He stole her to save her. Now he can’t let her go.
I found her by accident—just a glimpse during a job finished a few months back. One little discovery turned into an obsession.
I told myself to forget her, but that was a lie I never stood a chance of keeping. When I learned her father planned to trade her to another club’s bastard, I couldn’t let it happen.
So I took her.
Now she’s here, hidden away in my world of smoke, leather, and scars. She looks at me like I’m her captor, and maybe I am. But I’m also her only chance. Every day she’s near, I lose another piece of the restraint I swore I’d keep. I can’t let her go—but I can’t let myself have her either. Because if I touch her, there’s no coming back from it.
My whole life has been planned for me—every breath, every choice, every future moment dictated by my father. I never questioned it until Ghost tore me from that life and dropped me into his. He’s chaos made flesh—scarred, and dangerous—but somehow, he feels more honest than anyone I’ve ever known.
He says he took me to protect me. Maybe that’s true. But the way he looks at me burns hotter than any lie. The longer I stay, the more I see the man beneath the rough edges—the protector, not the villain. Somewhere between fear and fascination, I start to fall.
Ghost may have stolen my freedom... but he’s the first person who’s ever made me feel free.
Each story in the Steelwood MC series is part of a shared storyline that is best enjoyed read in order. Each couple ends with a HFN ending that will result in their HEA by the end of the series!
Ghost isn’t your typical hero. Unlike the comic book heroes who wear capes he wears a cut. There is something about Eliza that Ghost can’t seem to shake. He knows she needs his help but he doesn’t know what to do except get her out of there. So he takes her away and along the way not only does he have to keep her safe. Ghost has to keep her hidden because she’s a prize that many want. The problem is he doesn’t expect to fall for her and not be able to get her out of his system. Eliza is inexperienced but she is smart and has a quick wit about her that she doesn’t show anyone but Ghost because she trust him with everything that she is. I listened to the audiobook because I love a short audio. I do wish there was a male narrator as well just because of preference. That does not mean this wasn’t a fun read last listen. I do wish that this had a bit more back story but I still enjoyed this quick read/listen.
GHOST is Book 1 of the Steelwood MC series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, he falls first, forced-proximity, virgin gets her biker romance. Eliza is a young woman who has essentially been held captive by her father. When he tells her she is marrying someone, she is terrified. Ghost is a hunky biker who is the tech expert for the Steelwood MC. He found out about Eliza when he was monitoring her corrupt father. When he heard about the forced marriage, he knows he needs to get her out. I loved this couple. Ghost was so protective of Eliza. They had insane chemistry and we get a happy ending for them. I hope some other storylines will be explained as we work through the series. I loved it.
This is the first book in this series and we have Ghost and Eliza’s story which made this a good start to a series I will be following. This was an insta love MC romance that had me rooting for the couple to find their HEA throughout. Ghost had swooped in to be Eliza’s savior after her father was using her as a payoff. Now he just had to get Eliza to trust him.
This book was on the darker side but it was also a book of salvation for both Ghost and Eliza.
Ghost isn’t a hero in any traditional sense. He’s rough, scarred, and shaped by a world where mercy gets you killed. But when he sees Eliza—quiet, beautiful, and trapped in a life her father has planned down to her last breath—something in him breaks. He can’t walk away. So he does the unthinkable. He steals her.
What begins as an act of defiance becomes something far deeper. Eliza’s fear is real, and so is her confusion. She’s been controlled her entire life, told who to be and what to feel. But with Ghost, everything shifts. He’s chaos and safety all at once—the danger she should run from but can’t. And as she learns to see the man behind the scars, she realizes that freedom doesn’t always come wrapped in light. Sometimes, it looks like a man who would burn the world to keep you safe.
Julia Stone writes with a kind of raw honesty that makes every glance, every breath between them feel charged. The chemistry is magnetic, but what really got me were the quiet moments—the unspoken care, the broken trust being rebuilt piece by piece. Ghost and Eliza aren’t a fairytale couple; they’re two souls clawing their way toward something that feels like hope.
By the end, I wasn’t sure who had saved who. Maybe that’s the point.
If you love dark, emotional romances with a heartbeat that thrums between danger and devotion, Ghost will haunt you—in the best possible way. It’s not just a story about being stolen. It’s about finding the one person who sees the real you, even in the dark.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His Unplanned Forever - Ghost knew he couldn’t sit by and watch Eliza’s father go through with the plan he had for her, so he asked his club brother’s to help him. Even though Eliza had always wanted to escape from her father, she didn’t think being kidnapped in the middle of the night by strangers was the way she wanted to leave. However, Eliza seemed to feel a sense of calm the moment they arrived at the clubhouse and she met Ghost.
Even though Eliza was anxious about the situation she found herself in, she felt an inexplicable connection with Ghost, especially after he told her the truth about everything, including his life. Fortunately, Ghost did everything possible to help Eliza build her confidence back up, which led to them spending time together and enjoying a steamy sexual encounter. Ghost realised his true feelings for Eliza after their encounter and made sure they would have a chance at a future together.
This is an exciting, fast paced love story, that had me glued to the pages and unable to stop reading once I started. If you are a fan of emotionally charged, character-driven romance stories, then this one is a must-read, that I highly recommend.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I need to state before getting into this review that I was given this book through Booksprout. Now that has been stated, I can now get into the book review. There maybe spoilers in this review.
I love a good Motorcycle club romance. Normally the ones that I listen/ read are well over 250 pages. I was pleasantly surprised that this one was only 81 pages. Just a two hours and ten minutes listen. Those two hours just flew by in a good way.
Eliza, the FMC, has been kept out of the limelight. Technically, her father held her captive within their home. Her father thought it was a good idea to "married" his daughter to someone, who is no good. Ghost, the MMC, has been watching her for a long time. When he found out that she is being "married" off against her will. He steps in and has a few of his fellow bikers kidnap her for her safety. Off page, they fall in love, while they are held up at a fellow biker's cabin.
We don't get the action of a fight scene, but this book doesn't need it. The spicy level in this book is light compared to a few other MC romances. But, again the tension is there to make the spicy scenes feel real.
While I liked this book I don't know if I will keep going with these books. I really do like the story having the action along side the spice.
Now for the star ratings I’m giving this book. I’m giving this book an overall rating of 4 of out of 5 stars. The story is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The writing style is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The spicy level is getting a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The spicy rating would be a 3 according to romance.io stem rating guide.
Short but addictive so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Eliza has always wanted freedom to chose but she has only felt trapped her father has planned every detail without her input or choice now she is to be traded to another club so that it would benefit her father doesn’t matter the that club hurts her or how they treat her s long as he benefits from the deal and while another MC is there to finish up a job he overhears the plans. Ghost sexy as all get out Steelwood MC isn’t a man you want on your radar he doesn’t follow the rules completely often lives with the morally gray area on most days and when he overhears a plan made he decides to grant the beautiful women her freedom by kidnapping her maybe not the brightest of ideas but it gets the job done. Eliz was afraid at first until she met Ghost and yes she should be afraid but he makes her feel safe the magnetic pull between them can’t be ignored no matter how they tried to fight it the stronger it grows but will her father come for her, will the other club come for her, will he protect her, will she gain her freedom to make decision over her own life, and can they find happiness somewhere along the way
This series had me in a full chokehold. Four books. Two days. No regrets.
The Steelwood MC series completely captivated me from the very first page to the final, perfectly wrapped ending. Each book focuses on a different couple, and somehow Julia Stone manages to pack raw emotion, genuine character growth, trauma survival, and scorching chemistry into stories that may be short, but never once feel rushed or incomplete.
The emotional depth genuinely surprised me. These characters have been through hell, and watching them confront their pasts, heal, and find love within the Steelwood MC world was incredibly satisfying. The character development was strong across the board, and each romance felt distinct, intentional, and earned.
And let’s talk about the heat. Because wow. The chemistry is absolute fire, intense, addictive, and written in a way that perfectly complements the emotional stakes rather than overpowering them. I devoured every page.
Even though these are shorter stories, they are written so well and wrapped up so cleanly it’s honestly a chef’s kiss situation. No loose ends, no rushed conclusions, just solid storytelling that leaves you craving more.
Safe to say I’m adding the rest of Julia Stone’s books straight to my TBR without hesitation. If you love MC romance with heart, heat, and healing, the Steelwood MC series is an easy five stars and a must-read. 🔥🏍️📚
I expected a bit more from this book–not exactly a bad thing. I just felt like there were parts missing that would be perfect for the story. Like more to do with Eliza’s father or the deal he made with Blaze. I expected more violence than there was, and again not a bad thing just I have come to expect a lot more violence in MC books. I know not all books have the same aspect,I’m not dumb it’s just what I have come to expect from these types of stories.
That being said, I loved this book. A kidnapping/rescue of an unsuspecting character by a man she has never met, but is trying to protect her from her own father? If I was in the same situation as Eliza, I would definitely hope there was someone like Ghost that is not only willing to protect me but also fight for me without 100% thinking through the consequences of his actions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ghost is a fast paced OTT instalove romance that leans hard into protective instincts, forbidden attraction, and emotional intensity.
What stood out most was the push and pull between control and surrender. Ghost’s struggle to restrain himself while trying to protect Eliza creates constant tension, and Eliza’s gradual shift from fear to trust gives the story its emotional core. Their connection feels rooted in safety as much as desire, which adds depth beyond the steamy premise.
For a short romance, the pacing works well. The world of the MC is sketched clearly, the stakes are immediate, and the chemistry never fades into the background. The shared series setup also adds intrigue, making it feel like part of a larger emotional journey rather than a standalone fantasy.
This is a solid pick for readers who enjoy OTT biker romance, protective heroes, sheltered heroines, and stories where freedom is found in unexpected places.
This was a dive into a new MC series. We are met with Ghost. He's the one beyond the keyboard, and the man who seeings everything. He see's Eliza, and knows she's the one.
Ghost found her when investigating her father, who was going after one of his brothers. He kept watching once he found Eliza. He knows she's in danger, and he isn't living her there.
This gave the loyalty and support you expect of an MC romance, but a different perspective. Eliza knows shes been sheltered, and now being sold off by her father for some debt she had no idea about. I love that Ghost wasn't afraid to alpha the situation, and ask for forgiveness from his Prez and MC later. I love it gives Eliza the chance to finally make her own decisions, and start thinking of life outside of the cage she was living in.
Its got heat, action, heart, love, and a nice HEA.
This would have been better if I had gotten to know what happened with her father. Like seriously. Ghost has Eliza kidnapped to protect her from her no good father who was going to "give her in marriage" to someone who deals in human trafficking. Are you with me so far? Ok, good,let's continue. The two of them fall for each other,like we didn't know that was going to happen. They are sent to hide out in a cabin, just in case the father or whoever comes looking to take her back. The next thing I know, they're flirting with each other, and then bam, they do the deed, and Ghost asks her to marry him. Of course, Eliza says yes. Then it's 3 years later, and they're woken up while at the club,but it's ok because Ghost has a surprise planned for Eliza because it's her birthday. The end. WTH, where is the drama and action of fighting to keep her. I'm sorry this one just pissed me off.
Fast paced and full of drama, Ghost and Eliza's story was a bit dark, at least at the start. Much of this story's plot happens in shadow, with the reader getting only glimpses of the picture, much like Eliza herself. It does seem clear that Ghost is the good guy for having spirited her away from an uncertain (though apparently horrific) future. The romantic angle was rapidly developed, but it was at the cost of the overall plot. Many threads were left untested when the story abruptly ended. Up to that point, the character development was good and I was invested in the story. There simply needed to be some continuity from the starting storyline. 3.5⭐️.
I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review.
This is a short read with a great plot, amazing characters, passion, and an unconvetional love story.
Ghost kidnaps Eliza as her father was planning to give her away to another MC, he has been watching her from afar. Though she is captured, he finds freedom with her keeper especially as he start to share his pain, story, truths. The close proximity, and their chemistry leads them to a passionate relationship that will challenge the abductee/keeper relation and turn it into love
This is a great story that you will devour!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ghost has been watching Eliza for months once he found out her existence, he has been keeping tabs on her father. When he hears the plans her father has for her he reaches out to Diesel to abduct her, to save her from her fate. That is only part of the truth, Ghost has become obsessed with her.
Eliza tries to fight when she is taken but when they bring her to Ghost, she knows she should feel scared but there is something about him that makes her think she is safe.
This a good start the the Steelwood MC, looking forward to the next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cat’s Stats MMC/FMC- Ghost and Eliza Genre- MC Romance Length- novella Heat- open door, virgin heroine Series? Y Safety? Y Triggers- discussion of trafficking, mild violence Tropes- Captor/Captive, Instalove, Disabled MMC Mewsings I found the book enjoyable, but it didn’t feel complete. Except for the kidnapping, all of the real action happened off page. Still, the characters are likable. I found it interesting that she was kept isolated by her father and that he hacked into the cameras to watch her. And I always like stories about the MC’s tech guru.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ghost can’t sit back knowing that Eliza’s father wants to use her for his own gain. With the help of his clubs he kidnaps Eliza for her own safety. Escape has always been on her mind but kidnapping maybe not. The second Eliza enters the MC clubhouse she knows she is safe and meeting Ghost is the protection she graves and needs We have great honest characters, romance and fast paced.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ghost had been watching Eliza and learned of her impending forced marriage. He kidnapped her and then stole her heart. It’s a wild tale of love unfolding in unexpected ways and places. Love the HEA and the mystery of this MC.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storyline begins with a kidnapping. There’s a buildup of what’s going on with the family of the kidnap victim, the drama that’s going on and in the end nothing. Nothing about the kidnapped victims safety, nothing about her parents or her father. Very confusing. I won’t be reading anymore of this series or author.
What a great start of a new series. Loved it from the first page - engaging short read to enjoy in one go. Ghost and Eliza just clicked perfectly. Her kidnapper and rescuer, two in one. Sweet and heartwarming when person who has been broken cares so much about her. Wonderful characters and perfect MC romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ghost finds out that Eliza’s father plans to trade his own daughter. So he needs to take her, right? Keep her safe, right? Now that he has her, he doesn’t want to let her go.
🩷Instalove ❤️V1rg1n 🩷 He falls first ❤️ Disability rep - MMC 🎧 2:10 Brisa Knight - did amazing! 📖 book 1 of Steelwood MC series 🌶️🌶️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb of this book sounded so promising - sadly it just didnt go anywhere.
The plot was good and if it had been developed into a proper novel - then this would 100% have been right up my alley. It starts with a kidnapping from a father that we know little and learn little about and ends up with them in bed. Absolute instalove story with sadly not enough substance.
Ghost is a man with a plan and the friends to pull it off. Eliza ne er knew the scope of her situation until it crashed around her. A fabulous MC read for the sweet and salty kind of spicy treat.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With this only being 81 pages, it packs a punch. Ghost starts off being the only saving but , by the end of the story I think he is the one being saved. It is dark,gritty and spicy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good start to the series. It looks like these Alpha males are going to be brought to their knees by their encounters with the innocent females. Ones that bring out their protective side, and when they decide that the woman is theirs, nothing will stop them from keeping them safe
Her father said she’s getting married but she doesn’t know the man. Ghost isn’t going to let that happen. Great story, exciting and romantic. The sweet ending will make you smile!
Love this book and can't wait for the next book in the series and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read about MC life and their families and friends 🧡 and Julia Stone is a great writer ❤️
While I went into it not expecting much due to the length and premise, this book still fell really flat. I’ve read better fanfictions than this LOL. I expected it to be Wattpad-esque but it wasn’t even that. Just very underdeveloped with tons of plot holes and no stakes.
another short love story. I love the detail between the characters. it's a short story so if you need more background detail this book isn't for you but if you need a quick love story this is your book. I love taking a break from my long books ti read this kind of book