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Pretend Wife to the Marine
I never planned to say yes to a man who looks at love like a battlefield.
My dream job painted a target on my back -and Carter Mitchell, an ex-marine and the brooding head of security, has one solution to keep me marry him.
Only to protect me and keep his cover intact.
I’m supposed to play the perfect wife and ignore the fire between us, but every brush of his hands, every claiming look makes it impossible to pretend this isn’t real.
Carter says his scars make him unworthy-that this is just a job.
But jobs don’t growl your name in the dark and curl around you when you’re sleeping.
And jobs don’t hiss wife like it’s theirs and theirs alone.
He doesn’t realize the real danger—the way he looks at me when he thinks I’m asleep, the possessive edge in his voice, the cracks forming in his walls.
This marriage may be an act, but giving him my heart could cost me more than I’m willing to risk… including the only man who could keep me breathing
My dream job painted a target on my back -and Carter Mitchell, an ex-marine and the brooding head of security, has one solution to keep me marry him.
Only to protect me and keep his cover intact.
I’m supposed to play the perfect wife and ignore the fire between us, but every brush of his hands, every claiming look makes it impossible to pretend this isn’t real.
Carter says his scars make him unworthy-that this is just a job.
But jobs don’t growl your name in the dark and curl around you when you’re sleeping.
And jobs don’t hiss wife like it’s theirs and theirs alone.
He doesn’t realize the real danger—the way he looks at me when he thinks I’m asleep, the possessive edge in his voice, the cracks forming in his walls.
This marriage may be an act, but giving him my heart could cost me more than I’m willing to risk… including the only man who could keep me breathing
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 14, 2026
This book had me hooked from Naomi's first witty comeback when Brad introduced her to Carter during their first meeting. Naomi creates such a perfect balance to Carter's stoicism, and made her the perfect anchor for him during his journey to healing - which had me tearing up myself, when Carter finally allowed himself to feel his grief.
This was such a beautiful read, which perfectly highlighted the strength of the connection and foundation between Naomi and Carter and their relationship, even though their relationship had an unconventional beginning. I did note minor repetitions and slight inconsistencies, particularly in the beginning chapters of the book, but nothing that takes away from the flow and enjoyment of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a beautiful read, which perfectly highlighted the strength of the connection and foundation between Naomi and Carter and their relationship, even though their relationship had an unconventional beginning. I did note minor repetitions and slight inconsistencies, particularly in the beginning chapters of the book, but nothing that takes away from the flow and enjoyment of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2026
Carter and Naomi were so good together. He’s has ghosts from being in the military and she has a stalker. He feels like he doesn’t deserve much, but she doesn’t see it that way. I loved the way they connected. Their attraction was undeniable. I loved the way they finally came together. They both were so deserving of the love they had for one another. This was a really great story.
Review of advance copy
Fake marriage because of danger that may occur. With unknowns harder to guess, predict where the danger comes from.
I like that there's more to this marriage after threats are eliminated.
The MCs' attraction, love for each other, emotional scars, and some hurdles pave a way to transition from fake to real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like that there's more to this marriage after threats are eliminated.
The MCs' attraction, love for each other, emotional scars, and some hurdles pave a way to transition from fake to real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2026
Married for protection, claimed like she was his.
Naomi never plans to need a bodyguard, but when a stalker puts a target on her back, head of security Carter steps in and refuses to let her out of his sight. He’s a brooding, scarred former Marine who treats love like liability and protection like duty. She’s sharp, grounded, and done apologizing for her body or her voice. The wedding ring is supposed to be temporary. Controlled. It isn’t.
Living under the same roof turns tension into something hotter and harder to ignore. Every glance lingers. Every touch feels intentional. Carter calls it protocol, but the way he watches her in the dark says otherwise. Naomi sees the cracks in his armor and refuses to treat his scars like damage. She wants all of him, not just the parts he thinks are safe to offer.
When the danger shifts and the reason for their arrangement starts to fade, fear becomes the real threat. Carter has survived war, but vulnerability is the battle he avoids. Naomi won’t beg to be chosen. If this marriage is going to last, it has to be because he steps forward, not because she stays quiet.
Naomi grows from confident but guarded to fully secure in her worth, allowing herself to be desired and held without bracing for abandonment. Carter shifts from hyper controlled and guilt driven to emotionally present, learning that love isn’t about command but connection. Their dynamic evolves from strategic protection and raw heat into devotion rooted in trust, where dominance softens and intimacy becomes a place of safety instead of survival.
A high heat fake marriage bodyguard romance about a protective veteran who confuses control with care and a confident curvy heroine who demands to be chosen completely. It explores trauma, identity beyond survival, vulnerability as strength, and the kind of partnership that turns fear into hope.
The Elevator Pitch: When a stalker turns a sharp, self assured woman into a target, a brooding ex-Marine proposes a marriage of protection that is meant to be strategic, not intimate. Forced into close quarters, their fake vows ignite a connection that tests his need for control and her refusal to be anything less than fully chosen. What begins as a shield against danger becomes a reckoning with trauma, trust, and the kind of love that demands both surrender and strength.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot
Naomi never plans to need a bodyguard, but when a stalker puts a target on her back, head of security Carter steps in and refuses to let her out of his sight. He’s a brooding, scarred former Marine who treats love like liability and protection like duty. She’s sharp, grounded, and done apologizing for her body or her voice. The wedding ring is supposed to be temporary. Controlled. It isn’t.
Living under the same roof turns tension into something hotter and harder to ignore. Every glance lingers. Every touch feels intentional. Carter calls it protocol, but the way he watches her in the dark says otherwise. Naomi sees the cracks in his armor and refuses to treat his scars like damage. She wants all of him, not just the parts he thinks are safe to offer.
When the danger shifts and the reason for their arrangement starts to fade, fear becomes the real threat. Carter has survived war, but vulnerability is the battle he avoids. Naomi won’t beg to be chosen. If this marriage is going to last, it has to be because he steps forward, not because she stays quiet.
Naomi grows from confident but guarded to fully secure in her worth, allowing herself to be desired and held without bracing for abandonment. Carter shifts from hyper controlled and guilt driven to emotionally present, learning that love isn’t about command but connection. Their dynamic evolves from strategic protection and raw heat into devotion rooted in trust, where dominance softens and intimacy becomes a place of safety instead of survival.
A high heat fake marriage bodyguard romance about a protective veteran who confuses control with care and a confident curvy heroine who demands to be chosen completely. It explores trauma, identity beyond survival, vulnerability as strength, and the kind of partnership that turns fear into hope.
The Elevator Pitch: When a stalker turns a sharp, self assured woman into a target, a brooding ex-Marine proposes a marriage of protection that is meant to be strategic, not intimate. Forced into close quarters, their fake vows ignite a connection that tests his need for control and her refusal to be anything less than fully chosen. What begins as a shield against danger becomes a reckoning with trauma, trust, and the kind of love that demands both surrender and strength.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot
February 17, 2026
Carter was appointed as the Head of Security at a company due to his professional relationship with Brad, who served as the company's CEO and was also his friend. Naomi, his assistant and a close associate of Brad and his family, also shared a personal friendship with brad’s wife, Rose. As part of her security arrangement, Carter was designated to act as Naomi's bodyguard.
Carter's life was profoundly affected by his military service; he endured severe trauma, including the loss of his leg due to an IED incident, which also resulted in the death of his entire platoon. Following his return from service, his fiancée ended their relationship six months later, leaving him feeling as though he was the only one surviving yet still not truly alive.
Upon meeting Naomi, Carter found himself immediately captivated by her. At the suggestion of the company lawyer, and to protect Naomi, they entered into a formal marriage despite her initial reluctance. Over time, living together, their marriage began to develop genuine feelings, and they mutually agreed that once the threat against Naomi was resolved, she would leave to return to her own residence.
However, after the individual responsible for her threats was apprehended, Naomi hoped Carter would ask her to stay. Carter was apprehensive and believed he was not emotionally whole enough to pursue a committed relationship.
This heartfelt story is sure to move and uplift you, evoking warm and tender feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this narrative.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a
Carter's life was profoundly affected by his military service; he endured severe trauma, including the loss of his leg due to an IED incident, which also resulted in the death of his entire platoon. Following his return from service, his fiancée ended their relationship six months later, leaving him feeling as though he was the only one surviving yet still not truly alive.
Upon meeting Naomi, Carter found himself immediately captivated by her. At the suggestion of the company lawyer, and to protect Naomi, they entered into a formal marriage despite her initial reluctance. Over time, living together, their marriage began to develop genuine feelings, and they mutually agreed that once the threat against Naomi was resolved, she would leave to return to her own residence.
However, after the individual responsible for her threats was apprehended, Naomi hoped Carter would ask her to stay. Carter was apprehensive and believed he was not emotionally whole enough to pursue a committed relationship.
This heartfelt story is sure to move and uplift you, evoking warm and tender feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this narrative.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a
February 14, 2026
No pretending by MeemsAngel82
This was great! This was romance-a battle-scarred hero and a confident, real woman. Well written and entertaining, this drew me in and kept me interested. From the get-go I was invested in this pairing. He is a solid man who served and did all the good things, in and out of the Military he was a hero in every sense of the word and is now being looked at different after an injury. She looks at him like a normal, real woman would-not with pity but with desire and genuine warmth.
He returned home to work for his best friend. Meeting her would change everything. As he protected her from harm, they both delved deeper into their mutual interest in one another.
This was so good! This is emotional and immediately I felt connected to this couple. He was such a good man and for people to judge or stare or be uncomfortable? For what? I hate that it happened to him, but this man is a hero. Any artificial limb doesn't take away-he is a whole man. She sees that. And she has her own insecurities though she wears her confidence well. I loved that this two are friends with another couple, it's a sweet circle and an ideal way to meet the love of your life. This was a romantic journey and a worthy HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was great! This was romance-a battle-scarred hero and a confident, real woman. Well written and entertaining, this drew me in and kept me interested. From the get-go I was invested in this pairing. He is a solid man who served and did all the good things, in and out of the Military he was a hero in every sense of the word and is now being looked at different after an injury. She looks at him like a normal, real woman would-not with pity but with desire and genuine warmth.
He returned home to work for his best friend. Meeting her would change everything. As he protected her from harm, they both delved deeper into their mutual interest in one another.
This was so good! This is emotional and immediately I felt connected to this couple. He was such a good man and for people to judge or stare or be uncomfortable? For what? I hate that it happened to him, but this man is a hero. Any artificial limb doesn't take away-he is a whole man. She sees that. And she has her own insecurities though she wears her confidence well. I loved that this two are friends with another couple, it's a sweet circle and an ideal way to meet the love of your life. This was a romantic journey and a worthy HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2026
A wonderful fake-marriage romance
A wonderful romance, with a protective security/bodyguard, wonderful banter, friendships, secrets, twists, plenty of steam and a HEA.
When Brad (Ruined by the Billionaire) hires Carter as his new head of security he's delighted to see his old friend, but Carter has injuries including a prosthetic leg and suffers PTSD after his girlfriend left him when he needed her the most. But when he's introduced to Brad's executive assistant he can't keep his eyes off her.
Naomi's also keeps finding herself drawn to Carter, which she happily admits to Rose, and when she's threatened at a function, Carter's quick to step in and help leading to them sharing a bed. When Brad, his family and Naomi are then all threatened by a stalker Carter agrees to be her bodyguard and not let her out of his sight.
"I'll be with you," he said. "Everywhere."
"You could assign anyone else to me. Someone from your team."
He hesitated, just long enough to make it clear the answer mattered. "I could." His jaw tightened. "But I won't."
This is a beautiful love story with Carter worried he's not good enough and Naomi is wonderful at helping him to heal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful romance, with a protective security/bodyguard, wonderful banter, friendships, secrets, twists, plenty of steam and a HEA.
When Brad (Ruined by the Billionaire) hires Carter as his new head of security he's delighted to see his old friend, but Carter has injuries including a prosthetic leg and suffers PTSD after his girlfriend left him when he needed her the most. But when he's introduced to Brad's executive assistant he can't keep his eyes off her.
Naomi's also keeps finding herself drawn to Carter, which she happily admits to Rose, and when she's threatened at a function, Carter's quick to step in and help leading to them sharing a bed. When Brad, his family and Naomi are then all threatened by a stalker Carter agrees to be her bodyguard and not let her out of his sight.
"I'll be with you," he said. "Everywhere."
"You could assign anyone else to me. Someone from your team."
He hesitated, just long enough to make it clear the answer mattered. "I could." His jaw tightened. "But I won't."
This is a beautiful love story with Carter worried he's not good enough and Naomi is wonderful at helping him to heal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
Wow
If you want to read a book where a plus size woman who doubts her worth and beauty and a broken by war man who is pushing off his grief and dealing with the pain of loss by controlling everything around him and how they heal each other, this is it. When Carter tells Naomi all the things he loves about her body, I cried. So sweet and affirming. At the same time, Naomi helps Carter navigate releasing his control and stoic manner by encouraging him to get professional help and being his support when he finally tells her about how he lost his leg. The absolute best pregnancy and birthing scenes that I have ever read. Well done, Kathy!
If you want to read a book where a plus size woman who doubts her worth and beauty and a broken by war man who is pushing off his grief and dealing with the pain of loss by controlling everything around him and how they heal each other, this is it. When Carter tells Naomi all the things he loves about her body, I cried. So sweet and affirming. At the same time, Naomi helps Carter navigate releasing his control and stoic manner by encouraging him to get professional help and being his support when he finally tells her about how he lost his leg. The absolute best pregnancy and birthing scenes that I have ever read. Well done, Kathy!
February 15, 2026
Book 3 of The Spence's Family Billionaires series. Can be read as a standalone.
'This marriage may be an act, but giving him my heart could cost me more than I’m willing to risk… including the only man who could keep me breathing.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'This marriage may be an act, but giving him my heart could cost me more than I’m willing to risk… including the only man who could keep me breathing.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Pretend Wife to the Marine” by Kathy Asher
- This story is a hot as the super hot cover. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Carter and Naomi navigate danger and past wounds in this gripping romance. Their fake marriage sets up tension, attraction, and emotional growth.
PTSD, threats, and personal struggles make their bond feel real and tested. The result is a heartwarming journey from protection and pretense to true love.
- This story is a hot as the super hot cover. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Carter and Naomi navigate danger and past wounds in this gripping romance. Their fake marriage sets up tension, attraction, and emotional growth.
PTSD, threats, and personal struggles make their bond feel real and tested. The result is a heartwarming journey from protection and pretense to true love.
February 24, 2026
Arranged to be Married
Naomi is in need of protection and Carter is just the man for the job. Their fake marriage arrangement was of vital importance and convenience which was a great option within the overall plot. It was suspenseful and exciting as I indulged in the aftermath. I found this book to be most enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naomi is in need of protection and Carter is just the man for the job. Their fake marriage arrangement was of vital importance and convenience which was a great option within the overall plot. It was suspenseful and exciting as I indulged in the aftermath. I found this book to be most enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2026
Carter is an ex-marine turned head of security. Naomi works for the CEO and Carter has been hired to be her bodyguard when she is in danger. Neither one is happy with the arrangement, but Carter is good at what he does and knows he can ignore the chemistry between them. He suggests that they pretend to be married to give him a reason to be near her. How long can they ignore the chemistry burning between them?
March 13, 2026
Great story!
Carter came home wounded. After a bomb explosion that killed his five friends, and he lost a leg and scars from shrapnel on his chest and face. He became a bodyguard. One client he fell for, Naomi. She saw Carter as Carter. No pity for what happened, he liked that. His girlfriend left him soon after he came home, Naomi was there for him. After a bad incident of stalking and attempted murder, they caught the guy. Now Carter and Naomi need to find out a future…
Carter came home wounded. After a bomb explosion that killed his five friends, and he lost a leg and scars from shrapnel on his chest and face. He became a bodyguard. One client he fell for, Naomi. She saw Carter as Carter. No pity for what happened, he liked that. His girlfriend left him soon after he came home, Naomi was there for him. After a bad incident of stalking and attempted murder, they caught the guy. Now Carter and Naomi need to find out a future…
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the start of this book you are aware how Carter has had to cope with so much, injured in war, girlfriend left him and in top of that PTSD.
Naomi a women with a stalker added to other problems, he's the person to protect her keeping her safe.
I loved how these two managed with everything coming there way, challenges to overcome and feeling's get in the way.
Naomi a women with a stalker added to other problems, he's the person to protect her keeping her safe.
I loved how these two managed with everything coming there way, challenges to overcome and feeling's get in the way.
February 14, 2026
This is such a great story about love and finding the one who truly sees you even through your flaws. Kathy did such a wonderful job of story telling about the love of Carter and Naomi. I could not put this down. I can not tell you how much I recommend this.
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.
February 14, 2026
This is a masterpiece of a romance book right here. I LOVED how Kathy wrote Carter and Naomi's story. It not only is heartwarming, but full of passion and chemistry that they both can't deny even if they wanted too. I loved reading this book over the weekend. It kept me hanging onto my kindle for several hours devouring this story.
February 16, 2026
Pretend Wife to the Marine by Kathy Asher is a great enemies to lovers fake marriage romance. The story is entertaining, thrilling, romantic, page turner, enjoyable, and more. Pretend Wife to the Marine is the third book in The Spence’s Family Billionaire series.
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.
March 17, 2026
Carter and Naomi's story has protector all over it. As an ex-marine now working in security it's his job to keep her safe, and a marriage cover is as good as any. A great story with one bed, Mine, grumpy/sunshine and more.
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.
February 14, 2026
This book was incredibly steamy and engaging, with a captivating storyline that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry between the characters was electric, and the romance was both passionate and well-developed.
February 15, 2026
Carter is a sexy marine and was wounded in battle. Naomi is a beautiful woman. They balance each other out. She can’t stop thinking about him. He doesn’t think he should feel this way about her. But man they are great together.
February 22, 2026
I loved this read! It has all the fun tropes. Fake marriage/ military man/ one bed. So yummy and I can't wait for more from Kathy Asher!.
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.
March 1, 2026
Carter is hired to protect Naomi, his solution to protect his cover, get fake married. The chemistry between them is scorching hot, even if they don’t want to admit it. Great story, plenty of heat!.
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.
March 15, 2026
There is no broken, that Love can’t heal…
Kathy Asher, thank you. What a wonderful story filled with suspense, misgivings and misunderstandings. But in all comes together at the end. Never give up Hope!
Kathy Asher, thank you. What a wonderful story filled with suspense, misgivings and misunderstandings. But in all comes together at the end. Never give up Hope!
March 31, 2026
Potential
This could have ended 100 pages sooner. The bad guy made no sense because he'd never even been mentioned, and once the two main characters decided to be together the rest was just unnecessary. A two page epilogue 3 years down the line would have been wonderful.
This could have ended 100 pages sooner. The bad guy made no sense because he'd never even been mentioned, and once the two main characters decided to be together the rest was just unnecessary. A two page epilogue 3 years down the line would have been wonderful.
May 14, 2026
finally the full story no epilogue
I truly enjoyed this story how healing came coming and forgiveness is given thank you for the back story and bringing us full circle I look forward to reading more of your work
I truly enjoyed this story how healing came coming and forgiveness is given thank you for the back story and bringing us full circle I look forward to reading more of your work
May 17, 2026
made me cry
Was a wonderful read couldn’t put it down, I love Naomi and Carter. Carter’s service in war his coming home his heart break then Naomi him protection her there love growing from something fake to true love I think I cry the last few chapters
Was a wonderful read couldn’t put it down, I love Naomi and Carter. Carter’s service in war his coming home his heart break then Naomi him protection her there love growing from something fake to true love I think I cry the last few chapters
July 7, 2026
it’s okay
I am not sure how I feel about this book I feel it isn’t enemies to lovers because they weren’t that I thought for to be about marine that maybe there was going to some fightings he will do it just didn’t have enough action for me
I am not sure how I feel about this book I feel it isn’t enemies to lovers because they weren’t that I thought for to be about marine that maybe there was going to some fightings he will do it just didn’t have enough action for me
July 14, 2026
Naomi and Carter
This was a cute HEA story. I liked how you addressed issues full figured deal with from the world sees them as well as how a person sees themselves. Going in debt on PTSD for soldiers was eye opening. Overall a good read.
This was a cute HEA story. I liked how you addressed issues full figured deal with from the world sees them as well as how a person sees themselves. Going in debt on PTSD for soldiers was eye opening. Overall a good read.
February 23, 2026
This was a good read. I liked the characters, and I thought the storyline was really entertaining. I enjoyed it.
June 4, 2026
An easy read and a good story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews