Don't Fall For A Bodyguard

Wayward Lane Backstage #2

by Ava Olsen

Payton As a celebrity hairstylist for the rock band Wayward Lane, I’m used to late nights and big parties. One moment, I’m celebrating the band’s world tour announcement in Vegas, the next, I’m waking up with a ring on my finger and a blushing bodyguard in my bed. I’ve been flirting with Lennie Rizzoli for over a year but I never thought it would go anywhere, least of all down the aisle. But getting married isn’t the real shocker; I think I’m in love with my husband.

Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard is a MM romance and the second novella in the Wayward Lane Backstage rockstar romance universe. A tongue-tied bodyguard & a sharp-mouthed hairstylist, waking up married, HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Novella, LGBT, Contemporary, Romance, Found Family

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2024

About the author

Ava Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.

Reviews

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE the 'woke up married' trope and here it's paired with the sweetest bodyguard who doesn't think the flirty stylist would actually be interested in him because he thinks he's out of his league 🥺

There's not too much depth given the short length of this story but I ate it all up! Spicy & fluffy and a great pallet cleanser after boring read. Lennie is the absolute best and i will not be told otherwise. 🥺

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’ve read all the books in this series now and this one is my least favourite but it was still an enjoyable read. There wasn’t much to do with rock stars in this book, so just be aware if starting. I really enjoyed Lennie and Payton as characters. I know it’s a novella but was just hoping for more with their story. However, if you’re reading through the series I definitely recommend to see all the side characters from other books!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MM romance novella with Bodyguard x Hairstylist who "oops, woke up married in Vegas"!
This was a fun, fast-paced, sweet book. Loved Payton & Lennie! Devoured my #ARC in around 2hrs.

Payton is celebrity Hairstylist. He's flirty, femme, talkative & charming. P wants love but after past hurts...somewhat fears it too.
Leonardo "Lennie" is WL's Bodyguard. He's focused, stoic, protective but gets tongue-tied & blushy around P 🤭.

They've been flirting for a year (In WL's main books lol) & I'm happy to see them finally let the other in...Even if after the chaos of getting drunk married 🤣.

The story is fast, happening in a short frame of time. I liked to see the 2 react to their new situation, the overwhelm, feelings no longer hidden, fears, the long overdue "I want you, fr" talk! They're hot together 🤭. Loved them! I adore this band haha.

P.s. I do wonder if L's tell his mom the truth 🤔😆.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🤭😉😳🙃🤗😗🤣😅😔🥵🥺😋🥰
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Crushes & Wake up Married) 4/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet quick read. I actually borrowed it by accident but decided to read it anyway because I’ve enjoyed Ava Olson’s books in the past. I love a big strong man like Lennie. Payton is certainly a fun character as well. I never had any desire to dress so provocatively, but I admire someone who does. My only complaint was it’s too short.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Fall For A Bodyguard is the second book in the Wayward Lane Backstage series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy both. This is the story of Payton the hairstylist for the rock band Wayward Lane and Lennie a bodyguard. These two accidentally get married in Vegas and the fun continues from there. I love watching these two figure everything out after their drunken I do's. This book was just a quick fun novella. I loved all the books in the Wayward Lane series and it was great to see Payton and Lennie after we saw peaks of them. I would definitely recommend this book and the whole Wayward Lane series.

[li (stupid canadian wolf bird fanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Ava write and this was no exception. It was so much fun and sweet, and I do love accidental weddings and also falling in love quickly. Payton is such a sweetie together with Lennie. I will say though the real star was Finnigan and I will go to war for him. When do we get his book???

[Demian Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

[Natalia Forciniti · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 7/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: -/5 🤣: 3/5

Relationship dynamic: Male - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual

Tropes:
❤️ Accidental marriage
💚 Opposites

“One year of Payton’s teasing was too much for this bodyguard to handle.”

(ESP) Como siempre Ava nos trae una novela con personajes entrañables y un ritmo que nos hace leerla de una sentada.
Si bien puede leerse de manera separada, aquellos que leímos Wayward Lane venimos disfrutando de las graciosas interacciones entre Payton y Lennie. Ambos son muy bellos juntos! Siendo totalmente opuestos, disfrute mucho de ver como se complementan a la perfección.
Quedé completamente enamorada de Lennie y su familia.
Una lectura breve y muy divertida.

(ENG) Ava has done it again! She's brought us another wonderful novel with characters we can't help but love and a pace that makes us read it in one sitting.
While you can read it as a standalone, those of us who read Wayward Lane have come to enjoy the hilarious interactions between Payton and Lennie. Being total opposites, I really enjoyed watching them complement each other perfectly.
I absolutely fell in love with Lennie and his family!
A quick and enjoyable read.

💜 I'm so grateful to the author for sending me the eArc of this book! 💜

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY, It happened to me

Lennie and Payton have been a long time coming. Unlike the other couples, these two have been circling each other for a bit and now we finally know more about their individual stories.

Lennie is so serious as a former military now bodyguard for Wayward Lane. He comes from a large Italian family and he's been awestruck by Payton from Day 1. Payton is an extraordinary makeup artist for Wayward Lane. He's confident and not afraid to be himself and he's been flirting with Lennie since Day 1.

After a night out in Vegas with the band, the guys wake up together with some new accessories. They guys decide to play into their new positions and hope to rectify everything once back in Nashville. Well the Rizzolis invade Nashville and the truth is getting further and further from reality. Feelings also begin to blur with the guys and their chemistry is explosive.

While I love these two, the real stars of this story are Finnegan and Nonna. They are too cute and know the real love that these two are trying to deny.

I am seriously loving this story and I cannot wait to read more about the goings on Backstage.

[ShelfLife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, steamy, feel-good novella that was a great palette cleanser for me. I’ve not read any other book in this series/universe, so I knew nothing about these characters, but I didn’t feel lost as this was such a short story and didn’t revolve around a main band character.

A few typos here and there, but otherwise written well. And the steamy moments were great. I felt connection, emotions, and love between the MCs even in such a short novella, which is a testament to the author’s storytelling ability.

My only minor gripe is that there’s mention of their rings not being able to be removed, then that’s never explained or brought up again. I can’t decide if it was meant to be literal or that they emotionally couldn’t be removed 🤔 Ejther way, it wasn’t described/explained well.

I doubt I’ll read more in this series, because the rock/musician romance trope isn’t my preference, but I think anyone who does enjoy that trope, you’d like this series/universe! And it got me interested in other books by this author.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read the Wayward Lane series, you know the band's sassy stylist, Payton Delaine. From the moment he graced the page, I love Payton. He is sweet, funny, kind, and happy. He is a consummate flirt, which was often the cause of short-lived jealousy between MCs in the other books. But it's all in good fun, which is why Lennie never took him seriously, until they ended up married after a night out in Vegas.

Lennie is the perfect guy. He cooks, he's protective, he's sweet, and he's built. He treats Payton like royalty and wants him to only ever be himself, something Payton hasn't experienced in past relationships. But Lennie doesn't see what a catch he is and doesn't believe at first that Payton could ever really want him, a misunderstanding that Payton is too happy to clear up.

I loved their sweet, steamy, fun story, and I was so happy to see these two get their HEA. It was a quick take on the married in Vegas trope.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! The story of Lennie and Payton is filled with love, laughter, one wild night in Vegas and is an absolute must read! The two wake up to find themselves married and not quite sure how it happened other than there was more than a few shots involved. Their journey to their happily ever after begins here and it is an absolute joy to see just how Payton catches the man he’s been after for quite some time. While there is a bump or two, the road is filled with great friends, supportive coworkers, an antisocial cat who turns out to be a traitor and one unforgettable Italian family that add the icing on the cake of this amazing story! All is well in the end and I can’t wait to read what happens next!!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read a novella featuring Payton, the flirtatious hairdresser from Wayward Lane, and Lennie, the band's bodyguard. Payton has always been playful, but Lennie never showed any signs of his crush—until a wild, drunken night in Vegas, where they somehow end up married without remembering how it happened!

I’ve loved Payton from the earlier books—he's such a fun character. I was so excited to dive into this story, and it didn’t disappoint. The series follows different couples, so while this novella can be read as a standalone, starting from book one is a must. You get to see each couple throughout the books, and trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s a fantastic series!

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

- waking up married
- novella

This is set in the world of Wayward Lane, and I was so happy to read Payton and Lennie's story. I've been aware of them all through the main series, and this was perfect for them. After a year of flirting and some obvious interest on both sides, after one drunken night in Vegas, Lennie and Payton wake up married and decide to make a go of it. These two were hot, sweet and perfect for each other.

I loved seeing the Wayward Lane boys again as background to this story, it was so much fun being back in that world again and I'm always here for more stories with the boys. This was hot, sweet and just perfect.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute novella in the Wayward Lane universe. A mutual pinning, two people who don't talk about what they want and a "waking up married" scenario.

I love these two, they are perfect for each other as they bring the best out of the other one. There is a lot of hurt hidden behind Payton's attitude and it's so great to see how Lenny is just loving him the way he is, femboy and all.

It's a bit of a cliche story but not in a bad way. It's a book you want to snuggle up with when real life gets too much and you just want to enjoy the story.

Despite bing a novella, the characters are well written, have background and depth. The crazy gang of Wayward Lane is all there and Lenny's family is just great.

I hope the author will continue writing in this world.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Just delightful.

My favourite part was they both had a ‘no way I could be so lucky for them to actually like me’ attitude. It was entirely endearing.

Both Lennie and Payton were wonderful, though never hand your phone over to Payton! LOL. There was a soft comfort to their romance, with a number of funny moments that helped push them together. Think Italian family!

Such a wonderful little story.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 This was a fun “what happens in Vegas … uh, actually happened?” story, lol. I’ve been intrigued by Payton and Lennie since we first saw them interact, so it was awesome to see them get their own story. Despite the short format, I thought we had some good progression from their interest but uncertainty to determined to figure out how to make things work for real. I liked Lennie’s family, Payton’s kitten, and of course all the Wayward Lane boys and entourage. I loved how Lennie accepted Payton just as he was (and Payton did the same). They’re a cute couple!

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I loved this fluff fest a whole bunch. This was a fun and fast read with two true lovely characters. I don’t usually like the wake up married trope- but this I loved. I think it worked for me because there is real heart under all the fluff. I really felt Peyton’s loneliness snd Lennie’s insecurity, so rooting for them was super easy. A pretty perfectly executed low angst, charming novella. Peyton and Lennie are amazing together - Loved it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has been building for a while now, Payton enjoys flirting with everyone, but especially Lennie as he seems so shy until a drunken night out in Vegas. These guys were so sweet together with great chemistry. There is really very little angst here. A little miscommunication, a lot of trying to do the right thing, some laugh out loud moments and a lot of steam. I really enjoyed this novella and am looking forward to the next

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of “WTF? We got married last night?”-Vegas stories. They are so fun and hilarious. Payton and Lenny are so cute together. Throwing in Lenny’s family and Payton’s cat and it was a perfect little novella. Easy to read in one sitting and entertaining from start to finish. You can easily read this as a standalone, but reading all the books connected will definitely enhance your experience!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for a femme MC and love an accidental marriage trope, so had to grab this one. It's a cute premise and once they get going it's high heat. Definitely recommend if you're in the market for a cute and steamy novella with a big bodyguard, a femme hairstylist, and some cameos from the rest of the series.

[Kaija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!
I love these two so much!

Payton is so amazing and unapologetically himself which is amazing and after a drunk wedding where he marries Lennie (which spoiler they both want each other) it seems almost meant to be!

Lennie has a loud family and the way they accept Payton into their family was amazing! Definitely an amazing story for my MM romance lovers

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Fall for a Bodyguard is the second book in the Wayward Lane Backstage series and can be read as a standalone but I think it's better in order. This is a sweet, short, accidental marriage read about hairstylist Payton and bodyguard Lennie. Really enjoyed this wonderful story with great characters.

[Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payton and Lennie were both adorably insecure in each other's affections. Knowing them as side characters from another series helped me connect with them even more, though this can be read as a standalone just fine. Their relationship starts off with a rash, drunken Vegas wedding, but the confidence they gain in each other's company is cute as they realize they are a perfect match.

[Amity Tribby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops...We're Married

Payton and Lennie have been circling for ages but weren't moving anywhere. I think it is fantastic that they got married and it drove them to admit their feelings. Sometimes people need a push in order to take the leap. It is understandable when you have fear and experience that drives it. I love these two and I am glad Payton finally dived in.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Lennie and Payton getting their HEA. Oopsie we got married by accident. We’ve watched these two tiptoe around each other while on tour with the band.

I adored Lennies family and the way the guys realized hey I’m really in love and want to be married. It was great to see with Wayward guys as well

Great novella

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella makes good use of likable characters and some fun, recognizable tropes: waking up married (in Vegas, no less) for the win. It’s a fast, enjoyable read with plenty of sweetness and chemistry.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a Romantic Read

Lennie and Payton have been crushing on each other for over a year hit both too scared to do anything about it. One wild night of alcohol changes everything. Well written with a great storyline, loveable characters drama steam and romance, a lovely read

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty easy fluffy accidental wedding novella. I thought Payton and Lennie were both super likable guys and everything, even marriages happen for a reason! My favorite parts were with Lennie's family though! They were a handful of loudness and reminded me so much of my crazy family!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Payton & Lennie

I enjoyed this one right from the start. Payton and Lennie were so perfect for each other. It was such a cute story to read. I especially liked the family dinner.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion