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I Don't: A Christmas Wish (2012)

by Kari Gregg(Favorite Author)

3.76 of 5 Votes: 3

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Kari Gregg

review 1: Love...it really does come down to trust does it not? Loosening that hold on our hearts and allowing someone else to carry them for a while--hold us for a while. Yes, it requires a lot of determination to say, 'you can have me--I am okay with that--with you taking up residence in my heart'.Owen wants that kind of relationship with Seth but he knows his young partner is not yet there and worries that he will lose the man he loves. And the hell of it is that Owen and Seth are finally able to get legally married in the state of Maryland but unfortunately Owen does not want to--and that fact is gutting poor Seth.In reality, Owen's lack of enthusiasm for "that piece of paper" actually becomes the impetus that forces Seth to look more closely at himself--and what he sees leav... morees him cold. Seth's despair-his anger does not really stem from Owen's refusal to marry; instead, it is the revelation that Seth, himself, does not trust Owen, has never fully trusted his partner and, in fact, has spent a considerable amount of time pushing the man he loves away.It is a lack of trust that is fueling Seth's unhappiness, not a lack of marriage license. And while his family is pushing at Owen to man up and marry their son, Seth realizes that it is he who must first change in order for any long term partnership to work.Pretty heavy stuff for the ho ho ho-ing season eh? Well...yes and no. Actually author Kari Gregg has presented us with a thoughtful glimpse at what happens to a couple when the foundation of their relationship is built on a less than firm foundation. And she does it well. Seth comes alive in this novella. You can map the direction of his heart and almost hear him speaking in your ear. Ms. Gregg gives this character a rich life that flies off the page and straight into your mind and heart. His family is quirky and sweet, particularly his parents. You feel the warmth of their home and the depth of love they have for their son. This is a family that loves fiercely and for keeps.Unfortunately, she does not do the same thing with Owen. I found myself scratching my head at this character. I never fully understood his complete reasoning for saying no to marriage with Seth and so, in due course, I was certainly a bit dumbfounded at his recapitulation near the end of the story. I liked Owen--but I barely knew him and that left me fairly unsatisfied with what I now considered an uneven story that simply did not spend enough time fully developing the two man characters.I just needed a bit more--a bit more of Owen--of getting to know him and what made him tick. So, this novella? It is a nice seasonal offering by a very gifted writer. I just felt it needed to be a bit longer with more time spent on getting to know both these men.
review 2: I was surprised at how much I liked this book and loved the characters, considering there were two pretty hardcore pet peeves of mine involved: political romance and one partner whining about wanting to get married all the time.Somehow, both worked in this story. Probably because of the characters and the sense of humor in Ms. Gregg's writing. Seth and Owen are characters anyone can relate two, struggling with topics every couple deal with -- only these questions have only recently become relevant for them in particular thanks to marriage equality finally becoming a reality in their home state. I felt for them... fighting for basic civil rights, and the gaining of them driving a sudden wedge in a previously strong couple. There was never a question before, because the question was moot. But now?The family could get to be a little much at times, I mean jeesh, relax already! But they were also amusing and well-intentioned (heh, porno gingerbread). Of course there had to be one hardcore homophobe, but why nobody just tossed her and her annoying, hateful husband out on their asses is beyond me. But I digress.The story is both heart-wrenching and funny, poignant and quirky, and it's going on my "read it again next holiday" list for sure. less

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