Ten years ago Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron-who thought life began and ended with … with his kids-is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.
Larx has been living for his kids too-and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last.
It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.
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Bonfires by Amy Lane
Contemporary M-M romance.
Deputy Aaron has noticed science teacher Larx running on open roads so offers to run with him mornings if they move to a safer route. The two become friends and more.
This book covers so much of life’s changes and challenges, recognizing self and standing up for others. The men are in their late 40’s and a couple of their kids are in high school. They deal with first love, prejudice, jealousy, school boards, teen angst and grey hair.
Superbly written and emotionally engaging. There’s humor. There are tears. There’s love. It’s family.
I escaped the world of professional educators while fairly young, but this book still hits home because the characters care about the same things I do. The characters are wonderful and tender, and it was a great change of pace to have older protagonists reminding us that love isn’t always on time. As a bonus, this one only made me cry a LITTLE!
I’ve read this author before. This is a mm contemporary story set in the USA. Two older main characters Aaron the town deputy police officer and Larx the high school principal. Both have had previous families and they find love and togetherness. Life throws then problems all the time but together they move forward. Lots of American abbreviations that really need a glossary. I’ll read this author again.
Never give up on happiness
Quite a roller coaster of a story, there is always some problem to fix, and getting to a happy ending took some doing. Really sweet love story with highs, lows , murder,attempted and actual, red neck small town bigotry, there’s a lot to overcome. A lot of detail of many of the characters, lot of backstory to the main ones which just make them all seem very believable
More like this, please. Real life, mature characters. Not a Navy Sea, CEO, Billionaire to be found. Just real world, evert day heroes. Main characters in their middle years. Wonderful. I hope to see more after Crocuses.
Larx is my favorite teacher – his enthusiasm for his students and his passion for doing what’s right is inspiring. Aaron is an admirable man who’s trying to raise his children and move on from the tragic loss of his wife. These two men are complicated guys who have responsibilities that encompass much more than just themselves. They are responsible for the lives of many, and that’s a responsibility they both take very seriously. It’s hard not to like these men and I was rooting so hard for their love story. Watching them flirt and fall in love was a joy to see and left me with all the fluffy, warm feelings.
The audiobook was absolutely fantastic. The narrator was stunning and I was addicted to listening him perform this story.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars. The plot was exciting, action packed, and romantic. The writing was beautifully done, and the characters were so well crafted I wished I could have met them in person.