Seduced by the Bodyguard

Forbidden Confessions #5

by Shayla Black

What will he demand in exchange for keeping her safe? I'm Sophie, pop-star princess. My career is on a superstar trajectory. Until the bullets start flying. The bodyguard I hired to protect me drags me to safety. But now I'm trapped alone with a man I barely know. One who lights my body on fire. But someone wants me dead. Rand can save me from evil. But his protection comes at a price . . . Contains mature themes.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Novella, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction

Audio CD

First published June 15, 2020

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[Christina (stinarinareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informal review~ 3.75 stars

I'm a simple woman, give me a bodyguard romance and I will eat that shit UP. Something about that trope just hits, especially when you're in the mood for it.

I appreciate this for what it was, a short, steamy, insta-love bodyguard romance novella. But I also know what this COULD'VE been if allowed to be a full-length novel with an expanded plot and time for the main couple's relationship to fully develop.

Shayla's writing is straightforward and extremely digestible, and she writes steam very well. I would love to see what she can do in longer workers, but I just wish that THIS could've been the longer work!

I know this is a <100 page novella, but it was actually working OK until the back half started, right after the main couple got together. It felt like the author just needed to wrap it up quickly, and did so. Then feelings started being declared, the relationship went from 0 to 100, in the span of like 2 pages, it was like whiplash.

So all in all, good writing, GREAT trope, just wish it was longer to make a slow-burn possible.

We could've had it ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Tropes/story elements:

- Less than 100 pages
- Bodyguard romance
- Bodyguard (MMC) x pop star (FMC)
- Instalove + instalust
- Open door steam (light dom undertones with MMC, spanking scene included)
- Little plot, rushed ending

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Kinds of Fireworks

This starts out comical as Sophie prepares to headline a Fourth of July parade before it takes a serious turn.

I feel a bit like USO Barbie... who suddenly decided to walk a street corner.
-- Sophie Larsen 😂🤣

I enjoyed this steamy novelette that is fraught with suspense,
but also some serious insta-love, spanking, and one heck of an HEA!

Thanks to Shayla Black for generously sharing this book in her newsletter. 🥰

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story. It's short but it's packed full of action, emotions and steam!!! Rand is Sophie's bodyguard and when someone trying to kill her, he takes action and gets her to safety. The killer took me by surprise because I never would have guessed who it was. And of course, you know that Rand and Sophie are gonna fall for each other. Out of the other stories, this has been my favorite by far!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man I am a sucker for these bodyguard/protector books. The audio is fantastic (Jason Clarke…swoon) and they are short! Perfect summer listens ❤️

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Bodyguard is the 5th book in her Forbidden Confessions series by Shayla Black. It's a sizzling, sexy, complex, intense, short yet jam packed romance read that brings all the drama and angst, excitement and the chemistry. This is singer Sophie Larsen and bodyguard Rand Garrison's story. Somebody is out to kill Sophie but not on Rand's watch. It's a sexy, swoon-worthy insta-love romance. Enjoyed every single page. Look forward to the next book in the Forbidden Confessions series.


My Rating: 4.7 stars ********

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

I'm the one who wanted to read this, and then I almost cringed to death.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

.25 ⭐️ didn’t think that it was possible to get worse? Lila buddy read on our 12 hour drive…

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is a successful singer who finds herself back in her hometown to promote her new album. When her usual security detail couldn’t be there, they arrange for Rand to act in their stead and they couldn’t have chosen a better man for the job when chaos ensues.

Rand doesn’t usually provide security detail, but he agrees to help out a friend. When an attempt is made on her life he rescues her, but knows the threat is far from over until they find out who is behind it but keeping their relationship professional and not personal may be the biggest challenge of all.

I enjoyed these two together as Sophie is far from a pampered princess while Rand is the passionate protector that every woman needs in her life.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a plot, and it was decent. She's a pop star who is going to "preform" in her hometown 4th of July parade. He is the bodyguard who has been brought in to protect her when her regular bodyguard gets sick. During the parade shots are fired and he has to get her out. With the help of a teenager with a carriage they make it to his truck and he gets her safely to a cabin owned by a friend of his. He orders groceries, she thinks of who would want to hurt her but she doesn't have any current credible threats. They have a nice dinner, he takes her out to watch the fireworks and they hookup. She forgets her flip-flops and he goes back for them, and then she gets attacked again. It's her old agent; she put a tracker in her lipstick and that's how she found them. She wants revenge because she left her for a new agent. He shoots her. The police decide it was justified. They decide they love each other after knowing each other for 24 hours, but then they move in together. They live together for 6 months and actually get to know each other before getting married. They have a party that's a surprise wedding, she tells him she's pregnant after the ceremony. This was short so the characters weren't super fleshed out, but for the kind of story it was, it was good. Much better than book 4 which I DNFed.

[Deana-Coffee, Books, Life Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sexy story with a dose of danger and a heaping helping of naughtiness.


Singer Sophie Larson is doing a gig at a parade in her hometown. Nothing different than she’s done before. With a stand in bodyguard, Rand who seems all about the job she makes her way up on the float to sing and wave for the parade goers. Should be as easy as one, two, three. Nope! Sophie barely gets a chance to sing when shots are fired and Rand pulls from the spotlight of the float to find cover and safety. Protecting her is the number one thing on Rand’s mind but his body is on board for more than just protecting her. Is Sophie feeling it too? Is it the adrenaline and danger or is it really, could it possibly be, love at first sight.

Talk about attraction and chemistry, there is no lacking on either front for Rand and Sophie. They both knew something was there and even with danger breathing there was something pulling Rand and Sophie to one another. A bit of mystery and danger with a whole lot of steaminess. A wonderful quick read that can take you away for just a bit.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is a celebrity and Rand was asked to take over by a friend for her bodyguard protection during a parade on July 4. Well things didn't go as planned and she ends up being shot at so Rand has to get her out of there safely. Rand knows just where to take Sophie so that she is off the radar and they can figure out who is after her.

Rand and Sophie get close quick and after their kiss at the parade they can't stop thinking about what more would be like. Their chemistry is explosive just like the fireworks that goes off behind them. While they think they're safe, the danger is there lurking in the shadows just waiting for Sophie to be alone before they make their move.

I enjoyed reading their story, I just wish it was longer and we got to enjoy the characters more. It felt like the story happened a little too quickly with everything happening in basically a day.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Bodyguard by Shayla Black is the fifth book in her Forbidden Confessions series. This is a short, sexy story that has plenty of scary action as well as sexy action. Rising singing star Sophie Larsen is targeted by an assassin while participating in a Fourth of July parade in Arlington, Texas. Rand Garrison is filling in for his ill friend who is Sophie's regular bodyguard. As her float progresses down the parade route shots are fired. Rand grabs Sophie off the stage of the float and sticks closely to her side as he whisks her away to safety. It's the Fourth of July so that means fireworks. In this case the fireworks are also between Sophie and Rand culminating in some hot sex. I liked how these two characters clicked right off the bat. I also liked the surprise at the end of the story. Ms. Black's Forbidden Confessions series is fun and very entertaining. This book is one of my favorites in the series.

[Fallen Star Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest forbidden confessions from the author. This story is a short novella so it’s and instalove book but it was a wonderful story that I loved. It’s Sophie and Rand’s story. Sophie is a singer that is attending a parade for a Fourth of July celebration and riding a float singing and her normal bodyguard can’t attend and Rand steps in for the event. Things go south pretty quickly during the event leading to Rand having to use all his skills to protect Sophie. From the moment they looked at each other they could feel something beyond the normal bodyguard and client relationship. However they neither act upon what they desire.
*
Overall, this was a wonderful story that I truly enjoyed it provided an escape from everything allowing me a couple hours away with Sophie and Rand!! I’ve loved all of these short novellas they provide us a escape when we might not have a ton of time to read. I look forward to reading more of them.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Forbidden Confessions series and it is a quick, steamy read that you want to dive into. Ms. Black has that je ne sais quoi when it comes to creating these realistic characters that readers can fall for and feel as if they are immersed in the plot. Rand is the sexy, alpha male bodyguard who is focused on his job which is currently protecting singing sensation Sophie when she returns to her hometown for a gig. However, things do not go as expected which thrusts the two into a dangerous situation. This is one of my favorites of the series and it is H.O.T! It will also leave you with the feeling of wanting Rand to guard your body…I hope that Rand’s brothers will get their stories told as well one day soon. : - ) I volunteered to read a copy of this book.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is a famous singer. Performing in a 4th of July parade in Texas, gunfire ensues, and Rand, Sophie's bodyguard sprints into action. Getting her out of the line of fire, Rand wisks Sophie off to a friend's house. This keeps them off the radar, and gives Rand time to investigate the attempt on Sophie's life. Being in close proximity does not help their attraction to each other, and after a while they give in. Boy, it is hot!!

This was a wonderful, quick, and seriously hot listen. I loved the dynamic between Sophie and Rand, and as they got to know each other, I fell in love w/both of them.

Jason Clarke is so good with his solo narration of this series of quickies from Shayla Black.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced by the Bodyguard is the 5th book in the Forbidden Confessions Series. This is a sexy as sin novella and it is full of romance, love, action and yes sex. This is also an instalove romance so you will need to suspend reality and just go with it and it can easily be read as a standalone!

This is Sophie Larsen and Rand Garrison’s story. Sophie is a singer and someone is out to kill her. Rand is filling in for a friend & is her bodyguard for an event when someone takes a shot at her from the crowd.

Their story continues as they fall for each other. I am really enjoying this Forbidden Confessions and it is great to fit in these short and sexy stories between longer books!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is a pop star and in town to be in a parade. Her normal bodyguard Rob, wasn't able to come today so he sent a replacement. His name is Rand and he's all business and no personality..so she thinks. He's hired to do a job, not be friends or anything else. He's quite the piece of eye candy!!

Everything is fine until bullets start flying and someone is specifically trying to kill her! Rand gets her out of there and they wind up at a friend's place that they use as a safe house. Rand must get to the bottom of who is trying to kill her. But, she's quite the distraction.

Great story! Quick and to the point....my favorite kind!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rand Garrison is an expert bodyguard: hyper-focused, alpha, gorgeous, and will do whatever it takes to protect his client. Sophie Larsen. blonde, beautiful pop star who's suddenly in great danger. Her regular bodyguard takes sick and Rand takes over and their attraction is strong. The danger happens quickly and I love how our amazing author draws you in immediately. Will Rand be able to protect Sophie and determine who is after her? Will they have a lasting relationship. This story is so creative, full of suspense, thrilling, fast-paced, and a beautiful romance. It is Shayla Black at her best.

[Sharon Kallenberger Marzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it--a lot.

According to Shayla Black, this is a series, of what she calls, night time novellas. They are short (60 to 100 pages) and can be read right before bed time. She's right, I started and completed Seduced by the BodyGuard within a few hours before bed.

I purchased this book to complete a reading challenge for my book club. It was a good choice. The book has a lot of story packed between these covers. I love the characters, and the chemistry between them is hot!

I'm going to order the rest of this series as I often need something to read that won't take a lot of time to complete. This fills that requirement.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short but extremely steamy book. Sophie and Rand heat up the pages in a combination of instant attraction and running from bullets. Yes, I said bullets. Hey he is a bodyguard so you know that she is in danger. While trying to keep Sophie safe, Rand gives in to what is building between them and one thing leads to another.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The mystery of who is trying to kill Sophie combined with what does she really want as far as her future is concerned made for a non stop action packed book.

[Kathy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Shayla Black. This is a quick read that is all about finding your true love in the most unusual places. Who knew that when Rand rescued Sophie from an assanation attempt that he'd fall madly in love? Sophie is a singer who's life has been led in the fast lane for quite awhile. She's starting to want more than the fame and fortune. Can Rand be just the thing she's looking for? Read the book to find out!

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayla Black wastes no time having you at the edge of your seat, surrounded by some fast paced action in Seduced By The Bodyguard. I've never met a Shayla character I didn't like. Rand Garrison and Sophie Larsen are no exceptions. He's the quintessential bodyguard: hyper-focused, stoic, gotgeous. She's the blonde, bombshell pop star who's suddenly thrust into danger. Together they are explosively HOT! This quick read is suspenseful, dramatic and steamy. What more could you ask for?

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and entertaining

I loved this quick read. Sofia and Rand are hot together and I could jot put this book down. Shayla black did not disappoint. The series is great and you don’t need to read all of them or in any type of order, although why do you not want to read everything by Shayla black. Seeing that these two find each other and fall in love is great and believable. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Allyson Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short little sexy read that can be read in a days time. Seduced By The Bodyguard was tempting, thrilling, and alluring. Perfect for a weekend read.

The wonderful idea behind the Forbidden Confession series by Shayla Black is that these books are all different in some way. They can all be read as a standalone and they always pack a punch of steamy, unforgettable scenes.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next Forbidden Confessions story, Seduced By The Bodyguard is a temptation no good romance reader wants to miss! Sexy, seductive, action packed with a great storyline, this is the perfect read for a chilly fall night.

I easily fell in love with these amazing characters and story. Its an unforgettable treat and one I am excited about reading again in the near future. An easy FIVE SMOKING HOT STARS!

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where can I get a bodygaurd

Despite being a short book this story has all the things a good story needs. Suspense, danger, sexual tension and a dash of humor. These characters are just adorable. I love Shaylas writing style and this story is no exception. Each and every one of her stories has its own flair and feel! And they always end up being fantastic. This one is another 5 star read for me.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect what you love...

Who wouldn't want to be protected by a gorgeously hot bodyguard? Rand is asked by his friend to safeguard Sophie who has someone out to kill her. Sophie and Rand are immediately drawn to each other and this book has steam off the charts. There are lots of twists and turns trying to find out whodunit. A short sexy and suspenseful read with a happy ending.

[Purple-pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Shayla Black.
Sophie, a pop icon. Needs a bodyguard.
Rand is asked by a friend to help out.
This story is not too long.
It does pack a sexy punch.
Will Rand keep her safe?
Will Sophie tell Rand how he makes her feel.
Will the person who is responsible for the gunshots get caught?
Lots going on. You won't put it down.

[Bethani Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Bodyguard is the 5th book in the Forbidden Confessions Series. This is Sophie and Rand’s story. When Rand was asked to protect Sophie he never expected to fall for the women he is protecting. Will Rand be able to keep the women he is quickly falling for safe. Another great story In the series!!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but sexy read from the awesome Ms Shayla Black.
Rand is the ultimate sexy as sin bodyguard. Sophie needs him to guard her body but can she guard her heart?
Mystery, danger and sexual attraction come together and create a HEA for this couple.
Whether it's a short story or a full novel Shayla Black can spin a story like no other!