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.

Thirteen years ago this month, we lost one of the greatest voices of all time. I can still remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. 💔

This memoir, written by Whitney Houston’s former bodyguard, offers an inside look at what it was like to protect—and befriend—her at the height of her career. It’s easy to see how The Bodyguard (1992) was loosely based on Roberts’ real-life experiences. 🎥

The audiobook, narrated by Gildart Jackson, is especially fantastic—his voice adds so much depth to the story. While the tone does lean a bit self-congratulatory, it’s still a fascinating peek behind the curtain of fame.

🎤 If you’re a fan of music history or celebrity memoirs, this one might be worth a read!

Thank you to the Author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Protecting Whitney is David Roberts’ memoir as Whitney Houston’s personal protective officer and security consultant, more simply her bodyguard from 1988 to 1995. This was the height of Whitney’s fame and the beginning of her downfall. Roberts takes us with him as he recalls the fun and uninhibited moments he shared with Whitney. Fans will feel like they know her heart and soul even more than what she shared with us through her music. Then our hearts break together as Bobby Brown enters the scene, Bobbi Kristina is born and Whitney starts to spiral. The only thing Roberts couldn’t save her from is herself.
Highly recommend this book for Whitney fans. She comes to life in Roberts authentic retelling of memories together and his love and respect for her is evident. Those interested in personal protection will also enjoy the book as Roberts shares a number of his tactics and strategies.
Gildart Jackson does an excellent job bringing the Welshman Roberts to life. I thought the writer was narrating, his accent and emotion were so convincing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me a reviewer’s listening copy of Protecting Whitney. In exchange I offer my honest feedback.

This was a really bittersweet memoir, but one I could not stop listening and thinking about. Whitney Houston was truly the voice of her generation, with such a unique gift and a soul piercing sound. David Roberts, her trusted and loyal bodyguard shares his experience and time looking after Whitney during her rise to stardom and ultimate fall.
Roberts shares the perfect amount of juicy deets while still remaining loyal, trusted and respectful of Whitney’s memory. This was such a tragic story. This unfortunate loss could have been easily avoided, if the people who claimed to love and care for Whitney, saw her as less than a cash cow and more for the deeply troubled young woman with tremendous heart and soul.
While I did enjoy the audio narration, I felt the author’s voice sounded grandfatherly, and lacked the emotional and physical heat given the seductive nature of the story. I wanted to hear a more passionate and tender tone. I still highly recommend listening to this moving story.

I listened to the audiobook ARC of Protecting Whitney by David Roberts thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. This memoir introduced us to Whitney Houston’s long time bodyguard and gave us a glimpse in the rise and fall of one of America’s best talents. It was heartbreaking to hear how Whitney’s inner circle took advantage of her and contributed to her eventual death. David seemed to truly love her and care about her well being more than just the money she was bringing in. The narrator had an excellent accent and made the audiobook quite enjoyable.

I absolutely loved this book! I am a huge Whitney fan and was devastated to see her demise and premature death 13 years ago this week.

David Roberts was her real life bodyguard, including throughout the period she was filming The Bodyguard film and it seems there were some similarities; a close friendship that can only come from spending so much time together, an almost sibling relationship at times, when they annoyed each other, a mutual respect, and yes, he took a bullet for her! It's clear that Mr Roberts adored Whitney and his portrayal of her shows her to be a genuinely lovely person, but the connection she felt to Bobby Brown, despite the horrific way he treated her, seems to be unbreakable and there are some people who clearly didn't try hard enough. I was sad to hear how, despite their closeness, after David was told he was no longer needed and left, he never heard from Whitney again: her demise was seemingly too far along for her to be able to communicate in the way she would have done before she became drawn into addiction.

The narration by Gildart Jackson made me genuinely believe it was David Roberts himself speaking to me. He has an excellent Welsh accent!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, David Roberts and Dreamscape for an ARC in return for an honest review.