Bonfires by Amy Lane 4.5 Star Review!

Bonfires - Amy Lane

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.

 

Review

 

This is a spectacularly good romance. Larx is one of my favorite characters I have read this year. Funny, smart, real, and a great father and teacher. 

Aaron is pretty great too and watching these two men in their 4o's flirt and fall in love is wonderful.

The banter. Each character is carefully drawn. The teenagers are great too. 

There is a pretty heavy mystery and class, race and bigotry issues that go on but the family aspect and so many people doing the right thing balances that darkness. 

You can just feel the love in this book. So well written!