Out of the Blue by Kathryn Nolan

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Publication date: ​05/14/2021
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

Not to long ago, I asked for bodyguard romance recommendations where the person being guarded wasn't a whiny a-hole who decided to "teach the bodyguard a lesson" by trying to make his/her job harder. Well, I found one!! Here's the deal: 

Plot overview: Serena is a pro surfer who just landed a huge deal as a big corporation's spokesperson. They decided she'll need added security. The man they hire just happens to be a blast from her past, Cope McDaniels.

Trope bingo:  bodyguard romance, second chance romance, pro athlete romance

I honestly loved everything about this book. But here are the highlights: 

Serena, the heroine  
She's tough, smart, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She's a fighter. In fact, she's more than up to the task of fighting the misogynic crap her fellow female athletes deal with on a daily basis, and she's willing to use her huge platform to do it. And even though she's not actively in any danger when the book starts, she's willing to accept the extra security gracefully. She's thankful to have someone looking out for her, which was an exceptionally mature attitude. (And that attitude is NOT something I've found in all bodyguard romance, unfortunately.)  

Cope, the hero
He's sexy, he's a bodyguard, he has a great sense of humor, and he's been pining for the heroine for years. I mean, other than rescuing dogs, he really couldn't have been any  hotter. 

Not too scary
I would call this one romantic suspense light. Sure, the stakes are serious, but not super scary serious. You won't have any nightmares after reading this one.

Sexy times
If you're looking for super hot, super passionate sexy times, look no more. This is the book you want. 

Unique premise
I honestly can't think of too many romances out there featuring female pro surfers. It's a world I didn't know much of anything about, and I found it super interesting. The author could've made her heroine...oh, I dunno...a gymnast or figure skater or some other typically female-dominated sport, but she went with a unique premise and I really dig that.   

So, long-story-short, if you're looking for a super hot romance between a couple of mature characters in the type of danger that won't give you nightmares, this is the read for you. It was CERTAINLY a great read for me. 

(And on a totally shallow note...the cover's really pretty.) 

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
No rehab needed. This one's totally stigma free. ​    ​