Bodyguard by C.D. Reiss is the second standalone novel in the author’s delightful Hollywood-A-list Series. It has a little bit of everything: great girlfriends, a hunky hero with baggage, a creepy stalker, and a sweet, sexy heroine.

Childhood friends, Darlene and Emily, leave home in search of fame and fortune in Los Angeles. One of them gets the fame, and one gets a loser boyfriend. When Emily rids herself of the loser, he becomes a really sick stalker who is set on getting her back or making sure no one else gets her love. Enter one white knight in the form of Darlene’s bodyguard. Carter Kincaid is extraordinarily well suited to be a bodyguard, and he is total eye candy to boot. Between Darlene’s devotion to her best pal and Carter’s professional attention, Emily can’t help but be safe, right?

Emily, Carter, and Darlene are each fantastic characters. I loved Darlene and Emily’s friendship. They are the embodiment of sister-friends. Carter, who remains an enigma to Emily for much of the book, carries a lot of personal baggage. His dedication to his job and his devotion to his family make him a yummy book boyfriend. The ex-boyfriend, Kyle, is equal parts distasteful and creepy. They all make the story gripping.

Ms. Reiss delivers her usual well-written story; her plots are crisp, her descriptions evocative without being flowery, and her characters are more real than your next-door neighbors. The Bodyguard’s ending is perfect. It is hopeful and promising without a trite ride-into-the-sunset HEA.

I love when I don’t know where a book is going to take me. Bodyguard was not at all what I was expecting. These two have so much baggage in their life. This book was all about seeing them struggle to be normal when neither of their situations were, all the while trying to act on the attraction they have for each other. This is one of those books that will make you laugh, cringe and maybe even cry a little. It was life.

Hero: Carter is the bodyguard to the heroines best friend and then becomes heroines bodyguard. He’s ex-LAPD. Lives with his mom and son. Carter was instantly drawn to heroine but kept her at arms length due to home life. His character is an Alpha but comes off Beta as he tries to stay away from heroine.

Heroine: Emily is a dancer and singer. She blew out her knee but attempted to reach fame with her best friend, Darlene. Due to a bad relationship that turned into a stalker, Emily stopped trying for fame and became Darlene’s choreographer. Emily is hiding from life because of her stalker. She’s instantly drawn to Carter. She seems shy at first but starts to show a backbone. She calls Carter on his wish washy behavior.

Heat Factor: starts off low and builds with the story
Safety: heroine has a stalker, but it doesn’t get too violent
Predictability: unpredictable.
Angst Level: mid level

There were things I liked about this book and things that I didn’t.

Firstly, the undeniable attraction between Emily and Carter. The angst, the intensity, they were so hot for each other you could feel their chemistry and heat coming off the pages.

Sadly I thought at times the story was all over the place and find myself getting lost and my attention waning.

Reviewed by: Phyl

Emily and Darlene have been friends since they were in 3rd grade and have always had a shared love of dancing and singing. This is what led them to LA, where Darlene is now a very successful pop star. Emily is her choreographer but tends to shy away from the limelight after an awful relationship break up with a possessive guy who has now morphed into her crazy personal stalker.

Darlene is about to go on tour so they are really busy preparing the for the shows and because of the stalker issues seem to be getting worse they have employed another security guy, Carter Kincaid who will pretty much be looking after Emily, keeping her safe from her crazy ex.

‘He appeared like a white knight, unshaven, unshowered, ready to do battle for the people he loved. He exuded manliness and safety, like a king swearing to protect the realm.’

Carter is ex-police and has a bit of mystery about him. However, his attractiveness is not lost on Emily, OMG the man is gorgeous! Carter has also noticed how beautiful Emily is too, in fact he hasn’t really been interested in anyone the way he seems to be with Emily, who he has now nick named Tiny Dancer. The lines between protecting her in a professional capacity and wanting to look after her and keep her safe are a bit blurred.

'I hadn’t kissed a woman in a long time. I wanted to eat her alive. Put my hands on every inch of her. Take her body on the hardwood. Everything.'

Carter is very aware that crossing this line with her could lead her into danger, if his mind is on her and not on the job then he won’t be able to do what he has been employed for. Resisting each other seems futile though and pretty soon things change to a more intimate relationship between them.

'My body overrode my common sense. I had to have her. I’d never been addicted to anything, so I was unprepared for what an addiction did to a guy.’

Carter feels sad and angry that the stalker has affected Emily’s life so much. She is always fearful of her safety and looking over her shoulder. Her light has been dimmed by this fear.

Carter has his own stuff going on to, he has a gorgeous son, Phin, who I absolutely loved! He balances taking care of him, being a ‘present’ father, working and sneaking in time with Emily. His focus has been on Phin for so long that he is reluctant to overlap his home life with his relationship with Emily. It is important to him that Phin is not affected by anything he does outside their home.

I think he completely underestimates how clever and intuitive kids can be and this is proven when Phin meets finally Emily.

However, let’s not forget that there is a crazy dude out there lurking and looking for an opportunity to get closer to Emily. There is also a stray cat called Gray and a massive secret in Carter’s household that, when revealed, will shock everyone. This story had a bit of everything really, suspense, romance, mystery, ansgt, sexiness and a whole lot of love ☺

I was instantly intrigued by this story the moment I saw the cover of this book and once I started reading this story I instantly devoured it. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. I loved the way that this story was emotional and had plenty of angst to keep me captivated throughout the story.



I really felt for Emily with the way that her crazy ex-boyfriend was making her life so difficult and how much of an effect it has had on her life. I loved the way that Emily grows throughout the book and the amount of strength that she has.



I absolutely love the sexy Carter and the protective way he is towards Emily. Carter was a protective character whose storyline I really loved reading about.



Bodyguard is about Hollywood Choreographer Emily’s ex-boyfriend bent on getting her back. But his dangerous ways have made it important for her to be protected at all times by the sexy Carter. But sparks instantly spark between the two

Bodyguard by CD Reiss is the second book in the Hollywood A-List Series.
Book one is Bombshell, Brad and Cara's story. Every book can easily be read as a standalone.
Bodyguard is Emily and Carter's story.
Emily is a successful choreographer for popstars and enjoys the glamourous life. Because a crazy ex thraetens her, she needs a bodyguard. And there he comes into the picture, Carter Kincaid. It takes one look and he knows he wants her. She's off limits, but the heart wants what the heart wants; and he's willing to break the rules. They have this crazy insta-chemistry and could be so good together. Both are good people, but secrets and lies threaten to destroy their realtionship and the lives of innocents. They fight for their happiness.

Bodyguard is a beautiful and touching story. C. D. Reiss blew me away with her writing and the characters. This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I've smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but C.D. Reiss has accomplished just that. I love the story, the characters and the words. I give 5 stars, thank you, C.D. Reiss !

You can never go wrong with CD Reiss, and Bodyguard is another one for the keeper shelf. Carter and Emily are both interesting characters with lives that are perfectly and realistically complicated. Emily is being stalked by her ex, and Carter is assigned to be her bodyguard. They have crazy hot chemistry from he minute they meet, but Carter realizes this is a problem for him to effectively protect her. He is also focused on raising his endearing son, who suffers from ADD, and doesn’t believe he can also have a relationship. (He’s especially swoon-worthy because of his devotion to his son.) But neither Emily and Carter can deny the powerful feelings brewing between them and the sexual tension is intense. They have to figure out a way to make this work, and their path isn’t certain or guaranteed. CD Reiss does an amazing job of delivering an interesting, layered and unpredictable story with a sexy and heartwarming love story, and this Bodyguard riveting from beginning to end. I highly recommend.

Working as a choreographer for her best friend and mega star, Emily Barrett is used to life just outside of the limelight. But with a stalker ex-boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, her own life is starting to get more and more stifling. 

Carter Kincaid has been hired as a bodyguard for a successful singer... but finds her choreographer may need his protection more. He has no problem guarding Emily... until the two can't deny their mutual attraction any longer. And when the lines between work and personal life start to blur... everything starts to get way too complicated.

This was a great read! Emily gave up on becoming a singing star at the behest of a controlling ex-boyfriend. Satisfied with helping her best friend in her own career, she became her choreographer. Carter is very secretive about his personal life. He's hiding a lot... trying to protect the ones he loves... but meeting Emily changes everything.

This story was sexy and suspenseful and is set amidst the inner workings of stardom in Hollywood. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Great book loved it. Very exciting and fun to read couldn’t put it down

Emily has a complicated life. Ever since she broke up with her ex, her life is ruled by fear of his return. He just will not leave her be!! She has already given up so much! He did not want her to sing, so she stopped singing even though her voice was spectacular. She is always conscious of her clothes and how tight or short they might be. He definitely did not want any other man looking at her. And finally, she has been living like a nun. The last time she tried to move on and date someone else, her ex showed up and beat up the man so badly he had to go to the hospital with a broken nose.

Carter is a bodyguard/protector by choice. His life is ruled and shaped by providing and nurturing his son. Phin has ADHD and so a watchful eye is needed in order to help him grow and mature without risks. Carter has dedicated his life to Phin. But meeting Emily, his life is about to change. The chemistry between them cannot be denied. How can he possibly be her bodyguard and fall for her at the same time? He will not be able to protect her! Can he possibly bring a woman into Phin's life without causing a disruption to their daily routine?

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Could not put it down. I had to know if her ex (Vince) was going to get punished for all he had done to her. I absolutely adore Carter!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thank you to the author for sharing this book with me.

Bodyguard is written with subtlety. A subtlety that gives the reader a sense of ease and comfort. Reiss’ words settle you in--right up until she wants you to realize you’re on the edge of something big, beautiful, and at times scary and new. Carter and Emily are incredibly sexy. Their chemistry is undeniable. Carter is alpha in all the right ways. He is thoughtful, protective, and stalwart. Emily is a heroine I can root for. She is independent, loyal and relatable. I found Carter and Emily, while vastly different, share many important traits. The story twists and turns, and it was those moments that left me feeling a more profound connection not just to Carter and Emily but also to Darlene and Phin.

What I love most about this story is that no one pretends to have all the answers. Their lives and relationships are flawed and at times messy. I found this story to be about showing up—for yourself and for those you love, through the good and bad. When instinct and experience tell you to retreat you find the strength to regroup and advance.

Bodyguard is a powerful seduction, Reiss builds intimacy and connection that is deep and lasting. I adore CD Reiss’ writing and hope to continue to read her for many years. A must read.

Thank you to Montlake for an advanced copy of Bodyguard! A full review will be published shortly.

An excellent read…

This is the second book in the Hollywood A-List series that can be read as a stand-alone.

When she was young Emily Barrett met her best friend Darlene and they stayed together through the things life threw at them and the bad decisions made. They dreamed of becoming famous but an injury to Emily’s knee stopped her dancing career, while injury to her self-esteem stopped her from singing, a possessive, jealous man stole her confidence. Working as the choreographer for her singer best friend is a job she enjoys and it’s all she has, her personal life is a mess. She’s alone with an ex-boyfriend stalker who attacks anyone she goes out with, though she’s tried, the law hasn’t been able to really help. Her friend hired a new bodyguard and she’s highly attracted to the sexy man which is causing her to be distracted during rehearsals. Considering her personal problems is it right to get involved with someone? She’d like to but worries about the man’s well-being if she does so.

Working as a bodyguard allows ex-cop Carter Kincaid the needed flexibility to deal with items in his personnel life. With rehearsals for a new show ramping up he’s assigned to a singer who’s in town but it’s the choreographer friend of his principal who seriously draws his attention. He finds her intriguing and his eyes wander in her direction often, his instincts tell him something is off in her world. When an attack against her occurs on the premises he’s reassigned to her security and she poses a distraction for him as he wants to get to know her in a way that is improper under the circumstances and if he loses his focus she could be harmed. There is also a secret he keeps from the world and even from his colleagues that becoming involved could be made public and that he can’t allow to happen yet he can’t stay away.

This was excellent, there are stories and then there are stories you’ll remember long after reading, this book is definitely the latter, it was better than the first book and for this reader on par with Shuttergirl. The author took an often used trope and made it seem fresh. We were given interesting characters with emotional depth who exhibited much personal growth, their life situations were unique. The story was well written with vivid descriptions, the plot engaged the reader from the onset and provided a sexy romance accompanied by secrets and suspense. The dialogue was real and often amusing, the dual points of view allowed us insight into who the protagonists really were. The hero was an utmost protective man and with good reason, the heroine was stronger than she realized, just needing to bounce back from her ordeals, the attraction between was palpable, their joining inevitable.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Bodyguard (Hollywood A-List #2)
By: C.D. Reiss
4.5 Stars

If there is one thing about C.D. Reiss books, her words are unlike any other. Something about her writing style, it pulls you in from the get go. Bodyguard is no exception.

Here we have 2 best friends who moved to California to live the dream. The dream that so many head out to California for. While Darlene is a Rockstar, Emily is her choreographer. Being in the spotlight, security is mandatory.

Carter is that bodyguard with baggage. Like bigtime baggage… He chose the security field after leaving the police department so that he could handle his baggage on his terms.

When Carter and Emily meet, they both feel the sparks. But neither one is in the right frame of mind to be in a relationship. As we travel through their back and forth of wanting a relationship, to denying the relationship, the story unfolds and we learn what is included in their baggage.

3.5☆ This was a good story and an enjoyable read. That is full of angst and likable characters. But unfortunately it never really grabbed my attention or held it. As the story was quite slow paced and the relationship between Carter and Emily although sweet was very stop start. And at times the drama in Carter's life seemed to overshadow Emily's stalker. Who for me never posed a serious threat. But did make things more interesting. Especially with all the revelations late on.

Emily & Darlene grew up together and have gone to Hollywood together. Darlene is the star but Emily is her choreographer and makes all of her stage performances look good. Emily has a great voice & dance ability but has taken backstage to keep out of the limelight and away from an ex-boyfriend. Darlene hires Carter to be Emily's bodyguard but the sparks seem to fly between them and feels he can't guard her and love her too. He has his secrets and Emily wants to know more about him. Can they be together or will too much get in the way?

Emily is a former athlete turned professional choreographer and enjoys all the perks her Hollywood career has to offer. But when her fame brings an abusive ex-boyfriend back into the picture, her employer hires the best security money can buy.

Carter Kincaid.

Carter is not only the best in the business but also one of the most gorgeous and sexy men Emily has ever seen. But Carter doesn’t mix business with pleasure and he tries his best to keep his attraction to Emily locked up tight. When her ex boyfriend attacks, Carter tosses aside all his objections and vows to protect her 24/7. But letting Emily into his life means letting her into his heart. And that could be dangerous for both of them.

Bodyguard is the 2nd book in C.D. Reiss’ Hollywood A-List series. I’ve only read two other books by Reiss and enjoyed them both. Each book is this series completely independent of one another and can be read as standalones. Set in the same world (Hollywood) Reiss dives into the world of stars, stalkers, and bodyguards when a young woman’s ex-boyfriend wants her back and refuses to take no (or a beating) for an answer. It had a lot of promise but for me it didn’t deliver. I was disappointed to see that the wit and chemistry that made Bombshell a hit for me was missing in here. This is a completely different iin tone and scope. I enjoyed the premise of a stalker ex, the hints of forbidden fraternization, and the reason behind Carter’s secretive nature but I was bored overall.

Reiss opens in the past, giving us background on the heroine, Emily, and how she went from an Olympic hopeful to a professional choreographer for her best friend-pop star Danielle McKenna. We then hop into the present with Emily rushing to work and getting tackled in the parking lot. She’s about to unload a world of hurt on her attacker only to discover he is a newly hired bodyguard. His company has been hired to help as they get ready for a huge music tour. Danielle has been receiving more than her usual creepy fan mail but when Emily is targeted, Danielle tells Carter to make Emily is number one priority.

Using alternating voices, Reiss introduces the main characters while laying the groundwork for the story. Simultaneously building a thriller/romance, Reiss skimps in some areas and overly expound on others. There are scenes that are set up with the impression that their intent will reveal later; only they don’t. Some scenes play out simply to add drama to the story and it is frightfully obvious. We learn more about Emily’s ex, his abuse, and the extent Emily has gone to get him out of her life. Carter is an ex LAPD detective now private bodyguard who lives with his mother and has a secret that he’ll do anything possible to protect.

Carter and Emily are lust at first sight but Carter doesn’t play where he works. That is until Carter does some maneuvering with his boss and suddenly it’s okay for them to be together. Apparently because, e Emily is THE ONE, this makes it all everything okay. Plenty of internal dialogue on both sides shows us they are interested in one another but the intensity of their feelings, along with the push and pull they engage in is better suited for a couple who has a long romantic history. Their chemistry is more a matter of Reiss skills in writing a sexy sex scene than an actual emotional response. This couple moves really fast and exhibits some inappropriate behavior that just doesn’t jive. Especially when you realise that all this happens in less than a week or two.

We know who the villain is right off the bat, so the story stays more focused on the romance and Carter’s big secret. I It’s odd but I found I liked Emily and Carter when they were in their own heads, doing their own things. When they were together or thinking of each other-that’s when they did some odd things and crossed lines. I found Emily to be nosy, naive, and easily angered when she doesn’t get her way. She carries a fake gun for protection then decides she wants a pink glock because black guns scare her. I don’t even know what to say to that. I liked Carter better though he too had some issues. His over protectiveness was commendable though it caused him to cross multiple lines. His constant hot cold act was annoying but the love he has for his family is wonderful to read about. What saves the story from being a complete write off for me is Carter and his family.

A large cast of secondary characters help to round out the story and give it some depth. For me, this book would have worked a lot better if Carter had been the star and Emily the bodyguard. The ending comes at us fast and wraps up the story neat little bow, leaving readers secure in the fact that Emily and Carter are the perfect couple and well on their way to their HEA. There is even a little inspirational scene at the end. Unfortunately, Reiss never managed to sell me on it.

Grade: D

I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review via NetGalley.
Since this was my first book from C.D. Reiss I can’t really compare her style in this book for the ones she wrote before. However I can tell you that I liked her style for the most part. For one it has a lot of dialogues that help keeping the story out of the stuffy and slow zone, because on a lot of occasion there was not a whole lot going on. I liked this and I also liked that the plot where as not too complicated has plenty of suspense and a couple of twist too it, that kept the dynamic going. I enjoyed the story quite a bit even if this is usually not my style. I like that even if this is a part of a series I could read this book as a standalone no problem.
The couple of really interesting and a perfect fit. They go well together and the chemistry and the biting tension between them are amazing. Although, Carter reasoning or rather his way of handling the whole relationship/no relationship situation was a bit annoying for me at times, because I don’t like when angst takes over the book and in his case it was a real possibility to happen. I like that he has his rules and I even admire them because he is right to keep a distance between him and his clients but then decide to abide by them and keep on it, not this back and forth kinda thing that he did. Still I liked his character the only thing that I am missing is a more prominent representation of the single dad thing. I love books about single parents but the connection that usually makes them great was just missing from here, and it’s a shame because one of Carter biggest challenges in this book was balancing work and being a great father.
Emily is a string heroine with her own struggles in life, however she is on the right track to finally succeed in life when her sordid past comes back to haunt her.
Anyway they are sweet together and there is no question about the attraction between them because they act on it quite a few times.
I enjoyed the story even after it intimidated me a bit at first when I saw how many chapters are there. I thought its going to be a long ass story but in reality it’s just right. It has a dynamism to it that keeps you going and it’s worth it because there are a few big surprises lurking among the chapters. Plot wise it’s relatively light, easy to read story and I’m glad I read it.

4.25 stars

This is the story of a fading star, who gets a second chance at love and success, from a man in charge of protecting her.

For me, the heart of this story was the two main characters, who I thought were easy to connect to and so likable, I only wanted the best for them. But getting to those sweet moments, was not a smooth ride.

Emily gave up her Hollywood dream due to a past toxic relationship, instead taking a secondary role to support her friend, Darlene. Despite having to stand on the sidelines while watching her friend's career soar, she fully gave her friend all of her support, and didn't hold any resentment. Whether it was a sign of maturity, or just giving up to what she saw as the inevitable, I really liked how Emily carried on with her life. The only stumbling block, was something she couldn't control, her crazy ex, Vince.

And that's where Carter steps in.

Carter is a bodyguard for the Hollywood elite. When Emily's stalker resurfaces, his job shifts from Darlene to Emily. Being close to a woman he shares an attraction with becomes complicated. Does he put her safety or his attraction to her first? I won't tell you, but I liked the decision he made. And that's the repeating theme in this book.

This book has plenty of surprises, especially when Emily decides to be stupid and risk her safety to find out secrets. But what I loved was how those mistakes are resolved. The author doesn't draw out needless drama. Instead, the characters address each issue head on and quickly react in the best interests of those around him.

While Carter holds some secrets for part of this book, each revelation and the reasons for keeping the secrets, made sense. I loved the role he played in this other person's life (keeping this vague) and how he made it his number one priority. Speaks to his good character, and even more of a reason to like him.

On top of the leads, this story has great secondary characters, and I enjoyed the plotline from beginning to end. If you are looking for a sexy and sweet story, check this one out.

This is the second book in the Hollywood A-List series and it is a complete standalone. Two of the previous books characters get a short mention being in the Hollywood scene, but this time we have a choreographer with a crazy ex boyfriend and a bodyguard to protector her from the creep.

Carter Kincaid was it for me. He was the type of male lead that keeps me turning the pages to learn more about him. He was the best father, in every sense of the word, and I loved his commitment with his son. That same commitment and passion flows throw when he meets and falls for the Tiny Dancer.

Emily was dedicated to her craft and her best friend. Which happened to be one and the same. She worked for her bestie Darlene as her choreographer on her tours with the band. Truth be known, she could have been a star too, but her ex didn’t like sharing. I felt for her because even though she was happy with her job, she was lonely and a little lost.

There were a couple of secondary characters and my favorite was Phin. He was a delight and just gorgeous! But what let it down for me was I felt this story was a little disjointed at times, it didn’t flow as well as the first book. That also made it hard for me to feel the chemistry between the two leads. It took me a while to connect, but once I did, I was fully invested. This is definitely worth the read.

**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.