The Bodyguard Affair

by Amy Lea

A secret romance writer discovers that the hottest story of summer might just be the one happening between her and the Prime Minister’s bodyguard, from the international bestselling author of Set On You.

Andi Zeigler lives a double life. By day, she’s the no-nonsense, steadfast personal assistant to the Prime Minister of Canada’s wife. By night, she slips out of her heels and writes romance novels under a top-secret pen name. But when her steamiest book, The Prime Minister & Me, unexpectedly becomes a bestseller, rumors of a real-life affair between her and the PM start swirling out of control.

Enter Nolan Crosby, the PM’s new close protection officer (aka bodyguard) – and Andi’s failed one-night stand from three years ago. Nolan’s in town very temporarily to care for his mother, who’s battling early-onset Alzheimer’s. But when the scandal erupts, Andi ropes him into a fake-dating plan.

As loyal employees, they’ll pretend to date for the summer, just long enough to put the scandal to bed and save their boss’s reputation. In an unexpected plot twist, Andi and Nolan discover that keeping their romance strictly fictional might be easier said than done.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Audiobook, Workplace Romance

432 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2025

About the author

Amy Lea is the international bestselling author of romantic comedies for adults and teens, including Set on You, Exes and O’s, and Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio selection Woke Up Like This.

Her acclaimed works have been featured in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Elle Magazine and has been long listed as a CBC Canada Reads finalist. They have also been optioned for film and sold to over a dozen foreign territories.

When Amy is not writing, she can be found fan-girling over other romance books on Instagram (@amyleabooks), eating potato chips with reckless abandon, and snuggling with her husband and two goldendoodles in Ottawa, Canada.


Amy is represented by Kim Lionetti at BookEnds Literary Agency.

Reviews

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

my new year's resolution is to find a new favorite romance. so i'm just getting ahead

(review to come / thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was SO good, I adored Andi & Nolan and everything about their story 🥹

Thank you Berkley Romance for the ARC & PRH Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

✦ tropes & stuff:
🥸 fake dating
🕶 bodyguard to the Prime Minister + former military
👩🏻‍💻 personal assistant to the PM’s wife + secret romance author
1️⃣ they had a (failed) one night stand 3 years ago, but couldn’t stop thinking about each other
🐢 slow burn
🧠 Alzheimers rep (Nolan’s mom)
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting
💞 dual 1st person pov

•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•

🎧 audio/ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: 2.5 |

I absolutely LOVED the night Andi + Nolan meet - they decide to go to Andy’s place to hook up, but it’s pretty disastrous 😅 they end up talking & connecting on another level, which is one of my favourite things to read.

SHE falls asleep & HE PUTS TOGETHER HER IKEA DESK 😭😭
I truly fell in love with Nolan in those first few chapters.

the fake dating element worked so well to give them both the opportunity to be vulnerable with one another, because they weren’t REALLY dating 🙃

I found Nolan’s perspective on his mom interesting to read - she wasn’t good to him as a child, but now she’s sick, and needs care, so how is he supposed to feel about that?

As someone with a complicated relationship with one of my parents, it had me reflecting on my own situation.

This reminded me a lot of Exes and O’s, in the BEST way. The story is not at all the same, but the no-pressure way they get to know one another as friends first reminded me of Tara & Trevor 🥹

🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Brittany Presley & Teddy Hamilton were the perfect Andi & Nolan, both bringing the emotions each character felt to life.

As a bilingual Canadian, I couldn’t help but cringe at some of the pronunciations though 😅

📖 The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea
💜: contemporary romance
🎙 narrated by: Brittany Presley & Teddy Hamilton

*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍

[jasmine ☆₊⁺🦢🪽₊⁺★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
╰► 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!

“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆-𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕-𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕.”

₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭
╰┈➤ this book was cute, easy to read, and very much comfort-romance-coded. once of the things i really enjoyed was the fake dating 🤭 i think it was done quite well. the concept of the book was also pretty interesting, so that’s a huge plus side!

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞 𝙯𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙧
╰┈➤ andi was relatable and likable, but at times felt a bit underdeveloped. i appreciated her independence and determination, though some of her choices felt predictable. i feel like i don’t remember much about her, but she was a good character.

₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥ 𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙗𝙮
╰┈➤ i really liked nolan because i feel like right off the bat, he was vulnerable with andi and he didn’t really hide much. i also liked how maturely he handled his struggles, i think that was something that made him more attractive.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣🔒
╰┈➤ overall, this was an enjoyable romance, it just didn’t blow me away, but it also didn’t disappoint. it’s a good palette cleaner, but not one that lingered with me once i finished.

°•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･pre-read ʚɞ
this was released yesterday and i totally forgot i had this… so it’s time to get into it 😝 this sounds so interesting so i’m excited!

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has the best plot. It is hard not to like this story because it is unique and supportive in so many ways.

The beginning sets the stage with a fabulous kick-off, and you will absolutely fall in love with Nolan. You can feel their connection and cannot wait to dive into the story.

The Bodyguard Affair brings a fun story that is entertaining from page one, with a range of topics that bring the emotional connection. The secondary characters add depth and inspiration. Andi did have some low self-esteem she had to work through, but Nolan was the perfect partner to help her through.

I love the little closet visits, and the author brings some delicious steam. Their love is so sweet and sensual. They are perfect together. I could not stop reading this one in certain parts. And that ending – sighhhh

If you love a good romance, this one is a great choice!

~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-bodyguar...

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley Romance for the eARC.

I JUST ADORED THIS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I’m an easy to please reader when it comes to Amy Lea’s books. I love the way she crafts stories. The main characters (duel pov y’all!!) are genuine and effortless and seeing the plot unfold always makes me feel something.

I thought the plot was engaging and covered a variety of topics well. While some heavier content is present the overall mood is hopeful and Nolan and Andi are meant to be. i could not get enough of Nolan’s constant support. It was endearing in all the ways. I thought the plot > spice which is always a pro for me.

I genuinely binged this in a day. I just couldn’t get enough. It’s sensual and swoony and full of heart. All of the hallmark romance moments were there and each one made me giddy [not to mention, no out of pocket third act nonsense either!!].

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: mild-moderate
- Romance: 3-4ish open door
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: a parent with Alzheimer’s

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a fantastic book for a different reader. All the elements are there, I kept thinking it had a great setup/build/interactions… so why did I not have more motivation to pick it up and finish it? Halfway through I realized that the leading lady’s main personality trait, people pleaser (coupled with her valid insecurities), was throwing me off. It’s just not something I tend to connect with or seek out in fictional characters.

I did finish the book. I rooted for Andi and Nolan. I needed them to get on the same page and overcome their fears and make a life together. And I love that they get there! Despite it not being my style, I enjoyed the HEA. But I still want to slap all the people with their half-ass apologies at the end.

* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher

[maddie's reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!

rtc

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

👩‍❤️‍👨 dual POV
🛏️ forced proximity
🩵 fake dating
❤️‍🔥SLOW burn
🌶️ 2/5 spice

So many great tropes in one book! Literally the slowest of burns but soooo worth the wait! This reminds me so much of the movie: first daughter, with the presidents security falling for the daughter, same vibes from the MMC and FMC. Also, not everyday we get a story out of Canada’s capital city!

Always love everything Amy puts out. Especially excited to have had the chance to meet her and receive an advanced copy this week. Definitely recommend when it’s released in December!

[casey ⋆˚౨ৎ ⋆.˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was immediately drawn in from the start. absolutely devoured this within twenty four hours. the tropes immediately had me wanting to read and then the first chapter had me drawn in instantly. it was so sweet, with moments of humor but also with moments of sensitive topics that made it feel more real. i adore the relationship between andi and nolan and i also love them as individuals and seeing their growth and development.

“i’ve never pictured my life with anyone, until you” 💖

andi lives a double life: by day, she’s the personal assistant to the prime minister of canada’s wife and by night, she writes romance novels under a top secret pen name. but when her steamiest book, the prime minister & me, unexpectedly becomes a bestseller, rumors of a real life affair between her and the pm start swirling out of control.

enter nolan, the pm’s new close protection officer (aka bodyguard) and andi’s failed one night stand from three years ago. nolan’s in town very temporarily to care for his mother, who’s battling early onset alzheimer’s. when the scandal erupts, andi ropes him into a fake dating plan. as loyal employees, they’ll pretend to date for the summer, just long enough to put the scandal to bed and save their boss’s reputation. they discover that keeping their romance strictly fictional might be easier said than done.

tropes: fake dating, workplace romance, forced proximity, personal assistant x pm’s bodyguard secret fmc secret romance author

content warning: mc’s parent with alzheimer’s

🇨🇦📖👠👔💞

[sahra (readwithsahra_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC***

let me tell you this book was surprisingly a breath of fresh air

as someone who read a lot of romance books in the past few years and got a bit bored of the genre when I got asked to receive this book I thought why not bc the cover was so distinctively chicklit 2010 coded. if you don’t know what chicklit is, it’s basically a romance book with a slowburn romance, fade to black spice and a big side of self discovery for the fmc

and I don’t know if I am reaching but I thought that this book was very reminiscent of a chicklit book. we have all the ingredients (plus a bit more spice) for one and I really enjoyed my time in this story. from the get go I was entertained. the story is silly, cute and scandalous while also talking about serious topics. my reading experience was effortless and it was refreshing to just fly through the book and being so invested in their romance but individual storylines too

andi and nolan really endeared me and when I finished their story I felt warm inside. I felt all the feelings I used to when I first starting reading romance. it felt real and hopeful and emotional. it was such a fun story and the romance was super slowburn which I devoured. the book is a bit spicy but the way it’s written was erotic and sensual and I applaud that

I would definitely recommend this!!

ratings:
overall: 4.25⭐️
spice: 3🌶️
tension: 3.5⚡️

[Stella Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review!

Andi is the personal assistant for the Canadian Prime Minister’s wife… but she also writes steamy romance books on the down low. When one of her steamy books (written under a pen name) becomes popular, she finds herself in the midst of a PR nightmare. Enter Nolan, the PM’s personal bodyguard, who might just be the perfect solution.

Tropes: One Night Stand, Meet-Cute, Workplace Romance, Cozy Romance, Fake Dating, Mutual Pining, Forced Proximity, Dual POV, Chronic Illness (family member), Third-Act Breakup

To say I was pleasantly surprised by this book would be a gross understatement. I was blown away by how much I loved it. I had never read Amy Lea’s work before, but you better believe I will now! There were so many things I loved in this book, let’s dig in.

Our FMC, Andi, has dreamed of becoming a romance writer, but she’s currently stuck being the personal assistant to the Prime Minister’s wife, writing on the side. The book starts three years in the past, when our two main characters meet. I almost died of secondhand embarrassment at how they met, but it actually turns into a sweet night where I fell in love with both of them. Nolan is a sweet, down-to-earth, genuinely Good Guy. I loved their first night together. From their mishap meet-cute, to grocery shopping, to having a not-so-smutty one-night stand, to Nolan fixing her desk on his way out—I was all about it. Sometimes, when I’m reading books, I’m waiting for that meet-cute moment, but it never comes. This one had it.

Fast forward three years to the present: Andi is still working as a personal assistant but has secretly self-published a couple of novels under a pen name. (Which, I might add, she only had the courage to do after a certain not-so-smutty-one-night-stand individual supported her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.) I really liked Andi’s character. She’s such a people-pleaser (which I painfully related to) but also a genuinely nice, decent human being who sees the good in everyone. That said, girl definitely needs to learn how to say “no” at work.

Surprisingly, she finds out that the new bodyguard for the PM is none other than Nolan. Now, I was worried they’d see each other and act all aloof, like they didn’t know each other, or be passive-aggressive, rude, or just weird. I was so astounded when they were incredibly friendly, honest about what had happened three years ago, and just genuine. This book has so many scenes that could have gone the typical (often frustrating) route, miscommunication, unnecessary secrets, but it didn’t, and this was a perfect example.

I really loved that this book was written in dual POV. I love hearing how obsessed the MMC is with the FMC. And he was obsessed pretty much from the get-go. During their first meeting, Andi does some pretty embarrassing things (as I said—secondhand embarrassment!), but Nolan rolls with the punches and becomes even more enamored with her. He basically hasn’t stopped thinking about her in three years.

I also loved how supportive he was of Andi, without knowing much about her personal life. He was such a cheerleader for her writing and made her feel empowered, which he continues to do when they reunite. I loved their instant connection. You can feel how comfortable they are with each other—the deep conversations, the sexual tension, and again, the honesty. So sexy.

They find themselves in a fake-dating situation, which I’m definitely a fan of. What I don’t love is when main characters hide their true feelings and expect the other person to read their mind. NOPE—not in this book. It’s so refreshing. When they realize they have feelings for each other, they literally say it. And BAM! They just get to be together and enjoy each other’s company.

Nolan’s mom has Alzheimer’s, and he struggles with taking care of her and reconciling the mother she is now with the one she was when he was growing up (i.e., often absent). Andi, of course, is supportive and helps out, which he deeply appreciates.

There is some tension in the third act when they face the uncertainty of their future, especially with Nolan potentially moving on to another job. There’s a small third-act breakup, but it’s more of a “break” than a breakup, if that makes sense. They try to give each other space to figure things out (though it’s not really necessary), and both are miserable without the other, determined to make it work. The ending was so freaking sweet, I loved it. From the dog, Cody, to the yellow house at the end of the street, to Nolan being Andi’s biggest cheerleader, it was all just precious.

Overall, I’m obsessed with this book. It’s one of my new favorites, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. This story had lovable main characters, adorable sidekicks, and all the elements that make a romance novel feel like a cozy read you’ll want to come back to again and again. The moment I finished it, I looked at my husband and said, “I already want to read it again.”

[Courtney sharpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Amy Lea and when I heard she was writing a Canadian political romcom I couldn’t have been more excited.

Andi Zeigler lives a double life. By day, she’s the no-nonsense, steadfast personal assistant to the Prime Minister of Canada’s wife. By night, she slips out of her heels and writes romance novels under a top-secret pen name. But when her steamiest book, The Prime Minister & Me, unexpectedly becomes a bestseller, rumors of a real-life affair between her and the PM start swirling out of control.
Enter Nolan Crosby, the PM’s new close protection officer (aka bodyguard) – and Andi’s failed one-night stand from three years ago. Nolan’s in town very temporarily to care for his mother, who’s battling early-onset Alzheimer’s. But when the scandal erupts, Andi ropes him into a fake-dating plan.

Let me start by saying this may be a romcom but it does contain some sensitive topics and those were honestly my fav parts. Our male MC’s mother was diagnosed with dementia and this whole subject was handled with so much care and respect. My heart ached for the family and this aspect was just so raw and real. On the female MC’s side we had the subject matter of homelessness which is a major problem here in Canada and very prominent in my area of the country. Again this was written so well and really makes you think about those you see on the street and appreciate what you have.

BUT. The romance storyline was absolutely ridiculous. Fake dating? Sign me up. Enemies to lovers? Heck ya. Angsty Chemistry? Woohoo! Unfortunately all of those things fell flatter than a pancake. The conflict resolution was too quick, the chemistry was simply not there, the banter was lame and the female MC was incredibly immature and had me rolling my eyes sooooo much.

And I can handle a spicy scene here or there but there was so many, they were so overtop and to put it mildly, they were just plain RAUNCHY. They added nothing to the story and honestly slowed down an already snail pace of a plot.

I’m glad I read it and of course I enjoyed all the Canadian-isms but i don’t recommend…..sorry.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of my most anticipated romances of 2025 and while I had to wait almost a whole year to read, it was sooo worth the wait!! I loved the awkward meet-cute between Andi, the assistant to the Prime Minister of Canada's wife (who also secretly writes romance novels) and Nolan, a protection agent who ends up working as the PM's personal bodyguard.

Reunited years after they had a memorable but platonic night together, the two end up fake dating to help avoid a scandal only to realize their sizzling chemistry cannot be denied. Spicy but tender too, I loved that this was dual POV with EXCELLENT voiced by Brittany Pressley and Teddy Hamilton (my two FAVORITE narrators ever).

There's also great insights into the publishing industry and an emotional side plot involving Nolan's complicated mother who has Alzheimer's and was largely absent for most of his and his sister's childhoods. Highly recommended for fans of books like The royals next door by Karina Halle.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. This was by far my new favorite by Canadian author Amy Lea and if you want a book that balances humor, heart and emotional depth, you can't go wrong with this one!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the #gifted copies! #berkleyromance #berkley #prhaudioinfluencer

Noah Crosby just got an appointment as the Canadian Prime Minister’s Chief Protection Officer but the main reason for his return to his hometown after years away is to care for his mother after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Andi Zeigler has a high pressure job as the personal assistant to the Canadian PM’s wife and whatever free time she has is devoted to her indie-published romance series that she writes under a pen name. Oh, and three years ago they met as strangers at a bar and had a failed hookup neither has stopped thinking about. Then a wild and untrue rumor of an affair between Andi and the PM causes them to hatch a fake dating scheme - Andi and Noah will pretend to date for the summer to make sure the rumors die down. But the same electric connection that drew them together years ago persists and fake dating becomes a real friendship and an undeniable attraction.

Well, this was adorable. You’ve got opposites attract, a fake relationship where they are both down so bad, they each help the other grow and believe in themselves, a one-bed situation, and there is an adorable rescue dog. Plus it is a self-aware romance through Andi’s romance author lens. The storyline with Noah’s mom adds weight and emotional complexity to the story while you have a ton of fun along the way.

🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: The dynamic duo of Brittany Pressley and Teddy Hamilton are just as great as you think they will be bringing this adorable slow-burn romance to life! (10 hrs and 51 mins)

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Sarah (Books_with_a_cuppa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc, I really appreciate it.

This was a lot of fun. The third book I’ve read by Amy Lea, and it had the same level of humour, easy flowing dialogue and strong characters as her others.

I loved the premise of this book. Andi is the PA to the prime ministers wife. Nolan meets her post break up for a very weird failed attempt at a one night stand. Years later, he arrives as the personal security to the prime minister. One things leads to another, and they end up in a fake dating scenario. The plot and the character development was so strong in this - I really enjoyed how it all came together.

Nolan was my favourite though - how you could see him evolving from a man who refuses to stay in one place, won’t commit, carrying around issues since his childhood, to a man who wants more from his life.

I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with these two when this is released!

Thank you again.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks PRH Audio for the gifted ALC and Berkley for the free eARC. All opinions are my own.

📖Read if you like:
- Fake dating
- Canadian setting
- Secret identity
- Forced proximity
- Dual POV

This was so much fun! I might be a bit biased here because this story was set in my hometown, but I loved the Canadian setting so much. All of the Ottawa references made my heart so happy. 🥹
It’s such a unique concept with the fictional political drama and I loved the connection between Andi and Nolan. They were so great together and I really enjoyed seeing how their characters developed individually. It was so interesting to see Andi’s (secret) romance writing journey, and everything with Nathan’s mom was handled so well.
I always enjoy Amy Lea’s writing and this is a new favourite of mine from her!

🎧The audiobook is narrated by the Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley. They did a great job of bringing the story to life as always and it was so fun hearing them talk about places around my city.😆

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audio of The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea is pure charm from start to finish, and Brittany Pressley and Teddy Hamilton prove once again that there is truly not a more iconic narrator duo for rom com listeners. Andi and Nolan’s fake dating, second chance, bodyguard meets secret romance writer setup is flirty, sexy, witty, and full of the kind of swoony moments that make you grin at your phone. The humor lands, the chemistry sparkles, and the emotional undercurrent — especially around Nolan’s family — gives the story so much heart. An absolute treat in audio and the perfect feel good listen.

[Ashley Langer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Lena Hooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Magaly | Catchy Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

Review to come!

[kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley Romance & Netgalley for the eARC!!

5 stars!!

Literally obsessed with this book!! It is SO cute & I had such a fun time reading it! First off, I loved our two main characters, Andi and Nolan's meet cute/first meeting!! I absolutely adored Nolan from the beginning! The way he support Andi's dreams of becoming s writer from the very start was the sweetest!! I loved how he always believed in her and was her personal hype man.

This book also featured one of my favorite tropes--fake dating!! I would also say this is book is a biiiit of a second chance romance too! I absolutely devoured the slow burn/tension between them!!!

Andi and Nolan's relationship was just SO healthy and I loved that aspect!! They are literally the most supportive partners to each other and it was one of my favorite parts about the whole book! I loved the ending SO incredibly much!! Literally one of the sweetest books ever & I definitely recommend!

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I liked:
- I love bodyguard stories!
- Andi and Nolan's meet cute was really funny and cute.
- The steamy scenes were hot!

Things I didn't like:
- Andi's low self esteem and her willingness for her to let people walk all over her got a little annoying.
- The story was a bit predictable.
- Andi & Nolan's dialogue felt so...transactional and a lot of it felt unnecessary. It was a lot of back and forth for them to get to know each other but I honestly felt like some of it could have been cut out to shorten the book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially those steamy scenes, but some of the things I didn't like kind of kept me from being able to enjoy it fully.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher.

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️ | 5 🎧

RTC

What to Expect:
- Workplace Romance
- Personal Assistant + Bodyguard
- Secret Romance Author
- One Night Stand
- Mutual Pining
- Forced Proximity
- Political Scandal
- Fake Dating
- Slow Burn
- Third-Act Breakup
- Dual POV
- Dual Narration

[Kelly]

DNF @ 26%

Was hoping to get at least a third of the way in, but I just couldn’t. There was so much telling, the “Canadian-ness” was way over the top, and although the meet cute had me literally laughing my ass off, it was SO cringe and the most UNbelievable way to find The One.

This is the second DNF of her books in a row for me. I really loved Exes and O’s, but I’m starting to think that may have been a fluke. 🥲

[Stephanie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for the free copy of the book!
Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary ALC!

This book is out on Dec 2nd.

It has been a while since I indulged into Amy Lea's work again (not for any other reason than time) but when I heard she was coming out with a new adult contemporary romance I knew I had to read it.

This one was so much fun! I love how this book starts off with a hook up that goes kind of bad? It just was awkward and they ended up spending the night getting to know one another, trading different stories that just scratched the surface of their relationship. But their jobs had them cross paths a few years later and despite Andi saying that there was no chemistry, there was indeed chemistry.

I love how Amy wove these two individuals back into each other's lives that totally felt plausible. They both are in this line of work that isn't super common and yet 3 years later their paths decided to cross. For Nolan, he for certain remembered a lot about Andi and was so happy that some of the stuff she had been working on had come true. Andi was just starting her book The Prime Minister and Me and had a small following in the indie world but suddenly it received some unwanted attention and now that she is the Prime Minister's wife's Personal Assistant, she had no choice but to deny that she was the writer of the book. And in order to continue with the ruse, she teamed up with Nolan to fake date so people did not think she was having an affair with the actual Prime Minister.

This was exactly the kind of romance I needed at the moment. It was fun, it was flirty, emotional, it was dual POV. Randomly, I read two romances with an Alzheimer subplot and I felt both showcased the complexities that caregivers go through while caring for their love one. Nolan loves his mom so much but yet has been running from things ever since he could. But after meeting Andi and spending time with his mom, he wanted to be around her more. I'm fortunate that my grandmother never made it to the Alzheimer stage but I have heard so many stories and how you just are slowly losing a person. My heart broke for Nolan and his sister.

I paired my reading with the audio and two of my favorite narrators handle this one - Brittany Pressley and Teddy Hamilton. They both are just so enjoyable to listen to and made listening to this feel super quick. Teddy has that grit in his voice that worked so well as a bodyguard.

If you are looking for a bodyguard x personal assistant, fake dating, second chance, spicy I recommend giving this one a read!

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review

Andi Zeigler is the Personal Assistant to Gretchen the Prime Minister of Canada's wife. In her spare time, she writes steamy romance novels under a pen name, she has been doing it for over 3 years and she has only ever told one person about her double life, a failed one night stand named Nolan. Nolan has been working in the military and in private security for the last few years. When his sister asks him for help caring for their mother with Alzheimer's he takes a role in his hometown of Ottawa as a Close Protection Officer for the Prime Minister Eric.

Andi and Nolan meeting again 3 years after their first encounter is not what either of them expected, let alone fake dating in order to talk the heat off rumours she is having an affair with the PM and that she wrote all about it in a romance novel called The Prime Minister & Me under a pen name. She denies everything but of course he knows she really did write the book, but decides to keep her secret and go along with the fake dating plan.

It is no secret that fake dating will always be a favourite trope of mine, and I think this did a good job with the trope. The reason for fake dating made sense, the progression of the relationship from fake to real felt natural. The characters had good chemistry, and although there was a little bit of miscommunication it was quickly solved. Both characters had emotional intelligence, they displayed growth throughout the book. My major issue was that all the side characters were one dimensional and caricatures, everything and everyone but the main characters and plot line felt so flat.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to my bestie Annabelle for gifting me her extra arc copy of this book!

3.75⭐️ (Rounding up for star rating) Fake dating between a PA and bodyguard in a political setting! Throw in a scandal and a secret that could possibly ruin her career…. And the guy she’s ’fake dating’ she hooked up with in the past (kind of)….

ˋ°•*⁀➷ This was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed it! The writing style was very easy to read and follow, meaning I was able to fly through this book. There were lots of funny and relatable moments as well which I liked.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ I would say this kind of reads like a rom-com, but there are also some heavier / emotional topics that the characters go through (ex. the MMC’s Mom has alzheimer’s and he has moved back to be with her), so there is some more emotional depth to the plot and the characters compared to a ‘regular’ rom-com read (in my opinion).

ˋ°•*⁀➷ I LOVED how supportive Nolan (MMC) was of Andi (FMC) through this whole book right from the start, especially with her writing career!

ˋ°•*⁀➷ Some elements of the plot seemed a little far fetched… Like how Andi and Nolan were actually allowed to be “dating” in the first place, given their workplace connection… I can technically understand the motivation behind it given the situation / scandal that occurred, but it just didn’t seem realistic so I had to ignore that aspect.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ Some of the events felt washed over or just skipped over in my opinion. There was a wedding that was mentioned throughout the book and at the end it kinda felt brushed over which was interesting.

Overall, this was a good read! After reading this one, I’m definitely going to look into more books by this author!

—

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 ↴
Star: 3.74⭐️/5
Spice: 2 / 5🌶️/5 (depending on tolerance)
Emotion: 1.5-2💧/5

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ↴
🩷 Workplace Romance
🩷 Fake Dating
🩷 Slow Burn
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Hidden Identity
🩷 Bodyguard MMC
🩷 Alzheimer’s Representation

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fun and cute read, I'll honestly devour anything to do with fake dating and handsome bodyguards. I love how a lot of time was spent building up a strong friendship between Andi and Nolan, who tried to spend one awkward night together in the past, and are now colleagues working for the prime minister of Canada. I'm a huge Amy Lea fan so if she writes it I'm probs gonna read it. My one slight issue is like why did Andi (the FMC) write a prime minister x assistant romance? I understand writing what you know but it does give the slight impression that she's obsessed with the PM and this is fanfic. And I know she wrote it anonymously but she used her initials and she's a public facing employee working for the PM's wife what did she expect, I'm sorry, very small detail I know, but low-key had me raising an eyebrow the whole book. Overall I recommend, as there are some great family moments between Nolan and his mom as they repair their relationship, and there's even a tug on your heartstrings scene where Nolan meets his dog for the first time 🥹. Safe to say I'm obsessed with Nolan!

[Sharley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am definitely a fan of Amy Lea, this book cements that!
It’s refreshing to have the MMC who is happy to be upfront with his feelings and quietly support the FMC without being a stereotypical caveman/ possessive Neanderthal type.
This is overall quite a cute and almost cosy romance.
One of the only downsides for me was the lack of supporting cast for Andi, the FMC, her sister is sort of present and her boss is somewhat split personality type, Andi’s best friend isn’t even a friend and maybe that’s the point but it felt a little too bleak and lonely for what was an otherwise heartwarming and cosy romance.
Nolan, MMC, bodyguard (sorry CPO), all round good guy is Mr Perfect (I don’t think manages to do a single thing wrong). He is a lone wolf and doesn’t want to settle down in any one place, however is tied to Ottawa for family in the short term and of course, the good guy he is, is only to happy to go along with fake dating his one night stand who never really was (even that was cute).
Nolan and Andi are super cute together fake dating and getting to know each other and feels like a natural evolution of chemistry and friendship for their falling in love love story.

I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review.

[Mae (bookishpremed) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Amy Lea for the e-ARC of this book!

I definitely had to sit on this review because I was between 3-3.5⭐ for this one. This was such an easygoing read that I finished it in one day. I enjoyed the MMC, Andi, and loved the plot of this book, as she is a secret romance writer who gets caught up in a possible scandal with her bosses. The plot itself was probably my favorite part, as I was rooting for her and her journey towards progressing as a writer, but I wasn't invested in Andi and Nolan's romance.

Now, I actually enjoyed Nolan- he was a responsible, green flag MMC who took care of his family and his country. Plus he was a bodyguard which makes him 10x hotter in my book. I just couldn't feel attached to their relationship, because I couldn't feel their chemistry. They were friends to lovers, but it just felt like they were more like friends who started having sex with each other... if that makes any sense??

Btw, her bestie sucks and she really needs a new one. I called it from their first moment that she sucked. You never break girl code!!!!