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An Overprotective Workaholic
Thief’s Bodyguard follows a man hired to protect a woman who does not want a bodyguard, especially the man she had a one-night stand with. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Roger appeared in book two of my contemporary romance series, The Geek Girl Squad, which is his little sister’s story. By the end of writing that book, I knew the Hunt brothers were going to need their own series. I had established Roger as owning a private security company, so of course my brain went to romantic suspense for this series. The problem, of course, with writing a character who’s super overprotective as well as a workaholic, meant that he would have to meet her at work.
I knew whoever I paired him with would need to be independent. And I wanted to take the good girl/bad boy trope and gender swap it. So I came up with the idea that his love interest was secretly a former thief, and Jenna was born. This plot was in the works for quite some time, all while I bounced ideas off my husband, who’s a big true crime fan.
What was the inspiration for the love story and the connection the characters have?
I sat down and thought about what would make Roger crack. And pushing him into guarding someone he already knew physically was the answer. Since I’d established who Roger was within his LARP community, I used that setting for the one-night stand. I knew she could easily hide who she was there.
With Jenna, I needed her to let her guard down. So I put them in situations where he could demonstrate his integrity so she would learn to trust him. She’s been on her own for so long without a support system, which makes her independent and feisty, because she’s trying to protect him, too. And ultimately, that’s something they have in common, but don’t realize it until the end.
Both Jenna and Roger have strong personalities, making for entertaining encounters. What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where he confronts her about her identity was really fun to write, because when you corner an animal, they come out snarling. And it developed into some amazing banter. It’s right up there with the scene where Roger wakes up in the warehouse in handcuffs. I giggled way too hard at how frustrated he was with the situation.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes! Initially I had intended this to be a trilogy and restrict myself to the brothers, but while writing Thief’s Bodyguard, two side characters just slotted themselves into position to further the overarching plot. Book two, Hacker’s Accomplice, releases October 1st. It’s an interracial romance where the straight-laced Sam and the ex-hacker, Frankie, fall for each other while Hunt Security tries to break into the syndicate and rescue their victims.
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Instead, he found his feisty fling.
Jenna’s starting over. She’s got a new name, a new town, and a new job—one that’s legal this time. Her criminal days are over. To keep herself safe, she needs to lie low. A hot hookup gives her memories that she can’t erase. Then her estranged father hires the guy—as her bodyguard! When he shows up at her door, her cover’s blown.
Roger never sees the same woman more than once. He can’t afford the distraction—been there, done that. Keeping his security business afloat is the top priority, and he just got the offer of a lifetime. Until he discovers that his new charge is the one-night stand that haunts his dreams. And she’s pissed about it.
How is Roger supposed to protect someone who fights him at every turn? And what will he say when Jenna’s secrets are exposed?
Thief’s Bodyguard
Thief’s Bodyguard is a romance that ignites between Jenna and Roger, her bodyguard, who is hired by her father against her wishes. The relationship is intended to be off-limits, with Roger bound by his duty to keep things strictly professional. However, after a one-night stand before he took the job and was forced into close quarters, the tension between them proved impossible to ignore. As they navigate their undeniable attraction, Roger finds himself irresistibly drawn to Jenna, and her secrets only deepen his fascination. Despite her attempts to resist, Jenna falls hard for Roger, risking everything for the man who’s supposed to protect her.
Jasmine C. Caldwell crafts a fast-paced, engaging story that captures your attention from start to finish, making Thief’s Bodyguard a breeze to read in one sitting. The romance moves quickly and never strays from the heart of the story, keeping the reader invested in the characters. Written in the third person, the narrative gives insight into both Jenna and Roger’s thoughts and emotions, which I found to be a great perspective. Caldwell handles this viewpoint well, allowing readers to understand each character’s internal struggles and desires. There are moments where the narrative feels a bit unrealistic, and some scenes play into familiar clichés, but it still makes for an enjoyable read. After all, romance novels often thrive on those familiar tropes, and Caldwell embraces them with charm. I found the story to be charming and intriguing, and while it moves quickly, that fast pace adds to its charm. The plot and characters are engaging, and I can see how more depth could enhance the experience even further. However, the brisk storytelling keeps you turning pages and makes it a perfect, captivating read for those who enjoy a swift, exciting romance.
Thief’s Bodyguard wraps up nicely, with a satisfying conclusion for the characters. The epilogue also hints at a potential sequel, which left me eager to see what happens next. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing the journey in Caldwell’s next installment!
Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0CSCWT7YF
LITERARY TITAN 