I adore all of Katherine Center books and this one is probably going to the top as one of my favorites! She always picks the best occupation for her characters and this one with a Bodyguard and a celebrity which was hands down perfection. This one hit me in the feels… the grief, the continuing to move forward with each day, the heartache, the romance, the ability to write a story that contains all of that while sprinkling humor throughout is pure talent. I smiled, I grinned and I laughed. Definitely picking up a physical copy when it’s out!

I loved the change from the bodyguard being a man and instead being Hannah Brooks. She's an Executive Protection Agent, assigned to protect whoever her agency points her at. But, this time, it's different with her new assignment to high-profile Hollywood actor Jack Stapleton. Located at his family's Texan ranch, Jack's mother is sick and he doesn't want his family to know he has a stalker. Hannah then poses as his girlfriend to keep up the ruse.

Such a fun summer romcom read! Perfect for a vacation or road trip - I laughed (actually laughed) while reading this one. This book would make for a great movie adaptation. There were many "romcom moments" that could be seen as over-the-top. The best part was that I didn't mind it and it made for a really light-hearted read with serious family dynamics. Also, some tropes in this book: fake dating, forced proximity, and a swoony romance!

Thanks NetGalley for the audiobook copy!

A sweet romance between unlikely matched people! Hannah a protection agent is assigned to Jake the hot hunky star. Jake has a stalker, needs to be home in Texas to help with his mother, and finds love in the place he was least likely to look. Hannah is driven and goal oriented, thinks she knows what she want the loss of some important people in her life changes her focus - especially for finding love and happiness.

There were so many likeable parts to this story - Jake's backstory, his family dynamics, his leading actress.
Hannah was a strong character who surprised a lot of people, including herself. I liked that she was tiny but mighty.

The characters were well developed - I especially enjoyed Hannah's coworkers and boss.
I would love to get a handknitted sweater from the stalker!
Oh, and the ending where we get updated on the characters - LOVE!

Hannah is a bodyguard who doesn't allow herself to get too close to people. Her mom recently dies, her boyfriend breaks up with her, and her best friend betrays her. She is looking forward to leaving the state for her next assignment, but of course that doesn't happen either. She is sent to movie star Jack Stapleton's family ranch, but must not let the family know why she is there. Jack tells her to pretend she is his girlfriend and they even go as far as having to share a room (one bed trope). Obviously, they start to get feelings for each other...

I listened to this audiobook in one day. The narrator, Patti Murin, was AMAZING. I absolutely loved it and is the perfect summertime romcom. It is unexpectedly funny and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. I wasn't quite sure if I would like this book based off the beginning, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. This is everything I want from a romantic comedy. Yes, it's cheesy-but in the best way. This is also a clean book too, so if you are looking for a romance novel with less spice, then this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Bodyguard follows Hannah Brooks who looks nothing like a private bodyguard who could kick some serious butt, but she is, which is one reason she is great at her job. Her latest assignment is to protect one of America's hottest actors, literally and figuratively, Jack Stapleton. Only problem is he doesn't want anyone to know she is his bodyguard - so entering stage right is Hannah, whose cover is she is Jack's girlfriend.

First of all, this is my favorite summer read of 2022. To say I thoroughly enjoyed this book was an understatement. I openly gasped, laughed, and squealed throughout the entire audiobook. I kept finding excuses to be able to listen because I needed to know what happened next. The fake dating trope is my absolute favorite plot device and it was done so well. This novel also tackled themes of grief and loss so poignantly and without it creating a damper on the overall mood of the book. All in all there was a balance of humor throughout to lighten the mood and provide an upbeat energy.

The narrator made the entire book come to life. Patti Murin's voice was soothing and comfortable to listen to. I appreciated the range of emotions as well as her interpretation of different characters and their voices. It was very clear to follow who was who. Her ability to deliver the sarcastic and witty comments the author put effort into writing was perfection and had me chuckling every time. The book was great but the audiobook made it an even richer experience.

I highly recommend for anyone who is a fan of romance novels - and if this is your first then you should definitely let The Bodyguard show you the best that it has to offer.

*I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.*

I loved reading Hannah’s journey of discovering that she could be the love she wished she had and the fact that a fake relationship love story was the vehicle for her journey was just the cherry on top of that wonderful sundae of a story. This is a single POV romance. Single POVs are not usually my favorite because I would prefer the thoughts and feelings of the other MC are not a mystery. However, this book does a fantastic job of describing Jack through Hannah’s eyes so well that his thoughts and feelings are transparent to the reader even if they are not as transparent for Hannah. Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard who takes her job and herself very seriously. Hannah just wants to be loved but life has made her feel as if that’s impossible so she gets her worth by being great at her job. When her life implodes because her alcoholic mother dies, her boyfriend dumps her, and her best friend does the unforgivable, she feels rudderless. Instead of the escape to a new locale she desperately wants, she is made the principal bodyguard for movie star Jack Stapleton who is in Houston to be with his sick mother. Hannah is pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend to avoid alarming his family about a stalker. But their fake relationship begins to feel more real and Jack’s family wiggles their way into her heart and the lines between pretend and real get very blurry very quickly. Both Hannah and Jack are real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best as messy fallible humans. This book has a little bit of everything you’d expect from romantic suspense - sweet moments, dangerous action, strong families, painful pasts, mystery, evil actors, plot twists, imperfect characters, and even a few chuckles. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. The narration by Patti Murin was phenomenal. I really felt like I was inside Hannah’s head, thinking her thoughts and feeling her feelings. She brought dimension and depth to the narration which just enhanced an already fantastic story.

Welcome summer, welcome this new Katherine Center book! I was in need of your fun storytelling after reading some slower paced books recently. The audiobook of The Bodyguard, wonderfully read by Patti Murin, gave me everything I look for in the romance genre!

Hannah Brooks has recently gone through some of life’s difficult trials. Luckily, she can count on her work to buffer her through these hardships…except when her most recent assignment puts her in her own backyard of Texas rather than her regular jetsetting destinations. Not only is her bodyguarding assignment local, but it’s also less challenging than normal as Hannah’s new client is movie star Jack Stapleton. Soon Hannah is forced to act as Jack’s girlfriend on the Stapleton family ranch in order to fulfill her bodyguarding assignment. Hannah has to interact with her movie star crush while maintaining professional boundaries, and Jack tries to support his mom through her recent cancer diagnosis while keeping a low cover from his fans. But as Hannah and Jack get to know each other with the constant surveillance that is needed in this unique relationship, they find a mutual respect for the one another. They also both start facing some of the trying emotions that they’ve each suppressed with recent tragedies in their lives.

I really enjoyed this storyline! First, it took an unusual premise in how the characters met and the circumstances in which they needed to be together. The banter and conversations between the two main characters, as well as the supporting characters, was genuine and funny. I often found myself smiling as Murin read the dialogue. This relationship developed normally and seemed authentic unlike other romances where the characters suddenly, magically, fall in love. It made me happy that Hannah not only found a love interest while on the job, but also gained a family.

4 stars for this pleasurable reading experience! Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The audio on this book was done well, although the narrator sounded young, making it seem that the characters were young (the writing supported this, however). It was hard to tell if these characters were 18 or almost 30.

This book is narrated by Hannah, who is a bodyguard. This is cool, but definitely not utilized enough in the book (in fact, it is seemingly forgotten for the middle third of the book). This is a rom-com, complete with fake dating turning into real dating. It fits all the stereotypes of this trope and is predictable.

However, something is missing in this book. The main characters didn't seem to have a lot of chemistry, but I think it was the fact that I couldn't see this happening in real life. A movie star (the sexiest man alive) gives up the glamor and fame and groupies for someone he barely knows? There was just something missing.

This was my first Katherine Center book and let me just say, this won't be my last! I adored her style and characters. So many sweet small moments that were weaved into the story that really helped add to the relationship / conflict between Hannah and Jack. I loved how there was such a larger overall theme of feeling unlovable that brought this book up a level beyond a simple romance story.
Hannah and Jack had great banter between one another and you really kept wondering and hoping something would happen between the two of them. Hannah is the perfect Type A person and Jack is the perfect Type "Fly by the seat of your pants person". There was a great twist / high tense moment at the end that made you question the reality of what you believed earlier about their relationship. A great read!

this is not your usually romcom but loved it all the same. Hannah is a bodyguard and does not fit the usual profile. she looks like the average person and could pass more for a teacher than a bodyguard which is why she is the perfect person for her current assignment. unfortunately, before this assignment her mother has died, and her boyfriend dumps her the day after. her best friend betrays her, but life goes on. she is given the assignment to protect a famous actor who did not know he was getting a bodyguard and was very confused when she showed up. i loved how the relationship between jack and Hannah grew as the story progressed. He is just a regular guy like anyone else and he likes her because she is not from the business. He goes home to see his mother as she is sick. He is bringing Hannah with him but tells everyone she is his girlfriend. the more time they spend together the more they like each other. i like how jack does not put her down or second guess her choices and supports her 100%. . i like how Hannah seems to grow more confidence about herself the more time they spend together. this book does have a happy ever after and love can be found where you least expect it.

This was a really interesting book! I didn’t know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked the characters. I didn’t love the first chapter just because it started out dark and the narrator seemed like she was fine? (It made sense later but it was somewhat jarring at first). I did find the narrator a bit of a contradiction: tough woman at work, yet afraid of gentle animals — seemed kind of implausible. However, the story was very charming at times and the action was a great addition! Just be aware of trigger warnings before reading. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to the ARC!

Hannah Brooks is a girl next door type that is a body guard and can take any man down with just a twist of an arm.
She just got assigned to a famous actor Jack Stapleton to guard him as he goes to his home to visit his family at a ranch.
Hannah is very professional and normally doesn't blur boundaries but things get difficult when she meets his family.

This is the best romcom / Thriller I have read in so very long! Katherine Center has done it again. This is a great summer read!
I listened to the audio book and let me tell you the narrator Patti Murin was absolutely FANTASTIC! I'm looking for her again to listen to...she read with perfect emotion and did nnot over act.
Bravo !
Thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan audio for this advanced audio in exchange for my honest review.

This is probably my favorite Katherine Center book since Things You Save In A Fire.

Hannah Brooks is small but she is fierce and works as a bodyguard for an elite protection agency. After she loses everyone close to her for various reasons she is assigned to protection detail of two-time sexiest man alive Jack Stapleton. The job is easy -- protect the target -- or so she thought. It was easy until she realized that Jack is going to be at his family home with his ailing mother whom he doesn't want to know he needs protection. To keep her close but not give away who she is Jack and Hannah have to pretend to be in a committed relationship. What could go wrong with that, right?! Soon the lines blur between what is fake and real and Hannah questions everything, including her ability to keep Jack safe.

Jack Stapleton is one of my favorite Katherine Center characters. He is a super star and a famous actor, but also just a down home Texas boy. He was sweet and kind and so protective of Hannah who was sent to protect him. I loved everything about Jack and his family. The dynamics of them staying at his family home with his parents and brother added such a fun layer to this story.

Hannah is also a really complex character who is tough on the outside but hurting and shaken on the inside. I love how you see more and more of her vulnerabilities as the story goes on.

This is a fun fake-dating, forbidden love, only-one-bed, story. While many aspects of the plot were really predictable, the amazing characters kept me reading and enthralled in what would happen next.

I listened to the audio book and thought the narration by Patti Murin was amazing. Listening to the story was like listening to girl talk with a good friend. I would definitely listen to more audio books that she narrates.

HUGE thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced listening copy of this one. All opinions are my own.

This book was not exactly what I thought I was getting into. This book is a cute romantic comedy with a slight twist. It includes a cute little woman being a bodyguard to a famous good looking movie star. I love how this storyline unfolded and came to an end as well! I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romcom!

Katherine Center is back in what is sure to be THE book of the summer.

Hannah Brooks is not your regular person. She's a bodyguard, think someone helping people through the witness protection program. She never gets attached to clients and refuses to share any personal information. But her life is about to flip upside down.

Jack Stapleton is a famous Hollywood actor who some may really know as sexiest man alive. Jack however; has withdrawn from the spotlight and has come to Texas to be with his mom throughout her cancer battle. In play Hannah: Jack's bodyguard <against his better >.

Pantsuit up and get ready for a hilarious Texas time with Hannah and Jack.

This is my FAVORITE Katherine Center book and I cannot wait for other readers to experience its magic. Center's two main characters are written from the heart and soul of who she really is. From page one, I couldn't put down The Bodyguard and laughed at alll the shenanigans. The audio added to this experience and Patti Murrin brought Hannah to life in a beautiful way.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and MacMillan audio for my arcs in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Bodyguard was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The storyline has just enough surprises to keep your attention and has unique storyline qualities just like Katherine Center’s other books. If you’re looking for your next read, you won’t regret this one.

Well that took over my day. I could not put this little gem down. I go in blind. I’m not disappointed. This is a new author for me and I’m over here trying to decide which of her other books I should purchase. I laughed through the entire book.

Hannah & Jack. The newest hottest couple. The bodyguard and the actor. Fake relationship. One bed. Corgi breeding stalker. Throw in A corkscrew for protection and what can go right.

This audio version is superb. The narrator perfection. Felt almost like she was sitting down to tell me a story. The references in the book to the actor made me feel like I was chatting with a friend the whole book.

Hannah is a top rated bodyguard with a very interesting career, a promotion to look forward to and a hot Adonis of a boyfriend. This all changes one day when her boyfriend dumps her, she’s put on leave and is left to figure out how to get her life back together. Then she’s assigned to protect Jack, a national treasure of an actor who has his very own stalker. As they grow closer she sees her life more clearly and every reader will be hoping for a happily ever after. This is a perfect summer read/listen that will leave a smile on your face.

I’ll start off by saying that I was extremely excited about this book because I love Katherine Center’s writing style. Well, it did not disappoint. The audio was amazing. I finished in one day and hated it to see it end. The storyline was amazing, the main characters were so lovable, the plot twists kept the pages turning, and it’s just an overall wonderful work of fiction. I felt personally attached to the story and kept finding myself hoping for new developments and character relationship. The ending was beautiful and really tied the whole story together. I highly recommend!

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
- bodyguard (heroine)
- Actor (hero)
- Closed door
- Only one bed
- forced proximity
TW: cancer, death of a parent, alcoholism (heroine’s mother), gun violence, stalking
Prompt: audio arc via netgalley
Release date: 7/19
Omg this book was SO GOOD! I’m loving Katherine Center’s books more and more. She’s definitely an author whose backlist I need to dive into.
I think one of the biggest compliments I have to give to this book is to the audiobook narrator, Patti Murin. I adored the heroine so much and it was in no small part to Patti’s performance narrating this book. The subtle humor and personality of this character was played perfectly. I highly recommend the audiobook for this one.
I was so curious about a bodyguard romance in which the heroine was the bodyguard - even though I’m not a big fan of the game trope - and now I’m dying for more.
The writing style was also fun and unique, almost told in second person, like the heroine was speaking directly to the reader. It brought me even more into the story, especially when she was referencing the hero like we knew who he was because he was famous.
This book is definitely worth checking out when it comes out in July, especially the audiobook. I can’t wait to see what Katherine Center has coming up next!