READERS BLOCK
Readers block. Is there such a thing? I think so, because I am experiencing it. No matter how hard I try or how far I search, the books that keep me interested are far and few between. Why? Is it me? Is it the choices I have to pick from? I have my favorites and I strive to find more books like what I know I like, but I can't seem to find many of them. (I have to say, the last books I loved were Maris Black's KAGE 1 & 2). I love m/m. I used to be an avid fan of m/f historical romances. In fact, it's all I read for years. But my horizons have been broadened since then. I know what I like now, but I can't seem to very often find what I desire in a m/m romance.
When I first began reading the m/m romance genre I couldn't get enough. It seemed like the books that hooked me and had me forever addicted to this genre were numerous and I devoured them. I would read for hours at a time. Several of my fave authors either hardly ever release books anymore or write mostly m/f now.
Also, it looks like the books I desire to read are not what is "popular" anymore. I want the angst. I want to cry because one m/c is cold and heartless (or so it seems), only to find out he is afraid to show his feelings, and has realistic reasons for feeling that way. I want my other m/c to cry about it and get angry. I want that 'harlequin' feel that seems to be lost to me. Only I want it in m/m.
I love one m/c to be smaller and a bit effeminant while the other is big, dominant, Alpha. And the top. Am I old fashioned? Not really. I just know what my kinks are.
I also love BDSM when it's done well and with intelligence. I don't want an author to write BDSM just because it's popluar but because he/she understands that world and how it makes the participants feel. I want emotions, angst, misunderstandings (again, done well and with a heavy dose of realism). Don't give me PWP with too much sex. But DO give me sex. And enough with the insta-love. Give me depth, show me how they fall in love. Don't just TELL me they do. I want their conversations, their insecurities. The tender moments only true lovers experience. Give me a love story I want to come back to. Characters that pull my heart strings and make me believe in love. I want to hate that the book is coming to an end. Curse the fact that I have to wait for a sequel. I just want that FEELING. I've missed it so badly.
So please, I welcome suggestions and recommendations. (I also LOVE sci-fi m/m romance.)