A great beach or vacation read for the summer

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This was a dnf for me. I prefer her regular titles like Things We Save in a Fire and How to Walk Away. I didn’t realize this was more of a rom-com.

Another fun summer read from Katherine Center! I can always count on her to bring a great story while tackling a tough topic. In this case, it was grief, and she told beautiful stories about different versions. I loved Jack’s family, especially Connie, and their journey back together. Hannah is definitely a character I enjoyed meeting and would love to see more main characters like her. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy!

The Bodyguard is a heartfelt and fun RomCom that will have you awww-ing and laughing from page to page.

Hannah, an Executive Protection Agent, or Bodyguard, scored a job working with the Jack Stapleton, an actor who stepped back from public view for mysterious reasons. The job: protect Jack while spending time with his family at their ranch in Texas. The twist: Jack insists that Hannah pretend to be his girlfriend while on the job. What could possibly go wrong?

I couldn’t put The Bodyguard down, and was so disappointed when it was over. In addition to the funny situations and sweet romance, the author spins a tale with believable characters and great, detailed descriptions of her family’s real-life ranch in Texas.

Thank you to Netgalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin’s Press for the Advanced Readers Copy.


#netgalley #katherinecenter #stmartinspress #thebodyguard #romcom #bookstagram @katherinecenter @stmartinspress #texasauthor

This was finally the rom-com I needed and was looking to read. Hannah is smart, sassy and sarcastic like me and so easy to identify with as a main character. And swoon-worthy Jack? O-M-G! I think any woman with heartbeat reading this will totally crush on Jack, I sure did. Sure he's famous, but he is just a normal guy with a musical talent.

There is so much to love about this book, and Katherine Center has totally redeemed herself as an author to me with her latest book. I really did not like her last book and hesitated with this one but enjoyed it from start to finish.

Highly recommended. I also totally buying a copy of this after publication day!

Katherine Center, please write more books like this!!

Thanks to Netgalley, Katherine Center and St Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 7/19/22

The Bodyguard was my first read by Katherine Center and it definitely hooked me to purchase a few of her previous writes. I enjoyed the writing style, the characters, and the cheesiest of cheesy 'rom-com' moments.

Though the book was full of the typical romance clichés, I didn't mind it. I enjoyed the swap of the usual gender roles we see in 'rom-coms', the manly man saving the damsel in distress; Hannah Brooks, the small but mighty Executive Protection Agent protecting Jack Stapleton, the world-famous movie star from stalkers, assassination attempts, and all things an actor might worry about coming in between them and their perfect lifestyle.

This book includes, swooning, heartfelt romance, and lines that made me giggle -a Jack Stapleton type of giggle- so if you enjoy witty comments, sarcasm, and hysterical banter this book might be the one for you. If you like to read Hollywood romances, this book is for you. If you enjoy the "proximity trope" this book is made for you. If you like characters that have a dark past, secrets, and heart-wrenching back stories similar to Colleen Hoover and Emily Henry's characters, this book is for you!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy of The Bodyguard by Katherine Center in exchange for my honest review! The Bodyguard is available for preorder and will be out July 2022.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!

A good bodyguard rom-com that lost me at times. But I liked the story’s theme of realizing your self-worth, loving yourself, and taking chances.

Hannah is an Executive Protection Agent, the best of the best. This quirky workaholic with an endearing personality often desires escape when things become too much. Sometimes it was hard to grasp who Hannah was and what she really wanted or feared, lots of back and forth. But it’s clear she’s closed off her heart to love or close relationships given the few she has/had. I like her character though and hated seeing her doubt herself or her worth.

Jack is an uber famous actor who has lived isolated and emotionally distant from everyone and everything due to survivor’s guilt after his younger brother’s death. I liked getting to know the real Jack. Not the Jack Stapleton, renowned, beloved, charming actor extraordinaire that everyone thinks they know. But Jack, a simple, ordinary man who loves his family.

Some of the best moments of the story were during the humorous interactions between Hannah and Jack, especially knowing how much of a hardcore fan Hannah is of Jack’s film career. I liked how as they got to know each other better it put their pasts into perspective enough to reconcile and move forward. Because Jack is so widely famous and liked it’s hard for him to relax or be the real Jack. Hannah makes him laugh, happy, and relaxed. Hannah in turn slowly learns that it’s okay to take a break and enjoy life (something we should all remember to do, especially when it comes to work).

To me, there was more telling than showing as a whole. I didn’t like that there wasn’t much guessing or inferencing for the reader to do as it was continuously indicated when something bad or adverse was about to happen. Lots of “and that’s how this” or “I was going to do this” or “I was doing this when blank happened” or “ when blank entered the room” type of language. You learn pretty much far too early on what happened to Jack’s younger brother, Drew, because it’s very obviously said.

I also didn’t like the last 15% of the story. I’m not sure if we needed that last section of tension and pain, especially for Hannah. Didn’t add much value to the story given the state of Hannah and Jack’s relationship at that point. The story could’ve easily ended there. I will say, there was one line in particular that was too real in a good but heartbreaking way. Otherwise, I wasn't a fan of this section of the book.

All of Hannah’s coworkers (except for one) I adored. Glenn Schultz is the best, grumpy boss ever. Kelly is a hoot. I also adored Connie, Jack’s mom. Despite being diagnosed with cancer, she still shines so bright with such unwavering strength.

So this was a good, maybe okay read. I had some issues with how it was told. But there were enough lighthearted, enjoyable moments that carried me through to the end.

CW: cancer, survivor’s guilt, gaslighting

4.5*

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced readers copy!

Hannah is a bodyguard but you would never guess that based on looks alone. She is great at her job and dedicated to getting a promotion that will take her to London. Unfortunately, she has to compete for the job with her terrible ex boyfriend who dumped her right after her mom's funeral and then slept with her now ex best friend.

Jack is a famous movie star who has a stalker problem. Hannah is assigned to protect Jack but he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend to not worry his family. After spending time together on the family ranch, truths are revealed and feelings grow.

This book has such a great feel to it. It's the first one I've read in a while that feels like a chat over coffee. Hannah feels like a great friend by the end! Hannah and Jack are so great together. Their banter is fabulous! While the premise is pretty unbelievable, I didn't have to try too hard to root for them! Very enjoyable read!

Just the read I needed! This is a feel-good, happy story. I laughed out loud. A LOT! Such a treat and now one of my favorite Katherine Center books.

I think this is Katherine Center's best book yet! The characters are lovable and you are rooting for them the whole way through the book. I will definitely read this book again.

I found myself disappointed in this book because I have LOVED Katherine Center's previous novels - but this one just missed the mark for me. The characters were never well developed enough that I grew attached, the love story didn't really get enough time to believably develop and then the ending was too wild and far-fetched for me to really buy in. This just didn't have the warmth and nuance that I have come to expect from KC - however, I will look forward to her next release and try again!

Ever since I read Things You Save in a Fire, any Katherine Center is an automatic read for me. When I discovered her new novel was coming out July 19, 2022, I wanted to read it right away. And I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to do so because this book is everything I didn't know I needed.

What I love most about Katherine Center books is her ability to balance meaningful, real plot points and lightness. Her characters experience deeply difficult situations and she acknowledges those moments respectfully, but the story itself does not become too dark or intense. This a very difficult thing to do as a writer, but she does it flawlessly. This is a book where you learn from the characters, but still get to experience the joys of the plot and escape your own world for a while. That's one of the things I loved about this story. It is a perfect mixture of romance and growth for our characters.

Speaking of characters, I LOVED Hannah, our heroine and executive protection agent, and her principle, movie star, Jack Stapleton. Their banter was top notch. Their chemistry was perfect. They were well fleshed out characters full of depth, each on their own journey to accepting themselves. Especially my girl Hannah. Her journey of self discovery and self love was one I related to immensely and one I appreciated from the author.

I loved the story. I finished this book in 24 hours. I stayed up late to read and then woke up early. Any moment I had free time, I was reading this book. I'm disappointed I finished so quickly to be honest with you. I was engrossed with the concept and felt the writing was fun and engaging. I laughed out loud at multiple parts, while the ending hit me right in the feels. This is a perfect novel to bring to the beach or just to enjoy reading for the sake of a good story. Read it; you won't regret it.

As I stated previously, this book is out July 19, 2022. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is a total delight- it is everything you want in a romance and definitely sparks joy for the reader! Katherine Center is a great storyteller who writes women who are independent, interesting, likable, quirky, and totally worthy of a Happily Ever After. Hannah is the bodyguard, Jack is the movie star. Hannah is dealing with the death of her mom and the end of her relationship, along with the end of her best friendship. In spite of it all, she trudges ahead and because of the assignment of a lifetime, she gets to slow down, find herself and find love.
Totally recommend, I enjoyed it even more than THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE.

This book was extremely good! I would find myself laughing and smiling the whole time I read this book. This feels like the perfect rom com and would make a great movie. This book isn’t steamy but just as good as a steamy book. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc

LOVED IT!
Such a fun read. Another knock out by Center! This book felt a little lighter than some of her other stuff but they storytelling, the page turner, the charming setting, and the swoon worthy setting... and a little twist I didn't see, ALL THERE like always!

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre: Romance
Author: @katherinecenter
Pub Date: July 19th

💭MY THOUGHTS💭
I am a huge fan of Katherine Center and her romance novels! I have read them all and they are a perfect summer time read each and every time. Her romance books are filled with lots of laughs and funny scenes, great characters with open wounds they are trying to heal or run away from, and always a suspenseful scene or two (or three🤪) that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The Bodyguard is all that and so much more!

There was so much I enjoyed about her recent book. First of all, how she describes Jack. Woah! I just need someone to make a movie out of this book to see who they cast as Jack because while reading I was getting quite hot and bothered about how damn attractive he sounded. Geeez! 😅Overall, her descriptions of all of the characters is quite impeccable. I can picture each and every one of them to a tee and they will be hard to forget. I have noticed that in recent romance books the banter is getting out of control!! Like to the point it’s obnoxious!! The Bodyguard has the perfect combo of normal couple banter and real, honest conversations. Jack and Hannah both come to their work relationship with a whole lot do baggage. I loved how they helped each other become better people and helped one another let go of their past hurts. While Hannah and Jack most certainly steal the show in this book the minor characters are pretty awesome! I wanted to give Jack’s parents a squeeze and I couldn’t stop giggling at the crazy Corgi lady!

The Bodyguard, out July 19th lives up to the hype of her other books and is one you don’t want to miss! Keep your eyes peeled for July BOTM….I wouldn’t be surprised if they feature another one of her amazing books!

My husband walked by me multiple times while I was reading The Bodyguard and said "what are you smiling at?" I think that this really sums up my feelings while reading this book. A funny, heartfelt, swoon-worthy romcom.

The story follows Hannah Brooks, a 5'5" who is an Executive Protection Agent (aka a bodyguard). When her boyfriend dumps her the day after her mother passes away, Hannah is looking for her next escape and grateful to have a job that sends her all over the world. When she learns that her next assignment will be in Texas, acting as a bodyguard for famous recluse actor Jack Stapleton, Hannah is less than thrilled. She is even less thrilled when she learns that this particular protection assignment will look VERY different from the ones she has completed in the past. She will have to pretend to be his girlfriend while visiting his family at their home ranch. Hannah is a professional, and as her ex-boyfriend AND Jack have pointed out, she is the epitome of "ordinary". Nothing to worry about right?

So then why does she feel like she is part of a loving family for the first time in her life? And why is she feeling happier than she has in a long time?

The witty banter between these two characters will have you smiling and laughing through the entire story. These are two character's you can't help but root for.

3.25

This book is a quick read with likeable main characters and a predictable ending. I liked how the narrative was light, snarky and had the main character, Hannah speaking to you directly. It has lots of witty moments and I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit. Also, it was very easy to relate to Hannah and second guess yourself when it comes to love.

I really loved the author’s choice of using a strong loving family that supports their celebrity son who ends up being a good person without having to act the part.

Unfortunately, there were many one-dimensional characters in the book, such as Taylor and Robby. It was irritating at times to read the incompetence of the security team and director and it seemed a little far fetched for me.

Overall, the book was enjoyable!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and give my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc :) Slight spoilers ahead.

This was delightful. I read it in one sitting and couldn't stop grinning. Is it predictable? Yes. Trope-y? Uh huh. Are there some moments that seem south of believable? Absolutely. Plus, the epilogue was long and rambling.

But.

It was so original! And fresh! And adorable! I truly felt the protagonist's struggle between her job and her heart. I liked the Stapleton family and rooted for reconciliation between Jack and Hank. I laughed at Hannah's fear of cows and at Wilbur's newfound romance with Charlotte and other sprinklings of tongue-in-cheek humor. Though the sinister element did make an appearance, it was handled well and I could definitely see this becoming a film a la "The Proposal". Center's work is just so magnetic.

The only reason this isn't a fiver is a three-way tie:
1) Kennedy was unnecessary cringe. She served no purpose.
2) The narrator (Hannah) was just a tad more repetitive about her insecurities than I would have liked. Broken record status? Maybe.
3) The steam. There's a terrific build up, but other than a few kisses, all sex happens behind closed doors or is implied. Kind of a letdown for fans who want to see the culmination of the relationship.

I highly recommend this to lovers of chaste romance, Hollywood romcoms, and women's fiction.

Katherine Center did not disappoint!! I've loved all of the books I've read by this author. This book had me smiling and laughing at so many points. I probably looked crazy to anyone watching me read, lol. The main characters were so lovable and I didn't want to leave their world when I finished the book. Not only did this book have me laughing, but it also pulled at my heart in many places. The author did a great job at infusing both and never letting the story get bogged down with sadness. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of rom-coms!