Claimed by Ghost

Damned Saints MC #1

by Marina Wilder

She’s a curvy girl with a past full of heartbreak.
He’s a scarred ex-SEAL biker everyone fears.
One bold claim changes everything.

Nya
I never meant to fall asleep on his shoulder.
But Ghost didn’t move me away.
When my sister mocked me for touching him, I panicked and called him my man.
She laughed, until Ghost pulled me into his lap and kissed me like I already belonged to him.
Now he says I do.
And the way he looks at me, like I’m already his, I believe him.

Ghost
They call me Ghost because I’m a shadow.
Ex-SEAL. Enforcer for the Damned Saints MC.
Feared. Respected. Untouchable.
But when she leaned against me, something broke inside.
Nya is soft, innocent, untouched—everything I thought I could never have.
The second I kissed her, she was mine.
And I don’t give a damn who saw it.
Her sister. Her ex. The cartel breathing down my neck.
Anyone who tries to take her from me… I’ll put them in the ground.

***

This is Instalove at its rawest.
He’s a ruthless outlaw.
She’s the woman who tamed the Ghost.
And once he claims her, he’ll never let her go.

A gritty, possessive, age-gap MC romance. Grumpy/Sunshine.
Dual virgins. Instant obsession.
Standalone. No cliffhanger. All heat, all heart.

Genres: Romance, Novella

70 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Paige]

Twas alright. Instalove and dual virgins. I could have done without the sex scene in the epilogue. The book was already short enough it could have been more about their future. You know like what happened to her awful sister…

[Hailey Siedel]

This was such a sweet and swoony novella! I really enjoyed it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Shawna]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Claimed by Ghost by Marina Wilder is everything I crave in a guilty-pleasure, take-me-home-and-never-let-me-go romance. Raw, possessive, and fiercely protective—this book delivers insta-heat, emotional pull, and an outlaw hero who will live in my head rent-free for weeks.

Nya is perfectly imperfect: vulnerable yet brave, curvy and wholly real. Ghost (the scarred ex-SEAL enforcer) is the kind of gruff, damaged alpha who refuses to ask permission—he simply claims. Their chemistry is immediate and electric, and Marina Wilder balances the wild, possessive MC energy with surprisingly tender moments that make the instalove feel earned, not just impulsive.

What I loved:
• The Ghost character: lethal, haunted, and utterly devoted once he decides she’s his.
• Nya’s voice—so relatable and warm; she grounds the story and gives the heat heart.
• High stakes: cartel threats and MC drama keep the tension razor-sharp.
• Short, addictive pacing—this one’s perfect for bingeing in a single sitting.
• A satisfying, protective-alpha HEA that feels deserved.

If you want a dark, possessive outlaw romance with a soft center, bold danger, and a heroine worth rooting for—this is your book. I devoured it and immediately wanted more from the Damned Saints world.

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

[Dee]

Short but addictive so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Nya is sweet does what she can for almost anyone she has more curves than most girls has been bullied by her sister who humiliates every chance she gets, so up early arranging flowers, delivering flowers for the festival she sits for a rest and not meaning to but being so tired falls asleep leaning on the sexy man sitting next to her one that would never be interested in a curvy women like her. Ghost sexy as all get out local MC each member served their country, now they take care of their community, those in need, he is grumpy but has heart and when the beautiful curvy sweetheart who gives her all despite living in thee shadow of her mean-spirited sister falls asleep, he allows her to rest. But her sister of course couldn’t let her have any peace that is when he steps in the magnetic pull was there from the beginning they both had scars and the more time they spent with each other the more they healed one another but will they be honest with one another about their feelings, will her sister get the message, will he show her that he is there for her, and will they get their happiness?

[Maelle C]

Claimed by Ghost is a short, fast, and steamy MC novella that does exactly what it promises.

This is a quick read with instant attraction, possessive energy, and strong grumpy/sunshine vibes. The pacing is very fast — everything happens quickly — but that’s expected with a novella format like this. The story, the characters, and the plot are interesting enough that I did find myself wishing for a few extra pages to let things breathe a little more.

Ghost and Nya work well together, and their dynamic is easy to get into. The possessiveness, protection, and MC atmosphere are all there, and the book delivers heat without dragging things out. Because it’s so short, emotions and plot points move at lightning speed, but again — that’s part of the deal with novellas like this.

Overall, this is one of those books that’s perfect to read between heavier, more emotionally intense stories. It’s uncomplicated, entertaining, and does exactly what it sets out to do.

Short, fast-paced, steamy, and enjoyable — a solid palate cleanser when you’re in the mood for quick MC romance without a big emotional commitment.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S)]

Nya and Caleb

CLAIMED BY GHOST is Book 1 of the Damned Saints MC series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, double virgin, curvy girl gets her biker romance. Nya is a 24-year-old sweet, shy, and curvy florist with an evil sister, Jessica. Caleb "Ghost" is an older, hunky, ex-military man and biker. When she accidentally falls asleep on his shoulder at the fall festival, they hit it off. Her sister comes by making fun of her and she claims GHOST is her boyfriend. He plays along but has wanted her for months. He claims her in front of the town and plans to make her his. These two were so perfect for each other. They had insane chemistry and the ending was so happy...and Jessica was such a witch. I hope she did jail time...and got shanked while there. I loved it and can't wait for the next book.

[Doris]

Sweet MC Romance

This is one of those MC stories that may be quick but there is a lot packed into it from spiteful sisters to a biker who becomes a savior. When Nya fell asleep on Caleb/Ghost’s shoulder she never would have guessed that he would become the man that would come to her rescue when Nya’s sister showed up and tried to humiliate her in front of everyone.

I loved watching Ghost and Nya find their HEA. Every step of the way made this book a page turner for me. I hope there is more to come from this new series of the Damned Saints MC.

[Alicia French]

This was a very cute short story. I love how they both needed each other and didn’t even try to resist it. I will say that parts were a little repetitive like the word MINE… but I actually loved it and would read the rest of the series!

[Chandra Luna]

Claimed by Ghost by Marina Wilder isn’t just another MC romance—it’s a story about quiet strength, found courage, and the kind of love that heals scars both seen and unseen. It’s raw, emotional, and utterly addictive, with a hero who’s as dangerous as he is devoted and a heroine who finally learns what it feels like to be cherished.

Nya has spent her life being overlooked—by her family, by men who never saw her worth, by a world that dismissed her softness as weakness. She’s the curvy, kind-hearted florist who gives everything and gets nothing back. Until Ghost.

Caleb “Ghost” isn’t the kind of man anyone approaches lightly. A scarred ex-SEAL turned enforcer for the Damned Saints MC, he’s silent, watchful, and lethal when crossed. But when Nya falls asleep on his shoulder—trusting him without fear—something inside this hardened man breaks open. And when her cruel sister mocks her for it, Ghost stops being a shadow and steps into the light… declaring Nya as his.

That one kiss changes everything.

From that moment, their connection burns bright—an unexpected tenderness wrapped in raw chemistry and unflinching loyalty. Ghost’s protectiveness isn’t about control; it’s about reverence. And for Nya, who’s only ever known heartbreak, his love feels like freedom.

Wilder crafts their romance with beautiful balance: it’s steamy, yes, but it’s also soulful. Beneath the leather and grit lies a story about trust, redemption, and finding a safe place in another person. The MC backdrop adds danger and drama, but it’s the emotional intimacy—the way Ghost looks at Nya like she’s the only thing keeping him grounded—that makes this book unforgettable.

Nya’s journey from self-doubt to self-worth is empowering. Ghost’s evolution from haunted soldier to devoted protector is heartbreakingly tender. Together, they’re fire and calm, danger and peace, shadow and sunlight.

Claimed by Ghost is for readers who crave more than just spice—it’s for those who want devotion, honor, and love that feels earned.

💀🔥 What You’ll Love:

Grumpy x sweet

Age gap (15 years)

Virgin hero + heroine

Found family MC vibes

Fierce protector energy

Sister/family drama that’ll make you cheer for the underdog

A love story that’s equal parts soft and savage

If you love a hero who would burn the world just to keep his woman safe—and a heroine who teaches him how to live again—then Claimed by Ghost will claim you too.

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

[Siobhan D]

Having a busy and early morning arranging and delivering flowers to the to town festival Nya falls asleep next to Ghost. Ghost’s whose real name is Caleb lets the beautiful curvy florist fall asleep on his shoulder, not moving but when her nasty sister Jessica starts to humiliate Nya he stops being a ghost but a man that claims Nya has his.
Ghost is a member of the local MC who had all served their country and no look after their local community and those in need.
Ghost life may not been easy, his hidden strength, stillness and honour shines through. Nya has always been in the shadow of her sister, but she is sunshine and love .
These two are pure chemistry, steam and strength together.
The drama, family angst, action, romance and trust is perfect. Ohhh the steam is perfect.

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

[Julie]

This is the perfect story for anyone who's ever been made to feel like the 'square peg' in a 'round peg' world. Nya never imagined a quick rest could change her life so drastically! She is a sweet, giving person who is systematically underappreciated and put down. Ghost is a reserved, loyal, protective, (ruthless when necessary) member of the MC, and he's had a thing for her for a long time. These two are perfect together. He brings out confidence in her and she allows him to be vulnerable in a way he can't be with his 'brothers'. It's a quick, well written story with strong protective vibes. When Ghost says something's his, he means to keep it that way, and that includes keeping others from hurting or taking it, no matter who it is!.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Pam Evans]

2.5 stars for me

Nothing horrible, but it just felt off in some instances. I try to read a book twice before putting up a review. This is my third time reading this book, it just feels like missing chunks of the story, sometimes choppy and sometimes stilted in different places. I just couldn’t get a good overall sense of good flow and the threw off the whole book all three times.

Also, I’m all for quick insta love stories, but this one was weirdly written and the purpose of “Steve” was just random and unnecessary IMO. There already existed an antagonist against both main characters, he really did nothing the scene that occurred immediately following could’ve happened with either antagonist already in place.

Not badly written just not for me, I think, maybe, not sure just like the book.

[Grinning Cat]

The MC in this book is full of good guys, but the real good one is Caleb, aka Ghost, our MMC. This book had a total meet cute: Nya, our FMC, fell asleep on Caleb’s shoulder. She claimed him in front of half the town and he claimed her right back, guaranteeing a happy ever after. There was some adventure and a little suspense, but mostly it was about the Instalove.
Book is SAFE. Heat is EXPLICIT.
TRIGGERS include violence, language, and trafficking.
TROPES include Dysfunctional Family FTW, Instalove, Fake Relationship, The Language of Flowers, Ebil Sister, Baby You Can Drive My Cartel, Double V Cards, Age Gap, and BBW.

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

[Nancy Koske]

Nya fell asleep on a stranger's shoulder while sitting on a hay bale at the Lovestone Ridge's Fall Festival. She is the owner of the flower shop across the street. The stranger is wearing a leather cut usually worn by motorcycle clubs; his club is Damned Saints. Most people avoided club members, but Nya is so tired. Then Nya's older 'evil' sister,Jessica, loudly ask Nya if she trying to 'seduce a biker?' Ghost aka Caleb claims Nya openly. His fellow members tease him about Nya aka Sunshine. The club is preparing to stop a human trafficking shipment by a cartel and rival gang. After Nya returns to her shop, what does Jessica assist others to do? Will Nya survive? Will Caleb and Nya have a future?.

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

[Liz Garcia]

Very cute...

Mild spoilers...

I really did enjoy this, even though the storyline about her sister was a little far-fetched. Or should I say, the mean girl thing was fine but that she happens to know cartel members. Yeah, nope. Also, they arrest her and we hear nothing more about it. I get it's novella length, but a couple of sentences explaining what happened to the evil sister could have gone a long way for a little closure.

Nonetheless, very cute and sometimes you just need a book with no angst, no alphahole and a lot of instalove. There's nothing wrong with that... it's kind of like cleansing your palette from the dark romances, or the MC books that can get dark sometimes. So, yes, I will add her books to my library and read when I need something light.

[SsanT62]

Nya falls asleep next to Ghost/Caleb. He hears all the mean remarks from her sister. Nya claims him as her man and he reciprocates with a kiss.

I absolutely love Nya and Caleb. Both are virgins even though Caleb is 15 years older. They are wonderful together. There is no OW drama as Caleb only has eyes for Nya. Jessica, her sister is the ultimate mean girl. She treats her sister like dirt. I was looking forward to Jessica going to prison but she wasn’t mentioned in the epilogue.

If you want a quick, sweet and spicy book, this novella will hit the spot.

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

[Jen]

Gruff MC ex-SEAL meets curvy Sunshine
I am loving this author. At first glance this is a simple, quick read with a older ex-SEAL compassionately rescuing Miss Sunshine, then proclaiming to all that she was his – to her surprise. For a short story this one has a depth of emotion that left me with a contented smile as if all was right in the world. A very fitting HEA without all the massive drama. The characters displayed resilience, kindness, compassion, empathy, protectiveness, and quiet goodness bringing joy to those around them. A beautiful story well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gskm]

sweet read

I enjoyed this story. It is the first (but it won’t be the last) book read by this author. I was very pleasantly surprised and happy I gave it a read. A handsome biker allows an unknown woman to lean against him and close her eyes. Her evil sister comes by and creates a scene. She the berates the woman. She has been bullied by her sister all her life and she fights back and states her claim on the man. To her surprise, he backs her up a gives her a deliciously sexy kiss. So begins their trip toward their HEA. No cheating, no cliffhanger. It was an entertaining read. Enjoy

[Marilyn]

Claimed by Ghost by Marina Wilder was such a great read. I enjoyed it from the start and was engaged until the end. This Ex-military, MC, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine romance was a page-turner. The mix of suspense, romance, and steam was well-written. I loved the characters. They lead the story and their journey which made it an even more enjoyable read. Ghost (Caleb) and Nya are a couple that just works. Ghost with his stern, protective nature and Nya with her sweet, charming personality really complement one another. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s work’s and think this a worth read! Claimed by Ghost is Book 1 of the Damned Saints MC series.

[Danielle E.]

Not like any other MC book I ever read.

This was a good book just different than any other MC book I ever read. I still don’t know what position Ghost holds in the club. I would guess Tech Specialist but never disclosed. They don’t revere the cut. Ghost isn’t even wearing it when he visits Nya. She isn’t referred to as his old lady and no mention of a property patch. Meetings but not called church. They also are admired by the town and have a good relationship with the police and sheriff. It was a good story with only a few missing words. I’m looking forward to the rest of the books.

[Debdutch]

“Claimed by Ghost” by Marina Wilder

-Family drama, redemption, and raw chemistry blend into a story that’s as emotional as it is steamy. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Nya’s quiet strength meets Ghost’s fierce devotion in this sweet yet sizzling MC romance. What begins as a moment of kindness turns into a love that heals old scars and ignites new passions.

A short, powerful ride about trust, self-worth, and a love that refuses to back down. An enjoyable read.

[Gabrielle Jenkins]

Such a cutesy romance book even though an MC is involved! Loved how Ghost(Caleb) claimed Nya at the beginning *swoon* I adore any curvy girl read! I hated Jessica because she's a bully even though that was her sister. Can't believe she turned her back on her family like that. Ghost is so protective and loving, nurturing and caring of Nya. So glad she opened up to him and took the chance at love! Great novella!.

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

[Lisa Parker]

Nya has been on the outside, never catching anyone's attention, including her family. Nya sits next to Ghost/Caleb at the autumn fest, next she wakes and realizes she has been leaning on hi shoulder. When her sister and her posse walk by they tease and degrade her. Caleb is having none of that, he has had a thing for Nya for sometime, he makes it well know that she is his. Nya thinks his kiss is all an act, Caleb is going to have set his woman straight.

This short, sweet and steamy read, with dual virgins.

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

[Heidi]

SOA fans, you need this quick-burn MC fix! 🏍️🔥

If you’re a sucker for a motorcycle club story like I am, Claimed By Ghost is a must-read. It’s part of a 7-book collection (5 are out now!) and it is the perfect spicy "palate cleanser" between longer series.

The Tropes: ✨ Biker MMC x Plus-Sized FMC 🔥 Age Gap ⚔️ "Touch Her and You Die" energy 😲 Double Virgins (Yes, you read that right! 🤌)

The story never stops moving—it’s a total whirlwind from page one. If you want something fast, steamy, and action-packed, grab this one!

[Morgan Grey]

Uncomplicated, entertaining, and spicy 2-hour read.
You'll find in it a hero who’s as dangerous, but devoted and a curvy heroine who discovers what it feels like to be cherished.
The plot is asking for your kind acceptance, more than it's covered by the Golden Rule, and the book focuses more on the spiciness instead of the story.
It's a pity, because the a story has good premises. Marina could have explored more themes such quiet strength, found courage, and the kind of love that heals scars both seen and unseen.
But, actually, it's hard to put it down until its HEA ending.

[Jess]

Ok read not enough focus on the plot.

The plot did not make a lot of sense and the book focuses more on the spiciness instead of the story. Story doesn't explain Jessica's involvement in the cartel. The chemistry is there for Ghost and Nya but it all got lost in a single mindedness plot of just romance. If for such a short read I would suggest a little less spiciness to give more towards the plot.

[Michelle]

Ghost doesn't feel like he deserves anything or anyone in his life. He doesn't feel seen. Nya is sweet and unassuming. She owns the flower shop in town. Jessica is a complete and utter b$t#h. For a short novella, this gives you the beginning, middle, and somewhat of an end. I say that last part because it would have been nice to know what happened to Jessica. That's just me being nosey. But for real, what happens to her? Other than that, this was a good read.

[Reading In the Red Room]

Ohhhh!!! What a great start to a new series!!!! Caleb has lived…military life was tough now he is a motorcycle brother. When he is unexpectedly part of a sister dispute…he goes with the flow and it changes his life. Nya loves her flower shop but can do without her sister. When she gets backed in a corner in public she brings Caleb with her and it only goes up hill from there. This was a cute MC read with perfect characters and fun banter. I’m ready for book 2!

[LA FITCH]

What a great story. I couldn't put it down. Nya is a florist and at the fall festival she leans against Ghost sitting on a hay bale and falls asleep. Ghost is part of the Damned Saints MC and is very happy she is leaning on him. Their HEA is not to be missed.

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

[Shelly Brown]

This one was a short sweet little story. It's Nya and Ghost's story. Nya is the shy unassuming sister. Ghost is the one who usually scares everyone avoids. The secondary characters are interesting especially Jessica, Nya's nasty sister. It's a great brain break. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.