Personal Security: A Spicy Bodyguard Romantic Suspense

Bachelor Bodyguards #15

by Lisa Childs

He’ll risk anything to protect her…

Even his heart.

Watching over Blair Etheridge as she reopens her family’s art gallery is Ivan Chekov’s first chance to prove himself as a bodyguard. He hopes it’s also a chance to start over. But this job brings up bad memories, and Blair doesn’t want him anywhere near her. Ivan overcomes her stubborn streak after an attack on her life proves she’s in danger. The undeniable attraction sizzling between them makes posing as her boyfriend easy, while the thought of losing her frightens him more than he’s willing to admit. 

From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.

Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Bachelor Bodyguards

Book 1: His Christmas Assignment
Book 2: Bodyguard Daddy
Book 3: Beauty and the Bodyguard
Book 4: Nanny Bodyguard
Book 5: Single Mom's Bodyguard
Book 6: In the Bodyguard's Arms
Book 7: Soldier Bodyguard
Book 8: Guarding His Witness
Book 9: Evidence of Attraction
Book 10: Bodyguard Boyfriend
Book 11: Close Quarters with the Bodyguard
Book 12: Bodyguard Under Siege
Book 13: Hostage Security
Book 14: Personal Security

Genres: Romance, Suspense

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Born one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.

Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.

Reviews

[Paula (In & Out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to say this is a standalone but I did have some difficulty following who is who and what occurred with previous cases. However, it started with a tear jerker scene in the prologue of MMC as a little boy trying to save his Father’s life who was shot down by his evil uncle. Then we go into the present and it’s non-stop action & suspense throughout which I enjoyed.

The romance was also sweet but a bit underdeveloped. But you have a strong heroine and a kickass Alpha Hero who would do anything to protect his woman.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a little steam, a lot of mean (bad guys) and some really swoon-worthy heroes who work together to keep art gallery owner Blair Etheridge safe. Ivan Chekhov is the main protector for Blair, but she doesn’t think she needs protection until she is attacked and reluctantly accepts Ivan as her bodyguard. This is Ivan’s first assignment with the Payne Protection Agency and he wants to do a good job, not just because it’s his responsibility but also to make up for the bad reputation of his last name, thanks to his uncle. This story is multi-layered with complex characters and plenty of action. I enjoyed guessing whether Blair was the one under attack or the gallery and there were a lot of suspects who needed to be eliminated before I could make good guesses. There is a huge surprise near the end that was a head-spinning revelation and that was a lot of fun to read since it was totally unexpected. The characters and their feelings about their dysfunctional families made them relatable and the sizzling and racing to the finish plot kept me riveted to the action, wanting to read faster to find out what was going to happen and to whom. This book is definitely entertaining and more than a little edgy, so it was a great read and entices me to read more about the bachelor bodyguards. The series can all be read and thoroughly enjoyed as stand-alones, but some characters do appear in multiple books. The author does a fantastic job of introducing each character in the book so anyone can read and enjoy any or all books from the series.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Security.
Lisa Childs.

#mystery romance

Perfectly written.
Child's writes the best stories.
She definitely keeps you turning the pages.


Blair Etheridge,
Just wants to get the art gallery up and ready.
Someone wants to stop her and everything she has planned.

Secrets they don't want revealed.
This one was a showstopper.

Bodyguard
Ivan chekov's
Have more connections to the case. Than anyone realize. But protecting blair, it's his number one job.


Simply a fabulous book. I enjoyed every single page.

Hoping, there will be more stories in this series.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lisa Child’s for your faith in me to read the ARC Personal Security and give my honest review. It’s my first time to read one of your books and oh my goodness, it will not be my last. I could only give it 5 stars but it certainly deserved more. I loved all the suspense, the twist and turns and the romance, of course. You kept me on the edge of my seat with this story and I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know what happened next. This story is about Blair and her bodyguard, Ivan. Blair is determined to open up the art gallery that her father had always wanted to open before he died. However, someone out there keeps trying to kill her and keep that from happening. Ivan’s job is to protect her and help her fulfill her dream. But somewhere along the way, they fight their true feelings for each other. He will more than once put his life on the line for her. Will he be able to keep his feisty client alive? I would definitely recommend you read this book to find out. It’s a short but powerful book and it doesn’t disappoint.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERSONAL SECURITY by Lisa Childs
Releases April 29 2025
Romantic suspense, danger, passion, and drama!
Definitely deserves more than 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely love this bachelor bodyguards series.
Blair Etheridge just wants to reopen her family’s art gallery. But with all the murder and Mayham happening, she’s not sure she will be able to pull it off. The insurance company has forced her to hire Payne Protection Agency. But when Blair finds out that one of the bodyguards is the son of one of her father’s nemesis, she wants to know part of it. Can Ivan Chekov convince Blair that he has nothing like his father. And that as her personal bodyguard, he would take a bullet for her.
They find that they are very attracted to each other. But with all the murder and danger that’s taking place will they ever get a chance to act on that attraction?
If you wanna find out if that attraction unfolds, and if you like mystery, murder, and mayhem, I definitely recommend this book! It’s a quick read because you won’t want to put it down!

Thank you Lisa Childs for trusting me with this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense then this is the book for you. Even though it’s #15 in the Bachelor Bodyguard series,it can be easily read as a stand-alone book. Ivan Chekhov works for the Payne Protection Agency & is hired to protect Blair Etheridge & her families art gallery that she’s working on reopening. She finds out that Ivan is the nephew of the local Mafia godfather/Victor Chekhov,who caused problems with her dad & she very cautious around Ivan. That shortly ends & sparks fly between them,especially when he tells her that he witnessed his uncle kill his father,when he was a young boy & no one would believe him,due to his age. Someone is trying their hardest to eliminate both Ivan & Blair to prevent the gallery from opening. This book will keep you guessing who’s responsible until the end,at least it did me! Do yourself a favor & grab a copy,it releases on 4-29. Thank you Lisa Childs for this ARC copy.

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Security
Lisa Childs

Blair Noto - Gallery Owner
Ivan Chekov - Payne Protector Agency

I loves this book and I enjoyed the way Lisa kept you in suspense.
Blair was trying to get her gallery opens but things kept happening. Her and Ivan kept getting shot at or something bad. Blair put Ivan as her boyfriend instead of bodyguard. They kept protecting Blair with every thing happening.
Lisa did a fabulous job with this story.
The characters where good matched together. I recommend this book if you love romantic suspense.

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars--PERSONAL SECURITY is the fifteenth instalment in Lisa Childs’ contemporary, adult BACHELOR BODYGUARDS romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Payne Protection Agency in River City Michigan. This bodyguard Ivan Chekov, and art gallery owner Blair Etheridge’s story line. PERSONAL SECURITY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order or having some prior knowledge of past events.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Ivan and Blair PERSONAL SECURITY follows in the wake of several threats against our story line heroine. Upon the death of her father, Blair struggled to make something of her life, and reopening the family owned art gallery finds Blair the target of an unknown suspect. Hiring Payne Protection Agency finds Blair facing down the demons from her past when Ivan Chekov’s connections to her father’s questionable partnerships continues to threaten our story line heroine. Ivan Chekov knows the pain of loss, betrayal and control. Having escaped his uncle’s control, Ivan sought work with the Payne Protection Agency, only to be constantly watched because of his name, and who he represents but Ivan never expected to fall for our story line heroine, a woman whose life is constantly in danger, and no amount of investigation is able to prove who is the guilty party.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a potential killer. Someone is threatening Blair Etheridge, and the upcoming opening of the gallery is at stake. Too many suspects, art forgeries and questionable law enforcement for the Payne Protection Agency to decipher.

The relationship between Blair and Ivan begins as an assignment. Blair is being threatened, and the threats are getting more personal and dangerous. Ivan struggles with attraction to Blair, and crossing the line was never in the plans but someone has personally requested Ivan’s presence, and in doing so, places Ivan in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including many whom we have met before.-Logan Payne, Garek Kozminski, Milek Kozminski, Josh Staford,Blade Sparks, Viktor Lagransky. We are introduced to Detective Spencer Dubridge, Officer Sheila Carlson; artists Jean-Paul and Z, Insurance backer Mason Hull, and Ivan’s uncle Viktor Chekov, Blair’s landlord Lionel Sims, and Blair’s father’s former partner Blair Noto.

PERSONAL SECURITY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and relationships acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and determined but the constant jumping between third person points of view without notice or a break is a little bit confusing and disconcerting.

copy supplied for review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the Bachelor Bodyguards series. This book features Ivan Chekov of Payne Protection Agency and Blair Etheridge, a woman determined to reopen her family's art gallery.

Ivan is coming off weeks of desk duty after being injured on a previous case (Hostage Security) and is looking forward to his first case as lead bodyguard. He feels he has a lot to prove, starting with his name. As a child, he witnessed his father's murder by his uncle, then forced to work for his uncle, a local crime boss. He escaped but is still attempting to redeem himself. Providing security for an art gallery owner should be an easy start.

Blair spent the time since her father's death preparing to reopen his art gallery. She invested everything she had, determined to make it a success. She's not happy that her insurance company insists on hiring the Payne agency to protect her and the gallery. She gives in when an attack proves her life is in danger.

Things get off to a rough start for Blair and Ivan. Ivan and his coworker arrive at the gallery to discover an attack in progress. They stop the attack, but Blair doesn't trust them, especially when she learns Ivan's name. She holds his uncle responsible for the trouble that ultimately caused her father's death. Ivan is equally wary, as he isn't sure if Blair is involved in the gallery's previous activities.

The story's suspense kept me turning the pages. The escalating attacks threaten the upcoming gallery opening, and Blair refuses to let that happen. There are multiple suspects to complicate the investigation, paintings of dubious origin, and a twist at the end I didn't see coming. The final confrontation kept me turning the pages. There are some unanswered questions that I expect will be addressed in subsequent books.

I enjoyed the development of Blair and Ivan's relationship. Sparks of attraction flared between them despite their initial mistrust. They can't ignore the attraction, but Ivan fears the distraction will affect his ability to protect her. Blair's realization that Ivan puts his life on the line for her softens her heart, but both must overcome their pasts before they can think about a future together.

I enjoyed seeing characters from past books. Garek and Milek, who run this branch of Payne Protection, are still feeling their way. They catch some flak about the people they hired to work for them but are steadfast in their support. Penny Payne and her new husband, the police chief, play important roles. I have issues with one of the law enforcement characters, Sheila Carlson, who I thought was extremely judgmental about Ivan and his coworkers. Judging by the interactions between her and one of the bodyguards, I suspect that there may be a surprise in her future.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Ms. Childs brings suspense, heat, and a tight knit family feel in this series. I haven’t read all the books which I will go back to read the others. I can that even if you don’t read the others you don’t need to.
Ivan Chekov lost his father, and now is working for the Payne Protection Agency. Ever since his last job he was hurt on he’s taking it easy. His bosses have a job for him now. They want him to be security for the gallery owner Blair Etheridge. His bosses don’t know why someone has specifically asked for him. But for now he’s doing the job. When he goes to the gallery with one of his bosses. They don’t expect someone trying to break in. The other thing Ivan doesn’t expect is Blair not wanting anything to do with him after she hears his name. Yes his uncle has done some bad things. But a spark between Ivan and Blair ignites. They can’t ignore the attraction, but Ivan also needs to protect Blair. He can’t lose focus anymore.

So much more to come. Highly recommend.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I haven’t read all the first ones in this series yet, I can say it is a good standalone book. The stories center around the people at Payne Protection Agency, sort of a misfits group out to project and right wrongs. This time it is Blair who needs protecting and Ivan is one of those assigned to protect her art gallery and keep her alive. With their past getting in the way and the danger mounting, will they even make it out alive to find their love for each other. I liked the twists and turns Ms. Childs gave us Ivan and Blair’s story. Their attraction eventually turning into less hate and more love.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery and danger around every corner! With the next book in her Bachelor Bodyguards series, Lisa Childs takes us on a ride of suspense as Blair and Ivan are challenged and thrust into the past to seek answers and run from the sinister visitors lurking. The characters were easy to like, the storyline was intense and the danger was satisfying. There were a lot of characters and past cases to keep up with for a stand alone, but if you're kept up with the series along the way you will feel less overwhelmed. I wanted more development in their relationship and a bit more fill in on the past happenings with this group of investigators, but overall it was a solid, entertaining read.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal Security appears to be the 14th book in a bachelor bodyguard series. Maybe that is why it didn’t seem to flow well. There are a large number of elements that build the story.
An art gallery, a money laundering past, art, artists, evil crime boss uncles, a protection agency, break ins, bullets flying, a goofy Rottweiler named Angel, a thief turned body guard.
What was between Blair and Ivan seemed too filled with insecurities and childhood traumas to work.
The romance was there. The danger was there. It didn’t feel like a cohesive story to me.
I received a copy of the book through Netgalley. I think that the book may be more for a different audience than me.
Content: spice

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Security is the 15th book in the Bachelor Bodyguards series, by Lisa Childs. Romantic Suspense is one of my favorite genres, and this one certainly came up to expectations. There was so much chemistry between Blair and Ivan. All the bodyguards seem to be hot in this series. I would recommend it to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blair Etheridge is getting ready to open her art gallery and is assigned
Ivan Chekov as her bodyguard and doesn't want him near her but then as attempts are made on her life she realizes he is risking his life to protect her and her feelings toward him change.There are secrets buried in the walls of the art gallery that someone want them to stay buried.Will Ivan and Blair survive?
Lisa Childs keeps you on edge.

[Sandy Humber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blair Etheridge is working on opening her family's art gallery. But threats to harm her keep coming in so Ivan Chekov is designated to be her bodyguard.
Blair and Ivan are both very aware of the chemistry that is heating up between them. As they grow closer, the possibilities are adding up of who is behind all the threats.
This intriguing story reels you into this fast pace read until the last page.

Thank you Lisa Childs for the ARC of your book for my honest opinion.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tried reading it, not interested, gave up. Firstly, it's not a surprise that I didn't finish. I usually prefer another line of Harlequin books that features women who get pregnant after one-night stands with billionaires. This line of books I don't know that I've ever read one. Just not my cup of tea. Too different, different pattern than I'm used to.

I wouldn't tell you not to read it or that I hated it, just not my cup of tea. If it interests you, read it, you may love it.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I did not let the word "Spicy" keep me from reading this book. The intimate scenes are easily skipped. The main characters have personal issues making the romance portion more challenging. The constant fear of being killed kept the suspense going. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. This book kept me interested from the beginning. I can honestly say I didn’t have any idea who was trying to hurt Blair. I’m glad Blair gave Ivan a chance at protecting her. Everyone deserves a second chance. I was very happy with the ending.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story full of action, drama and suspense. It will suck you in from start to finish and keeps you hooked with its twists and turns. I loved the characters and the undeniable flying sparks. It’s an entertaining and suspenseful story. Looking forward to reading more.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An art gallery owner and her bodyguard that is willing to do anything to protect her. It’s a thrilling ride as their lives are put to the test. Attraction is in the air that will further heat things as danger is everywhere.

[Geraldine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Blair and Ivan have had terrible things happen during their lives. Ivan is a dedicated body guard who would give up his life for Blair. Whoever would think how the story ends? Well written book.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good Romantic Suspense/Thriller. The characters are likeable and the story is interesting. However, I gave it only 3 stars because the story is not very unique within the genre, it is pretty similar to other stories within the same genre of writing.

[Harlequin Books]

Private Investigators, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Bachelor Bodyguards (Book #15)

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!

[Annette Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Payne Security books! This book is a must read!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable. I loved the way Ivan strove care/ protect of everyone. Ivan and Blair have both sworn of relationships of any kind, but they can't seem to stop thinking about each other. Lots of drama that I didn't want to look away from. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a heartpounder! Not only is Ivan one of the hottest bodyguards from Payne but he has a heart of gold , with his past pushing him to be the best he can be . Lucky for Blair he's there when she needs him the most , someone is out to get her , scare her or kill her anything from stopping her from opening her Art gallery , this was a fun fast paced read !

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Security is the fifteenth in the Bachelor Bodyguards series but can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading the previous stories for the pure entertainment of the series as well as for a little background on secondary characters that appear in this story. This is a story of overcoming the past as well as proving your worth against the prejudices of others due to your name. Ivan Chekov watched his felonious uncle kill his father but no one believed him so he was raised by his uncle until he ran away. His father's dying word was protect and that is what Ivan does as he is now working for the Payne Protection Agency. Blair Etheridge grew up in the art world because her mom was an artist and her dad opened an art gallery to showcase her mom's work along with other artists but when her mom left, her father was heartbroken which eventually led to his death. Now she is re-opening the art gallery to honor her father but someone is trying to kill her to prevent the opening. She is leery of Ivan because of his last name but soon learns that he is a good man and willing to do anything to keep her safe. Their close proximity leads to sparks of desire which soon leads to love but that scares both of them and has them fighting the attraction. They must learn to let go of the past to have a future. This is a wonderfully written, intense story that will have you on the edge of your seat and unwilling to put it down until the very last page. The characters are amazingly developed with realistic flaws and issues but are so relatable that you will feel all the emotions that they encounter.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Ivan Chekov, a bodyguard with a dark past and a tainted family name, who’s tasked with protecting Blair Etheridge, an art gallery owner targeted by someone determined to stop her from reopening her father’s gallery. Despite her initial distrust due to Ivan’s surname, Blair soon sees the honorable man behind the reputation.

As danger closes in, their close proximity sparks undeniable chemistry, but both must confront their painful pasts to embrace a future together. With strong emotional depth, relatable characters, and nonstop tension, this is an intense, satisfying read.