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Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️'s Reviews > The Bodyguard
The Bodyguard
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Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️'s review
bookshelves: 0-book-of-the-month, 0-in-my-library-read, 3-stars, famous-celebrities, low-or-no-steam, mainstream-fiction, marriage-of-convenience-ish, romantic-comedy, will-never-reread
Jul 25, 2022
bookshelves: 0-book-of-the-month, 0-in-my-library-read, 3-stars, famous-celebrities, low-or-no-steam, mainstream-fiction, marriage-of-convenience-ish, romantic-comedy, will-never-reread
3 Stars
Timing really is everything, isn't it?
And sadly, the timing was not great for me here.
In fact, I actually feel bad for this book.
How you say? By doing it the disservice of reading it on the direct heels of what might probably be my favorite book of the reading year.
Looking back, I should have followed that read up with a completely different genre rather than something so similar in tone and nature. As such, this entire read felt lacking in comparison to its predecessor, no matter how valiantly I attempted to disassociate the two books.
That said, ignore this review completely. I mean, I will still throw some remarks down yonder to express my thoughts on this thing, but seriously...this book is probably way better than my experience with it and I'm definitely in the minority in not loving it.
So I will be brief.
In short, I struggled to connect with the characters here. Even at the end of the story, I felt like I didn't really know any of them at all. And I should have. Because a character like Hannah, with her background and experiences, is right up my alley. Instead, she felt like a Hallmark movie character and I just felt zero connection to her and Jack's story.
Also, it should be noted that this is my fourth Katherine Center book. I loved the first two I read and the third was WAY too sweet and slapstick for me. Well, this one leaned more in that direction. And while I appreciate the lightness and positivity with which Center writes her stories, depending on my mood, those sentiments just don't always land for me. What can I say, I am a cynic.
But anyway, I digress.
While this didn't blow me away, I still liked it well enough. And I know that Center's writing and storytelling can work for me in the very best way. So moving forward, I will just make sure I'm in the mood for her brand of sugary romcom before diving into her next release. Because I really want to like them and know that it's possible.
Timing really is everything, isn't it?
And sadly, the timing was not great for me here.
In fact, I actually feel bad for this book.
How you say? By doing it the disservice of reading it on the direct heels of what might probably be my favorite book of the reading year.
Looking back, I should have followed that read up with a completely different genre rather than something so similar in tone and nature. As such, this entire read felt lacking in comparison to its predecessor, no matter how valiantly I attempted to disassociate the two books.
That said, ignore this review completely. I mean, I will still throw some remarks down yonder to express my thoughts on this thing, but seriously...this book is probably way better than my experience with it and I'm definitely in the minority in not loving it.
So I will be brief.
In short, I struggled to connect with the characters here. Even at the end of the story, I felt like I didn't really know any of them at all. And I should have. Because a character like Hannah, with her background and experiences, is right up my alley. Instead, she felt like a Hallmark movie character and I just felt zero connection to her and Jack's story.
Also, it should be noted that this is my fourth Katherine Center book. I loved the first two I read and the third was WAY too sweet and slapstick for me. Well, this one leaned more in that direction. And while I appreciate the lightness and positivity with which Center writes her stories, depending on my mood, those sentiments just don't always land for me. What can I say, I am a cynic.
But anyway, I digress.
While this didn't blow me away, I still liked it well enough. And I know that Center's writing and storytelling can work for me in the very best way. So moving forward, I will just make sure I'm in the mood for her brand of sugary romcom before diving into her next release. Because I really want to like them and know that it's possible.
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Reading Progress
July 6, 2022
– Shelved
July 21, 2022
–
Started Reading
July 25, 2022
–
24.17%
""I'd done a thorough Google search on him and I'd seen enough Barbie dolls to last me a lifetime. One of them had clearly had so much plastic surgery, I couldn't help but wonder if her mother missed her face."
Hahahahahahaha."
page
73
Hahahahahahaha."
July 25, 2022
–
Finished Reading
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BrandyD
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rated it 4 stars
Jul 25, 2022 09:06PM
I got a real kick of him calling her Stumpy/Stumps, and laughed at him saying the actress smelled like elephants😄
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Brandy wrote: "I got a real kick of him calling her Stumpy/Stumps, and laughed at him saying the actress smelled like elephants😄"Hahaha Peanuts Palmer! lol
tbh I had the same mid feeling for this book, it was good but I din’t feel the romance and chemistry. Very forgettable imo.
Oh damn! You read this after Book Lovers?! As it is, even though this one had it's funny moments, there was something missing.. Particularly with Jake and Hannah's story.
✦ rhythm ✦ wrote: "tbh I had the same mid feeling for this book, it was good but I din’t feel the romance and chemistry. Very forgettable imo."Glad I wasn't alone, rhythm. Wish we had both enjoyed it more.
Cécile wrote: "Poor book….😳But great review!😄"
Thanks Cécile !!
Satsuki wrote: "Oh damn! You read this after Book Lovers?! As it is, even though this one had it's funny moments, there was something missing.. Particularly with Jake and Hannah's story."Yes, I did...and yes, there was lol
I absolutely get what you're saying here, this is a very sappy book. I read it at just the right time but timing is most definitely everything.
Excellent review! After reading two of Center’s books, I haven’t been in a hurry to read more because of the Hallmark/fairy tale endings and storyline. I enjoyed the books and they were good, but that’s just not my cup of tea lately…
Melissa (post-wedding catch up mode) wrote: "I absolutely get what you're saying here, this is a very sappy book. I read it at just the right time but timing is most definitely everything."100%! And I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Melissa.
Great, honest review. And I too hate when I read a book that's extremely similar to the previous book and that book was just phenomenal - it's definitely hard to top right after. Timing is definitely everything!
I always feel badly for the book that comes after a phenomenal read. I honestly don't remember much about this story myself! Excellent review!
GirlWithThePinkSkiMask wrote: "I've been seeing nothing but praise for this book so it's nice to read a balanced review :) I'm not a fan of slapstick humour so this has me reconsidering haha. Appreciate the honest!"Thanks my dear! Yeah, I struggle with romcoms sometimes if they lean too heard into the slapstick realm...so I just need to make sure I choose my timing better when I pick one up lol.
Rachel wrote: "Excellent review! After reading two of Center’s books, I haven’t been in a hurry to read more because of the Hallmark/fairy tale endings and storyline. I enjoyed the books and they were good, but t..."Totally understand where you are coming from, Rachel! And thank you!
I can completely relate! There needs to be a total break after reading an amazing book. Everything else will pale in comparison for awhile. I had the exact same experience after finishing “Cloud Cuckoo Land” a month ago. I really like Katherine Center, too. It’s been awhile since I read one of hers so this may work for me! Hope your next read is a recovery!
Courtney wrote: "Great, honest review. And I too hate when I read a book that's extremely similar to the previous book and that book was just phenomenal - it's definitely hard to top right after. Timing is definit..."
Definitely! Thanks Courtney,
Rain wrote: "I always feel badly for the book that comes after a phenomenal read. I honestly don't remember much about this story myself! Excellent review!"Thanks Rain<3
Susan wrote: "I can completely relate! There needs to be a total break after reading an amazing book. Everything else will pale in comparison for awhile. I had the exact same experience after finishing “Cloud Cu..."Thanks Susan!
So this was my BOTM selection too and right now still just sitting on the shelf. I’ll consider my mindset before picking it up!
CMarie wrote: "So this was my BOTM selection too and right now still just sitting on the shelf. I’ll consider my mindset before picking it up!"Mindset matters for sure!
I agree with your review - it could have been great but came off more as slapstick silly instead of serious. For me, I’ve decided I just need to manage my expectations with this author’s books - don’t be expecting deep and emotional and I won’t be disappointed. Katherine Center writes lighthearted stories, with a very distinct Hallmark vibe, so that’s what I should expect. As long as I keep that in mind, I enjoy her books a lot more.
E-Reader Addict wrote: "I agree with your review - it could have been great but came off more as slapstick silly instead of serious. For me, I’ve decided I just need to manage my expectations with this author’s books - do..."Same thoughts here. Managing expectations and needs is the name of the game here lol.
I totally agree with you ! It's not what I was expected... I wannted more feelings, more emotions, more developpment.
Agalactiae wrote: "I totally agree with you ! It's not what I was expected... I wannted more feelings, more emotions, more developpment."Yes, it didn’t have the…depth I was expecting.
What did you read before this one?
Now I need to know what you read right before so I can read it.
Crazy About Love ❤️ wrote: "What did you read before this one?"How to Walk Away, What You Wish For, and I’m drawing a blank on the third one.
Things You Save in a Fire.
Kristy wrote: "Now I need to know what you read right before so I can read it."See above 🙂👍🏼
Maybe this was answered already but what was the “maybe favorite book of the year” you read prior to this one?
Kate wrote: "Maybe this was answered already but what was the “maybe favorite book of the year” you read prior to this one?"Hi there, no worries! This book: Book Lovers
Agree 100%
I did the same thing - read this following my favorite book I’ve read in ages! Curious what your last read was? Maybe I need to jump to that one!
Great review Val! I 1000% understand where you're coming from. Coming off a book high can absolutely effect the next book you pick up especially if it's the same genre or similar tropes/themes/tone. I've been there. That's why I make a point of switching genres from book to book if I can, especially after reading a 5 star book. It totally effects your reading experience if books are similar. My head will immediately start comparing if they are similar. lol
