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Guarding Evelyn
After an unfortunate incident and a forced leave of absence from the Secret Service, Arden Ryan is moving back to Chicago where she can get over her failures in the comfort of her childhood home. Her parents, who are lovely, if not a tad overbearing, will provide the support she needs. Healing is hard, though, and when she’s prodded by her best friend to get back out there, Arden reluctantly takes a job guarding one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, Evelyn Glass.
Evelyn Glass disappeared from the silver screen unexpectedly when she decided to have a family. At least that’s what the public thinks. She’s making a comeback, though. After landing a role as the star on a top-rated television show, she feels invincible once again. As her ego starts to grow, so does her fan base, and attention, unwanted and otherwise, comes from every direction.
Evelyn and Arden butt heads at every pass. Evelyn’s desire to prove herself puts her in harm’s way more than once, until a situation occurs that put her children’s lives at risk. Her change of heart regarding not just Arden’s protection, but the attraction simmering between them, will change her entire life.
Can Arden prove her love means more to Evelyn than fame before it’s too late?
Evelyn Glass disappeared from the silver screen unexpectedly when she decided to have a family. At least that’s what the public thinks. She’s making a comeback, though. After landing a role as the star on a top-rated television show, she feels invincible once again. As her ego starts to grow, so does her fan base, and attention, unwanted and otherwise, comes from every direction.
Evelyn and Arden butt heads at every pass. Evelyn’s desire to prove herself puts her in harm’s way more than once, until a situation occurs that put her children’s lives at risk. Her change of heart regarding not just Arden’s protection, but the attraction simmering between them, will change her entire life.
Can Arden prove her love means more to Evelyn than fame before it’s too late?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2022
318 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Erin Zak
18 books352 followersErin Zak is a sapphic contemporary romance writer who loves older women, imperfect people, and beautiful places. She’s a bit dorky and quirky and tries to make sure every single one of her characters has those same qualities. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @erinzakwrites. You can also listen to her podcast, The Weekly Wine Down, where she gets tipsy with her best friends while discussing any and everything.
www.erinzak.com
www.erinzak.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 27, 2022
A fun summer read! First I wanted to say to everyone dealing with this awful heat, please stay as cool as you can and stay safe. Secondly, I notice a couple mixed reviews of this book by fellow reviewer friends, and with this constant heat putting me on the edge of irritability, I was a little worried what my opinion might be. My brain is literally melting and I wondered is it too much to ask to read something fun, flirty, and entertaining? Well thankfully the sapphic fates had this one lined up for me because besides a bump or two, Guarding Evelyn was basically the fun summer read I was looking for.
Some of you might be familiar or have a vague recollection of the title of this book. That is because it almost came out last year but was pulled before the main bulk of ARC copies had been released. Only a few had gone out, and I was actually only a couple of hours from getting mine when they went away, crushing my entire state of being:) Not only because I’m a Zak fan, but also because I love bodyguard stories. I love fantasy ones, especial when it’s a lady knight or NB knight guarding the princess, and of course the modern day bodyguard stories of say Radcyffe’s Honor series about the Secret Service (even though they seem to be in some big trouble IRL right now) or the amazing celebrity bodyguard stories, I just love them all. Anyway, I didn’t know why the book was pulled, I was just crushed and when a whole year passed still with no book, I had thought I lost my chance to read the Erin Zak bodyguard book.
Recently, I heard Zak was taking the courageous step of leaving a publishing house to self-publish and when I was offered a chance to read her next book, imagine my wonderful surprise to find Guarding Evelyn in my hands. To say I was excited was an understatement but I also craved answers to its original disappearance and to Zak’s credit, her Acknowledgments section explains what actually happened. The short story is that the book was originally based on The Bodyguard fanfiction. Even though the book was a sapphic romance and almost ready to be released, Zak was still worried that the pace was too close to the original. I have to say that I have so much respect for Zak, and Bold Strokes Books, for airing on the side of caution and instead of pushing through and just publishing, they stopped and did the right thing. I then have even more respect for Zak for being honest and public about what really happened because a lot of authors come from fanfic roots nowadays so hearing this story might make the difference for another author, another time, another day. Zak then took that book that was pulled, rewrote it and it is now this new Guarding Evelyn we have now. While I didn’t read the first one, I can tell you that this new Guarding Evelyn is absolutely NOT ‘The Bodyguard’ 2.0. This is a new story that I enjoyed reading.
After all that you are probably yelling “well Lex what about the damn book?”! Well it was just good fun. All it took reading for me was the prologue and I was in. It hooked me right away. I immediately had sympathy and cared about one of our mains. Our other main character could be a little icy, but I love that so she had me too. I was actually surprised that the book felt maybe medium angst but on the lower angst side for a Zak book. It is mostly one character driving you nuts with the push-pull in her mind. And it is a bit much, but with her history I think it makes sense. You try having her ex-girlfriend and break-up story and not having some serious relationship issues, so I bought it. The important thing was that I enjoyed the chemistry of them as a couple and how it grew stronger as the bodyguard relationship grew since you want that out of this particular trope.
I enjoyed the secondary characters like an ex-con, and a cute kid that is kind of joked about how he is too smart for his age and the advice he is giving which is a theme in most books. I also liked that the book had a little suspense going on. There is a reason a bodyguard is needed so it kept me on my toes a bit, wondering who I could trust, and I liked not knowing.
With this being suspense and having a little mystery element of a stalker, well I’m going to be very careful here not to be spoilerish. There were some things I liked because it made the book feel very original. There was another part that seemed a little suspend disbelief or convoluted but it actually wasn’t really and I totally got it. I’m just a little worried since I think it depends more on what part of the world you live in, and anyway I’m leaving it at that because I don’t want to give anything away.
Overall this ended up being a fun and entertaining romance with a little suspense. If you are a fan of the bodyguard/protectee romance trope, I would definitely recommend this. I’m glad I got the chance to finally read this and I’m excited to see where Zak’s new self-publishing journey takes her. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
A copy was given for a review.
Some of you might be familiar or have a vague recollection of the title of this book. That is because it almost came out last year but was pulled before the main bulk of ARC copies had been released. Only a few had gone out, and I was actually only a couple of hours from getting mine when they went away, crushing my entire state of being:) Not only because I’m a Zak fan, but also because I love bodyguard stories. I love fantasy ones, especial when it’s a lady knight or NB knight guarding the princess, and of course the modern day bodyguard stories of say Radcyffe’s Honor series about the Secret Service (even though they seem to be in some big trouble IRL right now) or the amazing celebrity bodyguard stories, I just love them all. Anyway, I didn’t know why the book was pulled, I was just crushed and when a whole year passed still with no book, I had thought I lost my chance to read the Erin Zak bodyguard book.
Recently, I heard Zak was taking the courageous step of leaving a publishing house to self-publish and when I was offered a chance to read her next book, imagine my wonderful surprise to find Guarding Evelyn in my hands. To say I was excited was an understatement but I also craved answers to its original disappearance and to Zak’s credit, her Acknowledgments section explains what actually happened. The short story is that the book was originally based on The Bodyguard fanfiction. Even though the book was a sapphic romance and almost ready to be released, Zak was still worried that the pace was too close to the original. I have to say that I have so much respect for Zak, and Bold Strokes Books, for airing on the side of caution and instead of pushing through and just publishing, they stopped and did the right thing. I then have even more respect for Zak for being honest and public about what really happened because a lot of authors come from fanfic roots nowadays so hearing this story might make the difference for another author, another time, another day. Zak then took that book that was pulled, rewrote it and it is now this new Guarding Evelyn we have now. While I didn’t read the first one, I can tell you that this new Guarding Evelyn is absolutely NOT ‘The Bodyguard’ 2.0. This is a new story that I enjoyed reading.
After all that you are probably yelling “well Lex what about the damn book?”! Well it was just good fun. All it took reading for me was the prologue and I was in. It hooked me right away. I immediately had sympathy and cared about one of our mains. Our other main character could be a little icy, but I love that so she had me too. I was actually surprised that the book felt maybe medium angst but on the lower angst side for a Zak book. It is mostly one character driving you nuts with the push-pull in her mind. And it is a bit much, but with her history I think it makes sense. You try having her ex-girlfriend and break-up story and not having some serious relationship issues, so I bought it. The important thing was that I enjoyed the chemistry of them as a couple and how it grew stronger as the bodyguard relationship grew since you want that out of this particular trope.
I enjoyed the secondary characters like an ex-con, and a cute kid that is kind of joked about how he is too smart for his age and the advice he is giving which is a theme in most books. I also liked that the book had a little suspense going on. There is a reason a bodyguard is needed so it kept me on my toes a bit, wondering who I could trust, and I liked not knowing.
With this being suspense and having a little mystery element of a stalker, well I’m going to be very careful here not to be spoilerish. There were some things I liked because it made the book feel very original. There was another part that seemed a little suspend disbelief or convoluted but it actually wasn’t really and I totally got it. I’m just a little worried since I think it depends more on what part of the world you live in, and anyway I’m leaving it at that because I don’t want to give anything away.
Overall this ended up being a fun and entertaining romance with a little suspense. If you are a fan of the bodyguard/protectee romance trope, I would definitely recommend this. I’m glad I got the chance to finally read this and I’m excited to see where Zak’s new self-publishing journey takes her. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
A copy was given for a review.
July 24, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
I'm usually a sucker for a bodyguard trope story. Unfortunately I just struggled with most of it, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I just found I didn't particularly like any of the characters. There wasn't a lot of depth there, at all. What was there, felt entirely too cliché, shallow and surface-level
The relationship itself was forced, and entirely too quick, without any real 'work' put into the relationship.
The drama got ramped up to a place where I was cringing like it was a Lifetime movie, although that part can be expected in this type of book. But everything overall felt 'off' to me, like a disconnect. Especially in the last hour of the book.
Behaviors and actions didn't make sense, to what had already been established, so it seemed flimsy and as if the author just coerced the narrative to where they wanted the plot to go, not really staying true to the characters or already established plot-points, so it ends in a lot of WTF-ery, that I still don't entirely understand the conclusion or motivations of. RE: The perpetrator- if you figure it out, leave a comment, or msg me!
As always, try it out for yourself!
I'm usually a sucker for a bodyguard trope story. Unfortunately I just struggled with most of it, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I just found I didn't particularly like any of the characters. There wasn't a lot of depth there, at all. What was there, felt entirely too cliché, shallow and surface-level
The relationship itself was forced, and entirely too quick, without any real 'work' put into the relationship.
The drama got ramped up to a place where I was cringing like it was a Lifetime movie, although that part can be expected in this type of book. But everything overall felt 'off' to me, like a disconnect. Especially in the last hour of the book.
Behaviors and actions didn't make sense, to what had already been established, so it seemed flimsy and as if the author just coerced the narrative to where they wanted the plot to go, not really staying true to the characters or already established plot-points, so it ends in a lot of WTF-ery, that I still don't entirely understand the conclusion or motivations of. RE: The perpetrator- if you figure it out, leave a comment, or msg me!
As always, try it out for yourself!
August 7, 2022
Bodyguard.
I read this mostly because I was curious to know where I stood amidst the mixed reviews this book has been receiving, and I have to agree with the GR friends who thought this wasn't good.
I tried. It would have been an easier read if my only issue was that I didn't buy into the romance, but there were other details that bothered me. One, I thought the characters sounded alike. It wasn't confusing but this meant the 13 year old sounded older, the old man sounded younger, the bodyguard sounded unprofessional and the Hollywood actress sounded bimbotic. Nobody acted their age. The adults squealed and giggled and the 13 year old boy started dishing out legit relationship and fashion advice.
Two, I thought Arden was unprofessional. I expected some level of impropiety for a bodyguard romance but this was at an entirely new level because Arden's mind was preoccupied with lusty thoughts of Evelyn all the time. Like when does she even pay attention to threats? And I also found it unhelpful that Arden keeps comparing in her head, her experiences working with Evelyn to her stint protecting the President of the United States.
This isn't a book for me but many others found it enjoyable, so do check out other reviews too.
I read this mostly because I was curious to know where I stood amidst the mixed reviews this book has been receiving, and I have to agree with the GR friends who thought this wasn't good.
I tried. It would have been an easier read if my only issue was that I didn't buy into the romance, but there were other details that bothered me. One, I thought the characters sounded alike. It wasn't confusing but this meant the 13 year old sounded older, the old man sounded younger, the bodyguard sounded unprofessional and the Hollywood actress sounded bimbotic. Nobody acted their age. The adults squealed and giggled and the 13 year old boy started dishing out legit relationship and fashion advice.
Two, I thought Arden was unprofessional. I expected some level of impropiety for a bodyguard romance but this was at an entirely new level because Arden's mind was preoccupied with lusty thoughts of Evelyn all the time. Like when does she even pay attention to threats? And I also found it unhelpful that Arden keeps comparing in her head, her experiences working with Evelyn to her stint protecting the President of the United States.
This isn't a book for me but many others found it enjoyable, so do check out other reviews too.
July 30, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up because I am a sucker for the bodyguard trope
I loved this book..but, it definitely had a few bumps
The good: loved the leads. Had Evelyn pictured as Gal Gadot. Arden was a decent bodyguard arch-type with a few flaws. I liked the build up and the chemistry. I basically read this book in a day, I was that into it.
The bad: Arden apparently jumps from one love to a new one fairly quickly?? Seemed a bit sus
The twist at the end was so complicated as to be a bit ridiculous. But even with the head scratching twist I still really enjoyed the story
I loved this book..but, it definitely had a few bumps
The good: loved the leads. Had Evelyn pictured as Gal Gadot. Arden was a decent bodyguard arch-type with a few flaws. I liked the build up and the chemistry. I basically read this book in a day, I was that into it.
The bad: Arden apparently jumps from one love to a new one fairly quickly?? Seemed a bit sus
The twist at the end was so complicated as to be a bit ridiculous. But even with the head scratching twist I still really enjoyed the story
July 30, 2022
I‘m a fan of Swanqueen and so I liked some references in the story very much.
Was an entertaining read altogether.
Was an entertaining read altogether.
July 27, 2022
I always look forward to reading books by Erin Zak. Her stories will grab your heartstrings, pull them, and tie them into knots. It’s often handy to have tissues close by as you read her works. She has brought me to tears more than once.
Guarding Evelyn, her newest novel fits right in with the emotional, heartwarming, character driven story line that I’ve come to expect from this author. What makes this book even better is the added mystery and intrigue plot line.
In the story, Secret Service Agent Arden Ryan is forced to take a leave from the service after an “incident” that left her injured. She moves back to her hometown of Chicago where she takes a job guarding a popular actress, Evelyn Glass, who has been receiving some really creepy hate mail threatening her. Initially working with Evelyn causes a lot of head butting between the two. Despite their differences, there is a growing chemistry connecting the two. Working closely with Evelyn and her two teenage/young adult children turns out to be dangerous in many ways, especially for Arden’s heart.
This is an exciting tale filled with characters that you can’t help falling in love with and the thrill of danger from an unknown source threatening these folks. The romance between Evelyn and Arden is passionate and gratifying. I must confess I was completely wrong about the “whodunit” of the mystery. I didn’t see that coming until the characters themselves did. That’s the mark of a good mystery writer.
I loved this novel. It has everything I look for in a romance/mystery and intrigue combination. If you also love mystery and romance together, you want to read this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Guarding Evelyn, her newest novel fits right in with the emotional, heartwarming, character driven story line that I’ve come to expect from this author. What makes this book even better is the added mystery and intrigue plot line.
In the story, Secret Service Agent Arden Ryan is forced to take a leave from the service after an “incident” that left her injured. She moves back to her hometown of Chicago where she takes a job guarding a popular actress, Evelyn Glass, who has been receiving some really creepy hate mail threatening her. Initially working with Evelyn causes a lot of head butting between the two. Despite their differences, there is a growing chemistry connecting the two. Working closely with Evelyn and her two teenage/young adult children turns out to be dangerous in many ways, especially for Arden’s heart.
This is an exciting tale filled with characters that you can’t help falling in love with and the thrill of danger from an unknown source threatening these folks. The romance between Evelyn and Arden is passionate and gratifying. I must confess I was completely wrong about the “whodunit” of the mystery. I didn’t see that coming until the characters themselves did. That’s the mark of a good mystery writer.
I loved this novel. It has everything I look for in a romance/mystery and intrigue combination. If you also love mystery and romance together, you want to read this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
July 24, 2022
I promise you that
How can anyone resist a story about the main falling for the actress she is being paid to protect? It was entertaining and I liked the characters. I thought Arden seemed a bit too irrational at times... but she had been through a lot, so I gave her behavior a pass.
I have to admit that I am probably one of the only people on the planet who hasn't been super into the last couple of Zak's books. But this was was thoroughly enjoyable.
How can anyone resist a story about the main falling for the actress she is being paid to protect? It was entertaining and I liked the characters. I thought Arden seemed a bit too irrational at times... but she had been through a lot, so I gave her behavior a pass.
I have to admit that I am probably one of the only people on the planet who hasn't been super into the last couple of Zak's books. But this was was thoroughly enjoyable.
August 14, 2022
Ah, the kindle posted my rating. So need to explain this a little. Started so promising! But then it just unraveled and made no sense. Not sure how I can do this without spoiling but bodyguard is in love with person tasked to protect. That ends badly and immediately falls in love with the next person she’s protecting, even though there was indifference and even hostility 😳 then makes some really stupid assumptions based on nothing that make her get drunk while supposed to be working and protecting someone? An inexperienced, younger sidekick ends up giving her a pep talk and reminding this badass bodyguard of her job and training. Then the resolution is oh so very silly and unbelievable for who the character was. Feel there was more intimacy and veracity to the first person affair she had vs the second. Anyway, unfortunately a big miss for me.
Read
July 31, 2022Dnf at 20%
April 16, 2025
I have been a fan of Zak’s novels for a while now because she writes beautifully flawed, female characters who draw you in and make you feel all of the emotions in every page. ‘Guarding Evelyn’ has all the incredible attributes of an Erin Zak novel, warmth, scarred hearts, passion and of course an overarching feeling of hope… but this one has something else: a freedom and an excitement within the writing that takes the story to another level.
The plot is openly drawn from the bodyguard trope and we are introduced to Arden who was asked to leave her position in the secret service after an injury. She is wallowing in her bad decisions when she is given the chance at a new job protecting well known actress, Evelyn Glass. The two women couldn’t live more different lives but as Arden gets to know the real woman behind the glamorous facade and the way Evelyn prioritises her family, Arden cannot help but feel a need to protect that goes beyond the job description.
This book is a stunning, unputdownable story that grips you from the offset and throws you head first into a thriller that will keep you guessing. The back and forth between Arden and Evelyn is witty and seriously palpable! I am, as ever, excited for what comes next from Zak but always grateful for her stories that make my heart soar and ache in equal measure.
The plot is openly drawn from the bodyguard trope and we are introduced to Arden who was asked to leave her position in the secret service after an injury. She is wallowing in her bad decisions when she is given the chance at a new job protecting well known actress, Evelyn Glass. The two women couldn’t live more different lives but as Arden gets to know the real woman behind the glamorous facade and the way Evelyn prioritises her family, Arden cannot help but feel a need to protect that goes beyond the job description.
This book is a stunning, unputdownable story that grips you from the offset and throws you head first into a thriller that will keep you guessing. The back and forth between Arden and Evelyn is witty and seriously palpable! I am, as ever, excited for what comes next from Zak but always grateful for her stories that make my heart soar and ache in equal measure.
August 11, 2022
This really was an entertaining read. I thought I knew where the story was going, and Zak just threw in a twist that I did not see coming which was awesome.
July 30, 2022
I’ve read the fic this is based on and I didn’t like it that much, to be honest, even though it was super famous back then and a lot of people loved it. Anyways… I decided to give this book a try since it was edited and all that, but… I don’t want to be harsh, but this was mediocre… not the writing or the characters per say, but the plot and the person behind the threats and the reason for it makes absolutely no sense and that part is just so messy lol the only reason I’m giving this 3* and not 2* is because I’m a sucker for swanqueen and I loved imagining Emma and Regina in these characters (the fic was a swanqueen fic). I’ll probably go read a swanqueen fic now xD
July 14, 2022
What a great book! Arden took a bullet for the president and was put on leave to recuperate. So she goes home, and meets up with her friends she hasn't seen in 5 years. Her best friend Melissa (Mel) has a bodyguard company and offers Arden a job being the actress Evelyn Glass' bodyguard. Evelyn isn't to happy about this, being forced to have a bodyguard by her father Connor. But Evelyn has recieved some disturbing letters, very graphic letters regarding her demise.
Who has been sending these letters? And will Evelyn accept Ardens' protection? Let alone will they get close enough to trust one another? This is a beautiful mystery, love story with plenty of hot sex! You won't be able to put it down! I recieved an ARC with the promise of giving an honest review. Definitely 5 stars!!!!
Who has been sending these letters? And will Evelyn accept Ardens' protection? Let alone will they get close enough to trust one another? This is a beautiful mystery, love story with plenty of hot sex! You won't be able to put it down! I recieved an ARC with the promise of giving an honest review. Definitely 5 stars!!!!
November 21, 2022
When one of the main characters expressed her feelings for the other one for the very first time, I didn’t buy it. I was 40% into the book and I somewhat understood the characters a bit and where they were coming from, the MCs bond was not strong (at all) to be there, to say or even think those words. What I did find more realistic is that this same character refers to her actions as “idiotic” several times, which honestly, made a lot of sense. I don’t know when or how it happened, I never realized when they fell in love.
At the beginning of the book both MCs were so unmatured and to find a 13-year-old support character to be more grown-up, speak volumes, at some point it was not that credible but considering the environment where this character grew up could make some sense.
There were also good moments where tiny things make a huge difference. One of the MCs at some point was pregnant, there’s a moment where her stretch marks are mentioned and for me (I’m somewhat new reading f/f) found that to be a first and very, very refreshing.
We see a lot of self-doubt, maybe low self-esteem in one of the MCs which makes totally sense and shows how our personal struggles could affect the way we act in our job and the way it plays with your thoughts; even when something good happens to you, you are just waiting to see it vanish, go, disappear.
Small spoiler so, I’m going to hide the next paragraph.
Besides the romantic story, the plot, what brings together both MCs in a general overview was good but it’s not perfect, there are things that doesn’t make sense but as the Secret Service is involved, I guess anything can happen, right?
Overall, I like the book. I know. When you reach 60% of the book it turns out to be interesting, and you really want to know what happens next and the turns it takes are good if you don’t analyze them too much.
At the beginning of the book both MCs were so unmatured and to find a 13-year-old support character to be more grown-up, speak volumes, at some point it was not that credible but considering the environment where this character grew up could make some sense.
There were also good moments where tiny things make a huge difference. One of the MCs at some point was pregnant, there’s a moment where her stretch marks are mentioned and for me (I’m somewhat new reading f/f) found that to be a first and very, very refreshing.
We see a lot of self-doubt, maybe low self-esteem in one of the MCs which makes totally sense and shows how our personal struggles could affect the way we act in our job and the way it plays with your thoughts; even when something good happens to you, you are just waiting to see it vanish, go, disappear.
Small spoiler so, I’m going to hide the next paragraph.
Besides the romantic story, the plot, what brings together both MCs in a general overview was good but it’s not perfect, there are things that doesn’t make sense but as the Secret Service is involved, I guess anything can happen, right?
Overall, I like the book. I know. When you reach 60% of the book it turns out to be interesting, and you really want to know what happens next and the turns it takes are good if you don’t analyze them too much.
August 11, 2022
Erin Zak’s writing always seem to be able to evoke some sort emotion from me. The emotion this book evokes is rather surprising, it’s admiration. Admiration for Zak, for pulling this book when it wasn’t right, for starting the self publishing journey, but most of all for being open and honest about the struggles (for lack of a better word) of writing and publishing the book they way it is now. The way it’s supposed to be.
This book is getting such a mixed bag of reviews and honestly, that’s surprising to me. I must admit it’s been a long while since I’ve watched The Bodyguard so I don’t know how much is similar or whatever. Also, I don’t care much. I like this book. I like Arden, I like Evelyn, but most of all Zak’s writing is as good as ever.
Granted, this isn’t the emotional rollercoaster I’ve come to expect from Zak, surely that’s ok, because not everything needs to be a wild ride. Speaking of wild rides, this isn’t super wild, yet it’s a nice journey to go on.
You should definitely give this book a chance and appreciate all the effort that’s gone into making it right and not just publishing because you can.
I applaud Zak for making the right choice and giving us another book with a good story and nice characters.
PS. Can we get a book on Talon and Stella? Thanks!
This book is getting such a mixed bag of reviews and honestly, that’s surprising to me. I must admit it’s been a long while since I’ve watched The Bodyguard so I don’t know how much is similar or whatever. Also, I don’t care much. I like this book. I like Arden, I like Evelyn, but most of all Zak’s writing is as good as ever.
Granted, this isn’t the emotional rollercoaster I’ve come to expect from Zak, surely that’s ok, because not everything needs to be a wild ride. Speaking of wild rides, this isn’t super wild, yet it’s a nice journey to go on.
You should definitely give this book a chance and appreciate all the effort that’s gone into making it right and not just publishing because you can.
I applaud Zak for making the right choice and giving us another book with a good story and nice characters.
PS. Can we get a book on Talon and Stella? Thanks!
September 20, 2022
Oh goodness, I really thought I'd be in the camp that loved this novel but unfortunately it just didn't work for me.
I read Guarding Evelyn after reading Katherine Center's The Bodyguard and loving the storyline of a bodyguard and client falling in love. What I loved in The Bodyguard was the natural development of the romance between the two characters and I remember reading it and thinking that it would be awesome to have a lesfic version of it. After a quick review of my TBR, I remembered seeing this a while back and thought it would be the perfect time to give it a go.
I think first and foremost, the relationship between Arden and Evelyn felt quite constructed. It didn't feel natural or organic and neither character had a lot of depth. The storyline felt unrealistic, and the conflict resolution left me wondering 'why?!'.
A shame really, as I think this type of storyline could work.
I read Guarding Evelyn after reading Katherine Center's The Bodyguard and loving the storyline of a bodyguard and client falling in love. What I loved in The Bodyguard was the natural development of the romance between the two characters and I remember reading it and thinking that it would be awesome to have a lesfic version of it. After a quick review of my TBR, I remembered seeing this a while back and thought it would be the perfect time to give it a go.
I think first and foremost, the relationship between Arden and Evelyn felt quite constructed. It didn't feel natural or organic and neither character had a lot of depth. The storyline felt unrealistic, and the conflict resolution left me wondering 'why?!'.
A shame really, as I think this type of storyline could work.
August 4, 2022
Alright, I think there's a bit much to unpack here but I'm going to try and keep it short. Around approximately the first ten chapters, everything was fine. It might be a little slow from the start but everything was going fine. I even liked the first moment Arden and Evelyn met and was curious to see more of their interactions together.
Then came a gradual downturn of events. Arden and Evelyn instantly feel for each other and mind you, that bit was pretty unconvincing given the fact that the book provides them a little less interaction from the first ten chapters and now they expect me that the two like each other? I mean, you could've given us more moments of them together in order for me to be convinced that they're starting to feel for each other. Besides the plot (which I don't really care enough anymore given that most part of this book just focuses on the romance between Arden and Evelyn), I also felt like Evelyn's character acted and spoke (in dialogues) childishly because she uses a helluva lot more slang compared to Arden when Arden's the younger one. So, yeah, her character acted juvenile it made me cringe whenever I think she's the older one in the relationship.
Anyway, in general, I would've stretched this into 3 stars as I rated this 2.5, however, even though I love the bodyguard trope, I'm not feeling generous enough to warrant this book another star. The characters could've been written and laid out better, especially Evelyn's. And the plot, it could've also been written better because finding out who the "stalker" is felt very anticlimactic.
Then came a gradual downturn of events. Arden and Evelyn instantly feel for each other and mind you, that bit was pretty unconvincing given the fact that the book provides them a little less interaction from the first ten chapters and now they expect me that the two like each other? I mean, you could've given us more moments of them together in order for me to be convinced that they're starting to feel for each other. Besides the plot (which I don't really care enough anymore given that most part of this book just focuses on the romance between Arden and Evelyn), I also felt like Evelyn's character acted and spoke (in dialogues) childishly because she uses a helluva lot more slang compared to Arden when Arden's the younger one. So, yeah, her character acted juvenile it made me cringe whenever I think she's the older one in the relationship.
"I'm glad you're girly," she says softly. "And you're pretty." She sighs. "And you have really nice hair and..." She pauses, a lazy smile forming on her lips. "You're not manly."Also, when I read this from Evelyn saying it towards Arden, I was like "Ummm, excuse me?"
Anyway, in general, I would've stretched this into 3 stars as I rated this 2.5, however, even though I love the bodyguard trope, I'm not feeling generous enough to warrant this book another star. The characters could've been written and laid out better, especially Evelyn's. And the plot, it could've also been written better because finding out who the "stalker" is felt very anticlimactic.
August 11, 2022
I liked it...
Overall I liked the story and I really liked the concept of the story. I've never been a big fan of present tense writing but it's easy enough to get around. I did find at times the story moved too slow and things were dragged out that didn't need to be and other things were breezed by or happened too quickly.
Overall I liked it but I didn't love it. And it's a kU book so it was worth a read.
Overall I liked the story and I really liked the concept of the story. I've never been a big fan of present tense writing but it's easy enough to get around. I did find at times the story moved too slow and things were dragged out that didn't need to be and other things were breezed by or happened too quickly.
Overall I liked it but I didn't love it. And it's a kU book so it was worth a read.
August 28, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
2 🌶
OH I LOVED THIS!! SLOW BURN. CELEBRITY X BODYGUARD!! amazing 😍
2 🌶
OH I LOVED THIS!! SLOW BURN. CELEBRITY X BODYGUARD!! amazing 😍
July 27, 2022
Arden Ryan is back home in Chicago living with her parents. Not exactly what she has planned but neither is what happened to her as a Secret Service agent to the first female President of the United States. She would love to just wallow in self-pity but her friend, Mel has other ideas. Soon Arden is working as a bodyguard for actress Evelyn Glass, much to Evelyn's dismay. Even with Evelyn's less than warm welcome, Arden can't help but be drawn to her.
Evelyn is hot. She's also a bit frosty, at least for a while. Usually, those are the women I gravitate to the most, but in this book, Arden is the one who has captured my heart. She is a protector, someone who always puts the safety of others before herself. Arden is captivating and the chemistry she has with Evelyn is palpable.
I love the way Erin Zak writes and I was invested in Arden's journey from the first page. I enjoyed her relationships, from Evelyn to her parents, ex-con Talon and Evelyn's son, Ethan. All of these give us such a vivid picture of the woman Arden is and what makes her so special. It's no wonder Evelyn was captivated with Arden. I have a little crush on her as well.
An ARC was received from the author for an honest review.
Evelyn is hot. She's also a bit frosty, at least for a while. Usually, those are the women I gravitate to the most, but in this book, Arden is the one who has captured my heart. She is a protector, someone who always puts the safety of others before herself. Arden is captivating and the chemistry she has with Evelyn is palpable.
I love the way Erin Zak writes and I was invested in Arden's journey from the first page. I enjoyed her relationships, from Evelyn to her parents, ex-con Talon and Evelyn's son, Ethan. All of these give us such a vivid picture of the woman Arden is and what makes her so special. It's no wonder Evelyn was captivated with Arden. I have a little crush on her as well.
An ARC was received from the author for an honest review.
November 23, 2022
Guarding Evelyn could be run under a lot of tropes, enemies to lovers, women in uniform, coming out late in life, slow burn and even ice queen, but none really fits.
Both women have been hurt badly, Evelyn emotionally more then physically and Arden physically more than emotionally. They've both chosen the similar coping mechanisms, that work against the instant attraction they have for another.
The mystery threat to Evelyn keeps them together, both desperately fighting their own hearts desires. When finally the mystery unravels, Arden almostfalls back into her self destrutive habits, until her mother makes her see how silly she really is.
The plot is rather unusual and the final twist rather surprising. The romance has its really cute moments and there are some very interesting side characters, who always keep the story interesting. A satisfying read, that would have been perfect, if we'd have been givien a little more plausible insight into what has caused Arden to always think she's not enough. A logical mind like hers should have told her to think properly about her trust issues.
Both women have been hurt badly, Evelyn emotionally more then physically and Arden physically more than emotionally. They've both chosen the similar coping mechanisms, that work against the instant attraction they have for another.
The mystery threat to Evelyn keeps them together, both desperately fighting their own hearts desires. When finally the mystery unravels, Arden almostfalls back into her self destrutive habits, until her mother makes her see how silly she really is.
The plot is rather unusual and the final twist rather surprising. The romance has its really cute moments and there are some very interesting side characters, who always keep the story interesting. A satisfying read, that would have been perfect, if we'd have been givien a little more plausible insight into what has caused Arden to always think she's not enough. A logical mind like hers should have told her to think properly about her trust issues.
August 29, 2024
Welcome to my 50th review 🤯🤠
A couple months ago this book was stirring up some very mixed opinions, so I knew I had to get around to reading it to see for myself what all the fuss was about.
Unfortunately there are woefully few positive things I can say about this book. Which sucks balls because a great FF bodyguard trope romance is something I've been looking for. One of the things I enjoyed was the president of this universe being a woman, and the forbidden love affair between a secret service agent and a high-level protectee. It honestly at many points looked like it was going to be a DNF but there was just something, maybe the fact that it was relatively short and I wanted desperately to see it redeem itself, that kept me reading until the end.
I don't need my FF fiction to be pulitzer prize winning, but man the writing in this book left quite a lot to be desired. I found the characters underdeveloped and shallow, their motivations entirely uncompelling, and the dialogue erring on the side of juvenile. The writing itself was redundant, mostly showing and not telling. I found Arden, the main character, obnoxious, immature, and so horny I wanted to spray her with water at several points in the story. These traits made her character as a stoic, brooding secret service agent entirely unconvincing.
And there were children 😭 keep the children out of my FF romances please. A precocious tween son of one of the leads who is super mature and offers love advice-how revolutionary. A daughter who says things like this:
the cringe nearly blew my back out.
I won't even get into the actual romance or sex scenes because the book was flatout unenjoyable for me.
I commend Zak for self-publishing and going through everything she had to do to fight for her story. Sad to say this was not for me. 1 ⭐
A couple months ago this book was stirring up some very mixed opinions, so I knew I had to get around to reading it to see for myself what all the fuss was about.
Unfortunately there are woefully few positive things I can say about this book. Which sucks balls because a great FF bodyguard trope romance is something I've been looking for. One of the things I enjoyed was the president of this universe being a woman, and the forbidden love affair between a secret service agent and a high-level protectee. It honestly at many points looked like it was going to be a DNF but there was just something, maybe the fact that it was relatively short and I wanted desperately to see it redeem itself, that kept me reading until the end.
I don't need my FF fiction to be pulitzer prize winning, but man the writing in this book left quite a lot to be desired. I found the characters underdeveloped and shallow, their motivations entirely uncompelling, and the dialogue erring on the side of juvenile. The writing itself was redundant, mostly showing and not telling. I found Arden, the main character, obnoxious, immature, and so horny I wanted to spray her with water at several points in the story. These traits made her character as a stoic, brooding secret service agent entirely unconvincing.
And there were children 😭 keep the children out of my FF romances please. A precocious tween son of one of the leads who is super mature and offers love advice-how revolutionary. A daughter who says things like this:
"I’m the black sheep of the family.” Stella smiles. “Short hair, hipster, love the Grateful Dead, oh, and I have no job. I’m one hundred percent not what Mom planned on. I try to fade into thebackground and not cause trouble."
the cringe nearly blew my back out.
I won't even get into the actual romance or sex scenes because the book was flatout unenjoyable for me.
I commend Zak for self-publishing and going through everything she had to do to fight for her story. Sad to say this was not for me. 1 ⭐
July 19, 2022
Guarding Evelyn
Author Erin Zak
MC Evelyn Glass& Arden Ryan
New Release
The book opens up with Arden speaking to Madame President. Arden was hurt in the line of duty, protecting the president, and they’re going over what steps to take moving forward. Although Arden’s wounds have healed, she feels the emotional trauma of what happened to her, she feels broken.
After Arden got shot, she went back home to her parents house. She loves the city where she grew up, and feels home will help her heal. Even if her well meaning parents are going to drive her crazy. The story is told from Arden’s pov, and you get a detailed background on the past to present day.
After the shooting, Arden sinks into a deep depression. She’s lost weight and she just doesn’t feel good. She is offered a job that may help her get back to normal. Arden doesn’t want to take the meeting regarding the job, but says what the hell.
Side note: Decisions are hard to make when you feel broken.
The story takes a turn. The new job is to protect the most famous actress in the Hollywood, Evelyn. Arden is taken with Evelyn and can’t stop thinking about her.
Side Note : Evelyn is a tease 😈. She is driving Arden crazy. That woman knows just want she doing.
Evelyn does not want Arden to follow her everywhere. But she does not know the how serious it is for her to have protection.
Side Note: I feel like the book is about two women who are different places in their lives. But deep down need love and security. They each wear a mask, to protect themselves from the outside world. They both had struggles and were going through similar things, but felt like they had no one to really talk to.
You get a glimpse of the stress in Evelyn’s world. Behind the cameras, flash and fame.
Side note: If you love HOT 🥵 sex scenes, this is your book .
Will Evelyn let Arden protect her in every way? Will it all come apart? You definitely want to read this book. It’s phenomenal.
Erin Zak is a phenomenal writer. Her last two books were magnificent. Erin is a true gem with a heart of gold. I love your work! Thank you for the opportunity to review this wonderful and amazing novel that you did not give up on.
I highly recommend this book ! I would like to Thank the Author Erin Zak for the arc. It’s radiant!! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author Erin Zak
MC Evelyn Glass& Arden Ryan
New Release
The book opens up with Arden speaking to Madame President. Arden was hurt in the line of duty, protecting the president, and they’re going over what steps to take moving forward. Although Arden’s wounds have healed, she feels the emotional trauma of what happened to her, she feels broken.
After Arden got shot, she went back home to her parents house. She loves the city where she grew up, and feels home will help her heal. Even if her well meaning parents are going to drive her crazy. The story is told from Arden’s pov, and you get a detailed background on the past to present day.
After the shooting, Arden sinks into a deep depression. She’s lost weight and she just doesn’t feel good. She is offered a job that may help her get back to normal. Arden doesn’t want to take the meeting regarding the job, but says what the hell.
Side note: Decisions are hard to make when you feel broken.
The story takes a turn. The new job is to protect the most famous actress in the Hollywood, Evelyn. Arden is taken with Evelyn and can’t stop thinking about her.
Side Note : Evelyn is a tease 😈. She is driving Arden crazy. That woman knows just want she doing.
Evelyn does not want Arden to follow her everywhere. But she does not know the how serious it is for her to have protection.
Side Note: I feel like the book is about two women who are different places in their lives. But deep down need love and security. They each wear a mask, to protect themselves from the outside world. They both had struggles and were going through similar things, but felt like they had no one to really talk to.
You get a glimpse of the stress in Evelyn’s world. Behind the cameras, flash and fame.
Side note: If you love HOT 🥵 sex scenes, this is your book .
Will Evelyn let Arden protect her in every way? Will it all come apart? You definitely want to read this book. It’s phenomenal.
Erin Zak is a phenomenal writer. Her last two books were magnificent. Erin is a true gem with a heart of gold. I love your work! Thank you for the opportunity to review this wonderful and amazing novel that you did not give up on.
I highly recommend this book ! I would like to Thank the Author Erin Zak for the arc. It’s radiant!! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 25, 2022
An interesting, well-thought out and written (for the most part) slow-burn celebrity/"bodyguard" romance read featuring an unanticipated dash of conspiracy. The characters are colourful, interesting, 3 dimensional and inherently flawed (with Talon, Mel and Sabina AND their interactions with Arden standing out as my favourites)...and I thought the inclusion of the often difficult topic of domestic violence/abuse SO tactfully done; it honestly made me long for Evelyn's POV, for the chance to explore her feelings firsthand. I did, however, find myself frustrated with the protagonist Arden Ryan; her assumptions and lack of communication when things are SO glaringly wrong in Evelyn's world made me question her skill of observation (which is played-up throughout the novel) and found the lull between threats a little boringly filled at times.
July 30, 2022
Very Good
I really enjoyed the book. It has a good story, interesting characters, and some steamy parts. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I really enjoyed the book. It has a good story, interesting characters, and some steamy parts. I highly recommend this book and this author.
July 24, 2022
Big fan of Erin Zak but Guardian Evelyn just didn't hit the mark for me.
July 7, 2024
Strange begining, felt I’d missed out on Book 1 (shooting re President) and enough for sequel (Talon was a great character)… and a little WTF in the plot twist, but fun and inevitable… Recommended.
August 2, 2022
I love this book
This book, intrigued me from the start, it eases you into the story then keeps you there. The romance is filled with tension and super steamy. The plot is twisty, turning and leaves you guessing. This was my first Erin Zak book and it will definitely not be my last. The dialogue between the MCs is fabulous and the feelings just jump off the page. Erin Zak has written a beautiful romance full of mystery and suspense with some of the sexiest love scenes I’ve read. It’s sweet, charming and full of feels and I didn’t want it to end.
This book, intrigued me from the start, it eases you into the story then keeps you there. The romance is filled with tension and super steamy. The plot is twisty, turning and leaves you guessing. This was my first Erin Zak book and it will definitely not be my last. The dialogue between the MCs is fabulous and the feelings just jump off the page. Erin Zak has written a beautiful romance full of mystery and suspense with some of the sexiest love scenes I’ve read. It’s sweet, charming and full of feels and I didn’t want it to end.
August 1, 2022
What happens when a broken former Secret Service agent takes on the task of guarding a high-maintenance, stubborn, ice queen celebrity? Oh, the drama! Arden Ryan was shot protecting the president and quickly relieved of service. She returns to her hometown of Chicago to live with her parents where she's contracted to guard Evelyn Glass whose life is in danger. The two immediately butt heads as Evelyn doesn't take the threats seriously.
A narrator tells this story from Arden's point of view. I felt like this was a smart move because while the reader is able to hear all of Arden's thoughts and experience her pain and emotions, the enigma of Evelyn Glass and what makes her tick remains a mystery. The reader is then able to experience Evelyn through Arden's eyes. Erin Zak does a beautiful job developing both our main characters and their relationship. All of the supporting characters really added to the story's overall plot. There were a couple of plot twists that I never saw coming which made me enjoy this book further. Well done on this one, Ms. Zak!
A narrator tells this story from Arden's point of view. I felt like this was a smart move because while the reader is able to hear all of Arden's thoughts and experience her pain and emotions, the enigma of Evelyn Glass and what makes her tick remains a mystery. The reader is then able to experience Evelyn through Arden's eyes. Erin Zak does a beautiful job developing both our main characters and their relationship. All of the supporting characters really added to the story's overall plot. There were a couple of plot twists that I never saw coming which made me enjoy this book further. Well done on this one, Ms. Zak!
August 1, 2022
This was a hard one for me to rate.
I genuinely enjoyed the drama and the action, I wasn't bored once. I loved both of the characters, especially Evelyn. Women like this (with tons of issues and insecurities underneath a mask lmao) always make me weak in the knees.
Secondary characters were also rather enjoyable, this was a good case of found family.
I think the main issue for me was that there wasn't a good balance between the plot and the character development. It felt to me that both of the aspects were kind of underdeveloped so neither of them caused the desired emotinal feedback from me.
It's not that I didn't believe the relationship for example, they had very good chemistry and they're fitting and healthy together. However there wasn't enough for me in the story to see how they got to the point of such deep feelings. I really wanted to spend more time with them and see them getting to know each other more.
All in all to me it was enjoyable I had fun I flew through the pages. But everything seemed to be all over the place which left me lacking emotionally.
I genuinely enjoyed the drama and the action, I wasn't bored once. I loved both of the characters, especially Evelyn. Women like this (with tons of issues and insecurities underneath a mask lmao) always make me weak in the knees.
Secondary characters were also rather enjoyable, this was a good case of found family.
I think the main issue for me was that there wasn't a good balance between the plot and the character development. It felt to me that both of the aspects were kind of underdeveloped so neither of them caused the desired emotinal feedback from me.
It's not that I didn't believe the relationship for example, they had very good chemistry and they're fitting and healthy together. However there wasn't enough for me in the story to see how they got to the point of such deep feelings. I really wanted to spend more time with them and see them getting to know each other more.
All in all to me it was enjoyable I had fun I flew through the pages. But everything seemed to be all over the place which left me lacking emotionally.
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