Nanny for the SEAL

by Emma Blake

Moving to Red Lodge was my chance to start over.
No drama. No distractions. No dangerously attractive men.
Then I meet my new boss. Grumpy, off-limits, and built like trouble.

Xaden Ledger isn’t just a single dad.
He’s a former Navy SEAL with a past as haunted as mine.
I should keep my distance.
But the way he cares for his sweet daughter cracks something open in me.
And when he turns that fierce protectiveness on me?
I forget every reason I have to run.

I came here to escape the past.
But the danger I left behind isn’t finished with me yet.

And when it finds me, Xaden makes one thing clear—
No one is taking what’s his.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance

Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[RateTheRomance]

DNF

2 typos in the first 3 pages means i'm out
i won't read books with sloppy editing

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Determined to get find a place to hide away from her father, Ivy finds herself a long way from New York and her sister. Xaden is ex-Seal with a beautiful daughter he is raising on his own. The day he sees Ivy next door is the day is firing his thieving nanny. Desperate for help he asks Ivy for help.

Good single dad romance with a twist of danger, suspense and a surprise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

In need of … something

Love this trope, but very disappointed with this book. First off, the book was in need of some major proofreading/editing, I just don’t think the author was keeping her story line and time lines straight. The reason the main character gave for relocating to the town where the story took place did not match the reason she gave at the end, which I actually thought was a cool reason. The timing also doesn’t add up for that final reason to actually work out given how old the FMC is supposed to be in this story. Another time the timing doesn’t work out is at the end - the epilogue takes place one year later, which means if she was about 2 months pregnant at the end of the story, then the baby should be about three months old. However, this baby is calling for “da da,” sits in a high chair to eat, and likes to play in the toddler area of a children’s museum. These are minor things, (although the passage of time was confusing throughout the book) but they take away from the story and should have been easily picked up so the author could have fixed them if a proofreader had been used. Aside from the fact that the FMC made a bunch of TSTL decisions, I also found the MMC kind of lacking in his decision making choices and in his protective abilities, especially considering he was a former SEAL.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This plot was so engaging, I’m happy I picked this one up.

As expected of a SEAL and single father, Xaden fits the bill, but sadly, he’s grappling with PTSD and the loss of his wife, Maeve. So he really has no business being intrigued by the woman who moves in next door.

But, as we all know, it’s hard to fight attraction, and she’s conveniently available to nanny for him. However, Ivy’s life is anything but tranquil, her relocation to this remote town a deliberate choice.

Ivy’s past will soon catch up to her, but right now she’s focused on spending time with Daisy and building a relationship with Xaden. It was delightful to watch their connection grow from a spark of chemistry into a full-blown love affair. The moment her past becomes a serious threat, Xaden springs into action. I appreciated the suspenseful plot twists and satisfying HEA.

I recommend reading this one, as the writing flows and it’s easy to connect with the characters. I received a free ARC and voluntarily leave my review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy has just moved to Red Lodge and bought a fixer upper home on the outskirts of town. She had to get away from NYC! She is sitting out on her front porch when the man next door comes over to welcome her to the neighborhood. Xaden indicates he has a 4 yr old daughter named Daisy. They chat a bit longer and he finds out Ivy is a childcare specialist and worked in childcare back in NYC. Maybe Xaden has found his new nanny. What I liked about the characters was how down to earth and normal they seemed. They had problems, fears, worries, mental health issues - PTSD, verbal harassment, grief. They are just normal people learning how to navigate life. Xaden and Ivy are both attracted to each other but are unsure how to handle that-boss & nanny. Their relationship is filled with emotions- funny, happy, beautiful, sexy, passionate, tender, sweet, loving and caring. It’s a romantic, beautiful family love story! Very enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xaden a single dad ex seal, he threw out his daughter nanny after stealing from his house.while he was out seeing her go, he saw a new neighbor staring at him,she was stunning, the embarrassing thing that she witnessed everything with the nanny.
Ivy went to Red Lodge in Montana from New York,she wanted peace in her life, in a quiet small town .
The day after she was sitting on the stairs of her porch, the neighbor was outside taking the letters from the mailbox, when he saw her ,he went to apologise for the yelling from the day before .when he was explaining to her what happened,she asked if he in need of a new nanny , but he asked if she had qualifications,she said that she worked on a childcare and for sure she had alot of experience.
She started taking Care of little Daisy she was an adorable girl,they were good together,
But the past can’t leave her in peace she continued receiving unknown messages, xaden noticed something is bothering her, but he doesn’t want to ask her,he wanted her to open up.
Its an amazing story , that i enjoyed reading.
Highly recomended

[Claire Purkis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted by the death of his wife Xaden has concentrated on raising his daughter but when Ivy moves in next door there is something about her that draws in him.

Ivy has moved to a new town to start fresh after family issues force her to flee. Moving next door to Xaden she finds herself attracted to him and the bonus is he is looking for a nanny which she is more than qualified to do. Things are going well until Ivy's past catches up to her and Xaden finds himself in protector mode.

Set in the same town as Nanny for the Firefighter there are cameo's from those characters giving an update on their lives after the book.

This is an easy read story with no complicated plot or sub plot, what you see if what you get. The characters are easily likeable and written so you want them to suceed. My only criticism would be at the end when Ivy's father is at the forefront. I think this could have been written about abit more as the scene seems to be over very quickly.

Great book if you are not looking for a deep and meaningful plot.

I received this as an ARC and am leaving my own review

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy has been on the run since she heard that her father was released from prison and is hiding in a small town. She tries to keep a low profile. When she gets in touch with Xaden after a while, the more time they spend together, the more they grow closer, despite Xaden struggling with his past and his time as a Navy Seal and he tried to keep his distance from her. That changes when danger and her past find her again and he does everything he can to protect her and keep her safe. The trauma that Ivy has experienced is hard and can be triggering for some. The author has given us a beautiful story and I was so into their story and finished it in one go.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Wulf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the love between Ivy and Xaden because both were more about making sure Xaden’s daughter Daisy was well taken care of first, and taking care of each other next. Ivy comes to live next door to Xaden at the best possible time. After having to fire his most recent nanny, Ivy falls into a job as Daisy’s new nanny as a trial run while Xaden checks out her background. As she gets closer with his daughter, Xaden starts to fall for Ivy and wants to protect her from harm, just as much as he wants to keep his daughter safe. Things come to a head when Ivy’s past tangles in her present in a most unpleasant way. You’ll have to read this endearing romance to see if Xaden comes to her rescue or leaves her to fend for herself.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xaden is a single dad, widow and drowning in guilt and suffering from PTSD. His last nanny was a train wreck. His new neighbor, Ivy, is a certified early childhood educator with a ton of certifications and running from her past. Working for Xaden brought them closer together and they realized their damaged pieces made a beautiful puzzle and a joyful difference too. This story is full of some twists and turns but ultimately it’s all about finding love, facing their skeletons together and finding that they are better together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamara Fruge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Emma Blake and this was a very Emma Blake book. Keeps you interested and adds drama that just keeps you reading. I love how the book curved and the story that unfolded. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how everything lived up and went down. There was even a little twist here and there. In all honesty, there were moments where I thought she was going to take it in a different direction but I was thrilled to be wrong. It was a very good read and I am excited to see if a certain character from this book gets one of her own.

[Heather Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's inevitable to want someone with a bad past to want a HEA, so having TWO deserving people just makes this book even sweeter! This was a great storyline with a bit of drama, mystery, suspense, humor, cuteness (the daughter is adorable!) and of course, passion! You will definitely enjoy this book from cover to cover!

My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this dramatic love story of 2 damaged people who come together. Xaden is a widower with a young daughter Daisy. He meets his new neighbor , Ivy. She is an escapee from New York. She becomes the nanny of Daisy. This is their story about their PTSD and how they deal with the obstacles that they face. It is sad , hopeful and raw at times. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Ivy finds friendships in this small town and she finds hope for a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought when she moved there things would be better for her. Things were better until the text messages started. He never thought love with another women was in the cards for him after his wife died. She was everything he didn't know he needed. She fit into the family like she was always meant to be there. She has a bad past with her family so she is scared to open up to him. The have things to get thru but together they can do it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ivy learned that her father was getting out of prison, she ran from the city to a small town called Red Lodge. Her she connects with Xaden and their path begins. As they find their way into each other's lives Ivy's past is beginning to make its way back to her. Will Xaden be able to protect her from her father. This story had me connecting with Ivy and empathizing with her trauma. It is a well written story that has triggers for some but a great read none the less.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xaden is a widower with a sweet daughter, Daisy. Ivy has left NY to get away from her past and start new. Ivy lives next door to Xaden who is looking for a nanny. Ivy accepts the job and they both feel the attraction but the issues from their past make them gun shy of relationship.
Emma brings us wonderful story about 2 people who pasts are hard to overcome. They both have issues they will have to work through but their journey is so worth reading. This is one book you don’t want to miss out on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charity E. Beaudoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy and Xaden are two damaged people working to overcome their pasts. Ivy is hired to work as the nanny for Xaden's daughter Daisy after the previous nanny is caught stealing. These two have an initial attraction, but they don't immediately give into that attraction. They work to provide Daisy with the love and stability she needs. Will Ivy and Xaden be able to overcome their pasts to create the family they both want?

Overall, I enjoyed Nanny for the Seal. There were a few holes and things that I don't believe worked for both characters, but such is life. The little twist she did throw in, though, surprised the heck out of me, and I loved it. I definitely can't wait to read her next book.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden, Ivy the nanny who is running from a tragic, inimaginable past, who keeps coming back to haunt her. Fall in love with Xaden the ex seal who is her boss. Their relationship is hotter that the sun on a bright sunshine day, fall in love with him, he is my new book boyfriend. A sweet romance with lots of danger, jealousy, bad people. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xaden is a single dad with a beautiful little girl. Lost his wife and blames himself for the crash. Ivy is a wonderful teacher with a lot of credentials and would be a great nanny to his daughter. If her past doesn't catch up to her first. Love the way this us written and how two broken souls become a strong family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such an amazing story: both Ivy and Xaden have demons they need to sley and overcome. I loved how Ivy’s past is revealed slowly, keeping you guessing as to its extent, and Xaden’s also has a twist that I was not expecting. Both of their pasts kept me guessing until they were revealed. I especially loved the epilogue too; I loved hearing a little bit about their future.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xaden and Ivy’s story has them being neighbors and she helps with his daughter, Daisy. But the more they interact the more they feel towards each other. They both have to get over their own past to move toward their future together. His was his wife’s death and her was her father. But when hers comes looking he will be there to help her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PEIRoxyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected!

Spicy level 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Slow Burn 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: ☠️

I absolutely enjoyed this book, if you are looking for a short novel to get you out of a slump or cleanse you pallet this is a good one for that! The HEA for the main characters is heart warming especially when the past catches up with the MFC and the MMC is stuck in the past.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an emotion filled book. The MCs are both dealing with their own trauma and PTSD. Xander's little girl Daisy is just adorable. Ivy becomes the nanny soon after moving to town. A secret from her past rears its ugly head and threatens everything new she has built. There is a twist at the end that was very emotional and surprising. I recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xaden and Ivy’s story is beautifully written and is an enjoyable read. Ivy is on the run and in hiding while Xaden, a widow, is suffering from PTSD and raising his daughter, Daisy alone. The chemistry and dialogue is fantastic. It's an emotional page turner and I highly recommend reading it. I can't wait to read more from Blake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful story that will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end and falling in love with the characters. Xaden is a single father when he meets his new neighbor Ivy and offers her a nanny job,but when sparks fly between them will her past come back and try to destroy them all? Great Book and I throughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb McCauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It kept me turning the pages but there were a fair amount of things that never get fully explained or resolved. I finished the book with several questions and I felt it ended abruptly. Hopefully the author will add an extended epilogue that will fill in the gaps. Overall, a pretty good read.

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a single dad, Nanny trope then this is a book for you, Xaden and Ivy characters were both enjoyable characters, these two have been through some traumatic times as the story unfolds we find out the story about both there past.

I enjoyed it but I got a little frustrated with them both as there were keeping things from each other but it came good in the end.

For me it’s a 4🌟

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Emma writes this romance book about Xaden seems realistic in some ways. He is a single dad raising his daughter Daisy and Ivy is going to become more than the new nanny. I loved reading this book because everything about the storyline and their relationship kept me hooked up to the very end.

[Stephanie Rhiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel checked all the boxes for me that I love in reading. The characters were really relatable and the emotions it invoked me, I just couldn’t stop reading it all the way through to the end. This is a book I could read time and time again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. What a book. I adore ms. Emma's books. I wait for them to come out. This one is a must read. The spicy. Oh the spicy. The twists. Some are plain shocking. Not what you are expecting. The characters are so sweet. So troubled. I adore the lil ones. So sweet. The friends are a hoot. I laughed. I held my breath. I had tears. I highly recommend this book.
It is such a a good read .