The Bombshell and the Bodyguard

Eastport Bay Billionaires #5

by Tru Taylor

Meet the Bombshell…

I’ve kissed a lot of frogs. Not proud of it, and it’s earned me some unflattering tabloid headlines… Jade Leaves Another One Jaded. But hey, at least I’ve gotten a string of hit songs out of the experience. And I’ve learned a lot from my highly public and lightning-fast relationships—namely what I *don’t* want in a man.

So when my older brother’s bad-boy best friend Wilder Lowe strolls back into my life, looking even more handsome, more dangerous, and less interested than ever, I don’t give him a second glance.

Problem is, this time I can’t just walk away—my billion-dollar pop-career has attracted its share of stalkers—the latest is the scariest one yet—and Wilder is my new bodyguard.

Meet the Bodyguard…

I’m not in the habit of turning down billionaires as potential clients. I didn’t build my own immensely successful security business by being stupid.

But when my best friend asks me to act as a bodyguard for his much younger and very-much-forbidden little sister—you better believe I plan to turn down the detail. As a former Navy combat diver, a Frogman, I know a nuclear depth bomb when I see one.

But then there’s a call in the middle of the night, and when I hear that frightened, all-too-familiar voice, the plea from the one girl I could never say no to, I’m lost. I’ll do anything and everything it takes to keep her safe.

Even if that means whisking her away to my own private island.

The Bombshell and the Bodyguard is a hot small-town rom com take on The Frog Prince fairytale. It’s a standalone secret crush/best friend’s little sister/celebrity/bodyguard forbidden love story filled with heart, heat, and billionaire romance fun!

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Award-winning author Tru Taylor writes small town romance that's hot and sunny (and a little bit funny.)

She runs on Coke Zero and dark chocolate, lives for lunches with her girlfriends, and drives to the town beach several times a week to watch the sun set over the water.

She loves LOVE and will attempt to turn any show or movie she's watching into a romance whether it is one or not. Star Wars? A romance. Lord of the Rings? Clearly a romance. The Expendables? Okay, well not even Tru can redeem that one.

When she's not writing, Tru enjoys watching movies and reading books with happy endings, spending time with Mr. Tru and her two kids, and sneaking Hershey's Kisses from the top shelf of the freezer throughout the day. (Top shelf because... two kids. Enough said.)

Tru is the author of the Eastport Bay small town rom com series and loves living in a small New England town where she's surrounded every day by the beautiful coastal setting you see brought to life in her books.

Reviews

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was exactly what i've been looking for.

i don't know what to say to make you read this, so I'll just say some tropes this book has:

* mutual pinning
*bodyguard
*they live on an island ALONE
*she takes care of him

also, this is a fast read!

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Famous singer “Jade” has a stalker. Uncomfortable right?  Up it a notch when her longtime crush and brother’s best friend becomes her bodyguard and whisks her away to an isolated tropical island for her safety. A lot of what transpires on the island is what romantic fantasies are made of, especially the chemistry. I only wish there had been a little more focus on why the characters were put together. 4/5

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I keep saying this on every review, but I seriously LOVE the Eastport Bay Billionaires series so much and it seems like each new release in this series gets better & better. Wilder is retired military who has his own security company these days who protect high profile clients. Jessica is his best friend's little sister, and she's a singer who has a stalker after her so her brother hires Wilder's company to protect her. These three have known each other since they were little, and Jessica has had secret feelings for Wilder for a cool minute. Things take an interesting turn when things escalate so Wilder takes her to his island retreat to keep her safe. Now that they're in close quarters, the sparks are flying but he's doing everything in his power to resist them because he's worrying about how her brother will react, however, the chemistry is undeniable so it's just a matter of time. There's a lot of goodness in these pages that you don't want to miss out on, so to see how it all plays out, you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Bailey, known to most of the world as pop star Jade, has just completed a grueling two-year international concert tour and is looking forward to a much-needed break. Unfortunately, she arrives at her home in Eastport Bay to find the police investigating a possible burglary. They find no evidence of an intruder and assume that the alarm system simply malfunctioned, until the next night when the intruder returns. She escapes unharmed, but all signs point to a stalker. Jessica's older brother Hap insists on hiring the security firm founded by his best friend, ex-Navy SEAL Wilder Lowe, to keep her safe. Wilder initially plans to assign his top employee to act as Jessica's bodyguard, but when Hap presses the issue, he's forced to take the assignment himself. The problem is that Wilder has secretly been attracted to Jessica for years, but Hap has always been clear that his little sister is off limits. Wilder knows that being in such close proximity to Jessica will make it difficult to keep his hands off her - something that only grows more difficult when they travel to a private tropical island to hide out while detectives continue the search for her stalker.

Jessica and Wilder had a complicated history because of Wilder's long-standing friendship with her older brother as well as the mutual, but mostly unacknowledged, crush they shared back in high school. They even kissed once, but Wilder pushed Jessica away afterwards and pretended it never happened because he was so afraid to lose Hap as a friend. The chemistry between them was as strong as ever when they met again as adults, but Wilder's fears were equally strong. He was also concerned about living a life in the spotlight because of a scandal in his past and the possible impact it might have on Jessica's reputation if they got involved. However, Jessica knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to fight for it, and in the end Wilder's fears were no match for her.

While I enjoyed the romance between Jessica and Wilder, there were a few details about the plot that IMO could have been tightened up. For example, Wilder refused to tell anyone, including Jessica, where they were going before they left for the island. When they landed, she didn't even know what continent they were on. How did she know to pack so many bikinis and skimpy sundresses? Also, how did Wilder earn enough money to buy his own private island? I'm sure the private security business can be lucrative, especially when dealing with high-profile clients, but islands don't come cheap. Was he out of the military long enough to amass that kind of fortune?

Despite those few nagging questions, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥



Just when you think you found your favorite stop in Eastport Bay, Tru Taylor gives you more life with another tale from the Bay. Jessica and Wilder's story is an action-packed but spicy retelling of The Frog Prince.

Jessica just wrapped up her two-year world tour as global pop sensation Jade, and she wants nothing more than to savor the quiet and calm of her hometown. But trouble is waiting for her when she arrived. A stalker has broken into her secret home, leaving behind a message that they know a lot of private information about her. Her older brother Hap (one of Hunter's friends in The Bargain with The Bachelor) calls on his best friend Wilder, who is a security expert.

Jessica and Wilder have history, however, that is threatening to resurface. Jessica has had a crush on him growing up, and Wilder has done his best to turn her down under Hap's threat. When the stalker situation forces Jessica and Wilder into a super-private location, could they resist what has been simmering for years?

I adore this couple. Jessica might be a damsel in distress, but she's no pushover and I love that about her. She fights for what she wants and does not take crap from anyone, including her own brother or her childhood crush. Wilder is strong, stubborn, and overprotective, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who just wants to love and be loved. Their chemistry is off the charts. I enjoyed their futile attempts at keeping their distance from each other (despite the forced proximity), and every intimate moment seemed to sizzle even more so than the previous encounter.

The story has great timing and momentum, and Tru Taylor does a phenomenal job in bringing Eastport Bay and the super-secret remote location to life through her vivid details. If you love action and romance wonderfully blended together by a unique take on a classic fairy tale, this book (and this series) is a fantastic choice.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. **

[Shirley · Rating 2 out of 5]

so far I have been able to figure what fairytale these books represented but I am at a loss on this one ...modern take on fairy tale....... Sexy former SEAL, high school crush and a stalker make this a supposedly engaging read, and for the most part it would have.....just the two of them on a private island, will nature will take its course..... well it worked for about 3 days but then The H goes back to being a jerk and thinking he can't or shouldn't have the girl... the girl tries everything to encourage guy ... huge storm comes up they finally get it on and then ....Ice he is once again feeling guilty....
Maybe the Author is running low on vision .. I have no idea but .. I never saw the re-telling of a fairytale.. a bit disappointed the others were wonderful reads and could pinpoint what story it was coming from ...
Then the discrepancies in this book >>a few details about the plot that IMO could have been fixed, explained but never were ... For example, ........Wilder refused to tell anyone,ESPECIALLY his own team...never told Jessica, whom he would be guarding....where they were going before they left for the island. When they landed, she didn't even know what continent they were on. Then out of the blue we read she has numerous bikinis and skimpy sundresses? Also,he is a former seal, and has been in a security bizness with ?? how many other men from his team ???? YET....Wilder earned enough money to buy his own private island? I'm sure the private security business can be lucrative, especially when dealing with high-profile clients, but islands don't come cheap. and then all the info about the house , the bunker/ shelter.. ??? and was fully stocked ??? seems most items would have been out of date .. unless he went back there every so many months to use everything..... Was he out of the military long enough to amass that kind of fortune?
For this reader did not reach the fun thrilling read as the before books did .... makes me wonder if I want to waste time and read the last book supposedly coming out.......... OH and at the very last she calls him her "FROG PRINCE" so I guess this re telling was of the Princess and the frog? or the old tale of Kissing a frog and he becomes the prince ???

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I’d gone back in time and was reading a Mills & Boon!!

Wilder (Most inappropriate name ever, as he’s a wimp!!) and Jessica’s brother grew up together and are best friends. After being a navy seal, Wilder opens up his own security company. When his best friend begs him to personally guard his pop star sister Jessica, who is being stalked, Wilder feels like he can’t say no. He wants to as he’s always had feelings for her and thinks she doesn’t feel the same way. When her stalker manages to get into her house, Wilder takes her to his island until she’s safe.

Jessica has always had feelings for Wilder, but after he kisses her when she’s 16, then jokes about her to her brother, she avoids him as much as possible. Until she bumps into him at a wedding and he’s really rude to her.

While they are on Wilder’s island, Jessica tries to get closer to him but he fobs her off all the time, as he’s afraid she doesn’t reciprocate, he’s afraid of what her brother will say, and he’s afraid that he’ll be distracted from protecting her. Oh good grief!! Man up and tell her how you feel, and her brother will get over it!!

So it goes on and on and on. There’s nothing happening till the flaming end of the book, except Jess sunbathing, swimming and watching movies!!! 🥱 The stalker finally makes his move and Wilder finally discovers his backbone and tells her how he feels!!! Oh so romantic….. NOT!! He’s messed her around all through the book then tells her he made a mistake and he loves her??? Are you kidding me????

I want to read a book about a man and a woman who know what they want and goes for it. And a book about a stalker who actually does something would be great too!!! 😡😡😡

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a second chance at romance with brothers best friend, Wilder is the star of this story. The bombshell is Jessica and her rock star name is Jade. She is the sister of Hap who has been mentioned in other books in this series (I don't believe he has a book in this series).

Jessica has crushed on Wilder since she was a teen but he has ignored her for years. Jessica has tried pretty much everything to get his attention but he has never really seen her.

Until Hap asks for his help when Jessica has a scary stalker. And thats how Wilder and Jessica end up on a private island while Wilders security company works to try and find the scary stalker.

I LOVED Jessica. She is a fighter and very independant and she has never given up on trying too win Wilders heart. I had a tough time with Wilder. He is a big giant jerk and at times I found him a bit of a coward. When he does come around and see whats right in his face, well I loved how he tries to win Jessica's heart and I love that it becomes this challenge for him.

This was a well written story and at times I really didn't understand what was holding Wilder back. I did love how he tries to protect Jessica and how hard he has to fight his feelings for her. I also loved that he wrote poetry about her. At times I found him a huge jerk but other times he made me swoon and I loved how he feels about Jessica and understands how precious she is.

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook ARC from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
I have read everyone of the previous books in this series, and have loved each one. This one is about young love becoming adult love.
Wilder is a former military SEAL, and he suffered a traumatic experience in the war before retiring. Now he is head of his own security company, that handles high profile celebrities, and wealthy clients.
Jessica/Jade is a popular singer that has a stalker after her. Her brother hires Wilder and his group to protect her. Wilder is close friends with Jessica’s brother, and he has known both of them since they were really young. Jessica has had a crush on Wilder since she was 16 years old, but he didn’t want to be involved with her, because he felt that she was too young, and he didn’t want to break the bro-code with her brother.
After a stalker breaks into her house, Wilder decides to take her to an island retreat, to protect her. Their feelings begin to blossom, and they have a relationship, but Wilder is still worried about how Jessica’s brother will react. A stalker is captured, but it turns out that he wasn’t the right one. During a concert, a stalker attempts to kidnap Jessica, but she fights him off, and Wilder comes in to save her.
The story ends in a beautiful, emotional HEA for the couple. This series just gets better with each new book and couple. I will always recommend this book or any book written by Tru Taylor.

[Sarah Poulton-Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fantasy fairytale feel of this series. This is Wilder and Jess's story and is a retelling of The Frog Prince.

This has all the greatness of the best friend's sister trope with Wilder battling his loyalty to his friend over his feelings for Jess, alongside the protector/bodyguard trope too. Wilder is the ex-Seal security specialist brought in to protect Jess from her stalker. He sweeps her off her feet to his remote tropical island (forced proximity anyone?) where they are able to reacquaint themselves.

I loved Jess's strength and the fact that she stands up for herself and her heart. She is confident and quirky. Wilder has typical protector guilt about his past and his role in looking after Jess. He is strong and overbearing but a perfect fit for her.

This book slow burns you through the first half of the story with the chemistry and tension growing between the pair. It is worth the wait. These two are passion and fire. This is a really fun and romantic read.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is a famous musician who has attracted the attention of the wrong person and every attempt they make seems to escalate. Her brother is determined to keep her safe and that means hiring the one man he can trust to protect her who is his best friend Wilder. What her brother doesn’t know is that she had unreciprocated feelings for him for as long as she can remember.

After his Navy career came to an end Wilder transitioned into owning his own security business. He has always been conflicted between his feelings for her and his loyalty to his best friend but that is about to become even more difficult when they find themselves spending some one-on-one time together in a romantic setting.

Jessica’s feisty personality is a great match for Wilder’s protective side. Jessica and Wilder have always belonged together, and I enjoyed seeing them finally give into their feelings and realize it as well.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy romantic comedy with a touch of suspense to keep the blood pumping. Her brother’s best friend and childhood crush, Wilder is the man she compares all others to. As his best friend’s little sister, Jessica is more than just off-limits. She may be the one he can’t have, but she’s also the only one he wants forever. This pair was completely adorable together. There’s so much chemistry between them that I felt slightly singed by my reader. They each want the other so badly, but they’re fighting it so hard. I loved seeing them finally give in to what they were feeling. And the grand gesture in the end nearly broke my heart, before it reaffirmed my belief in “happy ever after”. The hints of what’s coming up have me already counting down the days until the next book is released.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Give Me Books Promotions.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this amazing series and is Wilder and Jade’s story. Jade is a pop star, and she has had a crush on her older brother’s best friend Wilder since she was in her teens, but he always kept his distance as he felt she was too young. When Jade acquires a stalker, her brother asks Wilder, who is a former military seal and owner of his own security business for wealthy and high-profile celebrities, for his help. When Jade’s stalker comes to close Wilder whisks her way to a secluded island where he will do whatever he must to protect and keep her safe. The chemistry between these two is off the charts and undeniable. This is a beautifully written story which is filled with emotions, intrigue, friendships, loyalty, and love, which leads to an entertaining and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this gifted author whose work I highly recommend.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilder is attracted to his best friend's little sister, Jessica aka Jade, an international singing sensation. When she attracts the attention of a stalker, Wilder is tasked with providing personal security to Jade. Attempting to divorce his feelings from the job he has to perform is difficult, but learning that Jade may also return his feelings may just be what this bodyguard needs. If only the past and what her brother may think don't mess with everything first...

I liked this read. I particularly liked the descriptions of Wilder's private island. It also had the right amount of slow burn, with plenty tension underscoring the chemistry between Wilder and Jade. I really have enjoyed this series so far, and I look forward to more of it.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book by Tru Taylor . The Bombshell And The Bodyguard is the perfect combination of some of my very favorite tropes in romance ( small town crush , and best friends sisters romance. Jade and Wilder has me from the start , the chemistry between these two was off the charts hot . I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book .so full of emotion, intrigue, Sexy moments and forbidden romance . Tru is a semi new author to me and has quickly become one of my favorites . She delivers a phenomenal book that you will not be able to stop reading. I think it only took me a little over 4 hours to devour The Bombshell and The Bodyguard. I can’t wait to see what comes next

[J Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story! The chemistry between Wilder and Jessica is off the charts. They’re both developed so well you can’t help but be invested in their happily ever after.

Jessica is sassy and strong while also embodying the innocence associated with harboring a childhood crush. Wilder is the epitome of the ‘older brother’s best friend’ and his resistance, while impressive, is futile.

‘It was a lewd, wet, carnal kiss full of intention.’

This slow burn romance is playful and sweetly seductive. Tru Taylor has definitely delivered another magical fairytale retelling with this one!

I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in return for my honest review. This book is in the Eastport Bay Billionaires series and is the first one I have read. Even though I haven't yet read the other books in the series, I didn't feel I was missing any details for this story.

I have to say I loved this book! Jessica and Wilder were well developed and believable. I was rooting for them the whole time! The plot was thoughtout and flowed well. And the descriptions of the environments are so vivid and realistic, I can imagine myself there.

I will be reading the rest of the series and am so happy I decided to give Tru Taylor a chance!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica a Rockstar was being stalked and had her homes broken into, so her brother, Hap called in old family friend, Wilder who owned a security firm.
This was so good. I adored Wilder. He was gruff strong and all alpha, but was fighting with everything he had to resist her. I loved his tolerance of the fight and how he was with her once he game in. Still fighting it but the ending was just perfect.
Tru Taylor writes a fascinating tale with fun interesting characters and I loved the Rockstar perspective to the story. Fantastic book and so good.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Marine_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodyguard romances are one of my favorite tropes so this was an automatic click for me. Jessica and Wilder had chemistry and I was all for seeing what would happen between them. Especially when they've known each other for so long. However, the story became a bit repetitive with the push and pull aspect of their relationship. "I want to be with you" and "I don't think we should be together" started to get on my nerves. But, I do understand that Wilder's best friend Hap is also Jessica's older brother who only wants what's best for her so Wilder just want to please everyone. Overall, it was a cute and fun read, that gave beautiful setting descriptions.

[One Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica and Wilder love story is like the Bodyguard but their is a private island inside of a cabin in the woods. Their love story is a slow romance and they do have history BUT JUST KISS ALREADY. Oh boy when they do I was not disappoint & a flash back moment too🎉😍
I would love to learn about "floating lessons"...no spoilers 🥵

There are some surpise moments and I love Wilder even more because he express his feelings in a note book...no spoilers
His Hunmingbird🥰

There is some action and I love the lyrics

☆MUST READ☆

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Bombshell and The Bodyguard by Tru Taylor
* * * * *
When a fabulous singer gets terrorised by a crazy stalker, what's thr next worst thing to happen? Get put under the protection of the guy who broke your heart at sixteen and be taken to his private hideaway. All though, things don't always go as bad as you would think. Long songs, aquatic fun and moron big brothers. Can't wait for more!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure I said the same thing about the previous books, but I absolutely loved this series. It just keeps on getting better and better. IMO, I definitely think the author did better with the fairytale retelling in this one than the previous one. Jessica and Wilder was fun to read and I loved watching them together.

[Nathan Fencil · Rating 5 out of 5]

King frog

I love when i finally get to read their stories! He intrigued me more than once so to Say i enjoyed this one was An understatement! Wilder and Jess were like oil and water and i had to wonder if it could ever work out! Loved this story and the but of mystery added to it! Now i can't wait for the next one... Again.. Lol

[Lenore Feld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I found so delightful..❤️❤️

This is the first of Tru Taylor books I’ve read..I loved everything about it..her storyline, the characters and their personalities, how the story flowed nicely and it was the perfect length..very, very low angst..love that..and such a great romance!! I’m off to get another book in this series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book did feature one of the"dwarfs", Happy, it wasn't really based off him. Instead it was the Frog King. Yes the SEAL was an appropriate frog man. However despite the kiss in their teens he didn't turn out to be her Prince for years later. Enjoyed the finale and it was quite a feat for Wilder to pull to impress Jade aka Jessica.

[Gail Dew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bombshell and the Bodyguard

This has been an entertaining group of books to read. I've got a full cue of Kindle unlimited books to read but I find myself reading these stories one right after the other and ignoring all the ones in my cue. That should say something about their entertainment value!

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica and Wilder in This Celebrity Romance

Jessica is a pop star. Wilder is a security expert and her brother's best friend since childhood.

When a stalker threatens Jessica, Wilder takes her to his secluded island. Two weeks together bring all sorts of repressed feelings for each other to the surface. This was an okay read. I enjoyed it.

[Savannah Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely epica

Oh. My. Goodness. I absolutely love this series! Each new book is delightful, fun, delicious, and such an incredible twist on a classic fairytale! Wilder and "Jade" are truly made for one another and I love watching them find their happily ever after!

[Amy Korzuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

From the first chapter on I had to pick up the book and find a spot where I wouldn't be distracted. Jade and Wilder read like a true fairy tale come to life. Don't pass this one up!

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as earlier ones

I think this series is getting stale. Same seemingly unrequited love from both characters.
Although, I truly loved the deserted island and its beautiful tropical home and shelter.