I am a huge fan of Katherine Center's work. I will read anything she writes. Our heroine, Hannah, is not the prototypical bodyguard. That's her super power! She can protect you like a bodyguard but the bad guy won't know that. This book is sure to be a movie. Hannah is assigned to protect the hot, very popular movie star, Jack Stapleton. The adventures, banter, break ups, and exciting bodyguard scenes makes this book fun to read, listen to, and hopefully, watch.

The Bodyguard contains a faking dating trope along with themes of family, stalking, authenticity, healing. I absolutely loved this book and it deserves all the stars! I loved that everything was through Hannah’s perspective and we got to see her personality and emotions be revealed throughout the story. Jack was the perfect love interest for her and loved learning more about him and his family as well. I really loved the growing relationship between Hannah and Jack and especially their emotional intimacy. The author does touch upon some heavy subjects which I think needs to be stated in the beginning of the book: death of a parent, death of a siblings, cancer, gun violence, and suicidal attempt. I admire that Katherine was able to not only discuss heavy subjects but include moments of lightheartedness as well. High recommend picking this one up if you’re a fan of Katherine Center and/or looking for a sweet romance!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and MacMillan Audio for my advanced audiobook copy of The Bodyguard - it has absolutely made my month!

Let's start with saying - I love Jack and Hannah. I love them together, I love them separate, I just love them!
Hannah is a badass with a sadness from her past that has made her who she is today. I mean, don't we all? And Hannah has used this to become strong and confident in her everyday life. But the best part, this strong and confident Hannah still has feelings, she still cries and yells, and for God sakes, she wants to be loved. And that's okay. I'll say it louder for the ones in the back. It is okay AND POSSIBLE to be a strong, determined woman and still have feelings.
Now Jack - Mr. heart of gold and a man who giggles. Oh, just rip my heart out. Jack may be a movie star but he is so much more. He loves his parents who are adorably in love. He throws paper towel balls into the trashcan, I mean COME ON - he's just good.
Just reserve this book now, that's what I'm saying here folks. The release date is July 19, 2022.

*audiobook rating - 5/5.*

The Bodyguard was a little slow to start but once the plot picked up, I was hooked! It's now my favorite Katherine Center book. The audio narration was outstanding as well!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio for my gifted review copy.

I just love Katherine Center’s books and this one was no exception. She has a way of creating such likable and complex characters and taking what at first seems like a simple and maybe predictable storyline to the next level. Her ability to incorporate tiny yet profound bits of wisdom into her easy to read and fun plots is my favorite part of her writing.

This book follows Hannah, a small framed yet fiery “bodyguard” who is assigned to protect a world famous heartthrob and actor. When the job requires Hannah to also start acting- as the infamous Jack’s new girlfriend, she finds herself on a whole new type of assignment.

I especially loved the sub storylines of self-love, brotherhood, and contradicting stereotypes. I was even surprised by a twist at the end- another thoroughly enjoyable read from Katherine Center!

I had the opportunity to read and listen to this amazing story and the narrator, Patti Murin, did a wonderful job helping bring this story to life. I know this will make the perfect book to throw in your beach bag, and I look forward to sharing more about this title on my social media feeds a bit closer to it's July 2022 publication date.

Sweet and fun! Rom com is not my usual form of reading or listening entertainment but I so enjoyed this book.
From the very start when Hannah Brooks was introduced as an Executive Protection Agent, a sophisticated term for bodyguard, to protect the hunk movie star, Jack Stapleton, I was sold.
This is a great read to begin the summer. The writing is crisp, humorous, and timely. All families share in their own angst and these characters were no different. I know I was really rooting for the two main characters to make it all along. Center is a very talented writer to engage her readers like she did. The narrator did a great job and kept the book moving at the perfect pace.

Catherine Center's writing always has a light, airy feel with a nice dose of humor and this was no exception. The character development isn't outstanding, but for someone looking for a light, fell-good read, this hits the mark. The narrator on the audiobook does a fabulous job of interpreting the characters. There is romance, humor and a dash of suspense that will appeal to many listeners.

This was an entertaining rom-com. I am not a fan of books in the romance genre, but this one ended up being a fun read. I loved the idea of Hannah working for an agency that provides protection for rich, important people. The dynamics of the relationships among the employees were varied ... friends, lovers, frenemies, wannabe lovers. There was a lot to keep you laughing or rolling your eyes. Then you factor in Jack, the person Hannah has been assigned to protect. I really liked his personality and the friction between he and Hannah. And I fell in love with Jack’s parents. It was heartwarming to see Hannah realize that they were an example of what a loving family should be like. If you are looking for a book that has you laughing with feel good vibes, this needs to be added to your to-be-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

What a fun read to start the summer! I’ve always been a fan of Kathrine Center, and she doesn’t disappoint in the story of a Protection Agent (bodyguard) named Hannah Brooks. She has been assigned to protect Jack Stapleton, a gorgeous actor who has a stalker after him. Then Jack goes to Texas to be with his family while his mother receives treatment for cancer. Because she has to stick close to him, Hannah agrees to pretend she’s Jack’s girlfriend during the assignment.

The mix of supporting characters range from sweet and lovable (Jack’s mom) to completely jerky (Hannah’s coworker and ex). The epilogue was hilarious and satisfying.

I rarely read romcoms, but I know I can always trust this author with a solid storyline and interesting characters. There were definitely times I laughed out loud while listening.

Pretty predictable and a bit cliched, but overall a fun and enjoyable read with two interesting and likable leads. I could definitely see this one as a lifetime movie.

Thanks NetGalley for providing this audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book!! What did Katherine put in the pages? I was addicted!! I was only 3 chapters in when I just knew this was going to be an amazing book.

Hannah is a hard working, best in the business, calculated “down to the T” bodyguard. She has always been great at her job, traveling around the world and using her job as her excuse to truly set down roots. She also has a little problem with expressing her emotions.

Hannah’s mother sadly has died, and rather than sit in her grief, she throws herself back into work. It’s then, a day after her mothers funeral that her boyfriend breaks up with her! Hannah then finds out that her job is opening a new branch in London and she is in the running to open it. But guess who she’s up against for the position? You guessed it, her ex-boyfriend.

Her boss tells her that they have a huge assignment for her and it’s a ticket she needs in order to secure the London job. Ready to escape the awful life in which her mother is gone and her boyfriend broke up with her, Hannah can’t wait. That is until she realizes who the job is for. Enter Jack Stapleton. Jack is a super famous, super handsome movie star. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem. But Hannah has seen all his movies. Her favorite movie kiss is from him! He’s a freaking movie star! That she has a crush on! This can’t be good.

Jack is a complicated guy who has stepped out of the limelight the last few years and is back in Texas to support his mother. He’s your typical heartthrob who has had a few stalkers in his past and requires a bodyguard to help keep his family safe. The only thing is, he doesn’t want his family to know that he has a bodyguard. His solution? Have Hannah pretend to be his girlfriend. This might complicate things!

This book brought out the best slow burn romance, reconciling broken friendships and parental relationships, and had amazing banter. You will not be disappointed!

<b> <I> Thank you so much to Net Galley and to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “Title” by Katherine Center in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. </I> </b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 3.25 out of 5 stars

<b> Format: </b> Audiobook

<b> Narrator Rating: </b> 4.5 out of 5 stars

<b> My favorite elements: </b> The reversed bodyguard trope! YES, CHECK, GIVE IT TO ME!!!! It was cute and entertaining. I liked the characters, especially Hannah! It was also definitely funny, but...

<b> My criticisms: <b> The description on the back of the novel had me expecting more violence than there actually was. The premise of this novel should not have been shifted to romantic comedy and I MUCH would have preferred to see more of a thriller with a romance side plot.

<b> Tropes: </b>
- Fake Dating
- Reverse Bodyguard
- Slow Burn
- Lighthearted
- Comedic Romance

I absolutely loved every moment of this closed door rom com. We have a female bodyguard who gets assigned to protect a world famous celebrity. They get into a situation where she has to pretend to be his girlfriend. So much fun ensues!
Fake dating trope, plenty of laugh out loud moments, emotional heartbreaks, heart warming family healing and fantastic chemistry. It checked all the boxes and the narrator was engaging and entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a cute read!
My first from Katherine Center, I loved that female MC Hannah was an alpha with a softer side, and our male MC Jack was kind at heart with a protective streak. The reversal of typical gender roles was a nice change and addressed really hilariously throughout the story.

The banter between Hannah and Jack was fantastic, and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times at some of their interactions. The Bodyguard also dealt with some more serious situations like the death of a parent, death of a sibling and the trauma that can follow as a result. Overall, I thought this was handled well, though the resolution was a very clean wrap up.

Read if you love:
🐄 Close proximity
🐄 Fauxmance
🐄 Fangirling over celebrity crushes
🐄 Menacing cows
🐄 Ridiculous exes being bested

Thank you to #Netgalley, Katherine Center and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy. This is my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I bounced between the audio and the ebook and finished it in a day. The narrator does a great job bringing the story to life and making it entirely engaging.

While different from her other novels, this book encompasses much of what I love about Katherine Center and her books. You have Hannah, a woman trying to discover and define her own worth, some experience that makes that come into focus, and with this one we throw in a super hunky movie star that is total dream right from the start, and some pretty humorous situations. Jack Stapleton is absolutely my newest book boyfriend. I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud as I read this.

I'd say that if you adjust your expectations from Center's previous books and recognize that this is a rom-com rather than women's fiction, you'll absolutely love it!

Thank you to NetGalley for my alc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio copy to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

I adore Katherine Center. Her stories are always so interesting and real. The characters are flawed and real and relatable. They face challenges and thoughts that are not uncommon. This might be my favourite from Center. I love Hannah and her confidence in her abilities. I also love how she recognizes her weaknesses. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a nice romance, but with some substance.

Katherine Center knows how to create female protagonists who are smart and strong without being self-absorbed or entitled, and MC Hannah is no exception.

I appreciate that the relationships in her stories are based on friendship and mutual respect rather than instant physical attraction.

This is a slow burn romance with little steam (Yea!). It follows a fake dating trope. Because Hannah and Jack had time to get to know each other, their romance was more believable. While there were definitely a few times when I needed to suspend belief, I didn’t mind because I was enjoying the story so much. (Very few eye roll moments!)

Great summer read! Trying to decide between 4.5-5 stars.

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/135842984-beverly-beverlyboymama

This was my first book by Katherine Center and it was very enjoyable. I like the unique concept of the female bodyguard to the handsome movie star. I liked that Hannah was Type A and confident when it came to her job but also lacking self confidence in her personal life at times. It made her human and more relatable. I really appreciated the strong female lead. Jack and Hannah together were cute and the story had a surprising amount of heart and emotion in dealing with the death of one parent and cancer diagnosis of another one. It was nice that Hannah and Jack were able to bond over it. The ending was a surprise and very moving, This will be a great summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for access to the digital and audio ARCs of this book.

I love everything Katherine Center writes, and The Bodyguard is no exception. It was fun and heartwarming, with great characters that were narrated perfectly. Perfect summer read!

I absolutely loved this book and will absolutely recommend it! Multiple enjoyable tropes - fake dating, bodyguard (but reverse roles!), family drama and trauma, movie star and forced proximity. I very much look forward to checking out other Katherine Center books now. This was an adorable, funny and modern Romcom however the reader should note there are some heavy topics discussed (parent with cancer, gun control, drinking and driving, death of sibling).

The narrator, Patti Murin is fantastic - I have enjoyed her narration of multiple books - she is very easy to listen to!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. She is one of my favorite authors and her newest book did not disappoint. It had all the things that make a book enjoyable (IMHO), including romance, suspense, family secrets and loyalty, as well as some laugh out loud moments. The narrator, Patti Murin, did a wonderful job. I highly recommend this book and think you will enjoy it, as well!

Thank you to #macmillianaudio and #netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.