Review by Veronica

Series Name: SEAL Endgame, # 2
Also published as Exposed

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

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 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.   

Thank you, Relay Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.