It occurred to me while devouring loads of m/m goodiness that I had certain types of characters I found highly attractive, and even if the story was mediocre in plot, I still loved it to smithereens just because a certain character was in it. I decided to share my favorite pairings here.
1. Pushy Bottom/ Pushover Top
There is a delicate balance in this pairing, as the PB could come off as whiny and annoying if all goes horribly wrong. Thus, he must have qualities that make him irresistible, such as a wicked sense of humor, a pinch of sarcasm, AND he must be sex on two legs or at least close to it.(which does not mean he is drop-dead gorgeous) A PB has to make the reader cheer in his corner for him to get his man.
On the flip side, I like nothing better than a Pushover Top. He won't be a PT in all aspects of life and their relationship. 9/10 he'll be physically imposing, strong, capable and intelligent. Where the PT comes in is that he just can't say no to the PB, especially where the bedroom is concerned. I like it when PT plays hard to get--when Mr. Tough Guy Kick ASS hesitates in falling into bed with PB, but really can't say no to his advances. While PT fights to keep his breeches on he honestly 'wants' the same thing that PB does. (Or else he'd turn into Hulk and kiss his ass, no?) Right.
2. Even Stevens
I grew tired of the helpless smaller (pale, androgynous, slim as a reed, full pink lips, long lashed, delicate) male about two years ago. Usually he was paired up with a big bruiser that called all the shots and saved his ass six ways 'til Sunday. I understand that men come in all shapes and sizes and fear/courage levels, but come on! This ain't your grandmother's romance of 1972. I didn't like it when I read it in het romance and I don't like it now. I can get with this story on the rare (very rare) occasion, but of late I am all for the same-build/same-playing-field kind of guy.
I don't care if one is predominantly a top or bottom. I don't care if they play reversy until their eyes fall out and they injure a hip. I just like to know that each is equally capable of taking care of himself. I like the fact that they can 'play wrestle' and you don't know who will be the victor. And when one of them consents to be the bottom, well hell, that is just hot to have a big man secure enough to be the catcher.
3. Billy Badass/Billy Tamer
I like flaws. No one is perfect, so personality flaws are a-okay with me. Again, there is a delicate balance between being an asshat and being assertive. I like a guy who is kind of cocky, self-assured, maybe even selfish. (of course he evolves during the story)No way I want him to be the same way in the end. Can't have a happily ever after if BB still cares more for his reflection in the mirror than the other guy.
Now, introduce BB to BT. This guy is badass in a totally different way. If BB thought he was cool, he hasn't seen nothing yet. If BB thought he was the top to tame all tops...oh boy...he better eat his Wheaties because BT is here to shake things up.
BB might think he's alpha dog, but he's about to learn his place as omega and he is going to LIKE it. It's important that when Mr. BB gets tamed he's never broken. He can still be somewhat cocky and selfish, but he has learned that there are more important things in life than his own pleasure, like his BT's.
If you have any favorite pairing ideas not mentioned here feel free to share.
