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.

Meeting Carter and Emily is swift in this new book from CD Reiss. I did enjoy the not having to wait around before we get to see the attraction. I also really enjoyed that it was not the "star" that get's the guy. That was a new fresh idea.
Emily is a lovable lead who has been put through the ringer thanks to her stalker ex Vince. She lives in constant fear, fear that he is going to get to her and do only God knows what to her. She has a security system that would rival the White House. The only place she feels safe is at home. But even at home Emily, is not starting to feel boxed in, trapped like a prisoner. Events take place that lead her to having a Bodyguard provided by her BFF Darlene. Darlene is the "star" and has the money to provide her ace choreographer' the best, and the best is Carter Kincade.
Now Carter comes with a whole lot of baggage... and that is where I started to struggle with the story. Not that his story is aggravating or annoying, it was just confusing. It eventually is played out and you get all the details, but I for one thought that his reasoning was a bit off. I was easily distracted with Phin. I liked the kid, but thought he was over used in this book. His story line made me feel scattered. Maybe that was the point, I'm just not sure.
I would say the first half of this book had me hooked, but once the story of the "son" came into play, I was a little lost and that made the remainder of the story a bit of a miss for me.

Bodyguard by CD Reiss is the second book in the Hollywood A-List series, but can be read as a standalone. In the story you have Carter Kincaid. Tall, dark, and handsome, Carter is a professional bodyguard. One of the biggest rules he has to follow by is not having personal relations with clients..... no big deal.....until he meets Emily.

"I'd known it, and even as I said I didn't want that, once the anger cleared, I knew she was the size,
shape, and intention of my heart whether I liked it or not."

Emily is in a bit of a pickle, one of her ex boyfriends has gone completely psycho and off the rails. Her safety is on the line, and that's where Carter comes in. When they first meet, it's like a moth to a flame. The electrifying chemistry between Carter and Emily, gives me shivers just thinking about it.

Lot's of secrets, suspense, and jaw dropping action.

Bodyguard is a light fluffy, swoon worthy romance.
Who would not want a sexy bodyguard to come and save the day?

<b><blockquote>"She wasn't meant to live like this. She was meant to dance and laugh. She was built to be loved, not to be so emotionally beaten she forgot how to care."</b></blockquote>

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! I devoured this book in a day, because I could not put it down!!! CD Reiss has such a unique writing style to me and I just always enjoy her books and <b>Bodyguard</b> is no exception.

Emily, choreographer extraordinaire for her best friend, Pop Star Darlene's, upcoming concert tour. Darlene & Emily are the 'sisters they never had' and left their hometown together hoping to make it in Hollywood. Darlene becomes the Pop Star while outside of the limelight Emily, happy with most of her life, creates the dance routines for Darlene's tours. I just adore their friendship and how even though Darlene is the mega star, Emily only wants the best for her and Darlene makes sure that Emily wants for nothing always looking out for her.

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<b><blockquote>"If there was ever a world-class security system, Carter Kincaid was it."</b></blockquote>

Carter Kincaid, retired police officer turned private security officer is just absolutely dreamy, swoon worthy, panty melting book boyfriend material! I think that pretty much sums up my obsession with him, ha!


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I have to say you <b>MUST READ</b> this <b>BOOK</b>! Its such a beautiful, heart wrenching story that gave me all the feels as I read it. It is the perfect romance novel!

Such a great book! Hot and sexy and with some suspense. The characters are awesome and the was fast paced and kept you wanting more. I loved this and couldn't stop reading. The hero was strong, sexy and dominant and the heroine is strong and sexy and independent. These two clash and spark at first and that spark ignites an inferno. Couldn't ask for a better read!

I was super excited to read this book since I really enjoyed Bombshell. I thought Emily and Carter were great characters. I loved the storyline with Carter and his son. I felt really bad for Emily and all the crazy she had to go through. Not gonna lie, towards the end I had I Will Always Love You by good ol’ Whitney going through my head. I couldn’t help it, Carter is just so sweet when he finally got his head out of his rear. I loved the author reviews at the end of the book, I was chuckling hard at some of them.

Featured as a First Look on Heroes and Heartbreakers.
https://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2017/11/bodyguard-cd-reiss-review

This was not one of my favorites. I am not sure if it was because it was a galley? I felt like the editing was way off. I found myself taken out of the story many times with the feeling that the timeline was messed up. Given that - let's face it - Ms. Reiss is still an incredible author and I could not imagine ever rating one of her novels lower than 3 stars.

Really fun read. I loved the first book in this series, and this one didn't disappoint either. In the beginning I was annoyed by how down on herself and negative Emily was, but I understand why she was, and enjoyed how she grew during the book. The story kept me interested, and although at times I wanted to shake both of them, I liked the characters.

Bodyguard is the second book in C.D Reiss' Hollywood A-List series but can be read as a complete standalone. The book follows Emily, a choreographer for her best friend, and the bodyguard assigned to her when it becomes apparent that her ex isn't going to leave her alone. Carter is all about the job, focused and hardworking he's not one to fool around when he's protecting someone. But when he's with Emily she's the only thing on his mind and makes him want to break all the rules.

Carter was the most intriguing character from this book for me. We learn early on that his life isn't as carefree as he wants people to believe. His life wasn't a secret exactly but there were a lot of unknowns about him that had me itching to get more. I liked that he brought some mystery to the story that held my attention.

What brought my rating down to 3.5 was the fact that we had Carter's mystery life going on, mixed with Emily's ex and it all got to be a little too much for me. I didn't get a feeling of satisfaction with either by the end of the book and I felt like some things should have been focused on at least a little more than they were.

Overall though I did enjoy the chemistry between Emily and Carter, and that hint of mystery really had me captivated by these characters. I would definitely recommend this book and can definitely be read without reading the first in the series.

Although this is book second book in the series, each is a stand alone novel.
Emily has a promising career as a choreographer and a crazy ex stalker. Carter is the bodyguard for the job. But when he wants to get to know her body a little more intimately it creates issues with his ability to "guard" her. Emily pushes the limit with Carter and definitely creates some heated encounters. While barriers are falling and secrets are revealed, the danger continues to linger in the shadows.
This one definitely had some twists in the storyline. Fun to watch the interactions between Carter and Emily. And the friendship between Darlene and Emily, hope she gets her own book!

Fabulous story! It had so many different layers to it and we unraveled them slowly one at a time. It had a really intriguing twist. I really enjoyed that the characters weren’t all perfect and each had a unique set of issues to face. I liked hearing about Darlene and Emily’s long friendship. I loved Emily and Carter’s chemistry and I really really loved Phin! His character was complex, sweet, naive, intelligent, beautiful and just really refreshing! The fist heart was so adorable and heartwarming. CD Reiss is great at writing emotional books!

Loved every page of this book! The intensity, the passion and the realism in the story. Carter and Emily’s story will lure you into their web.

CD Reiss comes out with another banger!!! I love this author and all her works. Really looking forward to more! Ms. Reiss has such a way of weaving a glorious and intricate web of a story. I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this book so much.

This book was incredible! Carter and Emily had such dynamite chemistry. I often times felt so bad for Carter. The book had so much going for it. It has all the feels. C.D. Reiss is such a prolific writer!
Received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley.

3.5 Stars!

This was overall a great book. I loved the premise and story line. This is my first book from this author. The hot chemistry between Emily and Carter is undeniable.

The beginning was a little slow for me. The attraction was sudden and I wished it was more of a slow build.

Carter was very confusing and guarded. It made a relationship with Emily a little rocky.

Emily was very indecisive and annoying at times. She went through a very bad relationship that is still following her now. It just stinks how Vince affected her life so much. I hated reading how negative she was about herself and how she wasn't living her life to the fullest. It did get a little repetitive and I wish it would have shown more of a growth instead of a drastic and dramatic change.

About two thirds into the story was when the book really got interesting. Learning a surprising truth from Carter was definitely a shock and very interesting!

The story was slow to develop and then once it did, it was resolved very quickly and I was hoping for more.

Overall a great story! It is a little long but the ending was worth it!

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.