Are you missing the Steel Brothers? Are you yearning for more? Welcome to the next generation! Join the grown children of Jonah, Talon, Ryan, and Marjorie for new adventures, mysteries, and heart-pounding passion. The action, drama, and secrecy continue June 25, 2024!
#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
And what an encore it was! This book - book 30 in the series - marks the end of an era, The Steel Brothers Saga. So many ups and downs - so many feels - so many tears - years of waiting for the next book, because Helen is the Queen of cliffhangers! Question were answered. Secrets were revealed. More tears were shed. And the book ended absolutely perfectly, going through each family and giving us readers a little glimpse into the future of each of the main characters. The last line of the acknowledgments give me so much happiness and I can’t wait! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For the conclusion of a series, I was relatively disappointed in this book. I love the Steel Brothers Saga, but so much of this fell flat for me. The romance mainly centered on Maddie and Dave and I just didn't like Maddie's character arc. She was very whiny and had a woe-is-me type of vibe that wasn't cute to read. I also feel like there was a lot of repetition and I get that it's a conclusion but I needed more. I did love the spice as always because it's so good. I also loved the big span of family drama that these books had. I also couldn't get over what happened near the end of the book because there was so little left and boom big event. This series will always be a good one for me, but book 30 just left something to be desired. Thank you to Waterhouse and Helen Hardt for the e-arc to read and review!
I received an ARC of Encore. The final installment of The Steel Brothers Saga. This book was amazing. Questions were answered. It was a great ending. It did make me sad though because I feel like I’m losing my friends. I loved every single installment of this series. I’m so happy my sister recommended Craving to me 9 years ago. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I will miss this series so much. I don't think I ever read a book cover to cover until this series. This is where it all started for me and I love it so much!
First off, I took off one star partially because I am sad this is the end of the series. I understand 10 years is a long time to spend with these characters as a writer. I truly understand. However, don't give the original Steels all these children (even without counting Wendy Madigan's and Bradford Steel's "other" offspring) and then not give them their own stories: at least one book each. And, just like in life, they don't all need happy endings in the relationship department. The Epilogue left me wishing I knew more about Bradley, Gina, Angie, Sage, and Henry. Maybe they will make appearances in other series. I can only hope.
Now, let's talk about Encore. The other part of the one start deduction is the description of Maddie as empathic but every time something doesn't go as planned or life gets in the way, she immediately makes it about her. As an empath, I always wonder why someone doesn't return my call or pick up the phone in the first place. Who can I call to make sure that person is okay? Not Maddie. If she feels Dave Simpson is not paying attention to her, then she's sure he is not interested in her. I found her character a little underdeveloped and shallow for a supposed empath. I understand the plot needed her to assume the worst in order for it to "work," but don't spend two books telling me how much she cares for others and then develop her character to be immature, even for 22 years old, and somewhat shallow. Give her anxiety, but don't call her an empath.
Dave and Maddie's story was as hot and steamy as you would expect two twentysomethings just looking to have fun with each other to be. That said, and I never thought I would say this, but I wish the book spent less time in the sheets and more time in the streets so to speak. Specifically, readers want resolution to the mystery of what happened with Pat Lamone's adoptive parents. Don't bring it up and then leave me hanging. Cliffhangers are fine when a reader knows another book is coming, but, alas, there are no more books in the Steel Bothers Saga. Ms. Hardt could have told me during one of the Steel Family Meetings in a few sentences, but now I am going to need an entire book on the matter. I need answers!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Encore is a romance, but also is the ending of a thirty book series that took you through a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book has a lot going on, but centers around Dave Simpson and Madeline Pike and their relationship.
First - Encore.
I enjoyed the story, and the development of David and Madeline’s romance. I also liked that it wasn’t spread over three books for one couple. I didn’t like Madeline as much as the other characters. She seems more self centered than the other characters, and way more immature than the other characters that are the same age. The book had more steam, and surprisingly it was not the same cut and paste from other books.
The book, like normal, puts you through a range of emotions. With a final wrap up on some story lines, in some ways it seems rushed.
Finally - The series itself
With this being the last book in the series, it’s hard to give a review without basing it on the entire series. This series has taken you on a roller coaster ride of action and emotions. With the constant drama and surprises, you never knew where the story would go next. As the story progressed, you grew to love the different characters, feeling like they were old friends. While the series never lacked drama, it also was a touching story of family. The book does give a wrap up, I’m glad to see that Helen Hardt plans to have the characters in other series or books, maybe answering questions that remain. It’s bittersweet reading the last book in the series. I’m sure this will be a series I reread in the future, having enjoyed it so much. And even though I loved the story, I also wish it didn’t focus as much on the bedroom activities and more on the relationship side. The books are definitely steamy, and Encore is no different, having a high spice level.
First I would like to thank Brilliance Publishing for providing me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the last book in the Steel Brother Saga, and is focused on David Simpson and Madeline Pike. After they have a near death experience on a flight from London to Paris the two look to each other for comfort with the understanding that is all it is. They are touring around Paris with friends and learning g more about each other when David and his family members are called back to the states for a family emergency. As Madeline doesn't want to finish the European tour with just the band she decides to fly home with the Steel's and her and David decide to give their relationship a real try. As David is dealing with the Steel family emergencies, Madeline decides to return to school and really test if David is serious about a real relationship.
What I Liked: - Big Family Stories, I'm such a fan of big families in books/series and the Steel family really hits the mark with being a close family who is open/welcoming to all who join and support each other through anything - Spicy, as David and Madeline's relationship starts as mostly physical there are quick a few spicy scenes where they do some experimenting and its hot - Audiobook quality, I love a dual narration audiobook and the narrators chosen for this book are fantastic. I also appreciate an audiobook where you don't lose quality when increasing the reading speed and this one delivered.
I think this book wasn't my favorite since it was so late in the series and I felt like I was missing A LOT. There are overarching family issues that obviously have been brewing for multiple book and relationships with other families/members of the community that are referenced but not explained. With taking that out of the feedback, I did overall enjoy this book there were some parts that I felt were a bit cringe but I think as a whole its a good quick romance with good characters and a great underlying relationship you can root for. I will be revisiting the other Steel Brothers Saga books and I can't want to get a bit more backstory.
My head is spinning and my heart is full, yet I could cry… This book was an emotional rollercoaster and an amazing and beautiful end to what was an incredible series! I fell in love with this entire world back in 2016 and they’ve remained in a special place in my heart ever since and with each character that the author introduced into the story I fell in love with them too. It’s truly the end of an era. I picked up this series back in 2016 and Craving (book 1) was one of the first books that got me into romance and made me fall in love with the genre. So it’s bittersweet to be saying goodbye.
There’s not much I can say without giving too much away when it comes to Encore. It picks up where Harmony left off... We get to see Maddie and David together as the last couple in the saga. We also got a glimpse at the next generation of the Steel family (Maybe the author is planning a spin-off? Let’s hope so!). There are answers to questions that I’ve been waiting for for a while now.
As to be expected, Encore was hot and steamy! David and Maddie’s chemistry was explosive. As a couple having fun, enjoying their sex life and being in their 20’s they couldn’t get enough of each other.
The author knows how to pull you in and hold your attention from page one until the end. It was emotional, addictive and full of suspense, mystery and heat... SO MUCH HEAT!
I’m sad to say goodbye. Thank you Helen Hardt for such an unforgettable series. This series will always hold a place in my heart. I really do hope the author comes out with some kind of spin-off. Either way, I will be revisiting this series in the near future!
I give the audiobook about a 3.75. This is #30 of the Steel Brother Saga series. The series starts out as a book for each of children of Bradford Steele. The books discuss how they find their spouses in addition to how the Steel fortune was amassed. These stories include romance, business (ranching, orchards, wine making, etc.), criminal enterprises, and lots of family trauma (and secrets). I highly suggest that you read previous books in the series before reading this one. The last book that I read in the series was #13. I could keep up with the storyline, but I was missing an entire generation of information. What I do like about the series are the connections between the characters and the relationships. The narration was okay. The male narrator was a little deadpan. I read the other books in the series (mostly as physical books). Although I enjoyed the overall love story between Madeline and David, the falling in love quickly thing gets old fast. The quick engagements of multiple Steel siblings to Pike siblings weren’t believable. And of course, more family drama was unveiled in this installment of the Steel Brother Saga series. I did enjoy the end when the readers were given summaries of what happened to the members of the family after the story was over. So if you are a lover of the series, you will also enjoy Encore.
Since I have been through the entire 30 book journey about the Steel family, I’m loving the ending but hate to see the story’s finale. Encore was a wonderful way to wrap it all up quite nicely, giving each character a lovely happy ever after story. This family has been through so much and at times it was hard to go on the journey with them. I have so many favorite characters in this saga but I have to say the original Steele brothers, Jonah, Talon and Ryan are at the top of my list. Their stories were heartbreaking and set the stage for this amazing 30 book series. I can’t imagine how this author kept this all straight with each book and not miss a step.
At the beginning of Encore Brianna Steel and Jesse Pike finally admitted their love for each other, then David Simpson and Mattie Pike tentatively start a relationship neither of them could quite figure out. Once they did that was it for them both. Encore then adds some very heartbreaking news and puts all the pieces together for the ending of a fabulous story. Hats off to this author for making a hardcore reader like myself who hates cliffhangers, hang on until the every end! I highly recommend the Steel Brother Series!
This is the last story in a saga about the Steel family. A story that goes back 4 generations at least. The twists and turns, secrets and lies and hidden truths will make your head spin but you will come back for more. This is the story of Dave and Maddie. Dave is a Steel through his mother and Maddie is the youngest daughter of a neighboring ranch. Maddie has always had a crush on Dave and Dave liked Maddie but was busy being a lothario. On a trip to Europe with Maddie's brother's band, Dave sees Maddie for the woman she is and Maddie revels in his attention. But, with the Steel family, nothing is simple or smooth for very long. Once again, the Steel family has been dealt more challenges...maybe this time, more than they can overcome. Loved, loved, loved this book and the entire series. I'm hoping Helen Hardt has a continuation up her sleeve somewhere!
Helen Hardt has released the final installment of the Steel Brothers Saga series, titled Encore. Picking up right where the previous book, Harmony, left off, this thrilling novel introduces Madison and Dave as the last pairing in the series. Personally, I found Encore to be even more enjoyable than Harmony. The character development was exceptionally deep for Madison and Dave, allowing readers to delve into their minds and connect with them on a whole new level. The bittersweet feeling that accompanies the end of a beloved series is present, but Helen does justice to the Steel Brothers in this final book. The conclusion left me feeling content with how everything was wrapped up, while still leaving room for the possibility of revisiting some of the characters in the future.
OMG! Helen did a great job writing the end of this saga. I loved every single book in this 30 book series! We got a look at Maddie and David as well as the next generation of Steel family. We also got answers to the questions I know we all had about what was going on and who was doing those things. I had so many feelings about reading this last book as I felt like I belonged in this family. I laughed,cried, so many emotions.. Not much I can say about the book without giving away so much that we learned in it. I was selected to receive an ARC of Encore and this is the only honest review I can write! I had to take a couple of days to think through what I wanted to say about this book. Thank you Helen Hardt, for the wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotions that is the Steel saga❣️
I'm really glad that everyone has a happy ending and we do see what everyone is doing. We see the family tree and who is married to whom and if they have kids or not. I'm glad that Johan does survive his cancer. However that being said I'm not sure how I felt throughout this book with Maddie and Dave. I did like the concepts of four different characters POV which I wish she did with the other couple like a transition from one couple to another couple in one book. But I just felt like it was rush and they weren't sure until he almost died. I am glad that I did read this whole series. The twisted the turns the love the friendship the relationship the plot was just insane and incredible as a whole. However Talon and Jade are still my favorite couple.
I’m not sure if this is advertised as a stand alone or not but it honestly could go either way. The plot didn’t need all of the family backstory that was given but I can see where it makes sense to the series. However, the family backstory was very long and confusing. There was just too much and too many people included. A bit too much of a web for me but a cute spicy romance.
🌀Synopsis Madison and Dave are on a European vacation with family and band members. They have a bit of history and come together for a strong release of emotion. When Dave gets a call about a family emergency they decide to all go back home. Neither of them is sure what it means for them. They continue seeing each other back home and Madison helps Dave work through some difficult family situations. She’s headed back to school though and wants to make sure they are both clear on what exactly is going on between them. Deciding to give their relationship a try, they commit to making it work. Now one tragic night may change all of that.
Encore is the 30th and last book of the phenomenal Steel Brothers Saga. This series deserved an epic ending and Helen came through and delivered us the most emotionally charged ending to this series.
Not only does Encore pick up right from the heart stopping ending Harmony left us at, it slingshot us into an emotionally charged journey to the end of a Loved Series and Fictional Family.
Helen delivers heart stopping revelations and twists that I surely didn't see coming. As we're on the journey with Maddie Pike and David Simpson's romance. Watching Maddie and Dave find each other and come together was a moving and tear inducing story.
It true Helen Fashion she also throws us into a twist of emotions concerning a beloved O.G. character. I was sobbing and hyperventilating half the time reading this book and I wouldn't change a thing about it.
In true Steel Family Fashion they stay united even after some heavy emotional discoveries come to light.
This series has been a captivating and well loved Saga for many and Helen Hardt gave us all a truly heartwarming ending.
Their Family Saga may be over but I can and will be going back over and over into their world.
A huge thank you to Helen Hardt and to Waterhouse Press for giving us an amazing world we all loved to escape to and will continue to for years to come.
I can't believe this is the end of the Steel Brothers! 😩. I've enjoyed the drama and the love stories of all the couples. This book wrapped up everyone's lives. Although I'm going to miss them, I think it was a good stopping point. A lot of family members, I was starting to get a little lost with who goes to which family lol. Can't wait to see where Helen will place them in future books that she hinted in her acknowledgements! I highly recommend this series! It's a commitment for sure, but one you won't regret! Much love to you, Helen, for keeping us all engaged from start to finish! And putting us through the ringer with your cliff hangers! Lol! 🥰
Great series ending book and story! It’s been a pleasure Helen Hardt!
During a life threatening incident on the plane to Paris, Jess and Brianna profess their love for each other. Dave and Maddie are benefitting sexually from touring with the band her brother Jesse is in. Can it be more? The two of them have a rocky road, especially Dave with all the family problems that have happened and are revealed one after the other. It all comes to fruition with the ending of this book and this series. It’s been a wonderful ride reading every one of these books. It’s the longest series I’ve ever read with all the pleasure, the emotions flowing through every page.
Oh how my heart breaks that this is the last Steel Brothers book.
I did enjoy the book, but I felt it was drawn out in the beginning and then rushed when you wanted more. While Breanna and Jessie were probably my least favorite and felt they could have used more to build their story, I’m glad we got a peek at Maddie and Dave. I would have also liked to have seen their story have more.
There were more cousins/siblings that could have kept the story going for a long time. I’m glad there were happy endings all the way around.
Wow!! What a bittersweet moment reading this last Steel Brothers book! I can’t believe that the series is over, but it ended in such a way that I am satisfied. I will miss the Steels and all the family and friends that were connected to them. It has been an amazing ride and hoping for some spinoffs at least so we can stay connected. I loved every book and this one didn’t disappoint one bit, except for being the last one. Thank you Helen! You have done an amazing job! Keep up the hard work. I am a true fan and friend of yours forever!
Oh my what a beautiful ending to this Saga. I have loved every book but this one is the icing on top. There's no cliffhangers, there's no what happens next, no what else. All my questions have been answered, even though I guessed a lot of the answers and by the book that came out, I realised my guesses were correct. So sad to see thissaga/story end but looking forward to what's coming next. Well done Helen, you are an amazing storyteller and very creative/imaginative. Can't wait for more!
I became invested in this series. It was a lot to get through sometimes. Would have to put reading on hold because the content could get so emotional. However, the characters would overcome so much in their lives and you see how they worked through unimaginable trauma and tragedy. They learned to cope with what had happened to them and remained good hearted people. I was so relieved when there was a happy ending. This family truly deserved it. And Yes Wendy Madigan is dead!!! Thank goodness. Thank you Helen Hardy for the Encore.
Helen’s writing leaves you invested in the characters from the first to the last page. This entire series has had both intrigue and romance from start to finish and has given us, the readers, an insight into a fabulous family - the Steels! Thank you for keeping all the characters together throughout the books and bringing good as well as evil to the forefront. Each page gave us both laughter and tears to catapult us into the next. Thank you Helen Hardt for 10 years of hard work, each book making us want more! So what’s next?
It's the end of an era - or should I say saga and I'm not afraid to say I am a little sad. It was emotional to get to the ending, wrap up all the drama and be left with saying goodbye to a family we have all grown to love. Helen Hardt not only gave us the new connections between Brenna and Jessie but also Maddie and Dave. She threw up for a loop with her last hurdle to climb but in the end it was a fabulous ride. I think this entire series should be a movie.
I applaud Helen Hardt for creating a memorable series that will always be my favorite of all time. She brought characters to life with relationships that felt real and had the reader hoping, dreaming and wishing the very best for each and every one that was written in every story.
We complete the Steel Brothers Saga with Maddie and Dave, but we must remember Talon started it all off in Craving. He will always remain close to my heart and will never be forgotten.
I have always loved the Steele Brothers Saga. This book is no exception. The wedding of four Steeles and Pikes ends up with everyone happy and accepting of the Steeles money. The Pikes no longer hate the Steeles and all is well with the Steeles. Life goes well for the Steeles as always. I guess this is the end of the Steele Brothers Saga Definitely enjoyed the series. Will there be a future for them?
This book like all the other Steel books was phenomenal! All the Steel men are strong and I myself have fallen in love with this family and the way they stick together. I couldn't believe Uncle Joe's diagnosis, my heart broke 💔. The Epilogue tied it all together and let us know what happens in their future but they feel like family to us after 30 books, I don't know about anyone else but I could read 30 more.
Helen Hardt is a master at making you feel apart of the story.
I cannot believe this series is over. 30 books and I loved each one. I am so happy my MIL Joan started me on this series. With the amazing ending, Helen Hardt definitely set herself up for some take off series in the future. Great job wrapping up storylines, but leaving some unanswered to start another series with some carryover characters. Great ending. Time for a few Christmas in July reading now