The Bodyguard's Fall Review

By Cindy Steel

From the Back

Her stalker is getting closer. So is her bodyguard.

I know how to write murder mysteries.

Dead bodies? Great. Blood and gore? Even better.

Romance? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately, my production company disagrees. After years of writing cozy crime dramas, I'm suddenly being forced to write a flannel-and-cider romance packed with pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and happily-ever-afters I don't actually believe in.

Not after spending months hiding from a stalker who's growing more obsessive each day.

Which is how I end up back in my hometown of Autumn Ridge, Vermont, under the protection of Tate Walker: my older brother's best friend, an off-duty cop recovering from a dangerous undercover operation, and the same overprotective pain in my neck who never could mind his own business.

Now I'm hiding out on his family's hay farm while police hunt my stalker. Between self-defense lessons, tractor rides, and cozy autumn outings that feel suspiciously like dates, I start finding inspiration for my romantic screenplay in the one place I never expected:

My bodyguard.

But as the threats escalate and my stalker gets closer, so do Tate and I. Turns out the hardest love story I've ever had to write... is the one I'm living.

What You Get

• the slow-burn

• enemies-to-lovers

• close-proximity romance

• rom-com

Review

This was a quick, easy read with all the cozy fall vibes. This makes me want to visit a small town on the east coast during the fall. I enjoyed the growth development of Olivia and how she navigated having her life turned upside down by a creepy stalker. Liv and Tate had great chemistry and banter. I enjoyed all of his flirty teasing he did towards Liv. They really were made to be together and I liked watching Tate’s protectiveness, care and communication towards Liv. I liked seeing the texts between Tate & WiIl, they were pretty funny. The supporting characters were fun to read about and get to know, and the dialogue between them all was well done. Overall, this was a great introduction to the town and some of the people we will be meeting later in further books. I am excited to see what's in store for them.