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Adrienne Wilder
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In The Absence Of Light (Morgan and Grant Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Adrienne Wilder (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,430 ratings
**This book was previously published with a different cover. No content has been changed or added.


For years Grant Kessler has smuggled goods from one end of the world to the next. When business turns in a direction Grant isn’t willing to follow he decides to retire and by all appearances he settles down in a nowhere town called Durstrand. But his real plan is to wait a few years and let the FBI lose interest, then move on to the distant coastal life he’s always dreamed of. Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him. While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Morgan and Grant
  2. Print length
    420 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 25, 2015
  5. File size
    3.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00V7MU406
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Adrienne Wilder (March 25, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 420 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0BFW3N3M3
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,430 ratings

About the author

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Adrienne Wilder

Adrienne Wilder

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I am a writer of contemporary and speculative fiction and artist of all things monsters. I live to create new worlds and the people in them. Several of my books have been best sellers both nationally and internationally. I have also been a finalist in the LAMDA awards, the "Oscars" of gay literary works.

I do my best to write original stories with powerful characters and emotion as well as a fast paced plot. My goal isn't just to deliver a good story but to take the reader into the story and let them experience the characters as if they are right there with them.

While almost all my books have a romantic element, I will be the first to admit, they are not traditional romance. In fact, I'd like to think there is nothing traditional about them. And the stories I paint are done so way outside the lines of traditional genres.

One of my favorite things to do as a writer is push the boundaries of what makes a story and to deliver the unexpected and maybe even change the perspective of the reader.

My characters are more often than not, beautifully flawed, not alway the good guy, and make mistakes. Their stories will take dark turns which, in the end, make the light at the end of the tunnel all the more brighter.

If you're looking for something different, exciting, and unique, my books are for you.

Check out my website for updates and how to contact me. I love hearing from fans. https://authoradriennewilder.blogspot.com

FB group: Adrienne's Darkside of the Rainbow https://www.facebook.com/groups/2083869908319333/

twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrienne_Wilder

https://www.deviantart.com/adriennewilder/gallery/

I have a Patreon for where you can get extra content as well as the webcomic Nox, based on the novel and Bitter Sweet set in the Bound Gods world.

https://www.patreon.com/AuthorAdrienneWilder

And of course for updated info and new content you can join my mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/44e7d203adb4/adriennewildernewsletter

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,430 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's action/suspense plot and poetic writing style, describing it as a true work of art that goes to emotional heights. They appreciate the compelling characters, with one review highlighting the perfect portrayal of a good man with good intentions, and find it humorous, making them laugh and cry. Customers find the book thought-provoking, noting how it opens their eyes to the unknown, and value its beautiful development and authenticity.

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101 customers mention "Story quality"95 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the story's plot and action/suspense elements, with one customer describing it as an amazing journey.

"...my book choice of the month, because its rare that you can be entertained by fiction at the same time you get insights into yourself...." Read more

"...have recommended this book, so I took the plunge and it was a pretty amazing story...." Read more

"...'ve been more personal than I like to be, I'll say that this book is wonderful, beautiful, heartfelt, a fairy tale...." Read more

"This book was amazing!! I had no idea it would grab ahold of me and not let go, but it did in the best possible way...." Read more

46 customers mention "Writing quality"36 positive10 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as brilliant, poetic, and a treat to read.

"...The lesson is almost exquisitely articulated without proselytizing, and is infinitely more effective because of it’s forthright delivery...." Read more

"...Despite having Autism, Morgan was depicted as being as incredibly intelligent and strong, as opposed to other books where the focus was mainly on..." Read more

"...Authors tell stories and if those stories are good enough they can impact your life and this one did for me...." Read more

"...love for the light, and how it contrasts with the darkness, is profoundly worded. It took my breath away with it's seductive insights...." Read more

41 customers mention "Beauty"41 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, describing it as a true work of art, with one customer noting how the words captivated them.

"...The novel is a genuine work of art." Read more

"...When he does that he, is wonderful for me. Morgan and Grant are perfect and firmly cemented as an absolute all-time favourite couple for me now...." Read more

"...The words themselves to me, were beautiful. “No way to put into words how he made me feel. How touching him connected me to the world...." Read more

"Exquisite. I have rarely read a novel this intensely emotional, even when, or maybe especially when, it isn't overt. The use of light is captivating...." Read more

32 customers mention "Emotional content"32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, describing it as poignant and heartfelt, with one customer highlighting its intense love story.

"...with severe autism - and yet she managed to find the humor, the sexual interest, the difficulties that arise in any relationship, let alone one that..." Read more

"Going into this book, reading it, was very personal for me. Not because I know the author, I don't...." Read more

"Exquisite. I have rarely read a novel this intensely emotional, even when, or maybe especially when, it isn't overt. The use of light is captivating...." Read more

"...This book has suspense, action, drama, some angst, super hot steamy scenes, a strong powerful story, love, and romance, it makes you think about the..." Read more

31 customers mention "Character development"31 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the compelling and extraordinary protagonists, with one review highlighting the perfect portrayal of a good man with good intentions.

"...This is a tale of a bad guy with a good heart, a good guy with a heart of gold, a profound lesson in human understanding, and the possibilities that..." Read more

"...Great secondary characters and the killer townspeople." Read more

"...not just for Adrienne Wilder's great story telling but because she created Morgan...." Read more

"...The sex/lovemaking scenes were erotic as hell, and lent much insight to Morgan's character and to the growth of the relationship between he and Grant..." Read more

23 customers mention "Humor"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with several mentioning it made them laugh and cry, and one customer particularly appreciating the toothpick scene.

"...familiar with individuals with severe autism - and yet she managed to find the humor, the sexual interest, the difficulties that arise in any..." Read more

"...There was suspense and humor. I loved the people all around town...." Read more

"...I think the author approached her leads with affection and humor." Read more

"...The use of light is captivating. The use of humor's delightful. I laughed out loud several times...." Read more

20 customers mention "Thought provoking"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, noting how it opens their eyes to the unknown, with one customer describing it as simple yet profound.

"...with a good heart, a good guy with a heart of gold, a profound lesson in human understanding, and the possibilities that exist if we choose to..." Read more

"...That opened my eyes to a subject I had no understanding of and I hope to bring that compassion and understanding into my life if or when I meet..." Read more

"...It took my breath away with it's seductive insights. I have so many chapter highlights in this book, it's over halfway highlighted...." Read more

"...Morgan, breaking down so many boundaries and expectations, is quite a unique one, very moving at some points and I'm glad to say, not entirely black..." Read more

16 customers mention "Pacing"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it beautifully developed and authentic, with one customer describing it as real and raw.

"...Autism, Morgan was depicted as being as incredibly intelligent and strong, as opposed to other books where the focus was mainly on what the..." Read more

"...The characters - that of Morgan in particular - are beautifully developed, the love story has everything this type of story actually should: suspense..." Read more

"...That being said, I still loved the book! It was a unique and very interesting insight into autism, a love story of heartbreaking intensity and an..." Read more

"...Morgan was my hero. He was sexy, strong and a survivor, in spite of his disability!! Grant never knew what hit him, when Morgan rode into his life!!..." Read more

Unlimited amount of stars!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Unlimited amount of stars!!!!!
Well this book was absolutely amazing and is now one of my favorite books of all time. Watching Grant go from "we can't do this" to "you're everything to me" was PERFECT! Morgan is one of the best characters ever written. He had me laughing out loud SO MANY TIMES. What an absolute gem. He must be protected at all costs. Sacrifice yourself if you must. HE IS THE PRIORITY. I did not expect this book to be as funny as it was. Seriously, it was such a good time. I wanna go to the drive in with Grant and Morgan....iykyk. You can't blame the townsfolk for how they responded to all that!! LOL I'm so happy there's another book of these two because I would perish without that extra content. I NEED RUBIO'S SON TO HAVE A BOOK!!!!! I NEED THAT HURT/COMFORT CONTENT!! -Hurt/Comfort -Age Gap -Autism Rep -Small Town Romance Also, that point at like 90% when I was yelling at my kindle "DON'T YOU DO IT, GRANT!!!!!" was fun! LOL
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Pamela Rosen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don’t Believe Everything You See
    Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I want to write an honest, amazing review of this book bc it was such an illuminating read (look, a pun!) but I am at something of a loss bc I find it difficult to explain the storyline, or rather, the underlying meaning to so much of what occurred in the novel. And one of the things that bothers me the most about the book is that I am pretty positive I could never deal with this type of relationship. It’s possible that, like Grant, I could come to understand that Morgan is more than his mental disability, but I doubt that I have the strength of character to go after somebody with that amount of personal baggage.

    However, considering that so much work must have gone into this novel - or the author is personally familiar with individuals with severe autism - and yet she managed to find the humor, the sexual interest, the difficulties that arise in any relationship, let alone one that starts off with a fully grown autistic man who has beaten the odds, but did so by growing a thick shell about his person (like a turtle) such that he wouldn’t be hurt by every small indignity he faces on a daily basis.

    I guess the thing is, there is something sort of mystical about Morgan’s life, or his ability to read light and pull thoughts out of the air. Because while what he says at times seems impossible to know, he’s always right. So he is either beyond ‘in touch‘ with the emotions and feelings of every person who surrounds him such that he can see the future, or there is a sort of ESP happening in his head. And, tbh, I was happier attempting to feel out what was happening with Morgan, bc it took me most of the novel to get a real grasp on Grant’s illegal activities. For some reason, I found it most difficult to understand precisely what he had been doing in Chicago and why the FBI was interested in his possible knowledge of others’ activities.

    But it would be a great loss for anyone to miss out on this emotional journey — and do not underestimate the roller coaster you will ride while attempting to follow and comprehend Grant and Morgan’s courtship (lets say) — while at the same time enjoying all the little details of small town life, and the people who live in that type of community. And I don’t wish to spoil any of the quirks of the characters, so just take my word for the idea that these fully fleshed out individuals are worth your time and energy and you will feel more in touch with people following your reading this novel. It’s not a light and airy tale but, then again, it’s not all gloom and doom so it’s better than real life is right now.

    The novel is a genuine work of art.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jaycee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really. Amazing. Book.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Reviewed by Jaycee for BOOKS 'N COZY SPOTS BOOK REVIEWS, www.Talon-ps.com

    This book was recommended to me on Facebook, which only goes to prove that even that lumbering behemoth of bad social intercourse can occasionally get it right. When you find a gem, you don’t question its origins.

    This is a tale of a bad guy with a good heart, a good guy with a heart of gold, a profound lesson in human understanding, and the possibilities that exist if we choose to embrace them. The lesson is almost exquisitely articulated without proselytizing, and is infinitely more effective because of it’s forthright delivery. The relationship with the main characters develops organically and is assisted along, and sometimes, vigourously impeded by a rich supporting cast.

    Morgan is without doubt one of the most compelling characters I’ve ever read. A high-functioning autistic man with a childhood to cry over, this man -this fictional man- is a profile in courage and conviction. I am humbled by what I did not know about autism, and I am first in line to acknowledge that I still don’t know enough. And I can’t help but place my own ignorance, multiplied by the world at large, into the daily life-struggles of the every-man who must combat his very nature. The beauty of this character is that his sense of clarity far surpasses that of most people simply because he has learned to keep his eye on the ball, and to see facets of light most of us don’t even look for. It is precisely because of that, he can see Grant is sincere and genuine behind his bumbling attempts to get out of his own way, and in him, he finds his centre of calm.

    Grant Kessler is a perfectly imperfect character in that he has lived the life of a businessman just on the wrong side of the law, but with the innate character of a good man with good intentions. He stands up for the underdog even if he doesn’t understand him and his struggles to be supportive without being patronizing are very recognizable. And uncomfortable. Because we would all like to think that we are open-minded and au courant, but for the most part we don’t usually know enough to be as comfortable and conscious as we’d like to be. Grant’s journey beside Morgan was full of such bumps and faux pas in the road, but he was surrounded by people who pushed, shoved, cajoled and otherwise humoured him towards the focus he needed, and that focus was, quite simply, the man in Morgan. The whole man.

    Morgan and Grant each bring a past to the table, and those pasts ultimately intersect in a concurrent story arc that is a thrillingly suspenseful weave of character and plot, strongly supported by secondary characters you love, you hate, you love-to-hate, and those whose intent you can’t quite figure out. I loved this aspect, as I can almost always figure it out in advance, and this time I was in doubt right up to the pivotal scene. I was right, lets be clear about that! But I was in doubt…

    In the end, this book will go up in my Facebook Reading group as my book choice of the month, because its rare that you can be entertained by fiction at the same time you get insights into yourself. It would seem I have a lot to learn about just being…
    4 people found this helpful
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  • TarteCherry
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lived up to the hype
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    So many people have recommended this book, so I took the plunge and it was a pretty amazing story. Definitely 5 stars for the Morgan and Grant love story which was epic and maybe less stars for the FBI craziness near the end. No spoilers really just the action was less awesome than the rest. Great secondary characters and the killer townspeople.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • seriallectrice
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un beau coup de coeur
    Reviewed in France on June 9, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    In the absence of light est raconté du point de vue de Grant mais nous transporte dans le monde de Morgan. Morgan est un jeune homme autiste, mais il est aussi tellement plus que ça. Il est charmant, malin, sexy, beau, vulnérable, passionné et fort. Alors que les médecins disaient qu’il ne pourrait jamais marcher, parler et lire, Morgan s’est battu et est même devenu indépendant. Il ne supporte pas qu’on mette en avant sa différence et qu’on lui dise qu’il est incapable de faire une chose. Alors oui, il est différent, il ne sait pas lacer ses chaussures, conduire une voiture ou connaître sa droite et sa gauche, il est bourré de tics et ne contrôle pas toujours son corps mais Morgan est déterminé, a un travail et à 24 ans a déjà traversé plus d’épreuves que certaines personnes dans toute leur vie.
    Il est la lumière de ce livre.
    Grant a 36 ans et est un businessman retraité. Il possédait une entreprise de transport maritime qui flirtait avec l’illégalité. Son truc c’était de transporter les biens de personnes très riches à travers les Etats-Unis et le monde. Il arrive à Durstrand pour se mettre au vert quelques années et pour se faire oublier du FBI et de Jeff, son ex compagnon, lui-même agent du FBI. Bien qu’il soit irrésistiblement attiré par Morgan, son 1er réflexe est de le repousser, car comme tous les autres il ne voit pas au-delà des tics et de la soit disant déficience mentale de Morgan. Sortir avec lui serait profiter de son état. Mais Morgan va ouvrir les yeux de Grant et lui prendre conscience que parfois, la lumière plutôt que de nous montrer ce qu’on veut voir nous aveugle (et le titre du livre prend tout son sens).
    C’est une magnifique histoire d’amour avec des passages très beaux, d’autres émouvants et certains très (très) sexy et j’ai rigolé aussi (la scène avant leur 1ère fois est assez drôle). Leur histoire progresse lentement et j’ai adoré voir Morgan s’ouvrir à Grant. Cette histoire m’a profondément touchée, a accroché mon cœur et j’ai plongé dans l’histoire de Grant et Morgan. Je n’arrive même pas à trouver les mots pour écrire mon avis et je sens bien que mon commentaire est loin de rendre hommage au livre. Donc je vais juste vous dire que j’ai adoré, aimé, cette histoire et espérer que le résumé, la jolie couverture et les quelques lignes que j’ai écrites vous auront convaincus.
    Report
  • Johanna
    5.0 out of 5 stars inspired writing, heart-wrenchingly beautiful and deeply moving
    Reviewed in Germany on April 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Let me make this clear before I start some long-winded analysis (which I won't because there are some really awesome ones already out here) - this book deserves more than 5 stars.
    When you read a lot, characters come and go, you love some, you loathe some, you enjoy their company for a while, but it is a fact that you forget quite a good number of them.
    I'm pretty sure this will not happen with Morgan and Grant.
    They will both remain with me - as clear in my mind as they are now - for a long, long time to come. Because they are extraordinary, and Adrienne Wilder excels at drawing us in, exploring their minds in depth and making us laugh and cry in the procedure.
    I'm not a fan of first person narration, but this couldn't have been done any other way. And despite being in Grant's head for the whole book, I felt that I understood Morgan as much as anyone could have understood him.
    Morgan truly amazed me - I don't know enough about autism to give an informed choice how accurate Ms Wilder's account of it is - but to me somehow this isn't really the point. She manages to show in a most compassionate and often deliciously funny way that sometimes you have to look at a person 'in the absence of light' (what a cleverly chosen title!) to really see who they are in their hearts.
    Morgan isn't wired like the average person. But he is clever and funny (OMG I loved the toothpicks, age jokes and his bulls***ometer!) and incredibly gifted, ..... errrrrr and so flexible - that scene was totally brain-boggling and another thing I won't forget in a while. *g*
    I loved how Grant got to know Morgan bit by bit, slowly chipping away at his prejudice and preconceived ideas. I also appreciated the reality of Grant's doubts, whether he could live with someone like Morgan for the rest of his life - it would have been weird if he had just jumped into it.
    I didn't really need the whole FBI part at the end, even though I do understand it was needed to resolve Grant's situation.
    As for Jeff - will there be a book about him? Yes, please? He certainly completely ruined his relationship with Grant but it sounded like there is hope for him out there.
    In short - this book touched my heart and my soul. And yes, this might sound corny, but it is the truth, so what else can I say? 'In the Absence of Light' goes straight on to my 'best of the best' shelf, and I would urge you to read it as soon as you can. It is a truly wonderful story with brilliant characters and some of the best writing I have come across.
    VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
    Report
  • Maureen Crothall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Story
    Reviewed in Canada on February 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A stunning piece of work mixing mm romance with dirty dealings and those men in black. Grant straddled the line between legal and no so much in his shipping business, and then left it all behind. I've read another of this authors works, Wild, and was equally blown away, both have a perfect mix of romance, drama, and tension, meaty stories. This also deals with autism, giving us a very clear understanding of how it affects a person. I have an autistic family member and it's obvious this author thoroughly researched for this. The story starts off slow and cozy, setting things up to build and build into a stunning cat and mouse game, but who's the cat and are they going after the wrong mouse?
    Report
  • granny
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking and enjoyable
    Reviewed in Australia on February 4, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I learnt more about autism by reading this book than I did in my 50+ years. It has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of the people inflicted and their loved ones. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this story and can't wait to revisit them.
    Report
  • Cliente Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirador
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Um amor lindo de se ler! Daqueles que te ensinam a ver mais cores no mundo. 5 estrelas sem duvida
    Report

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