Customer Reviews

I DO

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This is a nice mix of stories, some erotic and some not, though I do think that the first one in the collection, The Lindorm's Twin, is rather weak and shouldn't have been included at all, let alone be in pride of place. It rather put me off and I was desperately skipping it. However, that said, the collection picks up again once you get to the second story and from there on it's fine.

Particular favourites include Outed by Clare London (a witty tale of an unexpected coming out moment which includes a brother/sister conversation that made me laugh out loud. It's my joint favourite and a classy read), Lust in Translation by Storm Grant (where a hooker isn't entirely what he seems and a cop gets rather more than he bargained for), Making Memory by Lisabet Sarai (a moving encounter between two very different women) and Code of Honour by Marquesate (my other joint favourite in the collection - a short story with considerable depth set in the Foreign Legion with two very strong leads. I couldn't put it down, in a virtual sense).

And special mention has to go to gay fiction stalwarts, Alex Beecroft, Sharon Maria Bidwell, Fiona Glass and Erastes (whose story of grief relived actually had me crying at the start), all of whom can always be relied on to produce a good solid tale well told. Worth a read for sure and of course it's a very good cause.

"I Do" is an anthology of 20 stories which was compiled as a direct result of the passing of Proposition 8. Many of the authors do not live in California and in fact, do not even live in the United States, but had a wish to do something to demonstrate their outrage at the passing of this proposition. As noted in the foreword, "...we can at least make money...if we can't march at least we can march for the cause."

From this brainstorm came this book and we as readers are the happy beneficiaries. This is a wonderful collection of stories, by turns happy, poignant, funny, sweet, and sexy that is full of interesting and intriguing characters. Several of the authors were familiar to me while others were new. You can be sure I'll be seeking out their other books to read now that we've been introduced! Most importantly, this collection achieved a rare goal: there isn't a dud in the bunch. Of course I have a few personal favorites but I know I will be be happily re-reading the entire collection in months and years to come.

The Kindle version is nicely formatted. You can switch between left and full justification and there are links to move back and forth between the table of contents and the stories, a particularly important feature in a collection such as this.

In sum, highly recommended. As a bonus, all proceeds will be donated to the Lambda Legal Defense Fund to support their efforts to fight Proposition 8. I can't think of a better win-win for anyone who buys this book: money for a great cause and several hours of very entertaining reading.

Enjoy!

I just finished I Do, and let me tell you. I had all the emotions that are possible. Some brought tears to my eyes. Other stories made me laugh, even giggle (yes giggle) and others made me want more, and then some more on top of that. Truly worth reading again. To close, this anthology gave me pause to reflect and it made me feel a lot.

This book is a fabulous idea - all the money goes to the legal team fighting that riduculous Prop 8 US idea that all gay marriages that WERE legal should now become ILLEGAL! Whoever thought that one up should be shot.

Anyway, even without this behind it, I'd recommend this book highly. The majority of the stories in this book are well written and wonderful to read. The Snow Queen by Erastes is wonderful and gives one a warm glow; Alex Beecroft's Desire and Disguise is angsty and heartwrenching but utterly believable; Tango and Temptation by ZA Maxfield is funny yet sweet. These are just 3 of my favourites but I enjoyed almost all the book. Even the ones that arent my particular bag (that'll be the lesbian stories, then) are readable.

Buy. Do not pass Go; do not collect £200. Just buy it, you wont regret it.

It took me two days to read this anthology and not since it wasn't interesting, but only since it's very long, so, if you like me usually don't like anthologies since the story are not long enough, you will not have the same problem with this one.

The stories inside it are very different, most of the authors I know, and some confirmed my good opinion on them and some surprised me, but always in a good way.

The Lindorm's Twin by Tracey Pennington (m/m): This is a fantasy tale that reminds me a very happy memory, a book of fairy tales that weren't so fair, if you think well at them. The tales passed mouth to mouth, from town to town, are dark and bloody, and not always with a "disney" happily ever after. Stefan is a fair prince of a fairy tale kingdom, but his parents didn't tell him that he was not the first born; he is the second on a pair of twin, but the other son was not a "normal" baby, it was a lindorm, and when Stefan is in age to marry, the lindorm pretends to have the right to marry first, since he is the first born. And so from beloved prince, Stefan finds himself without family and kingdom, and shelter in the arms of Andor, another dispossed prince, another man who suffered due to a wicked spell.

Desire and Disguise by Alex Beecroft (m/m): A little historical tale, but not a romance. Robert is deeply in love with his wife Lydia, even if really I don't know if he is more in love with her or with her body. Anyway, when Lydia found out she is pregnant and for all the pregnancy and also after, she refuses the access to her body to Robert, and he, worn out by desire, at the end searches solace with a demi-monde, or at least what he believes to be a woman of easy virtue... only to find out that he is no woman, but Mitchell, a man he also knows (when not dressed like a woman). Robert will learn that not all he believes is correct, and that the world is not black and white, and that maybe, he would be safer at home with his wife.

The Roaming Heart by Charlie Cochrane (m/m): Alasdair and Toby are the gold boys of the English movie industry at the beginning of the twenty century. All the fans wondering who will be their next conquest, the magazine would love to find something naughty about them, but no, they seems to be the perfect men, even if maybe with a soft point for women. What all the world doesn't know, is that Alasdair and Toby found their love, but not outside their bond, and what links them is not only a deep friendship. I like a lot this story since it has a very nice taste, a joy of life and the desire for something new and daring that often I found in tales setting in this period.

Outed by Clare London (m/m): Rob and Guy lives together, without flaunting it, but also without hiding. People around don't ask and they don't tell, since the innocent remark of an eighty dear woman (not so innocent maybe) sanctions what all know. And now the two can finally flaunt, if they want.

Lust in Translation by Storm Grant (m/m): Tyler is a cop who is having a crap night. Justin is a man who doesn't know what he is having, since he is lost in drugs he didn't know he was taking. When Tyler stops Justin on the street, he thinks the man to be a rent boy, but since it's raining, and the department has other things to do, and Tyler is not on duty, why not taking the man at home with him? and when they are warm and comfortable, why not having a bit of fun? Problem is that Tyler is allergic to any drugs, and thanks to a broken condom... well let us say that he "shares" Justin's essence. From a one night stand to something more is only a brief path, in a very nice and mostly funny story.

Making Memory by Lisabet Sarai (f/f): Nicole needs good memories and Maggie has plenty to share. Two women, momentarily alone, share a sweet night of talking and something more, but for now it's not the starting point for a new life together, maybe only a nice direction toward a better life with a different perspective.

Swansong by Sharon Maria Bidwell (m/m): Richard lives in a big house full of memories of his late wife and Neil thinks that it's time for him to move on... above all since Neil is now part of Richard's life. Neil is not demanding, he is only a comforting presence that helps Richard to take the necessary steps, not only regarding his home but also his life, even his sex life. Neil is always there, always with a gentle smile, and Richard knows that he is right, it's time for them to give new life and happy memories to that big house.

Finally Forever by Jeanne Barrack (m/m): a very funny and tender telephone call between Manny and Rafe, long distance lovers that finally will move together: from utility to the big question, LOVE, Manny and Rafe check the list for the recipe of how to build a perfect life together.

Code of Honour by Marquesate (m/m): Joe and Roux, legionnaires and lovers, show that once a soldier, you are always a soldier, even in your private life. And so Joe, that is Roux's subordinate, at first follows Roux's rule, like a good soldier, but it's not love since the day that Joe will learn that, in love there are no rule. Joe is young and not so steady on his feet; he has a lot to learn, not only as a soldier. Roux is more experienced and willing to share his knowledge with Joe. Maybe at first it's only lust, but with time, both men will discover that also for them there is a change to be happy and in love.

Tango and Temptation by ZA Maxfield (m/m): Gabriel teaches tango to the future brides and grooms, eight lessons and they will be perfect on their wedding day. It's not expected, and also quite a disaster, that Gabriel falls in love with Xander, one of the groom, above all since Gabriel really believes in love and family and all, and Xander has no intention to break up with his future spouse... but the ballroom is a sly devil, and a move here, a slow dance there, and a near proximity that allows Gabriel to "feel" something he is not suppose to feel, and Xander plans maybe have to be revised...

The Mistake by P.A. Brown (m/m): Very nice little story about a young guy, Rusty, who finds himself in a very bad situation and of the big but good cop who helps him. Rusty is not an hustler, but to be hungry is not good, and when he is offered a lot of money for a night, well, let say the pags decide for him. Obviously is not a situation fated to end in a good way if not for the cavalry that arrives in his rescue, a big knight in shining armor named Hank. From letting someone having his way with him for money, to almost offer himself to Hank is a short distance, and this time the right decision also.

Holy Macaroni (and Cheese) by Allison Wonderland (f/f): for Teri and Ariel marriage was not an hard decision, at six years old they were very firm in their decision. Confirm it in the later years maybe was harder, but they manage. And nor Teri or Ariel ever regretted that long time ago children ceremony, that would be glad to have also now.

The Snow Queen by Erastes (m/m): Josh lost his lover Sam and he is not sure to be ready to love again. He is cold and the cold outside well reflects his mood. But then he meets Sean and his cute daughter Bess, and maybe a sparks of light enter the icy prison around his heart. Open up, let the ice melt... maybe is not a bad idea. Erastes almost surprised me with this story: cure little kids and happy penguins in the snow? I was almost expecting for an Harlequin type of ending, with a commitment ceremony and the little daughter with the pillow and the rings on it...

Better Than Beautiful by Zoe Nichols & Cassidy Ryan (f/f): Charlotte is the famous top model and Becca is little secret. Becca is always there, always supporting, always waiting for Charlotte to be ready to be off the scene, no more available to all the world, but finally only her. But Charlotte fears the day in which the world will no more see here, since she is a model, and being beautiful is the only thing she always did good. It's up to Becca convinces her that she is better than beautiful.

Semi-detached by Emma Collingwood (m/m): James and Thomas have a real strange relationship; James is an apparently happy and openly gay man, with a beautiful apartment and friends and comfort life. Thomas is an average man who said he is not gay and neither bisexual, he only loves James, and well, even if James is a man, that doesn't mean he is gay. How they met I don't know (even I'm very curious), but they seem to have a pretty ordinary life, they seem happy, but maybe James is afraid of the day when he will ask something more to Thomas, something that maybe the man is not ready to give him... and maybe Thomas will surprise him.

Rules of the Game by Mallory Path (m/m): Charlie plays along the rules, and since Noah prefers to be a top, Charlie never asked him to be a bottom. But Charlie is wondering, if maybe, sometime the rules can be changed...

Templeton's In Love by Jerry L. Wheeler (m/m): A very nice tale, both sad and tender. Tom and Stan were happy together, but they were also young and careless. When life asked its toll, it was heavy and neither of them was strong enough to save what they have. Regrets and remorses didn't help, and years later Tom is still wondering how it could be if... One thing they had in common, Carmine's supper Club and Ristorante and Templeton who sang there for his lover Taylor. But Taylor died and Templeton's songs with him. So when Tom sees that Templeton is singing again, he thinks that maybe Templeton is in love again, and if he can still love, maybe also Tom...

True Love by Moondancer Drake (f/f): Shona and Kai are finally having their baby, and this gives all another perspective in what they believe. In different way, both of them want to shout to the world that they are in love, Kai wants to marry Shona with a big ceremony, and Shona wants to have her name on their son's birth certificate. For now it's only a dream, but if something changes...

Salad Days by Fiona Glass (m/m): A little family scene, Tim and Jake, living together. Jake is a tornado, always chatting, always moving. Tim is quite and shy, barely speaking... but Tim is always thinking, always wanting to say something, that instead he takes aback, fearing to upset Jake. But a stupid accident breaks lose Tim's restrains and for once he will let Jake without words.

Wedding Announcement by Lee Rowan (m/m): barely a scene, actually a telephone call, with two characters I know well, Kevin and John from Walking Wounded. In my previous review of that book, I stated that, according to me, Kevin had some unresolved trouble with his father and this influenced his present life. Here probably there is a confirmation of my idea, with Kevin that has to find the courage to call his father to tell his that he is having a commitment ceremony with the man he loves.

All profits from the sale of this anthology will be donated to the Lambda Legal Defense to fight Prop 8 in support of marriage equality for all.

Joe Evans is 20 years old and the youngest member of the 2e Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie (2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment) of the French Foreign Legion. Joe survived eleven months of grueling training but as he puts it "he'd prevailed." As an unemployed school dropout in his native England he did not have much of a chance for anything in life - no hope, no future. But he was now part of something bigger. "He'd become someone. He was a soldier." Joe joins his regiment in Nimes where he meets his Sergeant - Henri Roux. Sgt. Roux is French Canadian and all military - a man of few words but of action. Joe has managed to hide the fact that he's gay very well until the moment he meets his new Sgt. At first sight Joe falls hard cursing his fate - his Sgt Roux is "perfection." While on jungle training with his regiment Joe rescues his Sgt. Roux from a fall and gives in to temptation. Much to his astonishment his Sgt. takes decisive action in response. And so they begin their clandestine trysts from military base to Paris and back, where Sgt. Roux mentors Joe in many things, continuously challenging and teaching him and Joe experiences, learns and grows and along the way begins to proudly accept who and what he is - soldier and man.

This is a gem of a short story.

If you are familiar at all with Marquesate's work you will recognize the style immediately - writing that is passionate, meticulous in detail, rich, textured and multi-hued. You will also recognize her ability to write and communicate a multi-dimensional character (Sgt. Roux) all the while ascribing an economy of dialogue to him and through the point of view of another (Joe). Sgt. Roux is a man of few words, yet he is not hidden from the reader. He jumps off the page and the words he does speak deliver a powerful punch.

Joe: "I wanted to be someone."
Roux: "Someone who was tough and an elite soldier, or someone who wasn't a fag?"

If we are using gem stones as an analogy for the quality of this story, then enigmatic Sgt. Henri Roux is a sapphire - deeply rich in colour, exuding elegance and demanding respect. Despite his taciturn exterior he houses a wealth of emotional depth that is slowly revealed to us.

The character of Joe is not in the least overshadowed by Roux - he is a diamond-in-the-rough. The most precious of gems. He does not chip or break easily and holds his own in this story. He may be young and inexperienced on many fronts, but he is also intelligent, courageous and is willing to take chances in order to experience, learn and grow. As a reader, it is very easy and natural to feel compassion for Joe. It is also not difficult to want Joe to have everything he needs and deserves in life - and this most definitely includes his Sgt. Roux.

Marquesate has done it yet once again!!! A wonderful short story that has a richness and depth usually found in a full-length novel, yet masterfully achieved in some 30 pages that, without doubt, leave the reader wanting more!!! Thank you Marquesate!

Twenty-one authors, including Marquesate, have donated their works through 20 stories to the I Do anthology and I plan on reading all of them. If you haven't purchased this anthology, I encourage you to do so NOW.

ALL profits from the sale of I Do will be donated to the Lambda Legal Defense to fight Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court in support of marriage equality for all. The added bonus is that you'll be treated to some great writing and stories by some equally great authors.

Twenty-one authors came together for a good cause- to help fund opposition to California Proposition 8, which eliminates the right of same-sex couples to legally marry. The courts have made their decision but the fight is not over. The proceeds from the sales of I Do! will be donated to the continuing fight for marriage equality for everyone.

From sweet to scorching, fairy tale to historical to contemporary, male/male and female/female love stories, I Do! Is the best collection of same sex love stories I've come across in a while. Each story is unique and will appeal to different people. I got reacquainted with authors I know and met a few new ones as well.

My favorite stories were the bright, happy ones but those that touched me more deeply were the ones that hit me in the heart.

"The Lindorm's Twin" by Tracey Pennington confused me at first and I wasn't sure how I would like it. The more I read, though, the better I liked it. This twist on The Six Swans gives the youngest brother a happy ending.

"Desire and Disguise" by Alex Beecroft was one of my least favorite stories, probably because it was not so upbeat. It pointed to the heart of the matter, though. How unfair is it that some people are not allowed to have what others can?

I found myself smiling when I got to the end of "The Roaming Heart" by Charlie Cochrane because of the heroes. The two of them were so willing to put on a public face so they could be together in private.

"Wedding Announcement" by Lee Rowan was one of my favorites because I truly hope that one day no one will be prevented from marrying the person they love and want to spend the rest of their lives with.

But my absolute favorite of the entire anthology was "Outed" by Clare London.

I love Auntie Queenie. Happily Ever After is all that matters for her, no matter who it is. Clare London has done it again. I just had to grin.

While these particular stories stood out for me, all of the stories in I Do! are gripping and so emotionally charged that you can't wait to read the next one. I Joyfully Recommend I Do!

"The Lindorm's Twin" by Tracey Pennington

A prince falls in love with a disfigured young man. A fairy tale with a Happily Ever After, just as it should be.

"Desire and Disguise" by Alex Beecroft

An error in perception leads to understanding for two men who want the same thing.

"The Roaming Heart" by Charlie Cochrane

A love triangle is cover for the real love scenes going on behind the scenes.

"Outed" by Clare London

In the middle of her 80th birthday celebration, Auntie Queenie not only outs her nephew but gives him her wholehearted approval.

"Lust in Translation" by Storm Grant

Off duty policeman Tyler Cage, picks up a young man wandering in a downpour and takes him home, against his better judgement. Misconception makes happily ever after seem like a long shot.

"Making Memory" by Liasbet Sarai

A blowout leads Nicole Stewart to Maggie Benson. These two lonely women make memories to ease their sorrows.

"Swan Song" by Sharon Marie Bidwell

Richard met Neil three months after Gloria died. She had told Richard to be happy and find what he really needs. It's time to redecorate and make a life for him and Neil.

"Finally Forever " by Jeanne Barrack

Finally moving to Boston. Finally making wedding plans. Finally together forever.

"Code of Honor" by Marqusate

In the French Foreign Legion, twenty year old Joe is taken seriously for the first time in his life. And finally faces the secret he is trying to run from.

"Tango and Temptation" by ZA Maxfield

Gabriel Aimar's Tango Master persona brings him lots of clients. One client makes his heart sing but is off limits. Or is he?

"The Mistake" by P.A. Brown

The only reason Rusty even considered picking up a trick was hunger. The encounter seemed to be one big mistake.

"Holy Macaroni (and Cheese)" by Allison Wonderland

The wedding picture was taken when they were in first grade. The love has lasted and lasted and lasted.

"The Snow Queen" by Erastes

As a child Josh had talked to the Snow Queen. She'd always listened and now his grief is pushing him to talk to her again. Josh's frozen heart is not ready for a new love.

"Better than Beautiful" by Zoe Nichols and Cassidy Ryan

In two months when Charlotte retires, Charlotte and Becca can be together openly. They won't have to hide from the public because of Charlotte's image. But Charlotte is afraid that she will be nothing without her job. Becca makes her understand she is so much more than her job.

"Semi-detached" by Emma Collingwood

James wants a home and he wants to make it with Thomas. But Thomas is having issues with his sexuality. James is not sure how they will work it out until Thomas starts talking about knocking walls out.

"Rules of the Game" by Mallory Path

Noah has never bottomed for Charlie and it bothers him. So Charlie talks Noah into a game where they are both winners.

"Templeton's in Love" by Jerry L. Wheeler

Tom and Stan had been a couple when Templeton stopped playing. That was ten years ago. Templeton is playing again--for one final performance. Now Tom and Stan understand that sometimes you have to go back to go forward.

"True Love" by Moondancer Drake

Shona and Kai have a son. But legally Shona has no rights. Kai is Jae's mother and Alan is his father. Shona knows that so much has changed in her lifetime, what might change in Jae's?

"Salad Days" by Fiona Glass

Tim and Jake are together now and Tim is really tired of hearing about Jake's ex.

"Wedding Announcement" by Lee Rowan

Today is John and Kevin's wedding day. Kevin finally calls his dad to tell him, even knowing how the man will react. And despite that reaction Kevin is ready to make his commitment to John. Today they will be married.

Willow
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Though uneven, there are some really good stories in this collection. Some were forgettable, but the good ones shone brightly enough to overcome the others.