Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
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Synopsis:
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.
Review:
The audiobook of Canadian Boyfriend was beautifully done! I loved that we alternated between the two main characters within each chapter. That they spoke their own parts. It was how I wish all audiobooks would play out. It made the story effortless to listen to. Plus, Mike’s voice?! Sigh. He easily swept me under his spell!
Canadian Boyfriend was a lot of fun, while also having a deeper emotional side. With panic attacks, healing from the death of someone you love, and more, this story packed an emotional punch. And I even found myself crying when Olivia, Mike’s daughter, confided why she was doing something. But on the other side of the coin, there were so many moments that had me constantly smiling and laughing out loud. I loved Mike and Rory together. The steamy moments, the dancing, even mealtime rounded out this story so wonderfully!
As this pages unfolded, it felt like there was a second chance for so many of the characters. My only hiccup was how many times Aurora said the full name of Mike Martin lol. I wish I had an ebook so I could look that up! But I’m so glad that I listened to the audiobook, it was fabulous to listen to! So if you adore the single dad trope, sports romance, and forced proximity, then definitely add this one to your tbr!
*I voluntarily listened and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I had read this as an ARC and feel like I missed out. Love that Joshua Jackson narrated as he’s Canadian and formerly a Mighty Duck. I enjoyed both main characters’ personal journeys and the epilogue was the cherry on top for me.