Whenever one of Sorensen’s books hits my Kindle, I dive right in because I know I’m in for a great read. And this was definitely bingeable! I absolutely devoured the first half, loving this jaded hero and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Though, really, Erik is a complete teddy bear. There’s tons of chemistry, some fantastic banter, and these two opposites certainly attract. The bodyguard storyline is excellent at the start, and I wish it hadn’t been abandoned so quickly. That’s where I started to have a few issues with the story – the age gap (22/30) felt more pronounced in the second half, the reader is missing a few important details, and there were so many characters introduced that it felt like the start of a spinoff series. So this started very strong and sort of fizzled along the way, but I really did love the vast majority of it.
The story follows Lydia, a social media star whose life has completely changed since a car accident left her reeling. While she was once happy to share her life with the world, Lydia is now nervous to leave the house and her image is no longer the most important thing. In an act of desperation, Lydia’s parents hire a bodyguard to encourage her to start living life again. Erik is a former football player who left the game after an injury, so he knows a little something about starting over. As the two spend time together, they bond in ways neither one expected, and their relationship no longer feels strictly professional. But crossing the line comes with all kinds of complications, and Erik isn’t sure that he’s ready for even more change.
I loved these two together, and Erik is such a swoony, growly sweetheart underneath his intimidating exterior. I loved that he was such a loving and loyal guy, not a player, and so steady on his feet. He makes the perfect complement to Lydia, who is just trying to get her bearings, and I was completely okay with the age gap for much of the story. It’s a slow burn, and the forbidden aspect ratcheted up the tension in such a delicious way. Unfortunately, this really did unravel a bit in the second half. I think the reader (and Lydia) needed a better understanding of Erik’s backstory earlier in the book, because being in the dark was an issue. I also didn’t love how aggressive/needy Lydia became in her pursuit, and she really started to show her age later on. Plus, we meet Erik’s entire extended family – which, yeah, I would love a series with them – but the romance got lost in the mix. I still devoured this in one sitting and enjoyed it the whole way through, but it lost some of its shine along the way. I’m definitely looking forward to more from the series though, and if we get a spinoff with Erik’s siblings – even better. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this bodyguard romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AoUy0p
Blurb:
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don’t recommend it.
Especially if he’s anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump.
To be clear, I didn’t want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be.
He’s suspicious, never talks about his past and has the comfort skills of a cactus. I’m a happily-ever-after kind of girl who knows exactly what she wants out of life.
Erik’s words might say that the lines have to stay firm between us, but those dark eyes of his? They tell another story when he looks at me.
He’s just as stubborn as I am, but when our fake dating plan starts to feel a lot more real, it’s only a matter of time before his professional walls come crashing down.
I just have to hope my heart doesn’t get buried in the rubble.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AoUy0p
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Blurb:
Rule number 1 for the team owner’s daughter? Don’t date the players.
Especially not hotheaded tight ends with tattoos and impulse control problems.
That’s why Dominic Walker is completely off my radar. Sort of.
Babysitting the team troublemaker when he’s forced to volunteer for the foundation where I work means I can’t exactly avoid him.
I wish I had though. Because once I get to know Dominic, it’s almost impossible to ignore the feelings he brings out in me.
Pretty soon, I’m breaking all my rules. I just have to hope he doesn’t break my heart in the process.
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3iMBQZE
About the Author:
Well, let’s see … I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone’s face, then I’ve done my job. I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I’ll love you forever.
Social Media Links:
Facebook page- www.facebook.com/karlasorensenbooks
Reader Group- www.facebook.com/groups/thesorensensorority
Website- www.karlasorensen.com
Twitter- www.twitter.com/ksorensenbooks
Amazon –https://www.amazon.com/Karla-Sorensen/e/B00UQZ9ENI
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13563232.Karla_Sorensen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karla_sorensen/
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