Gambling on the Bodyguard by Sarah Ballance Series: What Happens in Vegas #8
Published by Entangled: Lovestruck
Publication Date: October 12th 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 154
Source: Publisher
Format: eARC
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Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
He’ll guard her body all night long…
Ski instructor Ellie Montgomery hits Vegas during a romance convention to meet the man of her dreams…only, the man of her dreams isn’t the cover model she’s there to see. He’s the hot-as-sin bodyguard who catches her sneaking in the back door of a meet-and-greet, and he seems more than ready to do what it takes to prove he’s twice the man her pretty boy crush could ever be.
Jax Mathis couldn’t resist snagging a date with Ellie, but he didn’t count on the attraction being more than physical. They connect on a level he didn’t think possible–and he can’t run fast enough. She makes him want things he thought he’d never have, and maybe, just maybe, they’re within reach. But to have it, he’ll have to face the one mountain he swore he’d never climb…and with no guarantee she’ll be waiting on the other side.
Review
I’m not usually a fan of insta-love stories but have been known to enjoy one that’s well done and GAMBLING ON THE BODYGUARD was. But then again, I enjoy Ms. Ballance’s writing so I may be biased.
Ellie Montgomery is in Vegas at a romance convention to meet her dream man, romance novel cover model Willie Focker, but a bathroom accident results in the loss of her prized ticket – one of very few – to a private party with the model. Ellie is determined to not miss this opportunity and what’s a girl to do? Sneak in through the backdoor, of course. Unfortunately for her, the hulking bodyguard at the door is quick to put the kibosh on her plan and ensnare her attention. Ellie is very sweet and reserved and her instant attraction to the bodyguard takes her by surprise but she’s in Vegas and open to new experiences for the duration of her stay.
Jax Mathis can’t resist the beauty trying to sneak into the ballroom and very uncharacteristic of him, he elicits a promise from her to spend time with him in exchange for entry into the ballroom.
I enjoyed Ellis and Jax’s characters because together they were cute and sweet, and their connection was intense. Even though they knew that their time together was short, it didn’t stop them from enjoying each other’s company, especially considering that they both came with a lot of emotional baggage. They gave each other reason to deal with their baggage and reach out for a chance at an amazing relationship, even though it took Jax a bit longer to get there.
GAMBLING ON THE BODYGUARD is different from the other books I have read from the author because it’s more emotional but it was still a great read.
About Sarah Ballance
Sarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
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