(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.