I am a sucker for good romance, but ESPECIALLY good romance set in Texas and *written* by Texans.

I'm usualy 50/50 on whether or not I identify with the female romantic lead, but I found Hannah to be relatable and it was easy for me to step into her POV. At first I wanted to beef with her for being a Texan and not knowing that the Brazos runs muddy, but the deeper I got into the book the more I realized that was the point of her character - she's been so deeply entrenched in her career that she hasn't taken time to notice her surroundings.

@ Netflix, please adapt this as a romcom starring Chris Evans and Alexandra Daddario, thanks!

Thank you so much to the publisher & Negalley for the ARC. LOVED it!

OMG! One of the best Katherine Center books I’ve read to date. I devoured this book in a day and couldn’t put it down. There is so much tension between the two main characters, Jack and Hannah, between the fake dating, forced proximity, and their onion like personalities (peel away all of the layer to get to the base of them). This book is a MUST read.

why my nose was in this book:
- I love this type of romance story, where there is complexity to the characters and a deeper meaning to the story that isn't surface level and airy fairy, like some stories within this genre tend to be
- I appreciated both main character development arcs, as they grew separately, dealing with their own issues, but leaning on each other for support
- I am a sucker for small town romance stories, especially with a character who is a big time movie star (or insert big time anything) plot

When you start to read a book by Katherine Center, you can expect three things: a lot of humor, light romance, and a feel-good story. Always perfect for a beach or weekend read. Not surprising that she is known as “the reigning queen of comfort reads.” I thoroughly enjoyed “The Bodyguard.”

Hannah Brooks is assigned as an Executive Protection Agent (better known as a bodyguard) to the hunky superstar actor Jack Stapleton. Jack has been laying low the past few years. There was a tragic loss in his family, and he has a stalker. But his mother is fighting cancer and Jack wants to be at her side. Even though Hannah is tiny, she quickly proves herself more than capable to the doubting Jack. He doesn’t want his parents to know he has a stalker, so Hannah is not happy when she finds she has to pose as his girlfriend around his family. Tough job, but somebody had to do it.

I really enjoyed the bantering that went on among the characters, especially between Hannah and Jack. Hannah is smart and witty, and Jack doesn’t take himself too seriously. Hannah’s coworkers added heartbreak and humor to the story. And I adored Jack’s parents. His mother Connie certainly knew how to control her hardheaded sons. The romance portion of the story is more “how sweet” and dreamy rather than even an R-rating.

There were interesting side stories that kept the momentum going so it never became dull. The book is not all fluff, however. Hannah had recently lost her mother to Covid, and Jack is still grieving the loss of his brother Drew. The conflict within the Stapleton family is dealt with in a sensitive and realistic manner.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

3.5 stars rounded to 4

The Bodyguard was an enjoyable romance book filled with a lot of tropes that I love, including fake dating & only one bed.

Meet our main characters: Hannah, executive protection agent (bodyguard), and Jack, a super famous actor who also won sexiest man alive. When Jack needs to go home to help take care of his sick mom, but he also has a stalker, he hires Hannah as his bodyguard. The catch? Jack doesn’t want his parents to know he has a stalker so the solution is to pretend that Hannah is his girlfriend.

I LOVE the fake dating trope so when I read the description for The Bodyguard I knew I needed to read it. Needless to say, the fake dating was really well written. I loved how Jack and Hannah got to know and care about each other while there still being so many laugh out loud moments. There’s also the only one bed trope which I LIVE for, so that was a major bonus. I liked both of the main characters and I thought their relationship was adorable. Jack really brings out the best in Hannah, and Hannah helps Jack work through some issues from his past. The development of their romance was really well paced and I enjoyed it so much. Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the take on the girl being the bodyguard, it was really refreshing and fun to read.

The setting on Jack’s family ranch seemed so relaxing and I wish I could go there for vacation. Jacks family is the sweetest and I thought it was cute how they made Hannah a part of their family. There were also a few aspects of the plot that I didn’t see coming but I thought added some good suspense to the story. I enjoyed the story of this book, but some of the writing threw me off a bit because at some points of the book Hannah is talking directly to the reader. The Bodyguard has a good mix of romance, sweet moments, action, and laugh out loud moments. Overall, I enjoyed this book but it wasn't my absolute favorite.

You would like this book if you like:
✨Fake dating
✨Only one bed
✨Bodyguard falls for person they are protecting
✨Famous guy falls for ordinary girl

Spice: 0

I absolutely loved this book! It was one of my favorite reads of the year and I think everyone should read it. It has fake dating, forced proximity, a famous actor, a bodyguard romance (where the female is the bodyguard!), and laugh out loud moments. I could not put this book down.

This book had such a good storyline and the characters had a depth to them that can only be understood by reading the book. You will grow to love the characters as if you actually knew them and as you read you start to understand them on a deeper level and why they each do certain things and act in specific ways.

There was so much character development in this story and both of the characters truly discovered their worth and that they deserve to be loved and happy. The epilogue was amazing and theres even a plot twist thrown in the book as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. After this book I will definitely be reading more books by Katherine Center.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC! Go buy this book when it comes out July 19, 2022!

Although Hannah looks more like a kindergarten teacher she is actually an Executive Protection Agent a.k.a a Bodyguard. Hannah really wants to be anywhere then Texas but to get the international job she wants she has to impress her boss with her next job which just happens to be protecting Hollywood hottie Jack Stapleton from his Corgi Breeding stalker. When Jack needs to visit home to and doesn’t want his parents to know he has a Bodyguard the only solution he sees is pretending Hannah is his girlfriend. Hannah is more comfortable as a Bodyguard then a girlfriend but how hard can it be to fake?

I love a good fake dating troupe and this book does this troupe so well. The relationship between Jack and Hannah was developed so well and had really cute moments. I loved the Main Characters and I was rooting so hard for Hannah through this whole book as she has a lot going on with her life and ex drama.

I also really enjoyed Jack’s family and the mystery of the tragedy within his family keep me wanting to read more.

If you love fake dating with a bit of a family mystery thrown in and really great characters definitely pick this one up.

Thank you @netgalley @stmartinspress for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

Let me start with first saying the premise of this book is a bit far-fetched. Is this real-life, short answer no. And that has nothing to do with a female bodyguard but just the whole set up. However, the book is fun and cute and has so many real elements to it that it doesn't matter. We are reading fiction so it doesn't always have to make full, real-world, sense. However, if that is something you need to enjoy a book then go into this one with eyes wide open.

The characters were frustrating and flawed. They had egos and baggage and all the real things people have in life. By the end though I appreciated their arc, I appreciated the side-characters, especially Jack's mom. I also love some good banter and this book delivered on that front.

I definitely recommend picking this one up to anyone looking for an enjoyable romance read.

A man on his knees begging his bodyguard to be his fake girlfriend? I’m into it. This book was so funny and heartwarming. Jack had a way of seeing past Hannah’s hard exterior and really saw to the heart of who she was. Fake dating is one of my favorite troupes and this one did not disappoint! As Katherine always does, she really develops the characters through the story and you can’t help but live them.

The Bodyguard, Catherine Center

This is just the cutest book about Hannah and Jack. Jack is a super famous celebrity who returns to his hometown of Houston to care for his sick mother. Hannah is hired to be his bodyguard. Yes…the roles are reversed here!
Jack doesn’t think a bodyguard is necessary and Hannah doesn’t want this particular job. The romance between them is prevalent throughout the entire book, and as the reader, you’re just dying to see them get together!!
This book comes out tomorrow! I hope you pick it up because I really think you will enjoy this rom com!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is a heartwarming romantic comedy about an Executive Protection Agent who falls for her client. Hannah Brooks is hired to protect Hollywood actor Jack Stapleton from his obsessive stalker. In order to keep up the charade, they pretend to be in a relationship. As they spend more time together, their fake relationship becomes more real.

The perfect summer read! The Bodyguard is a delight from beginning to end. Katherine Center has crafted a fun and charming story with lovable characters. While romance is the main focus, there is also a nice subplot about family and friends. If you're looking for a feel-good read, then be sure to check out The Bodyguard.

Here’s the setup: Hannah is really good at her job. Like top of the class, most sought after, could go anywhere in the world good at her job. What she’s not great at is relationships. Her new client has her reevaluating everything. The story is quirky, plot driven, and sweet. I had feelings for the family and am currently looking at 500 acre ranches in Texas. This is a perfect summer/fall book!

THE BODYGUARD • Katherine Center • Pub Date: July 19, 2022 • ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 {rounded up}

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Abridged Goodreads Synopsis: Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard") that is hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker. What makes this assignment a little unusual (besides her client's superstar status) is that Jack needs protection while he's living back home with his parents. He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker or the bodyguard thing though, so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. What could go wrong?

This is a cute rom com that tries its best to leave an impact. Was it cheesy? Absolutely. Were there some troupes thrown in her that I could have done with out? Yup. Overall though, it is a great book to enjoy by the pool (and could easily be read in one sitting).

As a side note, this was somehow the first book I've read by the author. After having read this one, I am definitely motivated to go read through her backlist!

I really loved Katherine Center’s previous book Things We Save In The Fire and i was so excited to know she was coming out with a new book!

Thank you to Netgalley, SMP Romance and Katherine Center for an e-ARC of this book which comes out 7/19/22!

Hannah is not your typical bodyguard, but she is hired by a high profile celebrity Jack Stapleton for protection from a stalker. When Jack is called home by her sick mother, he is reluctant to let his family know about his stalker. So he suggests that Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend so she can keep a close eye on him while keeping it a secret from his family.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5. If there is one thing I love about Katherine Center, it is that she comes up with the coolest female MCs who breaks male dominant social roles and occupations. This book contained my favorite tropes too: Grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, forced proximity, single bed and dating a celebrity. I completely fell in love with the strong female lead Hannah, as well as a new found fictional boyfriend Jack Stapleton😍 He was such a goof, and a man with a good sense of humor is my number one requirement in a man! I actually didn’t wish for it to end so soon and felt i needed more of them as a couple. If you’re looking for a wholesome rom-com with some depth, look no further. This one will definitely give you the feels🥰

I had never read anything by this author, but I LOVED this book! I wasn’t sure when I started it, but as I became involved with the characters and the story, I finished it in one day. The fast-paced writing, the engaging, yet flawed characters were so well blended into the story. Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent, a bodyguard. She is small, but mighty and proves that to her newest client at their first meeting. Her client, Jack Stapleton is a Hollywood movie star and has been receiving threats. He is heading to his family’s ranch for his mother’s surgery and Hannah will go along, unwillingly, as his girlfriend. She has never known a close knit and loving family, and although there are issues in their past, Jack’s family will come together, for his mom. How will the described “epitome of ordinary”, aka Hannah, fit in with Jack’s high-profile life? When the threat is eliminated, is he finally safe? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I really enjoyed this book! I honestly went into with the mindset of just another rom-com, feel good, ha-ha book but was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the characters as well as a bad-ass female lead. I love me a good fake-couple trope and Jack is swoon worthy! I am also a fan of the slow burn, although I know others may not be but it absolutely worked with this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

If you’re a fan of Katherine Center’s emotional, yet light-hearted romances her latest, The Bodyguard, is for you! This one follows Hannah, an Executive Protection Agent, who is assigned to be the personal bodyguard of Hollywood hottie Jack. The only thing is she has to pretend to be his girlfriend and do it convincingly around his whole family. All while she deals with her own family/life issues and Jack has to deal with his.

I love a good fake-dating setup, found Hannah to be really funny, and the banter between the two was super cute.
One thing that didn’t work so much was that both the love interest and Hannah’s ex refer to her as “ordinary” multiple times and basically say she’s nothing special to look at. Like she doesn’t need to be a supermodel or anything, but this just seemed weird…? Jack also nicknamed her “Stumpy” because she’s short, but she’s def taller than me and that just doesn’t seem very nice. And it’s clear that when Hannah hears these words she’s not in on the joke. Other than that Jack is a total sweetheart so I don’t get what the point of these moments was supposed to be.

Overall, if you’re looking for a super quick, 95% adorable romance that doesn’t skimp on the witty banter or the family drama you might want to pick this one up.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this ARC.

This is book number 3 on my list of books that I am going to spend the rest of my life convincing my friends and loved ones to read. This book has a little bit of everything: it’s funny; it has the fake dating trope; dare I say even a bit of a grumpy-sunshine trope; strong female characters; a strong family bond; important themes like healing from grief and trauma, learning to love yourself and let yourself be loved, hoping for a better future, and many more; relatable characters; plot twists; I could go on but I really want you to read this book. This is EASILY a read in one sitting book and you will add it to your favorite contemporary romances by the time you’re done with it.

It’s just so cute and light hearted but also so deep at the same time. There is genuinely something for everyone in this book. I found myself crying real tears towards the end where I just had to pause and thank God that I live a life where I can read books and fall in love with thousands of different love stories over the course of my life.

Read. This. Book.

We do not deserve how good this book is! The Bodyguard is How to Fake It in Hollywood and Funny You Should Ask meets Miss Congeniality. It's funny, smart, a little tear-inducing, and so very heartwarming.

Hannah Brooks is a executive protection agent aka a bodyguard. Her mother just died, her boss sidelined her at work so she could grieve properly, and now her boyfriend Robby, who just happens to also be her coworker, just dumped her for her best friend Taylor, who happens to be her coworker too! She's in a pretty vulnerable place to say the least, when she shows up for the first day on a new job. A job protecting Jack Stapleton, one of Hollywood's biggest heartthrobs, who's been MIA from the public spotlight for the last few years after suffering a car accident that killed his younger brother. He doesn't want her there, but she has a job to do, plus she's desperate for an escape from her misery, and she'll take what she can get, even if it comes in the challenge of protecting Jack against his will. He's returned to his hometown in Texas while his mother is undergoing treatment for cancer, and he's brought his sweater-knitting, corgi-breeding stalker with him. A basic security detail quickly morphs to a fake-dating scheme when his mother insists that he moves back home to spend time with his family and he's forced to bring Hannah along with him. But things quickly become complicated when she's welcomed into his family and she finds herself easily falling in love with Jack. But her self-doubt and knowing its the job keeps her reminding herself that it isn't real, but Jack doesn't make it easy on her...

Infused with warmth and humor, while also tackling the issue of grief, The Bodyguard is the summer romance we need but don't deserve. It's emotional but uplifting. Funny but also serious. If you like rom-coms like Miss Congeniality or loved Funny You Should Ask, Nora Goes Off Script, or How to Fake It in Hollywood, you're going to adore this one!

I've been a big Katherine Center fan for a while now. She consistently puts out books that are heartwarming, uplifting, and absolutely delightful to read. In the past, I've felt like her books were more chick-lit than romance (maybe it's time for a re-read to reconsider), but The Bodyguard is definitely a sweet slow burn PG romance.

In a time when I was struggling to focus on reading, I couldn't put this one down. I'll put the synopsis in the comments, but basically Hannah is a "executive protection agent" who gets assigned to protect an A-list actor while he's in Texas helping with his sick mother. This is necessary in part because Jack is an A-list actor, but also because he's got a little bit of a stalker situation in the form of a corgi breeder who REALLY wants to have his babies. Not wanting to upset his mother with the bodyguard/stalker situation as she's undergoing cancer treatment, Jack convinces Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend while they are staying at his parent's ranch.

Jack and Hannah were both fantastic characters that you can't help but love. They both have issues they need to work through, and we get to see a lot of that in the book. Their story had emotion and heart, just a little suspense to keep things interesting, and lots of snark and banter that had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

I do have to say, I'm all for corgi rep in my books, but not sure this is the rep I'd have picked 😂