Marked by the Protective Biker

Heat & Ink #5

by Hope Ford

He’s not supposed to touch me.
I’m definitely not supposed to want him.
But rules blur when a broody, inked inmate looks at you
like you’re his salvation.

I’m the sunshine counselor that sees the good in him.
He’s the tattooed ex-con with a shady past.
We had one night the night before he walked free and
I told myself it was over.

But he watches me when I leave work.
He protects me from a distance.
He tells me we’re wrong together…

But he keeps coming back.

And when I show up at his door, desperate for answers,
he finally stops running.
He puts his mark on me the only way he knows how.
Ink on skin
Heat in every stroke.
A secret tattoo that says what neither of us can.

We don’t make sense.
We don’t fit.
But somehow… I already belong to him.



Welcome to Heat & Ink where hot possessive tattoo artists leave their mark in more ways than one.

The Heat & Ink series mixes Contemporary, Sci Fi Romance, and Paranormal in three standalone stories by best-selling STEAMY authors, Hope Ford, Michele Mills, and Olivia T. Turner.

Genres: Romance, Erotica

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Bestselling 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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www.authorhopeford.com
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Reviews

[Debi Williams]

Loved It

I absolutely loved this book. It was an instant love for Jack (Felon) and Emily. With a little compromising to protect her Jack finally got what he wanted. A sweet and steamy read

[Jeen Patch]

It was a short-easy to read story.
I enjoyed the story of this two.

And... Does Gunner and Alice have their own book yet? I am interested in reading about them.

[kymagirl]

She was supposed to save him. Instead, he marked her as his.

Jack (H) walked out of Jasper Prison with one goal: keep Emily (h) safe. As a convicted killer and protective biker, he never expected to fall for the prison counselor with a quiet voice and a backbone of steel. She saw light in the darkest corners of his past. He saw every threat circling her and made sure none of them ever got close.

Emily spent her life trying to fix what the system broke. Jack was a line she shouldn’t have crossed, but their tension finally snapped behind closed doors. Rules blurred, and things quickly heat up. Jack wanted her to quit, to run, to be safe. She wouldn’t. Her past was tied to that place, and walking away meant letting go of something that mattered.

Back on the outside, Jack tried to keep his distance but couldn’t. Watching her from afar, protecting her in secret, telling himself he had to let her go. But when danger finds her inside those walls, Emily learns what Jack’s been doing all along, even as he struggles with what he thinks he can’t give her.

She confronts him, tears through every wall he built, and forces everything to the surface. Emily doesn’t flinch. She sees him exactly as he is and chooses him anyway. What started in silence becomes something neither of them expected. And this time, no one walks away.

Jack evolves from a guarded and emotionally detached ex-con into someone who faces his feelings, learns to be vulnerable, and starts building a life. Emily grows from a cautious professional into a woman who chooses love on her own terms and refuses to let fear call the shots. Together, they turn forbidden tension into a raw, committed partnership built on trust, protection, and lasting love.

A steamy, protective, MC, bad boy, prison romance that explores love, redemption, loyalty, vulnerability, identity, control, sacrifice, healing, trust, obsession, and found family. ‍

[Didi]

A quick enjoyable forbidden love story. Jack and Emily dance around their attraction to each other within the prison walls. He is obsessed with Emily and will do anything to protect her. On the outside after being released he has to protect her but knows he not worthy of her. Loved how Emily took charge and made him see differently. Hot steamy and a forever love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan]

He’s not supposed to touch me.
I’m definitely not supposed to want him.
But rules blur when a broody, inked inmate looks at you
like you’re his salvation.

I’m the sunshine counselor that sees the good in him.
He’s the tattooed ex-con with a shady past.
We had one night, the night before he walked free, and
I told myself it was over.

But he watches me when I leave work.
He protects me from a distance.
He tells me we’re wrong together…

But he keeps coming back.

And when I show up at his door, desperate for answers,
he finally stops running.
He puts his mark on me the only way he knows how.
Ink on skin
Heat in every stroke.
A secret tattoo that says what neither of us can.

We don’t make sense.
We don’t fit.
But somehow… I already belong to him.

This contemporary MC bad boy romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters. Their journey is enthralling with being marked by the protective biker, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice, with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, heat & ink, hot possessive tattoo artists, drama, heartfelt emotions, danger, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being marked by a protective biker and explicit MC romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dangerous, and unforgettable.

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

[Michelle Frater]

Emily is a prison counselor, though right from the start, I found myself raising an eyebrow. A beautiful woman alone in a room full of hardened inmates, with just one lone guard at the door? The setup practically screams danger. Sure, she’s got Jack, one of the inmates, watching her back, but with his release just around the corner, his looming absence poses a problem. For Jack. Jack, a member of the Exiled Guardians MC, has been silently obsessed with Emily ever since she stepped foot into the prison. Their chemistry is undeniable, even if any kind of relationship between them is strictly off-limits. But rules and reason don’t stand a chance against the slow-burn pull between them. What really hooked me was Jack’s fierce protectiveness. The way he tries to shield Emily, even asking her to quit her job for her own safety—it’s possessive, borderline infuriating, but also totally swoon-worthy. There’s just something irresistible about a tough, growly biker who loses all composure when the woman he loves is in danger. That said, I did get a little frustrated with Jack’s emotional tug-of-war. He’s willing to risk everything to keep Emily safe, but refuses to let himself be with her. His noble self-denial had me rolling my eyes, especially when Emily calls him out on it. And I have to admit, I laughed out loud when she started talking about finding a future boyfriend, having babies, and settling down, just to watch Jack go absolutely feral at the mere thought of someone else touching her. He’s all “stay away” one minute, and ready to tear someone’s head off the next. Classic alpha male turmoil. Special shoutout to Alice, her blunt honesty and much-needed push that gave Emily (and Jack!) the clarity they both needed. And that clubhouse scene was absolute perfection. It shattered Jack’s assumptions about Emily and proved she might just fit into his world far better than he ever expected. Maybe he was wrong about a lot more than that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan]

It starts off with Miss Riles acting as a counselor in a jail. There we meet Felon, which is his actual last name btw. He is very protective of Emily Riles because he has feelings for her. That particular day is the last one before he gets out of jail. Emily had started there at the jail six months ago. Felon wants to talk to her because it is his last day and he is very worried about her, as since he is leaving, there won’t be anyone as protective as he is there. Felon’s first name is Jack. He is part of a club, the Exiled Guardians. Finding out why he ended up in jail made me just love Jack more. Things progress a bit between Jack & Emily before he is released and he calls upon his club to watch over her when he cannot outside of the prison and his associates in jail watch over her inside. I found it very romantic how protective he was of her and it is proven that she needs it. From there on out- his leaving the jail- things get a bit wonky & crazy. I love how Jack fights his feelings for her and yet will still protect her. Emily makes up her mind and won’t be changed which I find both great and hilarious at the same time. I began to like his club brothers as well. I can’t wait to learn more about them.

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

[Shawna]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tension, tattoos, and a love that defies the odds!”

Hope Ford delivers again with this swoony, protective biker romance that hits hard and burns hot. Marked by the Protective Biker is the kind of story that grabs you by the heart—and the heat—and doesn’t let go.

Emily is the kind of heroine I adore: compassionate, strong, and determined to see past the surface. And Jack? Whew. He’s the brooding, inked ex-con with a soft spot only she can reach. Their connection is immediate, forbidden, and utterly addictive.

The push-pull between them is electric. Jack tries to stay away, thinking he’s not good enough—but his quiet, loyal protectiveness says otherwise. Every stolen glance, every heated moment, builds to that scene (you’ll know the one) with the secret tattoo… and wow. It’s tender, raw, and sexy all at once.

I loved how the author tackled themes of redemption, trust, and second chances while still giving us that steamy, protective alpha energy we crave. If you’re into possessive heroes, emotional healing, and heat that leaves a mark, Marked by the Protective Biker is a must-read.

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

[Shalalah]

A Mark That’s More Than Skin Deep

If you’re craving a quick hit of raw heat, forbidden longing, and a tattooed alpha who’ll ruin you for all others—Marked by the Protective Biker delivers every ounce of steam and emotion your romance-loving heart could want.

Lexi is all sunshine and second chances. Boss is shadows, ink, and a dangerous kind of devotion. She’s a counselor; he’s an ex-con with demons inked into his skin—and chemistry that defies logic. Their connection? Instant. Intense. Irresistible.

The push and pull between these two is deliciously addictive. One night was supposed to be the end… but when Boss keeps watching, guarding, and aching for the woman he thinks he can’t have, the line between “wrong” and “mine” gets permanently blurred—literally.

Hope Ford paints a picture of fierce protection and vulnerable longing, all wrapped up in a story you can devour in a single sitting. With heat that scorches the page and heart that lingers, Marked by the Protective Biker proves that some love stories are written in ink—and branded deep.

Perfect for fans of possessive men, strong heroines, and tattoos with meaning.

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

[Vicki]

4.5 stars!

This is part of the Heat & Ink multi author series and features Felon (his road name—and it also happens to be his last name), aka Jack, who’s really a, well… a felon.

Jack, a member of the Exiled Guardians MC, was in prison for unaliving someone who was harming a child and wound up falling for Emily, the inmate’s counselor, who, against her better judgment, also had feelings for him. He was so crazy for her in fact, that, as his release date drew near, he considered doing something so that he wouldn’t be released in order to not have to leave her and to keep her safe. *Heart eyes* He’s absolutely one of my favorite type of MMCs… a man you don’t dare cross but for Emily, he was a big ol’ teddy bear and twice as sweet. He refused to let anyone hurt her, even himself… which, as any romance reader can attest, NEVER works out the way they plan.

This was such a sweet, spicy, read with the most romantic HEA. It didn’t take hardly any time to read, about an hour maybe, but SO worth the time it took and one I recommend wholeheartedly. 4.5 stars!.

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

[Thisbe]

i devoued this story of Jack Felon and Emily. He is in Jasper prison, he got twenty years because he killed someone in order to protect a child. Emily works as counselor, always following the rules, but when it comes to Jack, everything is different. He gets released after only being in prison for one year. He is part of the Exiled Guardians club and very possessive when it comes to his Emily, but still thinks he is not good enough. Also Emily is a sweetheart, she thinks he walked out on her and willing to confront him and show him what a good man he is.
I love the dynamic, I would love more background story, like to know more about her brother and about Jack, but fell for the characters. Emily wants to help and has a tender heart, but is also willing to stand up for what she believes and Jack is a rough biker, but has a heart of gold and not able to ignore injustice. Can not wait for the next stories. So many teasers in this one.

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

[Tiffany Hill]

**The Ex-Con and The Counselor**

"Marked by The Protective Biker" by Hope Ford is the fifth book in the Heat & Ink multi-author series, and I absolutely adored it! This short instalove story is such a delightful read because the characters are so well-crafted that it's impossible not to fall for them. Jack, affectionately known as “Felon,” is completely smitten the moment he sees Emily walk into the prison as the new counselor. There’s just one hiccup—he knows he’ll be getting out soon, and he won't be around to keep an eye on her.

Emily is well aware that she shouldn’t be falling for an inmate, but she can’t help but feel a strong connection with Felon; he’s unlike anyone she’s met before. When Felon tries to distance himself, thinking he isn’t good enough for her, Emily confidently stands her ground. She confronts him, demonstrating that their chemistry is real and undeniable.

This lovely instalove story is the perfect way to spend a cozy afternoon with a good book!

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

[Dee]

Talk about protective well hang on get comfortable you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Emily, a prison counselor, doesn’t realize the dangers she walks into daily although one of her inmates who is soon to be released watches her back from the shadows and of course she has one security guard but that against a whole prison full of harden criminals yeah you do the math. Jack sexy as all get out inmate who has little more time before his release, he is an Exiled Guardians MC is obsessed with the beautiful counselor knowing she works with a lot of unsavory men and the moment he is released his overprotectiveness comes to the surface. The magnetic pull is there from the moment they met and continues upon his release along with his continued protection despite the push and pull between the two of them but where are they headed, will she continue to work in the prison, will he convince her to quit for her own safety, will he show her she does fit in his world, and can they find their way to happiness?

[Nina Diab]

'I’ve known since the first words we exchanged that I was his. We may never act on it, and we may never do more than talk, but I feel as if I’m his. It’s like I belong with him, and the thought should freak me out, but it doesn’t.'

I enjoyed this book and was intrigued by the premise. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Jack (Felon) and Emily. The story starts the day before he was released from prison where there is already chemistry between them, and even though no lines were crossed, both acknowledged in their own minds that she belongs to him. I would have liked to see some of their beginning- how they met, the way the attraction built, and how they interacted- instead of beginning here. But this is where actions take place so I didn't mind. It's an interesting dynamic with a prisoner falling in love with his prison counselor, but the story takes place when he's free but she still works there. The chemistry between them was sizzling. A fun, quick read. 4 stars

[Korkoi]

He Couldn’t Fight their Inevitable Forever -
From the moment Felon laid eyes on Emily, he was a goner, but his circumstances at the time didn’t allow him to pursue her, but his insecurities made him hesitate even after he was in a position to get what he wanted. Emily’s attraction for Felon was really intense ever since she met him, but the possibility of getting into trouble caused her to maintain a professional relationship with him. However, Emily didn’t hold back in exploring her connection with Felon, once the opportunity presented itself.

Getting Felon to agree to them being together felt like pulling teeth without anaesthetic for Emily, but everything changed after a while and their relationship progressed to a happily ever after. This is an and sexy romance story, with complex characters and a storyline that will capture your heart and keep you entertained for a few hours.

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

[Rainbowlovesbooks]

Obsessed and in the best way Jack (Felon) has been obsessed with Emily since she walked through the doors 6months ago. The timing and environment however were not working in either of their favours especially with Jakc being an inmate.

However he's reach is undeniable and he's been watching over Emily since that day without her knowing. He doesn't want to drag her into his darkness, but can this obsessed protective biker really walk away from his woman?

What to expect
🏍️ Instalove
🏍️ Forbidden Romance
🏍️ Off Limits
🏍️ Inmate / Counsellor Relationship
🏍️ MC Romance
🏍️ Protective / Obsessed MMC
🏍️ He's Fallen Hard and Fast
🏍️ Dual POV
🏍️ Steamy Scenes
🏍️ Interlinking Characters
🏍️ Interconnected Standalone
🏍️ Multi Author Series
🏍️ Mild Angst
🏍️ No Cheating
🏍️ HEAs

5 stars!

[Kari Hansen]

Jack finds himself imprisoned after trying to do the right thing and while he is there he becomes captivated with Emily, the counselor, and is determined to protect her not only from the other inmates but himself as well. When he is released early his only concern is keeping her safe even if that means having him or one of his MC follow her.

Emily has feelings for Jack as well, but she isn’t about to leave her job despite the danger that goes along with it. She is a woman who know what she wants and not only isn’t deterred by his attempts to keep her safe but she also isn’t about to let him distance himself from her.

Jack is the perfect mix of possessive and protective while Emily is his perfect match with her strength and independence. The heat between them radiates off the pages and the romance between is heartfelt.

[Julie]

I loved this fast paced posessive, protective, Obsessive love romance. Felon and Emily were opposites in so many ways, except the way they cared fiercely for those they loved. I enjoyed the story so much, right until the climax. The massive change in characterization, the blatant lies and manipulation utilized as well as the lack of MC social moreys bugged me so much it completely negated the relaxation and joy I obtained from reading the story in the first place. This is the first time I've had this experience with one of Ford's books, abd it alone won't keep me from reading more in the future.

If your looking for a OTT, steamy story and aren't highly concerned about the plotline, I'd go ahead and recommend this for that purpose. If you enjoy consistency in characters, then it's really your call. I did receive a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review.

[Angie]

Gotta love a massively protective man over his woman. I loved Felon's warning to everyone before his last day in prison! I also liked how Emily pushed Jack into realizing that they belong together no matter how he thought their worlds wouldn't mix together. He was so sweet to Emily, calling her honey, it was cute! The story was lite on the MC aspect. There was mention of cherries who were there to service the members but we didn't see any (thank goodness!). Felon did say he had a cherry take a picture of Emily for him. Eww, let's just leave them out of the book!!!

Emily- age?, read as a non-virgin but no mention of past relationships

Jack (Felon)- age?, Experienced, no real mention of past relationships

NO OW/OM drama

No condom use

Safe Read

HEA.

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

[Lisa Newton]

This was such an enjoyable short story! Emily, a prison counselor, meets Felon during counseling sessions, and their connection is instant and intense. As Felon prepares for his release, he becomes increasingly concerned about Emily’s safety inside the prison walls. Unable to protect her himself, he calls on his club to keep an eye on her—but no one warned him to watch out for falling in love.

I’m really hoping this is just the beginning of a series, because I’d love to read more about this MC. Highly recommend to anyone who loves protective heroes, unexpected romance, and fast-paced reads with heart.

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

[Paige]

4.5⭐️
I love a good protective/possessive MMC and Jack Felon was that and so much more! This story started off as a forbidden love story between a convict and the prison counsellor he protected, but quickly spiralled once he was out. He never thought he was good enough for her, but vowed to protect her for the rest of his life, and protect her he did! What followed was a steamy, stalker, push and pull story with a woman who wasn’t going to give up on him. Loved seeing some of the previous characters, and hoping for Alice and Gunner’s story soon too! A few editing errors, but nothing that took me out of the story too much. No cheating or OM/OW drama, no condom use, dual POV, HEA and a sweet epilogue in the future. I’m loving these OTT possessive books and can’t wait for the next one!

[Marie]

"Property of Felon"

He has convinced himself she is forbidden, that he can never claim her, but that doesn't mean she isn't his to protect. Jack is completely lost to Emily and if he had any functioning brain cells left he would realise that "they" are not forbidden but inevitable. Emily is his perfect match and it is fun to see his brain short circuit when she calls him out on his stupidity and begins discussing meeting someone else, getting married, getting pregnant with someone else's baby...I almost saw smoke come off the page!
Jack may be stubborn and misguided but he isn't stupid, not really, if she really wants to be claimed then he is all in...but he wants everything.
Sexy, steamy and delightfully naughty, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Jennifer D]

So delightfully OTT🤗🤗🤗🤗!!!!!

I love Hope Ford’s quick instalove OTT romances and this one was no different!!!!

Tortured hero wrongfully (sort of) convicted and in prison but meets and instantly falls head over heels for the innocent prison therapist😍…. Then is panicking that he’s miraculously getting out of prison after only 1 year and how is he going to protect her from the outside???? He’s noble, he’s gruff, he’s big and tatted, he’s sweet and protective…. He’s losing his mind with worry for her safety at work without him.
He’s pushing her away out of concern for her…. But she’s not gonna take it!!!!!

Loved it!!!!!!!.

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

[RxReads]

Marked by the Protective Biker by Hope Ford is a quick, steamy, and addictive protective romance that blends bad boy danger with tender devotion 🏍️💋. The story follows a sunshine-hearted counselor who can’t resist the tattooed ex-con who’s been both her weakness and her protector. Their chemistry sizzles from the first stolen night, and when she shows up at his door for answers, things heat up fast with ink, passion, and possessive love 🔥🎨.

This novella is perfect if you love protective alpha heroes, forbidden attraction, and tattooed bad boys who secretly have hearts of gold. It’s short, spicy, and gives you all the “I belong to him” vibes in under two hours 💖✨.

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

[Barbara Atkinson]

Jack Felon is just that a felon. He is a member of the Exiled Guardians MC and a tattoo artist. He killed a man who was assaulting a child. After serving a year he is being released due to a technicality. While he was in prison he fell in love with Emily.
Emily is a therapist who works at the prison. She feels a bond with Jack who has claimed her as his. He asked her to quit now that he is out and unable to protect her.
Emily is in love with Jack but will not give up her job, when she may be able to help someone.
Jack follows her around to protect her but refuses to have a relationship with her because she deserves better than him.
I love how strong Emily is and how she stands up to Jack. She will do what is necessary to show him they belong together and he deserves her.

[Aspen G]

Marked by the Protective Biker is over the top alpha hotness. Jack is absolutely feral for Emily, and it shows in every moment of this delicious novella. The scene with Alice and Emily is awesome, and I love how she never gives up on him. Emily is strong and independent; she also always stands up for herself, her wants, and her needs. Jack is completely stubborn, yet so well-matched by Emily’s equally stubborn personality. The push-pull between these two is dynamic, and the glimpse into Jack’s MC family is awesome. Can’t wait for more from this group!

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

[Hanna Barker]

This book is a part of the Heat & Ink series and focuses on Jack and Emily. Jack is an inmate in the same prison that Emily is a counselor at. Jack is obsessed with Emily and only wants her to be safe. When he is released from prison, Jack makes it his priority to keep her safe from afar. I love that Emily sees more of Jack than the rest of the world does and that she brings out the protective and possessive instincts in him. Their journey was so good! This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Amanda Reads]

Felon and Emily

Meeting in a group session at the prison, he's an inmate and she's s counselor. Their love is forbidden... But what happens when Felon (MMC) gets out? Will they try to develop a relationship and give it a chance? Will he be afraid his past and last name will ruin any chance?
I really liked both main characters. Emily didn't act the way most people would. She saw the good in him. She was a sweetheart but knew what she wanted.
Felon (Jack to Emily) was a good person. He made a decision that changed his life forever, but he done it for the right reasons. Can he forgive himself before he loses everything he could want?
5⭐
1.5🌶

[Stephie G]

3.5 stars

Not my favorite HF book, but not the worst either. I don’t know what it was about this book, I usually enjoy this author, but something just felt off to me. The writing was consistent with what I’ve come to recognize as the author’s style, but the storyline was just…bland, maybe? I don’t know how to describe it. Or maybe I’m just in a funk and that’s why I didn’t connect with it. HF will continue to be a one-click author for me, and maybe I’ll go back and reread this one again in the future. Hopefully this was just an aberration for me.

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

[Nicole]

Love this biker/convict
After serving only one year of a twenty year sentence, Felon is being released. As much as he wants to be free, he met Emily on the inside, during therpy, and only wants to protect her.
He’ll do everything in his power to protect her, but she doesn't want his protection. She only wants him. Can she convince him they can live in each other’s worlds? A great story. I adore these big, burly bikers who are cotton candy soft for the women they claim! I'm anxiously anticipating more about the Exiled Guardians and the women they fall for!