A Holiday Boyfriend

By: Olivia Dunkley

Narrated by: Shannon Parker Taing, Alex Morf

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 promise: 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 arrangement: 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?

©2025 Olivia Dunkley (P)2025 Olivia Dunkley

great read

I loved everything about this book! I recommend this to everyone I know! go read it if you haven't!

cozy

I read and listened to this book. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy when it's released. this book is such a cute holiday read and really gets you in the spirit about miracles happening. the Suspense of when they finally get together, made me so happy. I was sad for how long it took them but it built up the mood. there was a couple of cringe moments in the audio version only cause of the voice change but I still loved it. if you love to read your books, definitely pick this up.

Cozy Fake-Dating Christmas Fun

This audiobook is the kind of light holiday romance I’d put on while cleaning the house or curling up on a cold winter day. The reviews describe it as cute, festive, and full of that “maybe miracles happen” Christmas mood. I like that it leans into the fake-dating setup in a way that feels fun and believable, not over-the-top. There’s a slow build to the romance, and one listener said the wait for them to finally get together made the payoff even sweeter.

It also sounds like a classic holiday rom-com: flirty moments, a little humor, and that cozy small-town energy that makes you want hot cocoa. One reviewer mentioned a couple of cringe moments in the audio because of voice changes, but still said they loved the story enough to buy a physical copy when it comes out. That says a lot.

If you want an easy, feel-good listen that brings the holiday spirit, this one sounds like a solid pick.

Sweet and relatable

I really enjoyed this story and thought the main character was so relatable. Who hasn’t felt the pressure of being the single one at the holidays?? Especially when you hit a “certain age” and the questions start. A holiday boyfriend seems like a perfect solution!

I’d love to read a sequel about this couple, see how things turned out in the long run. Do they get married? Have kids? Sell everything and travel the world? What’s next for Katie and Jacob??

A Heartwarming Holiday Romance

For anyone seeking a romance infused with humor and emotional warmth, this audiobook is an ideal listen for a truly cozy holiday escape. The protagonist's journey reminds listeners that love can appear when it is least expected, encouraging them not to lose hope too easily. It also reinforces the idea that opening up, even during imperfect moments, can lead to meaningful connections, showing that vulnerability is not a risk but a bridge toward deeper and more fulfilling relationships.