It’s been a while since I’ve read a book from Katherine Center and I seemed to have forgotten how fun they are?

This one was so enjoyable from the beginning, but I must say, while it really did start off STRONG, the end…left a little to be desired.

I kind of had to suspend disbelief a bit there, and some of it was a little preachy, but overall, I just leaned into the story and the characters and enjoyed it well enough!

Also, the audio was superb!

Hannah Brooks is a bodyguard (which is unique), because I never expected this. Her life is going well until they go wrong.

When she owes her mum, her boyfriend dumps her, and because of grief she’s taken off jobs. Then she gets on a case where she has to pretend to be a client’s girlfriend — and things take a more cliche turn. 

I’d have loved to enjoy it, but given that the only unique thing about the story was her being the bodyguard, nothing else struck me.

This book was often too far-fetched and unbelievable, even for my romance novel loving self. I also didn't love that the main character addressed the reader so often. However, this was still pretty cute and fun. I think me picturing Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch as the leads added to my enjoyment. The audiobook was also fun to listen to while I was at work and made my day fly by. Will I remember this book in a few months though? Who's to say.

I loved this book! I initially read it in paperback and did an audio re-read. The narrator was excellent and the story was too. I was hooked from the beginning and can't wait for more from this author.

A pretend girlfriend, amiss returning to yiour hometown to tend to your mother, what could go wrong? This was the perfect audiobook; I feel in love with the characters.

This was such a fun, sweet book! I enjoyed the female bodyguard lead, a twist on the usual assumption of a body guard. There were so many laughing moments while I was listening.

Once again, Ms. Center has created a delightful world full of great characters, fun and interesting situations, and the right amount of chemistry to keep the reader turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the tension, sexual and otherwise, between Hannah and Jack and I was totally immersed in their drama.

The Bodyguard is a book you can lose yourself in to escape the real world for a bit. I loved it as I have loved all of Ms. Center's books. And now... I have to wait for her next one. That is always so hard. But seriously, I know you will love this book too!

Another Katherine Center winner. When the world is getting too heavy, I love to lighten things up with lighter reads. This was just perfect for Spring.

The main characters, Hannah and Jack, are both likeable and well-developed. Their energy is so much fun. Serious backstories do exist, and these lend credibility to the characters in an otherwise preposterous setting. Strong secondary characters make this story even better. You will love Jack's family, And hate Hannah's friends. This would make a great Netflix miniseries!

The audiobook was very well done. I flew through it in a day. Highly recommend for those looking for a lighter, heartwarming read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book when I got it, but I really enjoyed it. I liked that the protagonist is a woman who can fully handle herself in all regards. The length was a bit shorter than I would've liked, just so we would've had more time for character/relationship development. However, even though it was a bit short, Center's writing and plot kept me very engaged and constantly turning the page. 

If you are looking for a relatively short bit of rom-com fun then you will likely enjoy this quite a bit. The audiobook version was quite nice too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5 stars. 

A super cute modern day rom-com. A little late to the game on this one, but I hadn’t been in a rom-com mood for a while. This one has definitely pulled me out of it. Center’s characters and storyline keep you turning page after page. This one 100% reminded me of Miss Congeniality, which I actually loved! A well balanced and well written story & I can’t wait to read and/or listen to more of her books now!

I like that she's the badass women protecting him. 

It's fake dating, forced-proximity, and deceptively sweet

Great chicklit and modern romance. I love how the roles are reversed and the body guard is the female character. Narration is spot on. Highly recommended.

Katherine Center is an author I started reading this year and, I've enjoyed everything I've read by her.

The Bodyguard was well done and I was entertained reading it.

Hannah is having a rough go of it. She loves her job but there are some hurdles with her situation. Working with her best friend and boyfriend has its downfall when they betray her. And unfortunately, her mom has passed and Hannah is just wanting to get lost in her job and forget the world around her. That's when her boss gives her the assignment of guarding actor Jack Stapleton. In this role, she'll have to pretend to be his girlfriend.

THE BODYGUARD
● Hannah & Jack Stapleton
● Huston, Texas
● fake dating
● forced proximity
● slow burn
● standalone

**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Audiobook source: Netgalley
Narrator: Patti Murin
Length: 9H 44M

I didn't know anything about this book or author going in and was surprised to love it. Lovable characters and a little gender role switch made it so fun to read.

I love the Bodyguard. I read it on a trip. I loved how it was such a light read.  I'm from Texas myself and with a laid-back lifestyle it's perceived to having a bodyguard at a Texas ranch is just hilarious.!The Bodyguard is a perfect summer read with romance brewing at the beginning to make it more enjoyable.

I loved this! The banter, the plot line, and the found family were well done in this fake dating adult rom com! I do wish there were some steam but overall I enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance with comedic dialogue. I found myself laughing out loud often while listening to the audiobook.

The narration was done well. Patti Murin is definitely becoming one of my favorite romance narrators!

I loved this book. No one is more surprised by this than me -- I am particular with novels about celebrities, having worked in the entertainment industry. A lot of them get it wrong. This one got it so right.

Jack is such a great love interest, and Hannah is an incredibly interesting main character. I loved her point of view. Their relationship developed so well and so naturally, I really enjoyed seeing them open up slowly, and falling in love without even realizing it.

And the cast pf supporting characters! Everyone was so consistent and fun, I really felt like every single character from Hannah down to the fans at the hospital were so clearly written that I could picture their entire personalities and histories as I read. Really incredible character work there.

I also really loved the narrator. Her voice was natural and kept me engaged, even while reading while working. Her cadence was really great to listen to!

I'll be buying this one as a gift for some friends I know will love it. And I will definitely be reading future books by Center!!

I first saw Patti Murin in Frozen on broadway and I loved her voice then and it works so well in this adorable romance. Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ARC for my honest review.

Very easy, light hearted read! Concept was unique and easy to follow. I loved the book showing a powerful, career driven woman as that is not a common trope. Lots of fun to read!

A very sweet and enjoyable read. It is charming and just tugs at your heart. The characters are great and romance development was believable and genuine. This is a perfect beach read!