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Home is a Fire

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Most people would look at Derek and say he’d made it in life. A fun job, a handsome boyfriend, and an exciting life in New York City. But one night, staring at his reflection in the window of the subway as it barrels down Lexington Avenue, Derek realizes he’s fooling himself—and everyone else, too.

Derek gets off the train and goes home. Only not home to his tiny Manhattan apartment, but home to Tennessee—which is definitely not NYC.

Home to his family—and to all the other people he knows, or thinks he knows, and who think they know him.

Home to football games, and dive bars, and high school buddies who have known him forever.

Home to old situations…and to new possibilities.

At turns lighthearted, poignant, and surprising, Home Is a Fire is a delightful read for anyone who believes that whoever said “You can’t go home again” was mistaken. It’s just not exactly how you pictured it.

190 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2015

About the author

Jordan Nasser

6 books20 followers

A 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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5 stars
24 (20%)
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51 (42%)
3 stars
26 (21%)
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16 (13%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
357 reviews165 followers
December 23, 2015
Well, this was a very pleasant surprise for me indeed. A completely new author and a book I purchased some time ago because it looked interesting and with the best intentions to get around to reading it eventually. Well, it has only taken me the best part of six months but I’m delighted to say, better late than never, I'm so happy that I have now read this wonderful story.

The first thing I have to mention is the author’s narrative style. It was perfect for me, not overly flowery and descriptive but still enough there to set the scene and had me in its hold from the first chapter. A style that kept me wanting to read on without stopping, bringing all the characters to life, well larger than life really as they jumped off the page at me. A wonderful piece of writing.

We meet Derek in New York on a subway train reflecting about his life. Although everything around him is busy, everyone packed into a small space, his future husband is talking incessantly about their wedding plans, you can really feel Derek’s isolation among all this. He is paying no attention to anything, not even his future husband who could suck the air out of any confined space with his constant prattling. So even at the very beginning I’m thinking, “Geez guy, are you seriously gonna marry this one?” Well, it all boils over, he steps off the train at the next station without warning and on the spot decides to turn his life around. At first I was thinking maybe he’s just having a mid-life crisis but I reckon Derek is a little too young for that. But you could feel the suffocation he was experiencing in NY and this was killing him inside. Maybe it was a panic attack? It would have been perfectly understandable. But I loved this first chapter of the book and had me in its clutches from the get go.

Derek literally drops everything he has worked hard for in NY overnight and decides to return home. Leaving David and his life in NY high and dry. Home is in the South in Tennessee to be exact. The pull of the familiar has become overwhelming. Again this feeling of wanting to return home to the familiar is totally understandable but when you have been away for a long time nothing remains really the same for long or does it?

Once back home he moves in with his mum and Uncle Barry. Uncle Barry, his mother’s brother, has moved in since the death of his Aunt Janey and now they keep each other company. However, Uncle Barry has a few revelations up his sleeve which I’m not going into here as would be too spoilery but needless to say things are never what they seem to be. He falls back in with his old friends from high school, Bammy, Kit and Tommy and starts to feel the comfort zone of being back home. I just loved all these characters and Mr Nasser’s writing brings them wonderfully to life. I could feel the comfort of being surrounded by friends that have known you for such a long time that they probably know you better than you know yourself. He gets a job at the local high school where he was once a pupil himself and it is there he is confronted with Luke Walter, now the sports teacher, but the person who had bullied him as a child and had made his life a misery in school.

Is it easy to put these terrors of school behind us? Do we change as adults enough to let this go? Well, this is one of the obstacles that Derek has to overcome especially when he finds himself being attracted for no known reason to the guy. Luke, who had made his life a misery in school, is now turning into his heartthrob of a man. Is it reciprocal? Well, a sweet romance develops but the Southern culture is always making things difficult. Being a Brit I have never experienced it first hand but through the brilliant writing I could only too well imagine what it’s like. Basically, if you don’t talk about something it doesn’t exist. So that means there is a whole lot of not talking and non-existence going on. Luke is a complete closet case and this puts a strain on their ever increasing feelings for each other combined with their history.

Then Derek’s nemesis appears in the form of David from NY wanting to win him back. He is now caught between a rock and a hard place. Does he stay and try to make things work with Luke or patch things up with David and go back to New York? Well, the reader is left in no doubt as to which is the better option even if Derek can’t see it for himself. I just wanted to slap him and give him a wake up call. As to which path he chooses then I'll have to let you read the book. Although the choice is made for Derek in the end anway and he was only a hair’s breadth away from making the wrong one.

Derek is a drama teacher and at times could also be a bit of a drama queen. There are some really funny moments balanced out with some very poignant ones which makes a perfect mix. It never gets overly angsty but it is definitely not all fluffy and sickly sweet. It’s realistic, believable and above all a totally satisfying read. I guess this is what comes when an author writes about what he knows best and that is his own experiences.

Although light on the erotic side this did not detract in anyway from the wonderful story and romance being told. I for one don’t need constant bedroom scenes to keep me invested in a book and here the story lives from the dynamics of the characters. Their connection with each other, their shared history, all wrapped up in a Southern background. I' can’t attest to how authentic this is but it felt real to me and although Tennessee might not be the place to be openly gay in being a little provincial but there is a warmth and love among these people that isn’t to be found in any old, big, cold city. The second book is out The Fire Went Wild and I’ll definitely be reading the second instalment for sure.

This is a delightful story, wonderfully written with vibrant characters and a wonderful romance. To be honest (for me personally) I had the feeling it was like reading the gay version of Steel Magnolias, especially with all the Southern warmth, flare, love and friendship. It’s all about coming home, finding yourself again, finding your comfort zone in old friends and family. Basically getting back to your roots after you have been away and discovering, to quote Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, "There is no place like home." I LOVED the whole book from beginning to end!

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

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Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
8,293 reviews482 followers
March 22, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

I don’t want to give away any spoilers. I will say that there is some angst within the pages of Home is a Fire. Angst really isn’t my thing, so I started to become a little uncomfortable. Of course, I knew that Derek and Luke would find their way back to each other, but their path was full of obstacles, and I was feeling the same anxiety they were feeling.

This book has some of the best background characters I’ve ever read. Derek’s mom is adorable. His friends are supportive and funny, and his Uncle Barry? As much as I want to tell you, I can’t, because you need to read it for yourself. He’s a refreshing surprise. They all play an important role in the story, and none of them are gratuitous. Each had their own personality without overtaking Derek and Luke. They were a pleasure to read.

Derek and Luke had a very nice chemistry. From the moment they set eyes on each other, until the end of the book, it was palpable. They had real issues to deal with, and it wasn’t always a picture perfect fantasy. Romance abounds, but I must mention that there are no sex scenes. Kissing and touching, yes, but all of the sex is simply implied. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but personally, I’d have liked to have “seen” some of their intimacy. Derek and Luke are very sexy men and reading about their coming together would have been sweet.

Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for M.
401 reviews52 followers
October 25, 2015
3.5 debut-stars

A good debut for a new M/M writer.


I stumbled over this one, and was intrigued. Derek, a young man who could've had everything he wanted, leaves his life and love in New York behind and goes home. Means back to the South, his mother and curious Uncle, a bunch of true friends and most importantly, getting away from his fiancé. And he loves it, all of it. The food, the language, the nights out with his friend and his new job as a teacher. The only blib on his negativity-radar? His old high school crush and former tormentor.

I enjoyed reading this debut of Jordan Nasser. I liked the groundwork Nasser layed out, and I warmed up to Derek after a little while. He isn't bad, he's just not the easiest character to like. He has his issues, one of them running away every time it get's too hard to try. Which is not one of the most admirable personality traits in my book. On the other hand, Derek is sweet and caring, if a little self-absorbed. What made me really like the story though, were the side characters. Granted, some of them might come over as clichéd a time or two. But in the grand scheme of things, it was an adorable, wildly mixed bunch. They made me laugh and chuckle a lot.

It would have been nice to get to know a little more about Derek's motivations. Why all the running? Why the need to go back to "safety" when you already know it's a bad idea? But maybe stuff like that could be part of a second part in the series? *wink-wink-nudge-nudge*



The other thing? Tenses! I'm not that nit-picky when it comes to grammar or vocabulary - I'm not a native speaker mayself. But here, I was irritated every so often because the tenses were all over the place. Past, present, perfect - you name it, you got it and not always in the correct way. So yes, I was a little distracted by that.

All in all, a really good debut novel that I enjoyed quite a bit. Looking forward to the second installment in the series and other works by this author.
Profile Image for PaperMoon.
1,679 reviews72 followers
July 5, 2020
I've not read a going back home to find yourself M-M romance as enjoyable as this one since Falling Off the Face of the Earth and Any Kind Of Luck. This can be evidenced by my reading through the wee hours of the night and way into the dawn of a work day despite common sense and a reproving internal voice. The characters are warmly drawn, both MCs and their surrounding tribes / community. Despite Derek's rather 'douchey' choice/action taken at the start, I suspended judgement and forgave him fairly soon thereafter. I'm so glad there are a few more volumes to come in this series.
119 reviews
February 27, 2019
Best Break up Award

The initial scene of this book grabs you and break up by subway is now a thing. The story is told with beautiful humor and at least one laugh out loud moment because you couldn't hold it in any more. You will absolutely enjoy your visit to a small southern town and introduction to southern culture. I look forward to more works from this author.
Profile Image for David Wickham.
551 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2020
I liked it a lot. It was sweet and angsty and it worked really well. The opening scenes with Derek breaking up with David on the subway was pretty cool. It certainly set the tone for the rest of the book.

The supporting cast was wonderful without taking over the story. I'm impressed when an author can write such strong secondary characters that support the main characters without overshadowing them.

The plot was predictable since this is a HEA romance. Boy meets boy. Boy loses boy. Boy gets boy back. This was another book where the journey was best part.

I'm not sure if you can call it a secondary plot but the tales of people hiding in the closet; marrying to save face; having secret same-sex lovers; etc. really hit home. I'm from a small town and I know people who had to go through the same things in order to survive.

I want to know how in the world these people were not dying of cirrhosis of the liver. Everyone was a well functioning alcoholic. That did sort of bother me but not enough to rate the book lower.
Profile Image for Suze.
3,662 reviews
June 30, 2017
I got this after reading Mark's review at SGR and I'm glad for it now!
Derek is drama! It is his job and its how he is - and I loved it!
I found this book to have a fresh, light style which made it easy to read.
The theme is going home - and Derek goes from NYC back to Parkville, Tennessee and pretty much reverts back to the high school horrors - literally in his new job and physically in his actions. All the drama remember - and all with a wry humour that I loved. Yes, he was a bit like an eager puppy or kicked puppy at times but that was part of it for me.
His possee of friends and relatives were good support chracters and Luke's story progressed well.
Really enjoyed it, will be wanting to read book 2 asap!
Profile Image for Robin E K.
444 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2015
I'm impressed with the guts it takes to write and self-publish a first novel. I found his depictions of a small Southern town dead-on. the story is well paced. I liked the emotions surrounding a new love. I would have liked Derek to have taken a moment to self reflect-- why all the running? Why the need to jump from one relationship to the next?
4 reviews
July 9, 2015
I can't wait to see how this character develops! the timing of this book is perfect. A homecoming to examine the past and future, just as the South begins to examine the same.
2 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2015
Just what I needed!
A southern Tales of The City!
Profile Image for Laks.
765 reviews
November 3, 2023
3.5 stars

Derek is a theatre tutor in New York and is engaged to be married. But while in the subway on the way to get his marriage license, Derek panicks, breaks off the engagement and runs back to his home in the South. His loving mother, supportive uncle and few awesome childhood friends welcome Derek with open arms.

Derek is back home to find himself and connect with his roots. Meanwhile there is an old bully, Luke who seems to have changed and some romance maybe in their cards. The big problem is that Luke is deep in the closet and you dont bring things out in the open in the South.

This is a new author for me and I loved his writing. Derek is really witty and his friends are the best. I liked his love for New York as well as the South. His family is great and the whole supporting cast is good. But we dont see much of Luke or how their relationship develops. Only the beginning and final encounters are shown. Other than that, its a good romance and a series worth checking out.
Profile Image for Patrick.
Author 6 books39 followers
September 9, 2023
Cute, fun, romance

This was a cute quick read with the nice ending. The storyline and characters were well developed and allowed for good amount of growth. It was a nice look at how different cultures in the United States would view each other and could potentially blend. I really want to try Jewish Japanese food now. I recommend this to anyone who likes quick fun easy Romance.
Profile Image for Kolbe.
14 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2018
Predictable events, copious tired stereotypes, poor dialog where supposedly best friends use each others’ names over and over... very difficult to take seriously.
Profile Image for jaxnsmom.
771 reviews90 followers
May 21, 2023
Very disappointing all around. Derek - I came to dislike him and thought he deserved David. Drinking was very prevalent and no one thought anything of drinking and driving.
Profile Image for Kim Smith.
Author 23 books83 followers
February 7, 2016
Best. Book. Ever.

This book surprised me with its honesty. The real and raw emotions of the characters, the genuineness of the setting , and the treatment of the story was simply wonderful. Cannot wait for the next book by this great author!!
Profile Image for Buda.
320 reviews42 followers
February 11, 2016
3.5 rounded up. Predictable but not a bad read. Massive missed chance in opening scene.
Profile Image for Sue Stewart.
1,679 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2016
Loved Derek , his friends and the captivating journey to find Home and stop running away!


"Home isn't always easy."
Profile Image for DeeNeez.
1,841 reviews13 followers
April 22, 2017
Even though I found the plot to be a bit predictable, I really enjoyed this story. Derek is a romantic at heart who has a relationship disability, he seems to fall for the wrong guys. And when he can't handle it, he panics and runs. And panic he does on the way to get his marriage license with David.

Back home he goes after 12 years in the big city, to the small southern conservative town to start his life anew as the new drama teacher. And of course, he falls for the jock who tormented him all through his high school years. For a small southern town, there were some real colorful characters, especially Uncle Barry. So maybe after 12 years away this town isn't as conservative as he thought. All around it was a nice read, well rounded feel good ending.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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