A Bodyguard to Remember

by Alison Bruce

Prudence Hartley has the usual single mom problems: getting her kids to school on time; juggling a gazillion errands while trying to get a full day’s work done; oh, and don’t forget about dinner.

But Pru’s problems become a tad more complicated and a lot more dangerous when she finds a dead man in her house. Or a dead spy to be exact. Suddenly, a federal agent named David Merrick shows up and whisks her and her kids into protective custody. Pru has so many questions spinning through her brain she doesn’t know where to begin. How is she going to keep her kids safe? What was the dead spy looking for in her house? Why are the spies after her? Oh, and there’s one more question . . . just a pesky, minor thing. Why does Merrick have to be so damn sexy and protective?

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Contemporary

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

Alison Bruce writes history, mystery and suspense. Her books combine clever mysteries, well-researched backgrounds and a touch of romance. Her protagonists are marked by their strength of character, sense of humor and the ability to adapt (sooner or later) to new situations. Four of her novels have been finalists for genre awards.

Copywriter, editor and graphic designer since 1992, Alison has also been a comic book store manager, small press publisher and web designer. Currently she is the Executive Director of Crime Writers of Canada.

Yes there is another author named Alison Bruce who lives in Cambridge, UK.

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an interesting story line. The author brings a bit of everything .. mystery ,humor and romance and moves the story quickly and smoothly with her detailed writing. It's an enjoyable book and I would recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

✴️✴️ONE PHENOMENAL ADVENTURE✴️✴️
Bashing barnacles boo! Allison knocked the brakes off this incredibly turbulent, sensational rock-my-world tempest with this tumultuous rollercoaster, delivering up some close-calls, head-ons and off-kilters, propelling all those raging emotions into play front and center, launching this bad boy to staggering heights. Sparks ignite as riveting drama, gripping intrigue, brutal tactics, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and nailbiting situations ensue in epic proportions, putting our characters through their paces, wrapping this jewel up sleek shiny and tight. Perception and ingenuity in every thread you unravel with each page your drawn into this tangled web so intricately and precise, kicking this bad boy into the eye of a storm, bursting it into a tailspin with mind-blowing impacts, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity and boundless emotions, showcases the thrilling electricity and infinite affection, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Allison, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Owen Habel · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW

"A Bodyguard to Remember" is a brilliant book that begins with a boom. It has a strong central character who has been packaged with a noble sense of hilarity and friendliness… This is the kind of book that you read, and your eyes itch to know what lies in the next page.

The suspense in it will stream some sweat from the narrow openings of your arm pits. The humor that follows after, will make you bury your head in your two hands and just chuckle. There is a romantic touch that will tickle your soul and arouse a plethora of Goosebumps on your skin

The most interesting character to according to me was Pru. She caught my attention. I kept on craving to know what she was going to do next after she found a dead body in her living room. I love the level of imagery the author had when she crafted this story. The plot is clean. The plot develops. The plot has tough twists and turns.

A Bodyguard to Remember is unlike the customary romance books. I did not know who Pru ended up with, until the when the story came to an end. When the story finally ended, I had a sigh of relief.

Alison Bruce is in the list of my top ten storytellers. I salivate for her prowess in storytelling"

http://owenhabel.blogspot.com/2015/06...

[Jason Stuckless · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went completely on recommendations of two authors whose work I enjoy to pick this book up. It was a fun, light read, but unlike some of the novels of this type, it was smart. I actually got caught up in the "Who Did It? Who Will She Choose?" This book came to me during a stressful time, and in the evening I would read, erasing some of the day. An excellent adventure by Ms. Bruce with a great, smart heroine.

[Annette Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Little Romance

I got the book because of the storyline and I finished it in one reading. There's hardly any romance in the story. It's just hinted towards the ending of the story. This story received great rating but I honestly don't see it.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in Ontario Providence. Prudence Hartley, writer, proofreader and mother of twins, Boone and Hope have come home to find a dead body in there living room. Let's back it up, Prudence finds a dead body in her living room, if you find a body with hole in the back of their head laying face down on your floor, you would assume they were dead. Prudence is the mother of twin children, Hope and Boone, who will be 12 years old soon. They had been at there father's home and she had gone out to spend time with her mother who lived in an assisted living home and then picked up her children, as they had been with their father for the weekend. So she takes her son's hand and backs out of the house and goes to where her daughter is in the car and calls the OPP, which stands for the Ontario Provincial Police. The police arrive, an officer Delia Kallas and her boss Don Parrino arrived to interrogate and look over the crime scene. After a while Don Parrino let her children and her children's father Seth Webster, a professor who had come to pick them up, he let them go and told the children their mother would be onto their father's house later. Seth Webster is married to Sarah and not to Prudence. The next day Sergeant David Merrick of the RCMP and Ezekiel his assistant who was a data and forensic person showed up and began asking them questions. We come to find out that Sergeant was there to protect Pru and her children and so was Zeke aka Ezekiel. So the story is set Prudence and her children are in danger from someone, she doesn't know who and neither do the RCMP and they are there to protect and investigate why someone died in her home and is trying to get to Prudence Hartley. Other characters that are important in this story is Nate, Sergeant Merrick's son. Merrick was married at one time and they got a divorce because his wife could not handle his job. Then their is Seth's cousin Rick and Prudence's best friend Paula, and Geoff and Tim who worked in Ottawa and helped to watch over Pru while she was in Ottawa. I liked this story because it had sexual relationships and innuendoes all throughout the book but it never got much pass kissing, so it was like a romantic suspenseful mystery. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a good read. I wouldn't mind reading another book about these characters or just another book from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This my first time reading anything by the author, but not the last. The characters are likeable,and most importantly you probably won't see the ending coming.
I loved the humor of Pru likening people to Star Trek characters,like Merrick being Vulcan like Spock.
She even had a lot of humor about being shot and other serious injuries.
She couldn't understand why all the men where coming out of the woodwork to fall in love with her. Everyone except the one she dreamed about. Merrick. Her thinking was, yeah I was competent but I'm just a mom, trying to protect my kids. Even after, she broke a mercenaries arm, who broke in her home to kill her. That dropped some jaws, mine included. But I just had to laugh at this and some of her other dangerous misadventures in this book.
I liked the ending. It did leave me wanting more in this series. Especially about Prudence and Merrick !!! Oh, by the way this Book is going into my Keeper file !
I Highly recommend this book.

[Judy W · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 STARS rounded up. Eh. The story set up was pretty good. Pru, the single mother of twins comes home from running errands one day to find a dead man in her living room. The cops come first and then National Security sends out the Feds. Merrick is the Federal Agent who gets Pru's case. The dead man in the living room was a spy and somehow Pru has been unwittingly used as a "mule" for spy info exchanges. There was the usual protective custody but to be honest Merrick needed a bit more meat on his bones. I think more page time was spent on possible OTHER men as love interests then the supposed hero Merrick. I didn't really buy it. Honestly I think Zeke would have been a better pick and was more fleshed out. This was a first book by this author for me.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book excellent. It had everything plus kept me guessing till the very end which is fantastic. I felt bad for Prudence. She sure had bad luck with the attempts on her life but luck you have that gorgeous man protecting her.
So well written, I loved reading it. It was fresh and original, with drama, humor and mystery plus the wonderful intimacy and touch of romance as well. Perfect story really!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT MYSTERY

First time reading this author. Was impressed with her supporting characters, each one with very specific traits that add value to the storyline while still standing out as individuals. The main character is Prudence who is a single mom of twins. She is truly an interesting person who not only adds interest but is very capable of surprising attributes which make for an amazing character.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book. The characters were well done and the mystery wasn't easily solvable. The only problem I had was with Hartley not wanting to marry the man she loved. I know not getting married is a trend in Canada now, but as a Canadian myself who has been happily married for 25+ years, I don't understand it. Other than that personal quirk, this was a good book.

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of a read!

Such a well written story. Full of intrigue, action and suspense. Poor Pru, she spent a lot of the story with the paramedics and in hospital with all the attempts on her life.

I loved the characters and appreciate that I never even suspected the Ring Leader!

[M W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book!

Loved getting to know the characters as they developed. Pru was a hoot & took all the events as well as the multiple suitors in stride. I'm hoping there will be more books, in this series.

[Kathleen C. Gaudry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual twist to a spy story

Unwed mother of twins gets involved with spies. Her antics keep this fast paced story going. There is some romance to spice up the pages. Thoroughly enjoyable read--looking forward to more books from this author.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

New-to-me author

Smooth, engaging writing style with humor, romance & action to keep you turning the page. Kind of real life fantasy & fun to read! Great characters, definitely a memorable bodyguard!

[Nancy Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for second time...enjoyed it more. Kept me reading, which is always the sign of a good book.

Wrote my note on wrong line. Good reading🎉 Love interests but no hot overly descripted sex scenes. Thanks for that

[Patricia M Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! 💞

So much intrigue, so many suspects at every turn! I can't believe one woman survived so much! And all the men in her life were falling for her. She had her pick but eyes 👀 for just one.

[Carole Jarosz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep you guessing was definitely the theme.

I changed my mind so often as to who was the villain. Love a story that keeps you so engaged . Don't start just before bedtime or sleep won't be soon.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy, with a side of humor and lots of twists

This my first time reading anything by the author, but not the last. The characters are likeable,and most importantly you probably won't see the ending coming. Highly recommend this book.

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read!! If you love a book with a mixture of mystery and suspense, as well as a romance brewing then I highly recommend Pru and David’s story! Hooked me in from the very beginning!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of everything which made it interesting! Also it was a bit more relatable as I am somewhat familiar with some of the places mentioned!
Overall, I found it very enjoyable and read it in one sitting!

[Anne Blyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to this Author and was pleasantly surprised to find myself hooked on this story from start to finish. I'm not often surprised by the culprit but I was this time so that's a definite plus for me.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love it. I liked all the Canadian references but I thought it was too drawn out and a lot of it was boring. It read more like a male author and I’m not fond of that writing style. I won’t be reading more of her work. It’s relatively clean but there’s some swearing throughout.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

started out promising

Loved the beginning of the book but then it just drug on and on. There was more chemistry between the female lead and the sub characters than she and the hero. Not the book for me

[Carolyn Lax · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book

This book has interesting characters, it kept me guessing. I would recommend this book and read other books by this author.

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. The beginning was really engaging. As the tale went on, the plot became more nebulous. Good but not great. I would give this author another chance.

[Eileen Gernet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

This book is nothing like you would expect. Good story, romance and mystery. Couldn't put it down. Loved every minute.

[Judith B. Gates]

Loved it!

The story moved along and held my interest start to finish. I will look for more books by this author.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is cheesy but the book is pretty good. More of a mystery and suspense story.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good read!!:) So many suspects & I did not pick the actual suspect!!!!:)