This is the second book that I have read by Katherine Center. I enjoyed this one much more. It felt way less cheesy and more real life. Well, as real life as it can get in a story about an actor. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and found their romance believable. No spoilers here, but I also found one of the side stories heart wrenching, Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the AudioARC of this book.

4/5 stars

What a great RomCom that takes the main character, Hannah into a confident kick butt lady but she has all the vulnerabilities a normal person has. It is another quirky book from the author.

Hannah Brooks has had a tough life- a hard childhood, the death of her mother, relationship troubles- and is completely devoted to her unusual career choice. She’s an executive protection agent, otherwise known as a bodyguard. While grieving her mother, she’s assigned to be the primary agent to protect famous actor Jack Stapleton from his seemingly harmless Corgi breeding stalker. Jack’s mother is sick, and he doesn’t want to worry her further with his stalker woes, so he convinces Hannah to act as his girlfriend. As you can imagine, hilarity and misunderstandings ensue!

I absolutely loved this audiobook. This was my first audiobook ever, and it exceeded my expectations! I generally prefer to read books but this was so funny and entertaining that it kept my attention and I kept finding excuses to listen. This book reminds me of Sandra Bullock movies, and I mean that as a compliment because I love her movies! Hannah’s lack of family and fake dating reminded me of While You Were Sleeping. Her makeover and job was similar to Miss Congeniality. Hannah’s slightly prickly personality and the fake dating were reminiscent of the Proposal. Can we get a Sandra Bullock movie of this book? I can tell you right now I’d love it! If you enjoy these movies like I do, rom com books, fake dating, and laugh out loud moments in books, you’ve got to pick this one up. I also have to mention how much I enjoyed some of the smaller characters- Kelly was hilarious and Jack’s mom was so cute.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Katherine Center for the opportunity to listen to this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!!! From the very first chapter to the end it held my attention. I could not stop!!! All the twists and turns kept me guessing what was going to happen throughout the whole book. You need to read this!! You will not be disappointed!! LOVED IT!!!

If you are a fan of Katherine Center, you will love the memorable characters and wonderful story she has created. The narrator is excellent in this audiobook!

If you are looking for a light fun romcom, look no further. The Bodyguard is charming, funny and romantic. Hannah Brooks is the bodyguard assigned to the super star actor, Jack Stapleton. The characters in the book are all so well done. I listened to audio version and the narration by Patti Murin was great. The book is a perfect "beach" read.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MacmillanAudio, #StMartinPress, #KatherineCenter and #PattiMurin for the advance copy for my honest review.

Ridiculously cute romcom with the funniest female lead. Patti Murin did a phenomenal job narrating the book. It had me giggling like a grown man (aka Jack) the whole time. If you want a feel-good story to read this summer, or anytime, this is it! There are some heavy topics that the MCs deal with, but it is snuck in with a light heart and they’re comforted at the perfect times.

Being from Houston, I thought some of the references and jokes were such a bonus. I loved that it was specific enough in some areas but vague enough where non-Houstonians would still understand. And just like Hannah, I’ve never really been to a ranch even though I’ve lived in Texas for so long. I did go to a ranch wedding once in Dallas. And yes; this is one of those stories where you kind of know what’s gonna happen, but you want to know HOW it unravels. Plus, the writing is so fun that you just keep going. AND that kiss was worth waiting for.

Special thanks to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for providing me with an advanced copy.

Eeekk! If this doesn’t get made into a Ryan Reynolds/Sandra Bullock movie asap I will revolt! It was fun, flirty and just what I needed! A fresh take on the traditional rom-com and I am here for it!
Hannah Brooks works as private security for a very exclusive clientele. She’s not your typical security detail, obviously, which is what makes her so good at her job. No one suspects that she is capable of taking them out in a dozen different ways if they pose a threat to her clients. They assume she is the nanny or assistant. So when she gets an assignment to cover Jack Stapleton not long after the death of her mother that she hasn’t completely dealt with, she dives in head first and refocused herself on her job in order to distract herself from her personal life. Her co-worker and boyfriend broke up with her the day after her mother’s funeral, so she needs all the distractions she can get.
Jack is stunningly gorgeous and witty and she has to keep him in her sights at all times (what a tough assignment lol) so when his mother gets diagnosed with cancer and he has to go back to the family ranch, they tell them all that Hannah is his girlfriend in order to keep her cover. But soon Hannah finds herself with feelings and can’t tell what’s real and what’s part of the cover story. When a genuine threat comes to Jack, she has to put everything aside and do what she does best-protect him at all costs.
I loved Hannah’s inner monologue! So funny and real, self deprecating at times and at others full of strength and love. She was the heroine we need and rarely get.
I loved the narrator! She was lively and kept the story engaging and fun.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an ARC of The Bodyguard in exchange for an honest review.

Hannah Brooks is good at her job. So good that even in the wake of her mother's death and being dumped by her crappy boyfriend, all she can think about is getting back to work. Her supervisor has other plans. Enter Jack Stapleton. A heartthrob movie actor who is in town trying to visit his ailing mother while avoiding the public eye. Hannah gets selected for Jack's security detail when a corgi breeding stalker starts to get bold. Now Hannah is whisked into Jack's world as she pretends to be his girlfriend so his family doesn't find out her real purpose for being there. When the two are forced into close quarters, sparks fly and walls begin to come down.

This book is well on it's way to becoming a Hallmark/Lifetime/Netflix movie. It was charming and cutesy romantic. Personally, I think it was too romcom for me, but that is just my personal opinion. I wanted more depth from the characters. I was personally not a fan of the writing style which is why I gave it 3 stars, but I think to others it could be a 4 or 5 star book!

The concept of this book hooked me - SHE is the bodyguard? Yes!

Hannah is at a low point in her life when she’s put on a new assignment in her job as an Executive Protection Agent that has her posing as the girlfriend to movie star Jake Stapleton.

I loved how sweet this romance was. It was easy to imagine Jake as any Hollywood heartthrob. Hannah, on the other hand, came across as a bit robotic and I struggled to relate to her. Their banter was a delight.

The audiobook was well produced. The single narrator presented the diverse cast of characters nicely.

Though it deals with some heavier topics (cancer, grief, loss of loved one, domestic violence), the overall tone is light. This is a great feel-good summer read.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a delight. First, the narrator. She was great! No funny voices or accents — which could have been a temptation since some characters were Texas ranchers.

Hannah - the bodyguard - and Jack - the actor who wasn't thrilled to have a bodyguard - didn't follow the "I hate you" "I love you" trope. Because they didn't start as enemies, the evolution of their relationship was more interesting. Both had backstories and hers included more than boyfriend troubles and insecurities. He was more than "broody with a secret."

I really appreciated that the main character was positioned as physically and mentally strong. So often women in rom-coms are in professions no one would have trouble with. Who would object to a woman librarian, event planner, real estate agent or baker? Hannah has at least one black belt and keeps people from getting killed and kidnapped.

Like many of this genre, sometimes you could see what was coming. (There were surprises!) But like any good story, who cares if you can see where you're going if the ride is enjoyable?

YES!!!! If you want an absolutely fantastic rom-com that makes you literally laugh out loud, that breaks your heart and gives you actual-real-life-tears, and that you could recommend to any age…THE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center is THAT BOOK!

I enjoyed this book sooooo much! It is a fake-relationship, bodyguard, famous actor rom-rom, with pretty much nothing more than kissing (Yep! I hope you are sitting down…because I just 5 starred a non-explicit read!).
Hannah Brooks is assigned to the famous Jack Stapleton as his bodyguard…and how better to make it inconspicuous…but pretend they are a couple?

Was this kind of predictable…yes.
Was this kind of cheesy…yes.
Was it just one of those romance books that I just absolutely LOVED…also YES!

I cannot pinpoint any one thing specifically about this one, I just kinda loved everything about it! I loved the feels, the characters, the storyline…just everything!

**AUDIOBOOK**
Patti Murin was absolutely FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!! She did an incredible narration with such personality and feeling! She brought Hannah to life!

I listened to the audiobook version of this book courtesy of Net Galley. What a treat this cute little rom-com turned out to be. I had genuine laugh out loud moments. If you are into fake dating, this is the perfect book for you. I would say there is even a bit of very light thriller component as well. The narration was fun and this would make for a perfect lighthearted summer read, or in this case, listen! Thank you, #netgalley!

I LOVED this book. This is the second romcom in a row I’ve loved after a streak of meh ones. A bodyguard falls in love with their client while fake dating. Seems somewhat cliche, but the book is anything but. For starters SHE is the bodyguard. And I love breaking gender norms. Plus this book made me actual laugh out loud multiple times, which is very rare for me. Overall the story grabbed me from the beginning and I was truly rooting for the couple. This was the first book by Center that I’ve read, but the ones on my endless TBR are definitely going to be moved up.

Oh my gosh, amazing!

The Bodyguard is such a fantastic premise for a romance: the female bodyguard and the male movie star fall in love. Wonderful!

Katherine Center builds a terrific story centered around the slightly damaged Hannah. Fresh off a nasty breakup, unfilfilled with the direction of her career, and dealing with the recent passing of her mom, not much is going her way.

That all changes when she's assigned to guard hunky movie star Jack Stapleton. Jack is hilarious, and as sweet as can be, and it's so much fun watching a romance bloom between these two. Their banter is perfection, and their connection is totally real.

I loved the exciting action scene at the end. I'm not going to spoil it, but WOW!

The audio version is beautifully performed by Patti Murin (who even sings!). Ms. Murin has a gorgeous voice, and does a tremendous job with The Bodyguard. Five huge stars!

This is the perfect summer read. I am happy to see a strong female protagonist and live Patti Murin as the reader. Add this to your summer TBR pile!

This book was an absolute joy to listen to - from the storytelling to the narrator, I couldn't stop taking it in. I binged this book in two days (which is quick for me) and loved it. Hannah and Jack are written beautifully and Patti Murin is outstanding as a narrator. Put this one in your beach bag, vacation suitcase, getaway tote, whatever - it's great.

If you saw me driving the past few days, with a goofy smile on my face, it's because I was listening to the absolutely adorable The Bodyguard, by Katherine Center!

I think every book lover dreams of the story they've read coming to life. Movies never get it right. But, audiobooks (with the right narrator) really do! My new favorite thing is to listen to the books I've loved, and hear the characters become real. Patti Murin does a phenomenal job bringing Hanna Brooks, Jack Stapleton, and the rest of the characters to life!

I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Reading Copy of The Bodyguard and absolutely adored it. Then again, I don't think there's a single book by Katherine Center that I don't adore! Her books are sweet, funny, and inspirational. Each one has a message - not a cloying, in-your-face kind of thing, but an underlying theme that just makes you think. In The Bodyguard, I think one of my favorite characters was Connie Stapleton, who finds that a brush with death makes her appreciate life all the more!

Thank you MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this e-ARC in return for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I am so excited to give a review of this book! Even just using the term "excited", you should know this will be a positive review, but if you didn't catch it, here it comes.

The basic storyline is about a female Executive Protection Agent, (i.e. Bodyguard) for the businessman, rich & famous, politicians, and more; named Hannah Brooks. She is one of the best, yet absolutely plain in looks; with brown hair, small in stature, masculine clothing style, and all-around easily forgettable. She has been assigned as the lead agent for a new case, enter Jack Stapleton, Hollywood "it" man, most wanted bachelor, sexiest man of the year, and the desire of every woman's fantasies! Due to circumstances within Jack's personal/professional life, he and Hannah move into his parent's ranch house in the Houston, Texas area. For weeks they are stuck together "acting" as boyfriend and girlfriend and sure enough, the lines of "acting" become blurred. Without giving anything away, the finale's twists and turns will keep you captivated until the end.

I have read other reviews which call this book a Romcom, but I would have to disagree, rather labeling it a Contemporary Romantic Fiction. Yes, there are many laugh-out-loud moments, cringe-worthy scenarios, slow-burn romance, and a typical introvert's worst nightmare situations. But all of those provide the perfect ingredients for a well-planned, perfectly timed, and effortless transitioned plot. KC built in layers of subplots, emotional depth of the characters, and real-life issues (some trigger warnings possible) that were handled with finesse. This way my first reading of a KC title and I will absolutely be reading more in the future!

On top of all the magnificent things I can say about this book, I have to give major love to the voice actor, Patti Muran, as well! She embodied the character of Hannah Brooks, with not a stone unturned, in the complexities of emotions, the logical forethought, and idiosyncrasies associated with women in a masculine-dominated career. Bravo Patti!

Finally, who would I recommend this book to? Let's see, anyone who likes... fiction, character or plot-driven works, a good love story with a slow-burn romance, roots for the underdog, anyone needing a summer lounge read, anyone going on a vacation, and generally anyone during the Spring and Summer seasons of the year.

Final Rating: 4.5 Stars

What another wonderful installment by Center! I loved the juxtaposition of the female bodyguard and the male principle. I found myself laughing out loud as well as being devastated with the main character as we came up to some emotional scenes. This is a wonderful summer read; potentially Center’s best!