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jigsawgirl's review
5.0
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. I was so caught up in this story that I completely forgot it was part of a duet until I reached that last page.
Theo and Zia were so good together. Witty, fun, and sexy come to mind. Even when they were giving each other grief you could sense the chemistry and sexual tension building between them.
There was mystery, intrigue, and suspense. I had some suspicions very early in in the book that I was just waiting to have confirmed. Eventually they were. I can't wait for book 2 that will undoubtedly answer more questions left unasked and unanswered in book one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Theo and Zia were so good together. Witty, fun, and sexy come to mind. Even when they were giving each other grief you could sense the chemistry and sexual tension building between them.
There was mystery, intrigue, and suspense. I had some suspicions very early in in the book that I was just waiting to have confirmed. Eventually they were. I can't wait for book 2 that will undoubtedly answer more questions left unasked and unanswered in book one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
carlac135's review
5.0
Bodyguard to the Billionaire is Zia and Theo’s story...but Zia thinks it is her and Derrick’s story. The story starts out explaining how Theo is going to take Derrick’s place for a few weeks in his life..basically having Theo be royal and fulfilling all of Derrick’s obligations. Theo as Derrick meets Zia during a royal wedding when he finds himself in a sticky situation. Zia tries to help and makes things worse, pulling Theo deeper into the life of the royals. The development of their relationship and how wonderful Theo is is a great read. You can help but root for Theo and want him to continue to be Derrick. The ending is a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens. There are a lot of twists and turns and I hope Zia and Theo can come out of this on top.
chrissy3562's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book but had to knock off a star because it is a cliffhanger and there was no warning. The story was well written and sucked me in, but I don’t like the way it ended. I’m anxious for the next book. Theo and Zia definitely had chemistry and a complicated relationship. I have questions and theories that I’m sure will be answered in the next book. Definitely recommend this book but be prepared for a cliffhanger.
tlea's review
4.0
While this is part 1 of the Billionaire Duet, there are some things you should know. It isn't a complete story. For your HEA you will need to also read book 2 when it becomes available. While the duet can be read as a standalone story, it is part of the Royal Elite world & includes characters from other books. This is a great story.
Zia is a Kings Knight & a bodyguard with Royal Elite, both of which means she's a total badass. But she's had a fairly shitty life & she continues to be handed a bad deal thanks to people in abusing their place in her life. Derrick is a whole plot twist in himself & without major spoilers that's all I'll say about him.
When reading this, be prepared for twists & turns & when I got to the end, I was no closer to working out what's happening than I was at the beginning.
Can't wait for the conclusion.
Zia is a Kings Knight & a bodyguard with Royal Elite, both of which means she's a total badass. But she's had a fairly shitty life & she continues to be handed a bad deal thanks to people in abusing their place in her life. Derrick is a whole plot twist in himself & without major spoilers that's all I'll say about him.
When reading this, be prepared for twists & turns & when I got to the end, I was no closer to working out what's happening than I was at the beginning.
Can't wait for the conclusion.
totallybookeduk's review
5.0
Whilst attending Princess Jessa and Roone's wedding reception Zia spots a handsome stranger across the room. His dark hair and grey eyes captivating her, when she notices him leaving with another gentleman. Feeling as though things aren't right she goes after them and manages to foil an attempted kidnapping. Not that grey eyes is happy about her interference.
Theo is in the Winston Isles for 30 days, however, he'll be playing a body double for Derrick who is a billionaire and cousin to the King. Needing the two million payment for his mother's cancer treatment and for his app company he agrees to step into his shoes but immediately he is regretting this decision.
The Royal Elite are tasked as protection for him following the attempted kidnapping at the request of the King. With Zia assigned as his personal guard acting as his assistant and girlfriend. Along the way, they have to deal with Zia's younger sister Deedee who needs to be rescued time and time again. Alongside the growing threat to Derrick (Theo), however, what happens when they each blur the lines of their acts? Where is the real Derrick?
A cliffhanger ending leading into the second Billionaire Duet book in the series.
Theo is in the Winston Isles for 30 days, however, he'll be playing a body double for Derrick who is a billionaire and cousin to the King. Needing the two million payment for his mother's cancer treatment and for his app company he agrees to step into his shoes but immediately he is regretting this decision.
The Royal Elite are tasked as protection for him following the attempted kidnapping at the request of the King. With Zia assigned as his personal guard acting as his assistant and girlfriend. Along the way, they have to deal with Zia's younger sister Deedee who needs to be rescued time and time again. Alongside the growing threat to Derrick (Theo), however, what happens when they each blur the lines of their acts? Where is the real Derrick?
A cliffhanger ending leading into the second Billionaire Duet book in the series.
wilko's review
4.0
What he thought was an easy job for a few months has now turned deadly for some unknown reason and now Derrick/Theo is stuck in his role with Kings Guard Zia watching him while they work out who is after him. I loved how both Theo and Zia are so torn about the attraction but Theo is doubly tortured due to not being who everyone thinks he is. There are some great twists, surprises, hella good steamy scenes as well as some damn frustrating times for everyone in this book and the ending .... gosh darn it I don't want to wait for the next book I want it now!!! 🕥
profromance's review
4.0
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am always on the hunt for new authors. As a blogger/reviewer, I love when I receive emails looking for readers for an author, especially one I haven’t read. This was the case with Nana Malone. Even though she has an impressive existing book list, she simply hadn’t hit my Kindle search until I received an email about her newest book, Bodyguard to the Billionaire. In reading the blurb for the book, I was hooked for one of many reasons: (1) billionaire romance, (2) doppelgänger, (3) strong female hero (she’s a bodyguard), and (4) hints of a forbidden romance. And this book doesn’t disappoint in fulfilling those categories. Bodyguard to the Billionaire is the first book in a duet, so it ends on a nice little (not really little…actually, BIG) cliffhanger. If you’re looking for a HEA at the end of this book, you have to wait patiently for the second book in the duet, The Billionaire’s Secret (which you can preorder now).
Synopsis:
The story follows Theo and Zia. Theo is a look-alike to the playboy billionaire, Derrick Arlington. Derrick approaches Theo and asks him to pretend to be him for a short time, no explanation given other than Theo must ensure Derrick’s company’s acquisition proceeds. Derrick offers Theo an exorbitant amount of money to fulfill this task, and Theo needs the money to work himself out of a hole left by leaving a former job. What Theo doesn’t bargain far is an attempt on his life.
Enter Zia. Zia is a King’s Knight, a bodyguard under the royal guard. She helps save Theo on the night an attempt is made on his life. Given that Derrick is a cousin to a king (and a lord), a decision is made for Zia to protect Theo/Derrick as his bodyguard. She will act as his girlfriend and personal assistant. From the start, these two feel a strong attraction to each other, but the complications of a relationship keep them apart until they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. Will Zia keep Theo/Derrick safe? Will she forgive Theo when she finds out that he is not Derrick? Will these two find a happily-ever-after? Those are the questions.
Review:
Given that I had not read Nana Malone before Bodyguard to the Billionaire, I was woefully unprepared for the other characters in this book, namely the other King’s Knights and the royal figures. There are obviously other books that precede this book, so, while this is a standalone duet, it can be confusing in understanding the relationships between Zia and the other people in this book. There are quite a few other characters who have clear backstories, and it left me a bit overwhelmed at times. For example, King Sebastian asks Theo/Derrick to join a basketball game and various other male characters join in. It is clear that they have books of their own, and I would have liked to know them better in this book. However, this is more about me than Malone’s development of the story.
This book is a SLOW BURN. Theo and Zia fight their attraction vehemently, and they (especially Theo) question their feelings and motives constantly. Between the two of them, I found myself becoming frustrated at times. I’m not sure if that was Malone’s intent, but there was a bit of repetitiveness in the story as these two denied themselves for most of the book. In fact, these two don’t finally consummate (connect in the bedroom) until 80% into the book, so this romance requires patience. Again, it’s a slow burn.
There are many parts of this book I loved. For one, the story is interesting. I’m feeling as though this has a Parent Trap feel to it. I think Theo and Derrick will be more connected than initially suggested. There is definitely some romantic suspense in this book besides the forbidden romance aspect, and I think it will make for a big explosion in the second book in this duet.
Additionally, Theo and Zia offer the best type of character qualities. While struggling to mimic Derrick, Theo simply cannot hide his true self. It’s this identity that Zia really loves. It’s actually what I loved about him two because he is a little bit alpha, compassionate, and kind. Even more, Zia is the best type of heroine: she’s a strong woman who has denied her own happiness to ensure the happiness around her. When you meet this type of woman in a book, you cannot help but cheer on the hope that she will find someone who will live to bring her happiness. And we see this begin to transpire in this book. If she can forgive Theo in the second book, I KNOW Theo will become that swoony hero for Zia.
Bodyguard to the Billionaire is a great beginning to the Billionaire Duet. The moment I finished reading this book, I quickly one-clicked The Billionaire’s Secret because I’m hooked by this couple and their story. If you love a romantic suspense with a hero and heroine whose chemistry burns off the page, then you’ll want to read Nana Malone’s newest book.
I am always on the hunt for new authors. As a blogger/reviewer, I love when I receive emails looking for readers for an author, especially one I haven’t read. This was the case with Nana Malone. Even though she has an impressive existing book list, she simply hadn’t hit my Kindle search until I received an email about her newest book, Bodyguard to the Billionaire. In reading the blurb for the book, I was hooked for one of many reasons: (1) billionaire romance, (2) doppelgänger, (3) strong female hero (she’s a bodyguard), and (4) hints of a forbidden romance. And this book doesn’t disappoint in fulfilling those categories. Bodyguard to the Billionaire is the first book in a duet, so it ends on a nice little (not really little…actually, BIG) cliffhanger. If you’re looking for a HEA at the end of this book, you have to wait patiently for the second book in the duet, The Billionaire’s Secret (which you can preorder now).
Synopsis:
The story follows Theo and Zia. Theo is a look-alike to the playboy billionaire, Derrick Arlington. Derrick approaches Theo and asks him to pretend to be him for a short time, no explanation given other than Theo must ensure Derrick’s company’s acquisition proceeds. Derrick offers Theo an exorbitant amount of money to fulfill this task, and Theo needs the money to work himself out of a hole left by leaving a former job. What Theo doesn’t bargain far is an attempt on his life.
Enter Zia. Zia is a King’s Knight, a bodyguard under the royal guard. She helps save Theo on the night an attempt is made on his life. Given that Derrick is a cousin to a king (and a lord), a decision is made for Zia to protect Theo/Derrick as his bodyguard. She will act as his girlfriend and personal assistant. From the start, these two feel a strong attraction to each other, but the complications of a relationship keep them apart until they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. Will Zia keep Theo/Derrick safe? Will she forgive Theo when she finds out that he is not Derrick? Will these two find a happily-ever-after? Those are the questions.
Review:
Given that I had not read Nana Malone before Bodyguard to the Billionaire, I was woefully unprepared for the other characters in this book, namely the other King’s Knights and the royal figures. There are obviously other books that precede this book, so, while this is a standalone duet, it can be confusing in understanding the relationships between Zia and the other people in this book. There are quite a few other characters who have clear backstories, and it left me a bit overwhelmed at times. For example, King Sebastian asks Theo/Derrick to join a basketball game and various other male characters join in. It is clear that they have books of their own, and I would have liked to know them better in this book. However, this is more about me than Malone’s development of the story.
This book is a SLOW BURN. Theo and Zia fight their attraction vehemently, and they (especially Theo) question their feelings and motives constantly. Between the two of them, I found myself becoming frustrated at times. I’m not sure if that was Malone’s intent, but there was a bit of repetitiveness in the story as these two denied themselves for most of the book. In fact, these two don’t finally consummate (connect in the bedroom) until 80% into the book, so this romance requires patience. Again, it’s a slow burn.
There are many parts of this book I loved. For one, the story is interesting. I’m feeling as though this has a Parent Trap feel to it. I think Theo and Derrick will be more connected than initially suggested. There is definitely some romantic suspense in this book besides the forbidden romance aspect, and I think it will make for a big explosion in the second book in this duet.
Additionally, Theo and Zia offer the best type of character qualities. While struggling to mimic Derrick, Theo simply cannot hide his true self. It’s this identity that Zia really loves. It’s actually what I loved about him two because he is a little bit alpha, compassionate, and kind. Even more, Zia is the best type of heroine: she’s a strong woman who has denied her own happiness to ensure the happiness around her. When you meet this type of woman in a book, you cannot help but cheer on the hope that she will find someone who will live to bring her happiness. And we see this begin to transpire in this book. If she can forgive Theo in the second book, I KNOW Theo will become that swoony hero for Zia.
Bodyguard to the Billionaire is a great beginning to the Billionaire Duet. The moment I finished reading this book, I quickly one-clicked The Billionaire’s Secret because I’m hooked by this couple and their story. If you love a romantic suspense with a hero and heroine whose chemistry burns off the page, then you’ll want to read Nana Malone’s newest book.
joskypay's review
5.0
OMG what an absolutely delicious book! Every single word of it! First, I loved it because the heroine's name is Zia and she is quite the bad@ss. That was awesome because my daughters name is Zia, and you don't see that name alot so it got points with me for that. Then Theo/Derrick... SWOON! All that AND he has a good heart? Trust me, if you love romance you will love Theo from the get go. I don't want to spoil anything, but every time you turn the page THE PLOT THICKENS! I'm so rooting for these two, they truly deserve each other and whatever happiness they find along the way!
fsmeurinne's review
5.0
I am loving this series, Zia and Theo story got to me and is not letting me go, I love the mystery and characters. I went in due to the fact that I love Billionaires books, the suspense is great and the twist in the story, I just need the next one.