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Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers #1
Protector Cowboy
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Hope Ford brings you a steamy cowboy romance about a single mom that escapes an abusive ex-husband and finds an alpha cowboy who shows her that a real man protects the ones he loves at all costs.
Natalie
I’m a survivor. I finally got myself and my son away from my abusive ex, and I’m standing on my own two feet. The very last thing I want is another arrogant, controlling man. I don’t care how sexy the grumpy hot cowboy is. When I first meet King, I try to thank him for the ranching camp scholarship my son was awarded, but before I can get the words out, he offers me a roll in the hay. Even though I’m a little tempted, I walk away and pull my son from the camp. We do not have room in our lives for a man like that.
King
I am tired of women only seeing dollar signs when they look at me. So yeah, I come on too strong with the curvy single mom who shows up at my ranch. I don’t realize who she is or why she’s there until she’s stormed off. Once I know her story, I’ll do anything to be her man. But first I’ll need to prove to her that there’s a big difference between being protective and being controlling. I’ll make certain her worthless ex never comes near her or her son ever again. Because nobody messes with what’s mine, and Natalie and her son are going to be mine.
Protector Cowboy is the first book in the Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers series. If you love reading age gap, alpha cowboy, single mom, small town romances, then you’ll love King and Natalie’s story. Each book in the series is a standalone.
Natalie
I’m a survivor. I finally got myself and my son away from my abusive ex, and I’m standing on my own two feet. The very last thing I want is another arrogant, controlling man. I don’t care how sexy the grumpy hot cowboy is. When I first meet King, I try to thank him for the ranching camp scholarship my son was awarded, but before I can get the words out, he offers me a roll in the hay. Even though I’m a little tempted, I walk away and pull my son from the camp. We do not have room in our lives for a man like that.
King
I am tired of women only seeing dollar signs when they look at me. So yeah, I come on too strong with the curvy single mom who shows up at my ranch. I don’t realize who she is or why she’s there until she’s stormed off. Once I know her story, I’ll do anything to be her man. But first I’ll need to prove to her that there’s a big difference between being protective and being controlling. I’ll make certain her worthless ex never comes near her or her son ever again. Because nobody messes with what’s mine, and Natalie and her son are going to be mine.
Protector Cowboy is the first book in the Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers series. If you love reading age gap, alpha cowboy, single mom, small town romances, then you’ll love King and Natalie’s story. Each book in the series is a standalone.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2022
490 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Hope Ford
288 books2,232 followersBestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances. She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN. She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
September 30, 2022
This story should have hit all the spots, but it felt so mechanical and stiff. It was like the author was checking off various boxes. The characters were going through the motions, doing and saying the appropriate things, but it was all for show. They couldn't get me to believe in what they were saying, and I didn't feel the emotions from either King nor Natalie.
The interactions between King and Natalie just didn't ring true. The way they responded to situations and to each other didn't feel natural. Their dialogue was wooden. I liked that Natalie was straightforward with King and didn't play games, but her fear of her ex didn't feel real. I say this because, as an abused wife, she ought to be more afraid or wary of King. But she wasn't. She didn't like him because of his obnoxious attitude and the way he spoke to her, not because she feared his physical size and strength, or his temper. Never once did she cower away due to his size or flinch when he reached out to her, or anything of that sort.
King, on the other hand, supposedly has written off women because they all want his money. Just because of his cheating ex-fiancée and this other married woman who keeps pursuing him? He's basing his belief on the behaviour of two women? He says he doesn't want to risk his heart again, but in Chapter Four, when he talks about his ex-fiancée, he says, "I knew I needed a wife and some kids to carry on the Bryant name. I was doing my duty as a rancher." Doesn't sound at all as if his heart was involved, does it?
Then he's attracted to Natalie and he likes her son. He can see that there's some problem just because Natalie says her son should never be allowed to leave the ranch with anyone except her? Isn't this standard procedure for any single parent? I don't see why that would have made him at all suspicious. At most, he might have thought that Natalie was an over-protective parent or over-anxious. Immediately thinking that she and her son must be in some sort of trouble was a huge leap in logic for King.
The author needed a way to help Natalie realise that King was a good guy. So she has the mothers from Natalie's son's school drop information to Natalie in a casual conversation. They praise him and say what a kind and generous man he is. But the author forgot that at the beginning of the story, she painted all the school moms as brainless, thirsty piranhas who were drooling over the Bryant brothers just because of the brothers' looks and money. So which is it??
When King spends some time hanging out with Natalie and her son after work and someone tells Natalie that she was inviting gossip because his truck was seen parked outside her house till late at night, she gets upset briefly and tries to pull away. But they patch things up and then miraculously both of them forget about the issue of small-town gossip. The issue is never raised again, like it suddenly ceases to exist. Also, King must be delusional if he really believes that having Natalie and her son staying on the ranch wouldn't ignite gossip since there are "chaperones" in the person of his brothers and their housekeeper. Does the author even know how small towns work???
I also found it really hard to believe that Natalie was on the run from her ex and trying to stay undetected. My biggest thought was that she enrolled her son in school, and that involves paperwork and ID. So what if the diner was paying her in cash? Any PI who was trying to track them would still have been able to find them when her son's paperwork turned up in the system! Plus, apparently the car she was driving was the same car she'd left in. She could be traced through that, too 🙄 All this made me think that Natalie was not very smart... or that the author's beta readers and editor fell down on the job, letting such big plot holes pass them by.
Don't even let me get started on how the issue with Natalie's ex was resolved. It was awkward and clumsy and felt ridiculously melodramatic. I think what really did not ring true to me was that King let her ex set the terms. That doesn't fit in with King's personality. King was supposed to have approached the situation from a position of strength and power. Well, I didn't see any of that. Instead, I saw him bowing to her ex's demands. In the end, where's the justice? Where's the part where the villain is made to pay for his crimes? Nowhere, that's what. It was an extremely unsatisfying ending to the whole "abusive ex-husband" saga.
All in all, this book was sloppy and awkward. It had very high ratings on Goodreads but I feel that the ratings are unjustified.
The interactions between King and Natalie just didn't ring true. The way they responded to situations and to each other didn't feel natural. Their dialogue was wooden. I liked that Natalie was straightforward with King and didn't play games, but her fear of her ex didn't feel real. I say this because, as an abused wife, she ought to be more afraid or wary of King. But she wasn't. She didn't like him because of his obnoxious attitude and the way he spoke to her, not because she feared his physical size and strength, or his temper. Never once did she cower away due to his size or flinch when he reached out to her, or anything of that sort.
King, on the other hand, supposedly has written off women because they all want his money. Just because of his cheating ex-fiancée and this other married woman who keeps pursuing him? He's basing his belief on the behaviour of two women? He says he doesn't want to risk his heart again, but in Chapter Four, when he talks about his ex-fiancée, he says, "I knew I needed a wife and some kids to carry on the Bryant name. I was doing my duty as a rancher." Doesn't sound at all as if his heart was involved, does it?
Then he's attracted to Natalie and he likes her son. He can see that there's some problem just because Natalie says her son should never be allowed to leave the ranch with anyone except her? Isn't this standard procedure for any single parent? I don't see why that would have made him at all suspicious. At most, he might have thought that Natalie was an over-protective parent or over-anxious. Immediately thinking that she and her son must be in some sort of trouble was a huge leap in logic for King.
The author needed a way to help Natalie realise that King was a good guy. So she has the mothers from Natalie's son's school drop information to Natalie in a casual conversation. They praise him and say what a kind and generous man he is. But the author forgot that at the beginning of the story, she painted all the school moms as brainless, thirsty piranhas who were drooling over the Bryant brothers just because of the brothers' looks and money. So which is it??
When King spends some time hanging out with Natalie and her son after work and someone tells Natalie that she was inviting gossip because his truck was seen parked outside her house till late at night, she gets upset briefly and tries to pull away. But they patch things up and then miraculously both of them forget about the issue of small-town gossip. The issue is never raised again, like it suddenly ceases to exist. Also, King must be delusional if he really believes that having Natalie and her son staying on the ranch wouldn't ignite gossip since there are "chaperones" in the person of his brothers and their housekeeper. Does the author even know how small towns work???
I also found it really hard to believe that Natalie was on the run from her ex and trying to stay undetected. My biggest thought was that she enrolled her son in school, and that involves paperwork and ID. So what if the diner was paying her in cash? Any PI who was trying to track them would still have been able to find them when her son's paperwork turned up in the system! Plus, apparently the car she was driving was the same car she'd left in. She could be traced through that, too 🙄 All this made me think that Natalie was not very smart... or that the author's beta readers and editor fell down on the job, letting such big plot holes pass them by.
Don't even let me get started on how the issue with Natalie's ex was resolved. It was awkward and clumsy and felt ridiculously melodramatic. I think what really did not ring true to me was that King let her ex set the terms. That doesn't fit in with King's personality. King was supposed to have approached the situation from a position of strength and power. Well, I didn't see any of that. Instead, I saw him bowing to her ex's demands. In the end, where's the justice? Where's the part where the villain is made to pay for his crimes? Nowhere, that's what. It was an extremely unsatisfying ending to the whole "abusive ex-husband" saga.
All in all, this book was sloppy and awkward. It had very high ratings on Goodreads but I feel that the ratings are unjustified.
January 29, 2022
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Cowboy Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: OK-GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence:
Male: Sexy & Sweet
Series: Book 1
Pages: 1371
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
This story was cavity sweet, if there is such a description. I heart King. A man after my own heart. This one is definitely about the story and the build up of both characters, from the moment they met to the last page. I thought King was everything. Of course, the moment he met Nat, it wasn’t a good first impression. However, seeing his efforts through the story is what makes you fall in love with him. I love, Nat. Hard working mom, who would do anything for her son while hiding out from an abusive ex.
** side note, this apple cinnamon blaze cake has a life of its own throughout Whiskey universe.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
Really had no issue for this one.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
Sex was ok, but with an ok, they still had amazing chemistry. To be honest, the story really trumps the sex scene for this one for me.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I am looking forward to reading the brothers, Chance, Griffin, Ryan and Bryant. All the brothers sounds yummy. Looking forward to reading Ryan and Mia’s story next. I also really enjoyed Eli, Nat’s son. He added to this story and is a big part in giving it life.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes. Did I like the story? Yes. Would I read the other books in the series? Yes
TRIGGERS: domestic violence/child abuse.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Cowboy Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: OK-GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence:
Male: Sexy & Sweet
Series: Book 1
Pages: 1371
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
This story was cavity sweet, if there is such a description. I heart King. A man after my own heart. This one is definitely about the story and the build up of both characters, from the moment they met to the last page. I thought King was everything. Of course, the moment he met Nat, it wasn’t a good first impression. However, seeing his efforts through the story is what makes you fall in love with him. I love, Nat. Hard working mom, who would do anything for her son while hiding out from an abusive ex.
** side note, this apple cinnamon blaze cake has a life of its own throughout Whiskey universe.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
Really had no issue for this one.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
Sex was ok, but with an ok, they still had amazing chemistry. To be honest, the story really trumps the sex scene for this one for me.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I am looking forward to reading the brothers, Chance, Griffin, Ryan and Bryant. All the brothers sounds yummy. Looking forward to reading Ryan and Mia’s story next. I also really enjoyed Eli, Nat’s son. He added to this story and is a big part in giving it life.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes. Did I like the story? Yes. Would I read the other books in the series? Yes
TRIGGERS: domestic violence/child abuse.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
January 30, 2022
This was a sweet yet steamy book. Natalie and King have a bit of a rough start and leaves King knowing that he finally found his forever. Natalie has been through a lot and only wants to protect her son. King is used to woman throwing themselves at him but he is blown away by Natalie. These two have an amazing connection and chemistry a little bit of tension. Natalie is trying to protect her son but also her heart from King but he is able to get in there and won't come out. I thought that this was a an excellent start to a new series and I can't wait for more! I would highly recommend this book and Ms. Hope as a must read author.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2022
An instant Hope Ford classic!
Absolutely loved this one. This book made me shed a few happy tears and I’m a big Hope Ford fan but she doesn’t usually make me cry. That’s how touched I was by the dynamic of the characters in this book.
I put off reading this one so long because it wasn’t in KU but since it was free I picked it up. I know the rest of the series isn’t in KU and isn’t free so I’ll see if I give in and buy those. Hmmm.
Absolutely loved this one. This book made me shed a few happy tears and I’m a big Hope Ford fan but she doesn’t usually make me cry. That’s how touched I was by the dynamic of the characters in this book.
I put off reading this one so long because it wasn’t in KU but since it was free I picked it up. I know the rest of the series isn’t in KU and isn’t free so I’ll see if I give in and buy those. Hmmm.
November 29, 2022
Not terrible but not amazing. Personally didn’t feel much of a connection between the two MCs.
April 21, 2024
Are there any non - insta something - superficial - lacking good smexy scenes - mf cowboy stories out there??? I am desperate for a good one but it seems only the mm genre is offering some like that.
The insta romance was okay if you like your romance insta….. mostly I hate it because it lacks of…. Everything.
The smexy scenes were like „I pressed my lips on hers…“ idk how often I’ve read that sentence. I mean really?
And considering the underlying heavy topic (abusive ex husband) this book lacked emotions completely.
If you can’t pack a relatively short book with characters, depth and emotions than… yeahhh… you get me.
The insta romance was okay if you like your romance insta….. mostly I hate it because it lacks of…. Everything.
The smexy scenes were like „I pressed my lips on hers…“ idk how often I’ve read that sentence. I mean really?
And considering the underlying heavy topic (abusive ex husband) this book lacked emotions completely.
If you can’t pack a relatively short book with characters, depth and emotions than… yeahhh… you get me.
August 1, 2023
A good pick-me-up book after not reading anything.
September 29, 2022
really not my cup of tea
I found this book quite badly written. The dialogue was very unbelievable. And the last sentence of the book was gross. No I wouldn’t recommend unfortunately. DNF.
I found this book quite badly written. The dialogue was very unbelievable. And the last sentence of the book was gross. No I wouldn’t recommend unfortunately. DNF.
June 10, 2022
The couple: King and Natalie
Romance trope: Cowboy
Series: Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers
Length: 158 pages
Plot: Natalie is a single mom on the run from an abusive ex. She's settled in Whiskey Valley and her son loves being around all the ranches, obsessed with being a cowboy. When she chaperones a field trip to the Bryant Ranch, King Bryant mistakes her for one of the overzealous flirty moms and is incredibly rude. Natalie just wanted to thank him for sponsoring her son for a camp at his ranch. She pulls her son from the camp, and King feels awful when he learns the truth. He's taken by the beautiful newcomer and sets about making things right.
Commentary: This is one of my favorite Hope Ford books (now - I mean I realize it just came out but I've read a lot of hers in the past). I felt like the story and the characters were fully developed, and a lot of that is because her books are starting to get longer. There's finally enough space to really write the story. I liked that King was embarrassed by his actions - he should have been! And I like that Natalie pushed back when she felt like he should be less overbearing. This was a win for me.
Next book in the series: Redeemed Cowboy
Romance trope: Cowboy
Series: Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers
Length: 158 pages
Plot: Natalie is a single mom on the run from an abusive ex. She's settled in Whiskey Valley and her son loves being around all the ranches, obsessed with being a cowboy. When she chaperones a field trip to the Bryant Ranch, King Bryant mistakes her for one of the overzealous flirty moms and is incredibly rude. Natalie just wanted to thank him for sponsoring her son for a camp at his ranch. She pulls her son from the camp, and King feels awful when he learns the truth. He's taken by the beautiful newcomer and sets about making things right.
Commentary: This is one of my favorite Hope Ford books (now - I mean I realize it just came out but I've read a lot of hers in the past). I felt like the story and the characters were fully developed, and a lot of that is because her books are starting to get longer. There's finally enough space to really write the story. I liked that King was embarrassed by his actions - he should have been! And I like that Natalie pushed back when she felt like he should be less overbearing. This was a win for me.
Next book in the series: Redeemed Cowboy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
King Bryant is the oldest of the Bryant brothers and they all work at Double B Ranch, their family business. Natalie and her son, Elijah are new to Whiskey Valley and are on the run. OMG did King put his foot in his mouth when him and Natalie first met! From the moment he realized his mistake he' set out to make it right. King and Nat were made for each other and their chemistry is off the chart. I love King's patience and protectiveness with not only Nat but with Elijah as well. King and his brothers were great with Elijah showing him how a man should act. I love this new series of Whiskey Valley and cannot wait for the brothers stories.
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.
February 3, 2022
Nat is a single mom with a sweet boy and a secret... She meets King and their chemistry is instant and off the charts.😍😍😍 But jealous people want to dived them and they almost succeded. Nat and King were burned before and their relationship is fragile at first but together they overcame all obstacles 😍😍😍 I loved how sweet, caring.and nurturing he was with Eli and how he loved him like his own😍😍😍 Instalove, sweet, romantic, safe with a sweet HEA❤️❤️❤️
March 14, 2022
Natalie es una madre soltera con un niño muy dulce. Conoce a King y su química es instantánea y fuera de serie, pero la gente celosa quiere verlos separados y casi lo consiguen.
La relación de Nat y King es frágil al principio, pero juntos superaran todos los obstáculos.
Novela romántica con un dulce "felices por siempre".
La relación de Nat y King es frágil al principio, pero juntos superaran todos los obstáculos.
Novela romántica con un dulce "felices por siempre".
February 2, 2022
This is the story about Natalie and King. I loved the first person point of view of the story, this is always a deal breaker for me. This was a good, cute story. King and Natalie was perfect for each other. This was an amazing story, I couldn't put down.
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.
May 28, 2023
Para ser honesta no espera nada de este libro, pero me sorprendió la trama y lo bien construida que está la historia (excepto por el final que todo pasó muy rápido ).
Definitivamente recomiendo este libro para leer algo cortito y bueno.
Definitivamente recomiendo este libro para leer algo cortito y bueno.
Want to read
June 8, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/8/2022)! 🎁
November 23, 2023
Surprisingly for such a short novella, it was a sweet little town romance. 😊 No insta anything, more on the slow-burn side...
November 30, 2023
3.75⭐️ This was such a sweet romance novella. I enjoyed it.
June 27, 2024
1 sola.
Simplemente: 😶🤌
Simplemente: 😶🤌
Read
September 4, 2023Justo lo que necesitaba, un vaquero sexy, protector y que sepa lo que quiere
January 30, 2022
I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I thought this was such a sweet romance! What a meet-cute to remember! I really like Natalie and felt for her and what she went through. King was so swoon-worthy in how he wanted to care and protect Natalie. This short romance was entertaining and I can't wait to read about the rest of the brothers!
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
I thought this was such a sweet romance! What a meet-cute to remember! I really like Natalie and felt for her and what she went through. King was so swoon-worthy in how he wanted to care and protect Natalie. This short romance was entertaining and I can't wait to read about the rest of the brothers!
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
October 19, 2023
Cowboy King
Natalie and her son, Eli, have moved to Whiskey Creek to escape her ex-husband. King Bryant runs the ranch with his brothers. All are handsome and sought after, but King's been burned and isn't looking for a relationship, but he thinks Nat is.
Fairly short, but very much a complete story. Wonderful characters and while things move fast, all is credible.
Really good and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Natalie and her son, Eli, have moved to Whiskey Creek to escape her ex-husband. King Bryant runs the ranch with his brothers. All are handsome and sought after, but King's been burned and isn't looking for a relationship, but he thinks Nat is.
Fairly short, but very much a complete story. Wonderful characters and while things move fast, all is credible.
Really good and I enjoyed it tremendously.
December 22, 2023
Honestly Nat just swaps one domineering man for another, the main difference being King doesn't beat her, but he is super controlling. He fixes the problem of her ex with money which left me feeling pretty "meh".
They seem to fall in love having barely spent any time together. 🤔
Then there's his comment right at the end "I plan on having you over and over until you're completely satisfied and there's no doubt I've bred you." Ick what is she one of your cows?
Maybe I should have given this two stars since I did manage to finish it but that last comment just tipped it back to one.
They seem to fall in love having barely spent any time together. 🤔
Then there's his comment right at the end "I plan on having you over and over until you're completely satisfied and there's no doubt I've bred you." Ick what is she one of your cows?
Maybe I should have given this two stars since I did manage to finish it but that last comment just tipped it back to one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
She literally married him within 4 weeks max of them meeting. For someone who was claiming to be cautious, that's awfully quick. Also, why did King just give her ex-husband the money and let him go?? Like, he literally beat her and her kid and he gets no punishment for that? ALSO, King definitely had a breeding kink that literally came out of nowhere. He was really trying to impregnate her within barely 2 weeks of knowing her. BE FOR REAL. That is red flag behavior girl please. Natalie was definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed I fear. Lastly, this book screamed misogyny. I typically read these kind of books knowing what I'm going to get into and well, this book didn't supply what it was supposed to. Minimal steam. That's all bye.
February 23, 2022
Finding your family
Protector Cowboy is the first book in the new Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers series. This book introduces yet another area of Whiskey Valley.......the ranchers. There are 4 Bryant brothers who inherited and now run the family ranch, Double B Ranch. This story is about eldest sibling, King Bryant, who at forty is resigned to staying single and does not mingle. That does not mean that the women don't flirt and try to throw themselves at him. But after being burned several years ago when he discovered his fiancee was fooling around on him, and then that she was not in love with him but the other man and only with him for what he could provide for her, that was it and he was done. Natalie Jones is thirty-one years old and a single mother to twelve year old Elijah. Natalie and Eli moved to Whiskey Valley recently after fleeing their home town in Texas and an abusive ex-husband. It seems her ex's family is well connected and wealthy in town and even though he had beat Eli and done damage it was all buried by the police. So Natalie and Eli fled in the middle of the night and ended up in Tennessee. Natalie was hired as a waitress at Sunset Diner, Eli has new friends in school and they are settling in. But Natalie is always on the lookout for her ex to find them and for her and Eli to run again. So when a class trip to the Double B Ranch ends up with an interesting interaction between King and Natalie things are about to get exciting and smexy hot. It seems that King has found his Queen and Natalie has finally found a man who will protect her and Eli.
All I can say is that this book is a real winner. It is sweet, romantic, emotional, smexy hot, has family, friends, excitement, action and more all woven together into a wonderful story. I fell for the big, gruff, quiet and very protective King....I have added him to my Book Boyfriend List. After reading Protector Cowboy I am really looking forward to the rest of the Bryant men and the women they fall for.
Protector Cowboy is the first book in the new Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers series. This book introduces yet another area of Whiskey Valley.......the ranchers. There are 4 Bryant brothers who inherited and now run the family ranch, Double B Ranch. This story is about eldest sibling, King Bryant, who at forty is resigned to staying single and does not mingle. That does not mean that the women don't flirt and try to throw themselves at him. But after being burned several years ago when he discovered his fiancee was fooling around on him, and then that she was not in love with him but the other man and only with him for what he could provide for her, that was it and he was done. Natalie Jones is thirty-one years old and a single mother to twelve year old Elijah. Natalie and Eli moved to Whiskey Valley recently after fleeing their home town in Texas and an abusive ex-husband. It seems her ex's family is well connected and wealthy in town and even though he had beat Eli and done damage it was all buried by the police. So Natalie and Eli fled in the middle of the night and ended up in Tennessee. Natalie was hired as a waitress at Sunset Diner, Eli has new friends in school and they are settling in. But Natalie is always on the lookout for her ex to find them and for her and Eli to run again. So when a class trip to the Double B Ranch ends up with an interesting interaction between King and Natalie things are about to get exciting and smexy hot. It seems that King has found his Queen and Natalie has finally found a man who will protect her and Eli.
All I can say is that this book is a real winner. It is sweet, romantic, emotional, smexy hot, has family, friends, excitement, action and more all woven together into a wonderful story. I fell for the big, gruff, quiet and very protective King....I have added him to my Book Boyfriend List. After reading Protector Cowboy I am really looking forward to the rest of the Bryant men and the women they fall for.
May 26, 2023
Okay let's start with the characters, as this was quite a character focused book, Natalie and King were the main two characters that the story was on. I thought they were both really well written characters, although at points I did feel that Natalie lacked that little bit of extra something to make her stand out a bit more. However, it didn't really impact my enjoyment of her as a character, she was perfectly nice.
And OF COURSE, I loved King, an overprotective guy wearing a cowboy hat? SIGN ME UP. Oh and Eli, the lil guy was so sweet and I loved how much he adored his Mom and how well he ft into the story.
The writing itself was good although there were a few points that made me cringe... Namely, when the author was happy to write cock for King but used private parts for Natalie, it felt a little as though the author couldn't make their mind up of how they felt about words to describe male and female anatomies.
The plot itself was just your typical overprotective guy story, who gets his own way and they all live happily ever after. But that's fine, it's literally why I picked this book up and why I wanted to read it. It was an easy read that I knew would have a happy ending, what wasn't to love as a little cleanser between heavier stories.
I did think the plot was well thought out though and it was well written, I liked the cowboy spin on things and with a heavy cowboy obsession lately, it definitely was right up my street!
I think my favourite part though was the ending, not only did it have a happy ending but it also left the book open for further stories to be written about other characters that featured, without us feeling like we'd been left on a cliffhanger or wanting more from our current characters.
I just really enjoyed reading this book, that's literally the main reason why I gave it 4 stars. It just ticked my boxes for a fun, quick, easy lil read that featured one of my most recent loves (cowboys lmao).
And OF COURSE, I loved King, an overprotective guy wearing a cowboy hat? SIGN ME UP. Oh and Eli, the lil guy was so sweet and I loved how much he adored his Mom and how well he ft into the story.
The writing itself was good although there were a few points that made me cringe... Namely, when the author was happy to write cock for King but used private parts for Natalie, it felt a little as though the author couldn't make their mind up of how they felt about words to describe male and female anatomies.
The plot itself was just your typical overprotective guy story, who gets his own way and they all live happily ever after. But that's fine, it's literally why I picked this book up and why I wanted to read it. It was an easy read that I knew would have a happy ending, what wasn't to love as a little cleanser between heavier stories.
I did think the plot was well thought out though and it was well written, I liked the cowboy spin on things and with a heavy cowboy obsession lately, it definitely was right up my street!
I think my favourite part though was the ending, not only did it have a happy ending but it also left the book open for further stories to be written about other characters that featured, without us feeling like we'd been left on a cliffhanger or wanting more from our current characters.
I just really enjoyed reading this book, that's literally the main reason why I gave it 4 stars. It just ticked my boxes for a fun, quick, easy lil read that featured one of my most recent loves (cowboys lmao).
February 1, 2022
Buckle up a wild ride, the Bryant brother’s alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously story the brother’s run the Double B Ranch (family business). Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
King sexy as all get out oldest brother who takes grumpy to another level, putting both feet in his mouth is what he does best but they do say don’t judge a book by it’s cover even if both his feet are in his mouth . Natalie is a strong woman who found the strength to get away from an abusive ex., on the run from him with her son, so when he received a scholarship to spend a week on the ranch caution is her first, middle and last name while on the run when it comes to her son. She seeks King out to thank you for the scholarship but him being the grumpy alpha jumps to conclusion assuming she is there for sexual attention, and he says things that are whoa giving her the impression he is rude, arrogant, and just plain mean. So, taking her son and leaving because she doesn’t want him around a man that reminds her of her ex. She worked hard to teach him to love, respect, and protect women and she feels King will teach him the opposite. King shows her who he is when he realizes he is wrong, willing to admit he was wrong, beg for her forgiveness, and puts in the work to show her that he isn’t that kind of man will she accept his apology, will she allow Eli to attend camp on their ranch, will her ex. catch up to them, and what are they going to do about the intense attraction brewing between them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
King sexy as all get out oldest brother who takes grumpy to another level, putting both feet in his mouth is what he does best but they do say don’t judge a book by it’s cover even if both his feet are in his mouth . Natalie is a strong woman who found the strength to get away from an abusive ex., on the run from him with her son, so when he received a scholarship to spend a week on the ranch caution is her first, middle and last name while on the run when it comes to her son. She seeks King out to thank you for the scholarship but him being the grumpy alpha jumps to conclusion assuming she is there for sexual attention, and he says things that are whoa giving her the impression he is rude, arrogant, and just plain mean. So, taking her son and leaving because she doesn’t want him around a man that reminds her of her ex. She worked hard to teach him to love, respect, and protect women and she feels King will teach him the opposite. King shows her who he is when he realizes he is wrong, willing to admit he was wrong, beg for her forgiveness, and puts in the work to show her that he isn’t that kind of man will she accept his apology, will she allow Eli to attend camp on their ranch, will her ex. catch up to them, and what are they going to do about the intense attraction brewing between them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2025
3.75 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This was a short but sweet novella that does what it set out to do! It gives you the small town vibes, the alpha male cowboy hero, the independent single mum and the slow burn spice 😊👌🏻.
This was the first book in the Whiskey Valley series. A series of novellas about the Bryant Brothers. In this we follow the oldest brother King Bryant, who is protective, caring and possessive towards our heroine Natalie Jones. A strong independent single mum who is hiding away from her ex and abusive husband Brad Jones. She and her son Elijah (12) don’t want to be found by him and it’s down to King to make sure that never happens 🥹🫂.
King was a great hero who couldn’t do enough for Natalie. She was also a decent heroine who was strong but closed off at times due to her past. I thought both characters worked well together, maybe a bit stiff at times between them but I had to remember this is only short and I knew not to expect anything too drastic 🙂.
I really needed something like this to perk me up as I was behind on my reading goal and the last book I read put me in a bit of a slump 🙁. I’ve never read from Hope Ford either and I was curious to check her out as many of her books sound up my street 👍🏻.
Overall this wasn’t anything amazing but it’s a good palette cleanser and it did lift me out of a slump as well as deliver on what it promised. It also gets a tick for not being pure smut and no plot. For me a novella still needs to be plot driven, which this was 🙏🏻😊.
I am curious about the remaining brothers and their stories so i do plan to read the rest of the series too! 🥰
•tropes/genres•
🏘small town
🌾western novella
🤠cowboy hero
👩👦single mum
💜age-gap (10 years)
😏alpha mmc
🙏🏻independent fmc
❤️🩹survivor of abuse (heroine)
🥰slow burn romance
🫂HEA guarantee
📖dual 1st pov
📚book 1 of 4
This was a short but sweet novella that does what it set out to do! It gives you the small town vibes, the alpha male cowboy hero, the independent single mum and the slow burn spice 😊👌🏻.
This was the first book in the Whiskey Valley series. A series of novellas about the Bryant Brothers. In this we follow the oldest brother King Bryant, who is protective, caring and possessive towards our heroine Natalie Jones. A strong independent single mum who is hiding away from her ex and abusive husband Brad Jones. She and her son Elijah (12) don’t want to be found by him and it’s down to King to make sure that never happens 🥹🫂.
King was a great hero who couldn’t do enough for Natalie. She was also a decent heroine who was strong but closed off at times due to her past. I thought both characters worked well together, maybe a bit stiff at times between them but I had to remember this is only short and I knew not to expect anything too drastic 🙂.
I really needed something like this to perk me up as I was behind on my reading goal and the last book I read put me in a bit of a slump 🙁. I’ve never read from Hope Ford either and I was curious to check her out as many of her books sound up my street 👍🏻.
Overall this wasn’t anything amazing but it’s a good palette cleanser and it did lift me out of a slump as well as deliver on what it promised. It also gets a tick for not being pure smut and no plot. For me a novella still needs to be plot driven, which this was 🙏🏻😊.
I am curious about the remaining brothers and their stories so i do plan to read the rest of the series too! 🥰
•tropes/genres•
🏘small town
🌾western novella
🤠cowboy hero
👩👦single mum
💜age-gap (10 years)
😏alpha mmc
🙏🏻independent fmc
❤️🩹survivor of abuse (heroine)
🥰slow burn romance
🫂HEA guarantee
📖dual 1st pov
📚book 1 of 4
February 18, 2022
'Protector Cowboy' by Hope Ford is the first book in her new series Whiskey Valley: Bryant Brothers and tells the story of King Bryant, who owns the Double B ranch with his brothers, and Natalie Jones, a divorced single mom to Elijah (Eli). Natalie has escaped an abusive relationship with her son and choose Whiskey Valley to be as far as possible from her ex-husband. She meets King during a field trip to his ranch with her son's class. Natalie learns from Eli's teacher that he received a scholarship from King to attend a week long camp at the ranch. During lunch she looks for King to say thank you.
King is tired of women propositioning him or
only seeing dollar signs when they look at him. And the mothers who came as chaperones on the school field trip are just as bad. When Natalie goes into the barn to thank King he thinks she is there for a quick roll in the hay and berates her for chasing him like the other mothers. Natalie is shocked and leaves without telling him why she was looking for him. Now she is torn about allowing Elijah to attend the camp if King is in charge.
Ms. Hart has written a stellar beginning to her series. This book is well-developed with great characters and an interesting plot. The story contains laughs, misunderstandings, trust issues, and plenty of passion. It was sweet how taken King was with Eli before he even knew who Natalie was. I liked how patient he was in earning her trust.I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of cowboy swagger with their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
King is tired of women propositioning him or
only seeing dollar signs when they look at him. And the mothers who came as chaperones on the school field trip are just as bad. When Natalie goes into the barn to thank King he thinks she is there for a quick roll in the hay and berates her for chasing him like the other mothers. Natalie is shocked and leaves without telling him why she was looking for him. Now she is torn about allowing Elijah to attend the camp if King is in charge.
Ms. Hart has written a stellar beginning to her series. This book is well-developed with great characters and an interesting plot. The story contains laughs, misunderstandings, trust issues, and plenty of passion. It was sweet how taken King was with Eli before he even knew who Natalie was. I liked how patient he was in earning her trust.I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of cowboy swagger with their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2022
Natalie is hiding from her ex with her son. She accompanies him on a school trip to a ranch, on the way she finds out that one of the teachers signed her son up for summer camp at the ranch with a scholarship so its free for him to attend. Natalie hopes to speak to the rancher, King Bryant, that approved the application, but when she does, he thinks she is just one of the other mothers who came on the trip to try to date a rancher. She is so appalled by his behaviour she doesn't get the chance to thank him and on the way home makes the decision to cancel her son's attendance.
When King finds out that Natalie was not like all the other mother's he is mortified by his mistake, but doesn't get a chance to speak to her and apologise before she leaves. On the day that summer camp starts, King notices that Natalie's son is not one of the boys in the group and realises just how much he messed up. He seeks out Natalie to apologise and offer her son a place at the camp, even though the camp is already full.
Natalie decides to accept his apology and allows her son to attend, ensuring that she is the only one who can collect him.
However, King is determined to protect her against her ex-husband and in turn make her his.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend reading it. I am looking forward to reading future books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When King finds out that Natalie was not like all the other mother's he is mortified by his mistake, but doesn't get a chance to speak to her and apologise before she leaves. On the day that summer camp starts, King notices that Natalie's son is not one of the boys in the group and realises just how much he messed up. He seeks out Natalie to apologise and offer her son a place at the camp, even though the camp is already full.
Natalie decides to accept his apology and allows her son to attend, ensuring that she is the only one who can collect him.
However, King is determined to protect her against her ex-husband and in turn make her his.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend reading it. I am looking forward to reading future books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2025
It started so well that it kind of flopped.
Natalie and Eli were basically on the run from nats abusive ex-husband. So they were laying low in Whiskey Valley. During a field trip for Eli, they meet King Bryant, the rancher who starts off as... well, a dick.
Enter the angst. Both secretly fall for each other, but both are scared to commit.
The back and forth with them was great. King bonded with Eli on the ranch but also tried to show Nat that he wasn't a total dick.
But then boom, it switched up fast and became a bit blah. She tells him about the ex-husband, and he goes full on alpha. A rancher who has all these crazy connections. Forces Nat and Eli to move to the ranch (of course, because realistic relationships cannot occur in people's own houses after a week of knowing them)
Then, he draws the idiot ex to town to pay him off and get him to sign away his rights. Then, less than 2 seconds later, boom engaged a week post that, and they are married. Oh, and King adopts Eli.
I dont know why this author hates time jumps or allows relationships to form.
Hell.. Could they at least go on a date.
It's always the same pattern.
This could have been great with some drama. I was expecting the ex-husband to come to town and either kidnap the kid or her and have some drama. Even a scene with the bitchie school mum finding out about them would have been nice.
But there wasn't. Everything was neatly packaged with an easy bow.
Oh, well.
Quick easy read if you need one.
Natalie and Eli were basically on the run from nats abusive ex-husband. So they were laying low in Whiskey Valley. During a field trip for Eli, they meet King Bryant, the rancher who starts off as... well, a dick.
Enter the angst. Both secretly fall for each other, but both are scared to commit.
The back and forth with them was great. King bonded with Eli on the ranch but also tried to show Nat that he wasn't a total dick.
But then boom, it switched up fast and became a bit blah. She tells him about the ex-husband, and he goes full on alpha. A rancher who has all these crazy connections. Forces Nat and Eli to move to the ranch (of course, because realistic relationships cannot occur in people's own houses after a week of knowing them)
Then, he draws the idiot ex to town to pay him off and get him to sign away his rights. Then, less than 2 seconds later, boom engaged a week post that, and they are married. Oh, and King adopts Eli.
I dont know why this author hates time jumps or allows relationships to form.
Hell.. Could they at least go on a date.
It's always the same pattern.
This could have been great with some drama. I was expecting the ex-husband to come to town and either kidnap the kid or her and have some drama. Even a scene with the bitchie school mum finding out about them would have been nice.
But there wasn't. Everything was neatly packaged with an easy bow.
Oh, well.
Quick easy read if you need one.
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