2019 IAN Outstanding Fiction Winner for LGBTQ Fiction Not a Cliff HangerHis world was water and rhythm. Hard work and drive kept Royal O’Connell one step ahead of his competition. His spot on the swim team, keeping his scholarship, was the only plan that mattered. His world was ebony and ivory. Natural talent and ambition set Camden Morgan apart from the other music majors. His dedication scoring … the other music majors. His dedication scoring him a full ride.
Normally, their paths would have never crossed….
But when Royal meets his best friend’s new roommate, his big plan and Camden’s controlled environment faces a variable that could destroy it all.
Attraction.
The world they live in had no room for error. That undeniable pull between them was dangerous and neither one of them could’ve prepared for the choice they’d have to make.
Love isn’t always an easy road and, when everything they’ve worked for is on the line, they’ll have to decide if being together is worth the risk.
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Coming-of-Age romance stories always resonate with me because as a high school English teacher, I see so many young adults trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and what matters to them. And in a society and an environment like the one we all live in, it’s difficult to watch these students struggle to find their own voice amidst the noise and feel comfortable enough to be who they are despite the prejudice and intolerance they may encounter due to any of the attributes and/or feelings that make them who they are.
Royal O’Connell and Camden Morgan’s families couldn’t be more different – one is full of love, affection, and acceptance while the other doesn’t seem to have any support or heartfelt connection, which makes for an incredibly lonely life. But regardless of their backgrounds, Royal and Cam are both driven to succeed and their determination and abilities have not only allowed them to chase their individual goals, but it’s also provided them with the opportunity for their paths to cross, creating a connection that both want and need despite the difficulties that may arise due to their feelings for one another.
Because A.M. Johnson allows readers to experience all parts of Royal and Cam’s journey with them from their initial meeting to their burgeoning friendship to a bond that becomes a lifeline to both men, we are able to see exactly what these two come to mean to each other and why they’re willing to endure intolerance, prejudice, and backlash in order to live in the light with one another.
Let There Be Light is an emotional story – one that realistically portrays the ups and downs as well as the highs and lows that occur when outside interference makes the characters question who they are and what they want – two things that they’re still attempting to figure out on their own already; it’s an honest look at exactly how difficult it is for people to find their footing in this tumultuous and prejudicial world, but even though it’s not easy, it’s beyond clear that it’s worth it; people just need to be willing to work for it regardless of the obstacles in their way.
I can’t wait for Indie and Kai’s story – the second book in the Twin Hearts Duet. I’m not quite ready to let these characters go, so the fact that there’s more to come is quite exciting.
4.5 Poison Apples
I don’t think I have the words to get my thoughts on Let There Be Light across without sounding like a blabbering fool because it was that good. That full of emotion. That full of heart. A.M. Johnson did something special with this book and I hung on every word (even when my eyes were misty).
There was something about Royal. I couldn’t help but like him. He was kind. Honest. Skilled. Charismatic. He had a special bond with his twin, Indie, and had no trouble making friends. But it was when he met his best friend, Kai’s roommate, Camden, that things started to change.
Sigh. Camden…there’s a bit of him in all of us. Quiet. Unsure. He saw the word in sound. But so much braver than he gave himself credit for. I loved his talent and how he hid in his music. Until he didn’t anymore. Until Royal’s confidence in him made see his genius.
While Royal didn’t quite understand the feelings he was having, he couldn’t deny the pull towards Camden. It was a sweet slow burn. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, they faced their share of challenges for sure. Thankfully they had a great support system in Royals family (WHOOP! for the Avenues Ink crew). And there were a few unexpected allies found along the way too.
Hats off to A.M. Johnson for writing this book. Let There Be Light should be on everyone’s list. It’s vital and speaks a truth that we need today. Love not hate. Acceptance. Not just of others but of yourself. Finding joy even in the small things. And while both Royal and Camden had a lot to lose but they knew, deep in their souls, that their love was worth the risk.
First off where to begin with this review. After reading this story I was crying and so full of emotion because this is one emotional roller coaster of a ride. Two men being together is frowned upon but more so when you have two guys who are so different from one another. But when these two worlds collide it is beautiful and amazing!
Royal is a hard worker and very driven. He is determined to keep his swimming scholarship so he works hard at training and conditioning. No time for play because he is focused. Campden is also driven and focused and very dedicated to his music career.
Then one day Royal meets his best friend’s roommate attraction flies. They both feel something for another but they know they can’t be together. First everything they have worked so hard for could be taken away from them and secondly no one will accept their relationship because it is taboo for a man to be with a man.
Can they work it out to stay together and keep everything they have works so hard for or will the village burn down right in front of their eyes and they will have to walk away from the love they have for each other.
Wow I absolutely loved this story, it touched me in so many ways. I adored Royal and Camden (and Indie) and never wanted the story to end! This is a definite must read and you will not be dissapointed.
5 beautiful soul wrenching stars!! Perfection!!
Let There Be Light is a beautiful and honest coming of age m/m romance. Royal, his twin sister Indie, Camden and Kai are some pretty remarkable characters. They wormed their way into my heart immediately. This story has so much heart and deals with real life issues. Sexuality, coming out and acceptance.
The relationship between the twins Royal and Indie is so special. I enjoyed every moment of them together. These two and their families are all about embracing one another and their differences. They love and accept no matter what. Their upbringing has been all about that. Pure love. For Camden it’s the opposite which has led him to live a very lonely life with not much human contact.
When Royal and Camden see and meet one another it’s captured beautifully. There’s an immediate attraction and curiosity. They try to figure out what it is but the opinions and thoughts of people are making it difficult. I enjoyed how they explored one another and that powerful connection they share. They are two young men who’s trying to figure themselves and life out. It’s real and at times heartbreaking cause of its honesty.
Let There Be Light is all about the characters and their story. Their journey. I was with Royal, Camden, Indie and Kai all the way. Now I need to read the Avenues Ink series since I was introduced to them here. I’m crazy about Indie and Kai so I’m so happy that they’ll get a book. LTBL was all about love and emotion and I felt it all.
4 Risk It All Stars
Let There Be Light gets ALL the stars. Here, Amanda. Just take them. I will write more later, because I can’t yet form words fit to review this book, and I finished this days ago. Still decompressing. So. Beautiful.
Ok I’m back! This book is beautiful and powerful. It’s it written to the moments in life that take you by surprise in their breathtaking melody. I don’t read MM romance normally. I have read some here and there where it comes up, and it’s fine, but it’s not usually something that grabs me deeply like MF romances. Let There Be Light is soooooo different! It was heart stopping from the first word, from the first note that Camden played that reflected the sounds around him. Not only was I holding my breath as I read it, afraid my heart couldn’t take it if something were to stand in Royal and Camden’s way, but it sparked a part of my mind I didn’t know was there. AM Johnson serves up all the feels in this one, as well as thought provoking changing subject matter that shifts the heart in new ways. I thought I knew, as much as someone who has never had to deal with issues the LGBTQ community has, but I was so wrong. After seeing what these characters went through, just to fight for their love, (in TODAYS day in age!) my heart broke. It made my eyes open a little more and my heart spark that fire that is needed to make change.
I am a huge fan of this author’s books. I don’t miss a one! There is someone special in how she writes, that rare quality that reads as beautiful as poetry. Amongst her books I would say this one is of my top 2 favorites, topped only by Possession ironically as it is the parent’s book to the characters in this one. Thank you for taking on the hard stories, giving voice to issues people would rather keep silent on. The ones that make you think, and the ones that change how you see other people and how you treat them from here on out.
Please read this book, even if it’s not your ‘normal’ genre. It’s so much more.
*i was give the opportunity to read this book and to give my honest review*
I’m going to try to give Let Their Be Light a worthy review! This book is a beautiful love story, the fact that the main characters are both young men puts this in a category of M/M romance, but the actual theme of this book is love. Royal’s an athletic college freshman and Camden is a sophmore who is studying music. Both are gifted, but come from different family backgrounds. In my opinion this book is a beautiful love story; they struggle a bit, they wonder about things, but the fact remains; they have had that moment of two souls colliding and finding that mysterious piece of the puzzle that’s been missing, this is the real deal. Who we love and are attracted to is something of wonder and we are along for the ride as the relationship grows. I promise this is a special read. It’s honestly one of my top reads for 2018. I will not easily forget Royal and Camden.
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!! All I have to say is SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!! This book has touched my heart on so many levels, it will be engraved there forever. Royal and Camden’s story is so elegantly written and each word is PERFECTION, to create a story you will never forget. A.M. Johnson is by far one of the most elegant writers I have ever read, always BEAUTIFUL stories, with all the feels. Looking for a beautiful love story that overcomes obstacles and puts a smile on your face, here you go.
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. it was absolutely loved this book it was such a great story had me sitting on the edge of my proverbial seat waiting to see what happened next. it was so amazing that i was sad when it ended and left me trying to figure out what to read next. A.M. Johnson did a fabulous job with this book it will definitely be one i buy in paperback when it comes out. you should totally get this book.
Let There Be Light is a beautiful and heartfelt coming of age m/m romance. I was so excited when I realized this story involved the O’Connell twins, Royal and Indie. Their bond was unbreakable and they were so supportive of each other. Given that this was their first year in college and away from home, they needed each more than ever.
Royal is a talented swimmer who earned a scholarship on the college swim team. He became best friends with the team Captain, Kai (an excellent secondary character) and upon meeting his roommate, Camden, Royal felt an instant attraction to him. Although they were immediately drawn to each other, their relationship did not happen overnight. Camden’s parents were not accepting of his sexuality which made him complicated, withdrawn and closed off to everyone. And Royal had never been involved in a relationship before and also never felt an attraction to a man. Once they acted on their feelings, their hearts collided and their relationship ignited. Everything about them was sweet, touching and endearing. I just couldn’t get enough of Camden and Royal as they were absolutely swoon worthy and they stole my heart.
Let There Be Light storyline is engaging, well written and thought provoking. It’s also about unconditional love, acceptance, tolerance and tackles real life issues. A.M. Johnson nailed it and wrote this book with truth and finesse. I highly recommend reading it and I’m looking forward to reading Seven Shades Of You (Kai and Indie’s book).
I have started and stopped this review several times as I am trying to adequately put into words the depths of my feelings for this book. Let There Be Light is more than a coming of age love story. It is a beautifully poignant and emotional journey of self discovery and truly finding the one that makes your soul happy. With music as the backdrop, the heartbreaking, yet heartwarming story of Camden and Royal takes flight. Both of these sweet, broken, beautiful men are not only navigating college life, and finding their place in the world, but also who they are as sons, as friends, as lovers and as soulmates. The vivid imagery and detail that A.M. Johnson imparts is pure perfection and bring these two unique and wonderful characters to life.
“I didn’t think it would feel like this.” Camden placed his hands on my waist, his fingers grasping at the cotton of my sweatshirt. “Like what?” he asked. ” I never want to stop kissing you. Like this could be enough, and I’d die a happy man.” I chuckled, but when he didn’t respond I asked, ” What about you? How do you feel?” ” The truth?” “Yeah.” “Like I can finally breathe.”
Let There Be Light owned me and my heart. The tenderness and love that was portrayed in the story overflowed and was a reminder that we all just simply want to be loved and accepted no matter what form that love comes in. Thank you A.M. for bringing these two wonderful men in to my life and allowing me to experience their love story. 5++++++ stars!
A.M. Johnson is a new to me author but I loved this book so much I have already added some of her other books to my TBR shelf and purchased one already. Let There Be Light was Simply Exquisite, an Absolute Wonderful Read!!! I fell in love with not only the two main characters but also a lot of the secondary characters as well. Which is why I bought Declan and Paige, Royal’s parents, book already (Possession (Avenues Ink, book 1).
Camden is a prodigy when it comes to the piano but in social situations he is anything but impressive and I totally blame this on his parents. This young man has been through a lot in his young years and it’s heartbreaking to know that there is still such bigotry in this world even when its your own flesh and blood.
Royal is a gifted swimmer, a great twin brother to Indie, and a great friend to Kai. But, yeah that’s all great qualities but for me he was so much more, this story was about self discovery for Royal and in that his true self really shone like a bright star.
Royal and Camden coming together took effort from both of them, it was a new experience and definitely new feelings for each of them. I enjoyed watching both Royal and Camden find themselves individually and then become one unit. They were sweet and selfless and just a beautiful couple.
This is an easy book to recommend to lovers of LGBTQ Romance especially MM Romance, but I would also recommend it to those that enjoy a PHENOMENAL READ whether it’s a Contemporary Romance, Coming Of Age Romance, or New Adult Romance, and have an open mind, because LOVE IS LOVE no matter what sexual orientations it may involve. Happy Reading!!!
Let There Be Light is a story about love, friendship, acceptance and finding ones true self. A.M. Johnson tells a beautiful story about first love and about discovering who you really are. Royal and Cameron have stolen my heart. Their truth is about making the right choices for yourself and not anyone else, “Do anything, but let it produce joy.” How true this should be for everyone. Five stars for this wonderful story! I’m so looking forward to Kai and Indie’s story next.
This beautiful consuming story was the most touching book I think I have ever read, flawless in every single way. The acceptance of being who you are and really figuring out where you belong in this consuming M/M coming of age Royal and Camden had the biggest hearts and so much emotion it couldn’t be contained being drawn in even deeper into each others every thought and implanted into their very soul. These characters Indie and Kai I was so glad they had these two on their side cheering all the way and the support was so real and touching and it had me cheering them on every step of the way because it couldn’t be easy for them, but they gave each other the strength and courage to stand tall and proud and I was so proud of them and loved them so much and the writing oh boy it was amazing, like your right there on the sidelines supporting them in every single way.
Let There Be Light by AM Johnson is book one in her Twin Hearts Duet.
Meet Royal O’Donnell and his twin sister Indie. Both are freshman at college. He’s on a sports – and she’s on a art sholarship.
Royal likes words and spending his time swimmjing. Water is his element. When he mmets his best friends roommate everything is about to change.
Camden Morgan is a music major. He lives and breathes his music and he never was in the same circles as Royal. But these two hit it off from the beginning.
Let There Be Light is a beautiful story, beautifully thought out, beautifully told and beautifully written. I liked the story and the characters and their heartwarming story and give 4,5 stars.
Let There Be Light by A.M. Johnson is a beautiful story about love, identity and sexuality, and complicated relationships. This story truly touched my heart, and being able to experience Royal’s and Camden’s story literally felt like a privilege not to be taken advantage of.
Let There Be Light touches on some sensitive issues. It touches on identity, on who to truly be and the daunting felling of being your own person and figuring out what you want or who you want to be in the future. It also touches on sexuality, both on already knowing your sexuality, or just discovering who you like. It’s not a subject to take on lightly, and from reading previous works of A.M. Johnson’s works, she doesn’t take this too lightly, and delivers exceptionally.
It also looks into a diversity of relationships and how that responds to sexuality. It was interesting and great to see that not everybody is the same, that people are not just one box of stereotypes.
It also deals on the lines of homophobia, which is good in one aspect only, and that is that it makes people talk and take a look at what still, unfortunately happens in society today. It opens eyes.
I just LOVED Royal and Camden, as a couple and as individuals. Royal seemed to bring the bright side of Camden out, and Camden helped Royal discover what he truly wants in life. They were so dreamy together and I fell in love with them instantaneously.
I can count on one hand how many M/M books I have read, and I am so ashamed of it. Let There Be Light just made me realise that I need to read more books in the genre of M/M (as did B. Cranford’s For Today, which made me appreciate the form of reading the third person). I’m gonna need recommendations ASAP for this!
Anyway, Let There Be Light is a beautiful book that is not afraid to touch on the sensitive issues that still surround us in society today. It is sensitive, remarkable and unforgettable.
Disclaimer: Beware of losing your heart and soul to this book, and not regretting it once!
Thank you for your review.
Let There Be Light is an emotional journey to falling in love. A.M. Johnson beautifully leads the reader down the path of self discovery and true love. Finding your one true mate and facing demons, both from the past and in the present in order to secure your future.
Let There Be Light follows the story of Royal and Camden. One who knows he’s gay, but has been shamed into hiding it and the other who hasn’t realized how attractive he finds men yet, but knows that he will be accepted regardless of who he loves.
This book is highly recommended. I didn’t want to stop reading it!!!
Absolutely and utterly beautiful. Let There Be Light is a stunningly honest and extraordinary coming of age romance. AM Johnson’s words will captivate you and make your heart sing. I am constantly in awe of the poetry and magic she creates on the page and it was no different in Let There Be Light.
Royal and Camden’s story hooked me right from the start and didn’t let go. There was so much beauty and tenderness in the vulnerability these characters displayed. The excitement, confusion, joy, and heartache of first love will resonate with all readers. I loved that the story focused on the journey of our characters – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Each discovering who they are, accepting the things they cannot change, and coming out stronger on the other side. There was no unnecessary drama between Royal and Camden and watching them discover and sometimes fumble into love was so endearing and adorable. The ending wrapped things up on a positive note, but perhaps a little too neat given the world we live in today. For myself, it was perfect and I loved the overall feeling of hope that the author left me with.
I could not have loved this next O’Connell chapter more and also the cameos from our favorite Avenues Ink characters. Declan and Paige were as wonderful as always (#parentinggoals) and they will forever have a special place in my heart. I’ll be honest though, Kai definitely caught my attention and has me very, very, very intrigued. I am so excited for Indie’s story next!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
“If I was a cage, then Royal was the key.”
You know that moment, when you start a new book and suddenly realize that this is going to be something special? That moment hit me right after the first few pages. Let There Be Light is like no other book I’ve ever read. And I’ve read a lot over the last three years. It truly is something special!
“The shape of his face was made up of shadows and stark angles, serious, as he whispered, ” You’re kind of perfect.””
All characters in this book are enigmas, each in their own deep way. But especially the main characters Camden and Royal. They are characters beyond comparison. Something special, something else. Like the author found them on another planet and put them into her book. I can’t describe Camden and Royal other than as pure perfection.
“My fingertips buzzed and my heart hammered, and he was the song I never wanted to stop listening to.”
Camden and Royal are no characters that should be explained in reviews, because they can’t do them any justice. They are characters you have to experience for yourself. And believe me, if I say you totally miss out on two wonderful men, with so much depth that you can drown in them, if you don’t read this book! They make you wish they were real and part of your life.
“He let me in. He gave me everything. He was my something more.”
Let There Be Light is a book that drew me in right from the beginning and didn’t let loose until I finished. Reading this book creates some addicting magical and sparkling feeling around you, a melody you wish would never end. This story is something more.
“His lips lingered over mine, tasting until the world went quiet, leaving behind a blank sheet of music. And the first note. Would be a drum. The sound of my heart finding his.”
AM Johnson just when you think she couldn’t possibly create any more magic she does. Her words are poetic and gentle, she knows exactly what her characters need and how to express it.
Camden and Royal are perfection. I cried and cried. I loved every minute of living in their story. It hurts my heart that the book is over, I will be rereading this very soon. These two are perfect together, & as individuals. This was my first M/M book, and it won’t be my last. Love is love Thank you AM Johnson for sharing Royal and Camden with us all.
You will not be disappointed reading about these two, they will forever change your world. I can’t wait to continue reading the next book in this series.