
Her stalker is getting closer. So is her bodyguard.
I know how to write murder mysteries.
Dead bodies? Great. Blood and gore? Even better.
Romance? Absolutely not.
Unfortunately for me, my production company disagrees. After years of writing cozy crime dramas, I’m suddenly being forced to write a flannel and cider romantic screenplay filled with pumpkin patches, maple festivals, and happily-ever-afters I don’t actually believe in.
Especially not after months of terrifying messages from a stalker who seems to know way too much about me.
Which is how I end up back in my hometown of Autumn Ridge, under the protection of Tate Walker—my older brother’s best friend, a cop, and the same overprotective pain in my neck who spent most of my teenage years telling me what I could and couldn’t do.
Tate is temporarily off-duty and back home recovering from a dangerous undercover operation that left him injured and drowning in guilt. And somehow protecting me has become his newest assignment.
Now I’m living on his family’s hay farm while police attempt to catch my stalker. Between boxing lessons, tractor rides, and cozy autumn outings that feel suspiciously like dates, I start finding inspiration for my romantic screenplay in the one place I never expected:
My bodyguard.
But as the threats escalate and my stalker gets closer, so do Tate and I. And falling for the man assigned to protect me might be the most dangerous plot twist of all.
My Review:
Wheee, this is the kind of rom/com that takes you from full belly guffaws to toe-curling swoons in a nanosecond. And we all know that an avid suspense reader’s fancy turns to stalker themes in the Fall. 🙂 Love that extra little kick to this story, though I consider ‘The Bodyguard Fall’ to be more contemporary romance then suspense. Like a 70/30 split in favour of rom/com. Which is chockfull of delightful tropes – fake dating, forced proximity, he’s her brother’s best friend and there’s one more I can’t mention because it’s a nice surprise well into the book, but most every romance reader I know is a fan.
Steel captures all the heartwarming elements of small town life in the autumn and I especially love Tate’s lively family. His brothers’ conniving is priceless! And the messaging back and forth between Tate and Olivia’s brother are hysterical! The comedy beats throughout this story are so well paced.
Grab a fan and clear off your fainting couch because this author delivers romance. Flirty banter and witty dialogue mask an undercurrent of emotions that gradually simmer to the surface as the story progresses. Gentle readers might want to be aware that there are a few detailed kissing scenes, still definitely fits the Closed Door Romance criteria, but just a bit more…expressive…than I’m used to. Also of note, there is a bit of very mild cussing.
A great introduction to the ‘Falling for Autumn’ multi-authored series. Looking forward to more visits to Autumn Ridge this fall.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice
Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bodyguard Fall, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2026.
This sounds like a fun book, and I definitely need a rom/com to lighten my reading mood sometimes. This is a new-to-me author, but this series has a bunch of intriguing books by some of my favorite authors. Thanks for the great review, Kav, and the chance to win!
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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This one will definitely lighten your reading mood and bring a sense of autumn too. Can’t wait for the leaves to start changing! Good luck, Winnie!
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What a great way to be introduced to a new to me author! THE BODYGUARD FALL sounds like an absolutely fabulous story and a book I know I’m going to love reading. I’m definitely ready for a rom/com as a break from all the danger, murder and suspense that it seems my books have been having lately. Not complaining, but just ready for a slight break – as we all need from time to time.
Thank you for your amazing review, which has me getting my supplies all ready for an all in one sitting. Greatly appreciate your generosity and the wonderful chance to win a copy.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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I’ve read a few of her books now and Cindy Steel writes an awesome rom/com! Good luck, Kay!
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YES, lots to love in this FUN book! Her book in last year’s summer series was really great too. I’ve really enjoyed the multi author romcom series that she’s been part of.
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Thanks for sharing the book love, Sandy. I’m enjoying these multi-authored series so much and I am getting introduced to new to me authors as well. Happy Reading!
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Sounds fun & interesting.leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Good luck, Lucy!
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I read Steele’s book, The One With the Kiss Cam, and it was fantastic! Can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com
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I read that one too – loved it as well. Good luck, Jolene!
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I love a good small town story, especially where a character goes back home where everybody knows them so well!
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Yes, a the best kind of setting. Good luck, Patty!
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