Member Reviews
Um yes! If you're looking for a stay up all night to read me romantic adventure than this is a great choice!
Anisa is on her way to Madagascar for her job as a production assistant and her estranged over protective brother has hired Nasser who is a bodyguard to protect and keep her safe. Anisa is not a happy camper. Nasser has only agreed to help out Anisa’s brother because he needs his help with something private. When the two meet there is an instant attraction. Anisa even though she is very much attracted to Nasser she makes it known that she is not in need of a bodyguard and does everything she can too ward him off. There are obstacles in both lives that are a hinderance to their budding romance. All in all, this was a great romantic read that I enjoyed.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.
Where do I get a bodyguard!? Because I am low-key obsessed with this book. The book follows strong and independent Anisa who is on a trip in Madagascar with a delectable bodyguard she never wanted it . Funny, intriguing and a romance readers dream.
Good book in a beautiful setting. Anisa is a production assistant for a film company shooting a picture in Madagascar. She is stunned and angry when she arrives and discovers that her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard without her permission. But no matter how vocal her objections are, nothing dissuades him from sticking close. Anisa would find it much easier to ignore him if he wasn't so good-looking.
Nesser agreed to guard Anisa in exchange for her brother's help on a private matter, but nothing would keep him from carrying out his plans. Anisa's stubborn resistance is both frustrating and amusing. However, the job would be much easier if he wasn't so attracted to her.
The sparks flew between Anisa and Nasser from the moment they met. The first few days were rough as Anisa made her displeasure known and tried hard to ditch Nesser whenever possible. Her frustration was evident as he foiled her at every turn. I liked that Anisa realized she was being unreasonable and changed her attitude. I liked seeing her and Nasser get to know each other. As they did, the attraction between them grew. But guilt from a devastating event in his past keeps him from giving in to his feelings.
A twist involving Anisa's brother adds new tension to their relationship. Nesser's need for revenge drives a wedge between them. I ached for what he went through in the past, its effect on his life, and what it was doing to his relationship with Anisa. I liked the ending and seeing that Anisa's words and care brought him unexpected peace. The epilogue was good, but left me wondering about Anisa's brother. I'd like to see a story about him.
I enjoyed the parts about Anisa and her history. I ached for her and the pain she felt over her relationship with her brother, Ara. There was some stubbornness on both sides that added to the strain. Seeing them mend that relationship with honesty and love was a lovely secondary storyline.
Anisa bristles at the arrival of Nasser, a frustratingly attractive bodyguard assigned to protect her during her trip to Madagascar. Despite their sizzling chemistry, Nasser’s hidden past and the forbidden nature of their connection force them to fight their growing attraction.
This is an angsty novel in a unique setting. The characters are wonderful—Anisa is strong and independent, while Nasser is loyal and protective.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
For the most part, I liked "Falling for Her Forbidden Bodyguard," but I did have a couple of issues.
First, Anisa is hard to like at times during the reading. She came off as childish, which I didn't like. I understood that her brother was overprotective, and yes, that could be annoying, especially when someone isn't telling you the reason why they are being that way. A simple phone call or a conversation between them could have solved so much. However, I guess we wouldn't have had the romance we got. Speaking of the romance, I needed more development between Anisa and Nasser. It all felt a little rushed. I'm all for fast-paced romance when necessary, but here it felt like a combination of fast and slow burn. I needed more time between them.
I liked that we finally got a conversation between Nasser and his family. His guilt about his brother was intense. And thank you for the conversation between Anisa and her brother. I'm hoping we get the story behind their parents' murder from the brother's book.
All in all, this is an okay read. The descriptions of Somalia and Madagascar were a bonus. I would say if you like bodyguard romances, then add this one to your tbr.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
This is a captivating romance novel that combines passion, intrigue, and emotional depth. The story centers around Layla, a strong, independent woman facing unexpected dangers, and her bodyguard, Zahir, who is determined to protect her at all costs. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Zahir is strictly off-limits, leading to a thrilling and tension-filled dynamic that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Layla is portrayed as a resilient woman, but also one who struggles with her vulnerabilities, making her a well-rounded and believable protagonist. Zahir, on the other hand, is a classic hero—strong, loyal, and deeply conflicted by his growing feelings for Layla. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their forbidden attraction adds a layer of intensity to the narrative.
The plot is well-paced, with a mix of romance, suspense, and drama. The tension between Layla and Zahir builds steadily, leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged climax. The author also skillfully weaves in elements of family loyalty, cultural expectations, and personal honor, which add depth to the storyline and make the characters’ struggles more relatable. One of the standout aspects of the book is its setting, which is vividly described and adds a rich backdrop to the romance. The cultural nuances and societal pressures faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and provide an additional layer of conflict to the story.
This is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of intense, emotion-driven romances. Hana Sheik has crafted a story that, while rooted in familiar tropes, offers enough depth and character development to keep readers invested until the very end. If you enjoy a romance with strong characters, cultural richness, and a dash of suspense, this book is worth picking up.