She’s running from trouble, and now he’s protecting more than just his ranch.
Laney Parker is in dire need of a fresh start. With broken bones and a broken heart, she shows up at Blackwater Ranch hoping to land the housekeeper position for the new bed and breakfast. When the caring family begins to ask questions, she struggles to trust them with her secret.
Micah Harding is the manager of Blackwater Ranch. His plate is full as it is, but he can’t turn his back on the secretive stranger. Laney may be leading trouble to their door, but he can’t help but think she’s worth the risk.
She’s beaten up and tight-lipped about where she came from. Slowly, Micah shows her that she can trust him with her heart. When Laney’s past catches up to her, Micah won’t stop until he brings her home.
Protected by the Cowboy is the fourth book in the Christian Blackwater Ranch series, but the books can be read in any order.
Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
Love a protective crusty cinnamon roll and a damsel in distress!
The salvation theme was beautiful and a heart warming testament to the power of redemption in Jesus.
Micah and Lainey’s relationship did feel a tad rushed since she had just gotten out of an abusive relationship, but I liked the story too much for it to bother me, haha.
I have been eagerly waiting for Protected by the Cowboy, I knew that it was going to be amazing and I was right! Protected by the Cowboy is the fourth book in Mandi Blake’s Blackwater Ranch series. Micah finally gets his book, it was so fun getting to read about him and see things from his perspective! Laney Parker was running away, she was in dire need of a fresh start. She finds herself at Blackwater Ranch hoping to become the housekeeper for the bed and breakfast. But as she gets to know the family, she finds her secrets harder to keep. Micah Harding knows his place on the ranch, he is the manager of Blackwater Ranch. He has his plate but he can’t turn his back on the girl who comes with bruises and secrets. Slowly Laney learns to trust Micah, but when Laney’s past catches up to her will Micah be able to protect the one who stole his heart? I loved reading about Laney and Micah! They were so sweet together. I liked how strong Laney was, although she encountered many hardships she didn't give up. Laney was such a sweet girl and she was just trying her best. Laney had to learn what it meant to trust God and how to rest in God’s grace. It was so fun to see her find a family, but what will she do when her past comes to haunt her? Micah was such a sweetheart, I loved him. I was so excited for him to find his happy ending. Micah was kind of gruff but he was super kind and he cared for his family. It was so fun to read about him falling in love with Laney. Micah had to figure out had to balance work and family. He had to figure out what it would mean to protect Laney. Micah and Laney how to trust each other. They were perfect for each other. Micah made Laney feel safe and Laney taught Micah how to love and what it meant to protect the ones he loved. I loved seeing old characters, which I always say. I mean seeing old characters is so much fun! I, of course, adored the whole Harding family and I am so excited for the books to come! I thought that Protected by the Cowboy was amazing! I would definitely recommend it! Protected by the Cowboy is a clean, Christian romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I've had the pleasure of getting to read each and every one of Mandi Blake's beautiful novels, and Protected by the Cowboy is officially my new favorite. I've long appreciated how Mandi can tackle sensitive topics while still giving us readers a swoon worthy romance that focuses around faith, family and friendship, and I think readers everywhere are going to adore her newest release.
Micah Harding was introduced in previous books in the Blackwater Ranch series, and he was honestly kind of a hard character to understand. I had a feeling that when he ended up with his own story it was going to be a whirlwind, and I was definitely proven right. Getting to see everything from Micah's perspective was interesting, and rarely have I enjoyed reading from a male POV's more. Micah was quick to win me over, and I loved how this one focuses around his protective nature helping Laney, a lovely woman with a troubled past who has never had the opportunity of knowing the Lord.
The Hardings have easily become one of my favorite fictional families of all time, and I love how fierce they are with protecting their own. Laney is running from her past, and this warm hearted family is quick to take her under their protection, and none more than Micah. I loved reading about Micah and Laney's developing relationship, and especially how both are determined to stay responsible and God honoring throughout their entire time of falling for each other.
I've mentioned a lot lately in my reviews that I've been more and more disappointed with the content that's making its way into contemporary publishing; even often Christian ones, and I love that Mandi Blake continues to put out beautiful, heartwarming stories that tug at the heart strings, are completely clean in content and are always God honoring.
I'm pretty sure I'd read Mandi Blake's grocery list if she ever chose to publish it, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the Blackwater Ranch series to release.
I cannot recommend this one enough, and definitely suggest that you read all the titles in this beautiful series as it's truly one of my all time favorites.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 (rounded to 4) Satisfied Stars for PROTECTED BY THE COWBOY, Blackwater Ranch #4, a Clean Inspirational Contemporary Western Romance written by Mandi Blake, narrated by Lorana Hoopes. Readers looking for a Clean Inspirational Romance without the usual profanity or sexual situations would most likely enjoy this gentle, slow moving Cowboy series. IMO, PROTECTED BY THE COWBOY would also be appropriate for very young romance readers 15+/-yrs and up.
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= I mostly enjoyed it; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; 4= Yes, I liked it a lot; 5= I loved it; it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).
Laine Parker/FMC is a woman in her mid-20’s on the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend. Her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere as she is heading toward the Harding’s ranch hoping for a housekeeping interview for a position she saw on the internet.
Micah Harding/MMC is the eldest son of a hard working Wyoming cattle ranch and B&B establishment. Their business has been growing since they began the B&B aspect of their ranch several months ago. Micah is busy running errands when he sees a woman sitting in her car along a remote stretch of the road. Noticing the large bruise on her cheek Micah is hesitant to get involved but his protective streak is aroused and he offers assistance.
PROTECTED BY THE COWBOY is an easy listening Second Chances Redemption story. It can be read as a standalone title but the characters in the other books do overlap (as they all live and work on the same ranch). I have read several of the other titles, but not in order, and I was perfectly able to follow the story. I read a variety of genres, tropes, and authors. PROTECTED BY THE COWBOY is a gentle Inspirational story perfect as a reminder for a world lost in chaos or for anyone facing difficult times - God loves, He truly is in control and He offers a rescue. Sometimes when it feels like each day can’t get any worse, God offers a way out. PROTECTED BY THE COWBOY is Laine’s Second Chance story. I listened to the audio copy and I may purchase another audio in the series. Readers looking for a complex, fast-moving, edgy romance should probably look elsewhere.
READER CAUTIONS - IMO, PBTC is great read for those looking for an easy reading, Clean, Inspirational, or YA title/series. VIOLENCE - Limited fisticuffs between antagonists and the protagonists and past (quite brief) reference to domestic abuse. PROFANITY - None. SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
Going into this book after having read the first three in the series, I was expecting something completely different. I thought I knew Micah's character, and from that limited knowledge I had made an assumption about how this story was going to be. I thought I wasn't going to like it because I didn't care for Micah in the other books.
I was wrong.
I didn't know who he was as a character. I misunderstood him the whole time. I realized that mistake early on in the story. Now, looking back, I see him in a whole new light. He might be my favorite character in the whole series now.
Most importantly, he is exactly what Laney needs. She is a character your heart instantly goes out to. From the very first second you meet her in the story you start rooting for her. All the pain of her past is right there on display, how could you not want to see her overcome it? She went through so much, yet is still fighting the past she knows how.
I honestly couldn't see her with anyone other than Micah. I don't think either one of them could have ended up with anyone other than each other.
Their story was one that grabs you and demands to be read. This book gives you the feeling like you are right there in the story, watching it all play out right in front of you.
Out of all the books in the series, this one has to be my favorite. I want to go back and read all the other books now that I see Micah differently. I wish the book had been longer because I want more of the story between these two characters. They may have overcome I big hurdle and found their HEA, but I still want more of them.
Anyone who enjoys an amazing, clean, Christian romance should check out this book and the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I was so excited about Micah's story. He was the oldest of the Harding siblings and he had such responsibility heaped on him and he took it so seriously that he didn't allow himself to have any fun. He was definitely "all work and no play". Then he found Laney on the side of the road and his protective nature slipped in.
In a very short time, he could see that she was everything he had ever wanted in a woman. She was strong, even in the midst of heartache and pain and life's difficulties. She never gave up and always kept trying. She was good and she knew that Micah was one of the best. She almost immediately trusted him to protect her and that helped to form a sweet romance between these, too.
When danger followed Laney to Blackwater Ranch, Micah and his family didn't hesitate to step up and protect Laney. Micah is the perfect cowboy, strong and silent and good to the core and protective of those he loved. I just loved reading about his happy ever after.
If you want to read a series that involves a wonderful family dynamic, this is a perfect one for you. It gives you all the wonderful family feels and makes you feel like you are a part of this amazing family.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Oh, man!! I loved Micah and Laney's story!! Micah is just a big teddy bear where Laney is concerned. Most people think he's gruff, abrupt, and rude. He's really just protective, caring, and has a heart of gold. When he meets Laney, he knows he wants to protect her from whoever hit her. Laney doesn't trust anyone easily, until she meets Micah. The more they get to know each other, the more Laney realizes Micah shows his love for everyone by looking out for them and providing for them. Micah realizes that he needs to change the way he does things, so he can spend more time with Laney. When Micah introduces her to Jesus, Laney knows she can trust Him because she can trust Micah. Such a wonderful read!!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I wasn't sure about Micah after he connected with Haley online and basically told her he didn't want her there when she surprised him at the Blackwater Ranch in the last book. He's more of a gentleman in this book helping Laney after she shows up battered at the ranch applying for a job. He has protective feelings for her in the beginning, but the more time they spend together the more they turn romantic. Laney didn't live a Christian life before coming to the ranch, but she didn't have anyone to encourage and support her either. She got sucked into working and living with for her boyfriend and didn't have enough money to get out, only running when he became violent. The first thing I would have done was ditched the cell phone he paid for. Laney was able to use it as evidence of his harassment, but it probably has a tracker on it. Micah's family was so welcoming to Laney and willing to give her a chance to see if she belong there. I loved Dixie who became Laney protective sidekick.
“Protected by the Cowboy” is one of the few books you fall in LOVE with and don’t want it to end. You can’t stop reading even though each page brings you closer to the end.
Stepping into Micah and Laneys story is certainly a fairy tale set in Montana. Micah is tall, dark, strong and yummy. Laney is tiny but mighty overcoming what life has hit her with. When Micah said “No, it’s the opposite. There’s no one else for me. You’re it.” What’s left of my heart melted and my eyes leaked.
Plenty of humor, God centered (thank you!) combined with vivid emotions and genuine affection for each other make this a book I will re read, many times over. I hope there is a happy ending for Olivia coming.....
My favorite part of this book was Laney finding her hope and faith. It was really inspirational out of everything she had been through. She also had a new family that loved her which is something she had always dreamed about.
I really enjoyed watching Micah take Laney under his wings and protect her. I also liked how he realized he wanted more from his life than just taking care of the ranch. The other members of the Harding family really added to the story. They were such a close knit family that really had each other's backs. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Laney shows up at the Blackwater Ranch hoping for a housekeeping job. When Micah finds her on the road just outside the entrance she's afraid, bruised and run out of gas. Micah feels a fierce protectiveness around Laney. As she settles in her job and new life he realizes she may need him more than he thinks. Sweet love story about learning to trust and open your heart! Micha and Laney make a fantastic couple!
Micah is definitely a protector especially of Laney. She starts off skittish and with good reason. What an amazing attitude she has considering what she has been through. Loved how the family at the ranch took her in and loved her. Both are attracted to the other but are hesitant to confess it. Laney not only gains a family and love but forgiveness by the only One who can truly forgive. There is some intrigue with some edge of your seat moments. Really sweet ending.
I think this was my favorite one in the series so far. I really liked the other ones but this one top it with how protective Micah was. Micah wasn’t one of my favorites in the other books. He seemed withdrawn and serious. You can’t help but love him in this book. Laney has had a hard life. She has never been loved by anyone. It is so sweet how the Hardman family accept her and teach her what love is.
Great book about a woman that comes from a bad family background and a abused relationship and a man with great family background and Christian values a chance encounter when Laney runs out of gas , Micah decided to help her, this story have everything from romance, to little action and great family values. Awesome clean read
This is my first Mandi Blake book, but definitely will not be my last. I loved this precious story! This is the fourth book in the series, so now I'm going to have to go back and read them all. I love this family, their ranch, the town, and the townspeople. There were several times I teared up, specifically at the altar scene. Gosh, I cried big tears on that one! When she turned to see the whole Harding family kneeling with her. Loved it! Micah is the perfect match for Laney, and he's one of my top book heroes of all time now. I loved the message of faith woven throughout this book, and how Laney found her way to God, and ultimately, to her true self. Such a wonderful book!
I've not read the other books in the series and I was not lost. (Of course, now I'm curious about the others' stories.)
Despite dealing with a sensitive topic, this was not a dark story. Laney's boyfriend hit her and she did what many in her situation don't—she left after that first time. She's had a tough life and at first doesn't know what to make of this kind family.
Not long after she starts to fit into the community their faith in her is tested...
Micah and Laney provide us with a great story about learning to trust and making room in our lives for a relationship. They are well developed characters along with all the rest of the Harding family. I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for the next one. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This is a *Must Read* book! It was absolutely wonderful. Laney and Micah"s story is a sweet clean romance with just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
Literally always a pleasure to read Mandi's words. While characters may be a bit less complex or interesting than in other outings, this novel still captures the cozy and inspirational feel of this author's universe.
I was a volunteer ARC for this book. I loved this book and didn’t want it to end! This was a great story about Laney and Micah that provided all the feels: suspense, love, family, and Christian themes. The author made you feel as if you were part of the Harding ranch through her descriptions and story telling. You felt like you were part of the family when you were reading. I loved the HEA and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I love protector romances and this one being a Cowboy in an awesome brother series was great. New beginnings and the biggest decision of a life. I loved the spiritual side of this book. It was wonderful.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved that Micah could see past the initial impression of Laney enough to offer shelter, a job and ultimately safety and love. Delightful family series.
Gruff and rough on outside with heart of gold. Perfect guy to fall for female lead, who needs to know what real love is and how one achieves this love. Good writing. Enjoyed book and getting another from this series!
Enjoyed this book very much. Mandi Blake is becoming one of my new favorite authors. She writes clean romance with characters that have real human flaws. I love watching her characters overcome big obstacles to find god and love.
I have been waiting for Micah's story with the mysterious woman in the car (Laney) and Ms. Blake did not disappoint me. It was worth the wait. Micah was such a strong yet gentle man who helped Laney see that she was worthy of a forever love, a forever family, and a relationship with the forever God. I can't wait for the next book.
I was given an advance copy by the author under no obligation to leave a review. Everything written is my true feelings about this story.
Loved this story ! A true love story . I love how Mandi makes you fell like you are a fly on the wall watching the story come to life . I won't give away details on the story, but it's great to see Micah finally get what he needs!! ❤️
I want a Harding man in my life!!! Silas and Anita Harding certainly raised their children right. I think Mandi Blake may have outdone herself with this story. Micah is truly a man of God and just what Laney needs. Can Aaron’s story be any better?