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Tag: MM Romance

Male-male romance aka gay romance

No self-respecting Kin male would come here #Excerpt Jawk #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

Jawk, Tales of the Chosen

In this scene, Luc has picked up Jawk at work and is taking him somewhere in a long, black hoversine.

All he knows is that Luc wants to have dinner before heading to the starport.

Excerpt

Jawk stayed on his side of the car as the long hoversine drove through Top Tier.

For dinner, Luc chose the Chocolate Works, a male strip club. 

Although the club catered to male clients one night a week, tonight was most definitely not the night. A line of women wrapped halfway around the block by the time the hoversine arrived.

Jawk shrank against the seat. Was this Luc's way of punishing him for being aggressive? No way any self-respecting Kin male would walk into a male strip club. No way in seven shades of Kin hell. Not even one who was bi.

"Relax, Jawk." Luc smoothed the front of his jacket. "I have a private entrance and a private box. No one will have any idea we're even here."

Jawk scrunched up his shoulders and then forced them to relax. At the sting of his own claws pricking his palms, he opened his hands and rubbed his neck.

In the private dining room, the service proved excellent, as good as anything Batchelors provided. The waiters were handsome, dressed in immaculate evening clothes, and wore white gloves. Aside from their faces and necks, not an inch of skin showed. The entire wall over the dance floor and catwalks was one-way glass. The Kin menu was full of raw meats.

"I'm surprised Kin eat here." Over the menu, he caught Luc's pleased grin.

"I called ahead and asked them to put together a dinner menu for you."

Leaning back in his seat, Jawk dropped the menu. "You called ahead?" Printed on heavy paper and bound in leather, the menu could hardly have been created in one afternoon at the whim of a wealthy patron. "When? We just met yesterday."

Luc folded the menu. "I'd had you investigated long before I extended my first invitation. I'm very careful who I let close to Wulf." He opened the menu once more. "But to be specific in my answer, I called them today."

"And if I hadn't agreed to join you?"

One side of the man's mouth lifted. He raised his head. With those solid black eyes of his, no damn telling where he looked. Luc's smile widened. After a brief pause, he gave a small shrug. "I would have gone to plan B."

"Which was?"

He tilted his head back down. "I'd have come up with something."

No doubt. Jawk toyed with the menu. "Kin males wouldn't come here," he murmured in his native Felis.

"That's true. They don't. Except to work."

"Pardon?" Jawk stiffened. Had he said that in Etymis?

Luc closed the menu and set it down. "Kin males don't come here," he responded in Felis. "Although a great many perform. Female Kin are frequent guests. Apparently a group of Kin ambassadors came here not long ago, and it turned into a boisterous affair." His Felis sounded like it came from a native speaker. Every sibilant and breathy accent was perfect. "Two of them had to be escorted out by security." He patted one finger against his lips. "But you didn't hear that from me."

"So, you speak Felis." Wilting on the inside, Jawk considered what he might have said around the man. Had he given away any hint of his true purpose for allowing Luc to seduce him?

Jawk swallowed. Luc is seductive and wily, his former master had told him. Do not trust him. And never let him see you sweat. Jawk rubbed at his neck again.

"They didn't tell me you spoke Felis."

"So..." He leaned both elbows on the table, hands folded in front of his chin. "Someone told you about me?" He switched back to speaking Etymis.

Jawk set his ears downward. "A couple of the guys at Batchelors saw me get into your car the other night." Purposely, he raised his head and met Luc's gaze, letting him see his discomfort. "Next day, they warned me you take advantage of boys like me."

One eyebrow twitched upward. "Oh, they did, did they? What did you say?"

He released one claw. "That I'm no boy."

Luc steepled his fingers. "Did they cause you any trouble?"

"No." Jawk played with the flatware next to his plate, lining it up so the ends of the utensils were in a straight line. He chewed his lower lip. "I'm a private person. I don't like others knowing about me. Besides, if my mother had any idea..."

Luc threw back his head and laughed, one hand against his chest. He stood and went to retrieve a bottle of wine from a low rack across the room. "I never broadcast information about my sex partners." He uncapped the wine and poured some into Jawk's glass. "Relax."

He tightened and released his shoulders, took a few deep breaths. He'd appeased the man enough to avoid suspicion, but he must never let his guard down again. "I never expected to come here for dinner."

The man chuckled. "I see." Luc set down the wine, studying him for a moment. "I have an idea." Making motions to stay seated, he came around behind him. "Relax. I'll massage your shoulders."

Jawk stiffened, head turned to one side, but the heat of the man's large hands against his shoulders won a small moan of pleasure. Jawk closed his eyes. The combination of pressure, deep massage, and a kneading motion along his neck and the top of his shoulders melted his resistance. "You're good at this."

When Luc leaned down close to one of Jawk's ears, the warmth of the man's breath made it twitch. "I'm good at a lot of things."

[bctt tweet="No self-respecting Kin male would come here #Excerpt Jawk #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks https://books2read.com/jawk-chosen" username="KayelleAllen"]

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Then claim Alitus and Jawk to enjoy the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books occupy the same universe as the Antonello Brothers, and Antonello Brothers: Immortal books.
Click the cover for a universal buy link. Click the title for the book page on this website.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.



JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


So hard to fight his inner predator #Excerpt Jawk by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

So hard to fight his inner preditor #Excerpt Jawk by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

Setting up the Scene

Luc has invited Jawk to come with him on trial run of a new luxury star-yacht, but Jawk refused because he had to work. When Luc tells Jawk's boss he'd like to take him on the cruise, the man gives Jawk permission to go.

But Jawk is not happy about others telling him what to do... or when to do it.

In this scene, Jawk is in Luc's hoversine on the way to the starport.

Jawk bit the inside of his cheeks, fighting his inner predator's hot-blooded demand for a piece of Luc Saint-Cyr's oh-so-cocky ass. His human father's voice rang through his head like a siren. You're not an animal, Jawk. You're a Kin. One of a civilized, honorable race.

That did not mean Jawk had never tasted human blood. He licked his lips, imagining the fierce, hot rush of it in his mouth, the scent of the man's throat beneath his fangs. The intense warmth of this man, coupled with the glimpse of his erotic taste, drove into Jawk's gut.

The man's solid black gaze refused to look away. No prey held the eyes of a predator--not one this close or for this long--unless they were stupid, drunk, or enthralled. Luc was incapable of the first, and not one whiff of alcohol clung to him.

The feral, victorious joy of a hunter rose up in Jawk.

This man took his breath.

Jawk growled, and a spark of fear scented the hoversine's oversized cabin, then faded, tamped down by the emergence of a different kind of heat. Before Luc could flinch, Jawk launched himself forward, pinned Luc against the seat and sank his claws into the butter-soft leather.

The man gasped.

Jawk gripped his throat with naked fangs, mouth open wide. He gave one stroke of his tongue, and the taste of lust flooded his mouth. Pure, raw, unshielded, savage.

The hard length and heat of Luc's body fit against his, its nearness raising steam between them. The heady scent of romtzeet filled the air. Humans called it testosterone; Kin males reeked of it.

Luc oozed it like the finest cologne.

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Then claim Alitus and Jawk to enjoy the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books occupy the same universe as the Antonello Brothers, and Antonello Brothers: Immortal books.
Click the cover for a universal buy link. Click the title for the book page on this website.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.



JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

The truth risked not only his quarry’s life, but his own as well #Excerpt Alitus #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

The truth risked not only his quarry's life, but also his own #Excerpt Alitus #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

 

In this scene from Alitus, Tales of the Chosen, the spymaster Alitus investigates the lover of one of the most powerful men in the empire.

Failure is not an option.

Spymaster Alitus Vivaldi paused beside his new assistant's desk and tapped a finger on it.

The man jumped to his feet. "Yes, sir?"

"I didn't mean to startle you, Jarod." The man had been with Alitus less than a week, but he'd already proven himself invaluable. "I'll be working on a Class Four project the rest of the day. Keep interruptions to a minimum."

"Yes, sir. I'll ensure you're not disturbed, Minister Vivaldi."

Inside his private office, Alitus set the standard safeguards, and added a few layers of additional protection. The glowing logo for the Conqueror's Division of Imperial Intelligence faded as Alitus pulled up a bank of images from the idBot interface. He flicked his fingers to cast images onto the walls around the room.

"Begin capture. Target: Wulf Gabriel. Parameters: record my questions as well as any and all information available in database for target." Pointing toward the top right of one wall, Alitus moved his finger diagonally to the bottom left to bring up another bank of pictures. "Play series." His current quarry was walking toward the Renyoj Building in the Di Consueto District. "Stop playback."

The truth risked not only his quarry's life, but also his own #Excerpt Alitus #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooksAlitus tapped a finger on one picture to create a still, and zoomed in for a better view. Mid-stride, Wulf had reached the entrance. He wore a charcoal gray suit, dark hair tousled from the breeze. A former supermodel, Wulf's chiseled features and strong jaw set him apart in any crowd.

How could anyone fail to recognize him? Wulf was beautiful. All he had to do is walk into the room and everything stopped.

The lover of wealthy tycoon Luc Saint-Cyr, few things Wulf did were off the public record. The man still had fans from his modeling career five years ago, but these days, fans followed him because he managed famous rock bands for Lucsondis Entertainment, Saint-Cyr's business.

That wasn't what had warranted the attention of the spymaster. Wulf was no traitor to the crown, and he'd committed no crimes.

Wulf was suspected of having an affair.

Luc Saint-Cyr wanted to be sure, and since he was a friend of the Conqueror, she had tasked Alitus with finding out who was to blame. Saint-Cyr might have no qualms about engaging in an affair himself, and was well-known for his licentious behavior, but his partner had no such freedom. Saint-Cyr and the Conqueror were allies in every sense of the word. Were even lovers when it suited them.

Alitus would refuse no request she made. Nor could he refuse Saint-Cyr. One drew the Harbinger's ire at one's peril.

The man owned a large percentage of legitimate businesses on Tarth, Kelthia, and a smattering on other planets. He had once headed the Kelthian Thieves' Guild. No one had yet proven he led the largest crime syndicate in the empire, but the assumption was there, despite official denials. There was no public discussion of Saint-Cyr anywhere except entertainment news, where it seemed to be encouraged. On Kelthia, they said his name only if they couldn't avoid it. Otherwise he was the Harbinger, or the Man, or simply Him.

One could hear the capital letters.

Proving Wulf was having an affair would be dangerous. It could cost Wulf everything, up to and including his life.

Especially if they discovered the affair was with Alitus.

Please take a look at the other authors in this blog hop, listed below.

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Then pre-order Alitus and Jawk to claim the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books are in the same universe as the Antonello Brothers, and Antonello Brothers: Immortal books.
Click the cover for a universal buy link. Click the title for the book page on this website.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Read a #SciFi #MMRomance Braevan (Mates of the Mylos Book 1) by Leona Windwalker @ShroudedDancer

Read a #SciFi #MMRomance Braevan (Mates of the Mylos Book 1) by Leona Windwalker @ShroudedDancer

Braevan (Mates of the Mylos Book 1) by Leona Windwalker

Chitose

When our parents died, I thought for sure my university days were over. I had a younger brother to look after, and he needed me. I couldn't turn him over to someone else just so I could work more hours in order to attend classes at least part-time. The Mylos scholarship program's expansion to include gay males sounded just the ticket! I currently didn't have a boyfriend, so there was no one to object to them checking if I was a one in a gazillion chance match to one of their warriors. The scholarship money would pay for my schooling, housing, and provide a stipend for food and other expenses for us both. It was too good to pass up. It was the solution to most of our current problems, I was sure of it.

Braevan

When the Bride Treaty's program was expanded to include males such myself, my hearts and mind became filled with hope. Was my mate one of the males below, thirsting for knowledge and open to finding their forever love? Matches were rare, and I knew that the odds of it happening were only one out of so many billions. One chance in however large a number was still one, though, not zero, and so every single day, I gaze out the windows as I walk down the corridors to my duty station. Please, let him be there. I am ready, my arms and hearts open.

Where to read Braevan

This book is available on Amazon April 29, 2021. Preorder now.

[bctt tweet="Read a #SciFi #MMRomance Braevan (Mates of the Mylos Book 1) by Leona Windwalker @ShroudedDancer https://storyoriginapp.com/swaps/f151a186-7c76-11eb-ad28-cf13884bfe47" username="KayelleAllen"]


Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Read the Reijorling in the Sinister Delites series by Leona Windwalker @ShroudedDancer #MMRomance #OmegaVerse

Read the Reijorling in the Sinister Delites series by Leona Windwalker @ShroudedDancer #MMromance #Omegaverse

The Reijorling by Leona Windwalker

I've lived my entire life on Kleptha IV, on my family's elmgern ranch.

With my davatir away serving the Empire, I will have no one to preside over my Year of Seeking.

When the raids begin, it becomes obvious that war is on the horizon. My only parent is recalled to active duty, to fly one of the great warships of the Kordolian Empire.

I'm twenty-three and like my age-peers, the next year should have been filled with chaperoned parties, short-term internships, and social introductions, called the Year of Seeking. At the end, my twenty-fourth natal day party would have seen two announcements.

One, which of the internships piqued my interest enough for me to pursue it as my specialty.

The second, a betrothal to a social and, hopefully, romantic match.

The Reijorling is a sci fi m/m omegaverse tale based on the classic tale, A Little Princess. Grim and Sinister Delights is a dark romance series based on classic fairy tales and stories.

You will find standalone tales of gay romance that range in darkness and kinks. If you dare to take the challenge, read them all to find yourself lost in a classic that you think you know. These stories are for adult readers and may contain morally ambiguous themes.

[bctt tweet="Read the Reijorling in the Sinister Delites series by Leona Windwalker @ShroudedDancer #MMRomance #OmegaVerse https://storyoriginapp.com/swaps/84f0e186-55a8-11eb-84f0-7f60304fdcb0" username="KayelleAllen"]

He should eat. But he headed for the bar #Excerpt Surrender Love by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #GayRomance #MFRWhooks

He should eat. But he headed for the bar #Excerpt Surrender Love by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #GayRomance #MFRWhooks

Surrender Love
Antonello Brothers: Immortal

Reprint - previously published under the same title (as erotic)
Genre: Scifi Romance, Gay Romance

Length: Full novel (130k words)
Heat level: Mainstream, sweetly sensual (PG13)

A little feral, a little innocent, all male, Izzorah Ceeow flees a world that denies him basic rights. Forced into a human society blind to his needs, the young Kin male lives for his music. When a freak accident throws him into the care of Luc Saint-Cyr, the most powerful human in the empire, the attention Izzorah receives is beyond anything he'd ever dreamed. But is the attraction he feels toward his rescuer gratitude, lust, or a deeper, abiding call to yield all that he is?

The prestige of Luc's power, wealth, and influence direct an empire scattered across the stars. His word shapes the foundations of business and his financial prowess is of mythic proportions. Yet beneath the myths beats the heart of a man who craves what he has never given and is certain he will always be denied -- steadfast, faithful love.

This will take more than love. It needs full out surrender...

(This heavily edited second edition includes many new scenes and over 7k additional words).

Excerpt from Surrender Love

In this scene from the beginning of the book, Luc is arriving home from work, where "friends" have spent the day telling him how sorry they are he recently broke up with his lover. Aggravated beyond words, he runs into McDoth, his android major-domo, a stickler for rules who's been appointed watchdog by Luc's king, who is worried about him.
---

Outside the entrance to his home, Luc stopped, fingertips against his brow. He lifted his head, straightened his shoulders, and opened the door. The scent of polished wood and fresh flowers greeted him. A hint of baking bread beckoned and his stomach growled in answer. He should eat.

Instead, he headed straight for the bar.

As usual, McDoth lay in wait. The attentive butler / major-domo was as predictable as his immaculate tuxedo uniform. With his graying hair and wrinkles, most people mistook him for human. A kindly, aging grandfather who still worked for a living. Like his driver, James, the android was firepower mixed with grit. More tyrannical than a nagging wife and more tenacious than a steel weed. No matter how far Luc went, McDoth would follow, protecting him, serving him, while refusing to let him forget a single detail, rule, or obligation.

Were it his choice, Luc would fire McDoth tonight. In truth, the android deserved a medal. His tolerance and patience knew no bounds. Their relationship had lasted centuries and would for a thousand centuries more.

If their king had his way, Luc would never be rid of the human-shaped ball and chain. Which was the point of a referee. They kept you honest. At least...as much as they could.

"Welcome home, sir." The refined accent programmed into McDoth for this lifetime fit the look of a staid butler.

"McDoth."

The android dropped a few ice cubes into a tumbler and set it on the bar. "For your whiskey, sir. Do try to limit yourself to one this evening."

And there it was. The daily lecture. You drink too much. You eat too little. You work too late. You never stay home.

Luc reached past him and picked up a fresh bottle of his best whiskey, a Kelthian brand from a distillery he'd bought a few years prior.

"Allow me to take your overcoat." The butler reached for it.

He turned to give his servant access, changing the bottle from one hand to the other as he slipped off the garment.

"It's quite late, sir. You must be tired." McDoth folded the coat over his arm. "How was your day?"

"Same as yesterday. Busy, but I accomplished nothing." He darted toward the stairs.

"Sir?"

He halted, gripping the banister so hard he expected to see marks when he let go. The promise of solitude in his chambers above beckoned, but there would be no ignoring the interrogation. He checked an impatient sigh and turned back. "What?"

McDoth came to even sharper attention, his habitual passivity giving way to concern. "It is good to have you home, sir. We see little of you. Shall I bring you dinner? No records show you ate today, unless the earlier visit to your club included dining on someone else's account."

"I'm capable of asking for food if I'm hungry and I don't need a reminder you keep electronic tabs on me. I have no illusions about being your true employer. I'm not hungry. I'm fine. Stop fussing over me."

"As you wish, sir." The butler brought him the tumbler. "Remember, just one."

Luc lifted the bottle of whiskey and wagged it right in the android's face. "I will."

Surrender Love is due to release the last week of February 2021

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The Antonello Brothers Series

These books are in the same universe as Surrender Love, and feature Luc Saint-Cyr.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Pick up some steamy LGBT romance books. At least 1 romantic lead is an LGBTQ+ person #gayromance #LGBT #MM #books

If you enjoy reading multiple romance subgenres and appreciate LGBTQ+ characters, this collection will make your day. Anything that falls under the Queer umbrella goes. All romance genres, including short stories, novellas, and collections.

At least one romantic lead is an LGBTQ+ character in every book.

Stories include:
science fiction
fantasy
menage
erotic
transgender
modern western
contemporary
and more.

Join us! https://storyoriginapp.com/to/BOjpwCW

Pick up some steamy LGBT romance books. At least 1 romantic lead is an LGBTQ+ person #gayromance #LGBT #MM #books


 

Halloween 2006: birth of a monster that rocked the writing world #MFRWauthor #MFRWhooks

Halloween 2006: birth of a monster that rocked the writing world #MFRWauthor #MFRWhooksTo be honest, I didn’t know I was birthing a monster. I thought it was only a small, innocent creature that would help writers. I had no idea it would end up changing lives, including my own.

The monster was MFRW. Marketing for Romance Writers — a peer-mentoring group open to the entire literary community has opened doors for writers, trained writers in how to handle promotion, introduced friends who would never have met any other way, and paved the way for writers to network all around the world.

I founded the group on Halloween because that year, there were no kids on my block at all and no one was ringing the doorbell. I was bored and going through my email (again) late at night.

When I saw the same marketing question from three different friends, I thought — what if I made a Yahoo group where all of us could ask a question and then whoever knew the answer could post a response? Would anyone be interested in that? I quickly set up the group, named it Marketing for Romance Writers and emailed a dozen friends.

By the end of the year, there were 100 members. Membership climbed as friends recommended the group to friends. We opened the doors to anyone in the literary community, including publishers, personal assistants, and promo companies.

The biggest thing we required was no promo. None. At. All.

Members love that. It’s the thing I’m most often thanked for when members email me. No promo to wade through. Just business-oriented questions, advice, and opportunities. If one person wants to promote a book — they ask for blog spots with other authors, and offer their own in return. If someone wants to hold a blog hop, they can announce it on the group.

MFRW Growth

Today MFRW boasts over 2400 members, and over 7000 members make up our Facebook group. We have a multiple-award-winning magazine. We have over 400 followers on Goodreads and feature our members books in the MFRW Book Place group. On Pinterest, over 1500 people follow us, we have 55 genre related boards, and almost 1000 pins. Want your book cover pinned on our site? Even if you don’t have a Pinterest account, you can take advantage of our presence there. Join our Yahoo group today and you’ll get information. Services and membership are free.

Come share your tweets on MFRW’s monthly Retweet Day. The hashtags #MFRWorg #MFRWauthor and #MFRWhooks help you promote everywhere.

If you have questions about marketing your books, join us. The MFRW motto is “seek, teach, share, learn, succeed.” Services and membership are free.

MFRW Volunteer Staff

Alice Orr, Barbara Donlon Bradley, Carmen Stefanescu, Emerald, Jessica Cale, Kayelle Allen, Libby McKinmer, Lisa Lowe, Lyncee Shillard, Michelle Davis, Mona Karel, Nicole Morgan, Paloma Beck, Reet Singh, Rochelle Weber, Tina Gayle

 

Bisexual Character: Why Write One? @barbcaffrey #amediting #author

Or, Why Elaine is a Bisexual Character in Changing Faces by Guest Author Barb Caffrey

When Kayelle Allen and I talked about a guest blog in support of my new LGBT-friendly novel, Changing Faces, I wasn’t sure at first what to write. Then it hit me: Most people I’ve talked to, when they hear about my heroine, Elaine Foster, ask me, “Why must Elaine be bisexual when she’s already gender-fluid at the start of your book?”

There’s actually a good reason for that.

Bisexual Character – for a reason

You see, my premise in Changing Faces is that people should learn to see souls. Not bodies. And that a transgender couple—in this case, one created by angels, ’cause it’s a fantasy—is most likely to learn to do this first. Because who they are on the inside doesn’t necessarily match who they are on the outside.

“But, Barb,” yoBisexual Character: Why Write One? @barbcaffrey #amediting #authoru protest. “You were going to talk about bisexuality. Why aren’t you?”

I’m getting to that. (Honest.)

It seemed to me when I first started writing Changing Faces, that Elaine had to be bisexual. She already could see souls, to a degree. She already knew how to measure the worth of a person beyond his or her face, and had dated both men and women.

That, in a nutshell, is what a bisexual person is.

Now, as to why she still couldn’t accept herself as gender-fluid easily? Well, as a society, we’re only beginning to learn about people who don’t always feel male or female. Sometimes they feel one way, sometimes another, maybe a third time they have a mix of both traits. Gender preference is not the same thing as sexuality; not by a mile.

So, Elaine has dated women and men. She sees the worth of a person and is not automatically attracted only to one sex. In a way, Elaine isn’t attracted by anyone, sexually. She’s only attracted mentally and emotionally, and then, much later, sex comes into the picture. But that’s not that strange, considering she’s a scholarly sort. She can see into a person, and evaluate who that person is, in a way most people don’t. She doesn’t even think to do this because how she views people is part of who she is.

Ultimately, love is love. Who you love is far more important than what gender your love happens to be. Seeing a person’s soul, seeing a person’s heart, seeing a person’s worth, is far more important than whether that person is straight, gay, bisexual, or Martian.

Elaine knows that.

That’s why I wrote Elaine in this particular way. As a bisexual character, she already had all these traits. So, why did I use a bisexual character? I realized that was who Elaine was. I codified the traits she already had, before I realized I could use a label most people would understand: the word “bisexual.”

In other words, the story demanded that Elaine be bisexual. So she is.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3CQKWJ


Barb Caffrey is a writer, editor, and musician who holds two degrees in Music. She has a particular fondness for the clarinet, lived in Nebraska for the better part of three years, and appreciated the ability to combine both her loves with the writing of Changing Faces.

Her other books are An Elfy on the Loose and A Little Elfy in Big Trouble (otherwise known as the Elfy duology), while her short stories have appeared in a number of places (most recently in Realms of Darkover). She’s also the co-writer of the Joey Maverick series of stories (with late husband Michael B. Caffrey), so the next story you might see from her could be military science fiction—or better yet, military science fiction with romance. She lives in Wisconsin.
Where to find Barb Caffrey

Website/Blog https://elfyverse.wordpress.com/

(Note from Kayelle: Barb has been my editor for three books now and if she’s willing, many more. FYI – she would probably object to the adverb “many” in the previous sentence. Just saying.)