Chris Bradford's Bodyguard Series!

Bradford, Chris. Target (Bodyguard #7)
Published January 2nd 2018 by Philomel Books
Copy provided by the publisher

This is a prequel to the series that follows the career of Charley Hunter, who oversees Connor's unit in Recruit (Bodyguard #1). Charley is a surfer whose life falls apart after her best friend is abducted right in front of her. Shortly after, both of her parents are killed, and she ends up in foster care. When she saves another surfer from a shark attack, she is brought to the attention of Colonel Black, who recruits her for the Guardian organization. Training is tough, since she's the only girl, but Charley internalizes the philosophy that she must work twice as hard to be treated half as well, and soon is chosen for high profile missions, which she carries out fairly well. Because of this, she is recruited to protect Ash Wild, a young rock star whose fame has also brought him to the attention of the paparazzi as well as someone who is making repeated death threats. Big T is the main bodyguard, but Charley is billed as a PR intern, so she is less noticeable. When she manages to save Ash from several threats in a very public manner, she receives a lot of attention. Will this jeopardize her position?
Strengths: This moves at a furious pace, and lots of things happen. The details about Ash's life on tour will appeal to readers with an interest in celebrity. I love how prepared and conscientious Charley is, and also really enjoy all of the information about how to be a bodyguard. Bradford's training is very evident in this volume.
Weaknesses: I personally like a little more detail about a character's background and would have liked to know more about Charley's life when she was surfing, but that's not really the focus of this series.
What I really think: I mentioned to a teacher that I had been sent copies of this, and she was so excited because her son and his friend had been reading the books. I had to read both over the weekend so I could bring them to school on Monday! That's some excitement!

Bradford, Chris. Traitor (Bodyguard #8)
Published January 2nd 2018 by Philomel Books
Copy provided by the publisher

After attacks in Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio, the security team is on high alert. Every venue is potentially fatal; every fan a potential assassin. Charley has her hands full, since Ash doesn't fully understand the peril he is in. It doesn't help that there is an overly zealous fan, Pete, who has altered his appearance to look as much like Ash as possible and is following the tour. Is he the threat? As more and more near misses occur-- aggressive paparazzi, a hotel fire-- everyone seems to be a suspect. The Guardian's tech people are brought in, and Charley escapes a fatal beating when they alert her to the presence of the cell phone that has been making the threats-- it's right next to her, under a concert stage! Since the potential killer knows how close Charley is, the threats escalate. Even though she is doing her best, it's almost impossible for Charley to keep Ash completely safe. It doesn't help that she is afraid she is becoming emotionally involved with the rock star. After several more harrowing episodes, it emerges that there are many people out to get Ash. Can they all be stopped before Ash's career, and possibly  his life, is ended?
Strengths: The brief overview at the beginning of the book isn't really necessary, because I can't see readers waiting more than a day or two before plunging head first into this second book! This book certainly tests all of Charley's many skills, and even the romance aspect is handled from her main job as a security expert.
Weaknesses: The many twists do get to be a little bit unbelievable. And boo! I knew what was going to happen to Charlie, but it still made me sad.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing this entire series in a prebind. Excellent choice for gifts for young readers, and I appreciate that these two books can be read outside of the main series. Caveat: Don't just buy book one! The second is a direct continuation of the story, and if avid readers don't have it, there will be complaints!