Books like 'Let There Be Light'
Readers who enjoyed Let There Be Light by A.M. Johnson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance new adult college sports friends to lovers neurodivergent queer-awakening queer shy-hero
-
Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton. Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself. But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers college secret-relationship queer contemporary suspense -
![Dip Out by Eve Holmes]()
Dip Out by Eve Holmes
A journey through the wilderness can reveal the wild within. Arthur Mercer has spent his life hidden in Newfoundland’s rugged wilderness, where nature’s untamed beauty offers him peace from an overwhelming world. As a renowned wildlife photographer, he finds solace in the quiet, predictable presence of birds and nature, which matches the solitude he craves...Categorized as:
virgin hero queer friends to lovers neurodivergent sweet-hero shy-hero nerdy-hero queer-awakening -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links / Remove ads -
![#Fate by Cambria Hebert]()
#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful,. but never someone to taunt... -
![The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins]()
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
He’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush. Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…. I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent. It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family queer-awakening m-m contemporary office length-short -
-
![Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole]()
Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey weren't kidding when they say life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, I think I have it all. My men. Happiness. Friends. Family. And the next, my whole life comes crashing down around me. Betrayal like I’ve never felt before consumes me. A heartbreak so gut-wrenching it hurts to breathe...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers queer from hate to love contemporary length-medium m-m -
![Red Lined by Crea Reitan]()
Red Lined by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMaybe you can order love online…. Julian. I’ve spent a short lifetime learning that what people say they want is rarely what they actually want. What I hope for is a relationship where both of us feel comfortable together. I think I finally find what I’m looking for in a mail order bride. Then he shows up... -
![Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa]()
Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa
A classmates-to-friends-to-lovers romance that's equal parts raunchy, heartfelt, queer, and Mexican-American, centered on college football (the REAL football)! Gabriel Piña knows who he is: a college goalkeeper, a future Liga MX or MLS star, and definitely straight. He’s starting his freshman year with a lot of eyes on him and even more potential, but he’s got this...Categorized as:
queer new adult sports college queer-awakening friends to lovers secret-relationship anal sex -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
![Play Dead by Avery Cockburn]()
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe popular Scottish gay-romance series returns with this must-read novella! Colin’s wounds have finally healed. He’s ready for his big comeback on the football pitch and can’t wait to return to a normal life—especially the rampaging sex he and his boyfriend, Lord Andrew, once indulged in. But Andrew has his own invisible wounds... -
![Dared by Becca Steele]()
Dared by Becca Steele
From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new standalone M/M college romance. When I discovered that my online gaming friend was Leo Evans, a student from my university, I had no idea how much my life would change. On paper, we’re complete opposites. He’s a shy computing student and I’m an outgoing footballer. Yet there’s an undeniable connection between us...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college queer sports virgin hero new adult queer-awakening found-family -
![The Making of Matt by Nicola Haken, E. Adams]()
The Making of Matt by Nicola Haken, E. Adams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsMatt Carter, self-proclaimed sex-god and drummer for world renowned Souls of the Knight, didn’t have the time or inclination for planning his future, preferring to fill his days with music, women and alcohol. He didn’t want or need anything else in his life. Until the band parted ways and he found himself no longer living the dream...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening m-m rockstars musicians contemporary -
![The Metalhead Next Door by Mamita]()
The Metalhead Next Door by Mamita
Impoverished graduate student Kento nearly freezes to death outside his new cheap (unheated) apartment during a blizzard. Luckily, he’s saved by neighbor Soushi, a quiet and somewhat frightening young man who dresses in all black. Although he exudes an aura that screams “keep away,” his eyes, hidden behind long rocker hair, plead for something else...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers new adult nerdy-hero shy-hero sunny hero sweet-hero queer-awakening -
![There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin]()
There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJamie Gilmour is starting over. A new school, a new city, a tenth attempt at a second start. All he has to do is stop making bad decisions and stick to something for once in his life. All he has to do is stop being himself. Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change... -
![Rookie by Eddie Cleveland]()
Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well! Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out. You can't miss out on this tender, loving, and hot-as-sin m/m college hockey romance! Rookie:... -
-
![Wild Hart by E. Davies]()
Wild Hart by E. Davies
Everything I want is here, in front of me. Rusty Campbell left Hart’s Bay after high school to work in the wilderness. Now he’s back home for one purpose: seaweed farming. To succeed, he’ll need to fight the tide and win over his skeptical family, once-burned by the fishing industry collapse...Categorized as:
queer queer-awakening virgin hero found-family contemporary m-m length-medium explicit-open-door -
![Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper]()
Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper
Jerry Candelario, known as Potts to almost everyone, has spent his entire adult life focused on raising his siblings and his young niece. But the home he fought hard to make is starting to feel empty now that everyone has grown up and moved out and his precious baby niece has suddenly become a teen with a life of her own...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer small town shy-hero sweet-hero queer-awakening m-m contemporary -
![Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall]()
Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was my forbidden craving. My biggest regret. And now, he’s my only weakness. Elio. Some mistakes you bury. Others crawl under your skin and never let go. Jaxon Mercer was supposed to be my past. The stolen kiss. The fist that followed. The silence after. But now? He’s here—cocky, dangerous, and looking at me like he already knows how this ends. I should shut him out... -
![Studious by Leslie McAdam]()
Studious by Leslie McAdam
After a disastrous high school game of spin the bottle, I gave up trying to get a boyfriend and spent my time studying instead. Now I’m twenty-four, and I’m not only a virgin, I haven’t even been kissed. When I meet Danny, a handsome legal hotshot, he catches my eye. Right before I trip on flat ground. Ugh. He’s got a massive … reputation...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer new adult queer-awakening anal sex nerdy-hero virgin hero sweet-hero -
![Easy, Schmeasy! by Becca Seymour]()
Easy, Schmeasy! by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThere’s a lot in life that comes hella easy for me. Turning heads with my stellar looks, strutting like a peacock with my smooth moves and adorable charm. Heck, need ideas for party shots or fresh recipes to make your friends jealous? I’m your guy. It’s not even a front—my epic modesty—but that doesn’t mean I’m not a lying liar who lies...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening athletes secret-relationship college new adult -
![Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James]()
Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James
Zane. Four years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy. Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems. One, I was deeply closeted. And two, he was dating my best friend. Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship athletes sunny hero queer contemporary m-m -
![Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander]()
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R. G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
![Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn]()
Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“I don’t want options. I just want you. ”. Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBT soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste. ” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video game design, he’s finally ready to be his true self... -
![Delicious by Sierra Riley]()
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 17 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed. ”. “I don’t have time for love. ”. Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
-
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
This fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend. I’m awful at following the rules. One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer queer-awakening new adult anal sex found-family -
![Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold]()
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…. Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K. M. Neuhold. **All of these novellas have been previously published either as part of the Heart2Heart Charity Anthology collection or as stand alone free shorts. Always You... -
![Coaching the Nerd by Eli Easton, Tara Lain]()
Coaching the Nerd by Eli Easton, Tara Lain
Super-bod meets super-brain. What happens when marshmallow-bodied supernerd Sean volunteers to be on the jocks’ flag-football team? It screws Bubba’s fraternity’s chances at the coveted flag football title, that’s what. Bubba is drafted to be Sean’s personal trainer. He has to whip Sean into shape and make sure he doesn’t F up their team...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers athletes queer queer-awakening secret-relationship anal sex -
![Catching Chance by M.E. Parker]()
Catching Chance by M.E. Parker
What happens when you suddenly get everything you ever wanted? First, you don’t believe it’s real. Then you want more…. Let’s be honest, gay nerds from small towns in North Carolina don’t get to date the hot, popular quarterback. It’s just one of those impregnable laws of nature. Even if he was my best friend growing up. Even if it turns out by some miracle that he’s gay too... -
![Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley]()
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes. Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2. 5). Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening sunny hero sweet-hero m-m contemporary -
![For the Cameras by Raleigh Ruebins]()
For the Cameras by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOur fans get to see. everything. when we’re together on camera. But what’s between the two of us is strictly for the videos… right? I’ve been a socially awkward introvert for my whole life—and not a soul knows that I upload anonymous videos to an adult site. By day, I’m a shy office worker. At night, I have my hand, my phone camera, and a little secret. Chase is my polar opposite... -
![Yesterday by Sarina Bowen]()
Yesterday by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there. Or is it? Can Rikker survive a visit with his parents? And can Graham let him do it alone? (Only published in the Novella Collection "Extra Credit" - The Ivy Years 6 which contains all three novellas. -
![A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers]()
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
![Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes]()
Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGrant Kostas made a career based on his looks before joining his family’s real estate firm. He may not love his job but he’s better at sales than he thought. And when he’s poised to bring in the biggest account of the company’s history, even his father is impressed. Unfortunately, the extra attention highlights Grant’s personal life. His parents accept that he’s gay... -
![Playing the Player by Beth Bolden]()
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCenter Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend. He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet. But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets... -
-
![Defenseman No. 9 by Xavier Neal]()
Defenseman No. 9 by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA New Adult Romantic Comedy. Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical. Back then, they were the undefeated conquerors of the rink. Coveted prizes for Puck Bunnies. Their reputation was ironclad until the wrong skates landed on the wrong feet... -
![Skating to Him by Christie Gordon]()
Skating to Him by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI’m skating to the NHL while he’s running from his past. When we collide, am I brave enough to take the shot? Tyler. Hockey is my life. My ticket to the NHL is in sight, and I can’t afford distractions. Then Coach pairs me with Rowan, the new guy from Boston. He’s talented, sharp, and annoyingly irresistible. When he asks to hit the gay bar with me and my friends, I chalk it up to curiosity... -
![Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon]()
Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI should hate him. But after learning the truth, how could I not fall for him? Mason. My rookie season in the NHL started with a gut punch. There he was, standing in my locker room. Jett Jarvis, a player hated by his former teammates. He has an arrogant smirk, intense eyes, and a birthmark that looks…too familiar. I’m sure I saw it on the dude who dumped me in my hookup app... -
![Poolside by Taylor E. Weston]()
Poolside by Taylor E. Weston
Divorce left Tommy Littleton shaken. He thought he’d checked all the boxes in his marriage, but none of it mattered when “love” was left out. With nothing else to show for his life, Tommy will stop at nothing to get a promotion–even if it means participating in an open-water swim to impress his boss. Unfortunately, he looks like a drowning raccoon in the water...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers found-family queer-awakening queer contemporary m-m length-medium -
![Prince Material by Nora Phoenix]()
Prince Material by Nora Phoenix
The BRAND NEW hilarious MM romance from Nora Phoenix, perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston, Alexis Hall and Jax Calder! ✨ Tropes & Themes ✨ ✧ MM Romance 🔥 ✧ All the spice 🌶️✧ Roommates to lovers 💗✧ Forced proximity 🌞✧ Friends to lovers 😍 ✧ College setting. Can I have both—the title and the guy? After a scandal, starting college in Massachusetts is my fresh start...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers new adult anal sex found-family college nerdy-hero sunny hero -
![RIDE by Nellie Christine]()
RIDE by Nellie Christine
Bentley Williams never thought he’d hit rock bottom at 19-years-old. From top-rated college running back to homeless, girlfriend-less, UCLA dropout, Bentley can’t help but wonder if he’s making the right decision. Pursuing a career as a BMX rider likely means a life of struggling to afford groceries, but he can’t imagine doing anything else. The sport’s in his blood... -
![Break Down by Rebecca Norinne]()
Break Down by Rebecca Norinne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHis heart says no, but his body says yes. Liam Donnelly's honed, athletic body craves something he can't have. Not when the last time ended in disaster. Now, the Dublin Rugby player is seeking redemption with a new team in Edinburgh. His fresh start is going strong, but one look at Chef Lachlan MacLeod's inked forearms and whiskey-colored eyes and he's tempted by far more than what's on the menu... -
![Alex by S.M. Shade]()
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
![Unraveling Josh by Edie Danford]()
Unraveling Josh by Edie Danford
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the crown prince of bad boys hooks up with his former high school crush, he’s after just one kind of happy ending. Nick McQueen just scored the perfect hookup—Ellery College ski champion, Joshua Pahlke... -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly. Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
-
![Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud]()
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsElliot Cowell spent his entire life training to become a superstar. A prodigy on the ice, likely the future captain of his team, there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to Elliot’s career, but knowing all that didn’t keep him from falling in love with Blake Samuels...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary hockey -
![The Right Time by Lane Hayes]()
The Right Time by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA Right and Wrong Story. Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer queer-awakening m-m multicultural contemporary -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend... -
![Teasing the Winger by Laura John]()
Teasing the Winger by Laura John
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFalling for a tease is a bad idea, right? Growing up, all I ever wanted was to play soccer. I know it isn't going to be forever, but while I'm still in college, I am going to give it my all. Just like I’ve always done. Everything was going according to plan. .. until the universe decided it would be fun for me to develop feelings for the man I saw as nothing more than an annoyance... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
![Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye]()
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLoving You: Book Four. Can friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
