Picture a Canadian storyteller who traded alien invasions for swoon-worthy love stories—meet Jenny Holiday! A USA Today bestselling author, Holiday crafts romance novels that sparkle with wit, heart, and just the right amount of steam. From contemporary tales to historical romps, her books have charmed readers and landed in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and beyond.
With a PhD in geography and a knack for storytelling that began in childhood, Holiday’s journey to romance stardom is as captivating as her novels. Let’s dive into the world of this RITA-nominated author whose stories prove that happily-ever-afters are always worth the chase.
The Making of Jenny Holiday
Born and raised in Minnesota, Jenny Holiday’s love for storytelling ignited at age nine when her fourth-grade teacher handed her a notebook and told her to write. Her early tales of mass murderers and alien invasions hinted at a vivid imagination, though not exactly the romantic flair she’d later master. After earning a PhD in urban geography, Holiday spent years as a professional writer, promoting research at a university. This role let her dabble in everything from astronomy to history, but her heart yearned for fiction. A bold leap into romance writing followed, despite early rejections and a manuscript she jokingly admits featured wildly unstable characters.
Jenny Holiday’s Unforgettable Stories
Holiday’s novels span contemporary, historical, and new adult romance, each infused with sharp humor, emotional depth, and diverse characters. Her USA Today bestselling status shines in works like Canadian Boyfriend, a contemporary romance about a former ballet dancer and a hockey star navigating love and second chances. The Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series, including One and Only, delivers laugh-out-loud moments as opposites attract amidst wedding chaos. For historical romance fans, Earls Trip blends Regency-era bromance with Ted Lasso-esque charm, earning praise as a witty, character-driven gem.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of banter, slow-burn tension, and relatable conflicts, making her stories both escapist and grounded. Holiday’s ability to weave feminist themes—like the Mary Wollstonecraft-inspired heroine in The Likelihood of Lucy—adds intellectual heft to her romances. Whether it’s a playboy baron or a grumpy rockstar, her characters leap off the page, inviting readers to root for their love stories.
With 30 books and counting, Holiday’s versatility keeps her at the forefront of romance. Her RITA-nominated Famous, a slow-burn contemporary romance about a pop star and an art professor, showcases her knack for balancing emotional stakes with sizzling chemistry. Fans and critics alike praise her for crafting “unputdownable” tales that feel fresh yet timeless.
Why Jenny Holiday Matters
Jenny Holiday’s impact on romance lies in her ability to elevate the genre with smart, inclusive storytelling. Her novels celebrate love in all its forms, featuring straight and gay characters navigating real-world challenges. By tackling themes like anxiety, second chances, and self-discovery, she resonates with readers seeking both escape and connection. Her work has helped destigmatize romance novels, proving they’re more than “just fluff”—they’re stories of resilience and joy.
Holiday’s influence extends beyond her books. As a proud Slytherin and theme-party enthusiast, she engages fans through social media and her newsletter, fostering a community of romance lovers. Her journey from academic to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, showing that persistence and passion can turn dreams into reality.
- Born: Minnesota, USA
- Key Works: Canadian Boyfriend, Earls Trip, Famous, One and Only
- Awards: RITA-nominated for Famous (2018)
- Fun Fact: She’s a karaoke-watching, theme-party-throwing Slytherin!
About Jenny Holiday
Ready to fall in love with Jenny Holiday’s world? Snag Canadian Boyfriend or Earls Trip and dive into her witty, heartwarming romances today!