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Damned Saints MC #3
Protected by Viper
She’s a curvy girl with scars she keeps hidden.
He’s a battle-worn biker who’s spent years keeping everyone out.
One rescue turns into forever.
Ava
I wasn’t looking for a hero.
I was just trying to survive.
But when my past found me, he was the one who showed up. Tattooed, furious, and ready to burn the world down to keep me safe.
Mason says I’m his now.
His to protect.
His to love.
And the way he touches me?
Like the world could end around us and he’d still keep me safe.
Mason
People call me Viper.
Ex-military. Road Captain for the Damned Saints MC.
I’ve seen war. Lived through hell.
But nothing shook me like Ava Holland.
She’s all soft curves, quiet strength, and a past that makes me want to burn the world down.
She thinks her scars make her damaged.
But to me, they just prove she survived.
And now that she’s mine, I’ll protect her with everything I’ve got.
Even if I have to drag her past into the light and bury it for good.
****
Ex-military biker with a protective streak a mile wide.
Curvy heroine with trauma and strength in equal measure.
Cabin walls, coffee trucks, and forever promises.
This is a gritty, possessive MC romance full of heart, heat, and healing.
Standalone. No cliffhanger. Only forever.
He’s a battle-worn biker who’s spent years keeping everyone out.
One rescue turns into forever.
Ava
I wasn’t looking for a hero.
I was just trying to survive.
But when my past found me, he was the one who showed up. Tattooed, furious, and ready to burn the world down to keep me safe.
Mason says I’m his now.
His to protect.
His to love.
And the way he touches me?
Like the world could end around us and he’d still keep me safe.
Mason
People call me Viper.
Ex-military. Road Captain for the Damned Saints MC.
I’ve seen war. Lived through hell.
But nothing shook me like Ava Holland.
She’s all soft curves, quiet strength, and a past that makes me want to burn the world down.
She thinks her scars make her damaged.
But to me, they just prove she survived.
And now that she’s mine, I’ll protect her with everything I’ve got.
Even if I have to drag her past into the light and bury it for good.
****
Ex-military biker with a protective streak a mile wide.
Curvy heroine with trauma and strength in equal measure.
Cabin walls, coffee trucks, and forever promises.
This is a gritty, possessive MC romance full of heart, heat, and healing.
Standalone. No cliffhanger. Only forever.
- GenresNovella
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 10, 2026
Viper and Ava
Ava is on run from her stepfather and has found a place where she wants to set down roots. She has a job she loves as a barista who runs a coffee truck. Viper has become a constant customer and even though he doesn’t say much he sure has taken an interest in Ava. When Ava’s stepfather finds her and let her know so through a text she runs home and shuts down. Viper is interested enough in Ava that he finds her and gets to the bottom of things and vows he won’t let anything happen to her.
This was a quick insta love MC romance that was a page turner for me and has me wanting more in this series.
Ava is on run from her stepfather and has found a place where she wants to set down roots. She has a job she loves as a barista who runs a coffee truck. Viper has become a constant customer and even though he doesn’t say much he sure has taken an interest in Ava. When Ava’s stepfather finds her and let her know so through a text she runs home and shuts down. Viper is interested enough in Ava that he finds her and gets to the bottom of things and vows he won’t let anything happen to her.
This was a quick insta love MC romance that was a page turner for me and has me wanting more in this series.
April 5, 2026
Ava and Viper
PROTECTED BY VIPER is Book 3 of The Damned Saints MC series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, forced-proximity, curvy virgin gets her protective biker darkish romance. Ava is a curvy barista who runs a local coffee truck. She has been on the run from her abusive stepfather. Mason "Viper" is a hunky ex-military man turned road captain for the Devil Saints MC. When he sees Ava for the first time, he is drawn to the quiet curvy beauty. He has this need to protect her. When her past catches up to her, can he keep her safe? I loved this couple. Mason took such good care of her and she deserved to feel safe and loved. They had great chemistry and the ending was happy after a bit of drama.
PROTECTED BY VIPER is Book 3 of The Damned Saints MC series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, forced-proximity, curvy virgin gets her protective biker darkish romance. Ava is a curvy barista who runs a local coffee truck. She has been on the run from her abusive stepfather. Mason "Viper" is a hunky ex-military man turned road captain for the Devil Saints MC. When he sees Ava for the first time, he is drawn to the quiet curvy beauty. He has this need to protect her. When her past catches up to her, can he keep her safe? I loved this couple. Mason took such good care of her and she deserved to feel safe and loved. They had great chemistry and the ending was happy after a bit of drama.
January 15, 2026
Quickie Review: This was a great, quick little read. Usually, in the short instaloves I read, I can feel their romantic connection in the words of the story. But to me, this one fell a little short in that area. So even though I didn’t feel they had an immediate connection, they definitely make up for it in the rest of the book. I absolutely recommend this book and pretty much anything Wilder has written. I know the few I have read have been amazing. This one no different. 5 Stars.
January 4, 2026
Protected by Viper by Marina Wilder is the kind of MC romance that starts quietly—over coffee cups and guarded glances—and explodes into fierce, life-altering devotion.
Ava has spent six months running. From a stepfather who should have protected her and instead became the reason she hides her past, her name, and her heart. The small coffee stand she runs is more than a job—it’s her sanctuary, the first place that’s felt like home in a long time. She keeps her life close, her walls high, and her hope carefully measured.
Then there’s Mason “Viper.”
He doesn’t flirt. He doesn’t push.
He just shows up.
Every morning.
Sometimes again in the afternoon.
Quiet, observant, devastatingly steady.
Viper orders his coffee, gives her just enough words to be polite, and leaves—but his presence is constant, grounding. And Ava feels it. Even if she doesn’t let herself believe in it yet.
When a single text shatters her fragile peace—her stepfather claiming he knows where she is and threatening the sister she’s been protecting from afar—Ava does the only thing she knows how to do. She runs again. She closes her stand, retreats into fear, and disappears.
But Viper notices.
When Ava doesn’t open the coffee stand the next morning, Mason knows something is wrong. And once he knows, there’s no stopping him. The biker who’s survived war, violence, and loss refuses to let the woman who’s quietly claimed his heart face her terror alone.
What follows is a powerful blend of grit and tenderness: a battle-worn MC road captain stepping fully into the role of protector, and a curvy, resilient heroine learning that safety doesn’t always mean being alone. Ava’s scars don’t repulse Mason—they ignite his devotion. He doesn’t see damage; he sees survival. And once he decides she’s his, he means forever.
Protected by Viper is a possessive, emotionally grounded MC romance that delivers healing alongside heat. It’s about found family, fierce loyalty, and a man who notices when a woman disappears—and refuses to let her stay lost.
If you love:
Quiet, watchful MC heroes
Curvy heroines with strength beneath their fear
Coffee stand meet-cutes turned protector romances
Big guardian-energy bikers who burn the past to ash
This book doesn’t just promise forever—it earns it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ava has spent six months running. From a stepfather who should have protected her and instead became the reason she hides her past, her name, and her heart. The small coffee stand she runs is more than a job—it’s her sanctuary, the first place that’s felt like home in a long time. She keeps her life close, her walls high, and her hope carefully measured.
Then there’s Mason “Viper.”
He doesn’t flirt. He doesn’t push.
He just shows up.
Every morning.
Sometimes again in the afternoon.
Quiet, observant, devastatingly steady.
Viper orders his coffee, gives her just enough words to be polite, and leaves—but his presence is constant, grounding. And Ava feels it. Even if she doesn’t let herself believe in it yet.
When a single text shatters her fragile peace—her stepfather claiming he knows where she is and threatening the sister she’s been protecting from afar—Ava does the only thing she knows how to do. She runs again. She closes her stand, retreats into fear, and disappears.
But Viper notices.
When Ava doesn’t open the coffee stand the next morning, Mason knows something is wrong. And once he knows, there’s no stopping him. The biker who’s survived war, violence, and loss refuses to let the woman who’s quietly claimed his heart face her terror alone.
What follows is a powerful blend of grit and tenderness: a battle-worn MC road captain stepping fully into the role of protector, and a curvy, resilient heroine learning that safety doesn’t always mean being alone. Ava’s scars don’t repulse Mason—they ignite his devotion. He doesn’t see damage; he sees survival. And once he decides she’s his, he means forever.
Protected by Viper is a possessive, emotionally grounded MC romance that delivers healing alongside heat. It’s about found family, fierce loyalty, and a man who notices when a woman disappears—and refuses to let her stay lost.
If you love:
Quiet, watchful MC heroes
Curvy heroines with strength beneath their fear
Coffee stand meet-cutes turned protector romances
Big guardian-energy bikers who burn the past to ash
This book doesn’t just promise forever—it earns it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: Protected by Viper by Marina Wilder Damned Saints MC – Book 3
Protected by Viper delivers exactly what readers expect from Marina Wilder: raw emotion, fierce protection, and an instalove romance that hits fast and hard. This story leans heavily into the “touch-her-and-die” energy, and Viper absolutely lives up to his name.
Ava is a compelling heroine—soft-spoken but strong, carrying visible and invisible scars that shape who she is without defining her. Her vulnerability feels authentic, and the way she struggles with self-worth makes her easy to root for. She isn’t weak; she’s a survivor, even when she doesn’t fully see it herself.
Mason “Viper” is peak MC alpha: battle-worn, emotionally closed off, and intensely protective. His devotion is immediate and unwavering, but what really stands out is how he sees Ava. He doesn’t pity her scars or try to minimize her past—he honors it as proof of her strength. That reverence adds emotional depth to what could’ve been a purely possessive romance.
The chemistry between them is instant and fiery, but the softer moments—quiet conversations, reassurance, and Viper’s steady presence—are what make the relationship believable despite the instalove pacing. The age gap works well here, reinforcing Viper’s grounded strength and Ava’s need for safety without feeling unbalanced.
The MC backdrop, cabin setting, and found-family dynamics round out the story nicely, giving it warmth alongside the danger. Like the other books in the series, the stakes are high, the emotions are intense, and the HEA is fully earned.
Overall, Protected by Viper is a satisfying, emotionally charged MC romance with a curvy heroine, a fiercely loyal hero, and a love that feels unbreakable. If you enjoy protective bikers, wounded-but-strong heroines, and fast-burning forever love, this one absolutely delivers 🖤🔥.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Protected by Viper delivers exactly what readers expect from Marina Wilder: raw emotion, fierce protection, and an instalove romance that hits fast and hard. This story leans heavily into the “touch-her-and-die” energy, and Viper absolutely lives up to his name.
Ava is a compelling heroine—soft-spoken but strong, carrying visible and invisible scars that shape who she is without defining her. Her vulnerability feels authentic, and the way she struggles with self-worth makes her easy to root for. She isn’t weak; she’s a survivor, even when she doesn’t fully see it herself.
Mason “Viper” is peak MC alpha: battle-worn, emotionally closed off, and intensely protective. His devotion is immediate and unwavering, but what really stands out is how he sees Ava. He doesn’t pity her scars or try to minimize her past—he honors it as proof of her strength. That reverence adds emotional depth to what could’ve been a purely possessive romance.
The chemistry between them is instant and fiery, but the softer moments—quiet conversations, reassurance, and Viper’s steady presence—are what make the relationship believable despite the instalove pacing. The age gap works well here, reinforcing Viper’s grounded strength and Ava’s need for safety without feeling unbalanced.
The MC backdrop, cabin setting, and found-family dynamics round out the story nicely, giving it warmth alongside the danger. Like the other books in the series, the stakes are high, the emotions are intense, and the HEA is fully earned.
Overall, Protected by Viper is a satisfying, emotionally charged MC romance with a curvy heroine, a fiercely loyal hero, and a love that feels unbreakable. If you enjoy protective bikers, wounded-but-strong heroines, and fast-burning forever love, this one absolutely delivers 🖤🔥.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2026
This is a simple story, but simple works here. It is entertaining, and I liked the coffee/caring theme. Ava is a barista in a coffee truck, and once he’s met her, Viper starts to come by twice a day. Ava is on the run and Viper helps her hide, taking over as barista with hilarious results. It’s kind of light on MC activity, but the guys come through when it’s time.
Book is SAFE.
Heat is EXPLICIT with a VIRGIN HEROINE.
TRIGGERS are violence, physical abuse, kidnapping, and verbal abuse.
TROPES include Then I Saw Her Face…Now I’m a Barista, Protector Romance, Abused Heroine On the Run, Instalove, Damsel in Distress, Age Gap, BBW, Former Military.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book is SAFE.
Heat is EXPLICIT with a VIRGIN HEROINE.
TRIGGERS are violence, physical abuse, kidnapping, and verbal abuse.
TROPES include Then I Saw Her Face…Now I’m a Barista, Protector Romance, Abused Heroine On the Run, Instalove, Damsel in Distress, Age Gap, BBW, Former Military.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Great characters that you’ll just want to hug. I enjoyed this touching story that gently covers a serious familial abusive situation – mostly off page – and the big biker that refuses to let the FMC ever experience that again. What a rescue! Think of a big avenging guardian angel in leather and tatts ensuring the bad guy gets exactly what he deserves. While part of a series, and a few previous characters do pop in, this book can read as a standalone, with a guaranteed HEA. TW: moderate violence scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great characters that you’ll just want to hug. I enjoyed this touching story that gently covers a serious familial abusive situation – mostly off page – and the big biker that refuses to let the FMC ever experience that again. What a rescue! Think of a big avenging guardian angel in leather and tatts ensuring the bad guy gets exactly what he deserves. While part of a series, and a few previous characters do pop in, this book can read as a standalone, with a guaranteed HEA. TW: moderate violence scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
Although this is Book 3 of the Damned Saints MC series it can be read as a standalone.
'Ex-military biker with a protective streak a mile wide.
Curvy heroine with trauma and strength in equal measure.
Cabin walls, coffee trucks, and forever promises.'
The plot was well written and developed. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. 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.
'Ex-military biker with a protective streak a mile wide.
Curvy heroine with trauma and strength in equal measure.
Cabin walls, coffee trucks, and forever promises.'
The plot was well written and developed. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. 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.
January 28, 2026
starting to feel like a MC book.
Third book is the charm. The characters are starting to feel like a real MC. The books are getting a bit grittier and a little darker with emotional and physical abuse. The first book had dealt with bullying, the second with bribes and pay offs. This was about physical and emotional abuse. The story is well written and shows how they cooperated with law enforcement without loosing the “ we protect our own” mentality.Viper is a great character who was willing to fill in as barista and that scene is really good. Ava is a strong woman and is willing to do what it takes. The stories keep getting better and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Third book is the charm. The characters are starting to feel like a real MC. The books are getting a bit grittier and a little darker with emotional and physical abuse. The first book had dealt with bullying, the second with bribes and pay offs. This was about physical and emotional abuse. The story is well written and shows how they cooperated with law enforcement without loosing the “ we protect our own” mentality.Viper is a great character who was willing to fill in as barista and that scene is really good. Ava is a strong woman and is willing to do what it takes. The stories keep getting better and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy
I loved this short story about Ava and Viper her knight in tight leathers. It is a beautiful short romance with both danger and heat. This is the third book in this series but the first one I've had the pleasure of reading and I will definitely be looking out for the rest of this series.
A great read you will love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read you will love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2026
“Protected by Viper” by Marina Wilder
-A short, emotionally grounded MC romance featuring a fiercely protective biker and a heroine healing from trauma. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Ava and Mason’s story delivers found family, loyalty, and a sense of safety amid danger and heat. A touching, satisfying read with strong characters, genuine care, and a well-earned happy ending.
-A short, emotionally grounded MC romance featuring a fiercely protective biker and a heroine healing from trauma. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Ava and Mason’s story delivers found family, loyalty, and a sense of safety amid danger and heat. A touching, satisfying read with strong characters, genuine care, and a well-earned happy ending.
January 11, 2026
I was hooked! Ava's situation, and her fear, were communicated brilliantly. As a sympathetic character, you wanted to protect her and cheered when Viper found out about the situation. Their chemistry was amazing and I enjoyed the effect she had on the hardened biker. The support and involvement if the crew strengthened the story and has me looking forward to the next book in this well written series.
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
January 25, 2026
Ava is running a barista truck and is visited daily by Viper/Mason, Road Captain of the Damned Saints MC. Ava finally thought she had found a place where she was safe until she receives a text from her stepfather, telling her he knows where she is. She makes a run for it but Viper is determined to find her and protect her.
This is a short and sweet read, Viper is just what she needs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a short and sweet read, Viper is just what she needs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
Viper is the road captain from the local MC. Ava is a barista hiding out from her past. When her past catches up to her, Viler is there to save her. This short but sweet book will capture you on page 1. This was an excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2026
She's running from her stepfather and finds a job in a town she wants to stay in. He falls first. A tight knit family of MC back them when her past catches up. Decent installment in the series. Was a bit confused on why her stepfather would want her bad enough to send hired people but it provided action to the story
February 23, 2026
Viper goes to a coffee truck every morning for Ava, when she’s not there one day he goes to find her and starts helping her because she’s on the run from her stepfather. I love how when Ava was sleeping, Viper went to the coffee truck and tried to do Ava’s job but epically failed. It’s the thought that counts.
March 22, 2026
Protective Love
Ava has been running from a stepfather from literally the bowels of hell. Viper has been watching her since she came to town and buying her coffee. When she isn’t at her coffee truck, he find her and takes her to his home. But you have to read the rest………..Must Read
Ava has been running from a stepfather from literally the bowels of hell. Viper has been watching her since she came to town and buying her coffee. When she isn’t at her coffee truck, he find her and takes her to his home. But you have to read the rest………..Must Read
Review of advance copy
Lovestone Ridge strikes again. Ava has arrived and started working at the coffee truck. Mason has started arriving early in the day for a coffee. One deranged stepfather later and their HEA is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2025
About this book
Love this book and it's series and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read about MC life and their families and friends 🧡 and Marina Wilder is an amazing writer ❤️
Love this book and it's series and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read about MC life and their families and friends 🧡 and Marina Wilder is an amazing writer ❤️
January 3, 2026
His Match
He needs to see her every day, sometimes twice. Brothers tease him, he says her coffee is better than the club’s. She’s hiding, but gets found. He going to take care of her. Compelling story, kindred spirits, danger and rescue. Best happy ending!
He needs to see her every day, sometimes twice. Brothers tease him, he says her coffee is better than the club’s. She’s hiding, but gets found. He going to take care of her. Compelling story, kindred spirits, danger and rescue. Best happy ending!
January 8, 2026
Ava and Viper were the sweetest. I adored these two and their story. I love a curvy girl romance though. But Viper being an ex military, MC guy is a big teddy bear. I loved the way they connected and found a genuine love between the two of them.
January 9, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Mason falls for Ava but doesn't act on it until she is in danger. Her stepfather is coming for her. I liked how Mason rescued her and had the bad guys punished. Mason and Ava are now free to love each other.
February 14, 2026
Ava is on the run and scared. But Viper is determined to help her…and make her his. This is another great read in this intense but fun series. These MC brothers have each other’s backs no matter what the danger is. This was a quick read that I really enjoyed.
April 17, 2026
A book that caught me from its first lines to the HEA, like a rollercoaster ride.
Highly relatable characters: Ava and Viper her knight in tight leathers.
If you enjoy protective bikers, wounded-but-strong heroines, and fast-burning forever love, this steamy 2-hour read was written for you.
Highly relatable characters: Ava and Viper her knight in tight leathers.
If you enjoy protective bikers, wounded-but-strong heroines, and fast-burning forever love, this steamy 2-hour read was written for you.
December 31, 2025
a long, slow inhale of a romance…
These stories read like the best romance. Hard people and things happen. But, HEA and the nasty-nasties get theirs. 😠. Recommend. 🫣🥰🥵😍
These stories read like the best romance. Hard people and things happen. But, HEA and the nasty-nasties get theirs. 😠. Recommend. 🫣🥰🥵😍
January 8, 2026
Viper
Viper has the hots for the coffee truck girl. She new in town and hiding. But when trouble comes Viper saves here
Viper has the hots for the coffee truck girl. She new in town and hiding. But when trouble comes Viper saves here
January 22, 2026
Loved it.
March 1, 2026
GREAT SHORT STORY, HSD SO MUCH EXCITEMENT.
LOVED THIS COUPLE HOT AND STEAMY SCENES!!!!
GREAT SERIES.
📚🔥✨💞🔥✨📚
LOVED THIS COUPLE HOT AND STEAMY SCENES!!!!
GREAT SERIES.
📚🔥✨💞🔥✨📚
March 4, 2026
Nice quick insta love read
April 6, 2026
Good quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews