This plot really drew me in. The fact that Carter protected Emily as much as he could, it made him that much more sweeter. Carter is a mystery wrapped into a hot package but he has such a big heart. Every time we were in his head my heart would fill with more and more admiration for him.

Emily was awesome. I love that she had a back bone but she was also really sweet deeply down. She has some walls up because of her ex, but carter was able to pull out the real Emily and I loved it. The overall story was original and even though some factors (like a crazy ex) can be over done, this author brought a fresh feel to it. I can’t wait to see what’s to come in this series. 5 Stars #2OCCJD

Bodyguard by C.D. Reiss is the story between a woman who needs protection and the man who is determined to keep her safe. But it was also so much more and I loved it.

Emily was heading for fame under the spotlight, but after some time, found herself backing away from that and instead becoming a choreographer. As we learn, many of her decisions were based on her ex and his controlling ways. But she does eventually cut him loose. Now Darlene, her best friend, is getting ready to go out on tour and hires extra security. Enter Carter.

Carter is always professional and keeps his work and personal life separate. He has responsibilities that are important to him and that he keeps well-guarded. He takes his job seriously and is hard-working and very dedicated. But something about Emily pulls at him in a way he is determined to avoid.

Carter was brought in as security for Darlene as they get ready to go on tour, but when Emily’s ex begins to stalk her, he provides her with much needed protection. It was hard on Emily to live in a sort of cage while trying to feel safe. Both Emily and Carter had so much baggage to work through, but through it all, they could not deny their attraction, even when he tried to stay away.

I loved Carter and Emily. I loved Emily’s sweet and caring nature. It was so easy to like her. And Carter was amazing. Even with all he put on his shoulders, he was protective and determined. These two together were steaming hot! And Carter’s son was just adorable!

Overall I loved this story! I actually liked it more than Bombshell, which I also enjoyed very much. Bodyguard was full of chemistry, slow-burning romance and the suspense! I could not put the book down!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Rachael – ☆☆☆☆☆
WARNING: DON'T PICK UP THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU HAVE TONS OF FREE TIME!
I picked it up to read the first chapter before bed... and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open, only to wake up and get right back to reading.

FABULOUS

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was amazing. I loved the characters. I loved the push-pull thing they had going on. I loved the need for privacy at the same time they each wanted to share their hearts. *dreamy sigh* It was just... fantastic.

There were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming, but really, the chemistry between these two was so hot I couldn't stop wanting to know more about them and be cheering them on as they dealt with everything they went through. I have to admit I kind of wasn't surprised at most of the twists, but that was okay because I loved every single other thing about the book, I didn't need to be surprised. There was so much that was pulling the book forward I didn't need those to be the things that kept me interested.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this story! I thought this series was going to revolve completely around A-listers' nannies but this was a different take. Emily and her best friend move to LA to "make it." They both have the chops, but when Emily meets a man who hates her in the spotlight, she gives up the dream of singing to choreograph her celebrity friend's show instead. Turns out Emily's love turns to stalker and she and her A-list friend end up needing full time bodyguards. In walks our main man, Carter. Carter is assigned to Emily after her ex sends her a little gift, despite the court order.

Carter is everything I enjoy in a male character. He's alpha, take charge, a little dominant but a lot supportive. Emily is the stalked victim turned heroine, I loved her becoming her own person again under the watchful but encouraging eye of Carter. Coming out of her abused self and finding love and her dream again. The two really had me squirming in my seat when they'd get together! Emily liking that he holds her still and firm and Carter enjoying her submission. Reiss knows how to write a good male lead in my opinion and they all have a little need to exert dominance in the bedroom, which I must love because they certainly do the trick for me! No set up for book three, so I’m under the impression they will all be standalones.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars

There is a lot going on in this book. Stalkers, secrets, and unfulfilled dreams. There were times when I felt exhausted because of the various plot twists but I am glad that finished the book.

Carter's character is well written, but we had to wait until almost the end of the book to find out the major secret the he was holding close to his heart. I suspected early on and the author kept dangling little clues that all was not as it seemed.

Things are more straightforward with her angst and pain. She dated a loser and let that loser control her life to the point that she gave up her dreams to keep him happy. When he hit her – for the first and last time – she left him and is trying to put her life back together. However, the ex doesn't believe in letting go and has been stalking her for the better part of two years.

As Carter and Emily fight the attraction between them, they do so for different reasons. Carter just wants his son to be happy and makes sure that he knows he's Carter's first priority. Emily, well, she doesn't believe she deserves happiness since she picked the loser that continues to sabotage her life.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Murder, stalking.

This was the second story in this series. I really liked how it was more than just the story about the "side kick." It was more about friends who support each other, love each other, and want what is best for each other.

Carter is living his life and just trying to keep his head down. He knows why he is working and why he doesn't share a ton about his personal life. He's protecting Phin. I loved their relationship – it was genuine and hard, loving and real. Carter already has a protective side and when he meets Emily, he finds that protective instinct kicking in to high gear.

Emily was once on her way to the big time. Emily and Darlene are sisters through and through – no matter where their paths have taken them and I really enjoyed watching their relationship. Despite Emily's not so great past with choosing men, the most recent takes the cake – he stalks her, threatens her, and is just an overall horrible person. I thought that she handled it as best she could, but also found myself thinking that even though she seems so strong, she was still so vulnerable too.

The relationship between Emily and Carter was complicated. Both were trying to put their best face forward, but both were also hiding past hurts from each other and at times, from themselves too. When those come to light, it will take all they both have to figure out whether or not they want to make their relationship more or leave it where it is comfortable.

It was a sweet love story with great dynamics.

A master story teller in her own right. The author continued the A list series with this book. A look into the lives of Emily and Carter and the lengths his protection goes to her. A book that once I started I could not put down till I was finished. I hope the author continues this series.

5 Stars!! Loved this book! I devoured it!! It was suspenseful, sexy and funny!! I am a huge fan of CD's and this one did not disappoint! I LOVED the characters!! Carter and Emily were so good together!! The writing was outstanding!! I highly recommend this book!!!

I love CD Reiss' Hollywood A listers. It's a place populated by stars and everyone it takes to make us love them. Bodyguard is all about Carter, the best of the best when it comes to celebrity bodyguards, and, in a great little twist, Emily, a choreographer who could've made it as big as her best friend Darlene McKenna, a superstar singer modeled after every diva singer turned actress minus the drug use and bad behavior, turns out to be his assignment. The roadblock in Emily's career wasn't a lack of talent or drive. It was a controlling boyfriend, now ex, who continues to try to force his way back into her life despite flimsy restraining orders and Emily's now locked down life of work behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. It's Carters job to make sure the ex doesn't make his way back.
It's a story as old as time - two people thrown together by circumstances (with some help from a meddling best friend in this case) who end up fighting an attraction neither feel they can afford to have - made fresh and new thanks to the magic of CD Reiss and her gift with words. The story sings with a gritty, sweet emotional tension that gets under your skin as the story unfolds. Carter is a man full of secrets with a past colored by an event he can't bear to see repeated, and Emily is a woman who has let her past haunt her future. It's like a rose, sweet and spicy, full of promise.
I can't say enough great things about this story. It hits my sweet spot like a classic movie. Even if you know how it ends, the telling of the story and the depth of the characters is so vivid that the journey sweeps you away every single time. Carter and Emily finding their way to each other will never get old for me. Carter's a capital "H" heart throb and an unabashedly Good Man. I adore him with his buttoned up, stoic professionalism and sly sense of humor. The scenes with his family are bubbly and fun especially in the way they call him on his "strong silent type" behavior. Emily is one of Ms. Reiss' feisty, independent "every girls" and gives this story one of my favorite twists - the hero doesn't fall for the star. I really connected with her self doubt and need to put up barriers after her disastrous love affair with Vince - she was reserved and prickly without being whiny. In the hands of a lesser storyteller she could have easily become unlikable, but I took her to my heart, baggage and all, because the restoration of her faith in her own judgment and faith in love was told with such vibrancy, with just the right amount of swoony fantasy. This is definitely a story I will revisit again and again because it makes my heart feel light and bright and bursting with happiness.
5 swoony stars

Bodyguard is the giddy warmth inducing sexual tension climbing kind of romance. Think about it!

The hot bodyguard. The taboo. The tension of denial. The unavoidable chemistry. The physical connection you can feel across the room. It makes you giddy and warm. The tension and denial a result of the taboo. HOT!!!

Better than just hot, the push pull is killer on the emotions. Drama from each other's lives. Yeah it's a fun read. It's got a sweet story and incredible tension. Oh and because it's Hollywood- name dropping...you know...Michael Greydon, Brad some one or other...Sinclair. Cameos make the business right?!?

Pop in and see if you recognize anyone else!

Bodyguard by CD Reiss is the second book the Hollywood A-List series. It most definitely can be read as a standalone as there is very little mention of any of the characters included in Bombshell, the first book.

Emily loves to dance and sing. Together with her best friend Darlene, they were set for superstardom. But circumstances for Emily changed. She gave it up for what she thought was a loving relationship only to find out she was wrong. Now she lives the life though more in the background as a choreographer for Darlene who has most definitely hit it big. She does love the job but feels constantly a burden and a victim since her ex is an absolute stalker.

Carter Kincaid is a bodyguard and is completely serious about his job. His only goal is to protect his principals and his family and absolutely nothing will deter him from protecting those he loves. Until he meets Emily. Now there are shades of grey all over the place and Carter doesn't know if he is coming or going and if he can continue to protect everyone the way he should.

There is steam aplenty for lovers of CD Reiss and there is so much intrigue, suspense, secrets and most of all love. The heart is large enough to allow us to love so much and Carter learns this in many different ways. I loved the authors use of the "smell" of 5th of July. I could so "smell" that whenever Emily described Carter as having that scent. There are plenty of characters you will fall in love with including Phin, who I'd love to read about later as an adult.

CD Reiss just never disappoints, whatever story she writes I know that I will thoroughly enjoy it. I absolutely enjoyed this one; an off the charts compelling story of love, trust and surviving physical violence.

Don’t let the physical violence put you off, as this story inspires strength from some ugly places, especially from the victim Emily. The attraction she has for her bodyguard is euphoric, her vulnerability and insecurities are heartfelt especially with her past experiences with men. As for Carter, what can I say! The single dad who just screams ‘swoon worthiness’, especially with his special fist bump that he does with his beautiful son who melts my heart; but I guess you will just need to read this remarkable story to find out.

This story kept me glued to the pages as I’m a lover of suspenseful reads. CD Reiss just knows how to keep you guessing with what will happen next and the off the charts chemistry is the icing on the cake. There’s mystery, suspense, love scenes, that I certainly need to be starring in, as well as finding strength and trust in someone when all hope is gone.

Emily and Darlene have been best friends since they were children but they are so close they might as well be sisters. They headed to LA together to pursue their love of dancing and singing however while Darlene is now a singing sensation Emily has chosen to stay in the background as a choreographer so that she doesn’t attract the attention of her ex.

Carter is single father who has a background in law enforcement and Darlene has hired him to protect Emily as the actions of her ex have escalated and he is now stalking her. They are instantly attracted to each other however they know they need to keep their relationship strictly professional. Carter knows that personal involvement could have disastrous results when he is tasked with protecting her and she knows that if another man is interested in her that the attentions of her ex will only get worse.

They are unable to deny their attraction to each other but how will Emily react once she learns Carter’s secrets especially in light of the behavior of her ex?

This story has a little suspense, some drama and a whole lot of heat. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Amazing story

C.D.Reiss did a wonderful job with creating a story that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Emily and Carter are thrown together for Emily's protection. The author's characterizations of this couple was flawless. The twist and turns of the story kept my attention. I could not put down the book till the very end.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book.

#2 in the Hollywood A-List series, Bodyguard has a few cameos from previously introduced characters, but absolutely nothing that would preclude you from reading this as a standalone.

The H and h are great: Carter is the strong and silent type with some secrets that keep him from being able to fully commit to a relationship. Emily is an independent heroine who is chafing at the restrictions she's been forced to live under due to her stalker ex-boyfriend. Their chemistry is off-the-charts and they don't waste any time getting to those sexytimes. ;)

I enjoyed the story - particularly Emily's relationship with her BFF - although I kind of felt that Emily's situation with her ex-boyfriend kind of wrapped up faster and with less drama than I would have thought given all the build-up.

*ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley*

Bodyguard is a quick and entertaining read.

Emily (our heroine) and Carter (our hero) are both well developed and likable characters. Emily is spunky but a little bit fragile and Carter is a straight forward Alpha type of guy. He likes to be in charge but he also goes out of his way to help and protect those who need it, which is a good character trait in a bodyguard.

The secondary characters are also well written and interesting, especially Carter's family.

There is a small amount of thriller to the story, but not anything really suspenseful or super violent (thank goodness).

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

I was giving a chance to read CD Reiss's Bodyguard by Netgalley and the publisher in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Bodyguard is one of suspense and romance; and I didn't want to put it down for anything, Carter Kincaid aka the Bodyguard has only one job: Protect his principal. But when he is giving the job to protect Emily, that one job isn't the only thing Carter wants to do. Emily has a past that has made her afraid to love or trust a man but with Carter she finds it easy to let her guard down. Carter life is one he has tried and will protect no matter the cost. The temptation and lust for the characters makes you aww and want as much as they do for each other. CD Reiss instantly makes you want these characters happy and with every turn you root for them bc who can deny a connect like theirs. Can't wait to read the next great book from you, Ms. Reiss.

5 "Fist size of my heart" stars 
Its no secret that we, at BookBistroBlog utterly adore CD reiss's writing. Her books are a promise of excellent stories, very detailed and thoroughly researched plot and a new outlook to same old emotions of love and heartbreak. We get a ringside seat to Hollywood Circus in her new standalone series of Hollywood A-list in book 2. 
Every celebrity has a bodyguard to protect themselves from stalkers, haters, crazy fans, groupies, clingy autograph seekers, lurkers, paparazzi, you name it, they have it. Beyond all the glitz and glamour, they are practically prisoners in a golden cage, a downside to fame and wealth.
Darlene is a Rockstar singer & performer. She employs a bodyguard -Carter Kincaid , and her choreographer/best friend/ Sister from another mister -Emily Barett bumps into him and the moment their eyes lock, its instant Nervicitement for Emily. She's stalked and she needs protection and Carter protects like nobody can . Shes an excellent dancer and a singer too, her art just seeping from her every pore

If there was ever a world-class security system, Carter Kincaid was it.
“Memorize the following . . . Carter can handle himself.”

But who protects Emily's heart from Carter. Cause he carries baggage . Yes , in plural ! He keeps his private life separate from business and they never meet. Although Emily somehow falls in the crack and is stuck there !!!!
Emily is a lost soul. Alone , scared and living on the edge . Edge of fear because she has to look over her shoulders forever for her violently crazy ex. She finds solace in the arms of Carter but since she's his "Principal " professional conflict drops a barrier between them. And insurmountable wall which isolates Emily even more 

I imagined a life with people around me. People who loved me. Noise. Talking. Plans and preparations around each other. A life that buzzed with love. I didn’t picture it as unsafe. I didn’t feel the lockdown. Didn’t make sure the imaginary doors were locked. The safety didn’t come from dead bolts, alarms, and closed-circuit monitors. The safety came from family.

The story is obviously fantastic, its Christine's treatment that takes it to a mercurial high note. The sexual connection between them so scorching hot , you can feel the pages burn. I could feel and taste the passion so thick , craving so deep, it was a bummer they couldnt be tigether & had to go back to their corners. 
Lovely book, couldn't stop reading it. The FEELS got stronger as the story progresses. Phinneus was adorable and perceptive and stole my heart. The Little Naked Dancer and the Big Hulky Bodyguard love is stuff Hollywood legends are made of
CD is so besotted with L.A. , her obsession drips from her writings. 
Is that why she never visits NYC🤔. Although her fans East side (moi) are starving to meet her !!( I lost 100 lbs by starvation. JK😜) 
On a sombre note, I lost a Facebook friend yesterday -Sara Burch , a Beautiful soul and a fun filled human being. And this brought Christine's words even more protrusive 

Nothing was guaranteed. 
Life wasn’t sure, protected, or secure. 
But he made love feel as if it wasn’t a risk. 
Love was the good part. 
The joy. 
The reason. 
Love was the one thing worth protecting.
Hug your loved ones hard and tight from tonight on.

‘Bodyguard,’ is the latest STANDALONE story from the, ‘Hollywood A-list,’ series of CD Reiss. It’s everything I wanted it to be and so much more all exposed in a beautiful first-person narrative that toggles between the perspective of the hero and heroine. Full of swoon and magic, heart and soul. It captures the contemporary romance trope to absolute and stunning perfection and totally pulled me into the romance of the protagonists who both have rich, engaging histories that authentically shape their character's thoughts, words and feelings.

Beautiful, kind and caring girl, Emily is choreographer to her best friend superstar, a relationship that I found touching and resonated from an experience of a personal friendship. With a stalker ex, Emily needs protection from the best protector in town and that man is sexy and super charismatic Carter Kincaid. Their on-page chemistry sizzles from the start, a relationship that feels totally organic as it develops and the layers of the story are unveiled to uncover secrets and truths with romance and very sexy scenes at the heart of the narrative. Oh, how I fell in love with Carter Kincaid, the way he behaves with Emily and the dynamic of his relationship with his family members, one of whom may have stolen the show but I think that character and their significance to the plot needs to be experienced by the reader organically and in conjunction with the story.

CD Reiss always hits the spot with her writing powers and delighted me with Bodyguard, a story that comes vibrantly to life, has complexity of plot and emotion with totally plausible motivation at all times. I LOVED every word, thought, and feeling depicted and recommend to all romance readers.

Bodyguard
By: CD Reiss
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Sizzle and burn....Or....Burn Out.

Oh oh oh...Carter and Emily. These two will take you on a roller coaster ride that just might not stay on the rails. Emily is the choreographer for her best friend and trying to stay out of the limelight as much as possible even though she had always dreamed of singing and dancing and being center stage. However, a past relationship with a possessive arrogant ex has left her hiding in the background in fear. Enter Carter Kincaid bodyguard extraordinaire could let her guard down I loved it! Her friend assigns Carter to protect her after her ex continues to taunt her. And that's where the sparks start to fly. I loved how sexually aggressive Emily was with him, when in a crowd she seemed somewhat shy. The sexual tension was growing and...I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks you Netgally for letting me read and review.

First, let me say, I love the covers of the books in this series!

Emily is the choreographer for her best friend and trying to stay out of the limelight as much as possible even though she had always dreamed of singing and dancing and being center stage. However, a past relationship with a possessive arrogant idiot has left her hiding in the background in fear.

Enter Carter Kincaid......OMG, could he have a sexier name!! I loved it!

Her friend assigns Carter to protect her after her ex continues to taunt her. And that's where the sparks start to fly. I loved how sexually aggressive Emily was with him, when in a crowd she seemed somewhat shy. The sexual tension was growing and it was only a matter of time. That dance between them....smoking hot!!

But of course, Carter has a secret which is his number one priority.......and of course there was the whole professional aspect of not fooling around with the person who you are supposed to be guarding. He was adamant that nothing could or should happen between them or he would be distracted. So much for that! Haha!

I loved this book, and I especially loved Phin! Phin was a quirky, smart character!

Looking forward to the next in the series if there is one!

I was so excited to read this forbidden romance and I was not disappointed! There is just something about having a glimpse into the private lives of very public figures that is so captivating. This story is sweet and sexy but also poignant, emotional, and passionate. Ms. Reiss easily, and expertly pulled me in and made me feel every action and emotion. I felt like I was really there, right down to the smallest movement, without feeling like I was being told about it, just experiencing it. Carter is supposed to protect Emily from her dangerous stalker. But as their attraction builds, he can't protect Emily when he is so distracted. Their desire for each other is so explosive that they can't stay away from each other. But Carter has his own secrets that could tear them apart. I really grew to care for both Emily and Carter. They were so passionate, caring and authentic. The paths their lives took were beyond their control but they tried to make the best of it. Their banter is clever, and sexy and their chemistry is off the charts. The secondary characters were all genuine and added fun, tension and intrigue. I especially loved Carter's family and Emily's bff, Darlene. This is not an easy journey as they maneuver life in the public eye, but so worth the bumpy ride. I highly recommend this beautiful, emotional, exhilarating, poignant and sexy romance!

I have been a fan of CD Reiss' storytelling since her Song of Submission series. This series is a lot less angsty than SOS but not less captivating. I adored the first, Bombshell, in this series and though we always compare books to previous works and this one wasn't a five star book for me Bodyguard was still highly entertaining.

Emily is a choreographer for her best friend and superstar. She has given up her career for her then-boyfriend who couldn't handle other people touching her on-stage. Said boyfriend has turned into a stalker after she broke up with him when she realized that their relationship was toxic. She has since been living in a golden cage, surrounded by the newest tech guarding her. She feels trapped, her life isn't a life any longer but existing on a daily basis. She has nothing to look forward to, survival always in the forefront of her mind.

What a sad life it must be, living locked up, not having the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want to. You don't know how good your life is until this freedom has been taken from you. In that regard I admired Emily for her patience and courage. She is a sweet heroine with a vulnerability about her that completely endeared her to me. Her insecurities were so relatable. Her self-confidence had been crushed by her ex.


Carter Kincaid, bodyguard and all around hot guy, is insanely private, mysterious, yet sweet and protective. When he meets Emily he is drawn to her. At first his excuse to keep her at arm's length is her being his principal making it impossible for him to do his job. His first-hand experience with stalkers make him perfect for the job to protect the graceful dancer.


***Stalkers had a special place in my heart. The place where I kept violence and foul language.***



Carter was delicious. Hot, protective and very clear what he wants from Emily. There is a bit of a push and pull going on which made me a little impatient with him but in the end he was a wonderful hero who couldn't hide how much he adored his Tiny Dancer, even when she messed up. I also LOVED Carter's relationship with his son Phin. The way they reassured each other their love was adorable and all kinds of touching, especially in the light of the truth.


***“Hey, Dad. Size of my heart.”
We fist-bumped. “Size of mine."***



There is always a sense of doubting himself, second-guessing his decisions, which made him feel real, authentic. He wasn't cocky, he knew he was a capable man but he knew his limits.


Both of them have to break out of their personal prisons. While Carter's is self-imposed, Emily's is out of necessity to survive. They also have some letting go of the past to do.
Their relationship changes everything and both of them find strength in their feelings and start to make room for the other one in their life.

***"You are under my protection. Let me say it again so you understand what it means when I say that. There’s Phin, and there’s you. You are my business. Your safety and . . . no, not just your safety. Your happiness, your comfort, your well-being . . . I’m taking the responsibility for those things off your plate. It’s all on me.”***



I loved the spark they had, their chemistry. Carter just couldn't stay away or keep his hands off of Emily. And that those sexy times? HOT!


Another highlight was Darlene's and Emily's friendship. Darlene really took care of her best friend, securing her safety, always offering a haven. There is also a little twist that might come as a surprise.


CD Reiss Hollywood A-List series is sexy and light-hearted compared to some of her other series and Bodyguard checked all my boxes. It puts you right into tinseltown and makes you a part of it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading Bodyguard. Now I'm looking forward to the next in the series and can't wait to find out who it will be about!