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Fairy Godmother Agency #3
A Brooding Bodyguard
It’s not easy being famous. Okay, you already hate me...can we start over?
Sinclair
I’m Sinclair Jones, best known for playing a woman ten years younger than me on TV. Or at least I was until I quit my job and moved to Asheville.
I came here to find myself. Instead, I tried—and failed—at a bunch of hobbies before landing a gig I don’t suck at: being the fake girlfriend of a reality TV outdoorsman. Our arrangement is great for my image—and his—but there’s been an unwanted side-effect.
I have a stalker, and he’s escalating.
Luckily, the Fairy Godmother Agency, a husband and wife P.I. team, have signed on to help me find my stalker. Unluckily, everyone has insisted I hire a bodyguard.
Rafe is obnoxious and opinionated, and he calls me Clay because I once threw a clay phallus at him. (Yes, literally.) I don’t want his help, and I especially don’t want this compulsion to keep checking out his arms.
Rafe
The last thing I want to do is follow around a TV starlet, but I’m in between jobs, and I have my reasons for taking this one. Still, I’m in hell, sitting in on manicures and book club meetings, and watching romcoms with a spoiled screen princess who’s surprisingly naïve for a millionaire.
But the more time I spend with Clay, the more desperate I am to protect her, because I’m falling for her charm—just like millions of other people have before me.
Sinclair
I’m Sinclair Jones, best known for playing a woman ten years younger than me on TV. Or at least I was until I quit my job and moved to Asheville.
I came here to find myself. Instead, I tried—and failed—at a bunch of hobbies before landing a gig I don’t suck at: being the fake girlfriend of a reality TV outdoorsman. Our arrangement is great for my image—and his—but there’s been an unwanted side-effect.
I have a stalker, and he’s escalating.
Luckily, the Fairy Godmother Agency, a husband and wife P.I. team, have signed on to help me find my stalker. Unluckily, everyone has insisted I hire a bodyguard.
Rafe is obnoxious and opinionated, and he calls me Clay because I once threw a clay phallus at him. (Yes, literally.) I don’t want his help, and I especially don’t want this compulsion to keep checking out his arms.
Rafe
The last thing I want to do is follow around a TV starlet, but I’m in between jobs, and I have my reasons for taking this one. Still, I’m in hell, sitting in on manicures and book club meetings, and watching romcoms with a spoiled screen princess who’s surprisingly naïve for a millionaire.
But the more time I spend with Clay, the more desperate I am to protect her, because I’m falling for her charm—just like millions of other people have before me.
346 pages, ebook
Published January 19, 2023
378 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Angela Casella
46 books770 followersANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.
You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
January 19, 2023
This was such a fantastic story from the fairy godmother agency series. It was hilarious and the attraction between bodyguard and actress was hot. It's not just a slow romance here, there's a mystery that will keep you guessing. I was so immersed in discovering who the stalker was, it was a whodunit story I definitely enjoyed.
February 8, 2023
I liked this one, but holy cow, it seemed to take me forever to read it. I usually finish a book in one sitting, but with this one, I could only read so much before I put it down to switch to another. I did find the last half was better than the first half. I liked Sinclair and Rafe, the stalker thing was scary and stupid. Stupid when you find out who it was and why. Like all the other books by this author, it's filled with over the top antics, issues with the couple, who finally figure things out by the end and are happy together.
January 13, 2023
A Brooding Bodyguard is the 3rd installment in the Fairy Godmother Agency series. This series is probably always going to be fun and a bit weird because Nicole and Damien are the fairy godmothers, finding women who need to be helped and helping them. The catch is that once you've been fairy godmothered, you need to pick someone to be their next project. Sinclair is an actress whose family is from Asheville and she'd moved back to lie low (and get to know her sister and brother better) after some unfortunate happenings. She's working to rebuild her brand and has a fake boyfriend, Edgar James, who is also trying to improve his brand and has a new extreme camping show coming out. Unfortunately, Sinclair is also being stalked and the policeman assigned to her case is pretty much an idiot. She is introduced to Rafe, the son of a man who frequents the bar her fairy godmothers own, and he becomes her bodyguard. They do not get along at first, but do at least find each other attractive.
Sinclair was in other books and didn't come off very well, but she's much more likable when you hear what's going on in her mind and her insecurities with what she wants to do and who she is. Based on the other books, I was surprised Rafe was the other voice because she seemed to really like Edgar. Comparing how she was basically pulling teeth to talk to Edgar on a date versus her banter with Rafe, it made much more sense. I loved how they brought out the best in each other and Nicole and Damien are brutally honest yet helpful as always. I really love how this series weaves in other characters from the other Ashland Brewing series - there's a woman who doesn't give her name, but is definitely Dottie and it made me giddy for her to pop in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sinclair was in other books and didn't come off very well, but she's much more likable when you hear what's going on in her mind and her insecurities with what she wants to do and who she is. Based on the other books, I was surprised Rafe was the other voice because she seemed to really like Edgar. Comparing how she was basically pulling teeth to talk to Edgar on a date versus her banter with Rafe, it made much more sense. I loved how they brought out the best in each other and Nicole and Damien are brutally honest yet helpful as always. I really love how this series weaves in other characters from the other Ashland Brewing series - there's a woman who doesn't give her name, but is definitely Dottie and it made me giddy for her to pop in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2023
The Fairy Goodmother Agency is Nicole and Damien at their best!
They can fix anything and they do it in hilarious ways.
Now, Sinclair, we’ve met her before in this series, and she did not make a good first impression. Here we get to meet her in a first person narrative and it’s easier to like her.
Rafe on the other hand, what’s not to like? I mean, he’s a bodyguard for starters! That alone had me hooked, and as we get to hear him tell his side of the story too we get to know a man with a good heart. He doesn’t think much of himself though, but Sinclair soon sees him for the good - and hot - man he is.
I like their banter and the way their relationship progresses. And I love being back in Asheville again!
I think the stalker story is a little bit hollow though, but the fairy godmothers, the moments with friends and family (the bread basket is not included, you have to read it to know why) and character developements make that part not so important to me.
I liked It!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They can fix anything and they do it in hilarious ways.
Now, Sinclair, we’ve met her before in this series, and she did not make a good first impression. Here we get to meet her in a first person narrative and it’s easier to like her.
Rafe on the other hand, what’s not to like? I mean, he’s a bodyguard for starters! That alone had me hooked, and as we get to hear him tell his side of the story too we get to know a man with a good heart. He doesn’t think much of himself though, but Sinclair soon sees him for the good - and hot - man he is.
I like their banter and the way their relationship progresses. And I love being back in Asheville again!
I think the stalker story is a little bit hollow though, but the fairy godmothers, the moments with friends and family (the bread basket is not included, you have to read it to know why) and character developements make that part not so important to me.
I liked It!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2023
I loved this story! The attraction and banter between the two main characters was hot and hilarious. The mystery of the stalker kept me hooked and I liked the suspense. The dynamics and tension between the two was my favorite part! I haven’t read the other two books in the series and I’ll definitely be going back to read them!
What to expect:
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Bodyguard
💜 Forbidden
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What to expect:
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Bodyguard
💜 Forbidden
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 4, 2023
3.4 stars. It was fine but the comedy was forced and the situations went a bit over the top for me. The villains were preposterous.
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January 27, 2023
I’ve come to expect greatness from Angela R. Casella, and “A Brooding Bodyguard” checked off all my boxes and more!!! We have Sinclair, a Hollywood starlet who is dealing with a stalker, and Rafe, who has been hired as her bodyguard to protect her. Sinclair and Rafe got off on the wrong foot, but as they spend more time together, they realize that the other isn’t quite so bad. This book was freaking fantastic… it had so many laugh out loud moments, and I loved watching Rafe and Sinclair’s relationship develop as the book continued. Rafe is extremely protective, and I loved how important he thought Sinclair’s safety was and how much he obviously cared about her, even when he refused to admit it. I also thought Sinclair was a wonderful heroine because she wasn’t conceited just because of her fame, she was actually a very complex character that I could really relate to. All in all, I thought this book was amazing. 5 freaking stars!!!
January 25, 2023
I feel like I always say the same thing - "Wow! She did it again!" But seriously, she did it again.
Back in Marnie's story, we met her famous sister Sinclair. Throughout that book, I somewhat disliked her character. However, in A Brooding Bodyguard, AR Casella makes her more of a real person.
Then there's Rafe. Brooding is the perfect word for him. He's grouchy and really doesn't want to have to play bodyguard. Of course, we all know where this is going, right?
I love the crazy web of spin-offs to the Ashville books. Through them we get to see old friends and meet new ones. It's exactly what I need, when I need it. Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Back in Marnie's story, we met her famous sister Sinclair. Throughout that book, I somewhat disliked her character. However, in A Brooding Bodyguard, AR Casella makes her more of a real person.
Then there's Rafe. Brooding is the perfect word for him. He's grouchy and really doesn't want to have to play bodyguard. Of course, we all know where this is going, right?
I love the crazy web of spin-offs to the Ashville books. Through them we get to see old friends and meet new ones. It's exactly what I need, when I need it. Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
I absolutely adore everything about this book! Best book of the series so far! We met Sinclair in the first book of the series, and through the series she was struggling to figure out what she wants out of life. Getting to know her in this book made me really feel for her and like her. Rafe is dealing with his own demons and hasn’t been living his life to the fullest.
Sinclair’s stalker escalates, forcing them to be together 24/7. Their banter had me laughing out loud! I could feel the connection and sparks between them jumping off the pages. I love the growth of their relationship. They see the best in each other and in turn, help each other discover what they want out of life.
Angela has created such an amazing series, bringing all the characters to life, making them vulnerable and real. It’s witty and sassy, yet also has its heartwarming and tender moments. I always enjoy getting to have all the characters throughout a series make appearances in the book. And Nicole and Damien, the Fairy Godmothers, are awesome as always. This book and series are SPICY on the heat level, you’ve been warned! I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book. Can’t wait to find out what’s up with Drew and Andy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sinclair’s stalker escalates, forcing them to be together 24/7. Their banter had me laughing out loud! I could feel the connection and sparks between them jumping off the pages. I love the growth of their relationship. They see the best in each other and in turn, help each other discover what they want out of life.
Angela has created such an amazing series, bringing all the characters to life, making them vulnerable and real. It’s witty and sassy, yet also has its heartwarming and tender moments. I always enjoy getting to have all the characters throughout a series make appearances in the book. And Nicole and Damien, the Fairy Godmothers, are awesome as always. This book and series are SPICY on the heat level, you’ve been warned! I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book. Can’t wait to find out what’s up with Drew and Andy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2023
4 Stars
2.5 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
Bodyguard
"Remember Clay, we are all born knowing to breathe. That woman certainly didn't teach you. You'll be fine. And if you're not, I'll kick her ass."
I love the Fairy Godmother Agency series. This is the third book and I have been waiting for Sinclairs' book before the first one even ended. This one did not disappoint.
Can we talk about how Rafe calls Sinclair "Clay" because she through a clay "banana" at him accidentally and that is how they met? there is a lot of character growth in this one and I loved it.
I also loved how we saw all the characters from previous books! Nicole is still one of my favorites.
I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to The Smuthood and Angela Casella for this ARC
2.5 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
Bodyguard
"Remember Clay, we are all born knowing to breathe. That woman certainly didn't teach you. You'll be fine. And if you're not, I'll kick her ass."
I love the Fairy Godmother Agency series. This is the third book and I have been waiting for Sinclairs' book before the first one even ended. This one did not disappoint.
Can we talk about how Rafe calls Sinclair "Clay" because she through a clay "banana" at him accidentally and that is how they met? there is a lot of character growth in this one and I loved it.
I also loved how we saw all the characters from previous books! Nicole is still one of my favorites.
I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to The Smuthood and Angela Casella for this ARC
January 15, 2023
This was such a fun book.
It features a smart, yet tentative heroine and a swoony confident hero. The forced proximity and some sparkling chemistry leads to some emotions growing between these two. Sinclair and Rafe might be my favorite yet!
Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, but they are all connected and I love getting to see the characters again, especially the fairy godmother Nicole and her hubby!
It features a smart, yet tentative heroine and a swoony confident hero. The forced proximity and some sparkling chemistry leads to some emotions growing between these two. Sinclair and Rafe might be my favorite yet!
Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, but they are all connected and I love getting to see the characters again, especially the fairy godmother Nicole and her hubby!
January 19, 2023
If you enjoy enemies to lover books this is for you. The Fairy Godmothers are back again! A Brooding Bodyguard is the third book in the Fairy Godmother series. Angela has written a hilariously funny story filled with crazy antics, suspense and love. A delightful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2023
2.75 stars
I didn’t love this one as much as Reluctant Roommate - but I think that’s just because I really loved Drew and Andy so much, whereas Clay and Rafe were a bit bleh in this. I got bored multiple times with them.
I didn’t love this one as much as Reluctant Roommate - but I think that’s just because I really loved Drew and Andy so much, whereas Clay and Rafe were a bit bleh in this. I got bored multiple times with them.
January 19, 2023
I love the Fairy Godmother Agency. Damien and Nicole always save the day for the women they're helping by doing hilarious things to the victim.
Rafe and Sinclair are forced to stay together 24/7 because of her stalker. Their back and forth had me rolling with laughter.
One of my favorite parts of the book was trying to figure out who to stalker is.
I think this is my favorite book in this series so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rafe and Sinclair are forced to stay together 24/7 because of her stalker. Their back and forth had me rolling with laughter.
One of my favorite parts of the book was trying to figure out who to stalker is.
I think this is my favorite book in this series so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2023
A Brooding Bodyguard was very very cute! Rafe was so clearly into Sinclair, even though it took him awhile to figure it out, and seeing their relationship grow through the book was really fun. That being said, I have some issues.
The identity of the stalker seemed like a cop out. It felt like the decision was made because the author couldn't think of anything else to do, and it really took away from the plot of the story. I also didn't feel like the stalker was that much of a threat. The book dragged a lot in places so there was a lot of reading tike between events. So much so that the stalker seemed to fade into the background. I didn't really get any sense of danger from the stalker.
I think this book could've used some trimming. I felt like it took me forever to read and that I wasn't really getting anywhere when I was reading. If the author had trimmed down some of the fluff sections, I think this would've read a lot better for me. It's unfortunate because I really loved the plot line, but this one just didn't do it for me
The identity of the stalker seemed like a cop out. It felt like the decision was made because the author couldn't think of anything else to do, and it really took away from the plot of the story. I also didn't feel like the stalker was that much of a threat. The book dragged a lot in places so there was a lot of reading tike between events. So much so that the stalker seemed to fade into the background. I didn't really get any sense of danger from the stalker.
I think this book could've used some trimming. I felt like it took me forever to read and that I wasn't really getting anywhere when I was reading. If the author had trimmed down some of the fluff sections, I think this would've read a lot better for me. It's unfortunate because I really loved the plot line, but this one just didn't do it for me
October 11, 2023
Super cute story. Loved it
I read this because I'm meeting her at RARE and it was such a good surprise. A really fun read which made me snort out loud. The characters where lovable and they made a growth throughout the book. Would definitely read more of her.
I read this because I'm meeting her at RARE and it was such a good surprise. A really fun read which made me snort out loud. The characters where lovable and they made a growth throughout the book. Would definitely read more of her.
January 17, 2023
You can't go wrong with a bodyguard and his protectee falling for each other right? Angela Casella certainly didn't. This was a great fun story with plenty of laughs, banter, flirting, and a bit of suspense. It was all centered around two characters that were easy to enjoy.
Sinclair Jones is an actress who is a little lost and has left her famous role in a TV series she's trying to live a normal life. Threats of a stalker, however, have made that not so simple.
Rafe O'Dooley is acting as a discount bodyguard to the famous actress. He sees the spoiled, perfectly primped over-the-top starlet she is supposed to be but time together shows him more to Sinclair. He has his own demons he fights though.
They make a great couple and have a lot of banter and teasing. There were some really great moments between the two that were just a joy to read.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the others yet and it seems to me that their characters popped up in earlier stories. I admit with the way this starts I wonder if I would have been better reading the others first. Not needed like I said, but I think some background would have been good too.
The Fairy Godmother Agency consists of two PI's (husband and wife team) Nicole and Damien. While they are helping their clients with whatever they need a PI for it seems they like to offer a full fairy godmother service (without letting the clients know of course) which includes finding true love. Great concept, it was fun and the characters of Nicole and Damied were fun additions even though they aren't huge features.
Look forward to getting a chance to read the rest and what's to come.
.
.
.
Sinclair Jones is trying to find where to go from here. Leaving her TV show and the aftermath of her mother's betrayal have left her a little lost. Everything she has tried so far has ended in her feeling more like a failure than before. Being home in Asheville she's hoping to rebuild the broken bond with her brother and sister and to find what she wants to do next. To help keep her career on track Enoch Laskin her publicist suggests she and another local star, Edgar James, start fake dating to keep them public and interesting. While attracted to Edgar initially the public appearances they have made together have been nothing but awkward and uncomfortable, at least for Sinclair.
Rafe O'Dooley lost his last job as a personal trainer at a gym after a client went too far with another member and he stepped in. While the guy deserved what he got it cost him his job. When offered the role of bodyguard to Sinclair Jones his options were limited. Following the starlet around and looking scary on her public fake dates with Edgar James was easy enough. So far her stalker had done little in the way of making any new threats.
Leaving a dinner one night is the first in-person attack that Sinclair faces and Rafe steps in to keep her safe and in return, she stops him from also being hit. From there her family, the PIs, and her publicist agree things might be getting a bit more dangerous and request Rafe come on full-time, not just when she's out in public but staying with her in her home since the stalker seems to know how to get in and out of her building.
Sinclair doesn't want anyone in her safe space. It's the only place she can really be herself and let go of all the worries and stress she carries around.
Rafe can't see how he will cope living with the pampered princess until the stalker is found, but at the same time, the thought of anything happening to her is not ok with him.
The time spent together soon shows them each that there is more to the other than they thought, originally the only thing they could see that they could like was their looks.
As the threat to Sinclair seems to escalate and Rafe learns a lot more of what Sinclair has been through to get to where she is, they soon find that the underlying chemistry has a chance to take root. While wanting to explore what they could be increases Rafe's protective instincts he can't face sharing her even with a fake boyfriend.
'I'm not going to let anyone mess with Clay, not her body or her mind. Maybe she's not mine, maybe she'll never be, but I'm going to watch out for her as if she were.'
Sinclair has to navigate keeping her career from tanking, managing a fake relationship, dealing with a toxic mother, rebuilding her relationship with her siblings, avoiding the clutches of a stalker, and her feelings for Rafe that are growing more every day.
'That's when I understand for the first time - really understand - that's he's more than my friend, my protector. More than someone I'm sleeping with. I'm falling in love with him.'
While Rafe and Sinclair find their attraction turning into more, the Fairy Godmother Agency works to track down her stalker and end the threat to Sinclair, but with the suspect list getting smaller and no one standing out they'll have to work hard to get to her before her stalker does.
Happy Reading.
Sinclair Jones is an actress who is a little lost and has left her famous role in a TV series she's trying to live a normal life. Threats of a stalker, however, have made that not so simple.
Rafe O'Dooley is acting as a discount bodyguard to the famous actress. He sees the spoiled, perfectly primped over-the-top starlet she is supposed to be but time together shows him more to Sinclair. He has his own demons he fights though.
They make a great couple and have a lot of banter and teasing. There were some really great moments between the two that were just a joy to read.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the others yet and it seems to me that their characters popped up in earlier stories. I admit with the way this starts I wonder if I would have been better reading the others first. Not needed like I said, but I think some background would have been good too.
The Fairy Godmother Agency consists of two PI's (husband and wife team) Nicole and Damien. While they are helping their clients with whatever they need a PI for it seems they like to offer a full fairy godmother service (without letting the clients know of course) which includes finding true love. Great concept, it was fun and the characters of Nicole and Damied were fun additions even though they aren't huge features.
Look forward to getting a chance to read the rest and what's to come.
.
.
.
Sinclair Jones is trying to find where to go from here. Leaving her TV show and the aftermath of her mother's betrayal have left her a little lost. Everything she has tried so far has ended in her feeling more like a failure than before. Being home in Asheville she's hoping to rebuild the broken bond with her brother and sister and to find what she wants to do next. To help keep her career on track Enoch Laskin her publicist suggests she and another local star, Edgar James, start fake dating to keep them public and interesting. While attracted to Edgar initially the public appearances they have made together have been nothing but awkward and uncomfortable, at least for Sinclair.
Rafe O'Dooley lost his last job as a personal trainer at a gym after a client went too far with another member and he stepped in. While the guy deserved what he got it cost him his job. When offered the role of bodyguard to Sinclair Jones his options were limited. Following the starlet around and looking scary on her public fake dates with Edgar James was easy enough. So far her stalker had done little in the way of making any new threats.
Leaving a dinner one night is the first in-person attack that Sinclair faces and Rafe steps in to keep her safe and in return, she stops him from also being hit. From there her family, the PIs, and her publicist agree things might be getting a bit more dangerous and request Rafe come on full-time, not just when she's out in public but staying with her in her home since the stalker seems to know how to get in and out of her building.
Sinclair doesn't want anyone in her safe space. It's the only place she can really be herself and let go of all the worries and stress she carries around.
Rafe can't see how he will cope living with the pampered princess until the stalker is found, but at the same time, the thought of anything happening to her is not ok with him.
The time spent together soon shows them each that there is more to the other than they thought, originally the only thing they could see that they could like was their looks.
As the threat to Sinclair seems to escalate and Rafe learns a lot more of what Sinclair has been through to get to where she is, they soon find that the underlying chemistry has a chance to take root. While wanting to explore what they could be increases Rafe's protective instincts he can't face sharing her even with a fake boyfriend.
'I'm not going to let anyone mess with Clay, not her body or her mind. Maybe she's not mine, maybe she'll never be, but I'm going to watch out for her as if she were.'
Sinclair has to navigate keeping her career from tanking, managing a fake relationship, dealing with a toxic mother, rebuilding her relationship with her siblings, avoiding the clutches of a stalker, and her feelings for Rafe that are growing more every day.
'That's when I understand for the first time - really understand - that's he's more than my friend, my protector. More than someone I'm sleeping with. I'm falling in love with him.'
While Rafe and Sinclair find their attraction turning into more, the Fairy Godmother Agency works to track down her stalker and end the threat to Sinclair, but with the suspect list getting smaller and no one standing out they'll have to work hard to get to her before her stalker does.
Happy Reading.
February 6, 2023
3.5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the author’s Fairy Godmother Agency series. The brooding bodyguard is Rafe O’Dooley a big muscular former bouncer and personal trainer who is hired by quasi famous television actress Sinclair Jones to serve as her bodyguard when someone begins to stalk her sending ominous notes and presents. Much to my delight it turns out that Ms. Sinclair or her brand manager has hired the Fairy godmother Agency to investigate who is stalking Sinclair while Rafe is protecting her. The two now private investigators who make up the agency are Nicole Ricci and her husband Damien Mitchell. The Nicole character first appeared in the author and her writing partner Denise Grover Swanks Bad Luck Club series. She must have become a favorite character of the author because she’s had reoccurring appearances in that series, and a couple of their spinoff series. You can read their story in Bringing Down the House. Although the main protagonists in this story are Rafe and Sinclair, the Nicole character nearly steals the show. Which kind of makes sense since this is their series. This is definitely not an insta-love story. Rafe has only taken the job because after being fired from his job at a fitness club for defending a female co-worker he needs the money. His first impression of Sinclair Jones is that she’s superficial and vain and can’t pass a mirror without checking out her appearance. For her part Sinclair thinks Rafe is an attractive but hulking jerk who has made it clear he doesn’t think much of her. Since Sinclair has been taught by her domineering mother from a young age, her former manager, that appearance is everything (which explains her pre-occupation with her appearance) and she’s trying to gain the affection of reality television star outdoorsman Edgar James whom she is supposed to pretend to be her boyfriend and make some guest appearances on his television show to boost both of their public profiles, and he’s showing no interest, you can understand why Rafe doesn’t think much of Sinclair.
But there’s a lot more to Sinclair than first meets the eye. She’s recently quit Sinful Sisters, the long running television show she’s starred in for ten years because she began playing a college aged young woman on the show when she was 22 years old and now at 32 she’s still playing the same character at the same age. She’s fired her mother as her manager after discovering what she did to her younger sister Marni, left Hollywood and returned to her childhood hometown of Ashville N.C. to try to both figure out who she is, what she wants to do with her life and repair her strained relationships with her older brother Drew and younger sister Marni. No longer having an acting job nor her mother constantly in her ear instructing her every move Sinclair is truly lost. Rafe also has some skeletons in his closet including his own dysfunctional relationship with is mother that he doesn’t want shared.
When the threat level from her stalker increases Rafe goes from just accompanying Sinclair on her public outings to living with her fulltime. The more time they spend together the better they get to know one another and like each other. Rafe begins to feel extremely protective of Sinclair and Sinclair comes to completely trust Rafe. Add to this their sexual chemistry and before long they end up in bed. Or at least up against a collectable table. Their relationship or the possibility of a relationship is of course fraught with multiple complications. Rafe works for Sinclair. Sinclair is a celebrity experiencing an existential crisis, Rafe is basically a nobody. Oh, and they with the help of Nicole and Damien are trying to figure out who her stalker is. The four work their way through Sinclair’s former acquaintances including her mother, her sister’s ex-fiancee and her own former lover a former writer on her television show (why she slept with this loser is beyond me?) trying to identify her stalker. Along with these characters we also meet Rafe’s somewhat crazy father, his BFF Shauna, Sinclair’s swinger Aunt, Marni’s boyfriend Griffin and her BFF Andy who is paired with her brother in the next book in the series.
There’s plenty of angst and romance and a few steamy sex scenes as Rafe and Sinclair find their way to happiness. There’s plenty of suspense as we try to determine who the stalker is. Nicole as always with her brash, in your face personality brings most of the comic relief along with Rafe’s father.
This is the 3rd book in the author’s Fairy Godmother Agency series. The brooding bodyguard is Rafe O’Dooley a big muscular former bouncer and personal trainer who is hired by quasi famous television actress Sinclair Jones to serve as her bodyguard when someone begins to stalk her sending ominous notes and presents. Much to my delight it turns out that Ms. Sinclair or her brand manager has hired the Fairy godmother Agency to investigate who is stalking Sinclair while Rafe is protecting her. The two now private investigators who make up the agency are Nicole Ricci and her husband Damien Mitchell. The Nicole character first appeared in the author and her writing partner Denise Grover Swanks Bad Luck Club series. She must have become a favorite character of the author because she’s had reoccurring appearances in that series, and a couple of their spinoff series. You can read their story in Bringing Down the House. Although the main protagonists in this story are Rafe and Sinclair, the Nicole character nearly steals the show. Which kind of makes sense since this is their series. This is definitely not an insta-love story. Rafe has only taken the job because after being fired from his job at a fitness club for defending a female co-worker he needs the money. His first impression of Sinclair Jones is that she’s superficial and vain and can’t pass a mirror without checking out her appearance. For her part Sinclair thinks Rafe is an attractive but hulking jerk who has made it clear he doesn’t think much of her. Since Sinclair has been taught by her domineering mother from a young age, her former manager, that appearance is everything (which explains her pre-occupation with her appearance) and she’s trying to gain the affection of reality television star outdoorsman Edgar James whom she is supposed to pretend to be her boyfriend and make some guest appearances on his television show to boost both of their public profiles, and he’s showing no interest, you can understand why Rafe doesn’t think much of Sinclair.
But there’s a lot more to Sinclair than first meets the eye. She’s recently quit Sinful Sisters, the long running television show she’s starred in for ten years because she began playing a college aged young woman on the show when she was 22 years old and now at 32 she’s still playing the same character at the same age. She’s fired her mother as her manager after discovering what she did to her younger sister Marni, left Hollywood and returned to her childhood hometown of Ashville N.C. to try to both figure out who she is, what she wants to do with her life and repair her strained relationships with her older brother Drew and younger sister Marni. No longer having an acting job nor her mother constantly in her ear instructing her every move Sinclair is truly lost. Rafe also has some skeletons in his closet including his own dysfunctional relationship with is mother that he doesn’t want shared.
When the threat level from her stalker increases Rafe goes from just accompanying Sinclair on her public outings to living with her fulltime. The more time they spend together the better they get to know one another and like each other. Rafe begins to feel extremely protective of Sinclair and Sinclair comes to completely trust Rafe. Add to this their sexual chemistry and before long they end up in bed. Or at least up against a collectable table. Their relationship or the possibility of a relationship is of course fraught with multiple complications. Rafe works for Sinclair. Sinclair is a celebrity experiencing an existential crisis, Rafe is basically a nobody. Oh, and they with the help of Nicole and Damien are trying to figure out who her stalker is. The four work their way through Sinclair’s former acquaintances including her mother, her sister’s ex-fiancee and her own former lover a former writer on her television show (why she slept with this loser is beyond me?) trying to identify her stalker. Along with these characters we also meet Rafe’s somewhat crazy father, his BFF Shauna, Sinclair’s swinger Aunt, Marni’s boyfriend Griffin and her BFF Andy who is paired with her brother in the next book in the series.
There’s plenty of angst and romance and a few steamy sex scenes as Rafe and Sinclair find their way to happiness. There’s plenty of suspense as we try to determine who the stalker is. Nicole as always with her brash, in your face personality brings most of the comic relief along with Rafe’s father.
January 19, 2023
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Sinclair is in Asheville to find herself, bond with her siblings, kind of start over. She's in a fake relationship with a local, which sounds good on paper, but it's not really because some jerk is stalking her. So this means her fairy godparents (Nicole and Damien!) have given her a bodyguard. A delicious hunk of a bodyguard who drives her nuts, calls her Clay, and generally goes around being broody and wearing sunglasses.
The more time Rafe spends with Sinclair, or Clay as he calls her, he realizes she's not what he had thought. Oh yes, she drives him nuts, but she's also got a big heart, is smarter than she gives herself credit for, and not at all the shallow person she shows to the rest of the world. He's falling hard, but is he heading for heartbreak?
Ahh Rafe - he's the kind of broody grump I love most, one with a big heart, demons he doesn't like to show, and is much more vulnerable than he'd like to admit. He and his Clay make a wonderful couple, with delicious chemistry, a strong emotional connection, and surrounded by an equally fabulous secondary cast. There's a little bit of suspense, witty, snarky banter, and a lead-in to the next story. I'm impatiently awaiting Sinclair's brother Drew, and Andy's story now!
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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January 17, 2023
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
I absolutely love this series and this is easily my favorite story of the bunch. Sinclair Jones wasn’t the most likeable character when we met her in Marnie’s book but this book changed that. Here we meet the real Sinclair and she’s so much more than what we’d seen before. Her mother was so controlling that she practically brainwashed poor Sinclair, driving a deep wedge between her and her siblings in the process. While she and Marnie have gotten close again, she still feels a lot of distance between her and Drew, which pains her greatly.
Seeing the world through her eyes and getting inside of Sinclair’s head shows us that she’s not the person we all thought. She’s been groomed since childhood to focus entirely on image so the world perceives her as flawless because she’s not good enough as herself. Nothing could be further from the truth and her mother’s a monster but poor Sinclair had no idea until discovering what their mom did to poor Marnie. She’s struggling to find herself and simultaneously unlearn all the bad habits her momager drummed into her for decades, which isn’t easy.
A stalker is complicating her life even more and preventing her from truly living. It’s bad enough she has someone following her but things get so bad, she has to hire a bodyguard and ends up with none other than Rafe, the exhausting guy she hit with the clay banana. They’re not very fond of one another but he needs work and she needs protection, so they grudgingly accept the situation. But when her stalker ramps up the threats, Rafe moves in and things heat up.
He's got his own problems, including a nightmare mother who’s left lasting scars so his self-esteem has taken some big hits. Falling in lust with a gorgeous celebrity doesn’t do much for his confidence, especially when he finds himself getting attached but she’s in a fake relationship with Edgar James. I loved watching these two helping each other fix the damage of their pasts while finding themselves. Their story is funny, sweet and steamy with plenty of suspense and quite a few suspects before the stalker’s caught. I loved everything about it.
January 19, 2023
A Brooding Bodyguard is Angela Casella’s third book in the Fairy Godmother series. I recommend that people read both Bringing Down the House and A Borrowed Boyfriend beforehand, although it’s not’s necessary to have read A Stolen Suit. Readers were introduced to the heroine, Sinclair Jones, in A Borrowed Boyfriend.
The story begins with 32-year-old actress Sinclair Jones being selected by her younger sister, Marnie, as the newest recipient of the Fairy Godmother’s services. Sinclair has returned to her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, to work on her relationship with her brother and sister, and to re-build her image. She is estranged from her recently fired mom-manager, Judy, and at loose ends since her TV show, Sisters of Sin, ended. Sinclair had a brief affair with a writer on the show, Penn Reed, but he has been bad-mouthing her on Instagram. Sinclair is now fake-dating reality star Edgar James, and is preparing to make guest appearances on his out door show.
Rafe O’Dooley is a painter and personal trainer who was hired as Sinclair’s bodyguard. He nicknamed her “Clay” because she threw a clay banana at him when they first met. He hides his attraction to her by wearing his sunglasses all the time. He becomes very protective of Sinclair/Clay when she becomes the victim of a stalker. The police officer assigned to the case is incompetent, so Damien and Nicole Mitchell conduct most of the investigation while Rafe protects Clay.
Rafe has a bit of a past and believes that he’s not good enough for Sinclair. She has been taught that her worth is in her appearance. They have to work through these issues while trying to figure out who is stalking her. Potential stalkers are Marnie’s ex-fiancé, Brock Tilton; Sinclair’s ex-boyfriend, Penn Reed; Spencer, Sinclair’s painting instructor; and Judy, their mother.
The star-bodyguard trope is often used in romances, but this story is a very clever romantic suspense. The main characters are likeable, and there are plenty of minor characters from previous stories. The reader is kept in suspense about the identity of the person who is stalking Sinclair. There are plenty of comedic moments due to Nicole and Damien Mitchell’s antics. Overall I enjoyed A Brooding Bodyguard but would have preferred less profanity and graphic sex scenes. I’m looking forward to reading Drew Sinclair’s story, A Reluctant Roommate, next.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from Social Butterfly PR for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story begins with 32-year-old actress Sinclair Jones being selected by her younger sister, Marnie, as the newest recipient of the Fairy Godmother’s services. Sinclair has returned to her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, to work on her relationship with her brother and sister, and to re-build her image. She is estranged from her recently fired mom-manager, Judy, and at loose ends since her TV show, Sisters of Sin, ended. Sinclair had a brief affair with a writer on the show, Penn Reed, but he has been bad-mouthing her on Instagram. Sinclair is now fake-dating reality star Edgar James, and is preparing to make guest appearances on his out door show.
Rafe O’Dooley is a painter and personal trainer who was hired as Sinclair’s bodyguard. He nicknamed her “Clay” because she threw a clay banana at him when they first met. He hides his attraction to her by wearing his sunglasses all the time. He becomes very protective of Sinclair/Clay when she becomes the victim of a stalker. The police officer assigned to the case is incompetent, so Damien and Nicole Mitchell conduct most of the investigation while Rafe protects Clay.
Rafe has a bit of a past and believes that he’s not good enough for Sinclair. She has been taught that her worth is in her appearance. They have to work through these issues while trying to figure out who is stalking her. Potential stalkers are Marnie’s ex-fiancé, Brock Tilton; Sinclair’s ex-boyfriend, Penn Reed; Spencer, Sinclair’s painting instructor; and Judy, their mother.
The star-bodyguard trope is often used in romances, but this story is a very clever romantic suspense. The main characters are likeable, and there are plenty of minor characters from previous stories. The reader is kept in suspense about the identity of the person who is stalking Sinclair. There are plenty of comedic moments due to Nicole and Damien Mitchell’s antics. Overall I enjoyed A Brooding Bodyguard but would have preferred less profanity and graphic sex scenes. I’m looking forward to reading Drew Sinclair’s story, A Reluctant Roommate, next.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from Social Butterfly PR for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2023
What with everything going on in my life, I think I need a sexy gigolo-bodyguard-maid too. Look at Rafe here, he's the perfect example.
If I had a penny every time I fell for a guy named Rafe, I'll have two pennies. It isn't a lot, but the exchange rate to Indian rupees works in my favor.
•Anyhoo, my man, this broody bodyguard Rafe comes with some emotional baggage, a big body, an obviously big dick (I'm not objectifying him. I'm telling the truth). He's having trouble finding a job. Now what I think is, the man could've started an onlyfans only for his biceps or something and he'd be rich but no, he wanted to be a bodyguard to an actress who likes making clay dildoes (she claims its a banana folks)
•Sinclair Jones, is an actress (who has met Justin Beiber twice) and well, she has a stalker (who wears a Justin Bieber mask. Shocker, I know)
•Anyway, she has a fake relationship to maintain with a fellow costar Edgar James (or how I like to call him, average Joe) who is a wannabe Bear Grills (I wouldn't touch the guy with a ten feet pole. Hate camping) Now it's difficult considering her obvious attraction to her bodyguard and you'd think it's mutual (it is)
•So now her stalker is scary (having a stalker is scary) but she has Rafe to protect her. Everyone should have a Rafe with them. For everything from protecting to "taking care" of ya ( if you catch my drift)
•So now shit happens, the storyline is interesting but as usual I was busy staring at the pages where they smush (he's a consent-seeking, handsome, comfortable, sex-beast. Like I said everyone deserves a man like him)
•The twist (you'll know) had me howling. It was amazing. I didn't see it coming. I love this book.
•My favourite part was the humor dripping from the book. Rafe's point of view WAS THE BEST I'VE EVER READ. Rafe and I are married, effective immediately. Sinclair (although I like her) can go get in line. And I do not share.
If I had a penny every time I fell for a guy named Rafe, I'll have two pennies. It isn't a lot, but the exchange rate to Indian rupees works in my favor.
•Anyhoo, my man, this broody bodyguard Rafe comes with some emotional baggage, a big body, an obviously big dick (I'm not objectifying him. I'm telling the truth). He's having trouble finding a job. Now what I think is, the man could've started an onlyfans only for his biceps or something and he'd be rich but no, he wanted to be a bodyguard to an actress who likes making clay dildoes (she claims its a banana folks)
•Sinclair Jones, is an actress (who has met Justin Beiber twice) and well, she has a stalker (who wears a Justin Bieber mask. Shocker, I know)
•Anyway, she has a fake relationship to maintain with a fellow costar Edgar James (or how I like to call him, average Joe) who is a wannabe Bear Grills (I wouldn't touch the guy with a ten feet pole. Hate camping) Now it's difficult considering her obvious attraction to her bodyguard and you'd think it's mutual (it is)
•So now her stalker is scary (having a stalker is scary) but she has Rafe to protect her. Everyone should have a Rafe with them. For everything from protecting to "taking care" of ya ( if you catch my drift)
•So now shit happens, the storyline is interesting but as usual I was busy staring at the pages where they smush (he's a consent-seeking, handsome, comfortable, sex-beast. Like I said everyone deserves a man like him)
•The twist (you'll know) had me howling. It was amazing. I didn't see it coming. I love this book.
•My favourite part was the humor dripping from the book. Rafe's point of view WAS THE BEST I'VE EVER READ. Rafe and I are married, effective immediately. Sinclair (although I like her) can go get in line. And I do not share.
January 16, 2023
The latest release in Angela Casella’s Fairy Godmother series and this is definitely one of those series that just keeps getting better with each new release. A Brooding Bodyguard is actress Sinclair’s story. She’s the sister of Marnie, the heroine from A Borrowed Boyfriend and really didn’t make much of a good impression on me to begin with but as they say, to know her is to like her and she’s steadily improved as the series has progressed. She managed to attract the attention of a stalker so enter stage left her new bodyguard Rafe, a man she made a huge impression on when she accidentally hit him with a clay banana or penis depending on who you asked. Together they are like oil and water …. or at least initially they are.
I love that Sinclair finally has her own story. Her actions and insecurities are explained, always feeling like she’s on the outside looking in especially when it comes to the close relationship her brother and sister have. Her relationship with Rafe slowly develops as she gradually relaxes and lowers her guard allowing him to see the person beneath the persona and it’s sweet how he encourages to eat what she wants, after all life is too short not to eat desserts and live on salad alone. There is also some fantastic dialogue between them even if I didn’t feel much chemistry. I would’ve enjoyed more build up of tension in the stalker storyline but saying that I did enjoy the conclusion which totally surprised me. As always though, for me the highlight of this series are the fairy godmothers themselves, Damien and Nicole who steal the show and enjoy their work just a little too much.
I love that Sinclair finally has her own story. Her actions and insecurities are explained, always feeling like she’s on the outside looking in especially when it comes to the close relationship her brother and sister have. Her relationship with Rafe slowly develops as she gradually relaxes and lowers her guard allowing him to see the person beneath the persona and it’s sweet how he encourages to eat what she wants, after all life is too short not to eat desserts and live on salad alone. There is also some fantastic dialogue between them even if I didn’t feel much chemistry. I would’ve enjoyed more build up of tension in the stalker storyline but saying that I did enjoy the conclusion which totally surprised me. As always though, for me the highlight of this series are the fairy godmothers themselves, Damien and Nicole who steal the show and enjoy their work just a little too much.
January 20, 2023
4 and 1/2 Stars
I have very much enjoyed all of the books that Angela Casella has written, in particular I have enjoyed her Fairy Godmother Agency series. I've enjoyed them so much because the characters she has written about are just so entertaining that I have a hard time putting the book down. In particular I enjoy Damien and Nicole, because they are the "fairy godmothers" of this series you see a lot of them. And they are the ones that instigate a lot of the hilarious shenanigans that happen in the books.
One of my favorite aspects of A Brooding Bodyguard was the dynamics between Sinclair and Rafe. In enemies to lovers romances like this book the bickering with an underlying tension is always my favorite part and Angela really nailed it for Sinclair and Rafe. I mean she threw a ceramic banana at him and everyone thought it was a ceramic something else if you know what I mean lol. And because of that Rafe would tease her by calling her Clay. I won't lie it took me a little bit too long to realize why he was calling her Clay but as soon as I did I was like ohh this is going to be good.
For whatever reason I missed book two, A Stolen Suit, in the Fairy Godmother Agency series. Having missed that book there were times I was a little confused. In particular I was confused wondering who the character (and ML of A Stolen Suit) Enoch was. I kept being like did I just forget him from book one, which honestly wasn't unlikely. But with that aside I don't think you absolutely need to read the previous books to enjoy this book. But having read book one I think I enjoyed it more than if I didn't.
I have very much enjoyed all of the books that Angela Casella has written, in particular I have enjoyed her Fairy Godmother Agency series. I've enjoyed them so much because the characters she has written about are just so entertaining that I have a hard time putting the book down. In particular I enjoy Damien and Nicole, because they are the "fairy godmothers" of this series you see a lot of them. And they are the ones that instigate a lot of the hilarious shenanigans that happen in the books.
One of my favorite aspects of A Brooding Bodyguard was the dynamics between Sinclair and Rafe. In enemies to lovers romances like this book the bickering with an underlying tension is always my favorite part and Angela really nailed it for Sinclair and Rafe. I mean she threw a ceramic banana at him and everyone thought it was a ceramic something else if you know what I mean lol. And because of that Rafe would tease her by calling her Clay. I won't lie it took me a little bit too long to realize why he was calling her Clay but as soon as I did I was like ohh this is going to be good.
For whatever reason I missed book two, A Stolen Suit, in the Fairy Godmother Agency series. Having missed that book there were times I was a little confused. In particular I was confused wondering who the character (and ML of A Stolen Suit) Enoch was. I kept being like did I just forget him from book one, which honestly wasn't unlikely. But with that aside I don't think you absolutely need to read the previous books to enjoy this book. But having read book one I think I enjoyed it more than if I didn't.
January 25, 2023
Needing a major change, Sinclair heads back to her small hometown. She’s hoping to reinvent herself. Instead of finding herself, she finds herself saddled with a fake reality tv boyfriend, a stalker, and a part time bodyguard she really can’t stand.
Rafe needs a job, even if it is babysitting a spoiled tv star. But, as the danger starts to escalate, the more time he’s forced to spend with Sinclair. And, the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she’s not who he thought she was.
With feelings neither should be having for the other, and an escalating stalker, Rafe and Sinclair find themselves growing closer as they work to figure out who is behind the danger before it’s too late.
I really adored this couple. They seem like such opposites attract, but once both let their guards down, they have more in common than they expect. Sinclair may have played the role of starlet, but that’s not who she really wants to be anymore and I loved watching her try to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life moving forward. And, Rafe isn’t just a “beefcake.” I enjoyed watching his character unfold as Sinclair works her way into his heart.
This book is really quite funny at times and the suspense of trying to discover who the stalker is was fantastic. It’s like a good old fashioned mystery laced with sarcasm, quirky characters and romance! 4.5 stars!
Rafe needs a job, even if it is babysitting a spoiled tv star. But, as the danger starts to escalate, the more time he’s forced to spend with Sinclair. And, the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she’s not who he thought she was.
With feelings neither should be having for the other, and an escalating stalker, Rafe and Sinclair find themselves growing closer as they work to figure out who is behind the danger before it’s too late.
I really adored this couple. They seem like such opposites attract, but once both let their guards down, they have more in common than they expect. Sinclair may have played the role of starlet, but that’s not who she really wants to be anymore and I loved watching her try to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life moving forward. And, Rafe isn’t just a “beefcake.” I enjoyed watching his character unfold as Sinclair works her way into his heart.
This book is really quite funny at times and the suspense of trying to discover who the stalker is was fantastic. It’s like a good old fashioned mystery laced with sarcasm, quirky characters and romance! 4.5 stars!
March 17, 2025
Oh the Places You’ll Go
I loved, loved Sinclair and Rafe’s bodyguard, opposites attract, forbidden romance with a side of stalker and light danger. It had a wonderful mix of sweet, spicy, and real life issues as shown through the eyes of two lovable and relatable characters who have scars. Sinclair is a famous actress on a sabbatical from her career. She’s living away from Hollywood in Asheville NC near her brother and sister because she wants to feel normal. Rafe is Sinclair‘s bodyguard because she has a stalker. He was a personal trainer before protecting a woman got him fired. Because of their help with her sister Marnie, Sinclair is sort of friends with Nicole and Damien who are PIs and run the Fairy Godmother Agency to help women. Sinclair is their next project which includes helping to find her stalker. Despite their relationship being a bit forbidden, Sinclair and Rafe’s chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist especially once the stalker escalates. The journey to Sinclair and Rafe’s HEA is full of big feels, baggage unpacking, inner voice finding, life course correction and Nicole and Damien shenanigans. This well written story is a feel good read and includes engaging dialogue, three-dimensional characters, and a storyline that’s easy to fall into with the added bonus of quirky and hilarious side characters. I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series. 4.5 stars
I loved, loved Sinclair and Rafe’s bodyguard, opposites attract, forbidden romance with a side of stalker and light danger. It had a wonderful mix of sweet, spicy, and real life issues as shown through the eyes of two lovable and relatable characters who have scars. Sinclair is a famous actress on a sabbatical from her career. She’s living away from Hollywood in Asheville NC near her brother and sister because she wants to feel normal. Rafe is Sinclair‘s bodyguard because she has a stalker. He was a personal trainer before protecting a woman got him fired. Because of their help with her sister Marnie, Sinclair is sort of friends with Nicole and Damien who are PIs and run the Fairy Godmother Agency to help women. Sinclair is their next project which includes helping to find her stalker. Despite their relationship being a bit forbidden, Sinclair and Rafe’s chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist especially once the stalker escalates. The journey to Sinclair and Rafe’s HEA is full of big feels, baggage unpacking, inner voice finding, life course correction and Nicole and Damien shenanigans. This well written story is a feel good read and includes engaging dialogue, three-dimensional characters, and a storyline that’s easy to fall into with the added bonus of quirky and hilarious side characters. I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series. 4.5 stars
January 16, 2023
A Brooding Bodyguard has antics, the fairy godmothers are back and they are hilarious, the main characters bring heat and steamy chemistry, and then we have mystery - so let's talk about who is stalking Sinclair? Yes, I loved trying to piece the clues together right along side the Scooby-Doo like crew. This book brings it all!
On top of the mystery and hilarity of the story, Sinclair and Rafe also circle around their feelings for one another which is steamy, steamy good. Rafe is Sinclair's bodyguard so it's not completely cut and dry, since his attention is on his job - well guarding her body and part of his job duties are hiding in the backyard so they can catch her stalker not living in the spotlight where a relationship between them would put him. There is also the small hindrance of Sinclair's fake relationship with Edgar James. While it make be fake to them, the world believes its very real. Rafe can't exactly hold her hand in public while Edgar is still in the picture.
To say their problems compound as the story progresses is putting it mildly, but it never once dampens the heat between them. Whether it's the thrill, the forbidden, or just the pure chemistry between the both of them something works and it works very well.
I loved this new addition to the fairy godmother series. It was a ton of fun to read while figuring out the mystery of who was behind everything.
On top of the mystery and hilarity of the story, Sinclair and Rafe also circle around their feelings for one another which is steamy, steamy good. Rafe is Sinclair's bodyguard so it's not completely cut and dry, since his attention is on his job - well guarding her body and part of his job duties are hiding in the backyard so they can catch her stalker not living in the spotlight where a relationship between them would put him. There is also the small hindrance of Sinclair's fake relationship with Edgar James. While it make be fake to them, the world believes its very real. Rafe can't exactly hold her hand in public while Edgar is still in the picture.
To say their problems compound as the story progresses is putting it mildly, but it never once dampens the heat between them. Whether it's the thrill, the forbidden, or just the pure chemistry between the both of them something works and it works very well.
I loved this new addition to the fairy godmother series. It was a ton of fun to read while figuring out the mystery of who was behind everything.
January 17, 2023
Sinclair and Rafe completely set the pages on fire in this book!
Sinclair is a famous actress who finds herself in the predicament of having a stalker. Her family convinces her to hire a bodyguard, but she doesn't necessarily want the man she hit with a clay "banana." Rafe is a former personal trainer who finds himself being volunteered for the position of bodyguard and since he's in between jobs, beggars can't be choosers.
If you've read the other books you know that Sinclair does not come off as the most likeable person, but once you get to know her she's really not that bad. She's just a woman who's stuck in the "in between" time of her life and she doesn't know what to do about it and I mean who can't relate to that? Rafe is also stuck in his own life and the 2 of them help to pull out the best things about the other.
I loved the mystery that this story had (whos stalking Sinclair) and I loved the characters. Plus there's a cat which makes my soul happy. As I first mentioned, Sinclair and Rafe are seriously on fire once they finally hook up. Plus there's all the shenanigans from Nicole and Damian we've come to expect from the fairy "godmothers". You even get a little peak at another beloved character from the Asheville Brewing Series.
**Can be read as a standalone, but would be better if read in order.**
Sinclair is a famous actress who finds herself in the predicament of having a stalker. Her family convinces her to hire a bodyguard, but she doesn't necessarily want the man she hit with a clay "banana." Rafe is a former personal trainer who finds himself being volunteered for the position of bodyguard and since he's in between jobs, beggars can't be choosers.
If you've read the other books you know that Sinclair does not come off as the most likeable person, but once you get to know her she's really not that bad. She's just a woman who's stuck in the "in between" time of her life and she doesn't know what to do about it and I mean who can't relate to that? Rafe is also stuck in his own life and the 2 of them help to pull out the best things about the other.
I loved the mystery that this story had (whos stalking Sinclair) and I loved the characters. Plus there's a cat which makes my soul happy. As I first mentioned, Sinclair and Rafe are seriously on fire once they finally hook up. Plus there's all the shenanigans from Nicole and Damian we've come to expect from the fairy "godmothers". You even get a little peak at another beloved character from the Asheville Brewing Series.
**Can be read as a standalone, but would be better if read in order.**
January 15, 2023
From the title alone you could guess it’d be a book I’d want to read even if I hadn’t already read the series and been a fan of Angela. I thought this book was going to be good but it exceeded my expectations and I’m excited for you to read it. This book had old characters that I adore new characters that will have you laughing and others that will have to waiting for them to get what they deserve. Sinclair is a character we’ve met in other books but she may not have been your favorite in those stories but with this book you get to learn so much about her. Sinclair grows a lot throughout this story and it’s great to see. Rafe is the quiet, grumpy, beefcake that Sinclair hit with a “clay banana” and the more we learn about him the more you’re going to like him. I feel like this book had more mystery with the stalker storyline than some of the others and I loved it. I recommend this whole series but this book jumped to the top of my favorite in the series! It can be read as a standalone as you get enough of the other characters story to understand them but also not enough to keep you from enjoying their books if you choose to go back.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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