My Teasing Alpha Protector: A Small-Town Single Mom Romance

by Denise River

He's the tattooed gym owner who has decided I’m his.
I'm the single mom he can't have.

Grayson Beaumont is trouble wrapped in muscle and sin, the kind of man who strips you bare with a single glance.
I left a toxic marriage to protect my son and build a life where no man could hurt us again.

But Grayson is relentless.
One drink in a small-town bar, and I'm confessing secrets I've buried for years.

One night in his bed, and he's worshiping every inch of me like I'm something sacred. His hands, his mouth and his filthy promises show me the devastating difference between being wanted and being worshiped. I come alive beneath him in ways I forgot were possible.

Then I run. Because wanting him feels too dangerous.

Except that pregnancy test says otherwise.

When my ex threatens to take my son, Grayson makes one thing I'm his to protect.

The scars of my past and threats of my present might steal the only chance at love I'll ever have.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

Denise River is an author who writes sassy and steamy contemporary romances. She lives outside of Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two kids. Her love for romance book boyfriends and the strong heroines who captivate them began when she learned to read, way before she was meant to dive into romance novels. Her books are filled with witty banter, tension, and steam that lead to unforgettable climaxes.

She loves cooking, traveling and spending time with her family. Denise enjoys the serenity of her five o'clock mornings, where most of her writing takes place. It is during these early hours that she can savor a warm cup of coffee while crafting romantic stories to delight her readers.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deniseriver...
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@denise.rivers...

Reviews

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not wanting to be hurt again

A well written story, with sweet damaged main characters, steamy chemistry, romance, family drama, banter, humor, a sweet son, a MMC who speaks the truth, can't hide his attraction but won't push and just wants her to stop running; and just wants her to stop running and a lovely HEA. A great story to read and one I couldn't put down, would strongly recommend.

When Avery decides she's had enough of her loveless marriage she takes her son and they move to stay with her sister Jade and her husband Logan (My Tempting Forbidden Enemy). After settling her son she's encouraged to go out for an evening to have some time for herself and after chatting with Mia (My Enticing Broken Daddy) she catches sight of Grayson at the bar, but leaves before she does something she might regret.

Greyson's interested in the lady who ran from the bar and left her purse behind though he realises he needs to be careful due to how she reacts. He's delighted when he realises she's staying with his best friend and recognising the athlete in her he offers her a job at his gym, but once she's there he can't keep his eyes off her.

This pair have wonderful chemistry but he's careful not to push her and it was lovely to see their romance growing as well as the great banter between them and their friends.

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

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This emotional, enjoyable, and heartwarming story is beautifully written. Grayson and Avery are great characters and it has a fascinating storyline. It drew me in from the first page and kept me intrigued until the end. Highly recommend reading.

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

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running to New

Avery has been running from a miserable marriage that by the time she meets Grayson, her heart has closed off. Tearing down her walls takes time he was willing to give, which was a beautiful part of this story. I could not get enough of this story and found it to read.

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

[Danyelle Tasker · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 starts. The story was good but the writing was awful. The time lines didn’t make sense, at first she was there for 2 months then the next page she was there a few weeks. She was moving in with the MMC but the next mention she had her own apartment. Things just didn’t make sense and were inconsistent through out the entire book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is your next romance book that has your name written all over it. Grayson and Avery are going to entertain you from start to finish. This romance book is immaculate with the best characters and romance ever.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Teasing Alpha Protector by Denise River is part of the Hearts of Gold Hollow series. Avery and Grayson's story is beautifully written, romance. This is one romance you will be glad you added it to your Kindle.

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

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, endearing, heartwarming, spicy story. Wonderful likable characters. A story many women will connect with. True to life intense situation. A definite must read.