I've been told I'm being overly critical of the mxtx books but if anything it's a sign of genuine interest and respect in her work. if I just thought the books were trash, I wouldn't bother. they're engaging because they've got great characters and interesting plots and richly complex themes and well incorporated family drama, tragedy, comedy, and social commentary. that's why I keep talking about them years after reading, and why it kills me so much when parts of them are bad. these books could be absolutely incredible! I know mxtx can write amazing characters and fascinating, complicated relationships!! I know she's talented and imaginative! but when her romantic relationships fail, it's so painful to see how different her approach to gay men is compared to the other relationships in the work. it's disappointment in something that could have been great as much as anything else