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Faking It with the Ex-SEAL
🧡 Amazon #1 New Release • Fake Dating Romance
War didn’t break me. But faking an engagement with Ms. Sunshine might.
When my dog, Turbo, collapsed, I wasn’t ready for the woman who met my fury like she’d trained for combat and held my stare like she wanted to tame me.
Dr. Harper steady hands, calm voice, eyes that read every scar I keep buried.
She saved my partner and I don’t leave debts unpaid.
Helping her failing shelter should’ve been simple. A mission.
Until one almost-kiss went viral and the whole damn town decided we’re engaged.
Now we’re faking it. For the cameras. For her cause.
For the lie that gets hotter every time she gets close.
Because Harper looks at me like she wants the parts of me I swore were dead.
Her touch lights me up like a live wire.
I swore I’d never let anyone close again and she’s slipping past every defense I’ve got.
Trust got my brothers killed.
Letting her in could take me down just as fast.
And when a ghost from my past threatens her, I’ll burn the world down before I let him take her from me.
Fake Dating • Grumpy/Sunshine • Ex-SEAL • Small Town • Slow Burn
💞 HEA guaranteed
War didn’t break me. But faking an engagement with Ms. Sunshine might.
When my dog, Turbo, collapsed, I wasn’t ready for the woman who met my fury like she’d trained for combat and held my stare like she wanted to tame me.
Dr. Harper steady hands, calm voice, eyes that read every scar I keep buried.
She saved my partner and I don’t leave debts unpaid.
Helping her failing shelter should’ve been simple. A mission.
Until one almost-kiss went viral and the whole damn town decided we’re engaged.
Now we’re faking it. For the cameras. For her cause.
For the lie that gets hotter every time she gets close.
Because Harper looks at me like she wants the parts of me I swore were dead.
Her touch lights me up like a live wire.
I swore I’d never let anyone close again and she’s slipping past every defense I’ve got.
Trust got my brothers killed.
Letting her in could take me down just as fast.
And when a ghost from my past threatens her, I’ll burn the world down before I let him take her from me.
Fake Dating • Grumpy/Sunshine • Ex-SEAL • Small Town • Slow Burn
💞 HEA guaranteed
- GenresMilitary FictionAmazon
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 25, 2026
This was super cute! I’m a sucker for a grumpy MMC and this one didn’t disappoint.
Read
March 1, 2026FREE today (February 28, 2026) on Amazon.
March 1, 2026
Grumpy x Sunshine fake engagement romance
3.75⭐️ 1.5🌶️ REVIEW: 📖 FAKING IT WITH THE EX-SEAL 📖 by Gia Hartley ✨ This is my second book by Gia Hartley. I love that her heroines are strong and independent, and her heroes are overprotective and give off ‘if anything happens to her, I’ll burn down the world’ vibes.
Luke Callahan brings his dog, Turbo (a Belgian Malinois) into Harper’s emergency vet clinic for bloat. Turbo is the only thing Luke has left from Kandahar (he lost his best friend), so he’s worried. He’s also a disgraced billionaire, so when a photographer catches Luke and Harper in a compromising position at the shelter and posts an engagement rumor on social media, they decide to go with it.
They agree on boundaries and rules - no falling, no feelings, kissing only when necessary for the public, and a clean breakup after 6 weeks. But, oops, Harper isn’t sure she can avoid falling. Real money into her shelter, redemption for him. Win-win. She also wants to prove she won’t give up or back down, and that she isn’t breakable. He’s been a lone wolf the last 2 years, and he will push her away if he thinks it’s to protect her. He doesn’t think he’s a good man but she believes in him. She doesn’t let him retreat. So when he breaks in front of her she doesn’t run — she fully sees him and reminds him he’s enough and worthy.
❤️ He’s grumpy, overprotective, and emotionally unavailable
❤️ Sweatpants 🥵
❤️ Her ex told her she was ‘too much’
❤️ Luke makes her feel safe, like she’s enough
❤️ He thinks she deserves better because he is broken/not whole/damaged goods
❤️ F the rules/F-it moment
❤️ He washes her hair
Favorite quotes:
"It means he told me I was too loud, too emo-tional, too much. Said it was 'embarrassing' when I talked about animal rescue at his work events."
"Your ex is a moron," I say immediately.
“I want to prove I'm not as breakable as they think."
"Do you ever let anyone in? Really in?"
"Not in a long time. Not all the way."
"Because of what happened?"
"Because everyone I let close either dies or uses what they know against me."
"I wake up screaming. I have panic attacks over dropped pans. I can't be in crowds without counting exits. I sleep with a knife under my pillow because some nights I wake up and don't know where I am. I can't be normal. Can't be whole. Can't be what anyone needs."
“I’m not afraid of your darkness.”
"You say things like that. Like you actually see me."
"I do. You're not the villain in your story, Luke.
You're the one who survived it."
Read this if you like:
*Ex-Navy Seal MMC
*Veterinarian FMC
*Fake engagement
*Broken boy
*Panic attack rep
Content warning: PTSD, anxiety, trauma, depression, cancer/death of a parent
3.75⭐️ 1.5🌶️ REVIEW: 📖 FAKING IT WITH THE EX-SEAL 📖 by Gia Hartley ✨ This is my second book by Gia Hartley. I love that her heroines are strong and independent, and her heroes are overprotective and give off ‘if anything happens to her, I’ll burn down the world’ vibes.
Luke Callahan brings his dog, Turbo (a Belgian Malinois) into Harper’s emergency vet clinic for bloat. Turbo is the only thing Luke has left from Kandahar (he lost his best friend), so he’s worried. He’s also a disgraced billionaire, so when a photographer catches Luke and Harper in a compromising position at the shelter and posts an engagement rumor on social media, they decide to go with it.
They agree on boundaries and rules - no falling, no feelings, kissing only when necessary for the public, and a clean breakup after 6 weeks. But, oops, Harper isn’t sure she can avoid falling. Real money into her shelter, redemption for him. Win-win. She also wants to prove she won’t give up or back down, and that she isn’t breakable. He’s been a lone wolf the last 2 years, and he will push her away if he thinks it’s to protect her. He doesn’t think he’s a good man but she believes in him. She doesn’t let him retreat. So when he breaks in front of her she doesn’t run — she fully sees him and reminds him he’s enough and worthy.
❤️ He’s grumpy, overprotective, and emotionally unavailable
❤️ Sweatpants 🥵
❤️ Her ex told her she was ‘too much’
❤️ Luke makes her feel safe, like she’s enough
❤️ He thinks she deserves better because he is broken/not whole/damaged goods
❤️ F the rules/F-it moment
❤️ He washes her hair
Favorite quotes:
"It means he told me I was too loud, too emo-tional, too much. Said it was 'embarrassing' when I talked about animal rescue at his work events."
"Your ex is a moron," I say immediately.
“I want to prove I'm not as breakable as they think."
"Do you ever let anyone in? Really in?"
"Not in a long time. Not all the way."
"Because of what happened?"
"Because everyone I let close either dies or uses what they know against me."
"I wake up screaming. I have panic attacks over dropped pans. I can't be in crowds without counting exits. I sleep with a knife under my pillow because some nights I wake up and don't know where I am. I can't be normal. Can't be whole. Can't be what anyone needs."
“I’m not afraid of your darkness.”
"You say things like that. Like you actually see me."
"I do. You're not the villain in your story, Luke.
You're the one who survived it."
Read this if you like:
*Ex-Navy Seal MMC
*Veterinarian FMC
*Fake engagement
*Broken boy
*Panic attack rep
Content warning: PTSD, anxiety, trauma, depression, cancer/death of a parent
January 10, 2026
A completely captivating, heart wrenching read and I loved this plot and its characters
This was a simply riveting read from the very beginning and I have to say that the action started from the get go and you will find that this book is impossible to put down until reaching the end and discovering the outcome.
Luke was serving in Kandahar when his life was to be dramatically changed and would never return back to as it had been, in an explosion he had lost his very best friend and had been left severely injured with terrible brain injuries that had left him unable to live his life in the norm. He had been fortunate in the fact that he had his service dog Turbo who had made his life worth living and now had been injured and was fighting for his life at the vets.
Dr Harper Lane had been the steady hands that had been working on Turbo and as she had been looking after him and also helping to keep me well rooted whilst my partner, my best four-legged friend since my fried died in Kandahar the day Luke had nearly lost his life as well. He is a man that never forgets a good deed and so when the animal shelter had been trying to raise help and awareness. He had decided to help if at all possible.
The town has for some reason decided that they are now both an item and Harper looks at him as though he is some one more important than he could ever have believed. He has not allowed anyone to get close since the death of hs brother, his only real fried since then being Turbo and he would not know how he’d manage without his dog and so will do anything he can to save more ill and hurt animals.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
This was a simply riveting read from the very beginning and I have to say that the action started from the get go and you will find that this book is impossible to put down until reaching the end and discovering the outcome.
Luke was serving in Kandahar when his life was to be dramatically changed and would never return back to as it had been, in an explosion he had lost his very best friend and had been left severely injured with terrible brain injuries that had left him unable to live his life in the norm. He had been fortunate in the fact that he had his service dog Turbo who had made his life worth living and now had been injured and was fighting for his life at the vets.
Dr Harper Lane had been the steady hands that had been working on Turbo and as she had been looking after him and also helping to keep me well rooted whilst my partner, my best four-legged friend since my fried died in Kandahar the day Luke had nearly lost his life as well. He is a man that never forgets a good deed and so when the animal shelter had been trying to raise help and awareness. He had decided to help if at all possible.
The town has for some reason decided that they are now both an item and Harper looks at him as though he is some one more important than he could ever have believed. He has not allowed anyone to get close since the death of hs brother, his only real fried since then being Turbo and he would not know how he’d manage without his dog and so will do anything he can to save more ill and hurt animals.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
January 2, 2026
If you’re craving a cozy, heart-tugging romance with just enough heat to keep your Kindle warm, Faking It with the Ex-SEAL delivers in spades. From the moment ex-SEAL Luke bursts into Dr. Harper’s clinic with his collapsing dog Turbo, I was hooked — equal parts chuckling at his gruff exterior and swooning as Harper steadily dismantled his emotional armor.
What I loved: the contrast between Luke’s battle-scarred cynicism and Harper’s calm, animal-saving sunshine made for some juicy grumpy/sunshine sparks. Their fake engagement (which the whole town promptly lapped up) gave the story a fun twist, and watching them go from terse strangers to reluctant partners was genuinely satisfying. Some scenes, especially where Luke’s PTSD subtly shaped his reactions, showed real emotional depth and earned a few tissue moments.
What I liked less: pacing wobble here and there — a couple of beats felt like they sprinted past emotional nuance, and secondary characters could’ve used a tighter spotlight — but overall the world held together well.
Gia Hartley’s writing strikes a cheery balance between gruff military edges and warm small-town feel, blending humor and heart without getting too dark. If you love fake engagements, underdog animals, and characters who slowly melt like butter on warm toast, this one’s a great pick. My one missing star? Just a tiny wish for a bit more character exploration, but it didn’t stop me from devouring this in a single proud-to-be-couch-bound afternoon.
What I loved: the contrast between Luke’s battle-scarred cynicism and Harper’s calm, animal-saving sunshine made for some juicy grumpy/sunshine sparks. Their fake engagement (which the whole town promptly lapped up) gave the story a fun twist, and watching them go from terse strangers to reluctant partners was genuinely satisfying. Some scenes, especially where Luke’s PTSD subtly shaped his reactions, showed real emotional depth and earned a few tissue moments.
What I liked less: pacing wobble here and there — a couple of beats felt like they sprinted past emotional nuance, and secondary characters could’ve used a tighter spotlight — but overall the world held together well.
Gia Hartley’s writing strikes a cheery balance between gruff military edges and warm small-town feel, blending humor and heart without getting too dark. If you love fake engagements, underdog animals, and characters who slowly melt like butter on warm toast, this one’s a great pick. My one missing star? Just a tiny wish for a bit more character exploration, but it didn’t stop me from devouring this in a single proud-to-be-couch-bound afternoon.
January 13, 2026
First, I would like to say wow! The story definitely went for my heartstrings: pitbulls, vet, shelter dogs, and a hot steamy romance...of course I am loved it.
This book is totally 5 stars. It’s a slow burn with not only romance, but also a little suspense, family drama, and the enduring love of friendship.
Without giving up any spoilers, the book is about a true and committed veterinarian that has built a shelter for animals and is in desperate need of financial help. You immediately love the FP (Harper) and want her to succeed. Harper also has a history of being taken advantage of, bullied, and her heart is broken and healing.
In comes the MP (Luke) an Ex-Navy seal with trust issues, family drama, and plenty of steamy male dominance. Luke is trying to save his military dog from a deathly condition, while trying to keep his feelings for Harper in check.
When they both face a tricky situation and have to fake an engagement, their emotional boundaries are tested.
Tropes: romance, slow burn, dominant male, heartwarming, for dog and animal lovers, friendship and the bonds of family love.
Download the e-book on Kindle Unlimited or find it on Amazon
@giahartleyromance
@GiaHatleyRomance
This book is totally 5 stars. It’s a slow burn with not only romance, but also a little suspense, family drama, and the enduring love of friendship.
Without giving up any spoilers, the book is about a true and committed veterinarian that has built a shelter for animals and is in desperate need of financial help. You immediately love the FP (Harper) and want her to succeed. Harper also has a history of being taken advantage of, bullied, and her heart is broken and healing.
In comes the MP (Luke) an Ex-Navy seal with trust issues, family drama, and plenty of steamy male dominance. Luke is trying to save his military dog from a deathly condition, while trying to keep his feelings for Harper in check.
When they both face a tricky situation and have to fake an engagement, their emotional boundaries are tested.
Tropes: romance, slow burn, dominant male, heartwarming, for dog and animal lovers, friendship and the bonds of family love.
Download the e-book on Kindle Unlimited or find it on Amazon
@giahartleyromance
@GiaHatleyRomance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
This book has your emotions all over the place from the first page. I was crying, mad, relieved and happy all in the first chapter. Harper is the best vet in 3 counties, alright in the whole state! When Luke brings his military partner K9 ( Turbo ) in for a life threatening condition, Harper is determined to do everything possible to save Turbo's life. After one misunderstood picture and one nosy reporter suddenly the entire town thinks that Harper and Luke are engaged. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Together for the sake of the small clinic they decide to go along with the fake engagement. Only you guessed it, sometimes fake is absolutely real. I loved how this story unfolded. Two people that are so alike they can only belong together. I loved how everyone at the clinic got along and how they were there for each other. I really didn't like the health inspector!! Pretty good book.
January 8, 2026
simply adorable
I loved every moment of this book! Now this is a real military romance with no corny stuff, just real people with real hearts and emotion.
I loved Harper very much. She’s the perfect mix of caring and badass veterinarian without being “feisty” or annoying. She’s cool and calm in the face of bs, which is exactly what Luke needs.
And oh my, Luke. What a hot book boyfriend he is. No fake bad boy stuff, just a broken down ex navy seal who needs real love and understanding.
Gia makes these characters believable. She makes them real and the happily ever after is made so much sweeter by their struggle to be together. I love it! And I have a new fav author. Yay!
I loved every moment of this book! Now this is a real military romance with no corny stuff, just real people with real hearts and emotion.
I loved Harper very much. She’s the perfect mix of caring and badass veterinarian without being “feisty” or annoying. She’s cool and calm in the face of bs, which is exactly what Luke needs.
And oh my, Luke. What a hot book boyfriend he is. No fake bad boy stuff, just a broken down ex navy seal who needs real love and understanding.
Gia makes these characters believable. She makes them real and the happily ever after is made so much sweeter by their struggle to be together. I love it! And I have a new fav author. Yay!
December 31, 2025
Are you ready to get your heart pumping and not have to leave the couch to do so? Grab your kindle and start reading this book about Luke and Harper. I can promise you two things. First, you're going to absolutely LOVE reading this awesome book, and second you might find yourself reading it in a day. I have no regrets sitting on my couch with a cup of hot tea reading this book while everyone outside is hustling and bustling. The only regret you will have is if you don't have this 5/5-star romance book in your kindle already.
January 18, 2026
This story is all heart, soul, and animals. Luke and Harper steal your heart even as they battle their own, their pain, passion, and fierce defense of one another igniting sparks on every page. You can’t help but adore them—along with their friends, chosen family, and especially Turbo, who completely steals the show. When danger resurfaces from the past, Luke endears himself even more by standing his ground and fighting for what matters. Love worth fighting for, K9s who protect with loyalty and courage, and a found family that wraps around you—this doesn’t get any better.
January 5, 2026
Great Book-Romance, Action, Tension- and Dogs!
The story of Luke and Harper keeps you on your toes from the minute it starts. A beautiful love story, combined with military trauma, fake relationship, tension, and a struggling animal shelter. Turbo the dog is a terrific catalyst to bring Luke and Harper together, and every page that follows will draw you deeper into the story. I can’t really say more without spoilers! Read this book for yourself.
The story of Luke and Harper keeps you on your toes from the minute it starts. A beautiful love story, combined with military trauma, fake relationship, tension, and a struggling animal shelter. Turbo the dog is a terrific catalyst to bring Luke and Harper together, and every page that follows will draw you deeper into the story. I can’t really say more without spoilers! Read this book for yourself.
January 12, 2026
He is a veteran with PTSD and is taking care of his dead friend's K9 when the dog needs emergency treatment. She is the veterinarian and saves the K9's life. Both of them have pasts and issues but are attracted and trying to figure it all out. Well written story, very engaging. Highly recommend reading this story.
January 26, 2026
Harper is a hardworking veterinarian who loves taking care of animals. Luke's K9,Turbo, is in a life or death crisis. These two have a rocky start but the more they're together the more they have in common. I could feel the emotions coming off the pages it is that good.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2026
Faking It for the Ex SEAL by Gia Hartley is a heart-wrenching read that pulls you in from its exciting opening. This story truly has it all - romance, danger, high-stakes excitement, and even dogs which adds an extra layer of charm. I was completely drawn into the journey and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books from this author.
March 23, 2026
I'm enjoying Gia Hartley. This is my second book and I enjoyed Luke and Harper. I was pulled into their story and I felt right their with them, He ex is a real winner, When things happen they end up fake engaged, They have a wonderful chemistry, I can't wait to read more of her books,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2026
Faking It with the Ex-Seal by Gia Hartley is a heartwarming military romance. Luke and Harper are a great couple and I love their storyline, she's so sassy and doesn't pull punches she's such a good match for Luke. I love everything about this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2026
A good person loves animals!
This book is about a ex marine that is about to lose his dog but when he meets the vet he starts barking orders and she stands up to him and saves the day. Then someone that is after the owner uses her as a way to get to him. This book is fantastic.
This book is about a ex marine that is about to lose his dog but when he meets the vet he starts barking orders and she stands up to him and saves the day. Then someone that is after the owner uses her as a way to get to him. This book is fantastic.
January 4, 2026
This book is filled with charm, romance and lots of love. Luke and Harper's love story make this book a real page turner. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance like me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2026
Faking it with the ex_Seal
A beautiful story of love and characters that you appreciate what they believe in. Totally enjoyed this book. And Turbo the dog was fantastic. Well written.
A beautiful story of love and characters that you appreciate what they believe in. Totally enjoyed this book. And Turbo the dog was fantastic. Well written.
March 6, 2026
Faking It
An easy read that causes the pages to turn themselves. A sweet story with some difficult topics covered and in this case resolved, but not without some difficulties. First book I've read by His Hartley but not the last.
An easy read that causes the pages to turn themselves. A sweet story with some difficult topics covered and in this case resolved, but not without some difficulties. First book I've read by His Hartley but not the last.
February 21, 2026
Faking It with the Ex-Seal
Excellent from the beginning till the end. Definitely keeps you wanting to read . Highly recommend!!! Looking forward to another mysterious romance.
Excellent from the beginning till the end. Definitely keeps you wanting to read . Highly recommend!!! Looking forward to another mysterious romance.
August 19, 2026
terrific
I’m so glad that I stumbled onto this book and author. Such a wonderful story, I laughed, I cried and loved every minute. What a delightful find!
I’m so glad that I stumbled onto this book and author. Such a wonderful story, I laughed, I cried and loved every minute. What a delightful find!
January 7, 2026
I actually enjoyed it.
March 31, 2026
I love grumpy x sunshine. this was a wonderful read
July 14, 2026
Luke and Harper's story pulls on your heart strings. It's simply awesome! Luke and Harper's story is so moving I couldn't stop reading it. All the characters are well thought out and so relatable it brought me back to my childhood. My parents owned a pet store and it was (all about the animals). I also have a military family and have been around people who have PTSD the challenges that come with it. I was so engrossed with their stories that it actually made me cry. Sometimes it's all about how it makes me feel. You will not be disappointed. I loved it! So I give it five stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews