i was given this ARC by netgalley and publisher for honest review and opinion
i was drawn instantly to this book for the title and cute pic.
i thought it was going to be a take on the bodyguard but i felt like it was more fun than anything
it is about a guy that hires a girl to be his body guard because he has a stalker. the attraction between the two of them is so powerful that they have to decide to act on it or keep it from going to far.
very cute summer read for summer!

This book was absolutely brilliant. It had me laughing to myself throughout the book. However there was an underlying sadness as the book went on. I loved the story line and thought it was very gripping and I found myself rushing to finish the book as I was dying to know how it ended.

I quite enjoyed this book. Kathryn has a special talent with her words. This was an absolutely adorable story.

After shooting to stardom, Zac Edwards has a stalker. In response, his studio hire him a bodyguard - Kat Parker, who is determined to excel at her job. Falling for her client isn't in the plan, but secrets from Zac's past push them into closer contact than either of them were expecting.

It might have taken me a while to warm up to it, but the sparks between Kat and Zac were simply too good to resist! Kat and Zac seem like total opposites, but they have more in common than they think. Rather than receiving their backstories early, we get to know them as they get to know each other, which made for beautifully natural characterisation and growth. There were some important conversations about choices and the future - the details of a relationship - that I appreciated hugely.

There is a secondary theme of family that runs throughout the book, giving it more substance and depth. Kat's niece Debs especially adds to the banter as she brings teenagerhood and its drama to the table. I also enjoyed the pop culture references - F1 drivers, Marvel movies - though I wonder how well they will age.

I did however have one quibble with the book, and that was Zac's infringement on Kat's clear boundaries. Just because you are attracted to a woman (and she is attracted to you), when she asks you not to seduce her, you stop. Even if its because she is trying to do her job and stay professional. It's not meant to be a challenge. It's not sexy.

For a contemporary romance with action elements, give this a try

Fun romance trope with a really fun gender swap. It started out really strong, but felt a bit repetitive as the story progressed. It was a solid read, but ultimately I enjoyed the idea more than the execution.

A fun light read and good for long car rides when I'm not driving. Strong plot, and good characters. It is a good beach read when social distancing!

3.5 stars.

This book has such a strong start, it pulls you straight into the action and doesn't waste any time in bringing you in. The characters are brilliant, complete polar opposites who are thrown into one another's lives champagne first. After Kat accidentally throws champagne all over her new client, Zac. She's Zac's new bodyguard and definitely made a strong first impression.

I loved the role reversal in this story, bodyguards are so often seen as being stereotypically male and this was a refreshing change. I love a confident female in a stereotypically male role! Kat has such an amazing back story and I was desperate to find out more about her and what made her who she is.

The characters were great and had lots of depth. They were both vulnerable and needed each other to help one another grow but towards the end of the book it just felt a little like Zac's backstory was thrown in for effect.

This was definitely a tale of two halves. I loved the first half of the book but felt like everything after was too quick, neat and rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters but felt like the main threat that we were meant to be be focussed on during the story was all too simple to eliminate. This is probably just personal preference and I could see others really enjoying this.

Wow! I loved watching these characters as they opened up and got to know each other. These characters had so much chemistry that it was practically radiating off the page!

The story has an amazing meet-cute beginning and I could tell right away that I was in for a comedic treat. What I didn’t expect was for it to somehow go from a romance, to a mystery, to a thriller, back to a romance, all while keeping me incredibly invested.

The main reason why I had to knock this down a star was because the male love interest was written to be…kind of problematic. When it comes to “will they, won’t they” romances, I find it all too common for authors to write in lines that may seem okay, but actually sound really slimy to me. I’m not interested in seeing characters crossing each others boundaries in romances. What I’m interested in is watching these character shift their boundaries to accommodate their undeniable connection to each other.

That being said, once I decided to put aside these parts, I really enjoyed the rest. I do wish that there wasn’t so much emphasis on the MCs not understanding teenage language because they’re in their early 30s (I think) and definitely should have known basically all of the slangs included. Words like “salty” have been around for many many years.

Thank you to Kathryn Freeman and Rachel at rachelsrandomresources.com for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Up Close and Personal by Kathryn Freeman is a fun and feisty! It was pure enjoyment reading this one. It's full of swoony romance, and wit!

I loved everything about this book – The Bodyguard might just be one of my favourite films, but the author turns the whole concept on its head with a female bodyguard and a male star needing protection. Kat and Zac’s first encounter looks none too promising – she douses him in champagne at a party, tripping over her heels, and my first thought (sorry Kathryn!) was that the whole story might just be a bit of fluff, a light and quick read. But I was way off the mark, and should have known better – these were two characters I grew to really love, and the story, full of unexpected twists and turns, both gripped and enchanted me through to its lovely end.

As it always does in the author’s books, the dialogue fizzes and sparkles – she always has a particularly special touch with that. And there’s a sizzle of attraction between them both that’s quite wonderfully done – you can really feel it, as Kat fights to remain focused and professional despite the temptation. But these characters also have a depth I don’t think I’ve seen before in the author’s books – the threat to Zac is all tied up with his background and history, and the full story slowly emerges. I really liked Kat’s family story too – her troubled sister, her teenage niece really well drawn.

There are moments of heart-stopping drama – when Kate shows her full capabilities and the reasons why she’s so very well suited to her job, along with the pride she takes in doing it to the best of her abilities without any distraction. And the author makes both her main characters exceptionally likeable – the developing romance and that frisson between them is strong and believable throughout. The story’s surprisingly emotional at times – sometimes heating up a little, but touching and poignant at times too. The whole story’s really nicely textured – moments of lightness and laughter, then tension worthy of the best of thrillers, perfectly balanced.

I read this book on a sunny afternoon in the garden, and just couldn’t tear myself away, one glorious sitting and the perfect escape from everyday life – and when I reached the end, I really didn’t want to leave the characters behind. It was one of those reads that you put down thinking “I really enjoyed that”, and I don’t think the author’s writing has ever been better. Highly recommended by me.

This book really surprised me. I actually wasn’t expecting much based on the cover (you’ll see what I mean…) but the wit and warmth of Up Close & Personal was a welcome surprise!

Actor Zac Edwards needs a bodyguard. After a series of creepy notes become more and more serious, his production company saddles him with Kat – the lovely woman who spilled champagne on him he can’t stop thinking about.

Both Kat and Zac, though, are hiding some emotionally damaging pasts. More than affecting the romance blossoming between them, their willingness to open up could mean life or death.

This book, consistently and without fail, had some great banter between Kat and Zac. It was witty and made me smile, but also built up the romance to be believable, and stronger. I guess that is a personal favorite of mine when it comes to books; strong dialogue is extremely important for my suspended disbelief.

The plot, in the first half of this book, definitely felt rushed to start out. We hop right into the action of bodyguard life, right into our romance from the very first chapter. The speed was keeping me from connecting at first, but by the second half, things take on a better pace and character development of Kat and Zac gets much better – so I settled in. Both characters do become extremely rounded by the end, and I love that Freeman took care to connect them through similar backstories. The drama, and action, building beside their romance made the book even better. It took the focus off the “will they/won’t they” in an interesting and relevant way.

I appreciated that Zac and Kat were very well developed characters, and that even those around them – family and friends – had an impact on the story and made me love it even more. Kat’s niece, Debs, takes a fairly large role, and she was one of my favorite characters: a sassy, sweet teenager with a lot on her plate, but a very caring family. The relationships between Kat, Zac, and their families made this book.

Honestly, this action-packed romcom is underrated. I didn’t expect much, and was therefore blown away. I’ve read some highly anticipated romances lately that weren’t nearly up to this standard. I definitely recommend Up Close & Personal.

I received a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Up Close & Personal was published June 12, 2020.

This book had so much potential, but instead of the quick and fun contemporary romance I thought it would be, it just dragged on and was pretty cringe worthy. I can take reading the “do they like me?” feelings in YA books - because teenagers - but when that’s a repetitive point in a novel about thirty somethings I just want to throw the book across the room. Grow up, characters! ⁣
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Another thing I found problematic was that it’s presented as a novel that’s hip and with the times - a female bodyguard to a male movie star - however, the entire time the male is complaining about the fact that it’s a woman protecting him and he doesn’t want her to get hurt, even though that’s a job risk for her. It annoyed me beyond belief that the “women are fragile beings” stereotype was exhausted and to that level here. The female lead was ex-military and it was clear that she had the necessary experience to be protecting him but he kept pushing back. ⁣
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Lastly, the way that the stalker storyline wrapped up felt rushed. The entire book focuses on figuring out who the stalker is and then it’s quickly wrapped up in two chapters. Nope. I needed more. ⁣

Zac Edwards is a famous actor, he's also the quintessential Englishman and drop dead gorgeous, with the whole world at his feet. Kat Parker is the feisty ex-army close protection officer assigned to look after Zac. Rather against Zac's better judgement he realises that, whilst his life would be much simpler without Kat, he really can't take the risk of being without her protection.

What then follows is a lovely story which turns the whole bodyguard theory upside down with a female protection officer guarding her famous male client. I loved the many differences in the personalities of these two very likeable leading characters and thoroughly enjoyed the spats and banter between them but I think what really brings the story together is the sizzle of anticipated passion.

As always, this skilful author gives us a gorgeous story which has all the necessary pieces of light and shade, along with a delicious sense of 'will they, won't they' romance. It's not all hearts and flowers though as the story turns a little bit serious in places and I enjoyed how the plot went from lighthearted, to deeper, and then back again to light hearted, and all credit to the author for doing this change of pace so very well.

Whenever I pick up one of this author's stories, I know that I won't be able to put the book down and Up Close and Personal was no exception; I devoured the story in one sitting, caught up in the gorgeousness of Zac, as he faces the challenges which beset him, alongside the serious determination of Kat to protect him at all cost.

Up Close and Personal is a real treat of a read and perfect escapism for an afternoon read in the garden or to while away a cosy night by the fire.

Kathryn Freeman always seems to be able to tap into our long forgotten memories of teenage (and not so much teenage) crushes, whether it's a sports star, a musician or, in this case, a movie star. We've all dreamed of meeting our idol and having them fall madly in love with us, but as you grow older you realise that their public and private personas are very different.

Before Kat Parker literally bumps into movie star Zac Edwards, she had only ever seen him on the big screen. Zac sounds even more attractive in person but he has attracted the attention of a stalker who seems to know his every move. When the stalker finds out where Zac lives, the studio call in a personal protection company and Kat is assigned to be Zac's bodyguard.

Kat is naturally attracted to Zac but, aside from the fact that it would be unprofessional to fall for a client, she is deeply traumatised from her days in the army. Zac is also afraid to get too close to anyone as he would very much like his dark and disturbing secret to remain hidden. Battling their hearts and minds sets up Kat and Zac for a fabulous will they/won't they storyline.

I do love Kathryn Freeman's style of romance; the characters are very insecure despite the confidence they display to the outside world. There are plenty of 'nearly' moments when their hearts rule their minds but neither character wants to give anything away. It's almost as if they are holding onto the darkness in their pasts to inflict self-harm when they feel unworthy of being loved.

Due to the bodyguard and client setting, Kathryn Freeman injects a bit of danger and mystery into Up Close & Personal. There are some heart in the mouth moments as it gets surprisingly dangerous at times. I really enjoyed this mystery element around who was stalking Zac and why they were doing it; it certainly ramped up the pace of the story and it became quite a page turner in the end.

Up Close & Personal is a fabulous novel written in Kathryn Freeman's inimitable style but with a twist; it's not just heart-warming, it's also surprisingly thrilling. An easy to read romance with a hint of danger, Up Close & Personal is pure escapism and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A story that has actor Zac Edwards needing a bodyguard for the lack of a better term. He finds out who the person is because she is running late and takes his parking space. Once they met Kat Parker is not your typical bodyguard she has a sister in rehab and is dealing with her teenage niece. This adds to the story at times. Kat’s character was one that I found to be intriguing with more depth for most of the book. It is not until the later part of the story when you find out more about Zac does his character come into play. His background then becomes more of the story and I guess that was done to make the beginning part add up to the end.
The funny parts of this story with Kat spilling her drink on him because she has problems walking in heels, and her making him one night not clean up from them all having pizza which was actually causing him pain I think we’re just a few of the funny parts there were many more.
There were also some scenes that the reader knew were going to happen after a few chapters into the book. I still thought though that this was a good story with good characters and worth the read.

An entertaining “THE BODYGUARD” gender swap. *I Will Always Love You* Zac is a big Tyme starwith a stalker. Kat is his badass determined bodyguard. The problem is these two have a sizzling chemistry between them that is both undeniable and impossible. *I have nothing if I don’t have you* This was an engaging story with two very compelling characters. I especially loved Kat she was so strong, smart, and authentic. *I’m every woman* Zac was a good guy with a dark past. My only little problem with this book as I didn’t necessarily understand why Zac and Kat were so drawn to one another. I guess I just wish there was a little more build up to there desire for one another. Another enjoyable read from Kathryn Freeman. *I’m going to run to you*

*** Big thank you to Harper UK for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

I really wanted to love this one, but it was just an ok read for me. The book didn't really hold my attention very well and was a bit repetitive. I liked both protagonists separately, but unfortunately I didn't like them together. This book may not have been for me, but hopefully it is better received by other readers.

What I liked about this book:

1. This book talks about addiction in a real and accurate way. I enjoyed how it was woven into this book without taking away from the main plot.

2. Kat's character was very likable and I was honestly rooting for her the whole time. I liked the fact that she was ex-military and how the book covered how she was perceived as a female. I think her experiences are common for women in that line of work.

3. This had an interesting and promising plot.

Up Close and Personal is a happy escape into a world of sassy female bodyguards and charming actors. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

It was an enjoyable read and the sexual tension between Kat and Zac was burning up the pages. Kat is firm, however, that she will not sleep with a client so Zac is in for major disappointment.

The revealing of Zac’s big secret finally helped put things in perspective — his insecurities and defensive behavior despite being a well-loved celebrity.

Kat’s affection for her niece was lovely to read about. How many aunts can claim to love their nieces like their own daughters?

Kat and Zac have a literally smashing start, but the love blossoms gradually. Somewhere in between, both work through their issues and help each other deal with their pasts.

It was a gripping read and gave me a few hours of delicious escape into a world of danger and love.

Thank you to the author and Rachel for my copy of the book!

This was okay. It was kind of cute. But not really my thing.

So, this is a gender bend 'The Bodyguard'. I absolutely love this trope, and the idea of switching the roles of bodyguard and guarded person really appealed to me. If you don't mind, or simply like, insta-love and this premise interests you, you'd definitely love this.

The writing was great, and I really liked the plot (except for how the stalker-plot ended). But the rest just missed the mark for me.

First of all, this book had a case of insta-love/lust, which I very rarily don't mind. I should really be invested in the characters in order to see why one character is falling for the other. And if that isn't done subtly and if I'm not convinced, I'm just rolling my eyes throughout the story. Which, unfortunately was the case for this book. So, yeah. I would have enjoyed the romance a lot more, if I had an idea of who the characters were before they made eyes at each other across the room on the very first page.

Secondly, I wasn't vibing with the humour at all. I love banter, but this wasn't my type of banter. It threw me off a little. But, of course, this is all very personal.

The thing I did feel very disappointed about was that, because this was a gender bend 'The Bodyguard' and we got this powerful and bad-ass woman as our heroine, this book still fell into the pitfall of displaying a sprinkle of girl-on-girl hate (by stereotyping our hero's female fans, as well as a fellow actress' behaviour) and the hero being an asshole at multiple times towards the end "having a feeling of wanting to protect her" and feeling threatened by our heroine's male colleague on several occassions. And I don't have the energy for that sh*t. I mean, I love an alpha-male as a love interest, but to keep putting up the same conflict and insecurities in the story even when the heroine reassures him nothing is going on, and that's just not fun to read.

I also would have loved to see our heroine in action more. There were of course moments where our heroine is protecting and body guarding our hero, and I'm sure in real life the job isn't quite as eventful as I would imagine it to be, but I would have loved to see more of her on the job instead of focussing so much on the "confusing" feelings both of our characters were having about each other.

It was all-in-all a cute read, so to end this on a positive note: if you DO like insta-lust and this premise makes you excited, definitely pick this up.

This read was great fun. It put a smile on my face. It would make a great romantic comedy & I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a fun & happy read to beat the lockdown blues.