Rugged and Protective (Aspenbrook Protective Heroes #5)

Can a fierce artist and a man with a past full of quiet strength find what they've been missing in each other? In the rugged mountains of Aspenbrook, their paths collide, and as the bond between them deepens, they’ll realize that the connection forming is exactly what they need to face their fears, heal old wounds, and build something real together.

“I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can, but I want to be the one standing beside you when it gets tough.”

Zachary
The moment I saw her, I knew she was more than just another woman passing through my life.
Brynn is a force—strong, yet fragile in ways she doesn’t let anyone see.
I want her to surrender to me, to feel what I feel, to know that I’m here for her, in ways no one else ever has been.
This isn’t just about sex—it’s about claiming her in every way that matters.
And I’m going to show her what it means to be truly seen and desired.

Brynn
He’s impossible to ignore, and harder to resist.
Zachary’s touch, his gaze—every part of him pulls me in.
I’ve spent so long protecting myself, but when he looks at me like that, it’s hard to stay guarded.
I want him. I want him so badly, and maybe it’s time to stop fighting it.

"Rugged and Protective" is the fifth book in the Aspenbrook Protective Heroes series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, you won’t want to miss the rest of the series! Each book features a new alpha hero, a heart-pounding love story, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.