What do you think?
Rate this book
Hastings Security #2
Not the Bodyguard's Widow
An expectant widow hiding from her husband’s killer. A bodyguard willing to save her at all costs.
A malfunctioning security alarm sends bodyguard Alex Hastings to Indiana to investigate on behalf of Hastings Security. Instead of an empty house, he finds a beautiful intruder bold enough to demand he leave.
Kimberly Thompson has one goal in mind, stay alive. When the local midwife proposes a marriage of convenience between Kimberly and Alex, Kimberly wants to refuse, but she’ll do anything to save her baby. After all, it will only be for a few months before they can get a quiet annulment.
As danger mounts and their feelings grow, Alex hopes to catch a killer and save the woman he now loves.
A malfunctioning security alarm sends bodyguard Alex Hastings to Indiana to investigate on behalf of Hastings Security. Instead of an empty house, he finds a beautiful intruder bold enough to demand he leave.
Kimberly Thompson has one goal in mind, stay alive. When the local midwife proposes a marriage of convenience between Kimberly and Alex, Kimberly wants to refuse, but she’ll do anything to save her baby. After all, it will only be for a few months before they can get a quiet annulment.
As danger mounts and their feelings grow, Alex hopes to catch a killer and save the woman he now loves.
260 pages, ebook
Published March 23, 2020
About the author
Lorin Grace
37 books153 followersLorin Grace was born in Colorado and has been moving around the country ever since, living in eight states and several imaginary worlds. She holds a degree in graphic design which comes in handy with creating book covers. Currently, she lives with her husband, and a dog who is insanely jealous of her laptop.
When not writing, Lorin enjoys creating graphics, visiting historical sites, museums, painting furniture, and reading. Three of her books, her debut novel, Waking Lucy (2017), Mending Fences (2018), and Not the Bodyguard’s Baby (2020) have won Recommend Read awards in the League of Utah Writers Published book contest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 11, 2020
Oh how I love the Hastings brothers! I was so excited when the author branched off from the Artists and Billionaires series to create this one. I loved these brothers and sister (and their parents) from the moments in the other series and it has been so much fun to continue reading about the characters from that series in this one.
If you love characters who have struggles and heartache, but are characters who yearn for something more and are trying to better themselves and their lives, then this is a book you'll enjoy. Also throughout the story, there is suspense, strength, hope, family, friendship, joy, sorrow, self discovery and love. Of course those are just a few descriptions of what you'll find within this book.
I love a good marriage of convenience trope and this book delivered! Alex and Kimberly have an unexpected meeting and from then on Kimberly needs to decide if she can trust him. Alex becomes more than just a paid bodyguard but a bodyguard who is truly invested in his client's protection. Sparks fly from the beginning of their first meeting and these two try their hardest to avoid them.
It's been a little bit from me reading the book to writing the review but I still feel like it was just yesterday when I was opening the book and turning the pages every chance I could get. I didn't want to set it down and I didn't want it to end. But it did. I finished it and loved it! I wasn't quite sure how these two were going to solve the problems they were facing and if everything would work out. I kept hoping so and was kept on my toes with the couple of twists that happened.
If you've been eyeing a book by this author and haven't tried any, I don't know if I could tell you to pick on character's story over another because I have truly enjoyed them all. Especially with the characters crossing over in little ways in the two series. They all just feel like family to me. (Yes, I know, they're fictional!) But I will say that, in my honest opinion, I've enjoyed them all and think you can't go wrong with whatever book you choose to read. I've also already read the next book in the series and it was awesome!
Content: Clean. Some suspense. Some mild kissing scenes. The main character has been under surveillance and escapes from that so there are references to that throughout the book but nothing graphic. Some talk about murder.
I purchased my own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
If you love characters who have struggles and heartache, but are characters who yearn for something more and are trying to better themselves and their lives, then this is a book you'll enjoy. Also throughout the story, there is suspense, strength, hope, family, friendship, joy, sorrow, self discovery and love. Of course those are just a few descriptions of what you'll find within this book.
I love a good marriage of convenience trope and this book delivered! Alex and Kimberly have an unexpected meeting and from then on Kimberly needs to decide if she can trust him. Alex becomes more than just a paid bodyguard but a bodyguard who is truly invested in his client's protection. Sparks fly from the beginning of their first meeting and these two try their hardest to avoid them.
It's been a little bit from me reading the book to writing the review but I still feel like it was just yesterday when I was opening the book and turning the pages every chance I could get. I didn't want to set it down and I didn't want it to end. But it did. I finished it and loved it! I wasn't quite sure how these two were going to solve the problems they were facing and if everything would work out. I kept hoping so and was kept on my toes with the couple of twists that happened.
If you've been eyeing a book by this author and haven't tried any, I don't know if I could tell you to pick on character's story over another because I have truly enjoyed them all. Especially with the characters crossing over in little ways in the two series. They all just feel like family to me. (Yes, I know, they're fictional!) But I will say that, in my honest opinion, I've enjoyed them all and think you can't go wrong with whatever book you choose to read. I've also already read the next book in the series and it was awesome!
Content: Clean. Some suspense. Some mild kissing scenes. The main character has been under surveillance and escapes from that so there are references to that throughout the book but nothing graphic. Some talk about murder.
I purchased my own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
March 24, 2020
Running for her life and that of her unborn child, Kimberly takes refuge in the house that had been a haven, not realising that she had triggered an alarm on what was once her emergency entrance into the house. Discovered by bodyguard Alex Hastings, Kimberly makes her second mistake and pulls a practice gun on him. However, once her identity has been established and the reasons for her taking refuge in the Art House are verified, Alex becomes Kimberly's designated bodyguard. When her pregnancy shows signs of being in danger, the local midwife suggests a marriage of convenience to enable Kimberly to get the necessary medical attention she needs without being identified, and although reluctant, she knows that she has run out of options. Alex is surprised to realise that he isn't nearly as concerned about the fake marriage as he thought he would be, but as time goes by and the threats against Kimberly mount, his feelings for her escalate as well. This novel is well written with a sweet romance and a suspenseful plot, that keeps the reader enthralled to the end. Although part of a series and characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to very successful ending. I received a copy of this book through Story Origin and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 25, 2020
The Hastings Security spinoff from the Artists and Billionares series provides the same interesting characters and solid plots. This was a pleasure to read.
March 27, 2020
Kimberly was brave faking a miscarriage to escape from her father-in-law's guards, switching planes multiple times to lose them, and climbing through the skylight of her friend Candace's house while pregnant. Alex Hastings agrees to a temporary name-only marriage so Kimberly can get medical care and he and his family can protect her. This was a suspenseful romance as they work together to uncover the truth behind why Kimberly's husband was killed while protecting her from the overzealous FBI and killers. Alex was protective with a big heart and I loved how much he cared for Kimberly and her baby. Candace's Art House with all the painting and drawing done by her friends who had stayed there all over the walls sounds like an amazing place to visit.
March 29, 2020
Rounding up from 3.5
This is a clean romance with a bit of intrigue. I liked that Kimberly was not a helpless female even though she had a body guard to protect her. And I liked that Alex wasn't overbearing. He was very sweet actually. And I liked the next door neighbor. She wasn't what I expected.
It isn't that often that I read a marriage of convenience romance in contemporary time periods so that was kinda fun. Despite there being serious moments of potential life threatening peril the romance itself is pretty fluffy. No surprises there. There were some surprises in the intrigue part though. Her first husband surprised me in the end.
No sex or language
Some violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is a clean romance with a bit of intrigue. I liked that Kimberly was not a helpless female even though she had a body guard to protect her. And I liked that Alex wasn't overbearing. He was very sweet actually. And I liked the next door neighbor. She wasn't what I expected.
It isn't that often that I read a marriage of convenience romance in contemporary time periods so that was kinda fun. Despite there being serious moments of potential life threatening peril the romance itself is pretty fluffy. No surprises there. There were some surprises in the intrigue part though. Her first husband surprised me in the end.
No sex or language
Some violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 24, 2020
Not the Bodyguard's Widow is a well-written, exciting romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The main characters are very likable and believable. I loved the scene where Alex and Kimberly meet. The dialogue flows well throughout the book. The plot has twists and turns and moves along at a good pace. I didn't have all of the bad guys spotted. There's a great HEA and a wonderful epilogue. I hope that there are more books to come in this series. I definitely plan to read more from this author. I recommend this to readers of clean/wholesome romance, Christian fiction readers, and to romantic suspense readers.
March 25, 2020
I really like this series and this book. This is a romantic suspense that will keep you turning the pages until you have reached the epilogue. The characters of Kimberly and Alex, the suspense, the evil father-in-law and what he will go through to get rid of Kimberly all made for a story I could not put down. I liked that characters from previous books had small parts in this story and I am already predicting who and what the next book will be about. The Hastings Security series and its cute, sexy bodyguards and the clients they fall for make each book a lot of fun for the reader. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 23, 2020
This engrossing story was hard to put down! The marriage of convenience and unequal balance of love, mixed in with a healthy dose of pregnancy hormones and protective instincts, hit all the feels! The danger was on the tame side and the romance was sweet. I am new to this series, and could tell I was missing a lot of connections for not having read the others first, but felt like I mostly caught on to various connections and stories and enjoyed the story despite being a little behind.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
April 4, 2020
This was a fantastic story. The book pulled me in from the beginning and I had a hard time putting the book down. Kimberly is on the run and is trying her best to keep herself and her unborn child safe. Alex is doing a routine check-in and got more than he bargained for: a pregnant woman that crawled into a window. Both Kimberly and Alex have a connection from their meeting. Kimberly must learn to trust Alex, but she has had bad experiences with bodyguards in the past. I recommend this book to those that love sweet, clean romance and a bit of suspense and mystery.
March 26, 2020
I have liked Alex since the first Artists and Billionaires book. I am so glad he and his brothers get their own series. It's been fun getting to know the Hastings better. Alex and Kimberly have quite the first meeting and the chemistry is there from the beginning. I really enjoyed their story and the mystery/suspense surrounding them. I had a hard time putting it down.
May 1, 2020
If you like sweet romance with a healthy dose of mystery and danger, this book is for you! Lorin is great at drawing the reader into the tension between business and personal - in this case a bodyguard and his client. This is my first Lorin Grace novel. I’m glad to see she has many more books I can read.
May 1, 2020
This was a great book that kept me turning the pages. Alex and Kimberly are great characters. Suspense and romance are intertwined. I enjoyed the return of characters from other books by Ms. Grace. Looking forward to reading the next book in the Hastings Security series.
March 30, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who loves romance!
June 11, 2020
I loved this story!! This is not my first story from Lorin Grace and it definitely won't be my last!
I love the Hastings Brothers! And I love seeing characters from previous books show up in this one.
Kimberly Thompson is on the run with ehr unborn baby, and she seeks refuge in a place she thinks no one will ever find out. But she triggers an emergency alarm she wasn't aware, and Hastings Security Systems is notified.
Alex Hastings travels to Indiana to investigate the "malfunctioning" security alarm, where he unexpectedly finds a beautiful woman inside the house. Not only that, but the intruder orders him to leave and threatens him with a gun. After things get cleared, and Alex is aware of her dangerous situation, he becomes her bodyguard. But when her pregnancy gets risky, the local midwife proposes them a marriage of convenience so Kimberly can get medical attention without being traced. Kimberly is not so sure, but she sees no other way and her baby comes first. The proposal is to be married only a few months for her to have her baby and they can get a quiet annulment after.
But sparks are flying with the newly weds, even if they are trying to restrain from each other. Alex finds that he's not worried about the fake marriage, as much as his new beautiful wife who is quickly growing on him and he can't help be attracted to her more and more. When things turn more dangerous, he's sure that this woman is worth risking his life for...
I loved the story! It was intriguing and had me at the edge of my seat with Kimberly's enemy on her tail. But I especially loved the characters. They were perfect for each other! I loved how protective Alex became of Kimberly and how they quickly fell for each other. The romance was sweet and clean, yet very romantic! It's a book you won't be able to put it down once you start it!
I definitely recommend it!
I love the Hastings Brothers! And I love seeing characters from previous books show up in this one.
Kimberly Thompson is on the run with ehr unborn baby, and she seeks refuge in a place she thinks no one will ever find out. But she triggers an emergency alarm she wasn't aware, and Hastings Security Systems is notified.
Alex Hastings travels to Indiana to investigate the "malfunctioning" security alarm, where he unexpectedly finds a beautiful woman inside the house. Not only that, but the intruder orders him to leave and threatens him with a gun. After things get cleared, and Alex is aware of her dangerous situation, he becomes her bodyguard. But when her pregnancy gets risky, the local midwife proposes them a marriage of convenience so Kimberly can get medical attention without being traced. Kimberly is not so sure, but she sees no other way and her baby comes first. The proposal is to be married only a few months for her to have her baby and they can get a quiet annulment after.
But sparks are flying with the newly weds, even if they are trying to restrain from each other. Alex finds that he's not worried about the fake marriage, as much as his new beautiful wife who is quickly growing on him and he can't help be attracted to her more and more. When things turn more dangerous, he's sure that this woman is worth risking his life for...
I loved the story! It was intriguing and had me at the edge of my seat with Kimberly's enemy on her tail. But I especially loved the characters. They were perfect for each other! I loved how protective Alex became of Kimberly and how they quickly fell for each other. The romance was sweet and clean, yet very romantic! It's a book you won't be able to put it down once you start it!
I definitely recommend it!
January 6, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
A malfunctioning security alarm sends bodyguard Alex Hastings to Indiana to investigate on behalf of Hastings Security. Instead of an empty house, he finds a beautiful intruder bold enough to demand he leave.
Kimberly Thompson has one goal in mind, stay alive. When the local midwife proposes a marriage of convenience between Kimberly and Alex, Kimberly wants to refuse, but she’ll do anything to save her baby. After all, it will only be for a few months before they can get a quiet annulment.
As danger mounts and their feelings grow, Alex hopes to catch a killer and save the woman he now loves.
MY TAKE
I read the first book in the series and always meant to get back to the others. I wish I hadn't waited so long. This was just what a needed--a sweet romance with suspense. I love the Hastings family, and it was fun to get reacquainted with them in this book. Alex is such a good guy, and I felt terrible for Kimberly. I loved the line where Alex discovered "love at first sight" was real, referring to seeing Kimberly's baby during her ultrasound. *sigh*
Sweet ending.
4 1/2 stars
A malfunctioning security alarm sends bodyguard Alex Hastings to Indiana to investigate on behalf of Hastings Security. Instead of an empty house, he finds a beautiful intruder bold enough to demand he leave.
Kimberly Thompson has one goal in mind, stay alive. When the local midwife proposes a marriage of convenience between Kimberly and Alex, Kimberly wants to refuse, but she’ll do anything to save her baby. After all, it will only be for a few months before they can get a quiet annulment.
As danger mounts and their feelings grow, Alex hopes to catch a killer and save the woman he now loves.
MY TAKE
I read the first book in the series and always meant to get back to the others. I wish I hadn't waited so long. This was just what a needed--a sweet romance with suspense. I love the Hastings family, and it was fun to get reacquainted with them in this book. Alex is such a good guy, and I felt terrible for Kimberly. I loved the line where Alex discovered "love at first sight" was real, referring to seeing Kimberly's baby during her ultrasound. *sigh*
Sweet ending.
4 1/2 stars
July 28, 2020
(4.5 stars) - Alex's turn!
I'm loving this spinoff series with Hastings security. This second book is every bit as riveting as the first. There's some suspense, but it's not exhausting. As improbable as the marriage of convenience is, it's handled so plausibly that my inner cynic didn't even whisper.
Kimberly is a really smart & capable heroine. She's a great match for our beloved bodyguard from the Artists & Billionaires series, Alex Hastings. I loved their story. The only minor quibble I had was Alex's dating app date which was too soon & seemed discordant. I especially loved the resolution which was both fun and romantic.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: story is generically Christian with a light touch, nothing preachy
I'm loving this spinoff series with Hastings security. This second book is every bit as riveting as the first. There's some suspense, but it's not exhausting. As improbable as the marriage of convenience is, it's handled so plausibly that my inner cynic didn't even whisper.
Kimberly is a really smart & capable heroine. She's a great match for our beloved bodyguard from the Artists & Billionaires series, Alex Hastings. I loved their story. The only minor quibble I had was Alex's dating app date which was too soon & seemed discordant. I especially loved the resolution which was both fun and romantic.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: story is generically Christian with a light touch, nothing preachy
July 16, 2022
Not The Bodyguard’s Widow
I really liked this story. It is all about Alex and Kimberly. Kimberly was hiding out in her friends house he she was discovered by Alex. She had climbed through the loft , when her key would not work. There is so much to this story, from her husband being killed to the father-in-law wanting to kill Kimberly. All about illegal dealings of the father-in-law with the drug cartel. Enjoy.
I really liked this story. It is all about Alex and Kimberly. Kimberly was hiding out in her friends house he she was discovered by Alex. She had climbed through the loft , when her key would not work. There is so much to this story, from her husband being killed to the father-in-law wanting to kill Kimberly. All about illegal dealings of the father-in-law with the drug cartel. Enjoy.
June 19, 2021
Fantastic
The love story between the two characters is quite rich and slow moving which is good. You can clearly see that it is love and not infatuation. The author doss a good job of combining emotions and actions to the exact appropriate percentage so their love can be palpable and authentic. What a beautiful story.
The love story between the two characters is quite rich and slow moving which is good. You can clearly see that it is love and not infatuation. The author doss a good job of combining emotions and actions to the exact appropriate percentage so their love can be palpable and authentic. What a beautiful story.
October 26, 2020
I chose to read and review this book. I loved this one. I could not put it down at all. Everything is well written from characters to plot to flow. The family is amazing with each of their own ladies. I recommend it.
March 2, 2021
Love it
The story has a good balance of romance and suspense. The hero and heroine are spectacular. Love the inclusion of the heroes. family members. Also, I love the little humor injected here and there. I'd encourage the author to continue her writing.
The story has a good balance of romance and suspense. The hero and heroine are spectacular. Love the inclusion of the heroes. family members. Also, I love the little humor injected here and there. I'd encourage the author to continue her writing.
September 16, 2021
This book is a great adventure with a strong heroine and kind hero. I am grateful for the twists and turns that kept the excitement in this book. It also dealt with the very real issues surrounding miscarriage in a compassionate and real way.
March 12, 2022
Jam packed with awesome action!
This book is amazing!! Had me from the first page! So much mystery and fabulous action! Loved Kimberly and her wisdom! Loved Alex with his sweet, strong devotion. So much good stuff in the book! Fabulous!!
This book is amazing!! Had me from the first page! So much mystery and fabulous action! Loved Kimberly and her wisdom! Loved Alex with his sweet, strong devotion. So much good stuff in the book! Fabulous!!
March 31, 2020
This book was pretty good until the end.
August 15, 2020
Sweet Bodyguard Romance
I love the characters in Lorin Grace's books. I also love that there are not pages and pages that I have to skip over so I don't feel like a voyeur.
I love the characters in Lorin Grace's books. I also love that there are not pages and pages that I have to skip over so I don't feel like a voyeur.
August 17, 2020
Review of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
August 30, 2020
Loved the storyline!
Really enjoyed this book! This series is becoming a favorite! I really appreciate the tough women in them too! A great ending!
Really enjoyed this book! This series is becoming a favorite! I really appreciate the tough women in them too! A great ending!
September 19, 2020
Enjoyed this author and story line a lot. It is nice to read a clean, sexual, and Christian book.
November 7, 2020
Entertaining book from beginning to end.
November 28, 2020
I love the Hastings series. This is a good, clean romance with a little mystery and drama. I would highly recommend it.
March 1, 2021
Good Book
This was the first time I read her book. This Book was Good. Can't wait to read more of her books. I'm he ending was Good, also.
This was the first time I read her book. This Book was Good. Can't wait to read more of her books. I'm he ending was Good, also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews