(Squee! We, Frolic, have a thing for novellas. A BIG thing. In the first of an ongoing series, we bring you a piece from author Kylie Scott, whose novella Strong launches with our friends at 1001 Dark Nights on Tuesday, September 25.)
From the moment a cool, calm, collected, and way more than capable, Kevin Costner carried the frightened (and also very cool) Whitney Houston off stage in his arms, I’ve been hooked on bodyguards. Lethal and always at the ready? You got it. Willing to die for you? Absolutely. Looks good in a suit? Hell yes. There’s so much to love about this trope. After all, who doesn’t adore a big strong hero who is completely dedicated to the heroine? Throw in a possible secret service or navy seal background and we have pure romance crack. You know the set-up I’m talking about. She doesn’t want him around, getting all up in her face and involved in her business, and meanwhile he’s convinced she’s a spoilt princess. The dislike is oh so strong… right up until it isn’t. Then bang. Much bang.
I think what I like best is the inevitable moment where the heroine has well and truly gotten under his skin. When the buttoned-down, professional, and distant executive protection officer’s (that’s the fancy schmancy term) cool façade breaks and he surrenders to his base desires. Yes, that’s right. Overwhelming lustiness. Because you know when these two eventually give in and get together, they are going to dirty up the sheets big time. Even better, give me your hardened warriors just waiting to be brought to their knees by love. All the swoon.
And I’ll have you know, this isn’t all just Romancelandia fantasy. More than once has the connection between client and bodyguard morphed into real life romance. Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson and Heidi Klum have all apparently dated their bodyguards. It says so on the internet so it must be true. Mind you, it can’t all be good looks and glamour. Imagine having to be available around the clock and working for someone who is pretty much used to everyone always saying yes to them. Watching a diva’s back can’t be easy. On the other hand, imagine having someone shadowing your every move. Though if that someone happens to look like Adele and Lady Gaga’s bodyguard, Peter Van Der Veen (above), or the Kardashian’s Tim Chung (below), I’m willing to be brave and give it a go.
Let’s carry on with my favorite romances featuring hot bodyguards, shall we:
Royally Endowed by Emma Chase.
When you sister hooks up with a prince and suddenly there’s beefcake bodyguards around, life is good. Love this series.
The Bodyguard Series by Cindy Gerard.
A whole family business dedicated to the guarding of bodies. Classic action romance.
Sin by Nana Malone
When the bodyguard has been too busy protecting people to get it on. Yes, he’s a virgin. You’re going to want to read this. Virgin heroes deserve all the support we can give them.
Ivan by Kit Rocha
A brooding body-guard and a pure-hearted princess go head to head in a dystopian setting. Awesome.
Singe by Aly Martinez
Troubled hero meets the one woman who can set him right. Sparks fly.
