The Bodyguard A Novel
7.88 / 10 392K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2023
- Publisher
- St. Martin's Publishing Group
- Pages
- 336
- ISBN
- 9781250219411
Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent, exceptional at her job of protecting people, but her personal life is in shambles. Following the death of her mother and a painful breakup, she is assigned to a case she cannot refuse: guarding superstar actor Jack Stapleton. The handsome, world-famous celebrity has returned to his family's Texas ranch to care for his sick mother, but he has a persistent stalker. Hannah is the best person to neutralize the threat, even if she looks more like a kindergarten teacher than someone who can kill you with a pen.
To avoid worrying his family, Jack asks Hannah to do the unthinkable: pretend to be his girlfriend as a cover. Against her better judgment, she agrees to the arrangement, forcing them into close proximity where the lines between professional duty and personal feelings begin to blur. As the threat from the stalker escalates, Hannah discovers that protecting a celebrity from danger is straightforward, but protecting her own heart from the man she is pretending to love is the most difficult assignment she has ever faced.
To avoid worrying his family, Jack asks Hannah to do the unthinkable: pretend to be his girlfriend as a cover. Against her better judgment, she agrees to the arrangement, forcing them into close proximity where the lines between professional duty and personal feelings begin to blur. As the threat from the stalker escalates, Hannah discovers that protecting a celebrity from danger is straightforward, but protecting her own heart from the man she is pretending to love is the most difficult assignment she has ever faced.
Subjects
Original edition
The Bodyguard A NovelOriginally published in 2022 English St. Martin's Publishing Group
Other editions (5)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Hannah Brooks, an Executive Protection Agent, found herself adrift in the wake of her mother's death, a grief compounded by the swift, unceremonious end of her two-year relationship and the betrayal of her best friend. Desperate to lose herself in work, she yearned for a distant assignment, a place far from the painful echoes of Houston. Instead, her boss, Glenn, handed her a task that kept her rooted in her hometown, an assignment that promised to be anything but ordinary: protecting the enigmatic and impossibly famous movie star, Jack Stapleton.
Jack, once a household name known for his effortless charm and sun-kissed appearances, had retreated from the public eye years prior after a profound family tragedy. Now, he was back in Texas, his return prompted by his mother's illness. The last thing he wanted was to worry his already fragile family with the news of a relentless stalker, a middle-aged woman with an unsettling obsession. Thus, a plan was hatched, one that flew in the face of Hannah's professional instincts: she would pretend to be Jack's girlfriend, a cover to keep his family, especially his mother, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in the periphery.
Stepping onto the sprawling Texas ranch, Hannah, who looked more like a kindergarten teacher than a lethal weapon, found herself thrust into a world of forced proximity and unexpected intimacy. The charade began with awkward introductions and staged affection, but as days bled into nights, the lines between their fabricated romance and genuine connection began to blur. Hannah, usually guarded and emotionally contained, found herself drawn to the raw vulnerability beneath Jack's celebrity facade, and he, in turn, was captivated by her quiet strength and unwavering competence.
Amidst the backdrop of family dinners, shared laughter, and the ever-present threat of the stalker, Hannah and Jack navigated the complexities of their arrangement. They grappled with their individual burdens: Hannah's struggle with self-worth and her inability to let others in, and Jack's lingering guilt over his brother's death. Through their evolving connection, they began to confront their pasts, finding solace and understanding in each other's company. His mother, perceptive and warm, seemed to see beyond their carefully constructed act, offering a quiet, steady presence that encouraged honesty and healing.
The danger escalated when the stalker's presence became undeniable, culminating in a terrifying confrontation. In a tense standoff, Hannah, true to her training, not only protected Jack but also, with remarkable empathy, disarmed the attacker emotionally. She spoke to the stalker's profound sense of feeling unlovable, a conversation that resonated deeply within Hannah herself, forcing her to acknowledge her own need for self-acceptance and to allow herself to be loved.
In the aftermath, the pretense crumbled, revealing the true depth of their feelings. The fake relationship had blossomed into something real and profound, a testament to trust, vulnerability, and the transformative power of genuine connection. Hannah, who had always sought to outrun her pain through constant motion, found a sense of belonging and healing on the ranch, not just with Jack, but within herself, finally embracing the idea that love isn't about the absence of fear, but the courage to be known.
Jack, once a household name known for his effortless charm and sun-kissed appearances, had retreated from the public eye years prior after a profound family tragedy. Now, he was back in Texas, his return prompted by his mother's illness. The last thing he wanted was to worry his already fragile family with the news of a relentless stalker, a middle-aged woman with an unsettling obsession. Thus, a plan was hatched, one that flew in the face of Hannah's professional instincts: she would pretend to be Jack's girlfriend, a cover to keep his family, especially his mother, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in the periphery.
Stepping onto the sprawling Texas ranch, Hannah, who looked more like a kindergarten teacher than a lethal weapon, found herself thrust into a world of forced proximity and unexpected intimacy. The charade began with awkward introductions and staged affection, but as days bled into nights, the lines between their fabricated romance and genuine connection began to blur. Hannah, usually guarded and emotionally contained, found herself drawn to the raw vulnerability beneath Jack's celebrity facade, and he, in turn, was captivated by her quiet strength and unwavering competence.
Amidst the backdrop of family dinners, shared laughter, and the ever-present threat of the stalker, Hannah and Jack navigated the complexities of their arrangement. They grappled with their individual burdens: Hannah's struggle with self-worth and her inability to let others in, and Jack's lingering guilt over his brother's death. Through their evolving connection, they began to confront their pasts, finding solace and understanding in each other's company. His mother, perceptive and warm, seemed to see beyond their carefully constructed act, offering a quiet, steady presence that encouraged honesty and healing.
The danger escalated when the stalker's presence became undeniable, culminating in a terrifying confrontation. In a tense standoff, Hannah, true to her training, not only protected Jack but also, with remarkable empathy, disarmed the attacker emotionally. She spoke to the stalker's profound sense of feeling unlovable, a conversation that resonated deeply within Hannah herself, forcing her to acknowledge her own need for self-acceptance and to allow herself to be loved.
In the aftermath, the pretense crumbled, revealing the true depth of their feelings. The fake relationship had blossomed into something real and profound, a testament to trust, vulnerability, and the transformative power of genuine connection. Hannah, who had always sought to outrun her pain through constant motion, found a sense of belonging and healing on the ranch, not just with Jack, but within herself, finally embracing the idea that love isn't about the absence of fear, but the courage to be known.
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers found this book to be a delightful and uplifting romantic comedy, often described as "pure sunshine" and a "feel-good" experience. Reviewers frequently praised its ability to evoke smiles and laughter, with many highlighting the fun, witty writing and charming banter between the main characters. The story was celebrated for its focus on emotional connection, building a sweet and wholesome romance through thoughtful gestures and shared moments. The gender-bent bodyguard trope, featuring a competent female protecting a famous male actor, was a particular hit, offering a fresh dynamic. For those who enjoy it, the closed-door romance (without explicit sex scenes) was seen as a strength, contributing to the story's lighthearted and charming tone without sacrificing chemistry. The lead characters, Hannah and Jack, were often adored, with Hannah being seen as smart, relatable, and sarcastic, and Jack as swoonworthy, sweet, and down-to-earth. The supporting cast, particularly Jack's family, also received high marks for adding warmth and appeal.
Disliked
Despite its popularity, the book received significant criticism from some readers. A notable point of contention was the perceived inconsistency in character portrayal, particularly with Hannah, who some felt lacked a realistic "backbone" despite being a skilled bodyguard. Jack's character was sometimes described as bland or delivering backhanded compliments rather than genuine romantic gestures, leading to a "non-existent" or unclear romance for these critics. The writing style was deemed "traumatic" by some, citing jarring fourth-wall breaks and a plot that felt boring, lackluster, or overly clichéd. Attempts at humor were occasionally found to be juvenile or awkward, and some felt the characters acted more like caricatures than fully developed adults. The slow burn romance was too protracted for some, with the romantic development occurring too late in the story. Additionally, certain plot elements, including the resolution of a central conflict, were considered unbelievable or comically bad, detracting from the overall experience.
In short
Ultimately, this book appears to be a polarizing read, though a significant number of readers found it highly enjoyable. It is best suited for those seeking a lighthearted, sweet, and humorous romantic comedy that prioritizes emotional connection and witty dialogue over explicit scenes or gritty realism. Readers who appreciate classic romance tropes like fake dating, forced proximity, and a slow burn will likely find much to love. It is recommended for anyone in search of an uplifting escape, a "popcorn book" that delivers comfort and entertainment, and is not afraid of a bit of sappiness. However, those looking for a deeply realistic, groundbreaking, or intensely dramatic story, or readers who prefer explicit romance or a more serious tone, might find themselves among the minority who were disappointed.
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