Guest Review: Leaning Into A Wish (Leaning Into Stories #3.5) by Lane Hayes

Ryan Haskell loves everything about the wine business. He's fortunate to work at one of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley doing something he enjoys with the people who are like family to him. But he could do without the good-natured intern slash former jock with the wicked grin who always seems to be in the way. Ryan isn’t sure why the new guy is under his skin when everyone else loves him. Thankfully he'll be gone after the holidays.

Danny Meyers can’t believe his luck when he lands an internship at Conrad Winery. It’s the perfect temporary gig to wrap up his graduate studies. He's left his dreams of tennis stardom on the court to focus on a new career and a new life. However, he didn't count on the spark of attraction he feels for his prickly co-worker. When their tentative friendship blossoms into something more than either man counted on, they may have to change direction and lean into a holiday wish.

Reviewer: NeRdyWYRM

Another Notch

Lane Hayes has succeeded in adding another strong notch to her Leaning Into [...] bedpost. This was a shorter 'halfsie' story between main installments, but we got to catch up with Ryan from the winery after his failed efforts of establishing something with Wes in Leaning Into the Fall.

I absolutely loved Ryan in this after he got out of his own way and Danny couldn't have been any more perfect. I mean, come on! He was hot as shit, nice as hell, and sweeter than ... powdered sugah. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm.

Was this the strongest book of the series? No, not particularly. But it was very, very good. I like it when characters who have maligned themselves at some point in a series get a chance at their own happiness even if I wanted to bitchslap 'em the first time around.

Ryan was that character for this series. I felt sad and embarrassed for him before when he was lost in rampant and misplaced desperation. Clearly, the quick turnaround of my last impression of him shows my heart knew he wasn't irredeemable and I'm glad we got to see a better side of him.

I liked both MCs, I liked them together. I liked that Ryan took the time and apologized to Nick for his interference. I liked the beginning, the middle and the end. The pacing was great for a shorter story and Ryan's self-deprecating humor was true to his prickly character and the perfect foil for Danny's sunny disposition. Danny boy was absolutely a breath of fresh air. Love. Love. Love.

I am , as usual, smiling with fondness over these MCs and simultaneously ready to meet the next ones. I'm truly looking forward to the next book. What more can you ask for?

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An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.