Falling for the Bodyguard

The Summer Sisters #4

by Jean Oram

From New York Times bestselling romance author Jean Oram comes the explosive fourth book in the addictive and sweet Summer Sisters series.

One shattered war hero. One hippie. Two very unlikely sweethearts.

Evander de la Fosse believes he's only good for one thing: stopping bullets meant for others. But as war-torn hero Evander shadows single mother Daphne Summer he finds himself wishing for the one thing war took from him—a life worth living. Daphne, with her bright and upbeat disposition, possesses a pull on him he can't deny. 

A believer in the power of love and destiny, Daphne figures fate must have a major wicked streak for sending her polar opposite—Evander, a well-armed bodyguard—into her life. She doesn't need him, nor does she want him or his military ways seeping into her world. She has a life to live, a daughter to raise, and a family cottage to save in less than two weeks. The last thing she needs is to get involved with another Mr. Wrong.

But the steely-eyed, former military hunk refuses to leave her side, especially after a confrontation with the enemy, who has been stirred up by her sisters, ends in threats. Daphne, determined not to add fuel to the fight, tries to convince Evander to back down. But Evander knows Daphne needs him—needs him for more than just protection.

Will the two find a way to see eye-to-eye as well as heart-to-heart before the enemy can take them down? Find out in the fourth Summer Sisters book!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

My newsletter subscribers just got a FREE book. Are you getting fun stuff from me? If not, subscribe here for exclusive freebies, giveaways, and new release info: http://www.jeanoram.com/FreeBook

Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in a Canadian town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of feel-good, heartwarming romances that make readers smile.

Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky neighbourhood rabbits that hop through her garden like it's an open salad bar. She can often be found outdoors or reading a book. (And of course at her laptop writing your next irresistible read!)

Subscribe to Jean's newsletter and get a taste of her small town comedies that will have you laughing while falling in love: www.JeanOram.com/signup

--> Shop direct from the author at shop.jeanoram.com!

Reviews

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm Not Perfect--I'm A Single Mother"

If you've been following this series you know that four sisters are trying to save the family heritage, a 100+ year old cottage, and Nymph Island, on which it sits. Each has agreed to try to come up with 1/4 of the back taxes owed and their money making schemes (and, incidentally, romances--a Nymph Island specialty) have been entertaining me mightily as I storm through the series. However, if this is the first of the books you've stumbled upon, it can stand alone, although it would constitute a bit of a spoiler for the previous tales.

This one focuses on Daphne and her bouncy daughter, Tigger, whose sugar antics have been a constant in each of these LOLs (Laugh-Out-Louds). The secondary(?) plotline involves a big, bad, development company which is all about the (Canadian) dollars and screw the environment. Tigger's "baby daddy" is one of the bad guys and has made custody threats. Enter the bodyguard . . .

Now, I could go on and relate the rest of the story to you, but I'm no where near as entertaining as Ms. Oram, especially as her prose is cheerfully narrated by Vanessa Moyen.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review: Love & Danger (The Summer Sisters) by Jean Oram, Vanessa Moyen

Could a mother's love cause dangerous consequences? The Summer Sisters are back to stir up some trouble. In the most delightful way. Love and Danger has all the heart of the previous novels, but Daphne's story has an undercurrent of danger. Daphne is a single mother with a tender heart and a fierce determination. When the choices of her past, cast a cloud on her present, she'll stop at nothing to make things right. Even risking her own safety and exposing her beautiful heart. Evander is her biggest frustration and her greatest temptation. He trusts no one. Can she convince the wounded warrior to take a chance on her?

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *

Have you ever looked forward to a book so much but at the same time dreaded it because it was the last one in a series?!?! That is how I felt with this book - I wanted to know Daphne's story so bad but at the same time I didn't want to say goodbye to the Summer Sisters - I have adopted them as my own! I was looking forward to Daphne and Tigger's story so much as I have enjoyed getting to know them throughout the first 3 books, and there was no disappointment at all with their story! I loved it from start to finish.

The characters in the books become more like best friends or honorary sister's as you get to know them and their magical island. The reader becomes invested in the story, the setting, the island and the sisters. The author does an amazing job of connecting with the readers, making the readers see the struggle between the sisters and their pride and she pulls the readers into her world with very little effort.

The story is so quick paced, smooth and fun that the reader is halfway finished without realizing that they have been reading for hours. There is never a good stopping point, as the reader must know what is coming next! This series has been my favorite one so far this year and I really am not ready for it to end! I want more of the Summer sisters! I want more of Tigger! This book becomes an instant favorite for any reader!

Add this and the previous books in the series to your TBR list soon! The only thing missing from your summer is this series and you need to remedy that quick! I am so looking forward to what author Jean Oram has next for her readers! She has a new stalker, I mean fan in me!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an excellent finale to the four book series; the story of the romance between the bodyguard hired by the sisters' boyfriends, and Daphne, the youngest Summer sister.

Although the story arc of saving the family's cottage and island is completed with this novel, I hope further books are written in this setting.

As usual, the writing is flawless. I hate editing errors, they really ruin books - with this one you can sit back and really enjoy the story without niggling annoyances. The prose is good, with an occasional Canadian or North American word or meaning to keep me on my toes!

[Jemi Fraser]

LOVED! I've been waiting and waiting for Daphne's story and it's awesome! Evander is such a terrific character - a real man with a real heart and a lot of internal conflict. Watching Daphne and Evander work their way through the Trixie Hollow & Rubicore situation is so much fun. I stayed up way too late at night to finish it. A fantastic read!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I did like this one. Evander was a well-developed character that I enjoyed reading about. Daphne was a bit annoying. Her whole "just think happy thoughts and my life will be good" and "send out love and the world will be good" attitudes were very foolish, especially when you have a five-year-old daughter who needs protecting. Someone really needed to tell her about "tough love". I'm glad she had a bit of a change of opinion by the end, and learned to be a bit tougher with those who meant to hurt her, but she flip-flopped a lot along the way. Even after someone tried to run her off the road and Evander saved her, she still kept blaming him for bringing bad energy into her life. Jean Oram clearly needed to keep the tension going, but it just frustrated me.

And speaking of frustrating, I'm sorry, but the whole Melanie getting engaged thing did not work. There was no build-up to it. Totally out of the blue, Melanie was calling across the room to Tristan and asking him to marry her. What the??? What happened that she just had to ask there and then?

And there was nothing romantic about it because it was cruel and selfish. They were in the middle of Daphne's birthday party but Melanie couldn't let her have her moment and chosen to ask Tristan later? And just weeks ago, Melanie was feeling lonely because her two older sisters had hooked up with men and she felt like the odd one out and destined to remain alone. She, of anyone, should have considered that maybe Daphne was feeling the same. I mean, wasn't Daphne so determined to have Mistrel in her life again? It was obvious she wanted a man. But Melanie, instead of being a caring sister, decided to steal her moment by asking Tristan to marry her. Sorry. Not romantic. Just awful. Badly done, Melanie.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me a military hero every time and I am lost in the story. I am so glad this man found Daphne. She is one of my favorites of the sisters trying to keep their cabin on Nymph Island, as well as her spunky, little daughter, Tigger. Evander is hired to be Daphne's bodyguard while their is a threat on the family. Development is coming around the island threatening the environment, and being headed by Tigger's father, and as a result Daphne's emotions are high. She feels she can deal with everything on her own, keep her positivity and find a happy medium. But Evander is in her way, constantly following her, carrying a gun and sticking himself to her hip. Will these two ever see eye to eye? I loved their story. Opposite attract, and these two seem like opposites but find their common ground. Love Evander's mom, what a sweetheart and Evander with Tigger is just heart melting. Give us more of this family and the magic of Nymph Island where love blooms!

Vanessa Moyen is the voice of the Summer Sisters and I am so glad she has continued the narration. She is consistent with her voices between books which for me is such a plus! She voices Daphne with that over the top excitement to help get her point across and the next breath has Tigger and her unending energy and attitude. Love it and look forward to the next in the series.

[RomanceIsMyJam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Haha I am the only two star review haha.
This book had a good trope concept. Something fell flat. All the repetitive inner thoughts of Daphne’s were annoying. Especially how Mistral was a bad guy, blah blah. She’s all peace and love. Her five year old is amazing blah blah. Single mother woes blah blah. Hippie lady, irresponsible sister blah blah. I skimmed inner dialogue. I’m shocked there wasn’t an argument when Evander had her car fixed.
After ten days there are feels and I Love You’s, insert groan.
This was my least favorite book of the series, but I did like Evander. I am not interested in Simone or her story at this point so I’m done. And I’m done with this author.
It’s obvious what happens at the end of this book. There is kissing. There is intercourse, but it is not explained or detailed to the reader.
Side note- I get she didn’t believe Mistral wouldn’t hurt her, but what about all the other characters who work for Rubicore?, duh. So short sighted and in her own world in her head.
I love how the cottage is believed to bring them their true love, but they are all also rich hahaha what a joke.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Summer sisters decide they're going to shut down the planned luxury resort on the island across from their beloved Nymph Island, the corporation that owns it, headed by Tigger's biological father, things get ugly and all of the sisters, including Daphne, acquire bodyguards.
Like all of the Summer sisters stories, this one is sweet, a little sexy and heart warming. Daphne is an idealist and a free spirit who ultimately comes to terms with the fact that she needs to let go of the past in order to find her future.
Evander, an x-military hero whose experiences left him emotionally vulnerable and unwilling to trust himself with new relationships. Wrapping both around her adorable little finger is the effervescent Tigger, an adorable 5 year old who will capture your heart as she does everyone elses.
If you've stuck with the Summer sisters through the hook ups of the other sisters and the struggles to save Nymph Island from the tax man, I think you'll find this store a satisfactory and thoroughly rewarding story.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a military hero. L. O. V. E. Love! That means that Evander was already well on his way to being on my series favorites list before this book even started. From the first time we met him, really. Daphne was absolutely crazy-making to me. I admire her peace, love, and sunshine outlook, but I’m more of the "if you want peace, prepare for war" school. So, her refusal to consider her safety seriously baffled me. I loved the way the saga of Trixie Hollow and Nymph Island wraps up here, but the path it took getting there left me wanting to tear my hair out for so much of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio from the author.

[SusanL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining series

I really love the characters in this book. Especially Tigger. She’s so full of energy and pure joy.
Her mom, Daphne, is a terrific mother and has a positivity that’s inspiring.
Evander is equal parts scary bodyguard and a loving, nurturing presence in both Daphne and Tigger’s life. Even if it is only a temporary need for a bodyguard.
These two people don’t realize how much they need the other or how alike they are actually.
Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Izzybear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evander and Daphne’s tale is heartwarming and cute. I liked all the characters but I really loved Evander. He’s this big, strong man who can be very intimidating but also gentle and loving. The way Evander engaged with Tigger and made her feel special just melted my heart. I loved watching their bond grow as Evander took on more of a fatherly type role.
I adored Evander, Daphne and Tigger’s story.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all, a hot hero who needs a purpose, a feisty heroine who doesn't need rescuing, a family of strong independent women and a sassy 5 year old who runs rings around them all. Daphne's story is the fourth book in the Summer Sisters series and it does not disappoint, we get to return to Nymph Island and all the wonderful characters we have meet in this series, and we get to watch her fall in love even though she doesn't want to want Evander.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story and ending to cottage issues the sisters were facing. I like Evander and enjoyed him in the story. Daphne at times I didn’t like and wanted to shake. She just isn’t my kind of heroine. I like the sibling relationships and I loved Tigger. She added so much to this story in particular and the series as whole so far.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

audiobook on YouTube.

[Shauna Stewart Hougham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Summer is a hippy who is all for love, peace and power. But she thinks fate has played a strange card by sending Evander de la Fosse into her life when she needs a body guard who is hired by her sisters boyfriend Tristen. This is after her ex boyfriend who is with the Rubicore developer and he utters threats to her and her sisters. Her ex boyfriend FYI is the father of her child Tigger (Kim). Evander the bodyguard is an former military hunk of manhood with steely eyes that is glued to her.

So now we have a flower power mother, a body guard, a nasty developer fighting hard and things are dangerous as they fight mean and hard. Will she be able to come up with her share of the money to save Trixie Hollow cottage on Nymph Island in time to pay the back taxes.

At the same time, Mistral Tigger's father is part of Rubicore and she reaches out to him to see if he wants to be a part of her life, trying to reach the softer side of him that was there 6 years ago that summer. However the first meeting didnt go as planned, he brought a body guard with a gunned ready to shoot, and she tried to ditch Evander but he was there and willing to show his weapon. After this Evander got her attention things are dangerous and she needs to stop fighting his protection. While driving once, she was rammed in the rear end since she tried to ditch Evander, she now understood the importance of not ditching him, she had just dropped Tigger off at daycare. The next thing was they broke into her house. Now it was serious. How could Tigger's dad let his company do this to her or his daughter. He said he knew nothing about it. The only way Evander thought to keep her safe was to move her in with his Mom and him and his brother to their house as Daphne called it his bunker..ha. Slowly Daphne became more responsible, he became more soft around the edges, and we watched his heart melt for Tigger, he became a father figure for her. His mother was granny Flo (short for Florence).

I loved this story so much on so many levels. Tigger is so adorable and brought down Evander to his knees with her sweetness. She had him around her little finger in a heartbeat. This is a man that thought he would never have a life. He felt he could only do protection work and keep up his wall. Daphne was able to break through his wall to his heart and he was able to find love. But he thought he couldnt love and protect at the same time. And he would be no good.

The series was an excellent series and we watched these girls all grow in their personal growth. We learned how Trixie Hollow came about on Nymph Island and how Adaker Camp on Baby Horsehoe Island. I can't wait to have a follow up on these lives. PLEASE Jean don't end here......
Great series......

[Judy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**.

This was my favorite book of the series. I love the books in the all the series but I always wanted to know more about Daphne and her energetic daughter Tigger. This book picks up after Daphne was threatened by her ex and the father of her Tigger. He is upset because the sisters are going after his company because it's ruining everything surrounding their beloved family island/cottage. Evander is hired to be to be their bodyguard until this whole thing is settled. This book has a bit of everything a wounded solider physically and emotionally trying to adapt back into society. A single mother trying to save the world and bring her daughters father into her life despite what's going on with the threat he posing. Which she isn't taking seriously. Evander though isn't taking this lightly with his ex military experience and alpha bull ways. This doesn't mix well with Daphne Zen peace loving ways. This is an epic explosion of who can crack who first. I loved how they complimented each other and add Tugger in the middle for a whole lot of cuteness.
You could read this as stand alone but believe me you'll want to read the whole series. I'm hoping that it continues on.. I just love their cottage and island.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jean Oram's writing and all her series. This story is about Daphne Summer who is the youngest of the Summer sisters and a hippie. She wants to save the environment and thinks all things can happen without fighting. Summer has a five year old daughter, Tigger, who she had with a boyfriend, Mistral, from a rich family. Most unfortunately he is not a strong person and cannot stand up to his father. Mistral is part of Rubicone who bought the island next the the Summer family and wants to put a rich resort there. This will mess up the environment which the Summer sisters are fighting against There has been some threats on the women, so Evander de la Fosse is hired to protect Daphne and her daughter. Daphne does not like it one bit, and hates that he carries a gun. She is still trying to get Mistral to step up and be a father to Tigger, but is not having much luck. Daphne has a pollyanna view of things which upsets Evander. You need to read the story to see what happens.

I loved how Daphne and Evander balanced each other. Daphne fought any attraction at first to Evander. Evander was a war hero and he felt he would never have a real life with a family. Yet he was one of the sweetest, most giving persons you would want to know. I loved the book, and encourage you to read it.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Summers and her five year old daughter, Tigger, were doing the best they could trying to get by. This is the fourth book in this series and I loved it. Tigger's father was Mistrel, who really didn't want anything to do with her. He and his father ran Rubicore, the company that wanted to develop the Islands where the Summers sisters owned their property. Mistrel was trying to make nice with Daphne to get his way. Her sister's felt her life could be in danger so they hired a bodyguard for her. Evander de la Fosse he was canadian military retired and he was really good at his job. This story touches on a lot of things along the way. Daphne's relationship to Mistel and his to his daughter. How much Daphne struggles to come up with tax money to save their island. Her loneliness and her growing affection for Evander. His for her and Tigger. This is such a sweet story I read it all today. I loved it. I think it is one of Jean's best. Even for my Christian friends you will love this story as all of Jean's are great

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent wrap up to the series. Daphne has always been one of my favorite characters and to see her drawn to a character that is her opposite in every way was very entertaining. Ex Military bodyguard Evander de la Fosse doesn't understand how Daphne can live life with her ideas of peace, love and faith conquering everything. From what he's seen in his life ultra vigilance and hyper awareness is the only way to survive. Yet he can't help but be pulled to her soft nature.

These two were perfect together and the way the series came together was great. This can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the entire series.

[Dianne Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianne Wagner I was given an advanced copy of this book.
Had I not been given a copy of this book, I would have purchased a copy. Jean Oram's writing has consistently drawn me in and placed me right in the action with the characters. With each book in this series, I would think, this is it! She cannot get any better than this, it's her best story yet. Well, let me tell you, Ms. Oram has once again stepped up her writing and story telling another notch! I started reading and could not put the book down. Daphne and Evander's story is a winner! A great fourth book in the Summer Sisters Series. I think these four books would make an excellent read for book clubs. Thank you Ms. Oram.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Love and Danger' (The Summer Sisters Series #4) by Jean Oram is a fantastic read. This is the story of Daphne Summer, Mom of Tigger, and Evander de la Fosse, the man tasked to keep them safe. This is a great addition to this series. I loved getting to know more about Daphne, Tigger, and Evander. Loved catching up with the other Summer sisters & their men. Highly recommend this series to all fans of romance. I for one would love more of this series!

[Lurie Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to get an advanced copy of the book to give my honest opinion.
Jean saved the best for last. Not saying the rest of the series was not good all the books were wonderful. Love this book. Delphne and Evander made an excellent team. Tigger of course was wonderful as always. This is the last book in the series but I hope Jean will decide to add more. I just loved this series. If you haven’t read it I really think you will enjoy it. You must read in order to really appreciate it.

[Carolyn Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Danger is the 4th installment in the Summer Sisters series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It tied up the whole Rubicore situation nicely. It also had a HEA which I love! I felt for the main characters and thought that Daphne and Evander's love story was the sweetest. I hope that there will be at least one more including the honorary Summer Sister, Simone. Very well written and totally worth the read. I recommend the entire series to EVERYONE!

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Summer Sisters series and I think Jean Oram kept the best for last. The storyline is interesting and the characters are unique. Two people with very different views that are attracted to one another can be difficult at times. I really enjoyed the series but this book is one you do not want to miss out on.

Received copy for review.

[sandra firth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Jean Kram's writing.

Each book stands alone but also had continuity from previous story making it a fulfilling read as it builds and expands to make you feel as if you are there in their journey

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book couldn't put it down & I loved all the characters. I have read all 4 books in this series & this book was my favoite. can't wait to read another book by jean oram.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally different types of people falling in love. There’s hippies, billionaires and more to make your day happier. Don’t miss out.