Katherine Center does it again! Her novels never EVER disappoint. She can't put out new reads fast enough :)

Center has a way to make you fall in love with characters and their story regardless of steam, which is I feel is very popular right now, and something I often want in a romance, but with her books, it's simply not even necessary to include. In the Bodyguard, she created such a fun, unique, plot, with Hannah, a woman who does not give the appearance of a bodyguard with a complicated past tasked with protecting the ultra famous, sexy actor Jack, who has a few issues of his own, and it was pure magic. I'm sure you can tell where the story is going to go, but the journey to get there was enthralling, and I loved every minute of it.

There was past relationship drama, dangerous scenarios, heartwarming family situations, and of course, romance.

I love everything Katherine Center has written and her newest book is just as good if not better. It takes an interesting spin on a female bodyguard whose job is to protect Jack, a famous actor who just so happens to be dealing with some heavy feelings related to a personal tragedy. When Hannah is forced to take the job protecting Jack she is also dealing with a lot of loss and together they begin to heal each other. The banter between Hannah and Jack is so enjoyable to read and the book had such a good overwhelming theme of loving and forgiving yourself that it left me with a warm feeling in my heart when I was done.

The Bodyguard
by Katherine Center
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7

This needs to be made into a movie! It would become those movies that I would watch over and over again! It's fun, funny, emotional and romantic! Who have never had a crush on someone famous? But in this case, Hannah hit the jackpot, or better, 'the' Jack Stapleton!

Hannah is an Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard") and she's good at it. She had just lost her mom and then Robby, her boyfriend and coworker, dumped her in the very next day after the funeral. Heartbroken but trying to show herself as a strong person, she wants to go back to work and get ready for her next mission in Madrid. Her boss, Glenn, told her to go home and grieve and that she wasn't going to Madrid anymore and, instead, her coworker (and best friend) Taylor would be going in her place together with Robby.

After a few weeks, the team got a new assignment: to protect the world-famous actor Jack Stapleton, and Hannah was the one selected to be the primary agent. But what she didn't know was that Jack was going to ask her to be his pretend girlfriend during the job so his parents wouldn't be scared of the stalkers.

Jack Stapleton was hiding out of the celebrity world since his younger brother died in a car accident where Jack himself was accused to be the driver. Now, Jack's mom was diagnosed with cancer and he came back to Texas to be with her, despite his older brother hate for him. Jack was being stalked and that's why his agents contracted Glenn's agents. After meeting Hannah and asking her to be his pretend girlfriend, they went to the hospital to be with Jack's mom during her surgery. But after his mom met Hannah, she instantly liked her and asked her to come with Jack and stay at their Texas ranch until thanksgiving. She wanted to say no, she wanted to go to any other assignment away from Texas, away from her ex boyfriend and ex bff. But, she had no choice.

As the days passed and the team was outside the ranch watching the surveillance cameras and protecting Jack and his family, Hannah and Jack got closer together, something that an agent shouldn't have been doing. She was supposed to be there but not get too personal. Too late. She was starting to like him. But was him being real or was him acting? With a series of cute and very funny moments between them, including sharing secrets and nightmares, this is one of the sweetest stories I've read this year so far.

Such a sweet romance! For me it was perfect! And I would love to watch it in theaters so so much!
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

It never fails with Center’s writing she gives a great wisdom and understanding of her characters and this story The Bodyguard is really pure and delightful. It has the sparks, banter, and flirtatious flow that we all look for when reading a romantic novel. When reading this book I had the biggest smile and I connected with the characters and I personally loved that for me. And this book overall was just so fun to read!!!! This is definitely a “feel good romcom”

The Bodyguard is another 5-Star read by Katherine Center. Fame meets anonymity. How do famous people stay anonymous? You can count on Katherine Center to bring the education of an unknown topic, a love triangle, a personal struggle and a hot mess of a family. This book looks at the world of a famous actor trying to go back to Houston while his month is undergoing cancer treatment. Every Houstonian should read this book for the love of the city, the suburban and rural landscape that it geographically entangles.

I really appreciated the premise of Center's The Bodyguard. I liked that the MC, Hannah, was a quiet, unassuming woman who was also secretly a badass. She was confident in her skillset and her ability to do her job. I loved that about her! But she was also a very human character, with flaws and insecurities in other areas of her life. Her grief over her mother was well-written and Center had a good handle on who Hannah was.

On the other hand, Hannah's love interest, Jack Stapleton was...well. His writing felt like a maybe a second draft hero in comparison to how polished the author's characterization of Hannah was. I felt like he was more or less too perfect. He's SO kind and SO understanding and SO hot. The internalized guilt and grief over his brother's death was...fine, but it felt remote from the rest of the story for most of the book. But (and, note, this is likely just me being a bit sensitive, but I'm going to mention it anyway, since I've seen this done in a few romance books in the last few years and it BUGS me) is Jack's throwaway line about his ADD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia. First, it doesn't seem to have an impact on his character at all. I'm not saying that neurodivergence should be the centerpiece of a character's...character. BUT a triple whammy like that is going to impact a character...and Jack just....doesn't have that. Second, the preferred acronym is ADHD; ADD is considered a little outdated as a term except in some rare instances. Which is a complete nitpick, I know, but it does show a lack of knowledge either on the writer or editor's part. Maybe it's just something that didn't get caught--fine. Again. Center's reference to it bugged me but it's FINE. Again, it's not like it's a big part of the story, so perhaps this whole dialogue was for nothing. Apologies.

So now that I've gone completely off-tangent, back to the story. The plot was all right; the end felt rushed, but nothing that really turned me off. I thought the actual events were well-paced. I could have done with more chemistry between the MCs. Hannah and Jack often felt like really good friends, not really intense love interests? But maybe that's intentional on the author's part.

So overall...3 stars. Solid. Most readers will have a good time. I'm just persnickety. :)

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ebook ARC. All opinions in my review are mine alone.

Romance is a very diverse genre. I sometimes forget this. This is for twofold reasons. Firstly, there is the pervasive narrative that simplifies romance in the media to “women’s literature” (I scoff; romance is not gendered), to silly stories, to unrealism without purpose or value. While I am able to unlearn this, in moments of weakness sometimes this narrative does overcome me. Secondly, and perhaps more to blame: I tend to stick firmly to my romantic niches. I prefer novels with certain tropes and archetypes and I rarely seem to stray from what I know I will enjoy. This book does not fall into my categories, and consequently it sort of hit me by surprise. The Bodyguard is sweet and sincere and adorable, and proof that outside of my comfort zone does not equate bad (shocking, indeed).
The novel played with stereotypes just enough–casually but significantly, which is something I find romance consistently does well. I found our female protagonist, a supposedly badass bodyguard, to be sufficiently badass, and the male protagonist was the correct amount of bumbling dork, which is not necessarily what I want from movie star playboy but something I wasn’t upset to get instead. Their romance is of the adorable variety–again, not my typical–and it is satisfyingly sincere. Much of it occurs in a farmhouse. They go on hikes, and communicate their feelings for each other healthily, on the romance-novel scale. I find myself not minding the sweetness much, despite being usually revolted by such cute antics.
Would I recommend it? Depends. I think it lacked, ultimately, some of the memorability that other more recent publications have. No singular moments made me swoon, and neither character will be stamped upon my heart evermore. I do not regret reading it, but I will not be reading it again, and, to be perfectly honest, I might not recommend it to another, simply because there will always be novels higher on my list, eliciting stronger passion within me. But, then again, maybe literature does not need to be as emotionally taxing as I perceive it to be. Maybe it’s okay for books to be comfortable and full of even breathing. If you prefer to take your romance novels comfortably instead of physically distressed, this one is very sweet, and probably for you.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

📚 The Bodyguard by Katherine Center 📚

Releases July 19, 2022!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5 — kissing only, closed door

~ARC REVIEW~

I was not expecting this book to make me want to travel to a ranch in Texas, or to research the tragic history of the River Brazos. This was such an incredibly fun read and I’m eager to buy it!

“The Bodyguard” follows Hannah, a top notch bodyguard, and Jack, an A-list star who hires Hannah as part of his security detail when a corgi-loving stalker poses threat. They enter into a fake dating situation as a result and the lines of what is fake and what is not are crossed.

The book is told from Hannah’s perspective and the writing style was incredibly unique. It fit very well with Hannah’s personality and there were times I felt like she was talking directly to me. I REALLY loved how it read as if I was watching a 90s romcom and had tropes that hit me with nostalgia.

My favourite part I would say was Jack and Hannah. They were flawed and human, and I felt for them throughout their story. They truly helped each other heal and, while there was no steam in this book, it was not needed for their love to flourish.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a touching slow burn romance with a lot of humour and a woman protecting a man for a change!

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center and St. Martin’s Press for approving this copy of this ARC for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book so much! I loved all the characters and want to join the Stapleton family! This book made me love and cry. It is a perfect romcom. Katherine Center is amazing and an auto buy for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read an advance copy of The Bodyguard and share a review voluntarily.

The Bodyguard tells the story of Hannah and Jack. Hannah is an elite bodyguard and is in a rut of sorts after two major life events leave her grieving. She is assigned to Jack’s security detail as he’s an actor with a stalker. Jack and Hannah are thrown into a fake dating cover for her appearance at his family’s house. The relationship that unwinds is tender and thoughtful.

This was an absolutely delightful novel. Hannah was so authentic and lovable. I love when a character is unapologetic about their traits that might bother others. Jack was sweet and complex. I understand the reason not to have dual POV but I would have loved to read from Jack’s perspective too.

The narration style of retelling the story after the fact with a bit of fourth wall breaking was unique. It took me a bit to get used to it but I enjoyed the tone once I was.

I recommend this to anyone that enjoys a slow-burn, closed door romance about two grieving people who find comfort and love in their friendship and later their relationship.

I discovered Katherine Center at the end of 2019, and she has quickly become one of my "auto one-click" favorite authors. Needless to say, "The Bodyguard" has been one of my most anticipated reads of this year - and I loved it.!
Katherine Center herself describes this book as "pure sunshine" and that it an apt description. Hannah Brooks looks like a meek, petite, kindergarten teacher but she is actually a Executive Protection Agent (bodyguard) that could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Jack Stapleton is a super star - a household name that dazzles with his dazzling good looks and his acting skills. Guess who needs personal protection from a stalker and guess who is hired?

I had many laugh out loud moments with this book - and loved the growing "pretend and real" relationship between these two appealing characters. Although there is a lot of sunshine and light, as with all of Katherine Center's books, there are layers to these characters that we get to discover. Ms. Center has a wonderful way of developing worlds you want to live in and characters you want to hang out with.

I loved this book and could absolutely see it being adapted into a film like some of Katherine Center's other works - and I will be one of the first ones watching it! Meanwhile, if you are looking to escape for a little while into a beautifully written rom-com with heart and soul, go grab "The Bodyguard" - you won't regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Katherine Center for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center did not disappoint with her new novel, The Bodyguard. I have never read one her books that iI did not love. While they are easy, quick reads., there is always a dose of some kind of trauma and seriousness. The Bodyguard was no different.
Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard, but this no nonsense lady definitely does not look the part. When she is assigned to guard Hollywood's sexiest man alive, she is coming out of a breakup and not in the mood for any superstar shenanigans. Her subject, Jack Stapleton, is much different than her preconceived notions. Hannah ends up having to pose as his girlfriend and even has to move in with him and his family. When a stalker situation becomes worse, Hannah is forced to walk away.
With bits of thrill, drama and humor sprinkled throughout, this was such a fun read, I'd highly recommend.

**huge thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Loved this quick, fun and cute book! Would definitely recommend if you’re in a reading slump and looking for a quick, funny and cute rom com!

Katherine Center is the queen of a slow-burn romance. All of her books are precious. Highly recommend for a book club.

This was an easy and fun rom com read. During the first few chapters of this book, I was skeptical I would like where this story would go... the bodyguard plot seemed odd. But once I got into the book, I enjoyed the story. Some situations were a tad ridiculous/not realistic but it added to the story's charm. Pick this up if you want a fun rom com read this summer!

I have loved Katherine Center since the very first book I picked up, and this newest offering is no different. The Bodyguard tells the story of a famous actor and the female bodyguard hired to protect him while he visits Houston for family reasons.

This story is a little bit typical and a little bit cliched, but I love that about it. Of course the actor gives an entitled and arrogant first impression, and of course the bodyguard is originally stiff and unimpressed with him. Eventually, they both see they've misjudged and romance ensues. Just because we happen to know what the ending will be doesn't mean that getting there is thoroughly and wonderfully enjoyable.

The Bodyguard is quite a satisfying rom-com, especially if you enjoy the tropes of fake dating and of celebrity/regular person dating, or even better, the niche forbidden love sub-genre of bodyguard and client dating (think Tokyo Ever After, perhaps) - which I do! In this one, Hannah is a bodyguard whose newest assignment is to cover famous actor + People's sexiest man Jack Stapleton when he returns home to his family's Texas ranch during his mom's cancer treatments. And of course, to cover the fact that she's undercover, they've got to fake a dating relationship - which turns into a friendship, and more... I loved that the bodyguard of the title is actually the woman - always fun to read a rom-com with people who have fascinating jobs, and even better when it's this unexpected twist of a lady who can take down bad guys. I did take issue a few times that in the interest of the comedy part of the rom-com, she sometimes came off a little silly (like shrieking about a cow coming close to her window) and it took away a little from the bad-assery that was supposed to be part of her character. In general, the style/tone/level of steam reminded me of Abby Jimenez' excellent series, or even a bit of Kerry Winfrey's work in that it's more of a true rom-com than a steamy romance - characters who are thrown together with a very awkward meet-cute and a bit of almost slapstick humor, but they are still also dealing with some deep personal issues, in this case Hannah's recent breakup and loss of her mother that she's still coming to terms with, and Jack's grief and guilt over the death of his younger brother that led him to step away from acting for a while. There's definitely plenty of banter and chemistry and building sexual tension throughout, but nothing open-door about it, and the whole time you are just DYING for them to for-real kiss and rooting for this couple to happen, even if they seem mis-matched at first. So if you like a classic rom-com, definitely pick this one up when it publishes in July!

I went into The Bodyguard without reading a synopsis and was startled from the get-go at the reversal of the trope I was expecting. A 5'5" female bodyguard, excuse me- executive protection agent? And a movie star as the hero? But I was willing to go anywhere Center took me, and in this case that was a ranch in Texas. Girlfriend dresses. And through surprisingly fun twists and turns. Four adorable and twee stars, which are never too steamy to hand to one of my students. Very cute romance, and worth a read!

Life can be real garbage sometimes, amirite?
But then you get your chunky little depressing hands on a Katherine Center book & just like that~~

You feel like a million bucks instead of a malnourished raccoon running on zero hours of sleep.

NO LONGER ARE YOU that lady who is on the brink of 30, single-her-whole life lonely.
No. Nope. Nah, you are the independent, b.a. female protagonist in every well-done slow-burn. The FUTURE BRIDE of Park Seo-joon/ Lord Anthony Bridgerton/ *enter the name of any Katherine Center male lead*.

That 15 pounds you were supposed to lose during the first quarter of the year? Not happening!
And that’s okay. Because life is better/less troublesome/ more tolerable when Katherine Center is your literary fairy godmother who refuses to cheap out on fairy dust but instead, generously lathers you in it from head-to-freakin-toe.

The Bodyguard tells the story of Hannah Brooks, a bodyguard (or in fancier words, an Executive Protection Agent) whose next mission is to protect the hot and emotionally tarnished heart-throb Hollywood star, Jack Stapleton. He is dreamy. He is sweet. He thinks Hannah is the funniest person to have graced this earth (she is, btw). Did I mention, he’s very easy on the eyes?

Made with only the best ingredients, this story is basically a rom-com dream come true in novel form. I do not have enough words to express how happy I was to receive this arc. But in case you were wondering: As a Christian woman, I prayed to God for this.

All my humble thanks & gratitude to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and last but certainly not least (duh) , Katherine Center for taking a chance on me by blessing me with this arc 💓

Made me sooo happy! I was laughing out loud (my 3 year thinks I’m crazy!) definitely recommending this to anyone who wants to feel good and feel allll the feels!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this amazing ARC