Firefly Valley, where a winter getaway comes with flannel sheets and unlimited pie.
I needed a break. A quiet weekend. Maybe some clarity about why my life—especially the part behind the bar—suddenly feels like it’s standing still. Instead, I get lost in a snowstorm, nearly freeze to death, and get rescued by a man who barely talks but somehow says everything with the way he pours a drink or stokes a fire.
He’s rough around the edges and built for solitude. I’m full of nervous chatter and determined to break down his walls. One night, with bourbon and big band music low in the background, we find something neither of us expects—something slow and careful, but quietly electric.
Now I’m attending a small-town wedding involving elf ears and Santa beards, surviving ladies with literal axes to grind, and realizing I might not be as “straight” as I thought. I’m starting to wonder if this unexpected detour might be exactly what I needed.
I came to Firefly to figure out what’s next. Now I’m wondering if next… might be us.
One Chance to Stay is a M/M, snarky romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features the hilarity of small towns and plenty of steam, but not always in that order. This is book four in the Bears of Firefly Valley.
Ryder 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.)
This was a lovely story about Patrick discovering his sexuality isn’t as set in stone as he first thought. While he tries to find what is missing from his life, he stumbles upon Seamus, a quiet, withdrawn man who is afraid to show people himself. His relationship with his sexuality, from his POV, means loss, even when it was done for his own benefit, and he’s afraid to let anyone else in.
It was a gorgeous story, a little dragged out, but ultimately really sweet. They find a way to make it together despite their differences and Seamus’ anxieties.
Ryder has officially become one of my favorite authors! I really enjoy exploring the town of Firefly and its inhabitants. The characters Ryder has come up with are all very wholesome. Walter and Mabel are becoming fast favorites. I just love their quirky personalities. Ryder keeps creating new couples that bring smiles to my face, and joy to my day. This is why I’m giving ‘One Chance To Stay’ 5 out of 5 stars.
The story starts off with our favorite bartender, Patrick, taking a hike in Maine for an epiphany where to take his life next. He ends up getting stuck in the middle of a snow storm well on his way to hypothermia. Patrick saving grace was a porch light. Once he reached the door he got a gun pointed at him by Seamus. (Which has to the funniest way to meet your significant other. Poor Patrick could not seem to catch a break.)
This begins their slow build friendship to relationship. Seamus is a whole lot more reluctant than Patrick is to the whole idea of a relationship. But Patrick does eventually grow on Seamus. Their whole relationship has been one cute moment to the next, and each of them made my heart melt. While they figure out their relationship, Patrick has to make decisions about his future. It is a slow process, but he does eventually get there.
I feel like I'm failing this series as a reader. I really enjoyed the first and second entries, but these last two have just completely failed to snag my attention. I don't really feel like I have a firm grasp on the town, and I really should by this point. Like...did Seamus even appear in the previous ones? I feel like these last few are trying too hard to be standalones and aren't leaning into the cozy small-town vibes of the first two. Also, the way the blurbs are written makes it really hard to refresh my memory on who the past MCs were, etc. I don't really have time to reread the series each time, but the blurbs don't contain enough specifics (they don't even have names in most cases!) to jog my memory.
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I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
“In a world without fear, I’d be slow dancing to jazz on vinyl.”
Seamus and Patrick have such a slow burn. It wasn’t one of those instant connects or a blazing fire of chemistry, but a slow, warm connection that turned into a great relationship. All of the stories of Firefly and sweet but this one is different and I love that it was so unique.
This is the fourth book in the Bears of Firefly Valley series and it’s definitely best enjoyed in order. The author doesn’t go to great lengths to explain who everyone is, and with a cast of characters this big, that definitely works against the book a little bit. Even having read all the books, I found myself doing a little bit of mental gymnastics to put everyone in the correct place. That being said, the story itself doesn’t hinge on anything that’s come before, so in that way it works on its own.
The shenanigans of Firefly Valley and its inhabitants give it a fun feeling. It’s a truly colorful and eclectic cast, though they are a little over the top. Patrick fits right in, which was fun to see as well. I also very much enjoyed the end of this story, and Seamus’ gesture was truly touching.
Ryder O'Malley has given us such a gift with this story! Hands down, this is one of the funniest books I've read in 2025. I laughed so hard and so often that my husband asked me if I was okay!
In 'One Chance to Stay,' we get to truly meet Patrick, and it is quickly apparent that there is so much more to the happy-go-lucky bartender than just his quick tongue and sense of humor. We're also introduced to Seamus - the grumpiest of grumps to ever grump.
Seamus is quiet and gruff, but there is a depth to him. He's a man of few words, whose silences carry more weight than whole conversations. But it is in his actions - the way he listens without interrupting or the small gestures like the carefully folded clothes and the coffee mug he leaves for Patrick - that he shows so much of his true self and how he takes care of those who are important to him. His ability to be silent but still present gives Patrick the space to learn how to slow down and appreciate the quiet instead of filling every silence with chatter (it's a work in progress...).
Patrick wasn't exactly how I imagined him, but in the best way. He is more mischievous than I anticipated, full of restless energy with a spark that plays beautifully against Seamus's steady but unexpectedly fragile strength. Watching Patrick be so determined to meet Seamus where he is, instead of trying to force Seamus to be someone he's not, was unexpectedly moving and undeniably sweet. Patrick proves that he is more than the confident face he shows the world, and as he uncovers new layers of himself, we get to discover them right alongside him.
I love Firefly Valley and I've said before that I wish it was a real place that I could move to. The town is its usual delightful backdrop, complete with the small-town charm, gossip and group texts, and the care and love they have for the residents is apparent in everything they do. Including Seamus, who doesn't believe he's truly part of them.
Seamus and Patrick are a case study in how contrasts can slowly knit together. Seamus shows us that silence doesn't have to mean emptiness, and Patrick brings a warmth and playfulness that slip past Seamus's defenses. Their dynamic is tender and sweet, crackling with heat and tension, and quietly transformative. This book is funny and heartfelt, with an HEA that lands perfectly and reminds us all that sometimes the quietest love stories speak the loudest.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
In Firefly Valley it would appear there are an abundance of Bears. Not of the brown, black, polar or grizzly variety but the human variety and we are about to meet two more of them. One is a visitor, the other a local. The visitor is there to try and decide who he is, what he wants from life - it's not quite a crisis he is facing but he has lots of questions. The recluse, well he is just that. Local, well-known but closed off and a grump.
Patrick is staying in Valhalla, the town B&B which, if you've read the previous books you'll know all about. Suffice to say this is a small town and everything, literally, is known to everyone. A hike into the mountains and an unexpected snowfall leave him almost dying of hypothermia until he is saved, although that word should be used carefully as he is almost shot at, by the discovery of Seamus' home.
Patrick and Seamus couldn't be more opposite and yet there is something there, from that very first moment, well, perhaps minus the gun. It is Patrick's point of view, for the most part, that we follow the story from, but we know that there is something there for Seamus too. He may appear to be taciturn, a man devoid of emotion and of very few words but as Patrick begins to peel away the layers we discover a lot more, about both of them. Of course this being Firefly Valley they are not particularly alone in their peeling away of one another's layers, there are plenty of folk in town who, with hearts of gold, want to help.
Ryder O'Malley continues this beautiful series with another heart-achingly beautiful story of two men, lost for very different reasons, who find one another and slowly, ever so slowly, help each other to find themselves too. What started out as a short break for Patrick, a chance to work out what next and find himself becomes an evocative, sensitive soul search. Seamus may be older but he too has discoveries to make. Together they are going to fill your heart and make you want to reach out and wrap your arms around not one but two grizzlies.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MY OPINION: I’ve read two of the other books in this series and enjoyed them. I like how each of these is a little different, but most certainly involves the same side characters.
This book introduces us to Patrick, who finds himself in the town of Firefly for a week's vacation. It’s exactly what he needs to think about his life. His job as a bartender at thirty wasn’t what he wanted to do forever, but he liked the people part of the job, so what does he do?
While figuring out his life, he found a man who kept to himself because he was afraid the people of Firefly would judge. We all know Firefly wouldn’t do that, but when you have such a big secret, it's hard to believe.
Seamus and Patrick comfort each other, finding the soft spots and soothing their souls. The twenty-year difference in age makes no difference; there is warmth and comfort between the two that makes their lives manageable.
Patrick figures out what he wants to do with the help of the people in Firefly, and Seamus regains some of himself with the help of Patrick.
This is a sweet book where you see two men come together and fix parts of themselves that are a little bit damaged. We are left with a happy-for-now ending with hope that they find their way. There is a ton of interaction with the good—but meddling—people in the small Maine town of Firefly. This is very much a slow burn, with a lot of story about finding—refinding—yourself with the help of friends and feelings. The people in it are normal, everyday men (bears) who care, need, and love—not a cut ab to be found.
It’s a lovely book and a perfect addition to the existing series. Pick it up, and the other ones too, you will enjoy Firefly and the people in it.
I adore Ryder's men. Doesn't matter if they're Heroes, Villains, Grunts or Bears, they're all big-hearted, big-chested bears that I want to hug. The couples in this series have all been such fun to read about, watching them find the loves of their lives while the town of Firefly cheers them on and nudges then in the right direction when necessary. This fourth book of the series is a change of pace, with Patrick and Seamus giving us a slow burn romance that's very low-key, quiet and gentle, and I couldn't be happier with it. This is more a reserved/outgoing than a grumpy/sunshine and I'm very glad that Ryder didn't alter Seamus' personality as the story progressed. He stayed true to himself but just let Patrick in, so the hard-won smiles and quiet declarations meant so much more to Patrick and to me. Patrick also went through a bit of soul-searching while he was there, re-examining his life choices and making big changes as a result. He was completely comfortable with his interest in a man for the first time, not needing a label for it. and I loved how relaxed he was about that. The townsfolk never cease to make me smile, with Abraham and Walter particularly standing out this time. Gladys, of course, has some page time too, and we even see Mabel (who is getting her own book, as she should!). Patrick made a firm friend while he was in Firefly, an outsider like him, and now that friend is getting his own story next. I'm intrigued already to see who he's paired with.
Glitterati Guild, sparkly spandex, Mabel Syrup, "The Grump & the Tramp", 'abdominal snowman', tequila & wedding cake
SIGH! What an awesome addition to the "Bears of Firefly Valley" series! I'm loving all the books in the collection. There's going to be another book coming. I can't wait! The way author Ryder O'Malley crafts his MCs in these books and makes them vulnerable, slightly angsty, but lovable in equal measures. The Firefly Valley townfolk will suck you into their world too.
Patrick is in small town Firefly Valley for a vacation of self introspection and relaxation. He considers himself straight. But when he stumbles upon Seamus's house during a horrible snowstorm, he finds himself weirdly attracted to Seamus. Patrick tries and fails to avoid getting sucked into the small town nosiness.
Seamus has lived his whole life in the quaint town, figuratively and literally living on the fringe. The townfolk think of him as a loner unwilling to engage with them. For some reason Patrick can't stop thinking about him, wanting to crash through his defensive walls. Seamus makes himself intimidating. Patrick is nothing but patient and tenacious much to Seamus's chagrin. To Patrick, Seamus is a big cinnamon bun.
I believe you will find this book as enjoyable and satisfying as I did. You must give the series a try!
Patrick, a bartender, wins a week stay at Valhalla BNB in Firefly ME. While he takes his much needed vacation, he figures he will do some self- reflection and figure out what his next step is in his career. During a hike, a snowstorm blows up, and he barely makes it to a stranger’s farm where when the door opens, he’s looking down the barrel of a gun. Seamus, the man behind the gun takes him in for the night. Patrick finds himself attracted to the man, and tries to find ways to get him to open up. Seamus is a private recluse, and having a social creature like Patrick around begins to change things. This book is a lot slower than the 3 previous Bears Of Firefly stories. It’s definitely a slow burn, which is fine, but it stalled a few times. Usually the secondary characters that we’ve grown to know and love are very involved, but in this one, their interactions are through texts. It takes a lot of time to get through the thick exterior of Seamus, but once Patrick would get there, he was so sweet. I was hoping there’d be more of Patrick and Seamus together, but they’re mostly apart. There is a bonus scene. I haven’t read it yet but look forward to seeing these two together again. Definitely worth a read, just a different cadence than the others.
Firefly Valley has a glorious amount of big boys, as soon as I find this town I’m packing my bags! Not to mention the wonderful cast of townfolk who may be nosey, but are a loving bunch.
One Chance to Stay includes a grumpy recluse whom I absolutely love. Seamus is an older man who has drawn inward and keeps his distance from everyone. But then a half-frozen Patrick lands on his doorstep.
Patrick is a talkative, friendly guy who at first wants to thank the man who saved him, but then he just wants to make Seamus smile and feel.
It’s romance with a lot of push and pull as they navigate their feelings, but also where they’ve come from, and where they are going in life.
I love that through their journey, they grow and change, but neither becomes someone different. They are still grumpy/sunshine, just happier!
I’ve had to have a good think about this review for this book as up to this point I’ve really loved this series but I struggled a little with this one.
I really loved the premise of the story and loved being back in this world with all the funny characters. I think the problem for me was far too much Patrick and not enough Seamus. Both are interesting characters and we got to know Patrick very easily. I know the whole point of Seamus was that he was very quiet and an introvert living his life away from the busier town but we barely scratched the surface.
I didn’t buy their relationship development seeing as they barely had a conversation. I needed a bit more time with them both and I wanted Seamus to open up a bit more so that they felt genuine.
I want to stress that I’m not saying this was bad, it just wasn’t for me. I needed a bit more. I think there’s still one more to come in this series and I will be reading it so it definitely hasn’t put me off.
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
One Chance to Stay was a cute romance in the Bears of Firefly Valley series, featuring a Grumpy recluse and a Sunshine bartender who fall in love while the town of Firefly did its thing. The townsfolk were exceptionally batty in this one, while the romance was a slow and patient one that took a while to build. This installment wasn't the most energetic or emotionally moving for me, but I loved that Ryder delivered a romance where Decembers were the focal point and were all seen, felt, cherished and really celebrated for them being themselves! Shout out to super babe Mabel Syrup who gave me life, and bffs Walter and Harvey who show what "going the distance" really means!
Always lovely and always sweet, this series remains a spot of comfort and I can't wait to see where Ryder O'Malley takes his bears to next!
What a lovely story about two men who are in very different places in life in some ways, but in others they are meeting at a time when both need what comes with the other. For Seamus, who has chosen to keep to himself but finds his own way to get his points across. Then there is Patrick who is more extroverted but who realizes he needs a break from his life as he is living it to figure some things out. They connect when Patrick needs a save and then Patrick decides he wants to work on Seamus and invite him to participate more in town life. The progression of their relationship is a revelation for Patrick who realizes he is not so straight. And they are going to have to find their rhythm across very different approaches to life but their story was sweet in a lot of ways and this town and its inhabitants are a hoot which adds to their love story. I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Its been ages since I have been to Firefly Valley, but as soon as Patrick arrived there, it felt like yesterday. When Patrick won a week in Firefly Valley, he took this a chance to find himself. Was there more to life than bartending, what would he do instead. What he didn't expect was to find himself at the wrong end of a gun. This was a slow burn as Patrick and Seamus navigate their relationship. Seamus, a man of few words who kept himself on the outskirts of the Firefly community, but he could not fight the determination of Patrick who not only was discovering his sexuality, but his desire for Seamus The residents were up to their usual antics being into his business, whilst taking Patrick into their embrace, never forcing Seamus out of his comfort zone. The wedding scenes had me smiling as they were so Firefly Valley and I loved catching up with former characters and remembering their stories. This story shows that opposite attracts
Patrick won a stay in Firefly Valley. Having a few friends there makes it even better to go. They'd been telling how Firefly gets a hold of you and you stay. Not paying attention to the weather, he gets almost frozen before he makes it to a cabin where Seamus opens the door holding a gun! Waking up in a warm bed baked was a surprise but Patrick isn't worried. Seamus is a big bear of an older man, not one to smile nor talk much. But Patrick doesn't gave any problem filling in the silence between the two.
Sweet, tender story about a not so straight bartender and an almost recluse and Firefly Valley and the magic you feel there. Enjoy! I really enjoyed the townspeople! They're A hoot! If it was a real place I'd love to visit!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved One Chance to Stay! Firefly Valley just keeps getting better, Ryder O’Malley has created such a cozy, wholesome world full of quirky, loveable characters. Walter and Mabel are fast becoming favorites, and the whole town always makes me smile.
Patrick and Seamus’ story was such a sweet, slow-burn delight. Their first meeting (a gun in the middle of a snowstorm!) couldn’t have been more chaotic, but it set the tone perfectly for their grumpy-meets-outgoing dynamic. Watching them slowly open up to each other, with all the quiet moments, small smiles, and gentle affection, was so heartwarming.
Ryder writes these big-hearted, big-bear men so beautifully. This book felt like a warm hug, tender, reflective, and full of charm. The perfect addition to the Firefly series, and I already can’t wait for the next story!
'I hadn’t thought about this situation. An intimate encounter with Seamus never crossed my mind, but here we were, both of us navigating uncertain waters. Something about this reserved, gruff bear… it was no longer about repayment. This was about connecting. He still hadn’t said a word, but he hadn’t let go either. “We can keep going…”'
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a sweet hurt/comfort bi-awakening uplifting romance. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Patrick and Seamus. These two were so precious together. There was an uncertainness, some vulnerability. But these two uplifted and supported each other. Finding direction. Finding oneself. I loved the way their relationship developed. It was a beautiful journey. 4 stars
This is a good grumpy/sunshine book. Seamus has isolated himself in Firefly Valley, which is quite the feat considering how crazy and nosy the neighbors are. Patrick is the complete opposite, the social butterfly of a bartender who can chat up anyone. His little vacation at the B&B is supposed to help him find clarity and figure out what he wants to do with his life. What he winds up doing is stumbling into the local hermit who has basically shut himself away from the town. If anyone can draw that intense man out of his shell, it will be Patrick. Their relationship isn’t an easy one but it is so worth it. And the people of Firefly are still nosy and a little bit…okay a lot…crazy.
Really enjoyed this one - 4th in the Bears of Firefly Valley series. It's a low drama, slow burn (the sex happens quickly, but the romance takes its time), found family (Firefly Valley turns into family really quickly), sweet romance between SUPER grumpy introvert Seamus, and happy but kind of lost extrovert Patrick. There's an age gap, but it doesn't matter much. These 2 fit together really well.
Of course, the whole town makes an appearance, especially folks from the other books. No one is super annoying or butting-in nosy this time. There's even a number of laugh out loud sections.
4/5. It was a mess, but it was the same super sweet, super great romance I’ve come to know and expect from this series. There’s always shenanigans, a metric fuck ton of heart, and a hopeful energy that carries over to real life. It’s a whole lot of realism that’s been perfectly romanticized and I’m always here for it. I wasn’t even remotely in the mood for a sappy little fluff bomb, but I still enjoyed the shit out of it. That says a lot. I just wish there was a better editing process. I can’t change who I am. It still grates on me when shit is inconsistent and wonky. The afterwords still get to me every time, too.
One Chance to Stay is small-town romance at its coziest and most heartwarming. Ryder O’Malley delivers a grumpy/sunshine pairing that feels tender, funny, and quietly electric. The snowstorm rescue sets the perfect stage for a slow-burn connection filled with warmth, bourbon, and just enough sass to crack through the grump’s walls. Between quirky townsfolk, unexpected self-discovery, and all the charm Firefly Valley offers, this book is as comforting as flannel sheets and fresh pie. A sweet, steamy gem for anyone who loves gruff protectors and chatty charmers finding home in each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet and comforting! Patrick, is at a checkpoint in his life.He enjoys his life as a bartender, but thought there'd be more. His getaway, turns into an unexpected adventure. Patrick, finds his way to Seamus' and is rescued during a snowstorm. Seamus, the Firefly resident recluse is a man of few words. Patrick and Seamus are slightly outside their comfort zones but they find the path to open up. The townsfolk are amazing! Delightful story, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a big bear myself who struggles to find himself in books, these books are my favorites. Stories about tender big men that are complete opposites. Patrick is Mr. Social, talkative and never met a stranger: Seamus is quiet and loves his hermit lifestyle. When Patrick gets lost in snowstorm Seamus rescues him a slow burning love story starts. I love and laughed watching Patrick draw Seamus out of his shell and into a relationship. A great story to two men that make the perfectly complemented couple each completing the other one. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
It’s no secret that I love this series. They are filled with so much emotion. Each time I think I’m reading the best one and yet they keep topping the last. Seamus and Patrick’s story moved me more though. I think it has to do with several things. How long Seamus felt the way he did and his age were a big part but so was where Patrick was in his life. Then there is the beautiful residents of Firefly that make you wish you lived there. Add in that they get actual seasons I would be on my way. Please keep this series going. I’m not ready to leave Firefly.
At this point, it wasn't as interesting as the previous books. Normally, it's because I inhale the whole series in one sitting and they are too similar for that to work but this one had plenty of space and... nah, wasn't feeling it. The couple is good, I like the dynamic but the small town... everything was annoying. Especially since these two had something... their relationship felt more private and exploratory and intimate and special so making it into a Firyfly affair felt wrong, even if it wasn't as over the top as some other gestures.
Patrick has reached a point in his life where he feels stuck. He wants more than his bartending gig but he would miss the chance to help his customers. He hopes to clear his mind but he ends up lost and half frozen on the doorstep of the town grump Seamus. This is a slow burn-ish type story. They have amazing chemistry but it takes awhile for Patrick to get inside of the walls that Seamus has put up around him. And as usual all of Firefly's residents are out and flying their freak flags! I wish they could all have their own books.
Patrick wins a weeks vacation stay at Valhalla a bed and breakfast in Firefly Valley. He is a bartender in a nearby town and very upbeat, but is questioning his future. His first day he goes on a short hike and gets lost during a snowstorm. Freezing and close to hypothermia he sees a light and follows it. Finally he comes to a secluded cabin and is greeted by a gruff man, Logan holding a shotgun. Logan lets him in and lets him stay the night. This is a great story and plus you have to love the Firefly community even if they are nosey they show the best of a small helpful town.
Let me start with, my review will be revised! I received this as an ARC, and while it said it was interconnected but could be read as a standalone, I disagree.
I struggled to connect with the world, the town and the characters and I think it’s because I didn’t read what came before.
All the texts with their friends chat I didn’t really get, I had no idea who anyone was or some of the niche inside jokes.
I think because of this, I had a hard time empathizing with the MC’s
My plan is to backtrack and then reread this, but for now I’m giving it 3/5 ✨