Terrific story. I loved the way it started out and how Ben and Ainsley met. Ben lost a bet with his friends, which left him doing the Christmas shopping for his unit's Toys for Tots donations and the local retirement homes. He was in way over his head as he stood in the Barbie aisle at the toy store. I loved seeing him talking to himself and all but pulling his hair out. Luckily for him, a fellow shopper came to his rescue. Ainsley is a professional shopper, and Ben's situation tugs at her heart. I loved seeing her step in and walk him through it all.

Both Ben and Ainsley are career-focused, with no plans for any serious relationships in their immediate futures. But they can't deny the attraction that flares between them. They also suffer from over-zealous friends and family who keep throwing potential dates and mates at them. They form a quick friendship and mutual support team, as they promise to be each other's "plus one" during the holidays. I loved seeing them get to know each other and discover just how much they had in common. Both are hard workers who have plans for their futures. Both of them are big into helping other people. Their conversations are fun and flirty, and they really seem to understand each other. But each of them has a hot-button issue. Ben is a little bit insecure about his background. He grew up poor and joined the Marines right out of high school as a way to take care of his mom and sister. He's a little bit intimidated by the wealth that Ainsley comes from. Ainsley's problem is that of trying to prove and maintain her independence, especially against her father's machinations. She tends to get pretty huffy with anyone who wants to "take care of her."

There were some terrific scenes of Ben and Ainsley together. I especially enjoyed the night of the bachelor auction and watching Ben go all out to help Ainsley make her goal. I liked seeing Ainsley with Ben's friends and how well she fit in with them. But I could also see that there was trouble brewing as the night of her family's Christmas party drew nearer. I ached for Ben, whose insecurities got quite a workout when he saw her parents' house. I liked how Ainsley did her best to put him at ease. I was furious at her father's interference and the terrible things he said to Ben. Ben might have gotten through that okay, but he then had to listen to some pretentious jerk putting the moves on Ainsley. His insecurities collided with his jealousy, and he said some really boneheaded and hurtful things to her. I ached for Ainsley who was blindsided by his words and actions.

I liked seeing how both of them dealt with what had happened. I cheered when Ainsley had it out with her dad, and loved the support she got from her sister. I also liked seeing her brain start to work again, and how she thought about the things said and what may have driven them. I laughed at Ben's arrival home and how his mom and sister pried the story of what happened out of him. I especially enjoyed the insight of his seventeen-year-old sister. That same sister had a very effective way of getting Ben and Ainsley back together. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing the calm and cool Ainsley totally lose it. The epilogue was a terrific wrap up to the story.

I liked Ainsley's friend Bebe and Ben's friend Jake. I especially enjoyed Bebe's unexpected arrival the evening Ben and Ainsley were "cooking" in the kitchen. Her unflappable reaction was hilarious. I liked the close friendship between Jake and Ben. It was great fun to see Jake tease Ben about how much he was into Ainsley. ( )