Hard as Steel

Men of Copper Mountain #2

by Aria Cole

Get ready to fall for ex-military man Knox, the second of nine fiercely over-protective brothers, and his Petal, the new girl in town running from a past that’s determined to catch up with her in this grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, over-the-top insta-love story.



Knox Steele is a man forged in fire—hardened by years of military service, scarred by loss, and convinced he’ll never need more than his quiet life on Copper Mountain. Until Perry walked into his world and turned it upside down.



Perry is everything Knox didn’t know he strong, sweet, and determined to build a life free from her past. But just as Knox has built walls around his heart, he now finds himself tearing them down for the love he never dreamed he could have. Perry’s gentle strength has transformed his solitary life as a loner on the mountain, and their undeniable chemistry keeps the fire between them burning hotter than ever.



Just when they think they've found their paradise, a ghost from the past returns, threatening to take away everything they've built. In a world where love was once Knox’s greatest fear, it’s now his most powerful weapon. And he’s ready to prove that no matter what, he’ll protect and cherish the woman who gave him everything he never thought he deserved.



The Men of Copper Mountain is a high-heat, emotional romance series that brings together rugged mountain men and the women strong enough to capture their hearts. Filled with rugged mountain men, steamy chemistry, heart-stopping tension, and a love as wild as the landscape, this book will sweep you away into a world where passion and desire are as untamed as the mountain itself.

Genres: Contemporary

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2024

About the author

Aria Cole is the pen name of a USA Today bestselling author who published her first book in 2012 and began writing contemporary romance long before that.

Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.

Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!

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Reviews

[Chalice · Rating 2 out of 5]

The couple: Knox and Perry

Romance trope: mountain man; instalove
Series: Men of Copper Mountain
Length: 123 pages

Plot: Perry is on the run from her terrible ex when she meets local blacksmith and mountain man Knox. It's instant sparks even as he tries to resist the beautiful florist.

Commentary: I thought this would be a quick, instalove sort of book, but I was disappointed by a couple of things. First, I felt like I was missing some context at the beginning, like I was just dropped into a story with some missing pieces. Secondly, the end of almost each chapter sounded like it was the end of the book and it was difficult to see how the story could continue (and in fact, nothing much of substance happened after all). I would get to the end of the chapter and think the story was over and then it would start again, as though the same loop was playing over and over. It made the story a little boring, to be honest.

Previous book in the series: Falling Hard: A Grumpy Sunshine Lumbersnack Romance
Next book in the series: Built to Last: A Grumpy Mountain Man and the Sunshiney Librarian Romance

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Men of Coper Mountain series each can be read as a standalone with a mountain man and the one who captures his undivided attention. Knox sexy as all get out retired military, he isn’t good with others after serving he has been through a lot, lost brothers, saw things he must live with, suffers with PTSD, has family that loves him, but he is better living along, and she he moves to the mountains to live away from everyone. Perry is sweet doesn’t recognize her strength she wants peace to live free of a past that seems to follow her as much as she wants to live free from a stalker, running her flower shop bring her joy, now she as her grandfather’s old truck and decided to get it restored taking it to the best. The magnetic pull is instant, and it can’t be ignored no matter how hard they try or may want to but when the past comes back to haunt her will he protect her, will she ever have peace, will he find the peace he seeks, and can they find happiness?

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scent of wildflowers is his first hint that something is different with her

Hard as Steel is the second book in the Men of Copper Mountain series. This story is about Perry and Knox. She is a florist who wants to get her grandfather's 1968 Ford truck fixed up and he is an ex military man who is the local blacksmith and runs the forge. She may not have a lot of money but she is willing to work for him as trade. Perry came to Copper Mountain to get away from her stalker of an ex, and she determined to make a good life for herself. Lucky for them both they find each other and forge a bond which will not be broken.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Knox and Perry’s story. Perry is everything Knox didn’t know he needed: strong, sweet, and determined to build a life free from her past. But just as Knox has built walls around his heart, he now finds himself tearing them down for the love he never dreamed he could have. Their undeniable chemistry keeps the fire between them hotter than ever. Until a ghost from the past returns, threatening to take away everything they've built. It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

Knox and Perry. I spent a part of this book thinking someone would explain Perry's name was it a nick name , and for what name? I am wondering why wasn't there a definite resolution to the stalker ex. I kept waiting for him to come back. Made for anxious reading in the final chapters. It would have been satisfying to hear he was locked up for something else and serving a long time! Just saying. I did like the powerful chemistry between them. They really did create a lot of heat together!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy to say that the Aria Cole stories that I loved are back! With some previous misses for me, this time she struck gold! I really liked Knox and Perry, wonderful main characters. The brothers are always joking and teasing and make a great addition to the book. I was hoping for more of a confrontation between the ex and Knox, it was resolved very fast. Overall, I'm a happy camper!

Safe read.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perry owns the local florist shop and Knox is retired military and is a mechanic. When these two meet sparks fly but when Perry's past comes to Copper Mountain Knox goes into protective mode. Hard As Steel is book two and a great addition to the Men of Copper Mountain series. The story is well written and filled with danger, past pain, steam, and a great ending. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good Steele brothers book. Knox is the blacksmith of the family who meets Perry when she brings her grandfather's old truck for him to fix. Perry owns a florist shop in town but is frightened because her ex has found her and keeps damaging the shop. Knox helps with fixing the shop and moves her into his cabin for protection. Knox has closed his heart off due to past hurt so fights his feelings for Perry who he calls Petal. This is a must-read.

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next in the series Men of Copper Mountain. I really liked Knox and Perry, wonderful main characters. The past haunts them but love prevails all its obstacles even the ghosts from the past that could destroy them. A great story and you are going to love it.

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

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't help falling in love with the couple

This is a sweet story about a rough ex military man And a florist. Doesn't seem like The normal couple But as you read through this book you realize they were made for each other. It's a short story when you can read quickly But enjoy it every page of it

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a great story. I loved every second of it. I couldn't put it down. I loved reading about Knox and Perry. Perry is everything that Knox needs in his life. She brings light to his world. Will they get their happily ever after?

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

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men of Copper Mountain book 2

Perry moved to Copper Mountain to escape and hide from her Ex-boyfriend that is stalking her and his actions are getting more aggressive. Knox is Copper Mountains local blacksmith. Perry asks Knox to restore her Grandpa,s old truck.
Knox doesnt realize he is soon going to restore his life.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox lives his life in isolation that is until he connected with Perry. It is heartwarming and well written and had me connecting with these two as they made a life together.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Knox and Perry. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, complications from the past, fears and steam.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh Knox

So approximately 3 seconds into this book and I was sold. Knox had me and I was done.

These two were adorable and Knox is the perfect book boyfriend. He’s going on my list to Santa this Christmas.

[Paul Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blacksmith

As the title gives you an incite into this book, a younger woman in the mountains and found herself in the write place and the write time. You must grt yourself a copy a good book waiting to be discovered.

[Janet Rivera-Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard as Steel

Loved it from the beginning to the end. You can actually vision Knox and “Petal”meeting and falling in love. The description of Knox as seen through Petals eyes and vice versa is great. These two know each other from the beginning. Love his nickname for her too.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

This is a very good book. Enjoyed it. The men on Cooper mountain sure are a handful. I loved his nickname pedal for her. They fit together so well.

[dianna fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Loved this story what a great addition to the series ! Looks like another brother has found his forever after! Can't wait to see who is next!

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a hot piece of garbage.

[Susie Botz wadsworth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

This whole series is such a let down. Wish I hadn’t spent the money and I only read the first 2 books - it’s not worth wasting my time with the rest.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed