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Leaning Into #4
Leaning Into Touch
Josh Sheehan is unlucky in love and now… newly unemployed. He’s not sure what to do next, but he’s sure he should give up on romance. Especially after last time. His friends warned him that falling for the hunky Irishman was a bad idea. Josh can’t help feeling torn even though he knows it’s best to move on. But when an unexpected dose of family drama blindsides him, Josh finds himself leaning on the one man he’s supposed to forget.
Finn Gallagher is driven by success. He makes no secret that building a name for his tech company is his number one goal. Finn left home a decade ago with a ton of regret, a heavy heart, and a vow to never repeat the same mistake twice. However, there is something undeniably appealing about the self-deprecating man with the silly sense of humor that makes it difficult for Finn to remember why falling for Josh is a bad idea. It soon becomes clear they’re both in deeper than they intended. There is no way to remain untouched. And there is so much to gain, if they’re brave enough to lean in.
Finn Gallagher is driven by success. He makes no secret that building a name for his tech company is his number one goal. Finn left home a decade ago with a ton of regret, a heavy heart, and a vow to never repeat the same mistake twice. However, there is something undeniably appealing about the self-deprecating man with the silly sense of humor that makes it difficult for Finn to remember why falling for Josh is a bad idea. It soon becomes clear they’re both in deeper than they intended. There is no way to remain untouched. And there is so much to gain, if they’re brave enough to lean in.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2017
58 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
106 books1,723 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 3, 2019
Calling it!
Time of death at 40%, the moment i spotted THAT other THING that will be the source of drama llama in the book. And i just can't deal.
It is me! not the book! As the years progress, our book tastes change. Mine have clearly changed. Lane hayes books are among the 1st books that i read when i started reading MM and i loved them but lately, i just can't connect. Ugh! sucks, because i have most of her books.
I couldn't feel the connection between the MCs, and i know i will not because Josh our main narrator came off as whiny and wishy washy. I wish i had felt the Zing! Zing is important.
Time of death at 40%, the moment i spotted THAT other THING that will be the source of drama llama in the book. And i just can't deal.
It is me! not the book! As the years progress, our book tastes change. Mine have clearly changed. Lane hayes books are among the 1st books that i read when i started reading MM and i loved them but lately, i just can't connect. Ugh! sucks, because i have most of her books.
I couldn't feel the connection between the MCs, and i know i will not because Josh our main narrator came off as whiny and wishy washy. I wish i had felt the Zing! Zing is important.
September 30, 2017
Josh and Finn's story begins a year after their break up. But can you break up with someone if you were never together in the first place? Six months of dinners and sex, then a year of silence.
The first time Josh sees Finn again is on the last day of his job as an assistant museum curator. Finn walks in with a gorgeous woman on his arm—and she's wearing a ring on her left hand.
Finn assures Josh that the "engagement" with Scarlet is fake, a sort of friendship with benefits (i.e., being each other's beard).
I don't like this story line in romance. I find it abhorrent, truth be told. I have no idea how people think they can fake it in public for the long term. To be fair, though, Scarlet had her own reasons, and she wasn't holding Finn back. Finn was using her as a crutch.
Josh initially refuses to sleep with Finn, but his resolve is weak. Finn is gorgeous after all, and then there's the sexy Irish accent.
Josh is an eternal optimist. He laughs easily and doesn't hide his feelings. He's pretty much incapable of resentment or deceit. I loved Josh!
Because this is Josh's story, I didn't fully connect with Finn. I thought he was hot as hell and a demon in bed, but his guilt and shame were too much at times. When Finn got in too deep, he walked away. Too bad you can change your skies, but you can't change your heart.
It would have been easy to dislike Finn; he wasn't always honest, with himself or others. But his behavior came from a place of insecurity and fear, not arrogance and conceit.
I was proud of Josh for not settling for less than he deserved. Finn needed that push to finally see what was right in front of him.
Leaning Into Touch is a lovely story about finding your way and learning to trust. The epilogue made me happy.
I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone; read at least book 2 first (it remains my favorite of the series).
The first time Josh sees Finn again is on the last day of his job as an assistant museum curator. Finn walks in with a gorgeous woman on his arm—and she's wearing a ring on her left hand.
Finn assures Josh that the "engagement" with Scarlet is fake, a sort of friendship with benefits (i.e., being each other's beard).
I don't like this story line in romance. I find it abhorrent, truth be told. I have no idea how people think they can fake it in public for the long term. To be fair, though, Scarlet had her own reasons, and she wasn't holding Finn back. Finn was using her as a crutch.
Josh initially refuses to sleep with Finn, but his resolve is weak. Finn is gorgeous after all, and then there's the sexy Irish accent.
Josh is an eternal optimist. He laughs easily and doesn't hide his feelings. He's pretty much incapable of resentment or deceit. I loved Josh!
Because this is Josh's story, I didn't fully connect with Finn. I thought he was hot as hell and a demon in bed, but his guilt and shame were too much at times. When Finn got in too deep, he walked away. Too bad you can change your skies, but you can't change your heart.
It would have been easy to dislike Finn; he wasn't always honest, with himself or others. But his behavior came from a place of insecurity and fear, not arrogance and conceit.
I was proud of Josh for not settling for less than he deserved. Finn needed that push to finally see what was right in front of him.
Leaning Into Touch is a lovely story about finding your way and learning to trust. The epilogue made me happy.
I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone; read at least book 2 first (it remains my favorite of the series).
May 17, 2021
~4.25 stars~
I've been dying for Josh's book ever since he was introduced in Book 1 of this series. He was just such a good guy, but funny and snarky too. His story can be read as a standalone, however.
Josh is an art museum operations guy, and his current stint at a museum is coming to an end. While he figures out what to do next, in walks Finn Gallagher.
This set up had me perking up in my seat. Scorned lover? Second chance? And the mother of them all (my Kryptonite), angst within the relationship? SIGN. ME. UP.
Finn is at the museum with a beautiful woman on his arm. Certainly a punch to Josh's gut. He plays it cool, as we all would with our pride intact, and figures he'll go on without seeing Finn again. His one that got away.
Told entirely in Josh's POV, I loved being able to be inside Josh's head. His outlook on life is so refreshing. He has his jaded moments:
His subtle snark had me smiling more than once. But Josh doesn't let anything get him down for long. He's an overall positive person. He lets himself vent for a short while, and then it's back to life. He chastises himself for getting hurt, angry, or whatever other emotion he felt, and he's moving on.
His blurty honesty was awesome. It's like, if he's feeling it, he just can't keep it inside. So cute!
But he runs into Finn again on his way home from a night with friends. And, this time, he can't stay aloof. His crush is alive and well, and he can't turn the feelings off no matter how hard he tries.
It doesn't help that Finn is giving off some seriously mixed signals. He insists that Josh knows that nothing serious can happen, while at the same time letting Josh know how strong a pull he has over him.
Oh, did I mention Finn has a sexy Irish accent? If he said that to me, in that accent, I wouldn't be able to resist, either.
Finn didn't come across as a player, just messing with Josh's feelings. He came across as someone who wanted so badly to belong to someone, but had "issues". So I could forgive him a lot and give a lot of leeway when I could see how much he wanted Josh, even without his POV.
Thus begins their repeat love affair.
Finn opens up and shares some of his issues. Josh knows that Finn isn't entirely out, and has a beard for important social functions (the blond from the museum).
But Josh also knows that Finn isn't sharing everything. As much as Finn gives, and lets Josh know how much he wants him, he is still holding back. And while that may be ok for a casual relationship, once Josh is in deep, it's just not enough anymore.
I called this the refreshing moment when Josh steeled his spine and demanded better. Damn, I love a character that refuses to be walked over.
The ensuing events were delicious. Relationship angst is my crack. Throw in some good grovel, and I'm putty in an author's hands.
Written in one POV, the author has to work extra hard to bring the second MC to life. Hayes did a great job with Finn. I felt like I understood him, even when I was yelling at him.
This was my favorite in the series so far, and I highly recommend it!
I've been dying for Josh's book ever since he was introduced in Book 1 of this series. He was just such a good guy, but funny and snarky too. His story can be read as a standalone, however.
Josh is an art museum operations guy, and his current stint at a museum is coming to an end. While he figures out what to do next, in walks Finn Gallagher.
I hadn't seen Finn in over a year. In fact, I was pretty sure the last time was the morning I crept out of his bed to avoid a repeat of the "you know we're only friends" chat we'd had the night before. I knew we weren't destined for forever, but I'd wanted more and I'd gotten the impression that under his polished and sinfully handsome exterior, he'd felt the same. I'd been wrong.
This set up had me perking up in my seat. Scorned lover? Second chance? And the mother of them all (my Kryptonite), angst within the relationship? SIGN. ME. UP.
Finn is at the museum with a beautiful woman on his arm. Certainly a punch to Josh's gut. He plays it cool, as we all would with our pride intact, and figures he'll go on without seeing Finn again. His one that got away.
Finn wasn't the love of my life. He was just a guy I used to know.
Told entirely in Josh's POV, I loved being able to be inside Josh's head. His outlook on life is so refreshing. He has his jaded moments:
A bottle of tequila was calling my name somewhere and much like my experience with men, I knew exactly what to expect. A good time followed by a headache, an upset stomach, and a short-term promise to myself to never do it again.
His subtle snark had me smiling more than once. But Josh doesn't let anything get him down for long. He's an overall positive person. He lets himself vent for a short while, and then it's back to life. He chastises himself for getting hurt, angry, or whatever other emotion he felt, and he's moving on.
His blurty honesty was awesome. It's like, if he's feeling it, he just can't keep it inside. So cute!
But he runs into Finn again on his way home from a night with friends. And, this time, he can't stay aloof. His crush is alive and well, and he can't turn the feelings off no matter how hard he tries.
It doesn't help that Finn is giving off some seriously mixed signals. He insists that Josh knows that nothing serious can happen, while at the same time letting Josh know how strong a pull he has over him.
"Fuck. I forgot how bloody difficult it is to walk away from you."
Oh, did I mention Finn has a sexy Irish accent? If he said that to me, in that accent, I wouldn't be able to resist, either.
Finn didn't come across as a player, just messing with Josh's feelings. He came across as someone who wanted so badly to belong to someone, but had "issues". So I could forgive him a lot and give a lot of leeway when I could see how much he wanted Josh, even without his POV.
Thus begins their repeat love affair.
Finn opens up and shares some of his issues. Josh knows that Finn isn't entirely out, and has a beard for important social functions (the blond from the museum).
But Josh also knows that Finn isn't sharing everything. As much as Finn gives, and lets Josh know how much he wants him, he is still holding back. And while that may be ok for a casual relationship, once Josh is in deep, it's just not enough anymore.
I called this the refreshing moment when Josh steeled his spine and demanded better. Damn, I love a character that refuses to be walked over.
The ensuing events were delicious. Relationship angst is my crack. Throw in some good grovel, and I'm putty in an author's hands.
Written in one POV, the author has to work extra hard to bring the second MC to life. Hayes did a great job with Finn. I felt like I understood him, even when I was yelling at him.
This was my favorite in the series so far, and I highly recommend it!
July 11, 2018
I read this series completely out of order starting at the end, then reading the beginning and now I'm working on finishing the middle. As each book can stand alone perfectly fine, I didn't have any problems with following the plot. If you don't like spoilers I think it's better to read them in order as all the couples appear in later books so you learn things about them that could be considered spoilers. If that's not a problem for you, have fun and mix things up!
About "Leaning Into Touch", I fell in love with Josh's crazy hair from the first time I read about them and I was excited to get his story. He is a thirty-something guy who still tries to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up. He isn't immature or lazy, he just hasn't been able to find a job that he is passionate about yet.
Finn is an acquaintance from the past, a very close one, that they lost touch about a year ago. They meet again by chance and Josh is still crushing on him. Finn seems to be interested too, so they start a friends with benefits arrangement again. Josh knows it can't go anywhere and he is trying to keep his heart out of the mix. He isn't doing a very good job of it, though.
Along with them trying to fit their friendship/relationship into their lives and Josh trying to find his dream job, there is also a relevation from Josh's father. A little hint here: for those interested there is a four-parts short story about Josh's father, Jeff, which can be found on the author's website. I hope she makes it into a full length story in the future because I would like to know more about Jeff and
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nick J Russo. He did a great job and his voice fitted well with the characters. He did a nice irish accent for Finn, I don't know how accurate it was - I'm leaving that to the native speakers to determine - but I liked it a lot. I'll look out for more from him in the future.
The connection between Josh and Finn was evident, even if it took them some time to trust each other and open up about things. I liked them together as a couple and I think they are going to work longterm and have a happy future. Recommended for fans of this series and for anyone who just likes a nice friends-to-lovers story.
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
About "Leaning Into Touch", I fell in love with Josh's crazy hair from the first time I read about them and I was excited to get his story. He is a thirty-something guy who still tries to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up. He isn't immature or lazy, he just hasn't been able to find a job that he is passionate about yet.
Finn is an acquaintance from the past, a very close one, that they lost touch about a year ago. They meet again by chance and Josh is still crushing on him. Finn seems to be interested too, so they start a friends with benefits arrangement again. Josh knows it can't go anywhere and he is trying to keep his heart out of the mix. He isn't doing a very good job of it, though.
Along with them trying to fit their friendship/relationship into their lives and Josh trying to find his dream job, there is also a relevation from Josh's father. A little hint here: for those interested there is a four-parts short story about Josh's father, Jeff, which can be found on the author's website. I hope she makes it into a full length story in the future because I would like to know more about Jeff and
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nick J Russo. He did a great job and his voice fitted well with the characters. He did a nice irish accent for Finn, I don't know how accurate it was - I'm leaving that to the native speakers to determine - but I liked it a lot. I'll look out for more from him in the future.
The connection between Josh and Finn was evident, even if it took them some time to trust each other and open up about things. I liked them together as a couple and I think they are going to work longterm and have a happy future. Recommended for fans of this series and for anyone who just likes a nice friends-to-lovers story.
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
October 9, 2017
4 Stars! RTC
October 4, 2017
It's no secret that Lane Hayes is one of my all-time favorite authors. She's one of the best when it comes to developing relationships- sensual, sweet, with some angst sprinkled in. Leaning Into Touch gave us just that.
The story takes place one year after Josh decided to end their
Some thoughts...
I had some conflicting emotions about this book. On the one hand, I loved it.
-Josh's positive personality, his ability to see the best everyone was something lovely to read especially in these hard times we find ourselves in where's it's easy to allow cynism to take over.
-I loved the moments between Josh and Finn whether they were just relaxing together or it a more intimate moment. Their chemistry was palpable on every page of the book.
-The story had a nice, smooth pace.
-I enjoyed the secondary cast: Josh's dad and Lars plus catching with the rest of the guys.
-And the epilogue which is something else than Lane writes well. She writes some of the best.
My only niggle was Finn. The story is wholly narrated from Josh's POV, and I do think that LH did an excellent job bringing Finn to life despite us not getting his POV yet I found myself not entirely connecting with him. There were times I told Josh in my head, "Walk away, Joshy." But that sexy Irishman would pull him and me back in. LOL I guess, I just really wanted Finn's POV. We did get an explanation for what makes him tick, but I wanted a more in-depth inside than just hearing the words spoken.
On a side note: Can this be read as a standalone? Kind of. Technically but I think you'll have a better reading experience if you read Leaning Into the Fall first. That's where Josh and Finn's story started.
All in all, I thought Leaning Into Touch was a fantastic addition to the Leaning Into Series. It's about family, trust, and finding your way in life. 4 Stars.
October 16, 2017
Another great addition to the series.
Josh's inner monologue was a bit repetitive at times. But I loooooooved Finn!
And I would really like a book about Lars and Josh's dad, I found that story-line really intriguing.
Lane Hayes is a definite auto-buy author for me!
Josh's inner monologue was a bit repetitive at times. But I loooooooved Finn!
And I would really like a book about Lars and Josh's dad, I found that story-line really intriguing.
Lane Hayes is a definite auto-buy author for me!
October 7, 2017
I love Darcy from Pride and Prejudice (especially the movie version with Colin Firth!). I love how he seems like a horrible man on the surface, but once you get to know him, you find that he is a deeply private man who almost cares *too* much. And he's selective. He doesn't let everyone in--just a rare few.
In some ways, Finn reminds me of Darcy. He seems like a ruthless business man who is incapable of long-term relationships due to his closed-off nature, but slowly over time, he begins to open up and reveal his insecurities, vulnerabilities and the tender underbelly that influences many of his actions and choices. I liked Finn. And I appreciated how the author didn't make him into a stereotypical jerk in the beginning of this story. Instead, he initially comes across as sexy, funny, and as evidenced by how well he takes care of Finn on two occasions early on, an imminently good man worthy of friendship, and perhaps more. He's just a little closed off initially, as if he is afraid to get too close to others.
I also liked Josh. I especially appreciated his optimistic nature, his dedication to him family, and the fact that he didn't have his entire life figured out. I also liked the ways in which he valued himself enough to stand up to Finn and assert what he needed or wanted on more than one occasion. Josh isn't a push-over. And I appreciated him all the more because of it.
The story itself is well-told. It's tender and sweet in places, funny in others, and it contains snippets of real-life such as the scenes featuring Josh's parents. It's also hot. The sex scenes between Finn and Josh were steamy! I especially appreciated the impromptu sex they had in Finn's office. ::fans herself.::
Overall, this was another great addition to the "Leaning Into" series. If you liked the other books in this series (and how could you not?!) then you will definitely enjoy this one. In terms of where it ranks in the series for me--my favorite book in the series is still book #1. This book (#3) would be by second favorite in the series followed by #1.5 and #2.
All in all, it was a fun read that I read in one sitting. Recommended!
In some ways, Finn reminds me of Darcy. He seems like a ruthless business man who is incapable of long-term relationships due to his closed-off nature, but slowly over time, he begins to open up and reveal his insecurities, vulnerabilities and the tender underbelly that influences many of his actions and choices. I liked Finn. And I appreciated how the author didn't make him into a stereotypical jerk in the beginning of this story. Instead, he initially comes across as sexy, funny, and as evidenced by how well he takes care of Finn on two occasions early on, an imminently good man worthy of friendship, and perhaps more. He's just a little closed off initially, as if he is afraid to get too close to others.
I also liked Josh. I especially appreciated his optimistic nature, his dedication to him family, and the fact that he didn't have his entire life figured out. I also liked the ways in which he valued himself enough to stand up to Finn and assert what he needed or wanted on more than one occasion. Josh isn't a push-over. And I appreciated him all the more because of it.
The story itself is well-told. It's tender and sweet in places, funny in others, and it contains snippets of real-life such as the scenes featuring Josh's parents. It's also hot. The sex scenes between Finn and Josh were steamy! I especially appreciated the impromptu sex they had in Finn's office. ::fans herself.::
Overall, this was another great addition to the "Leaning Into" series. If you liked the other books in this series (and how could you not?!) then you will definitely enjoy this one. In terms of where it ranks in the series for me--my favorite book in the series is still book #1. This book (#3) would be by second favorite in the series followed by #1.5 and #2.
All in all, it was a fun read that I read in one sitting. Recommended!
November 12, 2017
Lane Hayes has written a lot of stories that I’ve enjoyed, but can be hit or miss for me at times, with some characters I don’t enjoy or connect with much. Josh and Finn’s story was more of a miss for me for those reasons. I liked Josh’s character well enough as loyal friend, easy going, glass-half-full attitude sort of guy. I didn’t like his extended indecisiveness or tendency to ignore things. Finn, I never quite understood but my final impression was a sleazy, opportunistic man, in both business and relationships. He was shown as dishonest with the face he presented to the public, and too often less than honest with Josh. I could not buy into their relationship at all, other than empathizing with Josh when he was inevitably hurt, and glad he had the guts to walk away.
The subplot was interesting when Josh learns his father’s secrets, and coming to terms with the shift in family dynamics. Yet, while I understood Josh’s initial response, his continuous judgmental reactions were too much. As far as the overall plot, it was too static and lacking in forward movement or purpose. It became a book that I kept picking up and putting down because I got bored. I do like that that the story was in Josh’s point of view and seeing his place in the circle of friends we met in prior stories. I really liked the first two books and I’ll still be reading the next, for sure. I’d also still recommend it, to complete the series and frankly because I know my opinion is subjective, and likely differs from many other readers.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
The subplot was interesting when Josh learns his father’s secrets, and coming to terms with the shift in family dynamics. Yet, while I understood Josh’s initial response, his continuous judgmental reactions were too much. As far as the overall plot, it was too static and lacking in forward movement or purpose. It became a book that I kept picking up and putting down because I got bored. I do like that that the story was in Josh’s point of view and seeing his place in the circle of friends we met in prior stories. I really liked the first two books and I’ll still be reading the next, for sure. I’d also still recommend it, to complete the series and frankly because I know my opinion is subjective, and likely differs from many other readers.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
November 22, 2017
Darum geht’s:
Joshs befristeter Job im Museum wurde nicht verlängert. Ausgerechnet zur gleichen Zeit hat sein Vater Neuigkeiten für ihn, die ihm den Boden unter den Füßen wegziehen. Und als er Finn, mit dem er ein Jahr zuvor eine lockere Affäre hatte, mehr als einmal zufällig über den Weg läuft, landen die beiden wieder zusammen im Bett. Josh war wohl nicht so gründlich über Finn hinweg, wie er dachte. Auch wenn die Warnungen seiner Freunde, die Finn als eiskalten und berechnenden Geschäftsmann kennen, ein ungutes Gefühl bei Josh hervorrufen, ist er einfach gerne mit Finn zusammen und beide können die Finger nicht von einander lassen. Joshs Freunde kennen Finn nur nicht so gut wie Josh das tut. Oder hat Finn wirklich nur eine Maske auf, hinter die auch Josh nicht schauen kann?
So fand ich’s:
Wenn Josh und Finn zusammen sind, explodiert die Luft. Im Bett zünden sie ein Feuerwerk nach dem anderen und auch ihr gemeinsames Interesse an Kunst und Kultur hat sie von Anfang an verbunden. Finn ist in mancher Beziehung einfach perfekt, gutaussehend und charmant, aufmerksam und witzig, und doch bleibt das Gefühl, dass er sich zurückhält und etwas zu verbergen hat. Joshs Freunde warnen ihn von Finn, denn sie halten ihn für einen gefühllosen und manipulativen Menschen. Josh meint, hinter die Fassade des eiskalten Geschäftsmannes zu schauen, aber ganz sicher ist er sich nicht, dass er Finn wirklich kennt. Deshalb nimmt er sich immer wieder vor, die Zeit mit Finn zu genießen, aber seine Erwartungen niedrig zu halten.
Ziemlich schnell stellt Josh fest, dass jeder meint, Finn wäre mit Scarlet verlobt. Finn gibt zu, dass Scarlet und er diesen Eindruck erwecken möchten, obwohl sie tatsächlich nur Freunde sind. Für Finn scheint Scarlet als gute Freundin wichtig zu sein und doch hält er Josh und sie von einander fern. Josh durchschaut nicht, wie die beiden wirklich zueinander stehen und auch ich hatte so meine Probleme damit. Ich fand es Josh gegenüber sehr unfair, denn er wird mehr als einmal damit konfrontiert, dass Scarlet „die Frau an Finns Seite“ ist.
Und natürlich hat Finn dunkle Punkte in seiner Vergangenheit, die zum Problem werden, als es ernst zwischen den beiden wird. Der Grundton der ganzen Geschichte ist aber trotzdem von kalifornischer Sonne getränkt eher leicht und fröhlich, denn besonders Josh ist ein unverbesserlicher Optimist. Die Probleme schwelen mehr im Hintergrund, bis sie dann plötzlich ziemlich schnell eskalieren. Es braucht den ganzen scheinbar unerschöpflichen Optimismus Joshs und auch seinen ganzen Mut, damit er und Finn doch noch ihr Happy End bekommen. Das ist aber dann auch redlich verdient und bildet einen schönen Abschluss dieser Episode.
Josh ist fester Bestandteil der Clique, deren Mitglieder Eric, Zane, Nick und Grant sich schon seit Schulzeiten kennen. Deshalb tauchen die Freunde auch in Nebenrollen wieder auf und man kann miterleben, wie es den Paaren Eric und Zane und Nick und Wes inzwischen geht. Wie die sich gefunden haben, ist in den früheren Bänden dieser Reihe erzählt worden.
Dass damit die „Leaning Into“-Reihe noch nicht beendet ist, zeigt die Vorschau auf den nächsten Band hinten im eBook. Die Hauptrolle wird dann offensichtlich Grant spielen, der letzte aus der Clique, der die Liebe noch nicht gefunden hat. Angekündigt ist das Buch für Anfang 2018.
Joshs befristeter Job im Museum wurde nicht verlängert. Ausgerechnet zur gleichen Zeit hat sein Vater Neuigkeiten für ihn, die ihm den Boden unter den Füßen wegziehen. Und als er Finn, mit dem er ein Jahr zuvor eine lockere Affäre hatte, mehr als einmal zufällig über den Weg läuft, landen die beiden wieder zusammen im Bett. Josh war wohl nicht so gründlich über Finn hinweg, wie er dachte. Auch wenn die Warnungen seiner Freunde, die Finn als eiskalten und berechnenden Geschäftsmann kennen, ein ungutes Gefühl bei Josh hervorrufen, ist er einfach gerne mit Finn zusammen und beide können die Finger nicht von einander lassen. Joshs Freunde kennen Finn nur nicht so gut wie Josh das tut. Oder hat Finn wirklich nur eine Maske auf, hinter die auch Josh nicht schauen kann?
So fand ich’s:
Wenn Josh und Finn zusammen sind, explodiert die Luft. Im Bett zünden sie ein Feuerwerk nach dem anderen und auch ihr gemeinsames Interesse an Kunst und Kultur hat sie von Anfang an verbunden. Finn ist in mancher Beziehung einfach perfekt, gutaussehend und charmant, aufmerksam und witzig, und doch bleibt das Gefühl, dass er sich zurückhält und etwas zu verbergen hat. Joshs Freunde warnen ihn von Finn, denn sie halten ihn für einen gefühllosen und manipulativen Menschen. Josh meint, hinter die Fassade des eiskalten Geschäftsmannes zu schauen, aber ganz sicher ist er sich nicht, dass er Finn wirklich kennt. Deshalb nimmt er sich immer wieder vor, die Zeit mit Finn zu genießen, aber seine Erwartungen niedrig zu halten.
Ziemlich schnell stellt Josh fest, dass jeder meint, Finn wäre mit Scarlet verlobt. Finn gibt zu, dass Scarlet und er diesen Eindruck erwecken möchten, obwohl sie tatsächlich nur Freunde sind. Für Finn scheint Scarlet als gute Freundin wichtig zu sein und doch hält er Josh und sie von einander fern. Josh durchschaut nicht, wie die beiden wirklich zueinander stehen und auch ich hatte so meine Probleme damit. Ich fand es Josh gegenüber sehr unfair, denn er wird mehr als einmal damit konfrontiert, dass Scarlet „die Frau an Finns Seite“ ist.
Und natürlich hat Finn dunkle Punkte in seiner Vergangenheit, die zum Problem werden, als es ernst zwischen den beiden wird. Der Grundton der ganzen Geschichte ist aber trotzdem von kalifornischer Sonne getränkt eher leicht und fröhlich, denn besonders Josh ist ein unverbesserlicher Optimist. Die Probleme schwelen mehr im Hintergrund, bis sie dann plötzlich ziemlich schnell eskalieren. Es braucht den ganzen scheinbar unerschöpflichen Optimismus Joshs und auch seinen ganzen Mut, damit er und Finn doch noch ihr Happy End bekommen. Das ist aber dann auch redlich verdient und bildet einen schönen Abschluss dieser Episode.
Josh ist fester Bestandteil der Clique, deren Mitglieder Eric, Zane, Nick und Grant sich schon seit Schulzeiten kennen. Deshalb tauchen die Freunde auch in Nebenrollen wieder auf und man kann miterleben, wie es den Paaren Eric und Zane und Nick und Wes inzwischen geht. Wie die sich gefunden haben, ist in den früheren Bänden dieser Reihe erzählt worden.
Dass damit die „Leaning Into“-Reihe noch nicht beendet ist, zeigt die Vorschau auf den nächsten Band hinten im eBook. Die Hauptrolle wird dann offensichtlich Grant spielen, der letzte aus der Clique, der die Liebe noch nicht gefunden hat. Angekündigt ist das Buch für Anfang 2018.
September 27, 2019
I didn't think I would like this as much as I did. *Happy Surprise*
Josh is one of OG five friends that comprise the stories in the Leaning Into series. To outsiders he would appear to be a bit of an underachiever, as compared to his friends. He switched from engineering to a career in Art, which he pursues, but not with zealotry. He's that underappreciated, but pivotal member of every group: easy going and low angst. In the previous book Nick used him as bait to wheedle information from Finn Gallagher. Unbeknownst to Nick, Josh & Finn fell into a relationship of sorts which ended because Finn was only capable of no strings and that doesn't work for Josh. Not in the long run. This book picks up a year later. Josh is going through some life changes, both on the professional and family front. One night he reconnects with Finn, the attraction is undeniable and they're back. Boom!
I liked that though these guys have a sexual history, and pretty much pick up with the smex at the beginning of the story, the rest could almost be called a slow burn. The relationship, the emotional one, the opening up to one another, particularly Finn, is done slowly, and over time, which makes their ultimate connection plausible. I liked how powerless Finn is in the presence of Josh's guileless goodness. He wants nothing from him but himself. I was charmed. This was a great continuation of the series in which we get an interesting couple and the right amount of visiting time with the prior ones.
Once again, if you do audio, this is Nick J. Russo. I'll say no more.
Josh is one of OG five friends that comprise the stories in the Leaning Into series. To outsiders he would appear to be a bit of an underachiever, as compared to his friends. He switched from engineering to a career in Art, which he pursues, but not with zealotry. He's that underappreciated, but pivotal member of every group: easy going and low angst. In the previous book Nick used him as bait to wheedle information from Finn Gallagher. Unbeknownst to Nick, Josh & Finn fell into a relationship of sorts which ended because Finn was only capable of no strings and that doesn't work for Josh. Not in the long run. This book picks up a year later. Josh is going through some life changes, both on the professional and family front. One night he reconnects with Finn, the attraction is undeniable and they're back. Boom!
I liked that though these guys have a sexual history, and pretty much pick up with the smex at the beginning of the story, the rest could almost be called a slow burn. The relationship, the emotional one, the opening up to one another, particularly Finn, is done slowly, and over time, which makes their ultimate connection plausible. I liked how powerless Finn is in the presence of Josh's guileless goodness. He wants nothing from him but himself. I was charmed. This was a great continuation of the series in which we get an interesting couple and the right amount of visiting time with the prior ones.
Once again, if you do audio, this is Nick J. Russo. I'll say no more.
February 5, 2018
3.75 stars
I struggled with this one. I think it ended up being my least favorite of the series just because of how hard it was to connect with Finn. This was a case where only one POV was not helpful. In most of Hayes's books, it isn't too big a deal, even though I do prefer dual POV. But usually even with one POV, we can connect with the other MC because he's open with the POV MC, or if he isn't at first, he becomes open with him quickly.
That didn't happen with Finn. We don't find out why he's so distant and closed off until well into the book, and even once we find out about his past, that still doesn't change his distant behavior until the very end.
The ending and the epilogue were cute, and I was so happy that Finn eventually got it together and the were happy, but I kept wondering what the hell he was thinking.
Because to me, because it wasn't quite clear what was going on in his head, him seeming to want to end it with Josh or run away from him felt also like he wasn't in love with Josh like Josh was with him. It was like he was SO closed off that he came off like he wasn't crazy into Josh. That's where I feel like if we had had his POV, it wouldn't have felt like that.
Like, in his POV maybe we would have gotten to read about his longing for Josh, his fears of having a serious relationship, his growing love for Josh - and so on.
Like...why did he make it just sex in those six months we didn't get to see but were just talked about and thought about by Josh. Also, how did it end? At times it seemed like Josh was the one to end it and Finn had no idea why, but then for Josh he ended it that first time because he wasn't getting enough from Finn, right? So did what did Josh say to end it? Did he just pull away and Finn let it go? Or did Finn get him to try and stay at first? Did Josh explain any of his feelings to him at first? I'm guessing not, but that's just it. I had to guess.
It left a vital part out of their relationship. We get the part when they meet up again after a year, but we didn't get much from before. We got a description of that first night when they met at Geordie's house, but we didn't even get that full scene.
Maybe a prologue with how they made that connection and then fell into bed was needed, or maybe just when they ended it the first time. Either or would have worked for me.
Because it was just more that was left out of their story, and more of Finn that was left out of their story. He was sooo distant that it became a big problem for me.
Now I ultimately liked this because they did have sweet moments - and hot moments ;) - together, and the end was wonderful, but I didn't feel as great about this one as with Nick's and even Eric and Zane's story.
Josh and Finn just didn't click for me, mainly because of what felt like a lack of reciprocity from Finn. Also, Finn never even introduced Josh to Scarlet, his BFF and fellow beard - Scarlet is also gay so they like, use each other as a beard often - and Josh actually finally meets Scarlet at like almost the very very end of the book, and it wasn't because Finn introduced them. And he even acted all surprised when Josh mentioned earlier that he hadn't met Scarlet yet.
Like, did Finn conveniently forget - as in didn't really forget but pretended to - that he'd never introduced Josh to Scarlet? Or did he just play it off as thinking Scarlet and Josh had met? I have no idea, because we not only didn't get Finn's POV, but Josh didn't ask about why Finn acted that way and Finn never elaborated.
That's another thing - Josh was way too passive, letting things go left and right all the damn time until the 90% mark when he finally demanded answers from Finn (but in a totally nice Josh way, as in he didn't really yell or snap at Finn at all). But really, Josh's passiveness just made it worse because he never asked or demanded more of Finn, and because of that we as readers continued to be disconnected from Finn.
It was just frustrating and annoying and ultimately a deterrent because I didn't connect with Finn as much as I wanted to. I was suspicious of him until the end because he was just distant enough for me to wonder if what Nick and Eric said about him was really true - that he was cold and unfeeling and manipulative. I mean, I knew ultimately he wouldn't be because this is a romance book, but I still wondered, I was still worried. Not a great feeling for one of the MC's in a romance book.
So...while I enjoyed this overall, I didn't quite connect with it the way I hoped to. This is the weakest in this series so far, in my opinion.
I struggled with this one. I think it ended up being my least favorite of the series just because of how hard it was to connect with Finn. This was a case where only one POV was not helpful. In most of Hayes's books, it isn't too big a deal, even though I do prefer dual POV. But usually even with one POV, we can connect with the other MC because he's open with the POV MC, or if he isn't at first, he becomes open with him quickly.
That didn't happen with Finn. We don't find out why he's so distant and closed off until well into the book, and even once we find out about his past, that still doesn't change his distant behavior until the very end.
The ending and the epilogue were cute, and I was so happy that Finn eventually got it together and the were happy, but I kept wondering what the hell he was thinking.
Because to me, because it wasn't quite clear what was going on in his head, him seeming to want to end it with Josh or run away from him felt also like he wasn't in love with Josh like Josh was with him. It was like he was SO closed off that he came off like he wasn't crazy into Josh. That's where I feel like if we had had his POV, it wouldn't have felt like that.
Like, in his POV maybe we would have gotten to read about his longing for Josh, his fears of having a serious relationship, his growing love for Josh - and so on.
Like...why did he make it just sex in those six months we didn't get to see but were just talked about and thought about by Josh. Also, how did it end? At times it seemed like Josh was the one to end it and Finn had no idea why, but then for Josh he ended it that first time because he wasn't getting enough from Finn, right? So did what did Josh say to end it? Did he just pull away and Finn let it go? Or did Finn get him to try and stay at first? Did Josh explain any of his feelings to him at first? I'm guessing not, but that's just it. I had to guess.
It left a vital part out of their relationship. We get the part when they meet up again after a year, but we didn't get much from before. We got a description of that first night when they met at Geordie's house, but we didn't even get that full scene.
Maybe a prologue with how they made that connection and then fell into bed was needed, or maybe just when they ended it the first time. Either or would have worked for me.
Because it was just more that was left out of their story, and more of Finn that was left out of their story. He was sooo distant that it became a big problem for me.
Now I ultimately liked this because they did have sweet moments - and hot moments ;) - together, and the end was wonderful, but I didn't feel as great about this one as with Nick's and even Eric and Zane's story.
Josh and Finn just didn't click for me, mainly because of what felt like a lack of reciprocity from Finn. Also, Finn never even introduced Josh to Scarlet, his BFF and fellow beard - Scarlet is also gay so they like, use each other as a beard often - and Josh actually finally meets Scarlet at like almost the very very end of the book, and it wasn't because Finn introduced them. And he even acted all surprised when Josh mentioned earlier that he hadn't met Scarlet yet.
Like, did Finn conveniently forget - as in didn't really forget but pretended to - that he'd never introduced Josh to Scarlet? Or did he just play it off as thinking Scarlet and Josh had met? I have no idea, because we not only didn't get Finn's POV, but Josh didn't ask about why Finn acted that way and Finn never elaborated.
That's another thing - Josh was way too passive, letting things go left and right all the damn time until the 90% mark when he finally demanded answers from Finn (but in a totally nice Josh way, as in he didn't really yell or snap at Finn at all). But really, Josh's passiveness just made it worse because he never asked or demanded more of Finn, and because of that we as readers continued to be disconnected from Finn.
It was just frustrating and annoying and ultimately a deterrent because I didn't connect with Finn as much as I wanted to. I was suspicious of him until the end because he was just distant enough for me to wonder if what Nick and Eric said about him was really true - that he was cold and unfeeling and manipulative. I mean, I knew ultimately he wouldn't be because this is a romance book, but I still wondered, I was still worried. Not a great feeling for one of the MC's in a romance book.
So...while I enjoyed this overall, I didn't quite connect with it the way I hoped to. This is the weakest in this series so far, in my opinion.
April 26, 2018
4.5 Stars for this yummy audiobook!
Josh Sheehan and Finn Gallagher met a year ago at a party and really hit it off. That started up a friends-with-benefits plan for a bit, but Josh’s friends warned him off Finn–who they said wasn’t the type to settle down. Plus, that’s exactly NOT the type of man Josh wants. He’s looking for a partner, like his pals have all found. Still, seeing Finn and his female fiance at the museum where Josh works–on his very last day of employment–seems like kismet. And running into him again twice more that week after not seeing him in months is more than a coincidence, right? Josh had swooned for Finn’s thick Irish brogue, but he’s also addicted to his touch. And Finn’s not as engaged as the world may think…
Turns out his fiance is engaged to a woman–Finn and she serve as mutual beards–and Josh is thrilled by the idea that Finn’s single, essentially, but he’s not thrilled that Finn’s comfortable in his public closet. As Josh’s world seems to implode, with new family challenges and needing to get his career back on track, Finn’s a constant support. Their attraction is intense, but they also build a friendship this time around. Josh keeps his growing relationship from his pals, though, not wanting them to warn him off–or have to explain Finn’s secrets–again. Unfortunately, Finn’s determination to be uber successful impacts his relationships, not only with Josh. He’s had some serious family troubles and has been hiding from them for more than a decade, but being with Josh opens his eyes to his guilt, and helps him move past the shame of his history.
The narration of this audiobook is fantastic, with excellent pacing and great quality. I love the different voices, and how Mr. Russo captured Finn’s lush brogue. There are plenty of steamy bits and Russo’s voice captured those just as well as Josh’s moments of acute emotional distress. He’s fells very much alone, isolated due to estrangement from friends and unexpected difficulties connecting with his father–who has made some big revelations and moved in with a new partner after a decade of bachelorhood following the divorce for Josh’s mother. I found myself really transported into the story, and was easily able to connect with Josh. I like Finn a lot, and hoped that the’d get his own life together. It ended well, with Josh taking charge and Finn making the commitments he’d feared for too long.
Josh Sheehan and Finn Gallagher met a year ago at a party and really hit it off. That started up a friends-with-benefits plan for a bit, but Josh’s friends warned him off Finn–who they said wasn’t the type to settle down. Plus, that’s exactly NOT the type of man Josh wants. He’s looking for a partner, like his pals have all found. Still, seeing Finn and his female fiance at the museum where Josh works–on his very last day of employment–seems like kismet. And running into him again twice more that week after not seeing him in months is more than a coincidence, right? Josh had swooned for Finn’s thick Irish brogue, but he’s also addicted to his touch. And Finn’s not as engaged as the world may think…
Turns out his fiance is engaged to a woman–Finn and she serve as mutual beards–and Josh is thrilled by the idea that Finn’s single, essentially, but he’s not thrilled that Finn’s comfortable in his public closet. As Josh’s world seems to implode, with new family challenges and needing to get his career back on track, Finn’s a constant support. Their attraction is intense, but they also build a friendship this time around. Josh keeps his growing relationship from his pals, though, not wanting them to warn him off–or have to explain Finn’s secrets–again. Unfortunately, Finn’s determination to be uber successful impacts his relationships, not only with Josh. He’s had some serious family troubles and has been hiding from them for more than a decade, but being with Josh opens his eyes to his guilt, and helps him move past the shame of his history.
The narration of this audiobook is fantastic, with excellent pacing and great quality. I love the different voices, and how Mr. Russo captured Finn’s lush brogue. There are plenty of steamy bits and Russo’s voice captured those just as well as Josh’s moments of acute emotional distress. He’s fells very much alone, isolated due to estrangement from friends and unexpected difficulties connecting with his father–who has made some big revelations and moved in with a new partner after a decade of bachelorhood following the divorce for Josh’s mother. I found myself really transported into the story, and was easily able to connect with Josh. I like Finn a lot, and hoped that the’d get his own life together. It ended well, with Josh taking charge and Finn making the commitments he’d feared for too long.
November 1, 2017
Beards and Commitment-phobia
I looked forward to this story about Finn and Josh. I liked Josh. I liked Finn. I had a hard time liking them together at first. So this one was a slow warm-up for me, but ultimately satisfying. You've got several different themes at work here: commitment issues, second chances, guilt wallowing, quirky MC meets professional type, a beard, the beard wants a sperm donor, miscommunications and misunderstandings, and denial, denial, denial.
I guess my main problem with this one was that I didn't understand what Finn was hiding from! Even in professional circles, everyone knew he was gay because he slept with a lot of men in those circles, so why the beard? His uninvolved family wasn't exactly close, either emotionally or geographically, and they weren't hob-nobbing in the same social or professional pool, so why the beard?! Even when we get a little more background, I didn't really get it, or at least the explanation didn't seem to justify the pointless misdirection.
That said, the progression of their relationship made sense given the baggage. How Josh didn't just run for the hills, I might never understand, but somehow I did get why he stayed. I mean, come on! Hot and Irish? Sign me up, too. But seriously, Josh—and us as readers—got to see a side of Finn he didn't really show anyone else and it was something special. I was so relieved when Finn finally sacked up and stopped hiding from nothing, it just seemed to take too long for him to get there.
I got the chemistry, I got the feels—especially on Finn's part—but I spent a lot of the book thinking Josh should do better. Ultimately, I was really glad he didn't try. I've liked every book in this series, and this one is no exception, I'm just not sure this one is my favorite. Actually, I know it's not, but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading. So what are you waiting for people? Snap it up!
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Leaning Into Touch provided by Lane Hayes in exchange of an honest review.
I looked forward to this story about Finn and Josh. I liked Josh. I liked Finn. I had a hard time liking them together at first. So this one was a slow warm-up for me, but ultimately satisfying. You've got several different themes at work here: commitment issues, second chances, guilt wallowing, quirky MC meets professional type, a beard, the beard wants a sperm donor, miscommunications and misunderstandings, and denial, denial, denial.
I guess my main problem with this one was that I didn't understand what Finn was hiding from! Even in professional circles, everyone knew he was gay because he slept with a lot of men in those circles, so why the beard? His uninvolved family wasn't exactly close, either emotionally or geographically, and they weren't hob-nobbing in the same social or professional pool, so why the beard?! Even when we get a little more background, I didn't really get it, or at least the explanation didn't seem to justify the pointless misdirection.
That said, the progression of their relationship made sense given the baggage. How Josh didn't just run for the hills, I might never understand, but somehow I did get why he stayed. I mean, come on! Hot and Irish? Sign me up, too. But seriously, Josh—and us as readers—got to see a side of Finn he didn't really show anyone else and it was something special. I was so relieved when Finn finally sacked up and stopped hiding from nothing, it just seemed to take too long for him to get there.
I got the chemistry, I got the feels—especially on Finn's part—but I spent a lot of the book thinking Josh should do better. Ultimately, I was really glad he didn't try. I've liked every book in this series, and this one is no exception, I'm just not sure this one is my favorite. Actually, I know it's not, but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading. So what are you waiting for people? Snap it up!
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Leaning Into Touch provided by Lane Hayes in exchange of an honest review.
October 10, 2017
3.5 stars
I liked this a lot, although I thought the attempts to shoehorn the title in were a bit awkward.
I didn't always totally get Josh's motivations, or Finn's for that matter, but ultimately they were adorable together.
I still think Eric and Zane are my fave couple from this series, though.
I liked this a lot, although I thought the attempts to shoehorn the title in were a bit awkward.
I didn't always totally get Josh's motivations, or Finn's for that matter, but ultimately they were adorable together.
I still think Eric and Zane are my fave couple from this series, though.
January 6, 2018
somehow hit all the spots I needed it to - 3.5* rounded up
This kept showing up on my amazon suggestions and while I knew I had read the first one I just could not remember how I felt about it. Thankfully it was one of the 20% of books I have actually managed to get around even writing about and all I said was that it was pleasant but forgettable but I might read book 2 if i remembered. Clearly I did not remember. So while in theory I knew these characters I really did not and I do think it works as a stand alone.
This is Josh's story. Told entirely in his voice we get to live a short time with him. Starting with his last day at a job he had wanted to keep. From there Josh takes temporary work, hangs out with his successful friends, navigates a changing relationship with his father, worries about his mother, sometimes gets drunk, and of course has a relationship. It is not super angtsy, there is no surprising denouement. It is just the story of an ordinary 32 year old guy who doesn't know where his life is going, neither professionally nor personally.
On that last day of work Josh runs into his former lover Finn. Josh wanted more than Finn was willing to give so the reunion is more than a bit awkward. Especially since Finn is with a beautiful woman wearing a big diamond ring. Finn and Josh end up bumping into each other 2 more times that week and of course this leads to more.
What I really liked was the single point of view. Josh has a lot of internal monologue. Yes he is hard on himself but he also doesn't stop being optimistic. He felt like a real person. We only know about their first relationship through his memories and his impressions of it as a failure. With the evolving new relationship we have to form our opinion of Finn through what Josh reports and what Josh's friends say. What they say is not good. Yet somehow Ms. Hayes manages to let Finn shine through. His actions are of a caring man even if the words don't come out of his mouth. My favourite being when they go to visit Josh's mother.
I loved that despite Josh feeling like he is not making it as an adult we can see that where it matters he really is. He is a good son, a good friend, and a good boyfriend. And when things are not good he looks after his own needs.
When Finn finally finds the words they are pretty simple but I thought they were exactly what Josh needed but also what I needed as the observer.
There was more sex than I like but I know others are keen. The only thing I did not like was how Scarlet (the woman with the diamond ring) and Josh don't meet for a very long time. This made no
sense to me and did not fit with what else we know of Finn's character. However I did like the eventual meeting. Those are pretty minor issues and I immediately went and downloaded the two novellas in this series.
This kept showing up on my amazon suggestions and while I knew I had read the first one I just could not remember how I felt about it. Thankfully it was one of the 20% of books I have actually managed to get around even writing about and all I said was that it was pleasant but forgettable but I might read book 2 if i remembered. Clearly I did not remember. So while in theory I knew these characters I really did not and I do think it works as a stand alone.
This is Josh's story. Told entirely in his voice we get to live a short time with him. Starting with his last day at a job he had wanted to keep. From there Josh takes temporary work, hangs out with his successful friends, navigates a changing relationship with his father, worries about his mother, sometimes gets drunk, and of course has a relationship. It is not super angtsy, there is no surprising denouement. It is just the story of an ordinary 32 year old guy who doesn't know where his life is going, neither professionally nor personally.
On that last day of work Josh runs into his former lover Finn. Josh wanted more than Finn was willing to give so the reunion is more than a bit awkward. Especially since Finn is with a beautiful woman wearing a big diamond ring. Finn and Josh end up bumping into each other 2 more times that week and of course this leads to more.
What I really liked was the single point of view. Josh has a lot of internal monologue. Yes he is hard on himself but he also doesn't stop being optimistic. He felt like a real person. We only know about their first relationship through his memories and his impressions of it as a failure. With the evolving new relationship we have to form our opinion of Finn through what Josh reports and what Josh's friends say. What they say is not good. Yet somehow Ms. Hayes manages to let Finn shine through. His actions are of a caring man even if the words don't come out of his mouth. My favourite being when they go to visit Josh's mother.
I loved that despite Josh feeling like he is not making it as an adult we can see that where it matters he really is. He is a good son, a good friend, and a good boyfriend. And when things are not good he looks after his own needs.
When Finn finally finds the words they are pretty simple but I thought they were exactly what Josh needed but also what I needed as the observer.
There was more sex than I like but I know others are keen. The only thing I did not like was how Scarlet (the woman with the diamond ring) and Josh don't meet for a very long time. This made no
sense to me and did not fit with what else we know of Finn's character. However I did like the eventual meeting. Those are pretty minor issues and I immediately went and downloaded the two novellas in this series.
September 24, 2019
A very nice story between two very interesting MCs, with a bit of angst, a bit of drama and well written dialogues. Without being anything extraordinary, it was engaging and emotional and I enjoyed reading it, in a period where I have more DNFs than read books in my roaster. My first in the series but not the last.
February 7, 2018
First I couldn't get into it, then after quite some time my next try was successful in I finally finished it. But honestly, this didn't work for me. The whole time I wondered what both MCs saw in each other and in the end I felt as if half of the problems weren't solved. Mmmpf.
December 28, 2018
4.5 stars. It's like Lane Hayes knows exactly what I like. It is rare for me to read one of her books and not come away feeling satisfied. This book was no exception. In fact it was my favorite of the series so far.
October 3, 2017
Blooming heck Lane kept the tension going with this one right to the (I was worrying it would be bitter) end before she pulled out a finale of epic groveling and a truly beautiful epilogue.
Finn was a hard character for me to get my head around, on the surface he was all Irish and charm and sexy swagger, but he kept hurting Josh, never deliberately mind, and it was easy to see that he was running so scared.
But Josh is such an open and cheery and optimistic person that every time Finn crushed his heart, albeit at Josh's own doing for leaving himself vulnerable, I struggled for a short while to get back in Finn's corner.
Eventually though, with the innate talent she has for unravelling all the threads and sewing up all the missing pieces, Lane lets Josh see that the saying is true - if you love something, you have to let it go.
And he does, or rather he lets Finn run away again and doesn't fight against the tide. But this time Finn's realised the long held onto guilt for mistakes he made as a young man no longer have to weigh him down.
The final (and perfectly gorgeous), reunion, which happens at almost 95% in this book (!!), is an exercise in how to let one man know he is really the centre of your world and you can't live without him, even though it would be less scary to do so.
Finn and Josh's relationship doesn't fit into a trope easily, there's elements of friends to lovers, there's a smidgen of angry sex (and oh boy is their sex good!), there's an element of second chances, a bit of bad boy and slightly naive lover about it all, but at its heart it's about taking chances.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Finn was a hard character for me to get my head around, on the surface he was all Irish and charm and sexy swagger, but he kept hurting Josh, never deliberately mind, and it was easy to see that he was running so scared.
But Josh is such an open and cheery and optimistic person that every time Finn crushed his heart, albeit at Josh's own doing for leaving himself vulnerable, I struggled for a short while to get back in Finn's corner.
Eventually though, with the innate talent she has for unravelling all the threads and sewing up all the missing pieces, Lane lets Josh see that the saying is true - if you love something, you have to let it go.
And he does, or rather he lets Finn run away again and doesn't fight against the tide. But this time Finn's realised the long held onto guilt for mistakes he made as a young man no longer have to weigh him down.
The final (and perfectly gorgeous), reunion, which happens at almost 95% in this book (!!), is an exercise in how to let one man know he is really the centre of your world and you can't live without him, even though it would be less scary to do so.
Finn and Josh's relationship doesn't fit into a trope easily, there's elements of friends to lovers, there's a smidgen of angry sex (and oh boy is their sex good!), there's an element of second chances, a bit of bad boy and slightly naive lover about it all, but at its heart it's about taking chances.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 23, 2017
Wow, not at all what I expected. Not at all.
I am really, really torn over this book and am very unsure how I feel. On the one hand, as she always seems to do, the author gave me more than I thought I'd get and there was so much more emotion than I thought there would be. But, on the other hand, I don't know if I fully grasped what was actually happening between Josh and Finn. No, maybe I just didn't really get Finn. No, they both kind of confused me.
That does not mean I didn't love them because I did. Totally invested. There was just something...off.
I could have totally done without the beard story-line. I don't like it, I hate it actually. I've read a few other books with this type of setup and it just makes my stomach sick. I don't like it. It just left me with so many unanswered questions and really, I think I was very confused.
Regardless, the book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. It seems each of these books leave me wondering but I really am enjoying the series.
I am really, really torn over this book and am very unsure how I feel. On the one hand, as she always seems to do, the author gave me more than I thought I'd get and there was so much more emotion than I thought there would be. But, on the other hand, I don't know if I fully grasped what was actually happening between Josh and Finn. No, maybe I just didn't really get Finn. No, they both kind of confused me.
That does not mean I didn't love them because I did. Totally invested. There was just something...off.
I could have totally done without the beard story-line. I don't like it, I hate it actually. I've read a few other books with this type of setup and it just makes my stomach sick. I don't like it. It just left me with so many unanswered questions and really, I think I was very confused.
Regardless, the book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. It seems each of these books leave me wondering but I really am enjoying the series.
May 10, 2018
Another great installment in this series! I have come to love this little group of friends.... Josh, Grant, Nick, Eric, and Zane. I was really looking forward to this story because Finn intrigued me. I wanted to know more about the sexy Irishman that Nick and Eric thought was up to no good.
I loved Josh and his big heart. I loved that he was patient with Finn and all his demons. And Josh's dad was a hoot! Would love to know more about him and Lars. I will definitely continue on with this series, especially in audiobook. Nick Russo knocked it out of the park with this one. I've never heard him do an Irish accent before, but it was swoonworthy. <3 <3 <3
I loved Josh and his big heart. I loved that he was patient with Finn and all his demons. And Josh's dad was a hoot! Would love to know more about him and Lars. I will definitely continue on with this series, especially in audiobook. Nick Russo knocked it out of the park with this one. I've never heard him do an Irish accent before, but it was swoonworthy. <3 <3 <3
December 2, 2017
*** 4.25 Stars ***
My favourite of the series so far. I liked that their relationship was hard fought and kinda coated with the grit of real life.
My favourite of the series so far. I liked that their relationship was hard fought and kinda coated with the grit of real life.
October 8, 2017
I’ve been crazy about getting Josh and Finn’s story for a while now, and wow did Lane deliver!
I just loved it, it’s emotional, happy, funny, beautiful and sexy as fuck!
I just loved it, it’s emotional, happy, funny, beautiful and sexy as fuck!
November 15, 2017
**4.5 stars**
When Josh Sheehan bumps into his former lover, Finn Gallagher, he knows it’s a bad idea to pursue the sexy Irishman, but his libido overrules his head and he jumps back into lust with very little thought for the consequences. Once they satisfy their immediate needs, he knows he has to let Finn go again before they get too heavily involved. And that works—until Josh’s father lays a heavy load of angst on him in the form of a secret he’s kept for over forty years.
It’s Finn Josh thinks of when he needs to talk. After all, Finn is intelligent, kind, humorous, sympathetic, and, most importantly, doesn’t know Josh’s dad, so he won’t give Josh advice based on emotion like his other friends might. Actually, Finn is everything Josh wants in a forever man—except Finn is emotionally unattainable and he happens to be engaged to a woman. At least that’s what the society pages say.
This story was so much better than I thought it was going to be. At first, I was concerned that Finn was going to be one of those characters I couldn’t warm up to. He held himself aloof and detached emotionally through much of the story. Though he looked at Josh as if he cared, and he expressed many of his feelings through his actions—his own personal hurt and guilt laid on him by a strict Catholic father in Ireland years before and enforced with each visit home—he never made a commitment to the man who so obviously wore his heart on his sleeve and wanted him desperately. But I hung in and I’m so glad I did because Finn was one of those damaged characters who was slow to reveal his innermost self, but when he did, he grabbed my heartstrings and wouldn’t let go.
Josh was fairly easy to love right from the beginning but watching his struggles with his dad’s news, and his mom’s manic reactions to stress, while Josh is trying to decide his next career move now that his dream job is coming to an end gave us an intimate view of an interesting character who matures throughout the story. His selfless comments and actions on Finn’s behalf sealed the deal and caused a few tears to roll out from where I was holding them tightly within.
Though it can be read as a standalone, since there are multiple recurring characters from previous books, it will be a much better reading experience for those who have read one or more of the earlier stories in this series.
Need I say more? I highly recommend this one to all lovers of contemporary MM romance and if you’ve already read the others in the series, this one is a win-win.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
When Josh Sheehan bumps into his former lover, Finn Gallagher, he knows it’s a bad idea to pursue the sexy Irishman, but his libido overrules his head and he jumps back into lust with very little thought for the consequences. Once they satisfy their immediate needs, he knows he has to let Finn go again before they get too heavily involved. And that works—until Josh’s father lays a heavy load of angst on him in the form of a secret he’s kept for over forty years.
It’s Finn Josh thinks of when he needs to talk. After all, Finn is intelligent, kind, humorous, sympathetic, and, most importantly, doesn’t know Josh’s dad, so he won’t give Josh advice based on emotion like his other friends might. Actually, Finn is everything Josh wants in a forever man—except Finn is emotionally unattainable and he happens to be engaged to a woman. At least that’s what the society pages say.
This story was so much better than I thought it was going to be. At first, I was concerned that Finn was going to be one of those characters I couldn’t warm up to. He held himself aloof and detached emotionally through much of the story. Though he looked at Josh as if he cared, and he expressed many of his feelings through his actions—his own personal hurt and guilt laid on him by a strict Catholic father in Ireland years before and enforced with each visit home—he never made a commitment to the man who so obviously wore his heart on his sleeve and wanted him desperately. But I hung in and I’m so glad I did because Finn was one of those damaged characters who was slow to reveal his innermost self, but when he did, he grabbed my heartstrings and wouldn’t let go.
Josh was fairly easy to love right from the beginning but watching his struggles with his dad’s news, and his mom’s manic reactions to stress, while Josh is trying to decide his next career move now that his dream job is coming to an end gave us an intimate view of an interesting character who matures throughout the story. His selfless comments and actions on Finn’s behalf sealed the deal and caused a few tears to roll out from where I was holding them tightly within.
Though it can be read as a standalone, since there are multiple recurring characters from previous books, it will be a much better reading experience for those who have read one or more of the earlier stories in this series.
Need I say more? I highly recommend this one to all lovers of contemporary MM romance and if you’ve already read the others in the series, this one is a win-win.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
September 30, 2017
5 Stars
I’ve been looking forward to Josh and Finn’s story for some time now and Lane didn’t disappoint me, although she did keep my stomach in knots throughout almost the entire story. Some stories you can sit back, relax and just enjoy the ride, this wasn’t one of those books. Not that it wasn’t a great read or enjoyable, it’s just loaded with turmoil and tension. You want happiness for the characters, but you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for it all to implode and go to shit. That’s what reading this story was like.
I absolutely loved Josh. He was sweet, funny and a bit awkward and although he’s 32 years-old, he comes across as much younger. I loved the easiness with which he moved through life, always trying to see the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
Finn, well, Finn remained a mystery throughout most of the story and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him. I wanted to love him and see all the great things Josh saw in him, but he remained mysterious and I wasn’t sure I could trust him, but as he opens up to Josh and we learn more about him my heart broke for him. But even as my heart broke for him I wanted to smack some sense into him. Yell at him and tell him to open his eyes already to see and accept the amazing guy that was right in front of him.
Josh and Finn had amazing chemistry, something that Lane’s characters are never without, and the sex was passionate, sweet and oh so smoking hot. The unspoken feelings of love between Josh and Finn were visible in every gesture and touch they shared.
I loved seeing a bit of what life in the Castro is like through Josh and Finn’s eyes. Being from the south it’s hard to imagine such a diverse and accepting place to live, but Lane paints a vivid picture of the neighborhood that makes me want to hop on the next available plane and see it all first hand for myself.
I absolutely loved the side story surrounding Josh’s father and the realness of Josh’s reactions to the situation and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting hungrily for more information and page time for this part of the story. I also loved getting to revisit and hang out with Eric, Zane, Nick and Wes and I getting to know Grant, whose story I’m hoping will be next.
This was a great addition to an already amazing series, that was well-written and filled with raw emotion, beauty, passion and that witty dialogue, that Lane is a master at writing, and I’ll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what comes next from Ms. Hayes. Very enjoyable and highly recommendable!
*copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I’ve been looking forward to Josh and Finn’s story for some time now and Lane didn’t disappoint me, although she did keep my stomach in knots throughout almost the entire story. Some stories you can sit back, relax and just enjoy the ride, this wasn’t one of those books. Not that it wasn’t a great read or enjoyable, it’s just loaded with turmoil and tension. You want happiness for the characters, but you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for it all to implode and go to shit. That’s what reading this story was like.
I absolutely loved Josh. He was sweet, funny and a bit awkward and although he’s 32 years-old, he comes across as much younger. I loved the easiness with which he moved through life, always trying to see the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
Finn, well, Finn remained a mystery throughout most of the story and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him. I wanted to love him and see all the great things Josh saw in him, but he remained mysterious and I wasn’t sure I could trust him, but as he opens up to Josh and we learn more about him my heart broke for him. But even as my heart broke for him I wanted to smack some sense into him. Yell at him and tell him to open his eyes already to see and accept the amazing guy that was right in front of him.
Josh and Finn had amazing chemistry, something that Lane’s characters are never without, and the sex was passionate, sweet and oh so smoking hot. The unspoken feelings of love between Josh and Finn were visible in every gesture and touch they shared.
I loved seeing a bit of what life in the Castro is like through Josh and Finn’s eyes. Being from the south it’s hard to imagine such a diverse and accepting place to live, but Lane paints a vivid picture of the neighborhood that makes me want to hop on the next available plane and see it all first hand for myself.
I absolutely loved the side story surrounding Josh’s father and the realness of Josh’s reactions to the situation and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting hungrily for more information and page time for this part of the story. I also loved getting to revisit and hang out with Eric, Zane, Nick and Wes and I getting to know Grant, whose story I’m hoping will be next.
This was a great addition to an already amazing series, that was well-written and filled with raw emotion, beauty, passion and that witty dialogue, that Lane is a master at writing, and I’ll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what comes next from Ms. Hayes. Very enjoyable and highly recommendable!
*copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 5, 2017
We met Josh in the previous installments of this series and at that time he was so excited to get to oversee a project in the museum he works for as an assistant curator. Alas, by this time, the project is coming to an end and because Josh doesn’t speak French, he is about to be out of a job. To add to the insult of the day, he runs into Finn, an ex he hasn’t seen in a year. If truth be told, ex-boyfriend title won’t work because all they did is do dinner and have sex and repeat. Finn doesn’t do commitment or “feelings”.
The attraction is still there and though Josh isn’t going to sleep with Finn, despite the Irish brogue and the beauty and the charm, because he knows it will lead nowhere just like last time, of course he does. It’s sort of a pet peeve of mine when people are repeatedly telling themselves what a bad idea it is and then are lead astray by their libido. So when he repeatedly was sleeping with Finn while telling himself why it was a bad idea it made me want to shake him. Falling in lust is easy, but being in love with someone who can’t love you back is horrible. That’s where Josh is.
To be honest, as I was reading this I kept thinking “I’m not loving him (Finn).” Add in that Finn is engaged to his friend, Scarlet. Is it a real engagement? Nope, but it’s public and it’s being talked about and includes an engagement party. Even when the chance comes to fess up, it doesn’t happen. So I was getting irritated with the whole thing. Of course, I would have liked it anyway because of Josh. He is so optimistic, so sweet and sometimes, just so funny.
It is when Finn sets him up for a job interview with his friend, Dante, at an art gallery that you start to see how far in the closet Finn really is. I was sad for him and even sadder for Josh. While I was so irritated with Finn’s actions, when I was done reading I realized how Finn’s actions made sense for him and how much it took for him to make any changes.
Josh is also going through a big life change for his father, one that takes him by surprise and that he doesn’t handle well. Then he feels guilty about not handling it well. Josh just has so much going on. Josh’s parents are wonderful and you read them and see why Josh is the optimistic sweetheart that he is. Mom’s baking to combat stress? Epic!
One thing I definitely appreciated is this author made Finn’s groveling seem real. There was no “so sorry, now let’s have magical sex that solves our problems”. These guys went through some pain. “You’re managing these loose strings so you can walk away with as little guilt as possible.”
This was a worthy installment to the Leaning series and I can’t wait, seriously can not wait, for Grant’s story. (hint…)
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
The attraction is still there and though Josh isn’t going to sleep with Finn, despite the Irish brogue and the beauty and the charm, because he knows it will lead nowhere just like last time, of course he does. It’s sort of a pet peeve of mine when people are repeatedly telling themselves what a bad idea it is and then are lead astray by their libido. So when he repeatedly was sleeping with Finn while telling himself why it was a bad idea it made me want to shake him. Falling in lust is easy, but being in love with someone who can’t love you back is horrible. That’s where Josh is.
To be honest, as I was reading this I kept thinking “I’m not loving him (Finn).” Add in that Finn is engaged to his friend, Scarlet. Is it a real engagement? Nope, but it’s public and it’s being talked about and includes an engagement party. Even when the chance comes to fess up, it doesn’t happen. So I was getting irritated with the whole thing. Of course, I would have liked it anyway because of Josh. He is so optimistic, so sweet and sometimes, just so funny.
It is when Finn sets him up for a job interview with his friend, Dante, at an art gallery that you start to see how far in the closet Finn really is. I was sad for him and even sadder for Josh. While I was so irritated with Finn’s actions, when I was done reading I realized how Finn’s actions made sense for him and how much it took for him to make any changes.
Josh is also going through a big life change for his father, one that takes him by surprise and that he doesn’t handle well. Then he feels guilty about not handling it well. Josh just has so much going on. Josh’s parents are wonderful and you read them and see why Josh is the optimistic sweetheart that he is. Mom’s baking to combat stress? Epic!
One thing I definitely appreciated is this author made Finn’s groveling seem real. There was no “so sorry, now let’s have magical sex that solves our problems”. These guys went through some pain. “You’re managing these loose strings so you can walk away with as little guilt as possible.”
This was a worthy installment to the Leaning series and I can’t wait, seriously can not wait, for Grant’s story. (hint…)
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
April 27, 2018
Check out our
Leaning into Touch Audiobook Release Blitz
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I cannot recall the last time I was interrupted so many times while trying to listen to an audiobook – some people are very lucky I didn’t have weapons handy. In fact, it took me three days to listen to Leaning into Touch and none of that had to do with the story or the narration, but rather life intruding upon my time. Each time I was interrupted, I couldn’t get back to the audiobook soon enough because not only was I intrigued by Finn, the mysterious Irishman, but I was fascinated by just how open of a character Josh was.
Having re-listened to the previous audiobooks in the series prior to starting Leaning into Touch, I realized that Josh is quite possibly the most “what you see is what you get” guy in the tight-knit group of friends – with the exception of his relationship with Finn. Any layer of mystery to Josh is due to him not having figured out that part of his life yet, not because he’s hiding something. He’s a rather refreshing character because he’s so earnest in who he is with his family and friends. Were it not for Eric and Nick’s negative opinion of Finn, I suspect he would have shared his relationship highs and lows with his friends as he had little problem talking about it with his roommate, Grant. As for Finn, the man has been an enigma since his introduction to the series and his seemingly less-than-ethical business practices have merely added to his mysterious persona. Yet, I was woefully unprepared to learn about the ghosts who haunt him. I don’t make a habit of trying to figure out the wounded hero’s baggage while reading or listening to their story, but I would have never come close to guessing Finn’s – which made it so easy for me to understand Josh’s gut-punch reaction to Finn’s revelations. Between Finn’s guilt, Josh’s realization of his need to protect his heart and the steps he takes to do so, and the WHOA! drama that plays out with Josh’s parents, Leaning into Touch was an entertaining rollercoaster ride of a listen. But as expected, Lane provides the perfect happy ending for Josh and Finn that made it worth each heartbreaking moment.
Once again, Nick J. Russo provides a fabulous narrative performance. Having had different narrators for Eric’s story (Clayton) and Nick’s story (Russo), I wasn’t sure what to expect having Russo return to the mic for Josh and Finn’s story. However, having the consistency in Finn’s accent from Nick’s book to Leaning into Touch was perfect – especially as Josh and Finn met in Leaning into the Fall. Not only does Russo make Finn’s Irish accent sexy as can be, but he does a wonderful job at conveying Josh’s raw emotions and vulnerabilities when his world seems to come crashing down around him. There were moments when I wanted to cry for Josh because it was as if I could feel his heart actually breaking and I’m not talking about just his relationship with Finn. I won’t go into those particular scenes because they’re ones I believe each listener should experience for themselves, but Russo’s performance made Lane’s writing even more poignant. Leaning into Touch was an extremely enjoyable audiobook experience that has left me looking forward to the release of the next audiobook in the series as well as more of Lane’s writing and Russo’s narration.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Leaning into Touch (Leaning Into Stories #4) by Lane Hayes, narrated by Nick J. Russo to listen to and review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I cannot recall the last time I was interrupted so many times while trying to listen to an audiobook – some people are very lucky I didn’t have weapons handy. In fact, it took me three days to listen to Leaning into Touch and none of that had to do with the story or the narration, but rather life intruding upon my time. Each time I was interrupted, I couldn’t get back to the audiobook soon enough because not only was I intrigued by Finn, the mysterious Irishman, but I was fascinated by just how open of a character Josh was.
Having re-listened to the previous audiobooks in the series prior to starting Leaning into Touch, I realized that Josh is quite possibly the most “what you see is what you get” guy in the tight-knit group of friends – with the exception of his relationship with Finn. Any layer of mystery to Josh is due to him not having figured out that part of his life yet, not because he’s hiding something. He’s a rather refreshing character because he’s so earnest in who he is with his family and friends. Were it not for Eric and Nick’s negative opinion of Finn, I suspect he would have shared his relationship highs and lows with his friends as he had little problem talking about it with his roommate, Grant. As for Finn, the man has been an enigma since his introduction to the series and his seemingly less-than-ethical business practices have merely added to his mysterious persona. Yet, I was woefully unprepared to learn about the ghosts who haunt him. I don’t make a habit of trying to figure out the wounded hero’s baggage while reading or listening to their story, but I would have never come close to guessing Finn’s – which made it so easy for me to understand Josh’s gut-punch reaction to Finn’s revelations. Between Finn’s guilt, Josh’s realization of his need to protect his heart and the steps he takes to do so, and the WHOA! drama that plays out with Josh’s parents, Leaning into Touch was an entertaining rollercoaster ride of a listen. But as expected, Lane provides the perfect happy ending for Josh and Finn that made it worth each heartbreaking moment.
Once again, Nick J. Russo provides a fabulous narrative performance. Having had different narrators for Eric’s story (Clayton) and Nick’s story (Russo), I wasn’t sure what to expect having Russo return to the mic for Josh and Finn’s story. However, having the consistency in Finn’s accent from Nick’s book to Leaning into Touch was perfect – especially as Josh and Finn met in Leaning into the Fall. Not only does Russo make Finn’s Irish accent sexy as can be, but he does a wonderful job at conveying Josh’s raw emotions and vulnerabilities when his world seems to come crashing down around him. There were moments when I wanted to cry for Josh because it was as if I could feel his heart actually breaking and I’m not talking about just his relationship with Finn. I won’t go into those particular scenes because they’re ones I believe each listener should experience for themselves, but Russo’s performance made Lane’s writing even more poignant. Leaning into Touch was an extremely enjoyable audiobook experience that has left me looking forward to the release of the next audiobook in the series as well as more of Lane’s writing and Russo’s narration.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Leaning into Touch (Leaning Into Stories #4) by Lane Hayes, narrated by Nick J. Russo to listen to and review.
October 28, 2017
Leaning Into Touch is the third book in Miss Hayes’s Leaning Into series. The series follows a group of college friends now in their thirties as they settle into life and find love in San Francisco, California. While each couple’s story can be read as a standalone, there’s a good amount of character overlap between books with introductions to characters in the previous books, making these ones that really are best read in order.
There was so much I loved about Leaning Into Touch, from the author’s easy writing style to a great group of primary and secondary characters and especially the sweet, second chance romance between Josh and Finn. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Josh and hearing his point of view and humorous commentary on things. I also found his uncertainty about the direction of his life honest and relatable. While I liked Finn quite a bit as well, I didn’t feel as strong a connection with his character as I did with Josh. Though single point of view narration is typically not a problem for me, I think that was what lost me a little in this book. Finn’s secretive past and habit of distancing himself from relationships and Josh made it difficult to really get to know him and that was exacerbated by the fact that we only heard their story from Josh's point of view. Happily, we did get insight as the book progressed, I just wish it happened earlier. I did like the ending- especially the epilogue- and I really liked that Josh refused to settle or sell himself short, I just didn’t fall as hard or as completely for this couple as I did for other couples from the series.
Although I didn’t quite love Leaning Into Touch as much as the other two books/couples in this series, it was still chock full of the moments I’ve come to expect from this author. Miss Hayes regularly leaves my heart full and with a grin on my face, and that was precisely how I finished Finn and Josh’s story. I’ll definitely look forward to seeing this couple pop up in subsequent Leaning Into books. If you’re in need of a book and series that will make you smile, I highly recommend this author and collection.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
There was so much I loved about Leaning Into Touch, from the author’s easy writing style to a great group of primary and secondary characters and especially the sweet, second chance romance between Josh and Finn. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Josh and hearing his point of view and humorous commentary on things. I also found his uncertainty about the direction of his life honest and relatable. While I liked Finn quite a bit as well, I didn’t feel as strong a connection with his character as I did with Josh. Though single point of view narration is typically not a problem for me, I think that was what lost me a little in this book. Finn’s secretive past and habit of distancing himself from relationships and Josh made it difficult to really get to know him and that was exacerbated by the fact that we only heard their story from Josh's point of view. Happily, we did get insight as the book progressed, I just wish it happened earlier. I did like the ending- especially the epilogue- and I really liked that Josh refused to settle or sell himself short, I just didn’t fall as hard or as completely for this couple as I did for other couples from the series.
Although I didn’t quite love Leaning Into Touch as much as the other two books/couples in this series, it was still chock full of the moments I’ve come to expect from this author. Miss Hayes regularly leaves my heart full and with a grin on my face, and that was precisely how I finished Finn and Josh’s story. I’ll definitely look forward to seeing this couple pop up in subsequent Leaning Into books. If you’re in need of a book and series that will make you smile, I highly recommend this author and collection.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
January 11, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Leaning Into Touch is the fourth book in Lane Hayes’ Leaning Into series (counting the short story Leaning Into Love that was originally part of the It Was Always You anthology and is now available as a standalone). Josh is one of the group of friends central to the series, and we met Finn in an earlier book as a business colleague of Josh’s friends Nick and Eric. We got hints that the guys were seeing one another back then, and now we get the full story of their relationship about a year after things ended between them. So it was nice to catch up with these men here, and while you could probably read this story on its own, having the background on the larger group of friends and their past experiences is helpful.
Hayes does a nice job bringing us back into the relationship between Josh and Finn. As I said, we knew something had been going on between them, but here we get caught up in their past as well as seeing them rekindle their connection. The chemistry between these guys is clear and they are steamy and intense together. But we can also see the growth of real affection for each other and the way Finn is able to help provide Josh with emotional support during his tougher times. You can’t help but like Finn, with his charming demeanor, and I fell for him along with Josh. We can see what a great match these guys make together, but also that neither think anything lasting can be between them. So I enjoyed watching them find that emotional connection between them amidst the sexual attraction.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Leaning Into Touch is the fourth book in Lane Hayes’ Leaning Into series (counting the short story Leaning Into Love that was originally part of the It Was Always You anthology and is now available as a standalone). Josh is one of the group of friends central to the series, and we met Finn in an earlier book as a business colleague of Josh’s friends Nick and Eric. We got hints that the guys were seeing one another back then, and now we get the full story of their relationship about a year after things ended between them. So it was nice to catch up with these men here, and while you could probably read this story on its own, having the background on the larger group of friends and their past experiences is helpful.
Hayes does a nice job bringing us back into the relationship between Josh and Finn. As I said, we knew something had been going on between them, but here we get caught up in their past as well as seeing them rekindle their connection. The chemistry between these guys is clear and they are steamy and intense together. But we can also see the growth of real affection for each other and the way Finn is able to help provide Josh with emotional support during his tougher times. You can’t help but like Finn, with his charming demeanor, and I fell for him along with Josh. We can see what a great match these guys make together, but also that neither think anything lasting can be between them. So I enjoyed watching them find that emotional connection between them amidst the sexual attraction.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
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