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The Light Between Us
My ordinary life in North River gets interrupted when a decision of my adventurous parents calls me back home. I haven't returned in a while to the place where my heart got broken but maybe it's time to face it.
Too soon after my return, I stumble upon Mike, my high-school crush. He is already out of the closet but keeps it all down and, like always, takes into consideration everyone’s feelings but his own. And mine.
On top of that, my gorgeous neighbor Greg and the local priest stand between us and cause even more chaos and complications that seem insurmountable.
Will Mike’s secret and my sensual nature lead us down diverging roads, or will we take the second chance destiny granted to make it right this time and find our way home?
Content warnings: cheating (during breakup), homophobia, attempted abuse in the past
Too soon after my return, I stumble upon Mike, my high-school crush. He is already out of the closet but keeps it all down and, like always, takes into consideration everyone’s feelings but his own. And mine.
On top of that, my gorgeous neighbor Greg and the local priest stand between us and cause even more chaos and complications that seem insurmountable.
Will Mike’s secret and my sensual nature lead us down diverging roads, or will we take the second chance destiny granted to make it right this time and find our way home?
Content warnings: cheating (during breakup), homophobia, attempted abuse in the past
- GenresM M Romance
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2022
5 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Rian Durant
8 books68 followersRian Durant is a writer roaming the MM fiction sphere but doesn’t like being confined by (sub)genres and categories. The only rule she believes in when it comes to life, love, and writing is to do everything with passion or not at all.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 26, 2022
Pretty bad, sorry. All the characters were insufferable and unlikable and the romance was in fact just a few sex scenes. There’s not an actual relationship building. They say there was cheating but I don’t think it counts when the guys weren’t even together and Greg’s wife had left him (also she was always off page). I kind of wished he ended up with Greg, he had much more chemistry with him than with Mike. Anyway, I didn’t like it , the romance was awful , the sex scenes were NOT hot and there was nobody and nothing I liked in this book.
November 6, 2022
Book given in exchange for review
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed the book, it had lots going on, there wasn’t trigger warnings but there was a mature content one.
This book was friends to lovers then back to friends then lovers again, there was cheating, there is homophobia, it’s a religious small town, it has mature content.
But I liked the book, it was about 2 boys who realised they had feelings but due to one MC family being religious their time together was put to a stop.
Chris who had great parents moved away after college to start a new life away from the town but he left behind Mike who was never going to leave the small town or his family.
Chris comes back to town to house sit for his parents and reconnects with Mike but Mike is hiding things from Chris and the small town bigots start to come out the woodwork again. This book was not your typical meet, fall in love, argue, then make up book.
This story I’m sure is still common in the world but makes me sad that people can’t live their truth, this was a hard fought HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed the book, it had lots going on, there wasn’t trigger warnings but there was a mature content one.
This book was friends to lovers then back to friends then lovers again, there was cheating, there is homophobia, it’s a religious small town, it has mature content.
But I liked the book, it was about 2 boys who realised they had feelings but due to one MC family being religious their time together was put to a stop.
Chris who had great parents moved away after college to start a new life away from the town but he left behind Mike who was never going to leave the small town or his family.
Chris comes back to town to house sit for his parents and reconnects with Mike but Mike is hiding things from Chris and the small town bigots start to come out the woodwork again. This book was not your typical meet, fall in love, argue, then make up book.
This story I’m sure is still common in the world but makes me sad that people can’t live their truth, this was a hard fought HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
November 24, 2022
I liked this book, its characters are well defined and the story well developed. It has some triggers like homophobia, cheating etc, so check that out first. And if you continue reading here, keep in mind that there may be SPOILERS.
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Chris returns to his town, something he always tries to avoid since it brings back bad memories, but his parents are going on a trip, they ask him to take care of the house and he can't refuse. Since he was a teenager he is very sure of his sexuality and lives his life accordingly. Besides that his parents always supported and accepted him. In the town he meets Mike, with whom he was in love as a teenager, and the one responsible for breaking his heart.
Mike did not have an easy childhood and adolescence. His family is very religious, his mother being manipulative and controlling, she does not accept that he is gay, nor that he lives far from her. And although he is out (something that happened to him without his consent), it is as if he were not, not only because of his mother but also because of certain people in town, for example the priest, who force him to commit to a woman.
When Chris arrives and they meet again, the sparks reignite and they start a relationship, but Mike insists on keeping it a secret. Chris begins to think that Mike is hiding some things from him and they end up arguing, with Mike calling it quits. And after that Chris finds out about his supposed girlfriend. Hurt, Chris turns to his neighbor, a married and moody man, but who is also going through a marital crisis (his wife wants to leave him) and they sleep together a couple of times.
When Mike discovers this (because everyone's gossip in town), he recriminates him but Chris tells him he knows about the girlfriend. After that Chris is attacked by a group of homophobes who destroy the garden of his house, and Mike shows up to help him. Along with the "girlfriend". It is here that Mike confesses why he really is with her and that he was only helping her while the real boyfriend (who is a very good friend of Mike's) was preparing everything to run away with her, and suddenly, at that moment the boyfriend has everything done and they leave town. Mike also tells Chris that he couldn't tell him what was really going on because he needed everyone to believe that Chris was hurt that Mike was going to marry her so that no one in town would suspect the truth. And now, Mike decides that enough is enough and that he is ready to leave everything, including his mother, to be with Chris.
My problem is: I don't like how Mike acted. I understand that he wanted to help his friends, but in the process, he preferred to lie to Chris and hurt him, risking losing him. If his friends had taken longer to flee, what would have happened? Chris would have chosen to leave and leave him behind again, or continue his relationship with Greg, eg... And another thing, if his friends cared about him as much as he cared about them, they wouldn't have let Mike hurt Chris at the same time he also suffered, and since he didn't want to tell Chris the truth because he had promised her, then his friend should have. But no. From my point of view, they were pretty selfish about Mike. And then all of a sudden, they run away without a care in the world and that's it, that Mike resolves his problems however he can?
But hey, this is just my opinion and that's the only reason I don't give it five stars. The book is good, the plot quite original and luckily, it guarantees a well-earned HEA.
I was given an advanced copy and wrote a voluntarily review.
.
.
.
Chris returns to his town, something he always tries to avoid since it brings back bad memories, but his parents are going on a trip, they ask him to take care of the house and he can't refuse. Since he was a teenager he is very sure of his sexuality and lives his life accordingly. Besides that his parents always supported and accepted him. In the town he meets Mike, with whom he was in love as a teenager, and the one responsible for breaking his heart.
Mike did not have an easy childhood and adolescence. His family is very religious, his mother being manipulative and controlling, she does not accept that he is gay, nor that he lives far from her. And although he is out (something that happened to him without his consent), it is as if he were not, not only because of his mother but also because of certain people in town, for example the priest, who force him to commit to a woman.
When Chris arrives and they meet again, the sparks reignite and they start a relationship, but Mike insists on keeping it a secret. Chris begins to think that Mike is hiding some things from him and they end up arguing, with Mike calling it quits. And after that Chris finds out about his supposed girlfriend. Hurt, Chris turns to his neighbor, a married and moody man, but who is also going through a marital crisis (his wife wants to leave him) and they sleep together a couple of times.
When Mike discovers this (because everyone's gossip in town), he recriminates him but Chris tells him he knows about the girlfriend. After that Chris is attacked by a group of homophobes who destroy the garden of his house, and Mike shows up to help him. Along with the "girlfriend". It is here that Mike confesses why he really is with her and that he was only helping her while the real boyfriend (who is a very good friend of Mike's) was preparing everything to run away with her, and suddenly, at that moment the boyfriend has everything done and they leave town. Mike also tells Chris that he couldn't tell him what was really going on because he needed everyone to believe that Chris was hurt that Mike was going to marry her so that no one in town would suspect the truth. And now, Mike decides that enough is enough and that he is ready to leave everything, including his mother, to be with Chris.
My problem is: I don't like how Mike acted. I understand that he wanted to help his friends, but in the process, he preferred to lie to Chris and hurt him, risking losing him. If his friends had taken longer to flee, what would have happened? Chris would have chosen to leave and leave him behind again, or continue his relationship with Greg, eg... And another thing, if his friends cared about him as much as he cared about them, they wouldn't have let Mike hurt Chris at the same time he also suffered, and since he didn't want to tell Chris the truth because he had promised her, then his friend should have. But no. From my point of view, they were pretty selfish about Mike. And then all of a sudden, they run away without a care in the world and that's it, that Mike resolves his problems however he can?
But hey, this is just my opinion and that's the only reason I don't give it five stars. The book is good, the plot quite original and luckily, it guarantees a well-earned HEA.
I was given an advanced copy and wrote a voluntarily review.
November 30, 2022
This was my first book by Rian Durant and it was a sweet but emotional story. Chris moved back to his hometown after leaving a few years ago. His parents are going on an extended trip and invite Chris to stay to give him the chance to relax, as he’s been working hard on his master’s degree and web design. He’s built a good life for himself but he’s looking forward to the break, even though there’s some bad memories there.
Chris had a lot of struggles in his younger years. He knew he was scared to come out, even though he knew he was gay. This small town is still pretty behind, and many people in the town are not accepting.
Chris is out and proud, but Mike very much struggles with his sexuality. Some of these scenes are hard to read, but very real.
Chris doesn’t know if he can be Mike’s secret, and this does lead him down another path. Mike will need to be true to himself to make this work.
I thought this story was realistic and had a lot of ups and downs for the characters (and an adorable puppy which I always appreciate!)
Chris had a lot of struggles in his younger years. He knew he was scared to come out, even though he knew he was gay. This small town is still pretty behind, and many people in the town are not accepting.
Chris is out and proud, but Mike very much struggles with his sexuality. Some of these scenes are hard to read, but very real.
Chris doesn’t know if he can be Mike’s secret, and this does lead him down another path. Mike will need to be true to himself to make this work.
I thought this story was realistic and had a lot of ups and downs for the characters (and an adorable puppy which I always appreciate!)
November 19, 2022
Literally the best piece I read this year :) No sugar coating - just life as it could and does happen, with all the turmoil, past traumas, and future we can shape however we like, as long as we are loved and supported. Would also enjoy a follow-up on Mat/Jayce's story, they are going to be quite the couple :D
November 27, 2022
This is a 3.5 story for me. There were a few points in the story that brought things down for me. In the end though, I did enjoy the story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
November 12, 2025
WOW!! So Good!!
Well written story and well developed characters! I laughed, cried, and shook my head. I was totally drawn in by this book. Engrossed and involved. I even talked to it! Like don't do that! Or you should maybe say something!
Loved it!!
Well written story and well developed characters! I laughed, cried, and shook my head. I was totally drawn in by this book. Engrossed and involved. I even talked to it! Like don't do that! Or you should maybe say something!
Loved it!!
October 27, 2022
A new author for me and I really enjoyed this one. Chris and Mike get their second chance when Chris moves back to his home town, but the author does a great job of presenting two characters who while they are drawn to each other, have great chemistry and settle into a fulfilling relationship have some people standing between them. I won't give the story away, but there we are presented with two completely different families here, one loving and welcoming and the other definitely not. The ending was completely satisfying and I loved the way one of our main characters stands up for himself and their relationship firmly, leaving no room for argument but without returning hatred for hatred. Very much look forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
November 24, 2022
SECOND CHANCE LOVE!
I loved the dynamic between Chris and Mike as they just continued where they left off years ago when they were discovering their sexuality and was abruptly torn apart by homophobia.
Now years later they pick up where they left off no questions asked but their journey is not smooth as there are a few roadblocks ahead that can either make or break them…. with the help of a sweet puppy and needed advice from friends….
A couple of twists that leaves you as reader speechless and a bit of cheating that put me off at first but as I continued with the story it showcased Chris’s mindset and hurt!
A small minded town like Whitereed is not what a blossoming love needs but when scandals emerge and truths are revealed will it be the catalyst they need to start over?
A new to me author that has intrigued me to read more!
I voluntarily received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I loved the dynamic between Chris and Mike as they just continued where they left off years ago when they were discovering their sexuality and was abruptly torn apart by homophobia.
Now years later they pick up where they left off no questions asked but their journey is not smooth as there are a few roadblocks ahead that can either make or break them…. with the help of a sweet puppy and needed advice from friends….
A couple of twists that leaves you as reader speechless and a bit of cheating that put me off at first but as I continued with the story it showcased Chris’s mindset and hurt!
A small minded town like Whitereed is not what a blossoming love needs but when scandals emerge and truths are revealed will it be the catalyst they need to start over?
A new to me author that has intrigued me to read more!
I voluntarily received an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 27, 2022
2-2.5⭐️
This was a challenging review, as there are some good ideas within the plot. Specifically, I appreciate the author is taking on very real and difficult issues- like religion and homophobia. However, I’m sorry to say I disliked both the main characters and some of the angst seemed entirely avoidable. Why would Mike not share with Chris the charade of his “girlfriend”? Mike’s mother and the town of Whitereed are so unpleasant it is hard to read at times. When Mike finally stands up to his mother I was hoping for a triumphant moment, but it just felt like too little too late. For me, Mike and Chris lacked an emotional connection so the relationship did not feel authentic. Overall, the writing is good and I certainly would read another book from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This was a challenging review, as there are some good ideas within the plot. Specifically, I appreciate the author is taking on very real and difficult issues- like religion and homophobia. However, I’m sorry to say I disliked both the main characters and some of the angst seemed entirely avoidable. Why would Mike not share with Chris the charade of his “girlfriend”? Mike’s mother and the town of Whitereed are so unpleasant it is hard to read at times. When Mike finally stands up to his mother I was hoping for a triumphant moment, but it just felt like too little too late. For me, Mike and Chris lacked an emotional connection so the relationship did not feel authentic. Overall, the writing is good and I certainly would read another book from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 29, 2022
The Light Between Us is a beautifully written though provoking, second chance, friends to lovers story. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and a bit unpredictable. Just when I think I know what's going to happen the story takes a turn and heads in a different direction. Chris and Mike put up with a lot in their small town. I love how Chris never changed himself when he was back home. He never felt the need to be anyone other than his true self and that really helped some of the other townsfolk. Though this book might not be for everyone, I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
December 6, 2022
This is the story of Chris and Mike. Please read the trigger warnings. This book took me by surprise, from the cover I thought it would be a light romance. It is in fact beautifully written with characters that presents as very real and human. There is depth and a genuineness that draws you in and you have to finish. Great read. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
November 28, 2022
He left his home town when his first love rejected him and he has not been home since. His parents ask him to go home so he goes since he has just broken up with his boyfriend. He adopts a puppy and he will bump into his old crush who has now come out. Will these two get a second chance? Will others interfere? Can they rise above it all to get a happy ending? See if they get their happy ending
December 1, 2022
Chris has always loved Mike but when they were teenagers Mike broke Chris’s heart! This book is about a second chance but so many things stand in their way including Mike himself! But love prevails & they get their happy ending! It was such a sweet intense second chance romance & very much enjoyable! ❤️😀❤️😀
November 23, 2022
Upon returning back home Chris is reunited with his high school crush Mike who is keeping a down low on his sexual orientation just not advertising it, then the sparks fly between Chris and Mike again but can they make it work this time or not.
November 27, 2022
This was a weird story for me. One loving family. One family living in hell. Rekindling a relationship without cleaning up the past. Cheating on your boyfriend (not cool). Book takes you through the boyfriends' pain.
December 4, 2022
This was not one of your typical romance tropes. The story flowed vey well. The characters were well developed. I found to difficult to put this book down. I read the entire book in a day. I found myself really draw into the story. This was a really good book overall, a must read!
August 25, 2023
This one had me guessing which is a nice surprise in this genre. This was a sweet story of an out and proud man coming back to his home town who's maybe not so ready to deal with the conservatism that remains there or the lives it affects, including his.
November 27, 2022
Good story, enjoyable read. Four stars.
December 13, 2022
Chris is heading back home, a place he tries to avoid, but after a bad break-up, the alternative is to stay in a city with bad memories. After returning home, he runs into Mike, an old high school crush. After they realize there is attraction there, sparks fly and they get together. Even though Chris is proudly out, Mike wishes to keep their relationship a secret. Unfortunately, the small town is behind the times, and homophobia is present, which is why Mike wants secrecy and why Chris agrees. But Chris does not want to live in the closet again and Mike will need to decide if he wants to continue to pursue their relationship or call it quits.
I liked this book, although it has more angst than what I prefer. I wish the reality of acceptance or at the very least tolerance for all tyoes of sexualitues, it is unfortunate that people have a hard time accepting others at face value. The MC's did have good chemistry and the book was well-written. I enjoyed reading it and I am glad that I found a new MM author to follow.
I liked this book, although it has more angst than what I prefer. I wish the reality of acceptance or at the very least tolerance for all tyoes of sexualitues, it is unfortunate that people have a hard time accepting others at face value. The MC's did have good chemistry and the book was well-written. I enjoyed reading it and I am glad that I found a new MM author to follow.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews