What do you think?
Rate this book
Ballybeg Bad Boys #4
Bodyguard by Day, Ex-Husband by Night
When former Navy SEAL Cash Kincaid goes undercover as his movie star ex-wife’s bodyguard, sparks fly on and off screen.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2016
13 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Zara Keane
42 books990 followersZara Keane is a USA Today bestselling author of Irish cozy mysteries and romantic comedies.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 25, 2025
The story felt quite realistic, which I really appreciated. It’s rare for me to come across a main character who struggles with drug addiction and actually goes through recovery. That alone made the story stand out.
I also found the portrayal of a soldier returning from a mission especially powerful—the way the memories and trauma linger, affecting not just the soldier but their entire life, including their marriage. It was heartbreaking to see how that ultimately cost him his first relationship. But I’m glad the story gave them a second chance at happiness in the end.
What was especially hard to read was the emotional perspective of the soldier’s partner after he returned home. It’s a side of the story that often goes untold, and it was deeply affecting.
To all the soldiers—and just as importantly, to their partners—I want to say thank you for your service. Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed.
Review 2025/153-06/35
I also found the portrayal of a soldier returning from a mission especially powerful—the way the memories and trauma linger, affecting not just the soldier but their entire life, including their marriage. It was heartbreaking to see how that ultimately cost him his first relationship. But I’m glad the story gave them a second chance at happiness in the end.
What was especially hard to read was the emotional perspective of the soldier’s partner after he returned home. It’s a side of the story that often goes untold, and it was deeply affecting.
To all the soldiers—and just as importantly, to their partners—I want to say thank you for your service. Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed.
Review 2025/153-06/35
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
Could not put this down. Past hurts, steamy sex scenes, nutty mother in law and a stalker make for highs, lows and in between for this formerly married couple.
November 19, 2021
Love these boys in Ballybeg!
July 26, 2016
This novella brings together Cash and Mindy, a previously married couple who let hurt feelings, lack of communication, and a crazy mother-in-law get between them. From the very beginning, you could tell these two still loved each other and needed to let the past go. Then you throw in a crazy stalker, which is why they are together again, and it doesn't take long for the action to start and passion to ignite. That being said, I just wasn't feeling this one. It was a little too rushed for my taste, and the action and direction the story took just seemed a little too fantastical. On top of that, some of the things they did while evading a stalker didn't make sense.
June 22, 2016
Loved it. I understand these are novellas and that's why they move so fast but I sure do wish she'd make it a book.
I also wish we could have seen the conversation where they give her mom some boundaries. I wish we could have found out how Jason was after finding out who the culprit was.
I do appreciate the epilogue including the pair of the first book. Excellent.
I also wish we could have seen the conversation where they give her mom some boundaries. I wish we could have found out how Jason was after finding out who the culprit was.
I do appreciate the epilogue including the pair of the first book. Excellent.
May 21, 2016
Good Book
I first read a few chapters, from Zara Keane newsletters, it sound interesting. I couldn't wait for the book to come out. It was good. The ending was good to. Can't wait for the next one.
I first read a few chapters, from Zara Keane newsletters, it sound interesting. I couldn't wait for the book to come out. It was good. The ending was good to. Can't wait for the next one.
September 26, 2016
Don't like books with long separations ever
This was a dnf! They were divorced for five years and they both had moved on and I just don't like these kind of stories. She woke up hungover in the first chapter and wondered if she had had sex with someone . Just say no.
This was a dnf! They were divorced for five years and they both had moved on and I just don't like these kind of stories. She woke up hungover in the first chapter and wondered if she had had sex with someone . Just say no.
April 23, 2016
This book was serialized and sent via Zara Keane's newsletter. It fits well in the series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews