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Holidays with Hart #1
My Phony Valentine
A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.
My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.
Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.
When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.
A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.
But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.
My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.
Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.
When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.
A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.
But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2023
1323 people are currently reading
16473 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Walsh
37 books5,611 followersCourtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes low spice romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. She is also a Carol award winner and Christy award finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,229 reviews
February 19, 2024
This book is EVERYTHING I needed in a GREAT rom-com! Fake dating, witty banter, hockey player MMC, Small town chef FMC, a funny grandmother, no 3rd act break up, no miscommunication, so many interactions between our couple --we love to see it!
I was having a tough day over the weekend and picking this book up gave me all the happiness and fun I needed that day. It was the perfect light and fluffy read I needed!
Such a CUTE Valentine's sports romance read! Romance was clean!
This is all about famous hockey player Dallas Burke who bumps into restaurant owner and chef Poppy Hart. Dallas jumps right in with the situation of "fake dating" to help Poppy and the rest is history as a full fake romance ensures as his manager and meddling grandmother intervene since it would be a win-win situation to help Poppy's failing restaurant with the publicity and Dallas's bad guy reputation.
To sum it up - I just need to read all of Courtney Walsh's rom-coms now. 5 BIG STARS.
I was having a tough day over the weekend and picking this book up gave me all the happiness and fun I needed that day. It was the perfect light and fluffy read I needed!
Such a CUTE Valentine's sports romance read! Romance was clean!
This is all about famous hockey player Dallas Burke who bumps into restaurant owner and chef Poppy Hart. Dallas jumps right in with the situation of "fake dating" to help Poppy and the rest is history as a full fake romance ensures as his manager and meddling grandmother intervene since it would be a win-win situation to help Poppy's failing restaurant with the publicity and Dallas's bad guy reputation.
To sum it up - I just need to read all of Courtney Walsh's rom-coms now. 5 BIG STARS.
February 17, 2023
I am convinced Courtney Walsh can do no wrong. 🥹
February 15, 2023
All right, I have a new guilty pleasure read.
I feel like I need to explain myself by saying that, so: “guilty pleasure” as in there was more romance/feelings than I typically tolerate. Still clean in the sense of no open door (or even closed door/fade-to-black scenes), but I’m not a fan of reading about kissing and kisses that last multiple paragraphs…which this book did. Quite a bit actually. Which is one reason why I’m not doing this review on BFCG. Bottom-line is that I don’t recommend it for ages 9-19 (obviously not the younger side, but just to be clear). I do think that if older high school age girls who have read clean secular romances (“clean” being the definition mentioned above) and are okay with those, this novel would probably be fine as well. I’m just a little more…picky? (I hate that word, but if I say high standards, I sound like a snob.)
So, all those details aside, let me fangirl about this plot. I know absolutely nothing about hockey. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. (I recently found out that the Stanley cup is for hockey, not golf like I’ve thought for years. Who knew? Not this Texan girl.(Apparently Texas/Houston used to have a hockey team?? Please do not get my dad started on this topic.)) “What made you want to read this book then” you ask. A good question. One I can answer in three words: “fake dating trope”. It’s superior. It’s the only trope that makes me giggle and kick my cozy blanket off in sheer delight. Especially when the fake dating becomes not faking dating. Swoon, just swoon.
If I rated this book like I typically rate books (Christian Fiction, clean, middle grade, or manga), I would give this book probably a 1 or 2, in all honesty, because of the romance content that was a bit much at times. (Particularly with her noticing his body so much, which I can always do with less muscle noticing, sorry not sorry, Dallas.) I would give the plot alone a 4 stars. (Can I mention here and now that there was no miscommunication or misunderstanding element that likes to typically riddle my favorite trope of fake dating? Because there wasn’t any of that!! Yes, two exclamation points because it’s that a big deal.) I flew through this 373 pages book, literally flew. I was shocked that when I looked down I was at 63%, it kept my attention the whole time and I didn’t want to put it down, it was so cute and giggle worthy. So there is my dilemma of a rating. I’m putting it as a 3 star and actually plan to buy a physical copy, but it’s not one that I easily recommend, again, due to all the feelings and romance elements. I have to say that I’m impressed there wasn’t even a fade-to-black or closed door scene and I’m grateful to the author for that alone. The kisses and muscle noticing was a bit much though for my tastes. 😅
I ought to add that I'm not typically a fan of the "reformed bad boy" trope because most of the books I've read with that trope have the reader having to wade through the mess and filth that he that main guy's life. It typically adds sleeping around, sexual suggestions, heavy drinking, and all of that, which I'm just not here for. So this was another thing I was hesitate towards this book about, but the author did such a good job of not focusing on Dallas' past and his player reputation (because he's already made the commitment to change), and for that, I am grateful.
Overall, though, this novel completely pulled me out of my current world of grief for a few hours and made me smile, so it earns my thanks just for that alone. And it had the fake dating trope and had it done well, I might add, so yay for that too. 💕
The part of the review I’ve been slightly dreading typing…the content notes. I’m not going to note every single thing like I typically do for the sake of time constraints, but will list the main stuff:
Content/Trigger Warnings-
Spiritual-
A prayer over food at dinner; A couple mentions of God & thanking Him; A couple mentions of the phrases "making a fool of [myself] in front of God and everybody" and someone "shaking what God gave him" on a dance floor; 'Good Lord' and 'Lord knows' are each said up to a couple times.
Negative-
Minor cussing such as 'crap', 'dang it', 'darn', 'give a rip', 'gosh', 'heck', 'friggin'', 'oh my gosh', 'OMG', 'screw up', 'shoot', 'sucks', and such are used; The phrase of getting "your head out of your backside" or is cut-off (or some form that doesn't involve actual cussing) is used three times;
Dallas feels responsible for a car wreck that seriously injured a friend; Poppy has a lot of self-confidence issues and puts herself down; There's a really harsh gossip site & high-school bully that make appearances way too often; Mentions of bars, drinking, drunks, & drunk driving (Poppy and Dallas do not drink); Mentions of a car accident that injured someone badly; Mentions of fighting & fights; Mentions of prison, crimes, & a murder; A few mentions of a mother who left her family; A mention of cannibalism.
Sexual-
Many kisses (ranging from quick, little ones to ones lasting a few paragraphs, up to detailed); Remembering kisses & wanting to be kissed (semi-detailed); Lots of Touches, Embraces, Hand holding & wanting to be touched/embraced (semi-detailed); Noticing, Smelling, & Nearness (semi-detailed); Because they have to do some PDA in the public eye, Dallas & Poppy decide to practice kissing in private prior (Dallas is flustered by how good a kisser Poppy is); Poppy has a few moments of noticing Dallas' muscles and abs & zones out (including when Dallas lifts his shirt off, she goes up to touch his abs and is mortified after realizing what she just did); Poppy wishes to be objects that would have her be closer to him (such as the wallet in his back pocket, a shirt on his abs, etc.); A handful of times, Poppy & Dallas say something that isn't meant to be suggestive, but they realize how it sounds after they say it and say they didn't mean it in that way; While Dallas & Poppy's contract says no sleeping over at the other's house, they do fall asleep a few times, but nothing sexual happens (reports are slightly suggestive); A teammate of Dallas' goes around the locker room naked & isn't bothered when a female manager is in there (mentions of him being naked in the locker room again later and Dallas telling him to put clothes on); A man makes Poppy uncomfortable with his nearness & suggestive comments; Mentions of PDA, kisses, kissing, makeup sessions, a kissing booth, & seeing other couples kissing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of muscles, abs, curves, & noticing them (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of their contract not being more than kissing, them not sleeping together and having no expectations of doing that, the possibility of "the occasional back seat", & them not "messing around" in private; Mentions of the movie Pretty Woman & how Poppy is not selling her body, so it doesn't apply to their situation; Mentions of women throwing themselves at hockey players whether they've got a girl or wife, or not; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of a man sleeping with another guy's girl & taunting him about it; A couple mentions of boob jobs; A mention of a home-y exchange that felt a little too "morning after" for Poppy (nothing sexual happened); A mention of lust (Poppy trying to figure out if what she's feeling towards Dallas is that); A mention of a wife saying her husband will be missing his man parts if he cheats on her; 'Sexy', 'hot', & 'baby' are used pretty frequently.
I feel like I need to explain myself by saying that, so: “guilty pleasure” as in there was more romance/feelings than I typically tolerate. Still clean in the sense of no open door (or even closed door/fade-to-black scenes), but I’m not a fan of reading about kissing and kisses that last multiple paragraphs…which this book did. Quite a bit actually. Which is one reason why I’m not doing this review on BFCG. Bottom-line is that I don’t recommend it for ages 9-19 (obviously not the younger side, but just to be clear). I do think that if older high school age girls who have read clean secular romances (“clean” being the definition mentioned above) and are okay with those, this novel would probably be fine as well. I’m just a little more…picky? (I hate that word, but if I say high standards, I sound like a snob.)
So, all those details aside, let me fangirl about this plot. I know absolutely nothing about hockey. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. (I recently found out that the Stanley cup is for hockey, not golf like I’ve thought for years. Who knew? Not this Texan girl.
If I rated this book like I typically rate books (Christian Fiction, clean, middle grade, or manga), I would give this book probably a 1 or 2, in all honesty, because of the romance content that was a bit much at times. (Particularly with her noticing his body so much, which I can always do with less muscle noticing, sorry not sorry, Dallas.) I would give the plot alone a 4 stars. (Can I mention here and now that there was no miscommunication or misunderstanding element that likes to typically riddle my favorite trope of fake dating? Because there wasn’t any of that!! Yes, two exclamation points because it’s that a big deal.) I flew through this 373 pages book, literally flew. I was shocked that when I looked down I was at 63%, it kept my attention the whole time and I didn’t want to put it down, it was so cute and giggle worthy. So there is my dilemma of a rating. I’m putting it as a 3 star and actually plan to buy a physical copy, but it’s not one that I easily recommend, again, due to all the feelings and romance elements. I have to say that I’m impressed there wasn’t even a fade-to-black or closed door scene and I’m grateful to the author for that alone. The kisses and muscle noticing was a bit much though for my tastes. 😅
I ought to add that I'm not typically a fan of the "reformed bad boy" trope because most of the books I've read with that trope have the reader having to wade through the mess and filth that he that main guy's life. It typically adds sleeping around, sexual suggestions, heavy drinking, and all of that, which I'm just not here for. So this was another thing I was hesitate towards this book about, but the author did such a good job of not focusing on Dallas' past and his player reputation (because he's already made the commitment to change), and for that, I am grateful.
Overall, though, this novel completely pulled me out of my current world of grief for a few hours and made me smile, so it earns my thanks just for that alone. And it had the fake dating trope and had it done well, I might add, so yay for that too. 💕
The part of the review I’ve been slightly dreading typing…the content notes. I’m not going to note every single thing like I typically do for the sake of time constraints, but will list the main stuff:
Content/Trigger Warnings-
Spiritual-
A prayer over food at dinner; A couple mentions of God & thanking Him; A couple mentions of the phrases "making a fool of [myself] in front of God and everybody" and someone "shaking what God gave him" on a dance floor; 'Good Lord' and 'Lord knows' are each said up to a couple times.
Negative-
Minor cussing such as 'crap', 'dang it', 'darn', 'give a rip', 'gosh', 'heck', 'friggin'', 'oh my gosh', 'OMG', 'screw up', 'shoot', 'sucks', and such are used; The phrase of getting "your head out of your backside" or is cut-off (or some form that doesn't involve actual cussing) is used three times;
Dallas feels responsible for a car wreck that seriously injured a friend; Poppy has a lot of self-confidence issues and puts herself down; There's a really harsh gossip site & high-school bully that make appearances way too often; Mentions of bars, drinking, drunks, & drunk driving (Poppy and Dallas do not drink); Mentions of a car accident that injured someone badly; Mentions of fighting & fights; Mentions of prison, crimes, & a murder; A few mentions of a mother who left her family; A mention of cannibalism.
Sexual-
Many kisses (ranging from quick, little ones to ones lasting a few paragraphs, up to detailed); Remembering kisses & wanting to be kissed (semi-detailed); Lots of Touches, Embraces, Hand holding & wanting to be touched/embraced (semi-detailed); Noticing, Smelling, & Nearness (semi-detailed); Because they have to do some PDA in the public eye, Dallas & Poppy decide to practice kissing in private prior (Dallas is flustered by how good a kisser Poppy is); Poppy has a few moments of noticing Dallas' muscles and abs & zones out (including when Dallas lifts his shirt off, she goes up to touch his abs and is mortified after realizing what she just did); Poppy wishes to be objects that would have her be closer to him (such as the wallet in his back pocket, a shirt on his abs, etc.); A handful of times, Poppy & Dallas say something that isn't meant to be suggestive, but they realize how it sounds after they say it and say they didn't mean it in that way; While Dallas & Poppy's contract says no sleeping over at the other's house, they do fall asleep a few times, but nothing sexual happens (reports are slightly suggestive); A teammate of Dallas' goes around the locker room naked & isn't bothered when a female manager is in there (mentions of him being naked in the locker room again later and Dallas telling him to put clothes on); A man makes Poppy uncomfortable with his nearness & suggestive comments; Mentions of PDA, kisses, kissing, makeup sessions, a kissing booth, & seeing other couples kissing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of muscles, abs, curves, & noticing them (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of their contract not being more than kissing, them not sleeping together and having no expectations of doing that, the possibility of "the occasional back seat", & them not "messing around" in private; Mentions of the movie Pretty Woman & how Poppy is not selling her body, so it doesn't apply to their situation; Mentions of women throwing themselves at hockey players whether they've got a girl or wife, or not; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of a man sleeping with another guy's girl & taunting him about it; A couple mentions of boob jobs; A mention of a home-y exchange that felt a little too "morning after" for Poppy (nothing sexual happened); A mention of lust (Poppy trying to figure out if what she's feeling towards Dallas is that); A mention of a wife saying her husband will be missing his man parts if he cheats on her; 'Sexy', 'hot', & 'baby' are used pretty frequently.
February 8, 2024
FAKE DATING DONE RIGHT!!! 😍
February 21, 2024
My Phony Valentine was adorable!! I wanted a cute romance to end off Valentine's week and this fit the bill perfectly. It totally exceeded my expectations! It was heartwarming and wholesome. I've never read a book by Courtney Walsh before, but I will definitely be reading more now and putting her on my radar!
February 13, 2023
This was a cute, sweet book perfect to read near Valentine's Day.
If your looking for steam, this isn't your book.
It's about a restaurant owner & pro hockey player fake dating and the cheese factor is real but also sweet.
If your looking for steam, this isn't your book.
It's about a restaurant owner & pro hockey player fake dating and the cheese factor is real but also sweet.
February 8, 2025
Very cute and easy read! Loved Dallas. Poppy took me about 80 pages to like.
Not my favourite but still a solid romance and was entertained!
Tropes: sports hockey romance, fake dating, cooking, mean girl
No language and only kissing.
Not my favourite but still a solid romance and was entertained!
Tropes: sports hockey romance, fake dating, cooking, mean girl
No language and only kissing.
February 17, 2023
What a delightful story! When a hunky hockey player comes to the rescue of restaurant owner in Loveland, Illinois, an interesting relationship is formed. Dallas needs a better image since he is considered a bad boy with a short fuse. Poppy is the girl next door and needs to save her restaurant from failing. His grandma and agent talk them into a fake dating contract that ends the week of Valentine's Day at the Loveland Valentine's Day Festival. What fun this story is as the two get to know each other! Her business picks up so much that she has to hire more help. Dallas' performance on the ice and his attitude improve. This story is sweet, funny, and so much more. Both have a past with hurts to heal. I had a smile on my face through the book. I highly recommend for those who love romance.
February 26, 2025
My first book from this author and now I want to read them all! This book was ADORABLE, gimme 14 of them. 🙂↕️
August 27, 2024
I don't read rom-coms like this very often and now I think I should!
This was such a cute read... and it was hilarious! There is just something about Courtney Walsh's writing with her wonderful balance of funny, sweet, and light without feeling cheesy. She writes some awesome one-liners and the grandma was one of my favorites!
I was recommended this book by Keisha from @abooklikeyou on Instagram and YouTube. She loved this book and said Courtney Walsh helps her get out of a reading slump, and I completely agree!💕
This book is set during Valentine's Day, but it can be read any time of the year. If you just want something light and fun, a book that will surely put a smile on your face I recommend reading this book.✨
This was such a cute read... and it was hilarious! There is just something about Courtney Walsh's writing with her wonderful balance of funny, sweet, and light without feeling cheesy. She writes some awesome one-liners and the grandma was one of my favorites!
I was recommended this book by Keisha from @abooklikeyou on Instagram and YouTube. She loved this book and said Courtney Walsh helps her get out of a reading slump, and I completely agree!💕
This book is set during Valentine's Day, but it can be read any time of the year. If you just want something light and fun, a book that will surely put a smile on your face I recommend reading this book.✨
May 6, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a cute, fast read, but it was overwhelming...innocent. There were a lot of times where the maturity level of the actual writing just wasn't very high and it brought me out of the story a bit.
If you want a quick Valentines Day read, I'd recommend this one, but there are adult hockey players that say "heck" a lot and negative spice levels 😋
This was a cute, fast read, but it was overwhelming...innocent. There were a lot of times where the maturity level of the actual writing just wasn't very high and it brought me out of the story a bit.
If you want a quick Valentines Day read, I'd recommend this one, but there are adult hockey players that say "heck" a lot and negative spice levels 😋
February 7, 2023
New. Favorite. Book.
Thank you so much @courtneywalsh for letting me read your lovely book <3
There are books, for me, that hit just when you need them. Perfect story, perfect timing. This was My Phony Valentine.
First, this story was fun! It was witty, hilarious, and full of all the things I love about romance. Banter, pining, mishaps, character growth, and heart.
Then, the FEELS! While the smile never left my face, there were definitely a few tears shed. These characters felt real and their heartache and challenges hit me in the best ways.
The romance, utter perfection. Poppy and Dallas had the best falling in love story. It felt natural and I loved how they became friends first!
I hope you pick up this book and fall in love with it too!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: past criminal activity of minor characters, car accident (past)
Thank you so much @courtneywalsh for letting me read your lovely book <3
There are books, for me, that hit just when you need them. Perfect story, perfect timing. This was My Phony Valentine.
First, this story was fun! It was witty, hilarious, and full of all the things I love about romance. Banter, pining, mishaps, character growth, and heart.
Then, the FEELS! While the smile never left my face, there were definitely a few tears shed. These characters felt real and their heartache and challenges hit me in the best ways.
The romance, utter perfection. Poppy and Dallas had the best falling in love story. It felt natural and I loved how they became friends first!
I hope you pick up this book and fall in love with it too!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: past criminal activity of minor characters, car accident (past)
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August 2, 2025
4⭐️ | clean fake dating celebrity hockey romance | 15/16+
୨୧ ❝ it’s not the kind of smile that would alert the paparazzi, but it’s the kind of smile that a person could hold onto. the kind that could make, say, a man in a tough spot hope that things could turn around again. like an anchor. a safe space to land ❞ ୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: » kiss you ⇾ one direction «
y’all, what the pancakes did I just read? this was seriously one of the cutest things I’ve read! seriously, the fake dating trope just hits every. single. time. it’s never a failure (at least…not yet…). everything about this was as sweet as the holiday it was centered around, and as sweet as the character inhabiting it!
one thing I liked about this romcom was it kind of broke the mold of romcoms without being too revolutionary (because, y’all, a revolutionary romcom is like saying McDonalds is healthy). but I did like that there was no miscommunication, misunderstanding, or…wait for it…third act break up! 🥳 huzah! also, I was so afraid Dallas’s gram would be the stereotypical pervy grandma, who thinks she’s too young to get old, but she was just a feisty spirit. no talk about how she can get guys to eat out of the palm of her hand (*cough*Dating and Dragons*cough*)
Dallas was just a DOLL! he was so sweet and caring and protective over Poppy! and can we take a moment to appreciate Poppy’s name? not that is life-altering, but it’s just a sweet, innocent name! I connected to Poppy almost instantly. we share the same personality traits and interests. and Dallas…well, he’s self-explanatory. he’s just an awesome mmc who just wants to love his girl. completely devoted to her. I just love him so much!!!
I also found a book that I can read near my birthday! my birthday is two days before Valentine’s Day, so I often get Valentine’s gifts from my friends as birthday gifts, which is…kinda depressing since I’m a single pringle…but that’s besides the point. I like the Do-Over by Lynn Painter is a Valentine’s Day book, but that did have content I wasn’t a fan of, but this, THIS, is perfect!
I’d say for fans of Katie Bailey, you would enjoy this book. it struck me very similar in regards to So That Happened. the only reason this didn’t get five-stars was because I felt the ending was a bit…anticlimactic. I expected more, just a little dash of more giddiness and giggles. but beggars can’t be choosers.
regardless, I love this book. I will reread this in the future, maybe for my birthday, and 100% recommend.
if you liked My Phony Valentine, you might like these other books!
So That Happened
Dungeons and Drama
I'll Be Yours
Better Than the Movies
The Do-Over
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰💌꒱ content warning (spoiler free)
➸Christian content:
Dallas prays over his melas; Poppy didn’t think people like Dallas believed in God and she is stunned when she sees him pray
➸spiritual content:
mention of karma; mention of ‘devil’s advocate’
➸sexual content:
4 semi detailed kisses, 2 mildly detailed kisses, 5 non detailed kisses
2 hand kisses, 3 cheek kisses, 2 forehead kisses
seeing a couple kiss (not detailed); talk about kissing (semi detailed); thinking about kissing; mentions of making out, make out sessions; a mention of a kissing booth and a girl wanting to volunteer at said booth; mention of a possible ‘breathless makeup session per week, steamed up car windows options’; when Dallas and Poppy practice kissing, Dallas is amazed at how good a kisser Poppy is; he also knows if he didn’t pull away during the practice kiss it would have went from ‘business arrangement to steaming up with windows in about two seconds flat’
several times Poppy or Dallas say something casually but upon further thought, notice it sounds suggestive and say they didn’t mean it in that way which makes them laugh (either nervously or good-naturedly) every time; Poppy tries to not think about what she and Dallas ‘what they will or won’t do’ to fake date; mentions of PDA (for the fake dating farce); Dallas teases Poppy that gorgeous women pull him into bathrooms (but they don’t, he only said that because she did that to him to speak with him privately);
a man corners Poppy and she is terrified and Dallas comes to her rescue and takes her home; a few times Poppy and Dallas fall asleep at each other’s places (though nothing sexual or suggestive happens, they’re simply asleep on the couch, not cuddled up or anything either), but the reports from the press are suggestive
a girl asks Poppy what Dallas looks like with his shirt off and if his abs are photoshopped; Dallas lifts his shirt to show Poppy that his abs are not, in fact, photoshopped and Poppy has an urge to rub them and then she touches him and draws back, embarrassed, but Dallas is amused; Poppy wants Dallas to drag his hand anywhere over her; Dallas jokingly says ‘no messing around in private’
a mention of a guy liking a girl’s curves (playing the part of a boyfriend); a few mentions of Poppy’s curves (both from Poppy and Dallas) and that Poppy is curvy; a mention of lust (and Poppy wondering if that’s what’s she’s feeling toward Dallas and if she has to repent and calls it a deadly sin);
a guy walks around naked in the men’s locker room twice (once Dallas’s manager, Alicia, is there but isn’t bothered and doesn’t look at him. the second time Dallas tells the man to put on clothes. meant to be funny);
a few mentions of playboys (and Dallas not being a playboy); mention of a guy being a womanizer; a mention of an image of models draped over Dallas’s arms and Poppy finding it hard to see Dallas like that; mention of Poppy selling her body (from her family, who aren’t on board with the fake dating, but she’s not selling herself at all); Poppy’s sister is suspicious of Dallas and just thinks Dallas wants to sleep with her, but Poppy disproves it; a woman tells Poppy that girls don’t care if an athlete is married or dating, they’ll do anything to get with a professional athlete; Poppy sarcastically thinks she should offer to bear Dallas’s children; when Dallas and Poppy watch a movie together, Dallas puts a blanket over their legs and Poppy thinks ‘I’m going to be married by morning’
a mention of a woman (who wanted fame) sleeping with a man; two mentions of a hooker; a mention of slumming it; a mention of ‘getting it on’; a mention of the occasional backseat (and Poppy is appalled); a mention of an amateur notch on the bedpost; mention of People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue; mention of a perv; mention of shaking what God gave him; mention of catcalls
a mention of a girl looking at a guy ‘like he’s a giant cupcake and she hasn’t had carbs in ten years’; Poppy says she hit puberty in fifth grade and got boobs and thick hips and that she had to shop in the women’s section at that age; mention of a boob job
➸language:
1 ‘dear Lord’; 3 ‘thank God’s; 2 ‘good Lord’s; 1 ‘Lord knows’
5 ‘idiot’s; 4 ‘jerk’s; 15 ‘stupid’s; 6 ‘dumb’s; 2 ‘dweeb’s; 3 ‘sucks’s; 5 ‘shut up’s; 5 ‘crap’s; 4 ‘darn (it)(well)’s; 1 ‘oh shoot’; 1 ‘good grief’; 1 ‘gee’; 3 ‘shoot’s; 2 ‘friggin’s; 3 ‘what the heck’s; 5 ‘heck’s; 1 ‘heck yeah’; 6 ‘oh my gosh’s; 2 ‘gosh’s; 2 ‘oh my goodness’s; 1 ‘OMG’
1 ‘babe’; 4 ‘hot’s; 1 ‘smoking hot’; 2 ‘baby’
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
mention of being drunk; mention of possibly being impaired; mentions of drunk driving; Poppy goes to a dinner and alcoholic beverages are served but nobody is drunk (she also doesn’t take anything alcoholic)
➸lgtbq+:
none!
➸magic/witchcraft:
none!
➸violence:
mentions of hockey violence; Poppy watches Dallas play hockey but it’s not that detailed
➸other:
mention of a rear end; mention of Benadryl; a mention of being the butt of the joke; a mention of feeling saucy; mention of ‘kicking this one’s behind six ways to Sunday’; a mention of cannibalism; a mention of a man missing his man parts (as a threat) if he cheats on his wife; a mention of testosterone; mention of homicide and a guy killing another man while his son was in the next room over; a character says his butt hurts
➸possible triggers:
a character’s dad was a killer; Poppy was financially taken advantage of; Poppy’s dad is deaf; a car crash in the past (that affected Dallas’s life and reputation)
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🏒꒱ quotes
➸ ”she’s standing in front of me in pajamas, with her dark hair in a bun on her head and not a stitch of makeup on, and she’s never looked more beautiful.”
➸ ”A roar of laughter from the guys. They’re so loud, but they’re fun to watch. Like German Shepard puppies, with their oversized paws, wrestling and knocking everything over..”
➸ ”Pretending to be dating might not be the difficult part of this whole arrangement. Not letting myself actually develop feelings for her is the bigger concern .”
{ there’s much more! I have so many tabs in my copy, so please, just read this book! }
─────୨♡୧─────
୨୧ ❝ it’s not the kind of smile that would alert the paparazzi, but it’s the kind of smile that a person could hold onto. the kind that could make, say, a man in a tough spot hope that things could turn around again. like an anchor. a safe space to land ❞ ୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: » kiss you ⇾ one direction «
y’all, what the pancakes did I just read? this was seriously one of the cutest things I’ve read! seriously, the fake dating trope just hits every. single. time. it’s never a failure (at least…not yet…). everything about this was as sweet as the holiday it was centered around, and as sweet as the character inhabiting it!
one thing I liked about this romcom was it kind of broke the mold of romcoms without being too revolutionary (because, y’all, a revolutionary romcom is like saying McDonalds is healthy). but I did like that there was no miscommunication, misunderstanding, or…wait for it…third act break up! 🥳 huzah! also, I was so afraid Dallas’s gram would be the stereotypical pervy grandma, who thinks she’s too young to get old, but she was just a feisty spirit. no talk about how she can get guys to eat out of the palm of her hand (*cough*Dating and Dragons*cough*)
Dallas was just a DOLL! he was so sweet and caring and protective over Poppy! and can we take a moment to appreciate Poppy’s name? not that is life-altering, but it’s just a sweet, innocent name! I connected to Poppy almost instantly. we share the same personality traits and interests. and Dallas…well, he’s self-explanatory. he’s just an awesome mmc who just wants to love his girl. completely devoted to her. I just love him so much!!!
I also found a book that I can read near my birthday! my birthday is two days before Valentine’s Day, so I often get Valentine’s gifts from my friends as birthday gifts, which is…kinda depressing since I’m a single pringle…but that’s besides the point. I like the Do-Over by Lynn Painter is a Valentine’s Day book, but that did have content I wasn’t a fan of, but this, THIS, is perfect!
I’d say for fans of Katie Bailey, you would enjoy this book. it struck me very similar in regards to So That Happened. the only reason this didn’t get five-stars was because I felt the ending was a bit…anticlimactic. I expected more, just a little dash of more giddiness and giggles. but beggars can’t be choosers.
regardless, I love this book. I will reread this in the future, maybe for my birthday, and 100% recommend.
if you liked My Phony Valentine, you might like these other books!
So That Happened
Dungeons and Drama
I'll Be Yours
Better Than the Movies
The Do-Over
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰💌꒱ content warning (spoiler free)
➸Christian content:
Dallas prays over his melas; Poppy didn’t think people like Dallas believed in God and she is stunned when she sees him pray
➸spiritual content:
mention of karma; mention of ‘devil’s advocate’
➸sexual content:
4 semi detailed kisses, 2 mildly detailed kisses, 5 non detailed kisses
2 hand kisses, 3 cheek kisses, 2 forehead kisses
seeing a couple kiss (not detailed); talk about kissing (semi detailed); thinking about kissing; mentions of making out, make out sessions; a mention of a kissing booth and a girl wanting to volunteer at said booth; mention of a possible ‘breathless makeup session per week, steamed up car windows options’; when Dallas and Poppy practice kissing, Dallas is amazed at how good a kisser Poppy is; he also knows if he didn’t pull away during the practice kiss it would have went from ‘business arrangement to steaming up with windows in about two seconds flat’
several times Poppy or Dallas say something casually but upon further thought, notice it sounds suggestive and say they didn’t mean it in that way which makes them laugh (either nervously or good-naturedly) every time; Poppy tries to not think about what she and Dallas ‘what they will or won’t do’ to fake date; mentions of PDA (for the fake dating farce); Dallas teases Poppy that gorgeous women pull him into bathrooms (but they don’t, he only said that because she did that to him to speak with him privately);
a man corners Poppy and she is terrified and Dallas comes to her rescue and takes her home; a few times Poppy and Dallas fall asleep at each other’s places (though nothing sexual or suggestive happens, they’re simply asleep on the couch, not cuddled up or anything either), but the reports from the press are suggestive
a girl asks Poppy what Dallas looks like with his shirt off and if his abs are photoshopped; Dallas lifts his shirt to show Poppy that his abs are not, in fact, photoshopped and Poppy has an urge to rub them and then she touches him and draws back, embarrassed, but Dallas is amused; Poppy wants Dallas to drag his hand anywhere over her; Dallas jokingly says ‘no messing around in private’
a mention of a guy liking a girl’s curves (playing the part of a boyfriend); a few mentions of Poppy’s curves (both from Poppy and Dallas) and that Poppy is curvy; a mention of lust (and Poppy wondering if that’s what’s she’s feeling toward Dallas and if she has to repent and calls it a deadly sin);
a guy walks around naked in the men’s locker room twice (once Dallas’s manager, Alicia, is there but isn’t bothered and doesn’t look at him. the second time Dallas tells the man to put on clothes. meant to be funny);
a few mentions of playboys (and Dallas not being a playboy); mention of a guy being a womanizer; a mention of an image of models draped over Dallas’s arms and Poppy finding it hard to see Dallas like that; mention of Poppy selling her body (from her family, who aren’t on board with the fake dating, but she’s not selling herself at all); Poppy’s sister is suspicious of Dallas and just thinks Dallas wants to sleep with her, but Poppy disproves it; a woman tells Poppy that girls don’t care if an athlete is married or dating, they’ll do anything to get with a professional athlete; Poppy sarcastically thinks she should offer to bear Dallas’s children; when Dallas and Poppy watch a movie together, Dallas puts a blanket over their legs and Poppy thinks ‘I’m going to be married by morning’
a mention of a woman (who wanted fame) sleeping with a man; two mentions of a hooker; a mention of slumming it; a mention of ‘getting it on’; a mention of the occasional backseat (and Poppy is appalled); a mention of an amateur notch on the bedpost; mention of People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue; mention of a perv; mention of shaking what God gave him; mention of catcalls
a mention of a girl looking at a guy ‘like he’s a giant cupcake and she hasn’t had carbs in ten years’; Poppy says she hit puberty in fifth grade and got boobs and thick hips and that she had to shop in the women’s section at that age; mention of a boob job
➸language:
1 ‘dear Lord’; 3 ‘thank God’s; 2 ‘good Lord’s; 1 ‘Lord knows’
5 ‘idiot’s; 4 ‘jerk’s; 15 ‘stupid’s; 6 ‘dumb’s; 2 ‘dweeb’s; 3 ‘sucks’s; 5 ‘shut up’s; 5 ‘crap’s; 4 ‘darn (it)(well)’s; 1 ‘oh shoot’; 1 ‘good grief’; 1 ‘gee’; 3 ‘shoot’s; 2 ‘friggin’s; 3 ‘what the heck’s; 5 ‘heck’s; 1 ‘heck yeah’; 6 ‘oh my gosh’s; 2 ‘gosh’s; 2 ‘oh my goodness’s; 1 ‘OMG’
1 ‘babe’; 4 ‘hot’s; 1 ‘smoking hot’; 2 ‘baby’
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
mention of being drunk; mention of possibly being impaired; mentions of drunk driving; Poppy goes to a dinner and alcoholic beverages are served but nobody is drunk (she also doesn’t take anything alcoholic)
➸lgtbq+:
none!
➸magic/witchcraft:
none!
➸violence:
mentions of hockey violence; Poppy watches Dallas play hockey but it’s not that detailed
➸other:
mention of a rear end; mention of Benadryl; a mention of being the butt of the joke; a mention of feeling saucy; mention of ‘kicking this one’s behind six ways to Sunday’; a mention of cannibalism; a mention of a man missing his man parts (as a threat) if he cheats on his wife; a mention of testosterone; mention of homicide and a guy killing another man while his son was in the next room over; a character says his butt hurts
➸possible triggers:
a character’s dad was a killer; Poppy was financially taken advantage of; Poppy’s dad is deaf; a car crash in the past (that affected Dallas’s life and reputation)
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🏒꒱ quotes
➸ ”she’s standing in front of me in pajamas, with her dark hair in a bun on her head and not a stitch of makeup on, and she’s never looked more beautiful.”
➸ ”A roar of laughter from the guys. They’re so loud, but they’re fun to watch. Like German Shepard puppies, with their oversized paws, wrestling and knocking everything over..”
➸ ”Pretending to be dating might not be the difficult part of this whole arrangement. Not letting myself actually develop feelings for her is the bigger concern .”
{ there’s much more! I have so many tabs in my copy, so please, just read this book! }
─────୨♡୧─────
February 8, 2024
UTTERLY DELICIOUS & JUST PLAIN DELIGHTFUL!!
I think this might jump up to be one of my favorites of the year! It has all of my favorite things combined into one amazing story!
Fake dating! Hockey romance! Close sisters! Valentine’s Day! Small town! And the Chicago back drop was just a fun little touch for me.
I don’t really know what else I can say. I smiled! I LAUGHED! I swooned! I teared up! I felt ALL of the emotions!
ALL OF THE STARS!
I’m excited for the other Hart sisters to get the HEA!
I think this might jump up to be one of my favorites of the year! It has all of my favorite things combined into one amazing story!
Fake dating! Hockey romance! Close sisters! Valentine’s Day! Small town! And the Chicago back drop was just a fun little touch for me.
I don’t really know what else I can say. I smiled! I LAUGHED! I swooned! I teared up! I felt ALL of the emotions!
ALL OF THE STARS!
I’m excited for the other Hart sisters to get the HEA!
February 11, 2024
I loved this couple and their fake arrangement story! They were so cute together and the whole set up was rom com without any drama, a little bit emotional (I may have shed a tear but I'm not telling that) when confronting past trauma and I love their easiness in their relationship.
February 1, 2024
I'm not into hockey or the reformed player/bad boy trope, but I still thought this was cute! Dallas' past was truly in the past, so I tended to forget about it entirely and he was a good character. And I'm glad mean girl Margot (I think was her name) was hardly in the book at all, because I hate characters like her. There were a couple things content-wise I didn't love, but this is a secular book, so I'm not gonna judge it too harshly. But I could've gone without the mental image of a naked Jericho, thank you. And the whole scene about Dallas' abs and the Oregon Trail. That part alone makes me embarrassed to recommend this book to anyone.
February 14, 2025
First reaction:
Wow this book!! I love this authors writing. It’s a cute lovely valentines feel all the love book, but at the same time she deals with trauma, hurt, and shame. I went from laughing out loud to bawling in the living room. The characters were amazing, the plot was interesting, and the food was super cool! There are some content details I will mention below…
For content warnings: mentions of seeing a man’s abs and wanting to touch/rub them [stated in a more comical fashion], the last man Poppy dated she met at a club during her old college roommates bday [not expressed clearly whether this was frowned upon or not - did seem that she didn’t want to attend but not entirely clear]
For Christian content: little to none. Mentions of praying, mentions of thanking God.
Wow this book!! I love this authors writing. It’s a cute lovely valentines feel all the love book, but at the same time she deals with trauma, hurt, and shame. I went from laughing out loud to bawling in the living room. The characters were amazing, the plot was interesting, and the food was super cool! There are some content details I will mention below…
For content warnings: mentions of seeing a man’s abs and wanting to touch/rub them [stated in a more comical fashion], the last man Poppy dated she met at a club during her old college roommates bday [not expressed clearly whether this was frowned upon or not - did seem that she didn’t want to attend but not entirely clear]
For Christian content: little to none. Mentions of praying, mentions of thanking God.
February 20, 2023
— 3.5 ⭐️
!!ELOISE AND RAYA NEED THEIR OWN BOOKS!!
it was cute but not particularly memorable and a little bit cliche, but i still had fun reading it!! a perfect lighthearted book for valentine's day and definitely a new comfort read 🫶🏻
!!ELOISE AND RAYA NEED THEIR OWN BOOKS!!
it was cute but not particularly memorable and a little bit cliche, but i still had fun reading it!! a perfect lighthearted book for valentine's day and definitely a new comfort read 🫶🏻
February 17, 2025
5🌟
This book was so stinking cute guys! I ATE IT UP!!! I loved the wholesomeness of these characters so much!❤️
The whole book was chefs 💋! It was the sweetest Valentine’s Day read I could have ever received!
If you’re looking for a 🌶️ read tho this book has like zero spice so you might want to pick another read if that’s not your jam. It’s more meet-cute, wholesome hockey-chef fake romance vibes! Two people living in two very different worlds that want to help one another achieve two life changing objectives. 🏒+👩🏻🍳=💞
When you put a sexy celebrity hockey player, a beautiful small town chef, a wise stubborn old wing-woman grandmother that’s always got your back, and a pushy over barring hockey manager in one room… you almost always end up with a fully written law biding contract with a bunch of rules that are just begging to be broken! Get out those pens ladies it’s time to sign over those NDA’s and get ready to have your hearts pounding and your minds racing for this adorable couple as they navigate their “unreal” love story!😉❤️🌷💐
This book was so stinking cute guys! I ATE IT UP!!! I loved the wholesomeness of these characters so much!❤️
The whole book was chefs 💋! It was the sweetest Valentine’s Day read I could have ever received!
If you’re looking for a 🌶️ read tho this book has like zero spice so you might want to pick another read if that’s not your jam. It’s more meet-cute, wholesome hockey-chef fake romance vibes! Two people living in two very different worlds that want to help one another achieve two life changing objectives. 🏒+👩🏻🍳=💞
When you put a sexy celebrity hockey player, a beautiful small town chef, a wise stubborn old wing-woman grandmother that’s always got your back, and a pushy over barring hockey manager in one room… you almost always end up with a fully written law biding contract with a bunch of rules that are just begging to be broken! Get out those pens ladies it’s time to sign over those NDA’s and get ready to have your hearts pounding and your minds racing for this adorable couple as they navigate their “unreal” love story!😉❤️🌷💐
February 14, 2024
My Phony Valentine was a fun book! It definitely had me smiling throughout it. I really liked both Poppy and Dallas. They were fun characters to read about. I am also a fan of fake dating storylines and that’s what this book is.
The book did have more romance in it than what I typically read and by more romance I mean more kissing and more noticing, that sort of thing.
One thing I really wasn’t a fan of though was the two scenes in the locker room. I thought they were unnecessary.
Overall it was an enjoyable, entertaining read!
The book did have more romance in it than what I typically read and by more romance I mean more kissing and more noticing, that sort of thing.
One thing I really wasn’t a fan of though was the two scenes in the locker room. I thought they were unnecessary.
Overall it was an enjoyable, entertaining read!
February 22, 2023
Courtney Walsh has got you covered this season of love with a sweet rom com that has….
💗Sexy Hockey Player
💗Small town chef
💗a meddling grandmother
💗living life in the spotlight
💗Fake Dating
💗Practice Kissing
💗Forgiveness and Moving On
💗Friendships and Sisterhood
This was such a cutie! I really enjoyed the progression of this romance and I ESPECIALLY enjoyed all the hockey elements this involved the camaraderie with the team. I was a little sad at how poorly Poppy is very self deprecating but I loved how she found worth in her abilities and new found love. This one is full of food, feelings and it’s perfect for February but also all year long.
3.5 stars
💗Sexy Hockey Player
💗Small town chef
💗a meddling grandmother
💗living life in the spotlight
💗Fake Dating
💗Practice Kissing
💗Forgiveness and Moving On
💗Friendships and Sisterhood
This was such a cutie! I really enjoyed the progression of this romance and I ESPECIALLY enjoyed all the hockey elements this involved the camaraderie with the team. I was a little sad at how poorly Poppy is very self deprecating but I loved how she found worth in her abilities and new found love. This one is full of food, feelings and it’s perfect for February but also all year long.
3.5 stars
February 9, 2023
I loved everything about this book. From the cover, the laugh-out-loud and highlightable lines, to the swoony romance, and secondary character shenanigans. I want more.
February 10, 2023
So good!
I love stories like this, where the couple fall in like as they're falling in love. Poppy and Dallas have a fun meet-cute, which luckily happens at the beginning of the book! We're able to really see them get to know each other and build a fun relationship. I liked that both had some trauma in their pasts that help them understand each other better. I was quickly sucked into the story and found myself grabbing the book throughout the day so I could get some reading in. I didn't want to put it down. Ms. Walsh is quickly becoming a favorite for me!
Content Rated PG
Clean romance, just kissing. No language, talk of hockey type fighting and some scenes in a men's locker room (aka mild nudity done for humor)
I love stories like this, where the couple fall in like as they're falling in love. Poppy and Dallas have a fun meet-cute, which luckily happens at the beginning of the book! We're able to really see them get to know each other and build a fun relationship. I liked that both had some trauma in their pasts that help them understand each other better. I was quickly sucked into the story and found myself grabbing the book throughout the day so I could get some reading in. I didn't want to put it down. Ms. Walsh is quickly becoming a favorite for me!
Content Rated PG
Clean romance, just kissing. No language, talk of hockey type fighting and some scenes in a men's locker room (aka mild nudity done for humor)
February 4, 2023
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. Courtney Walsh has such a way with romance and this new book is just DELIGHTFUL. Poppy is adorable and entirely relatable. Dallas is a hunk. And their fake relationship with some not-so-fake feelings had me grinning like a complete fool in the best way possible. Their relationship progresses at a believable pace and I love all the side characters that make this just perfect. I can easily see myself rereading this every Valentine's Day for many years to come!
Thank you so much to the author for my complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
Thank you so much to the author for my complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
June 20, 2023
An okay read. I didn't connect to this book as much as I would like. It wasn't a perfect fit for me but it could be for someone else. Body parts, noticing was a bit much though for my tastes. predictable and done a thousand times.
February 13, 2025
5 ⭐️
Possibly TOP THREE favorite rom coms EVER??? 😍🥰💌
This was so stinking cute!!! It had everything I loved; fake dating, small town/hallmark holiday setting, hockey players, THE PINING 😩💗, the list goes on. I read this just in time for Valentine’s Day and my second ever hockey game. How convenient? 😏 even being slow burn (which I usually despise) this was so fun and the banter was so enjoyable. I loved watching Dallas and Poppy’s friendship grow into their inevitable romantic feelings for each. It was realistic.
There were so many moments that had me kicking my feet like a teenage girl. It was a clean romance which I found rather refreshing. I’d say the spice level was 🌶️ if you consider a handful of fun steamy kisses and cheeky off the page references spicy. Regardless it gave me ALL the butterflies.
Extra points for the One Direction references.
I’m not gonna deduct points but totally just going to pretend like the epilogue didn’t exist because why would Poppy’s con artist ex be in the Bahamas on her vacation?? It was weird and unneeded. I truly didnt feel like we the readers needed closure on that particular subplot.
Over all this was a fun cozy holiday romance that I devoured. My only issue with continuing the series and seeing the next Hart sister’s love life play out, is that I desperately want more Poppy and Dallas.
Possibly TOP THREE favorite rom coms EVER??? 😍🥰💌
This was so stinking cute!!! It had everything I loved; fake dating, small town/hallmark holiday setting, hockey players, THE PINING 😩💗, the list goes on. I read this just in time for Valentine’s Day and my second ever hockey game. How convenient? 😏 even being slow burn (which I usually despise) this was so fun and the banter was so enjoyable. I loved watching Dallas and Poppy’s friendship grow into their inevitable romantic feelings for each. It was realistic.
There were so many moments that had me kicking my feet like a teenage girl. It was a clean romance which I found rather refreshing. I’d say the spice level was 🌶️ if you consider a handful of fun steamy kisses and cheeky off the page references spicy. Regardless it gave me ALL the butterflies.
Extra points for the One Direction references.
I’m not gonna deduct points but totally just going to pretend like the epilogue didn’t exist because why would Poppy’s con artist ex be in the Bahamas on her vacation?? It was weird and unneeded. I truly didnt feel like we the readers needed closure on that particular subplot.
Over all this was a fun cozy holiday romance that I devoured. My only issue with continuing the series and seeing the next Hart sister’s love life play out, is that I desperately want more Poppy and Dallas.
November 18, 2025
Spice: none
Swearing: little to none
Tropes: fake dating, chef x famous hockey player protective mmc
I loved poppy, and that she was a chef I really like reading about people just doing things (if that makes sense) like her cooking her food and interacting with customers was one of my favourite things about the book. The things this girl did…I got quite a lot of second hand embarrassment, but me to girlie I be saying dumb stuff too. She got that man Dallas so good for her
Dallas!!! He’s so sweet. He has a bad reputation with media from how he acted over the years but he’s changed and needs help showing the world he’s changed even though he “doesn’t care”. He was so caring with his grandma. Also his friendship with his teammates was so fun to read about. Even though some scenes were cringy (que the rehearsed dance, YIKES!). Over all Dallas was a sweet character and was really good to poppy.
Small town cute little hockey romance. A chef and a famous hockey player. I loved the fake dating and how they each had benefits of it.
The whole “bad thing” that happened to poppy was crazy bro like how does one even have that happen
Me and the grandma are best friends and no one can tell me otherwise, thank yew.
The very end of the book had me partying with joy
Whoop whoop 🎉
ANYWAYS THATS the end of my review BYEEEEEE
Swearing: little to none
Tropes: fake dating, chef x famous hockey player protective mmc
I loved poppy, and that she was a chef I really like reading about people just doing things (if that makes sense) like her cooking her food and interacting with customers was one of my favourite things about the book. The things this girl did…I got quite a lot of second hand embarrassment, but me to girlie I be saying dumb stuff too. She got that man Dallas so good for her
Dallas!!! He’s so sweet. He has a bad reputation with media from how he acted over the years but he’s changed and needs help showing the world he’s changed even though he “doesn’t care”. He was so caring with his grandma. Also his friendship with his teammates was so fun to read about. Even though some scenes were cringy (que the rehearsed dance, YIKES!). Over all Dallas was a sweet character and was really good to poppy.
Small town cute little hockey romance. A chef and a famous hockey player. I loved the fake dating and how they each had benefits of it.
The whole “bad thing” that happened to poppy was crazy bro like how does one even have that happen
Me and the grandma are best friends and no one can tell me otherwise, thank yew.
The very end of the book had me partying with joy
Whoop whoop 🎉
ANYWAYS THATS the end of my review BYEEEEEE
February 14, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
After a few heavy reads in a row, I needed a little pick me up with something light.
For the record, I’m not a sports girl, and know virtually nothing about hockey. (As a Canadian, I am very aware of how bad that sounds. 🤣)
I’m not even sure if I’ve ever read a “sports romance,” but this book surprised me! (Update: Now that I’ve read quite a few sports romance rom-coms, I’ve discovered it’s something I actually love quite a bit!)
The redeemed bad boy isn’t usually my thing. But here, Dallas had already made the decision to change and had changed, it was just a matter of people seeing him living out that change. Which was so well done, by the way!
Fake dating is a fun trope, and it worked well here. No miscommunication. No crazy third act break ups. So refreshing! Poppy & Dallas communicate like adults & are adorably awkward.
I loved the sign language representation, Dallas & Jericho’s friendship, and Gram & Monica were awesome!
Content: mild innuendo; kissing; falling asleep by accident on each others couches overnight (nothing happens); two locker room scenes where it’s mentioned a man is nude and his friend tells him to put clothes on (a female, not FMC, is present during one scene but ignores him)
After a few heavy reads in a row, I needed a little pick me up with something light.
For the record, I’m not a sports girl, and know virtually nothing about hockey. (As a Canadian, I am very aware of how bad that sounds. 🤣)
I’m not even sure if I’ve ever read a “sports romance,” but this book surprised me! (Update: Now that I’ve read quite a few sports romance rom-coms, I’ve discovered it’s something I actually love quite a bit!)
The redeemed bad boy isn’t usually my thing. But here, Dallas had already made the decision to change and had changed, it was just a matter of people seeing him living out that change. Which was so well done, by the way!
Fake dating is a fun trope, and it worked well here. No miscommunication. No crazy third act break ups. So refreshing! Poppy & Dallas communicate like adults & are adorably awkward.
I loved the sign language representation, Dallas & Jericho’s friendship, and Gram & Monica were awesome!
Content: mild innuendo; kissing; falling asleep by accident on each others couches overnight (nothing happens); two locker room scenes where it’s mentioned a man is nude and his friend tells him to put clothes on (a female, not FMC, is present during one scene but ignores him)
March 15, 2023
“I’m only thinking about what I’ll gain.” “Which is what?” “You,” he says simply. “You are all I want.”
I always adore the author's writing. Her stories always manage to reel me in. If you love a small town, fake dating romance with a meddlesome matchmaker grandma trying to match her "bad boy' hockey player grandson with the woman he asked to be his private chef, this one's for you! Poppy & Dallas fit together. She bought the much needed calm to his stormy life. I appreciated the way they went from being strangers to friends to lovers. In the entirety of their friendship, I loved how they helped each other grow out of the past. The book was lighthearted, drama free and was filled with friendship and familial vibes. While, it was quite predictable, I still enjoyed it.
I always adore the author's writing. Her stories always manage to reel me in. If you love a small town, fake dating romance with a meddlesome matchmaker grandma trying to match her "bad boy' hockey player grandson with the woman he asked to be his private chef, this one's for you! Poppy & Dallas fit together. She bought the much needed calm to his stormy life. I appreciated the way they went from being strangers to friends to lovers. In the entirety of their friendship, I loved how they helped each other grow out of the past. The book was lighthearted, drama free and was filled with friendship and familial vibes. While, it was quite predictable, I still enjoyed it.
February 18, 2023
This book was absolutely adorable and so darn fun to read. It’s sweet and witty, and many moments had me laughing out loud. Poppy and Dallas were so charming; they had me hooked right from the start. I loved watching their relationship develop as they got to know each other better. There is just the right amount of depth to the story, too, making me feel all gushy inside during their more sweet and emotional moments. Their chemistry was 100% believable without crossing into overly-sensual waters (thank you x3, Courtney!!). There are plenty of swoony moments too, don't you worry! One of my favorites:
This was the perfect book to read for the Valentine’s holiday, but I will definitely be picking this up not just in February in the future.☺️♡
This was the perfect book to read for the Valentine’s holiday, but I will definitely be picking this up not just in February in the future.☺️♡
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