This was just an average read for me. There were definitely parts of the book that I thought were done really well. Aurora and her struggles with her eating disorder and the toxic relationship between her and her mom. I loved seeing how she was able to work through the complicated feelings behind eating and ballet to get to such a healthy place at the end. And for Mike, I thought him working through his grief over losing his wife, and figuring out how to better parent his daughter now that he was a single parent was really interesting.

But, I just wasn’t very invested in seeing these two together as love interests. One thing that constantly bugged me throughout the entire book was Aurora’s internal monologue referring to Mike as Mike Martin (aka his first and last name) the entire time. From start to finish. There’s this sticking point that Mike is afraid everyone wants him because of his hockey star status. While maybe that wasn’t Aurora’s intention, her constantly referring to him that way made it almost seem like she couldn’t see him as anything other than Mike Martin, hockey star. It definitely started to grate on my nerves by the end. I also thought that the conflict was 1) a little overdramatized for the sake of a break up and 2) resolved far too quickly.

Overall, I thought the journey of the characters as individuals was interesting to read about, but them together was just not compelling, I didn’t feel they had great chemistry.

When Aurora was much younger, she met a boy at the Mall of America. He was a very cute hockey player who had a sweet Canadian accent and was missing a tooth. They shared a fun moment … and that was it. From then on, she used this memory to craft her fake Canadian Boyfriend.

Many years later, she’s teaching dance to young girls when Mike walks in with his young daughter. Aurora is still finding her way as an adult after her ballet career didn’t pan out and she’s recovering from an eating disorder and panic attacks. Mike is a new widow who is still trying to get single parenting down. He relies on Aurora for help with Olivia and they start a friendship. Flash forward to Aurora working for Mike as a nanny and she’s moving in with them to help out.

I loved this story so much. I loved Aurora for standing up for herself with her mother and helping Mike navigate being a parent to a young child who has lost her mother. Mike is battling lots of issues himself with nearing the end of his career as a professional hockey player. He had rocky moments in his marriage before his wife’s death that will go unanswered. He had a daughter that is going through a tough age and the death of a parent. Although this book has heavy moments, it also has a lot of funny times. I especially love the very ending of the epilogue!

I cannot recommend the audiobook enough! Mike is played by @vancityjax or Joshua Jackson of Dawson’s Creek and the Mighty Ducks fame! He voices really adds a lot to the story, especially the authentic Canadian accent. 🍁

Thank you to @readforeverpub and @holymolyjennyholi for my gifted book. Canadian Boyfriend is out now.

I absolutely had to read this book, I guess I am in what you might call my hockey romance era and with this having a Canadian twist it was high on my TBR. I really enjoyed this book. Both main characters were so genuine and sweet. Mike is a sweetheart, he has been through hell and back but gives his all to be a good father and present to those around him. Given his career, he seems very grounded, which as we get to know his family is easy to understand – they are amazing! Rory has had a rough upbringing, as a result, she is struggling with her mental health and relationship with not just food but her body image. I absolutely loved that their therapy sessions were incorporated and loved to see their personal growth throughout the book.

I may be in the minority and love a 3rd act breakup. Did I feel like the reason they broke off their romance was silly? Absolutely, honestly, it seemed like a non-issue to me. Rory should have brought it up much earlier on and quite possibly didn’t even need to show him her notebook, I think it would have been enough for her to mention they had met years ago. I really don’t think her imaginary boyfriend should have bothered Mike to the extent that it did as it really had very little to do with him as a person. Do I think they needed some time apart? Yes Sir! They needed to figure out what they really wanted from the relationship and have some honest conversations so they could start this relationship without secrets/hesitations.

Things I liked
– Hockey player/dancer romance
– Single dad
– Canada 🇨🇦
– Mental health representation
– Therapy
– Amazing families (including found family)

The one thing that really bothered me, probably more than reasonably so is Rory referred to Mike as Mike Martin throughout the entire book. Throughout the book we see how uncomfortable Mike is with the notion of being a celebrity and using his full name seems so formal when just “Mike” would seem more familiar and intimate.

This was a really lovely book, I would recommend it to fans of contemporary romance, it does have a bit of spice but not overly so.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Rory doesn't quite feel like she fits in at her high school. It doesn't help that she spends most her time in ballet classes and is incredibly shy. She meets a Canadian hockey player at Mall of America and he becomes her inspiration for a fake boyfriend. Now Rory has a reason not to go to prom - her Canadian boyfriend can't make it. It's not until year later when Rory is teaching dance classes that she comes face to face with her "Canadian boyfriend" again. This was a cute romcom that does a good job addressing mental health, death of a family member, toxic relationships, and eating disorders.

3.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC of Canadian Boyfriend!

I am an absolute sucker for a hockey romance book, literally my kryptonite - and seeing that this was about a Canadian, being Canadian myself I just knew I had to get my hands on this book.

This was my first Jenny Holiday book, it definitely won't be my last by her either, but this one didn't hit the mark for me. I wanted to absolutely love this book because we've all had that feeling of making up a "boyfriend" c'mon - we're book girlies, don't deny it ;) but this just fell flat for me.

I don't want to lose you here so I'm going to point out what I loved about this book:
- the mental health representation, we love to see therapy being used to actually help heal our inner selves
- BOUNDARIES, love to see them, #teamRory forever
- Dual POV, I love being able to read what the characters are thinking and feeling
- Mike is a hunky man, okay? Don't ask questions - just trust me
- The found family aspect in this book, I adore Gretchen

The first half of the book really captured my attention but towards the end it felt like the story dragged on and was repetitive with the same dialogue, the "conflict" was not a conflict and in fact was Mike being dumb. I said what I said - Mike was being immature.

I also did not enjoy that the "intimacy" had a specific start and end date - you cannot turn feelings on and off; this is where I think the book really fell flat for me. I never understood why Rory didn't call Mike, Mike - but instead chose to always call him Mike Martin lol.

I think this book would've been a solid 4-4.5 star read if the "conflict" didn't happen - keep in mind having a 3rd act break up happen about 91% in really rushes the ending of a book.

I also would've liked an epilogue featuring Olivia, I think it would've tied the ending of the book in well together.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a slow burn hockey romance book with strong friendships, mental health representation, and exploring familial relationships.

This book was just fine. The premise was cute and promising, but this didn’t contain the romance that was promised. There is something I don’t like when the whole book is this man grieving his dead wife, but he’s supposed to be falling in love with someone else. It doesn’t make me want the main characters to get together, especially when Aurora needs some real therapy and self discovery herself. As a general fiction novel, this is fine. But as a romance it lacks the chemistry and charm necessary.

First, I’d like to thank Net Galley and Forever for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Let me start of by saying, I was hooked from the beginning. Please read trigger warnings, as the book does discuss some serious topics. Hockey player MMC and Ballerina FMC. You can’t help but fall in love with both Aurora and Mike. I absolutely loved Mike & Aurora’s story, how they had met in the beginning of the book and fast forward to 14 years later and them crossing paths again. Olivia, Mike’s daughter being in Aurora’s dance class. Then Aurora and Olivia’s bond was the cutest thing. They all had to overcome lots of trauma, they helped each other through it. I would definitely recommend this book, it was such a quick read, and definitely makes you fall in love with the characters.

Read : 12/25/2023 - 12/27/2023.

The cover for Jenny Holiday's new book, Canadian Boyfriend, promised a fun rom-com read. And it does indeed deliver that, but there was much more to Canadian Boyfriend than I had expected.
Aurora Evans met Canadian hockey player Mike Martin many years ago, when she was a sixteen year old student. She built that meeting into a fake, long distance boyfriend. I'll let you discover the 'why'. Imagine what happens when she runs into him again - thirteen years later!

Holiday gives the reader a wonderful yes, no, maybe so story line that had me hooked. I thought that the journey to the final pages would be smooth sailing. But, at a point, I realized that wasn't going to happen. Holiday tackles some bigger themes with Aurora and Mike. Love, life, grief friendships, dysfunction families, loss, mental health and many more. This added so much to the book. And all the above was thoughtfully written.

The narrative is seen and recounted through both Aurora and Mike's point of view. We as readers are privy to what each is thinking. (And yes, I did indeed talk out loud to offer my opinions and what needed to happen next!)

I quite liked the two lead characters. And the supporting crew was just as well drawn. The dialogue is quick and clever, but also thoughtful and honest.

I really enjoyed Canadian Boyfriend!

This book was so cute, heartwarming, and full of healing.
I was taken in by it right away.
I was constantly laughing with the characters and really grew to adore them all, but especially the MCs.
Mike is just the sweetest and so thoughtful. He had me swooning at everything he would do for Aurora. And we love a man going to therapy 👏🏻
Which, I really loved that both characters were in therapy and that it was talked about and addressed so often.
I found Aurora to be extremely relatable and I really connected with her character.

What didn’t fully work for me, was, the conflict of the story. I just couldn’t fully understand why it created the impact that it did. And the ending did feel a bit rushed and I would have liked a little more but maybe that’s me being greedy… I did still LOVE the ending and it really tugged at my heart strings. ♥️

Overall I really loved this story and I can’t wait for Gretchen next!

I’m a big fan of Jenny Holiday - both her as a person and her writing. I even got the chance to interview her and Farah Heron at a literary festival last year! So, naturally, I was going to be excited about whatever book she wrote next. Add in the fact that it was called Canadian Boyfriend and I was definitely going to read it. Read it I did - and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Here’s the book’s description:
The fake Canadian boyfriend. It's a thing. The get out of jail free card for all kinds of sticky social situations. “I can't go to prom; I'm going to be out of town visiting my boyfriend in Canada.” It's all over pop culture. But Aurora Evans did it first. Once upon a time she met a teenage hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. He was a boy. She may have fudged the “friend” part a little, but it wasn't like she was ever going to see him again. It wasn't like she hurt anyone. Until she did—years later—on both counts.
When pro hockey player and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora Evans teaches, he's feeling overwhelmed with the fact that his wife may not have been exactly who he thought she was and the logistics of going back to work. As one of the few people his angry, heartbroken daughter connects with, Aurora agrees to be a pseudo nanny to help him navigate the upcoming school year and hockey season. To his surprise, she turns out to be the perfect balm for him as well. Aurora gets him. The real him underneath his pro jersey. And yet, he still finds himself holding back, unable to fully trust again—especially when he finds out the secret Aurora’s been hiding from him.
I was a wee bit worried about the single parent storyline. Traditionally, I’m not a fan. But I didn’t mind this one at all and I think it has to do with the fact that Olivia is older. She’s her own person and her personality and issues were just as important as Rory and Mike’s were. I felt for the kid and was hoping for a tween version of a non-romantic Happily Ever After for her because she sure as hell deserved it.

I gotta say, though, I didn’t buy the Third Act Breakup. This might get a bit spoilery so skip this if you hate any hint of anything. Right. So throughout the whole novel, Rory is struggling with whether or not to tell Mike that they had actually met in passing years before and, wouldn’t you know it, he inspired her to create a fake boyfriend. When she does eventually tell him, he’s pissed. Which I found stupid. I also found it slightly silly that Rory was so worried about telling him but I guess it makes sense since he reacted just as she expected him to. It just didn’t work for me - even with Mike’s hangups about lying (which I also struggled with but I could kind of get it) and Rory’s tendency to be a doormat (her and her BFF’s terms, not mine) - and it was a bit of a bummer to deal with right at the end of the book.

Also - why on earth did Rory refer to him as Mike Martin throughout the entire novel? It was so bizarre. The chapters alternated perspectives and whenever Rory was talking about/describing interactions with Mike, it was almost always “Mike Martin” instead of just Mike. I don’t get it and I’m weirdly fixated on it. *shrugs*

I loved how therapy and looking after one’s mental health was so important in this book and was approached in such a positive light. Mike was doing everything he could to make sure he and his daughter were mentally healthy after Sarah’s death, and that included therapy for the both of them. And it was at his urging that Rory finally went back to therapy herself. They talked about it openly together, and with their friends, and it was all just so…normal. While it wasn’t great that they had such serious issues to work through - grief for Mike and anxiety/panic attacks/eating disorder for Rory - it was great to read about how they were getting the help they needed in a romance novel.

You don’t have to like sports to like this novel. Yes, Mike is a professional hockey player and there are lots of references to the sport but Rory is a total newbie and things are explained well to her (and, by proxy, to any reader who doesn’t know hockey). And for those of us who do know a little bit about the sport, we’re not bored with info we already know. It was well done. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of a hockey player dating a (former) ballerina and how Holiday approached the toxicity of the world of ballet.

As you can tell, there’s a lot to unpack with this romance novel. But even with all of the serious (and incredibly important) topics, Canadian Boyfriend is, at its core, a romance. I loved the little Canadianisms sprinkled throughout and fell in love with all the characters. I’m so glad we’re going to get Gretchen’s book next! I think Jenny Holiday has a winner on her hands with this romance and I think other readers will agree.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Forever, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

My book club is reading this in march! I will fill in this review now and then I will go back and edit it!

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Don't let the fun cartoon cover fool you - this is not a fluffy, easygoing romcom. Although this book has a somewhat lighthearted premise, it explores grief and recovery from both death and childhood trauma.

I did really enjoy Mike's character, his journey and growth throughout the book was well handled and seemed realistic in its messiness and complexity. The relationship between him and Aurora, however, I felt lacked some chemistry. They seemed more like two people growing into really good friends, and was missing a bit of a spark for me.

There were a few really really cute moments though, and I just wish there were more!

This was a cute set up - Rory makes up a fake Canadian boyfriend when she is in high school, based on a guy she met working her coffee shop job at the mall. Fast forward to adulthood, Rory meets Mike - her fake boyfriend - and his daughter is in her ballet class.

A cute romance story woven with some heavier themes (grief, past eating disorder).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
🏒 hockey
🏒 ballet dancer/hockey player romance
🏒 dual timelines
🏒 dual POV
🏒 eating disorder representation
🏒 second chance love
🏒 HEA

As a Canadian myself, I love the title of this book and this, being Canadian, I also love hockey as well.. so I knew this book was going to be right up my alley! I absolutely love Jenny Holiday as well, so I was super excited about this one going into it.
I really enjoyed this story, and I was captivated right from the very beginning.
I really liked all the characters in this book! I loved Mike! I really liked Olivia and I liked seeing the blooming relationship between Rory and Mike’s daughter Olivia.
I really liked the format of part regular story-telling and part text message exchanges between the two main characters! It makes it feel a little bit more personal and allows us to see the relationship and the dynamic between the two characters better.
I really really liked that all the chapters had titles!!! You rarely ever see that in a book anymore and I really think we need to go back to it!!
I have to take 1 star off because of the 3rd act breakup; I absolutely hate this part about romance books 👎🏻

I really wanted to love this title, but it just didn't do it for me. The romance was unbelievable and the characters fell flat.

Okay, I loved this book and it also completely took me by surprise!!! I’ve read Jenny Holiday’s past books and they’ve always been a steamy, romcom-y delight, which I loved! But Canadian Boyfriend is significantly less steamy, but full of depth and beauty and wonderful character development. This story grabbed me by the heart and never let go!

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday is the story of Mike Martin and Aurora Evans 'Rory'. Mike is a single father to his daughter after his wife died. Rory happens to remember meeting Mike when she worked in the mall and she created him as her 'fake boyfriend' but now he is really in front of her. Enjoyed

This book follows an ex-ballet, dance instructor who met a man long ago who is back to her life as a popular hockey player. I really enjoyed this book. Note that this book deals with a widow and an eating disorder. Holiday did a great job with writing this story and bringing a fun plot to their readers. I was entertained by the prologue which gives a great overview of what the future might present to the MCs. The setting was lovely which the author describes well throughout the book. The pacing was perfect which was not too slow or too fast and kept in that same pace. This book is told from Aurora and Mike’s pov.

Aurora is the ex-ballet who has two jobs until is offered to be a babysitter for a little girl. I really enjoyed her character and the development she had in this book. She deals with an eating disorder and panic attacks due to her past career and I loved how she overcomes it showing how much she grew. Then there is a widowed single parent, Mike, who is a hockey player who doesn’t know how to take care of himself and his daughter. He was also a great character who was understanding and a wonderful father. I enjoyed his story and also seeing him grow. There are a couple of side characters but the main ones are Liv and Gretchen who were both lovely. The romance is friends to lovers, nanny & single parent, and slow burn which was greatly done.

The ending of the story was great and I’m excited to read the next book in this duology. The author will be writing about different characters so I’m excited to see how the story goes. The only problem I had with the story was that I did wish the whole Canadian boyfriend issue was much clearer as I felt it got messy throughout the entire book. Though overall it was a great story.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

Canadian Boyfriend" by Jenny Holiday is an utterly delightful and heartwarming romance that effortlessly blends humor, charm, and genuine emotion. The premise itself is pure genius—a fake Canadian boyfriend from teenage years resurfacing in unexpected ways, leading to a cascade of heartfelt moments and delightful surprises.

What makes this novel shine is the authentic and relatable characters. Aurora Evans, our protagonist, is not just a woman caught in a web of her own creation, but a multifaceted individual grappling with the consequences of her actions. Her journey from crafting a harmless lie to facing the repercussions years later is both poignant and amusing.

Enter Mike Martin, a pro hockey player and recent widower, whose life becomes intertwined with Aurora's in the most unexpected manner. Their dynamic is electric, filled with tender moments and witty banter that will leave readers swooning. As they navigate grief, trust, and newfound feelings, their relationship blossoms into something truly special.

But what truly sets "Canadian Boyfriend" apart is its underlying message of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of honesty. Jenny Holiday effortlessly weaves these themes into the narrative, reminding us that while secrets may weigh heavy on the heart, the truth has the remarkable ability to heal and mend even the most fractured of bonds.

In essence, "Canadian Boyfriend" is a wholesome and endearing tale that will leave readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after they've turned the final page. With its irresistible blend of romance, humor, and genuine emotion, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone in need of a feel-good escape. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance and those who appreciate a story with heart and soul.

3.0 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever( Grand Central Publishing) for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: references to disordered eating and death of a spouse that happened in events before the start of this book.

I chose this book because it sounded like a fun rom-com premise. What if you make up an imaginary boyfriend and one day they really walk in? Add on to it the idea that it is a Canadian hockey boyfriend and ballet dancer type of romance and I was sold.

The chapters alternate as both protagonists, Aurora Evans and Mike Martin take the lead of telling us the story. It's a quirky coming together of two personalities. The romance was a bit so- so but I liked them as characters. I felt that the revealing of Aurora's "secret" came really late for it to be a big deal and Mike came across as immature in comparison to Aurora. This might be a couple that I would have to put on the short-time relationship status.




Publication Date 30/01/24
Goodreads Review 09/02/24


#CanadianBoyfriend #NetGalley