A standalone book in The Heart of the Holidays, a gay YA series celebrating love. Presley James has spent his entire life being told that he’s too much. Neither his parents, teachers, or even peers know how to handle the sometimes loud, occasionally impulsive, and always scatter-brained young man. Then he meets Garrett Harper. Garrett is used to being left behind due to his poor health. So when Presley and his quirks crash into his life, his quiet existence is turned upside down. After a lifetime of being let down by everyone except his father, Garrett is reluctant to trust that Presley is really understanding of all his limitations. When the boys start to spend more of the most wonderful time of the year together, their budding feelings begin to grow. Thanks to the magic of the Christmas season, these two broken boys may not only learn what it means to trust in somebody else, but most importantly, to believe in yourself.

Robert Harper has spent the past seventeen years living for his son. He doesn’t know who he is if he’s not being a caregiver and protector all rolled into one. Niall Ross is finally ready to make a life of his own. After years spent making sure his younger brother had everything he needed, it’s time for Niall to discover who he is. All it takes is one glance across a crowded meeting room for the men to feel a connection, but Robert is terrified his life is too complicated for the other man. Luckily, Niall has patience in abundance. With a little help from Robert’s meddling family, the two begin a tentative relationship. Just as they’re finding their footing, all of Robert’s worst fears come to life and he falters under the pressure. Niall takes the challenge to show Robert that he’s a safe place to lean on, but when his own life begins to unravel, he places his heart in Robert’s hands. When two independent men are forced to trust each other will the love win out, or will vulnerability and fear cause them to lose the best thing they didn't even know they had.

Jared Hartley is tired of pretending. He’s spent the past seventeen years trying to live by other people’s expectations. When his home life implodes, he turns to the only person who’s wanted nothing from him except the one thing he hasn’t been able to give—his love. Sam Evans is lonely. He has a job he loves and familial responsibilities, but he’s also spent the past six years wanting someone who will never be his. Jared and Sam have loved each other since they met, but Jared’s complicated home life meant the only thing they could ever be is friends. When Jared returns for his annual vacation, he has one goal in mind: show Sam how great they could be together. But matters of the heart are never easy and Sam, too afraid of getting hurt, won’t cross the boundaries set in place. With the help of their meddling family, Jared hatches a plan to woo Sam and win the heart of the only man he’s ever loved. As the pair grow closer than ever before, they learn what love freely offered and given feels like for the first time. But Jared’s not-so-distant past comes calling, and Sam’s family life faces upheaval, putting their fledgling relationship to the test. Will love prove to be enough to survive the inevitable crash of reality, or is their soul-deep connection one of friends only?