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He is sin.

She doesn’t care.

Diana Steel has it all—a luxurious Denver penthouse, a limitless trust fund, and the job of her dreams at one of the city’s top architecture firms. Housing brooding Dragon Locke isn’t a priority, but when her sister asks, Diana relents.

Dragon knows what it means to fight for survival. Abandoned at eight and raised in the system, he’s been hardened by life’s brutal lessons. Addiction nearly destroyed him, and after a disastrous fall during his band’s European tour, he’s clawing his way back. Fresh out of rehab, he’s determined to rebuild on his own terms.

Diana’s offer of a place to stay should be the lifeline Dragon needs, but he hates charity, especially from someone like her. Yet when he steps into her world, the undeniable chemistry between them ignites something neither can control.

But Dragon is a man scarred by his past, with secrets so dark they threaten to consume him. He’s shared only fragments with his therapist and his closest friend—the rest he’s vowed to take to his grave. As Diana draws closer, she risks getting burned by the firestorm of pain and passion inside him. And Dragon isn’t sure he can let her in without dragging her into the depths of hell.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2024

237 people are currently reading
396 people want to read

About the author

Helen Hardt

202 books8,330 followers
#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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Fairuz ᥫ᭡..
507 reviews1,260 followers
May 21, 2025
2 Stars! ✨ Ugh, where do I even begin with this one? First off, massive thanks to Brilliance Publishing & NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of I Am Sin by Helen Hardt! I was really hoping to love this one, but unfortunately, it was a hard NOPE from me. I really didn't like it. 😬 Let’s dive in:

Okay, who in the world names their male lead DRAGON?! Like, I just couldn’t take him seriously! It felt like a joke, honestly. And don’t even get me started on Dragon himself. Dude is a walking disaster. He’s got anger issues, trust issues, and a million other problems. Not to mention, he’s rude as heck. Like, he’s out here talking about how he’s gonna "corrupt you, Diana," but it’s all talk and zero action. Bro, you’re not a big bad wolf, you’re more like a big bad joke. 😒

If I were Diana, I would’ve kicked him to the curb faster than you can say "bye." 😤 Like, sure, he’s got trauma (who doesn’t?), but that doesn’t give him a free pass to be a jerk. He goes to jail, Diana bails him out, and what does he do? Sulk and throw a tantrum. Uh, NO. Boy, BYE. 🚪

✨ Tropes Galore! ✨
✧ Bad Boy x Good Girl 
✧ Forced Proximity
✧ Tortured MMC
✧ Cliffhanger
✧ Unresolved Sexual Tension
✧ Angsty Romance
✧ Rude Hero
✧ Roommates to Lovers
✧ Dark Past

As for the narration… sigh Chloe Ryan was fine, but Jaime Lincoln Smith? Oof. 😬 I don’t know what happened there, but it was like nails on a chalkboard. I could barely understand half of what he said, and when he did the voices for other characters from Dragon’s POV? My brain still hurts from cringing. Seriously, the voice acting almost ruined the entire experience for me. 😖

The only reason I gave it 2 stars and not 1 is that Chloe Ryan’s narration was somewhat bearable. But the story? No thanks. That cliffhanger? Nope, I’m out. 🚫

CW:
- Addiction
- Mental Health Issues
- Jail Time
- Violence

So yeah, that’s my take. 🤷‍♀️ If you’re into angsty drama and forced proximity, maybe it’ll work for you. But for me? Hard pass. 🙅‍♀️
Profile Image for sashenka 🖤.
379 reviews107 followers
maybe-idk
December 30, 2024
I'm sorry but... his name is Dragon???? He's not even a big lizard?
Kinda want to read it because FMC seems to have a better situation than MMC but not sure I will because I won't take Dragon seriously

edit: heard it ends on a cliffhanger, so I guess I'll wait for the next book before trying this one
Profile Image for SelkieReader.
455 reviews
December 27, 2024
I just finished this audiobook and while I didn’t necessarily mind the story, I think that the story itself should have been paired down and finished. Book two is over kill. The story doesn’t warrant it. You aren’t craving to know more.
Honestly, so much of this book is just preposterous and feels overwritten. I still can’t get over the fact that this guy’s name is literally dragon. And he refers to himself as sin, which is utterly laughable.
I thought the title was going to be some type of play on the character, but no, it is extremely on the nose.
The MMC tells the FMC “I am sin” a few times and in a few ways.
It’s hard to keep a straight face when you read it.

The cliffhanger we got… I don’t see why there is a book two. The book really doesn’t grab you enough to want a series. It should’ve all just been taken care of in one book and got rid of the unnecessary parts of this book.
If you gave the main character a less ridiculous name, got rid of all the silly wording and the extra scenes, this book really would’ve worked as an interconnected standalone.
Move to another character’s story after.
I understand the need to do series as a writer, but this just somehow seems like pushing it.
Profile Image for Baelys.
54 reviews9 followers
July 6, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Unfortunately, this one didn't really work for me. I didn't feel any strong attachment to either the FMC or MMC. Dragon is your classic tortured rockstar hero, battling addiction and inner demons, convinced he's a terrible person despite clearly doing good things. But honestly, he just came off as rude, especially to Diana, and that made it hard to root for him.

Diana, on the other hand, felt like a rich-girl cliché. She constantly tries to prove that money doesn't define her, but we don't get much depth from her emotionally. Everything stays pretty surface-level, and I wish she'd dug deeper into her feelings. The worst part, though? The book ends on a cliffhanger with so many unresolved plot threads. Just give me another 100 pages and wrap it up. I flew through it, but it left me frustrated rather than satisfied.
Profile Image for Jessica Morales.
728 reviews60 followers
January 10, 2025
This book is a part of a Steel spin off series. If by chance you haven't read or finished the series. Don't you worry you still can read this book and understand it completely. I'm glad to still see some of our favorite characters.
Diana is strong woman who has learned not to trust easily but something about Dragon intrigues her.

Dragon has had a hard life. He been abandoned by those he thought that will always love him. Poor guy is trying to deal with his past to live but the past has found itself on his lap.

Yes in true Helen Hardt fashion this book ends in a cliffhanger. This is a short read and because of that it's missing alot of drama or suspense.
Profile Image for Jill Badker.
790 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2025
Oh my. Loving this start of the new generation of Steels. Diana agrees to let Dragon stay with her when he needs some support. But having him that close brings lots of challenges for both of them. Helen made the Steels a family I will always cherish. Now moving onto their children is a great opportunity to continue enjoying them all.
Profile Image for Amy.
160 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2024
Thanks must be extended to Brilliance audio and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook for I Am Sin, and I’m leaving this honest review now. My thoughts on the story are first, followed by the audiobook itself and production.
Now, where to start. I’m truly undecided about this story- and maybe that is because it feels so unfinished. I went into this really wanting to like Dragon- even with a silly name- but he makes it really hard. NOT. Cause he’s as dark as he thinks he is- a bad childhood and some substance use issues (and the former wasn’t even his problem!!!) but he could be a decent guy if he had manners and didn’t sulk as much.
Diana was also hard to listen to when she was constantly like “I’m not a spoiled girl like people think i am because of my rich family” but then I had to listen for like 5 minutes to her stress about only having expensive suits instead of business casual for her new job? And how she just couldn’t wear any blouse than what she picked or it would clash with the lack of belt with her slacks? Ugh, I think she was worse than Dragon.
Together, about the only thing they have is chemistry. Now, other than characters, what about the story? It had a LOT of potential, but I just think it wasn’t clear, maybe because the author wanted it to be mysterious to hook us in? I was a bit hooked in to finding out what went on, but not enough that the cliffhanger makes me want more, rather that I feel like I stopped reading a story halfway. Even with hints about Diana’s family, the author kind of dropped background information or bombshells (like a quadruple wedding? Her family being trafficked? Where did that come from and go?)
Will I read the next book to find out what happened to Griffin? Maybe. But do I care about what happens to Diana and Dragon? Not as much.
NOW!!!! I was graced with the 🎶🎶 audiobook, and I’d like to comment on that aspect alone. I liked the narrators a lot- I think they fit the character profiles well- one semi stuck up woman trying to prove herself and one dark man who sulks. They both had a fair ability to speak in other character’s dialogue and hooked me into listening to the story more than the story itself did. They were well paced and made it clear when chapters and the like were coming to a close. With the solid nature of the audiobook, I can more confidently give this a 3-3.5/5 than the 2-2.5 id give the book if I’d have read it on my own.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,791 reviews400 followers
December 23, 2024
I Am Sin by Helen Hardt was an intriguing and exciting mix of sexy, suspenseful and soul wrecking. Dragon and Diana's chemistry is scorching hot. But their emotional connection is more complex. The story ends with a shocking twist and I am eager to know what happens next.

✔️ drummer of an upcoming rock band× architect
✔️ opposites attract
✔️ bad boy - good girl
✔️forced proximity/ roommate to lovers
✔️ romantic suspense
✔️ triggers: addiction and mental health issues

Drummer of Dragonlock, Dragon Locke has a dark childhood that changed him forever. He is darkness personified. He had to abandon his friends in middle of the tour and get himself into a rehab centre. He is sober now but needs a place to stay near his rehab centre. His best friend arranges for him staying at Diana's penthouse. She is sister in law of Dragon's friend. She is exactly opposite of Dragon. Coming from a rich family, with a stable career, very straight. She didn’t want Dragon in her space initially but circumstances made it happen. She is so curious about the tortured musician. Their chemistry is insane too. Dragon knows he doesn't want a relationship but he is obsessed with Diana. Until his past catches up to him and his world is turned upside down.

It is book one of the duet and the dynamics is still changing a lot. Dragon is very closed off with iron walls around his heart. He can come across rude and c0cly and abrasive. But it's all an armor. Diana always walked the straight line. She has a very sweet and sassy personality and her fire attracts Dragon even more. They lock head constantly. A lot of push and pull is here. Dragon repeatedly warned her and tried to push her away, telling her that he is poison but obviously Diana has her own will. She did try to stay away from him as he is a complications and distraction she didn't need but she couldn’t help but feel compassion for the broken man. Dragon hates pity but Diana is different. He is locked behind the iron bars of his trauma and it's coming back to haunt him. Their bodies talk perfectly but will Dragon let Diana in? Will he ruin her?

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
1,015 reviews
December 28, 2024
This book has a HUGE cliffhanger.

Dragon is a recovering addict. He nearly ruined his life when he had a relapse. Now he is trying to get his life back on track but his past keeps intruding. When he moves in with Diana, he has to deal with his attraction to her. Diana is excited to start her new job at a top architecture firm. She agrees to let Dragon stay with her because he is a friend of her brother-in-law. Will the two of the stay out of each other’s way or will they discover that they have a mutual attraction?

Diana comes from a wealthy and well known family. This plays a major part in how she interacts with the world and how the world treats her. She is innocent and trusting even as people insist on reminding her that she is privileged. Dragon has a sad backstory. I like how the author included Dragon struggling with his addiction. Dragon’s past plays a major role in his struggles in this story. I am interested to find out where the author goes with Dragon in the next book. I can understand why Diana and Dragon would be attracted to one another. They have known each other for a while so him staying with her wasn’t totally weird. They are both hard workers who want to stand on their own two feet. I thought that was a good element in the story. There are a few side characters in the story but they don’t play a major role.

The book suffers from repetition. The author feels the need to remind readers about characters backgrounds and insecurities constantly but it rarely helped to push the story forward. I hope that the author doesn’t do a full recap of this story as part of the next story.

This story takes place in Colorado. This story includes proximity, childhood abandonment, privilege and adult activities. I think the basic story of two unlikely roommates acting on their attraction was pretty good. I think Dragon’s backstory has real possibility for being an excellent redemption arc. I didn’t love this book but it’s good enough that I am looking forward to reading the next book to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Living My Best Book Life.
986 reviews93 followers
January 11, 2025
"Some demons you never slay. Some you just have to learn to live with."


I Am Sin is a moving romance about a rockstar, Dragon, and aspiring architect, Diana, who are 'forced' to become roommates when Dragon leaves rehab. Readers can expect a suspenseful, spicy story that will leave you begging for book 2 in the series.

Dragon Locke...yes that is his real name...is part of a band who is doing his best to overcome past trauma and his battle with addiction. When he leaves rehab, he wonders what his next steps will be. But his best friend's wife tells him that he has a place to stay with her sister, Diana. Diana is sweet, charming, and has her sh^t together. With a new job that she will be starting in a few days, she believes getting along won't be a problem. But when they meet, chemistry fills the air and their strong personalities begin to clash.

Diana and Dragon begin to find their rhythm and enjoy each other's company learning tidbits about each other along the way. Diana quickly realizes that Dragon is closed off and faces his own demons, but she is hopeful that he can overcome any obstacle he faces. Dragon appreciates everything Diana is doing and also can't help but be attracted to her, but he doesn't want to put down his walls just yet.

When Dragon's past meets the present, will he be able to trust Diana with his heart? Can they ever be more?

Reading Helen Hardt is a comfort of mine because she always finds the perfect balance between heartbreaking and heart-warming. Her writing sweeps you up and takes you on a journey with her characters, and I was hooked reading about Diana and Dragon. When I realized I had reached the last page, I mixed with emotions; I was thrilled because it was another 5-star read by one of my favorite authors, and also left with anticipation, wondering how quickly I could get my hands on the next book in the Steel Legends series. Highly recommend I Am Sin!
118 reviews
December 27, 2024
Just like previous Steel cousins, I thoroughly enjoyed. Helen touched a bit on reminding us of Diana, and her past and what happened in high school. How that event lead her to how she is as an adult.

Then she gets the call from her sister, Brianna, calling for Jesse (Bri’s husband) asking if Dragon Locke can stay with her. Dragon is an addict and had been straight for years. After their first concert he and 2 groupies partied. Definitely, need to read Encore, for more details. His rehab is in Denver, where Diana lives. She knows Dragon, as Jesse is lead singer of their band.

In her own mind she is not sure that it is a good idea, but with her new job, she will be working a lot. She lands her dream job as an architect and is looking forward to working on a project that the company has. It is a mountaintop resort. So, with that in mind she takes Dragon in. Her penthouse has 3 bedrooms, so no sleeping issues. At least until their attraction gets hot and heavy.

Dragon is not a very talkative person and is somewhat dark. He still carries demons from his childhood, which Jesse and his therapist know, but he has never told them everything. He gives us a little bit, when having flashbacks. Diana gets him angry when she asks about his tattoo. Hoping, he will eventually tell her his story.

Then the first call about his sister, rattles him. Diana gets him a PI, but he still has not told her what call was about. Then he gets 2nd call to have PI back off. Now he wants to try and locate his parents. He has had no contact with them, since they gave him away. Dragon still doesn’t understand why they never believed him and just assumed the worst.

Now, Diana is wondering if her firm is more concerned with money after she has looked at the mountaintop plans. What will happen if she speaks the truth.

I can’t wait for I Am Salvation and getting these answers.
Profile Image for Serena.
773 reviews21 followers
January 11, 2025
5/5⭐️
3.75/5🌶

When I heard Helen was giving us another Steel Brothers World story my heart sang.
Finding out is was a story with Dragon Locke and Diana Steel made me feel giddy.

Dragon is struggling with not only his sobriety but his past demons that are determined to drag him back into the black bottomless pit of addiction and despair. He's determined to change course and be the friend, bandmate and man that Jesse and the rest of Dragonlock need him to be and deserve.
Diana Steel is determined to carve out her own path in life. The Steel heiress is not what most people seem to think she is. She's ready to take on the world and become an architect that is highly sought after. Getting her dream job at the best firm in Denver has her on cloud 9. When her sister & brother-in-law ask her if she can help Dragon by letting him live there with her so he's closer to his rehab she's hesitant. She caves and opens her home to a almost complete stranger but something about him and his look of vulnerability has her heart in a squeeze.
Dragon & Diana grow closer than either think they could get. The attraction is undeniable and the need for each other is too much to ignore.
When Dragon has a problem and Diana is the only person he can turn to they become closer than either thought possible. Dragons past is not letting him go and he's refusing to let it carry him under anymore. Diana has her own dark cloud hovering over her with her new job as well. The perfect opposites attract is addictive in this scorching story.

Helen has been the Queen of Cliffhangers for a long time and she keeps that title with the "keeps you on the edge of your seat" ending in I Am Sin.


















920 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2025
Good!

This story is filled with mystery, secerts and little dark and intense too.Diane is looking forward to starting her new job and she is very excited. Dragon is a man with hidden secerts, mystery, he is a troubled guy who has been in rehab and now he shares a place with Diane at the request of her sister and new brother in law who is his best friend and are in a band together in the past,Dragon really wants to clean up his act and he needs a second chance,he hopes Diane will be able to help him,but the second or third night he was there he got arrested for a crime he didn't do but only giving the girl money because she looked like his late sister Griffin and he felt sorry for her.Mean while the first day on the job Diane fines something about this big project she really wants to work on,should she say something or not and it's not setting right with her.Dragon gets a message that his sister is alive and Diane hooks him up with he family pics but when she trying to fine answers for him he gets another phone call to pull of his dog off or else and the guy knows it a women too.So now Dragon doesn't know what he should,Diane doesn't what she should do,she she be a whistle blower and save lives or keep her mouth shut to save her job,save the company money but maybe lives could be loss.What I didn't like about the book was where Diane kept going on about her new job over and over,about she will be putting in long hours has a airchect,there is other jobs that put in longer hours like lawyers,pi's.It kind of brought the story down for me about all she thinks of her self!
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,656 reviews51 followers
December 23, 2024
Dragon Locke is SIN

I'm so thrilled to be back in Colorado with the Steels. I AM SIN is the first book in Helen Hardt's new series, Steel Legends . It is an emotional read dealing with sensitive themes, an opposites attract, forced proximity story which, at times, broke my heart. This is part one of Diana Steel and Dragon Locke's story, and it was unputdownable.

Diana is about to start her dream job as an architect and has agreed to her sister's request that Dragon stay with her in her penthouse. Dragon is an addict and has spent the last six months in rehab, he has a dark past which has given him unbearable pain making him turn to drugs and alcohol to numb himself. He's determined to stay sober and reform his ways. The tension between Diana and Dragon is thick, yet there is an undeniable chemistry and pull between them. While neither wants a relationship, the heat between them scorches. I loved that Diana slowly began to draw Dragon out of his shell, but this man has so many deep, dark secrets to divulge, one which he never wants to speak about.

Helen Hardt has delivered the perfect beginning to Diana and Dragon's story. She brought both the light and darkness to their characters, as well some mystery and a touch of suspense which had me wondering who the mystery person was. of course, Ms. Hardt ends on a huge cliffhanger, one that definitely had me crying out for more. Another epic read from Helen Hardt.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Carmen M.
608 reviews9 followers
December 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ALC of I Am Sin, in exchange for an honest review.

"I Am Sin," is an emotionally-charged journey that explores complex and thought-provoking themes. The book follows Diana Steel, an aspiring architect, and Dragon Locke, a recovering addict. Despite their stark differences, an unexplainable force draws them together. As Diana starts her dream job, she agrees to let Dragon stay in her penthouse, unaware of the profound impact he will have on her life. Dragon, haunted by a painful past, is determined to stay clean and turn his life around. Although they try to resist the inevitable connection, the undeniable tension and powerful chemistry between them compel them closer. As the story unfolds, Helen Hardt beautifully balances moments of lightness with darker elements, infusing the narrative with mystery and suspense that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Through Diana's patient and compassionate approach, she gradually helps Dragon let go of his demons. However, Dragon harbors deep secrets, one of which he hesitates to divulge, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Helen Hardt's storytelling prowess shines through in this exceptional novel, as she artfully constructs the foundation for Diana and Dragon's journey. The book concludes with a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, anxiously awaiting the next installment.
The narrators truly brought the story to life. They did a fantastic job!
3.95 Stars!
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,451 reviews22 followers
December 25, 2024
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I reviewed the audio of the book and I was enthralled. I have always enjoyed the Steele family. Reading about another generation was right up my alley. Diana Steele wanted to make her own way as an architect. Sure, she utilized her family money, but she wanted to make a name for herself.

Dragon Locke is the drummer for the band Dragonlock. Yep, his name was so unique that they named the band after him. Yes, that was his real name. His parents, apparently, loved mythical creatures. Dragon’s sister’s name was Griffen. Dragon is just coming off a stint in rehab in Denver. Jesse Pike, one of the lead singers of Dragonlock, was married to Diana’s sister. Both asked if Dragon could stay with Diana so he could be close to the rehabilitation center. Now, Dragon is dark, dark. His past has many demons that led him to drugs and drinking to get away from it all. He knew he had to make a change when his had to miss the band’s big break to go back into rehab.

Diana and Dragon were as different as different could be with one exception. They were very attracted to each other. Diana needed Dragon to open up. Dragon has never told anyone his full story. Can he trust Diana? The attraction is explosive. Something special is happening between them. There is a mystery here along with a cliffhanger. Readers will be on the edge. Anticipation for the next book will be high for readers. I know I need to know what’s up next for these two.
739 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
Diana Steel has finally gotten her dream job with a big architecture firm, got her own fabulous penthouse and is ready to do her own thing. Problem is her sister, Brianna, wants Diana to let a very troubled Dragon Locke to stay with her while he recovers from being in rehab. Dragon is Briana’s new husband’s band mate and they want him somewhere safe while he gets stronger from his relapse. Diana and Dragon are like night and day but sparks fly between them anyway. Something really bad has happened in Dragon’s past and this past is coming into his present very quickly but he won’t let anyone help. Diana maybe the only one who can give him the strength to deal with what is about to happen.

I’m so excited for another Steel story line and this one seems to be as nail biting as the previous books. The reader knows something big is coming and Helen Hardt doesn’t disappoint. I Am Sin has a well written plot, a great hero and heroine with many layers, as well as good supporting characters who add so much to the story line. If you are a Steel fan, definitely check out this newest connection to the beloved series. I highly recommend I Am Sin and cannot wait for I Am Salvation!
Profile Image for Lindsey.
25 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced entertaining read, and finished it quickly. It has a bad boy rockstar MMC, and a good girl architect (but also wealthy heiress) FMC. He's had a lot of trauma in his past, and is a recovering addict. He's in her brother-in-laws band, and they ask her a favor to let him stay with her for a short period. So you have the forced proximity, slow burn, and some spice. There were some parts that were alittle cringy, like how he repeated a few times "I am sin" or that he'd "take her to hell." While he did have a dark past, he didn't seem to be that dark of a character to me.
Toward the end of the book, things from his past start to come back to haunt him, and he's on a quest to find answers. It ends with a slight cliffhanger. I wish it could've been wrapped up into one book, but I will definitely have to check out the second one in this duet when its out.

Thank you NetGalley, Author Helen Hardt and Waterhouse Press for the opportunity to ARC read for my honest review.
1,651 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2024
The first part of Dragon and Diana’s story is epic!

This story goes very deep into the soul of Dragon Locke. He is sin and lives in darkness. He is an addict who relapsed six months ago. He’s trying so hard to stay sober. He is the drummer of the band called Dragonlock, Diana’s brother-in-law’s band. Diana Steel is an architect in a new job. Her sister Brianna wants Dragon to stay with her while he’s in Denver. She dabbles into the darkness with Dragon, and she likes it, especially in bed. Wow, Dragon’s past that he never talks about comes flying into the present. Diana has an issue with a project in her job. Everything is a mystery at this point in both their lives. Then, of course, the end of this book ends in a cliffhanger, a big one. I can’t wait for the second book of this series. Helen Hardt just keeps you hanging on throughout her books and at the end wishing the next book was out already!
Profile Image for Tatiana.
176 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2025
This book took a while for me to get fully into.

I don't know if it was meant to be written this way, but Diana is the sometimes seems to be the snob she's LOUDLY protesting to not be. Especially at the beginning of the book. She just blames him for being strongarmed by her sister into letting him stay with her.

Dragon, is not at all what I was expecting. His darkness was mostly generational trauma, substance abuse, and a sullen disposition. His inner dialogue does not always match what is happening to the other charaters because his view points on Diana are lovely and he cares about her and wants to be around her because of the fact she has her life together and she is a positive person.

On the opposite side, these two do find their way into a connection even though Dragon still isn't ready to just let down his guard completely. The book does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared to wait for the next book!


4 reviews
December 23, 2024
Reading I Am Sin, brings you into the lives of the next generation of the Steels. Diana is starting her new dream job and has unexpected house guest to help her sister and new brother-in-law with a friend and fellow band member Dragon Locke. There have been hints that Dragon may have a hidden and dark past. We learn why he failed to perform in the UK with the band. Dragon is in needs a place to stay close to his rehab facility to help him on his journey of sobriety. Even though Diana & Dragon have barely had much to say to each other in the Steel Brothers history, they have been silently drawn to each other. Helen has written a great dialog between Diana & Dragon that allows Diana to break little bits of Dragon's secrets. Their story will have you wanting to sit and read the book as soon as you get it into your hands. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,036 reviews44 followers
December 24, 2024
Suspense
Good girl/bad boy
Forced proximity
Tortured MMC
Cliffhanger /duet
Spicy

Audio review
Narrated by: Chloe Ryan, Jaime Lincoln Smith
Dual POV
The narrators made it easy to follow the story

*** drug use, mental health

Dragon and Diana both are about to embark on a new journey.
Diana is about to start a new job as an architect with her dream company. Everything is looking good. As a favor to her sister, she agrees to house Dragon until he can get in a better situation. Fresh out of rehab, Dragon is not looking to be a charity case or a burden to anyone.
There is attraction and they both know it’s not a good idea to give in. However, the temptation was too great.

Dragon thinks he is undeserving of love. His past is both tragic and shrouded in mystery. Now it has reached into his future causing chaos.
Stay tuned for the finish!
Profile Image for Kristie Wagner.
953 reviews38 followers
December 26, 2024
This book was raw and real and I loved it. There are some dark themes so be aware of that, but it was such a great story with great characters. Dragon is a recovering addict and is now staying with his best friend's wife's sister. A sister who he can't imagine inconveniencing, but he can't seem to stay away from.

Diana has been working hard to get her dream job working in architecture, and now she's about to start it. Of course, her sister calls asking for a favor. But it's so much more than that. She wants her to let Dragon stay with her until their band is back together and he's playing with them again.

As they navigate this new arrangement they both realize that this is so much more than a roommate situation. They're digging into layers of each other that no one else has, and seeing them fall is so great. But oh my goodness, Helen, that cliffhanger?!?!!!
Profile Image for Amber.
282 reviews17 followers
January 9, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book so much!!!
Dragon Locke fresh out of rehab from his last relapse, is the drummer for the up and coming band, Dragonlock. (named after his uniquely cool name ) He becomes roommates with Diana Steele, who is his best friend's new wife's sister, and she is part of the infamous Steele family. Dragon and Diana have a love/ hate, grumpy/sunshine relationship. The sexual tension between the two is exciting and I loved every minute of it. Dragon has a darkness inside of him because of his past and Diana is a sweet good girl who wants to see some of that darkness. Can she bring lightness into his darkness... can they help eachother ... will Dragon find what he is looking for.. so many questions and it ended on a cliffhanger ....

Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to arc read the audio for this amazing story...
Profile Image for Barrie Mac.
1,697 reviews170 followers
January 22, 2025
I found this book to be confusing. Dragon, the male character, states he is sin but not sure how. He is also down on himself...like all the time, and it got very tiring. No one would hang out with a friend who talked negative about themsleves all the time. It just brings you down. In addition, Dragon was rude. He said it was due to his upbringing but no anyone can over come that. A simple thank you goes a long way. He talks about taking too much from others (friend paid for rehab, living with Chole) but he never says thank you! The cliffhanger was just seeing something small on the ground and a gasp...not much excitement. If there was less of Dragon complaining and more focus on what happened in his childhood and his sister, Griffin, this book could have easily been completed in one book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my free book.
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,284 reviews29 followers
December 23, 2024
Heart-touching and emotionally moving...

My heart is overjoyed that we get to experience more of the Steel family. I was left empty when the Steel Brothers series ended. Now we have Dragon and Diana's story starting the Steel Legends series. I was always wanting to know Dragon and what caused him to become an addict. We find out a bit about his past and heartache that gives us a glimpse of his earlier life.

Diana Steel, a complete opposite to Dragon, is drawn to him and can see pain in his eyes. She craves him both physically and emotionally. She wants to get inside Dragon's head, but he keeps telling her it's too dark for her. Helen Hardt has once again drawn us in with her beautiful words and I look forward to the conclusion of Dragon and Diana's journey.
Profile Image for Sue Ouellet-Cofsky.
2,539 reviews47 followers
December 24, 2024
It's been a very long time since I've been in the Steel family world and it feels great to be there. This family has been near and dear to my heart. (I really need to get caught up on the main series to see how these characters all come about-but I didn't feel lost nor did I feel like I found out so much that I can't go back if that makes any sense.) Dragon has some demons to slay-in a big way - and will soon learn that unless he lets people in and learns to trust, he may never live a full, rich life. Diana may be a pampered princess but is not immune to hard work. She'll soon learn that she may have to put everything on the line both in her career and in her love life. If steam is what you're looking for, Helen Hardt brings it.
71 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
I am Sin is the first book of the Steel Legend’s series and it was so good. I am so happy to be back in the Steel world. This book is about Diana Steel (daughter of Talon Steel), and drummer Dragon Locke of the band Dragonlock. Dragon is a dark, reserved, troubled man who is a recovering addict, but is drawn to the Steel heiress, Diana Steel. Their connection is all sorts of wrong, but feels so right. Can Diana get Dragon to open up to her, can Dragon fight these demons he has inside and find the truth of his past. Can Diana and Dragon’s relationship last.
I hope so. I hope Dragon finds answers, but of course a cliffhanger as usual. Helen is Queen of Cliffhanger’s and I can’t wait for I am Salvation to find out more!!
Thank you for a page turning, sexy, suspenseful, amazing book!
Profile Image for Jenna La Bollita.
342 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I DNF'ed this after finishing Ch. 10, 25% of the way through. The cover had me really intrigued, but the writing feels very stilted. The style is very much telling rather than showing, and it feels...forced. There is no difference between the FMC and MMC tone/perspective. The MMC is supposed to be dark and "sin" but it just seems like he has trauma? Being an addict isn't sinful. Maybe I didn't read enough to see what is so dark about him. The FMC feels fickle and wishy-washy.

Maybe I need to read more of the book to "get it", but after 10 chapters it didn't seem to be getting much better. I do my best to give books a fair shot and I also understand that my opinion is just that, my own opinion, but still.
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