Fake relationship, check. Handsome sweet actor, check. Delicious slow burn, check, check, check!

Hannah Brooks is a Bodyguard who is assigned to protect an actor Jack Stapleton. To keep her identity under wraps they pretend to be in a fake relationship. Is this all an act or will they develop feelings?

This is my first Katherine Cater but definitely will not be my last. I highlighted so many things in this book. It was funny, heartbreaking, and heartfelt. I feel in love with Jack and his family. One I finish I had to go back and reread, it was that good! I also read a few chapters twice while reading because I was falling in love with these characters.

Hannah was definitely giving me Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality vibes in the beginning of this.

It’s a great rom-com and I definitely recommend it!

The narrator did an amazing job with this one and I love it as much as I did reading it!!

Melli’s Book Breakdown
🤍clean romance
🤍bodyguard romance
🤍rom-com
🤍Fake Dating
🤍Actor Romance
🤍Heroine POV only
🤍Family tension

Thank you netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

🤍✨ the bodyguard review ✨🤍

•
•
•

"i want to memorize you, to learn you like a song.." ✨🤍

🧷✨ SYNOPSIS ✨🧷

hannah brooks is a bodyguard looking for any kind of distraction after the death of her mother and unexpected breakup. jack stapleton is an actor who has been off the grid for years. when his mom gets sick, he returns to the texas ranch and needs someone to protect him from his stalker. the only catch: he doesn't want his family to know. the only way hannah can secretly protect jack in his family home is by pretending to be his girlfriend.

🧷✨ MY THOUGHTS ✨🧷

⚠️ CW: MISOGYNY, DOMESTIC ABUSE, CANCER, GRIEF, DEATH OF A SIBLING, ALCOHOLISM, & STALKING ⚠️

if you love sandra bullock movies like the proposal & miss congeniality, grumpy x sunshine couples, forced proximity, fake relationships, fun swoony rom-coms & closed door romance reads this book might be for you!!

alexa play i know places by taylor swift 🎶

🌟 RATING: ★★★★★
🌶️🥵 RATING: ★☆☆☆☆

oh my goodness, hannah and jack were incredible. i laughed. i cried. i swooned. i loved it from beginning to end. it was such an easy read with super likable characters & a breathtaking setting. @katherinecenter knows how to write a wonderful love story. jack's parents are literally the best. they're just so welcoming & funny. i was engrossed with the narration and first person pov were just *chef's kiss* 🥰

thank you to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the arc!! you can get the bodyguard on @bookofthemonth right now or in stores everywhere on july 19th!! 💖

#sarcasticbrunettereads

Super good book. I think this is a first for this author and I really enjoyed the audio book! Definitely a cute summer read!

This book was such a fun, clean romance! Everytime I thought it was dulling down, boom something else happened.

Hannah is a bodyguard whose mom just passed away and she gets stuck on assignment to Jack (a super famous actor), who has a weird stalker. It should be an easy assignment but all Hannah wants to do is travel out of Texas, not get stuck in it. But, Jack doesn't want his family to know he needs a body so Hannah has to pose as his fake girlfriend. Their chemistry together was so fun and down to earth. This book was also a nice change from your average rom coms since the female mc was a bodyguard. The ending was phenomenal (no spoilers) !! Definitely not what I was expecting. My only critique was that the mc would think things like "I wouldn't know in that moment that that was how it would go" etc. Not a big fan of that buttt other than that this book was great! Definitely recommend!

PS shout-out Toledo Ohio #iykyk (read the book and you'll get it)

I was luck to receive an arc of The BodyGuard for a honest feedback. Katherine Center has become my favorite rom-com writer. I never want to pass up the chance to read her newest book. This one did not disappoint, the perfect mix of romantic angst, a bit of mystery, funny scenarios and heartbreak. Hannah is a bodyguard who always does what's right, never getting to personal with the people she's protecting. And then comes superstar Jack who is not at all who his public persona shows him to be. Sparks fly, friendships bloom and a workaholic body guard starts to bring down her walls, little by little.

Hannah's life changes when she's hired as a bodyguard for famous actor Jack. Just because he's her biggest Hollywood crush doesn't mean she can't be a professional, right? But what happens when "Jack's fake girlfriend" is added to her list of responsibilities? Will she be able to keep her crush hidden?

From the moment Hannah and Jack first meet and he mistakes her for a house cleaner instead of a bodyguard, I was very much entertained by their relationship and banter. Parts of this rom-com had me laughing out loud and one scene made me tear me up.

Location: Texas

I received an advance Audiobook copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Loved this one!! It’s a great rom com for summer. I listened to the audio version and can’t say enough good things about the narrator!! Very highly recommend!

4.5 stars

I read this book after reading a couple of dark psychological thrillers, it was exactly what I needed, in terms of switching up genres.

Katherine Centre is a new-to-me author, I was unfamiliar with her books but this one grabbed my attention for the cover and interesting blurb. It releases in a couple weeks and I was given both a digital arc and audiobook for review. The audiobook comes in just under 11 hours with Patti Murin doing a great job reading, it was a pleasure to listen to.

The Bodyguard is definitely a rom/com and while a fun one it does contain some serious subject matters that haunts this cast, it was written with respect and tastefully handled.

Movie star legend, Jack Stapleton reluctantly agrees to an Executive Protection Agent (aka a bodyguard) against an obsessive corgi carrying fan.

Hannah also deals with the recent passing of her mother and betrayal from friends.

Like I said this a a fun read/listen. It was well written, I laughed, cringed and cheered on Jack and Hannah as they navigated their time together along with the obstacles they encountered. Basically it's the type of Rom/Com I enjoy because it doesn't lack the Com part. This a book and author I recommend, I will be searching out her backlist.

My thanks to both St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

<i> Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. </i>

Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard. Jack Stapleton is a famous actor, and he hires Hannah to protect him from a stalker that has become increasingly active since he's taken his break from the movie screens. Only one twist: Jack's family can't find out about the stalker situation. The two have to fake date so as to not cause extra stress on Jack's mother, who is undergoing medical treatments.

A bodyguard romance with forced proximity? Sounds to me like the perfect set-up for a rom com! <i> The Bodyguard </i> by Katherine Center is one of those books that you'll enjoy, so long as you go in with the right expectations. This is not groundbreaking literature, but it is a fun romance and a light, quick read that'll get you out of any reading slump.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I read it in about two days, and the time honestly flew by. Our two main characters were compelling, the narrative voice was light and humorous, and I could see certain scenes playing out as if they were a movie. My main issues with the book were minor. There were certain times when I would be pulled out of the book; either a scenario was too contrived, a side/background character was acting caricature-ish, or certain arguments were going on too long or were too repetitive (e.g., Hannah claiming she was going to quit her job...three times!). Mostly it just served to make the characters read a little younger than perhaps they were meant to.

Ultimately this book is one you'll know from the synopsis alone whether it's up your alley or not. Sure, there were some things that could be improved upon, but nothing made me want to quit reading. You'll find yourself rooting for Jack and Hannah's (well-deserved) happy ending. I gave this book 3 stars, but I was leaning toward 3.5 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance books, the bodyguard and/or shared bed tropes, or who is just stuck in a reading slump. This is my first Katherine Center book, but I'll pay a glance into her backlist after this one!

<b> TWs for: death of a sibling, death of a parent, drowning, physical abuse, alcoholism, guns, mention of suicide </b>

Workaholic Hannah Brooks loves her job so it’s a perfect storm that has her boss ban her for a week and her boyfriend -and co-worker- dump her the day after her mother’s funeral. Then she is given the lead on a new personal protection assignment, a movie star client who is coming to Houston to be with his family during his mother’s illness. Sparks - and sarcasm - fly when she meets Jack, and tensions escalate when his mother asks him to move back home to the ranch during her treatment. Posing as as Jack’s girlfriend so his family won’t worry about a stalker wasn’t what she agreed to, and Hannah’s past impacts her ability to trust her growing feelings for Jack. Scenes showing Hannah’s skills as a bodyguard shine, as does the witty dialogue. I grew up on a dairy farm and will be laughing over the cow scene for a long time.

Patti Murin’s narration for this audiobook is spot on; the comedic timing excellent and voicing of characters distinct. Highly recommended as a fun summer listen/read.

I received a review copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and McMillan Audio. All opinions expressed are my own.

A fabulous rom-com that has just the right amount of romance and comedy with a little excitement and mystery mixed in. I love Katherine Center's books and this one did not disappoint! Her characters always have strong backgrounds and flaws that they have to overcome in order to be happy.

In this book, Hannah and Jack are fantastic lead characters each with back stories that haunt them. Their back stories help define why they are the way they are when it comes to relationships and it helps to make their interactions believable. The supporting characters add so many dynamics to the story and each make the book funny, exciting, frustrating, and heartbreaking in their own way.

If you are looking for an engaging story that will keep you interested from beginning to end then look no longer this is the perfect book for you! It definitely was for me. I had a hard time putting finding a place to stop listening because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It easily flows from one chapter to the next and pulls you into Hannah and Jack's world with every minute you listen.

I am grateful to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Everything good that you want in a rom com. This book was hard to put down with the best balance of sweet cliches and suspense when necessary.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

I listened to an advanced audiobook copy via Netgalley. Regarding specifically the audiobook, the narration was flawless. Patti is a phenomenal narrator and this book is no exception. Her intonation, timing and pacing were absolutely perfect. It was a joy to hear her perform Katherine's words and story. Secondly, however, the initial sound quality of the audiobook was less than ideal. It was fuzzy-sounding, with an echo and it completely detracted from Patti's narration and Katherine's writing. Either my ears got used to it or the issue resolved itself within a few chapters. I listened to this over the course of a day or two without a lot of starting and stopping, so I can't clearly determine if it was my own adjustment or if the overall sound quality improved.

On to the story. I've read all of Katherine's books and this has a similar feeling and vibe within a unique story and characters to her others. Hannah is a bodyguard and Jack is a world-famous actor to whom she's assigned to protect as he has a female stalker. Over the course of her assignment, Jack needs to travel to his family's Texas ranch to visit his ailing mother. Not wanting to worry his mother about the presence of his bodyguard, he suggests they "fake date." Naturally, things take an interesting turn for their characters out in the Texas wilds as Jack and Hannah learn more about each other.

Isn't it a dreamy dream for a bodyguard and celebrity to fall in love? It is! It's a massively goofy, warm, fuzzy fantasy and Katherine delivers a story that's not only smartly written, day dream-worthy and that is heart-warming. She never fails to make me laugh "boobs are booby", in her unmistakable voice, but there's also tremendous character growth, moments that bring a small tear to your eye, a bit of anger and confusion, some fear, but most of all anticipation and joy.

Well say hello to my new favorite Katherine Center book. Her books always scream summer to me and I was so excited to get the audio so I could devour it right away and devour it I did.

This one takes on fake dating/only one bed/celebrity romance and does it so well and in a way you wouldn't quite expect. Filled with witty banter and some tougher emotional elements, The Bodyguard had me glued to my earbuds at every available moment.

Trigger warnings for cancer, and death of a family member.

4.5/5⭐️

This was my second book by this author and it was definitely a winner for me. The plot was a bit farfetched, and the security team didn't really act like a security team (especially Robby/Bobby and Taylor, and even Glenn had a wicked streak), but I loved the situations the author created, and not surprisingly, there were moments when I was giggling uncontrollably. The backstories of each of the primaries tugged at my heartstrings and made me want to root for them. I particularly loved Jack's parents, and on the team, I really liked Kelly, even if she was a minor character. The mystery of the stalker was just complicated enough to keep me guessing, but overall, this was a rom-com and not a mystery thriller, and if it were a movie, it would probably be rated PG-13. Speaking of movies, I bet this would make a great movie! This book had me laughing, crying, and cheering. I really enjoyed it and will continue looking for more books by this author.

There were many cliches in this novel, including the fake dating trope, found family, estranged family brought together by cancer, past trauma making the character leery of letting anyone in, forced proximity, and so on, and yet the story never felt tired to me. I found both Jack and Hannah to be people I could absolutely cheer for and I loved the chemistry between them. Watching Hannah slowly let him in, watching him find healing in her presence, and having his parents as amazing role models (in contrast to her own), made me listen to the story in close to one sitting. Yes, the sky was starting to lighten when I finished this book.

The audio was narrated by Patti Murin and for the most part, she did a great job, but I couldn't quite figure out why she chose the accents that she did, and there were also phrases that the MC kept repeating that the narrator made it sound like she was making an aside. It wasn't bad, but it was a little distracting. She was otherwise a good narrator for this book. I was not previously familiar with her, but she seems to do a lot of romance and cozy mystery books, which fits well in my mind. I would listen to her again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced audio copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy of The Bodyguard.

The Bodyguard is a romantic comedy with some unexpected twists. First of all, we have a female bodyguard which I loved!

Jack Stapleton is a Hollywood heartthrob with a stalker. When his sick mother requests his presence at the family ranch, Jack doesn't want to worry her by telling her about his predicament nor does he care to explain his bodyguard Hannah. Instead, he lets his family think that Hannah is really his girlfriend. Comedy and romance ensue. The story was pretty cheesy at times, but it was just the kind of lightness I needed for summer listening.

3.5 stars would be a more accurate rating. It took me a bit to become invested in the outcome of the story but I wasn't in a hurry to keep listening. Overall it was a cute storyline.

This book was so much better than I expected! I loved the quirky main character and the humble male lead. I loved the traumatic back story and the unpredictable twist at the end. I loved everything about it. I rarely give five stars, but this book deserves it!

Hannah doesn't look like your typical bodyguard in fact she looks like the person who needs the body guarding; which makes her the perfect undercover bodyguard for actor Jack Stappleton. She will go undercover pretending to be his girlfriend while he stays with his family trying to avoid his crazy stalker. There is just one slight problem Hannah has to also work with her former ex and the person he cheated on her with all while trying not to fall for Jack herself. Will she manage to keep everything in check long enough to earn her promotion and move out of the country?

Katherine Center is amazing at writing strong female characters in not typical job careers. Each one of her characters is written strong in the best ways that they have flaws and their own personal issues but find ways to make it through them. That is what sets her love stories apart from all the others. I also love how she slightly includes characters from her other books in the new ones even if just for one passing moment it is a cool connection between them. I am a big fan of her Reverse roles in the stories and I think they play out nice without seeming overdone or in your face.

The perfect summer rom com! Fake dating, Only one bed, and and adorable family you can’t help but love! A fun read that will leave you smiling!