This was way less glitzy than the cover suggests. It's about a very mousy girl and her job problems. The guy being a bodyguard means he's very bodily hot but personality is just like every other bitch.

Also this takes place in Canada and the author knows I'm American because there are many definitions that Canadians wouldn't need. Lowkey makes the worldbuilding a bit boxy though (to have to explain things in detail like that).

Plot is okay. Doesn't make sense at times (do people actually behave this way?)

I think I need to give up on Amy Lea. But if you read this, you'll be fine. It's an extremely middle of the road fake-dating romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Whether you had a little crush on Justin Trudeau (who, me?) or not, The Bodyguard Affair is a romance that will have you dreamily thinking of Ottawa (ok, not really, no book is that good). But definitely you’ll enjoy this one.

Andi writes on the side of her taxing job as the Prime Minister’s wife’s personal assistant. After a breakup in which her ex and her best friend got together and a one night stand that wasn’t with mysterious Nolan, she continues on writing books that have a niche fandom and going way too above and beyond for Gretchen, her boss. Meanwhile Nolan suddenly pops up as the Prime Minister’s protection agent while he moves back short term to take care of his mother, who has Alzheimer’s. A picture taken out of context when the PM tries to make a romantic gesture to his wife, Andi is seen as the other woman and linked to her steamy book the Prime Minister and me - an outing that can’t happen. From there we get a fake dating scheme that has more heart than others I’ve read. Seriously, Nolan is absolutely amazing! There were times I wished that Andi would grow some self confidence and a spine, she was a little ‘too much’ in that area, but Nolan more than made up for it.

This story is both sweet and has plenty of heart, I recommend it!

This book was so much fun! I absolutely loved the concept - being Canadian I loved how it involved the protagonists working for the Prime Minister and his family and was set against the backdrop of Ottawa. I feel like you don't see that very often! Andi and Nolan were both great characters. I liked how they both had to work through their own issues in order to grow. The fake dating trope is always a fave and I was so happy with how the end turned out. Another hit by Amy Lea!

The Bodyguard Affair starts off funny, flirty, and full of promise with a juicy premise that blends politics, fake dating, and a second-chance romance. I was immediately hooked in the first 25%, completely charmed by Andi’s secret writer life and her sizzling tension with Nolan. Unfortunately, the momentum didn’t hold; around the halfway mark, the plot began to drag and the emotional stakes felt increasingly thin. Despite Amy Lea’s signature wit and chemistry-filled setups, I found myself struggling to stay invested and ultimately couldn’t finish the book. A great concept that just didn’t deliver the payoff I hoped for. Just wasn’t for me.

The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea is a slow burn, fake dating, dual POV romance. Andi is the Canadian Prime Minster’s wife’s personal assistant by day and writes steamy romances under a pen name by night. When people find out about her novel, The Prime Minister and Me, they assume that it’s based in truth. In order to distract the public from the PR disaster, she finds herself fake dating the Prime Minister’s bodyguard, Nolan (with whom she happens to have an awkward past).

I thought the premise was fun and I liked Andi and Nolan as characters. It was a little bit cheesy in parts, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I especially enjoyed how the main conflict between Andi and Nolan was resolved. I could also see it making a really cute movie.

I adored this book. It was my first Amy Lea book and I really enjoyed her ability to thread a rom com plot with very three dimensional characters and some serious topics. Andi and Nolan felt real, not just caricatures and the story sucked me right in.

I think this book will do really well as long as it doesn’t have too much rom com marketing emphasis, because it feels a little deeper than, say, a Tessa Bailey book. Just to manage expectations of your readers!

I am not sure my library will end up buying this one but definitely I will recommend it myself!

This was a fun, cute read by one of my favorite romance authors! I loved all the characters and enjoyed watching Nolan and Andi create a strong friendship as a foundation for their relationship. I liked how there was a lot of time spent focusing on Nolan and Andi as individuals, and I loved how supportive Nolan was of Andi's writing dreams. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am a huge fan of Amy Lea. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC of this book :)

Amy Lea is an auto buy author for me and remains an author I will continue to support and read all her work. This book in particular did not resonate with me compared to her other books. While I do love a bodyguard romance, this read more like a second chance or friends to lovers.

I think Amy does a really great job at writing realistic characters and I appreciate the depth she adds to both the main and secondary characters. I think she did a good job with Nolan's family story but would have liked more background on Andi's family. There was some back story but I thought Nolan's story was more developed.

I really loved the fact that Andi wrote romance novels and how the author showed so much love for the genre.

Overall, this was a really fun and cute read with well developed characters. I just prefer some of the other tropes and characters in her previous books. Exes and O's is one of my all time favorite romance books!

I absolutely loved this book. Amy Lea never misses, and The Bodyguard Affair was such a fun, heartfelt, and spicy read. The dual POV was a huge win for me—there’s just something so satisfying about seeing both characters fall, especially when the MMC is as soft, swoony, and supportive as Nolan. I adored his instant obsession with Andi from their awkward, hilarious meet-cute to their deeply emotional reconnection years later.

Andi was such a refreshing FMC—smart, caring, and relatable in her people-pleasing tendencies, but with a secret side hustle that had me grinning: she writes steamy romance on the low. It was honestly so fun to read smut written from the POV of a smut author. The steam hit just right, and felt empowering and real rather than performative. Their chemistry was palpable, and the way Nolan constantly built Andi up? Swoon city.

The tropes were chef’s kiss: fake dating, workplace romance, forced proximity, and mutual pining—all executed with warmth and minimal drama. I especially appreciated how the story avoided annoying miscommunication or dragged-out secrets. And when emotions did get heavy (Nolan’s storyline with his mom was beautifully written), the characters showed up for each other in meaningful ways.

The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is that I was dying for Andi to get a moment of justice with her ex-best friend. She took the high road, sure, but a verbal takedown would’ve been so satisfying!

Still, this book was an absolute delight. Endearing, sexy, funny, and emotionally grounded. I already can’t wait for Amy Lea’s next one.

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

This was so sweet!! From their first (unfortunate) meeting, Andi and Nolan charmed the hell out of me. Nolan's support of Andi's dream of becoming a writer helped her grow in tangible, satisfying ways, and I loved that Andi helped Nolan learn how to give himself some grace when coping with his mother's diagnosis and decline. They communicated well and supported each other, and it's clear that they actually enjoy each other's company. The third act added uncertainty about their future but not about each other, and that's my sweet spot.

The only disappointment is that Andi never got her moment to tell off her ex-best friend for breaking girl code, but whatever. I get why she took the high road, even though it would have been SO satisfying if she'd cussed her out.

Summary in Brief

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.

Genre + Plot

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.

Final Thoughts

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.”

I’ve been a fan of Amy Lea for years and she did not disappoint with The Bodyguard Affair! Political scandal, fake dating, complex supporting characters, this book had so many elements that kept me reading well past my bedtime. And I always love a book with third act conflict that isn’t the classic breakup! Absolutely recommend this book!

This was a great romance read that lifted me out of a reading slump! After the first chapter the novel quickly find its swing and pushes the plot forward in a fast-paced and engaging way. I soon became invested in our main romance, where the congenial friendship between the leads quickly heats up with romantic tension. The fake dating trope was nicely done and I loved how supportive the characters were of each other. This is definitely my favorite Amy Lea title that I've personally read to date. As a bonus I felt like I learned quite a bit about Canadian culture haha. I would recommend this book to any readers who are avid romance fans! I believe this will especially appeal to readers who love the works of Helen Hoang (namely "The Heart Principle") and/or Katherine Center (namely, of course, "The Bodyguard"). A lovely read!

Andi is a personal assistant to the Prime Minister of Canada's wife; Nolan just became the Prime Minister's close protection officer. As a scandal breaks over the Prime Minister and Andi (all untrue), Andi and Nolan begin fake dating to distract attention. But that's not all - the book at the center of the scandal, "The Prime Minister and Me," really was written by Andi, and she and Nolan actually have history... a failed one-night stand from three years before. Can Andi maintain her fake identity, fake relationship, and her job?

I loved both Andi and Nolan. They are well-realized. Nolan has commitment issues and is in town caring for his mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. His conflicting feelings about his mother are sensitively handled, as is the portrayal of Alzheimer's. It takes some time for him to work through his issues, and it's not a quick fix, which is nice to see.

Andi also struggles with her self-identity and is fearful to fully own her identity as a romance writer, or to take the risk of quitting her job to pursue it fully, which also feels honest and authentic. She doesn't lose her people-pleasing ways by the end of the book, but her journey to create boundaries and do some hard work was also refreshing.

The character development is solid, the pacing is well done. I wouldn't call this a rom-com - Alzheimer's and political scandal do not make great comedy, but the topics were handled lightly and balanced well by visits to rescue dog sanctuaries and Costco trips. (Seriously!) Their relationship evolves in the little details. Nolan is 100% in Andi's court, believing in her and encouraging her every step of the way. All the swoons.

Romance tropes:
*Fake dating
*One bed
*Second chance

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the access to this eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I am a fan of Amy Lea and her books, so I was not shocked that I liked this book a lot. Thank you for this advanced copy of The Bodyguard Affair. Who does't love a romance book about a romance writer..............in hiding!!! Our main character has a rough night and tries to end it with a one night stand. This does not go as planned, although a great time is had by both. Fast forward a few years. both one night standers are forced to work together...........for the Canadian Prime Minister and his wife!!! How could things go wrong? Well they can and they do. There is faking dating, a scandal alleged relationship. writing in secret, and so much more. Can our main couple get out of their own way and see what they have in each other? You will have to read this fun and funny rom com to find out!

PERFECTION! I loved every minute of reading this book. I was literally kicking my feet! The dual POV was so fun to read and I was eager to read both Andi and Nolan’s story. Also the steam…so good!!!!

I can’t wait to see this title on shelves! ❤️

This book was such a delight because it perfectly blends sizzling chemistry with witty, grounded characters who feel like real people, not just clichés. What I loved most was how the romance grew naturally from their complicated past and the fake-dating setup that never felt forced or overdone. The tension between them sparked in all the right ways, with moments full of laughter, heat, and genuine tenderness. The writing is sharp and clever but also warm, capturing the emotional stakes without ever feeling heavy. Beyond the romance, the story explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and healing. I couldn’t get enough and kept hoping their story would never end.

Andi Zeigler’s double life as a political assistant by day and secret romance novelist by night hilariously unravels when her latest book sparks scandalous rumors. Enter Nolan Crosby—her ex-fling turned bodyguard—who joins her in a fake-dating scheme to save both their jobs.

This charming, funny, and heartwarming read balances sizzling chemistry with poignant moments, especially as Nolan cares for his ailing mother. A perfect pick for fans of fake-dating tropes, political intrigue, and witty banter!

I absolutely adored this book. The writing is breezy yet grounded, full of snappy banter and moments of vulnerability that genuinely moved me. Their chemistry practically hums off the page, but what really makes this story shine is the way it weaves emotional depth into all the fun. I also loved how the story let them grow together, and how their connection unfolded with tenderness as much as heat. This was one of those books that left me smiling through the last page, and already itching to read it again.