This is a sweet story with a tough Scottish bodyguard watching over a weak drug addicted movie star whose only wish is to have a baby and get out of the publicity that follows her every move. She can't face her life without a baby of her own so she turns to pills and numerous trips to rehab until her bodyguard decides to help her find happiness.

The two main characters are MacThomas Pockets, who is referred to as 'Pockets'. After he left the Scottish special forces he's asked by a film director for some input in a new movie and ends up with the job of guarding one of the most famous women in Hollywood. Maybe Joe Sue is an actress who has done very well in Hollywood. She often thinks about her younger days that were anything but stable and sometimes she just can't believe her success. But is she happy??? The answer to that would be no because she desperately wants to have a baby. Numerous miscarriages have depressed her and she turns to pills to help her get through her days. Pockets's main goal ends up being not protecting her from other people but he spent all of his time trying to protect her from herself. The book has suspense and love - both learning to love other people and learning to love yourself.

My main problem with this book is that I didn't really like either of the main characters. Pockets was too rigid at following rules and was unrealistic and Maybe Joe Sue has a heart of gold and but it's difficult to like a character who spends most of her time trying to destroy herself. I also found parts of the book to be pretty unrealistic. From a personal standpoint - I don't enjoy books where the damsel in distress needs a strong and silent man to protect her.

I just read other reviews of this book and some people really enjoyed it so you might want to give it a try and not depend solely on my rather negative review.

This one was an interesting drama and mystery but I did not love the ending. It had a little of everything tho- romance too, but I appreciated how clean it was. I would recommend!

The Last Exchange is the story of MacThomas Pockets, a retired Scottish Special Forces agent, who is now the bodyguard for a famous actress. Pockets falls head over heels for her and it becomes his downfall. It’s a well-plotted tale of love and friendship that is emotionally charged and at times suspenseful. I love the many twists and turns and surprises I never saw coming! The ending was unforgettable! I highly recommend this one. I was fortunate to receive this novel from Netgalley as an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Charles Martin book and it was fascinating. A story about someone laying down their life for another through selfless love with hints of the Kevin Costner Bodyguard movie. It was a gripping story that I enjoyed with a heroine who was compelling. And the hero was fascinating. There was a richness to the interactions that even when I anticipated where the story was headed I didn't care. It bends generes and is left without a HEA and is a richer love story for it.

An ok read…. I felt it was a bit drawn out going back and forth through the two time lines. The ending wrapped up what has been happening but didn’t really explain why they happened. Wasn’t too into the love story.

Interesting story of a woman who was discovered waitressing and has become a big star. The story goes through her plight of infertility, substance use and all the while her bodyguard is the one that’s there for her. The story goes through past and present and how we led ourselves to her kidnapping.

I have read several of Charles Martin's books so expected The Last Exchange to be a "gritty" story and it is. I would not recommend this book to anyone who has experienced a miscarriage. There is lots of action which certainly kept my attention. I felt sorry for the female protagonist Joe who was successful as far as Hollywood was concerned but didn't know love. Her husband, Syd, was a jerk! I admired Pockets for keeping Joe safe but didn't agree with all of his actions. I honestly am not sure how I felt about the book! I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

I love Charles Martins’ books but this was quite underwhelming for me.

I could almost guess the twists and turns in the book. Not that they were that obvious but after reading a while, I could almost guess.

It’s supposed to be a book that embodies the length God would go to redeem His children but one the main characters made very questionable and unethical choices. Also for Joe, there was not character development due to faith or otherwise.

Over all, it is a good book. It kept me at the edge of my seat because I wanted to know what would happen next.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Joe Sue has hired MacThomas Pockets to be her body guard. He is definitely made for this job. But he soon realizes that everything about Joe Sue is not as it seems. She has an addiction problem and her husband is selfish and really does not care much about Joe Sue except when it will get him sympathy from his fans.

Talk about emotions all over the place. This book takes you on a ride you won’t forget. The characters, especially Pocket, are so real!

There are so many moving parts to this tale, especially where Joe Sue is concerned. She wants a baby so badly and her addiction is such a big problem. But however you look at it, Pockets falls head over heels for her and it becomes his downfall. And the ending of this book will pull at every heartstring you have.

Need a book which will have you gasping for air…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review

I finished this book last week, but it's taken me this long to think about what to say. Though I usually feel this way after reading Charles Martin, this one left me overwhelmed. The Last Exchange is the story of MacThomas Pockets, a retired Scottish Special Forces agent, who is now the bodyguard for famous actress, Maybe Joe Sue. (I continue to think about the significance of her name and his.) Pockets led an exciting life prior to working for Joe, protecting many well known, high-level people. But, nothing prepared him for his time with her and what he is called on to do. Charles Martin always writes a significant story....one you can take on the surface level or go deeper to think about who and what the characters represent and what the story represents. The question is...how far would you go to save someone you love? It is an intriguing story and one I highly recommend. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my opinion. This one will take your breath away. We will see it on the bestseller list. Thank you, Charles Martin.

I loved reading Charles Martin's romance books books that were set on the East Coast on beautiful coastal towns. This novel felt like a stretch witj a Hollywood actress needing protection from bad people and herself. I struggled to finish this one.

DNF at 54%

I usually love Charles Martin’s books!! This one, though, I cannot get into. And if pockets says “mum” one more time, I’m going to lose it. I keep falling asleep, and nothing seems to be happening so looks like it’s time for me to move on from this one. Also Pockets is clearly the kidnapper; it’s truly not mysterious at all. But I’m having a hard time buying the love story if he’s got her locked up in a shock collar than can knock her out.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I love all of Charles Martin books and this one did not dissapoint. This one was very emotional. I did not want this book to end. I was sad at the end and wanted more.

I highly suggest this book along with all his books.

This was my first time reading Charles Martin's work, and what a treat it was! I can see now why his books are always so highly recommended. I don't usually read suspense stories, but this one held me captive until the very end, and Maybe Joe Sue and Pockets are such wonderful characters (with awesome names)! I went back and forth between reading the eBook and listening to the audiobook because I travel a lot for my job, and I have to say the narrator did an amazing job. His deep voice was mesmerizing, and I hope to find him on something again very soon. I would recommend the eBook and audiobook versions to everyone, and I can't wait to read more of Charles Martin's work in the future.

The Last Exchange by Charles Martin

Pockets is the strong, silent type and takes a job to protect Maybe Jo Sue, an unlikely rising star. Through her cinematic successes and personal failures he remains steadfast, never crossing the line between his personal feelings and his professional duty. Finally, he takes her at her word and saves her from herself, but in doing so, he risks himself and his future.

Charles Martin creates strong, swoon-worthy heroes. I am glad he is not afraid to write books where the hero can give himself for another. His books truthfully portray the self-sacrificing love that Christ has for his church.

Beside the strong characters, he weaves a plot that surprises the reader but leads to a potentially happy ending. Whenever he publishes a new book, I make it a point to read that one. In my opinion, he is one of the best Christian writers in the market today. His writing isn’t preachy, but the characters act out the true meaning of love.
I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

MARTIN’s writing absolutely dazzles. Enchanting…the characters’ intense chemistry keep the pages flying.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." --john 15:13, this passage of scripture describes this book. Thomas MacThomas Pockets will do whatever it takes to save someone he loves, even giving his life up for her, Maybe Joe Sue, an actress that the world loves. This is a powerful story of what one man will do to protect someone he loves. This is an emotional story of tragedy, overcoming loss, faith, redemption, and healing.

Yet another wonderful book by Charles Martin. His books are always filled with layers and heart, along with adventure. This story did not disappoint and I was immediately sucked into the story. I felt the feels and Martin has become a must buy author for me!

Excellent!!! I loved this story and read it in two days. Charles Martin excels at flawed characters that you don't forget. I loved how his chapters went back and forth between 'Before' and 'After'. That and his expert storytelling make for one compelling page-turner.

Joe aged out of the foster system and was discovered flipping burgers and waitressing. She remains a kind and down to earth person as she becomes a beloved actress. Because of her background, she struggles with being loved. Add fame to the mix and she marries Sid (an actor), the first guy to show an interest in her. After years of miscarriages and a mostly absent husband, she becomes addicted to pain killers after a hospital stay. It is something she struggles with for years.

“Here’s the catch—even if I make it out of here alive, I need a reason to breathe again.”

When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director where he meets the power couple Joe and Sid. Later he is contacted by Joe to be her bodyguard. Pockets is a truly honorable man and always looks out for Joe's best interests.

I love the many twists, and turns and surprises I never saw coming! I highly recommend this amazing story.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Having just read my first Charles Martin book – Long Way Gone – I was thrilled to find this new one,hot off the press. The opening certainly grips the reader straight in, although as pertinent info is only disclosed by drip-feed it can be quite confusing to follow. Indeed – if I had not committed to reviewing it, I would have quite likely stopped reading as the details were not things I wanted to know. However, the clock was ticking as I only had a couple of days to read it before it would be archived, so despite being in two minds I forced myself to continue. And gradually realised I was being reeled in... until I was hooked. The end was so gripping that I could not have stopped reading! Although I had guessed the identity early on, nothing could have prepared me for the bombshell near the end. As to the actual ending of the book, well – shall I just say it is not neatly wrapped & tied, all finished. But what an immensely powerful message one is left with, the more one thinks about it. I can’t possibly spoil it for you by telling you why, I would just say : persevere, even when you may think this story is not for you – like me, you’ll be so glad you did! 4 1/2 stars