I loved the writing and the plot/sub-plot so hard. The humor was a bit more subtle than I normally go for, but it really works well in this book. The descriptions of places and people was on point. Which I, of course, love. For someone with such a weak imagination like myself, it really is great when there's descriptions of things… it's one of the main hooks that pull me in a story and when it's neglected, I may as well be reading an instruction manual in Japanese.Anyway, the pacing is decent throughout the book and really picks up at the end. There were no awkward, bored moments ever. The plot and sub-plot were so intriguing that when I did have to put the book down it was with a lot of reluctance. The characters were so great! I loved them all, but Lily was the favorite. She has a quiet, understated strength that works so well. She's also spunky, sassy, and sharp as a tack. I'd love to have her as a friend.Matt is equally impressive, but he has a shy, self-conscious streak that I'm not a fan of. I suppose Lily's flamboyant side makes up for that though. He is awfully cute, sexy and charming but things got rocky for him during the end conflict. But he so redeems himself! Their romance was truly beautiful. Believable in the natural progression of their feelings for each other I thought.Overall, this was a great read. The plot is intriguing, the characters endearing, the ending is sheer perfection in my eyes (even though I did need a couple tissues). So many memorable scenes and moments that take your breath away, I couldn't help but root for Lily and Matt to get their HEA. And I just love the prologue when we catch up with everyone 5 years later. ( )

I love bodyguard stories anyway, but Matt is one fine, sexy hero. Jerrott hasn't written a bad book yet, but this one really sizzles. I couldn't put it down! ( )

HB was enjoyable but not my favorite Jerott. It seemed a bit like a romantic suspense but it is marketed as a contemporary romance. Lili Kavanaugh is a bridal shoe designer from NY who is visiting Chicago when she becomes the victim of a kidnapping attempt. Her very rich parents hire a team of bodyguards led by Matt Hawkins. Lili is a bit of a spoiled brat at first and I didn't like her much but as the story progressed I warmed up to her a lot. Matt is gorgeous, sexy and totally yummy. They make a hot couple and the sexual tension was well done. The mystery storyline that revolves around a gangster shooting and pair of shoes from 1933 was very interesting and unusual. Like most women, I love shoes. So it was very fun to read a mystery that centered around a shoe designer and a beautiful pair of shoes. (Grade: B-) ( )

From BackCover:
The Rich Girl
Why would someone try to kidnap Lili Kavanaugh? She's a shoe designer, for heaven's sake! It was just a fluke -- she certainly doesn't need a bodyguard, despite her overprotective family's opinion.

Enter Matt Hawkins: tall, dark, and dangerous bodyguard extraordinaire. A man who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. A man who makes Lili shiver -- and not from fear. And a man who refuses to see Lili as more than a job, even though she's seen the heat in his eyes when he looks at her. Well...she'll just have to fix that!

vs. The Big Bad Wolf
All Matt wants is the fee he'll collect from this job to finally start his own agency. But Lili's zest for life points up how tunnel-visioned he's become. So when she demands to know if he doesn't want more out of life, what can a strong man say...except "I do"? ( )

Shoes, gangsters, a hot bodyguard. Cool stuff. My only complaint was that there was the usual "I can't stay with you because of your job," that you always see in romances when the hero has a dangerous job. At least that wasn't the main plot. And to be fair, part of her problem with his job was that he was actually pretty miserable doing it. I do like the way this author writes. ( )