What do you think?
Rate this book
Protective Farmer: A Possessive Alpha Hero, Age Gap, Ex-Military, First Time, Instalove Short Story Romance
He wants to protect her. She wants him. And once he finally gives in, there’s no going back.
She’s a virgin with big dreams and a stubborn streak. He’s a grumpy, older man who’s sworn to keep his distance. But working side by side turns forced proximity into temptation—and that slow burn they’ve been ignoring? It’s about to ignite.
I came to the countryside to catch my breath, not lose it every time Nash looks at me.
He’s older. Grumpy. Guarded.
And somehow, I can’t stop imagining what those rough hands would feel like on my skin.
But falling for him wasn’t part of the plan—especially when he keeps pulling me in, only to push me away.
Still… I see the man behind the silence. The protector. The one who makes me feel like I matter.
And I’ll risk heartbreak if it means getting past those walls… and into his arms.
I told myself to keep my distance.
She’s too young. Too bright. Too damn tempting.
But the way she looks at me—like I’m worth something—I can’t breathe around it.
I’ve buried too much. Seen too much. And I’ve built a life out of silence and scars.
But then Summer showed up… soft, stubborn, sweet as sin.
And suddenly, all I want is to bury myself in her warmth and never come up for air.
I shouldn’t touch her.
But God help me… I will.
“Protective Farmer” is part of the Protective Gentlemen series, where rugged, alpha heroes meet fierce women ready to challenge them. With themes of enemies to lovers, slow burn chemistry, and the irresistible pull of forbidden love, each story will have you hooked from the first page. If you love protective, grumpy heroes who melt for their sunshine heroines, this series is exactly what you need.
She’s a virgin with big dreams and a stubborn streak. He’s a grumpy, older man who’s sworn to keep his distance. But working side by side turns forced proximity into temptation—and that slow burn they’ve been ignoring? It’s about to ignite.
I came to the countryside to catch my breath, not lose it every time Nash looks at me.
He’s older. Grumpy. Guarded.
And somehow, I can’t stop imagining what those rough hands would feel like on my skin.
But falling for him wasn’t part of the plan—especially when he keeps pulling me in, only to push me away.
Still… I see the man behind the silence. The protector. The one who makes me feel like I matter.
And I’ll risk heartbreak if it means getting past those walls… and into his arms.
I told myself to keep my distance.
She’s too young. Too bright. Too damn tempting.
But the way she looks at me—like I’m worth something—I can’t breathe around it.
I’ve buried too much. Seen too much. And I’ve built a life out of silence and scars.
But then Summer showed up… soft, stubborn, sweet as sin.
And suddenly, all I want is to bury myself in her warmth and never come up for air.
I shouldn’t touch her.
But God help me… I will.
“Protective Farmer” is part of the Protective Gentlemen series, where rugged, alpha heroes meet fierce women ready to challenge them. With themes of enemies to lovers, slow burn chemistry, and the irresistible pull of forbidden love, each story will have you hooked from the first page. If you love protective, grumpy heroes who melt for their sunshine heroines, this series is exactly what you need.
- GenresMilitary FictionRomance
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 9, 2025
Protective Farmer is Book 7 of the Protective Gentlemen series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, forced-proximity, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, virgin gets her Farmer romance. Summer is a 22-year-old smart and sweet girl working on her Aunt and uncle's farm after graduating from college. Nash is a 40-year-old hunky, grumpy, ex-military man turned Farmer. He also helps out at her uncle's farm in exchange for items for his farm. When he sees Summer for the first time, he is drawn to her, but considers her off limits due to his age, her uncle, and his PTSD. But she is persistent and things get hot and steamy, until he pushes her away again. Can she show him that she's all in and that he is worthy of love? Their chemistry was pure fire and the ending was happy after a bit of angst. I loved it.
July 30, 2025
Summer recently graduated from college needed to figure out her path in life. What better way to go to visit her Aunt & Uncle to help them on their farm. She’s used to a few weeks in the summer not the whole summer but she ready for the hard work. Her Aunt & Uncle have a great neighbor Nash who helps them on their farm when they need him since he has others to help with his farm. When Summer pulls in she sees Nash, this gorgeous specimen of a man; built in size and stature. He’s memorized by her beauty as well. Their first meeting a few days later is electrifying. They tried to stay away from each other then started getting to know each other and couldn’t stay away. But Nash an army vet with lots of skeletons in his closet pushes her away. Will he try to get her back and keep her?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2025
A sweet romance I will read again and again
Nash is 18 years older than Summer and has survivor's guilt from the death of his friend during war time. Summer just graduated from college and is spending the summer on her Aunt and Uncle's ranch to figure out her next life steps.
Nash is in meltdown mode as he realizes Summer might be The One and here he is twice her age and dragging around Marley's Ghost sized guilt chains. Fortunately, Summer sees through Nash's B.S. by asking Do you want me for more than one night, or not? Brilliant!
Loved the characters, the dialogue, the pacing, and Ms Noir's ability to put the reader right into the world she creates. Excellent read!
Nash is 18 years older than Summer and has survivor's guilt from the death of his friend during war time. Summer just graduated from college and is spending the summer on her Aunt and Uncle's ranch to figure out her next life steps.
Nash is in meltdown mode as he realizes Summer might be The One and here he is twice her age and dragging around Marley's Ghost sized guilt chains. Fortunately, Summer sees through Nash's B.S. by asking Do you want me for more than one night, or not? Brilliant!
Loved the characters, the dialogue, the pacing, and Ms Noir's ability to put the reader right into the world she creates. Excellent read!
January 12, 2026
A young woman falls for the older, grumpy farmer next door.
⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Horrible editing, so many errors. I'm not picky about mistakes but when it constantly taking me out of the story then it's a problem. Many just simple errors but then things like "he laid her down" wait wasn't she already laying down. If these things were fixed I would really like it. If feels like no one cared with quality and just wanted to push out as much as possible.
.
.
.
Spoilers below!
.
.
.
.
.
Spoilers
.
.
.
There was one sex scene and I thought it was good, better with editing. I did appreciate that sex with a virgin was done accurately and wasn't just amazing from the start. I also appreciated the girl not just climaxing just from penetration. That happens too much in these short books.
⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Horrible editing, so many errors. I'm not picky about mistakes but when it constantly taking me out of the story then it's a problem. Many just simple errors but then things like "he laid her down" wait wasn't she already laying down. If these things were fixed I would really like it. If feels like no one cared with quality and just wanted to push out as much as possible.
.
.
.
Spoilers below!
.
.
.
.
.
Spoilers
.
.
.
There was one sex scene and I thought it was good, better with editing. I did appreciate that sex with a virgin was done accurately and wasn't just amazing from the start. I also appreciated the girl not just climaxing just from penetration. That happens too much in these short books.
July 2, 2025
Summer has graduated from college with a business degree and plans to spend time with her Aunt Michelle and Uncle Ron on their farm. There she first sees Nash who helps her Uncle Ron in exchange for some hay and grain for his horses. She feels an attraction to Nash. But Nash has self-doubt from military deployments in one where his best friend died saving him. He sees how smart and determined Summer is. Plus she's 18 years younger than him. He fights his attraction to her. They finally spent a night together. Then he's keeping his distance from her,why? Will he step up and open up before she leaves?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
The book I’m reviewing today is titled, Protective Farmer which is the seventh installment of The Protective Gentlemen Book Series written by Ivy Noir. The story is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, forced-proximity, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, virgin gets her farmer romance. The chemistry between Summer and Nash is intense, with glimpses full of longing, restraint, and growing tension. The combined attraction is intense and perfectly drawn, and when it finally ignites it’s beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2025
I enjoyed the story of Nash and Summer. She knows what she wants and that is him, but because of the age difference he thinks they can't be together and that she deserves more than him. But he didn't count on her perseverance and that she gets what she wants and that is him and when Nash realizes that he deserves her too and that he is allowed to love her, sparks fly quickly.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2025
“Protective Farmer” by Ivy Noir
-A heartfelt story of healing, hope, and finding joy again. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Nash is a grumpy, guarded ex-military farmer haunted by his past.
Summer’s sweet, innocent nature gradually melts his defenses.
Their age gap romance is steamy and tender, with Nash learning he’s worthy of love.
Wise words: “A person’s character shows in what they do when no one’s looking.”.
-A heartfelt story of healing, hope, and finding joy again. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Nash is a grumpy, guarded ex-military farmer haunted by his past.
Summer’s sweet, innocent nature gradually melts his defenses.
Their age gap romance is steamy and tender, with Nash learning he’s worthy of love.
Wise words: “A person’s character shows in what they do when no one’s looking.”.
June 30, 2025
There was a chemistry that ran hot between Nash and Summer from the moment she arrived at the ranch. She's only there for the summer, and he's scared from the war (internal and external). This was a good age gap, best friend's niece story with lingering emotional effects of war trauma. Nash has only bothered to half live since returning, but Summer challenges him to do more. Does he rise to that challenge?
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
July 4, 2025
It seems that I have missed the whole series - Protective Gentlemen by Ivy Noir. So, I started with the Book 7.
Summer is back to her uncle's farm after college to find herself. Instead - she finds Nash first. Will they figure out the rest?
Well written short instalove romance, with wonderful characters and captivating storyline. Emotional and quite intense read to finish in one go. Enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Summer is back to her uncle's farm after college to find herself. Instead - she finds Nash first. Will they figure out the rest?
Well written short instalove romance, with wonderful characters and captivating storyline. Emotional and quite intense read to finish in one go. Enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2025
This is book seven of the Protective Gentleman Series. Quick short read about 2 hours.
Summer is the niece to the owner of the farm. Nash is Ex-Military that received a medical discharge and has the farm next door. Summer notices Nash the time she arrived. They meet officially when she was working in the barn and he decides to help her.
Summer is the niece to the owner of the farm. Nash is Ex-Military that received a medical discharge and has the farm next door. Summer notices Nash the time she arrived. They meet officially when she was working in the barn and he decides to help her.
July 10, 2025
Helping Out
Summer can't help her attraction to Nash, who is much older than her. However, their attraction towards each other is undeniable. It was an interesting story that I could not put down and absolutely enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Summer can't help her attraction to Nash, who is much older than her. However, their attraction towards each other is undeniable. It was an interesting story that I could not put down and absolutely enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Summer wins Nash's heart despite him trying to protect her from him. However he realizes before it is too late that he deserves happiness and love too.
June 28, 2025
This is a short sweet story with Nash trying to protect Summer from himself. But she isn't putting up with that and before he knows it, he discovers he needs love too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2025
A wonderful, heartwarming story with a grumpy x sunshine pair, spice, lots of tender moments, attraction, chemistry, change, reluctance, love and a beautiful happy ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2026
Cute instalove
Cute agegap instalove story with just enough angst to keep you turning the pages. Nash and Summer's love story is quick and spicy. I love that it's written from both of their perspectives.
Cute agegap instalove story with just enough angst to keep you turning the pages. Nash and Summer's love story is quick and spicy. I love that it's written from both of their perspectives.
July 5, 2025
Loved it.
July 16, 2025
I enjoyed protective farmer which was Nash and Summer’s story. It was an entertaining age gap. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
October 4, 2025
Ah sweet. A lovely enjoyable romance. I really loved reading this story. Loved it! 5☆
August 18, 2025
Ivy Noir’s Protective Farmer is a heartfelt and heat-packed small-town romance that delivers all the goodness of a swoony, age-gap love story with a delicious helping of slow-burn build-up and emotionally vulnerable characters. The book centers around Summer, a recent college graduate seeking clarity and purpose, and Nash, a broody, ex-military farmer with a protective streak as wide as his biceps.
When Summer returns to her aunt and uncle’s farm for the summer to regroup and figure out her next steps, the last thing she expects is to find herself falling for the gruff, emotionally guarded neighbor helping out around the property. Nash is older, reserved, and battling demons from his past, but there’s an undeniable connection that simmers beneath every shared glance and touch.
The chemistry between Summer and Nash is palpable, with scenes full of longing, restraint, and crackling tension. The mutual attraction is intense and beautifully drawn, and when it finally ignites? Let’s just say Ivy Noir does not hold back. Readers who love protective, possessive MMCs and heroines who are sweet but strong-willed will find this couple irresistible.
What stands out most is the emotional layering—both characters are navigating personal insecurities, trauma, and trust. Nash’s past as a soldier haunts him in quiet, heartbreaking ways, and Summer’s struggle for identity and independence adds depth to what could’ve been a simple summer fling. Instead, it becomes something much more: a journey toward healing, connection, and maybe even forever.
The pacing builds gradually, and the payoff is worth it. Expect steamy scenes that are explicit and intense but grounded in the emotional connection between the characters.
If you enjoy age-gap romance, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and forced proximity on a farm where hay bales aren’t the only thing getting tossed around, Protective Farmer belongs on your TBR.
Recommended for fans of:
Age-gap & small-town romance
Ex-military, broody heroes
Slow-burn that blazes into heat
Horses, hay, and heartfelt declarations
Emotionally rich, character-driven love stories
Ivy Noir has penned a romance that’s tender, raw, and incredibly steamy. Protective Farmer is a must-read for anyone who loves a protective man with a tortured past and a heroine who makes him believe in love again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Spice Level: 4/5
This book simmers with a slow-burn tension that evolves into explicit, emotionally charged steam. Once the main characters finally give in to their attraction, the scenes are detailed, passionate, and frequent—blending physical intensity with emotional vulnerability.
Expect:
Descriptive and steamy love scenes
A possessive, protective MMC
High heat but not erotica-level frequency
Emotional intimacy that enhances the physical connection
Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn, then all-consuming heat in their romances.
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Summer returns to her aunt and uncle’s farm for the summer to regroup and figure out her next steps, the last thing she expects is to find herself falling for the gruff, emotionally guarded neighbor helping out around the property. Nash is older, reserved, and battling demons from his past, but there’s an undeniable connection that simmers beneath every shared glance and touch.
The chemistry between Summer and Nash is palpable, with scenes full of longing, restraint, and crackling tension. The mutual attraction is intense and beautifully drawn, and when it finally ignites? Let’s just say Ivy Noir does not hold back. Readers who love protective, possessive MMCs and heroines who are sweet but strong-willed will find this couple irresistible.
What stands out most is the emotional layering—both characters are navigating personal insecurities, trauma, and trust. Nash’s past as a soldier haunts him in quiet, heartbreaking ways, and Summer’s struggle for identity and independence adds depth to what could’ve been a simple summer fling. Instead, it becomes something much more: a journey toward healing, connection, and maybe even forever.
The pacing builds gradually, and the payoff is worth it. Expect steamy scenes that are explicit and intense but grounded in the emotional connection between the characters.
If you enjoy age-gap romance, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and forced proximity on a farm where hay bales aren’t the only thing getting tossed around, Protective Farmer belongs on your TBR.
Recommended for fans of:
Age-gap & small-town romance
Ex-military, broody heroes
Slow-burn that blazes into heat
Horses, hay, and heartfelt declarations
Emotionally rich, character-driven love stories
Ivy Noir has penned a romance that’s tender, raw, and incredibly steamy. Protective Farmer is a must-read for anyone who loves a protective man with a tortured past and a heroine who makes him believe in love again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Spice Level: 4/5
This book simmers with a slow-burn tension that evolves into explicit, emotionally charged steam. Once the main characters finally give in to their attraction, the scenes are detailed, passionate, and frequent—blending physical intensity with emotional vulnerability.
Expect:
Descriptive and steamy love scenes
A possessive, protective MMC
High heat but not erotica-level frequency
Emotional intimacy that enhances the physical connection
Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn, then all-consuming heat in their romances.
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews