Customer Reviews

The Bodyguard and The Snitch

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Back cover blurb:

Natasha risks more than her life when she guards a defense attorney targeted by the Mafia.

Protection specialist Natasha Chamberlain thinks guarding a defense attorney from a disgruntled client should be a fairly normal job, but when she learns he's been targeted by the mafia, she's ready to call it quits. However, the attorney holds her to their contract and Natasha finds her own life placed in danger along with her bodyguard cohorts, Pit and Bigun. Natasha's fiancé Jonce Striker is fit to be tied when he learns this, which only confirms to him that the bodyguard field is too dangerous for his love. After Natasha is shot trying to protect her client, Striker delivers the final ultimatum: leave the bodyguard field or lose him. Natasha makes her choice but will she live to regret it?

It's no secret that I absolutely love this series. I was hooked with the first book and my addiction only grows stronger with each one so instead of a review, I thought I'd share a few of the reasons why I like Ms. French's Bodyguard series so much.

Number one--as Wilkie Collins said about cliffhangers, "Make `em cry, make `em laugh, make `em wait--exactly in that order." Ms. French does just that, sprinkling her books with touching moments, numerous laugh-out-loud scenes and then she ends them with a bit of a teaser that always leaves me wanting more and wondering what's going to happen next. The excellent writing and exciting plots are more than enough to keep me coming back, but that teasing hint of what's coming in the next book hooks me every time. In that respect, The Bodyguard and the Snitch doesn't disappoint. In fact, it just might be Ms. French's best cliffhanger ending yet. It seems Natasha...oh, wait, I don't want to spoil it but you'll know what I'm talking about when you read it.

Number two--the way the protagonist, Natasha, grows with each book, not only personally, but professionally too. With each story, she's a little bit more confident of herself, her job, and even though her personal relationship with Jonce Striker, the love of her life, doesn't always run true, the reader knows through her actions and thoughts that's she's coming into her own there too. Natasha is an independent young woman and though she makes mistakes, she's determined to learn from them. There are several places in this book where she catches herself doing something she doesn't consider professional and makes herself stop, step back, and rethink the situation. She doesn't always win the battle but at least she tries. This also happens in her relationship with Striker, both of which tell the reader the character is maturing as a professional and as a partner in love. Ms. French obviously knows what she's doing when it comes to developing her characters and I think she's bringing Natasha along nicely, not rushing things, but letting her grow at a realistic pace.

Number three--speaking of characterization, the secondary characters are fabulous. Yes, the main characters are well-crafted, but I think Ms. French has an extraordinary talent when it comes to creating secondary characters. Not only the ones who show up numerous times in the series, like Pit and Bigun--who I hope and pray will get their own book one day--or Stevie and Cameron--who are a delightful mishmash of trouble just waiting to happen--but Natasha's clients in each of the books; a millionaire computer geek, a show dog, a rock star, and in this one, a defense attorney, are all characters that I'd like to see appear again in the series. We get a little of that in this one with Roger, the computer geek, and Giki, the rock star, and I hope Ms. French continues to weave some of these fascinating secondary characters into later books. Her characterization skills are wonderfully apt and quite multi-faceted and it often leads to some of the most humorous passages in the books.

Number four; the romantic relationship between Natasha and Striker. I've always had a thing for star-crossed lovers, whether in books, movies, or TV shows; it is a plotline that I'm drawn to. Romeo and Juliet, Othello and Desdemona, Sam and Diane, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in almost every movie they made together, David and Maddie, even Eve and Roarke in a few of J.D. Robb's In Death series. I love them all and Natasha and Striker can easily be included on that list. It's fun watching these two alpha-personalities clash and seeing the give and take between them as they struggle to keep their relationship from crashing and burning.

Number five; humor. Ms. French has a sly sense of humor that often takes me by surprise which only makes her books more enjoyable. It is, of course, evident in The Bodyguard and the Snitch and I ended this one with a smile on my face...and a gasp at what's becoming Ms. French's trademark teaser ending, which brings us full circle, right back to number one!

With The Bodyguard and the Snitch, Ms. French has written yet another outstanding book that now rests in its pre-destined spot on my keeper shelf. As with every one of the books in this series, the plot is compelling, the characters and dialogue are original and believable, and the ending, well, let's just say I'm hooked and can't wait to find out what happens when Natasha needs a bodyguard of her own. Can you guess who it'll be?

Bodyguard Natasha Chamberlain is hired by defense attorney Tommy James to guard his life 24/7. Since Natasha can't protect Tommy constantly, she hires her two friends, the fearsome twosome Pit and Bigun to help out. Tommy, who Natasha thinks looks like Danny Devito, tells Natasha he's received a death threat but doesn't know who is behind the threat. When Natasha learns a crime boss has issued a contract on Tommy's life, she's ready to cut and run but Tommy forces her to abide by their contract. Striker, of course, goes nuts when he hears this and is back to pressuring Natasha to marry him and quit such a dangerous field. Natasha isn't about to give up her career and pushes forward, trying to keep Tommy's rear safe. When she meets with the crime boss to discuss a resolution to Tommy's problem, she interrupts an attempt on the crime boss's life and ends up in the hospital with a bullet wound to her side. That does it for Striker and he and Natasha split up. While grieving the end of her relationship with Striker, Natasha continues to guard Tommy but now it looks like someone's out to get her.

This is a fun series, with quirky characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue and scenarios. Natasha is coming into her own as a bodyguard and not so out of control as in the first book. She's got backbone and isn't afraid to stand up for her client or what she wants or believes in. Her mom Stevie really grabbed me in this book. Now Stevie and Natasha's cousin Cameron have started their own bounty hunter business, thanks to Tommy, and much to Natasha's dismay. The wacky group of characters Tommy represents are fun to read. Tommy at first seems obnoxious but he grew on me. I liked him by the time the book was finished.

I look forward to the next in the series, which from the ending in this one, sounds like it's going to be a whopper.

Author Christy Tillery French does it again with the fourth entry in her BODYGUARD series. In case you haven't met up with this series yet, it features Natasha Chamberlain--Nattie--as the bodyguard; or as she prefers to call it, "protection specialist." Nattie has what it takes to do the job, but she does face a few obstacles; for one thing, her wildly attractive boyfriend, Jonce Striker, can't bear the thought of Nattie in danger; and for another thing, Nattie's cases always morph into chaotic messes that toss her straight into harm's way. Not her fault!

In The Bodyguard and The Snitch, Nattie takes on the job of protecting a cocky criminal defense lawyer, Tommy James. She gets her assistants Pit and Bigun to cover the night shift, and she sticks close to Tommy during his business day. Tommy turns out to be a sleazeball who calls her sweetie-pie, tries to pass her off as his girlfriend, and worst of all, has concealed the fact that it's the mafia out to get him, to prevent him from testifying in a case.

Striker is beside himself (as usual) but Nattie sticks to her guns (also as usual). Their explosive chemistry runs through this series like a burning fuse. This time their stand-off over Nattie's job threatens to break them up; is that possible? As we've come to expect from this rollicking series, the cliffhanger ending foreshadows more fireworks on that subject.

These books have a lot going for them. Nattie and Striker are strong and fascinating characters; the supporting cast of regulars are tremendously entertaining and loyal to each other (though I'd like to see more of Nattie's crazy mother and grandmother in the next book); the writing is crisp and very funny; and there is a great sense of movement in the plot, supported by some great physical humor. If BODYGUARD ever becomes a movie or a TV series, they're going to need a stunt double for Nattie.

The characters associated with this case are wildly entertaining, especially the lawyer's oddball clients. There is the woman who perpetrates a Lorena Bobbitt and brings in the "evidence" (badly damaged by freezer burn) to negotiate a plea agreement; the vicious old woman who assaults a nursing home attendant with a bedpan because he turned off the TV when her favorite wrestling show was on; and ... well read it for yourself for the full, hilarious effect.

This series is maintaining its momentum beautifully. If you don't know Nattie yet, The Bodyguard and The Snitch is a great place to jump in, though for maximum enjoyment you might like to start at the beginning. A smart, sexy, brave and loyal "protection specialist" -- it's a great recipe for fun and Ms. French delivers beautifully.

Linda Bulger, 2009

Natasha Chamberlain is back, along with her trademark sass, spunk and
attitude. And what a delightful read this is! I know whenever a book
by Ms. French arrives that I'm in for a treat and Book 4 in the
Bodyguard series is, indeed, an entertaining treat. The characters
are endearing, the plot exciting, the scenarios often laugh-out-loud
funny, and the dialogue perfection.

In her latest assignment, Nattie is hired by Tommy James, a stubby,
lecherous criminal defense attorney. His life has been threatened by
person or persons unknown and he's willing to pay top dollar for 24/7
protection. He wants Nattie to pose as his girlfriend. Fans of this
series know THAT isn't gonna happen! Nattie is engaged to the
delicious Jonce Striker and will NOT be posing as a creepy lawyer's
girlfriend. She discovers after the contract is signed that Tommy is
the object of a Mafia hit. He's being tailed by the Mafia and the
FBI. Nattie and her old friends, Pit and Bigun, work around the clock
to keep their client alive. And the Mafia isn't alone in wanting
Tommy dead. Half the time Nattie wants to kill him, along with a
motley roster of his clients. Her seeming reckless disregard for her
own safety drives Striker up the wall so he shadows the entire
operation in hopes of keeping Nattie alive when the bullets fly.

Yes, Striker is still hovering in the background as Nattie's powerful
protector. Any time Striker and Nattie share a scene, you can be sure
the fireworks will explode in one way or another. Striker insists she
retire from the bodyguard business. He doesn't want her to be in
danger or to see her hurt. Unfortunately, our stubborn heroine has
other ideas. When Striker issues the ultimatum that she quit the
bodyguard business or leave, Nattie leaves. Will this be the end of
their engagement? You'll have to read Book 4 to find out.

What I like best about this series is the way Ms. French writes it,
with heart and spirit. Nattie, Striker, Pit and Bigun have become
like dear, familiar friends to me now, thanks to her creativity. She
has allowed them to grow and mature without taking all the fun and
frolic out of the series. Nattie's self-confidence has blossomed,
causing Striker's macho persona to flounder just a little. And the
secondary characters - Nattie's mom and grandma, her cousin Cameron -
add depth and flavor to the plot. Fans of the series will love Book
4. Those unfamiliar with the Bodyguard series need to start with the
first book and grow up with the characters. This is more than just
fiction. It's great, entertaining, action-filled fun.

It just plain confuses me that the books in The Bodyguard Series, by Christy Tillery French, are labeled as "romance novels." While they do have a hot and romantic component, they are truly so much more - mystery, action, and hard hitting chick-lit. The newest installment, THE BODYGUARD AND THE SNITCH, is a fun and fabulous addition to this series, continuing on in the same vain as the first three. As always, our heroine, Natasha has taken on a unique case, and of course, nothing goes as planned.

All Natasha ever wants is a nice, normal client to guard. But, of course, nothing is ever normal in Nattie's world. Bizarre cases flock to her like fish to water. In the BODYGUARD AND THE SNITCH, Nattie ends up providing protection to a slime-ball defense attorney who has been targeted by the Mafia. Once again, Natasha places her own life in danger to protect her client. Will her fiancé, Striker, ever understand her career choice? Will their relationship survive? Will Nattie survive this case?

Ms. French's laugh-out loud humor, crazy situations, and lovable characters are always the best parts of her books, and THE BODYGUARD AND THE SNITCH is no exception. The pace is fast; her easy, relaxed writing style keeps the reader turning the pages. Her quirky characters are familiar, realistic, strong, and endearing, continuing to grow and develop with each new book. Their camaraderie and caring interactions are very palpable in THE BODYGUARD AND THE SNITCH; they feel like a real family. The situations they find themselves in are wild and wacky, but that is all part of the charm of this book and this series.

THE BODYGUARD AND THE SNITCH is an enjoyable, relaxing read; a great way to forget your cares and troubles. And the last chapter sets up and gives us an enticing glimpse of book five. Is it any wonder that fans of Natasha and Ms. French keep coming back for more?

Her excellent writing ability in the mystery-romance genre shines through as author Christy French gives her readers another delightfully entertaining read in the Bodyguard series, titled The Bodyguard and the Snitch. Christy French quickly and skillfully puts the readers in the scene immediately. Her attention to scrupulous details, and her choice of appropriately descriptive words continues throughout the book as the plot develops, and readers begins to know all the characters, becoming acquainted with each, whose individuality and personal character traits make them all quite different from one another. In this fast-paced, ever changing, entertaining and suspenseful account, matched with careful attention to character development, Natasha and Striker soon become the readers' friends. We care about them and their future hoping they will share it together.

Although unaccustomed to mystery romances, I thoroughly enjoyed The Bodyguard and the Snitch and read it in three sittings. I was able to follow the plot all the way to its surprise ending, and I am looking forward to the next saga. I recommend the book to those unfamiliar with this genre and all those who relish and devour entertaining, fast-paced, witty, suspenseful, and humorous reading. The Bodyguard and the Snitch has it all--and more!

Evelyn Horan - Author
Aging Requires A Gentle Attitude
Aging With a Gentle Attitude
Moving On
Inspirational Readings and Poetic Rhymes
Inspirational Fun Stories and Articles
Exciting Fun Stories
Rain on My Wings
Jeannie A Texas Frontier Girl (Books 1,2,3,4)

Natasha's Death-Defying Leap of Faith!

After waiting months to read more about Christy Tillery French's irresistible protagonist, the feisty, courageous, sexy and lovely Bodyguard, Natasha Chamberlain, I couldn't wait to read the latest in the series...

French has a winner on her hands with this series, not only because the main characters are so exciting and unforgettable, but also because Natasha guards such an offbeat variety of characters. And that doesn't account for her secondary characters; through her unpredictable mother and liberated author grandmother, readers can see where Natasha gets her quirky nature.

Her poor, bedraggled fiance Jonce Striker--himself the chief bodyguard of all bodyguards and drop-dead gorgeous, to boot--doesn't have a chance with such self-destructive genes running in Natasha's family...or does he?

"The Bodyguard and the Snitch" opens with its usual humor when Natasha meets her cocky client Tommy James, a pugnacious little attorney who is a Danny DeVito look-alike. When she learns why he needs protection, she takes his case, agreeing to guard him 24/7 with the help of her bodyguard cohorts Pit and Bigun.

She threatens to quit the case when she learns the sleazeball has lied to her about who is after him, making the case more life-threatening than any she's handled before. Striker knows the identity of her latest client's adversary, so they have the most serious clash ever in their ongoing battle over her choice of professions. Even though Striker is top dog in the profession, he has never approved of "Nattie" doing it for a living. He has the utmost faith in her abilities, but since she's reckless at times and puts herself in the line of danger over and over again, he just can't bend and accept. He fears for her life. As usual, he pushes her to marry him and quit her job, but Natasha loves what she does and won't cave to what Striker wants most.

Throughout this series, this has been the only conflict in their relationship, but this time it threatens to break them up. These two love each other so much that it's heart-breaking when they can't resolve their dilemma. They are hot lovers and Christy Tillery French knows just how to write it into her plots with class and elegance. Her fans root for Natasha and Striker to make it because, except for this one difference, they are ideally suited.

But with the sleazy attorney lying to Natasha and Striker knowing this could be her most dangerous case, he feels justified in insisting...

And just why does the attorney need protection? Even Natasha is flummoxed when she learns who is out to get him. Fearful of the man who is "after" her client, Natasha tries to quit. but he threatens to tie her up in court, so she stays on...but insists on a more lucrative deal. Tommy's enemy has killed before, but Natasha thinks she can handle him. What happens when she sets out, unarmed, to prove it?

Natasha can get herself into the most astonishing, unbelievable predicaments ...and Striker knows her knack for doing so. But she has ways of getting in and OUT that are wondrous, humorous and exciting...and she knows it!

As if excitement, hot romance and mystery aren't enough for one book, this author adds the further allure of humor and manages it all brilliantly. Wait till you read about the capers of the kooky, outrageous clients that run in and out of Tommy's law office; each story a little vignette of slapdash comedy in its own right. You'll laugh yourself silly at their unorthodox behavior.

FYI, I also admire an author whose characters grow (or change) in a book, as real-life people tend to do. I did not like the attorney at the outset of this book, but through Natasha's influence, he changed and became quite likable by book's end. A pleasant surprise...

I, personally, hoped that Natasha and Striker would get married in this book, even if it means the end of the series. I feel so strongly about them, I would even sacrifice reading another fast-paced, exciting mystery to achieve that happily-ever-after ending.

But did that happen in this book? Or will I have another book to read until the matter is settled one way or the other? You'll have to read for yourself to find out. I'm not a snitch!

My funny-bone is still twitching and my sense of adventure sated as I recommend this book without reservation.

Reviewed by Betty Dravis, November 2009
Author of DREAM REACHERS (with Chase Von)

...to quote Natasha. In the fourth book of the Bodyguard series, Natasha agrees to guard Tommy James, a slimy defense attorney who neglects to tell her a mobster's after him. Tommy's helped the crime boss out from time to time and now the crime boss thinks he's been talking to the FBI and wants Tommy out of the way. When Natasha finds this out, she's out of there, but Tommy tell her he'll sue her if she doesn't abide by their contract. With the help of Pit and Bigun (my personal faves), Natasha's back on the case and determined to convince the mobster to call off the hit. Her fiance Striker, of course, is being overprotective and pressuring Natasha to get out of the business, but Natasha is committed to the job and won't back off. Of course, where Natasha goes, danger follows and she faces her fair share with gusto. Sparks fly between Natasha and Striker physically and verbally and the two can't seem to resolve their conflict over her choice of career. Into their midst steps a detective who has an eye for Natasha and wouldn't mind a bit if she and Striker split. Natasha's mom and cousin are now bounty hunters and Natasha still can't adapt to her mom's transition from supermom to superbad. Add to this a plethora of wacky clients of Tommy parading through and you have the perfect mix for a humorous romp. French doesn't disappoint with the perfect ending which, as always, leaves me grinding my teeth, already anxious to get my hands on the next book.

I agree with the reviewer who said these books go beyond romance. This series is not only filled with romance, but with action and adventure, suspense, mystery, and some really likable characters. Natasha and Striker are a hot couple, an Alpha male and female who keep butting heads when they're not butting bodies. Tommy is a fun character, and Pit and Bigun never disappoint. Can't wait for #5!

I had fun reading the first few books in the series, but the main character is getting on my nerves and the hijinks just don't seem as fresh. If you liked the first few books, you'll probably still enjoy this, but I'm having a little trouble finishing the book.

I felt like Ms. French couldn't decide what kind of book she was writing. A slapstick comedy a la Stephanie Plum where the heroine is incompetent? A series romance with plenty of angst between H/h? A suspense novel where the heroine is strong and capable?

******POSSIBLE SPOILERS*********

Ms. French can write a wonderful character, funny dialog, great relationships, and a decent mystery/action story. I personally don't find vomiting, cut-off penises, or detailed description of a gynecological exam to be funny, but there are great scenes and good dialog, as usual. While the relationship between Striker and Natasha is less juvenile (and written with more depth and realism) than in "Rock Star," it continues to feel like Natasha is an emotional adolescent while Striker is the adult. So far Striker is right, Natasha is incompetent as a bodyguard and keeps getting seriously hurt. I want to like her (as I did in the first book) but she keeps acting so immature that I'm struggling to feel empathy.

I'm so invested in the characters now that I know I will read the next installment. These books have the potential to be GREAT, like the first one. Because I know the potential is there, and that Ms. French is a very good writer, I will keep reading and hope for a HEA for Striker and Natasha.