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A Holiday Boyfriend
A warm, witty holiday romance about second chances, unexpected love, and the magic that happens when we stop searching for perfect and start seeing what’s real.
Twelve days before Christmas, Katie’s perfectly curated life unravels when her boyfriend dumps her. Heartbroken and humiliated, she returns to her hometown, determined never to show up for Christmas alone again. With a dramatic vow to the universe, Katie makes herself a next Christmas, she’s coming home with a man—the right man.
Enter Binder, the dating app where hope goes to die. Katie, alongside her ever-supportive and hilariously outspoken best friends Valerie and Keiko, embarks on a quest for love in the age of swipes, sparks, and spectacular disasters.
Just when she’s ready to give up, Jacob, a rugged, quiet cowboy who works at the ranch where Katie boards her horse, Charlie, literally rides to her rescue. Grateful and intrigued, Katie finds herself drawn to Jacob’s earthy charm and steady presence. But she has a plan—and he doesn’t fit it.
Still wary of love and skeptical of their differences, Katie proposes a simple, no-strings-attached Jacob will be her Holiday Boyfriend—a festive plus-one to get her through the season, nothing more. Jacob agrees, but has no intention of being temporary.
As the snow falls and the holiday spirit works its magic, Katie begins to fall for Jacob. But Jacob’s hiding something -something that could derail everything between them.
When the truth comes out, will Katie see it as a betrayal—or a Christmas miracle in disguise?
Twelve days before Christmas, Katie’s perfectly curated life unravels when her boyfriend dumps her. Heartbroken and humiliated, she returns to her hometown, determined never to show up for Christmas alone again. With a dramatic vow to the universe, Katie makes herself a next Christmas, she’s coming home with a man—the right man.
Enter Binder, the dating app where hope goes to die. Katie, alongside her ever-supportive and hilariously outspoken best friends Valerie and Keiko, embarks on a quest for love in the age of swipes, sparks, and spectacular disasters.
Just when she’s ready to give up, Jacob, a rugged, quiet cowboy who works at the ranch where Katie boards her horse, Charlie, literally rides to her rescue. Grateful and intrigued, Katie finds herself drawn to Jacob’s earthy charm and steady presence. But she has a plan—and he doesn’t fit it.
Still wary of love and skeptical of their differences, Katie proposes a simple, no-strings-attached Jacob will be her Holiday Boyfriend—a festive plus-one to get her through the season, nothing more. Jacob agrees, but has no intention of being temporary.
As the snow falls and the holiday spirit works its magic, Katie begins to fall for Jacob. But Jacob’s hiding something -something that could derail everything between them.
When the truth comes out, will Katie see it as a betrayal—or a Christmas miracle in disguise?
310 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2025
18 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 26, 2025
A Holiday Boyfriend is the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit! It’s a book about second chances, accepting what’s real in our lives.
The main character, Katie is dumped by her boyfriend 12 days before Christmas. She’s not only heartbroken but also humiliated. Katie vows by next Christmas she WILL HAVE A MAN, THE RIGHT MAN!
Enjoy Katie’s quest to find the right man as the snow falls and the next Christmas season is coming. Will she find her Knight in White Armour or spend yet another Christmas alone?
I want to thank the author: Olivia Dunkley for providing me an E-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own of my 5 star rating.
The main character, Katie is dumped by her boyfriend 12 days before Christmas. She’s not only heartbroken but also humiliated. Katie vows by next Christmas she WILL HAVE A MAN, THE RIGHT MAN!
Enjoy Katie’s quest to find the right man as the snow falls and the next Christmas season is coming. Will she find her Knight in White Armour or spend yet another Christmas alone?
I want to thank the author: Olivia Dunkley for providing me an E-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own of my 5 star rating.
December 13, 2025
A HOLIDAY BOYFRIEND by OLIVIA DUNKLEY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
After her long time boyfriend dumps her ( for the third time) right before Christmas, Katie is determined not to be alone Christmas and sets out to find the man of her dreams. Little does she know he’s actually right in front of her in the shape of Jacob, the unassuming ranch hand……
——————————
I really enjoyed this funny, sweet, engaging book. It was an easy read and I found the pages turning themselves.
I particularly liked the character of Jacob. You can’t help but will him on as he fights his quiet, reserved nature, determined to win the girl of his dreams. As the story progresses and he starts to come out of his shell, we see little bits of his cheeky, stubborn, side peek through. Jacob is the kind of man I think we all secretly wish for.
I also enjoyed Katie’s character (apart from where she was judging Jacob for his ‘lowly’ job), the disastrous dating scenes were really funny and I loved her trusty side kicks Valerie and Keiko.
Do they finally get their HEA? Well you’ll have to read to find out but let’s just say that the path to true love never runs smooth!
At around 310 pages I read an ebook copy of this book with it’s great editing and an attractive cover I highly recommend this seasonal book.
With thanks to Olivia Dunkley for a copy of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🐎 Seasonal Romance
🐎 He Falls First
🐎🔥🔥 (some spice)
🐎 Friends To Lovers
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
After her long time boyfriend dumps her ( for the third time) right before Christmas, Katie is determined not to be alone Christmas and sets out to find the man of her dreams. Little does she know he’s actually right in front of her in the shape of Jacob, the unassuming ranch hand……
——————————
I really enjoyed this funny, sweet, engaging book. It was an easy read and I found the pages turning themselves.
I particularly liked the character of Jacob. You can’t help but will him on as he fights his quiet, reserved nature, determined to win the girl of his dreams. As the story progresses and he starts to come out of his shell, we see little bits of his cheeky, stubborn, side peek through. Jacob is the kind of man I think we all secretly wish for.
I also enjoyed Katie’s character (apart from where she was judging Jacob for his ‘lowly’ job), the disastrous dating scenes were really funny and I loved her trusty side kicks Valerie and Keiko.
Do they finally get their HEA? Well you’ll have to read to find out but let’s just say that the path to true love never runs smooth!
At around 310 pages I read an ebook copy of this book with it’s great editing and an attractive cover I highly recommend this seasonal book.
With thanks to Olivia Dunkley for a copy of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🐎 Seasonal Romance
🐎 He Falls First
🐎🔥🔥 (some spice)
🐎 Friends To Lovers
September 22, 2025
What a lovely holiday romance to put in the mood for Christmas! You know, I just love these types of stories and yes, it did make me want to get out my Christmas tree, start decorating and belt out Christmas songs until someone yells at me not to do that! This tale also made me love the Hallmark Christmas movies that I watch secretly with a warmed-up glass of spiced wine while I indulge in Christmas goodies. That is what this tale is, just a good-hearted holiday story with lovely characters and a beautiful setting to complete the picture-perfect ambiance of a feel-good yuletide story. Jacob is the strong, silent cowboy who is tongue-tied, awkward yet such a cinnamon roll of a hero that I absolutely fell for him! I just love cinnamon roll heroes. They are such wonderful MMC’s that there needs to be more of them! Jacob can still handle his own and will defend what is his, which I also love! Katie did annoy me, especially when she just wanted Jacob as a holiday boyfriend and wouldn’t make enough to support her but then put him in the friend category. I just didn’t care for her superficial ways. I do hope to read more of Ms. Olivia Dunkley’s stories because she just writes such good books that I, of course, will definitely get more!
August 28, 2025
ARC Review
I got the chance to read this as an ARC and I loved it! Katie is so relatable—she’s that girl who keeps forgiving the guy who messes up time and time again… until the one time she doesn’t. That moment sets her on a new path toward finding someone who will go above and beyond for her.
Enter Jacob—quiet, a little awkward, and not one to usually be around people. But Katie catches his eye, and as they start talking more, you see his funny, lovable side shine through. Honestly, I’m Team Jacob all the way! This was such a good, relatable read, and I definitely recommend giving it a chance.
I got the chance to read this as an ARC and I loved it! Katie is so relatable—she’s that girl who keeps forgiving the guy who messes up time and time again… until the one time she doesn’t. That moment sets her on a new path toward finding someone who will go above and beyond for her.
Enter Jacob—quiet, a little awkward, and not one to usually be around people. But Katie catches his eye, and as they start talking more, you see his funny, lovable side shine through. Honestly, I’m Team Jacob all the way! This was such a good, relatable read, and I definitely recommend giving it a chance.
August 28, 2025
This was such an entertaining book! I loved seeing the flawed yet relatable characters. The dinner scene was so funny when he seriously drove her all the way to the ranch for hot dogs and then she didn’t know what s’mores were!
I read Matriarch by Tina Knowles recently and could only picture Johnny from the beginning of the book as her gay cousin Johnny, so needless to say I was so glad he didn’t end up being the love interest 🤣 I would’ve just pictured him twirling around in a bespoke, fashion forward outfit the entire time.
I read Matriarch by Tina Knowles recently and could only picture Johnny from the beginning of the book as her gay cousin Johnny, so needless to say I was so glad he didn’t end up being the love interest 🤣 I would’ve just pictured him twirling around in a bespoke, fashion forward outfit the entire time.
December 23, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. Katie is dumped by her boyfriend just before Christmas and vows that the next Christmas she will have a holiday boyfriend to take home. During the year she goes on lots of dates to find the perfect holiday boyfriend but not one of them is the right person. Along comes Jacob who works where she keeps her horse. Of course it doesn’t run smoothly and there are a couple of crossed wires.
Thankyou to the author who sent me an advanced copy .
Thankyou to the author who sent me an advanced copy .
August 25, 2025
Loved this
This is a sweet romance about a girl wanting to spend the holiday with someone. The lengths she goes to to do this is often hilarious. You want to feel badly for her, and I did, but it was too funny. There were parts that were sad and parts that were heartwarming. The characters were easy to love and in one case to dislike immensely. This book is a "curl up in a chair, relax and enjoy" type of book. A great read.
This is a sweet romance about a girl wanting to spend the holiday with someone. The lengths she goes to to do this is often hilarious. You want to feel badly for her, and I did, but it was too funny. There were parts that were sad and parts that were heartwarming. The characters were easy to love and in one case to dislike immensely. This book is a "curl up in a chair, relax and enjoy" type of book. A great read.
September 2, 2025
Definitely 3.5 stars.
At 42%, I was thinking this was not my kind of book. Our boy was just a little too wimpy and shy. By 50%, I was relieved that some chemistry was taking place. By 60%, I've counted 3 sets of duplicated scenes. There is one in Jacob’s POV and one in Katie's POV. I might have rolled my eyes a wee bit at 90%. Ok. It was good. It was much better than I thought it would be. "Night sprites and bed bug bites." My new way of saying goodnight.
At 42%, I was thinking this was not my kind of book. Our boy was just a little too wimpy and shy. By 50%, I was relieved that some chemistry was taking place. By 60%, I've counted 3 sets of duplicated scenes. There is one in Jacob’s POV and one in Katie's POV. I might have rolled my eyes a wee bit at 90%. Ok. It was good. It was much better than I thought it would be. "Night sprites and bed bug bites." My new way of saying goodnight.
January 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. A definite Hallmark movie novel with a happy holiday ending. I haven't seen the movie but will be watching it soon! The author kept story moving right along and offered perspectives from all characters. I would recommend this book and author to others that like this genre and I will be looking for more from this author.
February 7, 2026
Such a sweet story
I loved this. It’s a slow burn but worth it. Being set during the holidays added a touch of sweetness to it. Not only did I enjoy the romance, but I loved the relationship between the friend group. That added a whole different dimension, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened between them. Very good read!
I loved this. It’s a slow burn but worth it. Being set during the holidays added a touch of sweetness to it. Not only did I enjoy the romance, but I loved the relationship between the friend group. That added a whole different dimension, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened between them. Very good read!
February 7, 2026
I received this as an ALC from the author, Thank You!
This is a fun sweet holiday romance with the added chaos of dating apps, broken hearts, lackluster dates, and a need for love. Katie has been hurt and needs her second chance, there's no better time for that than the Christmas. True love always makes the holidays better!
4.5 stars, I truly enjoyed this story.
This is a fun sweet holiday romance with the added chaos of dating apps, broken hearts, lackluster dates, and a need for love. Katie has been hurt and needs her second chance, there's no better time for that than the Christmas. True love always makes the holidays better!
4.5 stars, I truly enjoyed this story.
August 26, 2025
Cute Holiday Romance!
This book is a cute holiday romance following the story of Katie and Jacob , along with her best friend Valerie. Overall it’s a good book. A one time read to get you in the holiday love spirit. Would be great around Christmas time.
This book is a cute holiday romance following the story of Katie and Jacob , along with her best friend Valerie. Overall it’s a good book. A one time read to get you in the holiday love spirit. Would be great around Christmas time.
August 28, 2025
This was a really good book!! I loved it!
It was a second chance romance about a woman that was always looking for the perfect Christmas boyfriend and he was right in front of her the whole time! But unfortunately he was withholding a secret that could tear them apart!
This is a perfect Christmas book to get you in the mood 🎄
It was a second chance romance about a woman that was always looking for the perfect Christmas boyfriend and he was right in front of her the whole time! But unfortunately he was withholding a secret that could tear them apart!
This is a perfect Christmas book to get you in the mood 🎄
January 26, 2026
Nice, clean, slow burn
Great story with real characters and personalities that aren't in instalove. Slow burn, but lots of development of the leads. Realistic time frame of the relationship developing over months, not just days.
Great story with real characters and personalities that aren't in instalove. Slow burn, but lots of development of the leads. Realistic time frame of the relationship developing over months, not just days.
February 6, 2026
A fun, warm Christmas story. Sometimes when you are looking for the right person, they maybe right in front of you. If you like the magic of Christmas and 2 hearts that needs a sprinkle of heavenly intervention, I highly recommend this book. This author is fantastic!
November 13, 2025
Cute story..
Definitely recommend...
A+++++
Definitely recommend...
A+++++
December 11, 2025
4.25 rounded down
January 1, 2026
What a beautiful story! It is very romantic! I loved it. it was a book that I loved so much! Easy to read and touching for this time of year!
That you Olivia! Great read! Read it in one day!
That you Olivia! Great read! Read it in one day!
January 8, 2026
This is a must read. I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it and I am definitely going to be buying a physical copy for my shelf.
January 10, 2026
A sweet, romantic, easy read. I loved it. Not overly spicy. Definitely a good Christmas romance!
February 9, 2026
3.5!
Good book didn’t like the judgement part but it works itself out
I DO want to see the movie 🎥
Good book didn’t like the judgement part but it works itself out
I DO want to see the movie 🎥
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews