The Protector Next Door: A Sweet Enemies to Lovers, Close Proximity Romance

by Janet Varity

I traded my teaching career for a new beginning in the sea-swept town of Coral Bay after the tragic loss of my parents and my job in the same year. I need somewhere to rebuild my life. A nanny seems like the perfect temporary solution—until I discover my employer is Ryan Mitchell, my distractingly handsome next-door neighbor.

Between his career as an ex-Navy SEAL turned firefighter and raising two kids alone, Ryan has no room for romance after his ex-wife's betrayal. Caring for his children, I glimpse the tender heart he guards behind protective walls.

I find my place in their lives, a crisis forces me to save his little girl’s life to prove I'm stronger than anyone believed. I must decide if I'm brave enough to fight for the family I never knew I wanted—and if Ryan's sailor’s heart can weather love and loss for a chance at unshakable bonds together.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2025

Reviews

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis is a sweet, clean, slow burn romance that will show you that love can grow in the most unexpected ways, and family is the one you choose.


Emily has just moved into town for a new start, she is a teacher but the lack of positions has her accepting a job as a nanny for her neighbor. Ryan is an ex marine, divorce, and single dads to Lily and Jack. Emily is great with the kids, though they can be a handful, and he notices it, but he has sworn off love after her bitter divorce. As they just go through the everyday motions, they start to understand each other, and become the support and partnership they both need, that is until her ex shows up in town to stir trouble. They will have to deal with the twist and work through their pitfalls of their relationship before they can come together as a family rooted in love, understanding, care, and sense of belonging.

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

[Sacibaba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo…not that I didn’t like this book, because of course. There are sweet characters, adorable kids, small town, beach …but it still had a few things that felt strange. I couldn’t feel the attraction between the main characters. Even the friendship between Ryan and Sam felt off and shallow. Also, the appearance of her ex-boyfriend felt like too much. We did not need another ex drama thrown in so soon.
What I absolutely loved were the kids. Sweet and cute, every scene with them was a delight. Also, some serious themes like grief, loss and healing were addressed really nice, and the last quarter of the book made up for all my grievances.

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

[Caroline Reichardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story of Ryan, Jake, Lily and Emily. The story starts with Emily going to the coffee shop on the beach and seeing an ad for a nanny at a house that is next door to her. So Emily meets Ryan to apply for the nanny job. This story progresses very well, is well planned, and very well written. I love the suspense in the story especially when the ex shows up to try to throw in a wrench into the story. Ryan’s family is so accepting of Emily and his mom said she knew before he did. Sam is Ryan’s best friend and also knew before Ryan did. Ryan and Emily plan a blind date for Sam and Amy. I loved the ending of this story.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Coral Bay Love Stories series. It starts things off wonderfully.

The plot was straightforward and well written. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters made the story and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect for each other. All in all a great sweet romance. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Sal’s life · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet romance story. 2 people with a lot of baggage from their life bought together through circumstances outside of their control.
It was a nice found family and small town trope story and everyone seemed lovely and supportive of both of them and as a couple.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet firefighter romance.. Quick and easy to read.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read. Lovely storyline and characters, was really sweet. Recommend this book.

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

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love after heartbreak
I really liked this sweet small town romance, it was quick and easy to read and I enjoyed the characters and storyline.
The story follows Ryan and Emily’s journeys as they both try to navigate their lives after heartbreak.