Review of Bonfires by Amy Lane

by Amy Lane

4.5 stars

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 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.

Outstanding, that’s where we are going to start.  This is a lovely romance between 2 older men, and reminds us that love is precious to find no matter any age.  This is a book about love, bigotry and being true to yourself.

Amy Lane is a master of emotion, and Bonfires delivers.  We are introduced to small town America and Deputy Aaron George.  Aaron is widowed 10 years, and raising 3 children by himself.  Now the children are almost out of the house he is finally letting himself live his life.  Aaron is attracted to Mr. Larkin, the high school principal, Larx.  Larx is a Bi divorced man with 2 daughters who closed his heart years ago and is living his life for his children. 

This is such a wonderful read, there is a flow of this book that is unexplainable.  The sweetness of 2 older men coming to love each other is heartwarming.  But there is such a realness about their lives.  That even thought they are finding their happiness, life still goes on.  Living in a small town there is a bigotry abound, and the story of Larx and Aaron, even almost at their 50’s parallels the story of two of Larx’s students struggling with their truth of being gay.  Bonfires really makes you think, that ‘coming out’ is a struggle for lots of teens, being accepted, even later in life, is hard.

And sigh, Larx and Aaron are adorable together, sweet, sexy, and oh so adorable.  Stealing kisses, trying to adult, and wanting to spend all their time together.  Bonfires brings us young love is so many forms, and it makes our heart swell with so much happiness. 

This is easily one of our 10 ten books we have read this year.  Every page we fell in love with Larx and Aaron, really really hope that Amy Lane has a sequel for these two lovebirds.