Newly published m/m romance author L.B. Gregg is here today to talk about some of the misconceptions in m/m romance. We’re also holding a contest, so be sure to check the end of this post for details.
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Table Talk by L.B. Gregg
I had a lovely luncheon with the So.Cal. bloggers. Seated next to me was the pint sized and …HILARIOUS… Holly. Over a shared plate of lettuce rolls (I ate most of them) the subject of m/m books came up. I mean, it was bound to come up since my wee first book (ed note: Gobsmacked is available now from Aspen Mountain Press. Download it here!) had been released not forty-eight hours earlier…okay, yes… it was all I could talk about. ::cough::
Anyway. Down at our end of the table, the subject turned toward which kinky-assed book we’d read recently. I know. Quelle surprise. But you know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout, ladies. We were were discussing pixies having relations with their full grown partner’s pinkie and shifted sex (dogs, when you think of it. EW) and ménage and…bdsm…and whips and huffing and octopus, oh my! Holy Moly. That poor waiter.
( As an aside, G. learned last year that restaurant conversation with book bloggin’ ladies can be a learning experience he’s not too keen on repeating.)
I can’t remember exactly how this went, but I did say to Holly that there is a misconception in the romance community that all m/m is kinky on that log-riding-Pixie level. Sure, there are folks who can’t get past the same sex thing. And yes, a lot of women find it embarrassing to imagine hawt manlove. But this sub-genre IS romance and, as in all the other flavors of romance, the heart is the same. These are love stories about characters who fall in love. rise above their trials and tribulations, and strive for the happily ever after…(pssst….just like girl/boy books!!)
We were discussing Lora Leigh (why do I pronounce this as Laura Lie?) and, c’mon, her books are frickin’ kinky! There’s no line she’s not willing to cross, no boundary she can’t push, and women eat this stuff up. I have my fair share o
f LL books. But they aren’t considered, by those of us in bloglandia that I’ve ever heard from, line crossingly kinky. Hot? Juicy? Spicy? Wrong on so many levels but oh so right? Yes. I’ve heard tell.
M/M on the other hand? It’s often viewed as not only alternative…but as…subversive.
That’s okay, I guess. We all have our personal lines in the sand. Hey, whatever blows up your skirt. Yadda yadda. Yet I find it fascinating that readers are willing, eager even, to shell out money on books where three brothers bow-fu each others wives with..er…battery operated equipment, a spankin’ and a floggin’, and then they tell me that they won’t consider m/m because it’s icky.
Or kinky.
Huh.
I have to wonder if they’ve ever tried one.
As in ANY romance genre, there are subgenres to be found that may appeal to the kinkier side of things, bdsm and ménage and shifter love and twin sex and Japanese hog tying or whatever it’s called…Goodness there’s so much smut available for the savvy shopper it boggles the mind and stretches my poor wallet! We’ve opened so very many doors, and we’ve often been surprised by what we find on the other side. I think, more than any genre, this is true of M/M.
Because here’s the secret surprise: M/M contains all the myriad wonderment of heterosexual romance. These stories can capture the category romance feel, or have mystery, adventure, drama, history, paranormal wassit–all the smushy, gushiness of great romance. They have cowboys and spacemen, cops and robbers, athletes and actors. They can be explicitly sexual, or lyrically erotic. There are good books and, because it’s a new genre, really bad books. But ultimately, the bottom (ahem) line is, that m/m follows the same structure as m/f: Two people find each other. Eyes meet. They are alone in a crowded room. Their palms sweat (or, cuz it’s guys, some other telling physical response occurs). It makes our own reader heart flutter when the pair connect and it can make us scream into a pillow when obstacles get tossed in their paths. But when they triumph, when they fall in love and they prevail, when they find their happily ever after…we recall our love of all romance in what ever form it takes.
And isn’t that exactly what we were hoping for?
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Thanks LB!!! It was wonderful having you here.
To celebrate her visit we’re giving away 3 copies of Gobsmacked. Leave a comment telling us why you do (or don’t) like m/m romance, or what some of the reasons are for you not having tried it, and we’ll throw your name in the hat.
Check out more from the wonderful (and super funny) LB at:
www.lbgregg.com
http//lisabea.blogspot.com
Men of Smithfield: Gobsmacked at Aspen Mountain Press
For whatever reason, the hero has always been the big draw for me with romance fiction (other genres, not so much the case,) and, well, two heroes! It’s kind of a no-brainer.
Plus, I can imagine what my v. v. conservative grandmother would say if she knew. That’s always an extremely entertaining conversation inside my head.
What a great post — and how accurately you’ve hit the nail (or body part of choice) on the head. Seriously, even when it’s about werewolves or ghosts or cops, it’s really all about falling in love and working things out.
And may I say how seriously squicked I was by the notion of brothers spanking sister-in-laws.
Laurie~Can you imagine what our grandma’s would say over the Men of August?
::reaches for smelling salts::
Yeah, I’m all about the hero, although when a truly wonderful heroine comes along, like Jesse in Lord of Scoundrels, or Savitri in Demon Moon, I’m hooked!
Josh~Not one for the Lora Leigh, are you? She had her moments. Brother, uncle, sister spanking aside.
It is about conflict and resolution. A loving resolution. =)
Hey, Great post! (but don’t enter me. I already have GOB).
Oh, I’m so jealous of your dinner together. I’m sure the waiter is STILL talking about you guys!
Oops. Yes, I have Gob too. And highly recommend it.
I am imagining my grandma reading Marly’s Choice and cracking up. LOL
I don’t think that m/m romance will ever be looked at the same as m/f romance. That’s sad to me, but I think it’s more of a comfort zone for people. I never thought I would read a m/m romance and actually like it, but I have. Before that, I never thought I would read a menage and like it, but I did.
It’s all about broadening your horizon’s, but some people just can’t or won’t do it.
Great post.
I actually really enjoy reading m/m romance stories. The intensity, emotions, and passion is unique and can be so wonderfully sexy. I haven’t read Gobsmacked yet, but thanks for the heads up. Will be adding it to my wish list.
Casee~ Thank you for the nice nice.
I don’t think that m/m romance will ever be looked at the same as m/f romance.
I know what you mean about the comfort zone. It’s always fun for me to discover something new, fresh and exciting.
Cathy~Very sexy, indeed, and the intensity between two men can be downright DELICIOUS.
I can’t read Lora Leigh. Not because of any line crossing, but just because of all the angst and dripping. So much dripping.
I have Gob. I read it too! And liked it. 🙂
M/M romance…or as I say “Mmmmmm Mmmmmm”. Good stuff. Great post, LB. 🙂
(yes, I am on drugs…bad sinus infection)
Guess I’m naive! I never even new these books were available but I’m always up for a good love story!
Please count me in!
JenB~ mmmmm.. mmmmmm. Yes. I agree. And thanks for the kind words. But not the dripping. EW.
Hope you feel better!
MJ~Yay! New to the genre! Welcome!
Why because the two lovers are of the same gender, some think it is too kinky for their tastes? Two men can have a meaningful and loving romance just as well as a man and woman. Some of the straight romances sometimes makes my eyes bug out by all the positions and and bondage.
As long as now plant life *coughtreesexcough* or heroines with a penis are involved, I am fine.
I have been gobbed by Gobsmacked, so no need to enter me.
I can’t add really anything of value to LB’s thoughtful post.
I read romance (in whichever combination) because the relationships between the people involved pull me in–when they are well written.
Who was it who said that 99% of everything is crud? (or words to that effect) But yeah, it’s that shinning and lonely 1% that keeps us reading, isn’t it?
(and then, one percent of a gazillion new books a month… 😀 happy reading!)
I started reading m/m romance as a result of a menage that took an interesting turn away from the typical m/f/m to m/m/f (if that makes sense) – and I totally wanted it to happen. After that point, I realized that there were books out there that had the sexyness of hawt manlove.
Of those I’ve read to date, I truly love them. I know there are always flubs out there, but I’ve fortunately avoided them – and the stories ::swoons:: they are so amazing! The conflicts are so much more real in some ways because I know so many of my gay friends who’ve struggled for acceptance when all they wanted to do was love.
I like m/m just as much as I like m/f – and much better than menage, if you can believe it.
Did I mention it’s hawt? 🙂
PS – I’d love for you to throw a copy of Gobsmacked at me!
Two men can have a meaningful and loving romance just as well as a man and woman. Some of the straight romances sometimes makes my eyes bug out by all the positions and and bondage.
Does it go without saying that I heart Kb?
Azteclady~It’s all about the romance,right? I’m pretty open to what ever other thing is layered on top…. (except for the tree thing)
Whateverfor~I think it’s been a natural progression for a lot of folks to go from the menage to the m/m. I like it better than menage, as well. I like to stick to simple pairings…although, as stated previously, occasionally I’m up for more. Heh.
What a great topic LB! I only discovered m/m romance in the last 6 months (and am not trying to play catch up 🙂
I think the ‘word’ for me in the above post and the comments is romance – the developing relationship between the characters (whether they be m/f or m/m …or a menage). I need to feel the emotional intensity. And if it has that then I’m interested 🙂
All the best with the release of Gobsmacked! It sounds gooood 🙂
Whateverfor – I’m intrigued. If you can remember the name of the book you mentioned in your post that led you to m/m romance please I’d be very grateful 🙂
I have just started reading m/m. I love it. Like Laurie mentioned..TWO heroes! What is not to love!!!
I am like Whateverfor, I went from menage to mm. I found that i liked it very much. My main requirement is just an HEA i love watching people meet and fall in love (or finally realize their feelings for someone else.
I’ve never read a m/m love story but if the love premise is the same I’d love to read one. count me in
I have Gob, too.
CJ…Have you read the Men of August?
Heh.
Thanks Josh-ie. Aw. Shucks.
Orannia~Thank you! Romance IS my favorite genre, regardless of what I’m reading. Even in sci fi, fantasy or mystery…I need a little bit of sparks flying to keep me happy.
Natasha~Nothin’ wrong with the menz lovin’ the menz.
Kris~heh. Word on the ‘finally realize their feelings for someone else.’ I’m even partial to the non “I love you,man’ endings.
Scottsgal~Sure thing…Holly’s in charge.
Hi Lisabea!! I had a wonderful time meeting you and all the other ladies at lunch!!
I’m pretty new to m/m books….actually I’ve only read 1 book but I have to say the author was amazing! For me the story wasn’t about the mechanics of the relationship between the 2 guys, it was a love story above everythng else and very well written! I was very impressed with the story!!
Yeah, I’m not too fond to the tree thing myself (or the guy with the picnic table… but that was in the news, not in a story, sorry)
Anyway, it’s about the relationship. How it’s written, how it develops, how it grows. And as much as I like stories with a secondary conflict (suspense, mystery, whatever), the internal conflict has to make sense for me to be a successful romance.
LB – I was soooo busy at work today and couldn’t get onliine. Waaaah!
I think you’ve said it soooo well. It’s romance! It doesn’t matter to me if it’s 2 men or a man and a woman – if it’s a great romance I’m all over it. 🙂
Great post!
I still need to buy it. Bad Bridget. 🙁
Anyhoodles, your take on m/m is pretty spot-on LB. I’m not a big fan of it myself, not because of the fact that it’s m/m, but because the few books I’ve read just haven’t been all that great.
I’m of the opinion that if a book is written well it shouldn’t matter if it’s m/m, m/f, m/f/m, whatever…as long as it’s good. 😀
I’ve only tried one, which was recommended on the blogs, and it was way, way too kinky for me. Which doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be happy to try others that are more mainstream, so throw me in the ring. Err, my name that is.
So is anyone writing good w/w romances? I’ve read Sarah Waters’ books and liked them very much.
I love to read about love in just about any form. 🙂 — willaful
Dang I miss all the good stuff when I’m at work. Looks like you had a good turn out LB.
This is one of those posts that should be archived and returned to time and again. I think you are right on with how M/M is perceived as kinky or over the top just because it’s two men in love. Apparently free love, consenting adults and in the privacy of your own home only applies to heteros.
A good story is a good story is a good story.
Blanche~It was lovely. I’ll be there again next year! G has that convention every winter in LA so…YEAH So.Cal.But DANG let’s order up some warmer weather.
There’s so much out there! I highly rec. KA Mitchell, Josh Lanyon, ZA Maxfield…gosh so many terrific writers. JL Langley takes the regency era and flips it on it’s head by putting what we love about those romances and setting it in space. With men! (Tres Hot…little kinky).
Azteclady~On this side of the fence, as a newly published author, I’m even more impressed by my favorite authors. It’s amazing what someone like Linda Howard or Jen Crusie or Janet Evanovich or The Warden…oh the list is long.. can do.
I’m such a fan girl.
Tracy~Thanks! Happy, er, sad Ash Wednesday to you. I know you’re wicked busy. Funny that Gob opens on Ash Wed. I feel like I’ve come full circle.
Lori~I love that! I’ve been Gobsmacked. I’m hoping to have chap stick..Gobsmackers!…for RWA. Heh. Some folks didn’t like the name of my book, but I think it’s got zest. Thanks for the nice nice.
Bridget~I always recommend JL Langley because, while the plot can be …er..plotty, she is an old school romance reader and really understands the sensibility. Plus…dude… scorching material. If you’re into scorchers.
Also…as everyone is tired of me saying…Josh Lanyon writes like a dream.
Willaful~ I admit to not reading f/f…but not because I’m not open to that, more because I haven’t found the right one.
If you like less kink, really try Josh Lanyon. I’m like a broken record. But his books are mystery, m/m with a strong romantic element and they are emotionally packed.
Bonnie Dee has a cute little nugget called Undeniable Magnetism that is very sweet.
Gobsmacked is…erotic for sure. Very, uh, descriptive. It’s tres sexy without being kinky.
Rosie~Fancy meeting you here! It was a great topic and I’ve been wanting to blather about this for a year. I thank Holly for reminding me, and inviting me.
Thanks Holly!!!!
Hey, LB! Tracy said exactly what I was thinking. Good romance is good romance. Period. Doesn’t matter to me if it’s m/m of m/f. (OK, I’ll quietly admit to not being into the f/f thing, but m/m? Yeah, all over that.)
No need to enter me. I’ve been Gobsmacked 🙂 Happily 🙂
Hey, it’s not blathering when it makes sense.
… I think…
Best of luck!
Thanks A.
=)
Back atcha.
Jeez, I’m late to my own party. Sorry about that.
I have to admit that I didn’t really think about m/m as anything other than erotica until we discussed it at lunch that day. Mostly I think b/c what I’ve read and seen online has only to do with the kink, and rarely discusses the romance. Plus, those manlove pics are hot and bring to mind dirty sex (maybe with me in the middle?..heh).
In any case, you made me think, and I’ll take that with me and broaden my horizons some more.
And not that I think about it, I’m all for two heroes. Like Laurie, I tend to gravitate towards them anyway.
LB, thanks so much for playing! It was our pleasure having you here.