Protected by the Mountain Man COWBOY

by Ivy Starck

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

About the author

Ivy Starck is an author of dark and steamy contemporary romance novels. She loves to write about sexy, rough around the edges bad boys and the women that love them. Her books are filled with a whole lot of intrigue, exciting plot lines, spicy scenes and suspenseful stories that will keep you reading until late into the night.

Ivy lives on the beautiful west coast of Canada with her husband, son and Boston Terrier. When she’s not plotting her next steamy love story, she enjoys spending time walking the lush green forest trails for a good dose of forest therapy with her fur baby in tow.

Reviews

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected by the Mountain Man COWBOY by Ivy Starck is a gripping mix of romance, suspense, and small-town cowboy charm. The story follows Kate and Ryder, whose lives collide after a chance meeting turns into one unforgettable night—only for secrets, danger, and fate to keep throwing them back together. Ryder, a former Special Ops ghost with a dangerous past, must decide whether to disappear again or protect the family he never expected to have.
Kate is ditched on her birthday and unknowingly spoils Ryder’s mission, but one passionate night between two strangers changes everything—and I was instantly hooked. Ryder, the strong and silent type, is no match for the sweet and enchanting Kate. I loved how fate keeps pushing them together while the story balances mystery, high-stakes suspense, shocking secrets, and steamy moments. It was especially exciting to finally learn more about the mysterious Ryder, and the Iron Stallion Ranch crew continues to add great depth to the series.
Overall, this was an addictive romance with great chemistry, suspenseful twists, and a protective cowboy hero you can’t help but root for. The mix of danger, emotion, and family dynamics made this a fantastic read, and fans of the Iron Stallion Ranch series will absolutely love it. Highly recommended!

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iron Stallion Ranch strikes again. This is a family that plays hard, loves harder, and protects with all they have. Each book in the series follows the relationship of a different sibling, and I think Starck saved the best for last.

Ryder is a recluse. He lives a solitary life in the mountains, taking contract jobs that nobody talks about. He hasn't been home to the ranch in ten years.

Kate is a reporter. She crosses paths with Ryder in an airport and again later that night. The later results in him not completing his current assignment. After a hot night he disappears and she thinks she won't ever see him again. But a couple months later she is traveling with her friend as an interpreter and their photographer ends up being the man who ghosted her. They don't know he is undercover and on assignment.

Their paths don't cross again for a year. Now Julian is in the picture and Ryder has no clue he is a father. But when the assignment from a year ago comes looking for them both Ryder has no choice but to protect what is his, which lands them back on the ranch, fighting for life and love.

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

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Elevator meet cute
- ONS to more
- Secret baby
- Protector vibes
- Close proximity
- Romantic suspense

I really like protector books. There is something about a growly man looking out for others that gets my interest.

This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I know that I will be going back and reading more of this family. They are absolutely there for each other.

Due to his occupation, Ryder doesn't let anyone get close. However, when Kate compromises his mission, instead of being annoyed with her, they have a single night of connection.

Kate has resigned herself from never really knowing the man who fathered her baby, but when a past mission puts Kate and her baby in d@nger, she has no choice but to find Ryder.

This story was so compelling that I finished it in no time!!.

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

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine is waiting her friend at the airport and she has her birthday, when her friend arrived she tells her to go grab a drink maybe to meet a stranger.
In the way to the bar on the alivator she met with a guy she doesn’t stop staring,then when they got to the bar her friend received a massage and she left, she went up to the roof and there she met the man she met at the alivator again, she couldn’t stop talking he was a man of a few words than she started kissing him until they finished making out.
The next morning her boss tells her to go in Somalia as an interpreter with her friend but she doesn’t like to go in places where ‘s there trouble,the day after they went to the airport and her friend was waiting to someone, when kath asked who is she waiting she tells her the photographer.
And when they were waiting , a man was coming near their back and she felt it from the air that it was him.

Another amazing story of the Morgan brothers.
I highly recommend it.

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is ditched on her birthday and unknowingly spoils Ryder's mission. But one passionate night between two strangers changes their lives forever, and I am hooked! Ryder, the strong and silent type, is no match for the sweet and enchanting Kate. I love that fate plays a role in their lives and keeps throwing them together. It has the seamless balance of mystery, high-stakes suspense, shocking secrets, and steamy hot moments. I was excited to finally gain some insight into the mysterious Ryder! Love the Iron Stallion Ranch gang and each book builds perfectly on the family dynamic!

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Wrangler Creek: The BAD BOYS of Iron Stallion Ranch series. Can be read as a standalone.

'I had a one-night stand with a dangerous stranger.
He doesn’t know that I secretly had his baby—
Now someone wants us both dead.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Hannah]

I started reading this in the morning and didn't get anything done at my house all day because I was glued to this one. It's a very fast read. Ryder is a man shrouded in mystery while Katherine is willing to be the one to help him lower his defenses. The pregnancy trope isn't usually my favorite, but I really enjoyed this one overall.

This is part of the Bad Boys of Iron Stallion Ranch series, but can easily be read as a standalone without missing any key context or details.

Huge thanks to Booksprout and Ivy Starck for the chance to read as an Arc in exchange for an honest review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I chose this book for the military factor. And I despise the secret pregnancy trope. But with that being said, I freaking loved this book so much! I mean a hot night with a smoking hot guy, only to find he’s gone the next morning. Then you find out shortly after that you’re pregnant. I loved that Kate decided to make a life for her and her and her son instead of chasing a ghost. But once she finds out she’s on a list and finds Ryder, holy heck, it just gets better. This was intense and chaotic, and had me turning pages like no other. I devoured this book. It was so good.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book five of the series focuses on Ryder - the brother who wouldn't come home. Journalist Kate meets and has a torrid one night stand with a tall handsome stranger who is a man of few words and disappears without a trace. A short while later they have a chance meeting while Kate is on assignment in Somalia, barely getting out alive. Again Ryder ghosts Kate like he has everyone for the last ten years. But fate has decided to play with their lives and when an old enemy starts to clean the slate, Kate must run to the only man who can keep her safe. Ryder.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Protected by the Mountain Man Cowboy” by Ivy Starck

-A gripping romance with a protector hero, secret baby twist, and a chance encounter that changes everything. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Ryder’s growly, guarded nature pairs perfectly with Kate’s strength and determination as danger forces them back together. Packed with suspense, steam, and strong family bonds at Iron Stallion Ranch, it’s a fast, addictive read.

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved Ryder and Katherine's love story. Ivy did such a great job with Ryder's character and bringing in the perfect woman that could compliment him in the way he needed. There is danger, heat, tension, and perseverance. I couldn't put it down, and I highly recommend. I have fallen in love with the men and women of Iron Stallion Ranch.

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

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew my mind. From the moment that I started reading it, I knew that I was in for something special. This book moves along at a pace that is perfect for the flow of the story. Has characters that you feel like you have known forever and you cant help but love and a story that you want more of. This book needs to be read.

[Sara]

Link of past hit me
i grow me seed for me
collect the star to my bed for me
live my road solo for me
link of past hit me
hit my life and flower
all my build went
link of past hit me
search for yr silince
search for yr power of thee
our path grow as cure echo of disapper
danger of news ring many bell
come to yr door hit new flam
flam of silint mountin
luck for us

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unforgettable, suspenseful and thrilling romance book. Ryder and Katherine are going to steal your heart and keep you engaged in the storyline from start to finish. This book is not only outstanding, but it might have become my favorite to read in this series.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally reach Ryder's story, the elusive brother hidden away from the ranch. Another fab read in this series once again, this book has second chance, secret baby, one night, protection and found family.

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

[Margaret Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlikely father

Lots of danger and her not knowing the consequences of her hasty decisions. He is an assassin and stays away from entanglements. He gets drawn in and soon they both end up on a hit list.

[Laura Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

It was a very enjoyable book I actually loved this whole series Ryder And Kate was the last book but one of the best in my opinion

[Wiesia Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Wonderful read. Raw emotion and dangers. What a wonderful family and friends. Looking forward to reading the rest of series.

[DORIS PLUNGIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. It was romance and adventure from the first page to the last. I loved all the characters. Some made me laugh out loud and sometimes I cried.

[Carolann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

Omg very detailed.. I absolutely loved it.. I just wished the ending was Kate and Ryder getting engaged.. Overall outstanding book!! 10/10 recommend