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I Do, Two
Love is at the heart of all we want for ourselves so why shouldn't any human being be able to say I Do to a life of commitment and sharing with that special person?We hope that marriage will soon be a dream that everyone can share.That's why some of the leading authors of GLBT fiction have donated their talent -- and their heart warming, thought provoking, life affirming stories -- to this anthology, in aid of Lambda Legal Fund's fight for marriage equality.Ruth Sims; Alex Beecroft; Lee Rowan; Gillian Palmer; Brian Holliday; Rob Rosen; Sophia Deri-Bowen; Nigel Puerasch; Rick R. Reed; Nexis Pas; Michael Gouda; "Nathan Burgoine, Jamie Freeman, Bruin Fisher, D.C. Juris, James Buchanan, L-J Baker, Charlie Cochrane, Neil S. Plakcy, Julia Rios, J.L. Merrow, Lenore Black
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Kris Jacen
54 books147 followersKris Jacen is the Executive Editor and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints. She was invited to join the MLR staff in 2008 and has never looked back. Working with over thirty-five phenomenal authors such as Rick R. Reed, JP Bowie, James Buchanan, J.L. Langley, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, William Maltese and has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. Kris also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers including Kimberly Gardner, Lex Valentine, S.J. Frost, Patric Michael and Z. Allora. With this stable of talent under her guidance, Kris is quick to tell anyone who will listen that she loves her job. And her authors are just as quick to say that they love their editor.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 17, 2010
When I ordered this anthology I had a sneaking suspicion that it would be a set of stories about weddings - a subject I've never found terribly interesting, gay or straight. Instead I was treated to a set of twenty-two short stories about partnership and some of the issues around it, like dealing with step-families and deciding how long to stick with a less than satisfactory relationship. There is a wonderful mix of the historic and the contemporary, of romances and comedies, of erotica and bittersweet tales to stir the emotions. The stories mostly deal with gay male partnerships, although there are three involving lesbian relationships and two with transgendered protagonists.
The quality of the stories was so high that it's almost impossible to decide which ones to pick out in more detail; I can honestly say that I think every reader would be able to find a handful that they really love, if not more. Rather than attempt to review all twenty-two, I will give my own, highly subjective account of the five that made a particularly strong impression on me.
“Home Cooking” by Brian Holiday – The setting and time-period is deliberately vague, giving this romance a timeless quality. David, a drifter, is given first a meal, then a job and home by the good-natured Scott, owner of a small-town diner. Holiday concentrates on all those little details that really make the diner and the characters come alive, in plain yet eloquent prose. The account of their gently growing love, despite the tragic losses in their pasts, makes a deceptively simple yet touching story.
“Two Men: A Fugue” by Sophia Deri-Bowen – Told in dreamlike flashbacks from the perspective of the day before their wedding, the romance of Steve and Adam has an almost unbearable poignancy. Punky artist and part-time drag queen Adam doesn't understand at first why he's been set up with “solid, steady” Steve, but they soon fall for each other. Steve being HIV-positive isn't an issue for Adam, but it gives the reader a sense of looming tragedy. Despite this, it is one of the most life-affirming stories in the whole anthology, and the couple's love is palpable in their affectionate banter.
“Stripes” by Nigel Puerasch – I fell for the self-effacing narrator of this story right from the first paragraph. Told in James' Australian surfer dialect, the prose is captivating and every line seems perfectly in character. This is another romance story, where James meets the delectable Mattie on the beach but nearly messes everything up because of his low self-esteem. The combination of naïvety, gentle humour and urgent lust is a winning one, and I just love the payoff in the final two paragraphs.
“Aim Higher” by J L Merrow – Of all the comic stories in the anthology, this one delighted me the most. Told from the perspective of a young teenage girl, this story is narrated in first person present tense which gives it an immediacy and charm. Simone is bothered by her invisible friend, who just happens to be the Greek god Eros, and is intent on finding her a boyfriend whether she wants one or not. I don't want to give away any more, but suffice to say, Eric/Eros ends up very happy when he finally manages to bring a couple together.
“Ganymede” by Lenore Black – A stunningly sensual tale of enthusiastic American winemaker Michael's pursuit of the chance to learn from Italian master vintner Carlo. Every word paints a vivid picture of the charms of Italy and Michael's mysterious host; the luscious language giving the whole story an erotic charge. I can see why it was chosen as the final story in the anthology, as it leaves you with such beautiful images and a sense of wonderful possibilities for the two men.
It seems so unfair to single any of the stories out, as there was so much to enjoy in all of them, from the delightfully characterful narrators of Alex Beecroft's “Inner Truth” and Bruin Fisher's “Work Experience”, to the bitter-sweet beauty of Ruth Sim's “The Legend of Mountain Ash”, L-J Baker's “Mallory's Gift” and Jamie Freeman's “Ships That Pass”. There were exquisitely erotic moments in James Buchanan's “Touche” and D C Juris' “Even Guys Cry”, and sophisticated comedy in Lee Rowan's “Turnabout” and Charlie Cochrane's “The Uneven Chance”. I also loved the sweetness of the relationships shown in “The Song Inside” by Nexis Pas and Nathan Burgoine's “Cakewalk”. Indeed, the only two stories that didn't work so well for me were the vampire story, “Morbidly Obese” by Rick R Reed, and the comedy by Michael Gouda, “Hitched”. My problem with the first is that I will always find it difficult to have sympathy for a cold blooded murderer, and with the second that it seemed like a sequel or a second chapter rather than a story in its own right. They were both perfectly well written, though, and I'm sure other readers will enjoy them.
In short, I can't recommend this anthology highly enough, and it's given me a tantalising taste of many authors I intend to read more from.
The quality of the stories was so high that it's almost impossible to decide which ones to pick out in more detail; I can honestly say that I think every reader would be able to find a handful that they really love, if not more. Rather than attempt to review all twenty-two, I will give my own, highly subjective account of the five that made a particularly strong impression on me.
“Home Cooking” by Brian Holiday – The setting and time-period is deliberately vague, giving this romance a timeless quality. David, a drifter, is given first a meal, then a job and home by the good-natured Scott, owner of a small-town diner. Holiday concentrates on all those little details that really make the diner and the characters come alive, in plain yet eloquent prose. The account of their gently growing love, despite the tragic losses in their pasts, makes a deceptively simple yet touching story.
“Two Men: A Fugue” by Sophia Deri-Bowen – Told in dreamlike flashbacks from the perspective of the day before their wedding, the romance of Steve and Adam has an almost unbearable poignancy. Punky artist and part-time drag queen Adam doesn't understand at first why he's been set up with “solid, steady” Steve, but they soon fall for each other. Steve being HIV-positive isn't an issue for Adam, but it gives the reader a sense of looming tragedy. Despite this, it is one of the most life-affirming stories in the whole anthology, and the couple's love is palpable in their affectionate banter.
“Stripes” by Nigel Puerasch – I fell for the self-effacing narrator of this story right from the first paragraph. Told in James' Australian surfer dialect, the prose is captivating and every line seems perfectly in character. This is another romance story, where James meets the delectable Mattie on the beach but nearly messes everything up because of his low self-esteem. The combination of naïvety, gentle humour and urgent lust is a winning one, and I just love the payoff in the final two paragraphs.
“Aim Higher” by J L Merrow – Of all the comic stories in the anthology, this one delighted me the most. Told from the perspective of a young teenage girl, this story is narrated in first person present tense which gives it an immediacy and charm. Simone is bothered by her invisible friend, who just happens to be the Greek god Eros, and is intent on finding her a boyfriend whether she wants one or not. I don't want to give away any more, but suffice to say, Eric/Eros ends up very happy when he finally manages to bring a couple together.
“Ganymede” by Lenore Black – A stunningly sensual tale of enthusiastic American winemaker Michael's pursuit of the chance to learn from Italian master vintner Carlo. Every word paints a vivid picture of the charms of Italy and Michael's mysterious host; the luscious language giving the whole story an erotic charge. I can see why it was chosen as the final story in the anthology, as it leaves you with such beautiful images and a sense of wonderful possibilities for the two men.
It seems so unfair to single any of the stories out, as there was so much to enjoy in all of them, from the delightfully characterful narrators of Alex Beecroft's “Inner Truth” and Bruin Fisher's “Work Experience”, to the bitter-sweet beauty of Ruth Sim's “The Legend of Mountain Ash”, L-J Baker's “Mallory's Gift” and Jamie Freeman's “Ships That Pass”. There were exquisitely erotic moments in James Buchanan's “Touche” and D C Juris' “Even Guys Cry”, and sophisticated comedy in Lee Rowan's “Turnabout” and Charlie Cochrane's “The Uneven Chance”. I also loved the sweetness of the relationships shown in “The Song Inside” by Nexis Pas and Nathan Burgoine's “Cakewalk”. Indeed, the only two stories that didn't work so well for me were the vampire story, “Morbidly Obese” by Rick R Reed, and the comedy by Michael Gouda, “Hitched”. My problem with the first is that I will always find it difficult to have sympathy for a cold blooded murderer, and with the second that it seemed like a sequel or a second chapter rather than a story in its own right. They were both perfectly well written, though, and I'm sure other readers will enjoy them.
In short, I can't recommend this anthology highly enough, and it's given me a tantalising taste of many authors I intend to read more from.
November 27, 2017
“Turnabout” by Lee Rowan
It’s Christmas morning and Lord Robert Scoville finally has a chance to relax and enjoy the day with his lover, Jack Darling. But can a relationship between a nobleman and his servant ever truly be equal?
Journey into Victorian England with Lee Rowan’s “Turnabout.” Robert and Jack charmed me from the start and the love between them defies social status and “convention.” What I loved about “Turnabout” is that neither Robert nor Jack blatantly ignored the rules of society, they simply did what they could to make their relationship work. “Turnabout” is simply a lovely, warm story that’s a delight to enjoy.
“Under the Shadow of Your Wings” by Gillian Palmer
Bee and Eliza run an orphanage and do the best they can to live their lives as they wish. When a new child with a connection to Bee shows up at the orphanage, it’s a bittersweet moment that will only serve to make Bee and Eliza’s home more complete.
“Under the Shadow of Your Wings” has beauty in sadness and two strong, caring heroines that are unforgettable. Bee has lost so much of her family that when her nephew shows up at the orphanage, it was a lovely, yet heartbreaking moment. I adored Bee and Eliza and admired the capable way they handled the obstacles facing two women being life partners and running an orphanage in Prohibition-era Harlem. Their life is not without its sacrifices, but Gillian Palmer shows the true mettle of both women in “Under the Shadow of Your Wings.”
“Cakewalk” by ‘Nathan Burgoine
Babysitting an almost-teenager is difficult enough without adding the fact that it’s your boyfriend’s daughter and she doesn’t seem to like you too much. But Charles is up to the challenge and, with a little help from his co-workers, maybe he can make Neil’s family his own as well.
“Cakewalk” is a wonderfully sweet story that I adore more each time I read it. I don’t envy Charles having to deal with the awkwardness of watching Neil’s daughter on his own, and I give the man credit for doing the best he can to win the girl over. There’s nothing not to love about “Cakewalk.” It’s got a bright energy about it, stemming from Charles and his obvious love for Neil and the way he goes about bridging the gap between himself and the rest of Neil’s family. Even the cake decorating scenes are something any Food Network fan will be delighted by (I sure was). “Cakewalk” was the first story I’ve read by ‘Nathan Burgoine but it definitely won’t be the last.
“Even Guys Cry” by D.C. Juris
Derek knows better than anyone how wrong a first date can go when the guy he’s with finds out that Derek is anatomically female. Oscar is different, however. He doesn’t seem fazed by the fact that Derek was born wrong and he seems to accept Derek for who he is. Is Oscar too good to be true?
I always say I’m a fan of GLBT romances, using the acronym as a general term, but before “Even Guys Cry,” I’d never read a story with a transgender hero. Derek was a wonderful hero and D.C. Juris beautifully expresses Derek’s certainty that he is a gay man, no matter what his anatomy is. Oscar is delightful and it was wonderful watching him prove to Derek that he is the real deal. “Even Guys Cry” is both erotic and heartwarming, a winning combination in my book.
“Mallory’s Gift” by L-J Baker
It’s been three years since Gerry’s partner, Mallory, passed away. Gerry’s friends keep trying to set her up with women, but Gerry’s not ready to let go of Mallory. Then one day, Gerry finds a lost child and the girl’s frantic mother bursts into Gerry’s life. Claire’s beautiful, but can Gerry see past Mallory’s ghost long enough to take a chance on finding happiness once more?
“Mallory’s Gift” is a gorgeous story that will break your heart before it puts it back together. Gerry’s loss comes through clearly in “Mallory’s Gift” and L-J Baker made me ache to see her find happiness with Claire. It isn’t easy for Gerry. She fears loving and losing again and she also seems to be afraid that Claire will want her to push aside her love for Mallory. She underestimates herself and Claire and the beauty of Gerry’s journey will make you remember “Mallory’s Gift” long after you finish reading it.
I Do Two! is an incredible anthology filled with the voices of numerous talented authors. I highlighted some of my favorites, but there are many wonderful stories to be found in I Do Two! From Ruth Sims’s haunting fantasy, “The Legend of the Mountain Ash,” to Alex Beecroft’s phenomenal historical, “Inner Truth,” to Rick R. Reed’s sly paranormal, “Morbidly Obese,” and more, there’s something for everyone in I Do Two!
Despite its title, not all of the stories in I Do Two! involve marriage. The greatness of the anthology is that its common theme is love and commitment. What could be better than that?
Note: Another thing to love about I Do Two! is that all profits from the sales of I Do Two! are donated to the Lambda Legal Defense to fight Proposition 8.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
It’s Christmas morning and Lord Robert Scoville finally has a chance to relax and enjoy the day with his lover, Jack Darling. But can a relationship between a nobleman and his servant ever truly be equal?
Journey into Victorian England with Lee Rowan’s “Turnabout.” Robert and Jack charmed me from the start and the love between them defies social status and “convention.” What I loved about “Turnabout” is that neither Robert nor Jack blatantly ignored the rules of society, they simply did what they could to make their relationship work. “Turnabout” is simply a lovely, warm story that’s a delight to enjoy.
“Under the Shadow of Your Wings” by Gillian Palmer
Bee and Eliza run an orphanage and do the best they can to live their lives as they wish. When a new child with a connection to Bee shows up at the orphanage, it’s a bittersweet moment that will only serve to make Bee and Eliza’s home more complete.
“Under the Shadow of Your Wings” has beauty in sadness and two strong, caring heroines that are unforgettable. Bee has lost so much of her family that when her nephew shows up at the orphanage, it was a lovely, yet heartbreaking moment. I adored Bee and Eliza and admired the capable way they handled the obstacles facing two women being life partners and running an orphanage in Prohibition-era Harlem. Their life is not without its sacrifices, but Gillian Palmer shows the true mettle of both women in “Under the Shadow of Your Wings.”
“Cakewalk” by ‘Nathan Burgoine
Babysitting an almost-teenager is difficult enough without adding the fact that it’s your boyfriend’s daughter and she doesn’t seem to like you too much. But Charles is up to the challenge and, with a little help from his co-workers, maybe he can make Neil’s family his own as well.
“Cakewalk” is a wonderfully sweet story that I adore more each time I read it. I don’t envy Charles having to deal with the awkwardness of watching Neil’s daughter on his own, and I give the man credit for doing the best he can to win the girl over. There’s nothing not to love about “Cakewalk.” It’s got a bright energy about it, stemming from Charles and his obvious love for Neil and the way he goes about bridging the gap between himself and the rest of Neil’s family. Even the cake decorating scenes are something any Food Network fan will be delighted by (I sure was). “Cakewalk” was the first story I’ve read by ‘Nathan Burgoine but it definitely won’t be the last.
“Even Guys Cry” by D.C. Juris
Derek knows better than anyone how wrong a first date can go when the guy he’s with finds out that Derek is anatomically female. Oscar is different, however. He doesn’t seem fazed by the fact that Derek was born wrong and he seems to accept Derek for who he is. Is Oscar too good to be true?
I always say I’m a fan of GLBT romances, using the acronym as a general term, but before “Even Guys Cry,” I’d never read a story with a transgender hero. Derek was a wonderful hero and D.C. Juris beautifully expresses Derek’s certainty that he is a gay man, no matter what his anatomy is. Oscar is delightful and it was wonderful watching him prove to Derek that he is the real deal. “Even Guys Cry” is both erotic and heartwarming, a winning combination in my book.
“Mallory’s Gift” by L-J Baker
It’s been three years since Gerry’s partner, Mallory, passed away. Gerry’s friends keep trying to set her up with women, but Gerry’s not ready to let go of Mallory. Then one day, Gerry finds a lost child and the girl’s frantic mother bursts into Gerry’s life. Claire’s beautiful, but can Gerry see past Mallory’s ghost long enough to take a chance on finding happiness once more?
“Mallory’s Gift” is a gorgeous story that will break your heart before it puts it back together. Gerry’s loss comes through clearly in “Mallory’s Gift” and L-J Baker made me ache to see her find happiness with Claire. It isn’t easy for Gerry. She fears loving and losing again and she also seems to be afraid that Claire will want her to push aside her love for Mallory. She underestimates herself and Claire and the beauty of Gerry’s journey will make you remember “Mallory’s Gift” long after you finish reading it.
I Do Two! is an incredible anthology filled with the voices of numerous talented authors. I highlighted some of my favorites, but there are many wonderful stories to be found in I Do Two! From Ruth Sims’s haunting fantasy, “The Legend of the Mountain Ash,” to Alex Beecroft’s phenomenal historical, “Inner Truth,” to Rick R. Reed’s sly paranormal, “Morbidly Obese,” and more, there’s something for everyone in I Do Two!
Despite its title, not all of the stories in I Do Two! involve marriage. The greatness of the anthology is that its common theme is love and commitment. What could be better than that?
Note: Another thing to love about I Do Two! is that all profits from the sales of I Do Two! are donated to the Lambda Legal Defense to fight Proposition 8.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
March 14, 2010
I Do Two is the sequel to the successful and popular anthology to benefit the Lambda Legal Defense. New and repeat authors have joined forces to offer a packed collection of stories celebrating all facets of LGBT. Included are 22 stories of love, sex, and marriage from historical to contemporary with humor, whimsy, sadness and hope. Above all this anthology is a celebration of love and passion between LGBT people. There is sure to be something for everyone and with the great benefit to buying the collection, there is no reason not to get this. You’ll be delighted and entertained with the wide selection of stories while feeling good about buying this – a win all around.
These stories are short, mere glimpses for the most part of men with men, women with women and even a few transgender stories to really show a full spectrum of people, personalities, and relationships. The writing is almost universally solid with evocative settings and engaging characters. The stories range time frames and geographical boundaries from North American to Europe and even Australia. The variety and breadth offer sharply makes the point that this an entire group of people from all walks of life with different values, hopes, dreams, and goals that all deserve the same options as anyone else. This celebration of life and all it’s high and low points is demonstrated incredibly well with these stories.
The progression of stories is very nice and smooth starting with several historical themed tales, showing commitment and love even without the ability to legally marry. The long time companionship of men or women is strong and necessary as much as if they were actually married. The stand out of the historical group is Ruth Sims’ “The Legend of Mountain Ash” showing a deep love between two men that stretches the imagination and gives rise to legends. The lyrical prose gives rise to a story telling narrative, showing the lifetime of two men through happiness, hardship, and loss and a happy ending with a unique twist.
From there, the stories turn contemporary with numerous stand outs that shine and delight. There is Sophia Deri-Bowen’s wonderfully entertaining and romantic tale “Two Men: A Fugue” about opposites attracting. The men are creative not only in their lives and appearance but in their passion and dedication. Similarly “The Song Inside” by Nexis Pas offers a glimpse into two blue collar workers in England as they reminiscence on their years together and their home. Neither man is classically handsome, instead larger and unassuming which lends an air of authenticity and honesty to the touching story.
Slightly more whimsical and humorous are the engaging and entertaining stories of Charlie Cochrane’s “The Uneven Chance” about a man that takes fate into his own hands with a slight bit of trickery. However when the man of your dreams is at stake, all bets are suspect. Just as JL Merrow’s “Aim Higher” offers several laugh out loud moments about a teenager that has an unusual problem. The dry wit and candor evoke a teenager almost perfectly and the resolution is clever and fun. These stories, among others, allow the reader to peer into the world of everyday men and women as they live, love, date, and fall in love.
Among the 22 stories, there are few that stood above the rest but there are almost none that fail to offer a touching and evocative story. The one discordant note is Rick Reed’s “Morbidly Obese” which is interesting but the lone urban fantasy story. The concept of two overweight vampires that can’t stop eating is sly and worthy of an interesting telling but is misplaced within this collection. The story hits a jarring note and doesn’t fit in with a collection that focuses mostly on romance and relationships of LGBT men and women. Similarly “Touche” by James Buchanan focuses more on explicit erotica and less in keeping with the majority of stories. Neither of these stories is bad per se, but don’t seem to fit well with the theme of relationships and romance. Some of the stories chosen have explicit sex and some do not, but almost all show the lives of men and women in good times and bad with a thread of hope for a positive future and these two particular stories just didn’t seem to fit well.
Nonetheless this collection is a must read for LGBT fans. The stories highlight the importance of equal rights by giving a look into the lives of such people. They live, love, laugh, cry, grieve, divorce, make mistakes and commitments like any other person and thus can only be granted the same options as anyone else. With the variety of stories offered, there is guaranteed to be something to appeal to all readers so be sure to buy this now. You can discover your own favorites among the group.
These stories are short, mere glimpses for the most part of men with men, women with women and even a few transgender stories to really show a full spectrum of people, personalities, and relationships. The writing is almost universally solid with evocative settings and engaging characters. The stories range time frames and geographical boundaries from North American to Europe and even Australia. The variety and breadth offer sharply makes the point that this an entire group of people from all walks of life with different values, hopes, dreams, and goals that all deserve the same options as anyone else. This celebration of life and all it’s high and low points is demonstrated incredibly well with these stories.
The progression of stories is very nice and smooth starting with several historical themed tales, showing commitment and love even without the ability to legally marry. The long time companionship of men or women is strong and necessary as much as if they were actually married. The stand out of the historical group is Ruth Sims’ “The Legend of Mountain Ash” showing a deep love between two men that stretches the imagination and gives rise to legends. The lyrical prose gives rise to a story telling narrative, showing the lifetime of two men through happiness, hardship, and loss and a happy ending with a unique twist.
From there, the stories turn contemporary with numerous stand outs that shine and delight. There is Sophia Deri-Bowen’s wonderfully entertaining and romantic tale “Two Men: A Fugue” about opposites attracting. The men are creative not only in their lives and appearance but in their passion and dedication. Similarly “The Song Inside” by Nexis Pas offers a glimpse into two blue collar workers in England as they reminiscence on their years together and their home. Neither man is classically handsome, instead larger and unassuming which lends an air of authenticity and honesty to the touching story.
Slightly more whimsical and humorous are the engaging and entertaining stories of Charlie Cochrane’s “The Uneven Chance” about a man that takes fate into his own hands with a slight bit of trickery. However when the man of your dreams is at stake, all bets are suspect. Just as JL Merrow’s “Aim Higher” offers several laugh out loud moments about a teenager that has an unusual problem. The dry wit and candor evoke a teenager almost perfectly and the resolution is clever and fun. These stories, among others, allow the reader to peer into the world of everyday men and women as they live, love, date, and fall in love.
Among the 22 stories, there are few that stood above the rest but there are almost none that fail to offer a touching and evocative story. The one discordant note is Rick Reed’s “Morbidly Obese” which is interesting but the lone urban fantasy story. The concept of two overweight vampires that can’t stop eating is sly and worthy of an interesting telling but is misplaced within this collection. The story hits a jarring note and doesn’t fit in with a collection that focuses mostly on romance and relationships of LGBT men and women. Similarly “Touche” by James Buchanan focuses more on explicit erotica and less in keeping with the majority of stories. Neither of these stories is bad per se, but don’t seem to fit well with the theme of relationships and romance. Some of the stories chosen have explicit sex and some do not, but almost all show the lives of men and women in good times and bad with a thread of hope for a positive future and these two particular stories just didn’t seem to fit well.
Nonetheless this collection is a must read for LGBT fans. The stories highlight the importance of equal rights by giving a look into the lives of such people. They live, love, laugh, cry, grieve, divorce, make mistakes and commitments like any other person and thus can only be granted the same options as anyone else. With the variety of stories offered, there is guaranteed to be something to appeal to all readers so be sure to buy this now. You can discover your own favorites among the group.
March 14, 2010
Even Guys Cry by D.C. Juris
This short story stands out in the I Do, Two anthology. It is a touching and tendor love story of self acceptance. D.C. Juris has written it with a sublime balance of vulnerability, strength, sex & humor. I found myself laughing and then crying within the same paragraphs. It unveiled the mysteries of a transgender male as the character was laid bare and revealed in a loving moving story. I look forward to reading more by D.C. Juris.
This short story stands out in the I Do, Two anthology. It is a touching and tendor love story of self acceptance. D.C. Juris has written it with a sublime balance of vulnerability, strength, sex & humor. I found myself laughing and then crying within the same paragraphs. It unveiled the mysteries of a transgender male as the character was laid bare and revealed in a loving moving story. I look forward to reading more by D.C. Juris.
May 19, 2010
The second in the wonderful equality project created by Alex Beecroft. Less explicit but with a wonderful mix of GLB and the oft-neglected T characters, by writers of all persuasions and many nationalities. Real diversity in the service of equality, all profits go to Lambda Legal to carry on the fight for equal marriage rights.
May 18, 2010
Full disclosure, I'm in this book - but let me further preface a little to chat a bit about the purpose of I DO TWO. Right on the bright cover, it subtitles itself with "An anthology in support of marriage equality." I'm going to say it once again, before I begin - I am truly blessed to live in a country where my husband and I are just that: husbands. In every legal definition thereof.
I loved this collection (I'm stunned at the company I'm keeping), and have to point out my favorites of the anthology:
"The Song Inside," by Nexis Pas
This story is touching on many levels. The main characters are very much a pair of "everyman" types, with a subtlety in their conversation and description that makes them quite lovable. The story - a piece about these two gentle souls looking for a new place to live together - is woven with such a style that you it leaves you positively warmed. Definitely one of my favorites of the anthology.
"Even Guys Cry" by D.C. Juris
Another favorite in the anthology, D.C. Juris tackles a story rarely told - a transgendered romance. This story is romantic, erotic, and thought-provoking all at the same time, and it brought to mind my transgendered friends and their struggles in a sort of "everyman" way, which speaks to how well the story is written. Tenderness breathes throughout the tale.
"Work Experience" by Bruin Fisher
This story was excellent. Told from a young man's point of view, we hear the voice of a gay youth working with his father to help renovate a kitchen, and watch as his awareness of being different and his knowledge of his father's intolerance clash. When the pair work on a gay couple's kitchen, the young man finally has a view of a regular gay couple, something he'd never seen prior, and the realization is nothing short of wonderful. Hat's off to Bruin, as this was definitely one of my favorite stories in the anthology.
"Mallory's Gift" by L-J Baker
Another favorite, this exceptionally moving story is about Gerry, who has a lonely Christmas ahead of her, friends inclined to meddle in her non-existent dating life, and a loss that is holding her a step removed from life. Gerry lived and breathed in the story, with a verisimilitude that was evocative and absolutely real. Beautifully done, and incredibly touching.
"Elephants in Her Tea" by Julia Rios
Having grown up with wild stories about her Great Aunt Hortensia, including the title inspiring tale of how Hortensia took elephants in her tea, Fiona has always assumed her father made up the character as a kind of bedtime story. After his passing, no more mention of Hortensia was ever made, but at the start of this tale, the death notice for Great Aunt Hortensia is slid under Fiona's door, and she learns that perhaps there's more to her family - and more of it wonderful - than she's ever known. This short piece was delightful, and made me smile ear-to-ear.
"Aim Higher" by J.L. Merrow
I loved this story, which is the rarest of things: a funny - nay, hilarious! - tale with a romantic slice cut through it. Poor Simone has a guest, in the form of Eros (yeah, Cupid), who will not leave her alone, and is convincing the rest of the world that she's nuts because he's so annoying she can't stop yelling at him. He's determined to find her a true love, and she's determined to get rid of him. Eros is cute and all, but he's not the brightest, and he really needs to leave her be. I had to put the book down while I read this story, because I was laughing so hard at a few choice passages. Definite favorite.
I loved this collection (I'm stunned at the company I'm keeping), and have to point out my favorites of the anthology:
"The Song Inside," by Nexis Pas
This story is touching on many levels. The main characters are very much a pair of "everyman" types, with a subtlety in their conversation and description that makes them quite lovable. The story - a piece about these two gentle souls looking for a new place to live together - is woven with such a style that you it leaves you positively warmed. Definitely one of my favorites of the anthology.
"Even Guys Cry" by D.C. Juris
Another favorite in the anthology, D.C. Juris tackles a story rarely told - a transgendered romance. This story is romantic, erotic, and thought-provoking all at the same time, and it brought to mind my transgendered friends and their struggles in a sort of "everyman" way, which speaks to how well the story is written. Tenderness breathes throughout the tale.
"Work Experience" by Bruin Fisher
This story was excellent. Told from a young man's point of view, we hear the voice of a gay youth working with his father to help renovate a kitchen, and watch as his awareness of being different and his knowledge of his father's intolerance clash. When the pair work on a gay couple's kitchen, the young man finally has a view of a regular gay couple, something he'd never seen prior, and the realization is nothing short of wonderful. Hat's off to Bruin, as this was definitely one of my favorite stories in the anthology.
"Mallory's Gift" by L-J Baker
Another favorite, this exceptionally moving story is about Gerry, who has a lonely Christmas ahead of her, friends inclined to meddle in her non-existent dating life, and a loss that is holding her a step removed from life. Gerry lived and breathed in the story, with a verisimilitude that was evocative and absolutely real. Beautifully done, and incredibly touching.
"Elephants in Her Tea" by Julia Rios
Having grown up with wild stories about her Great Aunt Hortensia, including the title inspiring tale of how Hortensia took elephants in her tea, Fiona has always assumed her father made up the character as a kind of bedtime story. After his passing, no more mention of Hortensia was ever made, but at the start of this tale, the death notice for Great Aunt Hortensia is slid under Fiona's door, and she learns that perhaps there's more to her family - and more of it wonderful - than she's ever known. This short piece was delightful, and made me smile ear-to-ear.
"Aim Higher" by J.L. Merrow
I loved this story, which is the rarest of things: a funny - nay, hilarious! - tale with a romantic slice cut through it. Poor Simone has a guest, in the form of Eros (yeah, Cupid), who will not leave her alone, and is convincing the rest of the world that she's nuts because he's so annoying she can't stop yelling at him. He's determined to find her a true love, and she's determined to get rid of him. Eros is cute and all, but he's not the brightest, and he really needs to leave her be. I had to put the book down while I read this story, because I was laughing so hard at a few choice passages. Definite favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 9, 2010It's always a puzzle how to review a book in whichyou have a story. Naturally, any author worth his/her salt is going to think her story is the best. We're just made that way! Mine is a historical that combines realism and fantasy. ("The Legend of the Mountain Ash")
The length, subject, style, and heat level in the collection, vary wildly from story to story, as you would expect with this many authors. Some stories are going to appeal to one person and some stories appeal to someone else. There are a few (though not as many as you might think) that are sexually explicit. There is both fantasy and reality, intricate and simple. There is humor, and there is heartbreak.
Not only are the stories varied and entertaining, all proceeds go to Lambda Legal to help in the never-ending USA battle to secure equal marriage rights for LGBT citizens. Did you ever squeeze a partially filled balloon? The bulge of air moves around from here to there depending on where you squeeze it. The marriage fight has been like that. Never settled.
And regardless how you feel about the issue, you'll find something in the book to enjoy.
The length, subject, style, and heat level in the collection, vary wildly from story to story, as you would expect with this many authors. Some stories are going to appeal to one person and some stories appeal to someone else. There are a few (though not as many as you might think) that are sexually explicit. There is both fantasy and reality, intricate and simple. There is humor, and there is heartbreak.
Not only are the stories varied and entertaining, all proceeds go to Lambda Legal to help in the never-ending USA battle to secure equal marriage rights for LGBT citizens. Did you ever squeeze a partially filled balloon? The bulge of air moves around from here to there depending on where you squeeze it. The marriage fight has been like that. Never settled.
And regardless how you feel about the issue, you'll find something in the book to enjoy.
November 6, 2016
I skipped stories from authors that rate all their books. It's not the case with those that only rate antologies; I still don't like it but I can understand it like a recognition to their co-authors.
The Legend of Mountain Ash by Ruth Sims - 3 stars
Inner Truth by Alex Beecroft - 2 stars
Turnabout by Lee Rowan - 2,5 stars
Under the Shadow of Your Wings by Gillian Palmer. - 2 stars
Home Cooking by Brian Holiday - 4 stars
Mister Right by Rob Rosen - Skipped
Two Men: A Fugue by Sophia Deri-Bowen - 5 stars!!
Stripes by Nigel Puerasch - 4 stars
Morbidly Obese by Rick R. Reed - 2 stars
The Song Inside by Nexis Pas - 3,5 stars
Hitched by Michael Gouda - 1,5 stars
Cakewalk by Nathan Burgoine - 4 stars
Ships That Pass by Jamie Freeman - 2 stars
Work Experience by Bruin Fisher - 3 stars
Even Guys Cry by D.C. Juris - 2 stars
Touche by James Buchanan - 2 stars
Mallory's Gift by L-J Baker - 3 stars
The Uneven Chance by Charlie Cochrane - 3 stars
Honolulu Hula by Neil S. Plakcy - Skipped
Elephants in Her Tea by Julia Rios - 1,5 stars
Aim Higher by J.L Merrow - 3 stars
Ganymede by Lenore Black - 2,5 stars
The Legend of Mountain Ash by Ruth Sims - 3 stars
Inner Truth by Alex Beecroft - 2 stars
Turnabout by Lee Rowan - 2,5 stars
Under the Shadow of Your Wings by Gillian Palmer. - 2 stars
Home Cooking by Brian Holiday - 4 stars
Mister Right by Rob Rosen - Skipped
Two Men: A Fugue by Sophia Deri-Bowen - 5 stars!!
Stripes by Nigel Puerasch - 4 stars
Morbidly Obese by Rick R. Reed - 2 stars
The Song Inside by Nexis Pas - 3,5 stars
Hitched by Michael Gouda - 1,5 stars
Cakewalk by Nathan Burgoine - 4 stars
Ships That Pass by Jamie Freeman - 2 stars
Work Experience by Bruin Fisher - 3 stars
Even Guys Cry by D.C. Juris - 2 stars
Touche by James Buchanan - 2 stars
Mallory's Gift by L-J Baker - 3 stars
The Uneven Chance by Charlie Cochrane - 3 stars
Honolulu Hula by Neil S. Plakcy - Skipped
Elephants in Her Tea by Julia Rios - 1,5 stars
Aim Higher by J.L Merrow - 3 stars
Ganymede by Lenore Black - 2,5 stars
September 5, 2014
I loved this anthology! Each story was unique and well written. There was also a good mix of FF, trans, teens stories/POVs, LGBTQ families with children, funny, serious, sad, romantic, oddball, and insanely happy stories. At least two were follow ups to novels I'd previously read, which was nice.
Over all, a fantastic read and even better than the first anthology by the same name, which I recall having mixed feelings about.
Over all, a fantastic read and even better than the first anthology by the same name, which I recall having mixed feelings about.
October 10, 2011
Some real gems; while the anthology is not a style of reading I particularly enjoy, both Alex Beecroft's lovely slice of life and Neil Plakcy's dip into his protoganist's partner's point of view made this whole book a very pleasant read.
October 26, 2012
I don't have a review for this one, but I recall enjoying it.
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