Premise:

Simon is set in his ways, which is understandable after four centuries of life experience. The prickly independent vampire doesn’t like change, but he’s forced to adapt when someone tries to kill Simon and he’s left weakened. Now he’s forced to rely on the werewolf bodyguard his sire hired to keep him safe while figuring out who tried to kill him.

The wolf Cody is struggling to maintain control and not go feral, which is difficult without a pack or mate. The last thing he needs is a stubborn charge.

Of course vampires and wolves don’t really get along in this universe. But vampires, wolves, witches, hunters have a treaty in place where they stay in the shadows and try their best to tolerate each other.

My Thoughts:

Supernatural stories in particular are good at not just enemies-to-lovers but natural enemies-to-lovers. Where they might not have hated each other at the beginning if not for their opposite natures and distrust between vampires and werewolves.

There’s a delicious reluctance to be around each other at first and thinking the worst of each other. This means the relationship is a slow build by necessity. They try to stay wary and keep their distance even though they feel drawn to each other, which makes it so satisfying when they do unite.

Simon likes being a big brat and riling Cody up, which is so much fun and my favorite part.

In some books, the smut can feel obligatory instead of hot as hell. This is not one of those books. The steamy scenes are fantastic, not to mention in character and romantic too.

The only thing I don’t love is that it took me forever to post a review. To be fair, this is no one’s fault but my own. One day I will post timely reviews but that day is not today.

Quotes

Tags:

Enemies to lovers, mystery, action, an artistic and isolated vampire, brooding werewolf, the wolf is vicious and yet still a big puppy for Simon, painting as foreplay, a centuries old vampire who is still somehow a brat, excellent bickering and sexual tension

Official Book Description:

Simon doesn’t want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.

Too bad the reclusive vampire doesn’t have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassin’s strike, and he isn’t safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.

A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.

Cody’s instincts make him a formidable guard—if he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove himself:

Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.

Keeping things professional is Cody’s only hope. Simon may have four centuries’ worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simon’s prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared for…

Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Cody’s wolf.

The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.