A review by idktheyear
Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

We know I LOVE a book where the main characters actually communicate with each other, and this had healthy communication in spades. The main characters were consistently establishing boundaries which I really appreciated. Even though it deals with some heavy topics, grief and loss of a spouse and toxic mothers and eating disorders, both main characters are in therapy and finding ways to experience happy moments as they grow.

Mike is such a sweet dad to his daughter. I loved reading about his heart for her. Aurora is an adult healing from her childhood trauma and she makes so many strides in growth without being annoying or whiny. I was SO proud of her for establishing her boundaries and recognizing her needs and communicating them. 

While Mike is a hockey player, we don't see a whole lot of hockey action. There is enough that kept me satisfied though- a good bromance with a teammate, a scene where Aurora and LIV go to a game. It all felt natural to the book. It's definitely a romance with hockey elements, not a hockey romance, if that makes sense.

I appreciate Jenny Holiday writing style- a good mix of showing and telling and inside jokes between her characters. 

Overall, worth a  read if you like romance, single dad tropes, healing, and hockey!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings