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Baker Brothers of Copper Creek #1
Cowboys & Protective Ways
A waitress hiding from drug-dealers. The cowboy who vows to protect her. What could go wrong?
Ian Baker fell in love with Jessica the first time he saw her waitressing at the town diner. But he’s a true cowboy and won’t make a move since she’s spoken for. Even if it is by a drug-dealing, weasel of a boyfriend.
Life hasn’t been easy for Jessica who grew up poor in the beautiful town of Copper Creek. Her low self-esteem has her feeling lucky that she has a job, and a boyfriend, regardless of how bad he is.
Then one day, Ian’s diner visit becomes much more than apple pie and coffee. While he’s there, Jessica witnesses a serious incident between her boyfriend and his thug friends. Now she’s in danger. That’s when Ian makes a crazy split-second decision to swoop her up and take her to his ranch.
Suddenly, Jessica’s on the run with a cowboy who just saved her life. Though she hardly knows him, who else can she trust?
As the danger grows, so does their attraction to each other. But Jessica may have to leave to keep his family safe. With his heart and life on the line, will Ian find a way to protect her andgive her the love she deserves?
Ian Baker fell in love with Jessica the first time he saw her waitressing at the town diner. But he’s a true cowboy and won’t make a move since she’s spoken for. Even if it is by a drug-dealing, weasel of a boyfriend.
Life hasn’t been easy for Jessica who grew up poor in the beautiful town of Copper Creek. Her low self-esteem has her feeling lucky that she has a job, and a boyfriend, regardless of how bad he is.
Then one day, Ian’s diner visit becomes much more than apple pie and coffee. While he’s there, Jessica witnesses a serious incident between her boyfriend and his thug friends. Now she’s in danger. That’s when Ian makes a crazy split-second decision to swoop her up and take her to his ranch.
Suddenly, Jessica’s on the run with a cowboy who just saved her life. Though she hardly knows him, who else can she trust?
As the danger grows, so does their attraction to each other. But Jessica may have to leave to keep his family safe. With his heart and life on the line, will Ian find a way to protect her andgive her the love she deserves?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2021
741 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 19, 2022
Simple, sweet, low angst.
Really good.
Starts out as 1st person POV then goes into 3rd person for the rest of the book.
Content concerns
Really good.
Starts out as 1st person POV then goes into 3rd person for the rest of the book.
Content concerns
November 18, 2021
Cowboys & Protective Ways is a new series set in Copper Creek. In the town is a diner called Sal's and Ian had a crush on the waitress Jessica so he has came once a week for a few months to eat trying to build up his courage to talk to her. He knew she had a sleezy bad boy type boyfriend named Tucker. Ian thought she deserved better. Then one day when Ian was at the diner, Tucker came in and sat down with some other men. Chaos erupts and Tucker is shot. Ian grabs Jessica's hand and runs out the back door. He is grazed on his arm as they run down the alley and they jump in his truck and leave town. Ian wants to know why those men was wanting to kill her. She didn't know so Ian tells her he will keep her at his family's ranch and protect her. Jessica feels she is putting them in danger because she is there. When she slips out one night it was her worse and could be last idea.
December 8, 2022
I loved this book but I was surprised at the beginning because there's a mild violent scene. I wasn't prepared but it was ok. The story implies drug dealers, bad background. And a girl who made wrong choices because she didn't trusted herself. But then, Ian comes to her life and risks his own life and his family's safety to protect her. I love protective heroes!! He'd been in love with her for months but she was involved in a relashionship. He could see it was wrong for her but didn't want to break a couple and wanted her to realize it. I really loved the book and want to read the other books of the series. I just think that the heroine fell too quickly for Ian. With what she went throught, it was a bit surprising to see her recover so fast. But still, I recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2021
Oh my word!
I smiled, I laughed, I frowned and I held my breath more than once reading this!! What a magnificent start to a new series by Natalie Dean. I honestly didn’t know how she could possibly come close to introducing us to people I would live as much as I did the Miller family but she did that in spades with the Baker family and Jessica. It’s going to be so good seeing the rest of the brothers fall in love and hopefully Brock being happy again.
As fast as I can preorder the rest of the books I will be. I won’t even go the KU route first to see if I want a forever copy. I just KNOW they will all be keepers!
I smiled, I laughed, I frowned and I held my breath more than once reading this!! What a magnificent start to a new series by Natalie Dean. I honestly didn’t know how she could possibly come close to introducing us to people I would live as much as I did the Miller family but she did that in spades with the Baker family and Jessica. It’s going to be so good seeing the rest of the brothers fall in love and hopefully Brock being happy again.
As fast as I can preorder the rest of the books I will be. I won’t even go the KU route first to see if I want a forever copy. I just KNOW they will all be keepers!
January 13, 2022
Modern Day Cowboy Book!
I expected an old west cowboy story, but this one is quite modern. I loved it! Jessica and Ian were in the eatery where Jessica worked when a gunman entered and killed a customer. This is how the book begins. In an attempt to protect Jessica, Ian had her come to his family home, where she stayed and helped with chores at the ranch. The gunmen from the eatery find them in an attempt to locate an electronic device. Read this book to learn about life at the ranch, and the attempts by the gunmen to find the device. I enjoyed this book and hope you enjoy it also.
I expected an old west cowboy story, but this one is quite modern. I loved it! Jessica and Ian were in the eatery where Jessica worked when a gunman entered and killed a customer. This is how the book begins. In an attempt to protect Jessica, Ian had her come to his family home, where she stayed and helped with chores at the ranch. The gunmen from the eatery find them in an attempt to locate an electronic device. Read this book to learn about life at the ranch, and the attempts by the gunmen to find the device. I enjoyed this book and hope you enjoy it also.
May 25, 2022
Pretty good
The plot was cute and fairly predictable, but definitely enjoyable. There were a few timing issues like the author had the timeline one way and then went and switched it during edits without making the new timeline changes in all the places. Also one scene had Brock leaving the room and then the point of view switched and suddenly he hadn't left the scene. She had the point of view switching from Ian to Jessica with random thoughts from others thrown in which wasn't conducive to efficient story telling. Other than that it was a fun way to pass a few hours. Clean story which is always welcome.
The plot was cute and fairly predictable, but definitely enjoyable. There were a few timing issues like the author had the timeline one way and then went and switched it during edits without making the new timeline changes in all the places. Also one scene had Brock leaving the room and then the point of view switched and suddenly he hadn't left the scene. She had the point of view switching from Ian to Jessica with random thoughts from others thrown in which wasn't conducive to efficient story telling. Other than that it was a fun way to pass a few hours. Clean story which is always welcome.
June 23, 2022
I enjoyed this modern-day cowboy romance. Ian Baker is quiet and keeps things to himself. He fell in love with Jessica the first time he saw her walk into the diner where she worked. Ever since he's managed to visit the diner weekly and sit in her section. Jessica has a boyfriend who's trouble. She also has low self-esteem. When trouble breaks out in the diner, Ian rescues her and brings her back to his ranch. Will she be safe? Will his family stay safe? As Jessica has many struggles to overcome, but as she considers life on the ranch, can she also consider life with Ian? A sweet cowboy romance with a few twists.
November 5, 2021
Cowboys & Protective Ways is an exciting, sweet, romance with a great deal of suspense. Ian sweeps Jessica out of harm's way and their adventure begins. Both Jessica and Ian have issues they must deal with as they spend some time settling her into ranch life. The book deals with love, family, protection and loyalty and how hard it can be to balance all of those. The action quickly begins in chapter one of this well written book. It continues throughout the story. I could not put the book down! Ig you enjoy a healthy dose of suspense with your sweet romance, this is a book you need to read.
March 6, 2022
I would have given these higher stars, but the way Jessica acts with no feelings really about her boyfriend dyeing was wrong. Other than that, we have action suspense drama. Jessica us a waitress in a restaurant that Ian has been visiting since he first seen her. One day her boyfriend comes in and everything starts goes wrong. What will Ian do to protect her? Will Jessica go with him to be safe? What will his family do when he brings her? Can they keep her safe or will she be on her own? I received a free copy for my honest review.
May 21, 2022
This series is not what I would call Christian fiction, but they are completely clean.....no cursing or sex. There are a couple of references to God and prayer throughout the series, but nothing overtly Christian. And that is not a criticism.
I loved all six books that are out, and loved the characters. The series covers six brothers, and all six books are excellent reads. The six brothers are all likable, yet totally different from each other. Each one ends with a set up for the next book, making you want to read the next one ASAP. I definitely recommend.
I loved all six books that are out, and loved the characters. The series covers six brothers, and all six books are excellent reads. The six brothers are all likable, yet totally different from each other. Each one ends with a set up for the next book, making you want to read the next one ASAP. I definitely recommend.
June 3, 2024
Cute story. If you just want to smile and kick you feet, this is a nice buffer.
If you are looking for SPICE... baby keep it moving. The most you're going to get is a hot and heavy kiss.
There was not much in place of events or a storyline, but for county folk... its really sweet and charming.
I'm already on book 3 so... when you need a break from the hard and heavy books, this is a cute read.
... I cant remember what part of the country they are in... but its white white white... in case you were looking for a little color besides a suntan.
If you are looking for SPICE... baby keep it moving. The most you're going to get is a hot and heavy kiss.
There was not much in place of events or a storyline, but for county folk... its really sweet and charming.
I'm already on book 3 so... when you need a break from the hard and heavy books, this is a cute read.
... I cant remember what part of the country they are in... but its white white white... in case you were looking for a little color besides a suntan.
November 11, 2021
Ian has a crush on Jessica, a local waitress who is involved with another. When a gang related shooting occures at the restaruant Ian rescues Jessica and takes her home to his family ranch for protection. As the story continues and the suspense builds things are not always as they first appear. This story has it all, romance, suspense, danger, mystery and surprises and most importantly a HEA ending.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 3, 2022
Action packed romance.
This is a really good romance suspense story it is so well written that you feel like you right there with Jessica and Ian. Brock really caused problems toward the end of the book leave it to a brother but just perhaps what he allowed was not such a bad thing. This one has an action pack ending. This book is one of Natalie Dean’s best works. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is a really good romance suspense story it is so well written that you feel like you right there with Jessica and Ian. Brock really caused problems toward the end of the book leave it to a brother but just perhaps what he allowed was not such a bad thing. This one has an action pack ending. This book is one of Natalie Dean’s best works. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 28, 2022
Cowboys &Protective Ways
This was a really interesting story. Ian ate apple pie and ice cream every week when he was in town. He had a crush on the waitress. Exciting things started one day in the restaurant. Shooting errupted and Tucker, her boyfriend had been shot. Ian grabbed her and ran through the kitchen to escape. Enjoy more of the story about the drug dealers and Reaching safety.
This was a really interesting story. Ian ate apple pie and ice cream every week when he was in town. He had a crush on the waitress. Exciting things started one day in the restaurant. Shooting errupted and Tucker, her boyfriend had been shot. Ian grabbed her and ran through the kitchen to escape. Enjoy more of the story about the drug dealers and Reaching safety.
June 6, 2022
love , suspense and clean read
A good read. A little bit of suspense. A clean read. Jessica and Ian characters get a life altering experience when a deal goes wrong in a small row cafe. When Ian helps protect Jessica.
The learning to trust and getting to the bottom of why they are after Her is the big question. Ian’s family steps in to help.
One I’d let my teen girls read.
A good read. A little bit of suspense. A clean read. Jessica and Ian characters get a life altering experience when a deal goes wrong in a small row cafe. When Ian helps protect Jessica.
The learning to trust and getting to the bottom of why they are after Her is the big question. Ian’s family steps in to help.
One I’d let my teen girls read.
June 20, 2022
Ian Baker has been going to the diner in Copper Creek just to see Jessica, but he hasn't made a move as she already has a boyfriend, Tucker. Even if he is a drug dealer. One day things are brought to a head when the two men in suits talking to Tucker shoot him. Ian grabs Jessica and takes her away. Things aren't so simple though. Why are there men targeting her? What has she got hidden?
A great read from Natalie
A great read from Natalie
July 4, 2022
Great Read
An exciting story that kept me turning the pages. I finished this book in less than two days. Ian Baker a rancher in Copper Creek fell faster a waitress and visited her weekly even though she had a boyfriend. Jessica was a Debbie Downer with no self esteem, she saw her boyfriend shot at the cafe where she worked and was whisked away by Ian but troubles began as drug lords searched for her and the info that could get them jailed. A great book.
An exciting story that kept me turning the pages. I finished this book in less than two days. Ian Baker a rancher in Copper Creek fell faster a waitress and visited her weekly even though she had a boyfriend. Jessica was a Debbie Downer with no self esteem, she saw her boyfriend shot at the cafe where she worked and was whisked away by Ian but troubles began as drug lords searched for her and the info that could get them jailed. A great book.
August 7, 2022
I thought this book was very well edited. I didn’t see any errors, although some reality is suspended in the story and some aspects are definitely unrealistic. I enjoyed the surprise plot twist. I felt the relationship was rushed and underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a good story if you want to just shut off reality for a while and just enjoy being entertained by a book without thinking too hard and just have fun reading it as it is. It’s a clean romance and a pretty good read.
August 14, 2022
Great story!
Ian was in love with Jessica since he first saw her at the diner. She was from a poor family and things came hard. Eight years working there and still nothing more. Her boyfriend was working with the DEA, but she did not know that. Now they, the drug cartel have shot her boyfriend. She escapes with a patron, Ian. So much is going at, her house broken into, Ian’s family barn, burnt down. She runs, gets caught. So much happening. Need to read it!
Ian was in love with Jessica since he first saw her at the diner. She was from a poor family and things came hard. Eight years working there and still nothing more. Her boyfriend was working with the DEA, but she did not know that. Now they, the drug cartel have shot her boyfriend. She escapes with a patron, Ian. So much is going at, her house broken into, Ian’s family barn, burnt down. She runs, gets caught. So much happening. Need to read it!
December 28, 2022
Cowboy romance with elements of a thriller and action romance
A sweet cowboy romance involving a rancher and a waitress who happens to date a man involved with some nefarious elements in their small town. I found this story less realistic than Dean’s Miller Ranch stories, but the interaction between the two romantic leads are engaging and show the same kind of growth as her other romantic pairs. It makes a good introduction to this series of Western romances.
A sweet cowboy romance involving a rancher and a waitress who happens to date a man involved with some nefarious elements in their small town. I found this story less realistic than Dean’s Miller Ranch stories, but the interaction between the two romantic leads are engaging and show the same kind of growth as her other romantic pairs. It makes a good introduction to this series of Western romances.
December 30, 2022
The premise of this book had a lot of potential. Ian pining for Jessica every time he visited the diner was a good introduction. Coming to her rescue was expected, but it properly set up the storyline. Unfortunately his controlling behavior and refusal to acknowledge his poor choices got in the way of making it a stronger story. The author is a good writer. This is just not one of my personal favorites.
April 22, 2024
Wonderful storyline!!!!!
Loved this book by a,new author to me. I'm will be getting to the second in this series as soon as I finish this review. This author is incredibly talented, and her writing is impeccable. I love not being distracted from my reading by grammatical errors, a d Ms Dean does not disappoint. Her characters are distinctive, well rounded and confident, just as they should be. Thanks for a wonderfully well-written goodread!
Loved this book by a,new author to me. I'm will be getting to the second in this series as soon as I finish this review. This author is incredibly talented, and her writing is impeccable. I love not being distracted from my reading by grammatical errors, a d Ms Dean does not disappoint. Her characters are distinctive, well rounded and confident, just as they should be. Thanks for a wonderfully well-written goodread!
November 15, 2025
I don’t typically enjoy books where the main character is in love with one person, then the next day they are in love with someone else. I also don’t like the male main character to be controlling. This book has both.
Although parts of the story are a little unbelievable, I think it could be enjoyable for the right person. I just found myself aggravated at one or both of the main characters most of the time.
Although parts of the story are a little unbelievable, I think it could be enjoyable for the right person. I just found myself aggravated at one or both of the main characters most of the time.
November 7, 2021
ian is a rancher she works as a waitress and has a boyfriend or does she then they are caught in a shootout but who is the target and why, can ian protect her and does she want him to . you will want to keep reading to the end i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review if you like suspense and romance you will want to read the story
May 14, 2022
Good
Some parts were quite exciting. Not knowing whether the bad guys were close or not. The sheriff leaving the house was strange.
The ranch background was nice. The romance was sweet. I never understand why in these romances placed in America, that the H or the h feel like they aren't good enough for the other.
Happy ending.
Some parts were quite exciting. Not knowing whether the bad guys were close or not. The sheriff leaving the house was strange.
The ranch background was nice. The romance was sweet. I never understand why in these romances placed in America, that the H or the h feel like they aren't good enough for the other.
Happy ending.
June 2, 2022
This was an easy and clean read. If you want detailed romance, this isn't the book for you but if you want a story line and a building relationship, this is it. The suspense about what Jessica had to do with the shootings was pretty good and the protective nature of Ian could be a little bit much sometimes but it did make for a great story line.
November 21, 2022
A great romance story with a touch of mystery!
Good characters in an interesting family on a ranch in Colorado Springs area. Their is intrigue when one of the characters tries to help catch some drug dealers. He gets killed and now They are after his girlfriend. It was an exciting story which made this a very good journey.
Good characters in an interesting family on a ranch in Colorado Springs area. Their is intrigue when one of the characters tries to help catch some drug dealers. He gets killed and now They are after his girlfriend. It was an exciting story which made this a very good journey.
February 28, 2023
Ian and Jessica
I would have laughed at these brothers and their Mother if it hadn’t have been so risky and could be deadly. Ian was doing his best to keep Jessica safe. Ian couldn’t keep his mind off of Jessica and had trouble doing his job on the ranch and keeping Jessica safe. Read this in one day with a few interruption. You can’t stop reading. Enjoy!!!!
I would have laughed at these brothers and their Mother if it hadn’t have been so risky and could be deadly. Ian was doing his best to keep Jessica safe. Ian couldn’t keep his mind off of Jessica and had trouble doing his job on the ranch and keeping Jessica safe. Read this in one day with a few interruption. You can’t stop reading. Enjoy!!!!
November 4, 2023
A good, clean, cowboy romance. It was predictable, and I didn't like the main characters that much. This made the book a bit of a chore to get through in certain parts. I won't be continuing the series.
February 22, 2024
It wasn’t bad but it felt super long even tho it was less than 300 pages. I also think there wasn’t enough of them really getting to know one another. Or at least not that we saw. The bad guys after her was a big focal point, which I get, but I was hoping the book would be more about their relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews