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Hastings Security #3

Not the Bodyguard's Boss

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When Diedre’s nemesis becomes her boss, fighting it out isn’t an option.

Hastings Security’s top female bodyguard, Deidre Ross is as dangerous as she is beautiful. When a blind date pairs Deidre with Liam Dermot, a chauvinistic bodyguard from a competing firm, she lets him know she’ll topple his false assumptions.

Dermot Security has a problem. With their only female bodyguard injured, Liam contracts with Hastings to hire their best female guard for a sensitive job. The client’s safety only reason Liam and Diedre agree to work together.

Forced to spend long hours together, Liam and Diedre's friendly competition becomes a little too cozy. A friendly competition turns to more after Deidre proves she can beat Liam in a sparring match. United to protect their client, they forget to guard their hearts. Will a few stolen kisses undermine everything?

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2020

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About the author

Lorin Grace

37 books153 followers
Lorin 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.

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5 stars
132 (59%)
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75 (33%)
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15 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Hayford.
1,141 reviews16 followers
April 28, 2020
At first I was really disappointed this book wasn't about one of the Hastings brothers. I really want to read Alan's story. However, I quickly fell in love with Deidre's character and changed my mind. This was a fun story. I loved the dynamic and chemistry between Deidre and Liam. There was a lot of push and pull, but I love the way their story played out.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,210 reviews88 followers
May 21, 2020
Can two bodyguards from different companies work together to protect one of the Hastings own? Diedre and Liam don't have a choice. It won't be easy, as they'll have to put their differences aside to work together.

I love it when the main characters have a not-so-good first meet, because they have to work through that to get to their happy ending. Diedre and Liam have a terrible first meet because Liam stuck his foot in his mouth talking about female bodyguards. Their second meet wasn't any better. So when they find themselves working together Liam has to spend a lot of time removing his foot from his mouth, and then he had to eat quite a bit of crow. I hope he was hungry. Thankfully for Liam crow is carb and sugar free. Lol

Diedre and Liam had quite a bit to work through, together and alone. They had a job to do and couldn't let how they felt about each other distract them, or get in the way of them doing their best at protecting their client(s). I enjoyed watching them go from adversaries, to frenemies, to liking each other, and then falling in love.

I loved Diedre's personality, and how skilled she was at fighting. She was one of the best in a profession which is dominated by men, so that's impressive. I loved that she loved muffins--that's a woman I could be friends with. Liam came off as a jerk to me at the beginning, but later redeemed himself. It took awhile because the man doesn't usually eat pancakes!! This is the first of the Hastings Security books I've read and I look forward to reading the others in the series.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,551 reviews193 followers
May 11, 2020
Deidre and Liam... *happy sigh* Can you tell I really liked these two? Oh my! I just keep thinking about their first couple scenes together. Deidre you tell him like it is! Liam, be careful.

This book is part of the Hastings Security series but doesn't have one of the Hasting family members as the main character. But don't you worry, there are plenty of Hasting moments throughout this book. We get to see two bodyguards from two different companies working together to protect a Hasting. Although there are some big misunderstandings at the beginning of the book, never fear, Liam learns a thing or two. Hee Hee!

I have to admit that I really enjoyed that these two had to struggle through their relationship and had to come to trust each other on a professional level that then turned into friendship. And it's a struggle because they're working as bodyguards and can't let their guard down to think about a relationship outside of a working one while on this assignment. The good news, the assignment will end and there's a possibility to see what comes after. But in the meantime, we as readers get to enjoy all the tension and dancing and skirting around the issue of chemistry and spark that Deidre and Liam are learning about. And they thought this assignment was going to be boring.

I couldn't put this one down! I started later in the evening after my family went to bed. And I read and read and read. I devoured it. I had a couple moments of my eyes starting to close but I told myself to snap out of it and finish the book! It worked.

These two characters had some personal issues that they needed to work through individually. And as much as they felt attraction and a growing friendship with the other, they needed time away. I really liked the finagling and support they received from their friends. It made a fun ending and showed that these two really had come to know and trust their feelings.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming books in this series. They should be coming soon. Yay!!!! If you've been following this series, are you anticipating Alan's story like me? I can't wait!

Content: Clean. Some suspense, nothing graphic. This author does address the loss of a baby in this book and the emotions of that.

I bought my own personal copy.

Happy Reading!!!
282 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this bodyguard story. Diedre is a strong woman that has worked hard to make her mark in a "man's profession." She an independent woman that has been burned by men in her life. Liam has been a lone wolf for a long time and he has not had much faith in women in the security business. He learns to admire Diedre as she proves herself to Liam many times during their job. Liam also finds himself attracted to Diedre as he learns more about her and her past. Both have to decide if their attraction was a true matter of the heart or if the attraction was part of being so close during their job. I enjoyed reading this story and seeing how they work through their hurts and hangups. I recommend this to those that enjoy clean romance with a strong woman character.
993 reviews
May 2, 2020
A good clean terrible first meet to blind date to employment relationship, Diedre has always dealt with chauvinistic attitudes about her job as a bodyguard so it shouldn't surprise her to overhearing and interrupting a conversation her boss has with another person who is slamming his female bodyguards. Later she's asked to fill in for a blind date only to see it's the same jerk disrespecting her job! The next day she's called in the office to meet a new client to find out she's working with an ally competitor, guess who and who is in charge?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series. I would highly recommend it.
2,911 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2020
From the beginning I liked bodyguard Deirdre Ross as she stood up against Liam Dermot's chauvinism about female bodyguards and then he ends up being her blind date and later her boss as they work together to protect expectant mother Abbie Harmon. I laughed over the antics between Deirdre and Liam when they sparred, played board games, in the swim spa, and as she argued that he was missing out by not eating muffins and carbs. She shows him how good a female bodyguard can be and he brings out her softer more emotional side that's she's been hiding after a trauma a few years ago. This was a clean romance with plenty of funny, sweet, and some sad moments.
2,111 reviews37 followers
April 28, 2020
Clean romance. I've enjoyed the bodyguard romances. In this one they begin on the wrong note but quickly get past that so they can work together. Sparks fly. And of course they lead to a happily ever after. I liked the main characters especially having a strong female lead.
Enjoyable read.

Potential triggers: loss of baby, premature birth

Sex: some kisses
Language: no
Violence: martial arts
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,029 reviews69 followers
April 29, 2020
Easy reading, this is a lighthearted romance that leaves one smiling. Overhearing a discussion about female bodyguards, Deidre's hackles are up but when she discovers that the speaker turns out to be her blind date for the evening, the atmosphere chills considerably. However, it then steams up considerably the next day when Deidre discovers that she has been seconded to the Dermot's team and that said jerk is her new boss. The story is well written and entertaining, and although Deidre has to put her training into good use, all ends well. The attraction between Liam and Deidre is evident from the beginning, but it takes the intervention of some caring friends to help them find each other. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
962 reviews21 followers
April 30, 2020
I loved this unusual bodyguard romance with both main characters having that job. They had a disastrous, almost non-meeting and got off to a very bad start. Both characters, Deidre and Liam, are likable and very well developed. I'm going to condense one of my many favorite interactions between them. "We could spar."
"Really? She hopped up, way too eager. "Rules?" asked Deidre.
"None?" At her smile, Liam regretted his answer.

There are bumps along the way to the HEA, but it was definitely worth the trip. I enjoy Lorin Grace's writing voice and plan to read more of her books. I highly recommend Not the Bodyguard's Boss to clean/wholesome romance readers and to Christian romance readers.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this exciting romance.
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2020
Sassy Sweet Romance

This is a refreshing and lovely romance with sweet and sassy flavor that will keep you on your feet from beginning til the very end.
Profile Image for Deanna.
1,049 reviews18 followers
May 13, 2020
A slow burn romance that will keep you on your toes with just the right amount of tension. Not just theirs but the story itself.

A couple of bodyguards are assigned to watch over a very wealthy pregnant woman. The whole delivery room drama brings back memories Deidre.

This is the the third book in the series and they just keep getting better. Can’t wait for the next one.

I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,550 reviews124 followers
April 30, 2020
(4.5 stars) - A fun enemies-to-lovers

This is the kind of feminism that is legit - not women trying to be men, or even super woman who can do everything - but women getting credit for what they can do instead of being locked into stereotypes based on the women who can't.

Liam seriously puts his foot in his mouth while venting, & Dierdre overhears. Of course, they would end up working a security job together after that. Needless to say, Liam has a lot of ground to make up. Dierdre is a consummate professional, however, and the more Liam works with her, the more he not just respects but admires her.

They spend a lot of time together while waiting for Abbie's babies to be born, and find themselves tempted to be more than coworkers, but both recognize that it will have to wait until their assignments are done.

Dierdre has some past trauma that few people know about, however, and it ends up testing them unexpectedly.

It's always fun revisiting the Hastings family, and we finally get to see Abbie's babies along with all our favorite doting relatives. I got a kick out of Preston's sleep-deprived conversation.

The way Liam ends up with his motorcycle is really heartbreakingly sweet. And even though their resolution is a little predictable, it wasn't any less happy for it. Especially with that epilogue!

The next book has a hard act to follow (you might appreciate that wording better when you read the sneak peek for the next, lol)

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: some brief mention of a character praying for another in a way that's totally organic to the story
68 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2020
I am really liking this series. I enjoyed the twists and turns in getting to the resolution of this latest installment of Lorin Grace’s bodyguard series. There was more than meets the eye with the story, and I appreciated the unexpected layer.
Profile Image for Lenda Burns.
427 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2020
Great plot, great characters, amazing author.
I am loving this series.
263 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2020
I have liked the books that deal with the Hasting's brothers, but this one has some other characters from the other books as the lead characters. It also gives us some insight into the security firm that provides security for the Hasting's sister. Deidre works for Hastings and Liam is a Dermot. Will they be able to figure out how to work together? A clean romance.
Profile Image for BradnAbby.
51 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2020
Deidre Ross is excellent at her job. Her no-nonsense approach and ability to detach from her surroundings allows her to be one of the best female bodyguards at Hastings Security.
Liam Dermot of Dermot Security has his doubts about female bodyguards and their ability to perform as well as their male counterparts.  When the impending arrival of three babies for a client requires a female bodyguard to be on the team Liam has to try and put his opinions and personal experience aside and work with Deidre as part of the team for Abbie Harmon and her due any day triplets.
Chemistry ignites as Deidre and Liam spend hours waiting and watching.
This is a fun continuation of the much loved characters created by Lorin Grace in her Artists and Billionaires series with introductions to characters that have been in the background waiting for their story.
Full of fun, heart ache, discovery, and changed views. Not the Bodyguard's Boss is another great read in the Hastings Security series.
Profile Image for Brian Davis.
928 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2020
🙂🙂🙂🙂

Another nice addition to the series, creating a tie between McDermott and Hastings and with secondary characters we know from past stories. Nicely woven rake, I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,082 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2020
This is a fun romance. The characters do not get along at first but learn to for their jobs. There is romance and friendship. I like to read about strong woman and Diedre is definitely that. Liam was a little bit of a stiff at first but I grew to like him.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 48 books450 followers
January 7, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When Diedre’s nemesis becomes her boss, fighting it out isn’t an option.

Hastings Security’s top female bodyguard, Deidre Ross is as dangerous as she is beautiful. When a blind date pairs Deidre with Liam Dermot, a chauvinistic bodyguard from a competing firm, she lets him know she’ll topple his false assumptions.

Dermot Security has a problem. With their only female bodyguard injured, Liam contracts with Hastings to hire their best female guard for a sensitive job. The client’s safety only reason Liam and Diedre agree to work together.

Forced to spend long hours together, Liam and Diedre's friendly competition becomes a little too cozy. A friendly competition turns to more after Deidre proves she can beat Liam in a sparring match. United to protect their client, they forget to guard their hearts. Will a few stolen kisses undermine everything?

MY TAKE
*sigh* I really loved this book. Diedre's a feisty woman who's been run through the mill. She's tough on the outside but squishy as heck (and scared) on the inside. As people do when they've been hurt, they put up a hard barrier to protect themselves from being hurt again.

And Liam, in a fit of anger not meant for her ears, runs his mouth off with a comment about women being bodyguards that pokes one of Diedre's inner sensitivities. So, he's off to a really bad start. And it doesn't help that she ends up being the substitute for his blind date who gets sick. He can't run out on his friend, and she won't leave her friend in an awkward position. It's still an uncomfortable evening.

And to make matters worse, she's hired out from Hastings Security to be the female body guard for the hospital delivery of a one of Liam's clients. And who's her boss? You got it.

They're both professionals (though there is a mess up here and there), so they learn to work together. In the process, they get to know each other better and even become friends. When it gets complicated is the obvious attraction between them.

But Diedre's not ready for more between them, even when the assignment is over, and he's not longer her boss. Liam is so swoonworthy when he's comforting her during a terrible moment and then when he finds out the truth about her hurt. Seriously. *sigh*
502 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2022
More than a working relationship

When Diedre heard Liam making disparaging remarks about female body
guards she immediately disliked him. When she learned she was assigned to work with him it was even worse. He explained the reason for his comments and they became friends until they weren't.

Working together for weeks in close quarters Diedre and Liam developed a friendship but anything more could cause them to be distracted when on the job. When this job was finished she would no longer be working for Liam but things that happened in Diedre's past made her reluctant to start a relationship.

The ending was very romantic. There were many touching moments and memorable characters. It was easy to engage with Diedre and Liam. This was good with a satisfying ending.
248 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2020
Liam and Deirdre get off on the wrong foot, from the get go! Not only was it fun to be inside the private world of bodyguards but also to see if it is possible for these two to undo their false start. They start out as fierce competitors - including actual sparring. It is an interesting story with many layers. Lorin Grace has a wonderful ability to build characters and take us into a different world.
62 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2024
Love this book. Great story and the characters fall slowly

You meet a jerk and have to work with him. You both keep trying to get along and suddenly find that you are attracted to each other. The job comes first but after the secret to her broken heart will have you teary eyed. Love the way they worked everything out the right way. Love it
81 reviews
March 20, 2022
Good story

Deidre is one tough cookie! A heartbreaking backstory though, and one she never wants to repeat. Liam comes across as brash and egotistical at first! Great book and series!
675 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2023
Good story

A good story of overcoming hurt & prejudice. She is a security guard & a good one. He insulted women security before even meeting her officially.
She gets over & behind to heal after a major hurt.
755 reviews10 followers
May 6, 2020
3.5 star rating. This was a fun quick read.
Profile Image for Donna Campbell.
2,200 reviews13 followers
August 6, 2020
Really great!

I loved the strong female character! There was a little suspense and a lot of great chemistry. This is a really sweet, clean romance.
2,600 reviews20 followers
August 18, 2020
Review of Not the Bodyguard's Boss

I really enjoyed this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
2,607 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2020
Loved this story and all of this series so far!

This book has a awesome storyline and I really enjoyed the sparing between the two of them! Loved the ending!
Profile Image for Tricia Cox garrett.
847 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2021
Not the Bodyguard's Boss

They work fit two different companies, but have come together to protect an expectant woman having triplets. Good clean romance.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,631 reviews40 followers
May 13, 2022
I enjoyed this story.

Content: clean
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