Genre Fiction
![Katherine Center - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001JS3MLG.jpg)
The Bodyguard: A Novel
Katherine Center's The Bodyguard is "My perfect 10 of a book. As funny and sweet as all the very best nineties rom-coms, but with Center's signature heart-tugging depth. I wish I could erase it from my mind just to read it again for the first time. A shot of pure joy."―Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers
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.
"Great rollicking fun! Prepare to laugh and swoon and grin your pants off."―Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart Principle
"Absolutely, unequivocally delightful!"―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here
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.
"Great rollicking fun! Prepare to laugh and swoon and grin your pants off."―Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart Principle
"Absolutely, unequivocally delightful!"―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here
Editorial Reviews
"With speedy pacing and sexual tension for miles, this tale packs a punch." --People
"Utterly charming... Center's latest might be her most winning yet. It's not only a must-read for her fans, but it will likely garner her new devotees as well." --Booklist (starred review)
One of PopSugar's 87 Romance Novels That Will Give You All the Feelings
"Center's laugh-out-loud rom-com is a perfect summer read. The characters are vivid, the plot is compelling, and she balances grief, heartache, hope, and romance in a tender, believable way." --Buzzfeed
"Center brings her signature warmth and wit to this movie-ready premise, blending a heartwarming romance with quirky side characters and even a little bit of action. Hannah is an endearing and vulnerable lead underneath her serious, tough-girl exterior. Center delivers another satisfying, romantic read with a swoonworthy hero and a delightful main character." --Kirkus
"This fun new novel by Katherine Center feels like a summertime blockbuster. On the surface, it's a light-hearted romance, but it packs a bit of an emotional punch (along with some actual punches!)." --Country Living
"Center's confection satisfies on its own terms." --Publishers Weekly
"My perfect 10 of a book. As funny and sweet as all the very best nineties rom-coms, but with Center's signature heart-tugging depth. I wish I could erase it from my mind just to read it again for the first time. A shot of pure joy." ―Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers
"Great rollicking fun! Prepare to laugh and swoon and grin your pants off." ―Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart Principle
"I sit down with a Katherine Center novel the way many do in front of a favorite holiday meal: with salivating, wide-eyed anticipation. As always, Center's writing wallops readers with wisdom, wit, and a deep understanding of her dimensional characters. And The Bodyguard is pure, unvarnished delight. It sparkles bright with flirtation, banter, and the all-encompassing thrill of falling in love over a thousand tiny moments of connection. I closed this book with the biggest smile and the deepest, satisfied sigh." ―Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate Equation
"An irresistible, delightful, perfect read. Clear the calendar, settle in your favorite chair and enjoy every amazing word. Then tell your boss you're going to need the next day off, because you're going to want to read it again!! ―Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Getaway
"The Bodyguard is absolutely, unequivocally delightful!" ―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Tim...
"Utterly charming... Center's latest might be her most winning yet. It's not only a must-read for her fans, but it will likely garner her new devotees as well." --Booklist (starred review)
One of PopSugar's 87 Romance Novels That Will Give You All the Feelings
"Center's laugh-out-loud rom-com is a perfect summer read. The characters are vivid, the plot is compelling, and she balances grief, heartache, hope, and romance in a tender, believable way." --Buzzfeed
"Center brings her signature warmth and wit to this movie-ready premise, blending a heartwarming romance with quirky side characters and even a little bit of action. Hannah is an endearing and vulnerable lead underneath her serious, tough-girl exterior. Center delivers another satisfying, romantic read with a swoonworthy hero and a delightful main character." --Kirkus
"This fun new novel by Katherine Center feels like a summertime blockbuster. On the surface, it's a light-hearted romance, but it packs a bit of an emotional punch (along with some actual punches!)." --Country Living
"Center's confection satisfies on its own terms." --Publishers Weekly
"My perfect 10 of a book. As funny and sweet as all the very best nineties rom-coms, but with Center's signature heart-tugging depth. I wish I could erase it from my mind just to read it again for the first time. A shot of pure joy." ―Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers
"Great rollicking fun! Prepare to laugh and swoon and grin your pants off." ―Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart Principle
"I sit down with a Katherine Center novel the way many do in front of a favorite holiday meal: with salivating, wide-eyed anticipation. As always, Center's writing wallops readers with wisdom, wit, and a deep understanding of her dimensional characters. And The Bodyguard is pure, unvarnished delight. It sparkles bright with flirtation, banter, and the all-encompassing thrill of falling in love over a thousand tiny moments of connection. I closed this book with the biggest smile and the deepest, satisfied sigh." ―Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate Equation
"An irresistible, delightful, perfect read. Clear the calendar, settle in your favorite chair and enjoy every amazing word. Then tell your boss you're going to need the next day off, because you're going to want to read it again!! ―Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Getaway
"The Bodyguard is absolutely, unequivocally delightful!" ―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Tim...
Readers Top Reviews
LorelaiLisa Deas
Really enjoyed this one and it led me to read a bunch of other books by Katherine Center
BananaTrickyDanie
Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Officer (aka bodyguard). When her mother dies and her long-term boyfriend dumps her shortly after all she wants to do is leave the USA and do her job, unfortunately her sadistic boss Glenn has other ideas and forces her to take lead on protecting movie star Jack Stapleton in their home state of Texas. What with cheating ex-boyfriends muscling in on Hannah's promotion to the London office, a cutsie stalker, and a a fake girlfriend Hannah has her hands full, not even considering her crush on Jack. Argh, someone recommended this so I splurge over £10 to buy an e-book (which frankly I only do for authors like Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs and Ben Aaronovitch). Frankly, I was disappointed. A kick-ass bodyguard who exhibit absolutely no kick-ass characteristics whatsoever. In fact, she cried so much I was embarrassed for her. It was superficial, glib and (whisper) a bit boring TBH. A Hollywood superstar who's scarily down-to-earth and a bodyguard who is pole-axed by a Hollywood actor - unbelievable and it didn't really sell me.
Kelly BananaTrick
The Bodyguard was a very easy read - it maintained a light feel throughout even when touching on more emotional topics. 2 very likeable main characters, many light hearted & funny moments, and enjoyable to read relationship development between Hannah & Jack.
Bookish801Kelly B
This was such a humorous and light read! Hannah is simply hilarious with her sarcastic tone and "I take my job seriously" attitude. Protecting Jack means moving to a farm, and Hannah is a total city slicker, she gets into all kinds of laugh-outloud situations. There would be no romcom without love, and after a bitter breakup, Hannah falls in love with Jack (and his family!) Jack is totally smitten with Hannah and I loved watching her slowly fall for him too, finally getting over that terrible Robbie. Sometimes I felt like I just wanted to slap Hannah's ex! He was so mean to her. Anyone else? The worst book ex-boyfriend ever!!! Jack, on the other hand, was the sweetest kind of guy. Interaction between Hannah and Jack on the day of their date was a bit strange, but it added a little action and drama to the story. To sum it up, the novel was entertaining and I enjoyed the fake girlfriend trope and a clean romance. Don't miss your chance to laugh your heart out and meet the dreamiest book boyfriend!
Jeeves Reads Roma
Intelligent, lighthearted, and full of romance, this was exactly what I was hoping for... though I wouldn't have minded some steam, lol! It's my first from the author, so I wasn't sure if the vibe would be more women's fiction or romance, but it ended up being a great combination of the two. The romance is front and center throughout, though this is definitely the heroine's story. It's told exclusively from her point of view, and she's got some self-reflection and personal growth to go through before she can let love into her life. But it also feels like a low angst, slow burn romance too, complete with a fake relationship and a famous hero. I loved that our couple was forced to spend nearly every moment together, and neither one seemed to have any complaints about that. It's the kind of story where you have to puzzle out the hero's thoughts and feelings, which kept me engaged and interested throughout. And I had no trouble bingeing it in one sitting - this was very good. The story follows Hannah, a woman's whose past has shaped her into the person she is today. She works as a bodyguard, and it would take just the right guy to scale her walls and discover the soft center she hides beneath her bristly and business-like exterior. So when Hannah's estranged mother passes away and her support system crumbles around her, she hopes that burying herself in work with protect her from all of the unwelcome emotions that are creeping up on her. But when a new assignment - protecting a famous but reclusive actor - starts spiraling out of control, Hannah is left reeling. It's not long before she finds herself posing as the heartthrob's girlfriend and temporarily living on his family ranch. Spending time together brings them closer, but Jack is off-limits in more ways than one... and faking a relationship with an actor would lead anyone to question whether it's ALL an act. Much of the story is introspective and focused on Hannah's thoughts, but Jack is also an integral component. It's a true romance, just one that tackles some heavier issues and does not include any steam. Difficult subjects like cancer, the loss of a loved one, and addiction are included, but the overall tone is actually pretty upbeat. Jack and Hannah's connection is so easy to see, and I loved all of the ways they complement each other. They both heal old wounds throughout the story, and there were plenty of swoony vibes. Their relationship develops slowly, almost a friendship at first, and I can see why there was no spice included - though they form a bond semi-quickly, there are several obstacles in their way. I loved how much Jack appreciated Hannah's authenticity, and he adored the fact that she can be both tough and tender. He doesn't try to change her, and he seems to genuinely love the things that make her insecure about herself. All in all, it was super easy to fall for J...
