A bodyguard + A Hollywood Heartthrob = A hard to put down, put-a-smile-on-my-face read!

Hannah Brooks does not look like a bodyguard. She looks like a librarian or a schoolteacher. But she works as an Executive Protection Agent. Her assignment is none other than Jack Stapleton, a Hollywood actor who is uber handsome and a nice guy to boot!

Jack is in town to visit his mother, but his team wants him protected as he has a stalker. Hannah has been assigned the job and must pose as his girlfriend to fool his family and anyone who is keeping eyes on Jack.

Going home can be hard especially when you and/or your family have secrets.

I loved this book. I was gripped in the very beginning. There are so many likeable characters in this book as well as one that is a royal jerk and one that is selfish. Boo Hiss. They both deserved each other and yet....

Katherine Center knocked it out of the ballpark with this tone. I loved the banter between Jack and Hannah. At times I shook my head thinking that for a woman who is trained to see everything, Hannah misses key things at times. But then again, it was fun watching/reading when she realized what was what.

Katherine Center fans and those who enjoy romance will enjoy this book. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Highly recommend.


Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Bodyguard
by Katherine Center
Pub Date: 19 Jul 2022

Review: Wow, ok I GET the Katherine Center hype! I had seen this was one of the most requested e-ARCs on Netgalley and, for that reason plus the brilliantly colorful cover, I thought, "What the heck, let's try it" and my request was promptly denied LOL. When the audio ALC became available I hoped against hope I would get a chance to enjoy it. Yahoo, approved! I was so excited, I pressed play without even reading the description--I was hungry for a positive energy injection from an author folks seem to love and wow was I pleased. I had naively assumed that this was going to be about a fun female protagonist who falls in love with her bodyguard--I know, Emily, read the jacket it's the least you can do! Guilty as charged, I had totally misperceived the plot with my own assumptions and fell into the age old cliche of judging a book by it's cover, derrrrp. In a *fun twist for me, and probably me only* I immediately realized our kick ass no nonsense narrator was a female body guard who, of course, is eventually assigned a movie star handsome client with whom there is a delightful will they won't they woven throughout a clever and easy listening plot; super funny and swoon-worthy. I just loved it.

Read if you love:
🏡Laugh out loud banter
🏡Will they, won’t they
🏡Bad ass female lead
🏡TWIST in the final 50

Thank you to @macmillan & @stmartins for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

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I read a lot of romance and I'm OK with a lot of different scenarios, tropes, kinks, etc. My two rules, though, are that I have to believe the chemistry and they need to have decent boundaries. This book is very readable and the characters are likable, but unfortunately it breaks both my rules. Even though I like both Hannah and Jack, I don't believe that they like each other. And the boundaries.....are pretty terrible. It's what I hated about Katherine Center's last book. And I hate it in this one too. It's not just poor boundaries that the character works on, or necessary for character growth. These are just objectionable, unhealthy boundaries. I'm adding a star for readability and because it's set in Texas.

Katherine Center does it again! The Bodyguard brings together humor and real life struggles for a story full of depth and heart. I loved Hannah. She’s prickly and tries her best not to get personal, but she has a soft heart and actor Jack Stapleton is the perfect man to work his way beneath her armor. The audiobook narrator does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. I listened to it in two days and loved every minute of it.

*Thank you to Katherine Center, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

This is an absolutely adorable, fun, and romcom-esque read that I absolutely devoured! The story centers on learning to find your worth set alongside a movie worthy plot. Hannah, our main character, is so well rounded and an overall badass. Jack, our hero, is a movie star who just underwent personal tragedy. The characters are absolutely heartwarming with personal growth through out the story. I’d highly recommend for a fun summer read! The audiobook narrator was phenomenal as well! She was insanely talented!

I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher and I am providing my own honest opinions on the book.

Great story! Very While You Were Sleeping vibes. I really enjoyed the characters and most of the plot. I felt like the book dragged a bit at the end. The author seemed intent on giving the reader a Moment™ coupled with a life lesson, but didn't fully seem to understand that they already had. The "big finale" as it were felt somewhat out of place and unnecessary.

All in all though, a very enjoyable read.

*some of the phrasing is a little awkward in the audio. The narrator doesn't pause or provide a change in voice to indicate parentheses or commas and so sometimes the wording or dialogue can be a bit confusing. Did not really detract from my enjoyment of the book though, usually just made me laugh where I don't think I was supposed to.

Love love love this book! Katherine Center can do no wrong. What could have easily been campy and cliched ended up entertaining and witty. I love a well-done rom-com and this one checked all the boxes.

Hannah is not your average bodyguard, she is average height and build; but knows how to take threats out. She has traveled the world to protect high stakes clients and now she is hired to protect a celebrity, but not just any celebrity… Jack Stapleton. Jack has returned to Texas because his mom fell ill. There is a lot of tension and Jack is held accountable for an accident that happened years earlier. Can Hannah keep Jack from being harassed by his stalker and can Jack make amends with his family?

Narrator: I really liked the narrator for this novel. I believe they did a great job capturing the characters personalities in their voice. The differentiation between characters was also well done. I just wish there was a little more of a twang to the voices, most Texans don’t have one, but there are some words we tend to drawl out. Overall, I would rate the narrator a 4.

The story: As a fellow Texan, who is very familiar with the ranch life and state geography. I enjoyed the realism in some of the actions of the characters – shooting glass bottles for fun (I have done that on several occasions at the ranch). The concept was good, but many times the dialog was “he said”, then “she said”, then “he said”, then “they said.” Could we find a different verb than said? I also just didn’t like the ending. I found it very anticlimactic. Overall, I would rate a 3.

Total rating: 3.5 (round up to 4)

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC. A good, quick, summer read. Entertaining story. Some of the deeper context might lead to a good book discussion on forgiveness and family.

Another great book from Katherine Center! Patti Murin did a fabulous job as narrator of THE BODYGUARD. She made my long runs go by quickly!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy (audiobook) in exchange for an honest review!

Okay this book was actually really fun, AND I think it would make a great movie adaptation! Also, the narrator was perfect!

It gave me Miss Congeniality kind of vibes. Especially with how Hannah tended to defy orders to protect Jack Stapleton.

Honestly, as much as I fell in love with Jack (secretly wish there was a bit more spicy writing with him), I fell in love with his mom more. She was the sweetest most adorable character.

Would definitely recommend for a light (and surprisingly funny) read.

Love love love it! This author has a way of developing characters that I just absolutely love! This book was no exception.

If you're looking for an easy summer read, thia is the book for you. The story was cute, though predictable. My buggest complaint is that for someone who seems so capable at their job that requires to be good at literally everything, Hannah really did some stupid things that don't make sense for her character. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I first want to thank the publishers and Netgally for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. This is a minor reference to domestic violence in this book that may trigger some readers.

I wanted to like this good. The idea of a strong female character sounded awesome. However it really fell flat.

Maybe it’s a pet peeve but the entire novel the male main character was referred to as “Jack Stapleton.” I remembered his last name after the 5 time it got very redundant and made me cringe every time.

Even writing this review I can’t remember the main characters name. She was surprisingly naive and weak for someone who is supposed to be a body guard.

I think the right person could love this book but sadly the only thing I could personally relate to was his fear of bridges. This book really felt like it was dragging on and then everything happened in the last 15% of the book.

Don’t be mistaken by her inoffensive look, Hannah Brooks could most certainly kill you with a wine bottle opener (or anything for that matter), and she just got hired (mostly forced) to protect Jack Stapleton; super famous actor JACK STAPLETON! Jack’s mom is sick, so he decides to come home to his family Texas’ ranch to be with her, but with his corgi-breeding stalker out there it’s considered not safe for him. That’s why Hannah will go with him. One small thing you should know though, because he wants to keep all of this a secret, Hannah has to pretend to be Jack’s girlfriend… what could ever go wrong with that plan, right?

Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR list right now! I had the chance to get this ARC audiobook and believe me, I will buy this book for sure once it’s published because I NEED IT on my shelves (+ I want to read it again, yep that good!) Absolutely loved every second of it.

That story got me hooked in the first few chapters. I mean… a first encounter that was just “chef kiss”, fake-dating, celebrity, strong woman, amazingly welcoming family, a little action, and learning to heal yourself. The ending was such a nice twist, I have to admit that I was wondering how so much time could be left at one point, but then the story took another direction, and my mind was blown haha!

This was my first book from Katherine Center and I will be looking for more of her books cause it was such an entertaining read with lots of lovely characters and I need more of it! Also have to mention that the narrator did such a fantastic job!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

When I saw Katherine Center had a new book coming out, I immediately marked it in my calendar. I always find myself loving her books and writing style. Filled with emotion but with a comedic twist in between, it is for me, the perfect combination.
I was lucky enough to gain access to her audiobook and let me tell you, I DID NOT stop smiling throughout. The narration was just perfect, and the story itself, please just go and see for yourself! I already placed my order for my printed copy and cannot wait to re-read this gem!

I absolutely LOVED this audiobook! Patti Murin is one of my very favorite narrators and she does an incredible job of capturing this story!

Katherine Center has done it again! I never can finish one of her books without learning something important and I’m so grateful for each and every one of her books.

The Bodyguard has all of Katherine’s trademark wit and charm with a strong female lead and a swoony male lead. Katherine’s books never fail to fill me with such joy and warmth and they truly make the world a better place.

I absolutely adored Hannah and Jack and the ranch and all the wonderful romcom moments that just put a smile on your face. And NO ONE ends a book like Katherine Center. I want to frame so many of her quotes, and the finale to The Bodyguard was no exception.

Katherine Center’s books will make you glad to be alive, and for the ability to escape into a story that brings you pure joy. I am so grateful for Katherine’s constant ability to remind me of what’s beautiful about life.

I loved everything about this book!

Meet Hannah. Not your typical bodyguard. I enjoyed her inner monologs and her flashback comments.

Then comes Jack. A movie start who has been incognito for awhile - since his brother's death - comes home to Texas. Guess who gets to be his Bodyguard.... yup, Hannah. Secrets, and laughs, and feelings, and fake dating (one of my favorite troupes)! It is a beautiful disaster waiting to happen. Hannah had great growth throughout the story too and very meaningful self-discovery.

I loved the side characters too... I could see this become a series! I would definitely read more from this bunch, from Hannah's coworkers to Jack's family.

I listened to the audio and the narrators were perfect!

Sometimes you just read a book and it checks all the right boxes and just the right time, and for me, that was The Bodyguard. I devoured this book, and I was so sad when it ended. I loved that the bodyguard in question is a female who is described as looking like a kindergarten teacher, flipping the normal gender roles upside down. And I really loved the dynamic and humor between Hannah and Jack. Chemistry and good looks are great, but I loved how Center played up the humor and laughter between Hannah and Jack.

Favorites from the book:
-Hannah dealing with her trauma from her childhood and getting to be part of a family
-Jack not being the stereotypical leading man, but just a normal guy
-Jack's family and their dynamic
-The setting. I really felt like I was on a sprawling Texas property.
-Patti Murin as the narrator was great!

I loved this book and can't wait to press it into the hands of all my friends.

And just a note- If you're interested in doing a book flight, this would pair really well with How to Fake It in Hollywood. OR you could listen to Texas Sun by Leon Bridges while you read it to really lean in to the Texas setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audiobook.

I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK.

Wow. Seriously you need to add this one to your TBR immediately (well at least by 07/19 because that is it’s pub date).

I couldn’t put it down. Well, I couldn’t take my headphones out because I got this one as an audiobook lol. I loved the narrator, loved the characters, and I loved how much it made me LAUGH!

The cow scene got me! 🤣🐄

So basically, Hannah is hired to become a famous actor’s, Jack Stapleton, bodyguard, but he doesn’t want his family to know he has one, so she has to fake being his girlfriend. What could possibly go wrong?! Also, did I mention he’s like 6’3 and she’s 5’5… something about that is so funny, but I love Hannah and her ability to protect people!

There are so many people who underestimate Hannah, but you just have to wait and see how she handles them all! I will say there were definitely several moments where my jaw was left hanging open, and other moments where I couldn’t help but raise my fist in the air and felt so happy!!

One of my favorite rom coms!!

Thank you to netgalley and Macmillan audio for this ARC!

Holy crap this book was AMAZING!!! I went into this one not knowing what I was getting myself into, I really loved the cover, but did not read much of the synopsis. WOW was this so good.

This book had everything I would ever want in a romance novel. Great characters, fake dating, side plots, external conflicts & more. Hannah is so funny, but not the best at her job lol - she gets distracted by Jack instantly (but I didn't mind this lol).

Usually I love books that have dual POVs, but this book was meant to be written in just Hannah's POV. I loved the writing style, the drama, the character development and the ending was unexpected!!!!! AHHH I cannot rave about this one enough. 5/5

Read this if you like:
- fake dating
- celeb romance
- the CIA
- spiting our exes
- slow-ish burn
- deep topics (it's a romance, but so much more than just a romance)

Thank you St Martin's Press and Net Galley for the eARC :)