Synopsis
She’s got his back.
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindgerten 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 comes 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, like a jerk, 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
4,5 stars.
I want to say a huge thank you to St Martin’s Press for trusting me with that story and sending me an ARC after I pleaded my case because…I am a big fan of Katherine Center!
I first read: What You Wish For by Katherine Center and it was insta-love! Then I went for Things You Save in a Fire, then How to Walk Away (my favorite so far, utterly brilliant) then The Bright Side of Disaster.
You can see, when I say I am a fan, I am not lying!
If I had to compare with her previous books, I’d say this is closer to Things You Save in a Fire. It’s a romance (slow burn) with a strong woman (a bodyguard of 5’5”) filled with humor (sarcasm is my favorite brand) and some great wisdom and life lessons like Katherine Center is known for!
What I truly love about her writing is that even when situations are dire or people are or have been hurt, instead of despairing and wallowing in misery, her heroines put their big girl panties and find hope! They find the bright light. Something that makes them move and grow, become better version of themselves.
And that’s exactly what happened to Hannah!
Hannah has just lived a dramatic personal event followed by another blow when she is sent to protect Jack Stapelton, the gorgeous, charismatic, most beautiful men in the world actor.
Hannah is unassuming for a bodyguard. 5’5”, slim she could be overlooked. But she is the best at her job and her job is trying to avoid conflict and dangerous situation. To diffuse them. If she can’t then it’s fight.
Hannah is also always on the move. She is traveling all the time, restless.
We feel that she is fleeing something but won’t know before a very long time what or rather why she is fleeing.
Jack Stapleton is retired since the day he lost his younger brother in a car accident.
But now, as his mom has cancer and will be treated, he is back to Houston to stay close to his family. As there is some bad blood and truths untold, that will give some very tense moments with his brother.
Hannah never chose for that job. And she is even more reluctant once she realizes that Jack si not only a movie star but also a very good guy! Being close of her client is not something to do as you need distance and a clear head to do your job properly.
It was a fun and unique plot, filled with heartwarming moments (I loved how Hannah found a family in Jack’s family), healing journey for both of them and a sweet romance.
Katherine Center makes me laugh one minute and cry the other minute. She always leaves me with hope, a smile on my face and a more confident view of humanity.
She didn’t disappoint here!
Just read it!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
This sounds just as good as I hoped it would. 🙂
It is Suzanne!!!
You write a very tempting review, Sophie. This story sounds great.
It truly is Kim!
I’d never heard of this book before I stumbled on your post, but I’m adding this to my TBR! Sounds so cute and satisfying and I’m glad that you enjoyed it 🙂
claire @ clairefy
Thank you Claire! If you love smart woman fiction, Katherine Center is certainly an author to read!
The ending, while a surprise twist, threw me off a bit. Loved the rest of the book though!
I adored it Jacquie but I am a fan sooo 🙂
Sounds like classic Center – heartwarming with a healing journey. I am sitting on my ARC because I have a LOT due before this one, but I am eager to read it.
I hope you’ll love it Sam!
I’m glad you were able to get an ARC and that it was such a hit for you! I’ve yet to try anything by Center.
I think you’ll love her books Tanya!
I really need to try this author out because your review is fantastic!!
Thank you so much Susy!
I have requested the ARC from Goodreads (a while back) and still haven’t heard from them. She would be a new to me author. Glad to hear it’s so good!
I hope you’ll get it Cindy and will become a fan as I am!
Wow, this sounds good. I like that there’s more going on than just the romance
She always has some insight about life that I really adore Tammy!