Today I am so pleased to welcome Kris T. Bethke to Joyfully Jay. Kris has come as part of Opposites Attract Week to talk to us about the theme and her release, Pumpkin Rolls and Porn Sounds. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!

The Attraction of Opposites

For some people, the ease of similarity is exactly what they need to find a connection with other people. The same interest or personality, a matching trait or idea, brings people together and cements a bond. There’s a beauty, and comfort, in that, to be sure.

But the romantic in me truly loves the idea of two (or more!) disparate people finding a connection when they are so vastly different. While I love stories where likeminded people find each other, there’s something inherently appealing about those who have no common interests finding love. Of people who, on the surface, shouldn’t work together and yet, in spite of that, or perhaps because of it, absolutely do.

opposites attract copyIn the M/M genre, we see it all the time. A bear and a twink, geek and jock, city and country, white collar and blue collar, wealthy and poor, young and older, organized and flaky, high strung and coolly calm…on and on. The possibilities are endless. And watching the MCs overcome their differences, or working to find a compromise, because of their innate connection, is intensely satisfying.

I was all on board for Opposites Attract Week here on the blog, and gung ho about reading books that fall into that trope. I couldn’t wait to see what the others read, and to add to my TBR. Because, for me, watching love conquer all is the greatest gift. And these sorts of struggles, overcoming the things that make the MCs opposites, is exactly my cup of tea.

Yes, people finding a connection because of sameness is wonderful in its own right. But it’s when those who, on the surface, seem not to go together find that undefinable thing that keeps them together that my heart really soars.

It’s why you’ll also find it in my writing. I feel it makes for an interesting story, when characters have to work to find a way to fit into each other’s lives, and those lives are so vastly different. The internal struggle, the adjustments and allowances, the figuring out if this person is worth changing your world just so you can fit together. Compelling and oh so satisfying when it all works out. (It also makes for fun writing, trying to find all the ways two very different people actually fit together!)

Pumpkin Rolls and Porn Sounds is maybe my favorite that I’ve written with this trope in mind. Joshua, a shy bear, small business owner, and somewhat geek, meets Will, an outgoing, vibrant, style-conscious law clerk. Will has to work to show Joshua that their differences don’t matter at all, because they fit together perfectly, just as they are. I loved exploring their dichotomy, and showing just that when you find someone you connect with and opposites attract, love really can conquer all.


Blurb

pumpkin rolls and porn soundsWill Grant only attends the PFLAG meeting because his mother guilts him into it. But the instant he hears the night’s speaker, Will is glad he showed up. Joshua Rhinehardt is dynamic and engaging. Although Joshua isn’t physically Will’s type, Will can’t get the man out of his head.

Joshua may be comfortable in his own skin, but it isn’t often men like Will are attracted to him, and he’s not comfortable changing for someone else. He wants to make a life with Will, but his own insecurities keep getting in the way.

Will’s unwavering acceptance helps Joshua see that when two people connect, physical appearance just might not matter at all.


Bio

kris t bethkeKris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long.  An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head.  She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project.  Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time.  A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and naps on the weekend are one of her greatest guilty pleasures.  She lives in a converted attic with a way too fluffy cat and the voices in her head.  She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated.

Find her on her site , Facebook  or on Twitter 


Giveaway

A copy of Pumpkin Rolls and Porn Sounds is included in our big Opposites Attract Week giveaway. So stop by for a chance to win that and other great prizes!