The Bodyguard and The Rock Star (Perfect Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Bodyguard Natasha Chamberlain is back, and to quote her, "Dang!" Book Three in the series is quite a thrill ride and may just be Christy Tillery French's best book yet. Her distinctive writing style gains strength with each new book. Fans will be happy to know that Natasha hasn't changed a bit this time around. She's still feisty, stubborn, strong willed and wildly in love with her delicious fiance, Jonce Striker.

When Natasha contracts to protect Giki, an English rock star touring the southern U.S., she thinks the job will be fun and easy. What could go wrong on a bus tour through the south? Well, for one thing, Natasha didn't consider that she and Striker would be separated for weeks at a time. (Uh oh! Fireworks!) For another, she didn't expect to be shot after the first concert; she didn't expect to be guarding a rock icon who shoplifts, does drugs, needs candy like air to survive, and has unusual sexual appetites. She didn't anticipate a crazed cyber-stalker and a gang of southern rednecks bent on kidnapping, murder, and God knows what else. As always, Striker has his hands full protecting the only woman he will ever love. He sends in his best operatives Pit and Bigun to protect her, but even those two huge, loyal bodyguards can't keep Natasha safe this time. It will take all Striker's skill to keep his woman alive. If only Natasha would cooperate and make his job easier, but fans know she won't, and that's part of the fun and excitement. Striker wants her to marry him and stop putting herself in danger. He means it this time and Natasha's headstrong ways put their relationship at risk.

What do you think, fans? No one does action adventure and fiery romance better than Christy Tillery French. We already know that. But will Natasha knuckle under and agree to marry Striker? Will Pit, Bigun, and Striker keep her in one piece long enough to reach the altar? Will Giki forsake her wayward life and settle down? And what sort of a cliff hanger will French come up with this time to leave us eager for the next book in this series? You're in for a few shocks and a big surprise but you'll have to read the book to find out. This is a fast, fun, exciting read.

Laurel Johnson
Senior Reviewer -- Midwest Book Review, March, 2008

Bodyguard Natasha Chamberlain is back, and to quote her, "Dang!" Book Three in the series is quite a thrill ride and may just be Christy Tillery French's best book yet. Her distinctive writing style gains strength with each new book. Fans will be happy to know that Natasha hasn't changed a bit this time around. She's still feisty, stubborn, strong willed and wildly in love with her delicious fiance, Jonce Striker.

What do you think, fans? No one does action adventure and fiery romance better than Christy Tillery French. We already know that. But will Natasha knuckle under and agree to marry Striker? Will Pit, Bigun, and Striker keep her in one piece long enough to reach the altar? Will Giki forsake her wayward life and settle down? And what sort of a cliff hanger will French come up with this time to leave us eager for the next book in this series? You're in for a few shocks and a big surprise but you'll have to read the book to find out. This is a fast, fun, exciting read. --Midwest Book Review, Laurel Johnson, Senior Reviewer

Natasha Chamberlain enjoys her latest gig as bodyguard for Giki, an English rock star on tour of the southern United States. Natasha's fiancé, Jonce Striker, is not happy with her decision to continue working as a bodyguard but she is a determined independent woman and despite her passion for Striker she will not back down. Besides, what could go wrong?

Everything goes wrong for Natasha, starting with a stalker that has targeted Giki and Natasha as well. If that isn't enough, Giki involves Natasha in her bizarre lifestyle of anything goes, including shoplifting, drugs, and insatiable sex. Natasha soon learns that she has to protect Giki not only from her fans and stalkers but also from herself, especially her obsession for sweets. Finally, after Natasha is shot and wounded; Striker lays down the law and brings in Pit and Bigun to look out for her. But even they have a hard time keeping up with her and things become even more dangerous for Giki and Natasha.

THE BODYGUARD AND THE ROCK STAR is a stand alone book but why deprive yourself of a single amusing word from the talented pen of Christy Tillery French? We learn more about the relationship of fun-loving Natasha and hunky mysterious Striker in this book and the pages are in danger of spontaneous combustion. Ms French weaves familiar characters into a fresh storyline with humor and wit that will snag readers immediately and send them into gales of laughter. From the cat fight between Natasha and Giki over a sinfully yummy doughnut to finding Giki in bed with Bigun and Pit; readers indeed have a treat in store with THE BODYGUARD AND ROCK STAR BY Christy Tillery French.

Donna Knoff, Reviewer -- Cata Sigle Titles, February 28, 2008

Natasha has been a bodyguard for a just about a year. It is a wonder that she still wants the job since trouble dogs her every assignment. Her overprotective fiancée, protection specialist Jonce Striker makes her even more determined to succeed.

Striker was a loner before he met Natasha and now he cannot live without her. Her predilection for getting into trouble drives him crazy, and makes him want to wrap her in cotton wool, but she is much too independent for that.

Natasha has been hired to be a bodyguard to the famous rock star Giki. She was referred by a former client, Giki's aunt. It looks like a routine assignment, following the star on her tour of the South, but she does not take into account the singer's addictions, crazed fans and a particularly nasty stalker.

This story made me laugh and had me at the edge of my seat in suspense all within a couple of pages. Natasha is a magnet for trouble and though she is competent, circumstances just do not cooperate. I could see why she and Striker have so many conflicts. His secrecy regarding his assignment with the large breasted redhead only adds to her insecurities, since he is constantly undermining her in her current job, first sending Pit and Bigun, unique characters by the way, then assigning her her own bodyguard. He is one sexy character and the love scenes and fights between the two are scorchingly hot. Giki is a combination of the worst traits of any rock star ever to grace the tabloids. I love her addiction to donuts and chocolate. Her entourage is controlling and manipulative and not in a good way, leading to a very dangerous and exciting conclusion. This story is a definite keeper to be reread.

Maura -- Coffee Time Romance, March, 2008

The Bodyguard and the Rockstar, by Christy Tillery French is full of fast action and fun, witty Dialoque. The storyline is unpredictable, often hilarious, and includes intrigue, love, adventure, and a fair dose of frustration.

That action starts abruptly with an assault. Bodyguard Natasha, a serious professional and very logical person, must cope not only with standard security issues, but a more pressing threat, as well. Events are plausible, but very unexpected. Giki, the 'star' starts out seeming to be the cliche'd everything one expects in a rockstar - but the white powder she is into is her clandestine powdered donuts! Woe to the evil paparazzi that catch her indulging! Likable Natasha must contend not only with Giki's issues - and concerns - but the interference (er...help) of the well-meaning and very very delicious Jonce Striker, as well.

Striker is a strong, take-charge type man, and predictably, Natasha both admires and loves him. He is, after all, exactly the sort to set any pulse racing. Natasha is her own woman though, and when it comes to her profession, no one else gets to 'take charge.' The pressing danger, crazy rockstar, the battle of wills in the moment-by-moment changes in the romance will keep readers guessing right through. The background of the tour, Natasha's strange array of assistance - and even the oversized photographer (Lumpy) all add quality and character. This is an absolute page-turner, but be warned; if you attempt to read it in your cubicle at work, people will wonder why you are laughing so hard.

The only negative thing I can find to say is that this does have a rather unfortunate title; not because it is inaccurate, but because of that hint of Kevin Costner's epic - and - far from my dark-hearted suspicions, this is a totally original story, with far different characters and story line. This is the third in French's 'Bodyguard Series.' (No need to read the earlier to understand this.)

The Bodyguard and the Rockstar is a delightful blend of humor, action, and affection. I give this one as many books as we've got, and just want to know if I can nominate it for some kind of award.

Reviewed by Snapdragon -- The Long and The Short of It, March 10, 2008

Review

This story made me laugh and had me at the edge of my seat in suspense all within a couple of pages. Natasha is a magnet for trouble and though she is competent, circumstances just do not cooperate. I could see why she and Striker have so many conflicts. His secrecy regarding his assignment with the large breasted redhead only adds to her insecurities, since he is constantly undermining her in her current job, first sending Pit and Bigun, unique characters by the way, then assigning her her own bodyguard. He is one sexy character and the love scenes and fights between the two are scorchingly hot. Giki is a combination of the worst traits of any rock star ever to grace the tabloids. I love her addiction to donuts and chocolate. Her entourage is controlling and manipulative and not in a good way, leading to a very dangerous and exciting conclusion. This story is a definite keeper to be reread.

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Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: L & L Dreamspell (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603180346
• ISBN-13: 978-1603180344
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #799,134 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Alpha Male + Alpha Female = Sparks for a Good Cause, July 6, 2008

By	Fritz R. Ward "dayhiker" (Crestline, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Occasionally when reading an action thriller I will come across a steamy love scene, obviously thrown in to keep the attention of some male readers. By contrast, this latest edition of the Bodyguard series has an adventure story included with the remarkably hot love scenes between our heroine, Natasha, and her lover/competitor/hero/antagonist and fellow bodyguard Jonce Striker. Natasha Chamberlain is a protection specialist hired by rising young rock star Giki to protect her from some anonymous internet threats. Giki has all the issues you might expect would come from too much money and fame at a young age, and a few you might not, such as an addiction to donuts and chocolate. (I was able to relate to this portion of the character.) Natasha does a fine job protecting Giki from dangerous others and even from herself. The author, in turn, does a fine job disguising the true nature of the threat from the readers untill the very end.

But throughout the novel I felt the "real" story was about bodyguards Natasha and Striker. Passionately in love with each other, the two are also highly competitive in every sense of the term. This is hardly a case of opposites attracting. Natasha is, in many ways, the mirror image of Jonce Striker and when she is not head over heels in love with him she can be dangerous to his physical and mental health. Having "caught" Striker in a compromising situation, she once announces to him, "I thought you were my life mate. I thought you were the one meant for me. I had such plans for us. ... Now the only history we're gonna have is me holding a doll that looks an awful lot like you and sticking pins in it you sorry...." A hot scene nonetheless follows, as do more misunderstandings and mutual threats against each other. Natasha is nothing if not feisty, physical, and independent, qualities mirrored by Striker who, while loving her more than anyone else, also offers to kick her --- and at one point carries her away kicking and screaming.

The dynamic tension between Striker and Chamberlain almost overshadows a great thriller story; almost but not quite. Indeed, that very tension ultimately ties the story together as both Giki and Chamberlain's relationship are saved simultaneously. Sub plots involving Natasha's friends and Striker's employees Pit and Bigun, and the paparazzi Lumpy are all handled nicely as well. In all, the story keeps your interest from beginning to end.

On the whole, I enjoyed the story as I read it aloud to myself and my wife while camping in a tent. She agreed it was good, but protested vigorously the scene in which Natasha's "no" meant "yes." Guys assume that is often the case but I am not about to test the theory. That is better left for alpha males in romance novels. There were a couple loose ends that I wish had been tied up better. Without spoiling the plot, I will only say that I think the real villain got off way too easy and I hope future novels will resolve any long term relationship prospects for rock star Giki.

But impressed as I was by the story, I was yet more impressed with the author, who donates all procedes from her novel to helping homeless dogs, cats, and other animals. Our society brutalizes such creatures by killing them in large numbers. The (mostly) government agencies that do these disgusting acts wash their hands of it (one suspects rather like Lady MacBeth--they never really relieve their guilt) by blaming the population at large for not spaying and neutering their animals. There is something to that complaint, but not enough to justify the wanton destruction of animals in our society. No kill shelters deserve your support and animal rescues, I know from personal experience, make fine pets. (Two such animals are on my shoulder now.) So by all means read the book if you like action, adventure, and hot romance. And if you don't, find another way to support the author and her cause. Part of being human is caring for those who sometimes cannot care for themselves and the bodyguard, Natasha, exemplifies this element of humanity to the fullest. So does the author.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't help loving Natasha! Fun, feisty, lovable, lethal!, May 29, 2008

By	Betty L. Dravis "[e-mail], autho... (Silicon Valley, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I first met the beautiful, feisty, strong-willed female bodyguard, Natasha Chamberlain, in Christy Tillery French's first novel of this series. Her initial assignment was protecting a nerdy billionaire; in the second book she "got stuck" protecting a spoiled-rotten show dog who had received kidnap threats; and in this book The Bodyguard and the Rock Star, as the title clearly depicts, she's guarding a rock star.

The fun-loving, off-beat "Nattie" is portrayed so realistically by French that I began to think of her as a friend, and now--two books later--she seems like my best friend forever (my bff). That's how lovable she is--and her Tennessee dialect is irresistible ... "danged" irresistible.

I bet you will love her too. But how could you not? This girl can get into more trouble than ten monkeys in a cage of lions ... or do I dare say: more trouble than Janet Evanovich's legendary Stephanie Plum?

Natasha thinks it will be fun and easy to guard popular English rock star Giki as she tours the southern states. So what does our heroine do when she finds that Giki is involved in the crazy world of sex, drugs, and shoplifting? With her penchant for trouble, Natasha gets shot and comes close to being arrested. In fact, she boomerangs into so many bizarre, life-threatening situations that her boss, Jonce Striker, sends in his best men, the intimidating duo of Pit and Bigun, to "bodyguard the bodyguard."

Despite the mystery and intense action in this book, it's a hilarious romp, a real hoot. You will die laughing when you see the creative way Natasha uses Giki's "sweet tooth" to combat her drug abuse. And when she mistakenly traps the "wrong" cyber-stalker who has been threatening the rock star ... Well, that's when Striker rushes to her side in an attempt to rein her in.

As in all the books of this series, Natasha feels she has to prove herself capable of being a good bodyguard and will do anything to do her job well. Her friendship with the big, strong, hunky Striker has developed through these books and they are now engaged. Further complicating matters, Striker wants her to quit her dangerous career when they get married. But will Natasha agree? Fat chance!

When Natasha's on the road with Giki's tour, she and Striker miss each other like crazy, so perhaps you'd better cover your eyes when they pair up. Natasha's not only feisty and funny, she's hot for Striker. While not erotica, this author is pretty descriptive in her love scenes--but it's not really her, it's her characters taking control ... just Natasha and Striker being themselves, loving each other to distraction.

Striker is the perfect match for our heroine who comes complete with a mother named Stevie, a "wannabe" bodyguard herself, and a worldly Grammy who's a well-known author. These colorful characters stir the pot, making for so many twists and turns your head will spin as you are kept guessing to the very end.

As female readers will see parts of themselves in Natasha, every man will undoubtedly see himself in Striker's strength and "studliness." ... lol ...

French is a gifted, award-winning author and poet who really knows her craft. From dialog and characterization to exquisite description and pacing, she grabs you from the first page ... and doesn't let go until the happy resolution. I've been a huge fan of this author, starting with her first three books. The Bodyguard and the Rock Star is her sixth book. I hope she continues this series because I would miss my bff Natasha. I also admire French because she's an animal activist and donates part of the proceeds from her books to rescue groups and animal shelters.

If you like humor, mystery and romance, don't miss this series.

Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, 2008
author of: 1106 Grand Boulevard

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I plan to spend my summer with Natasha, June 21, 2008

By	Karen Joan "Siren" (Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The Bodyguard and The Rock Star was my introduction to The Bodyguard series by Christy Tillery French. Apparently, this is the third book detailing the thrilling cases of bodyguard Natasha Chamberlain. Let me tell you, I am running out immediately to obtain the first two installments. The Bodyguard and the Rock Star is a fun-filled, action-packed, red-hot read. It was the perfect start to my summer, and I plan to spend more of my time with Natasha and her adventures.

Ms. French has light, easy style. The characters are very well developed and three dimensional; they feel real, familiar, and immediately comfortable, as if they have been your friends for years. Character emotions run the gamut, and all ring true, from the tantrums of the spoiled yet loveable rock star, to the concern and dedication of the smart, tough as nails bodyguard with a heart of gold and very human foibles, and on to the wild worry and fear of the passionate, handsome, super sexy fiancé. The pacing is supersonic; you are hooked from the first lines, and find you can't put the book down. The action, twists, and surprises continue until the very last word...and then some.

This book is a clever, unusual, and down right funny combination of detective mystery, chick lit, and romance. I found the story and the characters delightful, fun, and very entertaining, and I am certain that you will, too. I wait with breathless anticipation for Book Four.