Spring Break with a Bodyguard: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance

by Liz Durano

She's trying to prove herself. He's trying to protect her. Falling in love was never part of the plan.

Theodora "Teddy" Hollister has one chance to show her powerful family she's more than just a social media three weeks working undercover as a housekeeper at their beachfront hotel. No special treatment, no shortcuts, just hard work and bleach-scented humility.

Javier Conrad, elite security specialist and former Navy SEAL, is less than thrilled about his new assignment babysitting the boss's cousin. The grumpy bodyguard expects a pampered princess who'll quit after one broken nail. Instead, he finds a determined woman with a genuine smile who's working harder than anyone to prove herself.

But when a hotel theft ring targeting unsuspecting guests leads to another PR nightmare, they’ll have to decide what matters more—protecting their hearts or risking everything for a chance at something real.

Perfect for fans of grumpy-sunshine romance and protective heroes with hearts of gold, Spring Break with a Bodyguard delivers steamy tension, heartfelt growth, and the irresistible chemistry of opposites attracting.

Genres: Forced Proximity

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Liz writes emotional angsty romance and women's fiction. When she's not writing, she's usually stepping all over her son's Legos.

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Reviews

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Teddy found out the truth, she needed to shift her reality and not to be the family disappointment. Javi works security for the family, but when he is reassigned to "protect" Teddy, his assignment opens his eyes to what he did not see.

Good fast read with a bit of mystery and hint of passion the ignites the pages.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivien Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

FindIng forever!

I loved Teddy and Javi, their from bodyguard to boyfriend story also had a little intrigue and some down to earth shenanigans! The way Teddy wants to change and become more is something we all find within ourselves and this read also highlights the hard work many people do in the background! Thank you Liz for the love you put into this story

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy Hollister takes on a persona ,one Theresa Holden and starts at the bottom to make amends and to appease her own conscience at being the bane of her cousin’s existence a poor relative that has her squirming at her mother and the truth about who had exactly paid her way through school. And after a huge mistake in the company stakes she makes ,she decides to make amends and come good. Yes she can have a cosy office position but how will she learn? She wants to earn her living ,she wants to learn everything about the company from the ground up . She refuses to give in or mess up. “Look, I know what you both think of me.Poor little Teddy, playing at being an influencer, surrounded by people who only care about my last name and the doors it opens. And you’re not wrong.When I ran out of money, my so-called friends vanished faster than free champagne at a gallery opening. They just moved on to the next person who could get them into VIP sections.” So she’s sent to one of their . Her cousins Brogan and Preston have a deliberation and it’s decided upon but one is more apprehensive than the other. They look out for her though ,who heard of a maid with a bodyguard it’s absurd you know ,but she’s given her word and they have their’s,it’s just that they care so who is splitting hair .So there we are , the board doesn’t know and she goes somewhere where there’s not people in the know and so the disguise should be effective and her under her bodyguard to be protective. “Next week is spring break. Love Beach will be wild.” “The Sandpiper may be one of our smaller properties, but it’ll still be packed. Are you sure you’re ready for this, Teddy?” So here she is she can’t give up now ,plus she’s got Javier/ Javi Conrad bless his heart by her side anyhow. He’s more than capable of doing this job but he’s not best pleased at being taken off important profile duties to appease his bosses’ niece. Pulled off an executive protection detail to do something babysitting ,not befitting his status at all but duty is duty after all. Well we can see how it’s going and it’s an heady delight ,this to-ing and fro-ing is like dynamite heat , it is really neat. But get this ,there’s a twist we never saw coming and maybe this party IT girl can come good as well as becoming when there a crime syndicate happening as she understood . Because things are occurring and her and Javi are going to get to the bottom of it and of course their relationship builds and yields pleasure and some panting as well as treasure hunting …The storytelling is super compelling and the storyline sublime . Perfectly delivery every time. This story pulls you in and it’s as hot as sin good . Just as I knew that it would . It’s by Liz Durano see .

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's a housekeeper extraordinaire.

Theodora "Teddy" Hollister is working for her cousins, Preston Hollister, who, at thirty-four, runs the family's hotel empire with an iron fist, and his younger brother, Brogan. She had made a huge mistake, which had turned into a PR nightmare, when she tripled raised leases during the holiday season. She had been shadowing the assistant manager, Charles, at the time. Since she doesn't know much about the hotel business, she wants to start her training again, but this time at the bottom, in housekeeping, not upper management.

She just recently learned that her Aunt Elaine, Preston and Brogan's mother, paid for her schooling and has been supporting her and her mother. Her mother has been using her sister's money at the casinos. Teddy had been an influencer until her money ran out, as did her "friends" when the money was gone. Her Aunt Elaine and her cousins have been her only support system. Her mother has been busy molding herself into a trophy wife for her new tech billionaire husband.

They agree that, if she's going to use an alias while working in housekeeping, it would be better to work at one of their smaller hotels. Preston chooses the Sandpiper. Brogan's security company will watch over her. After three weeks, she'll return to resume shadowing Charles.

Javier "Javi" Conrad works at Brogan's security company. He's not happy at being taken off his current security assignment to babysit Teddy. After eight years as a SEAL, where Brogan had been his CO, this is a real comedown for him.

Something is going on at The Sandpiper. There's a series of thefts occurring at the hotel. It appears that someone on the housekeeping staff is involved. Who is involved, just one person from housekeeping? She and Javi are certain there are at least two or more persons involved. But how can they prove it? Teddy has a plan, not only to catch a thief, or thieves, but to revamp the entire housekeeping department. Not bad for a former party girl who's always been a screw-up.

I received an ARC of this book from from author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Bodyguard is part of the multi-authored Love Beach Spring Break Collection. It's a steamy, instalove with a slow-burn vibe, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, girl gets her bodyguard romance (with a touch of suspense). Theodora "Teddy" is a vibrant socialite who has fallen from grace a bit. She realizes she doesn't want to be that person anymore. Javier "Javi" is a hunky ex-SEAL turned security expert. He works for Preston, Teddy's cousin, who is a billionaire hotel owner. When Teddy asks her cousin to work in housekeeping for 3 weeks, undercover, in one of the hotels, he is dubious. He reluctantly agrees, not expecting her to take it seriously. He assigns Javi to be her bodyguard while undercover. Javi is not happy at first, thinking he's babysitting an entitled brat, albeit a very pretty one. But he realizes he misjudged her when he sees her determination and hard work. When items are being stolen in the hotel, they find themselves investigating. Who is behind the thefts? Will they find out, or will she be exposed? These two had such great chemistry. I loved how soft Javi was with her, and we got a very happy ending after the drama was resolved. I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does mystery, attraction, and intrigue interest you? Well then you will certainly want to put this exciting ebook. Teddy wants to prove herself with her Hollister relatives. So she starts at the bottom in housekeeping at one of their smaller hotels. Javier has been working as a body guatd for the Hollister CEO and is reassigned to protecting Teddy. He sees her beauty and knows about the problems she's caused. Javi has an attraction to her and finds that Teddy is more than he realizes. Teddy just wants to prove herself but she's finding she wants more from her bodyguard Javi. Will finding a purpose and connection bring Teddy and Javi closer together? Can Teddy stay professional with Javi or will her feelings for him cause her to cross a no return boundary? Does Javi finally admit that he can no longer fight his feelings for Teddy and does he acknowledge her worth and hard work? This truly fantastic author will have you involved from the beginning. I highly encourage you to get this spicy intriguing 5⭐️ hit. I loved it and so will you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy has the reputation of being selfish, causing scandals, with little understanding of the real world and how her actions impact others. To fix this and prove herself in her family's business, she asks to work as a housekeeper at one their small hotels. Reluctantly, her cousins agree, believing this will lead to more scandal (although not having read Preston and Brogan's stories, this reticent reaction didn't make as much sense as it might to those who have). They hire a bodyguard to look out for her. They have an instant connection, but Javi is reluctant to admit his opinion of her might be wrong. In the meantime, they realize all is not right in the hotel's operations.

This is an enjoyable read (as all the books that I have read in the spring break series) with just enough suspense to keep you turning pages. This is my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it enough that Preston and Brogan's stories are on mt TBR list.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Schellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heiress & The Bodyguard

Teddy has always lived a life of privilege, popular with her “friends” because of what she could give them. When everything suddenly goes away, so do they. After a PR nightmare that she caused with her cousins company, she is determined to show them that she is worth taking a chance on.
Javier has worked for the Hollister family for about a yr & been a team member of Brogan Hollister for many more in the Navy. His executive detail is keeping Preston safe, until they reassign him to watch over Teddy. She is entitled, impulsive & spoiled or at least that is the Teddy she has let everyone see.
Now undercover as a housekeeper to learn the business from the ground up, Teddy is learning that hard work is the key to success, but watching your back is just as important. Javi sees a completely different side of her as well. Watching her thrive in the position & learn to trust herself.
These two have a wonderful chemistry, spicy, exciting & heartfelt as well! Enjoy!

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner! Working in the hotel industry myself, I can relate to this story. Housekeepers don’t get enough credit for what they do. They encounter so much day to day when they are cleaning guests rooms. I praise Teddy (Theresa) for what she did. Starting at the bottom and not just inserting herself in her namesake, but seeing how hotel operations work. Teddy goes undercover.

When Javi, posing as hotel security, for Teddy, meet; I felt an instant attraction. They may not have admitted it right away, but I knew Javi would be a great protector. When items start going missing from guests’ rooms, Javi and Teddy are on a mission to stop the person or persons’ involved. Will they be able to do so? Wait til you find out! Also, will Teddy’s true identity be uncovered? In the end, what will happen with Javi and Teddy when everything is said and done? Can they actually have a relationship? You won’t want to miss it!

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Bodyguard is the story of Teddy and Javi. The chemistry between these two characters is absolutely incredible and breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of their story nor did I want to set this book down until I read the last page. I adored getting to know Teddy and Javi as well as witnessing their story come to life throughout the book. Spring Break with a Bodyguard is fabulously written, well balanced and beautifully executed by Liz Durano. She continues to showcase what a phenomenal author she is with each book I’ve read by her so far. In my opinion, she creates and writes phenomenal romances which I absolutely love reading her work. I would most certainly give this book as a suggestion for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I can’t wait to see what the next book from Liz Durano will be about.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposites attract

Spring Break with a Bodyguard by Liz Durano is part of the multi-author Love Beach Spring Break Collection. I have read a couple previous books by this author but am still getting to know her writing and story-telling styles. The story is nicely crafted and well written, with a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap, opposites attract book. The story is about Theodora "Teddy" Hollister and Javier Conrad. She has grown up in a wealthy family and has become a social media star. But she wants more and that means she is going to have to prove it to her family. Javier is a former Navy SEAL who now works as a bodyguard. The problem is that his newest assignment is for Teddy and he is not happy about it. The two of them may be drawn to each other but they have different goals which put them on different paths. That is until they have to come together to uncover a ring of thieves who seem to be targeting guests at her family's hotel.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy has been learning about the Hollister hotels from one of the managers, following him around, but has decided she needs to start at the bottom, in housekeeping. She persuades her cousins to let her try it for three weeks, at one of their smaller hotels. The deal is she has to have a bodyguard, Javi, while she's there.
She has a fake name and starts work, it's really hard but she perseveres. Javi realises that she isn't the spoilt socialite that he thought.
Then the hotel starts having thefts from the guests. A coincidence when the new girl has started, is someone trying to make sure that she's found guilty?
Javi and Teddy work together to find the real thief and try to not act on their feelings until she's completed her three weeks.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A great ending to the series from Liz.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very likeable characters!

I really enjoyed the main characters in this story. Teddy has something to prove to her cousins, as well as to herself. She's more than the "poor little rich kid" that people thinks she is. Wanting to learn more about the family hotel/hospitality business and to start at the bottom, she goes undercover as a maid at one of their hotels.
Enter Javi, the personal bodyguard of one of her cousins. He has been assigned to keep an eye on her while she's working as a maid (also undercover, but as a security guard).
Between some thefts at the hotel where she's working and getting set-up to look like the person responsible for it, she and Javi (Mr. disciplined ex-Navy SEAL) fall for each other. *SWOON*
It was a very enjoyable read. Another hit by Liz Durano.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A socialite influencer but poor wants to prove herself and her bodyguard.
She wants 3 weeks as housekeeper at one their minor hotels to learn the ropes before taking a Manger position. The bodyguard thinks she last a few days before giving in.
She turns to be the hardest new housekeeper.
But thefts start happening the same time she started. It looks they are going to make it like she is the thief. Which will be another PR fiasco.
What she dis not plan on , is falling for her bodyguard.
Will they risk everything yo find the real thief or thieves?
She and Manuel where quick with the flood in that room.
The manger is a real tool.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Javi has to play bodyguard to Teddy, who he thinks is just a spoiled rich brat. In reality, Teddy is trying to prove herself by working as a housekeeper in one of her cousin's hotels over Spring Break.

Teddy finds herself in the middle of a situation while working as a housekeeper. There are thefts happening at the hotel and she can see herself being set up for the fall. With Javi's help, she figures out what is happening and turns what could be a bad media situation into a positive for her and her career.

Along the way, Javi and Teddy fall into a relationship. I loved the slow burn between Teddy and Javi, as well as the banter and respect. Enjoy this short, spring break read!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Teddy and Javi as characters and enjoyed seeing them both discover Teddy's full potential. I believed in their connection and chemistry and liked seeing how they balanced everything that was happening with their feelings for each other. I liked the mystery, drama and seeing Teddy discover her inner strength and her values, she was more than she thought she was.
I've not read either of her cousin's stories so I don't know the full history there, but I liked seeing their reactions to what Teddy wanted to do, how she handled everything and who she became because of it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodyguard romance.
Teddy is a young and wealthy heiress who is done with her frivolous life. She decides to work as a maid in her cousin's hotel, but the latter decides that Javier, his bodyguard, keeps an eye on her.
Javier is the bodyguard of a wealthy family, when he is given the mission to watch over the beautiful Teddy, a party-loving heiress. While he sees this mission as a demotion, he begins to see Teddy's true face and to have budding feelings.
Will Teddy and Javier manage to connect and perhaps live a beautiful story...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy is determined to prove her worth at her cousins' hotel business by learning from the bottom up instead of being a socialite. She convinces her cousins to let her try housekeeping for 3 weeks to prove this. They agree but install Javi as her bodyguard while she is doing this. Instant sparks occur even though Javi always thought of her as a spoiled princess. Can these 2 bridge their differences and make it? Great shorter novel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Spring Break at Love Beach and this slow burn has a socialite transformed into housekeeping staff and a bodyguard pose as hotel security. Teddy discovers her authentic self while learning the family company from the ground up, with Javi keeping a careful watch. This has undercover work, secret identities, mystery, intrigue, amateur detectives and personal redemption mixed in with sweet romance and long awaited steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are short stories. I hate spoilers, so ya get the basics with me.
Tropes:
Workplace, small town, southern, military veteran, hotel, bodyguard, secret identity, seal, special forces, HEA romance.
Theodora (Teddy) wants to find a way to prove her worth to not only her family but the world.
Javier is a bodyguard for the Hollister family. He has become her security detail.

A huge thank you to Liz Durano and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy has gotten into trouble to many times and is now trying to prove e
Herself to her family before she takes on a major job role. She decides to work from the ground up to truely see how the hotel is run. Join Teddy as she works as a housekeeper to prove herself and learn the backbone of the business. Along the way falling for her security detail, uncovering a crime ring, and turning g the hotel business on its head. This was a fun read. Pick up your copy today.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break With A Bodyguard is part of the Love Beach Spring Break Collection.

I loved this one! Teddy is a bit of a loose cannon and doesn't really have her place in life, so she decides to start from the bottom of her families company so she can prove she can do something successfully. Along the way we get a mystery to solve of who is stealing from the hotel. Add some sparks flying with Javi as her protector and we've got a solid story.

This was perfection.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I admire Teddy for wanting to learn from the ground up. Javier is assigned as her protection. He wasn't happy at first but she impressed him. I liked how the teamed up to catch the thief and turned the tables on him when he tried to create a media sensation using Teddy. It was great how she turned it into a business boon and a way forward. I'm glad Javier and Teddy fell for each other.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another successful romance for a member of the esteemed Hollister family..the black sheep, the embarrassing socialite who does things wrong. Her determination to get things right is a huge learning curve for her and those around her. She is surprisingly strong inded and determined, especially gaining interest and admiration from her secret bodyguard. Life at The Sandpiper is definitely an eye opener.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy is undercover and Javi is too. When they connect its sparks and heat. It’s a wild ride to solve the mystery in the hotel. The added bonus is the secrets around these two. I couldn’t put it down and don’t want to share anything to ruin the story. It’s sucks you in from the beginning and leaves you happy. Great read in a couple of hours.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodora "Teddy" Hollister is trying to turn her life and reputation in the right direction by starting at the basics of the hotel industry. Javier, a former seal and now bodyguard is assigned to protect her. I enjoyed the slowburn and watching Teddy come into her own. A bit of suspense, tender moments, realizations, sleuthing,
undeniable chemistry and a lovely HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

Another fast-paced and quick to read novella in the Love Beach Springbreak series, Teddy Hollister goes Undercover at one of her family hotels to learn from the bottom up, she is sent in with a Bodyguard in the form of Javier, they uncover a stealing ring and set out to prove who the culprit is before Teddy gets set up as the fall guy. Good Story, wonderful likable characters.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy wants to prove herself so she tells her two cousins that she wants to start in housekeeping to lean the ropes of the hotel. So they let her but put Javi as her bodyguard as she is Hollister and need protection all the time. But can they stay away from each and do the job. Then there is the matter of stolen property and will she be the scapegoat for someone. Read and find out what happened.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a scandal Teddy ( Theodora) decides to do something worthwhile without privileges therefore asks her cousins if she can work at their hospitality business as a housekeeper. They assign her a bodyguard Javi and sparks are set off from the get go. A very enjoyable love story with a little drama and some great characters. Great to catch up with the Hollister brothers.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella where they fall fast and hard. Teddy and Javier try to keep everything professional but ultimately fail as they fall in love. There are major feelings involved as well as intrigue at the hotel. I recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.