Gatling

by Audrey Bell

When she needs protection from a stalker, she turns to the one man who is off limits—her brother’s best friend. A biker with a history of bloodshed and violence. Older, dangerous, and forbidden. And soon to be the father of her baby.

***

Gatling

I’m not used to softness in my life. The things I’ve been through, the things I’ve seen have turned me into a cold man with a heart of stone. A killing machine.

For the past twenty years, I’ve been a member of the Blackjacks MC—1%ers who are known for breaking the law without flinching in order to protect their own. I don’t call them family, or brothers, but they come when I call, and that’s an alliance I can respect.

My best friend’s younger sister, Kelsie, is everything soft, sweet, and kind in this world. For some reason, she trusts me, even though she has no right to. She’s only in her mid-20s—half my age—and brimming with temptation I want nothing more than to taste and touch, all night long.



Kelsie

My brother has been overprotective of me since the day I was born. Which has made my love life complicated, to say the least.

He warned me to keep my distance from his best friend too. Ryker “Gatling” Bridges is bad news, he says—a biker who finds trouble everywhere he goes.

But when a stalker starts sending me threatening messages, Gatling is the one I turn to for help.

I was never supposed to end up in his bed though. And my brother is going to kill me when he finds out I’m pregnant with his best friend’s baby.

***

This is a steamy romance intended for audiences aged 18+ only. There are no cliffhangers and no cheating. Includes themes of violence, language, and sexual situations intended for mature audiences. Please see the Reader's Notice at the beginning of the book for TWs.

Genres: Surprise Pregnancy

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2025

Reviews

[Asheley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Audrey Bell and Book Sprout for choosing me to be involved in the ARC review process for this book.

I really enjoyed this read, it’s got the full MC vibe with a side of thriller and a sizzling romance!

We have age gap, brothers best friend a very broody main male character in Ryker. The author gives him darkness and light in perfect balance and brings him to life combining his past and present lives. The FMC is a woman on a mission to gain some freedom from her protective brother but is thrust toward her lifelong crush (the brothers best friend) after she catches the eye of a crazed stalker.

Bothered characters have done depth and well formed back stories. The twists and turns keep you glued to the pages and the romance has a nice bit of sizzle.

My only criticism of this book is that it was too short! I wanted more of everything! I wanted to know more about the characters stories, more about the MC, more stalking, more thriller suspense and more spice!

Bell writes brilliantly and has a talent to pull you in from the get go… I just wanted more.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a his best friends sister, She has always had feelings for him, He is having PTSD. The story have hot chemistry, emotional and some danger, A great read,.

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

[Dankinia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd recommend this if you are in the mood for a spicy MC story about a protective biker looking out for his best friend's sister when she is in danger finally acting on their attraction to each other.

Overall, I rate it 3⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 3; 👥Characters - 3.5; 📖Plot - 3; 🗺️Atmosphere - 3.5; and🖋️Writing - 3.5 with the first 3 categories being most important. I enjoyed this enough to read future books in this series, but not enough to say I'll re-read it again in the future.

What worked for me:
• Ryker aka Gatling's devotion to protecting Kelsie and to be a better person for her
• Kelsie's relationship with her brother

What didn't work for me:
• Kelsie came across as a little young to me, but not so much that the age gap bothered me.

Finished Reading
11/30/2025.

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

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic MC Brother’s Best Friend

Gatling/Ryker is a member of the Blackjack MC who has served his country and came away a broken man dealing with PTSD. This has made him a loner with only his best friend as his outlet. That best friend has a sister that he raised with Ryker always being in her life. Over the years Kelsie had grown feelings for the much older Ryker and both tried to stay away from each other because of their age difference and out of respect for Kelsie’s brother.

Things changed when Kelsie realizes that she has a stalker that has escalated and she turns to Ryker for help. Now Ryker won’t leave her side all the while thinking he isn’t good enough for Kelsie.

This book was packed full of suspense and drama and a love that won’t let go. I look forward for more to come from this author as she always delivers some of the best MC books.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great easy to read afternoon story that once you start tou wont want to put it down. Kelsie knows he's out of bounds. After all hes her brothers best friend. He helped bring her up when their parents died in a car accident. But she can't help it she's still drawn to him. Now someone's been in her apartment, it's him she calls. Gatling has to keep the boundaries clear. He's too old, too grumpy, and he's just not good enough for her. Yet he wont stand around and let someone stalk her. This is a story about dealing with loss, family and learning from past mistakes. Can Gatling drop his walls and let others help him. Or will he lose everything.

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsie is the twenty-six-year-old sister of Gatling’s best friend, Noah. Kelsie knows him as Ryker; Gatling is his MC name. And she is getting the feeling that she’s being watched, especially after finding a pair of sunglasses in her kitchen—sunglasses that don’t belong to anyone she knows.

Ryker is immediately on alert; though he helped Noah raise Kelsie after their parents were killed in a car crash, he doesn’t feel brotherly love toward her. And she’s been hot for him since she was a teenager, but she knows that Ryker isn’t going to make a move, thinking that his time in the service has warped him so much that he doesn’t think he’s good enough for her, especially as he’s eighteen years older than she is.

But when her stalker escalates, rear-ending her car with intent to debilitate, Ryker comes to the rescue, and takes her to his cabin in the woods. You can guess where things go from there.

Ryker is weighed down with PTSD, and still has flashbacks. He’s seen and done things that can’t be undone, in the name of his country. And though he thinks he can’t have her, he would do anything to keep Kelsie safe, no matter the cost to himself. I can only wonder how he lasted this long, with all the heavy memories that still come to him when he tries to sleep.

Kelsie isn’t afraid of Ryker, though he thinks she should be. He can only see himself as a failure, unfit or unable to love and be loved. He doesn’t know just how persistent Kelsie can be when she knows they’re meant to be together.

This is a more serious story, and you should check the trigger warnings before reading. This is a steamy romance, and it also has some violence (which should be expected when reading any MC romance, really). But seeing these two get their happily ever after was well worth the journey for me.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biker romance is fast-paced and, on the surface, has many elements that could work well: a protective setup, a stalking threat, and a close-knit biker environment that frames the romance. The plot itself moves smoothly, and the characters are generally well developed and engaging.
Unfortunately, the story is held back significantly by a 20-year age gap that adds nothing meaningful to the narrative. To put it bluntly: he’ll be nearing retirement while she’s still in her early forties—and she was born when he was already an adult. Combined with the fact that she’s in a vulnerable situation due to being stalked, the power imbalance becomes hard to ignore. He steps in as her protector, which only reinforces that imbalance rather than softening it.
The justification that she has “had a crush on him for years” doesn’t really help. Given her age, it reads less like a foundation for romance and more like a teenage-style idolization of someone far older. Reducing the age gap to five or even eight years would not have removed anything essential from the story—and would have made the romance far more believable and comfortable to read.
That said, the biker elements are present and well integrated, the overall plot works, and the writing itself is solid. If you can overlook or are comfortable with large age gaps and uneven power dynamics, you may still enjoy this book. For me, though, the unnecessary age gap overshadowed an otherwise decent story.

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

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined To Be Together 🥰 !
Gatling : Blackjack MC Book 3 ; Audrey Bell Tells They Story Of A Bad Boy Biker And His Best Friends Younger Sister ! They Have Known Each Other For 20 Years ! She Was Off LimIts , With His Age , Biker Friends , And Demeanor ! They Both Had A Fascination With Each Other , Only Neither Knew ! Till Things Start To Change When A STALKER THREATENS HER ! Forced Together For Protection Feelings Take a Path Of There Own !
Gatling Ryker Bridges was an Outlaw Biker . Ex Military Sniper ! Loner ! Estranged From His Family ! Suffering From PTSD ! Non real Personnel Life , Except For His Best Friend Noah ! Who He Had Known For 20mYears And Helped Raise His Baby Sister Kelsie ! Now A Grown Women !
Kelsie Halliday was The Younger Sister to Noah . There Parents Died When She Was A Baby . He Gave Up Ever To Raise Her And Was Extremely Protective Of Her ! When The Stalker Came She Couldn’t Tell Her Brother !
Ryker and Kelsie Knew Each Other Her Whole Life . She Carried A Secret Infatuation For Him ! Her Brother Would Kill Her If He Knew ! He Carried a Silent Infatuation For Her As Well ! So , When She Called Him About The Stalker, He Was There In A Heartbeat ! As The Stalker Becomes More Dangerous , There Feelings Intensify ! What Could Possibly Happen If They Act On Them ? Hot ! Compassionate ! Destined ! LOVING 🥰 !.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gatling is a cool road name, but the book almost always refers to him as Ryker, so that’s what I’ll do. Ryker is very cool because he can head into the woods with nothing but a hunting k n I f e and spend a month there. He helped his best friend raise Kelsie, a preschool teacher and the best friend’s sister. Not gonna lie, I found that a touch squicky, but there was a period of time where he didn’t see her at all, and when he saw her again, she was all grown up… Kelsie has had a thing for Ryker for years and it only blossomed as she got older. The two have a real connection, though, and I don’t feel like their relationship was wish fulfillment alone. That’s tricky to pull off, and I take my hat off to Audrey Bell. The ebil stalker trope is a trope for good reason, and Bell made the characters interesting enough that the trope didn’t feel tired or boring. I admire Bell’s skill with characters, because you can tell that she really thinks about backstories and personality.
Book is SAFE.
Heat is EXPLICIT.
TRIGGERS include but are not limited to violence, language, abduction, and stalking. There is a very detailed TW at the beginning of the book.
TROPES include She’s All Grown Up, Age Gap, Brother’s Best Friend, Secret Crush, One-Night Stand, Surprise Pregnancy, Found Family, and Morally Grey.

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

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome and I loved it! Ryker “Gatling” Bridges is a rough around the edges biker who will do anything to protect those who are important to him. So when his friend Noah’s little sister Kelsie calls him, he immediately goes to her apartment. She’s sure someone’s been in there and when Ryker goes to check, there’s no one there but definitely signs that someone had been. Staying the night to protect her will have him almost getting caught by Noah the next morning. Kelsie wants it all with Ryker but he isn’t the romantic type, he’s more of a loner. When Kelsie is nearly run off the road the next day, Ryker rides to the rescue and will take her to his cabin in the woods for safety. But she won’t be safe from him. The two give in to the pull between them and the next day, he sends her off with her brother to get her out of town and away from her stalker. Ryker and his brothers in the Blackjacks will use all the tools at their disposal to find the person stalking Kelsie but it won’t be as easy as they think. Kelsie will find out something that will change everything and she will be put in danger by her stalker. Ryker and his brothers will ride to her rescue and, after a conversation with Noah, he will give in to the feelings he has for Kelsie and they will get their happily ever after.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

GATLING is Book 3 of The Blackjacks MC series. It's a steamy, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, OTT, forced-proximity, damsel in distress, mutual-pining, unplanned pregnancy, curvy girl gets her biker darkish MC romance. Kelsie is a 26-year-old sweet, sassy, and curvy daycare worker. She is the younger sister of Noah. Ryker "Gatling" is a 45-year-old hunky, grumpy, ex-military man turned biker. He is the Sargent-at-Arms for The Blackjacks MC and Noah's best friend. The two have been crushing on each other for some time, but Ryker is worried about the age gap and her brother among other things. When Kelsie appears to have a stalker, she calls Ryker for help. She has always felt safe with him. When things escalate, Ryker takes her to his cabin to protect her. Can he keep her safe? Things get steamy as they give into one night of passion, but the feelings are all too real. What will Noah say when he finds out they are together and pregnant? Ryker is worried that he is too damaged, but also loves her. This was so good. The chemistry between these two was pure fire and we got a very happy ending. I just wanted more!! I loved it.

[Diana Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of the Blackjack MC and revolves around Gatling (Ryker) and Kelsie. Gatling is a damaged military ex-sniper with PTSD and almost twice the age of Kelsie. Gatling is part of the Blackjack MC. Kelsie was raised by her brother since she was a baby, when their parents died, with the help of Gatling. When Kelsie hit her teenage years, she had a crush on Gatling that never went away, and Gatling started really noticing Kelsie when she was 18. Both of them fought their feelings, Gatling because he was damaged, felt like he wasn't good enough for Kelsie and the fact that Kelsie's brother was his best and only friend. Kelsie, because she didn't think the older Gatling would be interested in her. All of that changed when, suddenly, Kelsie had a stalker break into her apartment and following her. This is when the fun begins, and you don't want to miss it. NOTE: There may be triggers in this book for some people.

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

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book im the Blackjacks MC.

Gatling is an ex military hardened by his deployments, haunted by his memories, and totally in love with Kelsie, his best friends younger sister - an off limits situation-. When she comes to him asking for help to get rid of a stalker, he is ready to offer his protection and hope she can enjoy some of the peace he craves.

Kelsie has also been in love with the older MC member for quite a long time, she sees his demons and knows that she can help quiet them down if given a chance, but Gatling only sees a little girl, the best friend sister not the woman who can made decision and claim what she has been craving for years,.

The grit, the raw energy, the violence, the action, the chase are part of this story, but is their passion, their awakening that will draw you in and not let you go

BE ready for a fast pace addictive story!.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsie has had a thing for her older brother‘s best friend since she knew what a crush was. Ryker has had a hand and help raising Kelsie since preschool, so she is way off-limits. She is all grown up now and has a stalker and the first person she calls is Ryker, not Noah her brother. He’s not the romantic type, but he is the over the top protective type and will protect what he considers his family. When she almost gets run off the road Ryker moves her to his cabin so she will be safe, but will she be safe from him? With this ongoing investigation, Kelsie finds out some disturbing news and it will change the course of her life and she will be put in even more danger from her stalker. Will Ryker and the Blackjacks be in time? What will Noah do when he learned that his sister and Ryker have fallen for each other?

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker/Gatling is a loner rarely hanging out at the Blackjacks MC clubhouse. There are really only two people he is close to if you can call it that. Noah was his brother in the military, Noah's much younger sister, Kelsie. Noah raised his sister after their parents died.

When Kelsie calls him thinking she had some in her apartment, he is barrels to the rescue. There is no evidence of someone there, except a pair of sunglasses. Kelsie has had a crush on Ryker for years, he does not give any indication that he feels anything until she kisses him.

When Kelsie is abducted Ryker will have to step outside his comfort zone and ask his brothers for help in getting her back. There is plenty of action, violence and some steamy scenes.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great brother's best friend romance and I loved the yearning both Kelsie and Ryker/Gatling felt for each other. Both knew nothing could come of it but when a stalker starts messing with her, she calls Ryker, not her overprotective brother, Noah. Gatling knows he's too old, too grumpy and not good enough for her but one night he can give her - and himself. What follows is an exciting read that amps up the danger and drama as she not only finds herself pregnant but also kidnapped by the baddie. Yikes! Thankfully, Gatling and his MC brother's won't stop until they find her. This opens the door to a fab and spicy HEA and I loved every minute of it. I'd definitely enjoy a book for Noah. He's a good guy that deserves all the love, too ;D

[Lady P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gatling is Kelsie's brother's best friend.

Usually steer away from the brother's best friend trope but this is Audrey, so knew there would be a twist.☺️

Gatling has always been in love with Kelsie. He is always there when she needs him. He knows not to cross the friendship line, but how strong is your resolve when she wants you too?

Now Kelsie has a stalker. Gaitling will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even as far as walking away from his Blackjack MC family.

"Touch her and die" is very literal in this story! The suspense element kept the pages turning.

Hope Gatling is not the conclusion of this series.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker is haunted by PTSD rooted in both an abusive childhood and his military service. Plagued by flashbacks and self-doubt, he’s convinced he’s unlovable and keeps himself isolated from everyone around him.

Kelsie has carried feelings for Ryker since she was a teenager. She isn’t intimidated by his darkness, but she’s certain he only sees her as his best friend’s little sister—never as something more. The chemistry between them, though, is undeniable and intense.

This story delivers suspense, danger, and emotional drama, wrapped around a powerful love that refuses to let go, even when the past tries its hardest to win.

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

[Diana Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gatling Gets His Girl

Kelsie and Gatling/Ryker’s story starts way back when she’s an infant. He’s her brother’s best friend from the military. When her brother Noah must come home to raise after their parents deaths, Ryker comes with him, and is around Kelsie all her life. They only show their true feelings once a stalker shows his hand, and then Ryker does what he does best : hunt ! I love the characters in this series ! Gatling is book 3 and can be read as a standalone, but is better read in order as you get to know all of the surrounding characters to the series. The storyline is well written and you don’t get any real clues to who the stalker is, unless you’re paying microscopic attention ! 4✨’s

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This MC romance is emotional and action-packed. Ryker “Gatling” and Kelsie’s story will have you on the edge of your seat.
He’s her brother’s best friend, and with a hefty age-gap of 18 years, it’s a battle for Kelsie to win Ryker over.
Helped along by the arrival of a stalker, and a few other surprises along the way, Ryker starts to work past his messed up past, and gains a new family.
The brother conflict was there, but not overly present, and I quite liked Noah’s reaction. Kind of refreshing, actually.
Don’t let the cover fool you… this was actually quite sweet.

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

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Audrey Bell’s Gatling. It’s such a great story!

Kelsie has a stalker and needs immediate help. She looks at Gatling, the man almost twice her age, with hearts in her eyes. But he’s always been off limits; he’s her brother’s best friend.

Gatling is a member of the Blackjacks MC…a 1%-er. He keeps himself isolated because of PTSD and flashbacks. Considers himself as an unlovable failure.

Their chemistry is palpable and Kelsie is determined to prove to Gatling that they’re meant to be.

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*.

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

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Gatling! It’s book #3 of the Blackjacks MC series, but you can absolutely read it without feeling like you’re missing something.

Kelsie is in love with Gatling (Ryker) for as long as she can remember. The feeling is mutual, but he is her brother’s best friend, and a lot older than her. He thinks he’s not the right person for her, except his actions say otherwise. When Kelsie is confronted with her stalker, Gatling is determined to do anything in his power to get her back. I really loved those action packed chapters!

A book you just can’t put down!.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of the Blackjacks MC series. Characters from previous books show up but this book can be read as a standalone. The protective biker and his best friend’s sister who has a stalker.

The characters were well written and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC romance.
Kelsie is a young woman raised by her overprotective brother after their parents' death. She's always had a crush on her older brother's best friend, so when she encounters a stalker, he's the first person she calls.
Gatling is a former soldier who joined an MC upon his return. For years, he's had a crush on his best friend's little sister, so when she calls him about a stalker, he knows he'll do anything to protect her.
Will Kelsie and Gatling have a beautiful love story, or will danger and Kelsie's secret keep them apart….

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsie has a stalker, so she turns to Ryker for help. Ryker is her brother's best friend and Kelsie's childhood crush. It turns out he has feelings for her, but feels she's too young for him. Ryker goes into protective mode and would do anything to keep her safe. This is an action packed, steamy, MC romance with a stalker twist. The writing is well done, the characters have intense chemistry, and their journey of love is filled with danger, suspense, violence, drama, steam, and much more. Gatling is book three and a great addition to the Blackjacks MC series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an emotional read and had my heart breaking for Gatling. He carries so much pain and keeps himself isolated even though he has people that cares for him especially Kelsie. She has always looked at him with hearts in her eyes, but he has always kept her at arm's length being her brother's best friend. They both fight their attraction for so long until they can't anymore but when Kelsie's life is in danger will Gatling step up and be who she needs or will he walk away? I loved this read, the characters, and the emotions.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first read for me from this author and I enjoyed everything about this book. Ryker gets a call from Kelsie who is his best friends sister. She felt like someone had been in her apartment. Ryker starts watching over Kelsie and as they spend more time together the feelings that they have for each other come more and more to the surface. This story was so good. Non stop action as the feelings these two had for one another kept coming to the surface. I enjoyed everything about this book, and the way these two got together. This is a must read!

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one took me a few days to finish, but not because it was bad or hard to read. Some personal things came up that kept me from reading as much as I wanted to.

The book had me needing to finish it, when I wasn't reading, I was trying to figure out where Audrey was taking the story and whether or not Gatling/Ryker would get out of his own way and begin actually living his life. Audrey has me over here needing to read the rest of the Blackjacks MC series ASAP!.

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

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters in this series.

Gatling and Kelsie shouldn't be together, he's older and darker than she is and he a man that keeps to himself. He even holds himself back from his brothers in the MC, but when Kelsie needs him he will always be there for her. Her brother is his best-friend and he knows that she's off-limits, but when they are forced to live together while he protects her, the lines become blurred and he can't keep away from her any longer.

I enjoyed this story and the characters are great. I look forward to more in the Blackjacks MC series to come.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is her brother's best friend half her age and the one she goes to when someone is stalking her. He knows she is too good for him, but her brightness draws him in. Will he lose her brother's friendship but gain the Kelsie's love. This engaging story is addictive and had me connecting with Gatling and Kelsie.

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