Love in the Light: A Musical Novel

by Luke McQuillan

Characters break out into song on the page in this cozy musical novel about finding love and finding your way. QR codes throughout the book let you listen to the songs as you read for an immersive, musical experience.

It’s 1939. Alfred Hearn navigates ships for a living, but he struggles to navigate his own dreams. His true desires are at odds with society, and he pushes them down. A new job offers a fresh start, but there’s a He has to live in a crumbling lighthouse with the moody keeper.

The young lighthouse keeper, James, has no interest in having a roommate. His books and records are company enough. But Alfred is unlike any other young man he’s ever met, and sparks begin to fly.

The remote lighthouse could be the perfect harbor for a forbidden romance to flourish. If only the shipping company they both work for didn’t have other plans for it. If they lose the safety of the lighthouse, what would it mean for their blossoming relationship? With James by his side, Alfred must finally face navigating the rockiest sea of his own life.

Genres: LGBT, M M Romance, Romance

281 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2025

Reviews

[Anthony M Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in the Light by Luke McQuillan is unlike anything I have ever read before. It is a masterpiece of immersive storytelling that bridges the gap between literature and Broadway/movie musicals.

When two men share a lighthouse as company housing through their employer, what starts as uncertainty and doubt gives way to a meaningful relationship that fosters self-acceptance, healing, and the forging of chosen familial bonds.

Set against the backdrop of the thirties, when being queer could land you in prison or a sanitarium, Love in the Light shines a spotlight on the indomitable human spirit and power of love. It is a feel-good narrative that is so desperately needed in our current era.

McQuillan's debut novel is lovingly crafted; evoking the awe and wonder of old-school musicals of the golden age of the silver screen. It is a grand and sweeping tale, punctuated by stellar songwriting and composition that brilliantly mimics the MGM era of musical greats.

Yes, there are songs in this book, and McQuillan is not one to rest on his laurels. Instead of simply writing out lyrics when the cast of memorable characters burst into song, he has taken the extra step to write, compose, and perform the songs which you can listen to via links peppered throughout the story.

Those familiar with the author's social media accounts will undoubtedly find the "casting" of one particular character very familiar.

The music is timed perfectly so that there are musical interludes when reading action beats, and as you transition from those beats back to the lyrics, so to does the accompanying media. It is this careful attention to detail that elevates Love in the Light from gimmick to art.

Love in the Light is a romantic musical masterpiece that is sure to please fans of cozy romances, musical theater, and stories that plunge the depths of the human condition.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that try new things, and from the moment I heard there was a musical novel I was intrigued. I wasn't really sure how it would work, but this novel nails it. The story itself is a cozy historical mm romance that takes place in a lighthouse. The characters are real and relatable, and I was rooting for them right away. There's also a big workplace theme throughout, and as their jobs change, the plot really ramps up and things get exciting as the stakes increase.

But back to the musical aspect. There are QR codes throughout the book, or I think links in the ebook version, and so you just scan them when a song is about to start, and then read along with the lyrics as the song plays. There are buildups in the book that make these songs feel like a live musical where it will describe music that begins to play just before you scan the code and queue the music. It all works really well, and as someone who enjoys musicals but has a hard time getting into them, being able to read along with the words really immersed me in the whole experience.

Overall this was a fun, cozy read that tried something wholly new and succeeded. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks the premise or concept sounds interesting.

[Becca shybookstagramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a musical novel? One with actual songs and music? This book has a regular story but throughout the book, the characters break out into song and with the help of QR codes, you can actually listen to the songs being sung. I am obsessed with this idea and need it to become a thing. The author did an amazing job with the story and characters but the songs were also beautifully written and sung. The author sung all the songs and given that some of them were a duet but he is one person, he did a great job with it. I would love to see this done with a full cast of singers. My favorite songs were "riptide" and "love in the light". I was definitely tearing up with the last song of the book. This book is a very sweet and cozy romance. I loved seeing the characters grow together. If you love musicals please check this out because it really is a musical brought to the pages of a book. This is the proper way to use QR codes!

[Rae Witcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the concept. I have thoughts… mostly that I want it to be better. It’s a very cute idea but the writing was not hitting for me. Sometimes it felt repetitive in how it kept repeating the family dynamics of each character. The musical numbers are mid. One of them is very autistic coded and relatable in that way. But it’s supposed to be set in 1939 but it felt hard for me to stay in that period because it kinda feels like it keeps switching between modern dialogue and descriptions to dialogue and descriptions that’d actually be more appropriate for the 1930-40s. The sex scenes were more fade to black than I expected after talking so much about erections the characters were having… I think that a lot of the foundation of what I wanted was here but the execution of it wasn’t right for me.

[Alice Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me really desire the best for the main characters and that they would see their relationship develop into a wonderful love story. The setting in the lighthouse lends a unique and picturesque place for them to share their feelings. Their interaction with memorable side-characters helped to move the story along. Moments of tension with their boisterous boss cause concerns for their personal and professional lives which culminate in an exciting finale to the novel. The character development captures the feeling of young love and the hope that one could have in their own life. It's a gentle, yet dynamic, novel that is extremely enjoyable. The music and songs are delightful and enhance the story.

[EmJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect for those who like low spice, cozy, historical romance stories. The author's choice to make this a musical and including song tracks make for an enjoyable and unique reading experience. Alfred and James, the main characters, are written in a relatable and realistic way. Their personal growth was well written and contributed well to the romantic story line. The relationship drama or conflict that drives the story worked well without being over the top or too cheesy. The supporting characters were also well written and experienced personal growth.

[Ollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an interesting concept, I just don't know if it was successful. The music was alright but it seemed really odd to me when a character would hear the music and then start to sing. It was like a 4th wall break and we're the 4th wall. I didn't listen to all of the songs as I was reading in public some places and didn't have headphones.
Torrance seems like a Scooby Doo villain a little bit lol.
This is a pretty fluffy book, the romance starts pretty darn soon. I love how autistic coded James is, I really appreciate that.

[Meg Lockmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

hey so got this book after seeing an ad on tik tok and it legitimately is one of the best books i have ever read??? I think a lot of romance books fail to show why the main characters are together and how being together makes them better - but not this one. the characters grow and change into more capable confident individuals because they are with each other. also the concept of a musical novel and listening to the characters sing while also reading is so mf cool. i finished this book a few days ago and i cannot get it out of my mind. i can’t wait for what this author does next.

[Michael Be Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1939, Alfred Hearn, a ship navigator, takes a new job with Olympic Shipping Company, but when he arrives he realizes he will be houses in an old lighthouse with the quiet and moody keeper, James Spencer. James, who prefers his solitude, finds Alfred different from anyone he's met, but they start to develop a friendship regardless. Within the safety of the lighthouse their friendship continues to grow into something more, even though they know the outside world won't understand. When they find out their employer has plans for the future of the lighthouse, their new relationship is threatened and they will do whatever it takes to stay together.

Simply adorable! If you like Queer period pieces and musical theater, this book is definitely for you! I've never read anything like this, and to my knowledge this is the first of its kind. There were QR codes sprinkled throughout this story, that played original songs! This made the resident experience very immersive, and the songs were so good!! They added so much depth, connection, and emotion to the plot and I could not get enough! I also loved how the time period played a major role in the developing love, as the 1930's were definitely not a safe time for Queer people to live and love our loud. I absolutely fell in love with James and Albert and I want to know where their story goes from here!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I loved this book so much. I needed a dose of cozy. It's such a sweet period piece M/M romance. The songs elevate the piece beautifully. I had fun visualizing it as an MGM musical. I loved Luke and Alfred's relationship as it developed and grew. It has touches of magical realism.

I can see me re-reading this in the future. It's the kind of book I really needed this year.

[Erika Harter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of having music to go with the actual music in the book. Have you ever read a book with a fictional song in it and wondered what the melody was? That's what Luke McQuillan does with this book. QR codes on the page allow you to listen to the song as you read along with the lyrics. Great concept and execution!

The story of Alfred and James and how they fall in love in the light was great!

And now I have a craving for French toast. IYKYK. 😉

[James L. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This MUSICAL NOVEL was a delight from beginning to end! It had a great story, excellent pacing, memorable characters, and BEAUTIFUL songs!! Several are certified bangers and WILL be stuck in your head—to the point that you’ll want to listen to some of them on repeat!! (I DEFINITELY DID 😁). A 10/10, highly recommended read!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A musical novel is such a creative idea, superbly executed by Luke McQuillan. Memorable characters, catchy songs, high production quality and a moving story. I will look forward to more from this author/composer/voice actor.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming and immersive musical romance beautifully blends 1930s atmosphere, heartfelt emotion, and unforgettable characters into a love story that sings on every page.

[WillBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this musical novel! The songs are very catchy.

[Abigail Stoermer]

This is such a cool idea for a book. I’ve always wanted a musical book.

[Ashley Halbardier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story!!!!! I love how grumpy James initially is and how sweet Alfred is and how they are so awkward with their feelings initially. Cute and funny romantic banter they have. AND A SWEET LITTLE KITTY TOO!!! I've always been a sucker for LGBT romance books, and the fact that this book includes a few of my favorite things (LGBT Romance, Historical Romance, AND musicals) was perfect!!!! Well done, Luke!!!! Loved listening to the songs as they came up in the book. Would LOVE more from this author!!!!!!