Do you think it had any influence on (or was influenced by) the popularity of m/m stories?

That might be part of it. I’m probably the worst person to ask about anything television related because I’ve watched so little of it in the past few years.

But wasn’t there a lesbian storyline on All My Children? Um… I THINK that’s the soap that Susan Lucci is on, right? Anyway, didn’t her character’s daughter come out as a lesbian? As far as I know, f/f books don’t sell well so they couldn’t have been looking in that direction for any influences. Ditto on lesbian themed TV shows– I don’t think Showtime’s “The L Word” is anywhere near as popular as “Queer as Folk” was (which I still OMG miss! I want my boys back, dammit!).

So, I don’t know. Soaps have always tried to push the envelope, so it may be nothing more than a storyline to get people talking. Although, in the case of Luke and Noah, ATWT was probably pretty sure the reaction wouldn’t be TOO negative because of shows like “Queer as Folk”, “Will and Grace”, and “Queer Eye” which led to other shows that aren’t necessarily about the characters being gay but DO have openly gay characters in the cast. And yes, maybe TPTB at ATWT are also aware how popular m/m romance books are, too.

But like I said before, maybe THIS gay romance will lead to others, which wiill eventually lead to soaps being about romance and adventure without regard to whether the couples/love triangles, etc. are the same or the opposite sex.

I remember the days when the only time a black actor was brought on was for a “Black” storyline. TV in general, DOES still have predominantly white casts, but those early “Black” storylines led to other roles for black actors that had nothing to do with the character’s race. That’s what I suspect and hope will happen with these gay storylines and gay roles eventually, too.

While you do have a point, to be fair:
1) I admired Luke for not attempting to use sex to come between Maddie (a woman Luke considered a friend) and Noah (a guy who was in denial about his sexuality).
2) Luke was injured (paralyzed – I know . – but again its standard for soaps) shortly after he and Noah declared their feelings for each other. To his credit, Noah stood by Luke and help him with physical therapy and rehab. Luke walked for the first time at Christmas. (Hokey again, but emotional and effective.)
3) Neither guy is experienced with other males.

Any comment about my other question: Do you think it had any influence on (or was influenced by) the popularity of m/m stories?

Luke and Noah are now a couple (although they have not had sex). The storyline played out over months and opinions appear to be fairly evenly split for and against it.

Huh?! WTF?! They are a couple but haven’t had sex?! For MONTHS?! These are MEN! You know… testosterone on the hoof?!

So, really that pretty much tells you my answer to whether I think the story is realistic. No, I think it’s a sanitized version for homophobic America, but maybe… just maybe… it will one day lead to the steamy scenes that soaps are infamous for giving the audience.

Luke (son of a main family) has known he is gay for a few years. Noah (a new character when he arrived in Oakdale) was attracted to Luke, but in denial about being gay. He even went so far as to get involved (sexually) with Maddie – a mutual friend of Luke’s.

Fortunately, the three were able to work out their issues and remain friends (after some angst of course, it is a soap after all). Luke and Noah are now a couple (although they have not had sex). The storyline played out over months and opinions appear to be fairly evenly split for and against it.

Just wondering if you have heard about this. Would you care to share an opinion about it – meaning do you find it realistic? stupid? exploitative? Do you think it had any influence (or was influenced by) the popularity of m/m stories?

Here’s some links re: the Luke/Noah relationship.
First kiss:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVsX9RnoHGk

discuss living together:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EXtN7_-bquA

Even the French have heard about it:
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=GMLTc-ZODr8

I just sent you an email.

In case you’re wondering how the dual review came about, it all started when Sybil offered it up for review and I couldn’t resist since, as I said above, it’s one of my favorite types of storylines. Then Teddy said he had just bought it and we thought it would be interesting to see how we each interpreted it from our very different POVs. I think Syb originally intended for us to each write our own separate reviews, but Teddy and I have a tendency to NOT do what’s expected of us and the above dual review is what eventually evolved.

I had originally written it in an effort to break into the NY publisher market, and as such tried to tame it down a bit, a mistake in retrospect, as I was writing FOR someone, rather than for myself!)

Yep, I’ve heard numerous authors use very similar words referring to at least one of their books. Consider it a lesson learned. And they all arrive at the same conclusion– Please yourself and your muse and the rest will follow.

And, btw, I really do intend to read more from you. I know I’ve read a couple of your BDSM themed stories in the past, but I’m honestly not a big BDSM fan. So can you give me a rec for what book(s) I should try?

Snarking and all, I am truly appreciative your taking the time to read my work, and to post this very funny, clever, delightful review. Keep up the good work!
Love, Claire

I haven’t yet picked up one of these Claire Thompson’s. Usually when an author is prolific in a genre (there are a LOT of her m/m books lately) I shy away. I worry that they are churning something out cuz it’s the latest fad. Hmmm…maybe time to take a closer look.

Anyway, nice duel review! I may link to this for the next installment of Man Love Monday.

In real life Teddypig is sitting there cringing in his seat listing all of the reasons he would be running away from the confused Straight boy…

Teddypig, your list reminds me of Jules Cassidy’s reasons for not getting involved with that delicious Robin in Suze Brockmann’s Troubleshooter Series! ( Of course, Robin was an also alcoholic, which added another helping of “NO thanks”.)