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Bachelor Bodyguards #1

His Christmas Assignment

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Return to Payne Protection for the latest scandal in this brand-new Bachelor Bodyguards series Once a bad boy, always a bad boy. At least that's what Candace Baker tells herself after being scorned by fellow bodyguard Garek Kozminski. And her hot Payne Protection coworker hasn't just returned to his lawless ways…but his old girlfriend, too! Heartbroken, Candace is determined to send Garek back where he belongs-jail. No one-even sexy Candace-can know Garek is faking his criminal comeback to bring down a mobster. But when a curious Candace almost blows his cover, Garek must come clean to her-risking both their lives. Now the bodyguard duo is forced to keep their enemies close…and the danger closer.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2015

23 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Childs

410 books991 followers
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.

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5 stars
41 (46%)
4 stars
30 (33%)
3 stars
12 (13%)
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4 (4%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,817 reviews127 followers
December 1, 2015
Very good book. This one picks up where the previous series (Shotgun Weddings) left off. Payne Protection's business is picking up, so they hired the brothers of Logan's wife Stacy (Explosive Engagement) to be part of the team, even though both have criminal backgrounds. Garek has been doing a good job, though he gets on the nerves of fellow bodyguard Candace. He's constantly flirting with her, even though she doesn't encourage him. There's a sizzle of attraction between them, but Candace tries to ignore it, until the night an impulsive kiss turns to more. Then Garek leaves without a word, leaving Candace feeling used and furious.

In spite of what happened, Candace doesn't trust Garek. Her belief is that he won't last long on the right side of the law, and she fully expects him to return to his criminal ways. She believes her concerns are justified when Garek takes a job as bodyguard to his old boss's daughter who is also his former girlfriend. Candace is determined to get proof of his misdeeds and send him back to jail.

What Candace doesn't know is that Garek has been recruited by FBI agent Nick Rus to get close to Viktor Chekov and find the proof they need to put him away. Garek doesn't dare let his feelings for Candace show because that would put her in danger from Chekov. Unfortunately for Candace, her interest in Garek's activities make her a target.

There's a lot of action as Garek works to protect Candace from the results of her curiosity. I loved the way his feelings for her are demonstrated by his protectiveness. He tries so hard to keep her away from his activities, but he's no match for her persistence, and he finally has to tell her the truth. It was pretty satisfying to see Candace's suspicions proved wrong, though Candace had already begun to suspect that there was more to what was happening than she knew. I loved watching her realize that she really didn't want him to be guilty, and that she was beginning to fall for him.

Each attack on Candace makes Garek more determined to find his evidence quickly. He feels that his case is getting stronger as each attack appears to link back to the missing evidence. I loved seeing Garek and Candace start to work together, and they soon came up with a plan that would accelerate their results. The final confrontations were really intense, as an unexpected twist put Candace in extreme danger. The resolution was great, with a surprise at the end of it for Garek and Nick.

Both Candace and Garek are stubborn in holding to their goals, so it's no wonder that they spend a lot of time clashing during the year they have known each other. Candace's tunnel vision in regards to Garek was frustrating at times to watch. Once Candace let go of her prejudice against him, she was quick to see the good in him. One of the things I liked best about Garek was the obvious love he had for his family. So many of the things he had done in the past were done to protect them. For such a rough and tough guy, the scene at the end with Candace's Christmas present was really sweet and romantic, with an unexpectedly vulnerable side coming out.

I really liked seeing the characters from the previous series make appearances in this one. Logan and Stacey were particularly prominent, and I loved Stacy's part in getting Garek and Candace together. I also loved learning a little more about Milek. He's had such tragedy in his life, but the end of this book gave an indication that things are going to change for him. I also hope to see more of Agent Nick Rus, as he seems due for some happiness of his own.
1,313 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2015
This book was disappointing. Firstly, those people who have not read Shotgun Wedding series they will feel lost while reading this bcos u have no idea what really happened before. Secondly,Candace didn't like Garek before and though author gave the reason why, I would have loved to read one or two instances so I could understand their dynamics. I felt there was no base to their relationship. They both were attracted to each other but the author didn't give any scene related to that. Maybe she set the base in Shotgun series, i have no idea.
3,546 reviews14 followers
February 12, 2018
His Christmas Assignment by Lisa Childs is a fabulous read. Ms. Childs has given us a well-written book loaded with phenomenal characters. Garek and Candace's story is packed with drama, humor, suspense, action and spice. I enjoyed reading His Christmas Assignment and look forward to my next book by Lisa Childs. His Christmas Assignment is book 1 of the Bachelor Bodyguards Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I read a print copy of this book.
383 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2017
this book was not as action packed as some of other Payne Protection books. it seems to deal more with relationships Garek, his family , the Paynes, and Candance. her relationships were dealt with too. there was more mys. who did and to get justice than explosions and chases. however the ending was good even tho you were able to figure it out before it was revealed.
Profile Image for Syeda Noor.
81 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2020
5 stars for Garek and Candance. I LOVED THEM..and their chemistry was blowing the roof outttt..... yeyyyy

“It was my mom putting me in
pageants that was hard.” She said....And she expected him to laugh it off..Like all of the other guys did..But he didnt .And with all seriousness he says.....
“I didn’t see any trophies in your place,”
STOLE MY HEART RIGHT THEREEEEEEEEEEE...
1,213 reviews
February 27, 2022
I found Candace hard to like - her trust issues, her refusal to listen to those who care about her or her own safety. Its like she has a death wish.
I like Garek. Stacy is loose cannon doing things her way, trying to force things with her brothers which I found annoying. I read this story for the intrigue, Garek, Malik and Rus are intriguing characters.
949 reviews15 followers
September 15, 2024
Ugh,it took me twice as long as it should’ve to read this book…life just kept getting in the way! I really enjoyed reading this one,it was full of action & you never really knew what was going to happen next. The back & forth fire between Candace & Garek was intriguing. I was pulled in from the beginning & it was hard to put it down. Thank you Lisa Childs for this entertaining book!
Profile Image for Cathie McManus.
1,465 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2020
This is a really good story. Great action. I really didn't see the villain in this story. I felt sad for Candace at times but also Garek. He's had heartache and betrayal. He's afraid to trust Candace and say how he truly feels.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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