I love me some men who are fiercely protective and that is exactly what Carter is. He pushes all my buttons on the swoon factor. I enjoyed reading Emily and Carter's journey. It was certainly packed with a lot of suspense that had me glued to the pages because I just needed to see what was going to happen next and/or how this was going to play out.

I love the chemistry between these two characters. CD Reiss certainly knows how to deliver the sexiness because this was most certainly packed with some heat! The build up was kind of slow but once we get there it was scorching.

I like that this author didn't just give us danger and sex. Emily and Carter were really sweet and so we get some really cute moments from them. I love that we also get to see the friendship and bond between Emily and Darlene and also Carter's family. I love stories that showcase that family dynamic. Especially in the midst of all this ex-stalker drama Emily finds herself in it was good to see that she had that support system.

Overall, this was a great read with many twist and turns that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat.

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **

I loved beyond words Bodyguard by CD Reiss! It was the first book that I read by her and it definitely won’t be the last! I look forward to more by her and in this world.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Bodyguard is the second book in C.D. Reiss’ Hollywood A-List series, but it is a complete standalone. I loved the first book in this series and while I enjoyed this one, it didn’t hold my attention very well and the characters weren’t as endearing.

Emily was on a path to be noticed as a singing sensation when her boyfriend derailed it. While her friend Darlene goes on to make it big, Emily eventually ditches the guy and becomes the choreographer for Darlene’s shows. After threats are made and her creepy, stalker ex comes calling again, Darlene’s bodyguard, Carter, is assigned to Emily but the chemistry between them presents major problems.

I did admire Emily for getting away from her ex even if she let the relationship go on too long and for trying to take back her life and not be afraid. Honestly she was a very likeable character, happy for her friend who made it big, thankful for the job she had, and home she was able to purchase. Where I had issues with Emily was that she repeatedly put herself in danger by not following her bodyguard’s rules and being somewhat of a petulant brat including basically stalking her bodyguard because he didn’t share every aspect of his life with her. To me that was totally not cool.

Carter was an ex-copy turned bodyguard and overall he was a pretty selfless guy. A single dad who also had his mother living with him, Carter valued his privacy for the safety of his loved ones. Carter was harboring secrets but I was also not surprised by the revelations that came forward because there was enough foreshadowing in this story to knock the reader over the head. I liked Carter, at times he was a bit over the top, but his instincts were spot on and he had a good heart. He made some mistakes, getting involved with his principal for one, but he owned up to them and did his best to make things right immediately.

I did like Emily and Carter together, but I wanted to see them really get to know one another on more than a physical level and that really didn’t happen. The bright spot in this book was Carter’s 13 year old son, Phin, who was intuitive, smart, and wise beyond his years yet was still a typical young teenager.

While there were parts of Bodyguard I really enjoyed overall there was too much manufactured drama and angst and not near enough character and relationship development to make it a great romance.

I love how C.D. Reiss just switches things up. Her series are addictive but her stand-alones, which also find a way to connect to each other or to other works, are just as addictive and yet give that immediate sense of satisfaction. You're not waiting for the next book in the series so much as you're just waiting for whatever she does next.



In the case of Bodyguard, we get an up close look at an up and coming choreographer who is dealing with a stalker. The focus isn't so much on all of the history leading up to Emily's current situation, though you definitely get an understanding of it, it's more focused on how small her world has become once her ex turned stalker. You get a sense of how trapped and oppressive her existence currently is--due to her fear and how her security team keeps tabs on her--and how unfortunate that is. All signs point to the potential for her life to be so much bigger and she's just accepted a smaller life so that she can be safe. And truly how sucky is that? That people can't live their lives because of the fear that they will be hurt by someone who obviously has lost touch with reality and isn't safe.



Enter Carter--former LAPD and current security specialist, now bodyguard to Emily. Nothing about their interactions are small or innocuous. They are chemistry and sass and banter from the second they meet on the page. He's private and broody and gives the perfect non-answer answers. And then you get to know him more (as does Emily) and he's all those things but also tender, funny, and so protective. You begin to understand why he's the way he is and it all makes sense and yet you want him to live a little.



As the story goes on, you'll probably flying through their romance very quickly (is there another way to read a CD Reiss novel, really?!) because Emily and Carter are just so engaging to read. Bodyguard is a sexy, fast paced escapist romance and the perfect read for this summer day.

Even better than the other Reiss books I have read. Sexy, sweet, un-put-downable. I would like to read more of this type of story from her in the future.

In love with this book but I am a huge fan of the author so yeah. Scorching romance and great characters. I absolutely adored it. This author knows how to write romance.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!! CD Reiss is one of my favorite writers!!! This book had all the feels! It’s the deeper meaning behind what appear to be simple interactions b/t the characters, that actually make you feel SO much more!! I devoured this book! It was funny, emotional, suspenseful, sexy, and a bit angsty, which I love and hate simultaneously! Carter and Emily were perfect for each other, & a certain boy stole the scenes for me making me laugh & cry! I will recommend this book and her other books without hesitation!

Some of my fav quotes (there are a ton more!!):
“He kissed as if he were listening to me tell a story, and I kissed him back as if I was”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, tiny dancer”

“But for now, I wanted to be her crutch and her cast. Her splint and tourniquet. I was going to be the bandage over her shame...”

“I found strength in his eyes. A calm in the storm. A stability when everything around me was unsure and dangerous”

“I knew she was the size, shape, and intention of my heart whether I liked it or not”

“The traffic in my brain stopped short, creating a ten-car pileup of reactions”

“She was beauty and movement”

“They always said we both had talent, but she was the star.” “It’s a big sky”

***ARC received via Net Galley for an honest review***

Bodyguard is a fantastic story of learning how to live without fear, without regret, and without boundaries. I really enjoyed this journey of finding something unexpected and breathtaking and then determining whether or not it would be fought for amid the chaos, destruction, and risk that surrounded this precious gift. Nothing is guarantee that we will find something wonderful in life, and even if we do, we might not be able to keep it for many reasons. However, if you really want something you have to fight for it with everything that you have. Only your all will be good enough to allow you to cherish and savor this stunning blessing.

Emily had has to work hard for everything that she has. She has found some blessings along the way, but she also found a terrible darkness. She succumbed to the pull of the darkness until it just about took everything from her. Now, she hides and evades it hoping it will leave her alone. When she finds a ray of sunshine in her darkened world, she grabs hold of it with both hands and prays she can keep it for a long time. Only time will tell, but perhaps things will be different this time. Carter is working on keeping his carefully built world turning as usual. He doesn’t want surprises, and he certainly isn’t looking for someone like Emily who can topple everything that he has built. When tasked with stabilizing her world, he doesn’t see the cracks that she is slowly making in his armor. Will he push her away to keep his world from crashing and burning, or will be pull her closer when he realizes just how much she truly means to him? Can they both chase away the darkness, or will it overtake them before they have a chance to fight back?

Emily and Carter are such a beautifully magnetic couple that complement each other perfectly. They know what the other needs instinctively and are not afraid to give it with no strings attached. Their relationship has such a unique beginning, an eye-opening journey, and a completely refreshing reunion. There is a true, raw, and honest love that grew from a rough first meeting. I couldn’t get over how real they feel in every aspect of their life. This story is truly a breath of fresh air.

This is the first book that I have read by C D Reiss, and I was surprised and amazed by its simple complexity. It drew me in and kept my attention throughout this harrowing story. I felt like the characters could be my neighbors which made me love this story even more. What a precious jewel of a work of art!

Carter can Guard me Anytime!

If there is one thing C.D Reiss does well, it's writing a lead male character. I can't think of one of hers that I didn't absolutely love right off the bat. They are always rugged men, yet have a vulnerability that steals your heart and Carter Kincaid is no exception. Another C.D. Reiss tell is the stories within the story. Yes, we have Carter the bodyguard, his target, Emily and her story, but there is also a handful of supporting characters that also have a story to follow.

Carter is a complicated man, he knows it and lets anybody remotely interested know it. He's private for a reason and has been that way for years. Hollywood stars attract crazies from time to time, which is why he's hired, but he surely wants no part of it. Until her.

"She's vulnerable. So are you."

Carter talking to himself after meeting the beautiful dancer Emily. She isn't a star in her own right, but has been best friends with a mega pop star Darlene, since they were kids, so the star shrapnel hits Emily once in a while. That along with a psycho ex-boyfriend, pretty much puts her in the friend zone for Carter. Too dangerous for the way he lives his life. Too bad he can't seem to stay away from her.

"He exuded manliness and safety, like a king swearing to protect the realm. It was a beautiful thing and yet, troubling. I didn't know where my place was in his kingdom, or if I wanted a place at all."

Here's the angst folks. Carter is instantly hiding something big, while Emily's crazy tends to show up at her house every so often and cause trouble. These two fit together nicely, however all of the outside life influences keep them apart. They are both looking to change the way they live thier lives, but it's easier said than done.

"You weren't suppose to come in the middle of a storm. You were suppose to walk into my life when all the storms were gone."

The book is well written and like all C.D. Reiss books, chock full of information. Add this to the list of author tells, the girl does her research. Also, as a huge fan of Million Dollar Listing LA, I actually knew some of the streets and areas she was talking about-bonus!! Bodyguard is part of the Hollywood A-List series, but reads as a standalone.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

I really liked this book. Inhave absolutely loved every single thing CD Reiss has written and this book was soo good. The relationship a d interaction between Emily and Carter is just fire. I love how their relationship developed. Also can we talk about the master storyteller that CD is... she weaved multiple story lines together in this one book and did so seamlessly. Plus Carter Kincade is swoonworthy and even though he is fictional can I just squeeze him!!!! Great story 4.5 stars!

My apologies for not being able to read this book in time. I have read many book by this author and I’m sure it is just as good as her other works.

Bodyguard by CD Reiss was phenomenal!

Carter and Emily had a wonderful connection. They were so wrong for one another, yet at the same time, they were perfect for one another. I loved that their relationship was deemed rather "forbidden," at least in the beginning due to their roles and professional duties.

Another element I enjoyed was the fact that they were always their for one another. No matter what the circumstance, or the role they were taking, or their relationship, if something was wrong or bothering the other, they were always there being supportive.

I enjoyed every single second of this novel. It was a highly enjoyable read.

4.5/5 Stars!

Whilst this is noted as the second book in the Hollywood A-List series, this can be read on a stand alone basis.

This book is a slow builder but I really enjoyed that aspect as I felt that this story and these characters needed the build up and gradual development. There's angst, drama and twists keep the story interesting and i felt that the characters had great chemistry. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

4 *Tiny Dancer* Stars

Bodyguard was a mix of sweet and add to it a bit of suspenseful moments. It was lighthearted with likable characters. I thought the storyline flowed smoothly. Not too much drama. But enough to add to the story. An enjoyable read, for sure.

Emily was a character that had dreams. Her and her best friend Darlene pack up their things and move to LA to set their dreams in motion. They start small, getting small jobs here and there. Then they start singing with a band, and that's when both Emily and Darlene's lives go in different directions. Darlene's life propels to stardom. And because of a protective and jealous boyfriend, Emily's dream dies slowly. Though not in the spotlight, Emily works behind the scenes as Darlene's choreographer. Still doing what she loves doing, dancing, she's content. I absolutely adored Emily and Darlene's friendship. No matter what, they were always there for one another. Sisters for life.

Carter Kincaid, bodyguard extraordinaire. He's assigned to protect Darlene. But what he didn't know was that a certain someone by the name of Emily would catch his eye and also need his protecting. Carter was a complex character. Something happened in his past that he's still trying to cope with. Carter also leads a very private life. He doesn't like getting to close to anybody, let alone be in a relationship. But sometimes what you don't want is exactly what you need. And Carter slowly lets his walls down and let's Emily in little by little.

Carter and Emily were the freaking cutest. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter. They just worked really well together. Both needing exactly what the other was offering. They complemented each other well. They were exactly what the other person needed.

"You are my business. Your safety and . . . no, not just your safety. Your happiness, your comfort, your well-being . . . I’m taking the responsibility for those things off your plate. It’s all on me."

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. It was compelling loving and even romantic in some parts. It deals with domestic violence which can be difficult to read

Bodyguard is another one of those books that's been sitting on my TBR pile begging to be read. It features a classic trope, bodyguard and client/target, and a bit of suspense mixed in with the romance. Carter Kincaid is all business, no one knows his personal life and no one is going to get close enough to do so. Emily is choreographer to Darlene, a famous music star and her best friend. Emily has been through it in life, losing her chance at gymnastic stardom as a youth and losing her sense of safety after a boyfriend turned into a stalker. She desires freedom and comfort, something she thinks she'll never find while being shadowed by a bodyguard. Carter and Emily start a fragile relationship as bodyguard and target, but both find themselves giving in to an attraction neither expected or have time for.

"'Pretending you're flirting.'
'I'm not,' she said.
'Not flirting?'
'Not pretending.'"

I love how this book started out, it wasn't your run-of-the-mill beginning, with C.D. Reiss introducing us to Darlene and Emily in their youth before giving us a bit of a laugh over Emily and her ideas of self protection. Not long after we get to the meat of the story, but even the suspense over Emily's stalker and the secret Carter holds close are really what kept me interested. I loved the deeper meaning in this book the most, this idea that two people want freedom and safety and must each find ways to overcome and trust again to find it. It's a descriptive, emotional story, pulling on your heart and coming to life before your eyes. We see the tiny dancer move, we see Carter bend to emotion, and we see the flames as they flicker between them. There's a lot of talk about friends and family and finding comfort in those even when you believe you have the strength to stand alone.

"I'll take care of her as if she were you."

I admit I was skeptical about Bodyguard, Carter didn't woo me as quickly as Brad did in Bombshell. It took me time to realize he was holding onto something, something he wasn't even quite aware was still affecting him, so thank goodness Emily picked up on it as I never would have. I'm not even sure how Emily picked up on it considering she had her own stuff to deal with, but hey it worked out. I admit it was a lot for a standalone novel, but C.D. Reiss managed to answer every question and tie it up in a neat bow, thank heavens, I love a book with no plot holes.

"It was a beautiful thing and yet, troubling. I didn’t know where my place was in his kingdom, or if I wanted a place in it at all."

If you're looking for a sweet, sexy romance with just a bit of suspense, C.D. Reiss' Bodyguard will be a hit for you. It was a quick, enjoyable read for me and definitely one I recommend. It is the second book in a series, but is completely standalone.

Emily was on the climb professionally. All the perks and now the downside--a stalker ex. He owns her and no one else can share or so he thinks. Now she lives with constant security, electronic and human. Makes life stressful and lonely. That is until Carter is assigned to her. He sees her as a tiny driven doll he can't resist. She sees him as hot, yet she feels safe for the first time in too long. They both know there is a line they can't cross. What are they willing to give for a chance?

He knows professionally he can't have her, and personally, there is even more at risk. Yet what they want and can't resist puts them in greater danger.

The story is touching, sad at times, steamy, with characters you'll fall for, laugh and cry with but always remember. This one goes on my RE-READ list.
Reviewed for Blog: Words Turn Me On

Sorry this book wasn't for me so I didn't finish it! had a lot of tropes I didn't like, however the cover is beautiful!

I enjoyed this book; the author has a unique writing style--different from most books in this genre. I found the characters interesting and I enjoyed the character development and the backstories of each. Of course stalkers are always creepy and provide plenty of suspense--one knows they're coming...but when? I have not read other books by this author, but I'm interested to find out what other books are available. Evidently this is the second book in the series, however it is a complete stand-alone as I did not even realize there were others. Overall, this was an enjoyable, quick read. 3.5 stars

I thought Bombshell was quite cute, so I wanted to read this one. And it was also cute but a bit forgettable. I didn't write my review right away and it took me re-reading some of the book before the story came back to the forefront of my mind. Which sadly means its forgettable instead of a story that sticks with you forever.

Emily is a choregraphor to her best friend Darlene and with a new threat causes Darlene to hire a bodyguard for Emily. Here enters Carter Kincaid. Right away he' s smitten with Emily but knows he can't have more because 1 ) she's the job and 2) no one can find his secret.

As the threats increase so does the chemistry between these two.

It was cute and the secret was a bit predictable but still good. But again forgettable sadly.