I really enjoyed this story overall. It pulled me in with its premise (you can never go wrong with bodyguard) and it didn’t disappoint me. The mix of tension, romance, and enough action to keep me turning the pages.
That said, I do wish the characterisation of the two main characters had been developed a little more. I think it could’ve worked even better if they were a bit older.

Really enjoyed this book, was hooked from the beginning and was extremely fast paced so I did not want to put it down! If you’re looking for a YA Mystery with a bodyguard romance and fake dating trope then I would definitely recommend this one! The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this book is it felt a little too young in parts!

i wanted to love this so bad !!! i know i might not be the target audience but i normally love a good YA book and have previously given some 5 stars but this fell flat. I also don’t know if I personally would class this as YA but I also didn’t write the book so i can’t judge that.

I didn’t feel the connection between the characters at all and it was very instalusty which is not my fave. I also couldn’t stand the fmcs dad he just annoyed me so much.

I think there were flaws in the book that could’ve been easily changed but again the author wanted it like this and i can’t judge that.

Maybe i went in with too high expectations because I love edens tiktoks but I don’t think her writing is for me

Love a good bodyguard romance and the mix of action with some sassy romance was amazing. I did at times think that the interrogations were a little disproportionate to what was happening which was a little jarring and could have done without the high school musical references. Nevertheless I loved the concept and truly enjoyed this quick and fun read! Cannot wait to see what is next for EV!

Thank you Simon and Schuster UK Children's for this ARC!

Before I start the actual review, I want to make it explicitly clear that there are no ill intentions towards the author herself. I have enjoyed her content on TikTok for a while and was genuinely very excited to follow her writing endeavors - however, this book fell short for me and I am always 100% honest in my reviews. So fair warning: this is a negative review (if you couldn’t already tell by the one star rating.)

One of the most blatant issues throughout the book is who, exactly, the intended audience is meant to be. The book is classified as Young Adult but the writing feels more like a Middle-Grade children’s book, which then clashes terribly with the steamier scenes that verge on New Adult. There was no cohesion at all. And, if the audience is meant to be the current adolescents of 2025, surely the MULTIPLE High School Musical references are greatly outdated, no?

I will readily acknowledge that I have aged out of the YA-intended age bracket, but some of my favourites books of all time are YA - written with incredible, intricate, purposeful prose. Close Protection lacked any flow or finesse, or even just any decent sentences. It really needed a few more rounds of editing, as there were a LOT of grammatical errors.

‘Job. Daphne.
Employee. Me.’ is repeated SO MANY TIMES I felt like I was going insane. Not only is it farcical to repeat the same sentence that much as if in an attempt to create some kind of important motif, WHY WOULD YOU MAKE YOUR CHARACTER SOUND LIKE A BRAINLESS NEANDERTHAL?!

No trust is given to the reader at all, everything is spoonfed to you. The plot was practically non-existent, and any attempts at a plot twist was half-hearted at best. If you’ve read any bodyguard romances before, chances are you’ve read ones much better than this. Very obvious and gimmicky.

Speaking of gimmicks, early in the book the Big Bad Boy Bodyguard, who is supposed to be a highly decorated military officer at the tender age of eighteen, and who is also supposed to carry a weapon at all times because, you know, that’s what he’s been hired to do, is weaponless in the face of an opponent, and uses a frying pan to knock him out like he’s Flynn fucking Rider. Again, who is this meant to appeal to?

Milosh is such a stupid character. Such a glaring example of a ‘told, not shown’ character as he’s supposedly such an incredible close protection officer but every time his services are needed he fucks off. They’re being hunted by a super secret spy organisation (lol) and they’re hiding out in a different country and then HER BODYGUARD is like ‘gtg to the shops queen, see you later.’ Or when a strange guy shows up injured at the house and openly admits he’s mixed up in the same business as them, Milosh leaves them alone together to train.

All of the other characters are so underdeveloped and one-dimensional it’s painful. The protagonist, Daphne, rotates between talking about fashion brands, her rich ‘daddy’, and how hot the help is. Henry and Amelia, said help, are a married couple that have an odd amount of presence in the book. They do nothing, but Daphne is constantly talking about them and how attractive they are and how she wants a relationship like them and you’re left like, who are these people?? Maybe the found family is the sexy staff my daddy employed along the way.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK Children's and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publishers, for the ARC—and Eden for writing this.

First of all, I have to say the buildup to reading a story by Eden was well worth it. I loved all the little and big ways her personality and interests shone through the story. I loved the YA-style, fluffy-but-with-action-scenes vibe. There were none of the commonly annoying tropes like miscommunication (something Eden also dislikes), and I was obsessed with the fact that the FMC’s favorite color was pink and that she loved perfumes—both things Eden also loves. You see what I mean when I said her personality shines through the story?

Basically, I loved it—no notes. Loved the bodyguard x protected trope and all the fake dating that ensued because of it.

There was one thing I questioned, though: the book starts with the FMC (Daphne) being 17, and the fake dating and everything happened before she turned 18, while the MMC (Milosh)’s age was kind of ambiguous. I kept wondering about that decision, but I assumed he was only a few years older. That said, I wasn’t sure how the timeline worked for his previous bodyguard jobs. Other than that, I had no qualms with the book.

I would absolutely recommend this if you love a sweet romance with some fake dating and action. And definitely check out Eden’s socials—her content is really good, especially her BookTok and lifestyle account on TikTok!

I loved this book it was such a fun, cute easy read but the characters had depth and growth and it was just written so well like it was so good!!

I loved Daphne so much and loved watching her become stronger and the training scenes were chefs kiss. Milosh was a good mmc and he said all the right things and acted the right way and I enjoyed seeing him opening up to Daphne and how gentle and loving he was with her.

The plot in this book was my favourite part and I loved how it all tied into Daphne's parents past and the plot twist!!! Omg I loved it so much I couldn't believe it I was on the edge of my seat in shock!! Another plot I loved was Henry and Amelia omg a great side couple and I need a book on them immediately!!

I must say whenever someone from booktok says they're writing a book I always get a little scared but this blew that out the park I really really enjoyed this book and for a debut book too I am so impressed and pleased and honestly I only wish it was a little longer as personally I felt the hea happened so quickly I just wanted more of them together and happy but that's just me.

I really enjoyed this book and for a debut, I must applaud Eden for a great read.

I really enjoyed this plot, from the map at the start, the cover, and to the well developed characters.

This book tells the story of Daphne. Her father is being targeted and in order to keep Daphne safe, Milosh was hired as her bodyguard. Being around the same age as Daphne, to any onlooker, they would presume these two were dating.

I loved the suspense in this book, it's very fast paced and an enjoyable read. I will admit, sometimes I found the suspense a little lacking, I wish it was developed a little more.

The characters were fantastic, I loved the chemistry between Milosh and Daphne. There was banter, flirting and overall I think they are well suited for each other. Milosh took the trope 'touch her and you d*e* to a whole new level! Was it a little overboard? Probably but I ate it up.

Overall I think it is a great read and I would definitely recommend it. Thank you to the author and the publishers for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

Omg wow!!!

Giving bodyguard Whitney Houston vibe!!! Immaculate did not see the twists coming in this book - I like both the main characters so much!!

Privilege to receive an arc of this book! Binged this in one sitting as I could not put this down!

Close Protection by Eden Victoria is an electrifying YA romance packed with fake dating, thrilling suspense, and a swoon-worthy bodyguard dynamic.

Daphne Green has always led a life of privilege as the heiress to Greenway Discoveries. But when a break-in at her father’s office raises concerns about her safety, her father hires Milosh Petrov, a no-nonsense protection officer, to keep an eye on her. It is supposed to be just a precaution.

Milosh is professional, assertive, and determined to do his job—protect Daphne and walk away. But when he is ordered to pose as her close protection officer, their worlds collide in unexpected ways. Daphne, used to being independent, chafes at the idea of having a bodyguard shadowing her every move. Yet as danger draws closer, Milosh realises the threat is far more serious than anyone anticipated, and his mission becomes personal.

With undeniable chemistry simmering between them and the line between duty and desire blurring, Milosh is faced with an impossible choice: keep his distance or risk everything to protect the girl who has become more than just a job.

This book delivers heart-pounding action, slow-burning romance, and a gripping mystery. Fans of bodyguard romances and fake dating tropes will find themselves hooked from the very first page.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

3.5⭐ 0🌶️

This is a clean, bodyguard close proximity romance with some suspense sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed both main characters, Daphne and Milosh. It was really cool to see Daphne want to protect herself instead of being the typical rich girl who needs a man to save her. I really loved Milosh, he was down bad almost immediately. The tension was evident between the two. I loved that there was no third act break up that you see in lots of books nowadays. I wasn't completely engrossed in the overarching storyline but it did come to a satisfying conclusion. I liked the book a lot, I just didn't love it. The story and characters just seemed to be missing something for me personally.

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.25 stars!

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was a very fun bodyguard romance, with familiar and well loved tropes: forced proximity, a sprinkle of fake dating, and opposites attract,

I enjoyed the book mostly for the plot and suspense. It was fun to keep up with the twists in the story, and waiting for situations to be resolved. I liked that Daphne as a Black FMC was allowed to fully lean into her femininity, and overall be a soft character, however it meant that later in the book some choices made regarding her character's actions didn't make sense. Milosh was cool as a character, but nothing about him was particularly memorable. Together, I liked them as a couple, and their moments together were very cute, with a good mix of tension, but the romance between them developed very quickly, and there wasn't anything overly satisfying for me regarding them. The side characters were fine for what they contributed to the story, but overall, they fell a bit flat for me.

The main thing I didn't enjoy was the writing. It felt very clunky, with lots of telling rather than showing, and at points got repetitive. It was easy to read but lacked richness, and sometimes drew me out of the story.

The book is a good, quick palate cleanse read!

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!

Close Protection has been my most anticipated read of mine since it was announced by Eden Victoria last year (and I rarely have anticipated reads, so that’s telling you something)! So when I was chosen by NetGalley to read an ARC I was beyond excited, to the point I read it in a day! And let me tell you I was not disappointed.

Close Protection follows Daphne Green and Milosh Petrov’s love story evolving from him being her ‘close protection’ bodyguard. In order to not spoil this delectable (yes I have stolen that word from Eden—I though it was quite fitting :p) read, I won’t delve further into the story line, but just know it’s a needed read! It also has a PINK (and black) cover, which I think needs to be addressed—it’s so beautiful 🥹. Honestly all the tropes in this book from, a hint of grumpy x sunshine to a hint of fake dating, made it so perfect!!

My first read of 2025 and it was a hundred percent worth the wait!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

now who would've thought that this book has a mix of romance, action and suspense? (this is the reason why i enjoyed the book)

aside from that, i'm glad that the fmc isn't angry at anyone. i love the chemistry between daphne and milosh. and i also love henry and amelia because of their comedic humor. i didn't expect that the plot twist made my head ache.

but there are some parts that got me left out and thinking if this book literally labeled as young adult. well, in some parts, yes.
but there's also some scenes (and words) that is not appropriate to this particular genre. it makes me upset. and there are also some parts that are repetitive.

nonetheless, i'm happy that ms. eden finally debuted as an author, and i'm excited for her future releases

5⭐️!
thank you so much to Netgalley, and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read this book in advance!!

THIS JUST GOT ME OUT OF MY READING SLUMP EVERYONE

absolute banger of a book, it’s got all the best elements of a romance book! bodyguard romance, fake dating (done so well), grumpy x sunshine, and romantic suspense!!! i loved reading every page of this book and i can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it too when it comes out in March 2025.

definitely one of my favourites of the year and it’s only february! the 5 year time skip in the epilogue was such a cute touch as well loved seeing Daphne & Milosh’s future! amelia and henry were some of my favourite characters too and THE PLOT TWIST? EDEN VICTORIA THE WOMAN YOU AREEE

absolutely fantastic read, eden if you ever need a future beta reader i’m so here for it (and maybe a cheeky invite to the book launch, wishful thinking lmao)

stars - YA bodyguard Romance

Daphne is assigned bodyguard, Milosh, by her wealthy father when a break in occurs at his business. Unbeknown to Daphne, Milosh is actually part of task force to bring down a secret gang that her father has past connections with and caused the death of her mother.

I really enjoyed this read, the vibes were immaculate and I was drawn in right from the start. I found it hard to put down and read it in two sittings. It has very easy, sort of comforting feel to it - perhaps a nostalgic feel to those who grew up watching first daughter in their teens.

The romance was really sweet - an instant attraction forbidden romance followed by a slow burn fake dating scenario to falling in love. I also loved the found family aspect of the story and loved the scenes with Amelia and Henry. The 5 year later epilogue was a great way to end the story - I’m of the opinion that every last book should have one of these!

The overall story was just a fun read and I didn’t see the twist coming so I was pretty shocked when it was revealed.

Highly recommend.

This was such a good read👊🏽! Finding a mafia🥷🏻 romance with no smut💋? Practically impossible. Though, to be fair🤷🏽‍♀️, the mafia🔫 aspect was more in the background🌃 since neither of the main characters were actually in the mafia, so anyone who wants a full-blown💥 mafia drama, should look elsewhere👀.

George was not Dading👨🏾‍🍼. Like, I know there are dads that are ok👌🏾 with lots of things, but given how George and Daphne's relationship is I'm surprised🙀. Lowkey setting Daphne and Milosh💙 up? Because it really seemed like he was, and the fact that he had zero issues with them together💝 was a bit surprising😯. I do wish George had more emotions😖?? Like, when he found out Teddy🧸 wanted to do certain (''more adult🔞'') things with Daphne, his reaction was... meh🤷🏾. He was mad🤬 at Teddy, but not for that reason, which felt odd.

Now, Daphne. I like her, and I loved that she’s a Black female lead🙋🏾‍♀️! Sometimes when I read books with Black MCs, I sometimes find myself accidentally picturing them as white🙆🏼‍♀️ until their race is mentioned again (which is a me👀 thing, I guess). But with Daphne, I never had that issue—I could vividly imagine what she looked like, and I really appreciated👏🏼 that.

Milosh, though. He was actually great🥰. You know how in some romance books, the love interest is just a straight-up psycho🤪? Milosh wasn’t like that at all👎🏼. The scene where he sees the guy already hurt and decides not to go full unhinged💥 mode? Loved it. And the quote? “I’d probably shoot🔫 that smile👄 right off her face. With a paintball gun though. I’m not a monster.🧛🏻 I love a non-possessive male lead.

The house 🏡! For the past year or so, I’ve been struggling😔 to visualize houses when I read. I usually just picture the same few layouts over and over. But this book? The floorplans🗺️, the details—it made it so easy to actually picture the house as something new instead of recycling♻️ old imagery.

The only thing I wish we got more of? The fake❎ dating trope. It was there, but barely🤏🏽. The changing room👕👚 scene was one moment, and then there was Bella👛, but other than that? It didn’t feel super necessary to the plot. I was expecting more fun fake dating shenanigans, and it just didn’t happen.

Overall? I loved the book, though I wish it was longer so the other things I said could be implemented. That would 100% bring it to 4 or 5 star ⭐. Other then that Thank Netgalley and the author for the ARC 🧸👏🏼

Sucked in by the blurb, stayed in the hope it got better.

With an Agatha Christie style mystery based around chemical serums and set in rich country house the story had promised and did intrigue me. But I was left wanting more mystery, more suspects, more excitement.

Beyond that mystery everything else was bland. Milosh was ok, Daphne was boring. Their romance felt rushed and convenient. I like chemistry in my romance stories and slow burn. This was bordering in insta love.
The staff and bad guys all felt flat and weak. Rather than building up and fleshing out the story they felt more like page fillers.

As a first book the writing was ok, but the over use of names was irritating. It's make a great drinking game; a shot for daddy, Daph, Milosh mentions.

After reading Close Protection I don't think I'm the demographic it's aimed at. Maybe a younger audience with more interest in fashion brands will enjoy it more.

Grab this book for a tame trope filled read, if it's your kind of thing.

✨3.5 stars✨

This was a cute, quick bodyguard romance! The beginning had me hooked and I ended up reading it in two sittings.

I just felt that the writing was a bit bland and somewhat juvenile (yes this is YA but the writing felt very young YA in my opinion) and I would have preferred if the romance developed a bit slower.

Overall, this was a fun debut and I would pick up any future books this author writes.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

EDEN!!! YOU ABSOLUTELY JUST WON MY ENTIRE HEART!! This one was such an anticipated read of mine so thank you SimonYA for giving me the NetGalley arc. I read this book in a day basically, on my phone!! I've never read so quick like that before so this is how you know I was addicted. I just couldn't scroll off the book, it was just so captivating. I did not know how much I loved close proximity until this book oh my God. The plot in this was done so well and the pacing was just incredible. Every single character in this was fleshed out and written with such depth. Oh, and the twist?? I've never felt so stupid because of course that's what it was going to be, like duh?? And last but not least, the ROMANCE!!!! THE SLOW BURN AND YEARNING!!! MY HEARTTT WAS SCREAMINGGG!! Milosh and Daphne, a new favourite couple of mine, I miss them already. This book is a cross of The Princess Project Programme and First Daughter and gives you everything you want in a romance. My heart was skipping beats with the action, the tension and the yearninggg. What a debut Eden. I knew I'd be obsessed but wow, just wow. Highly recommend, go and pre-order now, Waterstones is doing pink sprayed edges!! Just so heartwarming and done to perfection. No notes. Zero thoughts in my head, only Milosh and Daphne. 🥹💖🥰📚