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House Lights Down: A MM Romance
When 22-year-old dancer Miles stumbles into a quirky summer theatre looking for work, he expects odd costumes and backstage chaos-not a life-changing love story. Taking a background role in a struggling dance production, he’s thrust into a world of intense rehearsals, glitter-covered egos, and a misfit cast that slowly becomes something like family.
Cade, the dazzling lead dancer, is everything Miles isn’t-experienced, adored, untouchable. But beneath the spotlight, Cade hides the weight of past wounds and the crushing expectations of always having to lead. As rehearsals heat up, so does their connection-quiet glances, shared breath, the kind of chemistry that can’t be choreographed.
But not everyone is clapping. When a fellow cast member’s charm turns threatening, Miles is forced to confront more than just his fear of being seen. Loyalties shift, fists fly, and when the curtain rises, it’s not just the performance on the line—it’s who Miles chooses to be.
Set in the messy, magical world of small-town theatre, House Lights Down is a slow-burn MM romance about bravery, belonging, and the quiet courage it takes to step into the light… and stay there.
Cade, the dazzling lead dancer, is everything Miles isn’t-experienced, adored, untouchable. But beneath the spotlight, Cade hides the weight of past wounds and the crushing expectations of always having to lead. As rehearsals heat up, so does their connection-quiet glances, shared breath, the kind of chemistry that can’t be choreographed.
But not everyone is clapping. When a fellow cast member’s charm turns threatening, Miles is forced to confront more than just his fear of being seen. Loyalties shift, fists fly, and when the curtain rises, it’s not just the performance on the line—it’s who Miles chooses to be.
Set in the messy, magical world of small-town theatre, House Lights Down is a slow-burn MM romance about bravery, belonging, and the quiet courage it takes to step into the light… and stay there.
136 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 13, 2026
“It’s just us. So don’t dance for them. Dance for me. No one else.”
Miles Avery, 22, is struggling. He dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
The Bluebird Theatre, and its summer dance program, in “a modern lakeside town.”
Cade is tall and lean. Dark, messy hair. Finnish. The star of the theatre.
Friendship with Bryn is a bright spot. 😊
Mason’s uncomfortable behavior with Bryn—and others.
Cade is very quiet, but very impactful.
Spends way too long on Bryn and Mason’s situation-ship. Where are the sparks between Cade and Miles? The lust?
After much dramatics, Miles has a real chance at his dream.
Mixes up Miles’s last name; out of nowhere, it’s suddenly “Palmer.”
Cade’s one-on-one training.
The way gayness is erased—Miles and Cade are both gay…yet neither ever wonders if the other is. Does not (truly) address Miles’s evil, homophobic father. And how it must have felt to be forced to leave home right after his mother’s passing.
Good L-bombs. Rather early, perhaps. But not unwelcome.
Hyping up a “found family” dynamic when no dancers or crew members have names—save Bryn—is…choice.
One action scene. Non-intercourse. The other (full) scene seems like it’s gonna be good…then it’s just a fade. 😪
Ending lands like a thud. All tell; no show.
Throughout—this feels very…assisted… 🤖
“Why would you do that?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I’v known you long enough. Life’s too short. I know what I want…”
Miles Avery, 22, is struggling. He dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
The Bluebird Theatre, and its summer dance program, in “a modern lakeside town.”
Cade is tall and lean. Dark, messy hair. Finnish. The star of the theatre.
Friendship with Bryn is a bright spot. 😊
Mason’s uncomfortable behavior with Bryn—and others.
Cade is very quiet, but very impactful.
Spends way too long on Bryn and Mason’s situation-ship. Where are the sparks between Cade and Miles? The lust?
After much dramatics, Miles has a real chance at his dream.
Mixes up Miles’s last name; out of nowhere, it’s suddenly “Palmer.”
Cade’s one-on-one training.
The way gayness is erased—Miles and Cade are both gay…yet neither ever wonders if the other is. Does not (truly) address Miles’s evil, homophobic father. And how it must have felt to be forced to leave home right after his mother’s passing.
Good L-bombs. Rather early, perhaps. But not unwelcome.
Hyping up a “found family” dynamic when no dancers or crew members have names—save Bryn—is…choice.
One action scene. Non-intercourse. The other (full) scene seems like it’s gonna be good…then it’s just a fade. 😪
Ending lands like a thud. All tell; no show.
Throughout—this feels very…assisted… 🤖
“Why would you do that?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I’v known you long enough. Life’s too short. I know what I want…”
June 30, 2025
All miles wanted to do was dance.
Miles‘s mum totally encouraged him to follow his passion and dance, but sadly when she passed away and miles knew he had to get away. So he packed up his duffel bag and left without even saying goodbye to his dad. He travels around looking for work looking for a show and when he comes down to rundown theatre that was looking for dancers he doesn’t hesitate to walk in. what he finds are people like him it’s a crazy production but thankfully he fits right in. There is one dancer cade who always catches his eye, but he’s quiet if you get the tip of the head that’s a good day. I don’t want to give too much away because there is a few twists along the way, but I’ve got to say I enjoyed the storyline and the attraction between Miles and Cade and the passionately share for one another but the biggest passion for me was the dance. The production this whole book gave Heart..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Miles‘s mum totally encouraged him to follow his passion and dance, but sadly when she passed away and miles knew he had to get away. So he packed up his duffel bag and left without even saying goodbye to his dad. He travels around looking for work looking for a show and when he comes down to rundown theatre that was looking for dancers he doesn’t hesitate to walk in. what he finds are people like him it’s a crazy production but thankfully he fits right in. There is one dancer cade who always catches his eye, but he’s quiet if you get the tip of the head that’s a good day. I don’t want to give too much away because there is a few twists along the way, but I’ve got to say I enjoyed the storyline and the attraction between Miles and Cade and the passionately share for one another but the biggest passion for me was the dance. The production this whole book gave Heart..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2025
House Lights Down by Egan Sheridan offers an engaging premise set in the vibrant, chaotic world of summer theatre. The slow-burn romance between Miles and Cade is tender and full of potential, and the backdrop of rehearsals and found family adds a charming, theatrical touch.
While the plot is strong and the tension builds nicely, the writing style felt too shallow for the emotional depth the story aimed for. I wanted more inner complexity, more nuance in the characters’ struggles, especially with Cade’s past and Miles' growth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While the plot is strong and the tension builds nicely, the writing style felt too shallow for the emotional depth the story aimed for. I wanted more inner complexity, more nuance in the characters’ struggles, especially with Cade’s past and Miles' growth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2025
Home isn't a building or a place, but a person who makes you smile, fills you with contentment, and loves you as you are. Someone who wants the best for you and is willing to put your happiness above theirs. That is all we are looking for. I love how Cade watched, waited, and believed in Miles. Their love story unfolding across the stage was a beautiful dance that felt as if you were part of it.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
July 1, 2025
Beautifully written, well paced, unashamedly romantic. Very visual imagery. Reads like a film you might have watched but definitely want to start in!
This is a delightful read with a perfect HAE. The characters are spot on, the chemistry tight, controlled and bursting out of the pages. A story with all the right ingredients and a fantastic feel good factor! Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a delightful read with a perfect HAE. The characters are spot on, the chemistry tight, controlled and bursting out of the pages. A story with all the right ingredients and a fantastic feel good factor! Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2025
This novella was a little sweet, a little spicy, with just a touch of drama. Cade and Miles fell together quickly. I was expecting more issues with Mason to be honest but it all worked out well.
I
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January 25, 2026
Dancing and Theater
Awesome read. The love of dancing and theatre is alive in this book. Places in the book brought tears to my eyes. More than love of dancing and theater but the love of human life itself. Of bringing misfits together and in to a world of family and love.
Awesome read. The love of dancing and theatre is alive in this book. Places in the book brought tears to my eyes. More than love of dancing and theater but the love of human life itself. Of bringing misfits together and in to a world of family and love.
June 28, 2025
🕺🕺I was swept away this as I could feel the emotions of the characters for this novella. This was my first read for the author and it won't be the last story. my full blog review
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews