The Bodyguard
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard"), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker. Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid. When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, like a jerk, says no one will believe it. Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.
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Community Reviews
Five amazing, spectacular stars!!
The Bodyguard is the feel-good story I didn’t know I was needing! I loved EVERY WORD.
When an invitation to read Katherine Center’s newest novel showed up in my inbox, I was overjoyed! Friends, there might have even been bouncing, squeals, and tears. When I eventually calmed down and noticed I had a newsletter from the author announcing the book, as well as mentioning it was set around Thanksgiving, I knew I had to read it immediately—even though the publishing date wasn’t for another six months. I’m happy to report I made the right choice. I had so much fun reading this one. It quickly moved to my top three favorite books by Center (don’t ask me to pick just one!), as well as one of my favorite books for the year.
I always know when I pick up a book by Katherine Center, I’ll find unforgettable characters: a strong female lead, a swoon-worthy love interest, and fleshed-out supporting characters that only enhance the story. Her storytelling is always joyful, even when it’s serious, and she always has something new and refreshing to say.
I love the fake-dating trope (and the bonus one-bed trope it leads to here), and The Bodyguard twists the expected by making the bodyguard our female lead, Hannah. She’s tiny but mighty, fully capable of taking care of herself and her subject. But her personal life has taken a beating lately, forcing her to place all her energy and focus on her job.
And while I am a fan of the fake-dating trope, I’m not always a fan of the famous love interest angle. I had every faith in this author to execute it well, though. Jack isn’t the typical Hollywood star most books portray. He’s kind, open, and loves his family very much. I quickly grew to love his laid-back charm. But he is hiding a heart-breaking secret.
As Hannah grows closer to Jack and his family, she finds herself opening up, confused about what’s real and what’s work. And watching these two fight their feelings for each other, leads to plenty of humorous and heartwarming and romantic moments.
I hope The Bodyguard ends up on the big screen. I would love to see this one adapted. And it’s definitely one I’ll be picking up a physical copy of to add to my bookshelf. I’m already excited about rereading it!
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martins Press, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
The Bodyguard is the feel-good story I didn’t know I was needing! I loved EVERY WORD.
When an invitation to read Katherine Center’s newest novel showed up in my inbox, I was overjoyed! Friends, there might have even been bouncing, squeals, and tears. When I eventually calmed down and noticed I had a newsletter from the author announcing the book, as well as mentioning it was set around Thanksgiving, I knew I had to read it immediately—even though the publishing date wasn’t for another six months. I’m happy to report I made the right choice. I had so much fun reading this one. It quickly moved to my top three favorite books by Center (don’t ask me to pick just one!), as well as one of my favorite books for the year.
I always know when I pick up a book by Katherine Center, I’ll find unforgettable characters: a strong female lead, a swoon-worthy love interest, and fleshed-out supporting characters that only enhance the story. Her storytelling is always joyful, even when it’s serious, and she always has something new and refreshing to say.
I love the fake-dating trope (and the bonus one-bed trope it leads to here), and The Bodyguard twists the expected by making the bodyguard our female lead, Hannah. She’s tiny but mighty, fully capable of taking care of herself and her subject. But her personal life has taken a beating lately, forcing her to place all her energy and focus on her job.
And while I am a fan of the fake-dating trope, I’m not always a fan of the famous love interest angle. I had every faith in this author to execute it well, though. Jack isn’t the typical Hollywood star most books portray. He’s kind, open, and loves his family very much. I quickly grew to love his laid-back charm. But he is hiding a heart-breaking secret.
As Hannah grows closer to Jack and his family, she finds herself opening up, confused about what’s real and what’s work. And watching these two fight their feelings for each other, leads to plenty of humorous and heartwarming and romantic moments.
I hope The Bodyguard ends up on the big screen. I would love to see this one adapted. And it’s definitely one I’ll be picking up a physical copy of to add to my bookshelf. I’m already excited about rereading it!
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martins Press, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
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