eally enjoyed this listen. It did take on a revisionist history feel, but many memoirs do when they are focused on a third party. As a nostalgic 90’s kid born in the late 80’s some of my earliest memories are of jamming to Whitney ballads in the back of our van. I enjoyed the journey, but you should know it is absolutely tragic and devastating. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the source material.

I think I would have like it more if it didn’t seem quite so egocentric. Who am I to tell someone how to tell their story, though, ya know?

A great audiobook. You can truly feel the warmth, concern, and deep sense of responsibility David had for Whitney throughout their time together. I was shocked to learn about the intense and often dangerous encounters she faced with fans. It really opened my eyes to the unseen challenges celebrities endure. I had no idea that bodyguards for stars like Whitney Houston often come from elite military backgrounds, which gave me a whole new appreciation for the level of protection required. A bittersweet story that left a lasting impression.

Intriguing and interesting pov from other people who were in close contact with Whitney. A glimpse of the late star's life as told from her bodyguard's perspective. I love Whitney Houston as a singer and artist and I grew up to her songs. The Bodyguard was one of my fave movies starring her and it is still bittersweet and nostalgic seeing it now. Fast forward and many revelations about her life unravels before the whole world with her personal demons, struggles and secrets coming out, is just sad to witness. Amazing talent but with one troubled soul. It's refreshing to listen to others pov about her especially one who really knew her personally.

The narrator is a little too dry for my taste. I needed a bit more emotion. Maybe the IRL bodyguard was like that so he was mimicking him??
It didn't ruin the book for me, but it didn't enhance it.
Loved getting an inside glimpse of how Whitney's bodyguard felt all those years.

AND IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-EEEIIIIIIII, WILL ALWAYS, LOOOOVE YOUOUOUOUIIIII I WILL ALLLLLWAYYYYYS, LOVE, AH-YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Ok, if you know the reference and want to belt it out with me, you are 100% in the right place! Global superstar (and some might say, the G.O.A.T) Whitney Houston did not have an easy life. A troubled marriage, issues with substances, pressures from all over the world and many dark secrets all contributed to the downfall of an iconic individual taken from us all too soon. One of Whitney Houston's most iconic career moments was her star turn in The Bodyguard, paired with its immeasurably successful soundtrack. Well, for the first time, Whitney Houston's *actual* bodyguard during that moment in her life is sharing the stories he has on working with the pop star - The mostly good, occasionally bad, and only sparingly ugly experiences.

David Roberts doesn't come from fame, nor did he ever find it again. He was a specialized, assured, lowkey, well, bodyguard, who got put on a chance project helping Whitney's team out for a short stint in Europe. When David proved to be a favorite of Whitney's, he stuck around, and stuck around, and stuck around, until new forces got their way and he was ousted in the early 90s. Roberts writes (only) about his time working with her, and always through the lens of what were his responsibilities. If you're looking for the juiciest details on Whitney's life, they aren't here. Roberts writes with a straightforward, knowledge-based tone, only occasionally peppering the dialogue with his taste-based opinions on individuals. But this is perhaps as much a biography of Roberts himself as it is one of Whitney Houston, and it's clear that Roberts loved the woman so much, and that their relationship was based on respect and dignity. There is no affair to be found, nothing as salacious as what you find in the movie, which, let's face it, might be partially based on this dude. But what comes off the page here is affection for the pop star, a tough but important account of her life, and a layman's opinion of the price of fame when the world turns against you. PROTECTING WHITNEY is a gift to the fans, a chance to see the star for so much of her good, even during the bad times.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ALC of this. It’s interesting to get into a book absolutely knowing the end will be heartbreaking. I enjoyed hearing about so many pieces of her fame and stardom from the perspective of someone whose sole job was to look out for her safety. And hearing about the beginnings of her downfall? Ugh. 😩

I really liked this book. The author tells the story of his time with Whitney Houston in a funny and interesting manner, nice work!

What an honor to experience and support Whitney as her bodyguard was able to through formative and detrimental parts of her life. Sadly, the worst of times ended up causing his exit but his reflection of her is done beautifully.

Whitney’s story mirrors so many like Marilyn and many celebrities we see today like Britney. It’s hard to wrap your head around how severely good people can get wrapped in addiction but I suppose it feels just as complicated for the addict to walk away from that scene.

I especially liked the earlier memories and moments of her. She was popular in my household growing up and as a teen, I loved her music and films and it still breaks my heart that someone of such talent was destroyed the way she was, as with here daughter. I’m glad this novel allows us to relive and enjoy some of her greatest moments in her career.

I absolutely loved this book or audiobook. It did take me a minute to get used to the narrators voice but beyond that I was enthralled. I have been a huge fan of Whitney Houston for as long as I can remember and this book made me love her even more. It was so interesting to see and hear about this side of things. I would have never thought about how big celebrities like Whitney and other artists probably do have body guards and they spend their entire careers with and the things they see, hear and do. It was very interesting and I was hooked and could not stop listening. It made me hate Bobby even more than I already did lol and I was almost in tears at the end knowing what was coming and sadness of it all. She would have been a lifelong star and could have done amazing things. Its so sad her life was cut as short as it was.

As a lifelong Whitney Houston fan and someone who loves The Bodyguard, I knew I had to get my hands on this book—the real-life account from her actual bodyguard, David Roberts. I opted for the audiobook, which took a moment to adjust to due to the narrator’s thick accent, but once I settled in, I really enjoyed this one. Hearing firsthand what it was like to protect a global superstar in the ‘80s and ‘90s—pre-social media, pre-paparazzi frenzy as we know it—was fascinating. There’s no doubt that Roberts was deeply devoted to Whitney, spending decades ensuring her safety. However, if you're looking for shocking new revelations, this book doesn’t necessarily deliver. Instead, it revisits well-known moments from her life, but through his perspective. That said, as a Whitney fan, I still found it an engaging (and ultimately heartbreaking) read. Her story remains tragic, and hearing it from someone who was in her inner circle only reinforces that. Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the advanced readers copy!

Whitney Houston’s music was a huge part of my teens in the mid-late 1980s and I absolutely adored the movie bodyguard with Kevin Costner.

Protecting Whitney is written by her actual bodyguard David Roberts and it was an as interesting account as I imagined it would be. He protected and travelled with her from 1988 for six years.

David Roberts didn’t really want to work for a pop-star but all his reservations soon vanished and you can tell how much he appreciated her for the person she was off stage.

Not everyone in Whitney’s circle will like this book as he makes it very clear that he often thought that some people used her generosity to their own advantage too much and didn’t return her kindness by looking out for her - or at least not enough.

Sadly Whitney’s voice and health suffered over time from the decision she made and the lifestyle she lived. She passed away too young.

I am extremely grateful that I got to hear and see her perform live twice at the height of her career. For me Whitney Houston is certainly one of the greatest vocalists of all times.

This was a very interesting but also heartbreaking account to listen to. The audiobook narration by Gildart Jackson kept me engaged throughout and I would happily recommend listening or reading this book by David Roberts.


Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had just been on a Whitney Houston nostalgia kick when I saw this book so I grabbed it. This is a touching memoir that gives a glimpse into the background life of one of the world's most iconic singers. The bond that Roberts forges with Houston through his years of working with her is lovely. Roberts highlights Houston's generous nature and hardcore work ethic. We see the beginning of the relationships (Bobby and drugs) that would eventually destroy her, but this book is more a tribute than a gossipy tell-all and thus does not focus on that.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this advance audio copy of this book for review purposes.

Whitney fan here! 🙋🏽‍♀️

I will read any book about Whitney, and this was one of my favorites. I appreciate this story coming from someone who was close to Whitney & has nothing to gain (or loose) from telling the truth.

It is clear that during those times drugs & fame went hand in hand. Whitney was popular and those around here were also caught up in the fame & money. The insights about what occurred during that time was eye opening & good to hear from a different perspective.

I appreciate his story, his truths and also sharing some of the challenges that were faced during that time. There is a lot of healing that needs to be down from people who were around during that time. It is also interesting how so many people knew that something needed to be done, but didn’t feel like they had the power to do anything. Ultimately, there was only one person who had the power to control what was going on at the time.

Let me start by saying that although I really wanted to read this one, I also hesitated...as I was a big Whitney Houston fan and was so sad to hear of her tragic passing. Wasn’t sure I wanted to delve into the sadness again…

Then, when I saw that her BODYGUARD wrote a memoir about her... well... The Bodyguard... The movie! I was totally intrigued...

It DID, in turns, have me hysterically laughing, and then the next moment, hysterically crying...

David, the bodyguard, gives a firsthand experience of meeting her, not wanting to work with her, eventually giving in, and then finding that she was one of the nicest, sweetest, kindest people he had ever worked for... and he would have given his life for her in a heartbeat... Just part of the job.

Still, so disheartening to hear... even all these years later... how her family and her friends took advantage of her kindness and kind heart... over and over again.

Seems like the two of them had a very special relationship, pretty much right from the get-go.
And he really PROTECTED her with his life...and his all.

And he literally fell apart once Bobby Brown became an influence in her life...as he felt there was nothing that he could do about it. He mentions over and over that he could protect her from anything... except, herself.

One of the most beautiful lines in the book, in my mind's eye... I think it was after the Superbowl...and it went something like this: 'I thank my Heavenly Father for the gift he has given me, and that he sees in me, even what I don't see in myself...'

And, one of the funniest moments… David riding a horse alongside Whitney! The antics… 🤣🤣

And let me just say, that if you are an emotional person, like I am... when you get to the epilogue... You may want to read/listen to that alone... and bring tissues! I was literally SOBBING. 😢 Just so heart-breaking! All-around...

I'm going with 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this one!! I loved it, but… It just broke me...

#ProtectingWhitney : The Memoir of Her Bodyguard, by #DavidRoberts and narrated beautifully by #GildartJackson.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook! It has already been released, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!!

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Protecting Whitney is a heartfelt memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into David Roberts' time as Whitney Houston’s bodyguard. While there aren’t many shocking revelations, the real strength of this audiobook lies in Roberts’ narration—his voice carries the weight of his deep care and respect for Whitney. Their bond went beyond a typical client-bodyguard relationship; at times, it felt more like that of a father and daughter or an uncle and niece.
Roberts' storytelling is sincere, and you can hear how much he wanted to protect not just Whitney’s safety but also her well-being. Fans looking for scandal won’t find much—though there are some insights into Whitney and Bobby’s relationship, they’re presented as thoughtful explanations rather than gossip. If you’re looking for an honest, personal account from someone who truly cared about her, this audiobook is well worth the listen.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Audio ARC!

I knew nothing prior to this reading about Whitney Houston's real-life bodyguard, David Roberts. I found this book to be highly informative and interesting. I felt like the writing occasionally wandered into the realm of the 'blame game' and the author trying to justify his own actions in the tragi endgame of Whitney's life, but it was understandable and brief. Mostly, the story was intriguing, enlightening, and interesting from the perspective of a complete outsider to the world of close personal protection.

After seeing this on several anticipated release lists, I was happy to get a copy of the audiobook! Of course, I know about Whitney Houston. I even shared a last name with her until I got married!

Being a 90's kid, I didn't know a bunch about Whitney's early career, but I knew of her tragic ending. I wanted to learn a bit more about her from someone close to her.

The book is not narrated by the author but by Gildart Jackson. His voice reminded me of Michael Caine. And I have to say, some of the female voices really threw me off. I think I would've enjoyed the book better as an ebook.

The photo on the cover is very sweet. It was refreshing to hear from someone that seemed to be selfless when it came to Whitney. So many seemed to take and take. I wish we could still have her around. And I wonder what her life would be like if she had never come in contact with drugs.

Thank you to NetGalley, David Roberts, Gildart Jackson and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read Protecting Whitney. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

5 Stars!!! Such a heartbreaking story about David's love and dedication for Whitney's safety and wellbeing and how those closest to her failed her. A beautiful story and tribute to Whitney. Thank you Dreamscape Media and David Roberts for the audiobook ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook to review! I've always been interested in Whitney Houston and her career and life so when I saw that her bodyguard had a memoir I really wanted to hear his perspective on her life. Listening to this book was interesting, it was kinda like tea about her close family and friends and also accounts of him stopping strange people from harming Whitney. I think that if you're at all interested in Whitney this is an interesting perspective to read about!

If you have ever been interested in Whitney and her story but have not started down her rabbit hole, here is a great place to start. Her bodyguard’s perspective of her life, her choices and his own life changes simply by being her bodyguard. In this book you hear stories told and known by her people. Bobby Brown’s scandals, her insecurities and life as one of the most famous women of her time.