It was supposed to be a simple job….Go to the Winston Isles, they said. Be a double for a billionaire, they said. Well nothing is ever simple.I was supposed to collect my cash and go home. Easy right? Wrong!When my carefully constructed plan goes awry, and my billionaire double goes missing, I have no choice but to hire a smart mouthed, tight assed bodyguard.Zia Barnes is the last thing I need or … is the last thing I need or want. Lord that woman has a mouth on her. She’s also determined, smart, and has no idea I’m an imposter.
Good thing I have no intention on falling for her, or else I’d be royally screwed.
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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.
Bodyguard to the Billionaire introduces us to another fierce and passionate couple. Zia and Theo have an intense connection and immediately come to each other’s defense at the perfect moments. There’s mystery, suspense and full of anticipation at the turn of each page. This book is another first in a duet that has me anxiously waiting on the edge of my seat. We are treated to seeing characters from previous books, but this one can easily be read without reading the others. It’s told in dual point of view, so we are in the minds of Zia & Theo. WARNING! I read this in one sitting and yes, that included reading all night. Jump into the world of the royals and I hope you fall in love with this couple as much as I did.
Bodyguard to the Billionaire by Nana Malone is the First book in the Billionaire Duet. This starts the story of Zia and Theo. Theo ends up having to do a body double job to cover for Derrick Arlington. Then to add to the mix Zia is to be his body guard. Zia is excited to prove herself with this job. But they both have to fight the feelings they are having.
I can’t wait to read the next installment!
Bodyguard to the Billionaire is the first book in The Billionaire Duet by Nana Malone and will have you engaged right from the start. Theo looks a lot like billionaire Derrick Arlington, but he never paid it any attention, until he is asked to impersonate him. Now his life is in an upheaval he never imagined. Enter Zia Barnes.
Zia Barnes is as badass as they come and I loved her! She was so tough to the core but she knows he is keeping secrets. The sparks fly when they are together but they need to stay professional, right? I enjoyed reading Bodyguard to the Billionaire by Nana Malone. It was full of steamy chemistry and intrigue. Excited for the next book in the series!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Bodyguard to the Billionaire by Nana Malone is a fantastic read! This is the first book in Nana Malone new Billionaire Duet series. This is one of several books that I have read by Nana Malone and she doesn’t disappoint in her storytelling.
Bodyguard to the Billionaire begins when Theo Coleman is to be Derrick Arlington, one of the richest billionaires and also one of the sexiest men. Theo has to pretend to be Derrick for 30 days. Theo is doing this to help his family out and then his life will be his own again. When someone tries to kidnap Theo/Derrick, he has to hire a bodyguard to stay safe. Here comes Zia Barnes, who is a Royal Elite guard for the Royal Family. Zia is hired to protect Theo/Derrick while they are trying to find the people trying to kidnap him. The chemistry between Theo/Derrick and Zia is spontaneous!
Will Theo/Derrick and Zia give in to the passion? Will the pair have their happy ever after? Will they find the people that are trying to kidnap Theo/Derrick? You will have to read Bodyguard to the Billionaire by Nana Malone to find out! This book has plenty of romance, hot sex scenes, and intrigue. This book has me so engrossed and I couldn’t put my kindle down! So get your copy of Bodyguard to the Billionaire! You won’t be disappointed!
I’m so glad Nana Malone’s back with more of those Royals we’ve come to love. I honestly live for them and their antics and the storylines always have me begging for more. This story was no different, I was addicted and devoured all the words until of course I hit that ending! I need more please!
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.
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 absolutely love this book!! Wow!! I cannot get enough of Nana Malone’s Royals series. I am completely and head over heels in love with the Royal Family and the people of the Winston Isles. Bodyguard to the Billionaire is an excellent addition to the Royal Elite series. Bodyguard to the Billionaire takes us on yet another mystery involving a member of the Royal family. It has it all… intrigue, comedy, suspense, sexual tension, a petite feisty bodyguard, and an seriously gorgeous billionaire member of the royal family. Oh, and yeah, it has a doppelganger as well. You see sometimes the billionaire isn’t really who everyone thinks he is, which begs the question…where is the real billionaire?!!
Zia Barnes and Derrick Arlington aka Theo are a match made in heaven, only thing is these two don’t realize it yet, because Zia’s job is to guard Derrick/Theo, and Theo’s job is to guard his secret. What can go wrong??!! Everything!! What a joy this book was to read, even though it did leave me with a cliffhanger, and now I have to wait in baited suspense to get my answers. I absolutely loved the fact that the book is premised on the notion of doing the wrong thing for the right reason. I also love that my favorites aka all of them from the past Royal books are always brought back into the storytelling, so that there is always a connection to the original books that started it all, Royals Undercover!! Now, I cannot wait for The Billionaire’s Secret.
He was on his way to running a company with his skills until it meant letting his best friend and partner get the shaft. Then there was an opportunity not only for his friend and himself but for his mother.
When his mirror image walked in with this amazing offer, how could he refuse? He sure should have. But, if he hadn’t been impersonating that looks-like-me billionaire he’d never have met Zia. Probably better for her. She became his bodyguard. She’s the body he’d like to guard. Only she thinks he’s the jerk he’s playing. Any chance for them?
Zia’s job is to keep him safe from the people threatening his life. Not stare at his gorgeousness. She wasn’t making that mistake again. And just because some (including her boss) didn’t abide by the no messing with the client rule didn’t mean she would ignore it.
Could they fight their feelings? Even so, what about the deception? There just didn’t seem to be a chance and he was being threatened. He didn’t want her in danger.
The startling end to this one leaves us panting for the end. I can’t wait. Another amazing read.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
So I have an idea that I know where this story is heading but mums the word until the next one comes out! This author is creating a whole world around the Winston Isles and their royals. It is always an interesting read with many tangents hanging out there waiting for another story to explain them.
Part of a duet, you should know going in that not all the questions will be answered. This tale is about Theo and Zia, the imposter and the one sent to protect him! Theo is acting as Derrick Arlington and doing a pretty good job of it if those around him can’t tell he isn’t the real guy. Being royal and having his life threatened is not the norm for Theo but his cousin the king insists on protection when that happens. Zia is that protection – but it’s protection he’ll also need from her and his insane attraction to her.
This book deserves a reread to make sure you didn’t miss any little detail – but you still won’t have it all figured out! Enjoy!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.
Theo looks just like the king’s billionaire cousin Derek. He is to play his part until Derek actually goes missing. Now Theo has to keep up appearances until Derek is found. He gets a female bodyguard names Zia. Zia is a smaller woman but size means nothing when this woman can kick butt. I love the strong heroine that takes no crap from anyone. Theo and Zia have intense chemistry and it show right from the start of their contact. This story does end in a cliffhanger but the next book is coming out soon.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
Another fantastic story added to the Winston Isles gang. Zia is one of Ariel’s super badass King’s Knights. Theo/Derrick is the hot billionaire that she is hired to protect. Oh, did I mention he is also the king’s cousin? Secrets and emotions run high as Zia tries to keep Theo safe without losing her heart to him. Can Theo keep his secrets safe while protecting the people he loves? We will have to wait for the answers in book two of this duet as it is definitely an exciting cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait for book two!
The royal family expands. Zia is part of the kings knights and is forced to protect the kings cousin, Derrick. Derrick is really Theo, posing as his doppelgänger for 2 million dollars to help his Mom and friends business. Falling for each other was never part of the plan. What happens when the truth comes out!
I couldn’t put Theo and Zia’s book down.
Theo loves his family and friends. He’s good hearted, loyal and genuinely cares about others.
The complete opposite of the man who appears to him and offers him a job as body double. Theo takes the job with the best of intentions but things start to go awry quickly once Theo receives his first threat. Now as things start to unravel Theo will not only have to find a way to protect himself and his family, he’ll have to fight for the woman he’s fallen for.
I seriously need the rest of their story. I knew going into this book that it was a duet but that made no difference once I got to the last page. Hahaha. Once again Mrs. Malone has left the reader with a spectacular and tantalizing cliffhanger. I have such a book hangover right now. Thankfully the second half comes out fairly soon.
I can’t wait to find out how Theo and Zia’s adventure ends.
Nana Malone has mad skill in writing a sexy, mysterious and royal romance. This is like a special trope for her. Bodyguard to the Billionaire carries the same yet different special flavor. It was sinfully sexy. It was nail-chewing heart-pumping suspense. It was a complete entertainment package.
Theo had a simple job. To pose as Billionaire and distant Royalty Derrick Arlington for thirty days till a crucial take over and in turn his dreams about his app and sick mother will be fulfilled. What he did not know was the dangerous bloody secrets and traps in the way. And on day one of his imposter life, he is threatened. Zia Burnes, the sassy sexy and kickass King’s Knight is assigned to him as girlfriend aka bodyguard undercover . Now he is insanely attracted to her but he has secrets and he is swimming in shark infested waters. Zia is one smart and intuitive woman. Can she figure it out before it’s too late? Or will the passion and love blind them?
I love Theo’s character so much. He is basically a common man who has insane skills in technology. But his personality is nothing but common. God I was drooling when he went all badass, uber protective and angry possessive. He may be an imposter but he takes charge like he was born to be a Royal and Billionaire. Zia was one of my favorites from the other books of this Royal family series. And I got to see the vulnerable and insecure side of her. Which made me respect her even more. And let’s talk about the chemistry. This story was the epitome of slow burn romance. The push and pull was magnificent! They had a beautiful soul deep connection which intensified their sizzling hot physical chemistry! The story had massive twists and turns as I could see a big complicated conspiracy unfolding slowly. And that ending was jaw dropping.
If you love your romance sexy, heartwarming and with a dose of adrenaline rush; Bodyguard to the Billionaire by Nana Malone is perfect for you. In fact this is perfect for any romance reader in search for an intense, captivating and swoonworthy romance!
Received ARC for Honest Review
What a fun and sexy romance! Zia Barnes, part of the Royal Elite team, accidentally steps in to a situation with a sexy stranger. What she finds out is that it was the kings cousin, Derrick, or was it? She is now tasked to help protect him at the kings request. Theo was burned before and when he was hired to pretend to be Derrick for a month, for a large sum, he jumps at the chance. But as he takes on Derricks life, he discovers more secrets and danger than he ever expected. The hardest thing is the sexy bodyguard he is falling for but can’t tell her the truth. I really love this story of secret identities, and forbidden love. Zia and Theo are so intriguing and their sexual tension is off the charts. The twists and turns that this story takes is thrilling and breathtaking. I loved that all the family and friends we’ve grown to love from the past stories are all involved and essential in this book along with new intriguing members of the Royal Elite that I need to know more about. There was still the wonderful humor that Ms Malone does so well, along with intrigue and emotion that kept me totally engaged. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book!
I love being back with the Royals of the Winston Isles! All these characters are so great, and the new ones each story brings are just as good. When Theo is asked by his billionaire doppelgänger to take his place for a month, he thinks it’ll be great money for him and his sick mom. But when he’s forced by his cousin, the king, to take a bodyguard after an incident at a wedding, he didn’t expect that bodyguard to be the woman who had caught his eye at the wedding reception. Zia has been burned by a man in her past, and has some baggage, but she’s instantly attracted to “Derrick”. But incidents keep happening to Theo, and this book ends in a definite cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the conclusion!
Zia is a tiny badass King’s Knight, which means her bodyguarding skills are elite. Only the elite are chosen to be royal protectors, and she’s just that. So when she’s called up to guard the King’s cousin, billionaire Derrick Arlington, she’s more than up for the job, whether Gray Eyes thinks so or not. Unfortunately for both of them, there’s an obvious attraction. This isn’t the Bodyguard with Whitney & Kevin Costner, though,…or maybe it is .
Theo didn’t know when Derrick asked him to be his secret double, that there was someone who’d know his real identity. Or that someone/something was wrong at Derrick’s company. And he definitely didn’t know he’d meet a tiny, gorgeous badass woman who’d bring him to his knees. But, he doesn’t want the attraction between them. He just needs to get through this body double job, then he’ll be good to go. An attraction to the bodyguard he doesn’t want does not fit into his life plan. Even though she saves him, literally. Even though his feelings are soon developing at an alarming pace…
Like its royal predecessors, Bodyguard to the Billionaire is sexy and suspenseful, ratcheting up that tension between its leads, and killing the reader with a doozy of a cliffy. I love Zia and Theo together. The attraction is obvious from their first meeting, and it only gets stronger as the suspense around them leads them into tight situations. What I really love most about this duet, though, is Zia. She’s tough and smart and a badass. Nothing is cooler than a woman whose size leads everyone (men) to underestimate her, and in turn, she surprises them all with her skill and strength. Theo is an equal partner for her, and I cannot wait for their conclusion, The Billionaire’s Secret.
ARC via author.
The latest Winston Isles adventures find readers with another member of the royal family with a twist. The story begins with Sebastian’s cousin Derrick Arlington and Royal Knight Zia Barnes. One major problem it’s really Derrick’s hired body double Theo (Holy Plot Twist!). We also get to learn more about Zia’s life outside of the Royal Elite. Someone is after Derrick/Theo and it up the Royal Elite to figure out who is. There are so many twists that my suspect list continued to grow throughout the story. I also appreciate mentioned my favorite London brothers Alexi & Xander (missed them a lot). I know it would be a cliffhanger ending but I still gasped (Ms. Malone you get me every time). I laughed and got in my feelings at the same time. Can’t wait to find my answers and if my theories are proven in the next book.