My Phony Valentine

My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh is a charming, clean romance set in a cozy small town near Chicago during the festive season of Valentine’s Day. Poppy Hart, a talented chef struggling to keep her restaurant afloat and heal from past heartbreak, unexpectedly crosses paths with Dallas Burke, a famous hockey player with a notorious reputation. When a chance encounter leads Poppy to impulsively claim Dallas as her boyfriend, the two find themselves entangled in a fake relationship that quickly becomes the talk of the town. As they navigate contract negotiations, pretend dates, and the pressures of public scrutiny, both Poppy and Dallas discover there’s much more to each other—and themselves—than meets the eye. Told with humor and heart from Poppy’s perspective, this story shines with relatable characters, genuine emotional growth, and a warm small-town vibe. Themes of second chances, family bonds—especially Dallas’s touching relationship with his grandmother and Poppy’s connection to her hearing-impaired father—add depth to the lighthearted plot. Readers who enjoy fake dating tropes, sports romance, and wholesome, feel-good stories will find My Phony Valentine a delightful escape. With its focus on clean romance, witty dialogue, and the magic of unexpected love, this book is perfect for anyone seeking an uplifting, family-friendly read.