Pretend by Lexie Axelson Summary

1. Pretend by Lexie Axelson is the third Scarred Executioners series installment.
2. Daegan Hannibal is a Navy SEAL sniper nicknamed Creature for survival.
3. Alessia Valentín is assigned Daegan as bodyguard during her first deployment.
4. The romance centers on forbidden attraction between intelligence officer and protector.
5. Betrayal by boyfriend and best friend catalyzes Alessia's emotional transformation journey.
6. Daegan's stalker obsession is revealed through photos and mementos of Alessia.
7. The pretend concept allows characters to explore forbidden feelings through roleplay.
8. Military deployment to Iraq provides backdrop for escalating romance and danger.
9. Pretend ends on a cliffhanger requiring readers to continue the series.
10. Dark romance elements include torture, obsession, and intense psychological complexity.
11. Lexie Axelson blends military authenticity with dark romance and suspense themes.
12. Spicy scenes and emotional depth define the bodyguard protection romance trope.

Sull'autore di Pretend

Lexie Axelson is the author of Pretend, a dark military romance specialist known for emotionally charged stories that blend high-stakes action with forbidden love. Born in South Texas, Axelson is a proud Hispanic author and military spouse whose personal connection to military life deeply informs her Scarred Executioners series, which follows Navy SEAL operators navigating dangerous missions while confronting their darkest demons.

Pretend is the third installment in the Scarred Executioners series, following See You Soon and I Promise You. Axelson has also ventured into paranormal romance with The Depraved Prince, a vampire romance showcasing her versatility in crafting obsessive, dark love stories. Currently residing on the East Coast, she draws from her experiences as a military spouse to create authentic portrayals of sacrifice and intensity in military relationships.

Since launching her author career in 2023, Axelson has garnered over 13,000 ratings on Goodreads, establishing herself as a rising voice in the dark romance genre.

FAQ su Pretend

What is Pretend by Lexie Axelson about?

Pretend by Lexie Axelson is a dark military romance that follows Alessia Valentín, a Navy intelligence officer on her first deployment, and Daegan Hannibal, a legendary Navy SEAL sniper assigned as her personal security. When Alessia becomes the target of a dangerous stalker, she's placed under the protection of the mysterious, masked operator known as "Creature." The story explores their forbidden attraction amid the dangers of military life, betrayal, and obsession, culminating in shocking revelations about trust and love.

Who is Lexie Axelson and what genre does she write?

Lexie Axelson is a Hispanic author from South Texas and a military spouse currently residing on the East Coast. She specializes in dark, gothic, and military romance novels that blend raw emotion with high-stakes tension. Axelson draws on her military community experience to craft authentic stories featuring complex relationships, morally gray characters, and intense emotional journeys. Pretend is the third book in her Scarred Executioners series, showcasing her signature style of angsty, swoon-worthy romance.

Who should read Pretend by Lexie Axelson?

Pretend is ideal for readers who enjoy dark military romances with morally complex characters, age-gap relationships, and forbidden love tropes. Fans of spicy romance with emotional depth, forced proximity dynamics, and protective alpha heroes will appreciate this story. The book appeals to readers comfortable with obsessive love, stalker themes, and intense emotional turmoil. It's particularly suited for those who've followed the Scarred Executioners series, though newcomers can enjoy it with awareness that it connects to previous installments.

Is Pretend by Lexie Axelson worth reading?

Pretend by Lexie Axelson offers intense chemistry between the main characters and emotional depth that resonates with dark romance enthusiasts. Readers praise the spicy scenes, complex character development, and the gripping tension between duty and desire. However, the book has mixed reviews, with some criticizing the writing style and character decisions. It ends on a cliffhanger, requiring investment in the series. For fans of dark military romance who appreciate flawed characters and obsessive love stories, it's worth exploring despite its polarizing elements.

What are the main tropes in Pretend by Lexie Axelson?

Pretend by Lexie Axelson features several popular romance tropes including:

• Age gap romance
• Forbidden love (boss's daughter)
• Forced proximity during deployment
• Bodyguard/protector dynamics

The story incorporates dark romance elements with stalker themes and obsessive love. Daegan, the masked Navy SEAL operator, embodies the "grumpy, damaged hero who doesn't believe in love" archetype, while Alessia represents the determined heroine proving herself in a male-dominated military environment. These tropes combine to create intense emotional and physical tension throughout.

Who are Alessia Valentín and Daegan Hannibal in Pretend?

Alessia Valentín is a Navy intelligence officer on her first overseas deployment, determined to prove herself despite being Admiral Ravenmore's stepdaughter. Daegan Hannibal, nicknamed "Operator Creature," is a legendary Navy SEAL sniper known as the most lethal in the military who never misses. Cold, mysterious, and scarred both physically and emotionally, Daegan has survived impossible situations and doesn't believe in love. Their relationship begins when he's assigned as her personal security, creating a forbidden dynamic complicated by his traumatic past and dangerous obsession.

What is the major plot twist in Pretend by Lexie Axelson?

The shocking revelation in Pretend by Lexie Axelson occurs when Alessia discovers that Daegan, her assigned protector, is actually her stalker. She awakens in his home to find a room filled with photos and mementos of her, exposing his obsessive surveillance. While Daegan confesses his love and claims he never intended harm, this twist forces Alessia to grapple with betrayal, fear, and conflicting emotions about the man she's fallen for. This dark revelation adds complexity to their already forbidden relationship.

Does Pretend by Lexie Axelson have triggering content?

Pretend by Lexie Axelson is classified as a dark military romance containing potentially triggering content including stalking, obsession, and surveillance themes. The story features explicit sexual content, references to torture and trauma from Daegan's past, emotional manipulation, and scenes involving betrayal (Alessia discovers her boyfriend with her best friend). The power dynamics between protector and protected, combined with the stalker revelation, create morally gray situations. Readers sensitive to obsessive behavior, lack of consent boundaries, or dark romance themes should approach with awareness.

Is Pretend by Lexie Axelson a standalone or part of a series?

Pretend is Book 3 in the Scarred Executioners series by Lexie Axelson, and contrary to some retailer listings, it is not a standalone. Readers report that understanding the full context requires reading the previous books in the series. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, setting up future installments and leaving major plot threads unresolved. Characters and storylines from earlier books in the series are referenced throughout. For the best reading experience and complete story comprehension, starting with Book 1 of the Scarred Executioners series is recommended.

What is the setting and military context in Pretend?

Pretend by Lexie Axelson is set primarily during a military deployment to Iraq, providing authentic military atmosphere drawn from the author's experience as a military spouse. The story explores Navy life, intelligence operations, and Navy SEAL missions, blending operational realism with romantic tension. The forced proximity of deployment intensifies the forbidden relationship between Alessia and Daegan. The military hierarchy complicates their connection—with Admiral Ravenmore as Alessia's stepfather and Daegan's ultimate superior—creating professional risks that heighten the stakes beyond personal danger from external threats.

What are the main themes in Pretend by Lexie Axelson?

Pretend by Lexie Axelson explores love, trust, and resilience amid military chaos and personal trauma. Central themes include the redemptive power of love despite betrayal and obsession, the balance between duty and personal desire, and healing from past wounds. The narrative examines how people hide behind masks—both literal (Daegan's physical mask) and metaphorical—to protect themselves from vulnerability. It also addresses the sacrifices required to sustain relationships tested by danger, distance, and forbidden circumstances, ultimately questioning whether love can survive darkness and deception.

What does "pretend" mean in the context of the book?

"Pretend" in Lexie Axelson's novel serves as both the title and a recurring motif representing the characters' attempts to escape reality temporarily. Alessia asks Daegan to pretend they aren't bound by military hierarchy and professional restrictions, creating moments where they can explore their feelings freely. The concept evolves throughout the story from innocent fantasy to dangerous self-deception, especially after the stalker revelation. Key quotes like "Can we pretend that Ravenmore is not your boss" and "Pretend it's a shooting star" illustrate how they use pretense to justify their forbidden relationship.