Her Protective Cowboy

Fit Mountain Cowboys #1

by Stella Banks

When a runaway bride steals his truck, this protective cowboy will stop at nothing to claim her heart.

Wyatt
I swore off women a long time ago. Especially the flighty, irresponsible kind.
Then Melody Sinclair blazes into my life like a wildfire.
And she steals my truck and my heart in one go.
I know I should keep my distance. She's way too young for an old cowboy like me.
But I can't resist the electricity sparking between us.
The more I learn about her troubled past, the more I want to be her future.
Now, I'll risk it all to keep her safe and make her mine.
No matter what ghosts come knocking on our door.

Melody
I never planned to steal Wyatt's truck.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Especially when you're a runaway bride stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, and falling for my hot cowboy rescuer? Also not part of the plan.
Wyatt Clayton is older, wiser, and oh so tempting.
He's everything I shouldn't want but absolutely need.
And as he helps me confront my demons, I can't help falling for his rugged charm.
But will the shadows of my past ruin our chance for a happily ever after?

Her Protective Cowboy is a steamy romance novella about a runaway bride determined to escape her past and the hot cowboy determined to be her future. It can be read in one sitting in 90 minutes or less. Enjoy!

Genres: Westerns, Novella

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2024

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

What in the Jimmy John’s freaky fastness was this sprint to instalove debacle I just read. Can anyone explain to me why his clothes are in the guest bedroom dresser…..yeah I didn’t think so. It was great how it took till the next chapter to even figure out how she got his shirt to begin with, almost like the author was like oh crap I gotta explain how the FMC manifested the MMC flannel from thin air. Also what brand of kitchen table do they have that you can finger bang the FMC sitting at it and magically none of your brothers notice, ugh insert dramatic eye roll. Also in what viagra induced hallucination am I supposed to believe that an almost 40 year old man has a 1 minute refractory period puh leez! Plus they are in a barn and you got the FMC dropping to her knees, has this author ever seen a barn floor before, ewwww. The FMC is TSTL point in fact “I haven’t seen Wyatt like that before. So angry, so protective,” of course you haven’t you have known the man 2 days, not a lot of opportunity to see every side of someone’s personality. Did the author not want to exceed a word count. How is “and we went to bed” an ending, WTF!

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

Her Protective Cowboy is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, runaway bride, curvy girl gets her cowboy romance. Wyatt is a 38 year old hunky cowboy and rancher. He is the oldest of 4 brothers and thinks he will be single forever with the responsibilities of taking care of the family ranch. Melody is a sweet, 22 year old curvy virgin and runaway bride. Her parents arranged a marriage for business purposes, but when Melody overhears some cruel remarks from her groom on her wedding day, she flees. When she comes into Wyatt's store, he is taken with the curvy beauty. She ends up in a ditch after stealing his truck, and Wyatt knows she is meant to be his. When her past catches up, can Wyatt keep her safe? Their chemistry was pure fire, and the ending was so happy after a bit of drama. Wyatt was a sweet and hunky stud. I loved how he showed Melody how much he loved and desired her. It was so good! I can't wait for Brody's book!!

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

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway bride/instalove book about cowboy Wyatt and city girl Melody. Cute story with steamy scenes.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Protective Cowboy is the first story in the Fit Mountain Cowboys series. Her Protective Cowboys follows the journey of Melody and Wyatt. Her Protective Cowboy is a charming, suspenseful, and a page turner of a romance story. I couldn’t get enough of Melody and Wyatt’s story, and was slightly saddened by how quick the story came to an end. However, I absolutely enjoyed getting to know Melody and Wyatt as well as seeing their love story u fold. Author Stella Banks has written a fantastic cowboy romance story that is quite captivating to read. Her Protective Cowboy is the first book that I have read by Author Stella Banks, and she did NOT disappoint in anyway whatsoever with this amazing story. I thought Melody and Wyatt were both brilliant, interesting, and intriguing characters. I would certainly suggest Her Protective Cowboy for anyone to read. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing books by this author.

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

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody is the runaway bride ending up at Wyatt’s ranch because she ran out of money for the cab. She was distraught. She had had quite a day so far. She was so anxious and upset by her ex-fiance that she tried to steal Wyatt’s truck to get away. Again. Everything seemed to be against her when she ran into the ditch and got stuck. Wyatt could tell she needed help and he was patient with her and protective and caring - something she had never had before. Now Wyatt was going to have a problem - he was immediately hit with the love bug! How was he going to handle this attraction to Melody? The story is funny and entertaining. Wyatt has it bad for Melody and he really doesn’t know what to do! It is filled with warmth, caring, kindness, tenderness, lust, passion and love and family. A great read - very enjoyable!.

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

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt's heart is in the right place and his intentions are good when he helps out the runaway bride who showed up on his family's ranch. And he finds it impossible when she attempts to steal his truck, though she doesn't make it very far. Melody may not have much of a plan except to make sure her business arrangement fiance doesn't find her, but sheltering with the sexy, older cowboy definitely wasn't part of that plan. But the kindness he provides is genuine, and the attraction she feels for him is undeniable. Maybe, just maybe, he is where she's supposed to be.

I liked every page of this short story and really only have one question: Was the ex-fiance situation resolved?.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Wyatt and Melody
Genre- Cowboy Romance, Contemporary Romance
Length- novella
Heat- they do the things and use the P word when describing the parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers? N
Tropes- Age Gap, Instalove, Runaway Bride, Save a Horse- Ride a Cowboy
Mewsings
What I liked- she actually had a bag with her, and a plan. And I liked the scene where they were riding horse together.
What I didn’t- I’d have liked for the Instalove to have been more profound and life-changing for both of them.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Her Protective Cowboy: Book 1 of Fit Mountain Cowboys. Wyatt can’t believe his eyes when a bride is dropped off at his ranch. She’s running from her arranged marriage. Melody falls fast for Wyatt, he is protective of her and makes her feel seen. He cares about her. Wyatt has to figure out a way to keep Melody forever. He never believed in love oat first sight but he does now. Unfortunately, her ex is still out there and determined to bring her back. I loved the story and the characters. Wyatt will do anything to keep Melody safe. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Protective Cowboy is beautiful insta-love protector awesomeness! Melody is sweet and kind, trying to escape a terrible situation without a real plan. Wyatt is an outstanding man with a gorgeous heart and a strong moral compass. I love how forgiving and protective he is, how he helps others and speaks up for himself and those who need assistance. Their connection is powerful, and I love how they interact with each other and the others that they each come into contact with. The action and emotion are compelling entertainment; I loved this past paced and fun novella!

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy the FIt Mountain Cowboys is going to be fun fill sexy series ya'll!!!

Wyatt had no idea the most beautiful woman in the world would show up on his ranch. Melody is on the run from a bad arranged marriage, and ran out of money. She just needed to regroup.

Wyatt offers her to stay, and never wants her to leave. This is a insta-love story. I feel so strong, and catches them both off guard.You will fall in love with the way these two really need someone who looks at you like they do, and feels they just connect on a level like a soul mate. You won't be disappointed AT ALL at all the passion that explodes on the pages!!

Welcome to FIt Mountain Cowboys, sign me up!

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt can't believe his eyes when he sees a beautiful young woman exit a taxi in front of the family ranch. Not normally someone to get involved but something about the slightly bedraggled woman gets to him and he finds himself offering to help her.

Melody finally took the courage to run, albeit on the day of her wedding. Only to find herself stranded in the middle of nowhere at the mercy of a stranger.

Wyatt has always scoffed at love at first sight until Melody. Now he just has to persuade her to stay.

Another fantastic story from this author and a great start to a new series.

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

[casvec]

It was a marriage of convivences - to help their families with their failing companies. When Melody overhead her fiancés talking down about her, family or not she was not going to go through with it.

When Melody ends up on the ranch, crossing paths with Wyatt takes them on a whirlwind journey they have them facing the past and looking towards the future.

Great quick escape that pulls you in from the start and has you lost in the pages.

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

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt is so sweet even when he is talking dirty. Melody is innocent, but finds passion and romance when she didn't think she'd ever have it. This short and steamy insta-love romance will meet all of your alpha male dreams to the point of your heart melting, your knees weak and wanting more of the happy ending.

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

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody is running from her own arranged marriage wedding after hearing her groom talking about what will happen after the wedding. When she runs out if cab fare, she meets Wyatt.
Wyatt has never believed in love at first sight until he meets Melody. Now he'll protect her at all costs.

Back to Fit Mountain where love at first sight abounds. Quick novella, younger woman, older man.

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

[Mary Pack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to get an ARC for this instalove read from Stella Banks. I really enjoyed reading Wyatt and Melody's love story. It is about an hour read and you won't be disappointed. It brings the feels, the heat, and the love. Wyatt rescues Melody when she runs away from her abusive groom before the wedding, it was supposed to be a marriage of convenience. In finding Wyatt she found love. An age gap love story. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in LOVE with this author and how brilliantly she writes this cowboy romance read about Wyatt and Melody. This is my first book I have read by Stella as well as the first book in the Fit Mountain Cowboys series so you can bet my bottom dollar I will be reading more books by her. I loved the characters and the storyline about Melody who is a runaway bride who literally doesn't expect to be falling for the cowboy Wyatt.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story this was. I really enjoyed the story, of a Melody, and Wyatt, for he was a sweetheart and the dirty talk was really great. The Melody was sweet and innocent. Their story is full of romance, and of course, they were right the attraction and chemistry between them. In addition to the romance, there's a lot of passion and hot scenes. A page-turner and a must visit.

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

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insta-love novella. The MMC is protective but not overbearing. The FMC isn't helpless. The book is probably 3.5 out of 5 spicy stars. The cover art is all the right cowboy abs a romance needs wants. The novella (hopefully) sets up other books. The dual pov is easy to keep up with and definitely adds the right perspective needed to feel the love and spice. I like how it starts with the Male Main Characters pov first. It's unusual in the books I've read and captured my interest.

[Katy Dospoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay enough

More over the top than I expected in the insta-love department. Was a bit too dramatic in parts that definitely didn't evolve into anything. And the ending just seemed to leave things open. Maybe the story resolves in the next story or stories but wasn't exactly earth-shattering enough to need to find out. If you need a fast and easy read, maybe a palate cleanser of sorts, this should do it

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt and Melody. Hes sworn off women until her. Yes of course theres the little matter that she stole his truck. But whats a runaway bride to do. She has a past thats coming her way and he'll do anything to protect her. Cant wait to see whats in store for them and the next of the Clayton men. Great story great journey.

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

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh boy what a great spicy runaway bride and older cowboy story! I haven’t read a good cowboy tale in a while. Wyatt and Melody story is fast paced and such a good wholesome love story. Will definitely recommend to other people!.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ideal book to read when you want a manly hunk of a hero who knows how to treat a woman. Add to that some hunky brothers, and a ranch, and you have the makings of an AWESOME story.
This book is perfect for giving your brain a reset after a stressful or busy day.

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

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great age gap instalove story. When Melody overhears her fiancé’s terrible plans for her, she runs away and finds herself at the Clayton’s ranch. Wyatt is older, but there’s something that draws them together. Love how he protected her and made her feel like she was his whole world.

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

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Melody realizes that she can not go through with her wedding she takes off in a cab. She runs out of money for cab faire and her phone is dead, so she steals Wyatts truck, only problem she does not make it far before she is in a ditch.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Wyatt and Melody. The story keeps us turning the pages with a runaway bride, instant connection, personal issues and steam.

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

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and spicy little escape!!!

Swoon!!! I could not get enough of this story and fell in love with both main characters and secondary characters too. Makes me super excited for books from this series. It’s such a sweet and spicy little escape that is perfect for bedtime or lunch time read! Happy reading

[Brooke Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

runaway bride
insta-love
city girl/cowboy
barn fun 🥵
virgin fmc
age gap


A sweet and spicy novella to get you out of that book hangover. I love a good insta-love especially when there’s a protective cowboy to keep you safe and warm

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Melody takes control of her life and it leads her to a loving man in Wyatt. Wyatt will protect her and allow her to choose her own man who is Wyatt.

[Laurie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cowboy, age gap love at first sight story. It had it all, sweet young woman, protective older cowboy and of course a villain!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody shows up at the Clayton family ranch dressed in a wedding dress. From the moment Wyatt sees her, something inside him shifts, clicks, and he's more than happy to offer this stranger the sanctuary she's in need of