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Bodyguards #1
Hollywood Lighting
A Bodyguards Romance
A rowdy superstar in danger. His resentful new guardian. It’s hate at first sight until love takes an unexpected encore.
Closeted actor Owen fears failure and betrayal. So after he’s stabbed by a crazy fan, the movie studio offers a hunky bodyguard for protection. Suspicious that the ripped security man is just a gossip-seeking plant, he pushes back at his bulging biceps, ignoring the chemistry.
Newly retired SEAL Jamal is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Reluctantly taking a Hollywood job for a bad boy with tight abs, he’s sure the star is simply paranoid. But when he discovers the sexy celebrity is in serious jeopardy, he doesn’t hesitate to jump into action mode.
As the peril hits closer to home, Owen finds himself falling for the handsome hero fighting for his life. And as the threats intensify, Jamal fears he might lose the man he has come to love.
Will Owen and Jamal go down in a catastrophic climax, or will they star in their own happy ending?
Hollywood Lighting is the red-hot first book in the Bodyguards M/M contemporary romance series. If you like tortured heroes, intense predicaments, and steamy affairs, then you’ll adore J. V. Speyer’s tale of LGBT passion.
A rowdy superstar in danger. His resentful new guardian. It’s hate at first sight until love takes an unexpected encore.
Closeted actor Owen fears failure and betrayal. So after he’s stabbed by a crazy fan, the movie studio offers a hunky bodyguard for protection. Suspicious that the ripped security man is just a gossip-seeking plant, he pushes back at his bulging biceps, ignoring the chemistry.
Newly retired SEAL Jamal is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Reluctantly taking a Hollywood job for a bad boy with tight abs, he’s sure the star is simply paranoid. But when he discovers the sexy celebrity is in serious jeopardy, he doesn’t hesitate to jump into action mode.
As the peril hits closer to home, Owen finds himself falling for the handsome hero fighting for his life. And as the threats intensify, Jamal fears he might lose the man he has come to love.
Will Owen and Jamal go down in a catastrophic climax, or will they star in their own happy ending?
Hollywood Lighting is the red-hot first book in the Bodyguards M/M contemporary romance series. If you like tortured heroes, intense predicaments, and steamy affairs, then you’ll adore J. V. Speyer’s tale of LGBT passion.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2020
81 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
J.V. Speyer
32 books105 followersJ J. V. Speyer writes LGBTQ+ romance novels heavily flavored with suspense, mystery, and adventure. She has lived in upstate New York and rural Catalonia before making the greater Boston, Massachusetts area her permanent home. She currently lives just south of Boston in a house old enough to remember when her town was a tavern community with a farming problem.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 27, 2021
DNF @ 49%.
I like Owen. I like the plot. But... Jamal is a huge judgemental asshole and incredibly unprofessional.
You have someone who instantly assumes the worst of his client, accusing him of using drugs, stealing roles from other actors, being greedy with money. He thinks he has lived a pampered lifestyle and that he is a spoiled brat. He straight up said “People don’t get stabbed because they’re living good and blameless lives”... which a) isn’t true and b) essentially saying that he had it coming.
For some reason, the fact that Owen fired his father from managing him once he turned 18 is reason to mar his reputation, even though we know how common it is for parent managers to rip off their child talent of their earnings.
Not only does he act like a jailer instead of a bodyguard, but he is told by his boss, Owen’s agent, the producers, that it wasn’t his job to control Owen, just to be his bodyguard.
Ironically, he thought of Ryan, “What kind of professional went around talking smack about their coworkers like that, especially to a complete stranger?” Um, pot, kettle much? Jamal was running his month from the get-go about his client. He also thought, ”Ryan was older and more experienced than Owen, but he was also a drunk and a gossip. Jamal relied on him for information but not much more.” Why would you rely on a drunk and a gossip for information.
On top of that, he talks like 14 old girl, not a former Navy SEAL.
But on top of that, he goes from super rude, unprofessional, judgemental dick to giving Owen a peck on he cheek and holding his hand in the blink of an eye. Which is just as unprofessional.
I like Owen. I like the plot. But... Jamal is a huge judgemental asshole and incredibly unprofessional.
You have someone who instantly assumes the worst of his client, accusing him of using drugs, stealing roles from other actors, being greedy with money. He thinks he has lived a pampered lifestyle and that he is a spoiled brat. He straight up said “People don’t get stabbed because they’re living good and blameless lives”... which a) isn’t true and b) essentially saying that he had it coming.
For some reason, the fact that Owen fired his father from managing him once he turned 18 is reason to mar his reputation, even though we know how common it is for parent managers to rip off their child talent of their earnings.
Not only does he act like a jailer instead of a bodyguard, but he is told by his boss, Owen’s agent, the producers, that it wasn’t his job to control Owen, just to be his bodyguard.
Ironically, he thought of Ryan, “What kind of professional went around talking smack about their coworkers like that, especially to a complete stranger?” Um, pot, kettle much? Jamal was running his month from the get-go about his client. He also thought, ”Ryan was older and more experienced than Owen, but he was also a drunk and a gossip. Jamal relied on him for information but not much more.” Why would you rely on a drunk and a gossip for information.
On top of that, he talks like 14 old girl, not a former Navy SEAL.
But on top of that, he goes from super rude, unprofessional, judgemental dick to giving Owen a peck on he cheek and holding his hand in the blink of an eye. Which is just as unprofessional.
November 28, 2022
Hollywood Lighting (Bodyguards Book 1) MM
Owen is an actor on a long running series that has attracted millions of fans. Now 24, he has been in the business as a child actor, managed by his father. When he was 18 he fired his father for embezzlement having discovered he had no money of his own earnings.
This brought the wrath of Hollywood on Owen as his father had many high up connections in the industry. Working on his current long running series, things start to happen that is damaging to Owen and his career.
His Co actor Ryan Hill keeps accusing him of all kinds of stuff and riling up his fans to attack Owen.
When a fan of Ryan stabs Owen with a knife the studio reluctantly bring in a bodyguard to try and protect one of their leading stars in the series.
Enter Jamal Kingston’s an ex SEAL, more used to working in covert, military style situations. He cannot stand the Hollywood scenario and doesn’t get off on the best footing with his charge.
There is a whole lot of stuff in Owen’s background that comes to light, he has two much younger step sisters, who have been taken away by his father, a mother who was deported (Owen is Mexican, real name Eugenio Pelaez) after being reported by his father.
His relationship with His bodyguard has now improved. Owen is in the closet because of his contract with the studio. He and Jamal have had ‘moment’s’ together behind closed doors, not in public.
All of this comes to a head when Owen is accused of a heinous crime.
¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥
This story lost me practically in the first couple of Chapters. One minute Jamal was having his usual disagreements and showing his dislike of Owen, then he is suddenly kissing him, and then everything continues as if that didn’t just happen. Chapter further in Jamal is covering Owens hands and running his thumb over them. Suddenly we have a bedroom scenario which ‘fades to black’ after Jamal enters Owen’s bedroom.
Their relationship seemed to me to take off with no work up to an emotional connection. Jamal character and personal background is barely hinted at.
All of these “flaws” to me, seems a shame because the whole storyline had huge potential to be so much better. I do like the ‘Bodyguard’ trope in general and in fairness, I’ll try another in this series when I’ve reduced my TBR KU books stack.
Here again, it was the Cover of this book that drew my attention initially.
Owen is an actor on a long running series that has attracted millions of fans. Now 24, he has been in the business as a child actor, managed by his father. When he was 18 he fired his father for embezzlement having discovered he had no money of his own earnings.
This brought the wrath of Hollywood on Owen as his father had many high up connections in the industry. Working on his current long running series, things start to happen that is damaging to Owen and his career.
His Co actor Ryan Hill keeps accusing him of all kinds of stuff and riling up his fans to attack Owen.
When a fan of Ryan stabs Owen with a knife the studio reluctantly bring in a bodyguard to try and protect one of their leading stars in the series.
Enter Jamal Kingston’s an ex SEAL, more used to working in covert, military style situations. He cannot stand the Hollywood scenario and doesn’t get off on the best footing with his charge.
There is a whole lot of stuff in Owen’s background that comes to light, he has two much younger step sisters, who have been taken away by his father, a mother who was deported (Owen is Mexican, real name Eugenio Pelaez) after being reported by his father.
His relationship with His bodyguard has now improved. Owen is in the closet because of his contract with the studio. He and Jamal have had ‘moment’s’ together behind closed doors, not in public.
All of this comes to a head when Owen is accused of a heinous crime.
¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥
This story lost me practically in the first couple of Chapters. One minute Jamal was having his usual disagreements and showing his dislike of Owen, then he is suddenly kissing him, and then everything continues as if that didn’t just happen. Chapter further in Jamal is covering Owens hands and running his thumb over them. Suddenly we have a bedroom scenario which ‘fades to black’ after Jamal enters Owen’s bedroom.
Their relationship seemed to me to take off with no work up to an emotional connection. Jamal character and personal background is barely hinted at.
All of these “flaws” to me, seems a shame because the whole storyline had huge potential to be so much better. I do like the ‘Bodyguard’ trope in general and in fairness, I’ll try another in this series when I’ve reduced my TBR KU books stack.
Here again, it was the Cover of this book that drew my attention initially.
November 28, 2022
Shut up, I'm not crying, you're crying.
(Review to come soon, but obvs I really REALLY loved this book.)
OKAY, I have gathered all my feels and am finally ready to review Hollywood Lighting.
CW: Rape, gaslighting, homophobia, racism, child abuse
I did not love how Jamal was so quick to believe the worst about Owen, and then was just SO stubborn and awful about it - that was the only thing that detracted from my otherwise complete and utter obsession with this book. Not a fan of his basically victim-blaming, it was kind of gross. There's also a part where he suddenly kisses Owen, and neither of them comments on it or bats an eye? Um, what? AND YET, despite these issues, I still couldn't put this book down. I legit kept reading while I went to the bathroom and cooked (and almost burned, oops) dinner. J.V. Speyer's writing is just THAT compelling.
ALL THAT ASIDE -- OMG, Owen. *big sad eyes* I just want to hug him and tell him everything is going to be okay. The show he's working on has very Supernatural vibes, but imagine Misha Collins came in as Cas for one season and then acted like a total jerkwad and tried to destroy Jensen Ackles' reputation to make himself a bigger role on the show. I don't really care for romantic suspense (usually) but all the drama on set and Owen fighting against basically everyone misunderstanding him and just trying to get through the day really caught me up in the story. I think I cared more about Owen and how he'd resolve his issues and where his future would land than I did about the romantic story, haha. Once Jamal FINALLY got his act together, I did appreciate the supportive way he backed Owen up.
This is the first book in the Bodyguards series, and can be read as a standalone. That being said, I finished this book and immediately started book two, Royals - it's just that good.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
(Review to come soon, but obvs I really REALLY loved this book.)
OKAY, I have gathered all my feels and am finally ready to review Hollywood Lighting.
CW: Rape, gaslighting, homophobia, racism, child abuse
I did not love how Jamal was so quick to believe the worst about Owen, and then was just SO stubborn and awful about it - that was the only thing that detracted from my otherwise complete and utter obsession with this book. Not a fan of his basically victim-blaming, it was kind of gross. There's also a part where he suddenly kisses Owen, and neither of them comments on it or bats an eye? Um, what? AND YET, despite these issues, I still couldn't put this book down. I legit kept reading while I went to the bathroom and cooked (and almost burned, oops) dinner. J.V. Speyer's writing is just THAT compelling.
ALL THAT ASIDE -- OMG, Owen. *big sad eyes* I just want to hug him and tell him everything is going to be okay. The show he's working on has very Supernatural vibes, but imagine Misha Collins came in as Cas for one season and then acted like a total jerkwad and tried to destroy Jensen Ackles' reputation to make himself a bigger role on the show. I don't really care for romantic suspense (usually) but all the drama on set and Owen fighting against basically everyone misunderstanding him and just trying to get through the day really caught me up in the story. I think I cared more about Owen and how he'd resolve his issues and where his future would land than I did about the romantic story, haha. Once Jamal FINALLY got his act together, I did appreciate the supportive way he backed Owen up.
This is the first book in the Bodyguards series, and can be read as a standalone. That being said, I finished this book and immediately started book two, Royals - it's just that good.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
April 27, 2020
4.25 Stars!
I'm a huge fan of J.V. Speyer's Hunter series and I love bodyguard books, so I jumped at the chance of reading Hollywood Lighting.
I liked Owen very much from the start. I felt so bad about him having to live in his trailer and all he had to go through with his father and in the toxic work environment he had to work in and on top of that, having to deal with Jamal's prejudicial views of him. *slaps Jamal* It took me over 1/3rd of the book to start warming up to Jamal, precisely because of how he treated Owen. Some bodyguard he was. *punches Jamal repeatedly* Frankly speaking, I was just about to give up on the book altogether because of how angry Jamal made me. Really, he might have been hot and Owen might have been attracted to Jamal, but he didn't deserve Owen, at least not at first. He got better, although the progression was a bit too fast for me. Did they have chemistry? Yes, and thankfully, by the time they gave in to their attraction, Jamal was less of a twat, so there's that.
The suspense storyline was really well-done and while the romance went from "nope, no way, no how" to "yes, please, take me, take me now" in the blink of an eye, I couldn't put the book down because I needed to find out who was behind everything happening to Owen. The story tied all the loose ends and had a satisfying ending and I really enjoyed it, so I have no trouble recommending it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I'm a huge fan of J.V. Speyer's Hunter series and I love bodyguard books, so I jumped at the chance of reading Hollywood Lighting.
I liked Owen very much from the start. I felt so bad about him having to live in his trailer and all he had to go through with his father and in the toxic work environment he had to work in and on top of that, having to deal with Jamal's prejudicial views of him. *slaps Jamal* It took me over 1/3rd of the book to start warming up to Jamal, precisely because of how he treated Owen. Some bodyguard he was. *punches Jamal repeatedly* Frankly speaking, I was just about to give up on the book altogether because of how angry Jamal made me. Really, he might have been hot and Owen might have been attracted to Jamal, but he didn't deserve Owen, at least not at first. He got better, although the progression was a bit too fast for me. Did they have chemistry? Yes, and thankfully, by the time they gave in to their attraction, Jamal was less of a twat, so there's that.
The suspense storyline was really well-done and while the romance went from "nope, no way, no how" to "yes, please, take me, take me now" in the blink of an eye, I couldn't put the book down because I needed to find out who was behind everything happening to Owen. The story tied all the loose ends and had a satisfying ending and I really enjoyed it, so I have no trouble recommending it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
November 6, 2023
This book was ridiculous. It was trite, took instalove to a new low, set up situations that couldn’t happen, and was poorly written. Throwing in $100 words doesn’t improve writing especially when they come out of the mouth of people uneducated (as we were told multiple times that Owen didn’t even have his GED.
The implausibility of this book was enormous. I love a good bodyguard action romance but this wasn’t it. This was mostly an alcoholic actor spewing lies and hatred against one of the MCs. Even the bodyguard believed it at first and was absolutely horrible to the person he was supposed to be guarding. He should have been fired.
Jama’l just wasn’t acting like a bodyguard. He was too closed minded which meant he had such a rigid mentality that he was not going to notice when something was off. At first he believed everything Ryan said and didn’t even notice he was drunk?
He also did all kinds of inappropriate things from being outright mean and judgy to his client’s face to grabbing his arm. I was so mad at that I almost stopped reading because when you are violently handstand with a person you’re supposed to be protecting, what’s to stop you from doing it to your partner, who will be soon be the other MC?
The writer does appear to know about how Hollywood works. She put in things it would never occur to me would happen. However, I find it hard to believe anyone could film three productions at once being the lead, especially when one show is done twice in two different languages and another continually goes hours and hours overtime.
I like that two police officers were female. I like that neither MC was white. Owen was the perfect brother. His understanding of not making someone have their story told without their permission even to those closest to them was fabulous. His kindness and giving nature was lovely. And the author’s understanding of the necessity for therapy for someone exhibiting disturbing behaviors was wonderful.
I read the whole thing in one sitting so it wasn’t too bad but I’m not going to read further in the series.
The implausibility of this book was enormous. I love a good bodyguard action romance but this wasn’t it. This was mostly an alcoholic actor spewing lies and hatred against one of the MCs. Even the bodyguard believed it at first and was absolutely horrible to the person he was supposed to be guarding. He should have been fired.
Jama’l just wasn’t acting like a bodyguard. He was too closed minded which meant he had such a rigid mentality that he was not going to notice when something was off. At first he believed everything Ryan said and didn’t even notice he was drunk?
He also did all kinds of inappropriate things from being outright mean and judgy to his client’s face to grabbing his arm. I was so mad at that I almost stopped reading because when you are violently handstand with a person you’re supposed to be protecting, what’s to stop you from doing it to your partner, who will be soon be the other MC?
The writer does appear to know about how Hollywood works. She put in things it would never occur to me would happen. However, I find it hard to believe anyone could film three productions at once being the lead, especially when one show is done twice in two different languages and another continually goes hours and hours overtime.
I like that two police officers were female. I like that neither MC was white. Owen was the perfect brother. His understanding of not making someone have their story told without their permission even to those closest to them was fabulous. His kindness and giving nature was lovely. And the author’s understanding of the necessity for therapy for someone exhibiting disturbing behaviors was wonderful.
I read the whole thing in one sitting so it wasn’t too bad but I’m not going to read further in the series.
November 9, 2020
This book was a nice great surprise after my not so great experience with the Smoked Gin. I've noticed that author has a great flow and I really liked the writing style so I wanted to read something of a decent length to form an opinion.
This book was a hit with me, despite initial bad impression of Jamal who came to the job unreasonably biased and his handling of the situation was too heavy-handed for a hired security hand.
His bias was based on the bad publicity and rumors (I don't get why he accepted the job if he detested Owen so much), but he has come to his senses reasonably fast and started questioning things that did not add up.
Some of the drama was way over the top but the story itself was fast-moving, events rich, unpredictable and had the sweetest HEA, truly sigh-worthy.
This book was a hit with me, despite initial bad impression of Jamal who came to the job unreasonably biased and his handling of the situation was too heavy-handed for a hired security hand.
His bias was based on the bad publicity and rumors (I don't get why he accepted the job if he detested Owen so much), but he has come to his senses reasonably fast and started questioning things that did not add up.
Some of the drama was way over the top but the story itself was fast-moving, events rich, unpredictable and had the sweetest HEA, truly sigh-worthy.
August 5, 2020
A stunning M/M love story with amazing characters — and eerie insights about the realities of toxic fandom and the ugly face of showbiz.
Review originally posted on Reedsy Discovery, you can find it here: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/hol...
This is the first time I've read one of J. V. Speyer's books and let me tell you right now: it won't be the last.
The author does a great job of writing characters that are flawed, misunderstood and broken — and lovable because of these traits, not despite them. The chemistry between Owen and Jamal is electric (although in the beginning, you kinda want to punch Jamal a bit). There are several serious themes explored in the book, from sexual assault and parental abuse to bullying and toxic working environments, all of them approached with such an earnestness, thoughtfulness and kindness it makes you feel a bit better for humanity. People are not just footnotes to push the plot forward; victims are treated with the respect they deserve; situations are not black and white. And yet throughout, this story is written with such a heart it doesn't come off as "preachy" or agenda-pushing.
The main issue in the book, is the reality of being LGBTQ while working on a major TV show and having every aspect of your life being visible and exploited for profit. It was really sobering to read. Owen is living a very hard life behind his glitzy persona and, although he is of course a fictional character, it's not very hard to believe that there are many Owens out there — and that it's considered "Hollywood normal". The entitlement fans exhibit towards a show or a person felt very real (and scary) as well. We've all seen Twitter threads and messages on TV show apps with people exhibiting a perplexing amount of rage towards a director or an actor, when they think a character is not behaving as *they* think they should.
The suspense element of the book is well done. The stakes are high and getting higher by the minute for the two MCs — and the pace doesn't ease up until the final chapter or so. My only criticism would be the fact that we're not going into much depth when it comes to the character of Jamal. I would love to learn more about his background and understand what makes him tick. Regardless, we still get to know him through his feelings for Owen and how these feelings change and evolve over time.
And that ending... It's been a while since a book gave me both goosebumps and teary eyes. Kudos.
Review originally posted on Reedsy Discovery, you can find it here: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/hol...
This is the first time I've read one of J. V. Speyer's books and let me tell you right now: it won't be the last.
The author does a great job of writing characters that are flawed, misunderstood and broken — and lovable because of these traits, not despite them. The chemistry between Owen and Jamal is electric (although in the beginning, you kinda want to punch Jamal a bit). There are several serious themes explored in the book, from sexual assault and parental abuse to bullying and toxic working environments, all of them approached with such an earnestness, thoughtfulness and kindness it makes you feel a bit better for humanity. People are not just footnotes to push the plot forward; victims are treated with the respect they deserve; situations are not black and white. And yet throughout, this story is written with such a heart it doesn't come off as "preachy" or agenda-pushing.
The main issue in the book, is the reality of being LGBTQ while working on a major TV show and having every aspect of your life being visible and exploited for profit. It was really sobering to read. Owen is living a very hard life behind his glitzy persona and, although he is of course a fictional character, it's not very hard to believe that there are many Owens out there — and that it's considered "Hollywood normal". The entitlement fans exhibit towards a show or a person felt very real (and scary) as well. We've all seen Twitter threads and messages on TV show apps with people exhibiting a perplexing amount of rage towards a director or an actor, when they think a character is not behaving as *they* think they should.
The suspense element of the book is well done. The stakes are high and getting higher by the minute for the two MCs — and the pace doesn't ease up until the final chapter or so. My only criticism would be the fact that we're not going into much depth when it comes to the character of Jamal. I would love to learn more about his background and understand what makes him tick. Regardless, we still get to know him through his feelings for Owen and how these feelings change and evolve over time.
And that ending... It's been a while since a book gave me both goosebumps and teary eyes. Kudos.
November 29, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Owen is force to be seen as someone he's not, but really who is at fault for that...not the management team right? Jamal was about to find out that Hollywood was as cut throat as any battle-zones he had even seen, that was if he didn't lose his job on day one. Can we say Jamal's pre-judgemental take on all things Hollywood, as an ex-seal he finds it just as bad if not worse then battle-zones. After having to hide his sexuality in the closet due to the Hollywood elite gossip mill, Okay what a douche the executive producer Jim was, like it's Owens fault for a fan attacked him and the fan wasn't even his deranged fan. Owen gets stuck with a bodyguard/bully, was he a plant to get Owen gone from the studio because he sure didn't treat Owen like a human sometimes. Owen is the actor that he gets hired to guard, the man is more then he was expecting that is for sure. One job keep Owen safe even if it's from himself...Right? Oh and also no touching..One of these maybe just to much of to handle especially when Jamal learns more of Owen. Glad that someone people had Owen's back at the beginning because the studio sure didn't except for what they could get out of any of the diva-drama.
November 30, 2022
I don't really know where to start with this. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. This was a good story. It stared slow, but picked up and I liked the overall story. I can't rate the story any higher, because I really just didn't like one of the MCs. Owen was the best. He was a god person, with a good heart, who had been dealt a bad hand, and really had no one in his corner. I wanted all the happiness for him. Jamal was so unlikable for a lot of the story and that bothered me. He came to Owen with preconceived notion and listened to all kinds of gossip about him without ever taking the time to get to know him. From their first interaction together, he was such a jerk to Owen that any chemistry between them was overshadowed by his poor attitude. I kept thinking Owen deserved better. Jamal did get better, but it was so hard to develop a liking for him. I did enjoy the plot and the actual story and writing were good. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
May 12, 2021
A bodyguard, an actor and fans walk on to a film set...
This is Hollywood. Not the glamorous, dazzling Hollywood. This is the cutthroat side. Studio politics, backstabbing costars, manic fans, family drama, biases, misconceptions. OK, and really cute kittens. Oh, and epic sex. Once Jamal and Owen get over their preconceived notions and start seeing each other as they truly are, the story takes off. I learned about the lurid backside of the film industry. I felt rage, anguish, joy, and love. Loyalty, and the meaning of family. You will become as invested in this story as I was. Don't worry, HEA is assured. You are gonna love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
This is Hollywood. Not the glamorous, dazzling Hollywood. This is the cutthroat side. Studio politics, backstabbing costars, manic fans, family drama, biases, misconceptions. OK, and really cute kittens. Oh, and epic sex. Once Jamal and Owen get over their preconceived notions and start seeing each other as they truly are, the story takes off. I learned about the lurid backside of the film industry. I felt rage, anguish, joy, and love. Loyalty, and the meaning of family. You will become as invested in this story as I was. Don't worry, HEA is assured. You are gonna love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
December 13, 2022
I did not expect to like this book because of the anticipated violence and craziness that needs a bodyguard, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I got into this book. Once the MC's got over themselves and started getting to know each other, they realized how much into the other they each were. I like that it was a mutual attraction and not insta lust. It was a very interesting read and it kept me on the edge of my seat. My emotions went on a rollercoaster ride throughout this book. I really liked Owen; he really was such a sweetheart. Once Jamal got over his misconceptions and got to know more about the real situation, he mellowed out and became a very likable person. This was a great book and a great start to the series.
December 16, 2022
Hollywood Lighting is the first book of the Bodyguard series. You can read each book of this series as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading all books in order to get maximum enjoyment.
Owen is a famous actor. When a fan stabs him, he becomes a liability for the studio and so they assign him a bodyguard. Against his will.
Jamal is a retired SEAL and works as a bodyguard. He is assigned to Owen and is not amused by his charge.
I loved the storyline of this book. We have Hollywood (which I have a fable for), suspense, and amazing characters. I didn't like Jamal at the beginning of the book, but soon he got some brownie points back.
I recommend reading this book to all who love drama, Hollywood stories, and a bit of suspense added into the mix.
Owen is a famous actor. When a fan stabs him, he becomes a liability for the studio and so they assign him a bodyguard. Against his will.
Jamal is a retired SEAL and works as a bodyguard. He is assigned to Owen and is not amused by his charge.
I loved the storyline of this book. We have Hollywood (which I have a fable for), suspense, and amazing characters. I didn't like Jamal at the beginning of the book, but soon he got some brownie points back.
I recommend reading this book to all who love drama, Hollywood stories, and a bit of suspense added into the mix.
December 17, 2022
Actor Owen Paul (real name Eugenio Pelaez) is assigned Jamal Kingston as a bodyguard and they do NOT hit it off in the beginning. Jamal arrives with biases and is a jerk to Owen, who refuses to address them until the situation demands that they both put aside their hostility to protect him. After that, the relationship takes off, and that's where it lost me. Up to the 39% mark, the hostilities are heavy and the tension between them is high. Then, as if on a dime, Jamal kisses Owen, and just like that, they're cozy. I didn't believe it, and I read to the end hoping I would. I never did. There's just no chemistry that I believe between them. The 3 stars are for the suspense part, which is most of the story anyway.
November 30, 2020
Holy moly!! This was fantastic!! I got sucked into this story and couldn’t put it down!! Owen is an actor that has had a horrible past that he doesn’t share with anyone but his best friend. Jamal, a former SEAL is assigned as his new bodyguard when a deranged fan stab Owen. Major miscommunication becomes the norm for these two until they figure out, they need to work together. I loved the found family and secondary characters! There was suspense, drama, and romance! This was sooo freakin good!! I am voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I was gifted from the author. Thank you so much for letting me read your art. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
April 27, 2022
Refreshing
I just love Bodyguard Books and this was especially good. I've only read one other where an actor was being protected. Most are always either rock stars or sweet twinks needing protection, which i also love. This was so refreshing to read and the author's writing just pulls you in. There were so many twists and turns to this story and it was an eye opener to see how bad parts of Hollywood can truly be. I'm sure parts of this book were based on facts. The side characters were wonderful except for Ryan and his followers and of course Owen's father. I highly recommend this book if you like bodyguards and justice to be served.
I just love Bodyguard Books and this was especially good. I've only read one other where an actor was being protected. Most are always either rock stars or sweet twinks needing protection, which i also love. This was so refreshing to read and the author's writing just pulls you in. There were so many twists and turns to this story and it was an eye opener to see how bad parts of Hollywood can truly be. I'm sure parts of this book were based on facts. The side characters were wonderful except for Ryan and his followers and of course Owen's father. I highly recommend this book if you like bodyguards and justice to be served.
November 10, 2022
I picked this book up because the blurb ticked a few of my reading preference boxes. I enjoy a good bodyguard mystery especially in the MM romance genre.
I got everything that those ticked boxes suggested. There was a mystery thread running through the story but there was no big reveal as we got to watch the threads unravel as the story progressed.
The passion between the two mc’s seemed to come on quite quickly and I would have liked to see more chemistry at the beginning. More enemies to lovers tension.
Overall though it was set at a good pace and the story kept me interested. There was just enough mystery, romance and tension to keep the story flowing and the pages turning.
I got everything that those ticked boxes suggested. There was a mystery thread running through the story but there was no big reveal as we got to watch the threads unravel as the story progressed.
The passion between the two mc’s seemed to come on quite quickly and I would have liked to see more chemistry at the beginning. More enemies to lovers tension.
Overall though it was set at a good pace and the story kept me interested. There was just enough mystery, romance and tension to keep the story flowing and the pages turning.
November 16, 2022
Jamal and Owen come together in an action packed story! This was my first novel by the author and it was a page turner!
Owen is a TV actor with a tarnished reputation, Jamal is his hired bodyguard to keep him safe. They got off on the wrong foot - Jamal put too much stock in the reputation Owen had rather than getting to know him.
I really enjoyed how much the plot had twists and turns - even though we could identify who the "bad guys" were didn't mean we knew how the story would end. Owen and Jamal also had super hot chemistry - super fun to read!
I received an ARC for this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Owen is a TV actor with a tarnished reputation, Jamal is his hired bodyguard to keep him safe. They got off on the wrong foot - Jamal put too much stock in the reputation Owen had rather than getting to know him.
I really enjoyed how much the plot had twists and turns - even though we could identify who the "bad guys" were didn't mean we knew how the story would end. Owen and Jamal also had super hot chemistry - super fun to read!
I received an ARC for this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
December 10, 2022
This author is becoming one of my favourites with her bodyguard trope!
Their start was very rocky as a result of rumours and Jamal judging a book by its cover but he soon redeemed himself when he opened his eyes to the beautiful person inside and out that Owen is…
Their chemistry was off the hook volcanic hot and their banter and protectiveness towards each other and Owens sisters was aw inspiring!
The plot line was well thought out and the character build was very well executed!
I look forward to more bodyguards finding their person!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
Their start was very rocky as a result of rumours and Jamal judging a book by its cover but he soon redeemed himself when he opened his eyes to the beautiful person inside and out that Owen is…
Their chemistry was off the hook volcanic hot and their banter and protectiveness towards each other and Owens sisters was aw inspiring!
The plot line was well thought out and the character build was very well executed!
I look forward to more bodyguards finding their person!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
October 29, 2020
I need my bodyguard now
If you love stories where you want to backhand a character and end up wanting to embrace them 🤤. You will enjoy this book while wanting to throttle some Hollywood bigwig characters for being manipulative arses. Seriously this book has character development and the unfolding of secrets and a romance. I’ll be honest I kept reading the book to see if the character I despised got what was coming to them. I would love to see how Owen’s future unfolds, though if that doesn’t happen I’ll imagine it my way.
If you love stories where you want to backhand a character and end up wanting to embrace them 🤤. You will enjoy this book while wanting to throttle some Hollywood bigwig characters for being manipulative arses. Seriously this book has character development and the unfolding of secrets and a romance. I’ll be honest I kept reading the book to see if the character I despised got what was coming to them. I would love to see how Owen’s future unfolds, though if that doesn’t happen I’ll imagine it my way.
November 30, 2020
Hollywood Lighting by JV Speyer is a contemporary mm romance that gives readers a fantastic enemies to lovers tale between an actor who has gotten a lot of bad press and the bodyguard who has to learn not to judge a person purely on heresay. The story is very well told , with suspense, drama, sweetness and steam. I was glued to the pages and did not want to put this one down and when it came to an end I felt sad I didn't have more to read. These characters were relatable and likeable and I absolutely love them.
November 30, 2020
Hollywood can make or break you, it’s all about the bottom line.
Instead of love at first sight, this was hate at first sight. In fact Jamal detested Owen before he even met him, so romance was never on the cards. As the complicated twists and turns of the plot slowly unravelled, a happy ending was looking unlikely, but a very satisfying downfall for the bad guys, plus the complete opposite for the good ones, finally, wrapped everything up really well. The ending was never that obvious until you get there. A neat trick for any story.
Instead of love at first sight, this was hate at first sight. In fact Jamal detested Owen before he even met him, so romance was never on the cards. As the complicated twists and turns of the plot slowly unravelled, a happy ending was looking unlikely, but a very satisfying downfall for the bad guys, plus the complete opposite for the good ones, finally, wrapped everything up really well. The ending was never that obvious until you get there. A neat trick for any story.
December 3, 2020
Such a wonderfully exciting plot.
Addiction, homophobia, ill gotten gains, lack of parenting, crazed fans, child star, and so much more!
When a 'fan' attacks an actor, lives change immediately. Jamal is hired to protect Owen but it quickly becomes much more complicated once you discover the methods the studio is using to increase the 'hype' around the show.
Deceit runs through the entire filming of one production and a fellow actor is definitely a 'loose' cannon.
So many interesting characters and twists in the plot.
A great story with two guys who deserve their HEA!
Addiction, homophobia, ill gotten gains, lack of parenting, crazed fans, child star, and so much more!
When a 'fan' attacks an actor, lives change immediately. Jamal is hired to protect Owen but it quickly becomes much more complicated once you discover the methods the studio is using to increase the 'hype' around the show.
Deceit runs through the entire filming of one production and a fellow actor is definitely a 'loose' cannon.
So many interesting characters and twists in the plot.
A great story with two guys who deserve their HEA!
Read
December 22, 2020DNF @ 23%.
I'm not rating it because I didn't finish it.
I absolutely hated Jamal. He's a judgmental, condescending prick. He knows nothing AT ALL about Owen or Chris but he's treating them like spoiled little brats just because they're actors.
Apparently Owen is on drugs because aren't ALL actors on drugs? Especially those who were child actors once upon a time?
Very heavy sarcasm.
What a jerk.
If I'm still hating a character at 23%, it won't be changing later. I don't care if he 'makes nice' or whatever.
I'm not rating it because I didn't finish it.
I absolutely hated Jamal. He's a judgmental, condescending prick. He knows nothing AT ALL about Owen or Chris but he's treating them like spoiled little brats just because they're actors.
Apparently Owen is on drugs because aren't ALL actors on drugs? Especially those who were child actors once upon a time?
Very heavy sarcasm.
What a jerk.
If I'm still hating a character at 23%, it won't be changing later. I don't care if he 'makes nice' or whatever.
November 15, 2022
Bodyguard stories and always a good trope in my opinion if written well, because you feel secure reading it. The author wrote Jamal's character well. I trusted him to protect Owen as the story unfolded. The ongoing storyline between the movie star and his co-workers was fantastic. I felt the chemistry between the two MC's could have been stronger. The sex scenes were a bit fade to page, I would have liked more depth and narrative to really feel the sexual connection. An overall good book with twists and turns that just needed slightly more emphasis on the relationship side.
December 6, 2022
Who doesn’t love a good bodyguard to lover romance? The best thing about this book were the characters, who were believable, empathic, and complicated. I liked the way the author depicted the intricacies of Hollywood infighting and how that might lead to criminal behavior. if anything, my only critique would be that, for these two very different men, I think it would be harder and take a little bit longer for them to fall in love than what would fit within the covers of your ordinary Romance novel. That being said, it was a great read.
December 7, 2022
OMG! This security firm needs to make sure their bodyguards stop making rash assumptions. Ultimately Jamal, Owen's very much needed bodyguard has a lightbulb moment. Owen is so lucky to also have good friends in Chris and his wife because life at the studio is hell and there is no help from the blinkered, self entitled creep who runs the show. So many really bad people that eventually have to pay for the horror they cause. I recommend this book, I enjoyed it very much! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 22, 2022
Entertaining read
My first with this author and wasn't sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. Family drama and Hollywood drama creates the angst but low angst between Jamal the bodyguard and Owen the actor his asigned to once they get together. Crazy fans, a despicable parent, sweet sisters, kittens, coming out and first time love leads to an entertaining read. I would read more of this author.
My first with this author and wasn't sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. Family drama and Hollywood drama creates the angst but low angst between Jamal the bodyguard and Owen the actor his asigned to once they get together. Crazy fans, a despicable parent, sweet sisters, kittens, coming out and first time love leads to an entertaining read. I would read more of this author.
Read
February 3, 2022Ok
I really liked Owen, he has such a huge heart but has had so much bad in his life. Jamal was not likeable for nearly half the book but finally started getting better once he stopped judging and getting facts instead of gossip. Still, it made a relationship between them seem implausible.
Quite a bit of this book dragged on and felt like there were too many unnecessary tangents. This book also needs a fair amount of editing. I definitely would not read this again.
I really liked Owen, he has such a huge heart but has had so much bad in his life. Jamal was not likeable for nearly half the book but finally started getting better once he stopped judging and getting facts instead of gossip. Still, it made a relationship between them seem implausible.
Quite a bit of this book dragged on and felt like there were too many unnecessary tangents. This book also needs a fair amount of editing. I definitely would not read this again.
November 13, 2022
These two start out rough and they have a lot of learning to experience, especially Jamal. He has preconceived notions about Hollywood and Owen and isn't afraid to express them. There was one moment that I felt was kind of glossed over after a panic attack but I felt that they both grew and learned how to communicate and see the truth that surrounds them. It had great drama and some steamy scenes. It was a good mix and good story for my first time reading this author.
November 17, 2022
Loved it. There was plenty of drama as you would expect with a bodyguard book but also low angst which is great. It wasn’t insta love which you often get with these types of books and the fact that they had to learn not only to love each other but like each other was fab. I could actually see this progressing into a boy/daddy type relationship if there were a second book because that’s the vibe I started to get toward the end. No cliff hanger so a total bonus
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