Protector Cowboy

Rugged Mountain Ink: Waylon Family Ranch #1

by Khloe Summers

Can this older cowboy find love with his best friends’ daughter?

Penny
He’s been following me.
To the park, to work, home, everywhere I go… my ex isn’t far behind.
When his confrontations become too much to handle, my dad’s best friend offers to set up security in my home.
He promises not to tell my dad.
The last thing I need is my father judging more of my decisions.
Trouble is, dad’s best friend is a lot hotter than I remember
Protective too.
Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to tell him how I feel.
Then again, it could be the worst decision I ever make.


Waylon
Rule one in any
Don’t date your buddy’s daughter.
Seems straight forward enough.
But when I see Penny after all these years, it’s hard to look away.
She’s gorgeous, curvy, and sweet as hell.
I can’t get her out of my head.
Truth is, I’m not sure I want to.

Dear readers,
This is a short, super steamy, curvy, age gap romance. As always, this title comes with Khloe's 'Easy Escape Seal' a no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA guarantee

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Novella

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2023

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know how I came across this book, but oh boy, this is not my usual spice-review. I didn't think a book that was 70 pages long could inspire such anger in me!
I went into this book with high hopes, and I liked the beginning of the book; I really, honestly did. I went into it knowing that it was really short and I was gonna get some hand-wavey plot and character development. But it would be worth it! For the spice! And it absolutely was not! There was one and a half spicy scenes and then the full one went right into the big conflict with her dad finding out that she had the hots for his best friend, and THEN when Dad is (rightfully) pissed that his bff is looking disrespectfully at his daughter, she decides that now is the time to tell everyone she loves the guy! After one mediocre encounter! Oh my god, oh my god like come ON. AND THEN IMMEDIATELY there's a time skip and she's eight months pregnant?? They waited four months between hooking up and deciding to start a family. Oh my god no thank you.
This book took what I thought was going to be a good time and made it the complete opposite.
I'm sure the author has many good stories and lots of people enjoy them, and I really am glad for them. But this was just not for me at all and I'm kinda bummed about it.

[Kylie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What even was that?

I don’t know which is more disappointing, this book or the lack of 1 star ratings.

Luckily, it was only a 70 page book and 30 minutes of my life I’ll never get back.

Penelope was fingerbanged into love with her dad’s best friend. The end. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Waylon Family Ranch (Rugged Mountain Ink) series each book can be read as a standalone within an hour or so, with a sexy cowboy and a forbidden love. We met Waylon sexy as all get out rugged cowboy loved the idea he was willing to help his friend so happy this is his story where he helps out his buddy’s daughter get away from an abusive ex, never expecting to want something more but when fate takes over well you kind of do whatever she likes including putting two people together. Penelope sweet trying to live her life on her terms after being with an abusive ex who doesn’t get the message, they aren’t together any longer or the fact she wants nothing to do with him, but he has become her number one stalker and one day he corners her being rescued by her father’s friend never realizing that one act put them on the same path. Waylon feels like he is too old but also it is his buddy’s daughter yet he can’t deny his attraction that continues to grow stronger each time he is around her and Penelope can’t stop thinking about her dad’s friend no matter how wrong it may be for her to have these feelings for him she doesn’t want to hurt her dad so pushing Waylon away she thinks is her only option until he ex shows up and she needs his help deciding then and there she can’t keep fighting something that is so strong between them but will her father accept the two of them being together, can it work between them considering they are both concerned with their age difference, and can they find their happiness?.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Protector Cowboy: Filthy, Dirty, Small-Town Love (Waylon Family Ranch) Rugged Mountain Ink. Penelope is trying to get away from an abusive ex but he keeps showing up. After being cornered one day she is rescued by her fathers best friend Waylon. They seem to have a connection but it’s not something they can act upon. Waylon won’t deny his attraction to a Penelope but he’s too old for her, when he’s around her nothing else seems to matter. Penelope doesn’t want to hurt he father so she pushes Waylon away but when her ex shows up again and Waylon does also to help her again she can’t fight it any longer. Will her father come around to the idea of her and Waylon? Can a love between them work? Another great story foe Khloe Summers. Can’t wait die this new series and Cora’s story. I love all the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope is being harassed by her ex boyfriend. This time it happens in front of Waylon. Waylon is her dad’s best friend and they have ranch’s next to each other. Waylon is going to protect her from her ex. Waylon is setting up a security system which will make her feel better. The problem now is Waylon can’t get Penelope out of his head. Why does she have to be so cute, so sweet, so innocent and so gorgeous? He thinks she is perfect!
Penelope is dreaming about Waylon all the time. He is her Prince Charming! She wants him. She has to have him. That is the way it is. Of course, it doesn’t go as smoothly as that. The characters are so real, down to earth and lovable. Throw in a upset, ranting father, a violent ex boyfriend and you got the makings for a great read!.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in Khloe Summer's newest Rugged Mountain Ink spin-off, Waylon Family Ranch, is the steamy, age-gap romance between Waylon and Penelope. When Waylon comes to the rescue of his best friend's daughter, Penelope, he is stunned by the electricity he feels between them. Knowing she is much too young for him, he tries to keep his distance - until he can't. Penelope has just escaped a toxic relationship, but her ex isn't quite ready to give up. When Waylon, a man she's already had an inappropriate crush on, becomes overprotective, she can't fight her feelings anymore. But will her old-fashioned father stop things before they even get started? A fun, quick, entertaining steamy age-gap romance I couldn't put down.

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

[Cherie Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Waylon is my favorite!

Penelope is in a tough situation. She just broke up with the guy her dad wanted her with. She hides her accomplishments she receives from her internship at the tattoo shop just to make her dad happy. But when her ex takes things too far, Waylon decides to step in. Waylon is knocked off balance when he sees Penny. Immediately he wants her but he knows that she is too young for him. But, these two have a chemistry that can not be denied! The biggest problem is that Penny's dad is Waylon's bestfriend! Can they fight a chemistry that can't be denied? What happens when Penny's dad realizes what's going on? I think this book may be my favorite so far!!! Ready for the next one!!!

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Penny & Waylon. Penny just wants to be free but her ex has other plans for that and the way he treated her in the past has her very nervous. When Waylon comes to her rescue she again wonders if there could be a way for them to be together. Waylon knows he is way too old for Penny. Plus he has been friends with her father for years now. There is something about her that just keeps pulling him back to her. Can they find a HEA or will the ex who doesn't want to be an ex make that impossible?

Another amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tattoos and love

Protector Cowboy is the first book in the new Waylon Family Ranch (Rugged Mountain Ink) series, which is a spin-off of the other Rugged Mountain Ink series'. In this book we finally get Waylon's story and it is an OTT, quick, passionate, intense, age-gap, off-limits/forbidden romance. The story has a lot of snap, crackle and pop passion between two really wonderful characters in Penny and Waylon. They each try to fight their intense attraction but when Penny is basically stalked by her abusive ex it is Waylon who ensures she will always be safe. The only problem will be if her father finds out, as Waylon is his best friend. But love conquers all with a sweet and smexy HEA.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny's ex has been stalking her, everywhere she goes he shows up. Waylon is determined to protect her, setting up a home security system. She makes him promise not to tell her dad, who is always question her decisions.

Waylon is having a hard time staying away from his best friend's daughter Penny. She is everything he wants, he would burn down his friendship if she let him. When she gives him a sign she is interest, there only so much willpower one man can have.

This is sweet and steamy read, with Waylon determined to protect his girl from everyone.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waylon bumps into Penny unexpectedly and rescues her from her abusive ex. He can’t believe his feelings for her, she is his best friends daughter and he tried to shut down how he feels. He is determined to protect her and keep her safe even if he can’t be with her. Penny has feelings for Waylon but she knows her dad won’t approve so tries to deny how she feels. They can’t deny their love for long, they are each others soulmate. Waylon realises he’ll do anything to be her forever. Sweet, steamy romance with amazing chemistry, a kind, loving, protective hero, a little family drama and a wonderful HEA.

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

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I'm so happy that we have a new series to keep us on Rugged Mountain. I just adore this series and all the interesting characters that we are introduced to. Waylon has appeared in many of the other stories and in this one he finally get his chance at true love and happiness. Penelope is done with her abusive ex and ready to focus on her life. When Waylon is there to protect her when she needs it and sets her up with a security system she realizes that her feelings toward him can no longer be denied. I had hearts in my eyes reading about these two falling in love.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and steamy age gap romance that really let our hero, Waylon shine. Penny, doing so much to please her father, hides and sacrifices so he can be happy. Her ex was part of her father's endorsement and yep, he's now her stalker. Thankfully, Waylon comes upon her dealing with said ex and he saves the day. Neither expected the connection to bloom so fast but he was more than willing to burn his friendship with her father to have her. This was entertaining and fast paced and I really enjoyed their HEA :D

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two characters were absolutely great, and I just loved this whole book. I could not put it down.
Both Waylon and Penelope could not deny the feelings they felt for eachother. Sure there is an age gap, and sure they are worried to upset Pen's father who also happens to be Waylon's best friend. But when you fid that one person who is meant o be with you, who makes you happy , and you are wanting to spend the rest of your days with ... nothing will stop or hold you back.
I can not wait for the next book.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Rugged Mountain where the men are true alphas and the women can handle theirselves. This is Waylon and Penny's story. Waylon is falling for his best friends daughter. He tries to resist but when Penny's ex begins to harrass her he steps in and ends up claiming her as his own. What happens with his friendship? Will her father ever understand? Short older man younger woman romance with a HEA.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny wants to live her life, but it is hard with her dad is judging her and those around. Waylon is Penny's father's friend and works with him, he has watch Penny grow up, but now that she is a woman there is something more.

This is a fast read with a strong love, an amazing connection and heat that will burn down the house. Penny and Waylon's character have an amazing passion for each other and what they do.

Great fast read with you need an escape.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope is having trouble with her ex and he won't leave her alone. Waylon is her father's best friend and he offers to help her with her ex. I loved how protective Waylon was over Penelope and how he started out just wanting to help her and before he knew it he fell hard for her. This is an age-gap, steamy romance between a hot cowboy and a curvy woman. Protector Cowboy is the first book in the Rugged Mountain Ink: Waylon Family Ranch series and I can't wait to read the rest of the books. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only *
Age-gap, friend of father

Trigger warnings
20+ yr age gap
DV

Her father works for him, but Waylon is so attracted to her that it won't matter. But her ex is an issue. Just as things are heating up, her father interrupts them, and she lies about how serious things are. She broke both their hearts to save her father's feelings. Now what? And what will happen when her ex comes for her again?

This 3rd series is off to a great start. Off to read the next one.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional read as Penny's father's bestfriend, Waylon rescued her from a situation with her ex-boyfriend, David. Waylon and Penny discovered, they had deep feelings for one another, and they tried to fight against them out respect to her father. Enjoy this wonderful heartfelt story as a father learn things about his family he never knew.

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

[Olivia Tabb]

This book was definitely a page turned. If you love a quick clean fall in love with a strong protective cowboy this book is for you. I would have liked more details and it to be longer but it was a good quick read. Everything fell into place a little quick like unbelievably quick. All in all it was a good book. Can’t wait to read Cora’s story.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope is having a hard time getting rid of her ex-boyfriend David, who is becoming more volatile with her. Her dad’s boss/best friend Waylon intervenes and they immediately see each other in a different light when they know they shouldn’t. They have several roadblocks: he becomes her boss, the age gap, his relationship with her dad. It all comes to a head pretty quickly.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waylon and Penny's book is the first in the new series Waylon Family Ranch, a spin-off of Rugged Mountain Ink. There is no need to read any previous books, but it is nice to catch up with your favourite characters if you are familiar with them. I loved Waylon and Penny; there may be an age gap, but once they realize their chemistry, they are not denying that they are perfect for each other.
I am looking forward to this series.

[Kayla Lietzau · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much YESSS❤️

I absolutely LOVED it!!! Waylon and Penny were so freaking perfect together!!! I love how protective he was of her and how he gave her the strength to stand up for herself ❤️ The smexy times were 🔥🤤 I can’t WAIT for the next one!!! Highly highly recommend this book!!

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short

I think this needed to be closer to about 100 pages, so I could get a little more interaction between the two MCs. Two scenes together before falling in love was just not enough honestly. As for the “filthy, dirty” part… No? There’s only one actual scene and it’s super short and not very detailed. Definitely not a one handed read.

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waylon and Penny

This is the first book in a series that I’m definitely going to read. I loved Waylon and his protective nature with Penny.
This is age gap story but also a Dad’s best friend. Penny needs help from her ex-boyfriend and Waylon is the guy.
Instalove at its best with a little dirty talk. Definitely recommend 💜

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Waylon and Penny. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, forbidden desire and steam.

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

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the newest spin off to the Rugged Mountain Ink series. Waylon runs into Penelope when she is being hurt by her ex. Waylon feels for Penelope, but she is his best friends daughter. When they finally give in to their feelings, they have the perfect ending.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect

Waylon can't help but want to protect Penelope when he sees she's in trouble. Only problem is she's way too young for him and she's his best friend's daughter. Nothing can happen between them can it?

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waylon appears just when Penelope's

Waylon appears just when Penelope's ex is harassing her. She is embarrassed, but Waylon promises to keep her safe, thus begins their journey to love.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm how the math works out. She's approx 23 and he's in his 40's...thats a bigger age gap that I'm used to but that didn't stop me.

It was good though I tried to not think of the age gap too much, just went along for the ride. You can't over think with books like this.