Guarding His Pretend Wife

SEAL Endgame #2

by Leslie North

This SEAL is strictly off limits. But for a fake relationship... he's the perfect man!
All Beth has to do is to pretend to fall in love with this deliciously handsome SEAL...while not actually falling in love.
Easy, right?

SEAL Eric Harvey is the perfect man to play journalist Beth William’s fake husband. Beth is on the cusp of breaking a huge story about an exclusive couples-only retreat when her colleague becomes ill. In walks Eric, her brother’s gorgeous buddy, and a brilliant idea strikes her. This Navy SEAL, on leave nursing an injury, could step in and pose as her husband while she tries to uncover what’s really happening at the retreat. With their story set, the two head to the tropical island, ready to do their job. It’s all business—until it isn’t. Beth hadn’t realized how difficult it was going to be pretending to be in love while not actually falling in love with this sexy man. As the two get closer to finding the truth about the resort, Beth finds herself getting unexpectedly closer to Eric. Something that wasn’t in the plan at all.

Eric agreed to Beth’s plan out of pure boredom. Why not spend some time on a tropical island with a beautiful girl, even if his buddy’s sister is completely off limits? But it doesn’t take long before he realizes something is seriously wrong with this paradise. Someone seems to be out to hurt Beth, kicking Eric’s protective instincts into high gear. Now he’s keeping Beth close for her safety even as his head warns him to keep his distance. Sure, there’s danger on the island, but the most dangerous thing may be the way his body and his heart is responding to Beth.

Thank goodness Beth reminds him that the only reason she is on the island is for her job—a job that just might kill them both…or leave their hearts in tatters if they don’t trust in each other…

This novel contains sexual content, violence, and profanity.

Genres: Military Romance, Romance, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2019

About the author

New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books

Reviews

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarding His Pretend Wife (SEAL Endgame Book 2) By: Leslie North
He's Going On A Pretend Vacay.... "Guarding His Pretend Wife!"
He's just check'n IN ON Her as a Favour to His Buddy...
But what's that saying...
SomeThing about No GOOD deeds going UnPunished!
Well... He certainly got WAY MORE than He signed Up for with this Favour,
Cuz His Buddy's Sister is a Knock-OUT...
And She's Head'n ON an Assignment that'll require Him to be "Guarding His Pretend Wife!"
How did He get Roped into THIS!
Ohhh Yeah! She's a Knock-OUT!
Plus, there's SomeThing hinky about Her Assignment...
Sooo He'll gladly spend some time "Guarding His Pretend Wife!"
Only what if IT doesn't feel quite Sooo pretend AnyMore...
Can a journalist FALL for a Soldier after He's DONE "Guarding His Pretend Wife!?!"
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Leslie North's "Guarding His Pretend Wife (SEAL Endgame Book 2)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story! I love this latest story from Leslie North. I couldn't put it down.

Beth is a reporter who is set to go on assignment when her partner gets sick. Her brother's SEAL teammate, Eric shows up when she gets the news. She makes a proposal to help her go on assignment. Eric is still on medical leave and agrees with her. They are to pose as a married couple going to a couples' therapy retreat. She believes that something is fishy going on with the company. Eric knows that he can't fall for her. Will they figure out what is going on before it's too late?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding His Pretend Wife
Leslie North
Beth and Eric
'This SEAL is strictly off limits. But for a fake relationship... he's the perfect man!'
Love this authors books! She makes the read into one that can't be put down!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a reporter Beth and her brothers friend Eric, who is a SEAL on sick leave. She needs someone to pretend to be her husband for an exclusive couples retreat to help with her investigation. Twists and turns along the way and the attraction between the two of them is magnetic. This is the second in the series but works fine as a stand alone read.
I enjoyed it, great characters and an unusual storyline. Great weekend book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
The second installment in the series. This was Beth and Eric's story. This one wasn't my favorites by this author and I read her often. The characters didn't have that connection I look for when reading a book. I think the author intended Beth to be viewed as a strong woman and she came off brash which made her an unlikable character for me. I liked Eric and I actually felt sorry for him having to deal with her. The storyline was pretty bland and predictable. By the end I was just ready for it to be over.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The storyline was fun and kept my attention. I liked Beth and Eric. I thought their chemistry sizzled and I loved the pull of attraction between them. Drama, danger, suspense, tension and lots of simmering emotions are added to help deliver a well rounded and very entertaining read. I am posting a voluntary, honest review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Undercover . . .

Investigative reporter Beth Williams is working on an exposé about something odd at a couples’ retreat when her editor tells her that her undercover partner Jeff can’t go with her since he is having surgery for a spiral fracture of both legs. This assignment is important to her career, her “big break”. Something wasn’t right with the LoveFix Couples’ Retreats held on a private island. She questioned their psychiatrist, Robert Hart’s, credentials that she couldn’t verify. She needed to continue investigating on site at this point. But because it was a “couples” retreat, she needed a partner and couldn’t go alone. None of her co-workers would be a good substitute – there just wasn’t any chemistry and without that, she could not do the fake-marriage part needed here. Then she heard a sexy voice asking for her. He was gorgeous and both of them felt a spark when they shook hands. But her overprotective brother Heath had sent him over when he couldn’t reach her on the phone. Eric Harvey introduced himself and told her he was on the same SEAL team as her brother – that explained his physique and confidence. He chatted a little with her, then started to leave. And a brilliant idea hit her -- Eric was unattached, used to undercover missions as a SEAL, and completely off-limits so no temptation. Since he was Heath’s friend, Heath wouldn’t object. And he told her he was on medical leave. So she invited him to lunch to listen to her proposition. He was exactly what she needed as a replacement partner for Jeff.

Eric gladly accepts Beth’s invitation to be her fake husband in the undercover investigation. He quickly realizes Beth was right – there is something seriously wrong with this paradise. It looks like Beth is in danger, and Eric’s protective instincts go on alert. With Beth wanting more distance to get the story, Eric is keeping her close to him to protect her. And he, too, is feeling an increase in his attraction to her. Will he be able to keep her safe while they search for the truth? Will she be able to keep it professional and not fall for her brother’s friend? Or should they take a chance on each other and the strong feelings they are both having?

This was a good story with likable characters and a touch of mystery. In a beautiful island paradise, how can they not fall in love? Grab your copy and follow their adventure.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

She came for an exposé but uncovered so much more.

Beth Williams knows there's a story to be uncovered about the expensive counseling trips held twice a year on the Florida island owned by the LoveFix Couples’ Retreats parent company. The investigative journalist has been researching the story for a year and hasn't had much success. Robert Hart, head of the retreat's parent company, Hartstrings, Inc., claims to be a psychiatrist. Yet she can't find where he obtained his degree or where he's practiced or taught in the US prior to his retreats. The media sensation came out of nowhere after successfully saving the marriage of a celebrity couple. She received a tip that the three-year-old company is netting close to a billion dollars a year. Even with all of the company's hype, no one is questioning the credentials or the treatment methods.

She needs a fake husband ASAP. It's her big chance for advancement at work. Her planned husband, Jeff, needs surgery after breaking two leg bones and will be in no condition to accompany her. To get the story, she has to have a husband with her. Other than Jeff, no one else at the Frisco Times office is suitable. Then, in walks her fantasy man, asking for her by name... 

Eric Harvey is a SEAL on medical leave until he heals from his shoulder injury. Heath, his best friend and SEAL teammate, asks him to check on his sister, Beth, as she's not answering or returning his overseas calls. Beth told him about the cancellation of her story. Eric has worked undercover and knows all too well about preparing for missions, sometimes for months, that are then scrubbed because something went wrong. After promising to let Heath know that she's okay, he leaves. That's when she realizes he'd be perfect to accompany her on her mission.

Upon arrival, two things soon become clear. There is something bad going on at the retreat, putting them in danger, and there's a growing attraction between them. Heath's gonna kill him if someone else doesn't get him first!

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I  am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Joanna Bishop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a fake-dating and brothers-best-friend story?

This is the second book in the SEAL Endgame series and the second book I've read by this author. I wish there would have been something tying together the first and second books in this series; getting that progression through a team of characters is one of the best parts of reading a series, and it just wasn't here. I don't think there was anything connecting the two?

This was another novella-length insta-lust/love story. While I enjoyed the concept and the potential was there, there still wasn't any connection between the two MC's or a depth to their characters. I also couldn't believe how they weren't piecing things together on the island. These were two people who were supposedly very intelligent, and yet...

For me, there are much better romantic suspense series out there, so I think this is going to be my last read by this author. But I hope others enjoy this book and others because there's quite the backlist to work through!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book and I'm sorry for the delay in my reading/reviewing; it's been a bit of a year!

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story

I like that the author had as strong a female lead as the male, especially since SEAL’s are notorious for their strength, loyalty and protectiveness. Beth, a newspaper reporter, was getting ready to depart to a couple’s counseling resort to uncover a story there. However, her fake husband, is unable to accompany her. Fortuitously, her brother’s friend Eric has come at his request to check on his baby sister’s “health”. lol 😝. Of course her brother is overprotective…he’s a SEAL and so is Eric. Eric is on medical leave and the perfect substitute to accompany her as a fake husband, so Beth could continue to uncover suspicious activities at this island resort. Eric reluctantly agrees. They are both hiding their attraction to each other. They are both good looking; that’s always a plus for me. 😬

Readers will be thoroughly engrossed in this romance/mystery. The only detractor for me was that I knew the “what”, “how”, and “why” for the reason couples rumored to be totally dissatisfied with their experience were leaving positive reviews…which all sounded vaguely similar. Once Beth starts snooping things become dangerous, particularly for her. This book can be read in a few hours and is very entertaining. I have received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a great book I loved the banter and off the charts chemistry between these two guys. Beth Williams is a journalist with the Frisco Times and is going undercover to the Love Fix Couples Retreat to expose the crime thats going on. But her brother Heath who is a navy seal asks his buddy Eric to check on his sister because he can’t get in contact with her at all. Eric Harvey is a navy seal who was injured on a mission and is now on medical leave when his team mate and buddy asks him to check on his sister and he jumps at the chance to do something but when he meets her he Beth she is gorgeous and very feisty and tells him she is fine and that he can leave and she will call her brother. But meeting Eric has her mind going places that can only distract hr from her job. But when she learns her partner can’t go on the undercover job because he is injured and needs surgery so when Eric walks away she calls him back and asks him to be her fake husband on her undercover job and he agrees straight away and wonders if he can stop himself from wanting more with Beth but how will her brother react if there was anything to happen between them. With danger increasing and there attraction burning hot will the survivor to have a future together or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amberleigh Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the whole premise of this story, the faking the relationship to go on a couples retreat for relationship help so she can get the slimy scoop on what is actually happening at this “retreat”. Happy there was an issue with her original choice and she asked Eric to go with her! His protection for her was super hot and it’s that forbidden love and tension that keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering when will they finally come together! Again a really good spicy scene but not over the top. The FMC did annoy me at times with her back and forth with him. Definitely a bit suspenseful with everything going on in the book.

****Possible spoiler****

I really enjoyed the cameo from the characters in the first book. I feel like I was able to get exactly what I craved that was missing after reading Leila and Clint’s story. The author found a great way to tie the 2 books together. Hope we see more of these couples in future books. This book did have more “closure” than the first book so that was nice!

My only downfall of this book was the insta-marriage. I don’t mind insta-love because it happens but they definitely could have waited a bit for the proposal. I think had the proposal been when he got back (even with the wedding and pregnancy announcement 6mo after) I wouldn’t have had a negative thing to say. Overall good read!

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Williams is an investigative reporter. She is working on a piece that could make her, but her partner, who was supposed to pretend to be her husband for on Love Fix Retreat fell through. She firmly believes that there is something fishy about the man who owns the company, but she can’t put her finger on it. She calls her friend Leila to complain about it, as the couples retreat is only offered twice a year. Not having heard from Beth in a while, her brother Heath who is a SEAL, sends his friend, Eric, who is on medical leave to check on her. So she talks him into going with her. Things just get crazy from there. Everywhere at the retreat are signs about how fast the Wi-Fi is. Everything seems to good to be true. But, all of the reviews online pretty much say the same thing. So what is going on there? No bad reviews? Beth doesn’t believe it and neither does Eric. They find things that just don’t make any sense. Then things get dangerous. I chewed on my nails. I laughed, giggled and squeed. Beth and Eric are very drawn to each other, and Eric is worried about how Heath would react. Please! We all know how he is going to react! Lol. I love that we got to see Leila from the first book again. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guarding His Pretend Wife is an interesting romance novella and a great book to spend the afternoon getting lost in.

This is the second novella in the SEAL Endgame series, and it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I liked how Leslie is keeping this series fresh and unique by creating stories that are very different from one another. This is another short book (125 pages), meaning things happen quickly in this story. If you are a fan of brother’s best friend, bodyguard, and fake marriage, then you will enjoy this quick romance. This novella had a bit more mystery to it. We know that this is something shady happening at this couple’s retreat, but we don’t know what it is. I have to say that I enjoyed this mystery/suspense element in this story. It was interesting and actually really relevant in today’s world (in a scary way). I also really liked the chemistry between Beth and Eric, and this story is a bit spicier than the previous book. Even though this is a novella, Leslie still tries to inject some depth into this story. Overall, it’s another fun read in this Seal Endgame series.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Exposed" the second book in the SEAL Endgame series is another winner for me!
Author Leslie North definitely has found a winning formula for her Alpha hero stories and creates such wonderful and personable characters that truly show their strengths and weaknesses that allows readers to connect with them and simply get carried away on their drama inspired (story book) lives.
This truly is an entertaining story that allows you to get swept up in the action, drama, sexual tensions and frustrations that seem to go with these stories that keeps readers glued to each page and still wanting more. There is enough emotional upheavals to really want to see a HEA for them all but that is for you to find out for yourself and certainly not for me to say. If you enjoy stories that include the typical delicious Alpha ex-military guy and the exploits of true goodness that they seem to get involved in then this just might be your kind of entertainment to enjoy too!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eric is on leave from the Navy SEALS following an injury. He agrees to check on his friend's sister and make sure she's okay. Beth has discovered a story that she thinks could catapult her journalism career but her partner has injured himself so he can't go with her. When Eric shows up at her office she asks him to go with her and he says yes.

I did not enjoy this story which is a bummer because I really enjoyed book one in this series. The premise of this story makes no sense. If Beth signed up to go on a couples retreat with her "husband" but suddenly shows up with a different "husband" then there's no way this undercover assignment can work. Because of that I had trouble believing any of the rest of it. For example, they are on the island because Beth believes something untoward is happening there but they talk openly to each other in their bungalow as if there's no chance someone is listening. Or the fact that Beth gets attacked so Eric leaves her alone the next morning to go on a run even though he keeps talking about guarding and protecting her. And then there's the wi-fi. I can't even get into that. I generally like that books from this author so I guess there has to be one every now and then that just doesn't work for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Eric and Beth. Eric is a SEAL who is on medical leave. He also happens to be a teammate of Beth’s brother. Beth works at a newspaper and is trying to find the story to “make” her career. When her partner is sideline due to an injury, Beth asks Eric to pose as her husband for a couple’s retreat. There’s an attraction between Eric and Beth, but both know that nothing should happen because of Beth’s brother.

Traveling to a nice resort, both Beth and Eric sense that something is off. Looking for the story, Beth is targeted and almost harmed. During this time, Eric and Beth get closer. When Eric tries to talk Beth out of continuing before she ends up dead, Beth takes it the wrong way nd ends up walking out. When she is kidnapped, will Eric be able to find her? And what will happen if Eric is able to find her, they are on a island after all!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance meets Thriller
Beth has a story to write and suspects that there is something nefarious about this couples retreat on its own island. The closer she gets to the truth the more dangerous it becomes.

She asks her brothers friend fellow Navy SEAL, Eric, to pose as her boyfriend and help her uncover the truth. There are several attempts on her life and each time he is there to protect her, but he often leaves her alone in the resort. I would think that they would never leave each others side after that.

Not a fan of Beth
She is hot and cold, selfish, and doesn’t think about how what she says will hurt Eric. She proved time and time again that he couldn’t trust her with his secrets. She is constantly lashing out and hurting him. She also takes his protectiveness and in her head turns it into he wants me to give up the story for him. Girl NO! He is trying to keep your stupid self alive.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is dark and dangerous and characters that are captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being exposed, a fake marriage Navy SEAL romance, mature explicit romance that is consumed by sizzling lust, passion, desire, and spice with all the feelings, fake relationship, forced proximity, investigation, romantic suspense, undercover, on leave while recovering form a bullet, goes undercover to expose crimes at a couple retreat, fake engagement as a cover, danger, drama, life and heart are at risk, action, adventure, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author if you love suspenseful, dangerous romance roller coaster rides that will leave you on the edge of your seats.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the SEAL Endgame series featuring the exciting, smoldering, fake-marriage,military romance between Eric and Beth. While he's on leave recuperating from a bullet wound Navy Seal Eric is going stir-crazy. When he's asked by his buddy a teammate a fellow Seal to help his sister Beth go undercover at a couples retreat to expose crimes so that she can get her story since she's a journalist. Beth really wants to get this story so she really needs a fake husband she's desperate. That's why she lets Eric who's a Seal like her big brother accompany her as her fake husband to the couples retreat. However neither one of them counted on their attraction to each other. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this exciting, smoldering, fake-marriage,military romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brittany IdealistPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good but this book was definitely out there with how this plot began and with him being a seal it basically came in handy for her because I think her recent person she would of taken she would have died and I wish it showed her aspect after the fact talking to the one she was originally going to bring but it didn’t even future him just her and her seal and I really wish it future her brother more but she was more worried about work then her family and I know she really wanted the story and you have to do anything for a good story but your life is more worth it then a story so where my point lead is after one incident she didn’t learn her lesson and with that said I found that she too much all about work to take the relationship serious and p.s. there was really more drama then spice so I kinda of wish there was more spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth is an investigative journalist, who needs to go undercover but her colleague is on medical leave. She meets Eric who is a SEAL recouperating from an injury and they're both attracted to each other, and he agrees to be her fake husband to a couple's island retreat. Both have their issues and insecurities but are so well matched and quickly fall for each other. It's a dangerous mission as Beth is almost killed 3 times but of course Eric saves the day(s).

This author is new to me and I enjoyed this book so much! It's not too lengthy, and is well written. It is suspenseful with quite a good plot - you know how some books can get a little OTT with SEALS and suspense, but this is very well balanced with the romance. Most of all, how is it possible not to like Beth and Eric, especially together? They were just wonderful. I was so drawn in from the start and was of course rooting for them all the way. I really felt for them when they were so drawn to each other but trying to fight it.

I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing the Game of Love -
When Beth asked Eric to accompany her to the retreat, it was on the basis of being in a fake relationship and their time at the retreat was for a purpose. However, whilst spending time together in close proximity, it slowly changed their feelings for each other, but their lives kept being disrupted with unexpected dangerous occurrences. Unfortunately, just as Eric was about to declare his feelings for Beth, they found themselves in a near fatal situation, but working together helped Beth uncover the truth and get the evidence of the crimes being committed.

Luckily, what they went through together gave them the courage to finally acknowledge their feelings for each other openly, so they could get the opportunity for a future together. This fantastic story had unpredictable emotional moments that caught me off guard, whilst I was sitting on the edge of my seat eagerly turning the pages. The characters were engaging, yet irrational at times, but the angst, suspense and drama woven into the story, made this a worthwhile story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric is a sexy alpha Navy SEAL finds himself recovering on leave after he received a bullet wound. Beth is a journalists who just so happen to be Eric’s buddy sister. Beth is working undercover to expose a couples crime at a treat. Beth is in need of husband to get into the resort. So, Beth’s brother enlists the help of Eric. Both Eric and Beth both got more than the two bargained for when their attraction and chemistry get the best of the couple while they are faking being involved with each other.

Does Beth get her story, will Beth and Eric be able to fake their relationship long enough for Beth to get her story and get away safely, how will Beth’s brother feel when he learns of his buddy Eric and his sisters relationship, is there an HEA in store for the couple?

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Replay Publishing and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Joy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric was doing his buddy Heath a favor. Heath was trying to get in touch with his sister Beth. She had not returned his calls. He sent Eric to see if she was alright. Beth was an investigator reporter. She was working on a story. Her partner broke his leg and couldn’t go on the trip. In walks this man looking for her. He explains her brother sent him. She talked Eric into being her fake husband to expose this man. Something shady is going on and she wants to uncover it. Eric agreed to keep her safe. Things started happening. The group went rock climbing and her gear was sabotaged. Eric caught her. Things changed. The man holding the retreat was slippery. They had to find proof his doing wrong. The first clue was all these signs about Wi-Fi all over the island. Eric didn’t want to put her in danger but she didn’t want to back down. She must be getting close because she was being attacked by a man in black. They couldn’t get off the island. Eric called his buddy for help. The man running the scam is wanted by higher authorities. This book was definitely a page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth is an investigative journalist and her plans to investigate a couples retreat is in the air when her partner is injured. Eric, a Navy SEAL who is on medical leave, has agreed to check in on his teammate's sister and never expected to find himself going to a couples retreat with Beth. The more they investigate the more they find themselves attracted to each other but they have enemies on this island who will kill to keep their secrets and Beth and Eric are in their firing line. Full of intrigue, suspense, drama and action, you will be sitting on the edge of your seat as you read. With twists and turns both Beth and Eric have to navigate through their relationship and deal with their past. If I could give this book more than five stars I would. I am loving this series and can't wait to read the next one.

[BreRile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, insta love read. Beth is an investigative reporter who's in a jam when her brother's SEAL teammate drops in. Eric is on medical leave awaiting clearance to return to the teams. He promised her brother check in on her which turns in to him helping her go undercover. Considering her profession AND having a brother on the Teams, I was underwhelmed by her operational security and particularly improvising their cover story on the fly with their personal information. Not surprisingly their ruse is quickly discovered but Eric manages to save her and call in the cavalry. I like this author and her books are a good way to pass the time and her heroes are alpha males who know how to please their ladies in the bedroom (and everywhere else)!

[Elaine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth is a reporter looking for the story that will provide her with a step up in her job. But in order to investigate the island retreat, she needs a husband. Enter Eric, her brother’s SEAL friend. Can she convince this man who wants nothing to do with relationships to help her by pretending they are in a relationship? Eric doesn’t want to have anything to do with his friend’s sister. She is his friend’s sister and she wants a relationship. And even though it would be just for show, he doesn’t want to do it. But he doesn’t know what else to do to protect her as she pursues this investigation. Finding answers may put them in danger and Eric will protect Beth, if she will let him. She frustrates him at every turn. What will be the final outcome of their week on the island? Will they survive? A fast-paced story with a dedicated SEAL and a just as dedicated reporter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.