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The Ryder Brothers #4

Forever My Guardian

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Can a man who never thought about leaving the Army and a woman scorned help each other discover what they need most?

I just came home from serving in the military and the last thing I’m looking for is to fall in love. When I learn a woman from my past needs my help, though, I step in and pose as her boyfriend. I’m not looking for forever with her and this is just me doing a good thing, at least that’s what I keep telling myself. The trouble is, the more we’re together, the harder it becomes for me to deny the very real feelings I have for her. Which is why it’s not going to be easy to tell her this can never be anything more than a fake relationship.

Note: Every book in The Ryder Brothers series stands completely on its own and there are no cliffhangers! Start reading today!

*The Ryder Brothers series in order (if you so choose to read them that way)*

Forever My Protector

Forever My Ranger

Forever My Soldier

Forever My Guardian

ebook

First published June 25, 2024

2 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

Dani Ryan

16 books211 followers
Dani Ryan is the combined pen name of bestselling author duo and sisters Dani and Ryan. Dani is the former editor-in-chief at a digital and print publication with an emphasis on fashion and beauty in the wedding sphere. She served to deliver top trend reports and had a pulse on New York Bridal Fashion Week. Ryan previously spent time working at a cosmetics and skincare company. Formerly Ryan was a digital editor for a wedding blog. They live for time spent in New York with their family and Iggy.

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5 stars
14 (42%)
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13 (39%)
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6 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Rifah Tasfia.
160 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2024
When I started this book I was sceptical about how the story was going and I wasn't liking it. But man, I loved the book. It was kind of a second chance romance but not entirely as both of them didn't date before. Oh let me introduce the characters first, Brandy and Wyatt. Wyatt and Brandy met after two years for work purposes after their first meet at the bar and it's clear they're still attracted to each other. Wyatt left that night at the bar because he loves only his wife who's dead and didn't give Brandy a chance. Now, she needed a fake boyfriend for her cousin's wedding and Wyatt became that fake date. Now the question is, will Wyatt allow Brandy in his life? Would he make himself available for a relationship? Is he ready to believe that love comes again?

As Brandy had a boyfriend, I thought it'd lead to cheating because she clearly has feelings for Wyatt. But I was wrong and I'm happy to be wrong. I'm not telling you what happened, read the book for it. Wyatt is a gentleman and Brandy is a brave lady. Even if he felt something for Brandy, he sided those feelings because he loves his wife dearly and he thought he won't be able to love someone again. But Brandy changed it, Brandy brought so many emotions in him that he seemed to lose with the death of his wife. I love how the story is built. This was an amazing read.
Profile Image for Mish.
205 reviews27 followers
June 28, 2024
Thank you Dani Ryan for giving me an opportunity to read the ARC of this beautiful book.

This was my first exposure to the author's work, hence it took me some time to get into the world and understand the Ryder Brother's dynamic and their families. But truth be told, the fact that this book is fast paced and easy written helps a lot. Wyatt Ryder intrigued me from the beginning - especially with his grief and guilt around Susan. Brandy was a ball of sunshine - the perfect light for Wyatt's darkness like he said. The flames between them burn bright and fast and soon they discover that they were made for each other. Fake dating and angst together serve a delicious combination to devour the book.

I loved reading Brandy with Ryder's family especially - those moments were really cute. And Brandy's family on the other hand - a mix between annoying and hilarious but fun, nonetheless.

What didn't work for me is probably the fact that it's extremely fast paced for me. I enjoy slow burns more, so this felt like happening too soon for me. Their feelings and relationship had a lot of told you moments for the reader than showing us.

All in all, if you are looking for a fast paced, fake dating romance that would bring you out of your slumps and have you squealing at how cute the leads are together - this is for you. Enjoy this book while I quickly go read the first three books of the series ♥️🫶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
956 reviews17 followers
June 25, 2024
I loved Wyatt & Brandy's sweet, heartbreaking, caring, loving,swoony story!
Profile Image for ashlin.reads.
326 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2024
"To love is to bare your soul and, if you're fortunate, you'll uncover your soulmate." *Swoooonnnn*

This story really got me all in my feels! My heart broke for Wyatt and all that he had been through. I loved how Brandy was safe space for him throughout the whole story.

Wyatt met his soulmate young and they married quickly, but one morning she's suddenly gone and the loss is just too much so he shuts down and joins the military. One night when he's back home, he's at the bar looking to drown his sorrows when he meets Brandy. She brings a new light into his life and he decides for just one night he'll let himself have some fun. But Brandy is heartbroken the next morning to find him gone with just a note and doesn't hear from him again. A couple of years later they find their way back to each other and Brandy needs a favor from him. She needs a fake boyfriend to get her overbearing mother off her back. They can't fight their attraction for long, even though they both know they shouldn't give in.

I really enjoyed the instant connection between Brandy and Wyatt from their first visit, to the second time they meet. I hate that Wyatt didn't feel like he could have more than one love in his life. Him holding onto his wife's memory was so endearing and I loved getting to see him overcome that grief but still be able to hold her close and how Brandy helped him do that. It was so fun to go back to the Ryder family and enjoy the closeness they all have with each other and how they brought Brandy into the fold immediately even when she was just supposed to be a fake girlfriend. My heart broke for Brandy when she dealt with her crappy boyfriend and felt like she wasn't good enough, but was willing to listen to Wyatt and realize that she wasn't the problem. These two just really complimented each other and were the perfect match from the start. This book was full of heartache but also was so refreshing and full of love. I am loving seeing this family grow and how much love they have for each other! This book gives the perfect summer reading vibe and you will love if you enjoy that instant connection between main characters with some fake dating mixed in!

Thank you Dani Ryan for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!!
Profile Image for Cariore Rembert.
35 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2024
Book review/ Arc
Rate: 4.5
Tropes:
Military Romance
One bed
Fake relationship
Dark Secret

This story was the cutest and what I needed for a summer romance. This fake dating did not fail and gave this trope the definition of it. These two characters were written well by this author, they both showed their true personality and didn't shy away about how they felt. Brandy and Wyatt were the absolute cutest, from being so opposite from each other they matched well.

Brandy is free, talkative, and easygoing. She doesn't shy away from what she's feeling and takes what she wants. She's determined, and independent, but also the spark that was needed by those around her. She's a bright sunshine and doesn't let a moment slip past her. Brandy loves to live in the moment and doesn't let things get to her.

Wyatt is laid back but is sometimes hesitant, making sure he doesn't make mistakes because of his past. He feels as if he is the darkness to those in his life, but he just doesn't know he helps and is the light to them. Wyatt takes so much baggage on himself and yet doesn't give credit to how strong he really is.

Brandy and Wyatt had the cutest moments that were made together in this story. Being together longer helped to see that their rule was just not going to work hehe. These two shared that they were special and that they needed to understand each other.

Thank you Ms. Ryan for allowing me to read your fantastic work, I loved every second of your writing and would love to live in this world, With all the love that is shared throughout the brothers and new lovers, it's just so precious to read what you worked so hard on.
24 reviews
June 13, 2024
This book was amazing! 😍 The fake dating trope is one of my favorites and this book delivered 👏

I loved the characters and the way it was so well-written! Wyatt and Brandy were like the perfect match! He saw himself as this darkness and thought of her as the ultimate light, a sort of sunshine that made everything better. I loved their conversations and the way that Brandy seemed to always put a smile on Wyatt’s face. She would say it was like time stopped when he looked at her, and for him the whole room lit up every time she smiled. They were adorable!!!

He would do anything for her, to make her happy and keep that smile on her face. She was one lucky girl and I enjoyed every single second of this contemporary romance.

It was a journey for them to get together though and there was such a slow burn I was like get together alreadyyyyy and I actually kicked my feet when they finally did because it was all I wanted for them!

And if you read the other books in the series, Dani Ryan did something truly incredible and gave a little surprise at the end that you’re going to seriously love! I know I did! Dani was really thoughtful in this series and I love nothing more than a good family series. Dani, I officially dub you the queen of family romances! You leave me wanting more from the family and I’m so glad every Ryder brother got a HEA.

Thank you for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sabrina | thebookishspot.
313 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2024
✨ARC Review✨


⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Forever My Guardian by Dani Ryan


Some of my favorite tropes all together in one book and with a cinnamon roll MMC? Say less, I'm already loving it. 

Grief rep and a dual POV? Love it even more. 

Indie author? I'm completely in love at this point. 

Brandy and Wyatt were such a cute couple, their chemistry was palpable, even when Wyatt was being an emotionally closed-off idiot. Thankfully, he came to his senses and the result was a steamy read (that fades to black) and a sweet love story. It was a slowwww burn, but worth it in the end!

What I loved most though was the grief representation, especially as I've lost someone close to me to an aneurysm; I could relate to Wyatt on that point, and teared up at his story. Grief is a sensitive subject to tackle, and it was done with utmost respect and care here, which I loved. 

I definitely need to go back and read the two previous brothers's stories, as I've now read the first and last book of the series, I need to read the cream that forms this double stuff oreo! Both books were easy, quick, and adorable reads, and can be read as standalones. 

Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Prachi Sharma.
10 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2024
This book is exactly what you need to read, A PERFECT ONE. A comfortable weekend read. I actually devoured it within a day or so, hahahaha.

the story kickstarts with Wyatt and Brandy meeting and ending up with a night together, only for Brandy to find him gone the next morning without any note or message.
(I know you’re not forgiving him ever)
But trust me, Wyatt has his reasons, he’s still dealing with the loss of his high school sweetheart, who also was his wife and his soulmate, so she simply shuts everything down and joins military. I could actually related to Wyatt’s character.
When they meet after a break, Brandy needs a favour from him, and tadaaaa- A FAKE BOYFRIEND.
This is when I actually, completely, and irrevocably became hooked to the book.
As I said, Wyatt has actually been so much, that it was actually difficult for him to accept that he’d be able to love again at all.
Also, I HATED BRANDY’S boyfriend and all the difficult time he gave to my girl.

All in all, a perfect combo of grief, love and healing.
PLEASE DONT WAIT, JUST GO FOR THIS BOOK!!😭😭

THANK YOU AUTHOR DANI RYAN FOR THE ARC, I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT.🫶🏻🫶🏻
Profile Image for Sydney Smith.
46 reviews15 followers
July 3, 2024
Forever my Guardian by @daniryanbooks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5)

Thank you so much Dani for giving me an arc of this book! And for your incredible patience on this post while I was on vacation!

This is my first book by this author. And I really liked it. Something felt like it was missing and I think it’s that I didnt know the other characters as well. It’s the 4th in the book, and they are all interconnected standalones. While I didn’t feel like I needed to read the first three to enjoy this book, for me personally I think it would have been more fun if I had known the other characters first. But that is a personal preference and if that doesn’t bug you then by all means read this book first because it is really good!

This is a closed door, sweet fake dating romance. With a Military MMC and one bed what more could you need!

Wyatt and Brandy are each going through their own struggles. He lost his love true love and then joined the military. And she keeps falling for the wrong guys. Together they start fake dating so she can get her mother off her back and soon they can’t stop the attraction between them.
Profile Image for Mimi.
143 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2024
I have been beyond excited to read one of Dani’s books because they seemed right up my alley!! This is book 4 of the series but they are standalone interconnected! I haven’t read the first 3 books but still loved it!! 🦋

This is the perfect beach read! You fall in love with Brandy and Wyatt from the first time they meet in a bar! Their chemistry is just *chef’s kiss!*

Dani also hooked me with her dedication “To anyone who has loved and lost. Death seems final, but like the ocean, love never ends” hits close to home for my sweet niece 🫶🏻 this truly touched my heart!

This is a beautiful story of self growth& discovery, forgiving one’s self/ others, learning to love again, and despite what you’ve been through, following your heart! There is depth to this book beyond being a very entertaining romance read!

I highly recommend you read this one!

If you love these tropes, READ this!
🩷 Slow burn
🦋 Second chance at happily ever after
💍 Fake relationship
🌸 Sworn off relationships
🛌 One bed
🚪 Closed door romance!
🪖 Military romance
💘 Dark secret
Profile Image for Willow.
26 reviews
June 11, 2024
This book was the final book in The Ryder Brothers series and it did not disappoint! I couldn’t put it down. The detail was extraordinary, watching these two essentially damaged characters come together to find love was so heartwarming. It gave me all the feels: I laughed, swooned, and cried at the end when they took a very special trip to a very special place (I won’t say because I don’t want to ruin it or spoil it for anyone). I will leave it at this: HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

If you haven’t read the other books, you really don’t need to… just pick this one up to start, it will not disappoint, but if you like reading in order you’ll be in for the ride of a lifetime with this series and this book ends it so nicely. The second epilogue was also very special and a great addition. <3

Overall well done, Ms. Ryan!! 5 stars and thank you for allowing me to read this series, you have a remarkable writing journey ahead of you and I cannot wait to see what’s next.
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,524 reviews24 followers
June 22, 2024
Wyatt Ryder carries a past full of grief and thinks he’s too broken. Brandy is a strong and confident woman who wants to stop falling for the wrong men. He reluctantly helps her by agreeing to be her fake boyfriend. As Wyatt learns more about Brandy (who addictingly smells like oranges and honey!), will he learn “to love and bare soul and, if he is fortunate, he’ll uncover his soulmate”? I adored their dual point-of-view story full of almost kisses, fade to black romance and low spice. Nothing was missing-there was angst, tension and yet many heartfelt scenes (I agree too that elder couples holding hands is the sweetest representation of living your life to the fullest together by enjoying the little moments and not take anything for granted!) I’m here for the happily ever after, so fortunate to have found another favorite cozy, comfort author!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are honest.
Profile Image for Ryann Henning.
119 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2024
Dani Ryan has done it again! The Ryder brothers are just so 🥵 Wyatt and Brandy’s story is no different and is just so heartfelt 💜 this fake dating story starts as an idea to get Brandy’s mom off her back about her current boyfriend and date to her cousins wedding and Wyatt was the perfect candidate since they had chemistry almost 2 years ago when they met. A terrible turn happens in Brandy’s life which pushes Wyatt and Brandy together even more. There is so much heart and hurt in this story but in the best way possible. The story just held me the entire time and I couldn’t put it down! Brandy and Wyatt just denied their feelings and had a hard time fighting it. This is a perfect summer read because it takes place in Miami 🏖️ Dani, thank you for letting me read this early! I absolutely loved it
16 reviews
June 13, 2024
Wyatt and Brandy’s was an AMAZING story! I really enjoyed reading about an MMC that had so many layers. Though he was strong, stoic, and was a good man he had emotional baggage he needed to deal with before being ready to love again. He was a work in progress and Brandy worked her way in, not only to his thoughts, but his heart. Brandy was exactly what he needed to feel again, to live again, and to love again. It was truly an amazing story! Reading the other books in this series, it did not disappoint. So if you are looking for another great romantic read look no further it has it all. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Happy reading, and thank you, Dani, for a great end to an amazing series!

Appreciated the copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
153 reviews27 followers
June 24, 2024
Wyatt & Brandy’s story is fake dating perfection – and on top of that, it tugged at my heartstrings. It was the first book I’ve read by Dani Ryan, and now I’ll need to read the rest of the Ryder Brothers series.

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 0/5 (Fade-to-Black)

When Wyatt’s plans were derailed with the loss of his wife, he joined the military. 8 years later, his tour has ended and he returns home. He runs into Brandy, who he’d met almost 2 years ago when he was home on leave, and they realize they could both benefit from pretending to date. But what do they do when they realize the chemistry they felt the first time they met never really left?

Clearly, I have a thing for a good widow or widower romance – that second chance they get at a true love story. I have yet to read one that does not just absolutely rip me apart emotionally, in the best way, and then put me back together. And this one is no different. Dani’s writing really lets you feel Wyatt’s grief from the start. And then when Brandy comes along – I was just rooting for them from the very beginning. Highly recommend!

CW: Death of parent (off page, non-MCs), death of spouse (off page), cheating (non-MCs)
Profile Image for May Urzedo.
64 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2024
Whenever I read a new Ryder's brothers book, I say: "That’s it, this is my favorite borther." Now, here I am saying that again, but now about Wyatt!

Wyat's healing journey is what captivated me the most in this book. He was always the mysterious brother to me, and getting to know his story and his tragic past made me understand him and admire him.

Brandy is the proof that sometimes a girl needs to step it up and take matters into her own hands!

This is the last time we'll see the Ryder family. It is a bittersweet moment for sure, but I feel Wyatt and Brady were the perfect closure for this amazing and sweet book series.

Who knows? Maybe we get to see a prequel of their parents' story someday?
Profile Image for Booktrovert.
35 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Forever My Guardian"! The author Dani
Ryan masterfully crafts a captivating narrative that held me spellbound from start to finish. The fake dating trope is expertly executed, creating a delightful tension that propels the story forward. Amidst the romance, the author also tackles grief with sensitivity and nuance, portraying the characters' emotional journeys with depth and authenticity. I found myself swooning over the characters' tender moments and wholeheartedly rooting for their love to flourish. With engaging writing, well-developed and relatable characters, and a thoughtful exploration of grief, I highly recommend "Forever My Guardian" to anyone seeking a romantic and captivating read that will touch your heart.
Profile Image for Bella.
47 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
This was like a hallmark movie in a book! It’s a super cute, light, feel good read.

Brandy’s mom hates her boyfriend Nate so much that Nate doesn’t want to be Brandy’s plus one for her cousins wedding. So Brandy lets her best friend convince her that it would be a good idea to get a fake boyfriend for the wedding. Someone to show Brandy’s mom that Nate really is a good match. Now enter Wyatt he’s ex military, successful in his job, and emotionally unavailable perfect fake boyfriend material. What could possibly go wrong aside from the fact that Wyatt is gorgeous, caring, and makes Brandy feel things she never felt with Nate…

Potential Spoiler!!
The main character (Brandy) does not cheat and this is not a love triangle situation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for McKenna Johnson.
802 reviews30 followers
July 5, 2024
ARC Review

If you love fake dating and second chance romance then this is for you! This is book 4 of The Ryder Brothers Series and can be read standalone (I did) or as a series. I probably would have liked it even more if I had read the others first. Wyatt a former Amry man who never thought about leaving the army and Brandy a woman scorned plan a fake dating plot.

I really liked that each of the main characters had a history and that history was on full display in the book. Not every relationship is two people coming together with squeaky clean pasts. Divorce happens, death happens, infidelity happens, kids happen and so much more. Thing’s to look forward to in this book:

🥸 Fake Dating
🛏️ One Bed
💪 Military Romance
🥘 He cooks for her
👀 Everyone can see it
🤐 Dark Secret
👔 She wears his clothes
🖤 Fade to black

Beautiful quote:
"To love is to bare your soul and, if you're fortunate, you'll uncover your soulmate."

Thank you to the author Dani Ryan for the electronic advanced copy of the book.
Profile Image for drusilla duke.
153 reviews
June 22, 2024
My heart honestly went out for Wyatt. He's been holding the pain over the loss of his wife for a long time, and it isn't until he starts fake dating Brandy that he begins to become his old self again slowly. Compared to other fake dating books I've read, this one tugs at my heartstrings, putting me through an emotional rollercoaster. The emotional connection formed between Wyatt and Brandy was one I loved as they helped each other deal with their emotional struggles and learn how to find peace with their past.

Thank you to Dani Ryan for giving me an early copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristen.
94 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2024
This is a book about a love so strong it stays with you forever, so strong you can't stand to walk away from the memories of it. Wyatt carries the guilt of moving on and feeling like he doesn't deserve to find happiness again. But, when you get a second chance at love, you can't walk away easily and risk losing it.
I enjoyed the journey of Wyatt discovering what was right in front of him. His hurt kept him from being willing to let anyone else in. Then, the one girl who possibly can comes along. Brandy is a delightful breath of fresh air, and I just fell in love with her sweet character.
Profile Image for ⟢₊ Ana ⟣.
287 reviews5 followers
June 26, 2024
This was my first book I’ve read by this author,
And it won’t be my last 🫶

I enjoyed the story and the writing style, it was pretty quick paced.

It’s the 4th and last book in this series but can be read as a standalone. (Which is how I read it)
I’m excited to read the other books that came before this one as well! 💕

Wyatt & Brandys story was sweet, Brandy was a strong woman which I loved and I adored Wyatt so much as a character. He went through a lot.
& I was happy they got a HEA.

Read if you like:
•Duel POV
•one bed
•fake dating
•military romance
•overcoming grief


Profile Image for Sukriti .
3,663 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2024
The *Ryder Brothers* series by Dani Ryan offers an engaging mix of romance and drama. Each book centers on a different Ryder brother, who is charming and flawed in his own way. The stories are well-paced, with strong character development and relatable emotions. Ryan's writing is accessible and captivating, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The series also touches on themes of family, love, and personal growth, making it more than just a typical romance. Overall, it's a delightful and heartfelt series that's perfect for a light, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Chrissy HappilyEverAfterBookshelf.
331 reviews56 followers
June 24, 2024
🧡Fake dating
🧡Second chance
🧡One bed
🧡Military romance
🧡Closed door

I really enjoyed Forever My Guardian by Dani Ryan. It was super sweet and swoony, but at the same time had some real depth to it as Wyatt was navigating his grief and the possibility of falling in love again. This was another really good closed door romance, that didn’t skimp on the tension or chemistry. I absolutely want to go back and read the rest of the series because those Ryder brothers are sure to be a good time!
Profile Image for Ann (Noumena12).
478 reviews14 followers
August 6, 2024
I started the Ryder Brothers series because I picked up Forever my Protector on Stuff Your Kindle Day. Don't miss out on this chance to grab some free books to check out new authors.

Favorite Quote:
"To love is to bare your soul and, if you’re fortunate, you’ll uncover your soulmate."
Profile Image for Tammy Reads Romance.
172 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
I don’t even like fake dating books. I LOVED Wyatt and Brandy. If I had to choose a favorite Ryder brother… I think it might be Wyatt. Maybe.

All of these books can be read as stand alone - but I highly suggest reading them all!
Profile Image for Lindzanne1_bookworm.
778 reviews36 followers
January 26, 2025
This is a sweet and emotional fake dating, closed door romance. It was a fast and enjoyable read! Thank you Dani for the gifted copy!
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