Thank you to NetGalley for an early digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.



Do you ever start a book and just know it’s going to become your newest obsession? Because that was me when I started this book!

I knew from the beginning I was going to LOVE this book and about halfway through I started feeling so sad that it would eventually end.
I’ve heard that Katherine Center’s previous books are less focused on the romantic relationship but The Bodyguard is definitely a romance in my opinion. And it’s a perfect romance.

Hannah is a bodyguard that no one would expect and she’s tasked with protecting this famous actor, Jack Stapleton, that everyone’s in love with. She never gets attached to people but then Jack turns that all around. I just love the cinnamon roll heroes. Jack was the sweetest and I love him so much. Hannah was so relatable. Her insecurities were real. I understood why she did things. And she said the funniest things throughout this book. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed while reading.

I have to say, Jack’s mom is the real star of the show 😂 Glenn cracked me up and I don’t know if he’s supposed to be a likable character, but I liked him.


EVERYONE GO READ THIS BOOK.
It will make you smile and laugh and scream into a pillow from cuteness. I honestly think if you’re a fan of Emily Henry’s books, you will like Katherine Center’s writing, characters, and romance. So please check it out.



SPOILERS BELOW




I hate Robby/Bobby. And how Hannah handled him at her apartment was perfect, I was cheering for her.

I love that she didn’t completely forgive and be friends with Taylor again. I feel like I’m most books when anyone hurts the Mc it’s just a quick apology and everything’s back to how it was but I’m glad it wasn’t.

He took a metal detector out every morning to find her necklace!! I would’ve cried.

No hesitation, he chose to save her over himself 😭😭

When they told his mom and she said if he proposed to her right now she’d forgive them and that she knew they liked each other. She was the best!!

As much as I love his mom, I love Doc too. When she showed him up shooting those bottles, I was dying laughing 🤣

Piggyback rides and the river scene 🥹🥹

“The Bodyguard” was the return to the Katherine Center who authored books that I loved in “How to Walk Away” and “Things You Save in a Fire.” It was a romance with two people you could root for, which included humor, and had an unconventional subplot which I really appreciate in romances where it seems like it’s all been done before. It was a cute story, with likeable characters experiencing real life scenarios. This book flew by and was just a rather comforting read. I quite enjoyed this one and rank this among one of my favorites by Center. 4 stars ⭐️. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review.

"It’s as if loving somebody—really, bravely, just all-in loving somebody—is a doorway to something divine."

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is a contemporary romance with forced proximity, fake dating, and the bodyguard troupe, with a little twist. LITTLE AS IN BIG AS IN FEMALE BODYGUARD.

"The Bodyguard" is in first-person POV following Hannah Brooks, a workaholic bodyguard who is assigned to none other than the hero, Jake Stapleton, to protect him from a stalker who has become a greater threat over the past few months. As an agent and given her appearance, the best cover is to surface as Jake's girlfriend. He is an assignment, one that no one believes she can pull off, especially her ex-boyfriend. It's easy to say that falling in love is not the plan and isn't in the cards, but when push comes to shove, can the two of them resist the secrets unveiled and the tension simmering within each other?

I am absolutely obsessed with this book. I read this book months ago and devoured it in a matter of hours. It was new and unique, cute, and just overall amazing. The two main characters, Jake and Hannah, had such perfect chemistry that it blew out any completion for my favorite fake dating book. While Jake was adorable with funny banter and a lighthearted personality, Hannah stole the show. I don't even know where to start with her. She embodies the saying "Beautiful, but dangerous." Her skills were well written and executed. She was simply the badass you would expect from a female bodyguard. If I had to rate this book based on the FMC and MMC only, the rating would stay the same. While there were some aspects about this book that kept me from giving it a full five stars, it was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it. It's a rom-com with just the right amount of sexual tension and charm to check all the boxes for a perfect read.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was so happy to enjoy this book! It was a quick read and it was fun perfect for me right now as I’m down with COVID. Her last book I really didn’t like and so I was cautious with this one but it was a bit of a redemption. That being said it wasn’t fresh or revolutionary it was a same old same old fake dating trope but it was good at what it was. I did enjoy it.

"The Bodyguard" (thank you NetGalley for the ARC) is a fun and interesting story that flips gender norms.

Hannah is a fierce, capable woman dealing with major life events.
Jack is a straight up Hollywood SNACK with a stalker.

Excellent character development, interesting story, set on a ranch (I am a sucker for rural, bucolic settings).

The title will mislead you. Hannah Brooks is the bodyguard. She is at the top of her profession. She believes she is in love with one of co-workers. Then the death of her mom happens and her life is all upside down. She believes work is the only thing that makes sense. Jack Stapleton is a movie star that has been off the grid. It seems that no matter what, when mom calls he comes home. The movie studio and his agent have all agreed that he needs protection. From the moment they meet, it is funny. The back and forth between them is funny, sweet and sometimes you just want to hug them. When the threat level is raised, the truth must come out. The ranch and family are now under protection but Hannah is gone. It seems these two see each other for who they really are. Can they make it work or will they be forever torn apart by their jobs?

I'll be honest, this isn't my usual genre but, I really enjoyed this book. If you're struggling to get into this book, I'd advise waiting to put it down until Hannah and Jack start to settle into Jack's family's ranch. The story really finds its footing at that point, making it much easier to be swept into it. Once Hannah and Jack begin to move past all initial awkwardness, Center's humor truly begins to shine. It's a quick, easy, read that will leave you laughing and uplifted.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and of course the wonderful author for the ARC of this book.

I read this in a day. That is a hint as to how great this story was, I couldn’t put it down! I smiled and laughed throughout this book which is something I loved because I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be such a lighthearted read, yet at the same time I felt the loss that the characters experienced individually.

I really enjoyed the twist from the typical bodyguard “roles,” it is something I hadn’t read before, and I think it was executed really well and also made for funny moments (I don’t think I’ve ever read a character say “Jujitsu me” before with so much enthusiasm lol)

I loved following Jack and Hannah’s journey as each of them dealt with their respective losses and discovered how to move on from them and forgive themselves. Also, I would say this does fall under the found family trope. It really was endearing to see them all come together, and I mean, I loved Connie! How could I not? She brought her family together and gave Hannah a place where she felt like she truly was part of them.

This was a heartwarming story and perfect for romcom lovers in need of a summer read!

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review… thanks to the publisher…this writer weaves a cannot put down story…it is great…I enjoy books by this author…setting is dynamic…characters are intriguing…the story keeps the reader guessing…what next? Why? Cozy up in a comfy chair with a warm Afghan…be whisked away for an afternoon with the life like characters…enjoy.

First off I must mention that Katherine Center's books have the most beautiful covers - they are always so beautiful. and compliment her books so well. Second - I must say I really enjoyed this book! I've been in a bit of a reading rut lately and I think this was just exactly what I needed. It was a light, fun , romantic comedy and I could just envision this being a fun movie with someone like Sandra Bullock playing the role of Hannah. I love that the author writes characters such as Hannah putting them in careers that are not exactly typical to women but makes them the best at what they do. This was a fun story and even though you have a good idea how a Katherine Center novel is going to turn out, it is enjoyable reading to get there. Even if there was a part in there that made me question everything I thought was going to happen. Great summer Book! .

This was just what I needed. Its out tomorrow, everywhere books are sold, and I'm so glad more people will get to read this delightful read. Katherine Center has become a favorite author of mine, though admittedly I'm still making my way through her backlist.

This one focuses on Hannah, an executive protection officer who takes her job incredibly seriously. When she takes on the role of protecting famous actor Jack Stapleton while he cares for his sick mother, she is just doing so in order to snag a promotion. But of course feelings develop during their forced proximity, and Hannah is forced to confront her own issues and childhood traumas. This is where the book really shines with its emotional depth while still being heartwarming. Jack Stapleton is a dream book boyfriend, even if he is a bit too perfect (but is so Hannah). I stayed up past my bedtime reading this one (and listened to the audio while working), and laughed out loud in a few places. The ending was a bit suspenseful, and kept it from being too predictable. If you can't tell, I really enjoyed this one. This is a great summer read if you're looking for a brain candy book. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and St. Martin's Press for the advanced e-copy.

While I do love a good Bodyguard trop (who doesn't) and do enjoy the idea of that trope being flipped, I feel like this was so..boring. Don't get me wrong, I am sure many people will love this. It can be cute and I'm sure it would be a quick read. However, I DNF'd it. I could not have cared less about the main character. It was written as if the mc were speaking to the reader, which can be done well. It wasn't done well in this case. I tend to be more picky and less forgiving on Romance's, I'll admit it. They aren't my typical 'go-to.'

📚 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 📚
4.75/5 🌟

I loved this sweet, romantic comedy. It’s light and easy to get lost in - something I definitely was in need of! Katherine Center’s past books, though I know immensely popular, never appealed to me - but the voice in this one is fresh, funny and relatable, and the story is told concisely without any down time to lose interest. There were just enough details to make the story “real” without the whole plot seeming contrived, and the characters were well developed and not overly done.

So many people have reached out to me looking for a fun summer read - this is my new go-to recommendation!

It comes out tomorrow, July 19th - grab a copy!
My thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced readers copy.

#bibliophile#stephsalwaysreading#whatshouldireadnext#perfectsummerread@thebodyguard#katherinecenter#netgalley#stmartinspress#lovedthisbook

Things aren’t going well for Hannah - her mom just died, her boyfriend broke up with her the day after the funeral, and she’s just been assigned to be a bodyguard on a case she doesn’t want to take. But the good news is this a kathcent novel so we know good things are around the corner for our girl.

My thoughts:
This author always manages to write great, feel good stories without sacrificing good writing, character development or solid storytelling.
I loved this book! I started it on a plane and didn’t set it down until it was finished. I loved the relationships so much - romantic, siblings, friendships. I think I was smiling the entire time I was reading. Such a great read!

Need a beach read or a rainy day read? The Bodyguard might be the book for you. From the beginning, I liked the premise of a female bodyguard, Executive Protection Agent Hannah Brooks. She has been charged with protecting movie star Jack Stapleton. She is pretending to be his girlfriend so that his family does not know that Jack has a problem. His mother has breast cancer and he wants to be there for her and his family. They live on a secluded ranch. The reader is treated to see their relationship grow as she starts to become part of the family. Jack’s younger brother Drew died in a car accident a few years ago, and Jack’s older brother, Hank blames Jake. There are lots of side plots and characters. Maybe too many! I liked most of the book but felt the ending and epilogue were a little too much. Personally, I loved Center’s dedication to her grandparents as I felt the same way about mine. My thanks to St Marin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

Let me first say a few things:
- I had zero idea what this book was about and truly went in blind… best decision EVER!
- Katherine Center is a beautiful author and I now want to read all of her per past books
- The books being released this summer are just getting better and better!!

Now let’s get into the good stuff…

Hannah Brooks is a Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard") and Jack Stapleton is a high profile actor — so famous he even has stockers. Following a family tragedy, Jack completely dropped off the public scene. That is until his mom gets sick and he needs to head back to his family’s ranch to support her. Hannah is enlisted as his bodyguard however Jack has other plans. In an effort not to raise any red flags with his family, he suggests Hannah posses as his girlfriend. Needless to say, this creates the perfect backdrop for a fake relationship full of sexual tension you could cut with a knife. Well paced and incredibly charming, this book had me laughing out loud.

Shout out to Jack’s mother, she’s the real MVP of the book!

Do yourself a favour a pick up a copy of The Bodyguard on publication day - July 19th!

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

This was a miss for me. The characters were too singular - lacked the nuance and complexity that I needed to buy into the story. The writing itself was good - quippy and fun - but without a cast of characters that are even slightly believable, the writing lost me. I know I’m in the minority with this review and am thankful to St Martins Press for the advanced copy.

I just finished The Bodyguard by Katherine Center and loved it!
Hannah Brooks is petite, ordinary and prefers pantsuits. Her boyfriend breaks up with her the day after her mother's funeral. Her best friend betrays her. And she's an elite bodyguard! Wanting to bury herself in her work, she's not thrilled to be assigned to famed movie star, Jack Stapleton. But the heart-throb actor has a stalker, and it's Hannah's job to protect him. Of course, there's a further twist to this mission. Jack's ill mother (love her!) can't know he's in need of a bodyguard, so the best disguise is for Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend. A fun story of likeable characters - eh maybe one or two unlikeable ones - with guarded hearts. The Bodyguard is funny and sweet but mostly heartwarming. A great book that'll make your heart hum!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy.

THE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center is a heart-wrenching, emotional and hopeful story that drew me in from the very first page and never let go. I loved several of this author’s previous books and I couldn’t wait to read this latest one. It certainly did not disappoint. As always, her characters are richly-drawn and the story is expertly-plotted and told with wit, humor and heart. Hannah Brooks is the least likely Executive Protection Agent (bodyguard) you could imagine. Petite and unassuming, she is the consummate professional, having traveled the world protecting high profile clients. Hannah’s routine life changes when she is assigned to protect famous actor, Jack Stapleton, from a middle-aged stalker. Although she has always had a secret crush on him, she vows to be professional in every way. But can she maintain her composure when he asks her to pose as his girlfriend in front of his family? The relationship that develops between Hannah and Jack is heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. Hannah’s inner dialogue and the banter between the pair is entertaining and so authentic. The story had me laughing and tearful in equal measure. I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

I loved this! I loved the characters and how the develop and grow through the book. I love the banter and snark. But most of all, I loved Hannah and Jack; I loved the way their relationship developed through the book. I loved how they interacted with each other and with the other characters in the book. It was all so wholesome and real. This is a great feel-good book, perfect for a beach vacation or a rainy weekend.