Hello Cozy Bookworm!!!!
The Bodyguard is one of those rare romances that feels like a deep exhale—warm, witty, emotionally grounding, and quietly life-affirming.
At its core, this story is about being unseen and misunderstood—and the slow, tender unraveling that happens when someone finally looks at you and says, I see you. Hannah Brooks is a highly skilled executive protection agent who doesn’t fit the stereotype of what a “bodyguard” should look like, and Katherine Center leans into that in the most empowering way. Hannah isn’t loud about her strength; she simply is strong. Capable. Professional. Lonely in a way that feels achingly real.
Jack Stapleton, a movie star hiding out on his family’s Texas ranch, could’ve easily been written as the typical grumpy celebrity—but instead, he’s gentle, grieving, and deeply human. His pain isn’t performative; it’s quiet and heavy, and the way Hannah instinctively protects not just his body but his heart is where this book truly shines.
The fake-dating setup is classic, but the execution is anything but predictable. The banter is smart and restrained, the romance is a slow burn that simmers rather than explodes, and the emotional intimacy builds in subtle, meaningful moments—shared silences, small acts of care, and conversations that land softly but stay with you.
What makes The Bodyguard a standout is Katherine Center’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth. You’ll smile often, maybe laugh out loud once or twice, but it’s the quiet scenes—the ones about grief, self-worth, and wanting to belong—that linger long after the last page.
There’s no over-the-top drama, no unnecessary angst. Just two guarded people learning that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.
Why it’s a 5-star read:
- A refreshingly competent, self-possessed FMC
- A gentle, emotionally complex MMC
- Fake dating done with heart and maturity
- Cozy, grounded romance with found-family vibes
- Comforting without being shallow; romantic without being cliché
The Bodyguard is perfect for readers who love romance that feels safe, steady, and sincere. It’s a reminder that softness can coexist with strength—and that sometimes the best love stories are the ones that whisper instead of shout.
A true cozy romance gem. 💛📖