Portobello Book Blog

I have read and reviewed quite a few of Kathryn Freeman’s novels now and always enjoy her style of writing. The title of this newest book, published today, did make me smile. When was the last time you heard someone say ‘crikey’?

Well, “Crikey, a bodyguard!” is scientist Kelly’s Bridge’s response when her parents say they have hired a bodyguard to protect her. They are concerned that she may be in danger due to her work developing a vaccine against possible biological terrorist attacks. She is one of the youngest research scientists at her lab, having been fast tracked through school and university. She is completely passionate about her work, so much so that there hasn’t been much time for men in her life. Not that men seem to see her as anything more than her brains though, don’t seem to notice that she is actually a woman as well. Ben Jacobs is the handsome ex-soldier hired to protect her. Ben didn’t do well at school for various reasons and considers himself a bit thick. He is intimidated by Kelly’s intelligence although attracted to her beauty. This is all a bit inconvenient when his job is to protect her and is strictly hands-off!

This is a book which certainly had plenty danger in it. Ben has his work cut out for him keeping the impetuous Kelly safe from those who would do her harm. I did feel sorry for him at times as he was painfully aware of his lack of education. I really felt for him as he was of course skilled and intelligent in other ways such as emotionally. He did rather wind me up at times too though with his seeming inability to talk to women without flirting or calling them honey or, in Kelly’s case, Blondie! Maybe endearing in social situations but not in a work scenario.

Being a ChocLit book this is, of course, primarily a novel with a love story at its heart. And as always, Kathryn Freeman, writes about the developing relationship in a very believable way. Despite the apparent differences between the two lead characters, they had so much in common and actually had a lot they could learn from each other. The sexual tension between them was simmering almost from the moment they met but with so many misunderstandings between them, could anything ever happen?

With a perfect balance of peril, thrills, romance and more than a little raunchiness, Crikey a Bodyguard is another appealing book from Kathryn Freeman. Some dramatic scenes and romantic scenes, both of which get the heart racing, make this an entertaining and heart-warming read.

My thanks to Liz at publishers ChocLit for my review copy of this book. Crikey a Bodyguard is published as an ebook today. At the time of writing, you can buy a copy for only £1.99. You will find buying options for all e-readers at the publishers’ website here: Crikey a Bodyguard

From the back of the book

She’s got the brains, he’s got the muscle …
When Kelly Bridge’s parents insist on employing a bodyguard for her protection, she’s not happy. Okay, so maybe not every woman is on the cusp of developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack – but crikey, it’s not like she’s a celebrity! 

Ben Jacobs flunked spectacularly out of school, so he knows his new client Dr Kelly Bridge spells trouble for him. But on a conference trip to Rome he finds things are worse than he thought. Not only is he falling for the brilliant scientist, he’s also become horribly aware she’s in grave danger. As they go on the run, dodging bullets and kidnappers, can he resist his feelings and keep her safe?

About the author

Kathryn started her working life as a retail pharmacist but soon realised trying to decipher doctors’ handwriting wasn’t for her. Next she joined the pharmaceutical industry where she spent twenty happy years working in medical communications, doing a lot of writing – about medicines. What she really wanted to write about though, was romance.

In 2011, backed by her family, she left the world of pharmaceutical science to begin life as a self employed writer, juggling the two disciplines of medical writing and romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero… 

She lives with two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in her life is all in her head. Then again, her husband’s unstinting support of her career change goes to prove that love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes can come in many disguises.

She can be found at: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk