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Bears of Firefly Valley #3
Every Reason to Stay
Firefly Valley, a town filled with small-town chaos and second chances.
My grandmother left me her house. I figured I’d host a completely normal Viking funeral and then head back to my dull life in the city. When I discover her secret life as a globe-trotting adventurer, I question when I traded passion for predictability. And do I have the courage to change it back?
Then a one-night stand sends me down memory lane.
Twenty years ago, while spending a summer with my grandmother, I kissed my first boy. Now he’s a rugged man running the town’s library, and he’s determined to pick up where we left off. A summer fling counts as an adventure, right?
I should have been careful when I asked for excitement. Between the library closing, reconnecting with my estranged sister, and… did I mention stripping for charity? I can barely breathe as I get sucked into small-town shenanigans.
I preach radical love, but now the universe is giving me a crash course in practicing it.
Every Reason to Stay is a M/M, snarky romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features the hilarity of small towns, plenty of steam, and a second chance at love. This is book three in the Bears of Firefly Valley.
My grandmother left me her house. I figured I’d host a completely normal Viking funeral and then head back to my dull life in the city. When I discover her secret life as a globe-trotting adventurer, I question when I traded passion for predictability. And do I have the courage to change it back?
Then a one-night stand sends me down memory lane.
Twenty years ago, while spending a summer with my grandmother, I kissed my first boy. Now he’s a rugged man running the town’s library, and he’s determined to pick up where we left off. A summer fling counts as an adventure, right?
I should have been careful when I asked for excitement. Between the library closing, reconnecting with my estranged sister, and… did I mention stripping for charity? I can barely breathe as I get sucked into small-town shenanigans.
I preach radical love, but now the universe is giving me a crash course in practicing it.
Every Reason to Stay is a M/M, snarky romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features the hilarity of small towns, plenty of steam, and a second chance at love. This is book three in the Bears of Firefly Valley.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
75 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Ryder O'Malley
65 books91 followersRyder acts as if he doesn’t watch sappy movies. He won’t admit to daydreaming about ex-boyfriends and asking “What if…” He’s a closet romantic who gets anxious about first dates. In a world filled with turmoil, he’s wants to drown in warm, fuzzy moments that make his heart swell. He loves bringing his chaotic dating life to the forefront. While he calls himself a romance writer, he likes to think of it as fanfic about his life. Someday… it’ll become a reality. Until then, he’ll invent dreamy men that make him tear up at their insistence that love always wins.
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 14, 2025
This is the third book in the series, and I have read the other two. I would be interested to read reviews from people who haven't read either of the others, because I feel like you might miss out on some of the history between characters walking in here. YMMV, but I would strongly recommend reading the first two (which are fun!) before diving in here.
I love the premise of this book, which is one of the MCs returning to Firefly (the town featured in the two prior books) to tie up loose ends after his grandma's passing. He bumps into a character who he has history with (currently the librarian) and they fall in love pretty much right away. I really, really struggle with instalove and here it just didn't work as well for me. It kind of felt like the two MCs fell in love and the rest of the book was spent with the two MCs doing their own thing with other characters instead of growing in their relationship together. I'm sure some readers are going to love this, but it just wasn't for me. 3.5 stars, I would highly recommend this if you love books that are as much about the town as the couple and like instalove.
I love the premise of this book, which is one of the MCs returning to Firefly (the town featured in the two prior books) to tie up loose ends after his grandma's passing. He bumps into a character who he has history with (currently the librarian) and they fall in love pretty much right away. I really, really struggle with instalove and here it just didn't work as well for me. It kind of felt like the two MCs fell in love and the rest of the book was spent with the two MCs doing their own thing with other characters instead of growing in their relationship together. I'm sure some readers are going to love this, but it just wasn't for me. 3.5 stars, I would highly recommend this if you love books that are as much about the town as the couple and like instalove.
May 9, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This is the third book in the Bears of Firefly Valley series and this one, more than the other two, needs to be read in order. In a way, this book felt a little more disjointed than the others, since the author didn’t spend a lot of time explaining connections. Instead, he relied on the readers’ knowledge from previous stories. While I do appreciate this to a degree, there’s a huge cast of characters and it’s not always easy to keep everyone straight.
I love the little universe O’Malley has created in this small town, and though everyone meddles a little too much, the author really captures that quintessential small town feel.
I was glad to head back to this lovely small town and the eclectic and colorful cast of characters. There were plenty of lighthearted moments, good banter, and Jon was a compelling character. But I wanted more from the romance side of things to really round out the story.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This is the third book in the Bears of Firefly Valley series and this one, more than the other two, needs to be read in order. In a way, this book felt a little more disjointed than the others, since the author didn’t spend a lot of time explaining connections. Instead, he relied on the readers’ knowledge from previous stories. While I do appreciate this to a degree, there’s a huge cast of characters and it’s not always easy to keep everyone straight.
I love the little universe O’Malley has created in this small town, and though everyone meddles a little too much, the author really captures that quintessential small town feel.
I was glad to head back to this lovely small town and the eclectic and colorful cast of characters. There were plenty of lighthearted moments, good banter, and Jon was a compelling character. But I wanted more from the romance side of things to really round out the story.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
April 25, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
3.5⭐️This series has loads of charm and plenty of interesting characters, I enjoyed spending time in Firefly again. This one is Jon and Tyler and a pretty sweet, low drama second chance romance. The characters in this series are super charming and immensely likable and I liked the instant reconnecting, these two have great chemistry. This read like a slice of small town life, complete with a library that needs saving and a carnival to plan. It had tons of charm and humor, I just wish it was more focused on the development of the relationship.
3.5⭐️This series has loads of charm and plenty of interesting characters, I enjoyed spending time in Firefly again. This one is Jon and Tyler and a pretty sweet, low drama second chance romance. The characters in this series are super charming and immensely likable and I liked the instant reconnecting, these two have great chemistry. This read like a slice of small town life, complete with a library that needs saving and a carnival to plan. It had tons of charm and humor, I just wish it was more focused on the development of the relationship.
October 19, 2025
The Bears of Firefly Series focuses on love, community, and family. There's a magic surrounding Firefly where the MCs get what they need, even when they don't know they need it. And, all the MCs that go there seem to stay. Jon has been in other stories from the series - he's Jason & Amanda's best friend. While he's in town after his grandmother's funeral, he has a hot encounter in a gay bar's bathroom with a stranger. He runs into him again, and when the guy introduces himself, Jon realizes Tyler was a man 20 years prior who he'd shared his first kiss with, Tyler. Tyler is Firefly's librarian. Jon discovers the public library needs funding to stay open. Jon comes up with a hilariously original idea to help. Meanwhile, through townfolk he learns his grandmother led an adventurous life, which makes him re-evaluate his own. He also rekindles his old crush. A cute rom com with all the feels. I highly recommend reading the series in order, not as standalones.
Favorite Quote:
"Wait," I gave him a funny look, "you're a librarian?" "Yup. All started because a cute boy left behind a book."
Favorite Quote:
"Wait," I gave him a funny look, "you're a librarian?" "Yup. All started because a cute boy left behind a book."
April 25, 2025
Ryder O'Malley did it again. The third book in the Bears of Firefly Valley series, 'Every Reason to Stay' swept me off my feet and deposited me straight into the heart of a town so vivid and charming that I desperately wish it was real. The quirky chaos, the Firefly Valley social network, and the consistent theme of overwhelming support make this entire series a joy to read.
Jon and Tyler met 20 years ago, before Jon was out and when he was still terrified to acknowledge his truth. Tyler was Jon's first kiss with a guy, and one he hasn't been able to forget. There's no romanticizing that it was a perfect kiss, and there's even an undercurrent of 'have I built up this magic in my head for 20 years?' But, when Jon returns to Firefly Valley to bury his grandmother, he is presented with the opportunity for a second chance. The only question is: does he take the chance on 'Radical Love?' (Read the book.)
It's pretty clear that the author writes through a personal lens (it's either that, or he's REALLY talented at evoking complicated emotions). The way O'Malley carefully but honestly handles the reconciliation between Jon and his sister is perfection. It is messy and real, and layered with the unspoken pain that grow during years of distance. But watching Jon work up the courage to take that first step with Evie was beautiful, and leaving their relationship as a work in progress instead of tying everything up with a neat little bow felt incredibly authentic.
Jon's method of dealing with grief - the avoidance, the numbing, the quiet ache that comes with losing parents too soon - were entirely too familiar for me. His internal guilt and worry that he didn't grieve the 'right way' could have been plucked from my own brain. But the author never shamed those emotions, instead weaving the truth throughout - that there is no correct way to grieve. Healing doesn't come on a timeline, and the way people handle their grief is often in conflict with others. That nuance mattered.
This is a slow-burn romance for me...sort of. Jon and Tyler are definitely hot and heavy at the start of the book, but then the spice level feels like it drops significantly and the focus turns to rebuilding (in so many ways). But that was perfect for this book - it didn't need more. The romance between the two men was exactly right - clumsy and funny and full of fondness.
I honestly can't get enough of Firefly Valley. I want to move there, befriend everyone, and get caught up in their hilarity. For now, I'll settle for visiting in the pages of Ryder O'Malley's books. I already can't wait for the next adventure.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Jon and Tyler met 20 years ago, before Jon was out and when he was still terrified to acknowledge his truth. Tyler was Jon's first kiss with a guy, and one he hasn't been able to forget. There's no romanticizing that it was a perfect kiss, and there's even an undercurrent of 'have I built up this magic in my head for 20 years?' But, when Jon returns to Firefly Valley to bury his grandmother, he is presented with the opportunity for a second chance. The only question is: does he take the chance on 'Radical Love?' (Read the book.)
It's pretty clear that the author writes through a personal lens (it's either that, or he's REALLY talented at evoking complicated emotions). The way O'Malley carefully but honestly handles the reconciliation between Jon and his sister is perfection. It is messy and real, and layered with the unspoken pain that grow during years of distance. But watching Jon work up the courage to take that first step with Evie was beautiful, and leaving their relationship as a work in progress instead of tying everything up with a neat little bow felt incredibly authentic.
Jon's method of dealing with grief - the avoidance, the numbing, the quiet ache that comes with losing parents too soon - were entirely too familiar for me. His internal guilt and worry that he didn't grieve the 'right way' could have been plucked from my own brain. But the author never shamed those emotions, instead weaving the truth throughout - that there is no correct way to grieve. Healing doesn't come on a timeline, and the way people handle their grief is often in conflict with others. That nuance mattered.
This is a slow-burn romance for me...sort of. Jon and Tyler are definitely hot and heavy at the start of the book, but then the spice level feels like it drops significantly and the focus turns to rebuilding (in so many ways). But that was perfect for this book - it didn't need more. The romance between the two men was exactly right - clumsy and funny and full of fondness.
I honestly can't get enough of Firefly Valley. I want to move there, befriend everyone, and get caught up in their hilarity. For now, I'll settle for visiting in the pages of Ryder O'Malley's books. I already can't wait for the next adventure.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
April 6, 2025
Jon is back in Firefly Valley to give Mimi, his grandmother, the send off that she would have wanted. A viking send off! With close friends rallying he knows he can do what is needed and remember Mimi as the vital adventure-loving woman she was. She had a special place in his heart, especially after the death of his parents pushed he and his sister apart. Now she is gone and he has his close friends, his sister, his job and an apartment in the city. He has decided to stay for the summer so he can sort the house. The fact that he really does love it here and he can work anywhere nag in the back of his mind but he tries to ignore them.
Tyler has always lived in the town and is the town librarian now too. He loves his job, loves the town and has had a place in his heart for the first boy he ever kissed at a town carnival many years before. In the interim he did marry, he did spend a brief spell in prison - and the story of why is one of the most hilarious and I am glad that Ryder O'Malley makes us wait to hear it! He is loved by the town and of course being the town librarian he knows almost everyone too. Does Jon know him? He doesn't think so although Tyler seems to recognise Jon and has no problem with a quick hookup though he does want more...
These men are meant for each other. Fate has been playing her hand and making sure they both grow into themselves, find themselves, realise things about themselves they didn't know before. The very best love stories are those which take time to unfold. This one comes about via a loving family, years of memory and history, a town who want to welcome their own back and two men who can, now they are older, see they are meant for one another. Finding a way to show it and admit it is going to be a challenge. But with the help of some creative thinking, a very creative, well-connected and sweet-talking drag queen the town come together to save their library, to reinstate a forgotten tradition or two and to help love along with a little push in the right direction.
This is an incredible story. Its positivity, even in the face of difficult times, is refreshing to read. It certainly had me laughing, a lot. The characters, their banter, the place, the plans, it is all so very wonderful to read about. Ryder O'Malley has taken these people, their town, to his heart, they are his but he makes them ours too, takes us to them, brings them to us and creates a bond that will be unbreakable, the bond of a reader with a fantastic book! I hope the series will continue.
Tyler has always lived in the town and is the town librarian now too. He loves his job, loves the town and has had a place in his heart for the first boy he ever kissed at a town carnival many years before. In the interim he did marry, he did spend a brief spell in prison - and the story of why is one of the most hilarious and I am glad that Ryder O'Malley makes us wait to hear it! He is loved by the town and of course being the town librarian he knows almost everyone too. Does Jon know him? He doesn't think so although Tyler seems to recognise Jon and has no problem with a quick hookup though he does want more...
These men are meant for each other. Fate has been playing her hand and making sure they both grow into themselves, find themselves, realise things about themselves they didn't know before. The very best love stories are those which take time to unfold. This one comes about via a loving family, years of memory and history, a town who want to welcome their own back and two men who can, now they are older, see they are meant for one another. Finding a way to show it and admit it is going to be a challenge. But with the help of some creative thinking, a very creative, well-connected and sweet-talking drag queen the town come together to save their library, to reinstate a forgotten tradition or two and to help love along with a little push in the right direction.
This is an incredible story. Its positivity, even in the face of difficult times, is refreshing to read. It certainly had me laughing, a lot. The characters, their banter, the place, the plans, it is all so very wonderful to read about. Ryder O'Malley has taken these people, their town, to his heart, they are his but he makes them ours too, takes us to them, brings them to us and creates a bond that will be unbreakable, the bond of a reader with a fantastic book! I hope the series will continue.
April 17, 2025
Oh my goodness! This was just wonderful. It does, however, start off on a sad note.
Jon Olsen returned to Firefly after his Grandmother Mimi, or Hazel to the rest of the town, dies. He and his sister Evie had spent their summers in Firefly while they were growing up. Mimi became their de facto parent after the death of their mother and father when they were younger. Neither handled the deaths well and they became estranged.
Jon returns and meets up with old friends from his summers there in an odd memorial service to Mimi. She wanted a Viking funeral. They only set a raft on fire though. Jon and his friends end up at the area's gay bar. Who knew tiny Maine towns had gay bars with drag queens who went by the name of Mable Syrup? I think we've established this isn't Stephen King's Maine.
Jon gets some spicy time in the men's room at the bar with this hot bear. The guy knows Jon, but Jon can't place him. They do exchange numbers.
As Jon spends more time in town, he learns that his grandmother wasn't who he thought she was. He found out that she had gone to London and Hawaii. He thought she never left Maine. The townspeople love her and everyone had stories to tell. Jon is shocked. He decides to stick around and find out more about her.
Jon finds out exactly who he had the spicy time with at the bar. It was the guy who gave him his first gay kiss in his last summer in Firefly, Tyler Bailey. Tyler is also the town librarian, which leads us to one of the subplots of the book. The library is in danger of closing due to budget cuts and needs to find a way to stay open.
They come up with a fundraising idea which I won't mention because I don't want to spoil it. The only subplot is the yearly carnival. This is special to Jon and Tyler because they had their first kiss at the carnival under the fireworks. The book is this romantic. Jon takes Mimi's place on the planning group and has to come up with volunteers since the usual ones, the town's baseball team, are in the playoffs. Usually, they're pretty bad. The volunteers that he eventually does get is another plot point I won't spoil.
The books is very spicy. We get an encounter in the men's room at the beginning of the book and we just go from there. The author does a wonderful job at writing the scenes. Very hot.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Ryder has become one of my new go-to authors. Everything he writes is wonderful.
Jon Olsen returned to Firefly after his Grandmother Mimi, or Hazel to the rest of the town, dies. He and his sister Evie had spent their summers in Firefly while they were growing up. Mimi became their de facto parent after the death of their mother and father when they were younger. Neither handled the deaths well and they became estranged.
Jon returns and meets up with old friends from his summers there in an odd memorial service to Mimi. She wanted a Viking funeral. They only set a raft on fire though. Jon and his friends end up at the area's gay bar. Who knew tiny Maine towns had gay bars with drag queens who went by the name of Mable Syrup? I think we've established this isn't Stephen King's Maine.
Jon gets some spicy time in the men's room at the bar with this hot bear. The guy knows Jon, but Jon can't place him. They do exchange numbers.
As Jon spends more time in town, he learns that his grandmother wasn't who he thought she was. He found out that she had gone to London and Hawaii. He thought she never left Maine. The townspeople love her and everyone had stories to tell. Jon is shocked. He decides to stick around and find out more about her.
Jon finds out exactly who he had the spicy time with at the bar. It was the guy who gave him his first gay kiss in his last summer in Firefly, Tyler Bailey. Tyler is also the town librarian, which leads us to one of the subplots of the book. The library is in danger of closing due to budget cuts and needs to find a way to stay open.
They come up with a fundraising idea which I won't mention because I don't want to spoil it. The only subplot is the yearly carnival. This is special to Jon and Tyler because they had their first kiss at the carnival under the fireworks. The book is this romantic. Jon takes Mimi's place on the planning group and has to come up with volunteers since the usual ones, the town's baseball team, are in the playoffs. Usually, they're pretty bad. The volunteers that he eventually does get is another plot point I won't spoil.
The books is very spicy. We get an encounter in the men's room at the beginning of the book and we just go from there. The author does a wonderful job at writing the scenes. Very hot.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Ryder has become one of my new go-to authors. Everything he writes is wonderful.
April 27, 2025
This is an absolutely delightful read, following the 20 years later romance of Jon and Tyler in the small Maine town of Firefly. There is so much humor in the book. I kept laughing out loud at the comedy of errors caused by Jon’s clumsiness, as well as the humor in things like the Queen’s Reading Hour with Mabel Syrup, the rainstorm at the abandoned drive-in, and the help of the Glitterati Guild, not to mention the sexy Men of Firefly calendar. There are also serious parts, dealing with the aftermath of the death of a family member, a decades old rift between siblings, dissatisfaction with the more mundane parts of life and a wish for more adventure, and a desire for someone to complement and complete your life. For Jon and Tyler, it’s a case of right person, wrong time 20 years ago. Could now be the right time and the right person to get what seemed promised?
Jon’s concept of “radical love”, love without boundaries or conditions, people gathering for no other reason than supporting their own, is spread throughout the book in the coming together of the townspeople and in the sketches Jon makes, then leaves for those he graces with his art. He sees things in people that come through in his drawings, things they might not have been aware of until understanding comes when they see what he sees. It is a special gift to those they are given to, an honoring of the heart and spirit of the people of Firefly.
The world building of the town and the townspeople of Firefly just make the book. You feel like you become a part of this small town and the people who know everything and are there for support when needed. The spread of information through text holds the town together, keeping citizens in the know, and bringing offers of help and support when an SOS goes out. It is a place I think I could be comfortable living, becoming a part of a tight knit community that has your back in good times and bad. An entertaining, feel-good romcom read, sure to bring smiles and more.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Jon’s concept of “radical love”, love without boundaries or conditions, people gathering for no other reason than supporting their own, is spread throughout the book in the coming together of the townspeople and in the sketches Jon makes, then leaves for those he graces with his art. He sees things in people that come through in his drawings, things they might not have been aware of until understanding comes when they see what he sees. It is a special gift to those they are given to, an honoring of the heart and spirit of the people of Firefly.
The world building of the town and the townspeople of Firefly just make the book. You feel like you become a part of this small town and the people who know everything and are there for support when needed. The spread of information through text holds the town together, keeping citizens in the know, and bringing offers of help and support when an SOS goes out. It is a place I think I could be comfortable living, becoming a part of a tight knit community that has your back in good times and bad. An entertaining, feel-good romcom read, sure to bring smiles and more.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
April 22, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ahhhh this was really really good! Loved the energy, the banter, the loving and especially how this got me all up in my feelings!! I was legit sobbing at the end of this feel-good small town romance and my heart grew a thousand sizes with everything this book gave me!
I thought that Every Reason to Stay had a lot better flow and charisma than the previous installment, which i thought had clunky narrative in parts and that threw me off a bit. But i'm so happy that this was one smooth, sweet ride, that started with the best intro i've read in years, was filled to the brim with "radical love" and small-town shenanigans, and was ofc one of the more adorable second-chance romances i've read to date!
The friendships, the banter, the Glitterati, the memory of Mimi being transformed from Jon's childhood perspective of his gran to seeing Hazel thorough the eyes of the people of Firefly was all done brilliantly!
I love a romance that deftly buoys the romance of the MCs with the side characters and eventful plot dynamics, which makes the story more than just about the "falling in love" part and gives it a lot more substance, and that's what i found here!
Ryder O'Malley really rocked this installment because it was vivacious and entertaining and darling and i had the best time with this! Can't wait for more from Firefly Valley because i'm completely smitten with this small town and i thought Every Reason to Stay perfectly captured why my "radical love" has found a home in it!
Ahhhh this was really really good! Loved the energy, the banter, the loving and especially how this got me all up in my feelings!! I was legit sobbing at the end of this feel-good small town romance and my heart grew a thousand sizes with everything this book gave me!
I thought that Every Reason to Stay had a lot better flow and charisma than the previous installment, which i thought had clunky narrative in parts and that threw me off a bit. But i'm so happy that this was one smooth, sweet ride, that started with the best intro i've read in years, was filled to the brim with "radical love" and small-town shenanigans, and was ofc one of the more adorable second-chance romances i've read to date!
The friendships, the banter, the Glitterati, the memory of Mimi being transformed from Jon's childhood perspective of his gran to seeing Hazel thorough the eyes of the people of Firefly was all done brilliantly!
I love a romance that deftly buoys the romance of the MCs with the side characters and eventful plot dynamics, which makes the story more than just about the "falling in love" part and gives it a lot more substance, and that's what i found here!
Ryder O'Malley really rocked this installment because it was vivacious and entertaining and darling and i had the best time with this! Can't wait for more from Firefly Valley because i'm completely smitten with this small town and i thought Every Reason to Stay perfectly captured why my "radical love" has found a home in it!
April 11, 2025
Oh, Firefly Valley, how I adore visiting you again.
Jon is such a wonderful character. He’s earnest and thoughtful and kind. His deep desire for connection speaks to me on a level I think anyone, no matter their life experience, can appreciate. The way he talks about (okay, thinks about–it’s in the inner narrative) radical love blows me away. It’s more meaningful than how a lot of characters are touted as “being able to see the good in everyone.” This says, “to heck with good, here’s passion in all its forms” and I love that.
Tyler has everything I need to automatically like him from the get-go: he’s into books, is intentional and thoughtful, and for all that words can tell me, is extremely attractive. Oh look, I’m both human and occasionally slightly shallow, yeah, I’ll own it.
As usual, the town pulls together and the sort of community I wish I could find in real life are the highlights of this book. Yeah, okay, so the personal-character stuff is there, too. But it’s the overall feeling of Firefly Valley that really gets me. I could happily live in these pages (also, I’d do a great many naughty things to get a Mable book). Further, let me say this: if you looked at the premise of this book and went “aww, but I don’t want to read another grief book” let me assure you, this isn’t that. If anything, the grief is more of a celebration of a life well-lived and while poignant, it doesn’t run roughshod over the rest of the emotions. Do yourself a solid and pick this one up along with the rest of the series.
Jon is such a wonderful character. He’s earnest and thoughtful and kind. His deep desire for connection speaks to me on a level I think anyone, no matter their life experience, can appreciate. The way he talks about (okay, thinks about–it’s in the inner narrative) radical love blows me away. It’s more meaningful than how a lot of characters are touted as “being able to see the good in everyone.” This says, “to heck with good, here’s passion in all its forms” and I love that.
Tyler has everything I need to automatically like him from the get-go: he’s into books, is intentional and thoughtful, and for all that words can tell me, is extremely attractive. Oh look, I’m both human and occasionally slightly shallow, yeah, I’ll own it.
As usual, the town pulls together and the sort of community I wish I could find in real life are the highlights of this book. Yeah, okay, so the personal-character stuff is there, too. But it’s the overall feeling of Firefly Valley that really gets me. I could happily live in these pages (also, I’d do a great many naughty things to get a Mable book). Further, let me say this: if you looked at the premise of this book and went “aww, but I don’t want to read another grief book” let me assure you, this isn’t that. If anything, the grief is more of a celebration of a life well-lived and while poignant, it doesn’t run roughshod over the rest of the emotions. Do yourself a solid and pick this one up along with the rest of the series.
April 24, 2025
MY OPINION: These are great books for so many reasons, and I love the town of Firefly. This is the third one in the series, and like the other two, there are shenanigans aplenty.
The men in this series are not the perfect model type you see in a lot of MM romance books. These are bears with dad bods that are hot. It is wonderful to see the two men who had crossed paths as teens fall into each other and find a spark that they fan into a flame.
Tyler is so ready to accept Jon and let him be part of his life. It was like he had waited for all those years to finally have that boy from so long ago be part of his life. He doesn’t push, he just lets things play out. I like him from the start and really hope that he gets what he wants.
Jon is there only for the summer to clean the house his grandmother left him in this crazy small town, but Firefly does like it always does, and draws him in. What is nice about these books is that there are tons of people involved, and you get to know them all. Firefly is a character in the book, and you can’t help but love it. I would say this is a slow burn as far as the romance part, but the spice is right there from the start. The intimate scenes are hot and creative.
Watching Jon change his life, fall in love, and accept a new reality is a joy. Like the other books in this series, I loved the whole thing. It is a must if you love MM romance. I hope there are many more books that include Firefly because it’s a wonderful place. Put this on your TBR, you won’t be disappointed in this spicy, low-angst, sweet romance book.
The men in this series are not the perfect model type you see in a lot of MM romance books. These are bears with dad bods that are hot. It is wonderful to see the two men who had crossed paths as teens fall into each other and find a spark that they fan into a flame.
Tyler is so ready to accept Jon and let him be part of his life. It was like he had waited for all those years to finally have that boy from so long ago be part of his life. He doesn’t push, he just lets things play out. I like him from the start and really hope that he gets what he wants.
Jon is there only for the summer to clean the house his grandmother left him in this crazy small town, but Firefly does like it always does, and draws him in. What is nice about these books is that there are tons of people involved, and you get to know them all. Firefly is a character in the book, and you can’t help but love it. I would say this is a slow burn as far as the romance part, but the spice is right there from the start. The intimate scenes are hot and creative.
Watching Jon change his life, fall in love, and accept a new reality is a joy. Like the other books in this series, I loved the whole thing. It is a must if you love MM romance. I hope there are many more books that include Firefly because it’s a wonderful place. Put this on your TBR, you won’t be disappointed in this spicy, low-angst, sweet romance book.
April 13, 2025
4,5
Ryder O'Malley was a new to me author. I liked his inclusive cast and I appreciated his tone of voice in this book, I found it a refreshing one. So much that I have put the other books in the series on my tbr. This book is told from Jon his pov. The spice level is for me fairly low beside a few scenes that heated up. I did enjoy that the characters are not perfectly 'sculpted' and somewhere in their thirties. I had not read any of the previous books in 'The Bears of Firefly Valley' series. I guess more details are available of side characters if I had. It however did not feel like I missed background to enjoy this book. I would liked a bit more background of Tyler. I liked how these men felt real, especially Jon, with his klutz inclination. Slowly believing he can do more than he does on a day to day basis.
The given that you never truely know a person till you dive deep reasonated as well, Jon and Evie finding out their grandma had so much more life lived was a nice part of it. And lets not forget all the side characters who play their part. A special shout out to Mabel and their 'Glitterati Guild'.
Yes Jon and Tyler find their hea/ hfn.
Last thing worth mentioning are titles of chapters, I greatly appreciate those and they set the tone way more than a generic number.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ryder O'Malley was a new to me author. I liked his inclusive cast and I appreciated his tone of voice in this book, I found it a refreshing one. So much that I have put the other books in the series on my tbr. This book is told from Jon his pov. The spice level is for me fairly low beside a few scenes that heated up. I did enjoy that the characters are not perfectly 'sculpted' and somewhere in their thirties. I had not read any of the previous books in 'The Bears of Firefly Valley' series. I guess more details are available of side characters if I had. It however did not feel like I missed background to enjoy this book. I would liked a bit more background of Tyler. I liked how these men felt real, especially Jon, with his klutz inclination. Slowly believing he can do more than he does on a day to day basis.
The given that you never truely know a person till you dive deep reasonated as well, Jon and Evie finding out their grandma had so much more life lived was a nice part of it. And lets not forget all the side characters who play their part. A special shout out to Mabel and their 'Glitterati Guild'.
Yes Jon and Tyler find their hea/ hfn.
Last thing worth mentioning are titles of chapters, I greatly appreciate those and they set the tone way more than a generic number.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
So many themes in this one to enjoy
Yes, it's a bear romance but it's so much more.
It's a love letter to Jon's grandmother, her spirit living on in the townsfolk's memories of her, and her grandchildren finding out there was so much more to her than they'd ever known.
It's an estranged brother and sister reconnecting and painfully navigating their way back to each other after years of distance.
It's a small town romance where all the town is involved because, of course, they are. Firefly hasn't heard of boundaries and even if they had, they wouldn't heed them.
It's about lasting friendship, with Jon and Jason and Amanda proving that time and distance don't matter and it's as though you were never apart once you meet up again.
It's about first kisses and fond memories and new memories to make.
It's about it truly takes a village...
Ryder puts so much heart into his characters, whatever genre he's writing in. I adore his bear Heroes and Villains and Grunts of Vanguard but the contemporary bear stories of Firefly are equally adorable. But it's not just the main couple, it's also all the other characters in the stories that capture my imagination and in the Bears of Firefly Valley, there are so many townsfolk and Ryder writes so lovingly about them that I know them and love them as well as he does.
Oh, and Ryder, can we have a book for Mabel? Pretty pleeeeease?
Yes, it's a bear romance but it's so much more.
It's a love letter to Jon's grandmother, her spirit living on in the townsfolk's memories of her, and her grandchildren finding out there was so much more to her than they'd ever known.
It's an estranged brother and sister reconnecting and painfully navigating their way back to each other after years of distance.
It's a small town romance where all the town is involved because, of course, they are. Firefly hasn't heard of boundaries and even if they had, they wouldn't heed them.
It's about lasting friendship, with Jon and Jason and Amanda proving that time and distance don't matter and it's as though you were never apart once you meet up again.
It's about first kisses and fond memories and new memories to make.
It's about it truly takes a village...
Ryder puts so much heart into his characters, whatever genre he's writing in. I adore his bear Heroes and Villains and Grunts of Vanguard but the contemporary bear stories of Firefly are equally adorable. But it's not just the main couple, it's also all the other characters in the stories that capture my imagination and in the Bears of Firefly Valley, there are so many townsfolk and Ryder writes so lovingly about them that I know them and love them as well as he does.
Oh, and Ryder, can we have a book for Mabel? Pretty pleeeeease?
April 17, 2025
The 3rd in the series and this had a slightly different feel to it. Jon arrives back in Firefly Valley to grant his grandma's wishes. Not a fan of Firefly, he wanted to get in and get out but as always the magic of Firefly takes hold. A hook up at the local bar not only meets a need but starts the ball rolling for a second chance. Tyler was the first boy he kissed but even though Jon was only there for the summer, he wanted to get to know Tyler more.
There was a lot going on in this book, and at times it did feel as their relationship was in the background but this story was not just about their reconnection, it was about Jon finding himself.
True to the Firefly the local residents out did themselves, whether it was showing moral support at the photoshoot, yes Gladys I am looking at you or organising the next festival, I was laughing a lot. When Jon and Tyler were together it felt as they had been together for years, they just fit.
It was good to catch up with the rest of the characters and watching how they all got on with each other showed how close they all were.
I hope it is not long for a return to Firefly valley
There was a lot going on in this book, and at times it did feel as their relationship was in the background but this story was not just about their reconnection, it was about Jon finding himself.
True to the Firefly the local residents out did themselves, whether it was showing moral support at the photoshoot, yes Gladys I am looking at you or organising the next festival, I was laughing a lot. When Jon and Tyler were together it felt as they had been together for years, they just fit.
It was good to catch up with the rest of the characters and watching how they all got on with each other showed how close they all were.
I hope it is not long for a return to Firefly valley
April 12, 2025
I've read the other 2 books in this series and really liked them, but this one just didn't do it for me. It's marked as 'prior reading not required', but I really really think it IS. This book is about Jon, who comes back to Firefly to clean out his grandmother's house after her death. He meets librarian Tyler, who he kissed 20 years ago, and they fall in love instantly. Most of the book revolves around making a 'hot guys' calendar to save the library, organizing the town carnival, and deciding to make grandma's house into a bed & Breakfast. This would be fine if the 2 main characters did any of these things together. Instead Jon does all these things with his sister and numerous side characters. The romance between Jon & Tyler seems like an afterthought. Most of this book just seems like a bunch of people I'm not interested in organizing things.
Clearly this is exactly the book a number of other reviewers wanted, and it made them very happy. It very well could be your 4 or 5 star - it's just not what I was hoping for.
Clearly this is exactly the book a number of other reviewers wanted, and it made them very happy. It very well could be your 4 or 5 star - it's just not what I was hoping for.
April 22, 2025
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This series has gotten better and better with each book. This one is downright sweet and delicious. It has all my favourite aspects of small town romances with a whole lot of gorgeous bears and a side of love of comic books, which adds a fun twist. Not to mention a gang of Drag Queens!
Jon and Tyler are the cutest - but also just down right good people. And as Jon navigates life post Mimi’s death, he uncovers secrets (to him) of her life, and finds a home, family and purpose while simultaneously getting to know the boy who set his life a lite so many years ago.
Full of adorable dates, town meddling, and a very naughty calendar, Every Reason to Stay warmed my heart and made me want to both settle down and travel far and wide!
This series has gotten better and better with each book. This one is downright sweet and delicious. It has all my favourite aspects of small town romances with a whole lot of gorgeous bears and a side of love of comic books, which adds a fun twist. Not to mention a gang of Drag Queens!
Jon and Tyler are the cutest - but also just down right good people. And as Jon navigates life post Mimi’s death, he uncovers secrets (to him) of her life, and finds a home, family and purpose while simultaneously getting to know the boy who set his life a lite so many years ago.
Full of adorable dates, town meddling, and a very naughty calendar, Every Reason to Stay warmed my heart and made me want to both settle down and travel far and wide!
April 26, 2025
Ryder O’Malley is becoming one of my favorite authors. When I first started the Bears of FireFly series I was sort of on the fence. It was not my usual M/M story to read. However, he slow won me over with his relatable character and FlyFire’s small town charm. Each couple has won a spot in my heart, and Jon and Tyler are no exception. I’m giving this book a 5 star review. I received this book as a ARC from GRR.
The story starts off with Jon and his friends sending his grandmother, Mimi, with a Viking memorial. Afterward, they head out to a bar to have some drinks. Jon then meets an acquaintance from the past, Tyler. Both Jon and Tyler have quite a few steamy encounters. At first they wanted to just to have a summer fling. However, as time goes on their feelings for one another change. There is also the fact that FireFly cannot seem to keep its noes out of anyone’s business, and they all come together to save the town’s library. Overall, I loved the way the novel ended and cannot wait to read more from the author.
The story starts off with Jon and his friends sending his grandmother, Mimi, with a Viking memorial. Afterward, they head out to a bar to have some drinks. Jon then meets an acquaintance from the past, Tyler. Both Jon and Tyler have quite a few steamy encounters. At first they wanted to just to have a summer fling. However, as time goes on their feelings for one another change. There is also the fact that FireFly cannot seem to keep its noes out of anyone’s business, and they all come together to save the town’s library. Overall, I loved the way the novel ended and cannot wait to read more from the author.
July 26, 2025
Read this across my work week during lunch. I’ve enjoyed these Firefly stories, which are sweet, kind of predictable, full of heart and small town shenanigans. Some things don’t always make perfect sense. The writing is a little amateur? Not polished? And there’s an element of fantasy running through these real world stories in terms of how small the town is, how many LGBTQ people are in the very small town, how completely accepting everyone in the very small town is of the many LGBTQ people there, how the town comes together in each and every book to save the day in some wild way. But at the same time there’s a believability to various aspects of the story - born out in the author’s note at the end of this one that he’s in some ways fanfic-ing his own life and using his own experiences growing up in a small town. I loved the way he’s honored his own grandmother in two different characters in Firefly. I also loved the Drag Queen story hour at the library in this one. Maybe that was a fantasy element, but what a lovely fantasy. It’s a world I’d like to see.
April 18, 2025
herding dust bunnies, donutgasm, flannel-clad ruffians, poké, deer jerky, flagpole, Goldilocks, Glitterati Guild, husbear
What a cute and great book in the 'Bears of Firefly Valley' series. Of course, we see the usual suspects who give the small town its character and quaintness. This time it's Jon's and Tyler's turn. Jon is a graphic designer who designs book covers because it pays the bills and for the Romance Channel). Tyler is the town's public librarian which is his passion. He has an uncanny knack for matching books to his patrons. Both are cute, sweet, and loveable. They had their first kiss twenty years ago as teenagers. There's almost no angst, and there's good steamy scenes. But their romance has an expiration date.
Like the previous books, I enjoyed reading this very much. Ryder O'Malley just has that knack for crafting superb rom-coms. I highly recommend this book.
What a cute and great book in the 'Bears of Firefly Valley' series. Of course, we see the usual suspects who give the small town its character and quaintness. This time it's Jon's and Tyler's turn. Jon is a graphic designer who designs book covers because it pays the bills and for the Romance Channel). Tyler is the town's public librarian which is his passion. He has an uncanny knack for matching books to his patrons. Both are cute, sweet, and loveable. They had their first kiss twenty years ago as teenagers. There's almost no angst, and there's good steamy scenes. But their romance has an expiration date.
Like the previous books, I enjoyed reading this very much. Ryder O'Malley just has that knack for crafting superb rom-coms. I highly recommend this book.
April 25, 2025
Every Reason to Stay by Ryder O'Malley, book three in the Bears of Firefly Valley series is the first book I've read that made me decide to read the series from book one! This is the story of Tyler and Jon, and while their chemistry is off the charts, their journey to the well deserved HEA is slowburn, but the good kind!
I love everything about Firefly Valley; it's the small town that is filled with small-town chaos, second chances and meddling town folk to say the least. I had so much fun following Tyler and Jon's journey down memory lane, first kisses and second chance. All these tropes are my absolute favorite. It's a cute story that warms your insides, I can't wait to see what happens next. This author is new to me and I can already tell I'm going to love their next one. Five fireflies for this one, happy reading all!
I love everything about Firefly Valley; it's the small town that is filled with small-town chaos, second chances and meddling town folk to say the least. I had so much fun following Tyler and Jon's journey down memory lane, first kisses and second chance. All these tropes are my absolute favorite. It's a cute story that warms your insides, I can't wait to see what happens next. This author is new to me and I can already tell I'm going to love their next one. Five fireflies for this one, happy reading all!
April 25, 2025
I’ve enjoyed this story and although it took me a little bit to get into once I started to groove with the characters I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Jon and Tyler are very sweet together, both very soft characters with big hearts and a lot of love to give. The banter between them was fun and loved the back and forth they had going on. This is a really lighthearted story even though it covers the loss of a loved one, rather than dwell on it it’s about embracing your feelings and moving forward while reconnecting with old friends.
I love all the characters in the book, all the townsfolk keep the story fun and interesting as you never know how they are gonna react and meddle. The friendships are story and are a strong theme throughout the book.
This has been a good series and I really recommend it.
I love all the characters in the book, all the townsfolk keep the story fun and interesting as you never know how they are gonna react and meddle. The friendships are story and are a strong theme throughout the book.
This has been a good series and I really recommend it.
April 13, 2025
A love story 20 years in the making. It started with a kiss, under the fireworks at the end of summer carnival. It was the beginning of the end of Jon's family. When Jon and Evie's parents died, Jon retreated within himself, and Evie felt abandoned. Will they ever be able to bridge the gap.
Jon's beloved grandmother has died, and she is getting the faux Viking sendoff she wanted. Jon plans to spend the summer clearing out Mimi's house and preparing it for sale, after all, he can work from anywhere. He is really hoping to get Evie's help and maybe mend the riff between them. It also gives him time to reconnect with his first kiss.
Firefly works its magic once again. The town rallies to save the library and the drag queens save the summer carnival.
Jon's beloved grandmother has died, and she is getting the faux Viking sendoff she wanted. Jon plans to spend the summer clearing out Mimi's house and preparing it for sale, after all, he can work from anywhere. He is really hoping to get Evie's help and maybe mend the riff between them. It also gives him time to reconnect with his first kiss.
Firefly works its magic once again. The town rallies to save the library and the drag queens save the summer carnival.
April 18, 2025
She was messy, but damn she was precious. It’s easy to overlook the things that needed some cleaning up, though, because the story? It was too sweet.
I loved my Gramma the same way. She was the force that made me want to conquer the world, and a book dedicated to telling the masses about how fucking perfect she was would only be a tiny way to show her memory the love and over abundance of gratitude I have for the role she played in my life.
So, with all of the seriousness in my soul, same dude. Same. Cheers to your Mimi, and to the fantastic characters in this chapter of Firefly’s story.
4/5. Here’s to the grandmothers that fucking kill the game with their magic and love. This book truly was a Hallmark movie, just one overflowing with queer joy.
I loved my Gramma the same way. She was the force that made me want to conquer the world, and a book dedicated to telling the masses about how fucking perfect she was would only be a tiny way to show her memory the love and over abundance of gratitude I have for the role she played in my life.
So, with all of the seriousness in my soul, same dude. Same. Cheers to your Mimi, and to the fantastic characters in this chapter of Firefly’s story.
4/5. Here’s to the grandmothers that fucking kill the game with their magic and love. This book truly was a Hallmark movie, just one overflowing with queer joy.
April 21, 2025
Jon and sister Evie used to go to their grandmother’s place in the summer but then they drifted apart after their parents were killed. His grandmother also said she was part Viking so him and friends gave her a Viking funeral and staying to go through her things. Jon talked Evie into coming to help and decide what to do with the house and loved the idea they had. Jon met Tyler again but he didn’t want to get involved because he thought he was leaving but he started drawing again and fell in love so he stayed like his sister was doing. They also found out things about their grandmother they hadn’t known.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2025
A true romance----this one reads like an old fashioned love story of two wonderful men who meet as teens sharing their first kiss, each then going on with their own lives only to reconned many years later. Jon and Tyler meet as teens but Jon wanted to see the world and moved to the city whereas Tyler made his wonderful life in Firefly Valley. When Jon comes back to town to celebrate and honor his grandmother's passing, they reconnect and a beautiful love story begins. I had some tears of joy reading this great love story. It is almost like a fairy tale romance of two good men and the development of their love and HEA. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
April 24, 2025
We are now on to the third book in the series. I have really enjoyed these books. I saw somewhere that it had said you don't need to read the previous books but I think if that is true and it did say that I don't agree with it I think you should read the books beforehand just because I feel like there's probably like some backstory that I don't know if you would necessarily get if you didn't read the back ones. With all that being said I absolutely love this book I've Loved this series. The characters were absolutely fantastic together.
The author has done a wonderful job and I am very much looking forward to another book.
The author has done a wonderful job and I am very much looking forward to another book.
April 28, 2025
I am a huge fan of small town romances and read a lot of them, but this one was something special for me. I loved the fact that Jon's grandmother had sides to her that he never knew about and that her adventurous spirit motivated him to want to try new things. Then, we have Tyler the librarian with a library under threat (which hit home in this day and age) and a man who has stayed in Firefly Valley and built a life there. The connection between them was lovely and the small town feel where everyone knows and has an opinion on your business was charming. This is a series I recommend unreservedly.
May 1, 2025
As a fan of the Bears of Firefly Valley series, this third installment was a letdown. While the first two books were rich with love, emotional depth, and longing, Every Reason to Stay shifts its focus to small-town drama and quirky side plots, leaving the central romance between Jon and Tyler feeling like an afterthought. What starts as a steamy reunion fizzles into a scattered narrative with little heat or emotional connection. Compared to the strong bonds and heartfelt storytelling of the earlier books, this one simply lacks the magic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
The town of Firefly continues to grow in the third installment of this series, and I definitely felt the cast of the town starting to balloon a little. The romance here is cute, though I engaged with the last book’s couple more. I enjoyed the B-plot of the MC’s sister and their efforts within the town itself. The steamy scenes were shorter than the past two books, but still enjoyable. Overall, my third favorite out there so far, but a fun read.
I will note that the writing—especially dialog—felt less focused in this book. Maybe it’s just me but sometimes I’d lose track of who was taking which didn’t happen with the prior two entries.
I will note that the writing—especially dialog—felt less focused in this book. Maybe it’s just me but sometimes I’d lose track of who was taking which didn’t happen with the prior two entries.
April 11, 2025
This is the third book in the series and it’s so great to be back in Firefly Valley, This is a second chance story and we have Jon and Tyler whose first kiss was twenty years previous but he’s the one that Tyler never forgot. Jon used to love Firefly Valley when he was younger but his life has gotten very predictable is this the push he needed to change it up. The author gives us a great story filled with great characters and banter as well as showing how important it is to have support in good times and bad and a great second chance romance with plenty of steamy. Good read.
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