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Burnt Reflections
For Scotty Riesen, hiding his sexuality in Ma's Trick, Louisiana hasn't been easy, given his secret relationship with his next-door neighbor, football star, and fellow closet case, Jean Lafitte. One night he decides that living in the closet is no way to go through life. He comes out, but he isn’t prepared for the backlash from his parents and friends.
Scotty takes a bus to New Orleans to make a new life for himself. Playing janitor and dancing boy at the gay bar Burnt Reflections is a lot better than living on the street, but he can’t forget Jean Lafitte no matter how many men throw themselves at him.
Despite everything, Jean Lafitte may yet prove just how far he’s willing to go to make a relationship with Scotty work. Traveling down to New Orleans to find Scotty is just the start of a courtship that won’t be stopped by anything less than a Louisiana hurricane.
Scotty takes a bus to New Orleans to make a new life for himself. Playing janitor and dancing boy at the gay bar Burnt Reflections is a lot better than living on the street, but he can’t forget Jean Lafitte no matter how many men throw themselves at him.
Despite everything, Jean Lafitte may yet prove just how far he’s willing to go to make a relationship with Scotty work. Traveling down to New Orleans to find Scotty is just the start of a courtship that won’t be stopped by anything less than a Louisiana hurricane.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2014
64 people want to read
About the author
J. Roman
5 books15 followersThere is more than one author with this name
J. Roman is a believer in second chances and making things happen. Recently relocated to an ivory tower in the wonderful city of Charlotte, North Carolina, she endeavors to keep everyone on their toes and get into as much trouble as possible. A firm believer in happily-ever-after, J. thinks that everyone deserves a happy ending, even if it takes a little more work for some people to get there
J. Roman is a believer in second chances and making things happen. Recently relocated to an ivory tower in the wonderful city of Charlotte, North Carolina, she endeavors to keep everyone on their toes and get into as much trouble as possible. A firm believer in happily-ever-after, J. thinks that everyone deserves a happy ending, even if it takes a little more work for some people to get there
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 6, 2014
3.75
This is what I would classify as a New Adult book, not really my favourite type of book to read but I thought I’d give it a try, I’m glad I did because it really won me over.
Scotty Riesen and Jean Lafitte are young men in love and living in the small town of Ma’s Trick, Louisiana. Jean is the star quarterback and is dating the head cheerleader, he sees Scotty on the down low. Scotty is tired of hiding so he outs himself to his family and is kicked out their house. What follows is him being outed to the school by Jean which leads to endless torment by his classmates so he leaves town to try his chances in New Orleans.
Things were always just skirting the edge of the worst possible scenario for Scotty’s choices which made it have a bit a fairytale like quality to it. I like that things are tough for him when he’s trying to make his way: leaving home, living on the streets, becoming a go-go dancer, dating a drug pusher/pimp but I kept waiting for something really horrible to happen. That made it a bit of tense read for me, I enjoyed the first run but I think I’ll end up enjoying my re-reads even more knowing that I’m not waiting for the hammer to fall.
Great descriptive writing and natural dialogue made this an easy read for me. I loved all the characters, the MCs and the secondary ones, Scotty Nana was pretty wonderful throughout the story. This could have been a lot uglier but I’m glad that we only got a taste of what could have been. Jean has his moments to shine as well, which he really needed. I wasn’t sure how he could be redeemed for the outing and some of this actions in Ma’s Trick but I found him more endearing as the read progressed. I also really liked how he confronted Scotty when they got home from their Christmas trip because he was tired of trying to prove himself worthy and worried about the state of their relationship. They definitely needed that talk and moved their relationship to more adult footing. I could read more about a lot of the characters introduced here: Butch and Tony, Jean’s older brother, the bar bathroom rescue guy. I really liked the flow and style, I’d definitely read more from this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This is what I would classify as a New Adult book, not really my favourite type of book to read but I thought I’d give it a try, I’m glad I did because it really won me over.
Scotty Riesen and Jean Lafitte are young men in love and living in the small town of Ma’s Trick, Louisiana. Jean is the star quarterback and is dating the head cheerleader, he sees Scotty on the down low. Scotty is tired of hiding so he outs himself to his family and is kicked out their house. What follows is him being outed to the school by Jean which leads to endless torment by his classmates so he leaves town to try his chances in New Orleans.
Things were always just skirting the edge of the worst possible scenario for Scotty’s choices which made it have a bit a fairytale like quality to it. I like that things are tough for him when he’s trying to make his way: leaving home, living on the streets, becoming a go-go dancer, dating a drug pusher/pimp but I kept waiting for something really horrible to happen. That made it a bit of tense read for me, I enjoyed the first run but I think I’ll end up enjoying my re-reads even more knowing that I’m not waiting for the hammer to fall.
Great descriptive writing and natural dialogue made this an easy read for me. I loved all the characters, the MCs and the secondary ones, Scotty Nana was pretty wonderful throughout the story. This could have been a lot uglier but I’m glad that we only got a taste of what could have been. Jean has his moments to shine as well, which he really needed. I wasn’t sure how he could be redeemed for the outing and some of this actions in Ma’s Trick but I found him more endearing as the read progressed. I also really liked how he confronted Scotty when they got home from their Christmas trip because he was tired of trying to prove himself worthy and worried about the state of their relationship. They definitely needed that talk and moved their relationship to more adult footing. I could read more about a lot of the characters introduced here: Butch and Tony, Jean’s older brother, the bar bathroom rescue guy. I really liked the flow and style, I’d definitely read more from this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
January 9, 2015
3.5 stars
While I always say that I am not a big fan of the Young/New Adult genre – I think I’m not patient enough for adolescent drama that I often associate with the genre – I sometimes like to dip my toe in it too when the mood is right.
Burnt Reflections is a good and moderately low in angst read. The story starts with Scotty getting backlash from his family and friends because he decides to come out of the closet in his small town of Ma’s Trick, Louisiana. He is thrown out by his father and must stay with his grandmother. He also becomes a target for bullies. In addition, his semi-boyfriend, Jean Lafitte, who is also deep in the closet, being the jock that he is, refuses to stand by him. However, Scotty makes his own way out of the town and thankfully meets a Good Samaritan, finds a new job and a new place to live in New Orleans.
The story might tease with some worst-case scenarios for Scotty but it never gets to it. It might be a little fairy-tale like or maybe just a stroke of luck – but Scotty can always find help and support from his new friends. In fact, Jean also decides to come clean, comes to Scotty and declares his deep love. I sometimes get tired of reading down on their luck boys, with harsh realities of life being thrown my way. So I was happy that it never become really bad for Scotty.
I might have thought that Jean needed to do some groveling but at the same time, I found that Jean didn’t exactly have a charmed life after he decided to defend his relationship with Scotty. I guess it made it easy for me to forgive him. He is young after all. Besides Jean becomes quite endearing as he is determined to fix his mistakes. Their relationship is sweet – although it also borders quite sappy for my taste.
The secondary characters are wonderful too – most especially Scotty’s nana and the owners of Burnt Reflections, that kind of become parent-like to Scotty.
Overall, it is a pleasant and effortless read. Oh, and I completely love the book cover! It is sharp, clean, and simple.
While I always say that I am not a big fan of the Young/New Adult genre – I think I’m not patient enough for adolescent drama that I often associate with the genre – I sometimes like to dip my toe in it too when the mood is right.
Burnt Reflections is a good and moderately low in angst read. The story starts with Scotty getting backlash from his family and friends because he decides to come out of the closet in his small town of Ma’s Trick, Louisiana. He is thrown out by his father and must stay with his grandmother. He also becomes a target for bullies. In addition, his semi-boyfriend, Jean Lafitte, who is also deep in the closet, being the jock that he is, refuses to stand by him. However, Scotty makes his own way out of the town and thankfully meets a Good Samaritan, finds a new job and a new place to live in New Orleans.
The story might tease with some worst-case scenarios for Scotty but it never gets to it. It might be a little fairy-tale like or maybe just a stroke of luck – but Scotty can always find help and support from his new friends. In fact, Jean also decides to come clean, comes to Scotty and declares his deep love. I sometimes get tired of reading down on their luck boys, with harsh realities of life being thrown my way. So I was happy that it never become really bad for Scotty.
I might have thought that Jean needed to do some groveling but at the same time, I found that Jean didn’t exactly have a charmed life after he decided to defend his relationship with Scotty. I guess it made it easy for me to forgive him. He is young after all. Besides Jean becomes quite endearing as he is determined to fix his mistakes. Their relationship is sweet – although it also borders quite sappy for my taste.
The secondary characters are wonderful too – most especially Scotty’s nana and the owners of Burnt Reflections, that kind of become parent-like to Scotty.
Overall, it is a pleasant and effortless read. Oh, and I completely love the book cover! It is sharp, clean, and simple.
November 27, 2014
This is one of those stories that really got to me. Realistic in how Scotty deals with being gay in a small town full of narrow-minded people, his parents included, it follows his path to inner freedom as he grows up much more quickly than he anticipated. Way faster than the young men he fell in love with—and ends up leaving behind until he can catch up. Be warned: this is an emotional story without being overly dramatic, and shows the kind of tough times some kids unfortunately have to go through because their parents throw them away.
Scotty has known he is gay from the time he was thirteen. He also knows that nobody can find out, because being “a fag”, as everyone refers to it, is not an option for him. And how horrible is that? My heart went out to him as he finally decides, more or less on an impulse, to come out. He just wasn’t willing to hide any longer, but, as he puts it, “As terrified and sick as I felt, I was free for the first time in my life.” The consequences are awful. His father kicks him out, his boyfriend Jean outs him at school, all to protect himself, the coward. Scott ends up with his grandmother for a while, but when his tormentors start to go after her, he leaves for New Orleans. He is very lucky that the owner of a gay bar, Burnt Reflections, finds him before he has to sell his body to get some food, but it is still a struggle for him to realign himself with his new life. He is a true fighter, and I loved that about him.
Jean has a lot to learn. The way he treats Scotty is horrifically heartless. I mean, I get that he believes he has to hide, that he isn’t ready to come out, but he is taking the guise so far that he ends up hurting Scotty tremendously. Jean dates a girl, all, he says, part of the cover. But then, just as Scotty is leaving and hoping for one last intimate encounter, he reveals that he has used all the condoms—and Scotty knows exactly whom with. And that wasn’t the only insensitive thing he did. I was so angry at Jean! Yes, he is young and has a lot to learn, but that one incident just shows exactly how much. Jean is so far in the closet, he cannot admit to himself that he is gay, not even in Scott’s presence when nobody is listening. But he also has hell to walk through, and when he does, he realizes how much he has to make up for. I thought it no more than fair that Scotty lets him work hard for the forgiveness Jean needs so badly.
If you like realistic stories about young men who stand up for themselves and end up going through hell for other people’s bigotry, if you want to see what it is like to go from “I can’t be gay” to “I love this man, and damn the consequences”, and if you’re looking for an intense, emotional read about two young men who manage to find a happy ending despite everyone else’s best attempts to drive them apart, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did.
Scotty has known he is gay from the time he was thirteen. He also knows that nobody can find out, because being “a fag”, as everyone refers to it, is not an option for him. And how horrible is that? My heart went out to him as he finally decides, more or less on an impulse, to come out. He just wasn’t willing to hide any longer, but, as he puts it, “As terrified and sick as I felt, I was free for the first time in my life.” The consequences are awful. His father kicks him out, his boyfriend Jean outs him at school, all to protect himself, the coward. Scott ends up with his grandmother for a while, but when his tormentors start to go after her, he leaves for New Orleans. He is very lucky that the owner of a gay bar, Burnt Reflections, finds him before he has to sell his body to get some food, but it is still a struggle for him to realign himself with his new life. He is a true fighter, and I loved that about him.
Jean has a lot to learn. The way he treats Scotty is horrifically heartless. I mean, I get that he believes he has to hide, that he isn’t ready to come out, but he is taking the guise so far that he ends up hurting Scotty tremendously. Jean dates a girl, all, he says, part of the cover. But then, just as Scotty is leaving and hoping for one last intimate encounter, he reveals that he has used all the condoms—and Scotty knows exactly whom with. And that wasn’t the only insensitive thing he did. I was so angry at Jean! Yes, he is young and has a lot to learn, but that one incident just shows exactly how much. Jean is so far in the closet, he cannot admit to himself that he is gay, not even in Scott’s presence when nobody is listening. But he also has hell to walk through, and when he does, he realizes how much he has to make up for. I thought it no more than fair that Scotty lets him work hard for the forgiveness Jean needs so badly.
If you like realistic stories about young men who stand up for themselves and end up going through hell for other people’s bigotry, if you want to see what it is like to go from “I can’t be gay” to “I love this man, and damn the consequences”, and if you’re looking for an intense, emotional read about two young men who manage to find a happy ending despite everyone else’s best attempts to drive them apart, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did.
December 7, 2014
Weeeeeeell.
As a few other readers have noted, this seems quite New Adult, which is in the no fly zone for me, genre wise. But I can't default on disliking a book for that, so I gave it a chance.
This was a good read, and I think someone who likes this genre might have a better go than I did.
I think some things in this book fell into place a little too quickly, and a little too easily. I actually quite adored Jean throughout, the poor idiot.
The story is about redemption, and the struggles of finding your place in life after you've been dealt an unfair hand.
As another reviewer mentioned, I was reading the story waiting the entire time for something else terrible to happen. I think the tension in this book was done quite well because I was stressing out almost the entire time.
While this genre may not have been for me, I would like the comment on Roman's writing. I think it's refreshing, and really quite good. This is my first book by this author, but based on the very enjoyable writing style, I don't think it will be my last.
As a few other readers have noted, this seems quite New Adult, which is in the no fly zone for me, genre wise. But I can't default on disliking a book for that, so I gave it a chance.
This was a good read, and I think someone who likes this genre might have a better go than I did.
I think some things in this book fell into place a little too quickly, and a little too easily. I actually quite adored Jean throughout, the poor idiot.
The story is about redemption, and the struggles of finding your place in life after you've been dealt an unfair hand.
As another reviewer mentioned, I was reading the story waiting the entire time for something else terrible to happen. I think the tension in this book was done quite well because I was stressing out almost the entire time.
While this genre may not have been for me, I would like the comment on Roman's writing. I think it's refreshing, and really quite good. This is my first book by this author, but based on the very enjoyable writing style, I don't think it will be my last.
November 24, 2014
Reviewed for 
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 hearts
This story hit on all of the gut churning buttons that make me sad, make me want to rage, and make me want to protect and nurture those who don’t deserve to be down on their luck. Scotty found himself alone and afraid after coming out to his family just a month before his senior graduation. His family kicked him out of the house, his classmates made his life miserable, and the guy he expected to have his back (if not willing to come out himself) more or less punched him in the gut when he joined in the bullying with the others. When Scotty’s shame and troubles followed him to his grandma’s house, he couldn’t stomach having anything happen to her so he left, and found himself homeless, penniless, hungry and confused in New Orleans.
Lucky for Scotty, he had a guardian angel looking out for him. Before his situation became so desperate that he was selling himself for food or cash, Scotty crossed paths with Butch, the owner of a gay bar and someone who had a habit of helping out the strays who landed on the streets in his city. Butch gave Scotty shelter, a job cleaning in his bar (and later dancing), and guidance in the way of growing up fast. I loved Butch and his guy Tony and how they became somewhat protective father figures keeping an eye on Scotty. And I loved that Scotty had the strength to be himself despite how much it cost him.
Jean Lafitte, the boy who betrayed Scotty, was a much harder character for me to warm up to. I understood his fears, but didn’t respect the actions he took in the face of those fears (for the most part). When he did finally pull his head out of his arse and man up (coming out and then going in search of Scotty), he did redeem himself a bit in his persistence to show Scotty how much he loved him. I’m not sure I could have given in or forgiven as readily as Scotty did.
The best part of this book is in how it simultaneously portrays both the best and worst of human nature very realistically – from the beauty of a helping hand with good intentions to the hard to believe act of a parent basically throwing away their own child. Scotty survived multiple devastating events in his young life, but he survived. He was amazingly strong. His character drew me into the story completely, made me care about him, and had me rooting for his HEA. Definitely recommended!
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 heartsThis story hit on all of the gut churning buttons that make me sad, make me want to rage, and make me want to protect and nurture those who don’t deserve to be down on their luck. Scotty found himself alone and afraid after coming out to his family just a month before his senior graduation. His family kicked him out of the house, his classmates made his life miserable, and the guy he expected to have his back (if not willing to come out himself) more or less punched him in the gut when he joined in the bullying with the others. When Scotty’s shame and troubles followed him to his grandma’s house, he couldn’t stomach having anything happen to her so he left, and found himself homeless, penniless, hungry and confused in New Orleans.
Lucky for Scotty, he had a guardian angel looking out for him. Before his situation became so desperate that he was selling himself for food or cash, Scotty crossed paths with Butch, the owner of a gay bar and someone who had a habit of helping out the strays who landed on the streets in his city. Butch gave Scotty shelter, a job cleaning in his bar (and later dancing), and guidance in the way of growing up fast. I loved Butch and his guy Tony and how they became somewhat protective father figures keeping an eye on Scotty. And I loved that Scotty had the strength to be himself despite how much it cost him.
Jean Lafitte, the boy who betrayed Scotty, was a much harder character for me to warm up to. I understood his fears, but didn’t respect the actions he took in the face of those fears (for the most part). When he did finally pull his head out of his arse and man up (coming out and then going in search of Scotty), he did redeem himself a bit in his persistence to show Scotty how much he loved him. I’m not sure I could have given in or forgiven as readily as Scotty did.
The best part of this book is in how it simultaneously portrays both the best and worst of human nature very realistically – from the beauty of a helping hand with good intentions to the hard to believe act of a parent basically throwing away their own child. Scotty survived multiple devastating events in his young life, but he survived. He was amazingly strong. His character drew me into the story completely, made me care about him, and had me rooting for his HEA. Definitely recommended!
December 10, 2014
I'm a sucker for second chances! I'm happy that it all worked out for Scotty and Jean :)
I have to admit, I had a very soft spot for Jean :)
I have to admit, I had a very soft spot for Jean :)
July 8, 2015
OK, too much drama for me. I can't believe how immature Scotty was. Having the support of Butch and Tony, and their warnings, and he still behaves so stupidly.
December 9, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The angst in this story is fairly low. Scotty has some real issues to deal with, but the events are not drawn out and are not overly dramatic.
Scotty lands somewhat on his feet with the help of Butch, who owns a nightclub. He has a place to stay, a job, and despite what life has thrown at him, a fairly decent attitude. He is completely in love with Jean and because of that is fairly forgiving. The story is told from Scotty’s perspective and we do not get to see Jean’s take on things. Jean causes Scotty so much heartache and he does not try to rectify anything until life turns on him, which does not make him the most sympathetic character. And, he has almost a complete change in attitude in a very short amount of time. The story is a fairly easy read. Scotty is easy to like and I was rooting for him, but there is just a little something missing from the connection overall. It’s the kind of story you feel like you are looking in on, but not fully part of. The story is a bit predictable a lot of the way through, the guys have to grow up fast, but despite the issues they are facing, everything works out really nice and neat and comfortable.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The angst in this story is fairly low. Scotty has some real issues to deal with, but the events are not drawn out and are not overly dramatic.
Scotty lands somewhat on his feet with the help of Butch, who owns a nightclub. He has a place to stay, a job, and despite what life has thrown at him, a fairly decent attitude. He is completely in love with Jean and because of that is fairly forgiving. The story is told from Scotty’s perspective and we do not get to see Jean’s take on things. Jean causes Scotty so much heartache and he does not try to rectify anything until life turns on him, which does not make him the most sympathetic character. And, he has almost a complete change in attitude in a very short amount of time. The story is a fairly easy read. Scotty is easy to like and I was rooting for him, but there is just a little something missing from the connection overall. It’s the kind of story you feel like you are looking in on, but not fully part of. The story is a bit predictable a lot of the way through, the guys have to grow up fast, but despite the issues they are facing, everything works out really nice and neat and comfortable.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
October 13, 2015
Ah, Nana's - the best people!
Scotty has a tough time after blurting out that he is gay over family tea table. Luckily for him, his Nana is there to take him in. I loved Nana's voice - both how she talked and what she said, great characterisation. I wasn't so keen on Scotty's lack of contact with her. However, I can see an 18 year old totally being that way - so many different things to see and do so home is relegated way back.
Scotty's decision to go to New Orleans is very rash, with no planning or money - the dangers are there for him so can only imagine what the situation is for those that don't find a Butch. Scotty definitely landed on his feet but still showed his niavety a lot.
Jean was a bit more of a shadowy character - things happened and decisions were made where we only saw the aftermath. In Ma's Trick (sounds like the Belgian town to me!) he comes over as very self centred and using Scotty. I'm not sure I fully got behind him even after he gets to NO - he didn't seem to credit Scotty with surviving.
The characters are young, just on the cusp of adulthood by age and whilst this isn't a big favourite genre for me, I did enjoy this one. 3.5*
Scotty has a tough time after blurting out that he is gay over family tea table. Luckily for him, his Nana is there to take him in. I loved Nana's voice - both how she talked and what she said, great characterisation. I wasn't so keen on Scotty's lack of contact with her. However, I can see an 18 year old totally being that way - so many different things to see and do so home is relegated way back.
Scotty's decision to go to New Orleans is very rash, with no planning or money - the dangers are there for him so can only imagine what the situation is for those that don't find a Butch. Scotty definitely landed on his feet but still showed his niavety a lot.
Jean was a bit more of a shadowy character - things happened and decisions were made where we only saw the aftermath. In Ma's Trick (sounds like the Belgian town to me!) he comes over as very self centred and using Scotty. I'm not sure I fully got behind him even after he gets to NO - he didn't seem to credit Scotty with surviving.
The characters are young, just on the cusp of adulthood by age and whilst this isn't a big favourite genre for me, I did enjoy this one. 3.5*
July 24, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. Don't read the first third of Burnt Reflections by J Roman while in public. This story nails the pain and anguish felt by one teenager when he is outed in the most public way by the one person he should be able to trust the most. Told in the first person from Scotty's point of view, it is the tale that sees both the fall and the redemption. Find the whole review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
October 20, 2016
3.5 stars
I'm with other reviewers - this book had drama waiting to happen, only to then go the smooth way. Perhaps the whole thing was too smooth for me. But the writing was good and it got me to finish it.
I'm with other reviewers - this book had drama waiting to happen, only to then go the smooth way. Perhaps the whole thing was too smooth for me. But the writing was good and it got me to finish it.
April 10, 2016
2.5 stars
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