ABOUT THE BOOK

From USA TODAY Bestselling author Xavier Neal comes an all-new, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, bodyguard romance…

The assignment is simple. Don’t let the client get kidnapped. Don’t let someone kill her. Don’t confess that I’ve secretly been in love with her since we first met.

It’s the last part that complicates what would otherwise be a fairly routine operation. Well, that along with having to move said client aka my best friend into my penthouse because pretending to be a couple is now part of our cover.

All of these things make my mission significantly harder. As does her ex-boyfriend who just so happens to be our boss. As does my partner who gets a kick out of making things uncomfortable for me. As does my best friend herself when she has us crossing a line we can’t uncross.

To the company I work for, my main objective is to stop an unidentified threat from eliminating one of their most valuable assets.

But to me? My only job is to protect the love of my life – or die trying.

(This is book 1 of a duet. The story will conclude in book 2, Shockproof)

MY REVIEW

When a brilliant analyst for a security company is targeted by a sinister entity, her best friend, colleague, and number one protector comes to the rescue. But is he too late?

I adore Slater and Arley’s relationship. As best friends, they know each other’s quirks, likes, and dislikes. But they are both fighting their true feelings for each other. Their love is so obvious to everyone but themselves. So, when Arley’s life is threatened, Slater, in no uncertain terms, appoints himself as Arley’s bodyguard and moves her into his home. Watch the feelings play out and the new sexy undercurrents take charge. Hot, hot, hot!

I’m normally not a big swooner, but Slater is my exception. He rescues little kids for a living. Amazing! The little things he does and says to Arley are so precious and heartfelt as well as alpha all the way. Yum! The comfortable mutual respect and trust between them is magical, and their hilarious banter is delightful. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud at their wit and sarcasm. Watching Slater’s jealousy over her ex is a beauty to behold, and I was on Slater’s side all the way. 

Arley’s mind is a wonderful thing. I had never heard of synesthesia before where Arley’s senses are crossed. For example, she can see words and hear colors. Her condition is advantageous to her job as she uses her unique skills to match client needs to security agents. Needless to say, her condition makes her different from the rest of the world leaving her isolated and reserved among people. The one person she can rely on is Slater who understands what she needs before she needs it. Except for the tampon thing. LOL

The suspense is off the charts as Slater displays his exciting and outstanding 007 skills to protect the woman he loves most. The man has guns everywhere in his house…including the bathroom. Yeah, that scene is hot and funny at the same time. But, I digress. The tension builds as Slater and friends get closer to the person frightening his woman. Do I have guesses about who the suspect is? Yes. Will I find out in this book? No…there’s a cliffhanger and it’s a doozy.

Slater’s fellow agents and good friends are funny and ruthless in their job and Blu’s woman Aviva (the bug lady) is a treat. Also, I really liked Slater’s unsuccessful date, Lily, who pegged Slater’s love for another woman with no animosity. In fact, she gave him great advice. Last but not least is Harv, Arley’s and Slater’s boss and the man who dumped Arley years ago. What’s he up to? I’ll have to see in the final book.

From the action-packed opening pages to the surprising heart-stopper ending, this book had me turning pages as fast as I could. Pick up this thrilling, romantic, and amusing story, you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Ms. Neal for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub-genre to sub-genre like a game of Hopscotch she can’t resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self-improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy’s t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband “Lumberjack”.

Follow Xavier on Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, Pinterest, and Spotify.

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