Nanny for the Bodyguard

by Emma Blake

Being a single dad wasn’t in the plan.
Hiring my ex as our nanny in this nosy little town…definitely not on my bingo card.

I came for ice cream with my little girl…
I left with Hazel Dowd back in my life.
Curvy, sun-kissed, and soaked in chocolate, thanks to a ten-year-old collision.

She’s the one I never got over.
The one I left behind when duty called.
Now she’s living in my house, wearing my shirts, tucking my daughter in like she belongs.

We agree to fake a relationship to keep her safe.
From the threats she swears are gone.
From the past she still won’t talk about.

But I see the fear behind her smile.
And every protective instinct I earned in the military is telling me one

She’s mine to protect.
And this time, I won’t walk away.

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Vidisha Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Small-Town / Second Chance
Tone: Emotional, witty, heartfelt
Tropes: Second chance romance, forced proximity, single uncle guardian, grumpy/sunshine dynamic, trauma recovery

Plot Summary: Nanny for the Bodyguard centers around Easton, a former military man and current private security professional, who suddenly becomes the guardian of his ten-year-old niece, Jade, after his sister’s untimely death. Thrust into a role he’s completely unprepared for, Easton struggles to balance work, grief, and unexpected parenthood.

Enter Hazel, Easton's ex-girlfriend from college, whom he literally runs into at an ice cream shop. Hazel, a successful thriller author, has just moved back to their hometown after years in L.A. The accidental reunion is awkward, poignant, and magnetic—and when Hazel offers to help care for Jade, things get a whole lot more complicated.

Together, they navigate shared trauma, unfinished business, and the spark that never fully died between them.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed this novel. It made me smile, tear up, and root for the characters. The setting feels cozy and alive, the banter is excellent, and the emotional payoffs (especially Easton's growth and the final reunion) are worth the journey.

Hazel and Easton’s love feels like it was always meant to find its way back, and the author doesn’t take shortcuts getting them there. The fact that Hazel regains her confidence, sets boundaries, and makes the choice to trust again makes the ending feel earned. If you like the authors Tessa Bailey, Devney Perry, or Abby Jimenez, this book is for you.

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

[Mandy Grepares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet second-chance romance. Easton left Hazel when he left for the military. Years later, he's the guardian of his niece, Jade, and is struggling as a newly single dad. Hazel offers to help, which causes complications for them both. I adored Jade, who was the sweetest kid. The banter, chemistry, and suspense led to a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a single dad wasn’t in the plan.
Hiring my ex as our nanny in this nosy little town…definitely not on my bingo card.

I came for ice cream with my little girl…
I left with Hazel Dowd back in my life.
Curvy, sun-kissed, and soaked in chocolate, thanks to a ten-year-old collision.

She’s the one I never got over.
The one I left behind when duty called.
Now she’s living in my house, wearing my shirts, tucking my daughter in like she belongs.

We agree to fake a relationship to keep her safe.
From the threats she swears are gone.
From the past, she still won’t talk about.

But I see the fear behind her smile.
And every protective instinct I earned in the military is telling me one thing:
She’s mine to protect.
And this time, I won’t walk away.

This contemporary small-town second-chance romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the nanny for the single dad/ bodyguard protector, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, grumpy/sunshine romance, fake relationship, forced proximity, drama, heartfelt, emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with a nanny for the bodyguard and an explicit small-town second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

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

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance, angst-ridden romance is a great read with characters who inspire empathy and capture one’s interest. Hazel and Easton have a history, one that makes it difficult for her to trust him. He broke her heart when he left for the military then ghosted her. Now they are back in the same town, and however much they might want to deny it, the attraction and sparks are still there between them. Easton is doing his best to balance his work as a security special with taking care of his young, recently orphaned niece. Both he and Hazel are surprised when she offers to help with his niece, but he can’t afford to turn away her help, especially when the two seem to have established a rapport. When trouble from her past arises, Easton moves Hazel into his home, his need to protect her fierce and undeniable. Neither expected the deep feeling of rightness and belonging that surrounds all three of them. Trust issues, fears and doubts plague them, though both find themselves ready to compromise, change and fight for their love and a future together.

I love the banter, the chemistry and connection between Hazel and Easton. Hazel is the one who helps uncle and niece to build a connection, understand each other and communicate better. I loved growly, protective Easton, as well as the softer, tender and earnest side of him too. The touch of danger and suspense only adds to the enjoyment of their story.

I will happily recommend this book.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easton Hawke spent one summer with Hazel Dowd before enlisting in the military. He said he would be back, but after waiting, Hazel moved on and is now a recognized author of thrillers. Returning to town, she knows that she will run into Easton, but now he is the guardian of his ten-year-old niece, Jade. His sister and brother-in-law were killed in a tragic accident. After the military, he started his security and bodyguard business and is struggling between caring for Jade and his clients. He is shocked to see that Hazel is back, but her offer of help with Jade is welcome. He can tell that there is something bothering her, but it is not until she is attacked that she shares her devastating past with him. He promises to keep her safe when they learn that the man she testified against is once again a threat. The time they spend together, and with Jade, gives him a “family” feeling that he never had known. When the fire between them can no longer be contained, will he realize that she still owns his heart? He knows that the threat against her is very real, but will she confide in him when her back is against the wall? An exciting second chance at a future for Easton and Hazel and a family once again for Jade. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easton Hawke and Hazel Dowd had one amazing summer before Easton left to serve in the military. He said he would come back. Hazel waited for a while until she finally moved on. Now she's a well known author of thrillers. She returned to town and wonders if she'll run into Easton. She knows that he's back and started a security and bodyguard business. He's also raising his niece, Jade, who’s ten, after his sister and brother-in-law were killed in a tragic accident. He's struggling to handle both Jade and his clients. He's surprised to see Hazel but hes shocked that she offers to help with Jade. He realizes that something is bothering Hazel but when she's attacked she finally opens up to Easton about her past and the man she testified against and is now threatening her again. Can Easton protect her? Will he be able to especially when she's helping with his niece? He and Hazel have red hot chemistry. What will happen? Will they get a second chance? Does she still have a part of his heart? How does she feel about him? She makes him feel things that he never thought he can have. As they spend time together with Jade it feels like a family. The characters are wonderful. I was rooting for all three of them, Jade, Easton and Hazel. I didn't want to put it down. Worth the read. You won't regret it. I received Thu book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Heat, Second Chances & Serious Protection Vibes

Nanny for the Bodyguard delivers all the emotional punch and swoon-worthy steam I crave in a small-town, second-chance romance. Emma Blake knocks it out of the park with Easton and Hazel’s story—a tender, sexy, and suspense-tinged tale that hits you right in the feels.

Easton is everything you want in a protective hero: a single dad, former military man, and total softie when it comes to his daughter. Hazel, the woman he never stopped loving, reappears in his life—soaked in ice cream, secrets, and unresolved feelings. Cue the tension, the fake relationship, and the forced proximity setup that sets this whole story on fire.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional depth? Completely satisfying. Hazel's quiet strength and Easton’s fierce devotion are magnetic, and the scenes with Easton’s daughter added an extra layer of warmth and charm.

If you love a grumpy sunshine pairing, second chances, found family, and a protective hero who means it when he says “mine,” this one’s for you. Small-town gossip, slow-burning tension, and just the right dash of danger makes this the kind of read you won’t want to put down.

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

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easton niece was running with her ice cream in hand until she bumped into a woman, when Easton saw who it was , he stayed opened mouthed.
The woman he couldn’t forget since they parted ways, his niece tells her that she’s staying with him because her parents died.they talked and he felt embarrassed about a promise he made and didn’t came back to her.
Hazel came back to Red Lodge after a few years, after a week in Red Lodge she was going out from the cafeteria when a girl bumped into her , she knew there’s a chance of running into Easton .
She met with him when she was still in collage , he was in military, he promised to come back but he didn’t and she waited until she went to L.A for her career writing thrillers.
He tells her that their nanny went to Europe for over two months and she didn’t came back, she wanted to help but when she remembered how he acted with her, she felt for the girl because when she was younger she was in the same situation. Then she tells him that she can watch her because she’s working for herself.
She continues receiving unknown calls but she k pt it for herself, who’s is calling her and what is she hiding?

An amazing story that I really loved reading.
Highly recommended

[Claire Purkis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance small town romance that reunites former lovers Easton and Hazel. Easton was in the military but after retirement has set up a successful bodyguard business and Hazel has just returned from LA where she has set herself up as an author. Sparks collide when they literally run into each other in a ice cream shop.

Easton is struggling with his new role as a father after loosing his sister and brother- in-law in a car accident. They left him as guardian to his neice. Not only is he trying to deal with his grief he has hers and constant critisim from his parents who feel he isn't fit for the role. He hires an nanny to help with work pressure bur she leaves after a week.

After bumping into Hazel she volunteers to look after Jade while working on her new book. When she ends up moving in after her past comes back to haunt her feelings are heightened and sparks soon begin to fly!

This is a typical Emma Blake book written in a way that wants you rooting for them to get together but still leaves you wanting more. She writes in a compassionate way that keeps you hooked and throws in a cute kid that brings them together. Fans of Emma's other books will love this along with the cameo from Mason.

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

[Meg Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written story of how running never solves anything unless it is running back to each other, even if it wasn’t the goal. Great plot with steam.
Hazel and Easton have a history; he left for the military and said he’d return for her. He never did; he was scared and ran. Hazel became an author and returned to Red Lodge, because she didn’t like the pace in LA. But it wasn’t that, she had a big secret that she was running from.
Easton has been his niece’s guardian for only 2 weeks since her parents’ death and he is failing at being what Jade needs and running his security business. He runs into Hazel and as awkward as it is, Hazel offers to help watch Jade.
Their attraction is rekindled but Easton is afraid and Hazel is hurt.
After she’s attacked, Easton insists she moved into his home so he can protect her. Emotions explode and complications arise. But when her past catches up to her, young Jade is kidnapped. Hazel’s guilt sends her to try to rescue Jade alone.

Can Easton save them both? Can they become the family they need?.

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

[FD · Rating 2 out of 5]

I signed up for this ARC because I was looking for a relaxing book to drift off with for my vacation. However, this book wasn't for me. The writing style, the language used, and what I considered the somewhat clichéd content made it a bit irritating. I didn't like the language; it was too popular, and the writing style wasn't enjoyable to read. The pacing was too slow for me, and it was too repetative at times. It also doesn't really become clear what happened 7 years ago . The content was a bit clichéd and predictable, which isn't necessarily a problem, but I didn't find the main characters engaging enough. I also found the progression of their romance not natural or flowing, little chemistry between the two

The ARC version I read also contained some inconsistencies, such as how the two main characters met and the name of the hospital nurse, but that might no longer be the case in the final version.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel waited for her guy to come home after he finished serving his time in the military but he never came back. He never called. He never even told her he wasn’t coming back. All these years later she has still been in a holding pattern. She never dated again. The one time she decided to date again she had the most horrible experience ever!

Easton has sworn off love. We will never be that vulnerable for anyone. When his sister and brother in law get into a fatal car accident and they leave him with their daughter to raise he has to learn how to love. He learns how to let someone into his heart. Who knew that the person to help him with his niece would be the woman he left behind all those years ago.

This story was written beautifully and the characters were so amazing. I loved this heart warming story and the twists that brought this heartbroken family together. I just love a great second chance romance!

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel was back in her hometown to try and finish up the book she is writing. She left California after things got a little crazy. More to learn about that situation. The first person she runs into is the man who destroyed her love. Easton is back and running his own security firm and now responsible for his niece, Jade. Easton is talking about being a little frazzled with Jade. For some crazy reason Hazel volunteers to help him out with Jade. What was she thinking? This is the man she has loved for 7 yrs without ever hearing a peep from him after the service! She has had to have lost her marbles - what was she thinking? This storyline is about making adjustments, compromising, protecting, happiness, tenderness, love, commitment and family. Great read! Great love story!.

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

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of second chances at love. Easton And Hazel dated when she was in college, then Easton had to return to his military duties with a promise to Hazel that he would return to her, he didn't! This story takes you thru all the emotions that Hazel must face when she meets Easton again and realized that their story isn't finished. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved how Easton steps up with his niece, you can feel the love they have for each other. I also loved how he didn't hesitate to keep Hazel safe when danger kept coming her way. My favorite part of this story was all the times that Easton and Hazel and Jade spent quality time together as a family, even if they were denying it. Really good story! Lots of steam and danger around every corner!

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanny for the Bodyguard: A Small Town Second Chance Romance story of Hazel and Easton...He is the man who broke her heart,promised to comeback after his tour in military,the man who is afraid of commitment and sworn love but it all change when his sister and brother inlaw died in a car accident and left their child in his care and crossed path with the woman he'd hurt and never forgotten..She's a writer and never forget the man who broke his promise and her heart, don't date for years and when she do it all she got is a nightmare,being kidnapped and almost got trafficked only to scaped and become a witness but when the head of the syndicate get out of jail she become a target and the people around her..A heartwarming,touching,engaging,steamy and wonderful second chance romance..

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

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easton has become a single dad to Jade overnight.He is struggling between his job and being a single dad.
Hazel who is a writer has just come back home from LA and is writing her new book.
Easton ghosted Hazel years ago and she is not ready to see him.That changes when Jade gets ice cream all over her shirt.
Easton needs a babysitter and Hazel offers to help.The chemistry between them is still strong,but Easton doesn't want to ruin the bond between Jade and Hazel and tries to resist it.
When Hazel's past catches upto her Easton wants her to move in with him so he can protect her.
There is drama,angst,suspense,steam,
emotions,friendships,romance,
second chances along the way to their happily ever after.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easton finds himself a single dad when his sister is killed and he becomes ward for her daughter. He is having a tough time and when his niece bumps into a woman dropping her ice cream all over her shirt it is not a good and the fact that it is his ex makes things even more complicated. The collision reconnects them and has her becoming nanny to his niece and jumpstarting his heart for her all over again. Will their reconnection rekindle their relationship and lead them to happiness. This heartwarming story had me connecting with the characters and cheering for their relationship.

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

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel and Easton’s story has them being together prior to him going into the military and now private security. His sis passed away leaving him custody of his niece, Jade. These two are finding their way together but bumping into Hazel has her stepping in to help. Hazel is newly back to town, trying to finish her book but gets attacked. She has loved him for years but since he never returned for her after he promised she is guarded. These two get a whole lot closer when he has her move in after the attach. Things get steamy but can they get over their insecurities to the love they have for each other.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful but also emotional story. We follow Easton and Hazel.
They already have a history, which didn't end well due to false promises and his failure to return after his military service. Unfortunately, Hazel experienced some trauma, which still haunts her. When she returns home, she's surprised to find Easton, who also lives there and is caring for his niece. Despite everything, she decides to help him by being his niece's nanny. Can she put her traumatic experience behind her with his help, and is she willing to accept it after he left her behind?




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

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little book but kind of boring. It had a lot of repetition throughout the book. It never answered the question of why he ghosted her 7 years prior only to say he was a "chicken shit". Not much of an answer. There was not much chemistry between the MCs, it was like they were trying too hard. Jade was the best part of this book. There was a lot of typos, grammatical errors and names changing from chapter to chapter. The MFC was also stupid to go out by herself when she had a psychopath out to kill her.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old relationship comes back to life! This is about Easton and Hazel. They once dated, but when he went overseas on a military mission, he didn't contact her like he promised. He thought it was best for her to live her life with someone who would always put her first, rather than the military. Unfortunately, he had to leave the military when his sister passed away, and they left his niece with him to raise. Haley meets her and immediately falls in love. Someone from the past attacks Haley, and Easton is determined to protect her from anyone and everyone! This was a fantastic book!.

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

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Easton have a history that still haunts Hazel. He left her and promised to come back home after the military but he never did. She has a traumatic event that causes her to return home where she sees Easton and his niece he is raising. She decides to help him by being his nanny. Her traumatic past catches up with her. This is a serious situation but Easton is smart and understands Hazels behavior. This is their love story as well and their HEA. It just takes them a few years to figure it out.

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

[Jane McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the second chance at love story of Easton and Hazel.
From a unexpected meeting after Easton had ghosted her years before. To suspense and drama this was a very entertaining read. Easton has just become the guardian of his orphaned niece and Hazel has just moved back home. There is still chemistry between the pair, but Hazel has had hard times in the intervening years and danger is on her heels. And Easton has the expertise to help keep her safe.
I loved the characters, the suspense and I particularly loved that there was no real reason why Easton ghosted her, though plenty of hints allowed the reader to fill in the gaps here.
Tropes: second chance romance, forced proximity, single guardian, grumpy/sunshine, past trauma
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had
enough backstory, drama, action, and romance to hold my attention from start to finish. The characters were very likable, both flawed but not annoyingly so - just making them perfect for each other. Loved having a found-family as well instead of accidental pregnancy.

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.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan broke his promise and her heart seven years ago. Hazel moved back to Red Lodge and knew she might see him again but she didn’t expect to see him again so quickly nor did she expect to help him with his niece. It’s sparks and the push and pull of feelings that never went away. When her past comes back to hurt her Evan realizes he cannot live without her and does what his heart wants and protects her and loves her fiercely. It’s a slow and steamy build up to a hard won HEA.

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

[Aleaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

-arc provided by the author

I really enjoyed the concept of this book! I think the plot was quick paced and didn’t leave any boring fluff In the in-between and I found the characters likable and fully formed, but I think the twist of the suspense may have been a bit out of left field. I would definitely add a trigger warning for the content of the suspense, but I love a second chance romance and I think this book does a great job of building character relationships!

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful story that will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end. It's compelling and captivating and tantalizing and heartbreaking and so much more. It's filled with suspense and heartbreak and second chance for love story. I throughly enjoyed this book and hazel and Easton will definitely have you engrossed from it.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this romance book right here by Emma. The characters Hazel, Jade, and Easton were great, and the story flowed smoothly. I was pulled in from beginning to end. My heart did break for what Jade had to go through as well as Emma's situation growing up. That you will need to read to find out the situation. Easton's character sounds HOT with a body to make your heart go pitter patter.

[Dominique Lavallee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute. In my opinion Easton and Hazel were just kind of boring. The story was very repetitive and I understood that they were going through a lot, but it felt like it was on every page. If you’re looking for just a fun little read this is for you. The family dynamic at the end is very wholesome and I did love that. By the end I was just trying to finish it.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nanny for the Bodyguard” by Emma Blake

-A heartfelt story of found family, quiet strength, and love worth protecting.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Hazel, a sunshiny nanny, brings light and healing to grumpy Easton and his niece.
Their banter crackles with chemistry as past wounds slowly give way to trust.
With suspense, tenderness, and second chances, this romance hits all the feels.
A wonderful story of Hazel and Easton reconnecting.