Fantastic, especially the first one

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

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Loved these stories

A Way With Words Review

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

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

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

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

A Way With You Review

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

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

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

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Two hot stories, good audio performance.

I really enjoyed these two relatively short novellas. I didn't read them when they were released as ebooks so I listened to the audiobook very intently. While I have several audiobooks in my library that Alexander Cendese has narrated, this is the first one I've listened to at this point. I enjoyed his performance. I think he did a great job with the accents and his pacing of the story was very good.

I've become an avid fan of Lane Hayes' writing over the last couple of years. Since I'm kind of a latecomer to her works I still have some catching up to do to read the books in her backlist. The two stories in this audiobook are about two brothers but each story really stands alone just fine.

I really loved A Way with Words, the first book in this bundle. Tony is really deep in the closet. He works in construction and he feels that it won't go well if he comes out; he's also afraid of what his family will think. He meets Remy who plays his guitar on a street corner near where Tony works. They strike up a friendship that soon turns into much more. Unfortunately, Tony's family keeps trying to fix him up with a very nice woman, who Tony actually likes – just not in that way.

This story really touched my heart. Remy is such a sweet and understanding man. When things happen that force Tony out of the closet, he's pretty upset about what happened.

A Way with You was good, too but it wasn't quite as much of a tender love story as A Way with Words. The story starts out as an office attraction but takes a pretty dramatic turn. Two strong personalities eventually find a way to their HEA.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Short but sweet

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

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

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Both Lovely, Short Stories with Heart!

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

A Way with Words Review:

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


A Way with You Review:

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

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Two sweet and sexy stories in one! 4.5 stars!

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

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Cute shorts!

Both these stories were short but super cute!!

Tony and Remy were adorable and I absolutely loved their story.

I didn't find any of these stories to be too rushed ir underdeveloped considering that they were both quick listens.

These stories were just right!
They were fluffy, cute and wholesome.

Alexander Cendese performed an amazing audio delivery and narration!!

Loved the stories and the narration.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

A Way With My Heart!

Audio Performance: 5 Stars
Stories: 5 Stars 
A Way With Words:
Tony is still suffering from the loss of the beloved father he literally worshiped. He always wanted to be just like his dad. This Brooklyn construction worker followed in his father's footsteps except for one thing. A secret he tried to bury so he did not disappoint his family. Tony is gay and guards this truth close to his heart, afraid of rejection. There is one large complication that comes in the form of a handsome and sexy guitar player with a winsome smile. The two connect and are what the other needs. Can Tony find the strength to accept who he is and embrace love? This tender story and the power of being true to oneself resonates throughout and I hope you listen and read this little slice of perfection.
I was beyond thrilled when I heard Lane's two novellas were made into an audio version. A Way With Words has always held a special place in my heart as one of my favorites from this gifted author. Tony was portrayed exactly as I envisioned. His New York Italian accent was spot on. I was so impressed at the range this talented audio artist displayed. When he changed characters, I swear it was more than one narrator working on this book. The vocal characterizations of Remi and Tony were completely different! The narration was steady and his voice clear and strong. I was totally immersed in this story. Mr. Cendese is so expressive and the emotional scenes were so heartfelt and real. He even nailed Tony's mom, so please have some tissues ready.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
A Way With You:
Reeve Nelson who happens to be Remi's brother in the previous book has landed his dream job in a prestigious real estate firm. There is one slight problem. His boss Leo is a major jerk. So when they clash, why the heck is Reeve so attracted to this infuriating man? Reeve has excellent work ethics and feels that working alongside Leo may not be the best idea. Their attraction is off the charts and while lusting after your boss may be a giant mistake, this romance can't be denied. Leo just amazed me with his resiliency. He has come so far and endured much anguish. At first, I felt he was cold and uncaring but Lane has a way with her men that makes them grow and evolve. The two are so different but their unique personalities may actually be what the other has always been seeking.
This second novella has the same narrator and I was so amazed at his versatility. The voices were so different from the first book. Diego a co-worker at the firm was such a hoot and I loved how animated his voice was portrayed. The emotions were carried throughout this intense love story. The major confrontations had me completely absorbed. I loved Reeve and Leo and WOW did Mr. Cendese do a fantastic job bringing them to life. I felt this audio version complimented the book and it was such a joy to escape for a while in their little world.
I so highly recommend this audiobook that offers two dynamic and sizzling romances and brings the written characters to life.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great short stories!

I loved both these stories! Usually when I read shorts I feel like I don’t really know the characters and the story just seems rushed but not with these stories. They were great, I really liked all the MCs. I also thought the narrator was excellent!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!