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Blindsighted
The school soccer star and unapologetic class loudmouth, Cade Riley, has been in love with academic superstar Neil Erickson for years—long before he was old enough to understand what it meant. He flirted badly. Constantly. Loudly. None of it ever quite landed.
Neil never noticed, or pretended not to.
Everything changes during their senior European train adventure when a prank goes wrong and Cade temporarily loses his vision. For four days, he can’t see the world—or Neil—at all. Neil agrees to be his guide.
What begins as obligation turns into intimacy as they travel from Scotland through southern Italy, navigating crowded streets, quiet hotel rooms, and conversations neither of them planned to have. Stripped of sight, Cade finally finds the courage to say what he’s always meant. And Neil, for the first time, begins to truly see him.
But attraction raises harder questions. Can Cade convince Neil he’s serious enough to belong in his carefully constructed world? Do they share enough to build something real—or are their differences exactly what makes it work?
Blindsighted is a tender, slow-burn romance about perception, vulnerability, and the moment you realize the person you overlooked has been choosing you all along—stretching from Europe and back home to Nashville, where seeing each other clearly might be the biggest risk of all.
Friends of Cade and
Mads is neurodivergent and pansexual, and her autism is absolutely her superpower. She notices patterns, vibes, and impending disasters long before anyone else does, often solving problems before her friends even realize they’re happening. Jenna is the group’s resident mother hen—calm, capable, and always armed with a solution, a backup plan, and probably snacks.
Sophie is trans and very passing, which means when an athlete asks her out, the stakes are suddenly sky-high. She has to decide whether coming out is worth risking her safety—or if staying safely anonymous is the smarter choice. Kip is African American with blond hair, a killer sense of style, and a flair for the dramatic. Effeminate and unapologetic, he insists on telling anyone with working ears that he is straight—with a very hard “t.”
Savannah is a confused cheerleader who dates AJ for one reason crowd control. Having a boyfriend keeps other guys from approaching her, which feels easier than figuring herself out. AJ, Cade’s endlessly kind teammate, is the nicest guy in the room and has a massive crush on Sophie. Unfortunately, everyone assumes he’s Savannah’s boyfriend, leaving him stuck between being polite, being patient, and having no idea what to do next.
Neil never noticed, or pretended not to.
Everything changes during their senior European train adventure when a prank goes wrong and Cade temporarily loses his vision. For four days, he can’t see the world—or Neil—at all. Neil agrees to be his guide.
What begins as obligation turns into intimacy as they travel from Scotland through southern Italy, navigating crowded streets, quiet hotel rooms, and conversations neither of them planned to have. Stripped of sight, Cade finally finds the courage to say what he’s always meant. And Neil, for the first time, begins to truly see him.
But attraction raises harder questions. Can Cade convince Neil he’s serious enough to belong in his carefully constructed world? Do they share enough to build something real—or are their differences exactly what makes it work?
Blindsighted is a tender, slow-burn romance about perception, vulnerability, and the moment you realize the person you overlooked has been choosing you all along—stretching from Europe and back home to Nashville, where seeing each other clearly might be the biggest risk of all.
Friends of Cade and
Mads is neurodivergent and pansexual, and her autism is absolutely her superpower. She notices patterns, vibes, and impending disasters long before anyone else does, often solving problems before her friends even realize they’re happening. Jenna is the group’s resident mother hen—calm, capable, and always armed with a solution, a backup plan, and probably snacks.
Sophie is trans and very passing, which means when an athlete asks her out, the stakes are suddenly sky-high. She has to decide whether coming out is worth risking her safety—or if staying safely anonymous is the smarter choice. Kip is African American with blond hair, a killer sense of style, and a flair for the dramatic. Effeminate and unapologetic, he insists on telling anyone with working ears that he is straight—with a very hard “t.”
Savannah is a confused cheerleader who dates AJ for one reason crowd control. Having a boyfriend keeps other guys from approaching her, which feels easier than figuring herself out. AJ, Cade’s endlessly kind teammate, is the nicest guy in the room and has a massive crush on Sophie. Unfortunately, everyone assumes he’s Savannah’s boyfriend, leaving him stuck between being polite, being patient, and having no idea what to do next.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBTQueerGay
472 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2026
About the author
Zan Hough
1 book3 followersMy name is Zan Hough, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia, with my husband of twenty-three years, and we have two grown sons.
I won my first award at the age of twelve with a story called Michele. It was about a girl who lost her police officer father in the line of duty and quickly discovered that words heal wounds through a mixture of laughter, absurdity, and tears.
Today, I write about marginalized communities that need a voice and, above all else, need to feel seen.
None of my books are spicy experiences since they are about high school and university students. I would classify them as "cozy" romances appropriate for mature teens through adulthood.
I won my first award at the age of twelve with a story called Michele. It was about a girl who lost her police officer father in the line of duty and quickly discovered that words heal wounds through a mixture of laughter, absurdity, and tears.
Today, I write about marginalized communities that need a voice and, above all else, need to feel seen.
None of my books are spicy experiences since they are about high school and university students. I would classify them as "cozy" romances appropriate for mature teens through adulthood.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 26, 2026
Blindsighted is a queer YA novel that is great storytelling for anyone to read! This book shows how relationships can be realistic love stories-not a typical trauma to love trope here. Just lots of developed characters! Neil is my favorite-with a supportive family who loves him and great friends. Cade is someone who struggles with who he is and ends up finding himself in Blindsighted, with the help of others. Navigating relationships in high school-if that’s romantic or just being friends-aren’t always written well; I think Zan offers characters that are relatable, no matter what your personal back story may be. I personally love that in a book I am reading. I am excited to see if we get to follow these characters in the future!
July 22, 2026
I'm surprised I was able to listen to this on audible for free. It's beautifully written and the narrator was absolutely perfect. I whole heartedly loved this story and the characters. I really look forward to reading/listening to more from Zan.
April 3, 2026
5 / 5 ✨
This was SUCH a cute YA queer story. I loved every second and it was sooooooooo adorable watching Neil and Cade connect. Very well developed characters and lots of personality involved. Would defs read again and highly recommend !!
PS I heard the author was real cute too 😉
This was SUCH a cute YA queer story. I loved every second and it was sooooooooo adorable watching Neil and Cade connect. Very well developed characters and lots of personality involved. Would defs read again and highly recommend !!
PS I heard the author was real cute too 😉
March 29, 2026
Great book! If you love a good romance novel, add this to your bedside table. Beautifully written with well developed characters, this flows through an exciting senior trip abroad with an even more exciting and dramatic return to real life, with all its struggles and challenges. You will be rooting for Cade and Neil, and their friends as they navigate relationships and learn about themselves along the way. Unforgettable, vulnerable, and heartfelt; this is an excellent debut novel from and up and coming author. I look forward to his next book!
June 13, 2026
A wholesome and cozy lgbtq+ read that captures first love and becoming comfortable in your own skin. Learning to find happiness , while overcoming the expectations of others and the social hierarchy of High School that we all have experienced.
June 4, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first chapter, it was clear that Zan truly cares about every character in the story. Even the side characters feel fully developed, with thoughtful moments that reveal their personalities and make the world feel rich and authentic.
Blindsighted is a beautiful MM romance that would be perfect for both longtime romance readers and anyone picking up their first romance novel. The story explores realistic challenges that can arise in young relationships while highlighting healthy communication, growth, and understanding in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt.
The writing was engaging, emotional, and incredibly well done, and the narration brought the characters to life beautifully. I found myself completely invested in the story and didn't want it to end. I can't wait to see what happens next in Book 2!
Blindsighted is a beautiful MM romance that would be perfect for both longtime romance readers and anyone picking up their first romance novel. The story explores realistic challenges that can arise in young relationships while highlighting healthy communication, growth, and understanding in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt.
The writing was engaging, emotional, and incredibly well done, and the narration brought the characters to life beautifully. I found myself completely invested in the story and didn't want it to end. I can't wait to see what happens next in Book 2!
August 2, 2026
I might just be cheese here for a moment, but Summer destiny has sent me right to this book. This book was so cozy, heartwarming and lighthearted. Zan has constructed all of his characters so carefully, seemingly simple but nuanced at the same time.
From the beginning, Neil and Cade are not only each other’s compass, they are also each other’s love catalysts that eventually absorbs everything and everyone around them.
This is a world that you don’t want to miss! Perfect summer reading, perfect writing, perfect character and ambiance. Kudos to Zan for imagining this world in which love can flourish it all it’s forms.
From the beginning, Neil and Cade are not only each other’s compass, they are also each other’s love catalysts that eventually absorbs everything and everyone around them.
This is a world that you don’t want to miss! Perfect summer reading, perfect writing, perfect character and ambiance. Kudos to Zan for imagining this world in which love can flourish it all it’s forms.
August 7, 2026
Really enjoyable cozy MLM romance. Fun writing, interesting side characters, plot lines, great settings, definitely will revisit. A lovely escape amid the current hellscape we live in. Have recommended to several friends.
July 20, 2026
Very Heartstopper-esque. A delightful YA queer coming of age story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews