This was a cute, mild story that, for me, was less romance and more of a contemporary fiction with its focus on grief, toxic parenting, eating disorders, anxiety, imbalance in emotional labour in marriage and its awesome positive therapy representation.
The story started off strong with Canadian references sprinkled throughout and dual POV story about a sweet romance between two characters who have a lot of healing to do. I found the first half stronger with the second half feeling a bit longer than it had to be.
What I enjoyed:
- Canadian hockey player MMC, single father who adores his daughter
- positive therapy representation
- sensitively handled themes: eating disorders, grief, toxic parenting, anxiety, imbalance in emotional labour in relationships
- Tropes: found family, forced proximity
- Canadian references
- Seeing growth in both characters
What I didn't quite love:
- the third act conflict that had been initiated back in their teen years was blown way out of proportion
- I wanted the romantic journey to be more organic, giving readers time to see their bond
- the romantic tension was a mixed bag - a combo of closed door (their first kiss - wha?) and open door moderately spiced scenes later on
- Rory consistently calling Mike by his full name throughout the story
This was a good read that handled poignant topics well but was less RomCom-y than I had expected. While not my favourite book by Jenny Holiday (that goes to Duke, Actually which was a hoot), I look forward to reading more from this Canadian author.
My Rating: 3 stars
Author: Jenny Holiday
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Canadian
Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Pub)
First Published: January 30, 2024
Book Description from GoodReads: A charming and heartfelt romance about a woman who comes face to face with the fake Canadian boyfriend she made up as a teenager.
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.
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