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Briar County #1
Firefly Lane
At forty-three, Holden Barnett is getting along just fine. His job as a pilot keeps him from getting restless, and he’s got a man who doesn’t want promises for the future. One phone call from his estranged sister changes everything. She needs his help, so Holden drops everything and heads to Harmony, a small town in Briar County, which represents everything he’s tried to avoid in life.
Monroe Covington is forty-five and happy. He loves his life—running his store, helping at his family’s farm, and spending his days with his best friend, Lindsey, and their son, Wyatt. Sure, half the town likes to forget he’s gay, and he’d love for the queer population to be bigger, but Roe makes do. He misses dating, relationships, and a man to hold at night, but at least he gets new eye candy when Holden, the brother of the woman who’s renting his cabin, shows up.
The attraction is instant, the friendship not far behind, but between Holden’s initial relationship status, family complications, and the two of them wanting different things, they’re a disaster waiting to happen…only it doesn’t feel that way, not with how much time they spend talking, laughing, and eventually, tumbling into bed, a field, or the back of a truck together. The closer they get, the more Holden realizes that just being fine isn’t enough, and Roe begins to see that his life isn’t as complete as he thought. Now, if they could only sort out the rest of it…
Firefly Lane is a small town, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers summer romance with no cheating, mature characters who talk out their problems, like to work with their hands, and have amazing chemistry. Did I mention they watch movies in the company of goats?
Monroe Covington is forty-five and happy. He loves his life—running his store, helping at his family’s farm, and spending his days with his best friend, Lindsey, and their son, Wyatt. Sure, half the town likes to forget he’s gay, and he’d love for the queer population to be bigger, but Roe makes do. He misses dating, relationships, and a man to hold at night, but at least he gets new eye candy when Holden, the brother of the woman who’s renting his cabin, shows up.
The attraction is instant, the friendship not far behind, but between Holden’s initial relationship status, family complications, and the two of them wanting different things, they’re a disaster waiting to happen…only it doesn’t feel that way, not with how much time they spend talking, laughing, and eventually, tumbling into bed, a field, or the back of a truck together. The closer they get, the more Holden realizes that just being fine isn’t enough, and Roe begins to see that his life isn’t as complete as he thought. Now, if they could only sort out the rest of it…
Firefly Lane is a small town, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers summer romance with no cheating, mature characters who talk out their problems, like to work with their hands, and have amazing chemistry. Did I mention they watch movies in the company of goats?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
537 people are currently reading
1301 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,149 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
September 10, 2021
2.5 stars
This was a nice story. Every character was nice and kind and understanding and all the relationships were perfect. Which is nice, but it bordered on too sweet und unrealistic for me.
There's a lot of focus on family in this one, I would say even more than the romance. I actually didn't mind that, because I really liked Monroe's relationship with his son and Holden's with his nephew. I think that was my favourite part of this story.
I also liked how protective Monroe and Holden are of those they love, but at the same time I didn't like how the only main female characters, Marilee and Lindsey, were presented. Both seemed kind of weak and pathetic to me.
As for the romance, I felt more chemistry between Monroe and Holden before anything happened between them. When they finally got together, it kind of fizzled out.
My main problem with this story was the writing style – especially how the characters talked sometimes and how the intimate scenes were written. I didn't click with it.
This was a nice story. Every character was nice and kind and understanding and all the relationships were perfect. Which is nice, but it bordered on too sweet und unrealistic for me.
There's a lot of focus on family in this one, I would say even more than the romance. I actually didn't mind that, because I really liked Monroe's relationship with his son and Holden's with his nephew. I think that was my favourite part of this story.
I also liked how protective Monroe and Holden are of those they love, but at the same time I didn't like how the only main female characters, Marilee and Lindsey, were presented. Both seemed kind of weak and pathetic to me.
As for the romance, I felt more chemistry between Monroe and Holden before anything happened between them. When they finally got together, it kind of fizzled out.
My main problem with this story was the writing style – especially how the characters talked sometimes and how the intimate scenes were written. I didn't click with it.
April 1, 2022
“it was strange how he could go through life being happy, feeling complete, and then Holden came into his world and just by existing, showed Roe something he was missing - that spark, that thrill that said he was more than just living; he was alive.”
2 stars.
i gotta be completely honest and just admit that the reason i checked out this book was that spectacular man on the cover.🙈
✦ strangers ➙ friends ➙ friends with benefits ➙ lovers.
✦ summer romance.
✦ small town romance. (lots of calm & nice small town vibes; everyone knows everything about everyone; lots of small town activities involving cute goats).
✦ the mcs were two men in their forties (these two actually communicate, wow!).
✦ no cheating, despite one of the mcs being in a relationship with someone else at first.
✦ lots of chest hair.
the mcs - Roe and Holden were just SO grown up, so wholesome, responsible, understanding, obviously hot as fuck, caring, honest, etc… they were just SO fucking reasonable. 🙄 it all bordered on the line of being completely unrealistic. and i am sorry to say this, but it also made everything BORING.
i guess if you love cute, fluffy romances with mcs who communicate, barely any drama and no angst - this could possibly work for you.
me? i need some SPICE. to me, this book was completely tasteless and bland.
the ex-bf Vince and the bff Lindsay - who’s in love with her gay best friend and has a whole ass son with him - were also both reasonable af. likeeee how am i supposed to imagine you as real people??
another thing i hated was that the teenagers acted like they were 8 years old at most. idk what it is with many authors not knowing how to write children and/or teenagers. it’s either children acting like actual adults or teenagers acting too much like little kids.
i honestly think it’s time for me to give up on Riley Hart… i’ve read multiple books by this author and they were all mediocre at best. i always lose interest around halfway through her books.
this book was no different. the storyline was just so predictable and bland. the smut was weak and somehow managed to be really unsexy. HOW can you manage to make smut between two sexy hairy men unsexy? truly a mystery…
anyway i JUST finished this book and it’s already almost fully left my brain. that’s how weak of an impression it left on me lmao.💀
2 stars.
i gotta be completely honest and just admit that the reason i checked out this book was that spectacular man on the cover.🙈
✦ strangers ➙ friends ➙ friends with benefits ➙ lovers.
✦ summer romance.
✦ small town romance. (lots of calm & nice small town vibes; everyone knows everything about everyone; lots of small town activities involving cute goats).
✦ the mcs were two men in their forties (these two actually communicate, wow!).
✦ no cheating, despite one of the mcs being in a relationship with someone else at first.
✦ lots of chest hair.
the mcs - Roe and Holden were just SO grown up, so wholesome, responsible, understanding, obviously hot as fuck, caring, honest, etc… they were just SO fucking reasonable. 🙄 it all bordered on the line of being completely unrealistic. and i am sorry to say this, but it also made everything BORING.
i guess if you love cute, fluffy romances with mcs who communicate, barely any drama and no angst - this could possibly work for you.
me? i need some SPICE. to me, this book was completely tasteless and bland.
the ex-bf Vince and the bff Lindsay - who’s in love with her gay best friend and has a whole ass son with him - were also both reasonable af. likeeee how am i supposed to imagine you as real people??
another thing i hated was that the teenagers acted like they were 8 years old at most. idk what it is with many authors not knowing how to write children and/or teenagers. it’s either children acting like actual adults or teenagers acting too much like little kids.
i honestly think it’s time for me to give up on Riley Hart… i’ve read multiple books by this author and they were all mediocre at best. i always lose interest around halfway through her books.
this book was no different. the storyline was just so predictable and bland. the smut was weak and somehow managed to be really unsexy. HOW can you manage to make smut between two sexy hairy men unsexy? truly a mystery…
anyway i JUST finished this book and it’s already almost fully left my brain. that’s how weak of an impression it left on me lmao.💀
October 24, 2022
~2.5~
I didn't click with this book like I do with most of Riley Hart's work.
I love that the MCs are in their 40s yet act and feel young (but not immature). I'm in my 40s now and feel young too, damn it. Too many romance books act like at 40 you have one foot in the grave, which is insulting frankly.
Roe and Holden have plenty to give, emotionally and sexually. They're fit and settled in their lives.
No relationship drama. No miscommunication. Just real conversations and (eventually) hot sex.
Unfortunately, two of my biggest romance pet peeves were present:
1. Holden has a boyfriend until the 50 percent mark. Holden's guy Vince is great (I hope he appears as an MC in a future story), and he and Holden are not in love, but one of the MCs being attached for half the damn story is a huge downer imo.
2. The focus on family was overwhelming. Roe has this giant family all up in his business. We also learn all about Holden's sister Marilee, her 13-year-old son Sean, her abusive marriage to Sean's dad, and Sean dealing with his dad leaving.
Then there's Lindsey, Roe's best friend, and their son Wyatt (also 13), and the fact that Lindsey is obviously in love with Roe and Wyatt resents Holden for getting in the way of Wyatt having a "real" family.
The way Lindsey and Roe had Wyatt was also quite troubling for me.
(Not really a spoiler, more like a mini rant:)
Overall, it was too, too much. I didn't mind Marilee and Lindsey, but I was so so SO done with their saga and certainly done with the MCs tiptoeing around everyone's feelings, even though they're grownass men who have the right to share a bed.
That, coupled with the boyfriend thing, put a major damper on my enjoyment of this story.
I'm reluctantly rounding up to 3 stars. Here's hoping the next book is better.
I didn't click with this book like I do with most of Riley Hart's work.
I love that the MCs are in their 40s yet act and feel young (but not immature). I'm in my 40s now and feel young too, damn it. Too many romance books act like at 40 you have one foot in the grave, which is insulting frankly.
Roe and Holden have plenty to give, emotionally and sexually. They're fit and settled in their lives.
No relationship drama. No miscommunication. Just real conversations and (eventually) hot sex.
Unfortunately, two of my biggest romance pet peeves were present:
1. Holden has a boyfriend until the 50 percent mark. Holden's guy Vince is great (I hope he appears as an MC in a future story), and he and Holden are not in love, but one of the MCs being attached for half the damn story is a huge downer imo.
2. The focus on family was overwhelming. Roe has this giant family all up in his business. We also learn all about Holden's sister Marilee, her 13-year-old son Sean, her abusive marriage to Sean's dad, and Sean dealing with his dad leaving.
Then there's Lindsey, Roe's best friend, and their son Wyatt (also 13), and the fact that Lindsey is obviously in love with Roe and Wyatt resents Holden for getting in the way of Wyatt having a "real" family.
The way Lindsey and Roe had Wyatt was also quite troubling for me.
(Not really a spoiler, more like a mini rant:)
Overall, it was too, too much. I didn't mind Marilee and Lindsey, but I was so so SO done with their saga and certainly done with the MCs tiptoeing around everyone's feelings, even though they're grownass men who have the right to share a bed.
That, coupled with the boyfriend thing, put a major damper on my enjoyment of this story.
I'm reluctantly rounding up to 3 stars. Here's hoping the next book is better.
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November 22, 2021
Firefly Lane is the first book in the brand new series, Briar County, by Riley Hart. This is my third book by Riley. The first two books were Crossroads and Endless Stretch of Blue, both which were glorious five star reads for me. I was so excited about this new series and fell in love with the cover. There were lots of good things here but for the most part, the book kind of fell flat for me. I hope I can explain why.
Holden Barnett is forty three and is a pilot in Atlanta. He has been in a year long relationship with his best friend Vince but neither of them are very invested in the relationship. They get together every couple of weeks, neither interested in anything deeper. Holden likes it this way, no deep ties, just work and hanging out with Vince every so often. But then his world gets turned upside down when his younger sister whom he hasn’t heard from in eight long years calls him and needs his help. Holden doesn’t hesitate for a second and packs his bags for Harmony, North Carolina.
Monroe (Roe) Covington is forty five, has his own small farm but works on his family’s farm, Covington Acres Farms, as well as owns his own farm store in town. He is gay and is open with it but also shares a son, Wyatt, with his best friend since they were children, Lindsey. Harmony is a small town and doesn’t have much of a gay community so Roe obviously doesn’t date much. But his life is full with people he loves. Roe rents a cabin on his property to a mom, Marilee, and her son, Sean. It’s when Marilee’s older brother shows up that Roe’s life takes an interesting turn.
As Holden gets reacquainted with his nephew and sister, he also gets to know the very good looking owner. Holden begins to realize that his life wasn’t what it needed to be in Atlanta. He and Roe develop a friendship first. And I want to add that there is no cheating here. Holden’s relationship with his boyfriend ends before he and Roe take that step from friendship to more.
First, I want to say that these two boys, Holden’s nephew Sean, and Roe’s son, Wyatt, both thirteen years old, stole my heart. Especially Sean who was struggling with so much. And Holden, as unsure of himself as he was, was just so good for him. But, it’s the relationship between Roe and Holden that I struggled with. Even the early friendly conversations never felt natural. The word stilted is what comes to mind. I never felt their chemistry. I loved when Holden finally started opening himself up to wanting more for himself but I wanted to swoon, to get those butterflies that I love, and none of that happened. These two men were my favorite kind of couple, both strong and equal, but I just wanted to feel so much more for them and it never happened. I definitely have plenty more of this author’s books on my reading list for the future but I don’t know if I’ll continue this particular series. I’m still rating it four stars, though, just because it was a sweet story and I loved the kids.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Holden Barnett is forty three and is a pilot in Atlanta. He has been in a year long relationship with his best friend Vince but neither of them are very invested in the relationship. They get together every couple of weeks, neither interested in anything deeper. Holden likes it this way, no deep ties, just work and hanging out with Vince every so often. But then his world gets turned upside down when his younger sister whom he hasn’t heard from in eight long years calls him and needs his help. Holden doesn’t hesitate for a second and packs his bags for Harmony, North Carolina.
Monroe (Roe) Covington is forty five, has his own small farm but works on his family’s farm, Covington Acres Farms, as well as owns his own farm store in town. He is gay and is open with it but also shares a son, Wyatt, with his best friend since they were children, Lindsey. Harmony is a small town and doesn’t have much of a gay community so Roe obviously doesn’t date much. But his life is full with people he loves. Roe rents a cabin on his property to a mom, Marilee, and her son, Sean. It’s when Marilee’s older brother shows up that Roe’s life takes an interesting turn.
As Holden gets reacquainted with his nephew and sister, he also gets to know the very good looking owner. Holden begins to realize that his life wasn’t what it needed to be in Atlanta. He and Roe develop a friendship first. And I want to add that there is no cheating here. Holden’s relationship with his boyfriend ends before he and Roe take that step from friendship to more.
First, I want to say that these two boys, Holden’s nephew Sean, and Roe’s son, Wyatt, both thirteen years old, stole my heart. Especially Sean who was struggling with so much. And Holden, as unsure of himself as he was, was just so good for him. But, it’s the relationship between Roe and Holden that I struggled with. Even the early friendly conversations never felt natural. The word stilted is what comes to mind. I never felt their chemistry. I loved when Holden finally started opening himself up to wanting more for himself but I wanted to swoon, to get those butterflies that I love, and none of that happened. These two men were my favorite kind of couple, both strong and equal, but I just wanted to feel so much more for them and it never happened. I definitely have plenty more of this author’s books on my reading list for the future but I don’t know if I’ll continue this particular series. I’m still rating it four stars, though, just because it was a sweet story and I loved the kids.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
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September 8, 2021DNF at 25%
It’s just not working for me, something about the writing? It’s all “look at us, we’re so wholesome and wonderful” or whatever. Ugh. Maybe it’s just me? But these characters don’t feel real at all.
It’s just not working for me, something about the writing? It’s all “look at us, we’re so wholesome and wonderful” or whatever. Ugh. Maybe it’s just me? But these characters don’t feel real at all.
September 9, 2021
3.5 Stars!
Not bad.
Got a bit sappy there towards the end.
Definitely could've done without the 'darlin'.
But Roe was sweet. Maybe a little too sweet and perfect.
This was a nice start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing who is featured in some of the other books.
Not bad.
Got a bit sappy there towards the end.
Definitely could've done without the 'darlin'.
But Roe was sweet. Maybe a little too sweet and perfect.
This was a nice start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing who is featured in some of the other books.
September 12, 2021
2.5 rounded up. This was ok but not great. I'm gonna have to face the fact that this a hit or miss author for me and that makes me sad. I LOVE her Stumbling into Love series, the Havenwood series was also great but this one is not a great start. I still have hope that I'll like the follow-up books better.
It's difficult to put my finger on what did not work. I liked the family aspect, some people found it overbearing but I enjoyed it. Both MCs were really too perfect and honestly Holden's tragic past didn't have enough impact on him to be believable. He was too perfect, trusting for what happened to him. He was in a relationship with another man for way too long (I didn't like how that ended, it was a cop out) and we could have done without him thinking that the other MC was homophobic... I liked to see his relationship with Sean (his nephew) but again we don't see enough of it, we are told that Sean is a great kid but don't really see it. Holden's ability/genius at carpentry was so weird . I liked the Marlee's storyline, it rang true to me. What life in Atlanta does Holden have that he allegedly has to go back to? He has his friend Vince, but what else. He was VERY easily able to drop everything for 3 months and then does not have to take care of anything "back home" while he is away.
Roe is also too perfect and his relationship to Lindsay never came to life for me because we don't get to know her. I didn't mind how they got their son but I can see why it would bother others. I thought that the drama at the end with Wyatt and Lindsay came out of nowhere, it was not hinted at before because we don't get to spend time with Lindsey. The story would have been better if she had been married to someone else from the start. We don't really get to know his family.
I could feel the UST between the MCs but the sex scenes seemed to be from another book or from other characters. I liked the level of communication between them.
The small town feel did not come through to me. It's weird because the author tried but the 4 of them (Marlee, Sean, Holden and Roe) feel rather isolated on their farms. Again it's probably a me thing.
To sum up this is probably a case of telling, not showing, for we are told that they have fun but I didn't feel it. Check Snjez's and Daniella's review, both are great and I agree with their takes.
It's difficult to put my finger on what did not work. I liked the family aspect, some people found it overbearing but I enjoyed it. Both MCs were really too perfect and honestly Holden's tragic past didn't have enough impact on him to be believable. He was too perfect, trusting for what happened to him. He was in a relationship with another man for way too long (I didn't like how that ended, it was a cop out) and we could have done without him thinking that the other MC was homophobic... I liked to see his relationship with Sean (his nephew) but again we don't see enough of it, we are told that Sean is a great kid but don't really see it. Holden's ability/genius at carpentry was so weird . I liked the Marlee's storyline, it rang true to me. What life in Atlanta does Holden have that he allegedly has to go back to? He has his friend Vince, but what else. He was VERY easily able to drop everything for 3 months and then does not have to take care of anything "back home" while he is away.
Roe is also too perfect and his relationship to Lindsay never came to life for me because we don't get to know her. I didn't mind how they got their son but I can see why it would bother others. I thought that the drama at the end with Wyatt and Lindsay came out of nowhere, it was not hinted at before because we don't get to spend time with Lindsey. The story would have been better if she had been married to someone else from the start. We don't really get to know his family.
I could feel the UST between the MCs but the sex scenes seemed to be from another book or from other characters. I liked the level of communication between them.
The small town feel did not come through to me. It's weird because the author tried but the 4 of them (Marlee, Sean, Holden and Roe) feel rather isolated on their farms. Again it's probably a me thing.
To sum up this is probably a case of telling, not showing, for we are told that they have fun but I didn't feel it. Check Snjez's and Daniella's review, both are great and I agree with their takes.
September 8, 2021
⭐
AM I IN A READING SLUMP OR WHAT? 3.2 STARS
⭐
This is a case of it's me and not the book, I honestly don't know what vodoo shit is transpiring in my mood and reading month but Christ, I really should've loved this book.
This book was good, really good.
Riley's book are as always funny and cute, and the friendship between our MCs was wholesome and inspiring, incredibly soft when we see both of them completely smitten to either their children or nephew and then when both of them care of the other's families just has a way to warm everyone's stone cold heart.
I was especially excited for this book because it features characters who are in their 40's and it's about damn time stories for people of this age range, whether romance or not, are being written.
I think this book is a special case of reading this on a cold evening with warm beverages and a blankets surrounding you because that's exactly how cozy this book feels.
My favorite part of this book was:
A. How Holden always put his family first, how he always protected and cherished them, how he wanted the best for them. How he cherished his sister and put down everything for her, and how sweet and caring he was to Sean, a kid who was so confused and angry and hurt. Holden saw him for more than that and he treated him with respect, with honesty, and with genuine affection.
B. Okay everyone knows I have a unrespectable amount of fetishes with asshole characters, they just make my world go round OKAY.
but that doesn't mean I don't adore soft and kind characters. Characters who are always generous and will go out of their way to help you just because it would feel more weird to not to, characters who just have an aura of warmth within them, and spreading around everywhere they go.
I really liked Holden and Monroe's relationship, they are one of the most mature relationships I've ever read and the connection they share is something many would envy for how strong it is.
And doesn't this just spark the meaning of love?
It was strange how he could go through life being happy, feeling complete, and then Holden came into his world and just by existing, showed Roe something he was missing—that spark, that thrill that said he was more than just living; he was alive
I especially enjoyed the small town vibes from this book, I've been enjoying these themes are lot recently and the atmosphere and the very wholesome community is quite a delightful change from the toxic environment/small towns I 've been reading.
Although most of it went over my head because my brain is not compatible for world building, I still thoroughly enjoyed the sense of community and just everyone helping and being their for one another. I grew up in a small town too, so it's always nice to see healthy communities bringing each other up.
Wyatt and Sean's blossoming relationship was so heartwarming, I'm so excited to see where Riley takes them because I know they're gonna be a favorite.
I hope it's not a case of narrow mindedness coming from me, it's just that... I'm still perplexed at Lindsey's and Monroe's relationship, more likely the fact that Monroe is gay and he has a child with his best friend... whose straight. Like I just don't get it. And I was baffled at the situation.
They've been friends since they were children and Lindsey was the first person Monroe came out too during his adolescence, yet in their 20's, they decided to have sex and oopsies, they forgot to wrap their willy?????
“Hey,” Roe said. “We are a real family. We’re the best kind of family. We love and respect each other. We enjoy each other’s company. We hang out together, and laugh together, and we’re always there for each other. That’s what family is.”
But family IS family I guess.
Riley Hart is an auto-read author for me so I'm still excited to see where she goes with this series, especially considering book 2 and their exciting story who I have manyyyyy hints for.
I know I have nothing but positives to say about this book and that is because this genuinely is a good book. Too bad whatever pissy mood I'm on couldn't enjoy it.
Initial Reactions
cute
This is a case of it's me and not the book, I honestly don't know what vodoo shit is transpiring in my mood and reading month but Christ, I really should've loved this book.
This book was good, really good.
Riley's book are as always funny and cute, and the friendship between our MCs was wholesome and inspiring, incredibly soft when we see both of them completely smitten to either their children or nephew and then when both of them care of the other's families just has a way to warm everyone's stone cold heart.
“I’m too damn old to play games, though. We’re friends, and we’re fucking, but if it gets complicated, we talk about it. I’m not sayin’ we gotta make a big deal out of it or anything, but I want lines of communication open. No games. We know what this is. It doesn’t need to become messy.”
I was especially excited for this book because it features characters who are in their 40's and it's about damn time stories for people of this age range, whether romance or not, are being written.
I think this book is a special case of reading this on a cold evening with warm beverages and a blankets surrounding you because that's exactly how cozy this book feels.
“We need to figure out a schedule for movies with goats.”
My favorite part of this book was:
A. How Holden always put his family first, how he always protected and cherished them, how he wanted the best for them. How he cherished his sister and put down everything for her, and how sweet and caring he was to Sean, a kid who was so confused and angry and hurt. Holden saw him for more than that and he treated him with respect, with honesty, and with genuine affection.
“Mari…it’s okay. Whatever it is, it’s okay.” Because it was. She was his sister, and he loved her. If she wanted back in his life, Holden would take her.
“We should get back to work. You gotta earn that paycheck I’m giving you.” He nudged him playfully. He was paying Sean out of his earnings for helping him. The kid deserved it.
“Hey, Uncle Holden?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you…for teaching me this stuff and bringing me with you. I…I really like it.”
B. Okay everyone knows I have a unrespectable amount of fetishes with asshole characters, they just make my world go round OKAY.
but that doesn't mean I don't adore soft and kind characters. Characters who are always generous and will go out of their way to help you just because it would feel more weird to not to, characters who just have an aura of warmth within them, and spreading around everywhere they go.
I really liked Holden and Monroe's relationship, they are one of the most mature relationships I've ever read and the connection they share is something many would envy for how strong it is.
They ordered for everyone else too, both reaching for their wallets at the same time. “I got it,” they said simultaneously, and chuckled.
He spent too much time thinking about the other man—about his smile when they’d take a break from riding, or that damn body Holden had no business picturing.
Every time those thoughts filled his head, he distracted himself with the barn, trying to find more ways to say thank you, not just for what he’d done for Marilee and Sean, but for the friendship Holden thoroughly enjoyed.
“Thank you, Holden. I’m not sure what to say.” He’d always thought he was pretty good with words, but sometimes, he didn’t feel it around Holden. It was like he didn’t have the right ones
“You kept track of your hours, right? Like we talked about?” Roe was going to pay him at the end for hours worked. “And you got extra material, so I need receipts for that too.”
“Nope. I’m not taking money from you for this. I wanted to do something nice for you.” He rubbed a hand over his face, his eyes darting down, as if he was embarrassed. He left a smudge of dirt on his cheek.
“I can’t accept that. I have to pay you for your work.”
“You took in my family when I wasn’t there to do it, Roe. This is nothing compared to that.”
Holden wanted him. It burned inside him, and he wasn’t sure what to do with it. Part of him wanted to extinguish it before it flared out of control. The heat felt…dangerous. Yet at the same time, he wanted to add gas so they could go up in flames.
And doesn't this just spark the meaning of love?
It was strange how he could go through life being happy, feeling complete, and then Holden came into his world and just by existing, showed Roe something he was missing—that spark, that thrill that said he was more than just living; he was alive
I especially enjoyed the small town vibes from this book, I've been enjoying these themes are lot recently and the atmosphere and the very wholesome community is quite a delightful change from the toxic environment/small towns I 've been reading.
He could make the drive home with his eyes closed. He could drive anywhere in Harmony that way. He knew every inch of the place, every fishing hole and swimming spot. Every park, farm, and anything else in town and most of Briar County. He didn’t know how he’d ever thought he could leave this for good. It was burrowed too deep inside him, part of what made Roe…Roe.
Although most of it went over my head because my brain is not compatible for world building, I still thoroughly enjoyed the sense of community and just everyone helping and being their for one another. I grew up in a small town too, so it's always nice to see healthy communities bringing each other up.
Wyatt and Sean's blossoming relationship was so heartwarming, I'm so excited to see where Riley takes them because I know they're gonna be a favorite.
Wyatt moved to sit closer to Sean, and they went from discussing dirt bikes to video games. That easily, they’d become friends
I hope it's not a case of narrow mindedness coming from me, it's just that... I'm still perplexed at Lindsey's and Monroe's relationship, more likely the fact that Monroe is gay and he has a child with his best friend... whose straight. Like I just don't get it. And I was baffled at the situation.
They've been friends since they were children and Lindsey was the first person Monroe came out too during his adolescence, yet in their 20's, they decided to have sex and oopsies, they forgot to wrap their willy?????
“Hey,” Roe said. “We are a real family. We’re the best kind of family. We love and respect each other. We enjoy each other’s company. We hang out together, and laugh together, and we’re always there for each other. That’s what family is.”
But family IS family I guess.
Riley Hart is an auto-read author for me so I'm still excited to see where she goes with this series, especially considering book 2 and their exciting story who I have manyyyyy hints for.
Briar County is a little different from my other series. I wanted a bigger world to play in, so I created a whole fictional county, with fictional towns, in North Carolina. I wanted a really rich setting, with lots of family, history, townsfolk, café owners, store owners, etc., which means there are tons of possibilities for stories. My goal with this is to have a world I know really well, one I can come back to whenever I feel like it, which means there might be two books in this series or there might be twelve. I just don’t know. I definitely plan to write each book as a standalone, so you can jump in whenever/wherever you want
I know I have nothing but positives to say about this book and that is because this genuinely is a good book. Too bad whatever pissy mood I'm on couldn't enjoy it.
Initial Reactions
cute
September 9, 2021
~4.5
It was such a pleasure to read about MCs in their forties who actually behave like mature men, communicate with each other and are honest about their feelings and wants. Both Holden and Roe are successful and have satisfying lives but meeting each other makes them realize that something is missing, that together they can be more. From strangers to friends and then to lovers was an organic journey, warm and sweet, low on angst and high on steam (when the time comes).
This is a relative slow burn - Holden has a boyfriend in the beginning of the story. They are not in love, but are good friends and exclusive. I loved how this aspect of the story was handled, with honesty instead of unnecessary drama. I hope there will be a story for Vince.
There is lot of family dynamics in this one - Holden's sister and nephew, Roe's family, small town community. There were always people around those two and while I appreciated layers it added to the story and both MCs sometimes I wished for more one on one time. And less about Roe's relationships with Lindsey - mother of his son. Some parts of it were totally unnecessary and some were questionable.
I loved reading Roe and Holden story and getting to know Briar County. There is a small town charm without annoying meddling town folks. Looking forward to the next book from this universe.
It was such a pleasure to read about MCs in their forties who actually behave like mature men, communicate with each other and are honest about their feelings and wants. Both Holden and Roe are successful and have satisfying lives but meeting each other makes them realize that something is missing, that together they can be more. From strangers to friends and then to lovers was an organic journey, warm and sweet, low on angst and high on steam (when the time comes).
This is a relative slow burn - Holden has a boyfriend in the beginning of the story. They are not in love, but are good friends and exclusive. I loved how this aspect of the story was handled, with honesty instead of unnecessary drama. I hope there will be a story for Vince.
There is lot of family dynamics in this one - Holden's sister and nephew, Roe's family, small town community. There were always people around those two and while I appreciated layers it added to the story and both MCs sometimes I wished for more one on one time. And less about Roe's relationships with Lindsey - mother of his son. Some parts of it were totally unnecessary and some were questionable.
I loved reading Roe and Holden story and getting to know Briar County. There is a small town charm without annoying meddling town folks. Looking forward to the next book from this universe.
Read
September 16, 2021dnf as well
September 10, 2021
This is dreadful the first 60% is tediously slow then it's inevitable drama llamas you could see coming from first meet.
The main characters are too perfect, they're responsible, caring, protective, supportive, smart, hard working, understanding, hot, parent figures - one has a son, the other a nephew. A lot of narrating the story is in their heads so we hear them constantly thinking how amazing, caring, smart, hot, blah, blah the other is. Unfortunately they never become individuals, never real, just model cutouts that support others. Even Vince 'the boyfriend' is perfect.
Roe is a walking backward baseball cap, I can't tell you how sick I got of hearing about those caps! And Holden, um I think he had chocolate coloured hair maybe, he was fairly blank. But they do both have furry chests and Holden quit his silly pilot job for a manly carpentery gig. Roe having done the business thing previously to then returned to the farm.
The sex scenes read ...odd. Highly unsexy with dirty talk that's jarring; this is Wyatt's father, Sean's uncle, far more than it's Roe and Holden so reading 'I really wanna pull a load from these big balls.' is disconcerting at best. Also they seem to forget their super-protective roles to disappear for sex without worry.
Despite hearing they're old souls, the children seem a lot younger than thirteen. The whole concept of Wyatt's birth is bizarre, Roe is confidently gay yet sleeps with his female friend? Are turkey basters that hard to get hold of? At 90% I was still half expecting Roe to satisfy the town's folk by turning himself straight and marrying Lindsey.
The more I read the more the book irked me.
The main characters are too perfect, they're responsible, caring, protective, supportive, smart, hard working, understanding, hot, parent figures - one has a son, the other a nephew. A lot of narrating the story is in their heads so we hear them constantly thinking how amazing, caring, smart, hot, blah, blah the other is. Unfortunately they never become individuals, never real, just model cutouts that support others. Even Vince 'the boyfriend' is perfect.
Roe is a walking backward baseball cap, I can't tell you how sick I got of hearing about those caps! And Holden, um I think he had chocolate coloured hair maybe, he was fairly blank. But they do both have furry chests and Holden quit his silly pilot job for a manly carpentery gig. Roe having done the business thing previously to then returned to the farm.
The sex scenes read ...odd. Highly unsexy with dirty talk that's jarring; this is Wyatt's father, Sean's uncle, far more than it's Roe and Holden so reading 'I really wanna pull a load from these big balls.' is disconcerting at best. Also they seem to forget their super-protective roles to disappear for sex without worry.
Despite hearing they're old souls, the children seem a lot younger than thirteen. The whole concept of Wyatt's birth is bizarre, Roe is confidently gay yet sleeps with his female friend? Are turkey basters that hard to get hold of? At 90% I was still half expecting Roe to satisfy the town's folk by turning himself straight and marrying Lindsey.
The more I read the more the book irked me.
May 15, 2025
3.5 Stars
Two mature, rugged men, falling in love amongst a picture-perfect small-town setting. Yes, please and thank-you.
I dug the vibe of this story. It was low-angst, sweet and serene, building in character depth and chemistry as the story leisurely unfolded.
Holden and Roe were a good fit. Friends first, and then, after a slow-burn and changing of personal situations, they explosively gave into their sizzling attraction and didn’t take long to admit to the depth of their feelings for one another, or what that meant for their future.
I was a bit worried about their individual family dynamics when the story began, and what that would mean for their relationship, but the small-town drama, that sometimes comes with stories like these, was thankfully a non-issue, and, for the most part, their relationship had a nice, smooth progression to it.
The secondary cast didn’t leave much of an impact, to be honest, but I did like Holden’s nephew, Sean, and the relationship they built over the course of the story as newly re-acquainted uncle and struggling nephew.
Overall, Firefly Lane was a lovely read from a personal favourite M/M author, but perhaps not as deeply absorbing as I’ve found many other Riley Hart stories in the past. Still, looking forward to reading more in the world of Briar County.
Two mature, rugged men, falling in love amongst a picture-perfect small-town setting. Yes, please and thank-you.
I dug the vibe of this story. It was low-angst, sweet and serene, building in character depth and chemistry as the story leisurely unfolded.
Holden and Roe were a good fit. Friends first, and then, after a slow-burn and changing of personal situations, they explosively gave into their sizzling attraction and didn’t take long to admit to the depth of their feelings for one another, or what that meant for their future.
I was a bit worried about their individual family dynamics when the story began, and what that would mean for their relationship, but the small-town drama, that sometimes comes with stories like these, was thankfully a non-issue, and, for the most part, their relationship had a nice, smooth progression to it.
The secondary cast didn’t leave much of an impact, to be honest, but I did like Holden’s nephew, Sean, and the relationship they built over the course of the story as newly re-acquainted uncle and struggling nephew.
Overall, Firefly Lane was a lovely read from a personal favourite M/M author, but perhaps not as deeply absorbing as I’ve found many other Riley Hart stories in the past. Still, looking forward to reading more in the world of Briar County.
September 22, 2021
2.5 stars
First things first, THIS COVER IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Seriously.
With that said, this was ok. There was some charming small town shenanigans going on and I did somewhat like the steam. However, and I can't believe I'm saying this... it was a little too sweet. A little too polished and a little too perfect. Everyone was just so nice all the freaking time. And while I usually love a nice guy getting the love he deserves, in this particular book, I got a little bored. I had high hopes this would have the same charm as the author's Stumbling into love series which I absolutely adored every single book of, maybe they were too high. Will I read the second book? Most likely.
First things first, THIS COVER IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Seriously.
With that said, this was ok. There was some charming small town shenanigans going on and I did somewhat like the steam. However, and I can't believe I'm saying this... it was a little too sweet. A little too polished and a little too perfect. Everyone was just so nice all the freaking time. And while I usually love a nice guy getting the love he deserves, in this particular book, I got a little bored. I had high hopes this would have the same charm as the author's Stumbling into love series which I absolutely adored every single book of, maybe they were too high. Will I read the second book? Most likely.
February 1, 2022
4 Slow-burning Stars!! 😍 This was a wonderful romance between 2 MCs who are both family oriented and yet one is close to his family and the other is not. Roe and Holden are similar in personalities and temperament, no wonder they are immediately attracted to one another, but Holden is in town only for the summer so Roe tries not to let their mutual attraction turn into anything serious. Holden has some baggage when it comes to growing up in small towns, but with Roe he can see possibilities that he hadn't seen before. Their romance also can make or break some familial bonds that they have established so they have to be careful that they don't end up causing pain and heartbreak.
The story was more than just about Roe and Holden's romance which was both good (making it more wholesome) and bad (as in too much time was wasted being interrupted by family members when something hot was about to happen 😉) But other than that, I did love the overall book and the blended families, open environment and full-filling lives sort of world created by RH. It was nostalgic or fantastical in many ways, by way of showing us how it could be.❤️ More than the romance, I yearn for that small town where everything is good and everyone is nice. 😍
Highly recommended to all fans of slow-burn romances with a touch of small-town magic! 👍👍
The story was more than just about Roe and Holden's romance which was both good (making it more wholesome) and bad (as in too much time was wasted being interrupted by family members when something hot was about to happen 😉) But other than that, I did love the overall book and the blended families, open environment and full-filling lives sort of world created by RH. It was nostalgic or fantastical in many ways, by way of showing us how it could be.❤️ More than the romance, I yearn for that small town where everything is good and everyone is nice. 😍
Highly recommended to all fans of slow-burn romances with a touch of small-town magic! 👍👍
October 25, 2021
Oh, this was simply delightful.
Surprisingly, it's fairly rare to read a romance with men of a "certain age" ;) and it is actually quite refreshing. They're just so mature and adult and they communicate well and are responsible and yess, I love it!
Monroe, or Roe as he is most commonly called, is 45 years old, and after some time away, moved back to the small town he grew up in in North Carolina. He's gay, single, and has a kid that he had with his best friend since childhood, Lindsey. He almost has everything he could want. Except for a man to love and have love him.
Holden is 43 years old, and has been a pilot for years. Although now it's become just a job for him, he'd loved it at first because it felt good getting away, moving on from places, because the small town he lived in Virginia represents his sucky childhood, with horrible parents, especially his father.
He doesn't think serious relationships are in the cards for him, but when his sister Marilee calls him from Harmony, after 8 years of silence, he drops everything to go and be there for her and her son, Sean, after her abusive husband has up and left a few months back. She had previously pushed Holden out of her life because she thought she had to to make it work with Adam, her abusive ex.
And Marilee just happens to be living in a cabin on Roe's property, because he was kind enough to let her rent it for real cheap as she tries to get a leg up after Adam took almost all their money and they got evicted from their house.
Holden and Roe meet and instantly connect, although they don't do anything because Holden has a boyfriend, Vince, although it's a fairly lax one, with barely any expectations between them, not very serious.
But these two can't help but feel a connection, and they form a fast friendship. When Vince eventually comes to town, he and Holden break up amicably, and later the next day, Holden tells Roe, and then they finally kiss.
It was so hot. All that build up, all that sexual tension, and then they're finally able to do something about it, they explode, and it's so incredibly hot. They get each other off right there against the barn wall on Roe's property.
And so they start seeing each other, casually at first. But soon they start to feel more, and they actually tell each other that instead of hiding from it.
But Holden, for some time, is still determined to go back to Atlanta where he lived before coming there after the summer and go back to his pilot job, because before being in small towns made him itchy to get out of them after some time, but it was just because of what they represented from his childhood.
And as he really starts to get Harmony and the people there, and Roe especially, he's starting to feel that Harmony isn't so bad. He's also getting really close with Sean, his nephew, and doesn't want to leave him either.
I loved how there was no big drama here. There was still conflict, but it wasn't used for melodrama, and it wasn't over the top, and these two communicated what they wanted.
When they realized they loved each other, they didn't wait too long after they realized that to tell each other.
These two just worked so well together. And the sex scenes were actually appropriately steamy - sometimes I find this authors' sex scenes to leave a little something to be desired, but sometimes they're actually on point, and in this book they were on point. Their chemistry jumped off the page.
This was a win overall from me from this author. Great story, great connection between our MC's, amazing chemistry, and an overall fun read.
I definitely recommend this, it was definitely very good, in my opinion. Two massive thumbs up from me!
Can't wait for the next one :D
Surprisingly, it's fairly rare to read a romance with men of a "certain age" ;) and it is actually quite refreshing. They're just so mature and adult and they communicate well and are responsible and yess, I love it!
Monroe, or Roe as he is most commonly called, is 45 years old, and after some time away, moved back to the small town he grew up in in North Carolina. He's gay, single, and has a kid that he had with his best friend since childhood, Lindsey. He almost has everything he could want. Except for a man to love and have love him.
Holden is 43 years old, and has been a pilot for years. Although now it's become just a job for him, he'd loved it at first because it felt good getting away, moving on from places, because the small town he lived in Virginia represents his sucky childhood, with horrible parents, especially his father.
He doesn't think serious relationships are in the cards for him, but when his sister Marilee calls him from Harmony, after 8 years of silence, he drops everything to go and be there for her and her son, Sean, after her abusive husband has up and left a few months back. She had previously pushed Holden out of her life because she thought she had to to make it work with Adam, her abusive ex.
And Marilee just happens to be living in a cabin on Roe's property, because he was kind enough to let her rent it for real cheap as she tries to get a leg up after Adam took almost all their money and they got evicted from their house.
Holden and Roe meet and instantly connect, although they don't do anything because Holden has a boyfriend, Vince, although it's a fairly lax one, with barely any expectations between them, not very serious.
But these two can't help but feel a connection, and they form a fast friendship. When Vince eventually comes to town, he and Holden break up amicably, and later the next day, Holden tells Roe, and then they finally kiss.
It was so hot. All that build up, all that sexual tension, and then they're finally able to do something about it, they explode, and it's so incredibly hot. They get each other off right there against the barn wall on Roe's property.
And so they start seeing each other, casually at first. But soon they start to feel more, and they actually tell each other that instead of hiding from it.
But Holden, for some time, is still determined to go back to Atlanta where he lived before coming there after the summer and go back to his pilot job, because before being in small towns made him itchy to get out of them after some time, but it was just because of what they represented from his childhood.
And as he really starts to get Harmony and the people there, and Roe especially, he's starting to feel that Harmony isn't so bad. He's also getting really close with Sean, his nephew, and doesn't want to leave him either.
I loved how there was no big drama here. There was still conflict, but it wasn't used for melodrama, and it wasn't over the top, and these two communicated what they wanted.
When they realized they loved each other, they didn't wait too long after they realized that to tell each other.
These two just worked so well together. And the sex scenes were actually appropriately steamy - sometimes I find this authors' sex scenes to leave a little something to be desired, but sometimes they're actually on point, and in this book they were on point. Their chemistry jumped off the page.
This was a win overall from me from this author. Great story, great connection between our MC's, amazing chemistry, and an overall fun read.
I definitely recommend this, it was definitely very good, in my opinion. Two massive thumbs up from me!
Can't wait for the next one :D
November 26, 2023
Reread/Relisten: November 2023
Was a good reread, still same thoughts as the original read.
Original Read/Listen: September 2022
Audio: 4.5-5 stars Kale Williams is great, but both MC’s sounded the same.
Book: 3.5-4 stars
Sugary sweet and low angst, set in a small town, all things I love haha
I don’t know what it was about this book but it hooked me from page one and I liked both main characters, yes Roe might be too perfect but screw it I loved it haha
Can’t wait for book two!
Was a good reread, still same thoughts as the original read.
Original Read/Listen: September 2022
Audio: 4.5-5 stars Kale Williams is great, but both MC’s sounded the same.
Book: 3.5-4 stars
Sugary sweet and low angst, set in a small town, all things I love haha
I don’t know what it was about this book but it hooked me from page one and I liked both main characters, yes Roe might be too perfect but screw it I loved it haha
Can’t wait for book two!
September 8, 2021
Firefly Lane was sweet and low angst.
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn
-Small town romance
-Expiration date
-Family
-Alternating POVs
-Main characters in their 40s
-Chemistry
The pace was a little slow for me, but I had a lot going on with back to school, so that may have hindered my reading experience.
Overall, it was a nice start to a new series.
3.5 Stars
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn
-Small town romance
-Expiration date
-Family
-Alternating POVs
-Main characters in their 40s
-Chemistry
The pace was a little slow for me, but I had a lot going on with back to school, so that may have hindered my reading experience.
Overall, it was a nice start to a new series.
3.5 Stars
September 8, 2021
mature romance
I did like these characters but you had suspend disbelief a bit.
There is a huge deal made about how Roe is very GAY but he has sex with his FEMALE best friend so they can have a baby!!?! I could NOT get over this plot point. Like this was a SERIOUS head scratcher.
Have they never heard of artificial insemination?!?!? Bizarre.
This clouded the rest of the book for me. Sure there was minimal angst and a very predictable end but meh. Not sure I’ll read book two even though it’s Deacon’s story.
I did like these characters but you had suspend disbelief a bit.
There is a huge deal made about how Roe is very GAY but he has sex with his FEMALE best friend so they can have a baby!!?! I could NOT get over this plot point. Like this was a SERIOUS head scratcher.
Have they never heard of artificial insemination?!?!? Bizarre.
This clouded the rest of the book for me. Sure there was minimal angst and a very predictable end but meh. Not sure I’ll read book two even though it’s Deacon’s story.
April 26, 2023
Roe is one of the most thoughtful, nice and understanding men I’ve ever read about. He’s the only openly gay man in Harmony, but after spending some time in DC, he knows Harmony is where he belongs. His family, his son Wyatt and his best friend Lindsey are some of the most important people in his life and he’ll go out of his way to do anything to make them happy. He’s happy with his life, his shop and his family, but he’s missing someone to share his life with. On The other hand, Holden doesn’t like small towns at all, but when his sister calls him for help, he finds himself leaving Atlanta to make the trip to Harmony, NC. After years of no communication, he’s dedicated to helping his sister and his nephew to get back on their feet, make them feel loved and taken care of and rebuild their relationships. He’s a protector at heart and is determined to leave his family behind feeling more secure when the summer is over. From the first time they see each other, Roe and Holden have an immediate chemistry. Even though they start out as friends, that chemistry slouches around under the surface until it’s finally the right time for both of them to open up about their feelings. It was good to have characters that were open about their communication, feelings, dreams, pasts, everything. They were mature men in their 40's and their relationship reflected that. There was never a time in the story that it could be questioned, even when some outside drama reared its head. I hate when characters are obviously supposed to be together and then the author sees fit to have them apart and miserable for better than half the book. The story really delves into the concept of family, highlighting that while Roe and Holden’s families didn't necessarily fit the stereotypical mold...and there’s nothing wrong with that...no matter if it's reunited family, biological family, extended family, friends that are family...it’s all about the quality of the relationships and the support, not what it's called. Firefly Lane is a really sweet "friends to lovers", small town, slow burn romance with almost no angst. And did I mention that they watch movies among goats?
September 3, 2021
Firefly Lane is the first book in a new series from one of my favorite authors. This series is going to be all stand-alone stories set within the small town in Briar County, NC.
What really drew me to wanting to read this book is that both men are in their 40's - I love this change up, since it seems so many right now are about younger men in their 20's or only one MC is in his 40's. Both Roe and Holden are secure in themselves as gay men, with their jobs and overall pretty happy with their lives. It's not until they become friends and start wanting more that they realize that maybe this thing was missing from both of their lives.
I also love small town romances, where people know everything about everyone, and this made for a great setting. I also love the feels of family in this one, and what makes up a "family" today and how it doesn't have to be the heteronormative "ideal" people think of, if that makes sense.
I would say it's a bit of a slow burner romance, because Roe and Holden start as strangers, even thinking incorrect things of each other, to friends, and then to lovers. I love that there is no big misunderstanding between the two, no melodrama or major miscommunications. Give me more stories with older, grown men, I love them!
I recieved an arc in exchange for an honest review.
What really drew me to wanting to read this book is that both men are in their 40's - I love this change up, since it seems so many right now are about younger men in their 20's or only one MC is in his 40's. Both Roe and Holden are secure in themselves as gay men, with their jobs and overall pretty happy with their lives. It's not until they become friends and start wanting more that they realize that maybe this thing was missing from both of their lives.
I also love small town romances, where people know everything about everyone, and this made for a great setting. I also love the feels of family in this one, and what makes up a "family" today and how it doesn't have to be the heteronormative "ideal" people think of, if that makes sense.
I would say it's a bit of a slow burner romance, because Roe and Holden start as strangers, even thinking incorrect things of each other, to friends, and then to lovers. I love that there is no big misunderstanding between the two, no melodrama or major miscommunications. Give me more stories with older, grown men, I love them!
I recieved an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
This book could have been titled, “perfect gay men and the straight female drama around them.” There wasn’t enough conflict in this story for it to be interesting. The two “teens,” read more like 10 or 11 year olds, which bothered me. Needless to say, sweet, unchallenging stories about people who never do wrong…meh.
March 31, 2022
Cute small town romance
3.5*
I've not read one of Riley's books for a while, not deliberately but I've always seemed to get caught up in other series'.
So it was nice to finally get round to this delightful, low angst romance between two more mature men with some baggage.
I liked the fact there wasn't any unnecessary drama and that both Holden and Monroe were adult enough to have a conversation about their feelings and their worries.
Great secondary characters and a good small town vibe also made this an easy read.
3.5*
I've not read one of Riley's books for a while, not deliberately but I've always seemed to get caught up in other series'.
So it was nice to finally get round to this delightful, low angst romance between two more mature men with some baggage.
I liked the fact there wasn't any unnecessary drama and that both Holden and Monroe were adult enough to have a conversation about their feelings and their worries.
Great secondary characters and a good small town vibe also made this an easy read.
October 26, 2021
I was looking for a sweet romance story and this was exactly that.
It's impossible not to love Roe and Holden. If anyone says that they are too perfect to be true, they will probably be right. But that doesn't change the fact that I liked to watch them when they were together. I liked how they supported each other and how they were there for each other. I had no difficulty believing in their feelings.
Sean, Holden's nephew, and Wyatt, Roe's son, were fine. I don't really like children and teenagers in my books. And here, too, I didn't always like Sean and Wyatt. Sometimes it seemed to me that they did not behave for their age. I mean, they behave as if they were much younger.
One of the things that I appreciate the most about this book is the lack of some huge drama related to the relationship of the main characters. Even though Roe and Holden's situation definitely allowed it. It's known from the start that Holden wants to get back to his life in Atlanta, so his relationship with Roe has an expiration date. They both know it and accept it. I really liked how mature they approached this situation.
Another thing I definitely appreciate is Vince. So often the boyfriend or ex-boyfriend of one of the main characters is a total asshole. All the more I appreciate Vince, who is not only a great guy, but also a great friend to Holden. I think I would like him to be the hero of one of the next books in this series, he deserves his happiness.
I'm not a big fan of small town romance. It didn't bother me very much here, but it wasn't one of my favorite things either. I just don't like nosy neighbors and the family that are always watching you. And I don't find it particularly funny.
All in all, if you are looking for a sweet romance between two lovely guys then I definitely recommend this book.
It's impossible not to love Roe and Holden. If anyone says that they are too perfect to be true, they will probably be right. But that doesn't change the fact that I liked to watch them when they were together. I liked how they supported each other and how they were there for each other. I had no difficulty believing in their feelings.
Sean, Holden's nephew, and Wyatt, Roe's son, were fine. I don't really like children and teenagers in my books. And here, too, I didn't always like Sean and Wyatt. Sometimes it seemed to me that they did not behave for their age. I mean, they behave as if they were much younger.
One of the things that I appreciate the most about this book is the lack of some huge drama related to the relationship of the main characters. Even though Roe and Holden's situation definitely allowed it. It's known from the start that Holden wants to get back to his life in Atlanta, so his relationship with Roe has an expiration date. They both know it and accept it. I really liked how mature they approached this situation.
Another thing I definitely appreciate is Vince. So often the boyfriend or ex-boyfriend of one of the main characters is a total asshole. All the more I appreciate Vince, who is not only a great guy, but also a great friend to Holden. I think I would like him to be the hero of one of the next books in this series, he deserves his happiness.
I'm not a big fan of small town romance. It didn't bother me very much here, but it wasn't one of my favorite things either. I just don't like nosy neighbors and the family that are always watching you. And I don't find it particularly funny.
All in all, if you are looking for a sweet romance between two lovely guys then I definitely recommend this book.
September 10, 2021
3 recalcitrant stars.
⚠️There might be a little spoiler in my review⚠️
I wanted to like this book but I was more bothered than engaged in the story.
This book reminded me of Lucy Lennox's stories, which I usually don't like because there are too many meddling family members, and for me it's.. exhausting.
Another big problem was Holden's relationship status in the first 50% of the book .. just no. And I don't even want to start about Lindsey.. c'mon.
I am disappointed, hope the next one will work better for me!
⚠️There might be a little spoiler in my review⚠️
I wanted to like this book but I was more bothered than engaged in the story.
This book reminded me of Lucy Lennox's stories, which I usually don't like because there are too many meddling family members, and for me it's.. exhausting.
Another big problem was Holden's relationship status in the first 50% of the book .. just no. And I don't even want to start about Lindsey.. c'mon.
I am disappointed, hope the next one will work better for me!
November 3, 2021
3 Stars
This took me a couple of days to finish, like idk it was just nice and nothing really happened. The story just felt kind of stagnant and there was no real conflict.
6/10 not likely to recommend
This took me a couple of days to finish, like idk it was just nice and nothing really happened. The story just felt kind of stagnant and there was no real conflict.
6/10 not likely to recommend
October 21, 2021
I found this book perfect.
Monroe Covington is one of the best character. He's kind (offering his help to anybody needing it), selfless, funny and definitely handsome. He has a child with his best friend Lindsey. They are like the perfect family.
Enter Holden Barnett. He's the brother of the woman Monroe just rescue with her son in his house.
He lives in the big city and he's in couple with the unforgettable Vince (HOPE to read about you sooooooooon).
Between these two, it's an instant friendship...with something MORE. They can feel it. But Monroe isn't ready to date a man who's gonna get back to the city like his ex. And Holden is...in couple.
I love the way Riley wrote this. Everything fell in line.
No big drama. Just love everywhere.
A special place in my heart for Sean, Holden's nephew. Such a strong kid.
Can't wait for the next book.
Monroe Covington is one of the best character. He's kind (offering his help to anybody needing it), selfless, funny and definitely handsome. He has a child with his best friend Lindsey. They are like the perfect family.
Enter Holden Barnett. He's the brother of the woman Monroe just rescue with her son in his house.
He lives in the big city and he's in couple with the unforgettable Vince (HOPE to read about you sooooooooon).
Between these two, it's an instant friendship...with something MORE. They can feel it. But Monroe isn't ready to date a man who's gonna get back to the city like his ex. And Holden is...in couple.
I love the way Riley wrote this. Everything fell in line.
No big drama. Just love everywhere.
A special place in my heart for Sean, Holden's nephew. Such a strong kid.
Can't wait for the next book.
October 27, 2021
Historia de amor de una pareja de mediana edad con intereses distintos, o eso es lo que parece al principio. Es muy sencilla, puede que incluso simple, pero es una historia bonita, agradable.
October 23, 2021
Firefly Lane is the first book in the series Briar County. It is the story of two gay men in their forties. Fate and family issues get them in the same small town called Harmony in Briar County. Holden Barnett is a pilot. After a phone call from the sister he did not hear from for a long time, he travels to Harmony to help her deal with the mess her husband left her in. There he meets Monroe Covington who helped his sister. Something clicks between the two and their life changes. The story is narrated from the two main characters’ perspectives.
Two reasons made me pick up Firefly Lane. The first is Rodiney Santiago. If you wonder who he is, that is the sexy Brazilian model/actor on the cover of the book. He used to be more boyish but now he is more the daddy type. I think he fits the theme of the book. The second reason is that this story features two middle-aged gay characters in their 40s. Usually, most queer stories feature young main characters so this one I thought would be a good departure from those. I have never read anything by Riley Hart before so wanted to give her a shot.
This story is more like a feel-good romance tale with a happy ending. Looking at the characters individually they seem to be as good men with good hearts. They both cared about family and the people around them. Unfortunately, I could not feel the chemistry between the two. There was something missing. Many times I felt that the side characters’ problems were taking the center stage. It was always about Marilee, Lyndsay, Adam, or the kids! There was not enough about the main two men. As if they were living all their time for the others. This made me feel detached from the two main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two whether in normal scenes or in the sex scenes.
I appreciate the author trying to present different dynamics and types of relationships, be it the friendship/sexual relationship between Holden and Vince, or the friendship and family bond between Roe and Lindsay. Even though the latter felt a bit unrealistic to me. I feel the main problem with the book for me is that the author tried to make it too sugary where every character except for Adam is too good and kind like an angel. This took a lot from the plot’s realism. As for the writing style, I am not really sure it clicked with me. Maybe I felt that way due to the shortcomings but that I will know when I read more books by the author.
I feel this book had the potential to be a four or five-star story for me. I still think it is a decent story but not something you will have in your memory for a long time.
The Review
Two reasons made me pick up Firefly Lane. The first is Rodiney Santiago. If you wonder who he is, that is the sexy Brazilian model/actor on the cover of the book. He used to be more boyish but now he is more the daddy type. I think he fits the theme of the book. The second reason is that this story features two middle-aged gay characters in their 40s. Usually, most queer stories feature young main characters so this one I thought would be a good departure from those. I have never read anything by Riley Hart before so wanted to give her a shot.
This story is more like a feel-good romance tale with a happy ending. Looking at the characters individually they seem to be as good men with good hearts. They both cared about family and the people around them. Unfortunately, I could not feel the chemistry between the two. There was something missing. Many times I felt that the side characters’ problems were taking the center stage. It was always about Marilee, Lyndsay, Adam, or the kids! There was not enough about the main two men. As if they were living all their time for the others. This made me feel detached from the two main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two whether in normal scenes or in the sex scenes.
I appreciate the author trying to present different dynamics and types of relationships, be it the friendship/sexual relationship between Holden and Vince, or the friendship and family bond between Roe and Lindsay. Even though the latter felt a bit unrealistic to me. I feel the main problem with the book for me is that the author tried to make it too sugary where every character except for Adam is too good and kind like an angel. This took a lot from the plot’s realism. As for the writing style, I am not really sure it clicked with me. Maybe I felt that way due to the shortcomings but that I will know when I read more books by the author.
I feel this book had the potential to be a four or five-star story for me. I still think it is a decent story but not something you will have in your memory for a long time.
The Review
September 22, 2021
The story was ok, it was just so very picture perfect that it was almost boring. The MCs were both gorgeous, successful, wonderful humans, with wonderful families, living in a wonderful town, etc. Maybe I’ve been watching too many cop shows, but I would have liked this better if there had been some action or mystery included.
January 19, 2024
I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting. This genre can be overwhelmed with overly complicated and contrived plots. Angst for the sake of angst. But this is exactly what I needed today… a well written low angst sweet as pie small town love story. The development of Roe and Holden’s love was just… really lovely to read about and their supporting characters added depth to the plot as a whole. And can we get a standing ovation for “mature man” please?? I love reading about men finding love over 40. And ones that can still have a bit of baggage but it still not muddy the plot, just like Roe and Holden. I was honestly sad when I finished it. I always look forward to Riley’s books, but I can’t wait to read more from Briar County.
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