Bodyguard (Hollywood A-List, #2)

by CD Reiss

[leelu92]

4.5 stars

“My name is Mandy, and I’m addicted to bodyguard romances.” “Hiiiiii Mandy.”

Addicted? YES. Bodyguard romances are totally reader catnip for me. I have Tara Wyatt and her absolutely fantastic Bodyguard series to blame because after reading that series, I always kept an eye out for the bodyguard/protection storyline. Lo and behold, who hooks me with that storyline? The glorious and uber talented, CD Reiss. After reading and thoroughly enjoying Bombshell, the first book in the Hollywood A-List series, I knew I’d be reading whatever Ms. Reiss was writing next. Luckily for me, it was a bodyguard romance! I was jumping for joy because I knew, I just knew it would be excellent. And it was.

Emily is a talented choreographer for her best friend and superstar singer, Darlene McKenna. She and Darlene left their hometown together as dancers and set off to Hollywood in search of fame and stardom. Darlene finds the fame and stardom, but Emily’s path is redirected to choreography, due to a jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Vince, the ex, has been stalking her since they broke up. Our sweet, smart and talented Emily is a beautiful bird living in a cage.

“You can go home. I have the best security system money can buy.”

“Yeah. And his name is Carter Kincaid.”

Meet Carter Kincaid. Because Darlene is an awesome BFF, she hires Carter to protect Emily because Vince will not leave Emily alone. Remember I mentioned that Emily lived in a cage? Her home, in fact, her whole life is contained and monitored. Her house has a security system complete with a gate and security cameras. Enter Carter Kincaid and Lordy is he a whole lot of man to handle.

I couldn’t look at his face, so I dropped my gaze to his hand curling around the edge of his plate. It was so masculine, with veins on the back and long fingers. I had to look away from that too, only to find him watching me.

The connection between Emily and Carter is immediate, and they both feel the sparks flying between them. Herein lies the typical bodyguard storyline conflict, he’s the protector, and he cannot compromise his ability to protect by becoming involved with her. It could be dangerous. Of course, Carter tries to control his feelings towards Emily. She also feels drawn to him in every way but denies what she is feeling in an attempt to protect him from her stalker ex, Vince.

For me, this is where this bodyguard book distinguishes itself, how Carter chooses to handle the situation. He tweaks it so he can be free to explore the feelings between them and be the protector that she needs. Emily needs someone she can finally hand her worries over to, she has carried this weight for years and with the exception of Darlene, has lived a lonely and isolated life. Her fear of others getting hurt because of their association with her suffocates her. When Carter comes along, someone who can protect her and handle Vince, it’s a huge relief. But can it last?

We wrapped our bodies around each other for the night, and I felt safe. Maybe the feeling was fake. Maybe I was fooling myself. But his kisses were warm, and his body fit to mine as if they were made for each other. If there was ever a world-class security system, Carter Kincaid was it.

Emily isn’t the only complex character, in this couple, Carter has some very intricate and complicated secrets that lead him also to keep people and relationships at a distance. By doing this, he hasn’t opened himself up to the possibility of a relationship until Emily comes along. Can Carter have a woman in his life? Can he put all of the pieces together and keep everyone safe, happy and healthy? While Emily has spent years dealing with the alienation of Vince’s stalking, Carter has created an alienation of his own, taking care of others. But, he knew when he met Emily that she was the one.

…I knew she was the size, shape, and intention of my heart whether I liked it or not.

As for the intricacies and secrets I spoke of, I’d love to talk about those and how they add to the story, but those are best discovered by the reader themselves. (Spoiler free, is the way to be! Say it with me!!)

Emily and Carter do a bit of will they won’t they back and forth as they navigate the pros and cons of being together. The angst plays nicely with the suspense of the Vince issue, and the sexytimes are absolutely smokin’ hot. Carter is a magnificent dirty talker and Emily is a perfect partner in every way.

Reiss’s writing style really works for me. It’s clear, concise when need be, melodic and full of imagery that pulls you into the scene. The smell of fireworks, fingernails running down finely sculpted abs, the taste of a passionate kiss and the sound of a hard-earned orgasm. That’s why I enjoy CD Reiss’s writing and why she’s always at the top of my To Be Read pile.

Review originally posted at Heroes and Heartbreakers.
https://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2017/11/bodyguard-cd-reiss-review
*Copy for review provided by publisher.