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Broken Dream
He’s a man hollowed by loss.
She’s his student…and the first spark he’s felt in years.
Angie Simpson has always been the quiet one in the “awesome foursome”—the youngest women in the Steel family. But now, miles from her ranching roots in Western Colorado, Angie is finally stepping into her own life. Medical school is grueling, but it’s her path. Her purpose.
Dr. Jason Lansing was once a rising star in the world of surgery, but a devastating car accident ended more than just his career. It took something far more precious. Now he’s exiled to teaching first-year anatomy lab, surrounded by eager students with two good hands who have everything ahead of them.
When beautiful Angie Simpson walks into his lab, she flinches at the cadaver table and reveals her interest in psychiatry—the one medical discipline Jason has no faith in. Still, Angie gets under his skin, and a stolen kiss in the lab awakens something inside him that he thought was gone forever.
But some boundaries aren’t meant to be crossed.
And some pasts refuse to stay buried.
She’s his student…and the first spark he’s felt in years.
Angie Simpson has always been the quiet one in the “awesome foursome”—the youngest women in the Steel family. But now, miles from her ranching roots in Western Colorado, Angie is finally stepping into her own life. Medical school is grueling, but it’s her path. Her purpose.
Dr. Jason Lansing was once a rising star in the world of surgery, but a devastating car accident ended more than just his career. It took something far more precious. Now he’s exiled to teaching first-year anatomy lab, surrounded by eager students with two good hands who have everything ahead of them.
When beautiful Angie Simpson walks into his lab, she flinches at the cadaver table and reveals her interest in psychiatry—the one medical discipline Jason has no faith in. Still, Angie gets under his skin, and a stolen kiss in the lab awakens something inside him that he thought was gone forever.
But some boundaries aren’t meant to be crossed.
And some pasts refuse to stay buried.
- GenresRomance
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
102 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hardt
202 books8,337 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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Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...
Unchained (Blood Bond Saga: One) is FREE!! Get it here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OccbIv
Nook: http://bit.ly/2u5tFOc
iBooks: https://apple.co/2KZpwSi
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2N0srL2
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2u7bHe0
Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NV9oa5
Nook: http://bit.ly/2zEclDb
iBooks: https://apple.co/2xWg393
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2xYJ70H
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2xKZGwJ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR_Breathless
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 12, 2025
Audiobook Review for Netgalley
Tropes you’ll find here:
- Forbidden romance (professor/student dynamic)
- Grumpy/sunshine energy
- Trauma healing & emotional scars
- Wealthy heroine / wounded hero
- Romantic suspense with cliffhanger ending
Trigger Warnings: Grief, trauma, loss, suicide.
I would consider this is a romantic suspense that grips you from the start and keeps you hooked until the final page. The suspense here isn’t about danger or high‑octane thrills it’s more about secrets, blackmail, and emotional entanglements that steadily raise the stakes.
Jason, a professor carrying devastating personal losses, finds himself drawn to Angie, a new medical student determined to chart her own path. Angie’s journey is especially compelling: she’s conflicted by family expectations, pulled into drama she didn’t ask for, and navigating friendships that sometimes blur into unsettling territory. All of this makes her connection with Jason feel even more forbidden and fraught.
The pacing is excellent there’s always something happening, whether it’s emotional tension, family drama, or the looming shadow of secrets. The romance is both tender and spicy, and the cliffhanger ending ensures you’ll want the next book immediately.
This was my first Helen Hardt read, and I’m impressed. The blend of romance, suspense, and layered character conflicts makes for an addictive listen. I’ll definitely be exploring more of her catalog.
Tropes you’ll find here:
- Forbidden romance (professor/student dynamic)
- Grumpy/sunshine energy
- Trauma healing & emotional scars
- Wealthy heroine / wounded hero
- Romantic suspense with cliffhanger ending
Trigger Warnings: Grief, trauma, loss, suicide.
I would consider this is a romantic suspense that grips you from the start and keeps you hooked until the final page. The suspense here isn’t about danger or high‑octane thrills it’s more about secrets, blackmail, and emotional entanglements that steadily raise the stakes.
Jason, a professor carrying devastating personal losses, finds himself drawn to Angie, a new medical student determined to chart her own path. Angie’s journey is especially compelling: she’s conflicted by family expectations, pulled into drama she didn’t ask for, and navigating friendships that sometimes blur into unsettling territory. All of this makes her connection with Jason feel even more forbidden and fraught.
The pacing is excellent there’s always something happening, whether it’s emotional tension, family drama, or the looming shadow of secrets. The romance is both tender and spicy, and the cliffhanger ending ensures you’ll want the next book immediately.
This was my first Helen Hardt read, and I’m impressed. The blend of romance, suspense, and layered character conflicts makes for an addictive listen. I’ll definitely be exploring more of her catalog.
September 2, 2025
5/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶
Broken Dream is book 3 in the Steel Legends Series by Helen Hardt.
Angie Simpson is starting medical school and is determined to follow in her Aunt Melanie Carmichael Steel's footsteps and go into psychology. Having to take Anatomy class and work with cadaver isn't all that appealing to her, but it a requirement and ones she's has to get through in order to become the Psychiatrist she wants to be.
Dr. Jason Lansing is the Professor of The Anatomy Lab and a man who's known far too much loss anyone should ever have to endure. He's teaching these Labs because a tragic accident took his surgical career and much much more. He's turned i to somewhat of a recluse. Going through the motions and trying to pick up the pieces of his life as best he can. Never paying much attention to anyone or trying to get close to others, until she came into his class. Now all he wants to do is get as close as possible to Angie Simpson.
Jason and Angie's attraction is burning with off the charts intensity. Forbidden and Taboo but neither one can deny this magnetic pull they have for each other.
These two characters are on fire and their lives are destined to be intertwined. Thwy have so difficult obstacles to overcome and with the Cliffhanger Helen left us with my heart is aching for them even more.
Helen has written yet another story that will pull on your heartstring and have you feeling all the emotions each one of them go through. Broken Dream will be living rent free in my mind for weeks to come.
3.5/5🌶
Broken Dream is book 3 in the Steel Legends Series by Helen Hardt.
Angie Simpson is starting medical school and is determined to follow in her Aunt Melanie Carmichael Steel's footsteps and go into psychology. Having to take Anatomy class and work with cadaver isn't all that appealing to her, but it a requirement and ones she's has to get through in order to become the Psychiatrist she wants to be.
Dr. Jason Lansing is the Professor of The Anatomy Lab and a man who's known far too much loss anyone should ever have to endure. He's teaching these Labs because a tragic accident took his surgical career and much much more. He's turned i to somewhat of a recluse. Going through the motions and trying to pick up the pieces of his life as best he can. Never paying much attention to anyone or trying to get close to others, until she came into his class. Now all he wants to do is get as close as possible to Angie Simpson.
Jason and Angie's attraction is burning with off the charts intensity. Forbidden and Taboo but neither one can deny this magnetic pull they have for each other.
These two characters are on fire and their lives are destined to be intertwined. Thwy have so difficult obstacles to overcome and with the Cliffhanger Helen left us with my heart is aching for them even more.
Helen has written yet another story that will pull on your heartstring and have you feeling all the emotions each one of them go through. Broken Dream will be living rent free in my mind for weeks to come.
December 18, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook!
I’m honestly pretty unsure how I feel about this book, so it lands at a 3/5 for me.
To start, I’m not a big fan of instalust/instalove. That said, I did enjoy both characters individually, and Jason’s backstory was genuinely compelling. I also tend to like a student–teacher dynamic, so the setup had potential.
But the biggest issue? These two do. not. know. each other. They barely have any real conversations, yet they’re both thinking things like “I might love them” or “I’d give up everything for this person.” Be serious. That’s not love—that’s sexual attraction.
For Jason, I can somewhat understand it. He hasn’t shown interest in anyone since his trauma, so the intensity makes sense on one level. But he’s also a grown man, and at times it really just felt like another example of a man taking what he wants without caring about the consequences—as long as it feels good to him.
Angie is always the one waiting. He shows up, fucks, and leaves. Rinse and repeat.
HOWEVER. That last hour??? What the actual hell was that ending? Because suddenly I was locked in. Fully intrigued. On the edge of my seat, wondering what’s actually going on.
So yeah—there are a lot of issues here. But it completely reeled me in at the end, and that alone is why this stays at 3/5.
I’m honestly pretty unsure how I feel about this book, so it lands at a 3/5 for me.
To start, I’m not a big fan of instalust/instalove. That said, I did enjoy both characters individually, and Jason’s backstory was genuinely compelling. I also tend to like a student–teacher dynamic, so the setup had potential.
But the biggest issue? These two do. not. know. each other. They barely have any real conversations, yet they’re both thinking things like “I might love them” or “I’d give up everything for this person.” Be serious. That’s not love—that’s sexual attraction.
For Jason, I can somewhat understand it. He hasn’t shown interest in anyone since his trauma, so the intensity makes sense on one level. But he’s also a grown man, and at times it really just felt like another example of a man taking what he wants without caring about the consequences—as long as it feels good to him.
Angie is always the one waiting. He shows up, fucks, and leaves. Rinse and repeat.
HOWEVER. That last hour??? What the actual hell was that ending? Because suddenly I was locked in. Fully intrigued. On the edge of my seat, wondering what’s actually going on.
So yeah—there are a lot of issues here. But it completely reeled me in at the end, and that alone is why this stays at 3/5.
August 31, 2025
Broken Dream is the story of a professor, Jason, who has list everything - his wife, his child and his profession as a doctor! Now working as a professor teaching students to do what he used to, he faces challenges daily with his current life. It’s been 3 years and he starts to feel like he’s dealing with his losses and struggles, then in walks Angie Simpson. The attraction between them is palpable and although they try to fight their attraction to each other, they fail. There are many obstacles in their way, so will they be able to find their way through them? This is a fast paced read and has a very heartfelt, emotional storyline. I highly recommend this book! This book is part of the Steel Brothers Series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 23, 2025
I listened to Broken Dream on audiobook, and it was such an easy listen! The dual POV, narrated by Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner, was really well delivered. Their voices were captivating, and the story genuinely had me hooked… I ended up listening to the whole book in two sittings over two days!
This was my first time reading a story by Helen Hardt. Although this book is part of a larger series, Steel Legends, I found that I could listen to it without any issues or confusion. There were a few nods to other family members, which I’m presuming are explored in previous books, but the story still flowed really well as a standalone. The student/teacher trope isn’t original, but the characters’ backstories really elevated the story for me. It ended on a cliffhanger, and luckily I have the next audiobook ready to go. I’m excited to see how the story progresses!
This was my first time reading a story by Helen Hardt. Although this book is part of a larger series, Steel Legends, I found that I could listen to it without any issues or confusion. There were a few nods to other family members, which I’m presuming are explored in previous books, but the story still flowed really well as a standalone. The student/teacher trope isn’t original, but the characters’ backstories really elevated the story for me. It ended on a cliffhanger, and luckily I have the next audiobook ready to go. I’m excited to see how the story progresses!
October 2, 2025
I will never stop reading about the Steel family! Now bring on the next book!
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Broken Dream by Helen Hardt — Audiobook Review
Broken Dream pulled me in from the moment Angie and Jason’s worlds collided. Angie, the youngest of the Steel family, has left her ranch life behind to chase her dream of becoming a doctor. She’s smart, determined, and trying her best to step out of the shadow of her family name. Jason, on the other hand, is a man carrying the weight of a tragedy that completely derailed his once-promising surgical career. Now teaching first-year anatomy, he moves through life with guilt, grief, and a refusal to let anyone get too close.
Their first real moment together? Electric. A stolen kiss in the lab sets off a chain of emotions neither of them is ready for especially Jason, who is terrified of wanting anything again. But Angie sees past his defenses, and the story becomes this beautifully messy dance between two people trying to rebuild themselves in different ways.
The audiobook experience made it even better. The narrators captured every layer Angie’s strength beneath her uncertainty, Jason’s heartbreak threaded through every clipped word, and the slow, simmering attraction that grows between them. You can hear the hesitation, the longing, the pain, and the spark. It added an emotional intensity that I don’t think I would’ve felt as strongly reading the physical book.
What I loved most is how the story balances the romance with the heavier emotional themes. Jason’s trauma isn’t brushed off, and Angie’s ambition isn’t minimized. Their relationship grows through honest moments, vulnerability, and the hope that maybe they can become whole again together.
I’m giving Broken Dream 4.5 stars. It’s heartfelt, steamy, full of tension, and completely absorbing. If you love romances where healing and passion collide — and especially if you’re an audiobook girly this one absolutely delivers.
Broken Dream pulled me in from the moment Angie and Jason’s worlds collided. Angie, the youngest of the Steel family, has left her ranch life behind to chase her dream of becoming a doctor. She’s smart, determined, and trying her best to step out of the shadow of her family name. Jason, on the other hand, is a man carrying the weight of a tragedy that completely derailed his once-promising surgical career. Now teaching first-year anatomy, he moves through life with guilt, grief, and a refusal to let anyone get too close.
Their first real moment together? Electric. A stolen kiss in the lab sets off a chain of emotions neither of them is ready for especially Jason, who is terrified of wanting anything again. But Angie sees past his defenses, and the story becomes this beautifully messy dance between two people trying to rebuild themselves in different ways.
The audiobook experience made it even better. The narrators captured every layer Angie’s strength beneath her uncertainty, Jason’s heartbreak threaded through every clipped word, and the slow, simmering attraction that grows between them. You can hear the hesitation, the longing, the pain, and the spark. It added an emotional intensity that I don’t think I would’ve felt as strongly reading the physical book.
What I loved most is how the story balances the romance with the heavier emotional themes. Jason’s trauma isn’t brushed off, and Angie’s ambition isn’t minimized. Their relationship grows through honest moments, vulnerability, and the hope that maybe they can become whole again together.
I’m giving Broken Dream 4.5 stars. It’s heartfelt, steamy, full of tension, and completely absorbing. If you love romances where healing and passion collide — and especially if you’re an audiobook girly this one absolutely delivers.
August 27, 2025
omg! this story was soooo good! I could not put it down! so may emotions are felt during this book with all the history. I could not put this story down. I cant wait to see what happens next with the professor and his student.
December 16, 2025
Jason is a licensed MD, now a professor, whose career as a surgeon ended after an injury he sustained a few years earlier that damaged his hand. On top of losing a career that he loved, he also had severe personal losses that he still carries with him, but he has better days as time goes on.
Angie is a new medical student who dreams of becoming a renowned psychologist like her infamous Aunt, whom she idolizes. To achieve that, she must take medical courses, including the surgical class Jason is teaching. She doesn't want to take the class, as cutting up a human body is nothing she ever wants to or plans to do, but it is required for her to obtain the medical certifications she needs for her career.
Both Jason and Angie notice each other with an immediate attraction. That is something he has not felt since his wife, which is both confusing and exciting. He cannot help but act on his desire for Angie, and she can't say no, for she feels the same. Unbeknownst to Jason, they are seen, and the person who saw them decides the best course of action is to blackmail Angie, knowing she comes from a very wealthy family and could pay a hefty sum to keep it quiet, as Jason could lose his job. She tries to deny they saw anything, and she won't admit anything is happening between her and her professor, but they refuse to back down. In the meantime, Jason is told about a possible new surgery that could fix his hand, and if it works, he could go back to being a surgeon again. At least get back one thing he lost from that horrific accident so many years ago, but he runs into some issues with getting the surgery approved.
The relationship is fast and furious, leaving them both confused about what to do. Neither wants to stop, but they both know it is taboo for a professor to be involved with a student. He could lose his job, and it's not something they can deal with now. But when Jason faces a decision he needs to make quickly, he decides it's worth the risk. Unfortunately, since this book ended ON A CLIFFHANGER, we do not know what happened to him or if what he had planned will happen.
The audiobook is dual-narrated by Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner. I am a HUGE fan of Sean's voice acting, which is one of the main reasons I requested this ALC.
Tropes :
- Forbidden Adult Romance
- Professor 30's x Student 20's
- Age Gap
- Trauma Healing
- Wealthy FMC / Wounded MMC
- Romantic Suspense
- Blackmail
- Mental Health
- Spice
Trigger Warnings: Grief for loss of family, Medical Trauma, Past Suicide
This is a fast-paced, shorter book at 7hrs 40min. Both narrators did an excellent job voicing their characters. It's easy to follow without many different characters to keep track of throughout. The romance was fast, like very fast. Not that I haven't read books that did that, but for a teacher/student, it was rapid. Another incident happened early in the book, soon after that first romantic encounter. I feel like the first interaction could have stretched out a little longer, but perhaps because the story is shorter, the author wanted to get that ball rolling fast. It was fast, alright. Again, I do like spicy books, so it's not like I am against it, but their relationship was odd. I won't get into details to avoid spoilers, since it is a short book, but his actions didn't quite match his thoughts. The ending was a whirlwind, leaving me with many questions, but I suppose that is the point of a cliffhanger. I enjoyed the story enough that I want to listen to the next book to see what happens.
This ALC was provided by NetGalley for Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review. Due to NetGalley's star rating, I gave it a higher rating to be fair to the author, but this is a 3.5 for me.
Angie is a new medical student who dreams of becoming a renowned psychologist like her infamous Aunt, whom she idolizes. To achieve that, she must take medical courses, including the surgical class Jason is teaching. She doesn't want to take the class, as cutting up a human body is nothing she ever wants to or plans to do, but it is required for her to obtain the medical certifications she needs for her career.
Both Jason and Angie notice each other with an immediate attraction. That is something he has not felt since his wife, which is both confusing and exciting. He cannot help but act on his desire for Angie, and she can't say no, for she feels the same. Unbeknownst to Jason, they are seen, and the person who saw them decides the best course of action is to blackmail Angie, knowing she comes from a very wealthy family and could pay a hefty sum to keep it quiet, as Jason could lose his job. She tries to deny they saw anything, and she won't admit anything is happening between her and her professor, but they refuse to back down. In the meantime, Jason is told about a possible new surgery that could fix his hand, and if it works, he could go back to being a surgeon again. At least get back one thing he lost from that horrific accident so many years ago, but he runs into some issues with getting the surgery approved.
The relationship is fast and furious, leaving them both confused about what to do. Neither wants to stop, but they both know it is taboo for a professor to be involved with a student. He could lose his job, and it's not something they can deal with now. But when Jason faces a decision he needs to make quickly, he decides it's worth the risk. Unfortunately, since this book ended ON A CLIFFHANGER, we do not know what happened to him or if what he had planned will happen.
The audiobook is dual-narrated by Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner. I am a HUGE fan of Sean's voice acting, which is one of the main reasons I requested this ALC.
Tropes :
- Forbidden Adult Romance
- Professor 30's x Student 20's
- Age Gap
- Trauma Healing
- Wealthy FMC / Wounded MMC
- Romantic Suspense
- Blackmail
- Mental Health
- Spice
Trigger Warnings: Grief for loss of family, Medical Trauma, Past Suicide
This is a fast-paced, shorter book at 7hrs 40min. Both narrators did an excellent job voicing their characters. It's easy to follow without many different characters to keep track of throughout. The romance was fast, like very fast. Not that I haven't read books that did that, but for a teacher/student, it was rapid. Another incident happened early in the book, soon after that first romantic encounter. I feel like the first interaction could have stretched out a little longer, but perhaps because the story is shorter, the author wanted to get that ball rolling fast. It was fast, alright. Again, I do like spicy books, so it's not like I am against it, but their relationship was odd. I won't get into details to avoid spoilers, since it is a short book, but his actions didn't quite match his thoughts. The ending was a whirlwind, leaving me with many questions, but I suppose that is the point of a cliffhanger. I enjoyed the story enough that I want to listen to the next book to see what happens.
This ALC was provided by NetGalley for Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review. Due to NetGalley's star rating, I gave it a higher rating to be fair to the author, but this is a 3.5 for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 stars
Broken Dream pulled me in with its quiet intensity and emotional weight—and then left me absolutely stunned by that ending. That cliffhanger? Criminal.
This audiobook is steeped in grief, restraint, and the kind of connection that sneaks up on you when neither person is looking for it. Jason is closed-off, sharp around the edges, and clearly carrying wounds that never healed. Angie is finding her confidence piece by piece, navigating an unforgiving academic world while learning who she wants to be outside of her family’s shadow. Their interactions are layered with tension, hesitation, and a line they both know they shouldn’t cross—which only makes everything feel heavier.
🎧 Audiobook performance:
Sean Masters brings a raw, weary depth to Jason that made his internal conflict feel very real. Isabelle Turner’s portrayal of Angie is soft yet grounded, capturing her vulnerability and quiet determination well. Together, the dual narration added intimacy and made the emotional moments hit harder.
The story leans more toward emotional buildup than fast-moving plot, and while a few sections felt slow, the chemistry and unresolved tension kept me listening. And just when things start to truly unravel—cut to black. I sat there in disbelief.
This is a solid listen if you enjoy angsty, forbidden romances with broken characters, complicated power dynamics, and endings that demand you immediately queue up the next book.
Broken Dream pulled me in with its quiet intensity and emotional weight—and then left me absolutely stunned by that ending. That cliffhanger? Criminal.
This audiobook is steeped in grief, restraint, and the kind of connection that sneaks up on you when neither person is looking for it. Jason is closed-off, sharp around the edges, and clearly carrying wounds that never healed. Angie is finding her confidence piece by piece, navigating an unforgiving academic world while learning who she wants to be outside of her family’s shadow. Their interactions are layered with tension, hesitation, and a line they both know they shouldn’t cross—which only makes everything feel heavier.
🎧 Audiobook performance:
Sean Masters brings a raw, weary depth to Jason that made his internal conflict feel very real. Isabelle Turner’s portrayal of Angie is soft yet grounded, capturing her vulnerability and quiet determination well. Together, the dual narration added intimacy and made the emotional moments hit harder.
The story leans more toward emotional buildup than fast-moving plot, and while a few sections felt slow, the chemistry and unresolved tension kept me listening. And just when things start to truly unravel—cut to black. I sat there in disbelief.
This is a solid listen if you enjoy angsty, forbidden romances with broken characters, complicated power dynamics, and endings that demand you immediately queue up the next book.
December 14, 2025
This book starts slow and a bit redundant, but give it time, I promise you won't be disappointed. I got tired early on of the "she's my student", "he's my teacher" internal monologuing going on. Also, while this isn't insta-love, it's only one step down. I can appreciate that Angie is the first woman to have sparked something in Jason in years and his need to latch onto that, but I feel like he shoved her up on some invisible pedestal and never let her down.
There's trauma, loss and grief in Jason's past, super heavy stuff and watching him come back to himself a bit felt right. Do I necessarily feel the chemistry with Angie, ehhhh, and his immediate need to latch on to her is a bit overwhelming. First day of class and we are already jumping straight into stuff. I wanted to put my hand out and say, wait, let's slow this down a bit, let me get a few more chapters in. So, while I do feel lust and need from him, I don't feel genuine emotional connection coming from him.
The storyline was fairly smooth. I didn't find myself wanting to skip over anything or having overt questions as to what was going on. It progressed at a nice tempo. I do have some questions more from a mystery standpoint (Ralph, I see you) and of course that massive cliffhanger!
Going to request the next book NOW!
There's trauma, loss and grief in Jason's past, super heavy stuff and watching him come back to himself a bit felt right. Do I necessarily feel the chemistry with Angie, ehhhh, and his immediate need to latch on to her is a bit overwhelming. First day of class and we are already jumping straight into stuff. I wanted to put my hand out and say, wait, let's slow this down a bit, let me get a few more chapters in. So, while I do feel lust and need from him, I don't feel genuine emotional connection coming from him.
The storyline was fairly smooth. I didn't find myself wanting to skip over anything or having overt questions as to what was going on. It progressed at a nice tempo. I do have some questions more from a mystery standpoint (Ralph, I see you) and of course that massive cliffhanger!
Going to request the next book NOW!
December 22, 2025
Book Review: Broken Dream by Helen Hardt
Broken Dream is a wildly implausible yet compulsively listenable romance that sits somewhere between disbelief and full engagement. The story follows a wealthy medical student in Boulder who seems to spend more time being desired than studying, quickly becoming entangled with her older professor, who is also her neighbor, while collecting attention from classmates along the way. The book frames this as destiny rather than cause for concern, setting the tone early.
The ethical red flags are plentiful and enthusiastically ignored. A significant age gap, a glaring power imbalance, and a professor who barely knows the heroine yet asks her to take a year off medical school to travel with him for experimental nerve surgery are all treated with earnest intensity. It is meant to read as epic romance, though it often veers into unintentional chaos. Still, the pacing works, especially in the final stretch, which escalates quickly and becomes genuinely gripping.
The audiobook experience elevates the story considerably. The narrators deliver strong, distinct performances that add emotional depth and momentum, smoothing over many of the story’s logical gaps. The book ends on a jarring cliffhanger that feels more shocking than satisfying, but by that point you are likely too invested to stop. Broken Dream is glossy, dramatic, and ethically questionable, yet undeniably hard to put down.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Broken Dream is a wildly implausible yet compulsively listenable romance that sits somewhere between disbelief and full engagement. The story follows a wealthy medical student in Boulder who seems to spend more time being desired than studying, quickly becoming entangled with her older professor, who is also her neighbor, while collecting attention from classmates along the way. The book frames this as destiny rather than cause for concern, setting the tone early.
The ethical red flags are plentiful and enthusiastically ignored. A significant age gap, a glaring power imbalance, and a professor who barely knows the heroine yet asks her to take a year off medical school to travel with him for experimental nerve surgery are all treated with earnest intensity. It is meant to read as epic romance, though it often veers into unintentional chaos. Still, the pacing works, especially in the final stretch, which escalates quickly and becomes genuinely gripping.
The audiobook experience elevates the story considerably. The narrators deliver strong, distinct performances that add emotional depth and momentum, smoothing over many of the story’s logical gaps. The book ends on a jarring cliffhanger that feels more shocking than satisfying, but by that point you are likely too invested to stop. Broken Dream is glossy, dramatic, and ethically questionable, yet undeniably hard to put down.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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December 4, 2025Broken Dream by Helen Hardy is exactly the kind of professor student romance that keeps you up far too late, telling yourself “just one more chapter.” If you love taboo tension, emotional damage, and a brooding male lead who practically drips darkness, this one is for you.
The dynamic between the characters is intense right from the start. The professor is beautifully broken, closed off, wounded, and carrying the kind of past that makes every quiet moment heavy with meaning. The heroine brings just enough warmth and vulnerability to balance him, and their connection feels both forbidden and inevitable.
Hardy does a fantastic job capturing the push and pull of their relationship: the moral lines, the internal conflict, and the chemistry that flares no matter how hard they try to deny it. The pacing is strong, and the emotional beats hit hard.
Why not five stars? A few moments felt a bit rushed, and I wanted a deeper exploration of certain backstory elements. But overall, Broken Dream delivers a dark, gripping romance with all the angsty tension and forbidden longing you could want.
If you are a fan of damaged heroes, fast paced intensity, and that irresistible professor student spark, you will not regret picking this one up.
The dynamic between the characters is intense right from the start. The professor is beautifully broken, closed off, wounded, and carrying the kind of past that makes every quiet moment heavy with meaning. The heroine brings just enough warmth and vulnerability to balance him, and their connection feels both forbidden and inevitable.
Hardy does a fantastic job capturing the push and pull of their relationship: the moral lines, the internal conflict, and the chemistry that flares no matter how hard they try to deny it. The pacing is strong, and the emotional beats hit hard.
Why not five stars? A few moments felt a bit rushed, and I wanted a deeper exploration of certain backstory elements. But overall, Broken Dream delivers a dark, gripping romance with all the angsty tension and forbidden longing you could want.
If you are a fan of damaged heroes, fast paced intensity, and that irresistible professor student spark, you will not regret picking this one up.
January 3, 2026
Rating: 4 star story / 5 star narration
Format: Audiobook - Dual narration by Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner
Series / Standalone: Interconnected Duet (Steel Legends, Book 3 - Book 1 in the duet)
Tropes: Forbidden (Instructor/Student), Age Gap, Insta-Lust
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for this gifted audiobook - all opinions are my own
This story had me hooked from the jump. If you like a forbidden romance, you will not want to miss this one. The chemistry between Angie and Jason is palpable and explosive when they get down to it. I love how this story focuses on their relationship while slowly giving us flashbacks and unfolding his past. It was done in a way to maximize the emotional tension and I loved it. And that cliffhanger was amazing and had me running for the next book.
I am so glad I experienced this in audio. These narrators were perfect for these characters and did an amazing job with the dual-style narration. The emotions were performed beautifully and added to the story for me.
***I did not read the first duet in this series and had no issue with the plot***
Format: Audiobook - Dual narration by Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner
Series / Standalone: Interconnected Duet (Steel Legends, Book 3 - Book 1 in the duet)
Tropes: Forbidden (Instructor/Student), Age Gap, Insta-Lust
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for this gifted audiobook - all opinions are my own
This story had me hooked from the jump. If you like a forbidden romance, you will not want to miss this one. The chemistry between Angie and Jason is palpable and explosive when they get down to it. I love how this story focuses on their relationship while slowly giving us flashbacks and unfolding his past. It was done in a way to maximize the emotional tension and I loved it. And that cliffhanger was amazing and had me running for the next book.
I am so glad I experienced this in audio. These narrators were perfect for these characters and did an amazing job with the dual-style narration. The emotions were performed beautifully and added to the story for me.
***I did not read the first duet in this series and had no issue with the plot***
December 11, 2025
Thank You NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the Early Listening Copy of Broken Dream book three in the Steel Legends Series. In true Helen Hardt style you are immediately sucked in and hanging on every word. This book focuses on Angela and Jason, he’s her Anatomy Professor and she’s his willing student body! There is an instant attraction and draw between them, where a line is crossed and they can never go back. Dr Lansing, Jason as he continues to tell his students to call him, lost his child in a car accident that caused his surgery career to come to a screeching halt, then loses his wife to suicide has reduced him to a college professor. When a college offer him an experimental surgery to fix his hand he jumps at it only to be knocked back by another Psychologist who just happens to be Angela’s Aunt Melanie Carmichael Steel. Brandon another student witnessed the first kiss and is now causing issues saying he wants information. Sean Masters and Isabella Turner did a great job and kept me interested in what's next to come.
December 28, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🌶️🌶️
Broken Dreams by Helen Hardt was done in dual narration with Sean Masters and Isabella Turner.
This was a new-to-me author for me, and I was completely pulled into this story. The narration added a lot of emotional depth, especially with how the MMC’s trauma and internal conflict were portrayed. The FMC’s perspective balanced that well, and Isabella Turner did a great job bringing her emotions forward.
The story explores heavy themes, including grief, guilt, and emotional turmoil. The tension between the characters felt very real, and the struggles the MMC faces after experiencing profound loss were handled in a way that felt believable and raw. The emotional push and pull between the FMC and MMC kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, this was an intense and emotional listen, and I am definitely interested in checking out more from Helen Hardt after this one.
I absolutely jumped straight into Healed Heart, the second book, because I needed answers immediately. After how Broken Dreams ended, there was no way I was stopping there. I needed closure, clarity, and to see how everything actually played out. If you start this series, be warned, you will not want to pause between books.
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🌶️🌶️
Broken Dreams by Helen Hardt was done in dual narration with Sean Masters and Isabella Turner.
This was a new-to-me author for me, and I was completely pulled into this story. The narration added a lot of emotional depth, especially with how the MMC’s trauma and internal conflict were portrayed. The FMC’s perspective balanced that well, and Isabella Turner did a great job bringing her emotions forward.
The story explores heavy themes, including grief, guilt, and emotional turmoil. The tension between the characters felt very real, and the struggles the MMC faces after experiencing profound loss were handled in a way that felt believable and raw. The emotional push and pull between the FMC and MMC kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, this was an intense and emotional listen, and I am definitely interested in checking out more from Helen Hardt after this one.
I absolutely jumped straight into Healed Heart, the second book, because I needed answers immediately. After how Broken Dreams ended, there was no way I was stopping there. I needed closure, clarity, and to see how everything actually played out. If you start this series, be warned, you will not want to pause between books.
December 4, 2025
This professor/student romance truly threw caution to the wind… which is exactly where I had to throw my common sense a few times.
The spice? Fine. Not bad, not unforgettable—just enough to keep me reading. What I did struggle with was rooting for either character. The FMC is a trust-fund student with minimal growth, and the MMC’s entire personality seems anchored to the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. It’s sad, yes, but it doesn’t leave much room for development beyond “brooding professor with trauma.”
Still, the messy, forbidden dynamic had its hooks in me, and I found myself turning pages just to see how chaotic things could get. And then—boom! Cliffhanger. The kind that makes you close the book, blink twice, and immediately check if the sequel is even out yet.
A flawed but bingeable read—perfect when you want drama, tragedy, tension, and spice without having to think too hard.
Arc Read with thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley:)
The spice? Fine. Not bad, not unforgettable—just enough to keep me reading. What I did struggle with was rooting for either character. The FMC is a trust-fund student with minimal growth, and the MMC’s entire personality seems anchored to the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. It’s sad, yes, but it doesn’t leave much room for development beyond “brooding professor with trauma.”
Still, the messy, forbidden dynamic had its hooks in me, and I found myself turning pages just to see how chaotic things could get. And then—boom! Cliffhanger. The kind that makes you close the book, blink twice, and immediately check if the sequel is even out yet.
A flawed but bingeable read—perfect when you want drama, tragedy, tension, and spice without having to think too hard.
Arc Read with thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley:)
December 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and the author for a copy of this audiobook.
This was a mixed read for me. I was interested in the setup right away. A grieving professor and a driven med student is the forbidden romance trope I usually enjoy. But the execution didn’t fully work for me.
The beginning felt slow and repetitive, especially with the constant internal reminders that she’s his student and he’s her professor. Once things started moving, they moved very fast. The attraction makes sense, but the emotional connection didn’t feel earned. Jason latches onto Angie almost immediately, and while I understood why he wanted something good after so much loss, it felt more like fixation than real intimacy. I felt lust and desperation, not love.
I did really enjoy the narration, it was very easy to listen to. Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner did a great job.
This was a mixed read for me. I was interested in the setup right away. A grieving professor and a driven med student is the forbidden romance trope I usually enjoy. But the execution didn’t fully work for me.
The beginning felt slow and repetitive, especially with the constant internal reminders that she’s his student and he’s her professor. Once things started moving, they moved very fast. The attraction makes sense, but the emotional connection didn’t feel earned. Jason latches onto Angie almost immediately, and while I understood why he wanted something good after so much loss, it felt more like fixation than real intimacy. I felt lust and desperation, not love.
I did really enjoy the narration, it was very easy to listen to. Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner did a great job.
August 30, 2025
Shattered dreams, broken pieces...
Dr. John Lansing has experienced devastating personal loss. It has crushed his emotional compass and he finds himself floundering That changes when he meets Angie Simpson.
Angie is one of the youngest women in the Steel family. She's very independent and does not flaunt her wealth. She is in her first year of medical school, but her goal is in psychiatry like her Aunt Melanie. To attain this, she feels she needs to learn the connection between physical and mental health. Her teacher is Dr. Lansing and right away there is an immediate spark between them. Their journey is touching and emotionally powerful. I recommend this story, and I look forward to reading more in Healed Heart.
Dr. John Lansing has experienced devastating personal loss. It has crushed his emotional compass and he finds himself floundering That changes when he meets Angie Simpson.
Angie is one of the youngest women in the Steel family. She's very independent and does not flaunt her wealth. She is in her first year of medical school, but her goal is in psychiatry like her Aunt Melanie. To attain this, she feels she needs to learn the connection between physical and mental health. Her teacher is Dr. Lansing and right away there is an immediate spark between them. Their journey is touching and emotionally powerful. I recommend this story, and I look forward to reading more in Healed Heart.
December 2, 2025
This is very entertaining!
Honestly, it would’ve been a five star read—the only negative thing I have to say, and this is me being a bit nitpicky, is that the story moved a little too fast.
I would’ve loved more tension and build up. I think had a little more time been devoted to build up, the romance could’ve been insanely satisfying. All the elements are there; chemistry, passion, lust… but I would’ve loved to have seen those things develop, instead of them happening pretty immediately.
This book is very short, so I’m sure that a huge art of why this story felt just a little rushed.
But, I want to be clear, I enjoyed this so much, I just think it could’ve been about 150 pages longer, and the story would’ve only benefited.
I’m excited to jump into the next book!
Honestly, it would’ve been a five star read—the only negative thing I have to say, and this is me being a bit nitpicky, is that the story moved a little too fast.
I would’ve loved more tension and build up. I think had a little more time been devoted to build up, the romance could’ve been insanely satisfying. All the elements are there; chemistry, passion, lust… but I would’ve loved to have seen those things develop, instead of them happening pretty immediately.
This book is very short, so I’m sure that a huge art of why this story felt just a little rushed.
But, I want to be clear, I enjoyed this so much, I just think it could’ve been about 150 pages longer, and the story would’ve only benefited.
I’m excited to jump into the next book!
September 2, 2025
Broken Dreams is the third book in the Steel Legends series.
Angie Simpson is a first year medical student and even though she wants to become a psychologist she has to take an anatomy course much to her dismay.
The minute Dr. Jason Landing laid eyes on Angie there was an instant attraction. Jason is still dealing with an event three years ago that changed his personal and professional life forever.
As the story continues so does the forbidden romance between Jason and Angie.
In true Helen Hardt fashion this book is full of surprises, romance and of course a cliff hanger. I can't wait to read the next book!
Angie Simpson is a first year medical student and even though she wants to become a psychologist she has to take an anatomy course much to her dismay.
The minute Dr. Jason Landing laid eyes on Angie there was an instant attraction. Jason is still dealing with an event three years ago that changed his personal and professional life forever.
As the story continues so does the forbidden romance between Jason and Angie.
In true Helen Hardt fashion this book is full of surprises, romance and of course a cliff hanger. I can't wait to read the next book!
September 2, 2025
Broken Dream is the 3rd book in The Steel Legends series and it was so good. The story involves Angie Simpson, daughter of Marjorie Steel, who is a first year med student going into the Psychiatry field like her Aunt Melanie Steel, and Dr. Jason Lansing a Professor of Anatomy and surgeon, but experienced tragic loss 3 years ago, that changed his life drastically. Their attraction is immediate and also frowned upon since it’s a between a teacher and student. Can their relationship overcome all the obstacles that face them. Of course an intense cliffhanger leaves you asking so many questions and wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book. Thank you Helen! 💜
December 15, 2025
This story had me completely engrossed free m beginning to end. The narrators of this audiobook were
Sean Masters & Isabelle Turner. They did a fantastic job bringing Dr. Jason Lansing and medical student Angie Simpson to life for me. Their voices are perfect for these characters, their vocal inflections are spot on. Isabelle has a wonderful soothing young voice and Sean's masculine deep voice kept me entranced. If you are into doctor/professor-medical student forbidden romances then you have to listen to this audiobook. It does end with n a cliffhanger so I'm on to listen to the conclusion.
Sean Masters & Isabelle Turner. They did a fantastic job bringing Dr. Jason Lansing and medical student Angie Simpson to life for me. Their voices are perfect for these characters, their vocal inflections are spot on. Isabelle has a wonderful soothing young voice and Sean's masculine deep voice kept me entranced. If you are into doctor/professor-medical student forbidden romances then you have to listen to this audiobook. It does end with n a cliffhanger so I'm on to listen to the conclusion.
December 20, 2025
Broken Dream by Helen Hardt is an emotional contemporary romance. This is a student/teacher romance between the main characters that include a healing professor and a student trying to find their own way, where they find each other and Sparks fly. There is suspense in the story and a lot of emotions that pull readers deeper into the story. The narration is well done and only adds to the story. Its well written moves along at a nice pace that keeps readers engaged. This is not a standalone, readers are left with a cliffhanger so plan to read the next book in series.
December 14, 2025
Professor x student
Age gap
Romantic suspense
Dual POV - 1st person
Cliffhanger
Dual narration - Sean Masters & Isabelle Turner
What an emotional story. Holy moly.
Jason is a college professor dealing with deep emotions from past trauma. He has lost everything, his family and his career. Going through life basically numb, until he meets her, Angie breaths life back into Jason.
I need more. I desperately need to know where this story will take Jason and Angie.
Age gap
Romantic suspense
Dual POV - 1st person
Cliffhanger
Dual narration - Sean Masters & Isabelle Turner
What an emotional story. Holy moly.
Jason is a college professor dealing with deep emotions from past trauma. He has lost everything, his family and his career. Going through life basically numb, until he meets her, Angie breaths life back into Jason.
I need more. I desperately need to know where this story will take Jason and Angie.
December 14, 2025
Broken Dream. 4.5 ⭐️
Wow. Broken Dream is incredibly complex, filled with suspense and is a psychological thriller with spice.
Make sure to check your trigger warnings.
I loved this and at the same time, sobbed for the MMC. Oh my.
Read this is you like:
⭐️Office Romance
⭐️Relationships after trauma or loss
⭐️Forbidden Romance
⭐️Suspense
Thank you Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for sharing this ARC with me.
December 18, 2025
I devoured this book. At first I was thinking it was another typical professor/ student trope but this book took me on a ride. It is beautifully written and provides the reader with flashbacks without them getting lost with the current story. The character development was great and you can literally picture what the characters look like along with being able to relate to how the characters are feeling. I want more of this story and series. Definitely read this series... You will not regret it.
September 4, 2025
hope for the hopeless
Absolutely fantastic story with unforgettable characters. I love how people in Helen’s books find each other and in their own way help heal the sorrow in their hearts. Every one of her books just keeps getting better. And thank you for only having to wait a month for the next one. Sometimes there are multiple months and it’s very difficult to keep track.
Absolutely fantastic story with unforgettable characters. I love how people in Helen’s books find each other and in their own way help heal the sorrow in their hearts. Every one of her books just keeps getting better. And thank you for only having to wait a month for the next one. Sometimes there are multiple months and it’s very difficult to keep track.
September 7, 2025
Loved this book as I always do any of Helen's books but not too happy with Jason and the way he is treating Angie! He's using her and not considering her feelings and yes I know he has trauma in his past but that's still no way to treat a much younger woman who is I would say starry eyed. I hope he doesn't end up hurting her because he's a walking red flag right now.
December 18, 2025
2.5⭐️
*Audiobook ARC courtesy of Netgalley*
I feel like this plot could have been made to be more believable. I’m an insta-love hater, so I found their relationship incredibly shallow. I find it incredibly hard to believe that after a single verbal interaction IN HIS CLASS they’re just gonna passionately make out?? No. And having sex in her kitchen on their third time being in the same room?? IM NOT BUYING IT. There was literally no depth at all in Angie and Jason’s relationship. They don’t know anything about each other, like at all. She knew he used to be a surgeon and he knows that her family is rich. That’s basically it. I didn’t hate the plot, but like I said, their relationship fell so flat that it just doesn’t make sense. And lest we forget him asking this same woman he knows NOTHING about to DELAY HER EDUCATION TO GO TO SWITZERLAND WITH HIM. Be so for real.
The narrators gave an excellent performance, I just really wish the plot were better for their sake.
*Audiobook ARC courtesy of Netgalley*
I feel like this plot could have been made to be more believable. I’m an insta-love hater, so I found their relationship incredibly shallow. I find it incredibly hard to believe that after a single verbal interaction IN HIS CLASS they’re just gonna passionately make out?? No. And having sex in her kitchen on their third time being in the same room?? IM NOT BUYING IT. There was literally no depth at all in Angie and Jason’s relationship. They don’t know anything about each other, like at all. She knew he used to be a surgeon and he knows that her family is rich. That’s basically it. I didn’t hate the plot, but like I said, their relationship fell so flat that it just doesn’t make sense. And lest we forget him asking this same woman he knows NOTHING about to DELAY HER EDUCATION TO GO TO SWITZERLAND WITH HIM. Be so for real.
The narrators gave an excellent performance, I just really wish the plot were better for their sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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