Sometimes I even roll my eyes at myself. I am one of those incredibly sarcastic, steely-forged outer shell with the gooiest, drippy insides that I don't share with most people. Not many witnesses . . . and yet, here we are.

This was just a sweet and fun story. Bodyguard / security detail lead, Hannah Brooks, has just buried her mom and been dumped by her co-worker boyfriend when she's assigned to be the lead on security for big movie star Jack Stapleton. Story ensues, featuring playfulness, predictability, saccharine moments that somehow manage to not be sickening, and even a couple of surprise spots.

This made a great palate cleanser — it was light, enjoyable, and infused with a quiet warmth. Sometimes the recounting-style narration with an occasional drop into second person was a tad much, but it was easily overlooked.

For me there were a lot of contradictions in this book. It is in first person, which is a challenge for me always. I tried to let that happen but I had moments of "nooo why" far too often. The FMC has shades of "not like other girls", which is off-putting. I was rooting for the romance because...romance? I loved the family ties and the way that they managed to heal.

I did not care for the ending, at least not in the way it was set up. Always HEA, so that was good, but the preachy "learn from my mistakes" bit was not so lovely. For me it was super cheesy in a way that I couldn't get past.

Rating: Enjoyed It, 3.5 stars, rounded to 4

This book was a lot of fun! Hannah is an elite Executive Protection Agent for high profile clients. She is a workaholic who is used to jet setting around the world with her wealthy clientele. When her mother dies, her coworker boyfriend breaks up with her, and her boss relegates her to home office duty, Hannah decides she will do anything to get back out in the field, even pretend to be the girlfriend of movie star Jack Stapleton in order to protect him from a middle-aged stalker while he is home to visit his sick mother.

What I Liked:
- I thought that Hannah's inner monologue was delightful and there were several times that I was laughing out loud
- I thought that both characters were very likable and their romance was believable
- Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and I thought it was done very well
- I also enjoyed that we got to see some character growth in both our heroine and hero. They both had some big things that they were dealing with in their pasts, and I thought that this was handled well.

What I didn't like:
- first person POV of only the heroine - it actually wasn't something I actively disliked because I thought that Hannah was a lot of fun to be in her head, but I definitely prefer when we get both POVs
- There was absolutely zero steam. This was probably my biggest complaint, even the kissing was basically glossed over. However, I do see now that it is technically under Women's Fiction rather than Romance. But still, it read like a romance, so I was disappointed.
- The narrative structure was sort of weird. At times it was a normal first person POV but then at others, she would narrate the current event by referencing something that happened in the future, so that was sort of bizarre and would pull me out of the story because that's just not how it was set up at first.

Overall it was a fun and quick read, and I'm glad I had a chance to read it! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance eARC. The Bodyguard releases on July 19, 2022.

I have loved every Katherine Center book I've read, and I've read all of them. This one is no exception, but it lacks the emotional punch of her others. It's sweet and happy, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and (spoiler but not really since book romances USUALLY have HEAs) the tough female bodyguard get her handsome movie star. So why only 4 stars instead of 5? Well, it was entirely predictable, and the characters just didn't have a lot of depth. This could absolutely be a romantic comedy right this very second, and I would watch it. You cast some fun, charming actors, and it would be a hit. But on the page, the characters were a little flat. I didn't believe she was that badass or that he was that charming just because he leaves his laundry on the floor. It was just...missing something. I didn't totally buy it.

Now, having said that, if Center set out to write a feel-good story to give readers an escape from the absolute suck of our world in the last couple of years...one that you don't have to think about too hard where all differences end up resolved, no one dies, whatever's lost is found again and even the "bad guy" ends up redeemed? This is your book. And I mean, I can't at all fault Center for producing a cute, easy read that makes people happy.

But I do hope she goes back to a deeper tale with more of a soul for her next one because she totally kicks ass at those.

I've read every one of Katherine Center's books and was excited to obtain an advanced copy of this one from NetGalley. What I love about Center's stories is they are fun and funny, the writing and dialogue are snappy, and the main character is a woman who is flawed and learning - learning about relationships, learning about family, learning about herself. The Bodyguard is no exception, Hannah is a workaholic private protection agent who is disappointed by her mother, her boyfriend, her best friend, and her uncompassionate boss. But she perseveres and not only comes to accept herself but she finds romance. Do I know when I start a Katherine Center book that it will have a happy ever after ending? Of course, but that's why I read and re-read them, they make me feel happy.

Katherine Center brought a fresh approach to the bodyguard trope by having the heroine as the actual bodyguard. Protecting a world famous, sexiest man alive actor could be distracting for any woman with a heartbeat but Hannah is different. She’s got rules and boundaries all set in place to keep her exempt from Jack Stapleton’s charm. Until their plans go awry and she has to pretend to be his girlfriend.

This is an easy going summer read. Perfect to get lost in on those lazy beach days.

I’ll start by saying that I am the biggest fan of Katherine Center. Her books are always entertaining, heartfelt, and feature a heroine who shows a real growth in self awareness and strength.

This story doesn’t deviate from her usual pattern. However, I felt it was slightly lacking this time around.

It was an enjoyable read. I liked the Heroine, Hannah, but I never truly fell in love with her. I found myself, along with every character in the book, unsure of whether or not Jack was truly interested in her. She is described as being plain, stumpy and having crooked teeth, which is great if she had the personality to make readers believe the sexiest man in Hollywood would be in love with her. I don’t feel that I ever found it, especially given just how great Jack seems to be.

I loved the idea of a female bodyguard, becoming a part of someone’s family, being “ordinary and plain” but falling in love with the most untouchable and famous actor in Hollywood and having that love reciprocated, I just found the chemistry to be slightly lacking.

I still would give this book a 3.75 stars and would recommend it as a sweet easy read, I just don’t think it measures up to Happiness for Beginners or Things you Save in a Fire.

I received a copy of “The Bodyguard” by Katherine Center from NetGalley for an honest review and wow was I glad! This book was adorable, heartwarming, and hilarious all at the same time. I love how Hannah was such a strong character despite everything she had been through in her life (except when being surrounded by cows). Jack was by far my favorite characters in this book. I loved how he constantly laughed with Hannah and treated her with respect (especially after she tosses him around). The way the author wrote about his parents made you truly feel the love they had for each other and I loved how they included Hannah. I read this book in one sitting and can’t wait to find more books to read by this author.

3.5 stars

Parts of this book made me laugh out loud and parts of it made me really sad. This was my first book by Katherine Center and I'd definitely read another one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press!

Bridget Jones’ Diary meets Miss Congeniality in this absolutely hilarious and mesmerizing romcom! Could NOT put it down!

This is the third Katherine Center book I’ve read, and I have loved every one of them. She’s a master at developing characters and relationships that are enjoyable and believable without being cheesy. If you enjoy a good rom-com (and actually even if you don’t), I think you’ll love this book too!

Thank you netgalley & St. Martin's Press for allowing me a preview of this book! The Bodyguard was a nearly flawless novel with just the right amount of suspense, surprise, and feel good moments. The story follows Hannah, a 5'5" kick butt executive protection agent (bodyguard). With big change happening in her personal life, Hannah gets tasked with her toughest assignment yet: Hollywood star Jack Stapleton. While it begins as an annoyingly close to home job, Hannah soon discovers that Jack & the complications that come with him will test her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Katherine Center pens a fast read, filled with moments of both light heartedness and intense emotional strain. She beautifully illustrates the emotional roller coaster we all go through as we reach checkpoints in our lives, while still maintaining a fun narrative. I loved this book and can't wait to read another by Center!

Hannah Brooks might not see herself as a workaholic or even devoted to her job but after 8 years at the company and constantly dodging any and all personal obligations - Hannah is a workaholic, sticking to the one thing she knows well, protecting the rich, affluent, popular, and famous people of the world. At 5’4 you’d never expect Hannah to take down a 300-pound man with a wine opener but that’s the advantage that the Executive Protection Agency is looking for. Hannah’s been all across the world on several missions serving multiple affluent clients. When the unexpected death of her mother grounds her in Houston Hannah finds that she can’t escape her problems forever. To make matters worse, the day after the funeral her co-worker and boyfriend, Robby, dumps her and take off on an assignment with her co-worker and best friend, I think you can see where this is going to go.

Everyone knows movie star and heartthrob Jack Stapleton - including his fair share of stalkers and avid fans. Even after escaping the spotlight for the last few years after a family tragedy Jack is still a household name. So when he returns from his self-imposed seclusion to help his sick mom and stay at their family ranch his team thinks it’s best to hire someone to watch over Jack. The only problem, Jack doesn’t want to worry his mom about the potential threats. So he comes up with a plan - fake date his bodyguard.

Now spending weeks together at Jack's family ranch Hannah finds herself having a hard time distinguishing between real-life Jack and America's heartthrob Jack Stapleton. Protecting him is the easy part but finally admitting her feelings while protecting her heart is a whole other story.

While the overall story was a bit predictable and sometimes downright unrealistic there were parts where I found myself crying for the trauma both Hannah and Jack have gone through all while rooting for them. This book felt very much like Miss Congeniality but in a way that you still were left wondering will they, won't they in the end.

Overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars while I loved the concept and plot of the book but the style of writing the author used was almost like a friend writing you a letter to tell you about what they've been up to which felt a little distant at times and made it hard to connect with the narrative.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was just what the doctor ordered for me. I love Katherine Center's work and the movie The Bodyguard so expectations were high. I'm happy to report the story did not disappoint!

If you're familiar with Center's other work you know she writes well-developed, flawed, loveable characters. I enjoyed getting to know Hannah and Jack over the course of the book, as well as the secondary characters. I also often feel like the setting is another character in her books - there's a real sense of place in the Bodyguard. I'm ready to go spend some time along the Brazos River!

Compared to her others, this book felt a bit lighter and maybe a bit more divorced from reality. Exactly what I needed coming off of two years of a pandemic!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of The Bodyguard by Katherine Center in exchanged for an honest review.

When famous actor Jack Stapleton's mom get sick, he comes out of hiding to stay at the family ranch while she is recovering. However, what his family does not know, is that he has a minor stalker situation. Which means a very reluctant Hannah Brooks becomes Jacks personal bodyguard. There's one catch though... he doesn't want his family to know about the stalker or needing a bodyguard... So against Hannah's better judgment she must pretend to be Jack's girlfriend and stay on the Stapleton ranch for an entire month! The more time they spend together, the more the lines begin to blur. Is Jack really that good of an actor? Or is Hannah losing her touch when it comes to reading people?

I loved Hannah's inner voice. She talked like a regular human-being with regular insecurities. It didn't matter that she was protecting the Jack Stapleton. She was strong, yet vulnerable. Spoke her mind, but also held her tongue. Then there's Jack. Even though he's famous, he's just this regular down-to-Earth quirky guy! Is his handsomeness exhausting? Absolutely. But he can't help it! ;)

I could totally picture this novel becoming a smash hit rom-com. Jack is adorable. Hannah is a bad ass and the two together? Swoon-worthy!

Yes, the plot is a little bit exaggerated, but that's what makes it so good! It was highly entertaining and a huge roller coaster ride at the 85% - 90% point because I became so invested in these characters! This is my second novel by Katherine Center and I can guarantee, it won't be my last! 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

Predictable, but not in a way that's problematic. In fact, this book marks the first time a novel has made me laugh out loud, more than once, in a long time. I pin my enjoyment entirely on the intelligent and irreverent writing style.

I've adored every Katherine Center book I've ever read, and The Bodyguard is no different! This book was fun and flirty while carefully hitting some tough subjects. I think many people will be able to relate to Hannah and Jack's battles of worthiness and self-forgiveness, and Katherine Center always does a great job writing stories of inner strength,

Hannah is an unsuspecting but all-business Executive Protection Agent, aka bodyguard, hired to protect Jack, an A-list celebrity who's been a recluse after losing his younger brother. I loved Hannah's inner dialogue and watching her become more personable and open throughout the story. Jack's loyalty, kindness, and of course, charm, made him so lovable! These two worked really well together, and the ridiculous Corgi Stalker that brought them together was a delightful treat (I probably shouldn't use the word stalker as a treat...). I always wish MCs would just communicate and share their feelings openly the first time, but hey, that would lead to a very boring book.

All in all, The Bodyguard was an incredibly enjoyable read that I can't wait to recommend!

*Also,I can't write a review that doesn't mention that Robby/Bobby is just one of the worst exes I've ever read about. Just, ugh! I was so glad to see him sent away!

When I was approved for an arc of this book, Iw as thrilled. I love reading all of this authors books. She always has bada$$ heroines and this one was no different. A female bodyguard? Come on! Yes please. The only thing that didn’t quite work for me was then ending, it was border line cheesy., but overall enjoyed.

Oh how I adore this author, Every time a new book comes out by Katherine Center I think it’s her best one yet, but this time I truly think she has outdone herself. I just love her writing, her warm and uplifting style and of course the story itself, I have close to a thousand books on my kindle but The Bodyguard is the only one that I actually highlighted some passages as they are just incredibly meaningful. A wonderful read and I’m just sad that now the wait begins for her next. Well done! Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

I loved this book so much! Hannah & Jake were such a fun couple and I really enjoyed seeing them come together and overcome their obstacles to find their Happily Ever After