First off I would like to thank NetGally for an ARC of The Bodyguard by Katherine Center.

I truly enjoyed this book so much! I loved that little Hannah has to be Jacks bodyguard, but act like his girlfriend. They had wonderful chemistry. If you like the fake dating this book is for you!

If you want a sweet contemparary romance that is a slow burn, this is the book for you. I expected this book to have fun and light hearted and was pleasently suprised at the emotions I had while reading this. Katherine Center does a great job handling the deeper, darker subject matter and telling a story of self discovery as well as love.

I loved this book! One of those that you find yourself reading at 3 am because you can’t put it down. I loved the characters and it had some great twists 😱

Hannah is a professional bodyguard, but you would never guess that looking at her. She’s meant to blend in and not draw your attention. She’s hired to protect Jack Stapleton - the big movie star. And the best way to explain her presence is to pretend to be his girlfriend.

@katherinecenter is one of my authors that is an automatic read. Loved this and it was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, but you don’t have to wait long because this hits the stands on Tuesday 😂 It’s also already available on BOTM. Add it to your list!

#katerinecenter #thebodyguard #netgalley #advancedreleasecopy #bookstagram #bookreview

Katherine Center is always able to write a gem of a novel. Perfect for an audience in the mood for a romantic and comedic novel, The Bodyguard is a fresh take on romance in the work place. Center is known for leading her novels with strong female characters, both in occupation and heart and in The Bodyguard's case Hannah fits into both categories. The writing is not too heavy, while still allowing the reader to contemplate how the central themes of love and self acceptance play in their own lives. Overall, The Bodyguard is another light hearted and enjoyable read from a continually favorite author,

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing for the opportunity to read this novel.

Another 5-star book from Katherine Center! I devoured this book in a little over a day and loved every second of it. I had heard great things about this book and it totally delivered. Fun and entertaining with enough drama to give the characters some weight. It definitely needs to be made into a movie, I could literally see the scenes playing out in my head. My only regret is that I read it so quickly and now it's over!

This is my first book by author Katherine Centers and I couldn't get enough of it! From the moment I picked up The Bodyguard, I couldn't put it down! Hannah Brooks is a trained bodyguard whose latest assignment is to protect famous actor Jack Stapleton from his crazy stalker. Jack is such a heartthrob, I loved his character from the second that he was introduced. I loved how Jack builds Hannah up after her ex-boyfriend tells her nobody will ever believe that she and Jack couple be a couple and what an awful girlfriend she was. The fake-couple act was perfect. This is an amazing, fast read and I cannot wait to pick up more Katherine Center books.
Received this copy fom NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really enjoyable and fun book! I was genuinely sad when it ended as I really enjoyed the both the plot and characters. While the story was mostly fun and light-hearted, there were subplots of family and romantic drama, adding a bit of variety and keeping things interesting. The main character, Hannah, was hilarious. I found myself laughing numerous times over her mannerisms or things she said. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and she’s not afraid to tell Jack what she really thinks (like when he leaves his dirty clothes all over). If you are looking for a fun, easy read I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is a rom-com story of reversed roles, family secrets and finding love. Hannah Brooks doesn’t look like your typical bodyguard. At 5 foot 3, she easily looks more like a lovable kindergarten teacher than somebody who could body slam someone to the ground. But she can. She is an Executive Protection Agent, aka a bodyguard. She’s put in charge of the protection detail for Jack Stapleton, a superstar actor with a strange stalker. Jack is a household name despite being out of the spotlight for a few years. He is forced home to his family’s Texas ranch when his mom gets sick. However, he doesn’t want his family to know about the stalker or his protection detail. So to explain Hannah’s presence? She’s his girlfriend. No one thinks it’s believable, especially Hannah. But she goes along with it, telling herself it’s just another job. However, the more she spends time with Jack and his family, the more she wants it to be real. What could possibly go wrong?
What a story! I love Katherine Center! She writes heartfelt stories with feelings, struggles and plenty of humor. The Bodyguard delivers on all fronts! I laughed. I cried. I grinned ear to ear! The story kept me on my toes with twists and turns that kept me guessing. Even the epilogue at the end had a few twists of its own. I related to Hannah quite a bit. She was an ordinary woman with no remarkable beauty, easily faded into the background. A plus for her job, not so much for her personal life. Until the right man comes along and shows her that she’s more than just ordinary. Jack was also a great character. The handsome superstar who has a downhome soul. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well, even the jerks we love to hate and cheer when they get their comeuppance. Overall, I highly enjoyed The Bodyguard. It’s the first book in the longest time that made me laugh, cry, and grin. I highly recommend The Bodyguard!

The Bodyguard is available July 19, 2022 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

Another great Katherine Center book. The final twist floored me. Great read, highly recommend it. Perfect summer read by the pool.

A REAL GEM OF A BOOK!!! I was laughing so hard my sides ached 😂.. although it’s a little bit deeper than a romcom too. It’s also heartfelt, sweetly romantic, and I can’t stop *gushing* about it!

✔️celebrity romance
✔️fake dating
✔️forced proximity
✔️role reversal
✔️sensitive family issues

I loved the Texas ranch setting (complete with Jack’s entire family! 😉) Hannah was truly a one of a kind gal. I enjoyed her character along with Jacks’s mom, Connie. And speaking of Jack.. *swooning* he’s a total cinnamon roll!

Absolutely a must read!!! 4.5 stars Pub. 7/19/22

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Bodyguard
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

I want to start by saying that I LOVED it!!! The Bodyguard was such a sweet and fun read. Jack and Hannah had a wonderful chemistry. Hannah is tasked with being his bodyguard, but because of what his mom is going through he and the firm she works for decide it is best that she pretends to be her girlfriend to his family. Hannah could be a little stubborn and I think it is one of the things that Jack liked about her. I enjoyed their banter and that Hannah, though deep down is star struck with Jack, she doesn't put up with his antics. I think what made me enjoy this book more was the whole fake-dating trope, but though Jack is a very good actor, you can tell that he was not pretending from the start. It just took Hannah a little work on her self-esteem to realize that a hot-shot actor can fall in love with an "ordinary" girl.

So many words to describe this book: funny, delightful, touching, romantic, clever. I can go on and on. I’ve loved Katherine Center’s previous books, and The Bodyguard is now added to this collection. The chemistry between Hannah, the bodyguard, and The Sexiest Man Alive, actor Jack Stapleton was undeniably adorable. Such great character and storyline development. If you’re in a book funk, pick this up. It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderfully enjoyable arc.

Reviewed on behalf of Verve Romance

A charming, brilliantly funny, and heartfelt romcom with pitch-perfect banter and wholly lovable characters.

There’s just something about Katherine Center’s writing that works for me—I’m yet to meet one of her books I haven’t absolutely loved and The Bodyguard continues that streak. From chapter one through to the beautiful epilogue, I was in my feels in the best way. My emotions ran the gamut from sad to happy, angry to amused, annoyed to swooning left, right, and Center 🥁. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Bodyguard is a story that builds—a slow burn that makes the most of every moment, and each new page made me fall for Hannah and Jack a little more. Neither were perfect; they didn’t need to be because they were perfect for each other, something proved in every back-and-forth, every subtle look or uncertain feeling, every personal truth or fear revealed.

I have no doubt that this book, like the others I have read by this author, will soon become a comfort re-read. One to turn to when I need something with warmth and heart and a happily ever after that is hard-earned, well-won, and totally satisfying.

📚 Book Review 📚

If you’ve been around my page a hot minute, you know that Katherine Center books are auto-buys for me. I’ve been so excited for The Bodyguard ever since I heard about it, and it didn’t let me down. Thank you to @smpromance for the eARC in exchange for a review!

I’ve been on the struggle bus with Rom-coms as of late. There has been too much inner dialogue of characters and not enough actual words exchanged between MCs to keep me interested or invested in their relationship. Well, Jack and Hannah’s banter and the voice in which Hannah was written was a godsend and made me devour this book. I finished it in 2 days which is unheard of for me anymore. It could also be because this was very slow burn and the chemistry between Jack and Hannah was so well built up I just needed them to get together already.

As with all of Center’s books, even though this is a rom-com, she touches on serious topics and it’s done in a tactful way. She touches on substance abuse, grief, trauma, and physical abuse.

Now, what I loved and loathed at the same time about this story were the scenes with Hannah’s executive protection team/company. I had to check myself a couple times I wasn’t reading a Gossip Girl book instead of a story about grown a** adults. While I secretly love this type of drama, the drama and their behaviors would have for sure had them all fired if their boss wasn’t a major instigator creating a toxic work environment (Glenn, the boss, I can only imagine as JK Simmons as Jay Jonah Jamison in the original Spider Man movies a la Toby Maguire). Also, I thought the book could have ended at 85% because after this there was this whole spat between Hannah and an “ex” of Jack’s that felt so unnecessary and once again pitted women against women which I’m just over.

This isn’t my favorite Center book, but I still really enjoyed it (and if I hear one more time it’s not “ReAliSTiC” then may I refer you to a genre called “non-fiction”). It’s out on Tuesday!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️THE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center

I was so excited to have been selected to receive an ARC of this one. It is officially released on July 19th. I have loved every one of this author’s books that I have read. One made me absolutely bawl. This one didn’t quite do that, but I loved it all the same. I’m a big fan of Hallmark movies and their almost formulaic execution. If you’ve ever seen one, you’ll know the general plot. This book reminded me a lot of that. I don’t normally post spoilers, so I’m not going into detail. On the other hand, there were a few jaw dropping moments in this book. One in particular was almost devastating. We’ll call that the misunderstanding. I’m not a super big fan of rom-coms, but I’ll read anything the author writes. Recommended for fans of Hallmark movies and anyone who wants a light and easy pool or beach read.

#bookstagram #books #reading #readict #booklove #goodreads #booklife #readallthebooks #bookreviews #ILoveReading #FictionFan #Bibliophile #RomCom #Romance #TheBodyguard

When I need a really good book that I can read fairly quickly and enjoy every minute of, I pick up a Katherine Center book..This one was no exception. In this story, we follow a woman named Hannah Brooks. Hannah works as an Executive Protection Agent (Bodyguard). The company ends up taking a job guarding a movie star, Jack Stapleton, who has been getting threats from a stalker. The story does carry a bit of mystery and a surprise.

Katherine Center is always a MUST read for me. She always gives the reader characters to care about and root for. The stories are page turners and this one fit that bill for me. This is another can’t miss hit for Katherine Center!

Thank you to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.

This is one of those books that I didn’t want to ever end because I was having so much fun reading about Hannah and Jack and their misadventures. Hannah Brooks is a small woman in stature but she leaves a big footprint as an executive protection agent. Her current assignment is to protect superstar Jack Stapleton from a would-be stalker and against her better judgment, she pretends to be his girlfriend in order to stay undercover. Her role as a bodyguard soon takes a swift turn off the tracks when Hannah finds herself protecting her own heart just as much as she is protecting Jack. The story of these two totally different people is one for the record books and was laugh out loud humorous at times. There were also serious moments as Hannah came to some deep realizations about herself, her past and her choices. The lessons she learns as she travels the path of self-acceptance are invaluable to all of us who have ever dealt with self-esteem issues. The characters are mostly likable and relatable, although I must admit that Robby is a playboy who thinks he’s all that and more, so not particularly my cup of tea. I did enjoy meeting Wilbur, a man with deep problems and a huge talent for making birdhouses. Glenn, Hannah’s boss, was rough around the edges and very demanding but also practical and real-to-life. The plot moved along at a fast clip, much to my dismay, because I seriously did not want this story to end. I wanted to know more about Hank, Jack’s brother, and his parents and Hannah’s backstory. And I wanted to know more about Doghouse and Kelly who seemed kind of attracted to each other in a quirky kind of way. There are so many reasons to like this book and I cannot think of one reason why someone wouldn’t enjoy it. It’s light, contemporary fiction with some very original twists in a creative plot.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Sigh. I consider Katherine Center one of my favorite authors and she wrote one of my all time favorite books (Happiness for Beginners). However, her three most recent books haven’t worked for me - maybe KC and I are growing apart? Noooo, say it isn’t so.

I love the premise of The Bodyguard - female bodyguard, male movie star - need to fake date for reasons. I’m in! However the execution didn’t work for me. While we’ve heard Hannah is great at her job - we didn’t get to see that at all. Instead she repeatedly showed her incompetence and had to be rescued by Jack.

I also wasn’t really buying the relationship between Hannah and Jack. KC usually gets me right in the swoons with the way she writes relationships but this one just felt meh, fine, to me.

Then there’s the ending - the ending!!!!! This is the third book in a row where I feel like KC really blows it with the ending. In this case there was a final conflict that just wasn’t believable at all and then the follow up in the epilogue caused so much eyerolling I gave myself a headache.

Thank you to St Martins Press and Netgalley for the advance reading and listening copies.

The Bodyguard is a rom-com that subverts a common trope- body guard and client fall in love, except the bodyguard is a woman and the client is a very attractive and somewhat stubborn man. I’ll admit, I was surprised at this change of pace (I clearly didn’t remember the synopsis by the time I sat down to read it!) but it made for a very unique, funny, and quirky read in what feels like a sea of rom-coms these days.

Protagonist Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent who’s personal life is crumbling around her and she dives herself into her job for solace. However, instead of taking pity on her and assigning her to an exciting, long, overseas assignment, her (somewhat petty) boss assigns her to protect a movie star right in her home city of Houston, despite her desire to flee her family and romance troubles. Coupled with the facts that the actor, Jack, is ridiculously good looking (he and his family low key gave me Hemsworth vibes), she must give up her non-nonsense personality to pretend to be his girlfriend, and they must stay at his family’s picturesque ranch outside of the city, the premise of the story sets up nicely for a desirable rom-com read.

While I knew that *obviously* the story was setting up for a romance between Hannah and Jack (I read this genre of books for a happy ending, after all) I actually found there to be some real moments of pain and empathy in the beginnings of their relationship. Since Hannah and Jack start out using the “fake dating” trope, there are times when comments are made about Hannah needing a makeover, no one buying that someone who looks like her could be with someone that looks like him, when her relatively normal physical “flaws are mentioned by Jack or others (slightly crooked teeth, no spray tan, sleeps in a frumpy, comfortable nightgown, etc). Being in my 30s, I recognize that there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of those things, and prioritizing comfort and well being over physical appearance is now my norm. But dang if it the way it made Hannah feel didn’t resonate with me a little bit in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with influencer appearances and body types that are so often a product of procedures, filters, etc but we’ve become desensitized due to their frequency. Even as Hannah and Jack’s relationship progresses and a reader can tell they’re genuinely compatible, there are constant reminders for Hannah that she is just so ordinary compared to Jack, and it was equal parts painful, frustrating, and yet realistic to read about. In some ways, this wish-fulfillment premise felt more realistic than many overly idealized ones I’ve read before.

While I really enjoyed the overall romance and development of the relationship between Hannah and Jack, the plot was a bit far-fetched and many of the supporting characters a bit one-dimensional for my liking. I felt like Hannah was set up to be a badass at the beginning of the novel yet she makes quite a few novice type mistakes that seem incompatible with her experience as a bodyguard of such esteem. I know these are likely to drive the plot forward, but it was a little disappointing at times. Her work crew also felt lackluster despite the fact that they were also supposed to be highly trained agents but often served as cardboard caricatures to further Hannah’s character development along (slimy Robby, betraying Taylor, etc). In contrast, however, I really enjoyed Jack’s family and wish Hannah’s supporting cast had been a bit more fleshed out like them. There’s also just some really hilarious moments/quirks to this story (a corgi-breeding stalker was really a unique touch, I must say).

Overall: The Bodyguard is a fun, quick read that definitely feels like a rom-com, with all of the wonderful and cringey moments that the genre entails. It does put a unique spin on its premise, but could do with a bit more character development of its supporting cast and a few more believable touches. However, I laughed a lot when reading it!

A completely entertaining and satisfying rom-com! 4 out of 5 stars and a book I will definitely recommend.

First, I have to give credit to any author who is able to introduce me to a new profession. It's so easy to write about something we all know or see in pop-culture (publishing, the medical field, teaching, etc), and I enjoy it when an author deviates from those norms and introduces us to something new - - like a woman who works for an Executive Protection Agency!

Hannah was a strong main character. I found her funny without being overly quirky. She reminded me a bit of Sandra Bullock's character in Miss Congeniality and I LOVED it! Her tension and banter with Jack was excellently written and I was rooting for them the entire time.

This book was joyful to read and checked every box on my rom-com wishlist.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book!