Outcast of Society

by Lucille Burman

Tormented by memories she’d rather forget, Harlow Hartt leaves the chaos of Hollywood and returns to her Wyoming roots. But the ghosts of her past aren’t far behind, and neither is the painful prospect of starting a new school and reconnecting with the father who abandoned her.

Murphy Braxton has one to survive senior year and take his garage band to the electrifying stages of the Sunset Strip. But for a group of small-town rockers in the ‘80s with no money, it feels almost impossible. That’s when he meets Harlow, the mysterious new girl whose apartment in L.A. could be the opportunity his band has been waiting for—if only he can figure out how to get close to her.

As their worlds collide, ambition and heartache intertwine. Will their desires harmonise, or will the pursuit of what’s just out of reach tear them apart?

A stirring tale of music, love, and the courage to face the past, this story resonates with anyone who’s ever longed for something more.

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

Lucille Burman is a romance author who grew up in rural Australia. She spent her childhood outdoors with Mother Nature and immersed in the world of fanfiction. She then moved to the big city and trained at the Police Academy, graduating at the top of her class.
Eventually, she embraced her true calling and became a self-published author, all while managing the demands of a full-time career.

Reviews

[Cormier Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this felt like stepping into a John Hughes movie, but with more grit and a deeper emotional current. Harlow is the kind of character you want to hug and shake at the same time. haunted by her past, unsure of her future, and desperately trying to figure out where she belongs. Murphy’s band storyline was a great counterbalance to her pain; his determination to make it to Sunset Strip stages gave the story an almost feverish energy. I loved how Burman wove the worlds of heartbreak and ambition together, music became both an escape and a trap. The small town setting was beautifully painted, making the contrast with Hollywood even sharper. It’s not just a romance; it’s about survival, reinvention, and deciding whether your dreams are worth the risk.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read much but this one was worth it. Well written, enjoyed the plot, and the asexual representation made me happy.