What an entertaining read! This book played out just like a movie in my mind. It’s different from the other Katherine Center books I’ve read in the past, but not in a bad way. It's funny and uplifting, but also emotional and heartfelt. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize The Bodyguard as a romance, though I really enjoyed the fake dating, forced proximity romantic subplot.

Hannah and Jack’s character arcs were very fulfilling. Both are haunted by their pasts and it was beautiful to see them learn to love and forgive themselves. Hannah's voice and commentary throughout the book were so funny and I enjoyed this narrative style. Her playful banter with Jack was a highlight and I loved how their relationship shifted in sweet subtle ways as they got to know each other. The pacing of the book was good, but some of the subplots resolved very typically and conveniently. I also wasn't a fan of the Kennedy drama at all. It felt like that (and the situation with Robby and Taylor) was a missed opportunity to show women supporting each other instead of tearing each other down. Kennedy's whole mean girl routine was very cliché. The epilogue was sweet and wonderful though and I loved that Jack and Hannah stayed true to themselves and each other. Katherine Center fans are sure to enjoy this one!

CW: death of loved ones (past), guilt, grief, illness/hospitalization (on page), car accident, fear of drowning and bridges, stalking, death threats, estrangement from sibling, domestic abuse/violence (secondary character, past), trauma, mentions of cirrhosis and alcoholism/AA, parental abandonment (past), guns/gunshot wound

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

This is my second Katherine Center book. I was attracted to this story because it reminded me of the movie The Bodyguard and the novel is indeed quite similar. Although the story was original and ok, I had difficulties connecting to the characters. I did not find them particularly warm or engaging.

The story had an Harlequin book feel in my opinion. The epilogue was pretty original and humorous. I am generally not a “love at first sight” kind of reader so you probably will enjoy if you like instant attraction.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a complimentary e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5

ok you guys. i loved this.

usually, i try to stay away from books i can just summarize in a list of tropes. (i actually am not a huge fan of trope lists because i feel like they reduce books to just what is popular and not actually reflective of the book). that being said, i absolutely adored this. and now for the laundry list of tropes: "one of us is famous," bodyguard, grumpy-sunshine but she is the grump, fake dating, forced proximity, "touch him and you die"

this was not only the romcom i wanted, but the romcom i needed. it was so fun!

hannah's struggle of finding herself worthy of love was painfully resonant at times but it was balanced with such wit that i didn't even realize how true and real what Katherine Center was saying until i thought about it after.

i finished this book crazy fast because it really felt like i was watching a movie in my head like i could almost see the ranch as a set and the stunt training and all that jazz, which is the best kind of book to me. if i can forget i'm even reading a book, that's automatically making it a hit to me. the characters were so loveable and i was really rooting for them. as a self-admitted control-freak- work-aholic, i related really strongly to hannah (aside from the whole, you know, being a trained killer).

hannah and jack's relationship develops so organically and i love their interactions. it really felt so natural and also outlandish enough that the suspension of disbelief was perfect. i really was rooting for them for the whole book and really loved watching them become themselves for each other.

one (1) tiny pet peeve is that sometimes the whole "i know you already have seen this movie but..." where the character speaks directly to the reader. to get over this, i kind of just imagined it as like a voiceover in a movie (see what i mean?! it would make a PERFECT romcom if it got adapted!!) but i think it's very much a "me" problem because teachers for my entire life have yelled at us about the whole "don't speak directly to the reader" thing so i think it's just a pet peeve. but i loved the rest of this book so much that it didn't bother me after a while.

if you're looking for a pure fluff romance with a fun premise and loveable characters, i so so highly recommend it. this book is cotton candy for the brain in the best possible way. it's if "miss congeniality" met "starstruck" (the DCOM, i hope yall know what i'm talking about!!) and it is perfection. to be honest, even though i have it at a 4.5 right now, it very well could go up because all i want to do is reread this, kind of like rewatching a comfort film!!

lionsgate, 20th century fox, netflix, hulu, disney+, etc. (i don't care which one): yall NEED to pick this up because it is a hit. [and when you do, i'm claiming that it was my idea and i want to make an appearance please. i mean, i could play hannah, i could learn to act. ]

long story short, this book is totally worth the read and i will be recommending it to all my friends for the foreseeable future.

Definitely pick up a copy of this when it releases on July 19, 2022!

Huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Publishers for the Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

The publisher’s description lays out the story here pretty well, including the two main characters. Hannah Brooks, executive protection agent (aka “bodyguard”), is assigned to Jack Stapleton, super-hot megastar. Of course they’re going to fall in love, but the joy is in the journey. 🥰

The story is narrated by Hannah, confident in her work, independent, knows what she wants in her career…also just lost her mother and got dumped by her boyfriend (another bodyguard) the day after the funeral. So things are already a little chaotic when she’s tasked with protecting Jack. To top it off, her ex keeps insisting that she’s not right for the assignment because she doesn’t look the part of a celebrity girlfriend. Talk about hitting a girl when she’s down and trying to crush what’s left of her self-esteem!

Everything kicks into high gear when Jack’s mother insists that Jack and Hannah stay with them until Thanksgiving, which is four weeks away. Hannah begins to see the real Jack, and he’s the happiest and most relaxed he’s ever been. She learns what it’s like to be part of a family, something she never really had.

We all know a happily ever after is coming.

What I loved about this book was Hannah’s voice. It’s Hannah who describes herself as looking like a kindergarten teacher. (At a later point in the book, Jack actually calls her “Stumpy.”) 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. Because if things ever get to the point where I have to kill you, I haven’t done my job.”

She also narrates about Jack as if he’s a real person…like we’re not reading a novel. Hannah is telling us, the readers, the story of her and Jack and assuming we’ve seen all his movies.
“Do you remember how he cried in The Destroyers?”
“Add to that: Jack Stapleton knew how to dance. You saw American Rhythm, right? Where he played a ballroom dancer?”
And Hannah is a great storyteller.

Hannah learned a lot about herself through her experience with Jack, and she offers up those lessons, sometimes at her own expense. Because she also learned a lot about the people she gave her time and effort to who didn’t deserve it. Hannah is the type of person I would sit with telling stories over a bottle of wine…or two (maybe three).

A fantastic summer read!

4-4.5 ⭐ I couldn't put it down and it was such a fun read. 😉

Miss Congeniality meets Netflix rom com in this super cute take on a "bodyguard in disguise" plot. I was already casting an early 2000 Sandra Bullock as the lead role, Hannah, before I even got through the second chapter. It's witty and fun and the character development really brings everyone to life.

Jack is a famous movie star, think Brad Pitt/Ryan Gosling famous, and he has a stalker that makes things interesting but also possibly dangerous. When his studio requires him to hire a bodyguard, he reluctantly agrees, on one condition. (Cue the popcorn, this rom com is just getting started!) Jack's mom has cancer and he doesn't want to worry her, so his bodyguard needs to double as his girlfriend.

Hannah is a workaholic, she just lost her mother, who was admittedly estranged, and her boyfriend breaks up with her the night of the funeral. She's ready to escape and take on a new assignment to get out of town, but her boss insists that she takes on Jack's case. Reluctantly, she agrees, but has no idea how to behave and feels out of place with a high profile movie star like Jack.

Lines start to blur as Hannah and Jack pretend to be together in front of his family. Why is there so much tension between Jack and his family? Can Hannah relax and enjoy some down time, or will she need to "escape"?

Thanks to netgalley for an ARC to review!

Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard. When she is tasked with protecting the world’s sexiest man, Josh Stapleton, she also has to go undercover. Josh’s mom is in treatment for cancer, and to avoid adding to her stress, Hannah poses as Josh’s girlfriend so his family will not know he needs protection (from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker).

This book was so great. I loved it. It followed the typical rom-com outline without being predictable or stereotypical. I really felt the character’s feelings and chemistry. Will definitely recommend.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martic’s Press, and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Excuse me while I SWOON! This book was a breath of fresh air, and just what I needed! I legit read it in a day! The absolute perfect, quick, easy, summer read. I loved how Hannah told the story. She was witty and funny. I laughed out loud so many times during this book. I loved the premise of the book… Hannah being a bodyguard protecting a sexy hunk of an actor AND HE FALLS FOR HER!!! Yassss! A wonderful romcom, indeed. I’ve been reading a lot of spicy books lately, and though this one has zero spice, it still gave me all the feels! READ. THIS. NOW. You won’t regret it. Dare I say this may be my favorite book I’ve read so far this year….

Now if I could just find a Jack Stapleton for myself…..

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for giving me the chance to read this for an honest review. And to Katherine Center for writing another phenomenal book!

GRAB YOUR COPY ON JULY 19TH, 2022! Or just go ahead and preorder it now… trust me!

4 stars

E-arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A fake dating romance between a famous Hollywood actor who is trying to stay away from limelight and a female bodyguard assigned for his safety? Grumpy x Sunshine? Plus a crazy stalker out to get them? This book served all of the above.

Jack Stapleton (he's been named The Sexiest Man alive, fyi) and Hannah Brooks served me exactly the type of romance I was looking for and I'm so glad I picked this book. It has the right amount of humour, banter, swoon-worthy cheesiness and romance.

Thank you, St. Martin's press for providing me with the e-ARC!

This book was such an enjoyable read/audiobook! It was an easy one day book that was hard to put down. I loved the typical role reversal, which gave me total Miss Congeniality vibes. Jack had so much swagger, but was also such a sweetheart and I felt the angst between him and Hannah. This was a closed door romance, and was a bit emotional with Hannah dealing with grief from losing her mother and just cracking her tough exterior in general, but also had plenty of lighter moments that made me smile and laugh. Overall I thought this was a great read that had me swooning and wanting more!

The Bodyguard is available 7/19 and is a quick, easy summer read!

Thank you @smpromance @macmillanaudio and @netgalley for the gifted ARC & audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I LOVE it when a book reads like a movie.... So fun and entertaining. This newest novel by Katherine Center hit all the marks. Yes, a bit sweet and cheesy at times, but in this day and age...I need more sweet and cheese in my life. I mean that in the best way.

Here we have Hannah Brooks, an executive protection agent. Self proclaimed workaholic and definitely does not fit the stereotype of a typical bodyguard. Her latest relationship has gone down in flames just as her boss said it would. Enter Jack Stapleton, a handsome, mega-star actor....willing to go along with the bodyguard idea to appease his movie studio bosses.

Throw in a stalker, jealous coworkers, a tight knit family with some secrets to deal with and you have the recipe for a great rom com. Perfect start to kick off summer reading. I am a big fan of Katherine Center and can't wait to devour her next novel. Well done and happy reading!!

3.5 stars - This was a cute & fun read but it was missing a bit of something for me. The love connection wasn’t quite believable, I would have loved more of a built up. I did love the characters individually and the storyline was good. I loved that epilogue!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this audiobook and ebook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5⭐️

I always enjoy Center’s books, and this one can also be added to that list.

Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent (a bodyguard) who is assigned primary lead as protection when the gorgeous movie star Jack Stapleton visits Houston to be near his mom for cancer treatments. Hannah wants to shine for a future promotion and ends up acting as Jack’s pretend girlfriend against her better judgment. To avoid distractions, agents cannot become personally involved in clients’ lives…ever. But Jack is more vulnerable and human than she expected, and as she grew up in a dysfunctional family, she ends up falling for the entire Stapleton clan.

Hannah started off a bit annoying until I realized where she was coming from and her motivation to always have an escape hatch for every aspect of her life. She had recently lost her mom, been dumped by her boyfriend and is estranged from her best friend. As she evolves, she finds reasons not to always have an exit strategy in place. She discovers that she can be loved but that she must first learn to love herself. I too ended up loving her.

Jack struggled with a heartbreaking loss and the guilt and pain from the fallout. Events/self-worth issues from his past are hindering his growth and must be overcome to move forward, both personally and professionally.

These two are wonderful together and don’t realize that they are healing the other through their shared talks, laughter and tears. Lots of sweet, poignant moments.

I love that Center’s characters are usually written with very real self-identity problems to overcome. As a writer, she’s very good at getting to the core of their issues with passages that are both beautiful and enlightening while also being gut-wrenching and at times painful. And to all of this, add lots of laugh-out-loud humor. No surprise, this was a winner for me.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing the free early arc of The Bodyguard for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Okay… I’m a puddle on the floor. I thought this book was absolutely adorable. I haven’t read anything like it. I mean - a woman bodyguard in charge of protecting a male movie star?! I was here for it.

I was smiling through the whole book. It was just so sweet. Bonus, it’s written like the main character is telling you a story. Not many books are written that way, so it was fun!

I did have a mini panic attack during one part, but I can’t give spoilers. But it was quickly resolved. Thank goodness.

The vibes:
✨fake dating
✨forced proximity
✨CUTE banter
✨bodyguard + movie star
✨closed door

I highly recommend reading if you need a feel good rom com.

#TheBodyguard:

““Dumped” is also a word that falls short of its true meaning. It sounds so quick—like a moment in time. But getting dumped lasts forever. Because a person who loved you decided not to love you anymore”.

Initial reaction: “anddd iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii y iiiiiii”

Review: Hello. Allow me to introduce my favorite Katherine Center book, The Bodyguard. That’s all that needs to be said.

But really, we have fake dating, ONE BED, a mini badass, and still some self discovery. This isn’t like most KC books to where there’s so much to unpack in such a small time. This was a fun, lightheaded read that had me cackling in the food aisles.


I liked how it felt like Hannah Brooks kind of broke the fourth wall to really tell us about the story. It gave me a HIMYM vibe. Also, Connie is a queen and deserves all the love.

I did this on audio and Patti Murin delivers once more! (Thanks @macmilkanaudio) I loved Patti’s reading. I was laughing inappropriately at times, but felt sad for Hannah at the same time. I, of course, hit the major eye rolls for Robby. I listened to a majority of this on a road trip while the kids napped, and didn’t feel I would need to smash all the buttons to turn it off if they woke up.

Overall, this was funny. It was a different feel from most Center books, and you kind of don’t enjoy the MC until she gets the growth she needs in the book. Thank you so much Macmillan for the gifted copy. The Bodyguard is out 7/19!

TW: Cancer, loss of parent, alcoholism

I found this book very hard to put down. From the characters to the storyline, it had me from the beginning!

Katherine Center is an auto-buy for me and this book is no different. Hannah and Jack are opposites in every way. Hannah is a bodyguard for the rich and the famous - Jack is the famous movie star in need of guarding. Everything has been turned on it's head for both and their relationship goes from strangers in forced proximity to friends and possibly more.

Hannah Brooks is good at her job. So good that even in the wake of her mother's death and being dumped by her crappy boyfriend, all she can think about is getting back to work. Her supervisor has other plans. Enter Jack Stapleton. A heartthrob movie actor who is in town trying to visit his ailing mother while avoiding the public eye. Hannah gets selected for Jack's security detail when a corgi breeding stalker starts to get bold. Now Hannah is whisked into Jack's world as she pretends to be his girlfriend so his family doesn't find out her real purpose for being there. When the two are forced into close quarters, sparks fly and walls begin to come down.

This book is well on it's way to becoming a Hallmark/Lifetime/Netflix movie. It was charming and cutesy romantic. Personally, I think it was too romcom for me, but that is just my personal opinion. I wanted more depth from the characters. I was personally not a fan of the writing style which is why I gave it 3 stars, but I think to others it could be a 4 or 5 star book!

Loved this book! Enjoyed the characters Hannah and Jack! Such a fun, enjoyable plot that I didn't want the story to end! A cute, fast read that I thought was fantastic!

I loved 86% of this book! The characters were sweet and the idea of a female bodyguard was so cool.

The last 14% threw me for a loop. Why the confrontation with Wilbur? Such a strange incident to throw in at the end.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I loved The Bodyguard. It was a perfect summer read, a love story between a security detail, Hannah, and movie star Jack. What starts as a work relationship, turns into something more as their relationship deepens to share vulnerability, friendship, and love. I couldn't put it down!
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this novel!