Homo-erotica: tell me why

There's a lot I don't understand.

1. Black licorice and candy corn
2. Tom Brady's choice of hairstylist
3. What I'm supposed to be doing with my life
4. The purpose of bugs that fly, hop and/or move

Most recently added to the list: homo-erotica.

Now, before the mobs assemble for my lynching, let me explain.

For the last several months, I've had my head buried in the clouds. And by "clouds" I mean lots of really trashy and delightfully fun erotic novels.

I. Just. Can't. Stop.

And in that time I think (thought) I've been pretty open-minded. BDSM, ménage, fantasy, paranormal. Bring it.

Then came the day I stumbled across a M/M erotic novel. I was reading the excerpt. I thought it was about a man and a woman. It sounded really good. Then I realized it was about two dudes.

And I felt like I had just stepped into the men's restroom by accident. Like oops! I don't think I belong in here! And I quietly tiptoed back out.

So maybe I'm not as open-minded as I thought because I assumed those books would be read by, you know, other dudes. Gay dudes. Erotica for everyone, I say. But it quickly became apparent that I was off. These books were being read by women! STRAIGHT women!

I was caught a little off guard. I admit it. I mean, I got nothin' against the gays, but this... this threw me for a loop. I just wasn't expecting it. I shook it off. To each his own and all that.

And then! Then I read a book review on Goodreads. It was a straight book. And the woman who wrote the review stated "books like these are the reason why I only read M/M erotica anymore."

And I was all "whaaa?" And it seems that ever since then I've run into this phenomenon around every corner. So many female readers and even some of my favorite authors have shown this preference and I'm left wondering... why? 'Cause, quite frankly, I just can't wrap my brain around it. Straight women who prefer to read male on male bump and grind romantica action? Really?

So. What I need is someone to enlighten me. What is it about these books that is so appealing? And, please, don't misunderstand. I find nothing at all wrong with this. I just don't get it. It's really just a matter of curiosity. (Do I sound nervous like I'm afraid I might be offending someone? 'Cause I totally am.)