Fiction Monday: Whistling In the Dark by Tamara Allen

What happens when a straight, female writer puts words to paper and writes a male/male (m/m) love story? Well, if the writer is Tamara Alan, you get a great love story with all of the expected highs and lows and plot twists and turns and angst that we’ve all come to expect from straight romantic fiction.

Tamara’s 2009 release, Whistling in the Dark, is just such a book. Frankly, before I talk about her book, I have two points here, both of which I’ve made before:

• I’m not, personally, a big fan of romantic fiction
• As a lesbian, I’m not a big fan of m/m fiction

Those things said, I’m trying to give honest opinions on this site about a variety of books that will appeal to various members of the LGBT community. I’m working to expand mind and to educate myself about what is out there. So, as a result, I find myself reading more things like m/m fiction that I would not have previously. 

Here’s the published synopsis of the book:

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own.

Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan.

When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

I’ve already said this is a “great love story”. See paragraph one if you don’t believe me… Yes, I admit it; I liked this book. My only dilemma with this one is this – how to categorize it? I’m leaning toward actually calling it fiction meant for women. Ms. Allen’s deft style of prose and her avoidance of all things that would make this gay porn…which the story line really wouldn’t support anyway, make me feel as though I should put it with the titles I recommend for my lesbian readers even though it’s definitely “gay”. I don’t know…your thoughts are appreciated!