The Bodyguard by Katherine Center was a sweet, feel-good romance. No steam, if that's your thing. It was also very funny. The ending was a bit ridiculous, but it fit with the tone of the book- it definitely didn't take itself too seriously, and was fun.

I will always read anything and everything Katherine Center writes. With that being said, I think this one ties for a top place on her list. I loved everything about Jack and Hannah. Hannah was so strong and grew so much as a character. I love that KC gives her female leads jobs that you wouldn't expect. The Bodyguard was a fast paced, adorable love story. I couldn't put it down.

Hannah Brooks is 5’5” and not what people’s stereotype of a bodyguard is. That’s what makes her so effective. She knows many ways to kill a person, but the strategy is to figure out and diffuse the threat before it happens.

Jack Stapleton is a wildly hunky actor who has been out of the spotlight since a family tragedy, but when his mother gets sick, he’d like to return home to the family ranch to see her through the treatments, but he’s got a stalker whose threats have gotten increasingly harrowing, and he doesn’t want to bring that danger home. Even though all Hannah wants to do is escape to a new assignment in Korea or England, her boss persuades her that if she wants a shot at the London job, she’ll have to pose for a few weeks as Jack’s girlfriend. Her ex, another Executive Protection Agent, says there’s no way someone as average in appearance as Hannah could possibly be persuasive as the movie star’s girlfriend, since he dates women that are far, far from plain. Unfortunately, Hannah agrees with him.

But not long into her assignment, she finds herself falling for Jack, which puts him at risk—if she can’t see things clearly, she can’t protect him. I enjoyed the premise of the novel and the evolution of Jack and Hannah’s relationship, Jack’s relationship with his family, and Hannah’s relationship with how she sees herself. This is a fun, fast read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JULY 19 2022.

Oh my goodness… put this one at the top of your to read pile!it is simply fantastic! You see the title of this one and it brings back images of Kevin Costner in the movie of the same title… if that is what you are expecting, well you are in for a few surprises! Character development is in optimal form in this one. Robby is the king of douches… really he takes the crown. Taylor epitomizes the role of friend…. And foe. And Jack, well Jack is troubled…. He is the best of both the good and downtrodden in the world. He is a tortured soul with a twist. This would make for a fantastic Rom-Com on the big screen…. I wish it wasn’t over…. Thanks to NetGalley for this book hangover!

Funny, sharp, and romantic, and The Bodyguard has all the makings of a top-selling contemporary romance. It is riddled with favorite tropes (the accursed One Bed, the formidable Fake Dating, the stunning Celebrity/Fan roller coaster) that make it feel familiar, but its premise makes it feel new. Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard trained to be a lethal weapon, but she seemingly gets demoted to going undercover for an actor’s protection. It’s mostly fun, with a little pinch of seriousness. I am not sure how much research went into bodyguard protection, but I was willing to suspend my practical concerns to enjoy the humor. The ending goes a little too action/FBI/cop chase for me, but it was a lovely read overall, perfect for a romantic comedy film adaptation.

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, romantic novel about a woman search for exactly what she needs and wants. I did find the plot somewhat predictable and the characters a little too clichéd, however it took my mind off of many pressing world and domestic problems and for that I am truly grateful.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a cannot put down, make your own dinner novel. Witty with great banter and excellent characters and plot. Do not bypass this novel if you see it. It will make your day better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hadn't read any of Katherine Center's books before, but this was really enjoyable. I liked the reason for the fake dating (a loved trope which can be a bit ridiculous at times). The twist on the threat was good. I enjoyed this a lot.

I loved The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. I flew through the pages and was instantly invested in the relationship that developed between Hannah and Jack. I also really liked how the author showed the growth of Hannah herself as she learned exactly what she needed. The book made me laugh, had a ton of heart and just kept a smile on face the whole time. I will absolutely pick up Katherine’s next book!

How much do I love Center's novels? So much that I request them right away! This one was a bittersweet love story that captured my heart and mind. Hannah works as a bodyguard for an agency and even though she's only 5'5" she can flip you on your back in a heartbeat. So when her boyfriend dumps her and she is assigned to protect movie star Jack, she takes it on...even though it's sure to be a challenge. Along the way, she gets to know him and his family--with all their little quirks and idiosyncrasies. Lots of great characters, scenes, twists, and turns...just what you've come to love with Center's bestselling novels! Don't miss this one as you will love it too!

Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me. When her latest book came up on Netgalley, it was an automatic request - without even reading the synopsis! This story revolves around Hannah Brooks, an Executive Protection Agent, better known as a bodyguard. Since she's a woman, nobody ever sees her coming - she can blend into the background whilst providing top-notch security. We open the story with Hannah's mom dying, her boss takes her off an upcoming job in order for her to grieve and her boyfriend dumps her, telling her she's a 'bad kisser'. (And this all happens within the first two chapters.)

Enter Jack Stapleton. A famous actor who's regularly voted Sexiest Man, he's come to Houston and needs protection from a stalker who enjoys knitting jumpers with his face on them and sending him nudes. Hannah becomes the lead on his case, which involves being the closest to him, and things get tangled when he insists that the most obvious way for her to do that is to pretend to be his girlfriend.

It took me about 60% to really get into this book. Hannah had this whiny quality to her that was of-putting but did end up redeeming herself in the end. Also, everything seems exaggerated - Ryan is the ex-boyfriend who is the standard douche bag and Jack is almost too good: not only is he super-famous and super-sexy, he's basically a saint who donates to homeless shelters.

I would round this up t0 3.5 stars and while it was not one of my favorites, Katherine Center will continue to be an auto-buy author.

Katherine Center's THE BODYGUARD was a unique and refreshing rom-com. I am a huge fan of this author and felt this story was more lighthearted and comical than the majority of Center's work. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the quirky and endearing characters and felt the plot moved along at a nice pace. I also love Center's exploration of women's experiences in traditionally male careers (firefighters, bodyguards, etc.). Rock on! A perfect escape from a stressful day; would highly recommend!

Katherine Center has done it again! The Bodyguard is most definitely another bestseller from one of the most talented authors. This was a wonderfully entertaining story that made me laugh while also rooting for romance to win. Hannah and Jack are two wonderful characters. It’s Hannah’s job to protect Jack and when she has to play his girlfriend in order to do her job she never thought she would fall in love with his family. What could possible go wrong when that happens? This is a must read, unputdownable book by the unforgettable Katherine Center. Thank you so much to #netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my requested copy of the ARC.

Katherine Center's The Bodyguard is the next in a successful line of books I've enjoyed from Center. Her books always make the characters jump off the page and you immediately get drawn into the story. If you are a fan of Center you'll enjoy The Bodyguard.

Hannah is a bodyguard, or a protection agent, who recently had a hard time with the passing of a family member and a break up and betrayal. Despite all this, all Hannah can focus on is work and a possible upcoming promotion which she must win against her rival by keeping her boss happy. The way to keep her boss happy involves being the bodyguard for famous actor Jack Stapleton. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Jacks family at the moment, a bodyguard seems to intense, forcing Hannah to act as a less threatening fake girlfriend instead.

I’ve loved all of Center’s last three books, but this is my new favourite. I loved this story. I found it a lot more light hearted than Center’s other stories, with a comedic twist which kept me laughing. There were difficult topics in the story, but it was presented lightly but enough without overtaking the story. I love the relationship between Jack and Hannah and the slow build. If anything I wish it was longer! But their progression was written perfectly. I loved the ending as well, not some huge situation but something different, although a bit random, and rushed. I do wish the ending wasn’t as rushed. So glad I got to read this one! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center is one of my favorites writers, even though this wasn't my favorite books by her, I still can't wait for her next one.
I thought the book was a little "cliche" not realistic, Jack is a famous actor that suddenly is in love with Hannah, Ryan is the "bad ex", I read this plot several times already. Because I loved the author's previous books I am giving 3,5 starts for this one,

I absolutely Loved this book from start to finish! Top read of 2021!!! Jack is my new book boyfriend and I loved Hannah! This book has put me in a total book hangover! The storyline is perfectly done!

SYNOPSIS: Hannah is a bodyguard who is hired to protect superstar actor, Jack Stapleton.

REVIEW: First, I must say that Katherine Center is my all-time favorite romance author. I have never read a book from her that I didn't absolutely love, and this was no exception. I read this beauty of a romance in less than 24 hours because I simply could not put it down - it was that good.

Center has a way to make you fall in love with characters and their story regardless of steam, which is I feel is very popular right now, and something I often want in a romance, but with her books, it's simply not even necessary to include. In the Bodyguard, she created such a fun, unique, plot, with Hannah, a woman who does not give the appearance of a bodyguard with a complicated past tasked with protecting the ultra famous, sexy actor Jack, who has a few issues of his own, and it was pure magic. I'm sure you can tell where the story is going to go, but the journey to get there was enthralling, and I loved every minute of it.

There was past relationship drama, dangerous scenarios, heartwarming family situations, and of course, romance.

My only issue was the epilogue - there was a part that I don't feel was necessary/realistic, and a lot of info was packed in there.

Katherine Center will forever be an auto-buy author for me and I encourage everyone to pick this book up regardless if you're a romance reader or not!

VERDICT: 4.5 STARS

SONG REC: (I just had to y'all, it was perfect) "I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this one! It hits shelves 7/19, and yes - I would pre-order now!

I absolutely adore Katherine Center's stories. The one is by far my favorite though. The setting is perfect, the characters are instantly loveable. Will totally recommend!

Sometimes you need some fun and romantic fluff and Katherine Center always manages to make me smile. This is like a Hallmark movie but with more depth. I actually care about the characters and they feel real to me. Always love her books and this one didn’t disappoint. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.