What I really hate in m/m romance stories

[Macky]

ooops spent it! ;)

[Roger]

Ha ha, well you know what they say about the next one: "It'll be in the post…"

[Goesta]

The post is in the male. No, that's not it. Czech in the mail. Whatever, promises, promises, never comes anyway.

[Macky]

In this case isn't the male in the mail!

[Gabbo]

With the Czech invasion, I don't mind a couple of hefty Czechs. Hold on, we're talking about that thing when you get money via mail every week, right?

[Roger]

It's the pale (or pail even) that makes the most (past the post).

Basically, it's authorial bribery and utter corruption, the very thing that makes m/m romance so seductive…

[Roger]

Pssst… Macky, I'll leave the next payment in a plain brown envelope at the back of the third trash bin on the car park left of Knutsford southbound services…

[Macky]

Roger wrote: "Pssst… Macky, I'll leave the next payment in a plain brown envelope at the back of the third trash bin on the car park left of Knutsford southbound services…"

* whispers* ... On my way Roger.... Get the crappy coffee and Stale doughnuts in and I'll pay you back when I've cashed my chzech. Or I'll treat you to the all day breakfast .... Up to you! By the way who do you want me to target next? Women's institute, over 60's club, Bolton knitting circle, people's friend..........*

[Jerry]

I normally love sequels especially when the story wasn't finished the first time. I have just finished the 4th or 5th in a series and I just couldn't get into it. The dynamics of the different relationships just didn't work this time. Upsetting when you have loved something so much and then it goes flat. I can see why some authors don't like to do sequels.

[[deleted user]]

Macky wrote:"...then there's our lovely Roger ( kean ) and his talented artist hubby Oliver Frey aka Zack.... Definite male written must reads... And no they're not paying me. LOL!
..."

They better not be paying you more than they are paying me!

[Macky]

Lucas wrote: "Macky wrote:"...then there's our lovely Roger ( kean ) and his talented artist hubby Oliver Frey aka Zack.... Definite male written must reads... And no they're not paying me. LOL!
..."

They bett..."

I'd be happy with a copy of Rogers new book and the ' Ray Bradbury Something wicked' painting.... But I don't think its going to happen! ;)

[justanya]

I completely agree with you Jerry and boy do I sympathize with you.
Authors that have a hard time letting go of a series frustrate me. I'd rather a series end with a bang than a whimper. When an author is running out of ideas that will keep the world they created fresh, engaging and intriguing then the proper thing to do is to release the series into the ether and save me a couple $ and bitter disappointment. Why write it in the first place?

[justanya]

Hi all~
I loved reading everyone's opinion in response to what I posted on May 12th about the lack of male authors in the m/m genre. I have come across some excellent writers of both sexes but its my humble wish that more stories written by males would be published. I'm not being sexist (ha)! But thus far in my sojourn into m/m, I find that I appreciate the stories written by men more than the stories written by women. The stories "ring true"( even when they are sappy). I've read, T.A. Webb, Eric Arvin, TJ Klune, Brandon Fox, Rick Reed, Zathyn Priest, William neale, Josh Lanyon, Jeff Erno, John Goode, John Simpson, Ethan Day, Scotty Cade, Edward Kendricks, Voinov, to name a few but female writers far outnumber male writers so selections are limited.
Now I haven't read Roger Kean's works (yet). Not because I don't want to but because I'm fearful of becoming an instant fangirl and monopolizing his time every time he graces the complaint department. Then where would Roger go to vent about me?

[[deleted user]]

Anya wrote: "Now I haven't read Roger Kean's works (yet). Not because I don't want to but because I'm fearful of becoming an instant fangirl and monopolizing his time every time he graces the complaint department. Then where would Roger go to vent about me? "

Anya! How happy I am every time read your words online. You must be careful about the rules though. I suggest you pay very close attention to them. Now with that unpleasantry over I must say I'm also glad to see that you name Complaint Department member Brandon Fox as one of your favorite male writers. My reviews of The Finder, and his five star ****** Pledged to Magic series Apprenticed to Pleasure, Conjuring the Flesh and Sex Rites show how much I worship his work along with Jim Grimsley's who also writes male love and magical adventure in the battle of good and evil in Kirith Kirin which is epic in all ways.

I want to make sure you noted, Roger Kean's words and Oliver Frey's sexy and incredible legendary art which combine in the "Boys of..." series to create classic gay male fiction as in Zack's Boys of Vice City, Boys of Disco, Cityand Boys of Two Cities.

There is no greater, sexier gay male art than that in the graphic novels of Zack (Oliver Frey) in his masterpieces Bike Boy, Bike Boy Rides Again and Hot For Boys: The Sexy Adventures Of Rogue.

But it is Roger Kean's gay male novel's Felixitations, Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome and the recent M/M Romance Group Book of the Month and Queereaders Book of the Month A Life Apart that are the stars of his magnificent universe of gay love and adventure.

You need to be less fearful of becoming a fan girl and more worried of falling behind since the sequel to A Life Apart is rumored to have been competed or perhaps that is just wishful thinking on my part.

Also, as a magnificent chef, Mr. Kean is always interested in new tastes so I'm sure he would forgive a fan girl who could expose him to some Hispanic fusion food especially if it had a taste of the West Indies and maybe even Puerto Rico.

[justanya]

Lucas wrote: "Also, as a magnificent chef, Mr. Kean is always interested in new tastes so I'm sure he would forgive a fan girl who could expose him to some Hispanic fusion food especially if it had a taste of the West Indies and maybe even Puerto Rico."

I'm a bit miffed... OK a lot miffed (*Hangs head in shame* ) I forgot the rules while hastily typing. Seriously. I'm disappointed I had no clue Mr. Kean is a fellow foodie. Now I'm thoroughly flustered and torn between : a) looking up the books you've cited or b) compiling recipes to share...hmmmmm

[Averin]

How cool! Goesta is always mentioning this place, but silly me, I thought he meant the main GR complaint page.

I hate physiological unlikeliness. Somewhere on LJ I read a post by a man explaining (as I think someone did on M/M group) that after climax a bottom is not going to beg the top to keep going, that he'd better get done and get out.

Or they are so attracted to each other the erections never end. Unless there is a blue pill or the MCs are underage, pshaw.

The "older man/younger man" or "taller/shorter" as if each character can be distinguished that way. I'm reading, I can't see them.

And I know it's not sexy: biological unlikeliness. They have a dinner of cheese-heavy pasta followed by tiramisu and espresso. No I don't want preparation details but it defies logic when after that the bangin' immediately commences.

[Goesta]

Averin wrote: "tiramisu and espresso."

Only in romantic fiction would sex not be a letdown after that. But that's why we love gripe about it, the whole pleasurable unpleasant unlikeliness of it all. Unless you skip the pasta and are having tiramisu with, or off, Ben and James Whishaw.

[Averin]

Goesta wrote: "Averin wrote: "tiramisu and espresso."

Only in romantic fiction would sex not be a letdown after that. But that's why we love gripe about it, the whole pleasurable unpleasant unlikeliness of it al..."

Cisco classes were 5 hours long, twice a week. There was another female student who would regularly bring a snack of cottage cheese topped with ranch dressing. I can't repeat the jokes my gay lab partner would make but I was forever face planting into my keyboard.

[Macky]

They have a dinner of cheese-heavy pasta followed by tiramisu and espresso. No I don't want preparation details but it defies logic when after that the bangin' immediately commences.

Hi Averin, welcome to the group of whiners and whingers. I must say that I find the above statement could be also used when they want to go swimming too. Never commence bangin' or the breaststroke on such a full stomach!... Look forward to more of your extremely insightful complaints.

[Averin]

Macky wrote: " They have a dinner of cheese-heavy pasta followed by tiramisu and espresso. No I don't want preparation details but it defies logic when after that the bangin' immediately commences.

Hi Averin,..."

Thank you.

[Ije the Devourer of Books]

Has any one complained about book covers?


I noticed a book which is about to be published and it has a photo on it which is freely available on the internet. In fact it is so free that I used it for a presentation I did in 2011. So the picture is free and somewhat old.



I feel this is rather cheap of the publishing company and I hope the author doesnt realise it. I think the publishing company should make a bit more of an effort. Normally their covers are ok but this one is a let down.

[Danni]

Ije the TweetAway Queen wrote: "Has any one complained about book covers?




I noticed a book which is about to be published and it has a photo on it which is freely available on the internet. In fact it is so free that I used..."

The fact that the picture is free wouldn't really bother me, depending on the quality of it. If it's a good picture then they might as well use it if it's available. I used to hate those hand drawn covers (Dreamspinner quite often have them) but now I absolutely love them - funny how your taste can change.

Oh, and this isn't something I hate in M/M stories, but it did make me chuckle when I read The Laird's Forbidden Lover and they actually had the good humour to describe the taste of boyjuice as 'wretched' - it made me laugh about all the other times I've read (and written!)it being described as though it is a real delectable treat you might find at a 5 star restaurant.

[Macky]

Danni wrote: "Ije the TweetAway Queen wrote: "Has any one complained about book covers?




I noticed a book which is about to be published and it has a photo on it which is freely available on the internet. I..."

Who cares about book covers when our glorious Tweetaway queen has posted three brilliant smileys. The nose picker is awesome.... I can't stop watching it! Eeeeeeew but funny.

Im off to check out the Lairds Forbidden Lover... Laters!

[Averin]

I've wondered how Z.A. Maxfield could allow the cover for Crossing Borders, in the story, one character is 19 but looks 12 on the cover. The other is almost 30 but looks 40+ on the cover. I usually ignore covers before buying. I kept hearing it was a great story, but when I went shopping I'd see that and think, uh, uh. Eventually, I read enough reviews and bought and enjoyed it.

I abhor when they reuse the exact same stock photo or only reverse the image. When my feeble mind is looking for something on my Nook or Kindle app, I truly resent that I must open and close multiple files with the same cover before I find the right book.

[Macky]

A lot of my favourite covers have been done by Reese Dante. Especially the covers done for the VASQUEZ AND JAMESseries. The one for the novella " Yes" is my absolute favourite. I also love the cover to Rogers Felixitations that face is hypnotic! Unfortunately covers do seem to count in what makes you buy a book but like Averin I've bypassed certain ones because the cover hasn't pulled me, but later given in because the reviews have been brilliant and then mentally kicked myself for nearly letting a good story pass me by.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

Some covers are simply awful, Crossing Borders being at the top of the list. I think I'd prefer a plain or artistic cover to a really bad one.

I'm reading one now, where the poor characters look like two aliens on the cover. Good thing I didn't see it when I chose the book. :D

[Trisha]

Some covers are nice, others not so much The cover for Latakia put a lot of people off reading it. Sometimes I wonder why there aren't as many "couples" on the covers of MM as in MF. I'm not talking porn or anything, but a couple being a couple on the cover is rarer in MM covers. :)

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

Funny you should mention that, Trisha, because I keep putting Latakia off probably for that very reason! I've heard it was good and keep meaning to read it, but when going through my lists, other covers just grab my attention more.

[Trisha]

JustJen wrote: "Funny you should mention that, Trisha, because I keep putting Latakia off probably for that very reason! I've heard it was good and keep meaning to read it, but when going through my lists, other ..."

You should read it. I love that book. It's PG in the sex scene department, but very good and funny! :)

Plus it's cheap! Lol. :)

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

I grabbed it way back when it was an amazon freebie. Now I just have to find the time. Too many books, too little time. :(

[Trisha]

JustJen wrote: "I grabbed it way back when it was an amazon freebie. Now I just have to find the time. Too many books, too little time. :("

I know the feeling. It would be a nice read and there will be a sequel (hopefully) when JF can come up with a story. :)

[Macky]

Its fabulous Jen. Give it a go I think you'll find that this is definitely a case of DON'T judge a book... :)

[Trisha]

I agree 100%

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

Well, I don't think I would ever not read anything based on its cover, but it might take me longer when other stuff keeps jumping ahead. Poor little ugly cover just somehow ends up getting bullied down the list. :(

[Trisha]

They do, some of them aren't that ugly but put me off the book. Just like some attractive covers do. I do my best to not look at the covers. YA is usually the exception. :)

[Ije the Devourer of Books]

It always amuses me when I spot the same model on several book covers. I hope they get paid for each 'appearance'.

I have put Latakia in my to read pile. *sigh* My ever growing to read pile.

[Macky]

Aww poor Latakia! The cover doesn't do it justice though. I confess to waiting a long time to reading it for the same reason. :(

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

It's even worse when the cover guys totally don't match the book guys. And sometimes, I think the cover guys throw me off of the book guys. In these cases, I'd rather have a plain cover that lets my imagination come up with my own picture.

[Trisha]

Yeah, there are so many books where the guys look younger/older or just completely different to the models. It's worse if an MC is blond on the cover and in the book there is no blond MC...

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

Or the guy on the cover has long hair, but a buzz cut in the story.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

Here is a complaint that would apply to any genre. I recently read a story that I was told classifies as distant third person present tense point of view. Every description was written as Michael opens the door and walks outside. He picks up the newspaper and walks back inside. He reads the paper while he sips his coffee.

Then, it would have dialog, then back to the same types of descriptions. Perhaps it is just me, but I really had trouble staying in the story when every time I read a sentence, I had to stop and figure out why it sounded so strange or whether I was reading it correctly.

Has anyone ever encountered this style? I don't remember seeing it before, but it really jumped out at me when I saw it this time.

[Trisha]

I have... Generally, I prefer first person stories. But they're not as common. What annoys me is reading a sentence or a paragraph and having to dissect it. I like to read and not have to worry about stopping.

I also read a book where an MC was described as being huge. Almost built like a tank. Neither man on the cover was what I would call "big".

[Trisha]

One of my favourite covers is crush. In paperback in looks even better.

[Danni]

Tʀɪsʜᴀ wrote: "Some covers are nice, others not so much The cover for Latakia put a lot of people off reading it. Sometimes I wonder why there aren't as many "couples" on the covers of MM as in MF. I'm not talkin..."

I would guess that's just because there's not anyway near as many photos of gay couples on stock photo sites. I even found images like 'holding hands' can be difficult to find good M/M stock photos. Yes, they do exist, but because there are fewer photos to choose from, sometimes it's difficult to find a nice one. I've even looked and thought 'eww, my characters aren't having big old hairy hands like that!' And quite often if you search for an image with the word 'gay' it comes up with something that is very obviously gay themed, like with a great big rainbow behind it, and sometimes you just want something more subtle!

Jen, I actually really like present tense, but the ones I've read are usually first person POV. I'll have to check and see if I've read any 3rd person because I can see how that might feel a bit odd.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

Maybe what I desribed isn't third person? I am absolutely horrible with picking out which person/tense, pov, etc. All I know is that it was distracting as heck and me no likey. :(

[Trisha]

Danni wrote: "Tʀɪsʜᴀ wrote: "Some covers are nice, others not so much The cover for Latakia put a lot of people off reading it. Sometimes I wonder why there aren't as many "couples" on the covers of MM as in MF...."

Crush and Ravages are in present tense.

Yeah, some photos scream porn or are very... Colorful. Not always a bad thing, but some would be a bit much... I agree.

[Trisha]

JustJen wrote: "Maybe what I desribed isn't third person? I am absolutely horrible with picking out which person/tense, pov, etc. All I know is that it was distracting as heck and me no likey. :("

It's third person.... I think, LOL. I always preferred 1st person anyway. :)

[Lori S.]

I find present tense to be a pain to read. While I have read a few books that I actually enjoyed in the end using the 1st person present tense narrative, I find I have to work harder to understand the writing, so I don't read many of those. I have yet to understand why an author would write a whole book in that mode, beyond it being a challenge to pull off properly.

William J. Mann's Jeff & Lloyd series The Men from the Boys, Where the Boys Are and Men Who Love Men are all written in first person present tense. They are very good books, but I felt like I was having to fight my way through the prose just to enjoy them. (These books are gay-lit, but the best example of the subject at hand.)

[Danni]

Yeah, it's definitely third person, although I had to look up what 'distant' third person means. I do think present tense can be tricky because it is not a 'natural' way to tell a story. It can end up sounding a bit like a list of facts, although when it works, it works.

Trish, I prefer 1st person too, but lots of people hate it - isn't it weird how different people's preferences are?

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

It did sound like facts being told at times! I think it really affected my ability to connect with the characters, as it felt like I was looking in rather than being in the story, if that makes sense.