Marked by my Stalker: A Curvy Girl, Age Gap, Mountain Man Romance

by Khloe Summers

Can her older bodyguard fight temptation... or will he claim what's his?

Kera
At 19, college means a new beginning.
Freedom, Independence, and a chance to prove myself.
But my mom has other plans.
Namely, hiring a brooding, tattooed bodyguard to keep me safe.
He's big, inked, and scowls at every passer by.
His job is supposed to be protection, but it feels more like possession.
I shouldn't like the way that feels,
But I'm starting to wonder if I do.

Jack
I was supposed to be invisible.
Another shadow keeping her safe.
But Kera is sunshine wrapped in curves, a walking temptation I can’t ignore.
I tell myself it’s just a job, another paycheck.
I'm forty-five years old, I have no business messing with a college student.
But every smile she throws chips away at every wall I’ve built.
I want her.
I need her.
And though I shouldn't, I won't stop, until she's mine.


Dear Readers,
If you love addictive stalker-lite, curvy girl, forbidden age gap romances with a heap of inked up mountain man. You'll love this spicy-hot protector romance! As always this title comes with Khloe's 'Easy Escape Seal' A no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA guarantee.

Genres: Romance

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2025

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Kera

Well Jack is hired to watch over Kera. However it goes much further than that. Nothing like getting caught with you pants down literally by your Mother. I wasn't into the drinking breast milk that might be someone else's jam. But I still like the quick read.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the outside, Kera’s life looks like it’s following the perfect blueprint—college, law degree, a boyfriend her mom adores. But on the inside? She’s suffocating under the weight of expectations that aren’t her own. Enter Jack—her new shadow.

Hired by her overprotective (and slightly spiraling) mother, Jack is supposed to keep her safe. From what, exactly? That’s unclear… because at first, there’s no real threat. Just Jack. Always there. Quiet. Brooding. Watching.

And yet… something shifts.

What starts as a reluctant babysitting assignment for a former military man paying off a favor becomes something deeper, layered, and incredibly personal. Jack isn’t just a bodyguard—he becomes the one person who sees Kera for who she really is. The one who shows up when her world starts to crack—when the boy her mother loves proves to be the red flag Kera always feared.

There’s so much beauty in the way their relationship unfolds. It’s not rushed—it’s built moment by moment: a quiet ride home from a party, a weekend in the mountains, a conversation about wild horses and freedom, a hand held just a second too long.

And then there’s the heat.
Oh yes, the slow burn is real—and when it finally ignites, it scorches.

But what makes this story stick is how much heart it has. Kera’s yearning to finally choose something for herself. Jack’s quiet loyalty. The way they both carry grief, guilt, and the burden of other people’s choices—and how, together, they finally get to make their own.

❤️ What I Loved:
Kera’s emotional journey from “people-pleaser” to finally claiming her own desires.

Jack’s layered complexity—protector, friend, quiet strength, and eventual lover.

The soft, tender moments mixed with fiery, passionate ones.

How the story balances real-world emotional tension with a protective romance fantasy.

If you love age-gap romance, protective heroes, and heroines breaking free from family pressure, Marked by My Stalker will hit all the right emotional beats. It’s a slow-burn that delivers both heart and heat, and reminds you that sometimes, the person who seems like a shadow is the one who brings you into the light.

[Tara]

Not a Stalker

The author writes well and I will probably check out some of their other stories, but I will go into them not expecting much. I love a good quick read, but this one just left a lot to be desired. The spice was mild and the angst/tension was a let down.

I'm going to start with the fact that he is not her stalker. He is a paid body guard her mom hired for maybe the stupidest reason ever. Kera had car trouble last semester and was on the road for a couple of hours until help came. A triple A membership would have made more sense then taking extra shifts to pay for a body guard to follow her around.

I don't mind insta love / insta lust, and i feel like the little connection/building we saw between them was nicely done. The confilcts, however, were not. The thing with Brick was a given and didn't add much to the story, other than to reinforce Kera is a pushover that can't say no to her Mom. Which makes the conflict with her mom all the more of a let down. Unfortunately there was really no push and pull in their big fight. It started to happen, and then just collapsed in on itself like a bad souffle. Because the tension and argument wasn't there, it made the reconciliation feel forced.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was here on a mission, she became more than a duty.

Marked by my Stalker is the first book in the Inked and Possessive. Rugged Mountain Ink series. This is an age-gap, possessive, "stalker" romance between Kera and Jack. Kera is away from home for the first time going to college. But her mother has other plans that include hiring a big and brooding bodyguard to watch over Kera. That comes in the form of Jack, who also just so happens to have been best friends and served with Kera's father. Jack knows it is wrong to have thoughts about Kera and the same goes for Kera about Jack. But sometimes you just can't help who you end up falling for and all that comes with it.
This is a fast read with a solid story-line that mixes some drama, lite stalking, overbearing mother, learning how to make your own decisions and close friendships. It was an entertaining and of course a dirty, naughty read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since the loss of her dad, Kera's mom has become very controlling and has now hired Kera a bodyguard. Jack was best friends with Kera's father, so he agreed to be Kera's bodyguard in honor of her father, but he never expected to fall for her. I loved these two for each other, and the more time they spent together, the closer they got, and sparks were flying. This is a well written, age gap, bodyguard romance with believable characters, some ex-drama and family drama, steam, and a happily ever after. Marked by My Stalker is book one and a great start to the Inked and Possessive: Rugged Mountain Ink series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[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 Kera & Jack. Kera just wants to be a normal college kid. The problem is ever since they lost her dad her mom has become very controlling. Her mom has hired Jack to be her bodyguard while she is at school. Jack has come because he feels like he owes Kera's dad. His new issue is though he is having feeling that have nothing to do with his job. Can these two find a HEA or will others make sure that never happens?

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

[RxReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in right from the start. Kera’s craving for independence clashing with her overprotective new bodyguard made for such an addictive setup. Jack is gruff, inked, and determined to do his job, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore. Their connection felt both forbidden and inevitable, and the tension kept me flipping pages late into the night.
If you enjoy age gap romances with a protective hero, a curvy heroine, and plenty of steam balanced with heart, this one definitely delivers. I’ll be picking up more by Khloe Summers for sure!.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kera thought going to college was her chance of having her own life and freedom only her mother hires Jack a bodyguard to keep her safe after as an ever present grumpy shadow. For Jack it wasnt just a job it was returning the favor for her late father, but with each smile and forbidden touch it grows into something neither could deny. Well written engaging steamy age gap, protective, desires and more

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

19 year old Kera was mature in her world view, and I am all for age gap stories, but I was unsure how I felt about her and Jack’s almost 30 year age gap. Kera had to work out her issues with her overbearing mother and lame boyfriend, and glad Jack was able to help her do that. I did like the ultimate theme of personal freedom, living on your own terms and not letting others influence what makes you happy.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kera is a college student with a mother that has some unresolved fears.
Jack is serving as Kera's bodyguard.
Tropes:
Small town, military veteran, dad's military buddy, age-gap, forbidden, HEA romance, safe stalker, Navy Seal, possessive protective alpha hero, curvy woman, quick read.

A special thank you to Khloe Summers and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michele79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic short and spicy romance. He's her older bodyguard who was also her dad's best friend. Once they start talking the chemistry explodes between them. Some angst with the ex boyfriend and her mom,but all in all a great book.

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

[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 Kera and her bodyguard, Jack. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with forbidden desires, connection, fears and steam.

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

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 Inked and Possessive. Rugged Mountain Ink story of Jack and Kera. Dang the mother needs to learn to let go and control herself, the surprise Kera and Jack get was downright hilarious and embarrassing. I loved how fast and hard these two characters fall in love.

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

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO. HOT!!!!!
All the tropes😍😍😍 virgin heroine, age gap, daddies best friend, forbidden attraction, stalker lite, protective hero (who really knows how to get growly and feral🤩🤩🤩😉)

Very nicely done Miss Khloe😍😍😍!!!!.

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

[Hannah Colburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short and sweet and spicy. I loved the characters, and the tropes were *chefs kiss*. This books could be longer and would not be mad at all. This book was just all sorts of hot, a 4 on the spicy scale. A good quick read.

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Jack was hired to protect Kera. Her mom is dealing with loss and has gone overprotective of her. Instant attraction and explosive chemistry are there between them. I loved how their relationship developed. They were both great. And the ending was chef's kiss.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first story in the Inked and Possessive. Rugged Mountain Ink. Kera and Jack's age gap short well written story with a very good storyline, great chracters and happy endings. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was a sweet story that left me loving the characters and their HEA. It could have been longer, which is why I gave it 3 stars vs. more.

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

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marked By My Stalker is Kera and Jack's curvy girl, age gap quick read.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one was packed with tropes I love😍 if you're looking for a spicy quick read grab this one.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kera is a sweet, caring, creative, and loyal woman. Jack is silent, hardworking, protective and passionate. This story is sensual and easy to read.

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

[Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Read! Good afternoon break book! Jack and Kera had a weird chemisty. Im happy they had a happy ending but it just didnt do it for me!.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Kera's story since The Biker's Last Rodeo. I loved the storyline and the chemistry between Kera and Jack her bodyguard. I couldn't put it down. A page turner,.

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

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dynamic for this couple. They were so good together and I loved how they ended up coming together. Very good!.

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

[Celia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love Story

Jack is the older man who also happens to be Kera’s late father’s military buddy. He promised to watch over Kera when her dad passed away. Kera is 19 and in college. Jack is 30 years older. And yet they fall in love much to her mother’s chagrin. A sweet HEA.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change of Plans

She doesn’t want the life her mom thinks she should. A hired bodyguard turns out to be more than she expected. Funny, endearing and so true to life I loved it! And a wonderful happy ending topped it off.

[Samma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope

Bad moms ruin stories. Even if they’re just novellas.

Coulda been a solid 3 star (my top score for novellas), but the invasive overbearing helicopter mom turned this into a mess.

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stalker or Bodyguard

He was watching her for her overprotective mother while she attended college. He listened to her when she shared her dream and he tried to help her achieve it. Once she made her mother see things her way, they got their HEA.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It can be read in a couple of hours. Hebis hired to keep her safe. She hates the idea. You won't regret reading.

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

[booking _with_romancegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good

I enjoyed this and I like how Nera stands up for herself with her mom but I also like how jack takes care of her and loves her