Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Can this older, protective man help a curvy woman in need?

Molly
After spending nearly ten years with a narcissistic ex, I've sworn all men off for good.
At least that was the plan.
Now, I'm not sure what I want.
What harm could one night do?
One night of passion.
One night to forget everything bad that's ever happened.
One night to change my mind.
One night I never want to end.

Mullet
To say that Molly is beautiful, is an understatement.
She's smart, kind, curvy, and she has this way about her that makes me want to protect her innocence.
So when her abusive ex comes stalking around, there's no way I'm letting her out of my sight.
She thinks it's only for the night, but I have other plans.
Come hell or highwater, this girl is mine.
I won't take no for an answer.

This is a short and steamy, age gap romance. As always, this title comes with Khloe’s ‘Easy Escape Seal’, a no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA guarantee.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2022

151 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Khloe Summers

192 books342 followers

Best-Selling Author Khloe Summers writes short, steamy romance about small town love and mountain men.

Married to her own heart of gold alpha for over twenty years, Khloe is a firm believer in the magic of Happily Ever After.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
259 (53%)
4 stars
138 (28%)
3 stars
70 (14%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki_Kate.
1,764 reviews
July 24, 2023
WOW!! I absolutely love it!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Mullet meets Molly when she is dating Chad, but she breaks up with him, she doesn't tell anyone. Molly thinks Mullet is a little old for her, but he likes her and hope things go father. Molly's at Skully's, Mullets bar, she doesn't want to go home to Chad she's been living in a tent in the campground. Mullet tells her she can stay when he closes the bar down, he tells her she can help him close. When Molly goest to leave he tells her she's been drinking she's not leaving. The thought goes through Molly's head to have a one night stand with Mullet, but she doesn't even know how to go about doing that. When Molly thinks he's going to kiss her she closes her eyes and puckers, he asks her if she's aright. He tells her he was going to offer her a ride home, she tells him she thought he was going to hit on her. He asks her if it's her talking or the alcohol, she leans in and places her head on his chest. He tells her he should take her home, she tells him as much as she'd like him to put her on the bar and have his way with her, she can see he's a gentleman. He asks her if she know what she's asking for, she tells him to just touch her. Molly leans in and kisses him, the kiss moves from soft to hard. Mullet places kisses along her neck as his hand slips under her dress, she tells him she's never done this before and he's tells her he doesn't do this either. Riding the edge of her orgasm she feels a cold rush of wind, then Chad walk in. Chad tells her he knew she'd be here, then asks her if she's a whore now. Mullet tells him to calm down before he talks to Molly, Chad tells Mullet to get out of his way or he'll move him. Mullet tells him to back up or he's dragging him outside in the cold. Molly tells Mullet it's okay she should talk to Chad, then she tells him to leave. Chad tells her he's not leaving her with Mullet. When Chad tries to grab Molly Mullet pushes him outside then locks the door behind him. Molly tells Mullet maybe she should talk to him, but he tells her she doesn't owe him anything. She tells him they were together for nine years, Mullet tells her if he wanted to say something important he would have said it. Then he ask her what's going on with them, and she tells him it's been over between them for weeks. Mullet can see the sadness in her eyes and knows he did something to her, so he gives her his keys and tells her to go outback to his truck. Molly begs him just to leave, she just wants to go home. Mullet takes Molly back to his place, after they get settled she drifts of to sleep on his couch, he's wanted her for as long as he can remember, he wants to give her some space. Mullet finds out that Molly's sister is Josie, she owns the bakery in town. When Molly wakes the next morning, she can smell the coffee, she realizes Mullet's in the shower. Her phone rings and she sees it's her sister Josie. She calls her sister back after she realizes she missed several phone calls and text from her. Her sister asks her where she is, Molly tells her she fine. Josie tells her she stopped by her place and Chad said she hadn't been home. Molly tells her they broke up a few weeks ago and then tells her she doesn't want to talk about it. Josie tells her someone keep breaking into her bakery and stealing her baked goods she wants to get a camera set up. When Mullet comes out of the shower Molly tells Josie she'll talk to her later. Mullet suggest that Wyatt goes over to help set up cameras for Josie, he tells Molly that he's been looking for a reason to get to know her. Molly knows she needs to tell Mullet what happened between her and Chad she doesn't know how to tell him. He tells her to start at the beginning, he's here for her. Molly tells Mullet how how she dreamt when she was little of falling in love, runaway together, leave their small town, snuggle in bed. When she met Chad she thought he was that love, but he would pull away from her, he's tell her she was to needy, she was selfish and she ruined his life. They would argue a lot which she should have seen as a red flag, then the other night he shook her, put his hands on her and pushed her away. Molly tells Mullet it's embarrassing, he tells her it's not her fault. Molly tells Mullet she should leave and talk to Chad, but Mullet tells her she should talk to him without someone with her. Mullet tells Molly that his dad was like Chad but his mom never left, his sister and brother, Liam finally got out, his brother is living in Rugged Mountain working with Levi at the garage. Mullet tells Molly what Chad gives her isn't love, love doesn't confuse you or hurt you, when someone loves you they respect you. Molly tells Mullet thank you and that she appreciates him. He tells her he wants to be here for her, he wants to take her to work and pick her up so they can have dinner after. He tells her besides they have a gallon of ice cream they need to eat, she tells him he had her at ice cream. Mullet takes Molly to work, and tells her he'll be at the bar if she needs anything. When Molly walk into the antique shop she screams when she realizes Angie is there. Angie tells her she was just doing some stocking. When the bell over the door rings, Molly's afraid to look thinking it's Chad. Her sister Josie comes with two coffees and some donuts she made earlier. They start talking and Josie tells Molly to call her later, but she tells her sister she has plans with Mullet later. Josie asks Molly is she's aright, she wanted to talk to her. Molly tells her she's fine, she doesn't want to talk about her breakup. After Josie leaves the bell rings again but Molly doesn't panic, but this time it's Chad. He tells Molly they need to talk, Angie says she needs to get going. Chad asks her why she was in the bar last night letting that guy touch her, Molly tells him he needs to leave. Chad tells her he will but they need to talk first. Chad tells Molly Mullets not going to put up with her, he's put in the time, they been together for nine years. Molly tells him that he takes it away every few months, he tells her how terrible his life is with her, he tells her she's not worth the trouble. Molly tells him she can't do this anymore and she won't. The bell rings and Mullet comes in and asks Molly if she's alright. She tells Mullet that Chad is leaving, but Chad tells her he's not leaving. She tells. Chad he had his chance to listen to her he had his chance to change and didn't. Molly tells Chad she doesn't want all this drama and will get a restraining order, Chad then leaves. Mullet gets back to work, but before he goes to pick up Molly he gets a phone call from the animal shelter, they want to know if he'll take a dog, he tells them he will. When he picks up Molly is is waiting for him, with a bright smile on her face. Mullet tells her there's a change in plans, he needs to go pick up a dog. Molly tells him they have to get her, he asks her if she minds, she tells him why would she. Molly tells Mullet if she can show this living thing a fraction of the care he's shown her in the last couple of day then she doing something good. She tells him she hasn't stopped thinking about him, he's the caring person she's ever met. Mullet tells her she makes him happier than anyone else ever has. When they get home the eight month old pitfall mix curled up on Molly's lap, Mullet tells her he's never had one adjust so quickly to someone. When they pull up to the house Molly puts the dog down, she has a leash but she lets it do to see where the dog will go. Molly expects her to run around but she doesn't after she does her business she walks up to Molly and nudges her leg. Mullet asks her if she has treats in her pockets, but she tells him no. When they go inside Mullet get the dog food and water ready, she doesn't hesitate. Mullet asks Molly if she wants to rest, but she tells him she's good. Molly tells him it was a relief to tell Chad what she did today, she tells him beside he made her see what a real relationship felt like. Mullet tells her she's beautiful, Molly's never had someone tell her that. Molly wants to name the dog Basil, Mullet says then I guess were keeping her. Mullet tells Molly he wants to kiss her, she nods. He pulls her in tighter, and its the that she melts, she knows she wants him. Mullet tells her they need to stop, she needs time to heal, but Molly tells him to heal her. She asks him if he wants her, and he tells her she doesn't know how much. She tells him to take her she wants him. Mullet tells Molly she's not leaving him, she tells him she hope he'll leave her get dinner, she's starving. Mullet tells her he loves her and she tells him she loves him too. He tells her he's always going to love her, protect her, and care for her. Molly tells Mullet she's never felt safer. Six months later, Molly is six months pregnant with their first child. They are expect a girl they want to name Lola. Molly tells Mullet she can't believe she thought they would be a one night stand. He tells her she didn't have a chance once he touched her he knew she was his. Molly looks at Mullet, her eyes gaze over with love, admiration, and respect for a man that helped fix her, he didn't break. A man that took her dreams of family, love and made them real. A man that she can’t wait to build a future with. A man that knew one night would never be enough and was he right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,039 reviews56 followers
August 8, 2022
This is book nine in the Rugged Mountain Ink series each book reads as a standalone, can be read in under an hour or so, a sexy rugged guy, and the little girl that changes him. Molly hasn’t had it easy lately living with an abusive ex. able gaining the strength to walk away from all the abuse but not without scares to her self-esteem, instantly ready to apologize for any/everything, blaming herself for everything and leaving her not wanting to trust, believe in love, or giving her heart again. Mullet sexy as all get out rugged mountain man cares deeply, lives in the mountain for a reason so when the beautiful girl walks in he knows he will do anything he can to protect her, keep her safe but to also build her up, giving her the strength to love again, showing her that she is worth loving, she is worth being happy, teaching to never let anyone ever hurt her again but will he be able to help her love again the attraction they feel is instant, insanely intense, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored but can she trust him because the last man hurt her badly, can she let go of all the hurt to love again, and can they find the happiness they both deserve?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
434 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2023
Loving and Sweet

Molly and Mullet’s love story almost didn’t happen. She was trying to become a stronger, more confident woman after breaking up with her boyfriend of 9 years-Chad. Chad verbally abused her under the disguise of taking care of her. Mullet owns the local bar which is located next door to the antique shop where Molly works. He wants to protect her but wants to take it slow. Then one evening when Molly is in Mullet’s bar, she has two drinks, and the next thing you know, she’s kissing Mullet and pushing for a one night stand. And naturally when they are in the middle of a very sexy encounter is when Chad decides to come looking for Molly. Mullet “forces” Chad out of the bar and Molly asks Mullet to take her home to his house. (Molly had been sleeping on the ground in a tent to avoid going home to Chad. So Mullet was taking to her to his house no matter what.) I’m not giving away the rest of the story. It’s truly sweet the way they fill the missing pieces of their hearts. You’ll love this story.
11.6k reviews49 followers
October 25, 2022
Asking out of the kindness of his heart....but she on to him with that tactic

Protector is the ninth book in the Rugged Mountain Ink series and this one had me from the start. Molly has finally breaking things off with her ex boyfriend she has sworn off men. But that was before a Mullet came crashing into her life to help keep her safe from non other than her ex. Mullet moved from California to Rugged Mountain and is now the bartender at the local bar and he has kept an eye on Molly since he first saw her. Now Mullet has other plans for the curvy beauty and they include a forever and a lot of little mullet's running around.
This is a great addition to the series where the men are big, strong and sexy enough to melt your panties off, and the women are strong, smart and can save themselves, but will still let the man take the lead. Once Mullet gets rid of her ex, then Molly is all his whether she realizes it or not yet.
1,897 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2022
I love this series and Mullet and Molly’s story was a fantastic addition. Molly had just left her abusive ex and was tired and broken, she went to the bar to get away from the campground she’d been staying at. Bar owner Mullet had been in love with Molly from the moment they met, now she was in his bar and sad, he wanted to help her, love her and protect her. He took her home with him when he realised where she had been staying and what had happened. Beautiful, well written story with a fantastic, completely swoon worthy hero who was everything Molly needed to build herself back up and see what love really was. Hot, sweet and steamy with a truly wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,014 reviews27 followers
August 8, 2022
Molly has decided it is time to spend some time by herself, her ex keeps coming around. She cannot give into him, after all she ended up living in a tent because of him.

Mullet moved to Rugged Mountain for a new start, the bar in town was for sale and he bought it. When he first sees Molly he is smitten, he did not know she was on again off again with her ex. When she comes into his bar one night, it is off again. When her ex comes in and tries to strong arm her, he will do everything he can to protect her.

I am loving this series, Mullet was a special gem.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews258 followers
August 13, 2022
This is the 9th book in this series, and this is Mullet and Molly’s journey. Mullet is a bartender and bar owner, and he has had his eye on Molly for some time, just biding his time to ask her out, while Molly is sworn off men due to her abusive ex, and she is camping in the woods. When Mullet finds out that Molly’s ex is stalking her, he will do whatever he must to protect and keep her safe. This is a good story which is a quick read, and has emotions, compassion, intrigue, and love, which leads to an enjoyable page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,397 reviews33 followers
August 8, 2022
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Molly Wooden & Mullet. Molly is just looking for a different night then the one she has had the last 2 nights. Since she is camping in the woods she is just in town for a good time nothing else. Mullet sees her and knows there is something up with her and wants to make it better. Little does he know all she is going through. Can these two find a HEA or is it just a one night saving?

Another amazing story from this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,199 reviews69 followers
August 10, 2022
This is another great read for the series and I'm really enjoying the variety of personalities in the characters - and the different plots. This one takes one abused gal and puts her in the path of a very special guy and she takes that first step. It was great to follow her journey and I really appreciated how Mullet gave Molly the time to come around to what was between them. He didn't rush in a fix things but he certainly was protective. All together, this was a fun fast read with a well deserved HEA. Can't wait for more ;D
222 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2022
Knight in shining armor

Molly has been with her boyfriend for 9 years and doesn’t think she can do better. She finally left him, but is living in a tent at a campground. She hasn’t told anyone because she doesn’t want them to worry. Mullet has been watching her for months and is just waiting for the right time to ask her out. One night changes everything. Loved the development of their relationship. They fit right into the Rugged Mountain community and their story was awesome. Even had a sweet dog!
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
August 13, 2022
Protector is fast romance that will have you rooting for Protector while getting your heart goes out to Molly.

Mullet fell hard and fast for Molly, but life has a way of missing with you as she was not interested in him as she had a boyfriend. When Molly finally had enough of her boyfriend, she found herself with struggling to regain her footing.

Mullet and Molly's electric chemistry will have you from the start as their tale is perfect to get lost in on a lazy after noon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,446 reviews15 followers
August 14, 2022
The 9th installment of Khloe Summers' Rugged Mountain Ink series, Protector is a swoon-worthy, sweet and steamy age-gap instalove romance. Mullet has had eyes on Molly for a long time, but he's older and she's just getting out of a bad, long-term relationship. Molly planned to take a break from relationships, but when Mullet steps in to protect her from her ex, things quickly shift. A fast-paced, high-heat, low-drama, steamy romance that's an entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for T Nelson.
1,879 reviews28 followers
April 15, 2023
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only *
Insta-love on his side, touch her and regret it vibes

Trigger warnings
DV


She's been living in a tent in the woods for a couple of weeks. Her ex is bothering her, so she goes home with Mullet. He knows she's hiding something. He just wants to love and protect her.

Each book in this series so far has had a bit of an abrupt end but also an epilogue dated 6 months after. Each one can be a standalone, but reading in order gives you a good idea of who will be next. Except for Reese and Wyatt ending up with different people.
1,602 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2022
I really loved this short read and can not get enough of this series.. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Molly has been through one heck of a bad relationship..Feeling hurt and defeated, not trusting men and knowing what is real, being verbally abused and scared to talk about it, Feeling everything is her fault...
She finally gets the nerves to break up from the bad relationship... all it takes is Mullets love and encouragement for her to feel whole again..
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
August 17, 2022
After a bad relationship ended Molly wanted nothing to do with men until she meets Mullet. Mullet moved to Rugged Mountain for a fresh start and from the moment he sees Molly he falls hard for her. This is a quick romance filled with great characters, secrets, danger, steam, and a great ending. Protector is book nine in the Rugged Mountain Ink series and I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
8,811 reviews63 followers
August 7, 2022
Molly had sworn of men after her Ex, but with Mullet she feels different, when her Ex comes to cause trouble, Mullet will do anything to keep her safe. Can Mullet prove to Molly he's in for the long haul! Well written steamy mountain town romance, sizzling chemestry, desires and more a great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Oriana Reads.
4,298 reviews37 followers
August 11, 2022
Molly is freshly out of a toxic relationship that lasted 9 years . Mullet met her before and had a crush on her but stayed away because she was taken. Now he finally gets his chance with his dream woman. Molly finally sees what a great man Mullet is and how safe and loved she can be by the right man. Sweet, steamy, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍
Profile Image for Maranda Prigmore.
1,104 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2024
Loved it

I loved Molly and Mullet's story. What starts out as a helping hand begins to turn into something beautiful. She has a crazy ex boyfriend who is a doofus and Jack wagon named Chad. He was annoying. Mullet has vowed to protect her. Her sister Josie worries too. However, feelings begin to develop and the help of a little puppy makes everything better.
Profile Image for Noemi.
2,179 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2024
Molly has moved

Molly has moved and ended things with her ex. He's not a nice fellow. She has to work in her self-esteem because of him.

Mullet had his eye on Molly. She's special! Can he help her get over what her ex did and have her see they belong together?

I enjoyed this read 📚!
Profile Image for Leslie.
2,113 reviews25 followers
April 10, 2025
The story had good bones… An older man silently loving a younger woman who’s trapped in a bad relationship finally gets a chance when she walks away from her abusive ex. However, the execution was poorly done. The plot was rushed, the characters were inconsistent, and the relationship developed in an odd and unrealistic way.
Profile Image for Michele.
2,023 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2022
Molly just broke up with her boyfriend, Mullet is very interested in a relationship with her. What follows is a heartwarming story of true love with lots of support from family and friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,768 reviews63 followers
August 9, 2022
Molly wants nothing to do with men after a horrible relationship ended............enter Mullet. I loved their connection. It was interesting with the secrets, the bit of danger and of course, the hotness! I've not read this author before but I will definitely be checking into her other books.
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,353 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2022
Book #9 of Rugged Mountain Ink does not disappoint with Mullet and Molly’s story. Molly is getting out of a bad relationship and Mullet is there just when Molly needs him most. A fast paced read with lots of feels. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,345 reviews12 followers
September 6, 2022
These are my favorite type of books. I love a protector who wants to not only protect the woman he loves but also wants to build her up so she can see how amazing she is.

The scene in the bar was really hot also.
253 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2022
❤ Oh so sweet

I really liked this one, the characters had great chemistry. Mullet is a real man through and through. I don't want to give anything away but, I'm just going to say he's a perfect burly, protective alpha with a heart.
Profile Image for Mattie.
185 reviews
March 7, 2024
Sweet

I love a man who stands up for a woman! Almost as much as I love a man who helps build a woman's confidence to where she can stand up for herself too! Mullet is so sweet and caring! I loved these two!
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,536 reviews63 followers
August 8, 2022
Excellent

This was a great read. I loved Muller and Molly. And of course Ms. Basil they prove that true love is out there
776 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2022
This is continuation of last story a lady broke up with her abusive boyfriend and sees the guy in the bar that has been in love with her since she came to town. Loved it
Profile Image for Gina Marie.
1,783 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2022
Mullet & Molly

I really enjoyed this addition to the Rugged Mountain Ink Series. Mullet and Molly were perfect together. On to the last book.
755 reviews
October 13, 2022
Another great addition to the series

I am really enjoying each story in this series. Each one just keeps getting better. You will definitely want to read each one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.