Hi Everyone! So we are going to start a new monthly feature on our blog where we will discuss just about anything…topics that interest us that we want to share with you. It may be book related but doesn’t always have to be. If there is something you are interested to hear our opinion about, feel free to leave a comment below. We love to hear from readers! Please keep it positive – thank you!
To kick-off our new monthly series Shh…Moms Talking, I am opening up with Gay Romance; specifically books centered around the love two men share for each other.
I started my reading journey when a m/f book I was reading featured a gay brother of the heroine. I found myself drawn to this character and decided to read his story.
Since that time, I have continued to read in the genre and have truly fell in love with many of the stories. Some of these books sit a top my favorites list; not favorite gay romance just my favorite list ever. You see for me, these stories simply exemplify that love is love; I have often said in a world full of hate why do people care who you love? I fall in love with the story, the characters and their journey.
As I said, many of these stories will sit in my heart forever; a few of these books have become books that I scream from the rooftops that you must read this! Over the past year or so, I have convinced many readers and fellow bloggers to try this genre; so many are taken aback when they fall in love with this genre too. Watching new readers to this genre fall in love with it to me truly shows the power of grassroots! I happily accept the comment when someone tells me I have corrupted them and they now too love gay romance stories.
If you follow my reviews, you know I tend to read steamy but please note I want a story with the sex and this holds true for m/f, m/m and menage reads. Gay romance, at least the stories I love, contain beautiful stories, ones that as I said have often touched my very soul.
For many, this may be seen like a strange concept, to read about two men; but just because you read about a vampire or werewolf or even a Dom doesn’t mean you want that in your real life; it simply means you are able to get lost in a great story; pulled into a great love and in the end may be sit in awe of the talent of an amazing author who created a world that pulled you in.
Is gay romance for everyone? No. Do I think more readers could enjoy it? Yes! So take a chance on one, heck nothing ventured nothing gained. If at the end of the day, you are still uncomfortable telling people what you are reading just say “it’s a romance novel” and then keep reading, keep getting lost in the magic inside your kindle.
Books that are a great place to start if you are open to trying a male / male romance include the following:
Texas Pride by Kindle Alexander
Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon
Ethan by Nicole Edwards (despite being part of series written to be and easily read stand alone)
Let Love Live by Melissa Collins
Christi Snow
I adore this post. Beautifully stated. And while I have read most of those authors, I have only read one book off your list…off to one-click and add more to my TBR. smiles…
Trisha
I’ve been reading m/m romances since I was 15 and to be honest, it was the only thing I read for well over a year. I’m so happy I found those books and I really wish more people would give them a chance at least. It is amazing to see how many people have started reading since I have, and how many people, like me, mostly/only read them. 🙂
Corissa
I LOVE m/m books. I tend to lean more towards the steamy ones, but the sweet ones are also great. Kindle Alexander is my favorite m/m author (I’ve read every book of hers!), and the m/m stories by Ella Frank (Try; Take) are also very, VERY good. It’s not for everyone, but I think if you have an open mind, you’ll be pleasantly surprised 🙂
Andrea Roberts
Personally I dont mind reading gay romance I’ve read a few and menage I probably wouldn’t have read many of the books I have (685)since Christmas 2013 I know I wouldn’t have gone out and bought them but kindle has opened up a whole new world to me my favourites are in the historical erotica genre I loved brother’s in arms and the pleasure of sommerville park
jill w
Great article! You’ve given me a few new authors to try. Thanks for recommending books. I’ve been reading M/M for two years and love the stories.
Shea Swain
I was introduced to the m/m relationship with J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood’s ‘Lover at Last’. I really enjoyed the story line and Blay’s and Qhuinn’s story. I love a great love story regardless of the key players or characters lifestyles. Love is love and I enjoy reading about how it was reached. Will definitely check out your list. Happy reading.
Mary Doherty
I also love m/m romance! My number one favorite book of all time is “Always” by Kindle Alexander! To read a romance that spands over a 30 year period was just heart touching. I cried so many times through this book, but nothing like at the end. Lord, I couldn’t stop the tears! Lol. They were soulmates for sure. Everyone should read this book!
Victoria
I was honestly very surprised at how much I have come to love gay romance novels. I dove right in when I heard of Kindle Alexander and man oh man I have been totally and completely hooked ever since!! I agree with you wholeheartedly that reading these stories have only solidified my belief that love is love no matter who the people involved are… Great post!!
Robin the Book Nerd
I totally agree with you! I think more people need to try out M/M romances. It is about the love between the characters not whether they are m/m or f/f or what have you.
Kele Moon
So honored to be on this list. . . What great company!!!
😀
Kele
Dawn Gil
My first m/m was Ethan in January and I just reread it. I fell into it by accident as I was reading the Alluring Indulgent series which has m/m connections throughout. Then I sought out more and haven’t stopped since. I love the genre. The love between two men is beautiful. I’ve read almost all the books you listed except one. Always looking for more good ones.
Lisa
I have all but 2 on your list above and will have to agree with you! I loved them! I’m going to seek those 2 out and one click. Great stories sexy stories 🙂
Amy
I’ve only started reading M/M within the last year and I’m completely hooked on them. Kindle writes fabulous M/M stories…Mitch and Cody; Jace and Colton….I could go on! I completely adore Ty & Zane of Abi Roux’s Cut & Run Series as well. Anyway….like you said….love is love.
Lisa Jo
Bravo girl! Except “Try & the sequel Take” by Ella Frank aren’t on your list! 😉
Kathleen Charles
Wonderful article!
I’ve been reading MM (male/male) romance almost exclusively since 2010. It is said that once you go MM, you never go back. Mostly it’s true. My first experience with a gay romance was a menage that Sophie Oak wrote, the second in her Texas Sirens series. I was so blown away at my reaction, I needed to read more…and off I went. Love love love MM romance. If one man is wonderful, two are glorious. I must also add that I garnered a new appreciation for the unique challenges faced by our LGBTQ community, especially teens. I am an outspoken advocate for equality now.
A nice starter list, but I noticed that you did not include some of our genre’s top writers in your list of recommendations. Authors like Josh Lanyon, Jordan Castillo Price, Ginn Hale, Sean Kennedy, Lou Harper, Heidi Cullinan, Rhys Ford, Tamara Lane, Adrienne Wilder, Benjamin Alire Saenz, JL Merrow, Alexis Land, Eli Easton…and about 20 more excellent writers. I hope the readers of your article will considers their stories, too.
Denise
So many great books.. so little time. They are many other m/m authors we enjoy such as River Jaymes, Riley Hart and Ann Lister!!!
Peg For
Another great MM series is, The Rock Gods by Ann Lister, titles: Fall For Me, Take What You Want, and Make you Mine. Very well written and great HEA, but Emotional stories.
Denise
We LOVE Ann Lister’s The Rock Gods series!! #cantwaitforWheland
Ann Lister
Thank you so much, Denise and Peg for mentioning my Rock Gods series! It is wonderful to be considered among such a great bunch of authors!! 🙂
Melanie Simmons (@mlsimmons)
I’ve read quite a few m/m books. I agree with the statement that love is love. I’m looking for a good story, I don’t care whether about sex the pairing is or if it is more than a pairing.
I can’t remember what my first one was. One of the early ones was Kele Moon’s Eden books. One author that got many of my friends hook was Abigail Roux and her Cut & Run series. I’ve been wanting to try the Ella Frank books that Lisa Jo mentions.
jamie
I LOVE M/M!!! The only thing better than two gorgeous alfa males and steamy scenes is a beautifully written love story! I agree “Try” & “Take” by Elle Frank contain both of the above! !!
Nikki
“Try” was my first full m/m book and fell in love.
Sharon Thomas
I read 75% MM and 25% MF. Always by Kindle Alexander is one of the most beautiful love stories ever. We can only dream of having such an everlasting love. I try to get all my reader friends to try it.
Nelema
I’m not embarrassed to say I’ve never read the books on your list which is surprising given how many m/m romances I have on my kindle.
But I agree with you. A lot of the time I actually prefer reading them because it is something different to what I am personally used to being a woman. It just makes me feel good to read a m/m story I think because I like men.
A problem I have though is that at times the stories can lack some tension between the characters. I would like to see more dynamics in the relationships I read about that challenge the characters more. So I agree with you, it all comes down to the story at the end of the day.
Great post! I’m a new follower!
N x
Feifei
Great post!! I’ve only read 1 M/M book. I do think I would enjoy other stories but I have yet to find the motivation to pick up another. It’s not that I dislike the genre, I just like M/F more 😉
Felice Stevens
These love stories are so powerful because the main characters often have to overcome so many conflicts: family acceptance, friends, coming out as well as bullying and outright harassment and rejection. To watch the struggle and have a beautiful love story makes for unforgettable reading.
Deborah Patterson
MM is one of my favorites within the romance/erotica genre…and I have found authors I never knew about and love reading their work…Alexa Land, Ella Frank, A.E. Via and Kindle Alexander and many more.
Nikki
Oh my goodness this was such a great idea. I for one was in no way, no how interested in the m/m genre. I love romance but just never thought it would be something that would interest me. I have to admit to having personal feelings that held me back. But after reading Nicole Edwards “Temptations” and read Luke and Cole’s story (the woman in this story seemed secondary to me) I put all prejudices aside and fell in love with ALL love.
Keeping it real. It is not just the love story I fell in love with. M/M sex scenes are hot, hot, hot! I will probably always choose M/F books first because since I am usually reading multiple books at a time an M/M is always on my ‘Currently Reading’ list.
Elizabeth Gray
I have been reading m/m for little over a year now,and love it. I have a few of the books listed, or at least the authors. One of my favorite books is My Heartache Cowboy by ZA Maxfield, there is just something about it. One of my absolute favorite authors is Tara Lain, my favorite book being F.A.S.T. Balls.
I am glad that the stigma about reading this type of romance is changing to be accepted by more readers.
melissa mcentyre
Like your start–a good thing to talk about–m/m books are good reads–give one on the list a try– my favs are Texas Pride & Ethan–both well written stories
Misha Horne
When it comes to romance & erotica, M/M is all I read these days. And I’m another one that prefers them steamy. 😉 It’s just insanely hot and the dynamics between two guys feel refreshingly new and different after a lifetime of reading M/F.
I’d add J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry to the rec list!
Cristal Hummingbird
You must read Glitterland by Alexis Hall. He’s an English author and his book is fantastic!
Barbara Elora
Reading werewolves fanfics led me to the M/M shifters romance novels. It’s still my fave genre everyday but there are so much more contemporary romances that I ended up reading mostly them! My Goodreads 2014 readings shelf is 99% M/M these days. I love that in this genre the stories I find are sweeter, the connections stronger and has less silly misunderstoods and irrational drama than in the M/F romance novels I used to read…
Amy Casey
This is a great article!!! I love this genre, the stories and the sexiness is awesome! I do love these authors and their interaction with the fans!!!!
Judy Richmond
Well, it’s good to hear people embracing their reactions in an honest way. Personally, I love romance. I don’t care what shape it comes in, LGBTQ, MF, MM, MENAGE I love em all.
For me, one of the most powerful things about love is that it completely takes all rules out of the equation. The most moving stories are when characters overcome the unbelievable and fall head first into a love that completely blows their minds. The taboo, the impossible loves, with characters who really have to work to find the person or people who complete them make me swoon. And I think that’s the allure of MM for me. Often they are overcoming the impossibilities, they have run from their true feelings for long enough, tried to fit themselves into the view the world places on us. I applaud authors who build stories that show these characters deserve the same love and respect as everybody else. Minority be damned. And let’s face it, man on man sex is damn hot.
I’ve read many of the listed authors, and urge you to share more reviews on these genres.
Pam Johnson
Thanks for the list. Like the replies above, I’m a huge fan of the mm genre. My all time favorites are Ella Frank’s Try and Take. And if you haven’t read Ann Lister’s Rock Gods series, they are must reads. Another for the list is River Jaymes’ The Boyfriend Chronicles. Her 2d of the series, the Boyfriend Mandate, was a best seller in the new releases. I like that most of the books in this genre isn’t filled with page after page of ‘eye rolling’ angst that seems to be so popular in much of the f/m genre. I’m an avid reader and I’m always in search of a well written story with a great story line and great chemistry between the characters.
momsread
Thank you for the message
It’s always great to meet another lover of the genre
We too adore Ann Lister, we were honored to have just revealed the cover for Looking at Forever, Wheland story! And keep your eyes out as our review post will have an exclusive bonus scene.
We also have a bonus scene from Alex’s story https://shhmomsreading.com/review-and-bonus-scene-take-what-you-want-the-rock-gods-2-by-ann-lister/
We also loved the Boyfriend series from Ms Jaymes, you will find we have a bonus scene for Dylan and Alec on our site ( it is truly epic).
https://shhmomsreading.com/review-bonus-scene-and-giveaway-the-backup-boyfriend-the-boyfriend-chronicles-1-by-river-jaymes/
Thank you again, so glad you enjoyed the post Denise