Protected for Christmas

Rugged Mountain Ink: Balsam Creek Lodge #5

by Khloe Summers

Can this older mountain man find love with his brothers ex?

Can this older mountain man find love with a woman he's stalking?

Warren
A new year is on the horizon and there's one woman I can't get off my mind.
She's sweet, curvy and she should be with me.
Instead, she's with my asshole brother.
I should walk away and mind my business,
But the heart wants what it wants.
And mine only beats for Tess.

Tess
I need a man I can't have.
I fantasize about his big, rough hands all over me.
I dream about us together, living on a little ranch alone.
Trouble is, he's my ex-boyfriends brother.
And I need to get as far away from that family as possible.
Yet here I am, dripping with anticipation, desperate for his arrival.

Genres: Romance, Holiday

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2023

About the author

Best-Selling Author Khloe Summers writes short, steamy romance about small town love and mountain men.

Married to her own heart of gold alpha for over twenty years, Khloe is a firm believer in the magic of Happily Ever After.

Reviews

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess is in an awful relationship with a toxic and psychological abusive man that treats her like garbage. She meets Warren and he vows to help her to get out, but things change when she finds out that her boyfriend is the estranged half-brother of Warren. When she finally leaves her ex, Warren steps in and protects her from him. But sparks fly and they fall hard and fast for each other🥰 Instalove, age gap, steamy, romantic, a bit sad, with action, sweet MMC and safe with an awesome HEA 😍😍😍😍

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Te prometí que para el día de Año Nuevo estarías justo donde se suponía que debías estar. Y donde se supone que debes estar es conmigo.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




Protected for Christmas de Khloe Summers serie Balsam Creek Lodge: Rugged Mountain Ink libro 5

Argumento:

¿Podrá este montañés mayor encontrar el amor con la ex de su hermano?

Warren

Un nuevo año está en el horizonte y hay una mujer que no puedo sacar de mi mente. Ella es dulce, con curvas y debería estar conmigo. En cambio, ella está con mi hermano imbécil. Debería alejarme y ocuparme de mis asuntos, pero el corazón quiere lo que quiere. Y el mío sólo supera a Tess.

Tess

Necesito un hombre que no puedo tener. Fantaseo con sus manos grandes y ásperas sobre mí. Sueño con nosotros juntos, viviendo solos en un pequeño rancho. El problema es que él es el hermano de mi ex novio. Y necesito alejarme lo más posible de esa familia. Sin embargo, aquí estoy, llena de anticipación, desesperada por su llegada.

Queridos lectores: Este es un breve romance navideño con un montañés grande, gruñón y protector, y una tentadora más joven, dulce y con curvas. Como siempre, este título viene con el 'Easy Escape Seal' de Khloe. Una garantía HEA sin trampas ni suspenso.



Mi humilde opinión:

Protected for Christmas es un romance rápido con diferencia de edad en un pueblo pequeño montañés.

Me gustó la historia de Tess y Warren. Tuvo su cuota de peligro y drama y un toque de la llegada del año nuevo.

Warren fue un divino durante todo el libro, estaba súper enamorado de Tess y al final no solo la protegió sino que no se dio por vencido cuando ella lo apartó.

Tess hizo lo que debió hacer desde el principio, darle la patada al ex y marcharse y ver que el hombre que la quería de verdad estaba frente de ella pero... Si no fuera por la prueba de la foto en donde se ve al ex con otra mujer lo hubiera dejado? Es más, ella descubrió lo de las drogas antes y no lo denunció! Me dio la sensación de que ella hubiera continuado con su novio y aguantando que continúe tratándola mal.

Los romances con brecha de edad no son de mis favoritos porque generalmente encuentro el dime "Papi" que me causa escalofrío así que aprecié que no se use aquí.

La verdad disfruté de esta historia corta, tenia momentos dulces y picantes con un oso robando comida en año nuevo y nuevos visitantes. Me pregunto qué sucederá con esos hombres vikingos llegando al pueblo, parece que la amiga de Tess le puso un ojo a alguien del grupo.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town news gets you every time as in this story Tess was having problems with her partner Rob, and she was planning to leave him with the help of a friend, but she discovered Warren was a half-brother to Rob. She knew then that would never work as Rob would go after Warren to do bodily harm to him. She would not allow anything like that to happen, so she canceled her plans to leave Rob. Until, her bestfriend sent her a picture of Rob with another woman setting Tess off sending her home to pack. While she was there Rob came home with Warren right behind him with a gun. Warren told her to go to his truck, he would take care of his brother. She insisted he come with her. He did not want to, but he ended up doing it. They decided the only thing that would stop Rob was to get something on him, and as it turned out Tess actually had everything she needed to put him behind bars on her phone. Surprise, surprise. Now if they would be able to get to law enforcement before he got to them. Plus, they still had the party at the lodge to plan for New Year's Eve.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected by her mountain man

Tess and Warren were definitely worth waiting for. Tess is dating a gaslighter and a cheater. Warren happens to be his half-brother who wants to help her get away. No love lost between these brothers! My heart hurt for Tess and her belief that she was stuck where she was. That relationships take work and that’s all that was going on. Luckily Warren was around to help her realize her worth and that love could be so much more.

There is a little drama with her soon to be ex of course. That’s why Tess needs protecting. A little drama when Tess tries to follow her head instead of her heart. A steamy kitchen scene and a bear where it is not supposed to be gets these two back on track. I loved Warren! He knows how to sweep a woman off her feet! Even when she swears she doesn’t want to be. But he’s one of the good ones so their love was always going to happen! My favorite part was probably his promise to “have you where you are meant to be by New Years.”

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warren is older, a protector, and wants Tess for his own. She is totally off limits. His brother’s girlfriend, and much younger than him. She is currently in an abusive relationship. She continues to try to make it work determine that she is the problem then she finds out he is cheating on her.
Rob is a manipulator, and dangerous. She now has no choice but to trust Warren.
This is a great short read. I love how protective Warren is of Tess. Tess is so trusting of everyone. She deserves much better than Rob.
Will Warren give in to his desires? Will he be able to get Tess to trust him after she has been broken so many times?
This entire series along with the ones that branch off from these stories are great. I recommend the series.

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

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Rugged Mountain Ink
Balsam Creek Lodge


Trigger warnings
Possible DV
Cheating (on not by)
Attempted Murder
Drugs

Tess (mfc)
Warren (mmc)
Bailey (friend of mfc)
Rob (boyfriend/ex of mfc, ½ brother of mmc)


Tess is the friend from the last book who got "forgotten" about when the mains were falling in love. In this book, she starts out living with Rob, who is abusive. Warren was supposed to help her escape until Tess found out Warren and Rob were related, and she called off the escape plan. When Bailey sends her proof of Rob's cheating, she has no choice but to accept that she is done with him. Will she give Warren a chance? Will Warren live long enough to convince her?

This one took a turn I wasn't expecting. Even with reading all the books in the series, I was still surprised about that NYE encounter.

[SpeedReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad the RIGHT brother gets in there

• Plot 📖📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥
• POV: Dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️
• Epilogue? ✔️ 1 month later
• Tropes: Age-gap, mentions verbal & psychological abuse, gun threats, mountain man


The FMCs living situation with her jerk of a boyfriend broke my heart. She was beaten down and feeling such low self-value.

I’m so glad she had people in her corner including the MMC. The story was a little darker than I expected with a bit more angst than I’d anticipated but it was a great story.

I loved the FMC & MMC together. The MMC was just the best 🥰

It’s a quick read that’ll keep you on your toes with a sweet ending, highly recommended!!!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected for Christmas is a short and steamy, OTT, age-gap, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Tess is a young, sassy spitfire in a bad relationship with Rob. Warren is an older, hunky mountain man and Rob's estranged half-brother. He and Tess are both attracted to each other, and he has been planning on helping Tess escape. When Rob is found cheating, Tess finally agrees to leave, and Warren takes her back to his place. Can he keep her safe? Will they give into their feelings? I loved this couple so much. Warren is a totally drool-worthy protector. They had amazing chemistry, and we got a wonderful HEA. I can't wait for Bailey's story next!.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Protected for Christmas: Balsam Creek Lodge: Rugged Mountain Ink. Tess had a plan to get away with Warren’s help until she realized he’s Rob’s brother. She doesn’t want to involve Warren so she pushes him away. Good thing he won’t let her and comes to help anyways. Warren has been in love with Tess since he met her but she’s with his terrible brother and he knows he has to save her. Can they have a future once he gets her away? Tess wants to believe Warren is different but is he really? I loved this storyline and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rugged mountain man Warren (H) is drawn to Tess (h), his half-brother Rob's girlfriend. Tess, trapped in an abusive relationship with Rob, feels a pull toward Warren but grapples with the complications of their family ties and the tension of avoiding Rob's wrath. Warren's protective instincts kick in as he becomes Tess's unexpected rescuer, aiding her escape from the toxic situation. Things heat up between Tess and Warren, even as they find themselves facing a dangerous situation with Rob. Hot and steamy mountain man quickie romance with a side of danger and angst, and some moments of humor thrown in too.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess and Warren's story was the conclusion of the Balsam Creek Lodge series, but the story also perfectly sets us up for the Mountain Goliath series. I didn't care for Rob at all and was glad when he got his due. I loved the scene with the bear in the kitchen and Warren still going strong to his finish. That caused me to chuckle while reading. I also loved that Henry got a cameo in this story, as he's the original one who turned me onto the author and set me to reading every book and spin off in the Rugged Mountain Ink world and I'm still wanting more too.

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

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we get Tess & Warren's story. The plan when this book opens was during the holiday season Tess's boyfriend would be out of town and Warren would get her somewhere safe. When the time comes though she backs out. She figures the man she knows is better than going after one she hasn't met yet. Warren doesn't understand why she would stay with his half brother but is determined to be there when she needs him. Can he show her that he is the better choice for her or will they always be apart and missing out on a HEA?

Another amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in her wonderful Rugged Mountain Ink: Balsam Creek Lodge series is Protected for Christmas. Tess has known deep down that her relationship with Rob is toxic, but keeps talking herself out of leaving. But when things hit the fan, it is his half-brother Warren who steps up and anoints himself as Tess' protector. Will Tess allow herself to be with a man who really cares about her or is she done with the male species for the time being? An entertaining, steamy age-gap romance, another wonderful addition to this series.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess was supposed to leave Rob with Warren's help to escape. She has second thoughts when she finds out they are half brothers. She should not be fantasizing about him especially now that they are related.

Warren has been in love with Tess since before he found out she was his brother's girlfriend. She is way to good for him, there is a reason he does not have anything to with Rob. He will do anything he can to protect her from him.

Warren is just the type of man she is needs.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess is in an abusive relationship. When Warren finds out he makes plans to get her out. He was in love with her from the second he saw her. When Tess discovers he is her exs half brother she tries to deny her feelings for him to keep him safe. Warren is never letting her go now he has found her. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, a loving, caring, protective hero, a little danger and a wonderful HEA.

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

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is ok

I like the stories in general. What I do not care for are the nick names they give the girls. I find them very degrading and off putting. The other thing in this story that bothered me was the girl trying to put herself in harms way for a guy who cheated and who threatened her. Not once did she even tell him she had proof of his cheating. Its written how Julie wanted it but I felt it could have been better and its my review. Lol sorry but little one sounds really nasty!

[PATRICIA G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed, Not realistic.

There were too many things that she skimmed through that made all their difficulties seem like nothing. Like someone with a trunk full of drugs and snap their fingers and it's all taken care of and gone. Grizzly bear in the kitchen and they continue to make love and just going to shut the door leaving the grizzly bear in the kitchen with 500 people in the other room.. Too in immature, I think she needs to do more research.

[Bill Jakobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, great book!

This book had love, intrigue, drugs, danger and love...what more could you want. I've enjoyed reading this book, Warren and Tessa were so good for each other. His step brother was a bad guy who was originally involved with Tessa. Warren was going to help her get away from him but life stepped in and changed up the plans. As always, the descriptions of the people, lodge and the bear was excellent. Looking forward to more books. Written by Cindy:)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding out her boyfriend Rob was cheating on her Tess is ready to move on. Warren is Rob's half-brother but doesn't like the way he's treating Tess and he goes into protective mode. I loved Warren and Tess for each other they brought out the best in each other. This small town, mountain man romance is a great addition to the series. The writing is well done, the characters are well developed and the ending is perfect. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess is woth Rob but is not happy. She wants out of the relationship and has a plan to leave but is afraid of what he will do. He is dangerous and she is afraid of she involves his brother he will kill him
Warren is in love with Tess and wants to protect her at all costs. Will he be able to save her? Short romance with a HEA.

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

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was great.
Tess was in a verbal abusive relationship and did not know how to get out. It took Warren's protectiveness and carrying nature to help Tess realize she does not deserve this, she is not in the wrong, that it is not her it's her ex.
Warren and Tess have instant attraction and chemistry. This is what a real relationship should be like. This is love.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess had been in a bad relationship woth Warren's brother, they connection was instant but can Warren be the one to show Tess what lovebreally should be. Well written steamy quick paced age gap, mountain man romance.

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

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this series keeps getting better! I loved the little bit of drama that Tess’s crazy ex brought, and I laughed a little when Tess and Warren interrupted by a grizzly bear!
This was a very enjoyable story and I definitely recommend it, but I recommend starting from the beginning and enjoying it! I’m interested in seeing Bailey and Sergei getting together! Also his son Niko.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Warren and Tess. The story keeps us turning the pages with unspoken desire, connection, denial, danger and steam.

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

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess and Warren's time

Tess has just learned that her bf is cheating. She decides she's finally had enough.

Warren met Tess and fell in love with her at first sight. The problem is Tess's ex his his no good brother. How will Warren keep her safe from his brother and keep his hands off of her?

This story has twists that will keep readers focus!

I enjoyed this read 📚!

[Contina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tell you that I wanted to scream at Tess! Like Warren knew exactly who he was dealing with, but Tess felt the need to protect him. 🙄. Ridiculous! The scene in the kitchen killed me. Especially when that extra guest came in because he was hungry, hilarious.
I'm really enjoying this whole series.

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Warren and Tess. I absolutely loved this story. She is in a bad relationship and he just wants to protect her. When her ex comes looking for her. That is exactly what he plans to do. Tess want Warren but has sworn off alien men. New Year's Eve and a rogue bear may halt plans.

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. There was some drama, good laughs, great chemistry, awesome characters, and awell written storyline. Really great read.

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

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected for Christmas

Another short and sweet read from Khloe. Once she gets her head on straight and leaves her unfaithful boyfriend, his stepmother steps in to help her out. He protects her after her ex comes after them both. Once they get through this, they get their HEA.

[Linda Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good!

An other great book by Khloe Summers!
I'm so in love with these mountain men! Hot, sexy and protective. Just the way I like it! Great story and excellent characters! Can't wait for the Bailey's story!