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Bodyguard

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Savannah

Twelve years ago, when I was sixteen, everything I loved was ripped away from me in an instant when my father and I were taken into WITSEC. My home. My friends. My life. And Gage Crawford, the only boy I’d ever loved.

But two days ago, the men that we’d been hiding from found us. They killed my father, and I barely escaped. They’re after me, and I don’t know how to outrun them.

Except...that boy I lost when I was sixteen has grown into a man, and he might be the only hope I have of survival.

Gage

My heart was ripped apart the night Savannah Langley disappeared. I dropped her off at home on the night of her sixteenth birthday, and never saw her again. I didn’t know if she was dead or alive. And I hadn’t been there to protect her.

I swore that I would never let another person down again the way I’d clearly failed her. That anyone else who ever needed my protection would get it.

When Savannah shows up on my porch in the middle of the night twelve years later, I’m stunned. And when she looks up at me and asks me to help her because I’m the only one who can save her life, I know I don’t have a choice. I am going to save her. Or I am going to die trying.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2021

127 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Shawn

135 books1,852 followers
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

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5 stars
126 (40%)
4 stars
89 (28%)
3 stars
63 (20%)
2 stars
25 (8%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
August 13, 2021
4.5 stars

Bodyguard by Melanie Shawn is so different than their typical contemporary romances. I loved the suspense and drama this writing duo generated in a short amount of time. From the first pages of this book we are thrust into a cat and mouse game between Gage and Savannah and the men who put their lives in jeopardy. I’m not usually a fan of second chance romances but these two were forced apart by circumstances beyond their control. Savannah’s dad isn’t on the up and up but he’s still her dad and would do anything for him. Even leaving the love of her life for 12 years.

Gage’s protective streak came out full force when Savannah left 12 years prior. He made a pact with himself to protect the innocent and that’s what he’s been doing. The book was high energy and non-stop adventure. It definitely made it hard to put down as I had to see how these two, along with his friends were going to stop the bad guy.

The bright spot in this book was Gage’s mom and grandmother. Although they weren’t in the book often, I liked the levity they brought.

The ending was wrapped up a little to easily but I didn’t know how much more adventure these two could take.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,228 reviews20 followers
July 28, 2021
I love the start of this new series. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite type books to read. I was heartbroken when Savannah had to leave town and Gage on her sixteenth birthday as you could tell how in love they were at this young age. It was surprising for Savannah that her a father and her had to go in the WITSEC program. Twelve years later some men attack Savannah and her father, but Savannah gets away and runs to Gage. Luckily Gage is a bodyguard and has some serious skills. I can’t imagine what Gage thought when Savannah was pounding on his front door. I was so glad that Gage wanted to protect Savannah after she told him what happened. It is so exciting reading about what they went through to find out how the man they were being protected from found Savannah and her father. Then the way Gage’s mind worked on who he would bring in to help him. The electricity between the two was still off the hook. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Susanne Scott.
1,501 reviews18 followers
July 27, 2021
Wow! I loved this! This was just the right amount of suspense for me, I loved the whole storyline and the protectiveness of Gage but also the strength of Savannah, and how much Gage admired her strength.
The love these two have for each other hasn’t dimmed over the years when they were forced apart with no warning.
The supporting characters were great too, I loved Bear and Crypt and how they all knew how to push Gages buttons. I have to say I did feel a bit sorry for Mac getting caught up in it all.
I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,249 reviews39 followers
August 16, 2021
Really enjoyed this action packed, emotionally thrilling adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and exciting turns. An edge of your seat roller coaster ride from beginning to end and highly entertaining journey.
Profile Image for Confessions of a Bookaholic.
849 reviews39 followers
July 26, 2021
"A scratch n' sniff for emotions. That's the best thing I've ever heard!"

Oh my heavens if this book doesn't make you feel so many emotions. Gage and Savannah had me forgetting all of my adult responsibilities for about a day and a half. There was no putting this book down. I am a sucker for second chance romance and this one is most definitely a 5 star!!! I mean with lines like, "My Savannah. My Heart. My angel. My Girl" how do you not swoon for Gage!!

In classic Melanie Shawn form this book has one smoking hot alpha that will do anything for his woman. Gage is this tough bodyguard that has never given up on the love he felt for Savannah...even when she disappeared so abruptly the night of her 16th birthday. Imagine the shock he gets when he wakes to her pounding on his door after 12 years of being gone.

Savannah is only following her father's instructions which were RUN! So she does and runs straight to Gage, the only man she has ever loved. It is in his arms she knows she will be safe and he proves that to her every step of the way.

This is the first romantic suspense book Melanie Shawn has written and I very much hope they explore this type of storyline again because Bodyguard was beyond exceptional. I want to tell everyone I know to stop what they are doing and read this book. From the very first page the story is non-stop and has you hooked!
3,584 reviews42 followers
July 26, 2021
This latest story by the dynamic Melanie Shawn duo is a bit different from their usual contemporary romance. This one is a suspense romance.
Gage Crawford and Savannah Langley met on their first day as freshman students. From that moment on they were inseparable. But their lives changed on her 16th birthday when Savannah and her father where rushed into WITSEC. Gage never knowing why and where she had disappeared.
When Savannah is in danger, she believes Gage, now a bodyguard of sorts, is the only one that can help her .
The suspense that follows as well as the emotional rollercoaster will keep the reader engaged.
I have to confess that at times I felt it dragged a tad and I skipped some pages. Also, the reader is not told where Gage acquired his military like abilities only that he was never in the military. Though he’s an independent contractor, I never really got what kind of work he did and how he could take so much time off .
for me it was more of a 3.5 stars, but I have a great deal of respect for these ladies, and will give the story 4 stars.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Tina Buchberger Oase.
157 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2021
Bodyguard was a different genre from the usual books written by Melanie Shawn. This story still has a romance in it but it also has suspense.
During the pandemic my reading really slowed down and my interests were just not there. I was going through the motions but not really involved in the story. This book got me back on track and I couldnt turn the pages fast enough.
Gage and Savannah met while they were in high school and were inseperable best friends. Neither of them admitted to the other their feelings for the other. One night Savannah goes home and finds her father sitting with federal agents and they are put into protective custody not being able to tell anyone where they are going or take anything with them.
Years go by and now Savannah needs help. She knows the one person that she can turn to and returns to Gage who has now become a bodyguard.
The story revolves around him helping her and them dealing with the feelings for the other.
I loved the change for the authors and would like to see them write more like this. If not,they are still killer romance authors and will always keep me coming back for more.
Profile Image for Michelle.
149 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2021
This book was a definite surprise! I love Melanie Shawn’s contemporary romance and was excited to see this book from them. Savannah disappears from Gavins life the night of her 16th birthday, when her & her dad are put into witness protection. She shows up on Gavin’s doorstep looking for his help after her secret identity was compromised. They have to figure out how to keep Savannah safe, solve the mystery of Savannah’s dad & figure out to do with their still strong feelings for each other.
I enjoyed the added bonus of the well written suspense plot to this romance. I definitely recommend this if you love romantic suspense. I hope Melanie Shawn writes more in this genre!
Profile Image for Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf).
1,429 reviews23 followers
August 3, 2021
Love a good romantic suspense storyline! I definitely didn’t see this story coming but as soon as I started, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happened! Savannah was in love with Gage as a teen, but their relationship was abruptly ended when she disappeared the night after her sixteenth birthday. Turns out that Savannah and her father were placed into witness protection, and over ten years later, Savannah returns to town and seeks out Gage to help her after her father is killed when the people find them all those years later. Good for Savannah, Gage works as a bodyguard and has always held a flame for her after all those years, and as soon as she tells him what has happened since the last time they saw each other, he jumps into action, determined to do anything and everything to keep her safe. There were some twists that I didn’t see coming, and Gage’s family had my laughing so hard I couldn’t get enough of them as well, overall having me love this read! I can’t wait to see if these authors give us more from this style of story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,119 reviews
July 29, 2021
This was a great second chance story with a bit of suspense. You can't help but like Gage and Savannah as a couple. Even as a sixteen year old kid you can tell there is something special about the young Gage. Gage as a gown man is definitely swoon worthy. He is an alpha male yet he has a deeper caring side only visible to Savannah. Hopefully this will become a new series. Great read. For some reason the book Arrogant Air Marshal: A Hero Club Novel by Natasha Raulerson has the same exact cover. That seemed odd to me.
Profile Image for Amanda Bordner.
1,128 reviews
August 6, 2021
Bodyguard... what a FANTASTIC start to a new series by Melanie Shawn, and their first jump into Romantic Suspense.

Gage and Savannah were a young love, and were ripped apart from one another in an instant. Now, after the tragic death of her father, Savannah is back in town, but she's on the run and needs Gage's help more than ever.

This story was written extremely well, in true Melanie Shawn fashion, and had me hooked right off the bat. The shorter chapters actually made the overall reading experience flow so much better for me. I was able to speed through it and really couldn't put it down.

Cannot wait for more books like this, I know I won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Linn Christine.
197 reviews
July 27, 2021
A romantic suspense from this author duo is a new and nice surprise! Gage and Savannah have an intense connection and an intense journey. This is a fast paced story and it works well. I really love how well balanced the story is and how engaging it is. It's well written as usual with Melanie Shawn. I really liked that the story surprised me. Great characters and world building. It was more than I expected going in and I hope they will continue in this genre also, as I can see how the stories will only become better and more free as they get more experience.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,586 reviews26 followers
July 31, 2021
I'm a big fan of Melanie Shawn, so when I heard they were writing a romantic suspense book, I was super excited. I love all types of romance books and these that throw in some intrigue along with the love story are always a hit with me!

Savannah was sixteen years old when her whole life got turned on its head. She was forced to leave everything she knew, including her boyfriend Gage, with moments notice to enter the WITSEC program. Twelve years later, she's found herself in danger and she's run to the one person she's never forgotten.

Gage is making his living as a bodyguard who has some serious combat skills. He's never forgotten Savannah and when she shows up on his doorstep, at first he's sure he's seeing things, but he quickly realizes he's not and it's all in to do what he can to help.

As Savannah and Gage try to figure out what has happened to put her in danger, Gage brings in his pals Bear and Crypt, who both add a lot to the story. I enjoyed the vibe the entire group had and they worked together well to help Savannah.

For a first foray into romantic suspense, I give Melanie Shawn major props. The pace of the story was great, it kept me on the edge of my seat and I enjoyed the way the romance was sprinkled in. I really enjoyed this from start to finish!
Profile Image for Urvashi.
633 reviews
July 26, 2021
Savannah and Gage are high school sweethearts who get separated 12 years back. Gage dropped Savannah home after celebrating her 16th birthday, and that was the last time he saw her, till 12 years later, she returns in the middle of the night and is asking for his help.
Second chance romance combined with suspense - this book had me hooked from the start. I think this is the first attempt by author duo on romantic suspense novel and they have given us a gripping read. The twists and turns kept me on edge and the chemistry kept the temperature high.
1,615 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2021
Wow this new series from Melanie Shawn is a incredible. It is really different from the usually books but I think that they honestly nailed it. I fell in love with Gage and Savannah. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I stayed up late and I even read while cooking! This book is full of romance, drama, mystery, and even a little bit of humor. I am really hoping that maybe we get books for some of the other characters in the book. Maybe even get a chance to see what happens later on with Gage and Savannah. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
59 reviews
July 27, 2021
This isn’t your typical romance from Melanie Shawn, this one had suspense added to it and I am there for it. It was a fun change from the regular romance books. I loved that Gage and Savannah were high school sweethearts. The second they saw each other again, when she showed up on his doorstep running for her life, the love was still there.
Definitely check this new book out and go along for the ride of Gage keeping Savannah safe from the guys hunting her down.
Profile Image for Jennifer Yohe.
93 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2021
Is their anything Melanie Shawn can't write?!? Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genre's and when I saw they wrote one I was so excited!! And it did not disappoint! There was the perfect amount of suspense, the storyline and details were easy to follow and the humor and romance were all mixed in there. I have always loved the characters they write and having those characters in a different kind of story made for a really great read!! I highly recommend this and I really hope this isn't the last one they do!!
816 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2021
Wow, Ladies!

I love your books! The Southern Comfort Series had me laughing out loud!
But this, this novel was truly a testament to your writing abilities! I completely loved every moment!
Savannah was an amazing heroine, even as a 16 yr old, just as Gage was! (Grammatical faux pas, oh well)
Years later we meet the adult versions of these two teens who were clearly in love!
Savannah, scared, worried, and on the run! Gage, still stoic, seemingly non personable, and a protector! Gage based his career on the loss of Savannah years ago! This became the most important choice he ever made!
Now, no more story telling, this is about you two ladies changing direction, and did it well!
I was completely into the suspense, even though we were all ominicent throughput the entire novel, the details, as "they" say it's all in the details!
You provided complex and intriguing details about everything. You kept me interested totally by the unexpected, filled with details!
I truly could say immense compliments, yet be rambling on, fact is you write a great suspenseful novel! Something new from you all, and by all means, Let There Be More!
I absolutely loved every moment!

Karen
Profile Image for Patti.
1,472 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2021
A fabulous edge of your seat book full of love and suspense!! Savannah and Gage were ripped apart 12 years ago and put into witness protection!! Follow Savannah as she tries to regain her life after the bad guys find her and her father. The many ups and downs that Savannah and Gage counter in order for them to be safe and have their HEA!! I really enjoyed this book and the nail biting suspense!! If that is your cup of tea then this book is definitely for you!! Grab your copy today and enjoy this stand alone read!!
982 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2021
Not your typical second chance romance. Savannah disappeared the night of her 16th birthday. Gage never knew what happened. Years later she ends up soaking wet on his doorstep in trouble.

Loves the story and action!
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,699 reviews
July 31, 2021
Savannah and Gage’s story in Bodyguard by the amazing sister duo of Melanie Shawn, is their first venture into the romantic suspense genre. This story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster as Gage attempts to keep Savannah safe and with him.

Gage Crawford and Savannah Langley met on their first day of high school as freshman. From that moment on they were inseparable. Then, on Savannah’s 16th birthday, they were separated when she and her father were quickly put into WITSEC. Gage never knew why or where she had disappeared to. Years later, with Savannah finding herself in danger and somehow knowing that Gage, was a bodyguard of sorts, she flees to his home; knowing that he is the only one who can help her. Arriving on Gage’s porch, in the middle of the night, he knows he is the only one who can save her life. After all these years, the chemistry, attraction, and love they shared was still there.

I have to confess that at times I felt the story dragged a bit, especially with missing details. The reader is not told where or how Gage acquired his military-like abilities, only that he was never in the military. Though he’s an independent contractor, the exact type of work he did was never really explained, nor how he had such a large network of support, or how he could take so much time off.

Melanie Shawn wrote an emotional roller coaster of a story that should not be missed. They provided a tale rich with emotions, magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, secrets, and secondary characters giving Savannah and Gage the happily ever after they deserved. I can definitely recommend Bodyguard to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
758 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2021
I must admit I was a little hesitant to read this suspense story by Melanie Shawn. I love their contemporary romances, so I figured I’d give it a try and it was great. I loved the characters Savannah and Gage and enjoyed watching them find each other again through not such great circumstances and I liked seeing what would happen between them next. This was suspenseful but not too much and I liked the twists and turns and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I also liked seeing the fun side that popped out a time or two so you knew this was a Melanie Shawn story, but if I didn’t know ahead of time that Melanie Shawn wrote this story, I would never have guessed. While I did enjoy this story and though it was great, I think my heart still belongs their contemporary romance stories.
246 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2021
Second chance romantic suspense

A little different from the writing duo of Melanie Shawn. Savannah and Gage met in high school and fell in love. But when Savannah and her father are put in WITSEC, their story comes to a crashing halt. That’s until 12 years later when Savannah finds her way back to Gage to keep her safe. Great story, can’t wait to see if we get more from this world
Profile Image for Brandi Sartin lawrence.
668 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2021
Loved this book! It was definitely a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down. Gage and Savannah were young and dating. One night Savannah comes home and then disappears. Twelve years later, she resurfaces and runs to Gage for help. Will he help her? Can he protect her?
Profile Image for Linda Gurath.
131 reviews
August 7, 2021
Loved it! Loved Gage & Savannah. The bond early, lost time, angst, and finding one another again.
Profile Image for Courtney.
267 reviews
August 6, 2021
I loved this book. It was something completely different than I have ever read by Melanie Shawn and I think it was a great move. The story just pulls you in from the beginning. There was drama and action and plot twist that just made me want to keep reading.
I want more!
1,382 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book.
It's a second chance romance suspense story.
Savannah & Gage, celebrated her 16th birthday together. After that night, Savannah, disappeared from Gage's life.
The emotions & their chemistry pulled me in, & the suspense kept me hooked till the end!
Profile Image for Shawn.
579 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2021
I wasn't sure what to think when I heard Melanie Shawn came out with a romantic suspense. Well.... I loved it!!! Just enough romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense. Then add in long lost lovers that found each other after years apart without a good bye.
Gage and Savannah had a past and now Savannah needs Gage to save her life. Gage is the best in the Body Guard business and he has some talented friends that can also help him out.
I can't wait to see if there will be more romantic suspense books by Melanie Shawn. They nailed this book.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
181 reviews
July 29, 2021
Savannah was torn away from her home with her father into WITSEC. Gage Crawford had been Savannah’s teenage love that she had to leave behind and plus everything and anything she owned or knew. Twelve years later, Savannah and her father were ambushed and her father was killed. Savannah was able to escape and fight to stay alive. The story evolves a suspenseful, romantic adventure between Gage and Savannah’s reconnection and survival. It is a very emotional roller coaster and it gives incite of trying to save lives of those who are important in your life. This is a new genre for these writers and the result is an amazing experience.
Profile Image for C.
114 reviews
August 9, 2021
Big fan of Melanie Shawn and loved reading their first foray into more a of a romantic suspense story. As always, the two main characters (Gage and Savannah) are so likable and you root for them the entire story. There were elements of danger and elements of romance and also of course with this author, parts that made me laugh out loud. Really great first book in this genre and I look forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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