What Do You Think of the Explosive Popularity of Male on Male Romance Novels?

[Stacy-Deanne]

Hi All,

I am especially interested in hearing from reviewers. As a reviewer do you have an issue reviewing gay and lesbian books?

As for how popular M/M is, I don't read romances (unless it has some mystery and suspense in it). I'm a mystery and suspense kinda chick so a romance that's just about a romance is not my thing. But, I will read a romance if it interests me. I especially love interacial romances dealing with black women and white men and I incorporate these types of relationships in my stories.

Back to the topic, some people are surprised how popular M/M is. Not because it's gay, but because it's mainly written by women and most of its readers are women and they love M/M romances. I am kind of shocked at how women have taken to the genre. A few years ago I wouldn't have thought readers were comfortable admitting they read gay books (especially when they weren't gay). Wow, how times change huh? I think there are many reasons this is popular with so many people/women. I've read excerpts from gay romance (we're not talking erotica, but strictly romance here), and I must say most of the books are very interesting and yes, I would read some of them. The writing is very good and it impresses me that female writers are writing these books in a way they can be appreciated by the public.

My opinion why M/M is so popular is because I think it turns women on more than many believe. Obviously it does for so many women to be reading it right now. The market is hot! Women loving M/M romance reminds me of when men fantasize of two women having sex. Men are extremely attracted to the idea of women being together, so why is it a stretch that some women are attracted to two men being lovers? Not too far fetched if you asked me.

I think a lot of women find it just as sexually arousing to read about men (especially hunks) going at it, LOL. I really think it's a similar situation. Female readers are loving these books right now and they have made a big mark in the romance genre.

What do you all think of this so-called boom? Do you read M/M romance? Would you ever if you haven't? Do you write M/M romances? Why do you think it's so popular right now? Think it's just a trend or here to stay?

Best Wishes!

http://www.stacy-deanne.net

[Kimberly Hulst]

That's out of out of touch I am, did not know there was a boom going on for boy on boy stories.
But I would have no problems at all, and I think you are right as far as women finding it hot as a fantasy.
Throw me some titles please for my next book store run.

Everything becomes a "trend" for a year or two as it mirrors life. Back in the 1980's the theme was the single mom in romances, the mid 1990's the theme was divorced women in romances, few years ago the theme was single dads in romances, so why not gay romances.

I have seen more supernatural themed romances then anything else in the last two years, and as much as I love that genre it's time for something fresh. It could also be why suddenly a straight up ....might be the wrong term ....simple maybe.... gay story line is catching on in mainstream straight readers as well. We have seen the bisexual and gay themes in the vampire/werewolf stories since Anne Rice started back in the 1970's. As well as her erotica.

Okay, I rambled enough time for coffee.

[Stacy-Deanne]

Hi Kim,

Since you enjoy romances, do you ever read the Dear Author site and their reviews? It's very entertaining, just to read their reviews alone. I love that site because it also gives you the recent publishing info. They are always reviewing male/male romances there (unlike Romantic Time Book Review who is getting a lot of flack because they don't.) They might now so I am not sure. I am going to google some myself. I don't know titles off hand but there are some hot women authors who are becoming known for just writing in this genre. Many of them are romance writers who write under pen names while writing M/M romance.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I didn't know it was as popular either until I started reading reviews and digging around on different industry sites.

Dear Author: http://www.dearauthor.com


Best Wishes

[Lexie]

I personally am very happy about the rise in m/m romances. They aren't new to me honestly--the level of yaoi (boy love) novels and manga I've read that's been translated from Japan is almost is as high as my m/f romances. And often those are written/illustrated by women as well. In particular my Doujinshi collection is soaring to new heights with the inclusion of a new fandom.

As for my blog, I don't review Gay/Lesbian because I worry about offending other people. Its one thing on my personal blog, where i can put everything behind a cut, friends-lock it, ensure that everyone on my F-list is over 18 etc etc...its entirely another to put it on a public blog that could be searched out by anyone, of any age group, and any inclination. Its not that I am explicit or anything, but I just like the level of protection being able to put something behind a cut/friends-lock affords.

[Katie Downs]

I was not aware the M/M romance was on the rise, but when I think it about it, I'm not very surprised. I have not read much myself, though I have read the Lord John series by Diana Gabaldon and enjoyed them very much.

I am not bothered by M/M romance at all. I have not reviewed any yet, but I think that I would. I try to keep my blog family friendly and so far have not reviewed anything that would not fit into that category, but I would review it and just put a warning at the beginning of the post.

Personally, I don't bat an eye at gay or lebian romances in books, movies or even in real life. I can understand that some would not review books in these categories, but I would not hesitate to do so. I think books on these subjects will rise in popularity, especially with what's in the news these days.

What an interesting topic! Thanks for starting this, Stacy.

[Angel Phillips]

I agree with you I think that a lot of the reason that M/M romances are on the rise is because there is something that women are finding very satisfying by all the masculine interaction in the books.

I actually got my first M/M by accident. I was getting the free downloads off of Kindle and was not really paying to much attention. As I started the book I knew that it was going to be M/M shortly after the first page. As I had nothing else to read at the time I decided to read it, skipping the sex scenes, and what I found was a very good story. So I bought the second book. This time I did read the sex scenes in it and found this to be another great addition. So far they have 3 books in the series and I can't wait for the next one to come out. For those of you who want to look at them it is the With or Without series by J.L. Langley.

My one problem now is that I am hooked and I am having problems finding anything other than novellas and I want something full length. Anyone who has any ideas let me know please.