The Bodyguard Affair

by Amy Lea

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

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

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

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

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Fake Dating

432 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2025

About the author

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

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

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


Amy is represented by Kim Lionetti at BookEnds Literary Agency.

Reviews

[emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

my new year's resolution is to find a new favorite romance.

so i was trying to get ahead.

https://emmareadstoomuch.substack.com...

this did not help with that cause.

i really wanted to love this book, but too many things were getting in the way of the love story for me. i tend to like my romance more on the women's fiction side, so i don't mind a few character development storylines along the way, but there was just so much here.

we have two povs for starters, which feels like an increasingly common trend i'm not a huge fan of. our protagonist has an ex-best friend, a distant sister, loneliness, volunteering, a job she doesn't love, a side gig writing secret books she does love, mommy issues.

her love interest has his own work issues, a mom with alzheimer's who he also has a damaged relationship with, a sister he needs to make things up to.

and then in addition to that we have a somewhat unnecessary fake dating plot, years after these two actually met for the first time.

i felt bogged down in details and unable to focus on the story at the core which unfortunately made this a bit of a miss for me.

bottom line: too much of the bad stuff, not enough good stuff.

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

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

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

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

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

•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•

🎧 audio/ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: 2.5 |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍

[Mai ༊*·˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 ★— I think I’ve finally accepted that contemporary romances with romance-writer heroines just aren’t for me. The meta jokes about tropes, smut, and genre conventions tend to make me cringe, and the self-aware way these books try to reassure the romance genre of its own legitimacy feels oddly transparent and lame, in a way that just ends up tiring me out.

The two characters’ initial meeting is a meet-disaster that turns into a failed hookup. The MMC is apparently so charmed by her (?), mainly because she talks about writing romance novels and then falls asleep while he’s trying to open up about himself. This, in turn, stays in his thoughts for years, which… I honestly did not understand, because their evening together seemed firmly lame, quite unemotional, and not charming enough to be memorable. Then they meet again: she’s an assistant and he’s a bodyguard, and they basically fake-date, but it’s not fun.

And that’s basically the whole book. Between recycled tropes and romantic scenes that have been done far better elsewhere, everything felt washed out and uninspired. What could have been a really intriguing and cute setup ended up feeling underwritten and poorly executed and, ultimately, extremely bland.

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

3⭐️
╰► 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - still catching up! · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Many thanks to Berkley and Amy Lea for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**

Andi Zeigler is living the life of many a struggling creative...she is entrenched in a job that pays the bills by day, but longs for the day where she can make her dreams of being a full-time writer a reality. In the meantime, though, her focus is on the task at hand, and she's nothing short of unstoppable as the right-hand woman to the Prime Minister of Canada's wife... and let's just say, calling Gretchen 'demanding' is probably an understatement. Despite the intensity of her day-to-day and the feeling of work always being a phone call away, Andi has a pen name for her spicy romance novels, and never stops writing by candlelight after a long day of being the World's Best Personal Assistant. But even the best plans from one of the world's best planners can backfire...and when one of Andi's books leaks and zips to the top of the charts, you'd THINK Andi would be jumping for joy.

But the book that just so happened to catch the attention of so many has a plot that unfortunately feels like it COULD have been lifted from Andi's own life - in it, the Prime Minister is entrenched in an affair...and given Andi's close proximity to the PM in REAL life, the tabloids and the internet gossip mill start churning out theories about HER as his potential REAL mistress.

Andi is desperate to quell the rumors, both to protect her career AND her reputation...and just when she's at her most panicked, a man shows up who throws her right back into the life of Andi from 3 years ago. Nolan Crosby, the PM's brand-new CPI (read: bodyguard), isn't only handsome, strong, kind, and tantalizingly mysterious...he also JUST so happens to be a man Andi had a whirlwind one night stand with a few years ago after an embarrassing meet-cute at a bar...and now he's back in her immediate orbit. Andi figures fate must be playing a part in thrusting these two back together...and when she has the brilliant idea for the pair to start a fake relationship to take the heat off of the PM mistress rumors, it seems she's found the chance to tie up loose ends and put the 'what-ifs' behind her.

But will the fake dating turn into LESS of an experiment...and MORE of a long-delayed exploration of the feelings that started blossoming on that fateful evening 3 years prior? Will Andi be able to maintain a double life...or more importantly, will she even WANT to keep up these carefully constructed facades...or will she decide that love (and being her truest self) is worth the BIGGEST risk of all?

I'm new to Amy Lea, and I saw that prior to this, she had written a series (usually a no from me), and that said series was called "The Influencers." As someone who is pretty 'over' influencer culture, I was MORE than a bit apprehensive picking up this book. Fake dating can go so wrong, so quickly, and I was also nervous to pick up yet ANOTHER romance where air-headed twenty year olds (who are supposed to be THIRTY, or at least in their late twenties) whine, scheme, and make incredibly dubious life decisions. (Oh, and can't communicate with one another like adults...BASICALLY a given in said stories.)

But what I am THRILLED to report is that this novel reminded me exactly how much FUN fake dating can be when it's done right...and how just a tiny bit of maturity in not one, but TWO adult characters, could balance out the silliness and fun in this premise...and make the result as sweet and delectable as a sprinkle-coated cutout cookie fresh from the oven! 🍪🧑‍🍳

First off, Amy Lea was ambitious from the jump and yet NEVER managed to get in her own way. Our story begins with the aforementioned meet cute between our two leads from three years prior...and when I say this gave me One Day vibes in the BEST way, it is a HUGE compliment! (Far less depressing, I promise! 😉) This meet-cute did not feel tacked on or like basic exposition, but rather thrust us into knowing each of these characters quickly and efficiently. Even more impressive, the book didn't feel disjointed WHATSOEVER when we jumped to present day, EVEN with a rather dramatic shift in plot. I felt like I had such a good sense of these characters in oh, ten or twenty pages, that the resulting curiosity led me to eagerly anticipate their reunion. This was like a good hook at the end of a pilot episode; there was just enough of a tease of what COULD be to come without forecasting a single plot point...and that is NOT an easy feat!

And then there's the trope...fake dating. Easily one of my LEAST favorite tropes for the reasons mentioned earlier: it's very easy for fake dating to feel silly, forced, or unbelievable...outside of a middle school classroom, anyway. I struggle so much more in general reading this plot-line for characters over the age of oh, 20, or so that the trope's presence alone is normally a red flag. But what Amy Lea did so effortlessly in this book was to INCLUDE the trope...but not to hinge the plot on the trope alone. Fake dating wasn't necessarily NEEDED and thereby somehow became that much more REAL. These characters had a true bond, with believable by-play that had me smiling, and temperaments that actually worked well with one another WITHOUT feeling saccharine or forced. Part of this was their maturity and how they dealt with the complex situations around them, including some family drama that could have easily plunged into melodrama...but yet, never did. Again, Amy Lea kept the BALANCE...and in turn, kept me HOOKED! 😍

Those in the market for spice will get their wish later on, and as well written as the scenes are, they DO get a bit draggy towards the end. Nevertheless, Andi and Nolan are completely lovable and you'll have a hard time NOT rooting for them. Lea also does a fair job of getting the non-Canadian reader up to speed on the PM and how the Canadian political system works compared to others...or at least, enough where you won't feel lost, anyway. I also have a sneaking suspicion that Nolan is at least PARTIALLY inspired by the hockey playing archetype....at least, that's MY theory as to why his last name is Crosby. 😏 To cap it all off, Amy Lea manages to weave in a fairly strong female empowerment through line....WITHOUT bashing the reader over the head with it, and frankly, this alone made me want to add ALL of her books to my TBR...yes, even those with influencers...see, influencing CAN work...when it's done in the RIGHT way!

And though this cover probably indicates that this book might have been better suited for a Valentine's Day release, I'd argue that when it comes to a treat like this one, you are under NO obligation to wait...and chocolate for breakfast tastes JUST as sweet! 💌 🍫

😉

4 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andi Ziegler has been living a double life as both a personal assistant to a high-profile politician and a steamy romance author writing under a pen name. But when her newest book becomes a best-seller and instantly creates gossip she doesn’t want, her failed one-night stand and new co-worker, Nolan Crosby, develop a fake dating scheme designed to end speculation, but which might just come with a few unexpected complications.

This book felt so refreshingly original and a really fun rom-com with depth, perfect for a weekend read. I am not as familiar with Canadian politics, and I loved getting the experience of our MCs— one who works as the personal assistant to the wife of the Prime Minister of Canada and the other the PM’s close protection officer (bodyguard). The hijinks that ensued were laugh-out-loud funny, but balanced with the more emotional components such as Nolan dealing with his mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It does have a bit of steam, but only after the characters and their relationship have been properly developed, creating the perfect amount of tension. There was also a certain amount of cheekiness in having Andi be a romance author in disguise, writing books in the same vein as this one. Such a fun read and one I would definitely recommend.

Read if you like:
-fake dating
-failed one-night-stand
-slow burn
-laugh out loud fun
-PM bodyguard + personal assistant
-unique stories

Thank you Berkley Romance for the advanced copy.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you work in a public facing government role and your after hours spent moonlighting as a secret romance novelist comes to light? Lie your way into fake dating the prime minister’s personal bodyguard to turn off the heat (this will have the exact opposite effect actually).

The Bodyguard Affair is another sensational romance from author Amy Lea that acts as a window into the complexities surrounding forgiveness, family caregiving, and the vulnerability in sharing yourself with the world through story. And that’s all while serving up a truly fabulous workplace fauxmance. Big on the emotions with that slice of Ontario living and tropetastic feel, this book is a love story entirely of its own caliber. Shelve it all the way up to: a book too good to be real. This is the kind of love story that belongs to both its characters—splitting perspectives between personal assistant/secret romance writer Andi Zeigler and bodyguard Nolan Crosby. Where Nolan is wrestling with his childhood parental abandonment as he cares for his aging mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Andi is stuck behind the wheel of her current career and life path as she chases her true passion: writing romance. Both have their own problems and the solution comes out of the most unconventional means—fake dating your colleague to help them out of a jam (said jam being rumors of an affair with your boss because you wrote a spicy workplace romance in your current field). Amy Lea knows how to bridge immense turmoil to the forefront of her narratives without losing the core of the romance novel. That is The Bodyguard Affair in a nutshell, intimately connected to the work involved in building a partnership out of everyday chaos and the exacting art of loving someone else. It’s wild, it’s messy, but the work of loving will always be worth it—one of the most deliberate acts we can ever undertake.

Read my review

Bookstagram | Blog

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off so strong. Five star potential, no question! One of my favourite meet-cutes, especially in how it took that all-too-relatable nightmare of needing to use the bathroom while wearing a romper and turned it into a hilarious mishap. Too funny!

I loved the uniqueness of two characters working for the Prime Minister of Canada! A workplace scenario I've never read before! Andi is the PA for the Prime Minister’s wife, while Nolan is the CPO for the Prime Minister himself. So naturally, their paths cross often, creating some great tension and a fun, fictional peek into Parliament life!

I was really hoping for more workplace moments, though. The fake-dating plot was more the focus, and that's when my interest started to slip. And the spice itself was too much for me. I wasn’t into the whole “inexperienced” FMC secretly writing steamy romances either. I'm still a little surprised Andi would risk writing a Prime Minister romance in the first place. I get it, write what you know. But eek!

On the upside, I really loved the emotional moments, like the resentment that comes through caregiving, with Nolan caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s who did not provide the best upbringing. I really felt for him! And I loved the way he supported Andi in all her endeavors. Definitely some great moments overall, but I much preferred the first half.

(heat level: 4 open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)

[Luce · Rating 2 out of 5]

WEEEEEELLLLLLLLLL.

This was a disappointment.

Amy Lea has been a solid author for me for the most part but this was such a miss. The opening hook-up scene was CRINGE and it never fully recovered after that.

Should have been a DNF but I was committed because I've trusted this author before. But damn, should have followed my gut instinct.

The writing felt very YA which is always a bit uncomfortable in an adult romance. I also found the characters extremely childish and the male PoV just felt the same as the FMC, but the author threw in the occasion boner line to make it seem like a man.

Really disappointed as I have loved Amy Lea's other books but this one did not work for me at all.

I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley Romance for the eARC.

I JUST ADORED THIS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

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

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

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

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

[ᴄᴀᴛ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ☆ ┆I think it's just my problem and not really the book, it seems to me that books that are all/mostly focused on the romance isn't for me. I do enjoy romance in books, but I think more so when it's a sub-plot and not the main focus..

──────

» I didn't completely love Andi and Nolan but liked them enough and they were enjoyable characters, though at times they irritated me a bit. But I also wasn't exactly rooting for them to get together, simply because I didn't personally feel the romance or chemistry.

» At times the story seemed a bit predictable and a little repetitive. And half the time I forgot that Nolan was a bodyguard, even though it's literally in the title...maybe I just wasn't paying attention, but where was the bodyguarding?

» Also the narrators are a huge part of audiobooks for me. I enjoyed Brittany Pressley's parts, but during Nolan's parts and when Teddy Hamilton was speaking it was..okay? Like I liked when he was speaking as Nolan, but when he was saying what Andi was saying, he made her sound very...🤓
Like that's the only way I can think to describe it😭

──────

And even though I didn't personally love the book, I'd still recommend it. I think its a nice, quick read and people who enjoy romance and fake dating tropes would enjoy it ֶָ֢ᐟ
Audiobook - 2.5 🌶 - 2.5 ☆

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

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

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

* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher

[BrandyD · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up. Cute story.

[Suad Alhalwachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I am going to give her this time a five star. The book is loaded with human rights, Alzheimer’s problems, family drama, children that are abandoned with neighbors and caregivers, animal protection and (my favorite) looking after children, politics too, especially the drama that can and might occur between couples when one is in office. I think if she writes about a woman in office, that would be fun too.

The love scenes are ample, but the context is ok, I mean there wasn’t a scene that is out of place. I was sad about the mother who developed Alzheimer’s, and even though she wasn’t one that had actually looked after her children, but they grew to be very responsible adults.

I also loved the idea about the yellow house, I imagine it to be a gorgeous first home.

I am not going to spoil the book for you, in short, it’s very well written, and I think it’s better than the influencers series, and more fun.


Excerpts

“In my little world, love doesn’t fizzle, it endures. It scoops you up and holds you tight in its warm embrace, making good on its promise to never let go. It makes you feel like everything will be okay, even if it won’t.”

“Eats pizza with a knife and fork.” (Seriously! Is this not a thing to do? I always eat my Pizza with a knife and fork)

“I guess I’ve always lived to get through the day, the week, the next project.”

“Just us and the satisfying sounds of our shoes crunching the leaves, pine needles, and fallen acorns. The hum of crickets and the burble of a stream ahead. The air is also cooler, filled with the earthy scent of damp leaves and moss”

“I don’t think you celebrate yourself enough or take the time to really sit and think about how fucking amazing you are. You’ve worked so hard and you deserve every good thing that’s going to come your way”

“You’re going to change the world with your words, Andi,” she tells me, her tone sincere before I cross the threshold. “You’ve already changed mine.”

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

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!

rtc

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

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

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

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Christina O’Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
💕 dual POV
💕 1st person POV
💕 dual timelines
💕 fake dating
💕 coworkers to lovers
💕 a very very HEA ❤️❤️

This one was a very, very fun read❣️ I loved the writing style, I loved the actual writing material, I laughed out loud MULTIPLE times❣️ I think this just might be my very first Amy Lea, but it certainly will not be my last❣️I just finished this but I cannot stop recommending it❣️❣️
I loooooooove fake dating so much I think it’s my favourite trope of all time 💕💕 It just makes for such a fun story and then you KNOW the characters are going to end up actually falling in love.
I love books about books❣️❣️ The main character being an author is so fun and makes me so happy to read about.
It’s always so fun when we get the guy’s POV❣️❣️ Like the guy acts so tough and cool on the outside but on the inside he’s just as obsessed and crazy about her as she is. I love to see it.
I live not too far from where this story takes place so that was kind of fun. I appreciated and understood all of the Canadian references 🤪 It is very, very Canadian 🤪🤪
There was hardly any spice in here, which I am a big fan of 🤪
This was the happiest ending I’ve ever read❣️❣️ I was the most worried about the dog the whole book 🤪 I absolutely loved everything about this ending.
What a fantastic book❣️❣️ This is my favourite book that I have read in a whiiiiiiiiiile 🩷🩷 Thank you so much to Amy Lea and Berkley Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕

[casey ⋆˚౨ৎ ⋆.˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

content warning: mc’s parent with alzheimer’s

🇨🇦📖👠👔💞

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

***ARC***

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

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

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

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

I would definitely recommend this!!

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

[Stella Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Kayla • bookedblonde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sorry but why was this 432 pages 🫣

I enjoyed the beginning a lot, but the middle really dragged for me. I think my favorite storyline was the main character pursuing her dream of writing romance novels. But, there were a lot of storylines. The romance, the best friend marrying the ex, the mom with Alzheimer’s, the fake dating, the romance author, the job… a lot going on!

While I have loved some of this author’s past books, this one wasn’t my fave of hers. I will read her books in the future though! I think I may have enjoyed it more if it was 100 pages shorter.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a fake dating trope. Not scary. Not sad. Didn’t cry. The dog doesn’t die.

[TeagzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Amy Lea book, definitely not my last! I was feeling slumpy before starting The Bodyguard Affair, but right from Andi and Nolan’s hilarious meet-cute, I was cured!

All the characters are well-developed. I empathized with Nolan’s complicated family dynamics and Andi’s lack of confidence. Their romance rekindled first as a friendship, and with both characters being so supportive of each other and intentionally present, I felt their slow-burn romance was believable and so romantic.

I loved the Canadian political backdrop for the story, and this plot could easily be adapted as a movie. Some clear similarities to movies past, but with an added level of emotional depth!

**Thank you to Berkley Romance for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own!**

[Courtney sharpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Savannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall boring. I've read worse romance but this had an elite set up and then terrible tension and romantic execution.

Don't really know how Andi was working for the PRIME MINSTER and no one knew that she wrote books? Pen name or not, background checks would've been done.

Why didn't the prime minster speak out and say "I am faithful to my wife"? Why let Andi take the blame for being a homewrecker? idk

Nolan dealing with his family trauma gave him some personality but when it came to the romance, the fizzle was gone before the book even started. Did not care a single bit about what either of them had going on together. The fake dating plot was .....fine here. Didn't do the heavy lifting it needed to.

The source of their fake dating also got too neatly wrapped up in the last 10% of the book?

Boring.

[Ashley Alldredge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can we please leave unnecessarily clumsy FMCs in 2014

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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