The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

 

Summary (from the publisher): She’s got his back.

Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard"), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.

He’s got her heart.
Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid.

They’ve got a secret.
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he goes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, says no one will believe it.

What could possibly go wrong?
Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.

Review: Hannah Brooks is the ideal bodyguard because she looks nothing like a bodyguard and more like a kindergarten teacher. And she just got hired to protect mega famous actor Jack Stepleton, who has a corgi-breeding stalker. Jack's mom is sick and he doesn't want to stress her out with his stalker news. So he convinces Hannah to pose as his girlfriend as a cover. 

This was so cute! Classic Katherine Center with laugh out loud moments, great banter and wit, and a swoon-worthy love story. I love fake dating, one bed, forced proximity, etc. etc. so I was here for this. I also always have a sweet spot when the famous, handsome guy picks the ordinary girl who maybe isn't the most beautiful but is the perfect one for him. 

Like most of her books, this also had some heavier themes. Jack and his family went through a very traumatic loss a few years before, and they're still coming to terms with it. And of course, the family is very worried for his mom's health. I loved Jack's parents! They are such a great and loving couple. In a sea of romances with toxic parents, it was nice to see him have two wonderful parents. Hannah also has history, with an domestic abuse situation in her childhood. And she was recently dumped by both her boyfriend and her best friend who is now dating him. Like many of her books, there are elements that are a little bit silly but this is a feel-good romance, ok?? Just lean into the joy of this book. 

I will say, Hannah respects Jack's obvious phobia without one word of reproach (and he ends up having legitimate reason for being afraid). But he makes fun of her for being afraid of the farm animals his parents own. Not cool! I also thought the ending was pretty serious and scary, and yet it all ended happily, even for the person wielding a gun. I understand second chances and reformed offenders but dang, it seemed pretty serious to just let it go. 

Stars: 4

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