5 stars for the romance, but knocking off a star for the pervasive negative self talk.

I loved this book, which flips the gender preconceptions - a female bodyguard for a reluctant - and gorgeous!- male movie star? Love it, sign me up.

The chemistry between Hannah and Jack leaps off the page. I love that his laughter was one of the signs that he was falling for her - it signified that he felt comfortable with her and was able to be more at ease and open. While the premise is a little out there, it still worked - and I definitely had my moments of laughing out loud, right alongside Jack. The stalker storyline that explains his need for personal protection is so absurd, and brings a lightness to the story. I also really loved Jack's parents, especially his mom, and how the family dynamic was a critical element to the plot.

Where I struggled was with Hannah's pervasive negative self-talk and low self-image. I get it; she doesn't think it's possible that Jack could ever fall for her. And we do see her previous boyfriend being a complete jerk to her, so it is understandable, but I wish it didn't pop up as a plot point so often. At times it got hard to read, and I just wished Hannah could be kinder to herself.

I'll also say that the Robby/Taylor storyline really bothered me, especially the dynamic with Hannah and Taylor. I understand that Hannah felt betrayed, and rightfully so, but her coldness when Taylor also found herself dumped by the jerk didn't sit well with me. They do seem to be working toward reconciliation by the end of the book, but it wasn't the best depiction of female friendship.

Hannah's life changes when she's hired as a bodyguard for famous actor Jack. Just because he's her biggest Hollywood crush doesn't mean she can't be a professional, right? But what happens when "Jack's fake girlfriend" is added to her list of responsibilities? Will she be able to keep her crush hidden?

From the moment Hannah and Jack first meet and he mistakes her for a house cleaner instead of a bodyguard, I was very much entertained by their relationship and banter. Parts of this rom-com had me laughing out loud and one scene made me tear me up.

Location: Texas

I received an advance Audiobook copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This one is no doubt going to be a summer blockbuster. A small but fierce main female character protecting a Hollywood hunk who's more at home at his family's ranch? Um, every girl is going to love Jack and his non-assuming and relaxed ways!

This was a quick, fun, light-hearted read. There was a tad of sadness woven through with Hannah's less than stellar mom and a death in Jack's family. But the story had lots of light humor to even out the light and dark parts. I really enjoyed these characters, even though I found some of the situations to be unrealistic and forced. (The Wilbur scene, the cow situation and the one dream solving the nightmare problem). Even saying that, this book was pure fun. It is the perfect beach read.

Katherine Center has a knack for creating characters you root for - and this book is no different. The relationship and banter between Hannah and Jack was great. I kinda wanted more about his brother, Hank. (Maybe that can be another book?) I loved Jack's family and being from the South, I felt right at home around them. I hated Hannah's ex and also Jack's fake girlfriend - and I love when I hate a character!!!

I don't even think a synopsis is needed by me - just pick this one up and enjoy!! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy to read and review. Pub date: 6.19.22

4.5 stars

I read this book after reading a couple of dark psychological thrillers, it was exactly what I needed, in terms of switching up genres.

Katherine Centre is a new-to-me author, I was unfamiliar with her books but this one grabbed my attention for the cover and interesting blurb. It releases in a couple weeks and I was given both a digital arc and audiobook for review. The audiobook comes in just under 11 hours with Patti Murin doing a great job reading, it was a pleasure to listen to.

The Bodyguard is definitely a rom/com and while a fun one it does contain some serious subject matters that haunts this cast, it was written with respect and tastefully handled.

Movie star legend, Jack Stapleton reluctantly agrees to an Executive Protection Agent (aka a bodyguard) against an obsessive corgi carrying fan.

Hannah also deals with the recent passing of her mother and betrayal from friends.

Like I said this a a fun read/listen. It was well written, I laughed, cringed and cheered on Jack and Hannah as they navigated their time together along with the obstacles they encountered. Basically it's the type of Rom/Com I enjoy because it doesn't lack the Com part. This a book and author I recommend, I will be searching out her backlist.

My thanks to both St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

If you're looking for a fun, feel-good but also gives you the the feels kind of book - then this is it!

This was my first Katherine Center book and I must say - I'M OBSESSED. The character development was well done and I found myself laughing along with them, crying when they cried and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. This is the perfect summer beach book. I'll definitely be reading more books by Katherine Center.

Another Katherine Center novel that makes me cry! (And laugh, too.)

I wish this book was a bit longer; it's barely 300 pages. I wish we got a few more scenes of Jack and Hannah. Even still, Center's intentional, efficient prose packs a big punch. Everything in the story has a purpose and keeps the pace moving along at a clip.

Center is also a master a fake-out third-act conflict. You think you're past the worst of it for the couple, but wait, there's more! There's a lot of heart and it's overall just a fun romance read.

This isn't my favorite Center novel, but I still thought it was so effective and will widely recommend.

Hannah gets the job done and, as an Executive Protection Agent, she's the best. But after being dealt a series of personal blows- her mother dies and her boyfriend dumps her after funeral, she's reeling. Her boss gives her an easy job- protect movie star Jack Stapleton from a stalker. I really enjoyed this one, especially the parts set on Jack's family ranch. My only quibble with the book happened at the end- and I'm not going to spoil it. I really loved this one and can't wait to read what Center has next!

Another great book from Katherine Center. This book focuses on Hannah, an executive security professional, at a turning point in her life and career. I love when Hannah talks to the reader, I laughed out loud.a few times and liked learning about this profession and the role of females in this profession. There was a good mix of fun romance, a look at processing grief and another glimpse at Texas. If you are a Katherine Center fan I think you will enjoy this one. :)

I will recommend this book to everyone I know until the end of time! It was flawless.

This is the perfect romcom, the beach read that will have you so engaged, you will lose track of time and become a victim to the sun (SPF people, it's our friend). The Bodyguard made me laugh (a lot) AND shed some tears - just perfection from beginning to end!

Hannah Brooks is great at her job. As a bodyguard, her list of skills and talents is long and endlessly impressive. She can even drive backwards on the freeway, thank you very much. Throughout her career, Hannah's extensive training has served her well, helping her to protect many over the years. Still, nothing could have prepared her Jack Stapleton. The very definition of heartthrob, Jack suddenly becomes her latest assignment and only fake boyfriend.

Yes, you read that right! There's fake dating in this one and It. Is. Glorious.

Packed full with all the best tropes, The Bodyguard is utterly charming, a story full of heart and scenes that made me actually laugh-out-loud. Based on the way I raced through this book, you would have thought someone was was threatening to take it away. I never wanted it to end! I would happily sign up for 500 more pages of Jack and Hannah goodness IN A HEARTBEAT! I adored the main characters, the way they were that both a bit broken, but able to find a home and comfort in each other.

Definitely a new comfort read for me, a book that I will happily go back to again and again in the future. Everything was just so well done!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the #gifted eARC of THE BODYGUARD!

I’ve been a Katherine Center fan since I picked up HOW TO WALK AWAY and I was thrilled when I was approved to read a galley of THE BODYGUARD!

THE BODYGUARD is definitely on the lighter side when it comes to KC books, but I think it was exactly the book I needed at this time in my life. The jokes and banter (and corgi-obsessed stalker and the birdhouses and the Meryl Streep steak knives) had me smiling the entire time I was reading. Like I actually was cracking a smile as I turned each page. There is a scene involving cows that had me cackling (IYKYK).

I adored Jack Stapleton’s character. He had such a sweet gentle side that made me swoon. Although my OG book boyfriend, the Rookie, will always be my number one!

I joined in on one of the @lovearctually chats and I wasn’t alone in my love for this book and for KC. And after she delivered what we have all agreed was an amazing TedTalk about fiction (and romance in particular) and how it promotes empathy and happiness, well I’m even more of a fan!

THE BODYGUARD is out July 19, 2022!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4552603620
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cft9mHilmmt/

3.5 ☆ for the BodyGuard by Katherine Center.

This book is simply the best romance fix anyone could ask for - adorable and funny. I would definitely recommend it!

I am a huge fan of Katherine Center and am always thrilled to read another one of her books. This book was just as charming, heartwarming, and comforting as I had hoped. Katherine center describes it as her “pandemic book”, what she wrote to get through 2020/2021. It’s a book that brings joy and makes your day better because you read it.

I love Katherine Center’s books and writing style - and this one is no exception. It’s funny, sweet, and heartwarming. You desperately want this to work out for Hannah who you can’t help but love. And Jack’s mom is a fantastic character. Hannah’s job as an executive protection specialist was interesting and well researched - so you can even learn a little too. Such a fun book!

The Bodyguard will be available on July 19, 2022 - thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC. I highly recommend!! Perfect as a vacation or beach read this summer.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for providing the ARC.

This book was so much fun! I loved getting to know Hannah and Jack and how their relationship developed on screen. You couls tell that Jack was absolutely smitten the second that Hannah flipped him over her. And Hannah! What an absolute badass of a character. I love that Center subverted the bodyguard trope by placing the female protagonist in the role.

Best part of it all was how prganic everything felt. Nothing felt forced or too out of place or unbelievable. It was the perfect balance of fun, romance, and a slightly unhinged stalker. Everything was absolutely superb and I am dying to read it again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of "The Bodyguard" by Katherine Center.

Hannah has just lost her mother and to recover she wants to go back to work but when she gets there she finds out her boss won't let her come back to work and to top it off her co-worker/boyfriend drives her home and breaks up with her. Hannah doesn't know how she is going to make it through this, especially since she isn't allowed out of the state of Texas for a job for the foreseeable future. When the opportunity to protect a famous movie star who is coming to town to visit his sick mother Hannah does everything she can to get out of this job, to no avail. But will she be surprised at what awaits her when working with superstar Jack Stapleton?

The characters were really well written in this story. Both Hannah and Jack have really intricate backgrounds, both notably with trauma in their pasts, but this was nice to see in a romance novel. I enjoyed reading about Jack and Hannah and seeing their relationship build, especially with the different circumstances. The main plot of this story is also really interesting, taking the way that one would expect to see this trope (male bodyguard and female superstar) and flipping it on it's head. The twist at the end of the story was also very interesting and unexpected as I thought the story was going to be wrapped up.

That being said the middle of this book really sags. There doesn't seem to be enough plot for this book to sustain the whole 320 pages that it is. There was a lot of telling from Hannah's point of view in the middle of this book, rather than reading about her falling in love we end up having her tell us that this is what is happening. Again at the end of the story the epilogue falls into this as well. It was almost as if Hannah was speaking directly to the reader to tell them what had happened since the end of the story, it was interesting but wrapping up all the different characters almost felt like the end of a movie instead of the end of a book and was really unnecessary.

Overall it was enjoyable even if it felt a bit forced at times and I give it 3.5 stars.

Did I just devour this book in one day?? YES, yes I did. This is my first Katherine Center book and I LOVED it!

Hannah is an executive protection agent (aka bodyguard) and her new client is superstar actor Jack Stapleton. Add in some fake dating and forced proximity, and you have this beautiful, funny, yet emotional, rom-com. Hannah is such a badass and Jack is definitely swoon-worthy. And I loved the message in the end about self-love, forgiving yourself, and looking past your flaws and mistakes. It gave me all the feels!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC! This book releases on 7/19.

A fabulous rom-com that has just the right amount of romance and comedy with a little excitement and mystery mixed in. I love Katherine Center's books and this one did not disappoint! Her characters always have strong backgrounds and flaws that they have to overcome in order to be happy.

In this book, Hannah and Jack are fantastic lead characters each with back stories that haunt them. Their back stories help define why they are the way they are when it comes to relationships and it helps to make their interactions believable. The supporting characters add so many dynamics to the story and each make the book funny, exciting, frustrating, and heartbreaking in their own way.

If you are looking for an engaging story that will keep you turning the pages than look no longer this is the perfect book for you! It definitely was for me. I had a hard time putting down this book. It easily flows from one chapter to the next and pulls you into Hannah and Jack's world with every word you read.

I am very grateful to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for an Advance Readers Copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

All I needed to know was that this was written by Katherine Center, and I had to get my hands on a copy. The other K. Center books that I’ve read have been 5 stars for me, and this was no exception.

Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent (in other words: a bodyguard), hired - along with her team - to protect gorgeous movie star Jack Stapleton. Hannah looks like a mousy piano teacher, and the last person you would expect to know how to shoot a gun like a sharpshooter or throw a 250 pound linebacker to the ground with her bare hands. Jack is an outrageously sexy superstar actor, who is every woman’s dream boyfriend.

I pictured Hannah as Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality or While You Were Sleeping and Jack as Paul Rudd (People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2021) or actor Patrick Dempsey.

Jack needs protection because he is being followed by a crazy stalker. He wants to spend time with his ill mother at the family’s Texas ranch but no one can know he’s got a stalker, or that Hannah is his bodyguard. So she poses as his girlfriend. (Of course). They both agree it’s just an act for Jack’s family, but it’s doubly difficult for Hannah as she has just gotten dumped by her boyfriend, who left her for her best friend – both of whom are also on the surveillance team.

This might sound like a corny set up, but the writing is excellent, the characters well-drawn, the banter witty AND clever, and the relationship quickly becomes endearing.

Some parts of the plot are predictable in a comfortable, enjoyable way, and then a couple of twists come along to kick this novel up several notches beyond lightweight chick-lit. Due to Hannah’s family background, she has issues concerning grief, loss, love, and trust. She is commendable at compartmentalizing, which makes her a superior bodyguard. But the reader is privy to her thoughts and emotions - and it’s those thoughts and emotions that make this a meaningful, substantial novel.

I highly recommend this feel-good read that works well as a beach book or an anytime novel.

What a fun read. I love reading romances that are not your typical boy saves girl. This book had heart! I enjoyed all of the characters and the quirky writing style of talking to the reader as if you were enjoying being told a very entertaining story. I loved it from beginning to end and will be recommending this book and this author to my reading friends who enjoy a fun, positive book.

Book Fifteen of 2022 is The Bodyguard, by Katherine Center — {Pub date: 7/18/2022}. ⁣
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Katherine Center does it for me every time, and The Bodyguard was no exception. I was hesitant to pick this one up because I didn't want the dreadful reading slump I was in to overshadow Center’s sweet, snarky, goodness but I needn’t have worried. I fell into this book like an old friend. ⁣
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Much Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for this early copy for review. ⁣
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