding steady employment than a mate, but he can’t deny his attraction to the dreamy construction worker with soulful eyes, a kind heart, and a unique way with words.

Falling for Remy wasn’t what Tony expected, but he knows keeping him will require courage. And truth.

©2018 Lane Hayes (P)2020 Lane Hayes

Fantastic, especially the first one

I'm giving this a full five stars across the board, even though I really didn't like the second book as much. The reason for this is twofold: first, Alexander Cendese is fantastic, as usual, and really elevates both stories. The second reason is that the first book alone is good enough that it's worth the price of the combined two. The plot is refreshingly uncomplicated: closeted, masculine construction worker falls for a sweet musician/bartender and the book follows their journey as a couple as well as the protagonist's coming out journey. It's short, sweet, and wonderful, and as I said already, the narrator is unbelievably good.

I could definitely do without the second story, which follows the less interesting brother of the least interesting character from the first novella (don't get me wrong, Remy is wonderful, just... not as fun as Tony or his family) as he falls for a guy who I honestly could take or leave. But don't let my lukewarm review of the second novella detract from how wonderful the first book is. Very highly recommended from me!

Loved these stories

A Way With Words Review

I normally don’t give novellas 5 Stars because they are never long enough and leave me wanting…but man oh man did I love this story. Of course, I would love to have more of them but I’m a HUGE fan of sweet and sappy and Ms. Hayes is an expert at that so I really had no complaints about the story.

I’ve become reluctant to read stories with closeted guys because I hate the angst and hurt caused between the men. And this one had a bit of that angst and hurt but thankfully it was short-lived.

Tony is socially awkward and says whatever comes to mind. He would rather avoid social situations than embarrass himself by saying something uncomfortable…the thing is, what he thinks is weird is actually really sweet and endearing; which is one of the things Remy likes about him. Tony is drawn to Remy’s beauty but its Remy’s strength and passion that keep Tony coming back. Tony’s internal struggle to be true to himself hits a pinnacle when he realizes how much he needs Remy. I absolutely loved how patient and gentle Remy was with Tony. He never pushed him to come out. He was just there for him while Tony worked through his decision.

We do get an HEA for them but I would love to see a follow up at some point to see if their big dreams happen.

A Way With You Review

No one does cute and sweet like Ms. Hayes does! Even her novellas make me smile big! Just like A Way With Words (to which this is a follow-up), this story felt complete which is hard to do with novellas. The characters were well developed and because of the length, the little bit of angst didn’t have time to explode into something it shouldn’t. The writing fantastic as I’ve come to expect from her.

At first, Leo seems like a completely closed of jerk. He’s intense and intimidating and Reeve just doesn’t want to work with him or for him. Reeve seems a little flighty and scattered at first but is surprisingly strong and trying to get his life on track. It’s Reeve’s strength that draws Leo in…and leaves him wanting more. The story took an interesting twist but I loved where it went. Leo and Reeve have amazing chemistry – both sexual and emotional. Reeve gets to see the real Leo, beyond the façade he shows everyone else. Leo lets down his guard with Reeve and is super sweet when they’re together.

This is absolutely a must-read (and quick). It can be read as a standalone but I loved Remy’s book just as much so I highly recommend that too!

The vocal performer's New York accent is ON POINT. He put awesome emotions into the stories. My only little complaint is I had a hard time telling the difference between the main characters at times.

Short but sweet

I enjoyed both of these novellas by Lane Hayes. She always manages the perfect combination of sweetness and angst without resorting to melodrama. Set in New York City. A Way With Words is about a closeted construction worker who is drawn to a guitar player during his lunch break. I enjoyed the slow development of their romance and the coming out scene was gratifying.

A Way With You features the brother of the guitar player in A Way With Words. This story is a little edgier because the characters are more complex. Both novellas were narrated perfectly by Alexander Cendese.

If you're looking for love stories with all the feels these two novellas will not disappoint.

Both Lovely, Short Stories with Heart!

Both these novellas have a lot of heart. The narration is spot on and I enjoyed both!

A Way with Words Review:

This was a sweet, short read about two men, one closeted and the other one open and undoubtedly himself. I enjoyed getting to know both Tony and Remy, and the connection the two men had to each other. Tony's reluctance to embrace who he was, even at the age of twenty-nine, was written realistically. Remy is sweet and patient, and the two of them together make complete sense. Lovely!


A Way with You Review:

Similar to the other book in the series, this book has two men who are polar opposites, but manage to compliment each other. Reeve has moved to New York, determined to make a success of himself. When he has to work under Leo, things quickly come to a head and Reeve, who normally isn't assertive, is pushed too far.

While I was expecting a workplace romance, this quickly becomes something more as both men get to know one another and discover strength together. A lovely short read!

Two sweet and sexy stories in one! 4.5 stars!

A Way with Words is the story of Tony De Luca and Remy Nelson, the former being a twenty-nine-year-old working in construction and the latter a twenty-seven-year-old musician and bartender. Tony's family has always tried to pair him up with the perfect girl, but no one realizes that the reason he's never clicked with any of them is that he's gay. He's never had much reason to divulge his sexuality, but then meeting Remy changes all that. I liked these two together and felt they had grown as characters and their relationship evolves well. Hayes penned a sweet and sexy story and Cendese doesn't disappoint one little bit, but that's not really a total shocker if you're familiar with his work. Five stars.

A Way with You turns our attention to Reeve Nelson, the thirty-one-year-old brother of Remy from the first book. Here, he's completed his move from Elmhurst to Manhattan and will be working under the watchful and critical eye of thirty-six-year-old Leo Rodriguez. Reeve realizes all too soon that life in the big city is far more demanding and competitive compared to his hometown. There's a lot of tension between Reeve and Leo, and goodness, these two needed a crash course on communication and how to be in a relationship. This was enjoyable to listen to, although if I'm being honest, Tony and Remy's story is still my favorite between the two by just a smidgen. Cendese's narration is on-point and he truly did justice to Hayes's storytelling. 4.5 stars. 🖤