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The Billionaire's Bodyguard #1
The Billionaire's Bodyguard
~Editor's Pick~ Billionaire Alex Roman needs a bodyguard. His best friend, Jesse Emerson, an ex-Security Forces Specialist, needs a job. What could possibly go wrong? Jesse thinks protecting Alex will be a piece of cake. He’ll get to spend quality time with his oldest friend while avoiding his ex-girlfriend. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned. Why would Alex introduce him to everyone as his lover? And why didn’t Alex tell him about the threatening notes he’s been receiving for months? Alex has been in love with Jesse for years, not that he’d ever admit it to his best friend, but he’s not above making a practical joke out of it. Telling everyone that Jesse is his boyfriend will go a long way toward relieving the stress of the threats he’s been plagued with recently. Unfortunately, when someone tries to shoot him at a charity gala, he discovers that maybe he needs Jesse’s skills more than he realized... …because sometimes a billionaire’s best friend is the fake boyfriend who’s really his bodyguard.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2014
13 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Erin M. Leaf
66 books372 followersErin M. Leaf is a bestselling romance novelist (the steamier the better) with a specialty in edgy erotic tension.
Her website is: http://erinmleaf.com.
Her website is: http://erinmleaf.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 2, 2014
Synopsis:
Billionaire Alex Roman needs a bodyguard. His best friend, Jesse Emerson, an ex-Security Forces Specialist, needs a job. What could possibly go wrong?
Jesse thinks protecting Alex will be a piece of cake. He’ll get to spend quality time with his oldest friend while avoiding his ex-girlfriend. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned. Why would Alex introduce him to everyone as his lover? And why didn’t Alex tell him about the threatening notes he’s been receiving for months?
Alex has been in love with Jesse for years, not that he’d ever admit it to his best friend, but he’s not above making a practical joke out of it. Telling everyone that Jesse is his boyfriend will go a long way toward relieving the stress of the threats he’s been plagued with recently. Unfortunately, when someone tries to shoot him at a charity gala, he discovers that maybe he needs Jesse’s skills more than he realized...
…because sometimes a billionaire’s best friend is the fake boyfriend who’s really his bodyguard.
My Thoughts:
This was a quick read and I enjoyed it. It's not a stand out and is pretty typical for a friends-to-lovers type of story, but at least there's action in it.
I thought the sex scenes were definitely hot, but not super spectacular, though Alex and Jesse are both likable guys.
I was not all that surprised by who was behind the whole threat to Alex. The accomplices definitely surprised me, though. I should have seen at least one of those coming.
I'm glad Jesse got his head together and acknowledged what has been between him and Alex for so long. Alex was good at not pushing him until it became too obvious that Jesse needed the push. I was happy for them.
Billionaire Alex Roman needs a bodyguard. His best friend, Jesse Emerson, an ex-Security Forces Specialist, needs a job. What could possibly go wrong?
Jesse thinks protecting Alex will be a piece of cake. He’ll get to spend quality time with his oldest friend while avoiding his ex-girlfriend. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned. Why would Alex introduce him to everyone as his lover? And why didn’t Alex tell him about the threatening notes he’s been receiving for months?
Alex has been in love with Jesse for years, not that he’d ever admit it to his best friend, but he’s not above making a practical joke out of it. Telling everyone that Jesse is his boyfriend will go a long way toward relieving the stress of the threats he’s been plagued with recently. Unfortunately, when someone tries to shoot him at a charity gala, he discovers that maybe he needs Jesse’s skills more than he realized...
…because sometimes a billionaire’s best friend is the fake boyfriend who’s really his bodyguard.
My Thoughts:
This was a quick read and I enjoyed it. It's not a stand out and is pretty typical for a friends-to-lovers type of story, but at least there's action in it.
I thought the sex scenes were definitely hot, but not super spectacular, though Alex and Jesse are both likable guys.
I was not all that surprised by who was behind the whole threat to Alex. The accomplices definitely surprised me, though. I should have seen at least one of those coming.
I'm glad Jesse got his head together and acknowledged what has been between him and Alex for so long. Alex was good at not pushing him until it became too obvious that Jesse needed the push. I was happy for them.
November 10, 2014
Friends-to-lovers GFY/OFY are my favorite trope combos, and possibly the only combo that could have convinced me to give one of the "billionaire" books a try.
And it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
The friendship was believable, as was the chemistry. And I appreciated that there was an actual plot outside of the romance, with all of the attempts on Alex's life.
Very fun.
Favorite Quote:
"I want to know what's going on. Shooting minions is amusing, but not particularly informative."
And it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
The friendship was believable, as was the chemistry. And I appreciated that there was an actual plot outside of the romance, with all of the attempts on Alex's life.
Very fun.
Favorite Quote:
"I want to know what's going on. Shooting minions is amusing, but not particularly informative."
October 19, 2014
2.5 stars--This was a very mediocre read--the biggest thing it had going for it was its short length.
Although the MCs were likeable enough, I was never able to make a connection with them or the story. The two men were an ex-special forces operative and a business tycoon--yet neither ever came across as being particularly strong. Close friends for decades, one bi and one straight--they become intimately involved literally overnight. The whole thing was just too farfetched.
Although the MCs were likeable enough, I was never able to make a connection with them or the story. The two men were an ex-special forces operative and a business tycoon--yet neither ever came across as being particularly strong. Close friends for decades, one bi and one straight--they become intimately involved literally overnight. The whole thing was just too farfetched.
January 15, 2021
2,5⭐️.
Sometimes I just want something to read where I know what I get you know. It was short and kinda fast. A bit sweet but unfortunately quite boring too. The last chapter was action packed but the tree before that was so tired-some to read. And there were typos here and there.
It started funny but ended dull. But I knew that when I started I think. I just needed something easy in between my read of another book.
Sometimes I just want something to read where I know what I get you know. It was short and kinda fast. A bit sweet but unfortunately quite boring too. The last chapter was action packed but the tree before that was so tired-some to read. And there were typos here and there.
It started funny but ended dull. But I knew that when I started I think. I just needed something easy in between my read of another book.
September 22, 2014
I loved this book even if it was a little fast paced. The chemistry between Alex and Jesse is so evident and I love how they're best friends first and lovers second. There was a great element of suspense that was very interesting too.
Overall a very sweet and amazing short story!
Overall a very sweet and amazing short story!
September 28, 2014
Liked it. Read the synopsis and just knew I had to read it. The plot was good and really came off well.
February 15, 2017
I liked the action on this book.... there is plenty. Shootings, kidnappings, bad villains... You may thik this is a PWP but it is not. There are like, 3 sex scenes. The friendship was good and believable. But the going from friends to lovers... it was too rushy for me. I don't like the whole "posing as a couple in front of the photographers, and let's kiss to make it more believable" thing. Which happens here, with Jesse (the "straight" one who didn't like to pretend they were partners at first) challenging Alex (the one who has been in love with his bff all his life). From there they go from a shooting to a bj in the limousine. Huh. I wish they have taken their time to explore their attraction and then their love, but they practically jump into bed (not bed, since they don't do it in bed in the whole book) without much struggle (from Jesse's side).
Anyway, it was enjoyable. The romance was nice, but the steamy stuff was pretty fast for me (and it happens around 60%, which is not really fast, but the book is short).
Anyway, it was enjoyable. The romance was nice, but the steamy stuff was pretty fast for me (and it happens around 60%, which is not really fast, but the book is short).
July 27, 2015
It was not a "wow" book but I guess it was a worthwhile read. The author had some us and downs through out the book. There are some parts where she failed to hold the energy of the situation. But overall, it was okay. The plot is really good, I think I just needed some more kick but I liked it enough to enjoy it.
Th characters were okay too. I just really had a hard time visualizing the characters. I think it kind of lack out of that factor for the characters. I think if the author were to write it a little bit longer, I think she would have done a great job with it; not that it wasn't.
The twist in the end was kind of predictable but parts of it will really shock you. Well, it surprised me.
Th characters were okay too. I just really had a hard time visualizing the characters. I think it kind of lack out of that factor for the characters. I think if the author were to write it a little bit longer, I think she would have done a great job with it; not that it wasn't.
The twist in the end was kind of predictable but parts of it will really shock you. Well, it surprised me.
February 1, 2020
I randomly came across this on Scribd and thought I'd give it a go since it's a queer romance. And the romance was certainly fun with a good 'will-they-won't-they' build up. But the plot was way too simple and the characters felt one dimensional. Aside from knowing that they liked each other and a little about their parents/childhoods, we find out literally nothing about them. None of their hobbies or interests are discussed. I don't even know if I could tell you their surnames. Although the romantic tension was good, ultimately I don't think I'll remember this book in a year's time.
November 10, 2014
A romance with a dash of mystery, this story is a quick and easy read. I found the characters likeable and the plot entertaining. Unfortunately, I still felt the story was lacking, there were a few too many questions left unanswered.
March 8, 2015
A good plot but everything moves way too fast and quite frankly, Jesse was a pretty crap security specialist. He knew that there had to be someone on the inside, surely as an expert, wouldn't he have got a trusted contact to start running new background checks and following up on the family connection.
November 4, 2014
Wasn't a fan of the story, nor the writing. At first, when I read the blurb, I thought i tso intriguing I didn't even mind the friends-to-lovers part.
Granted, the chemistry was there and some part of the story were great, but the overall experience was a let down.
Granted, the chemistry was there and some part of the story were great, but the overall experience was a let down.
July 19, 2016
I felt it was a bit rushed. I can understand that Alex and Jesse had a long time friendship and were already extremely comfortable with each other, but the whole relationship and even the threat felt like it went really fast.
November 7, 2017
I think the overall plot was ridiculous, predictable and not well thought out. Maybe the pieces all fit together in the other two books, but I won't be continuing with the series in order to find out.
September 28, 2014
4.5 stars...This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Alex and Jesse chemistry was off the charts.
January 31, 2015
Not bad just not memorable.
October 1, 2024
This was a quick read. Alex and Jesse have been best friends for ages, and Alex has had feelings for Jesse for years. Jesse has been away and in other relationships with women, but when faced with his potential attraction to Alex, he decides to jump right in. I loved the friendship between them. It was clear they really felt strongly for each other more than just romantically. I also liked how the author didn't shy away from the guys being bi-sexual. It was a good story and I'm glad to see there are a couple of other shorts. I'd love to find out what happened int he past with their grandfather and father.
December 4, 2019
This was a fun read about two hot guys doing uber-rich and interesting things whilst discovering their heavy lust-love for one another. It didn't like blow my mind or anything, but it ticked a ton of the boxes that I want in a Sunday read. I liked both the MCs and their dialogue was funny. I'll definitely read the next installments.
July 3, 2017
I know it was a short book but dam it moved along to fast for my liking!
June 20, 2018
It was just the type of book you expected from the description. A light, pleasant, fast read. Not very complex.The couple went well together, it wasn't insta- love, it had HEA.
January 16, 2019
ahhhhh, a decent BFFs to BFs. predictable in the 'mystery' but and the 'plot twist' just a bit forced, but fun and short.
March 8, 2019
i love a good bodyguard love story. and this is a good romance story
June 18, 2021
there was mystery, there was intrigue, there was a murder plot, there was extravagant displays of wealth.
July 15, 2021
3.50 stars
February 5, 2022
I had a good time reading this ^_^
July 2, 2019
Oh, this was fun! Friends to lovers. Very light, easy read. Exciting too, though nothing too heavy on the suspense. Great Pride Month read!
February 9, 2015
4 star review by Amber
This was a fast paced friends to lover’s story. Erin M Leaf is new to me and I have to say I would read another story from her in the future. This story was really good. It was engaging, I truly cared about the characters, and the writing flowed effortlessly.
Alex Roman is a billionaire business man. He’s taken his grandfathers company and has grown it beyond anything he could have imagined. But with incredible wealth comes incredible problems. Alex has been getting death threats that have been escalating for some time. Alex’s solution is to ignore the threats and hopefully they will go away.
Jesse Emerson is Alex’s best friend from when they were kids. They’ve known each other most of their lives and know all there is to know about one another. Jesse is prior military and was in Special Forces. So, when he comes to stay with Alex and learns about the threats he takes it all very seriously and proclaims himself Alex’s personal bodyguard.
What I really loved about Alex and Jesse was the effortless comfort they had with each other. You could also feel the attraction just under the surface. Alex is bisexual but John claims to be straight. You know right away Alex has significant feelings and its obvious Jesse feels the same but he’s always seen himself as a straight man. Once Alex throws caution to the wind and takes what he’s always wanted from Jesse, it’s so perfect and feels right. They are so incredibly hot together. For Jesse having never been with a man before he embraces gay sex 110%.
Unfortunately while they’re trying to navigate their new found relationship there are forces still out to destroy Alex and the empire he’s built.
Not to give too much away I liked the twist and the mystery. It kept me interested and I wanted to see where it was all going to end up.
I’d be interested to read more about these two. I’d love to see them more settled. Overall, great book and I’d definitely recommend.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This was a fast paced friends to lover’s story. Erin M Leaf is new to me and I have to say I would read another story from her in the future. This story was really good. It was engaging, I truly cared about the characters, and the writing flowed effortlessly.
Alex Roman is a billionaire business man. He’s taken his grandfathers company and has grown it beyond anything he could have imagined. But with incredible wealth comes incredible problems. Alex has been getting death threats that have been escalating for some time. Alex’s solution is to ignore the threats and hopefully they will go away.
Jesse Emerson is Alex’s best friend from when they were kids. They’ve known each other most of their lives and know all there is to know about one another. Jesse is prior military and was in Special Forces. So, when he comes to stay with Alex and learns about the threats he takes it all very seriously and proclaims himself Alex’s personal bodyguard.
What I really loved about Alex and Jesse was the effortless comfort they had with each other. You could also feel the attraction just under the surface. Alex is bisexual but John claims to be straight. You know right away Alex has significant feelings and its obvious Jesse feels the same but he’s always seen himself as a straight man. Once Alex throws caution to the wind and takes what he’s always wanted from Jesse, it’s so perfect and feels right. They are so incredibly hot together. For Jesse having never been with a man before he embraces gay sex 110%.
Unfortunately while they’re trying to navigate their new found relationship there are forces still out to destroy Alex and the empire he’s built.
Not to give too much away I liked the twist and the mystery. It kept me interested and I wanted to see where it was all going to end up.
I’d be interested to read more about these two. I’d love to see them more settled. Overall, great book and I’d definitely recommend.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
October 1, 2014
Original Blog Post:
Review: The Billionaire's Bodyguard by Erin M. Leaf
So here I am, being laughed at by some good friends who know that I NEVER read billionaire books. Unfortunately for me, I read the blurb, saw the cover and I fell in to temptation. There was just something so delicious and irresistible to the premise that I just had to have this.
Alex is a billionaire who has had it all, including a great grandfather, a butler who loved him like a son and a best friend with whom he'd grown up with. The death of both grandfather and butler was a blow neither young man could comprehend but whereas Alex had to stay and settle the estate and deal with the company, Jesse ran off to join the Air Force and eventually become a Security Forces Specialist. While away, they never lost contact and Alex made sure to make Jesse financially stable and a partner. When Jesse finally came back, he flitted from one location to the next and never really settled. It seems that it only took a loco ex-girlfriend to send him running back to Alex and beg for asylum. It was only then that Jesse finds out the threats on Alex's life and so takes it unto himself to protect his best friend. Unfortunately, Alex decided to not only introduce him as the partner that he really was but as the boyfriend too. That triggered a whole lot of action and drama (but not too much).
This was a really fast, light and heated read and I cannot help but grin stupid over this. Okay, so I don't normally read 'billionaire' but these two men were so delicious on that cover and the story was light enough to finish within an hour before bed. Sure, there were some holes left in but it only lent grinning entertainment for me which I soooooo needed. It was definitely an hour well spent and it did send me to silly dreamland marking it a perfectly entertaining read for me. Billionaire or not.
Review: The Billionaire's Bodyguard by Erin M. Leaf
So here I am, being laughed at by some good friends who know that I NEVER read billionaire books. Unfortunately for me, I read the blurb, saw the cover and I fell in to temptation. There was just something so delicious and irresistible to the premise that I just had to have this.
Alex is a billionaire who has had it all, including a great grandfather, a butler who loved him like a son and a best friend with whom he'd grown up with. The death of both grandfather and butler was a blow neither young man could comprehend but whereas Alex had to stay and settle the estate and deal with the company, Jesse ran off to join the Air Force and eventually become a Security Forces Specialist. While away, they never lost contact and Alex made sure to make Jesse financially stable and a partner. When Jesse finally came back, he flitted from one location to the next and never really settled. It seems that it only took a loco ex-girlfriend to send him running back to Alex and beg for asylum. It was only then that Jesse finds out the threats on Alex's life and so takes it unto himself to protect his best friend. Unfortunately, Alex decided to not only introduce him as the partner that he really was but as the boyfriend too. That triggered a whole lot of action and drama (but not too much).
This was a really fast, light and heated read and I cannot help but grin stupid over this. Okay, so I don't normally read 'billionaire' but these two men were so delicious on that cover and the story was light enough to finish within an hour before bed. Sure, there were some holes left in but it only lent grinning entertainment for me which I soooooo needed. It was definitely an hour well spent and it did send me to silly dreamland marking it a perfectly entertaining read for me. Billionaire or not.
October 13, 2014
I must have a subconscious (or really conscious!) desire to be a billionaire because I have been drawn to the Billionaire type stories! In this one, I liked the billionaire, Alex, just as much as I liked his ex-Special Forces best friend turned bodyguard, Jesse. They are both laid back, snarky with each other and seem like decent guys.
Jesse and Alex have been best friends since childhood. Jesse’s father was Alex’s grandfather’s butler and despite the status gap, the two were inseparable. With the death of father and grandfather, Jesse joined the military and Alex took over the helm of the family’s financial company. Jesse is the one person Alex trusts without question, and vice versa.
Jesse is home now, only to break up with his girlfriend. He, of course, crashes with Alex and finds out (through the awesome lady butler, Julia, that Alex has been receiving threatening messages. Oh no, that’s not happening! So, Jesse appoints himself Alex’s bodyguard until they figure it out.
This is when the not-acknowledged part of the relationship is drawn forth. As Alex introduces Jesse as his boyfriend, the “I’m not gay” Jesse is in turmoil. I appreciated that even though these guys have been partners in every way but sex, it took a bit for Jesse to realize it. Not so much a bi for you as much as an “I want Alex”. Bonus points for the fact that first time sex hurt! Real world, even for billionaires and bodyguards!
The mystery aspect, I did figure out pretty quick, but I found this enjoyable with two interesting main characters.
Jesse and Alex have been best friends since childhood. Jesse’s father was Alex’s grandfather’s butler and despite the status gap, the two were inseparable. With the death of father and grandfather, Jesse joined the military and Alex took over the helm of the family’s financial company. Jesse is the one person Alex trusts without question, and vice versa.
Jesse is home now, only to break up with his girlfriend. He, of course, crashes with Alex and finds out (through the awesome lady butler, Julia, that Alex has been receiving threatening messages. Oh no, that’s not happening! So, Jesse appoints himself Alex’s bodyguard until they figure it out.
This is when the not-acknowledged part of the relationship is drawn forth. As Alex introduces Jesse as his boyfriend, the “I’m not gay” Jesse is in turmoil. I appreciated that even though these guys have been partners in every way but sex, it took a bit for Jesse to realize it. Not so much a bi for you as much as an “I want Alex”. Bonus points for the fact that first time sex hurt! Real world, even for billionaires and bodyguards!
The mystery aspect, I did figure out pretty quick, but I found this enjoyable with two interesting main characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews