From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

Bonfires (Bonfires #1)

Amy Lane

Start date: April 8, 2017

Finish date: April 15, 2017

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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* September 2025 Buddy Reads
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What Members Thought

Apr 14, 2017 Diana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, all-time-favorites, turning-pages-buddy-read, favorites-of-2017

I have read a few of Amy Lane’s books, and this one has to be my all-time favorite and it was exactly what I needed.

It was nice to read a super sweet love story with older M/C’s with teen age/YA kids. Principal Larkin and Deputy Aaron George knew each other through school events and seeing each other in town. But once they discover their attraction to each other, they knew it was something more than physical.

I loved how the relationship, although new, they were always solid and there was no mi ...more

35 likes · Like · see review

Apr 10, 2017 Helen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

4.5 Stars

Please adopt me Larx and Aaron !

18 likes · Like · see review

Mar 31, 2017 Sheri rated it really liked it

Shelves: murder-mystery, angst-fest

I don’t know about you, but I love second chances. This isn’t a story about a couple attempting to start over again with each other but about them having another chance at love, fresh love and a new beginning. They are older and wiser. They are patient and responsible. They know the risks, have been burned before and are cautiously optimistic. Things begin with a slow dance or jog to be precise. Aaron is a deputy in the small town of Colton and Larx is the high school principal. Aaron is a widow I don’t know about you, but I love second chances. This isn’t a story about a couple attempting to start over again with each other but about them having another chance at love, fresh love and a new beginning. They are older and wiser. They are patient and responsible. They know the risks, have been burned before and are cautiously optimistic. Things begin with a slow dance or jog to be precise. Aaron is a deputy in the small town of Colton and Larx is the high school principal. Aaron is a widower with three kids, the two eldest have flown from the nest. Larx is also single but not alone. He’s recovered from a messy divorce and has raised his children by himself but they are growing up quickly. The men start running together and become fast friends. Soon the attraction that brought them together catches fire and they are ready to let it burn. And just when I thought everything was going smoothly, tragedy strikes in true Lane fashion. She took me by surprise this time. I didn’t see it coming and felt the piercing pain like she struck an open nerve. Surviving is not going to be easy and they realize they need each other, not just Aaron and Larx but their families need to pull together to make it through this one. Desperate times can forge the tightest bonds.

What's to like: It’s nice to have a pair of mature men falling in love. They understand that some responsibilities come before dating but they also appreciate the comfort of having a partner when life gets messy and scary. Having someone to hold and someone to hold you when grief threatens to consume you, soothes the soul like nothing else can. I loved their little town with their country homes, chicken coops and all. Both men have great jobs but they come with staggering responsibilities. Aaron is presumed to become the next sheriff and Larx runs the high school with a clear head and strong determination. They are important to their community and feel the pressures that accompany the roles they must play. I enjoyed how they knew each other on the surface but dig deeper and discover the intimacies of one another once they become running partners. Quite simply, I enjoyed watching them fall in love.

What's to love: Amy Lane never takes the easy road and that’s what keeps me coming back. I was excited about Aaron and Larx coming together but this story is much bigger than just the two of them. They are the hub of the tale but their families and the kids at school are integral to the men capturing their happiness. Blending two families takes patience and understanding, and both men are up for the task. I loved watching the love overflow from their hearts as their families merged and grew. When two young men close to Larx are struck by a crime fueled by hatred the town begins to shatter apart. When Aaron’s current investigation leads him to Larx’s boys, things melt together. A murder, an attempted murder and a coming out that will bring tears to your eyes…there’s no shortage on emotions within these pages.

Beware of: A violent hate crime takes place and completely changes the tone of the story. It will hurt. If an HEA is a must for you, rest at ease and know everything works out in the end. And sex is not a priority in this relationship. Trust me, they want each other but some things are worth the wait.

This book is for: Angst lovers looking for men with a wrinkle or two and a sprinkle of salt in their pepper will most likely enjoy this one. Of course, Amy Laners probably have it on their radar before now.

*4 stars*
Book UNfunk ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

Apr 10, 2017 Marion rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-comfort-read, all-time-favorite, men-in-uniform, diversity, favourite-author, read-in-2017, top-books-of-2017, buddy-read

4.5 Stars! I love Amy Lane, but I think this is my favourite to date. I love that the MC's were both in their late forties, both with children, both with jobs that could be affected if they suddenly came out as bi and in a relationship...basically both with real lives.
I thought the story realistically portrayed concerns of dating at this age.

“I don’t feel forty-seven,” he said apologetically. “When I look in the mirror, I’m surprised you like me, because I remember being so much hotter than this ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Apr 19, 2018 Aeren rated it liked it

Lo empecé porque llevaba rondando por el kindle muchísimo y mi OOC no me deja vivir, aparte de que tenía la honesta intención de ir a por la segunda parte, pero aunque está bien, éste ya se me ha hecho más largo que un día sin pan, así que por ahora me vale con el final e ignoraré que hay más. En una palabra: eterrrrrrnooooo

9 likes · Like · see review

Mar 28, 2017 ~Kristin~ rated it really liked it

Shelves: suspense-thriller, boys-who-love-boys, carrying-badge, drama-drama-drama

3.5 Stars
I was reading along....I will confess I skimmed the reviews of my fellow GR friends so I know this book has been highly rated by most of the group who read the same books I enjoy, I value their opinions. So, as I finish this book I'm think...hmmm, what is wrong with me?

While I did enjoy many aspects of this story...
~I flipping love how devoted these single Dads are and respect how hard they work raising their children.
~Educators are so under rated...and the way Larx goes to bat for his ...more

14 likes · Like · see review

Apr 03, 2017 Jennifer☠Pher☠ rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m

Whoa, there was a lot going on in there.

But that’s life right? Never a dull moment.

I really enjoyed all the different stories happening throughout the main story. I liked all the extra characters. I really liked the mystery. But what I especially liked the best, boys in their late 40s. I liked that quite a bit.

This was a very entertaining read that read a lot like life.

6 likes · Like · see review

Aug 21, 2017 Diane Dannenfeldt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: have-audio, m-m

Even though I had the murder figured out pretty much from the beginning, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. I loved that these were older MC's. I loved that Aaron had a wife that he loved and that she wasn't a bitch, not like Larx did. I loved that all the kids were well adjusted and good kids, except for Aaron's oldest who acted like a total bitch for the short time we saw her on page. I do wish that would have resolved before the book ended. But other then that it was a really ...more

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