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Home is a Fire #3
This Fire Inside
Luke Walcott may have finally come out of the closet, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t shadows still lurking in the corners of his past.
Luke has never been happier now that his relationship with Derek is out in the open and their small Southern town has accepted them for who they are. But in an effort to get away from the commotion that arose after their relationship was revealed, Derek and Luke head to New York City for a well-deserved break. Little do they know that turmoil is waiting for them in those steamy city streets—and it will test the strength of their love.
This Fire Inside is the delightfully entertaining third installment of the Home Is a Fire series and invites readers back into the heartfelt world of Derek, Luke, Uncle Barry, and the Southern charms that shaped them all. Written with wit and warmth, This Fire Inside inspires readers to re-examine their own personal journeys.
As Derek and Luke find themselves redefining who they are together and what they might want apart, both men must fight for their own authentic truths. But through these trials, will their love survive? Will Derek and Luke find their happily ever after?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2017
4 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Nasser
6 books21 followersA graduate of the University of Tennessee, Jordan Nasser was raised in the South before moving to New York City. His debut novel ''Home Is a Fire,'' as well as the follow-up novels ''The Fire Went Wild'' and ''This Fire Inside,'' all drew from many of his own life experiences. The series has been featured in the Advocate, Paper Magazine, and the New York Times, among others. ''Through the Fire'' is the fourth and final book in the series.
Mr. Nasser currently lives in Stockholm, Sweden. He has plans for new projects.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 2, 2017
Oh my, talk about trouble in paradise! I loved this third book in the Home Is A Fire series by Jordan Nasser. Just as we left Luke and Derek at the end of second book in what we thought is domestic bliss after mastering a number of sizeable obstacles together, in this book we have to face the reality of life and its unquestionable stress and strains on everyday relationships. Also we get to see more of Uncle Barry who plays a more prominent role with his own story. Altogether making for a riveting read that I could hardly put down.
For those readers who like low angst books, unicorns, rainbows, fluffy bunnies and dreamy happy-ever-afters ~ then be warned. DON’T GO HERE! This book dishes out the harsh reality of life, warts and all, no holds barred. And my goodness life is certainly happening in bucket loads in Parkville, Tennessee. Many beautiful moments but also a good portion of authenticity. A book that left me with tears of pure joy streaming down my face at the end for fragile new beginnings.
The relationship meltdown all starts as an innocent trip planned to New York for Luke and Derek. Luke has never been to NY and Derek would like to show him his old stomping ground. No harm in that you would think until things start to go very wrong. Luke being a bit of a yokel and having a certain naivety, adding to his cuteness for me, has never really gone anywhere and NY turns out to be an eye-opener for him and a trial for Derek to say the least. Luke meets up with his old high school friend and football star, Fletch. Fletch was always Luke’s idol until they lost touch, an accident putting pay to Fletch’s football career. Once these two meet up, Luke morphs into something that is completely unrecognisable. It’s like they are over grown frat boys. To be honest I could totally understand Derek while he looks on at Luke not recognising him anymore the way he behaves around Fletch. There is definitely a lot of misplaced hero worship going on from Luke. I would be so angry too when you’re boyfriend whom you thought you knew mutates into something you don’t understand anymore and a third person wedges their way between your relationship. To the extent where Derek is being almost completely ignored on all levels.
OK, to be fair Derek can be a bit of a drama queen and control freak but he is justified to be angry at Luke in my opinion and the way his selfish behaviour drives a wedge between them is mortifying. Well, it all goes so far that they come back from NY hardly talking to each other and then the trouble really begins when Fletch pitches up at their place and gets his feet under the table. Seriously? I found Fletch a totally objectionable character in the fact he has no feelings whatsoever on the effect he’s having on Luke and his relationship with Derek. He is the most inconsiderate person you could ever meet. The fact that Luke can’t or refuses to see this makes the whole thing even more infuriating. This is the last straw for Derek and he does the only thing that he can do and leaves Luke to get on with Fletch and hope he’ll come to his senses. This was so heart-breaking to see a relationship that is obviously made in heaven go down the pan due to one person’s ignorance, selfishness and Luke’s weakness for not being able to stand up to someone. As I read the interaction between Luke and Fletch it was like they were both having an early midlife crisis and trying to relive their teenage years. I could have slapped Luke on so many occasion for being such an idiot.
In the meantime Uncle Barry has fallen in love – YEAH! Here again not what everyone would expect and he has be keeping his new boyfriend a secret from everyone as he can’t believe his own luck. Well, the secret is out when Derek stumbles upon the new boyfriend in the hot tub when he turns up unexpected. Now Uncle Barry has to deal. What I love about Uncle Barry is he is literally and old queen – lol! I mean this is in the nicest possible way. He is another generation and for him just being open and coming out is difficult because when he was young it just wasn’t possible and you kept things secret. This also is not easy to shake off even if things are better today, some things remain ingrained. However, when he does come out it is as always with his usual flair and panache that you would expect from this flamboyant and totally adorable character.
I have just loved all the books in this series and this one was no exception, it added and just put that something extra on top of the previous books. The characters are all so vivid and vibrant it makes reading a real joy. There are highs and lows and everything nicely balanced out. Even with all the trouble going on with Luke and Derek, there are times where I laughed out loud, especially the fight scene at Amber’s engagement party, OMG! it was all built up so brilliantly and then all hell breaks loose and I just couldn’t stop laughing at the whole situation. It would be normally everyone’s nightmare but it is brilliantly written and just that little bit over the top that gave it a touch of comedy for me. Of course afterward a number of secrets and revelations come to light that just leave everyone, including myself, absolutely gobsmacked. I tell you these southerners have more secrets than the CIA. Yes, I had belly laughs and this is all balanced out with the heartbreak situation going on with Luke and Derek.
So, do Luke and Derek get a HEA at the end of this book? Well, I must admit I was getting quite desperate for some kind of resolution to their relationship hiatus but just as I got my hopes up they were dashed once again. Geez, I went myself from being infuriated with the pair of them to desperation, from no hope, to hope and back to no hope. Jordan keeps the reader hanging there right until the very end. Cruel I say, absolutely cruel – lol! However, the ending is all the more beautiful and extremely poignant for it and it brought a few tears to my eye and left a huge lump in my throat. When a book can do that to me then it’s because I’m so invested in the lives of these characters, it gets five stars no questions asked. So where do Derek and Luke go from here. I’m going to threaten Jordan Nasser with his life if he doesn’t continue Derek and Luke’s story. As tender and emotionally moving the end of the book is, I was also screaming inside because we can’t leave it there. I HAVE TO KNOW if things are REALLY going to be OK between them. So Mr Nasser you had better be working on that fourth book already otherwise I’m coming to camp outside your home until it is done. And you know I don’t have far to come – lol!
If you haven’t started on this series already then I highly recommend you do. All books are beautifully written with loads of empathy and insight. Vivid characters you can fall in love with, who feel like best friends by the end of each book. Situations to laugh out loud over and to shed a tear over. What more could you want in a story.
For those readers who like low angst books, unicorns, rainbows, fluffy bunnies and dreamy happy-ever-afters ~ then be warned. DON’T GO HERE! This book dishes out the harsh reality of life, warts and all, no holds barred. And my goodness life is certainly happening in bucket loads in Parkville, Tennessee. Many beautiful moments but also a good portion of authenticity. A book that left me with tears of pure joy streaming down my face at the end for fragile new beginnings.
The relationship meltdown all starts as an innocent trip planned to New York for Luke and Derek. Luke has never been to NY and Derek would like to show him his old stomping ground. No harm in that you would think until things start to go very wrong. Luke being a bit of a yokel and having a certain naivety, adding to his cuteness for me, has never really gone anywhere and NY turns out to be an eye-opener for him and a trial for Derek to say the least. Luke meets up with his old high school friend and football star, Fletch. Fletch was always Luke’s idol until they lost touch, an accident putting pay to Fletch’s football career. Once these two meet up, Luke morphs into something that is completely unrecognisable. It’s like they are over grown frat boys. To be honest I could totally understand Derek while he looks on at Luke not recognising him anymore the way he behaves around Fletch. There is definitely a lot of misplaced hero worship going on from Luke. I would be so angry too when you’re boyfriend whom you thought you knew mutates into something you don’t understand anymore and a third person wedges their way between your relationship. To the extent where Derek is being almost completely ignored on all levels.
OK, to be fair Derek can be a bit of a drama queen and control freak but he is justified to be angry at Luke in my opinion and the way his selfish behaviour drives a wedge between them is mortifying. Well, it all goes so far that they come back from NY hardly talking to each other and then the trouble really begins when Fletch pitches up at their place and gets his feet under the table. Seriously? I found Fletch a totally objectionable character in the fact he has no feelings whatsoever on the effect he’s having on Luke and his relationship with Derek. He is the most inconsiderate person you could ever meet. The fact that Luke can’t or refuses to see this makes the whole thing even more infuriating. This is the last straw for Derek and he does the only thing that he can do and leaves Luke to get on with Fletch and hope he’ll come to his senses. This was so heart-breaking to see a relationship that is obviously made in heaven go down the pan due to one person’s ignorance, selfishness and Luke’s weakness for not being able to stand up to someone. As I read the interaction between Luke and Fletch it was like they were both having an early midlife crisis and trying to relive their teenage years. I could have slapped Luke on so many occasion for being such an idiot.
In the meantime Uncle Barry has fallen in love – YEAH! Here again not what everyone would expect and he has be keeping his new boyfriend a secret from everyone as he can’t believe his own luck. Well, the secret is out when Derek stumbles upon the new boyfriend in the hot tub when he turns up unexpected. Now Uncle Barry has to deal. What I love about Uncle Barry is he is literally and old queen – lol! I mean this is in the nicest possible way. He is another generation and for him just being open and coming out is difficult because when he was young it just wasn’t possible and you kept things secret. This also is not easy to shake off even if things are better today, some things remain ingrained. However, when he does come out it is as always with his usual flair and panache that you would expect from this flamboyant and totally adorable character.
I have just loved all the books in this series and this one was no exception, it added and just put that something extra on top of the previous books. The characters are all so vivid and vibrant it makes reading a real joy. There are highs and lows and everything nicely balanced out. Even with all the trouble going on with Luke and Derek, there are times where I laughed out loud, especially the fight scene at Amber’s engagement party, OMG! it was all built up so brilliantly and then all hell breaks loose and I just couldn’t stop laughing at the whole situation. It would be normally everyone’s nightmare but it is brilliantly written and just that little bit over the top that gave it a touch of comedy for me. Of course afterward a number of secrets and revelations come to light that just leave everyone, including myself, absolutely gobsmacked. I tell you these southerners have more secrets than the CIA. Yes, I had belly laughs and this is all balanced out with the heartbreak situation going on with Luke and Derek.
So, do Luke and Derek get a HEA at the end of this book? Well, I must admit I was getting quite desperate for some kind of resolution to their relationship hiatus but just as I got my hopes up they were dashed once again. Geez, I went myself from being infuriated with the pair of them to desperation, from no hope, to hope and back to no hope. Jordan keeps the reader hanging there right until the very end. Cruel I say, absolutely cruel – lol! However, the ending is all the more beautiful and extremely poignant for it and it brought a few tears to my eye and left a huge lump in my throat. When a book can do that to me then it’s because I’m so invested in the lives of these characters, it gets five stars no questions asked. So where do Derek and Luke go from here. I’m going to threaten Jordan Nasser with his life if he doesn’t continue Derek and Luke’s story. As tender and emotionally moving the end of the book is, I was also screaming inside because we can’t leave it there. I HAVE TO KNOW if things are REALLY going to be OK between them. So Mr Nasser you had better be working on that fourth book already otherwise I’m coming to camp outside your home until it is done. And you know I don’t have far to come – lol!
If you haven’t started on this series already then I highly recommend you do. All books are beautifully written with loads of empathy and insight. Vivid characters you can fall in love with, who feel like best friends by the end of each book. Situations to laugh out loud over and to shed a tear over. What more could you want in a story.
August 4, 2020
First Derek and Luke had to fight to get together, then they had to fight to be together and now they have to fight to stay together. Much of the hurdles this time come from Luke's past - his suppressed sexuality now given a freer reign, his youthful crush on an older jock hero figure, with much conflicted loyalty. I have to admit I was in serious doubt in this book if our MCs would be able to surmount/overcome their inevitable relational flare up/fight.
On the plus side - the author gives our guys a road-trip to New York (a return for Derek and a new experience for Luke); there's some craziness involving gay bar drinks spiking, the hunting down of a faded diva friend of Derek's uncle Barry and the fateful meet-up with Luke's hero-figure bro'. The craziness of course follows them back to small-town Tennessee when historical dramas and past indiscretions catch up with our MCs as well as familiar antagonists from previous books in the series; . New secondary character Tucker was a delicious surprise ... more of him please! And what could be more awesome than a surprise wedding at book's end ... but alas leaving us with a cliff-hanger too.
Good thing there's one more book to go on with in the series. 3.5 stars
On the plus side - the author gives our guys a road-trip to New York (a return for Derek and a new experience for Luke); there's some craziness involving gay bar drinks spiking, the hunting down of a faded diva friend of Derek's uncle Barry and the fateful meet-up with Luke's hero-figure bro'. The craziness of course follows them back to small-town Tennessee when historical dramas and past indiscretions catch up with our MCs as well as familiar antagonists from previous books in the series; . New secondary character Tucker was a delicious surprise ... more of him please! And what could be more awesome than a surprise wedding at book's end ... but alas leaving us with a cliff-hanger too.
Good thing there's one more book to go on with in the series. 3.5 stars
July 2, 2022
This Fire Inside (Home is A Fire, book 3)
By Jordan Nasser
Published by the author, 2017
Four stars
The little saga of Luke and Derek carries on in the third episode of Jordan Nasser’s fond romantic tale of gay men in a small Tennessee city.
You’d think they’d be allowed an HEA without hiccups, but authors and fond fans seem to insist otherwise. This book, having gotten them through local homophobia and career crises, takes them in a truly weird direction.
Derek is excited to revisit New York City—his home for a decade before he ran away back to Parkville and found true love in the most unlikely place. Luke has never been to the big city, and the idea of sharing his old haunts with his new boyfriend sounds like a great idea.
Two things shift the course of this story: Uncle Barry’s request that they look up an old friend from HIS youth in New York—a drag queen with the astonishing name of Chinois Zaree; an then Luke’s own wish to look up a high-school hero of his, Fletcher Powell. Fletcher becomes the immediate fly in Derek’s vacation soup. Chinois Zaree offers a more drawn out journey that will reappear in book 4.
Nasser writes really well, and his main characters are wonderfully 3-D. Derek is high-strung to Luke’s mellow jock, but this book sees a kind of crazy role-reversal triggered by unforeseen circumstances. Derek, let’s say, has never really given much through to Luke’s own journey, being a bit too self-absorbed to have really pondered where Luke is in his life (other than in Derek’s arms, which is really all Derek cares about). Derek has his own plans to leave teaching and take over a local, elegant catering venue, and doesn’t seem to think much about Luke’s hopes and dreams. Love is love, right?
Well, it all hits the fan in Parkville, and the telling of the tale is both hilarious and sort of horrifying. The book ends on an odd sort of not-quite-a-cliffhanger, which is why I bought and read the fourth book immediately.
By Jordan Nasser
Published by the author, 2017
Four stars
The little saga of Luke and Derek carries on in the third episode of Jordan Nasser’s fond romantic tale of gay men in a small Tennessee city.
You’d think they’d be allowed an HEA without hiccups, but authors and fond fans seem to insist otherwise. This book, having gotten them through local homophobia and career crises, takes them in a truly weird direction.
Derek is excited to revisit New York City—his home for a decade before he ran away back to Parkville and found true love in the most unlikely place. Luke has never been to the big city, and the idea of sharing his old haunts with his new boyfriend sounds like a great idea.
Two things shift the course of this story: Uncle Barry’s request that they look up an old friend from HIS youth in New York—a drag queen with the astonishing name of Chinois Zaree; an then Luke’s own wish to look up a high-school hero of his, Fletcher Powell. Fletcher becomes the immediate fly in Derek’s vacation soup. Chinois Zaree offers a more drawn out journey that will reappear in book 4.
Nasser writes really well, and his main characters are wonderfully 3-D. Derek is high-strung to Luke’s mellow jock, but this book sees a kind of crazy role-reversal triggered by unforeseen circumstances. Derek, let’s say, has never really given much through to Luke’s own journey, being a bit too self-absorbed to have really pondered where Luke is in his life (other than in Derek’s arms, which is really all Derek cares about). Derek has his own plans to leave teaching and take over a local, elegant catering venue, and doesn’t seem to think much about Luke’s hopes and dreams. Love is love, right?
Well, it all hits the fan in Parkville, and the telling of the tale is both hilarious and sort of horrifying. The book ends on an odd sort of not-quite-a-cliffhanger, which is why I bought and read the fourth book immediately.
June 30, 2017
I have loved this series of books and this last installment was no exception. Personally at least 4.5*, a few niggles mainly with Fletch.
Highly humourous, lots of pathos, happy endings for a few, fisticuffs for others and big time falling out - a bit of everything.
Jordan Nasser's writing just hauled me in once again - what characters I had forgotten since book 2 soon came roaring back.
Whilst Luke and Derek had their happy rose tinted ending last time, this book moves into the reality of life. What should be a great trip to NYC turns into crunch time - we all have a history, but not everyone has a Fletch. .
I was wondering how the story would end as I got closer to 100% - it was simple, leaving me screaming for more but also acknowledging that leaving it up to us somewhat is good too.
Definitely one to be read in order and a series I will reread.
Highly humourous, lots of pathos, happy endings for a few, fisticuffs for others and big time falling out - a bit of everything.
Jordan Nasser's writing just hauled me in once again - what characters I had forgotten since book 2 soon came roaring back.
Whilst Luke and Derek had their happy rose tinted ending last time, this book moves into the reality of life. What should be a great trip to NYC turns into crunch time - we all have a history, but not everyone has a Fletch. .
I was wondering how the story would end as I got closer to 100% - it was simple, leaving me screaming for more but also acknowledging that leaving it up to us somewhat is good too.
Definitely one to be read in order and a series I will reread.
March 20, 2017
Reviews are supposed to be objective. Though they are opinions, there should be a balanced that allows the reader or potential reader to make up their own mind on whether or not to read. Bashing a character gives me pause and does not reflect IMHO a fair opportunity for readers to appreciate the journey both characters are on. And believe me, Luke is on a wild ride and grows and so does Derek.
Blast from the past, as expected in a trip to NYC, there had to be some misadventures caused by past experiences and revengeful exes. You get hit with that obligatory note early on. But there are some unexpected events that will leave you in awe. Having your balls checked by the stud you worshipped came as a complete surprise to me. Still these books are classic. Move over Pete and Charley [The Lord Won’t Mind], Jack and Ennis [Brokeback Mountain], Jon & Mieko [Murder on the Pier] we have a new couple, without tragedy; alive, beautiful and in love. The characters grow on you and this is a fast ride. Nasser teases us as you become family, tortured by the ins and outs of what makes a family: love, trust, lies, kiss and make-ups, and you pine for the make-up. You feel like you have dog in this hunt. And you want to win. You want this pair of young, handsome courageous young men to make it. Luke and Derek are center stage with a wild ride that starts the moment Luke looks up an old friend. That’s the ignition that sets this book on fire. The unfolding of events are going to surprise and excite you. There is a bonding here and it's more than just Luke and Derek, it's all the people who value family, friendship and love, no matter how old or young you are. Fast paced, hold on to your biscuits, set in Tennessee, I could hardly put it down. My only regret is I finished them all in a week-end. All I can say is bring on book 4.
Blast from the past, as expected in a trip to NYC, there had to be some misadventures caused by past experiences and revengeful exes. You get hit with that obligatory note early on. But there are some unexpected events that will leave you in awe. Having your balls checked by the stud you worshipped came as a complete surprise to me. Still these books are classic. Move over Pete and Charley [The Lord Won’t Mind], Jack and Ennis [Brokeback Mountain], Jon & Mieko [Murder on the Pier] we have a new couple, without tragedy; alive, beautiful and in love. The characters grow on you and this is a fast ride. Nasser teases us as you become family, tortured by the ins and outs of what makes a family: love, trust, lies, kiss and make-ups, and you pine for the make-up. You feel like you have dog in this hunt. And you want to win. You want this pair of young, handsome courageous young men to make it. Luke and Derek are center stage with a wild ride that starts the moment Luke looks up an old friend. That’s the ignition that sets this book on fire. The unfolding of events are going to surprise and excite you. There is a bonding here and it's more than just Luke and Derek, it's all the people who value family, friendship and love, no matter how old or young you are. Fast paced, hold on to your biscuits, set in Tennessee, I could hardly put it down. My only regret is I finished them all in a week-end. All I can say is bring on book 4.
March 23, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
I could barely breathe as I read This Fire Inside, and at times, I found it difficult to continue reading. I loved the first two books in this series, Home is a Fire and The Fire Went Wild, and I was excited to get my hands on this one. Derek and Luke were a great couple, and the background characters were some of the most likable I’ve ever come across. Small towns are always a great backgrounds for a good story, and Parkville, Tennessee provides lots of proper ambience.
So…on to the reason I couldn’t breathe. This Fire Inside had so much angst! In NYC, Luke met up with an old high school friend of his, Fletcher Powell. Oh my goodness, but I LOATHED him. I’m not even sure that is the right word. Fletch’s personality is so…so…Fletch is a total asshole who shouldn’t even be allowed into Derek and Luke’s orbit. It didn’t help that Luke was full of hero worship for him. He was willing to go along with Fletch and spend more time with him than with Derek, and there were situations instigated by Fletch that left me feeling queasy…uber queasy. I hated how he changed Luke from an upstanding football coach in love with his boyfriend, to a hero worshipping jerk. There was also a dreadful meeting between Luke and his ex-boyfriend, David that also caused a lot of tension. I’m still shaking my head.
Now, I don’t want to give you the impression The Fire Inside was awful. Jordan Nasser’s writing style is impressive. He provides a lot of detail so the reader can actually see what’s happening.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
I could barely breathe as I read This Fire Inside, and at times, I found it difficult to continue reading. I loved the first two books in this series, Home is a Fire and The Fire Went Wild, and I was excited to get my hands on this one. Derek and Luke were a great couple, and the background characters were some of the most likable I’ve ever come across. Small towns are always a great backgrounds for a good story, and Parkville, Tennessee provides lots of proper ambience.
So…on to the reason I couldn’t breathe. This Fire Inside had so much angst! In NYC, Luke met up with an old high school friend of his, Fletcher Powell. Oh my goodness, but I LOATHED him. I’m not even sure that is the right word. Fletch’s personality is so…so…Fletch is a total asshole who shouldn’t even be allowed into Derek and Luke’s orbit. It didn’t help that Luke was full of hero worship for him. He was willing to go along with Fletch and spend more time with him than with Derek, and there were situations instigated by Fletch that left me feeling queasy…uber queasy. I hated how he changed Luke from an upstanding football coach in love with his boyfriend, to a hero worshipping jerk. There was also a dreadful meeting between Luke and his ex-boyfriend, David that also caused a lot of tension. I’m still shaking my head.
Now, I don’t want to give you the impression The Fire Inside was awful. Jordan Nasser’s writing style is impressive. He provides a lot of detail so the reader can actually see what’s happening.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
February 27, 2017
Three reviews in one
Whenever I read a series in one shot I leave a review at the end of the last book. Just my thing...
The first two books in this Home is a Fire series are first rate. I laughed, I cringed, I shook my head at the characters (and I do mean characters!) in these delightful books. There was so much hypocrisy dished out with a straight face by these "genteel southern people" it was mind boggling. Behind close doors, obfuscation, do as I say not as I do, and generally ignoring the elephant in the room seemed to the order of the day and the accepted norm. The surface mannerisms were, generally admirable. The double lives many were leading while spouting "family values", not so much. Reading these characteristics in a book was vastly entertaining and hilarious. It was a voyeuristic trip into the southern physique, at according to these novels.
Derek and Luke. I was rooting for them from the beginning. They had many personal and public hurdles to get through in order to finally be a couple. I happily thought they had won against the tremendous obstacles thrown in their path. And they did...in the first two books.
The third book, however, left me with feelings of ambivalence. My opinion of Luke took a complete 180. His treatment of Derek was cringe worthy. He was thoughtless and uncaring of Derek's feelings and purported place in his life. There was absolutely NO excuse for his behavior. The author tried to make this situation a train wreck equally Luke and Derek's doing. I have to disagreed with this attempt. Luke froze out Derek totally in his happy reunion with his " idol" Fletch. He was single minded in his adoration of this debauched loser to the absolute exclusion of the supposed love of his life. His treatment of Derek was unbelievable and extreme in it's totality. That is not the basis for a true and loving commitment. Because of his actions and the length Luke continued to shut Derek out, I think he showed his true colors. He is not a person I would ever completely trust again. How can you hurt the person you say you love with such callous disregard for their feelings? To say there was lack of communication is an understatement. Derek tried to give Luke room to reconnect with his highschool buddy and to come to the obvious conclusion he no longer fit into Luke's (or Derick's) life but Luke chose to jump into Fletch's whirlwind of decadence to the exclusion of Derek. Totally.
I ended this series with ambivalence. I rooted for all the characters in these books to find and embrace their happy endings, especially Derek. I just don't really think he will find his HEA with a man so self centered an uncaring as Luke. The I've of your life should come first and Luke proved Derek didn't hold that place in the scheme of things. His "Hi, I'm Luke" at end of book three came a little too late and smacked more of convenience to the end of the story than a true awakening to the importance of Derek as the love of his life.
This was wonderful series I thoroughly enjoyed until book three. I am still upset with the turn of events and how it played out. Luke almost spoiled the whole series for me.
If, there should be another book to follow, the author will have to work some magic to win me back to believe Luke was worth the effort on the part of Derek.
Whenever I read a series in one shot I leave a review at the end of the last book. Just my thing...
The first two books in this Home is a Fire series are first rate. I laughed, I cringed, I shook my head at the characters (and I do mean characters!) in these delightful books. There was so much hypocrisy dished out with a straight face by these "genteel southern people" it was mind boggling. Behind close doors, obfuscation, do as I say not as I do, and generally ignoring the elephant in the room seemed to the order of the day and the accepted norm. The surface mannerisms were, generally admirable. The double lives many were leading while spouting "family values", not so much. Reading these characteristics in a book was vastly entertaining and hilarious. It was a voyeuristic trip into the southern physique, at according to these novels.
Derek and Luke. I was rooting for them from the beginning. They had many personal and public hurdles to get through in order to finally be a couple. I happily thought they had won against the tremendous obstacles thrown in their path. And they did...in the first two books.
The third book, however, left me with feelings of ambivalence. My opinion of Luke took a complete 180. His treatment of Derek was cringe worthy. He was thoughtless and uncaring of Derek's feelings and purported place in his life. There was absolutely NO excuse for his behavior. The author tried to make this situation a train wreck equally Luke and Derek's doing. I have to disagreed with this attempt. Luke froze out Derek totally in his happy reunion with his " idol" Fletch. He was single minded in his adoration of this debauched loser to the absolute exclusion of the supposed love of his life. His treatment of Derek was unbelievable and extreme in it's totality. That is not the basis for a true and loving commitment. Because of his actions and the length Luke continued to shut Derek out, I think he showed his true colors. He is not a person I would ever completely trust again. How can you hurt the person you say you love with such callous disregard for their feelings? To say there was lack of communication is an understatement. Derek tried to give Luke room to reconnect with his highschool buddy and to come to the obvious conclusion he no longer fit into Luke's (or Derick's) life but Luke chose to jump into Fletch's whirlwind of decadence to the exclusion of Derek. Totally.
I ended this series with ambivalence. I rooted for all the characters in these books to find and embrace their happy endings, especially Derek. I just don't really think he will find his HEA with a man so self centered an uncaring as Luke. The I've of your life should come first and Luke proved Derek didn't hold that place in the scheme of things. His "Hi, I'm Luke" at end of book three came a little too late and smacked more of convenience to the end of the story than a true awakening to the importance of Derek as the love of his life.
This was wonderful series I thoroughly enjoyed until book three. I am still upset with the turn of events and how it played out. Luke almost spoiled the whole series for me.
If, there should be another book to follow, the author will have to work some magic to win me back to believe Luke was worth the effort on the part of Derek.
July 16, 2017
Didn't want to stop!!!
If the three this was absolutely the best. Having to stop from time to time was torture. If I had the time I would have read it in one sitting. I couldn't wait to see what happened next and the surprises were awesome. They're better be a 4th because I am not ready for the story to end.
If the three this was absolutely the best. Having to stop from time to time was torture. If I had the time I would have read it in one sitting. I couldn't wait to see what happened next and the surprises were awesome. They're better be a 4th because I am not ready for the story to end.
May 29, 2020
It was good-not my favorite out of the series. I thought it was a little fluffy but still lots of angst.
March 19, 2017
This book picks up towards the end of the summer break, following the events in The Fire Went Wild. In an effort to get out of town after their huge public outing, Derek and Luke head to New York City to visit some of Derek’s friends. Luke also wants to pay a visit to his high school mentor, and best friend, Fletch.
Fletch is a mess. And I’ve known people just like him from my time living in the South–loud, brash and thinks the world revolves around him. He made me cringe, which is of course his job. He makes Derek cringe too.
Luke falls right back into Fletch’s orbit and that’s trouble for Derek and Luke’s still-new relationship.
Read the complete review at http://www.jeffandwill.com/2017/03/18...
NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
Fletch is a mess. And I’ve known people just like him from my time living in the South–loud, brash and thinks the world revolves around him. He made me cringe, which is of course his job. He makes Derek cringe too.
Luke falls right back into Fletch’s orbit and that’s trouble for Derek and Luke’s still-new relationship.
Read the complete review at http://www.jeffandwill.com/2017/03/18...
NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
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April 3, 2017I'm choosing not to assign stars for this one,because I like this author very much. However, this was definitely one of those trilogies where by the end I really wish I had only read the first book. I really thought the MCs should have broken up -- things got far too toxic. Also, I think Derek turned into a complete doormat. Yes, he made some mistakes, but there's a point where you go from being compassionate to being a martyr, and he passed that long ago.
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