This was a great story that had multiple storylines going that kept me interested throughout. Aaron and Lee. Lee begins the search for a missing teen which gets in the way of Aaron’s quest to take down the cartel. They form a relationship as the investigation proceeds. This was a very good read and I would recommend it. I was given an arc on Net Galley but this is my honest review.

This was such a fun read there was so much going on to keep me hooked. First it was Lee who was trying to help someone out finding a missing teen and she's working with Aaron who is a DEA agent and as they're working together they slowly but surely figure out what's going on and I enjoyed seeing that process. It was also a romance going on between Aaron and Lee in the middle of all this that was going on. Overall it was pretty good with how short it was it kept me pretty hooked till the very end.

MCs in their early 40’s. MMC is an undercover agent who is working to infiltrate a drug cartel. He hides behind his work because he feels he caused the death of his beloved brother in his early 20’s and has paid for it emotionally by distancing himself from his family and unable to forgive himself. However, he is now at a point in his life where he is trying to make amends with his family and is a bit jealous of what they have which is that they found love.

MCs met several months prior and had the hots for one another but FMC turned him down. In the present, they meet again and neither wants a relationship but they end up working together because FMC is a tech guru that was asked by an old friend of hers to locate a missing girl. In doing so, it leads her right into MMCs case and now they have to work together and pause as a couple.

In terms of suspense, it is an interesting one, but MCs lacked depth, development, chemistry and likability for me. I found myself skimming just to finish.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book delivers an exciting mix of action, suspense, and romance, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Aaron Quentin is a compelling hero—haunted by past tragedy yet dedicated to his dangerous undercover mission. Lee, a brilliant but reserved tech expert, steps into an unfamiliar world to help a friend, only to find herself entangled in Aaron’s operation. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the fake relationship trope adds a layer of tension and emotional depth as they navigate their growing feelings.

The dual storylines—Aaron’s cartel investigation and Lee’s search for a missing teen—are expertly woven together, leading to unexpected twists and an intense, nail-biting climax. The author does a fantastic job balancing action with character development, making both the romance and suspense equally compelling. Fans of romantic suspense will love the blend of danger, intrigue, and heartfelt connection between two strong yet vulnerable protagonists.

A DEA agent has one goal in mind…
And getting personal could be deadly

Lee Oscar has convinced herself she can keep her past in the past until an old friend tells her that a student of his has disappeared. Lee launches a search for the missing teen, colliding with DEA agent Aaron Quentin’s investigation. Together they forge an impromptu partnership—and make a fake relationship their cover. Lee and Aaron are determined to rescue the girl in danger while bringing down a deadly crime syndicate. Posing as lovers without succumbing to the ruse may be the more difficult task.

Terrific book. Aaron Quentin intrigued me during his part in the earlier book, Safe in Her Bodyguard's Arms. I figured out early that he was one of the good guys and hoped he would get his own story. As with his brother, the tragedy in Aaron's past influenced his present. He uses his work as an undercover agent to keep people at a distance. He moved from Florida to California to infiltrate a drug cartel.

Lee is Price Security's computer and information guru. She works her magic from behind a computer in their offices. But when a friend from her past asks her for help finding a missing teen, Lee steps out of her comfort zone to search for her. The last thing she expected was to encounter Aaron and end up part of his cover as his girlfriend.

This book had me hooked from the get-go. The suspense is intense with the dual storylines of Aaron's mission of taking down the cartel leader and Lee's search for the missing teen. Matters become more complicated when an old adversary of Lee's turns up in Aaron's net. An unexpected twist leads to a possible link between the two cases and intensifying danger for both. The double-barreled ending was a nail-biter to the finish.

I enjoyed the development of Aaron and Lee's relationship. There were sparks between them when they met in Miami. Aaron tried flirting with her, but she wasn't interested. When they met again in LA, the sparks were still there, but both tried to ignore them. That becomes more complicated when Lee gets sucked into Aaron's op and must pretend to be his girlfriend. Spending time together intensifies the attraction and allows them to get to know each other. I loved how in tune Aaron was with Lee and how good he was at sensing when she needed him. I liked seeing them both lose some of their "lone wolf" attitudes and discover they could support each other without losing independence. It didn't take long for their fake relationship to start to feel real. Neither believes they are good at relationships, and I loved seeing their determination to find one that works for them.