This book was sooo sad. The characters start sad and the overall tone throughout is sad. Don’t be fooled by either cover that’s out there for this book, the cartoony one of them at the ice rink or the ones of them in swim suits at the lake in the sun (which makes no sense to me as they never go swimming together on page). Major trigger warning for death of a spouse and parent by car accident, the MMC and his daughter are still actively grieving throughout this whole story. Additional CW for past parental abuse (parent still distantly present in character’s life) and recovering ED. The FMC had a very difficult and different upbringing that she is continually hurt by and has to work through. Each character is on their own individual journeys and at times it’s a very heavy read.

This is still a romance and it does have a HEA but there is a bittersweet tone through a lot of this. They are messy in their relationship especially when they attempt to compartmentalize and stop and start a FWB situation. This is NOT a cute sports romance or cute boss/nanny romance. This is angsty and at times the MMC is so emotionally removed from the FMC in a way that he never really has to make up for. It’s not that he’s not over his deceased wife in an emotional sense it’s just that he decides how connected he gets to the FMC and at times as an outside reader I felt hurt for her that their connection didn’t override their control.

And yet I couldn’t put this down. I ended up really liking the main characters and I felt that the details were so vivid. This covers a lot of time and a lot of plot. They have a developed world in Minnesota and Canada and I found it all so compelling. It is technically first person but it almost feels like third with how separate you feel from the characters.

There is on page spice but it’s only like one pepper and slow burn. Half of it was randomly closed door which was disappointing for me cause I loved the stuff that was on page and I felt like really spoke to their developing friendship and intimacy. Just an FYI for those curious.

Overall this was a really unique read and I maintain my warning of overarching cloud of SAD but I do think it’s good and well written, I just wouldn’t blanket recommend it. Thank you to Forever for this ARC. I’ve seen that other things by this author might be lighter so I plan on giving them a try! This was my first.

Another great book from Jenny Holiday. The premise was funny and adorable, and Jenny's writing and humour is as strong as ever. I thought she handled the tougher themes of the book very well and sensitively (toxic parental relationship, disordered eating, loss of a spouse). Definitely watch for this one - I highly recommend.

Jenny Holiday's new book is my second hockey romance of the fall season. I'm not a true hockey fan but these fictional ones have been holding my interest. Holiday gives depth to this story that I was unprepared to encounter. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

This was such a sweet rom-com. Aurora was a ballet dancer as a child. Her intense schedule kept her away from school and other activities, so she made up a fake boyfriend based on a guy she met once at a mall coffee kiosk. Years later, she is teaching dance to his daughter, and he's a professional hockey player.

This was more emotional than I had expected from the cover(s), but in a great way. I greatly appreciated the content warnings (disordered eating and death of a spouse before the book begins) that were included at the start of the book. I was also impressed by how panic attacks and therapy were incorporated into the plot. And I liked the acknowledgement of the different kinds of labor involved in running a household, especially that of being the person to keep the mental to do list.

I found Aurora's letters to her fake boyfriend excellent. And they way in which they differed from the current relationship and real person was so well done. I found I didn't much mind the miscommunication in this book. Instead, it felt like a major theme was the kind of lies we tell ourselves and others. And then, I loved the ending and epilogue.

How can you go wrong with a hockey player and a dance instructor. This book was so much fun. I just loved the characters and learning things about them. I enjoyed seeing them connect to each other. I thought the author did a great job dealing with a heavy subject. It didn't bring you down but it made you feel more for the characters. This book was fun, entertaining and makes me love to read even more.

Thank you, netgalley and Forever, for the ARC! I gave this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the depth of emotion throughout the book from both MCs. I liked that they both overcame difficulties before they were actually together. It felt like a very healthy relationship at the end, not so much in the middle of the book. I think that the death of Mike's wife and the grief it caused him and his daughter was very well done, and I liked that she wasn't used to make Rory feel bad. I didn't like that throughout the entire book, Rory referred to Mike using his full name. I don't know if that was to differentiate between fake Mike and real Mike, but it was very annoying. I also think that some moments were glossed over while others dragged a bit. I really wish that we got to experience their first kiss and not just told it happened. With the amount of pining done, the first kiss is a big deal! Overall, I recommend this book to people who enjoy deeply emotional reads with a bit of romance.

3.5 stars

Overall this was a cute story and navigated big feelings and topics with grace. I enjoyed Mike's character a lot. I HATED that Aurora used his whole name the entire book. It drove me insane. Some of tye Canadianisms were super weird too. Like I've never heard anyone actually use the word hoser lol. Maybe it's a west coast thing?

Thank you netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday had a strong premise, but the actual book was just kind of flat for me. Aurora, the FMC, is an ex-ballerina with issues and Mike, the MMC, is a single dad that plays hockey. They are thrown together in the novel after Mike's daughter returns to dance class after an absence and Aurora is her teacher.

The book has very little spicy and is just more of a feel good book as the characters work through their feelings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was wonderfully surprising. Great representation of ED, mental health struggles and therapy. Though there is also such a sweetness to this book, a joy, a found family. I really cannot recommend this enough and look forward to seeing what Holiday has in store next.

Canadian Boyfriend
Jenny Holiday
4⭐️

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.

My thoughts:

This was such a cute read. While it’s portrayed as a sweet sports romance, Holiday tackled some heavier subject matter (check CW), and I really appreciate when authors are able to do so while keeping the overall story lighthearted. Aurora and Mike’s story was entertaining, humorous, and as a born and raised Minnesotan, I loved all the MN references! It was well writtten and although it's a total slow-burn, it was paced just right to keep my happily engaged. While Jenny said this was her “one and only sports romance” I would definitely read more.

My only dislike, was the repeated use of Mike’s full name. 😬

What I enjoyed
✨Hockey/ballet aspects
✨ALL the MN references
✨Dual POV
✨Closed door romance
✨Therapy/mental health rep

Pub Day 1/30/24. Huge thanks to my Forever friend Estelle for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for access to this arc.

From the very first chapter right up until quite near the end, I was all in on Canadian Boyfriend. Where it fell down a little for me was at the end. It didn’t quite stick the landing. I had questions about Olivia’s reaction to what was happening (I’m trying to avoid spoilers) and found it unbelievable that she would accept the new status quo so easily. But there was just the one line about her feelings and it was far too mild for the Olivia I had come to know. And, as I said earlier, that conflict seemed less problematic to me than it did to both Mike and Aurora (Mike always calls Rory Aurora).

I loved Gretchen – the “Miss Miller”. Eight years Rory’s senior, she is kind of a big sister figure with, when it comes to Rory at least, a maternal undertone. Gretchen is practical, self-aware and direct. (Her book is next and I can hardly wait to discover who will be her romantic pairing. #hereforit)

90% of the book was fantastic. Funny, endearing, sexy and about 10% of the book (maybe less) was not as enjoyable for me and maybe also a little rushed (the two things may be linked). But overall, Canadian Boyfriend was mostly delight. B+

I absolutely loved this book! I had such a great time with these characters and following them on their journey. My only thing with this book is that these characters seem overly self-aware. It was like free therapy. Which, I guess if you like that then this is the book for you, but I love seeing the flaws in characters and seeing them confront them throughout the story. In a perfect world these characters would actually exist, I just feel that part of the book wasn't for me. I did absolutely love the romance in this book though and the main male love interest's daughter was so fun to read about!

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - October 31, 2023
Publication Date - January 30, 2024

*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @holymolyjennyholi, @readforeverpub and @netgalley!

I have to say, I found myself laughing many times at how Jenny totally played into the "Canadian hockey player with a missing tooth" stereotype.

This book has a very interesting concept that I’m sure is relatable to many people, even though the main character in this book took it a little further than many of us would.

There is one quote from the book I loved about a beach body being a body at the beach. It can be really hard not to compare yourself to other people and it can be really easy to point out all of your flaws but this quote was a good reminder for me to love myself as I am. I hope this reminder helps other readers, too!

I loved the letter writing in this book! It was a fun addition. I also appreciated that at the end of the book, the author explained a personal aspect about herself that she added into the story. So make sure you read to the end!

I did notice that Aurora kept calling Mike by his first and last name, which kept pulling me out of the story because it felt very unnatural.

I found it cool that the end of the book has discussion questions, which makes Canadian Boyfriend a good book for your next Book club read!

Get excited to read Canadian Boyfriend, available January 30, 2024! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
@holymolyjennyholi

This book had so much love and sweetness. As a slow paced romance this was not an easy read; it navigates through emotional hardships such as loss and toxic parenting. At the same time, it strikes enough of a balance with the ballet/hockey aspect, that the storyline does not feel cluttered. Reading Mike and Rory’s journey through recovery, then each of them rebuilding their lives separately (though simultaneously falling in love) felt so sincere. The Canadian references were done in a cute way and never seemed over the top. Overall it was a very interesting read, and hit a lot of hard topics.

Available January 2024 🩷

Thank you so much for the ARC. It was an enjoyable weekend read.


⭐️ Closed door romance
⭐️Trauma/healing
⭐️Loss
⭐️Single parent
⭐️Toxic childhood
⭐️Soul Mates
⭐️Found Family

“Once upon a time teenage Aurora Evans met a hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. And soon, he was the perfect fake boyfriend, a get-out-of-jail-free card for all kinds of sticky situations. I can't go to prom. I'm going to be visiting my boyfriend in Canada. He was just what she needed to cover her social awkwardness. He never had to know. It wasn't like she was ever going to see him again...

Years later, Aurora is teaching kids’ dance classes and battling panic and eating disorders—souvenirs from her failed ballet career—when pro hockey player Mike Martin walks in with his daughter. Mike’s honesty about his struggles with widowhood helps Aurora confront some of her own demons, and the two forge an unlikely friendship. There’s just one problem: Mike is the boy she spent years pretending was her “Canadian boyfriend.”

The longer she keeps her secret, the more she knows it will shatter the trust between them. But to have the life she wants, she needs to tackle the most important thing of all—believing in herself.”

#romance #read #bookstagram #booktok #closeddoorromance #hockeyromance #canadianbooks #romancebooks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #supportlocal

Based on the premise I knew I was going to like Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday. I loved it! It is such a good book. I practically read it in one sitting.

Rory had an isolated and stressful childhood. After a chance meeting with a cute Canadian hockey player she invents a Canadian boyfriend to distract/extract herself from awkward social interactions. Fast forward 13 year, she long since retired her imaginary boyfriend only to meet him again in real life. As you can imagine- hijinks from here on out. Based on the description I was expecting light hearted and silly. The novel actually discusses some very deep topics- grief, anxiety, mental health, childhood trauma, etc. Jenny Holiday is able to tackle these topics very well while still keeping the rom-com spirit. Rory is sheltered and loveable. Mike is serious and swoony. Mike's daughter, Olivia is a spirited preteen. Olivia's presence adds to the complexity of the relationships. I was prepared for any number of endings, but am very happy with the one we got!

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for this eARC!

Jenny is a favorite of mine and reading Canadian Boyfriend by Holiday was such a fantastic time.
This book is beautifully written; a gripping storyline with strong characters.
Simply amazing, couldn’t get enough of Aurora and Mike.
This was one of those books where I forgot I was reading. I truly didn’t realize the book was at the end, until I was at the last couple of pages. I didn’t want it to end.
I adored all of this. Every single part of it. I was almost constantly thinking about these characters when I wasn’t reading this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

This was too cringe for me. I felt such second hand embarrassment that I had to abandon it. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

2.5⭐

The book follows Aurora, a dance teacher, and Mike, a pro hockey player who is recently widowed, as they navigate difficult times in their life and develop a friendship (and more).

This book was okay. The beginning and the ending were really strong, and I enjoyed those parts. But the middle dragged so much. For me, a book less than 300 pages takes me less than a day to get to, but this one took me nearly three to get done. I don't think the writing was bad, I just don't think that the way the story is told is necessarily for me.

I really liked the idea for the book, but at times it just felt kinda off to me. There were times were I was just bored about what was going on, or chapters where it would feel like the literal same things were happening that just happened. I almost DNFed the book multiple times because of this, but ending up sticking with it.

**spoilers**

The end also did not make any sense to me. When Aurora does give Mike the binder with all the letters in it, he freaks out. And I understand that it would be kinda weird but also like ?? They weren't even really TO him. They were to the guy she met 14 years ago that she essentially made up in her head. It just stuck as weird to me. The epilogues did make sense though for the plot of the book, and they were a cute end to the book.

Overall, would I read the next book that comes out in this "series" (Gretchen's story)? Probably not. Was it a bad book though? Not at all. Just not something I can see myself ever going back to.

Absolutely loved this book. It reminded me of the vibe of Icebreaker but the characters were adults (MCs 29 and 35) instead of set in college. I love a good hockey romance and this DELIVERED! I also grew up dancing and really loved that the female MC dances (former ballerina / now teacher). Aurora and Mike's love story is so special and really speaks to we are who we make ourselves and the right person will see our truest self and love us for it. It really also was a good reminder that we are constantly evolving and we need to be surrounded by people who allow us to grow and flourish. Side note, everyone needs a Gretchen! I can't wait for the next book!

TW: mental health / anxiety / panic attacks, disordered eating, complicated family dynamics / toxic parents

Even though this book tackled some heavy topics, I felt that it did so with care.

Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of this small town romance. I love Jenny Holiday's books and this was great! Aurora is a dance teacher that just came out of a relationship. Mike is a single dad looking for help with his daughter. They help each other out and form a friendship with each other. I always appreciate story has heavier topics and this one has dealing with grief and eating disorders. The story is about healing and I love both of their journey. The main conflict of the story was sort of weak IMO but didn't impact my enjoyment of the story.