‘The Bodyguard’ goes straight for the heartstrings
Author Katherine Center takes readers on a romantic romp in Texas
“You’ll make a long list of assumptions about me … and all of them will be wrong.” Keep this line from Page 11 of “The Bodyguard: A Novel” in mind for this exercise:
Picture a bodyguard; you’re thinking of a tall, ripped, Ryan Goslingesque man, right? Think again: 5-foot-5-inch Hannah Brooks is the bodyguard protecting A-list actor Jack Stapleton.
And, as a bonus, it is set in Houston. Bestselling author Katherine Center is a hometown writer.
After a tragic family accident, heartthrob actor Jack has become a recluse, sequestering himself at his home in the remote mountains of North Dakota. But back in Texas, his mother has fallen ill, and Jack returns to his family’s ranch to be with her through her recovery.
The problem is that Jack has a few stalkers, hence the need for a bodyguard. There is also tension between Jack and his estranged older brother Hank, the ranch manager, for reasons unknown to Hannah until an explosive fight between Jack and Hank reveals all. Oh, and Jack doesn’t want his family to know he needs a bodyguard, so he tells them Hannah is his girlfriend.
The characters really make this book; Hannah is such a frank, likable main gal, and Center portrays Jack as a really down to earth guy. Throw in the eccentric cast of side characters, and you’re in for a really great time.
This book has it all, including another romance book reference (hello, “The Unhoneymooners”); existential crises about being inherently unlovable; humor; fake dating; our favorite Houston locations (Katy, the Brazos River and the Museum District); and it is a little ridiculous — OK, a lot ridiculous. But that’s what romance writing is for, right — to suspend belief ?
While readers tend to think of romance as lighthearted and sweet — and at times this one is those things as well — “The Bodyguard” also weaves in loss of family and friends through death and betrayal, as well as questioning whether or not you deserve love.
If spiciness is a concern for you, “The Bodyguard” will give you all the fuzzy feelings without any graphic scenes to worry about. On a spice-scale from 0 to 10, “The Bodyguard” is a 1, with only two fade-to-black scenes toward the end.
“The Bodyguard” is perfect for those in the mood for a funny, hardhitting feel-good romance.