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Fireflies

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Three’s company, but is four a crowd?

Mike and Dane are a bisexual couple living the good life in a tucked-away Florida beach town.

But things start to shift when Dane announces he’d like to add a third to their seven-year relationship. A woman.

What ensues is a journey neither man expected. And after a few rather interesting hookups, two women enter the picture, forever changing the course of their lives.

Will the men get everything they’ve always wanted? Or will their polyamorous relationship prove to be more than they can abide?


Author Note: Fireflies is a 45,000-word novel. Part of The Physical Collection: a series of sexy standalones by A.R. Hadley. More literary fiction, less romance. The characters and their intense and realistic actions drive the plot. Contains graphic content that may trigger some readers.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2023

33 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

A.R. Hadley

15 books191 followers
A.R. Hadley writes imperfectly perfect sentences by the light of her iPhone.
She loves the ocean.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping unsweet tea near a beautiful garden as she weaves fictional tales of love and connection amid reality.

VISIT A.R. HADLEY'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,523 reviews80 followers
May 19, 2023
4.5 stars
Fireflies is exactly what its title infers a provocative erotic poly MMF tale. It is a part of The Physical Collection which is a series of sexy evocative standalones. It is a twisty and beautiful story of love but not in the conventional sense for some.
A.R. Hadley is a new author to be but if this book is any indication of her writing, then I will certainly be seeking out more of her work. Her narrative is simplistic in its telling but absolutely enticing and engrossing.
It is a sensually erotic tale and I love that it has some dark and gritty elements that gives just that little bit more. There are complicated entanglements, lots of steam, emotions, drama and passion.
Dane and Mike’s relationship is not perfect, but it works for them until now. They have depth, imperfections and flaws. They have desires, wants and needs. Is their relationship strong enough to allow others in?
3,388 reviews28 followers
May 15, 2023
I couldn’t get my head around the relationship with Dane and Mike.
I did not finish this book because I really struggled with how Dane and Mike treated each other they were quite violent with one another, it wasn’t dangerous and it wasn’t horrible but I just couldn’t get my head around treating someone you love like that. I understood the concept of the book and I think it would’ve been a really good storyline but the women that they chose when they couldn’t find the girl that Dane meet at the bar that first time. They were just there to be used and don’t get me wrong the women were fully consensual and into it but it just felt cold. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I would like to try another to see if it was The main characters that put me off.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,646 reviews15 followers
May 16, 2023
Highly provocative and intricate entanglements: M/M and M/M/F
This is the third book in “The Physical Collection” that I have read. They have all been enjoyable if you like lots of steam and passion. This one was even more interesting because it was complicated. Ms. Hadley delights in giving her audience complex circumstances. So far, this one is top of my list of “complicated.”
At the open of this book, Dane Clark at 41yo has lived with 50yo Mike Stamos both bisexual for seven years in an M/M relationship. Dane desires to add a woman and possibly to start a family if they are lucky enough to choose the right woman. They have several interesting one-night-stands until they meet Vanessa who has known Mike for a few years through work. Dane’s problem is that he met a woman named Vylana at a bar a while back and he can’t get her off his mind. Without having had a date or much interaction, he’s in love with Vy, but she lives in Oregon and Dane lives in Florida. The complications come about in several ways, one of which is of a mystical nature. The book takes place over a period of several years. If you like panty-melting scenes and lots of fiery interactions, you will want to read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it.
Profile Image for Jules Herbert.
620 reviews12 followers
June 6, 2023
I have spent a long time trying to decide how to review this book. This author is talented and her writing style is good but on this occasion I really struggled to connect with the characters which then effected my overall enjoyment of the book. The Blurb drew me in and the potential storyline appealed to me greatly but without that connection that I was craving it fell short for me. Now having said that it doesn't mean that the next person to pick up this book won't highly enjoy it so I still recommend giving it a go.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,897 reviews
May 25, 2023
“”fireflies, lightning bugs /known for/conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates “”
Provocative, interesting and well written the story about 2 men and 2 women who decided that they have enough love to share between them.
Their relationship is complex, complicated , difficult and soo hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
June 7, 2023
3.5 stars
Mixed feelings
This was an interesting read - the cover and blurb drew me in. The story started strong with Dane and Mike looking to enhance their relationship by adding in a female. I think if the storyline stayed on this path it would have been enough. The story takes on some other aspects and I did feel a bit disconnected from the characters at times. I pushed through and the ending was not what I expected. Still worthwhile giving it a go.
Profile Image for Maikalani.
120 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2023
Recommended for ages 18+

Highly erotic and sensual. Their relationship proves some sticky entanglements with knitty gritty knee biting relationships seem to offer.

Their relationship won’t be deemed perfect without their third. But one doesn’t seem to want to add her and the other seems to crave her.

Reading along their journey of sexual escapades Dane and Mike really lean into self discovery and exploration of a third for their polyamorous lifestyle.

The beginning was a bit harder for me to figure out what the epicenter Or focal point was. It came on hot and heavy with emphasis. Good read for those wanting smut, smut, and more smut ;)
Profile Image for Ashley Sugar.
252 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2023
I loved this book! Full of erotica and I love a good MMF read! There’s a lot of descriptive sex but I truly did love the whole story. It was full of emotion and drama and I quickly finished this book because I couldn’t put it down. First book I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Also, don’t let the cover fool you…you may think it’s a cute little read…WRONG. It’s so spicy and the complete opposite of cute. It’s filthy and I’m SO here for it. 🥵
709 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2023
Dane and Mike have been together for 7 years. But Dane is ready to add a woman to their relationship. He’s ready for a family. Mike is still not completely sure, but they start seeing women. It’s fun, but nothing serious happens with these women. Then Dane meets Vy one night and it’s instant chemistry and something unexplainable. But the timing isn’t right and Vy leaves. I don’t want to give any spoilers about the story. Dane and Mike have a journey ahead of them. Both realizing what they want and need from each other and life. The story reads easily and is quite sensual and very sexy. Will Dane and Mike get everything they want from a relationship? From life itself? Will they support each other’s dreams? I was very entertained by this book. I was hoping for a specific ending and I was not disappointed.
Profile Image for Beejai Bohls.
326 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2023
This book really deals with adult situations and what happens when couples think their relationship isn't meeting all their needs. a M/M couple wants to expand on their family or have one for that matter. This means opening the doors to situations or ideas that could possibly hurt their relationship or make it stronger. I haven't read a lot of M/M/F books before so with that said, I feel that this books approaches the subject matter in a safe and educating way. I feel that the author was able to take this relationship and not only make a great story but also inform the readers in something that not everyone is well versed in. That is a true talent. I read this book quickly because I became emotionally invested in what was happening with the couple and how things were going to end. I recommend reading this not in public because the steam is off the charts and made me blush a bunch!!
Enjoy a new world or an existing one.
91 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2024
A great novel of lust, love, and supernatural

The writing of this novel is exquisite! The descriptions of the characters are perfect, allowing you to see exactly who they are and what they want.
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,963 reviews26 followers
June 7, 2023
This is part of the Physical Collection series however these books are standalone reads. The author does a good job of explaining the concept of a polyamorous relationship and all the complications that can arise from that type of relationship as well as how beautiful the relationship can be when all parties learn to respect and embrace the other partners views, wants and needs.
Dane and Mike have been together for 7 years and like any relationship it has its ups and downs.
Both Dean and Mike are bi-sexual and when Dean announces he would like to add a woman to their relationship so that they can have a family Mike isn't so sure. After adding a woman to their relationship in the past didn't end well its left Mike feeling unsure about taking that route again.
What follows is a story of how Mike and Dean find their way by adding not 1 but 2 women to their relationship and how they all navigate the complications that involves for them all.
Will this be the exact thing that's needed to make Dean and Mike's relationship even better or will adding the extra people cause a rift between them that can't be healed.

This story is very steamy in parts but the author is able to convey so much during those parts of the story that just the characters getting intimate. There is so much that a reader can sense from those moments that the author doesn't spell out.
Overall it was an enjoyable read.
650 reviews16 followers
May 6, 2023
So where to begin? Not sure, because I am so blown away by this new-to-me author!

Hadley has a rare and exciting talent - her writing style is mesmerizing in it's minimalism, breathtakingly beautiful in the crumbs of metaphors she scatters through the pages, and oh so unforgettable in the juxtaposed delivery of realism and sensuality. This is pure gold to me!

I've only ever said this once before about a book I have received as an arc - this is intelligent smut - and Fireflies has gone to top of my league for it's gritty realism and haunting originality.

To understand my reasoning you have to appreciate how literary minimalism works. Here you have to read beyond the story, to accept the graphic sex scenes as fact, to deep read the snippets of each characters lives the author gives you, to see and sense and feel the things not being said. You also have to stay with the novel to the final chapters to witness whether Dane and Vy consumate their bewitching attraction (no, I m not going to tell you!). This might be a hard ask for some readers but for people that enjoy their smut with an educated and intelligent aspect this is for you. I can't recommend this enough!

Now addicted to Hadley's work so am hurrying off to read everything she has ever written!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,598 reviews121 followers
May 18, 2023
3 Stars

Fireflies: An Erotic Poly MMF Novel is the third book in The Physical Collection series by A.R. Hadley. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Hadley, so I really wasn’t sure of what I could expect from her storytelling. But the Title and cover intrigued me enough to want to find out.
This is a MMF polyamorous relationship story- a bit of a character piece whose characters are portrayed, warts and all. Even though I can see that Ms. Hadley put a lot of time, effort, heart, and soul into developing her characters, I really struggled to connect with Mike and Dane. They frustrated me no end, right from the beginning…… Their 7-year relationship had its ups and downs, but Dane felt like something was missing and wanted to bring a female into their mix and perhaps ‘settle down’ and start a family- if they can find the right woman. And so the ‘adventures begin.
The story definitely sizzles off the pages in parts, and the characters play believable parts- but as I mentioned I just couldn’t connect with them and because of that I didn’t invest in them and the outcome of their story the way I would have liked.
But perhaps this was just me having an ‘off’ reading day, so don’t let me put you off grabbing a copy and making up your own mind.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, A.R. Hadley!
Profile Image for Marissa.
406 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2023
In an ever changing world, this book gives new meaning to the word family. Family is not only about who you choose to love but who loves you. It is about the family you are born with as well as the family you choose to create. This beautiful, sometimes harsh, look at a true modern family is beautiful and heartwarming and wonderful and accepting.

This story is about Dane and Mike. Although they have dedicated their lives to each other, each is searching for something more. Dane wants to bring a woman into their relationship so that they can have a family. Mike is not sure and so he reacts by cruising for men. Dane meets a woman that he feels deeply connected to but she is not interested in his version of family. Mike finds and brings a woman to the relationship. Mike falls in love with her, while Dane grows to love her. She becomes what Dane always wanted, and adds children to their life. All the while, Dane continues to develop a relationship with his deep connection. Each partner finds their own version of happiness.

The honesty between Mike and Dane, the acceptance, the love, the desire, the ability to share their partner’s dreams while not stifling their own, the understanding, is relationship goals. This author has made my list to watch, a permanent spot on the TBR List.
Profile Image for Angela Shirley.
941 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2023
Mike and Dane have been together for years, always looking for the perfect relationship. As a bisexual couple, Dane wanting to start a family and bring something fresh to the relationship discusses to bring a female into the couple and become a Polyamorous relationship.

As they search for the perfect fit, each man goes through a journey of discovery and in the end will this strength or destroy the bonds they have within their relationship.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and this is not my usual genre, but I was curious regarding the subject matter and decided to give the story ago. At the beginning you see the love these two people have for each other but as they discover the female and then females to bring into the relationship the story flows with the internal fears and hopes of each of the characters.

The subject matter is delivered brilliantly and brings you into the world without judgement but pure respect for the strength of love and committed, although there are drama and emotions do run high it is a well told story. Although this is the third book in the series, I did not feel that it took away from the story, not reading the other two books.

Thank you for opening my mind to a subject I had little knowledge on and I hope to read more in the future.
1,945 reviews25 followers
June 8, 2023
Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley. This is the first book I've read by this author and it was very erotic. Its a story of two men who are bisexual that live together and have been together for 7 years. Mike is 50 and Dane is 41 and they live in a backwoods town in Florida. Mike thinks they are just fine until Dane tells him he would like to add a woman to their relationship and maybe even have a family one day. Mike is ok with it but also a little wary. They have several one night stands with different women and then Mike brings Vanessa into the situation. Mike knows Vanessa thru work and he thinks she would be a great new partner. The only problem is Dane has met a woman named Vylana at a bar a while back and he can't get her off his mind. He is almost obsessed with her. The big problem is he hasn't really had much interaction with Vylana and she lives out of state. Not sure how that is going to work out. There are other problems that pop up thru the search for the perfect woman. This story is a hot and steamy take a cold shower type of read that you won't soon forget!
Profile Image for Darla Yocom.
152 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2023

This book is the third book in the author’s series, The Physical Collection. While this is my first read by this author I have to say I do not think you will have any problems following along if you read the titles out of order.

Mike and Dane are in an open relationship together. They have been with each other for years and love one another. This book begins with Dane suggesting they search for the addition of a woman to join their relationship that will eventually grow into a full time polyamorist relationship and family.

Like any relationship, there are complications, mixed emotions, and drama. Overall, the magnitude of the characters dynamics together are fiercely HOT!

I think the author does a great job describing the complexity of different personalities and desires clashing and meshing together. I wish more details had been shared regarding the females within the story, as I was left wanting to know more about what made them tick.

I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the other titles in this collection.
513 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2023
Fireflies is an erotic story that follows bisexual, polyamorous couple Mike and Dane as they navigate changes in their needs and relationship. It’s part of The Physical Collection but these are all standalone stories so you don’t need to read any of the others to enjoy this one!

What drew me to this book is the representation of polyamory. Mike and Dane have been together for seven years and are a more mature couple (in their 40s/50s). Polyamory has meant different things to them over the course of their relationship - from independently hooking up with other people to shared encounters. They have to navigate their different needs and desires, as well as the stigma and assumptions attached to polyamory.

This book is for you if you enjoy M/M and M/M/F erotica. There’s plenty to enjoy there! And it’s interesting to have a story that juxtaposes soulmate-esque themes with one-off hookups, allowing the characters to have multiple and complex romantic and sexual needs. It gets four stars from me, and I’m keen to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Brittany Porter.
64 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2023
Being my first “poly” book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although a new writer, this author shows great promise with exceptional writing. Mike and Dane were fun characters that were full of personality and spice. Not sure what I expected from this type of story, but it was refreshing to see that jealously wasn’t really a factor in their relationship, and the happiness of their partner and their relationship trumped any of those potential feelings. Vanessa grew on me throughout the book, but I still find myself struggling to like Vy. I get being a little shocked and needing some time after learning about Dane and Mike’s unusual relationship but YEARS? She’s just a bit much in my opinion. I think if the book were a bit longer I could have learned to accept her character as well, but that’s my only real complaint. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Victoria McQuigg.
65 reviews
June 5, 2023
Fireflies by A.R Hadley is a Steamy and Engrossing M/M/F Poly Romance. This book is very much an insight into a lifestyle that many do not see on a regular basis. This unconventional coupling has all the grit, drama, and sexiness. Dane and Mike are two Bi Men that have been in an open relationship for 7 years. They had previously had a Woman in their relationship but she left and broke their hearts. After that they had not really had a woman in the mix. But Dane wants to get that back as they want to start a family with someone, they are serious with. This story is all about them learning more about each other while trying to find someone. Little did they know that two women would enter their lives and change it forever. This book definitely has some darker elements and is pretty spicy. 4 out of 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,217 reviews
May 16, 2023
This story is another winner from one of my fave authors. A story of a relationship that starts with Mike and Dane but then morphs into more players as their desire to start a family takes precedence. There is an unexplained magical quality to the plot that the author leaves up to her readers to decipher and I really can’t go into much detail about this except that I felt an other worldly experience take over my senses as I read this. There’s a lot of raw sex that leaves nothing to the imagination but in my opinion it was pertinent to make this story work as it highlights the dynamics between the players. The ending wasn’t really an ending at all which makes me hope for a book 2.

I received an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,032 reviews65 followers
May 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is an author that I have enjoyed reading and this book is no different. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. This is a story where a crowd is taken to another level. What happens when Mike and Dane have two women enter their relationship is something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world from the start. They are relatable and supportive of each other. They bring the story to another level. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as chemistry throughout the story. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that kept me coming back for more. This is a great story where the characters truly made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.
429 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2023
Fireflies
By: A.R. Hadley

This book is the third in the author’s series, The Physical Collection. This is the first book in this series that I read and it definitely stands alone. Mike and Dane are in a relationship. Their relationship is open and Dane suggests that they find a female to add to their relationship. As they look for a woman to add to their relationship the story gets really interesting. I was really pulled into the book and felt that the author does a good job showing the complexities of relationships. Mike and Dane were really interesting characters with a lot of depth to them. I found their whole story interesting and enjoyable. I definitely recommend this as it was a nice easy read that I did not want to put down.
Profile Image for Tracy.
366 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2023
If you are looking for a MMF, polyamory easy read book with lots of heat and emotion then this is certainly the book for you.

We meet and follow Dane and Mike who are devoted couple with a semi open relationship, looking to add a female into their family. They have had a failed trio in the past and now looking to finds someone new. Noth find and fall for someone different.

Their relationship is sold yet missing something. How do you introduce a third or even forth person to your family without damaging what you have. Soulmates, fireflies, and the inability to leave what you have.

We follow their highs and lows and emotional rollercoaster as they meet, settle, and move forward.

A fast paced, hot read.
Profile Image for Manda.
108 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2023
While this book may not have been for me, it wasn't a bad book. I didn't care for the way the characters treated each other. It didn't sit well with me and it was really hard for me to finish this book. The story was well written. The characters all have their own issues and personalities. The author works hard and does a great job at building a world for them. Dane and Mikes dynamic made it really hard for me to read. I will admit this is only the 2nd book I've read involving the poly lifestyle, but I didn't find the other one portraying the relationships as toxic... I'm not sure if this is just something that was between Dane and Mike. It didn't sit well with me and took me away from the story.

Review By @Manda Kelly
Profile Image for Lorralei Hoerner.
929 reviews24 followers
June 5, 2023
3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟

This author is new to me and when I read the snyposis and saw the beautiful cover, I decided to dive into this MMF Poly story. Overall I enjoyed this spicy story with definite ups and downs between Mike and Dane as they navigate bringing in a woman to their relationship, both wanting "more" as in family and a true relationship beyond. The overall of two women though....would be interesting. As Mike and Dane figure out what is best for their future, will they make the right decision between Vanessa or Vy or even both?

This story is a bit of a roller coaster of emotions between all characters, spicy scenes, love and definite fireflies. Enjoyable story, but I was not a fan of Vy's character at all.....the back and forth really got to me and her indecisiveness.
Profile Image for Heidi Eich Woodring.
206 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2023
Fireflies by A.R. Hadley isn’t my first poly book I have read but the first one I have read by the author and in the physical series that I have read. The author has an amazing talent with creating such strong characters and a storyline that grabbed me.
Dane and Mike, together in a long relationship together and Dane is craving a female and after they have several one night stands, Vanessa lights a spark for him. Mike has a spark Vylana, he met her at a bar and can not stop thinking about her. Many issues follow these four over the years but the steam, the characters, and the amazing writing truly will drag you into the world of this book and you will not want to put it down. I look forward to reading more of the series and the author.
293 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2023
Once I read the description on this book, I knew I had to give this book a go! This is my first poly book and I enjoyed it very much! The dynamics between all the characters and the interactions just make the experience of it all. Very steamy scenes and great character development. Dane and Mike have been in a 7-year relationship and have been discussing opening it up to bring a female into the equation as a part of a trio to share their life with one another. What they didn’t expect was finding two women and the issues that emerge from seeking possibilities. This book may not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you are willing to be open minded or even share similar ideals then this book is a great entertaining read! Enjoy!
1,147 reviews
May 10, 2023
Different 4 ½ stars. - I’ve never read a book from this author before but the book description made me curious. I thought it was different and it is. Dane and Mike’s relationship is already non-mainstream but their behaviors within their relationship is definitely different from what I was expecting in a committed relationship. There is a lot of emotional drama and steamy encounters in their search for a family. Whether they are going to find what they’re looking for drives the plot of the story. Book has very interesting characters with depth. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
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