Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is a cute, funny contemporary romance involving one gorgeous, impetuous Hollywood star and one short, stoic therapist hired to be his minder when he gets into a bar fight.

Alex is a tall, muscular, hot actor starring on TV’s most popular show. But the showrunners wrecked his character on the show’s last season, he’s got dark secrets that affect his behavior in inopportune times and when he gets into a bar fight, rather than asking him what happened, the producers assume he’s at fault and hire a therapist to shadow him everywhere he goes. Alex is told that his “minder” must go everywhere he goes until the last episode airs, and if he steps out of line again, they will sue him and he’ll never work again.

Lauren is overweight and not classically pretty. She’s worked for years as an ER therapist, but after finally burning out, she leaves her job and goes to Europe for a much needed vacation. Her mother pressures her to visit her producer cousin in Spain, and despite the fact that she hates her cruel, idiot cousin, Lauren always puts others’ needs above her own and complies. Her timing couldn’t be worse, and when Alex shows up on the set, Lauren’s cousin assigns her as his “minder”. Rather then step up for herself, she agrees to forgo her vacation and takes the job.

Lauren and Alex get off to a rocky start, but eventually they settle into a good working relationship. It helps that Lauren understands his limitations due to ADHD and suspects that he has secrets that motivate him to act as he does. Her patience, and his smartass humor, work. As the duo go through trying events together and challenges to Alex’s career, the employer/employee relationship turns into an unlikely romance.

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was funny. I know a lot of people didn’t care for how Alex talked to Lauren, but being a self-admitted smartass myself, I totally get his humor. None of his smart ass comments are meant to hurt, humiliate or demean Lauren, and she knows that. She gets that his insecurity and ADHD limitations are expressed in his incessant need to charm, joke and prod a reaction from her because the truth is, he’s lonely and desperately seeking human connection. Meaningful connection. So, the banter between Alex and Lauren didn’t bother me.

I’ve heard that the first book in this series is really good, so I plan to go back and read it. I also look forward to reading any further books in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager. All opinions are my own.