… I’m pretty sure – no, I’m certain – that I’ve discovered a new sub-genre.
I was thinking about my discovery of yesterday and I suddenly remembered other books which had story arcs featuring main characters who made the ‘transition’ from m/f in the first to m/m in the second.
For example:
From 
to 
.
to . Oh, and 
plus 
to 
.
plus to .So, the new sub-genre? Well, this relates to those first m/f stories because what can they be other than ‘beard books’??
Am I right or what.
Kris + Books = Good. *Sometimes*. 
Wow, that is a fascinating discovery!!! I had no idea.
You frighten me sometimes.
CJ: I knew people would be impressed with my genre detection skillz! It's thrilling to be know as the person who first categorised 'beard' books. *beams*
*frowns* Why Tam?? I'm afraid I don't understand where you are coming from.
I have to admit I'm completely lost …I'm obviously missing something…
Huh?
*scratches head*
What's a beard book?
*sigh*
Think about the slang meaning of a 'beard' and then think about an m/f story masking a m/m story.
Isn't a 'beard' like a spy or something or someone pretending to be someone else?
I think it must be too early in the morning :(.
Wake up!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=a%20beard
Well, you learn something new every day.
I was nearly right, it is someone pretending in a way.
I love the UD, I've lost track of how many times I've used it to look stuff up since I started blogging.
Your a funny woman. And yes, I'm just sure that it's a new sub-genre and you've discovered it. Have I made your day?
Don't feel too bad Jenre I had no clue what they were either til about a year ago. The first time someone told me that they thought Marissa was a beard for Butch (in Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood) I thought what the hell is she talking about? He's already got a beard! I'm so literal.
So would “beard books” be a sub-genre of “characters turning gay” books? I think it's a bit of authors jumping on the bandwagon, too.
Marissa is a beard for Butch. Jane was cool with V being gay or bi, and she's still just fine with him being bi. I'm one of many BDB fans who would rather not have Marissa around. Butch and V are so much more convincing as a couple.
Emelie – I would have preferred Butch and V together as well and think that Marissa would be fine if she was only hit by a bus. Hard.
Jen: Finally!
Tracy: “Have I made your day?” Yes!
Emilie: I think the 'beard book' and GFY subgenres are inevitably linked. I'm also cynical enough to believe that part of it is as you say a bandwagon thing.
Anyone reading that scene where Butch is initiated into the Brotherhood knows that Marissa is a beard.
If not for the Vutchness, I'd prefer the book to be hung, drawn and quartered, set on fire with the ashes scattered to the four corners of the earth, never to be resurrected again. Amen.
*looks up UD definition of 'beard*
*lightbulb clicks on inside head*
Ahhh. You make a good point Kris 🙂
Tracy/Emilie – I'm with you both. Butch and V should have been together. The connection was just…there *SIGH*
Hallelujah! Another person gets it. 🙂