A story as filled with tension and real conflict as it is with characters fighting to find out what they really need, "I Don’t" is about love and the true meaning of trusting the person you want to share your life with. Never mind how long Seth and Owen may have known each other, or how much they love each other, they have one last obstacle to overcome, and that is Seth's acceptance of himself, resulting in his ability to trust in not just Owen, but in the both of them as a couple.

Seth has not had an easy life. He only mentions the odd event in passing, as he remembers it when discussing it with members of his family during his and Owen's Christmas visit, but it is clear that he hasn't always been as settled as he is now. Beaten up in school for being gay, falling into drinking and drug use once he left home, and only fairly recently calmed down, he isn’t one to trust easily. He thinks he has found a home with Owen, but as he discovers once he takes an honest look, there are enough neuroses left to make a therapist really rich. He thinks getting married to Owen will solve all of that, and is crushed that Owen refuses, but the confrontation with his family tells him there is much more to it.

Owen is a lawyer, much older than Seth, and has undoubtedly had a lot of unfriendly comments (to put it carefully) about Seth being a gold digger, and worse. He knows what he wants though, and stands by Seth even through the pressure Seth's parents exert on him to "make an honest man" of Seth. He is also able to learn; the many discussions he has, and Seth's misery, tell him what he needs to do. And once he does, he is unstoppable.

If you enjoy books that resemble an emotional roller coaster ride, if you like characters with flaws and quirks to match those of the real people you know, and if you're looking for a story about the meaning of love and commitment in a Christmas-time setting, you will probably love this short book as much as I did.

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This was a quick and humorous Christmas read. I loved Seth and Owen. They were so clearly crazy about each other, but their relationship had hit a rough patch. It was nice reading about an established couple, which is kind of rare for me. I do wish that I could read about the start of their relationship, but that is mostly because I liked them so well and I'm greedy. :)

Seth's family had some amusing moments, but I did find them a bit too over-the-top at times. I also wasn't a big fan of the use of guns in the story.

Overall, a great light holiday read with minor issues, but Seth and Owen make up for them. I would definitely love to read more about them. ( )