Protected by the Single Dad Sheriff: A Runaway Bride Age Gap Romance

by Zoey Rose

Some brides get cold feet... I get a hot sheriff and a second chance at finding what real love feels like.

When I flee the altar, I have no destination in mind—just an overwhelming need to escape a life that isn't mine. Cedar Falls is supposed to be a temporary stop, a place to catch my breath before figuring out my next move. I never expect to find Sheriff Jake Reynolds, with his kind eyes and two adorable daughters who immediately adopt me into their world.

Jake offers me shelter for the night, no questions asked. He doesn't judge my impulsive decision or the mess I've made of my planned life. Instead, he offers understanding, mac and cheese, bedtime stories and a glimpse of what genuine family connection looks like.

As I watch Jake with his daughters, a surprising question forms in my what if this accidental detour isn't just an escape, but the beginning of the life I was always meant to find?


Protected by the Single Dad Sheriff is a short, sweet, and steamy small town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series.

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2025

Reviews

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

Protected by the Single Dad Sheriff is Book 4 of the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, runaway bride, single dad, curvy virgin gets her sheriff romance. Isabella is a sweet, strong, and curvy runaway bride. She left her groom at the altar as she felt like she was suffocating under her parents' expectations of how a Boston socialite behaves, going so far as to arrange a marriage for her to make a business deal. Jake is the hunky, widowed sheriff in Cedar Falls. He is dad to the adorable 8-year-old Emma and 5-year-old Sophie. When he gets a call about a bride walking down Main Street, he goes to investigate. He doesn't expect to be drawn to the curvy beauty or prepared for the way his girls take to her. But will she stay? OMG, this was such a sweet story about finding yourself after you felt lost. Their chemistry was pure fire and we got an amazing HEA. I loved the little girls, they were just too sweet. I loved it.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heart-warming story! Isabella and Sebastian were at the altar when she realizes she can’t go through with it. She runs away and ends up in Cedar Fall. She is still dressed in her wedding gown when Sheriff Jake Reynolds walks up to her and ask if she needs help. With no money, no clothes and no place to go, Jake offs shelter at his home for the night. His daughters, Emma and Sophie fall for her and wants her to stay. Jake has already fallen for her but can his heart allow him a second chance at love? The desires between them were undeniable. Join Isabella as she takes in the atmosphere of what family and true love is like. Could this man and his children be her HEA? The story was engaging and well written from the opening line to the last sentence. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a widower with two small girls, eight year old Emma and five year old Sophie, he's also the sheriff, he's doing the best he can but feels that he's failing them by not being able to do everything with them. One day he picks them up and has a call about a woman in a wedding dress in the 'town' centre! The girls are amazing, they thinks she's a princess! Isabella decided that she wasn't going to carry on living her life for her parents and fiance, she was going to do something that she wanted, so she did! The girls are hilarious with their comments, out of the mouths of babes!

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

Loved it!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of courage, independence and finding love where you least expect. Jake and Isabella were fabulous lead characters and Zoey's writing gave them a realness and humanity that fit the small-town setting. Emma and Sophia, his daughters, ratchetted up the cuteness factor and were perfect bridges to sensitive issues. This story dealt with loss of family support, but also the loss of a mother/wife - giving a glimpse into the burdens carried by the surviving parent. I quickly bonded with Jake's character and was rooting for these two from the start.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella finds herself running down the road in Cedar Fall after leaving Sebastian were at the altar. It was a marriage without love but one of perching two families. When the local Sheriff picks her up, he never thought this runaway bride would change his and his daughters Emma and Sophie life’s. Offering Isabella a place to stay, every thing changes. Feelings long forgotten and hidden come to the surface.
These two have chemistry, gentleness to each other, understanding and pure heat.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Protected by the Single Dad Sheriff” by Zoey Rose

-A runaway bride, a protective sheriff, and two adorable little girls make this small-town romance irresistible. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Isabella’s escape leads her straight into Jake’s arms, where chemistry and hope blossom beautifully. Their connection is tender and steamy, with sweet moments of family warmth and healing.

A charming, heartwarming story about second chances and finding true love when you least expect it. Another enjoyable Zoey Rose story.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, messy, perfectly imperfect life

Jake, Emma, Sophie and Isabella will steal your heart in this visit to Cedar Falls, the kids are sassy and precocious, Jake and Isabella are both overwhelmed and a little lost, they may have different struggles but the moment they meet everything just stills for a second. No running, no racing between kids, just a calm and an acceptance that is rare and beautiful.
I loved this second chance love story, love the Reynolds Family and look forward to the next visit to Cedar Falls. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella just can't do it, she can't marry a man she doesn't love. So when Sheriff Jake Reynolds finds her walking down main street in her white dress looking lost he does the only thing he can and takes her in. Fortunately, she fits right in with his small family which has been struggling after his wife's death.

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

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

She ran away from one man right into the arms of another. Isabella was an emotional mess when she encountered Sheriff Reynolds on the day she should have been married. Coming to terms with what her parents wanted wasn't in line with her needs, so she chose another option. This heartwarming story drew me in and had me cheering on Jake and Isabella as they redirected their lives along the path to happiness.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story.

I loved how Isabella caused traffic to stop in the little town. Walking around in her designer bridal gown. James, in his patrol car with his daughters didn't know what to think, but the girls were sure a princess had come to town, and later finding her sleeping with their Dad, they are sure Dad has fallen in love, and claimed his own princess. Very sweet Happily ever after ending!

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series.
Single dad sheriff Jake is busy enough with his job and 2 daughters when runaway bride Isabella crushed into his life. Their immediate connection and her fit to their life changes everything.
Sweet small town instalove romance - beautiful characters, funny, well written and you can read it in one go.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like starting a story with a run-away bride, a sexy sheriff, and then throw in the Sheriff's two cute little girls. I loved everything about the story and how these two come together. The little girls make you laugh as they make their way through things with the Bride that they call the Princess. This is one that keeps you turning the page. This is a must read!!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Isabella, Jake and his young daughters, Sophie and Emma. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with a runaway bride, instant connection and steam.

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

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story with a runaway bride, who finds her happy ever after with single dad sheriff Jake and his adorable daughters Emma and Sophie.
It’s sweet, instalove, captivating, full of chemistry, attraction, found family, making your own life choices and a wonderful happy ever after.

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

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cedar Falls Magic

After running from her wedding, Isabella is found by the Sheriff of Cedar Falls wandering around. Jake is conflicted but willing to help a damsel in need of help. This short story was interesting and full of chemistry, which was fun to read.

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

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected by the Sheriff

Jake and Isabella's story Have the meeting when she runs away from her wedding. He helps her find a place to stay in new clothes. What started out as his duty became a lot more when she became the woman he wanted to spend his life with after his wife passed away 4 years prior. Him and his daughters didn't know what was missing until she showed them.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls book 4

I Love this series, this book is so good. Isabella a run away bride and shows up on Main Street in Cedar Falls and Sheriff Jake comes to see whats going on. Isabella was running from her controlling family to the place she always wanted and needed, HOME.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't started reading about Jake and Isabella's romance yet you should because they have a terrific story waiting for you. This book just like ALL of Zoey's books is a 5/5 star read. Wonderful characters and a HOT storyline.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Home

She’s running from a life she never wanted and ends up finding a wonderful future. Love the town, the people and the heartfelt story. The little girls are a hoot to read about. A most enjoyable happy ever after!

[Patty McGovern Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

This was a fun happy story. The perfect escape from daily life. This entire series has been really good. I highly recommend this author! Her insta- love books have substance. Realistic stories with great dialogue and romance. You will love her books!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was such a heartwarming story. Absolutely loved this amazing read. Loved it! 5☆

[sheryl blaszczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic story

I really loved this story. All the characters were great. You will enjoy this story alot. It’s quick but packed full of

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed protected by the single dad sheriff which was Jake and Isabella’s story. It was an intriguing read. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely, positive, romantic

Enjoyable read. Very sweet and romantic. He’s a manly man without being alpha cruel. Quite an enjoyable read. Can’t wait to read more

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

Another good book by Zoe Rose. I laughed so hard reading this book. His daughters were so much fun. Kids really do say the cutest things. A very good ending.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally all round

Isabell, a runaway bride, is found by the sheriff of the little town after calls about a distraught women in a wedding dress. Jake is a widower but is still packed with grief from his wife's death. I loved the two daughters in this and the way they saw the world. We see Jake navigate his emotions with someone new, his grief, his old life and his daughters. A good read all round.

[Flipping Nap Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella is the socialite, runaway bride. Jake is the widow, single dad, small town sheriff who finds her. They fall in love almost instantly and with Jake’s daughters form an insta family. Cute and short with a tad of spice.

Jake is a widower and his story could hold potential triggers around car accidents and drunk driving.