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We Burn Beautiful
Kent Fox is not okay. Thanks to a botched selfie swap, thousands of his colleagues have borne witness to a photo of his sock-covered crotch. Branded a professional pariah, he's had to move home with his mother, and the only job the 38-year-old, over-the-top, former executive can land is stocking shelves at a grocery store. To make matters worse, his new boss is none other than his ex-gay ex-boyfriend. Fabulous. Just freaking fabulous.
To everyone else, Gray Collins is the perfect Christian. He manages the local Pick-n-Save, attends West Clark Apostolic Church four times a week, and he's just bought a ring for the woman helping him overcome his homosexuality. To Kent, however, Gray is the same coward he was twenty years ago. The boy with a list of seventeen reasons why he deserved Kent’s heart. The man who did nothing as his brother ripped Kent from his arms and out of his life for two decades.
Forced together, Kent and Gray will have to confront the trauma that tore them apart, and all the old feelings that never truly died. Kent may not have a list of seventeen reasons for Gray, but he has three words that are just as true as they've ever been.
Please read the content warnings provided in the book.
To everyone else, Gray Collins is the perfect Christian. He manages the local Pick-n-Save, attends West Clark Apostolic Church four times a week, and he's just bought a ring for the woman helping him overcome his homosexuality. To Kent, however, Gray is the same coward he was twenty years ago. The boy with a list of seventeen reasons why he deserved Kent’s heart. The man who did nothing as his brother ripped Kent from his arms and out of his life for two decades.
Forced together, Kent and Gray will have to confront the trauma that tore them apart, and all the old feelings that never truly died. Kent may not have a list of seventeen reasons for Gray, but he has three words that are just as true as they've ever been.
Please read the content warnings provided in the book.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2023
About the author
Lance Lansdale
4 books93 followersLance Lansdale is the author of F**k, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy. He's a sucker for gay romance and devours far more audiobooks than one ought. Texan by blood (Louisianan by circumstance), his stories take place in small towns with quirky side characters.
You can email him at [email protected] or visit his website at www.lancelansdale.com
You can email him at [email protected] or visit his website at www.lancelansdale.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 17, 2023
One of those times when I am sorry not to like a book, because, as the dedication makes plain, it's dear to the author's heart rather than written for those sweet KU bucks. (Are they sweet? I have no idea.)
The big-picture problem here is tone -- the narrative bounces between near-tragic drama and slapstick, both from scene to scene and within individual scenes. I think the slapstick wants to work as comic relief, but for me it was just jarring. Kent loses his job and can't get another, because
So he goes back to the small town where he grew up, and which he fled after being discovered having sex with his first love, being beaten and tortured, and then being thrown out by his fundie-preacher father. It's not impossible to make those pieces work together in one novel, but they need -- well, I'm not sure how to express it. A surer command of one's instrument, maybe.
Within individual scenes, the tone problem shows up in choices of phrasing and action. Kent meets his old (beard) girlfriend, Sarah, and her husband, Jeff, for dinner; his plan is to impress Jeff and maybe get a job out of it. Bear in mind that Kent's been reduced to poverty and has applied for a couple of hundred jobs without success, so he's pretty desperate. Naturally, his first love also turns up at the restaurant, and we get this:
Kent gets sloppy drunk and makes a complete ass of himself at this dinner, yet by the end of the book Jeff, with whom as far as we know Kent has had no intervening contact, offers him a job. This strains credulity, as does the scene in which Kent has a flashback to the beating and torture he experienced. In short, the whole scene is both unnecessary and unconvincing.
But there are some genuinely moving passages here, too, as when Kent remembers going to an evangelical conference with Gray:
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
The big-picture problem here is tone -- the narrative bounces between near-tragic drama and slapstick, both from scene to scene and within individual scenes. I think the slapstick wants to work as comic relief, but for me it was just jarring. Kent loses his job and can't get another, because
Slapstick.
I’d sent a picture of my penis— sheathed in a festive Christmas sock with the words Ho, Ho, and Ho scrawled down the length of it— to over fifteen-hundred employees during a drunken sexting session.
So he goes back to the small town where he grew up, and which he fled after being discovered having sex with his first love, being beaten and tortured, and then being thrown out by his fundie-preacher father. It's not impossible to make those pieces work together in one novel, but they need -- well, I'm not sure how to express it. A surer command of one's instrument, maybe.
Within individual scenes, the tone problem shows up in choices of phrasing and action. Kent meets his old (beard) girlfriend, Sarah, and her husband, Jeff, for dinner; his plan is to impress Jeff and maybe get a job out of it. Bear in mind that Kent's been reduced to poverty and has applied for a couple of hundred jobs without success, so he's pretty desperate. Naturally, his first love also turns up at the restaurant, and we get this:
Any other time, Jeff’s short blonde hair and tight, compact body might have even made my pants dance, but I was in far too much of a frenzied state to bask in his beauty."Made my pants dance"? Really?
Kent gets sloppy drunk and makes a complete ass of himself at this dinner, yet by the end of the book Jeff, with whom as far as we know Kent has had no intervening contact, offers him a job. This strains credulity, as does the scene in which Kent has a flashback to the beating and torture he experienced. In short, the whole scene is both unnecessary and unconvincing.
But there are some genuinely moving passages here, too, as when Kent remembers going to an evangelical conference with Gray:
There had been no threats of eternal damnation at the dinner table, no scorn or shame when we acted slightly effeminate, no terrifying tyrant of a brother sleeping in the room next to the young man that I had been hopelessly, recklessly in love with, just waiting for a reason to attack.I was left wishing that We Burn Beautiful had gotten a solid structural edit and gone through another draft or two. It's just not fully realized, but it could have been.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
December 16, 2023
A bit difficult to rate, but for now I’ll settle for 3,5 stars rounded up because it was very well written, it was a debut novel and it was an endearing story with a very romantic touch and isn’t that the reason for reading romance in the first place? It was also very OTT and the humour wasn’t the kind I appreciate mostly, but if I put that aside, I really enjoyed this second chance romance. And most readers who are following me for a bit longer know how much I love that trope. It’s truly one of my favorites. In this story however the need to slap some sense into one of the mc’s (in this case Gray) was almost killing me. I understood his internal homophobia, I understood the big part that religion played in it and I get it that when that’s your upbringing and what you’re taught to believe, but Gray was also a grown up adult, a guy who went hot and cold towards Kent all the time and I didn’t like for what he did.
Kent was treated very rude and he was threatened and mistreated by Grayson’s brother, which caused him to leave town. And I felt heartbroken for him. But how well the author treated it, I still got a bit annoyed by Kent because each time he mentioned it and talked about how he never really wanted to leave and lead the life he eventually was given, it sometimes also felt like he used that awful past to get to Grayson, to make him part of the misery he had been feeling for years. But it never was Grayson’s fault. He was also scared and afraid of how his family would treat him if they ever found out.
The author does treat a lot of the heavy stuff with a lighter touch, which makes it more bearable. I really believe they did a great job doing so. The humour though is not always my cup of team but that’s very personal.
All in all a debut novel very well done, though at some points I think I would have made different choices than the author did.
I was kindly given an advanced copy, and this is my honest, unbiased review
Kent was treated very rude and he was threatened and mistreated by Grayson’s brother, which caused him to leave town. And I felt heartbroken for him. But how well the author treated it, I still got a bit annoyed by Kent because each time he mentioned it and talked about how he never really wanted to leave and lead the life he eventually was given, it sometimes also felt like he used that awful past to get to Grayson, to make him part of the misery he had been feeling for years. But it never was Grayson’s fault. He was also scared and afraid of how his family would treat him if they ever found out.
The author does treat a lot of the heavy stuff with a lighter touch, which makes it more bearable. I really believe they did a great job doing so. The humour though is not always my cup of team but that’s very personal.
All in all a debut novel very well done, though at some points I think I would have made different choices than the author did.
I was kindly given an advanced copy, and this is my honest, unbiased review
December 22, 2023
This is my first book by Lance Lansdale and I can’t wait to discover more of your work. This was so beautifully and emotionally written.
MM Romance
Pining
Slow Burn
High Angst
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Religious Trauma
Known Since Childhood
This emotional, heartbreaking journey is sure to hit you in the chest. The story line gets heavy and there is some real emotional trauma. Lance wrote this beautifully, and it speaks of talent.
Gray Collins and Kent Fox were childhood best friends. They were ripped apart by Gray’s brother and separated for 20 years. Gray stayed away in hopes of keeping Kent safe.
Kent Fox comes back to town after losing everything to a drunken mistake. His job, his car, his apartment and most of his things. Moving back home, with his mom is almost the last thing he wants.
Gray Collins in the manager of the Pick-n-Save, dating a female and trying to hide the fact that he is gay. Where these two end up working together and slowing start to get their friendship back. Fight to ignore, as these two may, their connection and their chemistry couldn’t be resisted. I loved all the push back between and the playful banter between them as well.
All the characters were so well rounded and I LOVED THE DENIM DEBUTANTES. Writing them as characters was genius. I love my old lady characters, they are the best. Also, Rhonda was the whole mood. ♥️
Thank you GRR for letting me read this ARC, this is my honest opinion.
I also just wanted to share, one of the reason this is a five star read for me is I feel this story is unique. It’s not something’s I’ve read a dozen times. Usually, I’m all about my spicy and steamy moments but I was so wrapped up in the story and just captivated by this and I believe it only had one scene. Reading this was like watching a movie, I felt teleported and like I was actually watching these scenes. I love books that have the power to do that.
MM Romance
Pining
Slow Burn
High Angst
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Religious Trauma
Known Since Childhood
This emotional, heartbreaking journey is sure to hit you in the chest. The story line gets heavy and there is some real emotional trauma. Lance wrote this beautifully, and it speaks of talent.
Gray Collins and Kent Fox were childhood best friends. They were ripped apart by Gray’s brother and separated for 20 years. Gray stayed away in hopes of keeping Kent safe.
Kent Fox comes back to town after losing everything to a drunken mistake. His job, his car, his apartment and most of his things. Moving back home, with his mom is almost the last thing he wants.
Gray Collins in the manager of the Pick-n-Save, dating a female and trying to hide the fact that he is gay. Where these two end up working together and slowing start to get their friendship back. Fight to ignore, as these two may, their connection and their chemistry couldn’t be resisted. I loved all the push back between and the playful banter between them as well.
All the characters were so well rounded and I LOVED THE DENIM DEBUTANTES. Writing them as characters was genius. I love my old lady characters, they are the best. Also, Rhonda was the whole mood. ♥️
Thank you GRR for letting me read this ARC, this is my honest opinion.
I also just wanted to share, one of the reason this is a five star read for me is I feel this story is unique. It’s not something’s I’ve read a dozen times. Usually, I’m all about my spicy and steamy moments but I was so wrapped up in the story and just captivated by this and I believe it only had one scene. Reading this was like watching a movie, I felt teleported and like I was actually watching these scenes. I love books that have the power to do that.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 19, 2023Sadly this is a DNF for me. So much OTT, that I could not take it seriously at all. Then there is some sad stuff as well but the sad vs the OTT just don't mingle well, making it very confusing for me. But the religious bit is what put the final nail in the coffin. I know places and people like that exist but I just can't read about it.
November 17, 2023
Honestly, I don't know what rating to give... I liked it, but at the same time, I didn't?!
I'm very confused... Mainly because this book has two MCs, Gray and Kent, who are 38 years old and have been apart for 20 years... But they are portrayed as if they were 20 or 25 at most, with so much immaturity and sometimes ridiculousness that we are confronted... Honestly, I had to ignore the fact that they were that old to be able to read this book because it's so ridiculous.
Everything is OTT: the small town, the people, the family and friends, the church, their religious convictions, and homophobia... There is no one "normal" in this story. But at the same time, with all the horrible trauma they had to survive during those 20 years, they love each other and end up finding a way to be happy.
There is lots of banter and hilariously ridiculous moments (the morning after the night at the gay bar when Kent's mother finds him lying naked in bed; the whole scene is cringe-worthy, ridiculous, and OTT).
Many things don't make sense, but what each of them did for 20 years is completely ignored. It's not 5 or even 10, it's 20 years of things and experiences that simply aren't addressed...
But despite everything, it's super sweet and full of declarations (yes, OTT) of love, sexy hot moments, funny moments, but also lots of cringe moments.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I'm very confused... Mainly because this book has two MCs, Gray and Kent, who are 38 years old and have been apart for 20 years... But they are portrayed as if they were 20 or 25 at most, with so much immaturity and sometimes ridiculousness that we are confronted... Honestly, I had to ignore the fact that they were that old to be able to read this book because it's so ridiculous.
Everything is OTT: the small town, the people, the family and friends, the church, their religious convictions, and homophobia... There is no one "normal" in this story. But at the same time, with all the horrible trauma they had to survive during those 20 years, they love each other and end up finding a way to be happy.
There is lots of banter and hilariously ridiculous moments (the morning after the night at the gay bar when Kent's mother finds him lying naked in bed; the whole scene is cringe-worthy, ridiculous, and OTT).
Many things don't make sense, but what each of them did for 20 years is completely ignored. It's not 5 or even 10, it's 20 years of things and experiences that simply aren't addressed...
But despite everything, it's super sweet and full of declarations (yes, OTT) of love, sexy hot moments, funny moments, but also lots of cringe moments.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
December 15, 2023
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
What a beautiful debut novel from this author it captures you from the beginning. From what starts as fun, light-hearted tale turns into such a heart-wrenching separation. When Kent returns to his hometown after 20 years, you can feel his angst in choices and what needs to be done to find his happiness.
Once their pasts are flayed open, they begin what is not exactly a healthy relationship, and yet it works for them. They need the other to survive. It's a painful yet still downright funny story. Two things that I didn't think could go together and yet here we are, and it works in this case!
Cannot wait to see what this newbie author brings to us next!
What a beautiful debut novel from this author it captures you from the beginning. From what starts as fun, light-hearted tale turns into such a heart-wrenching separation. When Kent returns to his hometown after 20 years, you can feel his angst in choices and what needs to be done to find his happiness.
Once their pasts are flayed open, they begin what is not exactly a healthy relationship, and yet it works for them. They need the other to survive. It's a painful yet still downright funny story. Two things that I didn't think could go together and yet here we are, and it works in this case!
Cannot wait to see what this newbie author brings to us next!
October 31, 2023
This book was an absolutely amazing read. I read it twice. Kent and Gray are everything i need and more. The way they are just drawn to each other. I love the 17 reasons. This book was one of my favorites.
**read content warnings ⚠️ **
**read content warnings ⚠️ **
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
We Burn Beautiful
.
➳ Lance has BROKEN ME. Be forewarned, I’m about to rec the ONLY slow burn I have ever loved. Yep, that’s right, Mads’ is reccing a slow burn. So open up those TBRs, this needs to be on it.
.
This story will rip you apart. Ex Best Friends to Lovers, Second Chance, Family Pressures - one chapter you will be laughing with characters you love and their insanity. The next chapter your soul is shattered by the angst and tension. Gray has been hiding his true self his whole life in fear of losing his family. Kent was outed in the most horrific way and punished for his feelings. The two were torn apart for twenty years. When Kent moves back, his feelings for Grey come rushing in. Lance has depicted the most earth shattering passion with these two. Their love is something you should all take the time to read about.
.
What I LOVED…
🔥 THE CONNECTION.
🔥 The Humor, the quips, the embarrassing moments
🔥 The Heartache, tears, ANGST.
🔥 That f*cking ending. I need more tissues.
.
#BreathlessLitPA
February 18, 2024
For me, this one was a little bit personal. I too grew up in such a religious setting with my parents having spiritual leadership roles. I too have physical reactions toward Evangelicals "speaking in tongues at the drop of a hat". My memory/mind can still launch into song at the printed words "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" (sigh). The MCs were OK - I thought Kent's initial protestations of his hatred and revulsion toward his once teenaged-lover a little OTT. And given Gray's initial reactions to seeing Kent coming home, the dance of attraction back toward each other seemed a little contrived by the middle of the book (we're just friends right?). My favorite characters being the little band of church women-folk around Kent's mother - they were a total hoot!
November 20, 2023
A poignant and emotional look at returning home. About finding the strength to be true to yourself and the enduring power of love. There are heavy topics of trauma and homophobia. But it’s balanced with surprising humor.
June 26, 2024
It made me laugh. It made me cry. I loved it.
December 28, 2023
I knew I'd love this book since the first few parahgraphs. I don't remember laughing this much at all with all the secondary characters this year, they were all perfect and lovely - especially denim debutantes, Kate and Rhonda. Yes.
I do loved the slow burn and second chance, though I'm not usually fan of the latter.
What threw me off was the religious part and the 20 years gap bothered me - a huge part of life with events, experiences, emotions, people - and that somehow wasn't addressed at all. I turn a blind eye they sometimes behaved like they were still teenagers. Not to mention, how ridiculous is the fact that you're 38 yeard old grown adult and still, your life is ruled by your mother, bully of a preacher brother, homophobia and entire religious community? I don't understand at all but I will not dwell on it, it will ruin the magic of it all, the lake, the teenage love, the 17 reasons and the second chance the characters deserved.
And although I could give the book one star less for all above reasons - I will not, since it's a debut, written beautifully, that drawn me in and made me fall in love with all its imperfections, just as Kent and Gray.
I do loved the slow burn and second chance, though I'm not usually fan of the latter.
What threw me off was the religious part and the 20 years gap bothered me - a huge part of life with events, experiences, emotions, people - and that somehow wasn't addressed at all. I turn a blind eye they sometimes behaved like they were still teenagers. Not to mention, how ridiculous is the fact that you're 38 yeard old grown adult and still, your life is ruled by your mother, bully of a preacher brother, homophobia and entire religious community? I don't understand at all but I will not dwell on it, it will ruin the magic of it all, the lake, the teenage love, the 17 reasons and the second chance the characters deserved.
And although I could give the book one star less for all above reasons - I will not, since it's a debut, written beautifully, that drawn me in and made me fall in love with all its imperfections, just as Kent and Gray.
November 16, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.5 Hearts.
Mistakenly sending a drunken selfie to the whole company lost Kent his high-powered job. With no other option, he returned home to live with his mother. Unfortunately, it also meant facing the reason he had to leave in the first place – Grayson – the man who kept quiet while Kent’s world fell apart.
We Burn Beautiful was an emotional rollercoaster of a read, very much in the ilk of ‘I shouldn’t, I’m going to get hurt, but I can’t help myself.’
The story is told in the first person from Kent’s viewpoint. Technically, it is in pretty good order, too. Worldbuilding revolves around the down-to-earth setting between a supermarket and home, with a hefty dose of memories and what-ifs. Kent is out and proud, but Gray remains under the umbrella of a homophobic family who use religion to justify their actions. However, there is hope among the congregation.
What Kent went through was horrific, and this story is about Kent doing a lot of chasing over a man who is afraid to be caught. Occasionally, this made the tale a touch one-sided which had me mentally encouraging Kent to leave Grayson behind. As for Grayson, his life since Kent left town slowly emerges through the story, and he hasn’t had it all roses.
The extended cast offers some light relief to a situation that, left on its own, could send someone to the tissue box alongside a large tub of ice cream and the director’s cut of the Titanic. The 80-year-old Apostolic debutants were a beautiful mix of ladies whose crossed wires, alongside chastising actions, added the perfect emotional balance. Other characters, too, add light to what could have been a very dark place.
I found We Burn Beautiful to be a story made great by the ensemble cast. One element would not be the same without the other. It is a lovely mesh of characters who work well together, to make an emotional tale where, more than once, I shed a tear.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Mistakenly sending a drunken selfie to the whole company lost Kent his high-powered job. With no other option, he returned home to live with his mother. Unfortunately, it also meant facing the reason he had to leave in the first place – Grayson – the man who kept quiet while Kent’s world fell apart.
We Burn Beautiful was an emotional rollercoaster of a read, very much in the ilk of ‘I shouldn’t, I’m going to get hurt, but I can’t help myself.’
The story is told in the first person from Kent’s viewpoint. Technically, it is in pretty good order, too. Worldbuilding revolves around the down-to-earth setting between a supermarket and home, with a hefty dose of memories and what-ifs. Kent is out and proud, but Gray remains under the umbrella of a homophobic family who use religion to justify their actions. However, there is hope among the congregation.
What Kent went through was horrific, and this story is about Kent doing a lot of chasing over a man who is afraid to be caught. Occasionally, this made the tale a touch one-sided which had me mentally encouraging Kent to leave Grayson behind. As for Grayson, his life since Kent left town slowly emerges through the story, and he hasn’t had it all roses.
The extended cast offers some light relief to a situation that, left on its own, could send someone to the tissue box alongside a large tub of ice cream and the director’s cut of the Titanic. The 80-year-old Apostolic debutants were a beautiful mix of ladies whose crossed wires, alongside chastising actions, added the perfect emotional balance. Other characters, too, add light to what could have been a very dark place.
I found We Burn Beautiful to be a story made great by the ensemble cast. One element would not be the same without the other. It is a lovely mesh of characters who work well together, to make an emotional tale where, more than once, I shed a tear.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
March 31, 2024
Rating: 3.5
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, second chance, small town
We Burn Beautiful was a great and emotional debut from Lance Lansdale!
I enjoyed this second chance romance - it was heartbreaking, sweet and romantic, and I was so invested in these guys! It was a slow, slooow burn, which I felt these characters needed in order to reconnect and for Grey to work things out.
I loved the tension and connection between Kent and Grey - they just couldn’t stay away from each other and they had some really great moments. It was easy to feel for both men and everything they’d been through, Kent had his trauma and Grey was still so sure he’d lose his family if he came out. There was a lot of things and situations in this book that made my heart ache…
Lance Lansdale managed to handle the heavier topics with a bit of a light-hearted approach though, and while emotional, the story never felt too heavy or angsty. I definitely cried through the ending, after rooting so hard for Kent and Grey, it was impossible not to!
There were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, but overall I found We Burn Beautiful to be an enjoyable and captivating story. I really liked the second chance romance and the slow burn - it was very well written and created a lot of great tension!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, second chance, small town
We Burn Beautiful was a great and emotional debut from Lance Lansdale!
I enjoyed this second chance romance - it was heartbreaking, sweet and romantic, and I was so invested in these guys! It was a slow, slooow burn, which I felt these characters needed in order to reconnect and for Grey to work things out.
I loved the tension and connection between Kent and Grey - they just couldn’t stay away from each other and they had some really great moments. It was easy to feel for both men and everything they’d been through, Kent had his trauma and Grey was still so sure he’d lose his family if he came out. There was a lot of things and situations in this book that made my heart ache…
Lance Lansdale managed to handle the heavier topics with a bit of a light-hearted approach though, and while emotional, the story never felt too heavy or angsty. I definitely cried through the ending, after rooting so hard for Kent and Grey, it was impossible not to!
There were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, but overall I found We Burn Beautiful to be an enjoyable and captivating story. I really liked the second chance romance and the slow burn - it was very well written and created a lot of great tension!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 21, 2024
♥ Kent and Gray ♥
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book (Kindle Unlimited)
I can't believe this was Lance Lansdale's first novel. It was exceptionally written and well thought out. I wanted to wrap both Kent and Gray in a blanket cocoon and never let anything else bad happen to them. As someone who has gone through some of the religious traumas both MCs went through I could relate to them on a deeper level. For those saying this was OTT, it most definitely was not. The humor/sassy remarks from Kent were absolute perfection. He was absolutely hilarious and I want him as a BFF. I usually don't enjoy slow burns but this was so good I didn't even realize how slow the burn was. Overall, great writing from Lance and can't wait to read his other books.
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4.5/5
Spice Level: 1/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Tropes:
• Childhood Friends x Estranged x Lovers
• Religious Trauma
• Slow Burn
• Hurt/Comfort
• Second Chance
• HEA
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book (Kindle Unlimited)
I can't believe this was Lance Lansdale's first novel. It was exceptionally written and well thought out. I wanted to wrap both Kent and Gray in a blanket cocoon and never let anything else bad happen to them. As someone who has gone through some of the religious traumas both MCs went through I could relate to them on a deeper level. For those saying this was OTT, it most definitely was not. The humor/sassy remarks from Kent were absolute perfection. He was absolutely hilarious and I want him as a BFF. I usually don't enjoy slow burns but this was so good I didn't even realize how slow the burn was. Overall, great writing from Lance and can't wait to read his other books.
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4.5/5
Spice Level: 1/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Tropes:
• Childhood Friends x Estranged x Lovers
• Religious Trauma
• Slow Burn
• Hurt/Comfort
• Second Chance
• HEA
December 13, 2023
4.75⭐️
Holy fucking guacamole, this book was so dang lovely I just can’t stand it! The characters, the setting, the story, gah! I had a hard time putting it down to do “real” work. I’m so glad I had a chance to review this for GRR 🥰
As a 30-something queer gal raised in one of those off-the-wall Christian cults of the 90s there was a lot of this that resonated with my experiences (though fortunately my parents have always been lovely 🏳️🌈). I’d been worried when I first started the book that it’d be a bit triggering for me, religious trauma and all that, but all I felt was a kinship with Kent. Gray had me grumbling a bit when he was acting a fool but he ended up alright in the end.
And Kent! Sure, a bit ridiculous but he reminded me of some if my favorite characters in a TJ Klune book (especially the At First Sight series or Sam of Wilds). I fucking love TJ Klune so it’s no surprise that I loved this story too. I feel like if Lance Lansdale keeps writing (and I hope he does!) his books will be able to destroy my heart in all the right ways too.
Also, Kent’s bald spot kink had me literally CACKLING 😂
Holy fucking guacamole, this book was so dang lovely I just can’t stand it! The characters, the setting, the story, gah! I had a hard time putting it down to do “real” work. I’m so glad I had a chance to review this for GRR 🥰
As a 30-something queer gal raised in one of those off-the-wall Christian cults of the 90s there was a lot of this that resonated with my experiences (though fortunately my parents have always been lovely 🏳️🌈). I’d been worried when I first started the book that it’d be a bit triggering for me, religious trauma and all that, but all I felt was a kinship with Kent. Gray had me grumbling a bit when he was acting a fool but he ended up alright in the end.
And Kent! Sure, a bit ridiculous but he reminded me of some if my favorite characters in a TJ Klune book (especially the At First Sight series or Sam of Wilds). I fucking love TJ Klune so it’s no surprise that I loved this story too. I feel like if Lance Lansdale keeps writing (and I hope he does!) his books will be able to destroy my heart in all the right ways too.
Also, Kent’s bald spot kink had me literally CACKLING 😂
Read
December 16, 2023DNF 39%
Cette histoire de seconde chance avait tout pour me plaire, seulement je n'ai jamais réussi à rentrer dans l'histoire...
Gray et Kent se sont quittés, pour se retrouver 20 ans plus tard. Ils approchent donc de la quarantaine, mais honnêtement, j'avais l'impression de lire des personnages qui en avait 20 de moins, ils paraissaient immatures dans bien de passages. Certaines choses ne sont pas crédibles, comme par exemple leur rapprochement qui arrive comme un cheveux sur la souple, j'ai cru que j'avais loupé des passages...
Je pense aussi que je n'étais pas dans le bon mood pour lire ce roman, même s'il n'y a pas que ça.
J'ai préféré stopper ma lecture...
Cette histoire de seconde chance avait tout pour me plaire, seulement je n'ai jamais réussi à rentrer dans l'histoire...
Gray et Kent se sont quittés, pour se retrouver 20 ans plus tard. Ils approchent donc de la quarantaine, mais honnêtement, j'avais l'impression de lire des personnages qui en avait 20 de moins, ils paraissaient immatures dans bien de passages. Certaines choses ne sont pas crédibles, comme par exemple leur rapprochement qui arrive comme un cheveux sur la souple, j'ai cru que j'avais loupé des passages...
Je pense aussi que je n'étais pas dans le bon mood pour lire ce roman, même s'il n'y a pas que ça.
J'ai préféré stopper ma lecture...
December 8, 2023
5 ⭐️'ˢ
“We Burn Beautiful” By Lance Lansdale @lancetastik
📕 Edition: eBook ARC
This is a fiery debut that lit up my reading world! 🔥 This story swiftly secured its place at the pinnacle of my favorites for the year. Humor, romance, family dynamics, and the complexities of religious trauma are all in this captivating narrative.
The protagonist, Kent Fox, is a delightful mess—38, jobless, and living with his mom after a selfie debacle turns him into a professional pariah. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Kent's new boss at the grocery store turns out to be his ex-gay ex-boyfriend, Gray Collins. The tension and humor that ensue are brilliantly written.
The character dynamics are a standout feature. Kent's escapades, especially in the bar with the "nameless waitress," had me in stitches. The unveiling of Gray and Sarah's secret left me utterly gobsmacked, adding a layer to the story that I didn't see coming.
Lansdale skillfully delves into the themes of trauma and unresolved feelings as Kent and Gray are forced to confront their past. The journey is emotional and the resolution is heartwarmingly sweet.
If there's ever more to this story, count me in! And for another completely different story, count me in for that too! 📚❤️
Out 12/15! Get a copy here: https://amzn.to/41dtv5G
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“We Burn Beautiful” By Lance Lansdale @lancetastik
📕 Edition: eBook ARC
This is a fiery debut that lit up my reading world! 🔥 This story swiftly secured its place at the pinnacle of my favorites for the year. Humor, romance, family dynamics, and the complexities of religious trauma are all in this captivating narrative.
The protagonist, Kent Fox, is a delightful mess—38, jobless, and living with his mom after a selfie debacle turns him into a professional pariah. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Kent's new boss at the grocery store turns out to be his ex-gay ex-boyfriend, Gray Collins. The tension and humor that ensue are brilliantly written.
The character dynamics are a standout feature. Kent's escapades, especially in the bar with the "nameless waitress," had me in stitches. The unveiling of Gray and Sarah's secret left me utterly gobsmacked, adding a layer to the story that I didn't see coming.
Lansdale skillfully delves into the themes of trauma and unresolved feelings as Kent and Gray are forced to confront their past. The journey is emotional and the resolution is heartwarmingly sweet.
If there's ever more to this story, count me in! And for another completely different story, count me in for that too! 📚❤️
Out 12/15! Get a copy here: https://amzn.to/41dtv5G
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 29, 2024
This story will burn beautifully in my mind forever!
I love this book so much! It’s pure, raw emotion. Magically crafted words that had me laughing out loud one moment and bawling my eyes out the next. Lance has done something really special here. I can’t wait to collect and read everything he ever writes. It’s a masterpiece.
I love this book so much! It’s pure, raw emotion. Magically crafted words that had me laughing out loud one moment and bawling my eyes out the next. Lance has done something really special here. I can’t wait to collect and read everything he ever writes. It’s a masterpiece.
December 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is unbelievably a debut novel! This story of two beautifully real characters is filled with emotion. I laughed, I cried, I got incredibly angry at some characters and my heart also warmed with others. This story sadly has too many real elements to it but as Dottie in the books days 'The world is moving in the right direction.' Fantastic read.
This is unbelievably a debut novel! This story of two beautifully real characters is filled with emotion. I laughed, I cried, I got incredibly angry at some characters and my heart also warmed with others. This story sadly has too many real elements to it but as Dottie in the books days 'The world is moving in the right direction.' Fantastic read.
October 19, 2023
When I tell you that this is one of the funniest books I've ever read, please believe that I am not exaggerating. I'm talking "laughing out LOUD and spooking my coworkers trying to peacefully eat their lunch in the breakroom" funny. But despite the shenanigans Kent Fox finds himself in, the comedy never takes away from the pure heart of the story. Lance Lansdale mastered the art of weaving comedy and angst in We Burn Beautiful.
There's never a dull beat here, and the funny scenes so often seamlessly transition into the moments that really make Kent and Gray shine: the trauma of growing up in a conversative small town and not allowing a world that tries beating you down define who you are. This is a cozy read, that's for sure, and it's one hundred percent a slow-burn due to the nature of Kent and Gray's history and push-pull relationship. Don't go into this expecting back-to-back smut. Everything in this book is perfectly balanced, including the tension and the finale. You'll be giggling one page and then catching your breath the next.
Kent and Gray will stay with you for a long time.
December 17, 2023
I loved this book so much! If I wasn’t laughing I was crying and that’s like, the ideal book for me. The worst part of the book is the cringe nicknames. I’m really surprised and impressed it’s the author’s debut, it’s that good.
November 18, 2023
I can’t tell if I liked this or not. I loved parts of it but other parts annoyed me. This book has such a beautiful message and it’s an important one, it’s just wrapped up in a lot fluff that is supposed to be funny but often falls flat.
A lot of things that happen in this book are over the top. The town and its residents, the way everyone acts. Kent and Gray are supposed to be 38 but act like they’re in their early 20’s. This was like the town you go to to never grow up.
I did enjoy a lot of the side characters. They were caricatures but I thought they were funny and sweet in how much they cared. Kent had a lot of amazing people on his side and I loved seeing that.
I was very annoyed with how Gray kept stringing Kent along. It was like a yo-yo. One minute they’re cuddling, because supposedly that’s what friends do, and them Gray pulls away. It happens so much.
There is a lot of religious talk and it’s very overdone but it’s scary to think that this is how it is in places. It’s a sad reminder that many are going through these situations.
In the end this was a beautiful story at its core, there was just too much going on to keep focus on what the main message was.
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
A lot of things that happen in this book are over the top. The town and its residents, the way everyone acts. Kent and Gray are supposed to be 38 but act like they’re in their early 20’s. This was like the town you go to to never grow up.
I did enjoy a lot of the side characters. They were caricatures but I thought they were funny and sweet in how much they cared. Kent had a lot of amazing people on his side and I loved seeing that.
I was very annoyed with how Gray kept stringing Kent along. It was like a yo-yo. One minute they’re cuddling, because supposedly that’s what friends do, and them Gray pulls away. It happens so much.
There is a lot of religious talk and it’s very overdone but it’s scary to think that this is how it is in places. It’s a sad reminder that many are going through these situations.
In the end this was a beautiful story at its core, there was just too much going on to keep focus on what the main message was.
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 16, 2023
this is pretty good for a debut definitely. ngl there was some second hand embarrassment at first, but it got better and as the story rolled along so did the characters. this book is more about dealing with trauma; there's definitely some heavy stuff in it. it was really nice to see the character developments with Gray standing up for himself and Kent (so proud ahaha), and Kent, who i felt acted a bit like a prick at first but became less prick-y and became brave enough to face the tormentors from his past. even the side characters had depth - i did not expect Sarah. and honestly those nicknames were so cute - 'half-pint' and 'two-liter' :DD
the characters were a bit OTT and unrealistic though. Kent's mom and her friends were constantly so bubbly and energetic and their humor does not fit the style of middle-aged women. Rhonda plays pranks on her new coworker although she's in her mid-fifties. Kent and Gray are 38 and speak like people younger than their age.
but honestly the writing and everything is generally sound, i don't usually read second-chance romances but this one was so sweet and wholesome.
the characters were a bit OTT and unrealistic though. Kent's mom and her friends were constantly so bubbly and energetic and their humor does not fit the style of middle-aged women. Rhonda plays pranks on her new coworker although she's in her mid-fifties. Kent and Gray are 38 and speak like people younger than their age.
but honestly the writing and everything is generally sound, i don't usually read second-chance romances but this one was so sweet and wholesome.
May 20, 2024
I should’ve bought stock in Kleenex
When I stumbled on this book, I had no idea how profoundly it would affect me. I was raised ultra-conservative (Jehovah’s Witness, which are hilariously mentioned!) I was out of that religion for 20 years, just like Kent, but I was still mired in that belief and felt the shame and guilt every day, much like Gray. I likened those 20 years to being ripped in half, between what I wanted to be, and what I thought I should be (or what the religion thought I should be.)
While it was painful for me to read those sections of the book, it was important and part of my journey as I’ve now deconstructed from that religion.
Even if you don’t have the religious trauma, this book is so much more than that. It is a love story that spans 20 years. A love that doesn’t give up. A love that fights against all odds.
There’s also a tremendous amount of wit and sassy humor, hilarious situations, and zany characters that’ll have you laughing out loud. (I tell you I cackled at “Great Value Sam Elliot”!)
Forget David and Patrick, Charlie and Nick, Ox and Joe (ok maybe not Ox and Joe), Wyn and Danny, Butch and Xander (sorry C Rochelle but you led me here!). I am a Kent and Gray fan for life. <3
When I stumbled on this book, I had no idea how profoundly it would affect me. I was raised ultra-conservative (Jehovah’s Witness, which are hilariously mentioned!) I was out of that religion for 20 years, just like Kent, but I was still mired in that belief and felt the shame and guilt every day, much like Gray. I likened those 20 years to being ripped in half, between what I wanted to be, and what I thought I should be (or what the religion thought I should be.)
While it was painful for me to read those sections of the book, it was important and part of my journey as I’ve now deconstructed from that religion.
Even if you don’t have the religious trauma, this book is so much more than that. It is a love story that spans 20 years. A love that doesn’t give up. A love that fights against all odds.
There’s also a tremendous amount of wit and sassy humor, hilarious situations, and zany characters that’ll have you laughing out loud. (I tell you I cackled at “Great Value Sam Elliot”!)
Forget David and Patrick, Charlie and Nick, Ox and Joe (ok maybe not Ox and Joe), Wyn and Danny, Butch and Xander (sorry C Rochelle but you led me here!). I am a Kent and Gray fan for life. <3
November 21, 2023
Reason eighteen: I love them.
I'm normally a dual pov type of gal, but I preferred Kent's pov the whole time.
I like the portrayal of this small town because it's very accurate. As a person who's lived a long time in a rural area!!!! This is accurate.
(Does this count as an arc read because I asked really nicely for a friend(me) and I got it for an honest review? I choose to believe it counts)
So this was my first Arc read... ksksksksksks.
•••••••Ah! The over the shoulders line had me gasping 😭.
Omg!!! The chapters = the 17 reasons. Oh I like that.
Oh I'm so sad.
Can I also get somebody who just looks at me and I instantly feel like the most precious, beautiful thing in the world 😭😭 are they on Amazon??
The denim debutantes are unconventionally funny🤣.
No wonder I don't read second chance slow burns, this is hurting my feelings.
Kent stop making Gray nervous!!!•••••
Qualms:
- sometimes the story lost me in the time line, like when Rhonda said he'll be checking in the next morning at 7 and the next sentence we're at the store at 7🤣. (!Edit: that was my brain that read something wrong, let's pretend I didn't write this mkay? Kay!)
- Gray being in his late 30's calling his father daddy threw me off 😭.
- this is more personal, but I'm not big in the slow burn scene. So sometimes the back and forths would grind my tits just not enough to make me stop reading.
______
Anyway, go read this book when it comes out y'all. It gave me the fuzzies, a headache, a toothache, heart palpitations and happy almost tears.
Edit: I don't know if Lance will be writing any more books but I'm hoping they do. The jokes, Kent's inner dialogue, the side characters, they all meshed so well together and I loved all of it.
I'm normally a dual pov type of gal, but I preferred Kent's pov the whole time.
I like the portrayal of this small town because it's very accurate. As a person who's lived a long time in a rural area!!!! This is accurate.
(Does this count as an arc read because I asked really nicely for a friend(me) and I got it for an honest review? I choose to believe it counts)
So this was my first Arc read... ksksksksksks.
•••••••Ah! The over the shoulders line had me gasping 😭.
Omg!!! The chapters = the 17 reasons. Oh I like that.
Oh I'm so sad.
Can I also get somebody who just looks at me and I instantly feel like the most precious, beautiful thing in the world 😭😭 are they on Amazon??
The denim debutantes are unconventionally funny🤣.
No wonder I don't read second chance slow burns, this is hurting my feelings.
Kent stop making Gray nervous!!!•••••
Qualms:
- sometimes the story lost me in the time line, like when Rhonda said he'll be checking in the next morning at 7 and the next sentence we're at the store at 7🤣. (!Edit: that was my brain that read something wrong, let's pretend I didn't write this mkay? Kay!)
- Gray being in his late 30's calling his father daddy threw me off 😭.
- this is more personal, but I'm not big in the slow burn scene. So sometimes the back and forths would grind my tits just not enough to make me stop reading.
______
Anyway, go read this book when it comes out y'all. It gave me the fuzzies, a headache, a toothache, heart palpitations and happy almost tears.
Edit: I don't know if Lance will be writing any more books but I'm hoping they do. The jokes, Kent's inner dialogue, the side characters, they all meshed so well together and I loved all of it.
April 2, 2024
F* hell. How many times can a heart be broken? How many times can a heart break and still keep beating? For most of the book I was so frustrated. I hated everyone. Except Kent, his mum and a few others. And Gray was a victim too, but I had conflicting feelings towards him. All this is just so stupid, unfair. I had to stop at some point to calm down. Like, if you want to feel feelings, read this book. And to think that the anger, the hurt, the frustration, the fear, feeling powerless and hopeless, the injustice, were all1 something Kent felt for 20 years.
I don't know if this sounds like a bad review, but it's the opposite! This story was painful to read and I would definitely read it again! The ending made it worthy. Their love made it worthy. And for how dramatic Kent's life was, his sassiness throughout the book is everything.
I don't know if this sounds like a bad review, but it's the opposite! This story was painful to read and I would definitely read it again! The ending made it worthy. Their love made it worthy. And for how dramatic Kent's life was, his sassiness throughout the book is everything.
December 28, 2023
one of my best reads this year
Such a good story, of love and redemption, I laughed and cried throughout this book and I genuinely can’t wait to read Lance’s next book/s. A really well written story, with a cast of characters you want to meet in person. Do yourself a favour and read this book
Such a good story, of love and redemption, I laughed and cried throughout this book and I genuinely can’t wait to read Lance’s next book/s. A really well written story, with a cast of characters you want to meet in person. Do yourself a favour and read this book
Read
April 24, 2024No rate. DNF at 18%.
Look for the review of 'Ancientreader' and you will understand my reasons
Look for the review of 'Ancientreader' and you will understand my reasons
November 15, 2023
New author: Yes
Format: ARC
Rep: Queer (gay, closeted gay)
Keywords: evangelicalism, second chance, high school sweethearts, best friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers, the lake, gasoline
Overall a strong childhood friends to HEA where the writing could have been better and one major character decision would have made a big, big difference. Still would recommend.
The first five chapters or so, you feel like you’re reading slapstick comedy. With the backstory of the boy who got away and set in rural East Texas, the book doesn’t shy away from letting you know how entrenched this community is in evangelical Christianity.
My biggest complaint about the first 25% or so is that this story about 38-year-old men reads like a new adult novel. You’re reminded again and again that it’s been 20 years since Kent was in his hometown, and it just would have been more believable had it been five. The maturity of someone nearly 40 is not the vibe from this character.
Nearly 40% of the way into the book the details of the hate crime that was the reason Kent left town are unveiled. They are gut wrenching, and sadly the writing hadn’t connected with me as a reader on the level that this kind of emotional scene should. This traumatic, homophobic, horrific, retelling of the character’s experience at 18 should have me sobbing. But the writing just doesn’t it done.
I couldn’t stop the story because it had the potential to be so good. Then, the characters’ reconciliation happens, and it is downright toxic. The friendship that they find is toxic. There is so much in the story that is traumatic and bad. I cannot imagine reading this as someone who has any of these lived experiences and having to relive it through this fiction. Yet it’s like a train wreck that I can’t look away from.
I found myself not hating these characters after all. The side characters are a hoot. Downright fantastic. In someways it is so over the top it’s melodramatic and like a bad soap opera. And then there are treats throughout. Moments that are so close to being genuine and strong storytelling. It’s like the building blocks are there, but no one bothered to stack them on top of each other with the strongest ones on the bottom.
It really is an amazing story, that just didn’t quite have the caliber of storytelling it could. While I definitely recommend this as a hurt/comfort read, I still maintain two significant critiques after having finished the book. The first is the age of the main characters. Their experience after being reunited is very much a late 20s adult experience. The personal development and the identity development are late 20s things. They read like the experiences of someone much younger, and unfortunately, it makes pieces hard to believe. My second major critique is that there is so much trauma in this book. It’s not unrealistic. It’s not without its basis in actual events. There was so much that I found myself thinking the book leaned too far in to the stereotype that queer people must battle to get their joy.
As critical as I am about pieces of this book, it truly is a great story. It has so much potential, and as the author grows as a writer, they could be a real force.
Format: ARC
Rep: Queer (gay, closeted gay)
Keywords: evangelicalism, second chance, high school sweethearts, best friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers, the lake, gasoline
Overall a strong childhood friends to HEA where the writing could have been better and one major character decision would have made a big, big difference. Still would recommend.
The first five chapters or so, you feel like you’re reading slapstick comedy. With the backstory of the boy who got away and set in rural East Texas, the book doesn’t shy away from letting you know how entrenched this community is in evangelical Christianity.
My biggest complaint about the first 25% or so is that this story about 38-year-old men reads like a new adult novel. You’re reminded again and again that it’s been 20 years since Kent was in his hometown, and it just would have been more believable had it been five. The maturity of someone nearly 40 is not the vibe from this character.
Nearly 40% of the way into the book the details of the hate crime that was the reason Kent left town are unveiled. They are gut wrenching, and sadly the writing hadn’t connected with me as a reader on the level that this kind of emotional scene should. This traumatic, homophobic, horrific, retelling of the character’s experience at 18 should have me sobbing. But the writing just doesn’t it done.
I couldn’t stop the story because it had the potential to be so good. Then, the characters’ reconciliation happens, and it is downright toxic. The friendship that they find is toxic. There is so much in the story that is traumatic and bad. I cannot imagine reading this as someone who has any of these lived experiences and having to relive it through this fiction. Yet it’s like a train wreck that I can’t look away from.
I found myself not hating these characters after all. The side characters are a hoot. Downright fantastic. In someways it is so over the top it’s melodramatic and like a bad soap opera. And then there are treats throughout. Moments that are so close to being genuine and strong storytelling. It’s like the building blocks are there, but no one bothered to stack them on top of each other with the strongest ones on the bottom.
It really is an amazing story, that just didn’t quite have the caliber of storytelling it could. While I definitely recommend this as a hurt/comfort read, I still maintain two significant critiques after having finished the book. The first is the age of the main characters. Their experience after being reunited is very much a late 20s adult experience. The personal development and the identity development are late 20s things. They read like the experiences of someone much younger, and unfortunately, it makes pieces hard to believe. My second major critique is that there is so much trauma in this book. It’s not unrealistic. It’s not without its basis in actual events. There was so much that I found myself thinking the book leaned too far in to the stereotype that queer people must battle to get their joy.
As critical as I am about pieces of this book, it truly is a great story. It has so much potential, and as the author grows as a writer, they could be a real force.
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