Short and sweet holiday friends to lovers story. Keira is a freshman in college, well known in her family for taking in strays. When this story opens, she is rushing to finish her last class before the holiday break. The TA supervising the lab is visibly ill, which touches Keira's kind heart. When she discovers that he has nowhere to go over the holidays, she insists on taking him home with her.

I loved Keira in these opening scenes. She is a force to be reckoned with and Dalton, in his weakened state, is no match for her. Dalton is super smart, book-wise, but not so much when it comes to relationships, and has been dumped by yet another of his beautiful girlfriends. It was pretty funny to see his fever-induced, unfiltered commentary as Keira got him settled in her home. At eighteen, Keira is unexpectedly focused on her studies, confessing to Dalton that she has no intention of getting involved with any man that will distract her from her goals. What she doesn't admit to is her lack of trust, courtesy of her childhood with a druggie mother, then several years in the foster system.

I loved how easily Keira and Dalton connected, and how comfortable they were with each other. By the time the holiday was over, they were good friends. I liked their commitment to stay in touch and Keira's standing invitation for Dalton to spend the holidays with her family. The story follows them over the next few years, with glimpses into their relationships with other people. It's easy for the reader to see that their feelings for each other change, but Keira and Dalton appear blind to it. I enjoyed the way that Keira teased Dalton about his beautiful girlfriends, though there was also that twinge of insecurity that she would never measure up to them. Keira is also protective of Dalton, and tended to react badly to the girlfriends she thought didn't deserve him. Dalton is also protective of Keira, and is there for her when her first relationship falls apart. I loved how he knew just how to cheer her up. It took an unexpected turn when Keira confessed everything to Dalton. This was an eye-opening experience in several ways for Keira, but she worried most about if it would change their friendship. I ached for her as she buried her feelings under a façade of casual cheer. Things came to a head the next Christmas. It was both fun and heartbreaking to see the progression of events. I ached for Keira and her hurt at the changes in her relationship with Dalton. Dalton appeared to be somewhat oblivious to the effects of his decisions, though I later thought he was probably protecting himself. The dinner and aftermath were emotional and my heart broke for Keira and her fears about the end of their friendship. The ending was awesome and the epilogue was sweet. I just wish the story had been longer. ( )