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Black Hawke Security #2
The Bodyguard
Ryder Donavan has sworn to protect her, no matter the cost. Even if that means his own life. Yet, he never anticipated the steep price he'd pay.
I take one look at Scarlett Sinclair and remind myself she’s a job. I’m not here to seduce her, as tempting as those full lips and shapely hips are.
I’m here to protect her.
She’s a diva, if the media are right. They rarely are. She’ll soon learn that despite her wealth and fame I’m now in charge of her life. Every single minute of it.
If she wants to stay alive.
__
No one tells me what to do. Not my manager. Not the producers. Nor my controlling father.
And certainly not this stupidly oversized, tattooed soldier who thinks he can run his smoldering blue eyes over the length of my body and order me around.
He works for me. And I have a job to do.
Ryder just needs to keep whoever wants to kill me away. Surely, he can do that from a distance so I can stop imagining him lying me flat on my back while I beg him to…
He just needs to do his job.
Then leave.
Black Hawke Security is a steamy private security romance with spice and tons of suspense and action. If you love former military and special ops alphas who fall for sassy heroines, then you’ll love this series. Each book can be read as a standalone and has a happy ever after.
I take one look at Scarlett Sinclair and remind myself she’s a job. I’m not here to seduce her, as tempting as those full lips and shapely hips are.
I’m here to protect her.
She’s a diva, if the media are right. They rarely are. She’ll soon learn that despite her wealth and fame I’m now in charge of her life. Every single minute of it.
If she wants to stay alive.
__
No one tells me what to do. Not my manager. Not the producers. Nor my controlling father.
And certainly not this stupidly oversized, tattooed soldier who thinks he can run his smoldering blue eyes over the length of my body and order me around.
He works for me. And I have a job to do.
Ryder just needs to keep whoever wants to kill me away. Surely, he can do that from a distance so I can stop imagining him lying me flat on my back while I beg him to…
He just needs to do his job.
Then leave.
Black Hawke Security is a steamy private security romance with spice and tons of suspense and action. If you love former military and special ops alphas who fall for sassy heroines, then you’ll love this series. Each book can be read as a standalone and has a happy ever after.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
About the author
Juliette N. Banks
69 books456 followersJuliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.
If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!
Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.
If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!
Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 24, 2025
This book would get a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating if I hadn't had to pay $6.99. Just not worth it. I auto-rate 2 stars if I finished the book, but this book should be on KU. I'd quickly read the rest in series if they were all on KU.
This plot jumped around too much. Irritating for anyone other than MMC and FMC to have a chapter in first person voice. Distracting to keep track of side plot lines.
Also disappointing that book ends so abruptly at about 80%, rest of pages dedicated to promoting other books by author. Low value when 1/5 of book not even part of the story. This book blatantly in last 1/3 had chapter in POV of FMC from future book. WTF?
Cute enough steamy HEA, but not at that price.
This plot jumped around too much. Irritating for anyone other than MMC and FMC to have a chapter in first person voice. Distracting to keep track of side plot lines.
Also disappointing that book ends so abruptly at about 80%, rest of pages dedicated to promoting other books by author. Low value when 1/5 of book not even part of the story. This book blatantly in last 1/3 had chapter in POV of FMC from future book. WTF?
Cute enough steamy HEA, but not at that price.
February 21, 2025
Quick, spicy read… just what I needed between heavy period dramas. The story and spice were good, loved the MCs, but parts of it felt rushed and I was left wanting more in some scenes. If you enjoy celebrity & bodyguard forbidden love, this is a good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
I dove straight into this book the moment I finished *The Seal*, and Ryder’s story did not disappoint. I’ve been eager to continue this series, and this installment felt like a perfect step forward in the world the author has created. Knowing there’s only one more book left makes me both excited and a little sad—though I’d happily read many more stories set in this universe.
This story gave me strong bodyguard-romance energy, with a cinematic feel that immediately pulled me in. Unlike the slower burn of the previous book, this one jumps right into the tension, and I loved how unapologetic it was about the attraction between Ryder and Savannah. The chemistry between them is intense from the start, simmering just beneath the surface, and the dual insight into their thoughts made everything feel sharper and more immersive. You could practically feel the pull they were trying—and failing—to resist.
What really worked for me was how deeply the story explored both characters. Their histories, their fears, and the lives that shaped them were woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level. The buildup wasn’t just physical; it was emotional too, which made the moment they finally gave in that much more powerful.
The danger element added a darker edge, especially once the source of the threats became clear. The tension ramped up quickly, and the antagonist felt genuinely unsettling. Every chapter carried a mix of unease, passion, and anticipation that kept the pages turning. When Ryder finally lets his emotional walls crumble, you see a completely different side of him—raw, honest, and incredibly compelling. Savannah’s vulnerability was just as impactful, allowing readers to see beyond her fame and into who she truly is as a person.
Together, they formed a relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual support, which made their connection feel real and earned. The story balanced romance, suspense, and emotional depth beautifully, and I loved experiencing the mystery alongside them—even if I had my suspicions early on. This book delivered on every level, and I’m more than ready to jump into next ones.
This story gave me strong bodyguard-romance energy, with a cinematic feel that immediately pulled me in. Unlike the slower burn of the previous book, this one jumps right into the tension, and I loved how unapologetic it was about the attraction between Ryder and Savannah. The chemistry between them is intense from the start, simmering just beneath the surface, and the dual insight into their thoughts made everything feel sharper and more immersive. You could practically feel the pull they were trying—and failing—to resist.
What really worked for me was how deeply the story explored both characters. Their histories, their fears, and the lives that shaped them were woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level. The buildup wasn’t just physical; it was emotional too, which made the moment they finally gave in that much more powerful.
The danger element added a darker edge, especially once the source of the threats became clear. The tension ramped up quickly, and the antagonist felt genuinely unsettling. Every chapter carried a mix of unease, passion, and anticipation that kept the pages turning. When Ryder finally lets his emotional walls crumble, you see a completely different side of him—raw, honest, and incredibly compelling. Savannah’s vulnerability was just as impactful, allowing readers to see beyond her fame and into who she truly is as a person.
Together, they formed a relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual support, which made their connection feel real and earned. The story balanced romance, suspense, and emotional depth beautifully, and I loved experiencing the mystery alongside them—even if I had my suspicions early on. This book delivered on every level, and I’m more than ready to jump into next ones.
July 6, 2024
Finally! Ryder’s story is here and I feel like it’s been forever since I finished The Seal. I was excited to read the next installment. I’ve been itching for this series to come out and can’t believe there’s only one book left after this one, unless she decides to write more from this world which I would be ecstatic about. Anyway, this book gave me vibes from the movie The Bodyguard even though I haven’t seen it yet but am aware of the story and plot. This one didn’t beat around the bush like the last book did and I loved the anticipation between Ryder and Savannah. There was always that hidden chemistry and lust sizzling under the surface between both of them and we are told in great detail just what thoughts they were both having. It helped stir the pot and move the book along, bringing you into their world and what they are thinking. You knew about Ryder and Savannah, their past and upbringing always filling you in and drawing you to them. I felt this throughout the whole book. I felt the arousal between them and I also felt the emotions they were holding back and the moment they gave into them. I felt the fear once you find out where the threats came from and how unhinged the person was. There was suspense, mystery, seduction, steam and fire in every page and I loved the ride I was on. When Ryder opens up and allows his feelings to push through, you saw him and his true self. Damn if that wasn’t a turn on and when he lets his guard down. Savannah did the same thing, you got to witness Savannah the person and not Savannah the movie star. Both of them were good people and had their insecurities but they supported each other in them and encouraged conversation about it. They had this open trust between each other that I got sucked into and drawn to. I really enjoyed this book, it had all the feels but also all the suspense and fear that Ryder and Savannah didn’t have a hard time admitting and coming to terms to. It was a mystery and I loved solving it with them, even though I had a feeling who it was all this time. I can’t wait for the next book!
May 17, 2025
Another Black Hawke bodyguard
Ryder St. James is ex special ops and feels he is much better suited for security than a " bodyguard ". Josh Hawke has a client Savannah Sinclair who needs a bodyguard since hers died of a heart attack. Ryder spies her at Josh's wedding but didn't realize that she was his next assignment until Monday morning. He follows her all.over with interviews and fights off adoring fans. He has it out for Savannah's leading man. Gina and Briar are Savannah's PAs. They do whatever is necessary. Gina is her best friend who lost her job and Savannah offered her the position. They have been falling behind but need to catch up. Savannah's family only wants her money. Ryder is smitten over Savannah from the very beginning. Same rule. You don't sleep with the client. Ryder broke that rule real fast. They became close quickly and then Savannah started receiving messages telling her to stop sleeping with her co-star. Ryder is on red alert. When he figures it out he can't reach her. He heads to her home but can't get in. He hears a gunshot and climbs the fence. Shook, he finds Savannah in a pool of blood. Spoiler, you have to read it to find out what happens.
Ryder St. James is ex special ops and feels he is much better suited for security than a " bodyguard ". Josh Hawke has a client Savannah Sinclair who needs a bodyguard since hers died of a heart attack. Ryder spies her at Josh's wedding but didn't realize that she was his next assignment until Monday morning. He follows her all.over with interviews and fights off adoring fans. He has it out for Savannah's leading man. Gina and Briar are Savannah's PAs. They do whatever is necessary. Gina is her best friend who lost her job and Savannah offered her the position. They have been falling behind but need to catch up. Savannah's family only wants her money. Ryder is smitten over Savannah from the very beginning. Same rule. You don't sleep with the client. Ryder broke that rule real fast. They became close quickly and then Savannah started receiving messages telling her to stop sleeping with her co-star. Ryder is on red alert. When he figures it out he can't reach her. He heads to her home but can't get in. He hears a gunshot and climbs the fence. Shook, he finds Savannah in a pool of blood. Spoiler, you have to read it to find out what happens.
July 26, 2024
Hot damn what a series
Ms Banks can write some great books featuring hot alpha men and strong female characters. This is book two of the BHS series and I couldn’t put this book down from the start. Ryder left the military after a woman & child was killed that he was supposed to protect. He joins BHS as a bodyguard but lets them know no women. He given the job to protect a famous actress named Savannah Sinclair. Savannah has a stalker who is ruin her if she doesn’t give up her costar. As they get to know each other they start have feelings. Ryder must find the stalker before something happens to he loses another woman. I fell in love with this couple. I hope you choose to read Ms Banks books bc you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for her next book called The Marine.
Ms Banks can write some great books featuring hot alpha men and strong female characters. This is book two of the BHS series and I couldn’t put this book down from the start. Ryder left the military after a woman & child was killed that he was supposed to protect. He joins BHS as a bodyguard but lets them know no women. He given the job to protect a famous actress named Savannah Sinclair. Savannah has a stalker who is ruin her if she doesn’t give up her costar. As they get to know each other they start have feelings. Ryder must find the stalker before something happens to he loses another woman. I fell in love with this couple. I hope you choose to read Ms Banks books bc you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for her next book called The Marine.
June 25, 2024
I just finished The Bodyguard by Juliette N Banks and met Ryder and Savannah, my newest favorite couple. They are about as opposite as you can get when it comes to family and background stories but when they come together there is no denying how right they are for each other.
He protects her in every way and she frees him of past burdens to allow him to love. And boy, does he love!! They face some threats head on and all you can do is hang on to the edge of your seat hoping they can figure out who the threat is so they may have their chance for their HEA. Do not miss reading this love story!
He protects her in every way and she frees him of past burdens to allow him to love. And boy, does he love!! They face some threats head on and all you can do is hang on to the edge of your seat hoping they can figure out who the threat is so they may have their chance for their HEA. Do not miss reading this love story!
December 16, 2025
Ryder St James (age 33) manages the bodyguard services teams for Black Hawke Security. After a decade of working at the most top-secret level, he was ready for an easier life.
Savannah Sinclair (age 28) is one of the biggest actresses in the world right now. Her blockbuster movie has just hit the screens and her longtime bodyguard had a heart attack so she needs new security.
Ryder and Savannah have an instant connection and though he tries to resist he can’t control himself. I enjoyed Ryder’s inner monologue especially his jealous thoughts around co-star James 😂
There is spice, sweet moments and a nice HEA.
Savannah Sinclair (age 28) is one of the biggest actresses in the world right now. Her blockbuster movie has just hit the screens and her longtime bodyguard had a heart attack so she needs new security.
Ryder and Savannah have an instant connection and though he tries to resist he can’t control himself. I enjoyed Ryder’s inner monologue especially his jealous thoughts around co-star James 😂
There is spice, sweet moments and a nice HEA.
October 17, 2025
Love Should Be Free
Savannah is a movie star. New in the business, but bright, caring, and a nominee for the Global Award. And ..... she needs a bodyguard. Ryder sees her at a wedding and after a brief flirt, realizes she's his new client. Their journey is filled with a mystery to solve and the realization that you don't pay for family to love you. No cheating or cliffhanger. It's obvious who the bad guy is, but a surprise on how it's revealed. You also get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
Savannah is a movie star. New in the business, but bright, caring, and a nominee for the Global Award. And ..... she needs a bodyguard. Ryder sees her at a wedding and after a brief flirt, realizes she's his new client. Their journey is filled with a mystery to solve and the realization that you don't pay for family to love you. No cheating or cliffhanger. It's obvious who the bad guy is, but a surprise on how it's revealed. You also get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
June 13, 2024
Hold on to your hats and be ready for some explosive chemistry. Ryder and Savannah have some serious communication issues they need to overcome but physically they are unbelievably in tune. There is a crazy stalker/fan who takes things too far. Can Ryder protect everybody’s favorite heart throb actress in time or will he fail his mission like last before? Guess you’ll just have to read it to find out.
July 4, 2024
Wow! Great 2nd in Series!
The Bodyguard, written by Juliette N. Banks, is the second book in the Black Hawke Security series; steamy military romances. This book was such a wonderful read! Ryder and Savannah's story is hot, steamy, super sexy but also has an excellent storyline with depth, real emotion, and serious hidden danger but a happily ever after. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
The Bodyguard, written by Juliette N. Banks, is the second book in the Black Hawke Security series; steamy military romances. This book was such a wonderful read! Ryder and Savannah's story is hot, steamy, super sexy but also has an excellent storyline with depth, real emotion, and serious hidden danger but a happily ever after. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
July 11, 2024
Sizzling and Sensational! This is how I would describe Juliette’s second book in her new Military series. Ryder and Savannah have a connection that sizzles on the page and their interactions make you blush 😊 This book is filled with angst, suspense and a whole lot of drama and I’m here for it! After going through a lot of emotional turmoil, they finally get their HEA. Excited for Aidan’s story, which is the third book in this series 🥰🤗❤️
November 27, 2024
Ryder And Savannah
If you like strong, protective, possessive ex-military men this series is just what you want to read. At least, I do! There is always a HEA, but not guaranteed without any problems. Reading it, it reminded me of the movie with the same name, but with a lot more steamy scenes. I liked Ryder already in the first book, The SEAL, and he didn’t disappoint. Savannah is sweet and lonely – and hugely successful. And Max is just lovable! Enjoyed it.
If you like strong, protective, possessive ex-military men this series is just what you want to read. At least, I do! There is always a HEA, but not guaranteed without any problems. Reading it, it reminded me of the movie with the same name, but with a lot more steamy scenes. I liked Ryder already in the first book, The SEAL, and he didn’t disappoint. Savannah is sweet and lonely – and hugely successful. And Max is just lovable! Enjoyed it.
June 30, 2024
Ryder and Savannah heat up the pages from the get go. Their insta lust is through the roof and will singe your fingers as you get into their story. As always an amazing story with characters you want to read about from now until the end of time. Juliette continues to give us stories that grab us from the beginning and leave us wanting more.
May 4, 2025
I just can’t get enough of Juliette N. Banks!!!
First I read the stories of the Dufort Dynasty and then turned to the Black Hawke Security series. It has all been absolutely IN - credible and I give kudos to Ms. Banks for exceptional writing and intriguing story lines. It’s all wonderfully enjoyable.
First I read the stories of the Dufort Dynasty and then turned to the Black Hawke Security series. It has all been absolutely IN - credible and I give kudos to Ms. Banks for exceptional writing and intriguing story lines. It’s all wonderfully enjoyable.
November 2, 2025
DNF. I read until 13% but I am not feeling any of the characters or the writing style. There's also a distinctly British voice in the writing that keeps pulling me out of the story (like the main character "ringing" her dad), given the setting appears to be the US. It's not awful, I just don't think it's for me.
June 17, 2024
This story will make your heart smile.
Ryder is PERFECTION!
Hunky, smirky, and mooshy deep down inside 💙
And Savannah is so deserving of his love and all the happiness !
I didn't want this one to end.
Ryder is PERFECTION!
Hunky, smirky, and mooshy deep down inside 💙
And Savannah is so deserving of his love and all the happiness !
I didn't want this one to end.
July 10, 2024
Steamy
Wow, Juliette delivers once again, with a story that keeps u hooked and reading. It delivers drama and spice all atthe same time. I can't wait for the Marine to come out! Absolutely love this series.
Wow, Juliette delivers once again, with a story that keeps u hooked and reading. It delivers drama and spice all atthe same time. I can't wait for the Marine to come out! Absolutely love this series.
July 10, 2024
I’ve read all of Juliette’s book but Ryder… is the ultimate dream guy who finally share his vulnerability with Savannah by telling her the reason of his PTSD. He’s an alpha male dominant and probably the dream of many ladies (including me lol)
It’s a short summer read
It’s a short summer read
August 3, 2024
Another great sizzling hot love story. This time we have Ryder and Savannah. A movie star with an emotional abusive relationship with her family and a conniving jealous friend from school days. Same recipe, but different ingredients and it works perfectly. Looking forward to the next book
June 16, 2025
These are pretty good, but my ratings are so skewed at this point. This was good, I love a bodyguard romance situation. I knew it was the friend the whole time but that’s fine I almost prefer that than when they pull some weird twist out of nowhere that doesn’t make sense. ANYWAY on to the next.
October 11, 2025
A testosterone fest
Ok, I get it…big, brawny ex-military guy, so handsome women stop and stare. All that testosterone makes him a dominating sexual beast, blah, blah, blah. I like the premise of the story…bodyguard and famous actress, but all the testosterone was too OTT for me.
Ok, I get it…big, brawny ex-military guy, so handsome women stop and stare. All that testosterone makes him a dominating sexual beast, blah, blah, blah. I like the premise of the story…bodyguard and famous actress, but all the testosterone was too OTT for me.
October 5, 2024
sexy as hells bells
Juliette has done it again, she out does herself every new book. I’m loving this series…. Can hardly wait for the Aidans book
Juliette has done it again, she out does herself every new book. I’m loving this series…. Can hardly wait for the Aidans book
November 27, 2024
These characters are hilarious.
Juliette did her think with this one too. I am enjoying Juliette's writing.
Off to start the THE MARINE.
Juliette did her think with this one too. I am enjoying Juliette's writing.
Off to start the THE MARINE.
January 17, 2025
A new trope would have been nice, I hope the next book isn't another stalker.
March 20, 2025
An extremely well written book that has it all . An easy read that has you gripped from being to end with a few twists along the way.
May 9, 2025
3.5 rounded up- quick, fun, (free) read
June 5, 2025
3/5 🌶️
Though the mystery was so easily solvable but at least they banged and it began with the washing machine!
Though the mystery was so easily solvable but at least they banged and it began with the washing machine!
shelved-back-tbr-again
September 19, 2025shelved back a 34%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews