This book was a damn delight. I loved every single page of it I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down.
What I loved:
Hannah Brooks is a Executive Protection Agent. And she is a badass. She is hired to protect Jack, a famous actor, from a crazy stalker. Jack has recently moved back to his hometown to care for his sick mother. The only way to not add stress to an already stressful situation is to lie to his family. Hannah will pretend to be Jack's girlfriend.
They move to family ranch for a few weeks while Jack's mom recovers and Hannah can keep a close eye on Jack's safety. The problem is, how good of an actor is Jack really?
Katherine Center has a way of writing such emotionally packed romance books. I actually cried in this one with Hannah and her found. But as much as this story is emotional, it is equal parts funny and playful.
Just when I think I can't love one of her books anymore...along comes a new one.
Highly recommend!

thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read this book. I loved it!

💝💝💝💝💝
I love a good rom-com, and The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is just perfection. Superstar Jack Stapleton is coming home to Texas to oversee his mother’s cancer care and needs protection from over-eager fans. Enter Hannah Brooks at 5’5” with a no-nonsense attitude, a driving work ethic, and a superstar bodyguard. Hannah’s mother has just passed away, and her boyfriend has dumped her, so she is reeling from her life changes but takes this job to get her mind off her empty life. Jack is a guy with a secret and a messy family dynamic. These two leads form an unlikely bond that turns into something tangible, but can it stand up to the test of time. At the end, who will save the other? Who is the protector? Ms. Center tells a compelling story with wit and class. I loved it, and I don’t think you will be able to resist buying this book when released on July 19th. Thank you to @StMartinsPress and @KatherineCenter for the pre-release ARC of this book. #bodyguard #protection #love #friendship #texas #moviestar #hea #romance #romcom #pubJuly19 @katherinecenter @stmartinspress @netgalley #netgalley #stmartinspress
💋
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesda St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book which was sweet, charming and absolutely amazing.

#reading #books #bookstagram #book #booksofinstagram #JustBooksBookstagram #bookish #lindaleereads2022 #booklove #readinglife

Katherine Center is a romcom queen!

I loved this book so much from beginning to end. It had a great romance story of course, but there was so much more to it than that. I loved the spunky humour and the unique storyline of a female bodyguard having to watch over a hunky movie star. I loved Hannah and Jack so much together. I loved Hannah as a main character. (I mean, a female bodyguard? Total badass.)

I’m not exaggerating. I really did love it all.

Oh, and the ending! Definitely was not expecting that ending. Romcoms often seem to have a typical formula that the author follows (nothing wrong with that at all, the authors always do a brilliant job of it) but this book was different and I loved that element of surprise! That’s all I’m gonna say about that.

This is my second Katherine Center book and they have both been 5 stars for me. So now I need to formulate a plan where I can read all of her books because my obsession is growing.

Thank you to Katherine Center, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC. This one comes out in July and is the perfect book to add to your summer TBR!

I have attached a link to my review on Bookstagram (@janinesbookcorner) and have already posted on Goodreads as well.

She is a bodyguard, he is a famous actor. Taking some time up of the spotlight to help his mom, she is assigned to protect him, but the most convincing way to have her by his side is to pretend to be his girlfriend. Old families wounds need to be solved, a stalker situation, ex boyfriend drama … there is a lot going on… and not an overt convincing meet cute

LOVE!!
Katherine had written another great story! The thing that stood out to me the most was the profession of being a Protection Agent; is all glammed up on the media as a big guy with muscles - and I love how Katherine chose the main character to be a woman and show that women take on this profession as well
I also loved the character Jack, as big as a star as he was, he had a real soft side.
The plot was super cute as well.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center has become one of my “auto-buy” authors, in that I purchase her novels without even reading the book jacket description now. Her novels are utterly readable and engaging and I always love them.

The Bodyguard, which comes out this July, is no exception! This story follows our protagonist Hannah, an Executive Protection Agent (fancy name for the titular “bodyguard”) charged with protecting megastar Jack Stapleton. What ensues is rom-com goodness that elicits pieces of a few of my favorite Sandra Bullock films, While You Were Sleeping and Miss Congeniality.

I loved so much about this story- particularly our time on the ranch- and who wouldn’t love Jack’s parents?!

It’s the type of rom-com that feels like the best 90s movies - full of heart and a tiny bit ridiculous. I truly loved it, and already preordered my hard copy for July.

Make sure to add this one to your TBR if you love romantic comedies!

I love these kinds of stories! Predictable? Yes, but also engaging and well-written. Bodyguard Hannah and famous actor Jack present the perfect duo in this novel, and I enjoyed every minute of their mishaps together and sweet love. Recommended.

This author is an auto request without even looking at the blurb kind of author for me. Unfortunately, this was not one of my favorites. It didn’t have the same emotional depth and spark that her other books did. I honestly think this was a case of it not being the right time for me to read this book. I’ll definitely read her next book, I still love her as an author!

I have more than a couple favorite Katherine Center books. So when I got the opportunity to read her newest book, The Bodygaurd, as an ARC I was ecstatic!!!! And… it did not disappoint. ❤️

I was a little skeptical at first. With the main characters being a bodyguard and a superstar actor… I didn’t think I’d be able to relate and it would just feel like nonsense to me. But I shouldn’t have doubted. Center came through. She builds characters you want to believe in, be best friends with, or read about over and over again.

Our actor, Jack, comes home for a visit because his mom is sick. BUT he has a stalker. So his firm INSISTS on a bodyguard. Easy right? No big story here. Well, he doesn’t want a bodygaurd and definitely doesn’t want his family to know…. Enter Hannah our amazing bodyguard, now turned fake girlfriend for the visit.

At the start I was skeptical reading and clicking to the next page. But at some point it shifted into not wanting to put it down and feeling like I was IN the book. Quite possibly the best feeling ❤️😍🥰

Yes, my friends, Katherine Center has done it again. WHY don’t they use her books for rom-com movies yall?!?! We haven’t had a decent rom-com movie in forever. Although if they ruined her book in a movie I’d be SO MAD 😂🤣😂

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

4+ stars

Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard working to protect famous actor Jack Stapleton from a stalker. Hannah pretends to be his GF.

Sweet romcom with some self discovery by the characters. Hannah is a workaholic who gets dumped by her BF. He says some mean things that get under her skin. Jack seems too perfect but he is fighting some demons. Quick read and very enjoyable.

I love Katherine Center's books, and could not wait to read this one. It did not disappoint! This story is sweet, funny, and engaging, and I was enchanted. The pages flew by and I was sad when I realized that it was over. The protagonists, Hannah and Jack, are interesting, complex, and slightly quirky. As the reader gets to know them--and they get to know each other--it is obvious that deep down they are not quite what people expect. Both are fully satisfied with their lives, in many ways, but it is clear that something is missing for both of them--until they meet each other. The circumstances (and result) of that first meeting are unexpected and charming. Their personal relationship develops along an odd trajectory, given their unusual professional relationship, but love wins in the end, and you'll be glad that you were there to witness it. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Hannah Brooks is a no nonsense protection agent very much like Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality. Jack Stapleton is the mysterious Hollywood heartthrob with a crazed Corgi breeding stalker. Forced back to Houston to take care of his sick mom the studio insists on a bodyguard. Which is where Hannah come in, in order to keep Jack's mom from worrying Hannah must play the role of Jack's girlfriend. Will Hannah be able to protect Jack while also guarding her heart? Only time will tell.

This book is a good solid romance read. It does feel though like the book could've ended in several different parts of the story so towards the end it did drag just a little bit. Overall would recommend to readers who like Sonali Dev, or Alisha Rai!

I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it's light and predictable but sometimes that's what you want in a story, the characters were likable and the bodyguard angle added an extra element to the book that was outside the norm. If you like romance and fun reads I would definitely recommend this, perfect for a relaxing weekend or vacation read.

Loved the humor, the heart, and the characters in this book! They captured my attention from the beginning, especially the charming Jack and focused Hannah. (Jack's parents are also adorable!) I felt transported to the wide open spaces on the ranch, loved those scenes, and the relationship that develops between the two leads is tender and genuine. Great writing and had me entertained the whole time!

Katherine Center does it again with a charming, romantic and fun look into a bodyguard and movie star's relationship with real Notting Hill vibes.

Hannah Brooks could kill you with a pencil... respect lady. I really enjoyed Hannah. She's strong and has mad skills and doesn't look like your typical huge brawny bodyguard, and she isn't supposed to. She accesses risk, plans ahead and is incredibly good at her job. She's smart and capable and I really enjoyed her work ethic and her intelligence.

Jack reminds me of the handsome action star you would want to meet and fall in love with both on screen and off. It's easy that he's charming but I like seeing being the curtain on his own insecurities and family drama. He is like Top Gun Tom Cruise before he was all jumping on the couches.

I am sad that the supporting characters were a little thin. Hannah's best friend Taylor (! what? did not like that!) is more mean girl and only serves to push Hannah's storyline forward without the emotional impact I wish was there. Her ex boyfriend (I'm going to call him jerk face but his name was Robby) is more obnoxious alpha male stalker and it's really hard to see why Hannah would have dated him in the first place, he's totally icky. That said I did love Glenn (their boss) and Kelly (reminding me of Mindy Kahling in all of her awesomeness).

The chemistry is very natural. It's easy to see how they both like each other and sure, Hannah has to pretend to be Jack's girlfriend while they're with his family (!!!) but the trope doesn't bother me and it makes Jack and Hannah let their guards down and finally get to know each other.
There is some tension and danger stalker stuff, but it's kept to a minimum and only at the end is there an actual event that I was afraid for the characters. That's not bad, but if you're looking for more action, it's not this book. That said, there isn't any real steamy romance sexy time in the book either. As their relationship is mostly during their professional time together, Hannah keeps it very light and PG. But that doesn't bother me because both of the characters are obviously so into each other, it was a nice slow burn romance that connected me to the characters.

Overall, I think Then Bodyguard is my second favorite book of hers and well worth the read. It's enjoyable and I couldn't put it down!

PREDICTION: This is going to be on everyone’s top 10 list for 2022!

Oh how I enjoyed this book immensely!! I knew from the moment I howled with laughter in chapter 14 that it was going to be a BIG BRIGHT FIVE STAR rating from me…. a 10 star if possible…

Katherine Center just knows how to write a brilliant book. It’s got charm, wit, laughter, love, and heart & soul. Female bodyguard matched with a super-famous movie star… what could go wrong? …or right? I highly recommend this book 100 times over again! It’s a yes from me!!

Hannah Brooks is an executive protection agent, hired by Hollywood hearthrob, Jack Singleton's producers against his protests. He needs to be guarded from a stalker, but who's going to protect his heart from Hannah? Laugh-out-loud funny, thesis a great beach read for everyone. Recommended. #TheBodyguard #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center confirms that romance novels still do it for me.

Hannah Brooks is not having a good week. The next day of her mother's funeral, her boyfriend dumps her and he cites 3 reasons. The last one is like a knife to the chest.

"You’re a bad kisser".

For Hannah, the only way to deal with all of it is to immerse herself in her work. She is an Executive Protection Agent, a bodyguard. She begs her boss for a new assignment but the boss tells her she has to grieve and grounds her.

After a month, she is finally about to go back to work. She’s excited to leave Texas behind and go anywhere else. The joke is on her when her boss Glenn tells her, she is staying and she is going to be the lead bodyguard for Jack Stapleton, a famous actor.

Jack and Hannah's first encounter is not a perfect one. He confused her with the cleaning lady and by the end of the interview, she has left him on the floor after he told her to prove to him she could take him. Things get more complicated when Jake doesn't want his mother, who has been diagnosed with cancer, to know his life might be in danger and he wants Hannah to fake being his girlfriend. Hannah doesn't want to do it but she is competing for a new position and she will do it to keep her job and win the post.

After days of spending time together, Hannah realizes she has developed feelings for Jack and Jack seem to be reciprocating them. But is it for real or is Jake acting instead?

I loved both characters. They were both dealing with things from their past and carrying the guilt with them. It was nice to see how they complemented each other and helped the other one heal. Their banter was outstanding and the way their relationship develops felt real and believable. Best was the amazing epilogue which answers everything I wanted to know.

The Bodyguard proves once again why I love Katherine Center's writing so much.

Cliffhanger: No

4.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center does it again!! I love her books, her characters….everything!

The Bodyguard is about Hannah Brooks who is…you guessed it, a bodyguard. Hannah’s life is a mess. Her mother just died. Her boyfriend broke up with her. And worst of all, now she’s in a competition with her ex for her dream job.

In walks Jack Stapleton, a handsome movie star that needs protection while he is in town visiting his sick mother. Hannah has to pretend to be his girlfriend so his family won’t find out that there is even a small amount if danger in Jack coming to visit.

Hannah has to put away her pantsuits and pretend that she is in love with America’s heartthrob.

Secrets are revealed, family drama ensues, maybe a little romance and action to round out a great story.

I was provided this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

How can readers not fall in love with EVERY SINGLE ONE of Katherine Center’s books??? The Bodyguard is touted as “a warm hug,” which is beyond an apt description.

Hannah Brooks, Executive Protection Agent—you read that right, SHE is the bodyguard (Yay for girl power!)—will have you laughing and cringing with all her missteps embarrassing moments. She’s so endearing you will quickly become her biggest cheerleader. Hannah’s also a bada$$ who can take down a full-grown man before he knows what hit him.

Jack Stapleton—household name and swoon-worthy movie star—certainly didn’t see her coming. Troubled by his own demons and tragic past, he ditches the spotlight to focus on righting past wrongs and concentrating on what’s truly important in life. There’s also that tiny niggling detail of the stalker he’s trying to keep secret. But, minor detail, right?

By the end of the book, Center’s characters inevitably turn into people we wish we were friends with in real life—one of the biggest compliments you can give an author.

Another fabulous, funny, touching, and unputdownable read by one of my absolute favorites.