I Do - Anthology: In Support of Marriage Equality
Publisher: MLR Press
Genre: Erotic GLBT Anthology
Review Copy Received from Author
*Note-The I Do Anthology was featured in a Tuesday Teasers post. Click here to read excerpts from the book.
Jaime's Review:
The Lindorm's Twin by Tracey Pennington
Summary: A story of true beauty and true love, this tale of Princes fair and foul is a good reminder that remaining true to our hearts will get us a good way toward a fulfilling and happy life, even if the road isn't always smooth and easy.
Review: This was not the way I thought to start this anthology. But I liked it. A nice combination of traditional fairy tale, and modern love. Even through the distance of a fairytale narrator, the characters are easy to like and root for. This was a nice, light entry into the book, and its unexpected flare hints at a lot more unique stories to come.
Desire and Disguise by Alex Beecroft
Summary: One man's struggle to come to grips with his inner feelings takes us on a journey through self loathing to acceptance. No one's life is ideal, and in this story, the main character has to decide how much he's willing to risk for physical fulfillment, and his strugglr to admit, even to himself, what he really wants is made real on the pages of Beecroft's story.
Review: Beecroft certainly grabs the reader's attention in the opening scene of this story. The main character doesn't immediately fit into the niche of loveable and sympathetic, on the other hand, he does make some major strides in that direction over the short course of this story about a world that isn't prefect and men who don't know everything. Watching him blunder through the tale and come out the other side a better man makes this a very gratifying read. The strong, assertive tone of the story adds just the right punch to the theme.
The Wandering Heart by Charlie Cochrain
Summary: A truly good actor can be a leading man on film, even when he really wants to bag the rival, and not the girl in real life. This story is about deciding to be happy with what you have and making the most of it.
Review: Charming. Just like the time period it's set in, this story comes off as a charming tale of love and desire set into a world where such things just aren't spoken of. If it's a little bit predictable, that can be forgiven because the final scene is just about as sweet a love scene as I've ever read. Makes you want to rethink those Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire movies a bit.
Outed by Clare London
Summary: In this tale, one man's decision to come is told, not as a traumatic, life-altering scene, but as a life-affirming occasion for celebration.
Review: Only the English...I sense a bit of conspiracy behind Auntie Queenie and Guy's secret grins. Coming out stories don't have to be dramatic and tense. They can, and often do, just happen, like life unfolding in the living room, just like that. Acceptance is never a sure thing, but being brave enough to seek it makes it more likely. This was a sweet, entertaining story that makes me believe one day, the whole 'coming out' genre will be quaint and obsolete.
Lust in Translation by Storm Grant
Summary: A storm, a misunderstanding, and designer drugs don't seem that auspicious a start to any relationship. Tyler and Justin are going to have a hell of a time getting past the misunderstandings. The memory of one great night of sex might help.
Review: There are a lot of obstacles thrown it the way of this couple. One wonders if the story shouldn't have been longer to get past them all, and settle them satisfactorily. There were enough sweet and funny moments to get me past the slightly facile resolutions, though.
Making Memory by Lisabet Sarai
Summary: It's been a long day, a long few months, even, and as Nicole begins to feel the strain, fate takes matters in hand and strands her outside a sleepy, off season little town where she finds, not just a little peace of mind, but a wonderful listener in the local inn owner, Maggie. The women also find in each other a little bit of memory not yet made.
Review: Ms. Sarai's lush, descriptive powers really plunge the reader into this story, filling every sense with the feel of the season winding down, of life slowing, and of the spirit pausing to take a breath. I found this a very touching, accessible read, and a sweet look into what could be painful memories, but in the hands of this writer and her characters, turn out to be the building blocks of their strength. Lovely tale.
Swansong by Sharon Maria Bidwell
Summary: After his wife's death. Richard has to learn to live again. Maybe, with Neil, he'll be able to live the life he's denied himself for years.
Review: Death, love, loss and hope. The ingredients for angst and redemption are all there. So much emotion is packed into this little story it's hard to believe it doesn't read over the top, but it's just right. It might be a slightly painful reflection of what life is for some men, but it's also a realistic one, and promising,
Finally Forever by Jeanne Barrack
Summary: Life's obstacles can't keep true love apart, as Bidwell shows us in this very short, very talky tale.
Review: Lots to appreciate in this very short story. It's an intimate look into one of those moments in life that everyone has that could easily overtake the gentler, quieter emotions like love and tenderness, but here lets the love shine through.
Code of Honour by Marquesate
Summary: Joining the French Legion seemed lilke such a good idea to Joe; a way to prove he was a man, and forced celibacy would make that all the easier. Until Sergent Rioux comes along and tempts him back into all the thoughts and desires he's tried so hard to leave behind. This tale of Joe's journey into manhood is a compelling one, told with humanity and skill and a hard edge on the emotion that makes the gentler bit all the more precious for the fragile nature of it.
Review: Life can be hard, and no punches were pulled in this tough, gritty tale. It could easily have fallen into the cliché of doomed gay romance, or been overdrawn into unrealistic happily ever after. There were a lot of ways to go wrong. The author found their own path through the mine field of trite stories and found a beautifully true expression of love in difficult surroundings. Real men do love, and it takes a certain amount of strength to make the decision and chose tenderness and trust over the safety of living a hidden life, and through it all the author kept her characters true to themselves. Well done.
Tango and Temptation by Z.A. Maxfield
Summary: Teaching prospective happily ever afters to tango has it's up side. So many grateful couples to be happy for when their special day ends with that perfect turn around the dance floor. But what about when the dance instructor just knows the groom's just not into her? Even worse, what about when the dance instructor finds himself wanting to take her place in his arms? Someone is going to end up alone, and the caterer has already been paid.
Review: Well, arranged marriages and hiding behind a straight façade have never been my favorite trope in this genre, so I have to confess, this story gave me some problems. However, my personal preferences aside, the author still gave me a few wonderful moments in this story that really stood out for me. Who knew something as simple as a mug of beer and a baseball game could be so wonderfully memorable. I think it's the strong underlying foundation of a loving family that grounds the POV character in this story as a believable, likeable hero. It was my favorite moment, and even if the plot isn't my favorite, the mc was plenty enough to keep me interested.
The Mistake by P.A. Brown
Summary: Bad decisions rarely lead to a good outcome, and Rusty has a host of inner voices telling him he's making a string of bad decisions, which warnings are confirmed when cops come knocking. He never imagined being cuffed naked to a headboard without a key might constitute being in the right place at the right time.
Review: This was a whirlwind read, and I might have liked a little more time with Rusty, a little more chance to get to know Hawk before being thrown into bed with them, as hot as the scene is. I have my doubts that two men, let alone one of them being a cop, would throw themselves into sex that fast, but this is fiction, so a little bit of suspension of disbelief is in order, I guess. And it has a nice, hopeful, anticipatory ending that lets me hope this maybe isn't the last we'll ever hear of Rusty and Hawk…
Holly Macaroni (and Cheese) by Alison Wonderland
Summary: Love really can sneak up on you. It can start as something so simple, and grow until you can't imagine your life without it.
Review: This was a sappy story. In a good way. I very much enjoyed the conversational tone of this one, and really. It's so nice to think it can happen as naturally as breathing.
The Snow Queen by Erastes
Summary: Losing the one you love makes the world a different place. Josh has found that out the hard way. The question now, is that place one of frigid numbness, or one where he can warm to the idea of loving again.
Review: The writing of this story is superb; descriptive and unique. The author plunges you deep into the heart of the main character, and I love that. Josh's pain is visceral. He's easy to sympathize with, and I was so willing to root for his happy ending. That's where the whole thing fell apart for me. This was not a satisfying ending for me. The method the author chose to resolve Josh's heartache might be realistic, but it left me cold.
Better Than Beautiful by Zoe Nichols and Cassidy Ryan
Summary: How long do you wait to start the rest of your life? Becca thinks two months is long enough. Charlotte isn't sure she has what it takes to leave the lime light and just be herself.
Review: This was quite a sweet story.
Semi Detached by Emma Collingwood
Summary: Commitment can be a scary thing, whether committing to the fight against inequality, or to the man you love. Thomas finds himself suddenly in a position of contemplating the merits both when his lover proposes a move that will bring them closer together, or definitively drive them apart. Maybe it's time to take a stand, be brave, and plan for the best.
Review: Another slice of life moment, this story has some brilliant dialogue and some less than perfect but perfectly likeable characters. The three men in this story talk and act just like I imagine men should. The emotion is all there, talked around and acted on, but never mentioned, and not once did I doubt any of it for a second. Such real characters make for a really good story.
Rules of the Game by Mallory Path
Summary: Sometimes, rules set in stone limit us, and no one wins. Being willing to change things up once in a while gives everyone a chance to explore new ideas, and that can lead to a win/win situation, as Charlie and Noah find out.
Review: Well, if hot is what you're after, this is it. Or, it was for me. Power exchange is hard to do well. Path has done it well indeed, because this story isn't just about the sex, but about the relationship, about admitting to needs, and asking for what you want. It's about feeling safe enough to open up communication more than it is about feeling safe enough to submit to a new position. I really enjoyed this story very much.
Templton's In Love by Jerry L. Wheeler
Summary: Tom's life has been full of ups and downs, and he's found a lot of the people in his life have just slipped away. Revisiting a few old haunts brings back all the happy times, and a fair amount of the heartache as well, and he has to decide if he really wants to go back, or if moving on is the only option.
Review: This is one story that challenges the HEA ideal. For me, romance is about people, about how people really act, not about completely whitewashing the mistakes they've made and everyone forgiving and forgetting. What happens between people stays with them, both the things we can't get over, and the ones we do manage to put behind us, and this story is about just that. Tom has discovered that no matter how hard he's tried to put the past behind him, his past is a part of who he is now, and going forward might mean he has to take the time to go back and acknowledge his history.
Salad Days by Fiona Glass
Summary: Just making a salad can be fraught with pitfalls, if a couple doesn't communicate.
Review: Such a realistic portrait of a relationship after the new has worn off, but before the deep seated trust has established itself. This a quickie, but a great study in how even simple things can have a much greater meaning. I like this story for it's simple truth.
Wedding Announcement by Lee Rowan
Summary: Can't really say much the title doesn't about the content of this story. Kevin has an announcement, and as hard as it is, he makes it.
Review: This vignette from a longer story, at least, I think that's what it is, is pretty typical of the 'coming out to dad' trope, but the little moments Between and Kevin and John, his lover, make it a touching scene.
The Book as a whole: When one picks up an anthology, one never really expects to like all the stories in it, much less love them. I feel like I'm missing something. I thought there should be something to complain about here. There isn't. Not only are all the stories well written and interesting, but the way they have been compiled make for a great progression through the many facets of queer love. I really did enjoy this book, and the glimpse I got of authors both familiar, and new to me. Props to the whole team who worked on this book. It was well worth the time and the cause is one well worthy of all the talent that went into this project.
My Recommendation: Definitely worth the money, and each little story or vignette makes a nice, quick read.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jaime!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Publisher: MLR Press
Genre: Erotic GLBT Anthology
Review Copy Received from Author
*Note-The I Do Anthology was featured in a Tuesday Teasers post. Click here to read excerpts from the book.
Jaime's Review:
The Lindorm's Twin by Tracey Pennington
Summary: A story of true beauty and true love, this tale of Princes fair and foul is a good reminder that remaining true to our hearts will get us a good way toward a fulfilling and happy life, even if the road isn't always smooth and easy.
Review: This was not the way I thought to start this anthology. But I liked it. A nice combination of traditional fairy tale, and modern love. Even through the distance of a fairytale narrator, the characters are easy to like and root for. This was a nice, light entry into the book, and its unexpected flare hints at a lot more unique stories to come.
Desire and Disguise by Alex Beecroft
Summary: One man's struggle to come to grips with his inner feelings takes us on a journey through self loathing to acceptance. No one's life is ideal, and in this story, the main character has to decide how much he's willing to risk for physical fulfillment, and his strugglr to admit, even to himself, what he really wants is made real on the pages of Beecroft's story.
Review: Beecroft certainly grabs the reader's attention in the opening scene of this story. The main character doesn't immediately fit into the niche of loveable and sympathetic, on the other hand, he does make some major strides in that direction over the short course of this story about a world that isn't prefect and men who don't know everything. Watching him blunder through the tale and come out the other side a better man makes this a very gratifying read. The strong, assertive tone of the story adds just the right punch to the theme.
The Wandering Heart by Charlie Cochrain
Summary: A truly good actor can be a leading man on film, even when he really wants to bag the rival, and not the girl in real life. This story is about deciding to be happy with what you have and making the most of it.
Review: Charming. Just like the time period it's set in, this story comes off as a charming tale of love and desire set into a world where such things just aren't spoken of. If it's a little bit predictable, that can be forgiven because the final scene is just about as sweet a love scene as I've ever read. Makes you want to rethink those Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire movies a bit.
Outed by Clare London
Summary: In this tale, one man's decision to come is told, not as a traumatic, life-altering scene, but as a life-affirming occasion for celebration.
Review: Only the English...I sense a bit of conspiracy behind Auntie Queenie and Guy's secret grins. Coming out stories don't have to be dramatic and tense. They can, and often do, just happen, like life unfolding in the living room, just like that. Acceptance is never a sure thing, but being brave enough to seek it makes it more likely. This was a sweet, entertaining story that makes me believe one day, the whole 'coming out' genre will be quaint and obsolete.
Lust in Translation by Storm Grant
Summary: A storm, a misunderstanding, and designer drugs don't seem that auspicious a start to any relationship. Tyler and Justin are going to have a hell of a time getting past the misunderstandings. The memory of one great night of sex might help.
Review: There are a lot of obstacles thrown it the way of this couple. One wonders if the story shouldn't have been longer to get past them all, and settle them satisfactorily. There were enough sweet and funny moments to get me past the slightly facile resolutions, though.
Making Memory by Lisabet Sarai
Summary: It's been a long day, a long few months, even, and as Nicole begins to feel the strain, fate takes matters in hand and strands her outside a sleepy, off season little town where she finds, not just a little peace of mind, but a wonderful listener in the local inn owner, Maggie. The women also find in each other a little bit of memory not yet made.
Review: Ms. Sarai's lush, descriptive powers really plunge the reader into this story, filling every sense with the feel of the season winding down, of life slowing, and of the spirit pausing to take a breath. I found this a very touching, accessible read, and a sweet look into what could be painful memories, but in the hands of this writer and her characters, turn out to be the building blocks of their strength. Lovely tale.
Swansong by Sharon Maria Bidwell
Summary: After his wife's death. Richard has to learn to live again. Maybe, with Neil, he'll be able to live the life he's denied himself for years.
Review: Death, love, loss and hope. The ingredients for angst and redemption are all there. So much emotion is packed into this little story it's hard to believe it doesn't read over the top, but it's just right. It might be a slightly painful reflection of what life is for some men, but it's also a realistic one, and promising,
Finally Forever by Jeanne Barrack
Summary: Life's obstacles can't keep true love apart, as Bidwell shows us in this very short, very talky tale.
Review: Lots to appreciate in this very short story. It's an intimate look into one of those moments in life that everyone has that could easily overtake the gentler, quieter emotions like love and tenderness, but here lets the love shine through.
Code of Honour by Marquesate
Summary: Joining the French Legion seemed lilke such a good idea to Joe; a way to prove he was a man, and forced celibacy would make that all the easier. Until Sergent Rioux comes along and tempts him back into all the thoughts and desires he's tried so hard to leave behind. This tale of Joe's journey into manhood is a compelling one, told with humanity and skill and a hard edge on the emotion that makes the gentler bit all the more precious for the fragile nature of it.
Review: Life can be hard, and no punches were pulled in this tough, gritty tale. It could easily have fallen into the cliché of doomed gay romance, or been overdrawn into unrealistic happily ever after. There were a lot of ways to go wrong. The author found their own path through the mine field of trite stories and found a beautifully true expression of love in difficult surroundings. Real men do love, and it takes a certain amount of strength to make the decision and chose tenderness and trust over the safety of living a hidden life, and through it all the author kept her characters true to themselves. Well done.
Tango and Temptation by Z.A. Maxfield
Summary: Teaching prospective happily ever afters to tango has it's up side. So many grateful couples to be happy for when their special day ends with that perfect turn around the dance floor. But what about when the dance instructor just knows the groom's just not into her? Even worse, what about when the dance instructor finds himself wanting to take her place in his arms? Someone is going to end up alone, and the caterer has already been paid.
Review: Well, arranged marriages and hiding behind a straight façade have never been my favorite trope in this genre, so I have to confess, this story gave me some problems. However, my personal preferences aside, the author still gave me a few wonderful moments in this story that really stood out for me. Who knew something as simple as a mug of beer and a baseball game could be so wonderfully memorable. I think it's the strong underlying foundation of a loving family that grounds the POV character in this story as a believable, likeable hero. It was my favorite moment, and even if the plot isn't my favorite, the mc was plenty enough to keep me interested.
The Mistake by P.A. Brown
Summary: Bad decisions rarely lead to a good outcome, and Rusty has a host of inner voices telling him he's making a string of bad decisions, which warnings are confirmed when cops come knocking. He never imagined being cuffed naked to a headboard without a key might constitute being in the right place at the right time.
Review: This was a whirlwind read, and I might have liked a little more time with Rusty, a little more chance to get to know Hawk before being thrown into bed with them, as hot as the scene is. I have my doubts that two men, let alone one of them being a cop, would throw themselves into sex that fast, but this is fiction, so a little bit of suspension of disbelief is in order, I guess. And it has a nice, hopeful, anticipatory ending that lets me hope this maybe isn't the last we'll ever hear of Rusty and Hawk…
Holly Macaroni (and Cheese) by Alison Wonderland
Summary: Love really can sneak up on you. It can start as something so simple, and grow until you can't imagine your life without it.
Review: This was a sappy story. In a good way. I very much enjoyed the conversational tone of this one, and really. It's so nice to think it can happen as naturally as breathing.
The Snow Queen by Erastes
Summary: Losing the one you love makes the world a different place. Josh has found that out the hard way. The question now, is that place one of frigid numbness, or one where he can warm to the idea of loving again.
Review: The writing of this story is superb; descriptive and unique. The author plunges you deep into the heart of the main character, and I love that. Josh's pain is visceral. He's easy to sympathize with, and I was so willing to root for his happy ending. That's where the whole thing fell apart for me. This was not a satisfying ending for me. The method the author chose to resolve Josh's heartache might be realistic, but it left me cold.
Better Than Beautiful by Zoe Nichols and Cassidy Ryan
Summary: How long do you wait to start the rest of your life? Becca thinks two months is long enough. Charlotte isn't sure she has what it takes to leave the lime light and just be herself.
Review: This was quite a sweet story.
Semi Detached by Emma Collingwood
Summary: Commitment can be a scary thing, whether committing to the fight against inequality, or to the man you love. Thomas finds himself suddenly in a position of contemplating the merits both when his lover proposes a move that will bring them closer together, or definitively drive them apart. Maybe it's time to take a stand, be brave, and plan for the best.
Review: Another slice of life moment, this story has some brilliant dialogue and some less than perfect but perfectly likeable characters. The three men in this story talk and act just like I imagine men should. The emotion is all there, talked around and acted on, but never mentioned, and not once did I doubt any of it for a second. Such real characters make for a really good story.
Rules of the Game by Mallory Path
Summary: Sometimes, rules set in stone limit us, and no one wins. Being willing to change things up once in a while gives everyone a chance to explore new ideas, and that can lead to a win/win situation, as Charlie and Noah find out.
Review: Well, if hot is what you're after, this is it. Or, it was for me. Power exchange is hard to do well. Path has done it well indeed, because this story isn't just about the sex, but about the relationship, about admitting to needs, and asking for what you want. It's about feeling safe enough to open up communication more than it is about feeling safe enough to submit to a new position. I really enjoyed this story very much.
Templton's In Love by Jerry L. Wheeler
Summary: Tom's life has been full of ups and downs, and he's found a lot of the people in his life have just slipped away. Revisiting a few old haunts brings back all the happy times, and a fair amount of the heartache as well, and he has to decide if he really wants to go back, or if moving on is the only option.
Review: This is one story that challenges the HEA ideal. For me, romance is about people, about how people really act, not about completely whitewashing the mistakes they've made and everyone forgiving and forgetting. What happens between people stays with them, both the things we can't get over, and the ones we do manage to put behind us, and this story is about just that. Tom has discovered that no matter how hard he's tried to put the past behind him, his past is a part of who he is now, and going forward might mean he has to take the time to go back and acknowledge his history.
Salad Days by Fiona Glass
Summary: Just making a salad can be fraught with pitfalls, if a couple doesn't communicate.
Review: Such a realistic portrait of a relationship after the new has worn off, but before the deep seated trust has established itself. This a quickie, but a great study in how even simple things can have a much greater meaning. I like this story for it's simple truth.
Wedding Announcement by Lee Rowan
Summary: Can't really say much the title doesn't about the content of this story. Kevin has an announcement, and as hard as it is, he makes it.
Review: This vignette from a longer story, at least, I think that's what it is, is pretty typical of the 'coming out to dad' trope, but the little moments Between and Kevin and John, his lover, make it a touching scene.
The Book as a whole: When one picks up an anthology, one never really expects to like all the stories in it, much less love them. I feel like I'm missing something. I thought there should be something to complain about here. There isn't. Not only are all the stories well written and interesting, but the way they have been compiled make for a great progression through the many facets of queer love. I really did enjoy this book, and the glimpse I got of authors both familiar, and new to me. Props to the whole team who worked on this book. It was well worth the time and the cause is one well worthy of all the talent that went into this project.
My Recommendation: Definitely worth the money, and each little story or vignette makes a nice, quick read.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jaime!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
6 loved readers said:
Thanks so much for the lovely and thoughtful review Jaime! It's a fabulous book and one I was proud to be part of. :)
I agree with what Clare said. Thanks for taking the time to cover all the stories.
Charlie
Oh what a lovely review! Thank you very much Jaime, that's made my day :)
This was a terrific book. I always expect to not like a story or two in any anthology, so imagine my surprise when it was just one great offering after another. Every story deserves it's own attention. I was pleased to read this. Very entertaining. Thank you, ladies, for a great read.
I'm chuffed! And thanks so much for taking the time to review each story; awesome thing to do. :)
Emma
So glad you enjoyed the antho and my story, "Finally, Forever". It was a true labor of love for us all
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