It is almost as if Katherine Center knew exactly what I needed to read right now…
A perfect rom com. Something slightly predictable, happy, entertaining, funny, and light during a heavy time in our world. I loved every second of this book. Jack is such a heartthrob, I loved his character from the moment that we met him. The fake-couple trope was perfectly executed. Hannah was a tad frustrating at times, but I fell in love with her about half way through and was rooting for her happiness. Although the plot was slightly unbelievable (and extremely predictable) at points, the story kept my attention and I truly couldn’t put this book down. Another amazing read from this author!

Thank you to St. Martins Publishing Group for the Advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley, St? Martins Press and Katherine Center for this ARC. As soon as I saw a new Katherine Center book on Netgalley, I knew I had to have it ! Ive been a fan for so long now, and all my reads by her have been 5 stars. First off, I love the character Hannah and her profession as a Executive Protection Agent. Aka Bodyguard. I can relate to her being a short of statue person, who takes names and kicks ass later.. Don’t underestimate her.. .Jack is a great guy, not your average egotistical movie-star. The storyline was great and the characters interacted well..
But because I loved the last 6 books I read by this author and were all 5 stars in my book, this one I did really like, it was only a 4 1/2 stars but still a great book .

Not my favorite Katherine Center book. She usually avoids cheesy cliches, but this book had them all. Way too many plot points, too many side characters to manage, and the story resolution was weak. Loved her other books and I will definitely keep reading them.

Fans read novels by Katherine Center with certain expectations—she writes about gutsy women, though flawed, which is why they’re so lovable. While the protagonist has some adversity to overcome (as well as some laugh out loud moments), there is always time for romance.

Workaholic Hannah fits the bill in “The Bodyguard.” Like the novel’s title, she is a body guard—executive protection agent--who is hired to protect hunky actor, Jack. Hannah is mourning the loss of her mother (and the end of a long term relationship with a former work colleague) so protecting others is all she has left. Jack is returning to his hometown (Austin) to care for his mom but is being stalked. Naturally, he doesn’t want his family knowing Hannah is guarding him, so she pretends to be his girlfriend. Hannah’s career is to protect others but she clearly not as skilled at protecting her heart and she falls for Jack. But can she protect him and love him at the same time?

Yes, parts of this novel could write itself, and by a less talented writer, I might have felt the plot line trite. Yet, Katherine Center continues to create vibrant characters, so while parts of the novel are predictable, you don’t mind being along for the ride, especially if you’re looking for a story full of not just romance, but comedy and perhaps a lesson learned or two thrown in for good measure. Like “The Lost Husband,” I could easily see “The Bodyguard” become the latest Netflix chick flick.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Katherine Center and St. Martin’s Press for an opportunity to review this novel.

4.5 romcom/bottle opener stars

When I read this one, I was reminded that I really like the way Katherine Center writes and the characters she creates. Was it a bit predictable and sappy? Yes, and I loved it! This one made me laugh out loud and it was just the book I needed to read right now.

First character – Hannah Brooks – she might not look the part, but she’s a protection agent, aka bodyguard. Hired by the wealthy, she’s an expert at keeping her clients safe. The company is based in Texas, but she travels all over the world doing this work.

Next up – Jack Stapleton – a handsome Hollywood star, he’s been hiding out for the last few years and of course he has a few stalkers.

The setup – Jack is headed back to Texas for a family issue and needs protection. Enter Hannah, who Jack first mistakes as a cleaning lady!

Hannah and Jack are an unlikely couple, but I loved watching them have pretend feelings that deepened into the real thing. How could it ever last though and what does Jack’s Hollywood girlfriend have to say about all this?

This was a fun enjoyable read for me and I’ve got a few new ideas about stocking the kitchen with extra bottle openers now. I think this one will be coming soon to a theater near you.

I was very lucky to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and feedback. Anytime Katherine Center releases a new book, it's a cancel all plans and clear the calendar as I'm stopping everything to read! I absolutely loved The Bodyguard - it did not disappoint! She continues to knock each release out of the park! STOP everything and go outside and let the sun shine on your face and enjoy this book!

Full review of The Bodyguard will be up on pop-culturalist closer to release week. Hannah and Jack have this incredible sexual tension that also makes it fun to read.

Katherine Center does it again! I was feeling a little "book slumpy" when it comes to reading books on my Kindle, and this was just the kind of book I needed. First off, my favorite thing was the banter. The banter between the lead and the love interest was like cat nip for me. I also really loved the gender role reversal of a female bodyguard, and enjoyed all of the background talking about her job. I read a lot of romances, so it was refreshing to have a female lead with a unique job and not just... a bakery shop owner (no shade to books with that trope!).
This was a book that had that "just one more chapter" propulsion for me, and I stayed up late reading this on more than one occasion.
At the time of writing this review, the book doesn't come out for another 6 months (sorry!), but if you find yourself reading this review with time to wait - go back and pick up Things You Save in a Fire or How to Walk Away in the mean time :)

*Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me an early copy in exchange for my honest review*

I love Katherine Center and grabbed The Bodyguard synopsis unread. In my mind, she always delivers a 5 star read and I know I’ll walk away in love with the characters and mourning the end of the book. As expected, Bodyguard hit the ball out of the park. I read it in one sitting and stayed up half of the night to see how the story would end. Something in her writing style and character development draws me into the characters. I feel every emotion. This is a unlikely story of a disconnected executive protection agent and her famous actor charge. While the story seems predictable, one chapter will have your jaw on the floor and the story will plummet from 5 stars to 1 star and back up to 5 again. The roller coaster of emotion is like no other. This is an absolute must read.

I give out 5 star reviews sparingly so I am delighted to whip one out for this absolute darling of a book. Hannah works for a private security company as a bodyguard and is assigned to protect beloved movie star Jack Stapleton. She is forced to play the role of his fake girlfriend while living with him at the family ranch in Texas. There, they develop a friendship and soon realize they have more in common than either of them had expected. I loved Center's "Things You Save in a Fire," and this new story shares the same magic. The author strikes the perfect balance between drama and humor, believability and the fantasy unique to romance novels. The protagonists are complex and such a joy to spend time with. I flew through this in two days, and will be recommending it to everyone looking for a sweet and gentle book to get them through these hard times.

I love Katherine Center’s writing and this was no exception! Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Hannah Brooks looks like a sweet, petite kindergarten teacher- but she is actually a competent bodyguard who could kill you with a wine bottle opener or a dinner napkin, if she had to.

And, she never gets attached to her assignments.

So, nobody would be better at protecting mega movie star Jack Stapleton from his stalker, when he needs a bodyguard who could pass as his girlfriend when he returns home to see his mom through Cancer treatments.

Until, Jack and his family start to fall in love with Hannah-and she starts to feel something she has never felt too. But, how could that be? And, what’s a girl to do now!

If you have enjoyed Katherine Center’s books in the past, you will adore this one too!

You will recognize the cadence of her characters voices, their love of the term “Fair Enough” and of course, there is always joyful dancing 💃🏻 dancing 🕺🏻!

But, despite these givens, this is a “breath of fresh air”story, that will have you smiling, laughing and maybe even tearing up, a time or two!

There IS chemistry between our leads, but the door remains closed, after the clothes get shed, so it’s pretty PG-but I enjoyed their witty banter, and watching their relationship evolve, and I think you will too!

It’s not available until JULY 19th-but when offered the opportunity to read this one, I just couldn’t wait any longer! Mark your calendars so this one will be in your beach bag this SUMMER!!

Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the early gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

I literally want to MARRY this book. I read the entire thing in one sitting and now I don't know what I will do without Jack, Hannah and even "Bobby" in my life anymore. This love story will go down in history as one of my favorites ever! Highly, highly recommend preordering this one!

Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC!

Review posted to blog:books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com

Swoon-worthy Jack Stapleton, Where art thou? If you existed, I’d trade places with Hannah Brooks in a Heartbeat!

But then, I think I’ve said that about ALMOST every single one of Katherine Center’s leading men. I guess that means she’s got my number! Ha. (Truth be told, Jake, from Happiness for Beginner’s holds the #1 spot in my heart on the Katherine Center’s leading male character list - he is the definition of swoon-worthy!)

A Christmas Buddy Read with Kaceey that was the perfect read for both of us!

Hannah Brooks is a Bodyguard. Yep, you’ve heard me. A highly sought after, 5 foot 5-inch bodyguard who works for a private corporation, hired to work for a gorgeous male actor who has recently taken some time off to care for his ailing mother. So why does Jack Stapleton need a bodyguard? He’s got a crazy stalker who is threatening his life. The problem is that his family is uber traditional and won’t take kindly to having bodyguards around so Hannah is going to “pretend” to be Jack’s girlfriend.

SO what happens when things start to get personal between Hannah and Jack. Sparks FLY! And let me just say that I had a front-row seat!

The Bodyguard had ALL the Feels! This book dug deep and examined the painful parts of its characters’ lives and was all about accepting people for who they are. Kudos to Katherine Center for going there! The Bodyguard also had lots of witty banter, and many laugh-out-loud moments as well.

This is yet another winner from Katherine Center and it was the perfect holiday buddy read with Kaceey that made us laugh and smile.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the arc.

Published on Goodreads and Twitter.

An entertaining afternoon read to curl up to and escape for the day. Thanks for the opporuntity to read in advance

The Bodyguard was the most addictive book I have read in a long time. I could not put it down. I wanted to stay up late to keep reading it and ditch all of my plans until I had finished it.

Hannah Brooks is an executive protection agent who has just been dumped the day after her mother's funeral. A workaholic of sorts, she receives a new assignment: to protect Jack Stapleton. Jack Stapleton is a sexy, A-list Hollywood star. She and Jack get awfully close once they are forced to move into his family's remote ranch home. But are they acting? Or are they really falling for each other?

I loved Hannah. I loved Jack. My husband caught me smiling while reading this and I even laughed out loud. The book did get a little deeper and pull at my heart strings as Jack revealed a big family secret. I haven't had this much fun reading a book in a LONG time. It was perfect!

A fun rom com kind of read with really sweet moments

I really enjoyed this whole book, loved the little bit of mystery that was in the book and the couple of different twist that happened within the story. Hannah's character was relatable in many different ways, and how sweet Jake was in the book made it. I loved the growth that happens with both characters and really would love to see the older brother get a book too.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

This was great, I really enjoyed it.

How fun to read this lively, fast paced romantic comedy and the gender flip of a female bodyguard and a male clients sexy movie star. Katherine Center has created engaging characters, funny dialogue and a fresh West Texas setting. Our main characters, Hannah and Jack, are both working through some stuff and that healing provides a grounding for the book so the more fantastical aspects of the plot can fly. A quick, enjoyable read. 4 stars for romance.

One of my favorite romance books of the year – a heart-warming, page-turning, feel-good story that is a bit different from Katherine Center’s earlier offerings. What sets The Bodyguard apart is the banter and good humor between and Hannah (a bodyguard to the rich) and Jack (a film star). There’s so much that could go wrong with this plot – but Center keeps the story on the rails as it zips from zinger to zinger, with undercurrents of issues that matter that are treated with sensitivity and thought.

Hannah uses work to escape from life, so instead of taking time to grieve after her mother’s funeral, she books a random flight to Toledo (fulfilling the promise she’d made to her mother to take a vacation), then heads in to work the day after the funeral, only to learn that she’s been taken off the upcoming assignment in Madrid with her boyfriend and co-worker, Robby, and that her best friend, Taylor, is going in her stead. Fast forward and Robby dumps Hannah for Taylor, and Hannah is forced to accept what she believes to be The Assignment from Hell: to stay in Houston and protect actor Jack Stapleton, winner of two back-to-back Sexiest Man alive titles.

I loved Hannah’s profession: a security detail who uses her smarts to assess and diffuse threats while remaining unnoticed (a plus for women in the field). She’s also tough as nails; as she says, “I could kill you with a wine bottle opener, by the way. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But I’m not going to.” One of the early hilarious scenes is when Jack doesn’t believe she’s capable of physically guarding him and charging her at a full run, dares Hannah to take him down. She does.

Jack doesn’t want a bodyguard, but a stalker fan makes it necessary. He’s returning to Texas to be with his mother, who is being treated for cancer, but there are Family Issues. A number of years ago, there was an accident and Jack survived while his younger brother died. His older brother and parents believe that Jack was at fault. Fast forward to the present, and Jack doesn’t want his family to know about the threats to him, so Hannah poses as his girlfriend. More hilarity ensues. And surprisingly, Center pulls off the normal-person/super-star love story in a way that’s both believable and charming, along with some stalker tension and lots of laughs along the way. A book to re-read – it’s that good.

Favorite bits: 
Hannah on her mother (an alcoholic): “Despite everything, I loved her. I didn’t like her, but I loved her.... it’s so much harder to love someone who’s difficult than to love someone who’s easy.”