Review of The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
When I picked up The Bodyguard by Katherine Center, I was excited to dive into a tale that promised adventure, romance, and a dash of wit. However, let’s just say my enthusiasm quickly faded, leaving me wondering if I had inadvertently wandered into a comedic softer side of thriller fiction. Spoiler alert: I did not enjoy my time in this literary world, and today I’m here to share that experience with you.
From the very first line—“MY MOTHER’S DYING wish was for me to take a vacation.”—I knew we were in for a ride, though I wasn’t quite sure it would be a bumpy one! I mean, a dying wish for a trip to Toledo, Ohio? It feels like the literary equivalent of getting socks for Christmas. Seriously, who would choose Toledo as their vacation destination? It’s almost like the author was actively challenging Ohioans to defend their state.
Now, let’s talk about the main character, Hannah. Here lies a supposedly fierce bodyguard with a black belt in jiu jitsu, yet she’s reduced to a quivering mass when a cow licks her arm. At one point, her ex-boyfriend tells her that she could never compete with her actor boss’s glamorous ex. Instead of putting on her tough-girl armor, she stood there—like a statue, completely frozen. Talk about cringeworthy! It left me feeling perplexed about how we went from warrior woman to a meek bystander in just a few sentences.
Then there’s Jack, or should I say “Jake”? He’s the quintessential handsome hero, yet he brought to mind the taste of stale bread. Sure, he’s cute and all, but his personality did nothing to entice me. The so-called romance? It was laughably underwhelming. The idea that they would “fake date” for a few days before all that happens seemed more like an afterthought than a plot device. The scenes described between Hannah and Jack felt contrived and devoid of emotional weight.
And can we talk about the dialogue? I expected emotional depth, perhaps some engaging banter, but I found myself groaning instead. Hannah’s narrative voice broke the fourth wall in a way that felt jarring, akin to those cringe-inducing moments in movies that make you wince. Lines like, “Have I EXPLAINED what I do for a living?” made me roll my eyes hard enough to nearly see the back of my head.
To make matters worse, the plot twist surrounding Jack’s stalker was a missed opportunity for genuine suspense. I won’t ruin it for you, but let’s just say it left me scratching my head and laughing at the absurdity of how easily this life-threatening character wraps everything up in the end.
While I do appreciate Center’s attempt to mix humor with romance, The Bodyguard simply didn’t resonate with me. The characters felt flat, the romance came off as forced, and the pacing was frustratingly uneven.
That being said, readers who enjoy lighthearted romances or quirky narratives might find some enjoyment here—especially if you favor characters who lack personal agency. If you’re seeking a book that makes Ohio sound like a top-tier vacation hotspot, then by all means, dive in! For me, though? Let’s just say I’ll be keeping my distance from The Bodyguard and its underwhelming drama in foreseeable reads.
Sometimes, it’s the less favorable reading experiences that teach us the most about what we truly seek in literature—balance, depth, and, ideally, coherence. Happy reading, friends!