Let There Be Light: Twin Hearts Duet, Book 1

I would like to recommend this book to those who are just venturing into the MM romance genre. It is a beautiful book, with beautiful writing, I think the music helped with that a lot. Slow-burn romance in college setting; coming out; a side of homophobia and bad parenting on one side. Royal's parents however are very accepting and understanding. I did tear up a few times, but unfortunately this isn't something I haven't read before a few times. I wouldn't go far as to say I was bored, or the story was unoriginal, cause that wouldn't be true. But it wasn't anything special to me.The steamy scenes were very vague, the author decided to describe the emotions in detail instead of who put his dick where. At least it didn't fade to black, so there's that. So if you're not ready for hardcore gay sex, this book would be perfect.I don't want to diminish this book, because It really is great. I think if I would have read it one and a half year ago (when I started getting into MM), I would've loved it. But now, it didn't wow me, though I enjoyed it, mostly because of the music and how it was described. I did find the writing a bit dry and blame solely Alexis Hall for feeling that. Then again I might feel that way, because of the melancholic atmosphere that surrounded the book. Not sure if those two things have anything to do with each other though.Oh and also the parents have their own books, that was clear, but I didn't feel like I missed something. This duet is about the second-generation. The next book, even though is tagged as MM romance, will be about Royal's sister, Indie and his best friend Kai. I can't deny that Kai is very intriguing, but I probably won't read that book. Also if your interested about the twins' family, read the Avenues Ink series.

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!!!

I read a lot. Like 300 books a year a lot. Across genres, short, long, it doesn't matter if it's good. This is one of the best stories I've read this year, if not in the last two years. While romance is often dismissed at frivolous (wrong), Johnson's prose is poetic without being cloying, funny, real, and poignant. Her gift shines in Cam and Royal's story from the first line.Let There Be Light is about owning your gifts, finding your family, being true to yourself and those you love, and letting go of fear. While Cam and Royal are college-aged, their arcs are universal and just as relevant to me as they would be to a much younger reader. Two characters, a piano prodigy and a star swimmer, navigate coming to terms with their families, their sexuality, first love, violent hate while managing regular student issues. It's all handled with a fresh frankness and acceptance of how real people try to manage it all.Other reviews will wax poetic about the characters, so read those for Cam and Royal's amazing descriptions and storyline synopsis. Others will do them more justice than I can. All I can say is AM Johnson handles love and joy with such delicate reverence that the book begs to be read and loved.. Really. Even if you think MM isn't your jam, this story transcends the who and is about love itself. Please, please read this book.

I honestly feel like I've just read a most beautiful book of poetry. Johnson's words are so wonderful, flowing, rising and falling and hitting all the right spots that really had me feeling these characters intimately.A book of discovery, of coming out and with the prejudice and acceptance that goes along with it. Royal and Camden are deep characters that have to come to terms with their attraction, especially so for Royal, as well as dealing with their very different families and there own insecurities and anxieties. This is very much a book of discoveries.Royal and Camden are naturally important characters - being the two protagonists will do that to them I guess ;) - however, Indie and Kai are fantastic supporting characters and I would love to be able to peel back their layers and get into their heads to see just what makes them who they are and what makes them tick. I'd also love to have learnt a little about Schizoaffective disorder as it is mentioned that Indie and her father both suffer with it, but then apart from mention that dad is struggling/in his head, not much more is said and in fact Indie seems pretty put together all the time.Kai especially is a complicated character and to get to know him as we have Royal and Camden would be a great thing. Again we're given enough about Kai's predicament to whet our appetites, but that is all.But still, I really loved this book, it grabbed me and held into me and I'm just sorry it ended as I want to know more. Where are they all 2, 3 even 5 years down the line?There is nothing better than a book that moves the reader and leaves us bereft and wanting more... For now though, I'm going to find what the next book is all about and hope that this immerses me in poetry just as "Let There Be Light" has.

Sweet teen coming of age romance.I loved how the writing drew me to the characters. I felt the sadness in Camden and enjoyed the positivity of Royal. The side character played a big part in the making this story relatable.I will give the plot away if I write anymore.It was just a lovely story.

I automatically fell in love with Royal and grew to love Camden. The book had a lovely message and made me feel jealous as everyone's family should be as lovely and accepting as Royals, will definitely be following the series forward.

I'm a bit ambivalent:I have to admit: I totally bought this audio because Teddy Hamilton is one of the narrators. And he did a wonderful job!A different story is how Aaron Shedlock narrates. He has this way of press-breathing the last word of a sentence and I had difficulties to concentrate to the story while waiting for him to do so. Another thing is, when you have quotes in another language, like here in french, you should ask someone how it is spelled. If I hadn't read the story too, I wouldn't have recognized the language...The story itself is beautifully written, an intense story of coming out with loveable characters.

Really enjoyed the story. Although I am still curious about the first couple of pages, I didn't understand what they were referring to or foreshadowing. It looked to me like an argument as Camden and Kai didn't tend to interact much.The rest was great though. I enjoyed the drama and anticipation leading up to the couple as well as the answer to how open or prejudice the Catholic University was towards the couple. I loved the personal thoughts and metaphors the characters used so frequently.