Title: The Bodyguard
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Published On: July 19, 2022
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Source: ebook
Pages: 320
Synopsis:
She’s got his back.
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindgerten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka “bodyguard”), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.
He’s got her heart.
Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid.
They’ve got a secret.
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, like a jerk, says no one will believe it.
What could possibly go wrong???
Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
The Bodyguard is the feel-good story I didn’t know I was needing! I loved EVERY WORD.
When an invitation to read Katherine Center’s newest novel showed up in my inbox, I was overjoyed! Friends, there might have even been bouncing, squeals, and tears. When I eventually calmed down and noticed I had a newsletter from the author announcing the book, as well as mentioning it was set around Thanksgiving, I knew I had to read it immediately—even though the publishing date wasn’t for another six months. I’m happy to report I made the right choice. I had so much fun reading this one. It quickly moved to my top three favorite books by Center (don’t ask me to pick just one!), as well as one of my favorite books for the year.
“Every chance you take is a choice. A choice to decide who you are.”
Katherine Center, The Bodyguard
I always know when I pick up a book by Katherine Center, I’ll find unforgettable characters: a strong female lead, a swoon-worthy love interest, and fleshed-out supporting characters that only enhance the story. Her storytelling is always joyful, even when it’s serious, and she always has something new and refreshing to say.
I love the fake-dating trope (and the bonus one-bed trope it leads to here), and The Bodyguard twists the expected by making the bodyguard our female lead, Hannah. She’s tiny but mighty, fully capable of taking care of herself and her subject. But her personal life has taken a beating lately, forcing her to place all her energy and focus on her job.
And while I am a fan of the fake-dating trope, I’m not always a fan of the famous love interest angle. I had every faith in this author to execute it well, though. Jack isn’t the typical Hollywood star most books portray. He’s kind, open, and loves his family very much. I quickly grew to love his laid-back charm. But he is hiding a heart-breaking secret.
As Hannah grows closer to Jack and his family, she finds herself opening up, confused about what’s real and what’s work. And watching these two fight their feelings for each other, leads to plenty of humorous and heartwarming and romantic moments.
I hope The Bodyguard ends up on the big screen. I would love to see this one adapted. And it’s definitely one I’ll be picking up a physical copy of to add to my bookshelf. I’m already excited about rereading it!
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martins Press, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
Rating:
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About the Author
A Song For A Book
The Bodyguard is just begging for a playlist. (Don’t worry, I made one!) While Center only mentions a few artists and songs, it’s a happy book at its heart, which inspires music for me. She mentions one song in the book that is special to me—a song I sang to one of my daughters—but I didn’t want to highlight it here because it would be a spoiler. I decided to choose “Make Someone Happy” by Jimmy Durante. The lyrics are perfect for Hannah and Jack!
It’s so important to make someone happy
Make just one, someone happy
Make just one heart the heart you, you sing to
One smile that cheers you
One face that lights when it nears you
One girl your, your everything to
Fame, if you win it
Comes and goes in a minute
Where’s the real stuff in life, to cling to?
Love is the answer
Someone to love is the answer
Once you’ve found her
Build your world around her
Make someone happy
Make just one, someone happy
And you will be happy too!
Will you be adding The Bodyguard to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
You have me so excited for this one! I have it waiting on my Kindle. You’ve inspired me to pick it up sooner than later.
Yay!! I can’t wait to hear what you think! <3
I can’t wait to get to this one, Dedra. I love that playlist, you have me wondering for sure about the mystery song. Wonderful review.
Thank you, Carla! I feel sure you’ll enjoy this one as much as I did. I’ll be excited to hear your thoughts!
Great review! I’m really liking the sound of this one—definitely loving the fact that she’s the bodyguard! 😍 It’s been a while since I read a Katherine Center book but I will keep my eye out for when this one is released! 😃
It’s so much fun! I hope you get to pick it up. 🙂
I have read Things You Save in a Fire and loved it. This one sounds good especially with a female bodyguard. This is definitely going to my TBR list.
Yay!! Yes, Things You Save in a Fire was another one of my favorites of hers. I also loved How to Walk Away and What You Wish For. I still need to read all of her older books. 🙂