Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dillinger Chronicles #5

Steel: The Dillinger Chronicles

Rate this book
Kerrion “Steel” Dillinger experienced a heartbreak that carried him through the years. Once a lover boy, he’s turned his back on love and settled for temporary pleasures. These days, his sole focus is being a father to his six month old son and running his defense academy. Falling in love isn’t even on his radar until she shows back up.

Neha Malone thought she could run from her past. When a job opportunity lands her in the same city as the man she once considered the love of her life, Neha realizes that the past will always catch up to you and old feelings die hard.

When the two cross paths again, a world of hurt, anger, and betrayal swirls around them. What happens when the love of your life has done the unthinkable? Is forgiveness an option, or can some things not be swept under the rug?

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Kimberly Brown

106 books279 followers
Various authors.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
3,637 (75%)
4 stars
971 (20%)
3 stars
187 (3%)
2 stars
17 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,250 reviews473 followers
December 2, 2025
10 years after ghosting her college sweetheart, Neha is back in town for a new job opportunity. She knows Kerrion and his family still live there so, she’s mastered the art of avoiding him. But, when they finally run into each other, it was not like old times and there was definitely no pickin’ up where they left off for these two. Kerrion hasn’t been the same since Neah dipped on him and broke his heart. The man who use to want to be locked down by one woman no longer exists. Kerrion’s time is spent teaching at his self-defense academy, takin’ care of KJ, and gettin’ in the occasional hook up when necessary. When he finds out Neha is back, he’s confused and unsure how to feel about her presence. Kerrion’s story was a lot more intense than I anticipated. KB hit us with a couple of bombs that had my mouth on the floor and had me grabbin’ my wine and my tissues. There were a lot of hurdles to get over before Neha and Kerrion could get to their second chance at love and, baby, those hurdles were hurdling. Buckle up and get ready for a bumpy ride.
Profile Image for Melise.
556 reviews81 followers
November 21, 2025
This one started off rough for me because I just felt like the reason for Neha’s disappearance was meh. Like I get she experienced some difficulties but how y’all so in love but you ain’t tell him about your trauma?? Once Steel stopped being a jerk it all started to come together. The family provided well timed comedic relief and it was nice to see Steel and Jaeda’s bond. Overall this one was good not over the top great but enough to entertain.
Profile Image for Shalana.
507 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2025
Kerrion was going THRU IT! That man needs to be blessed by a priest, have his house cleaned by a healer and do intensive therapy because my word. 

We finally get the ultimate Lover boy of the Dillinger family story and all this man got was pain. This is essentially a 2nd chance romance but is also soooo much more. We're now 5 books into the series and we get updates on all the characters we've grown to love. We get to watch this crazy family be....well wild AF and get to see them support Kerrion unconditionally. 

It's truly a fun read just prepare to need a pallette cleanser after. 

Trigger warning for death during child birth, recollections of domestic violence and self harm. 
Profile Image for Morgan.
84 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2025
Steele and Smoke are neck and neck for me when it comes to favorite brother! This book tackles some heavy emotional territory (definitely check your triggers), but the storytelling was phenomenal. And that plot twist....baybeeee, I almost threw my device.

What really set this one apart for me was Steele himself. His empathy, sensitivity, and deep longing to be a good man—and an even better father—shone through every chapter. Even in the moments where he and Neha were touch-and-go (understandably so), you could feel how much he wanted to do right by the people he loves. I’m happy they found their way back to each other, because the emotional payoff was absolutely worth it.

And as always, a Dillinger book is always coming with perfectly timed comedic relief—much needed and very welcome considering the intensity of the subject matter.
Profile Image for _SimplyRead.
118 reviews31 followers
November 26, 2025
I was most excited read Steel story from the way he moved in previous books. This one tackled some serious stuff so please check trigger warnings.

In my opinion this story brought back the KB I fell
In love with! I think she is top tier on writing a beautiful emotionally intelligent man, a powerhouse black family, and although the topic is heavy she weaves it into the story in such a way that builds the plot effortlessly.

I hate what happened to Donna but understood that had to happen to make room for the emotions Steel carried for his long life love. Ms Anita inability to cope was the toughest part to read, but I can say I saw her plan early on in the book and that part was a bit disappointing but I enjoyed how it played out.

Neha reason for doing what she did was meh to me. Although I understood I don’t think it was enough for her
To run off and do what she did without explaining herself.

Steel was such a good MMC he had depth and him as a father was sexy AF! His on page emotional breakdowns were so raw and humbling. They built up his character and now he has taken the #1 spot for me amongst the other brothers. I loved all the on page interaction with the kids.

Overall thus was a really good story and I am excited to see what’s next in this series
Profile Image for Tami.
367 reviews
December 28, 2025
Listen.. I get that she was grieving an unimaginable loss but Anita is a mad bumborass woman🫠
I don’t feel anyway about her exit.

Kerrion and Neha deserved their happy ending. Nayelli and Kerrion’s relationship was the cutest. I absolutely love how this family rides for each other. They’re dysfunctional and chaotic but I love them.

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for ↬ Ⓛ.
372 reviews752 followers
July 29, 2026
Her reason for leaving him was so stupid, and it was even stupider of her to keep the baby a hidden secret. SSS = "STEEL STUPIDER SECRET" SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE TITLED.
Profile Image for Latazia.
325 reviews15 followers
June 5, 2026
4⭐️


Whew! This book was the most emotional in the series for me. I felt a range of emotions while reading this one. Anger, pity, sadness, anxiety, and relief. Steel & Neha’s story was not one for the faint of heart.

Steel was a dream! That was a stand up man who took care of his at all cost. I loved the way he stepped up no questions asked for his child and also how he raised his baby boy. He was going through so many things so to see them conquer them all had me relieved and happy for him. I honestly don’t feel he had an anger problem unless you messed with one of his.

My girl Neha disappointed me so bad! I understand where she was coming from but it just wasn’t all the way adding up in my head. I do applaud her for doing what she thought was best but I felt it did more harm than good. I loved the mother she was and how fast she bonded with Kj!

Steel & Neha’s love was complicated but beautiful. I felt Steel forgave too fast but I enjoyed their intimate moments and the deep conversations they had. They read as soulmates and I could understand how their love conquered all. Their family was so cute together.

As always, this family rides for each other and had me laughing through majority of the book. I’m glad Jaeda tore into Neha but I loved how welcoming the family is to everyone no matter the circumstances. Donna momma had me STRESSSEDDD!

I wanted to give this story 3 stars but just because I loved Steel so much I bumped it up!

- second chance romance
- secret baby
- single dad
- healing from trauma
- urban black romance
- found family
- hilarious family dynamics

Profile Image for Stacie.
2,634 reviews277 followers
November 21, 2025
4.5 Stars!
KB put these characters through it! I loved this story but I do wish there had been a little more on page rebuilding of their romantic relationship. Or some happy flashbacks from the past to display how intense their love was back in college. A little more show, maybe less tell. But again, I still (lol) loved it. I can't wait for more from the Dillengers. Hopefully.
Profile Image for Sharika Sellman.
256 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2026
Awwww Steel is definitely a big teddy bear that can quickly turn into a Grizzly! I really enjoyed this story, it was so heartfelt from beginning to end ! A lot of things in the book were a shock and even though he experienced so much grief and loss I am happy that we was able to finally get the ONLY women he wanted to spend forever with !

STEEL is definitely my favorite of the brothers … now on to the next book…..
Profile Image for Bathabile Ralitsela.
114 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2026
Kerrion And Smoke Are Definitely My Favorite Brothers 🥺🤍

What An Emotionally Aware Man. Some Of The Chapters Had Me Choked Up Ngl 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

I Repeat, Kimberly Brown Will NEVER Steer You Wrong. My Queeeeeen!!!
February 26, 2026
I enjoyed this book but I have lots of questions and opinions.
If Steel and Neha were so in love why didn’t his family that’s so close and her family never meet Steel or Neha? Like I would have expected his siblings to have met her at least.
Also I didn’t get how everyone else noticed that Donna and Neha resembled each other but Steel didn’t. Having Steel admit his attraction to Donna because of her close resemblance to Neha would have made their attraction more believable after so many years.
I also felt like Steel would have happily been in a relationship with Donna if that’s what she wanted. He mentioned numerous times how she didn’t want to be married. He looked at Donna as a best friend and he loved her but how he treated her gave more than what he was saying.
Lastly, how he wore the chain with the D charm that was supposedly for his son gave I’m hers….I don’t know
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,648 reviews50 followers
November 21, 2025
Perfect book

If Kimberly have not given us an apology then I would be totally pissed right now. I say that because this book was emotional and tore my soul up. Kerrion has become my favorite Dillinger because he was in tune with his emotion and also a provider just like he was raised to be.

Neha, I understood her but her communication skills should have come into play 10 years prior. The way she stood up for herself and didn't hold back when they came at her top was awesome. Her sister on the other hand is me as a spirit animal. The army of one line was epic. She matches all energy plus some.

Let's not get on the twist because I don't want to do spoilers but be prepared to cry and rage all in one.

This is a 10 star read.
Profile Image for Vanna D.
8 reviews
January 5, 2026
I absolutely love the Dillingers Series, but Steel’s story was definitely my least favorite. What really bothered me throughout this book was the fact that after learning that Donna passed away in the hospital, not once did Steel ask if he could see her? He just went to see his son. This is his best friend and he loves her, but only asked to see his son after she literally died giving birth to this child? I don’t know, that threw me off. Then obviously his son ends up getting kidnapped towards the end…I am tired, literally in every book there is someone being kidnapped. I really wanted to love this book but it slowed down after Steel and Neha formed their little family, skimmed after 71% until the abduction happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_).
435 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2025
Steel

Steel is an emotional, character-driven addition to The Dillinger Chronicles series, and Kimberly Brown delivers a story that is equal parts heartfelt, painful, and deeply healing. This installment follows Kerrion “Steel” Dillinger, a man shaped by betrayal and heartbreak—wounds that pushed him from being a devoted lover boy to someone who chose temporary comfort over real connection. Now, Kerrion is a dedicated single father and the disciplined owner of a defense academy, with no intention of inviting love back into his life. That is, until Neha Malone returns.
Seeing Kerrion’s layers unfold made this book such a good read. Beneath his tough exterior, he’s truly a teddy bear—gentle, soft-hearted, and incredibly endearing, especially when it comes to his son. Kerrion in full-on daddy mode is honestly the sweetest part of the whole story. His growth, vulnerability, and loyalty really shine through, and it felt so easy to root for him.
One of the biggest charms of this series continues to be the family dynamic. The Dillinger family is warm, funny, supportive, and always beautifully woven into the narrative. Adding Neha, Dinah, and Nayelli to the mix made everything even more adorable. Watching their relationships develop—each one unique, delicate, and meaningful—gave the story a richness that went beyond the main romance.
Neha’s journey brings its own emotional weight. Running from her past and then being confronted with the man she once loved makes for a powerful and messy reunion. The hurt, anger, betrayal, and unresolved feelings between her and Kerrion create a tension that feels real and earned. Their story raises tough questions: When someone you love does the unforgivable, is forgiveness even possible? Or are some wounds too deep to close?
The side arcs also pack a punch. What happened with Donna left me genuinely sad, and Miss Aneita’s grief was portrayed in a way that felt raw and believable. Grief can twist people in unexpected ways, and Brown handled that complexity well.
Overall, Steel is a great story—well-paced, emotional, and full of heart. The romance, the family bonds, and the personal growth all work together beautifully. I truly enjoyed this installment, and now I’m even more excited for Mia’s book. Kimberly Brown just keeps delivering.
Profile Image for Nini.
128 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐️

*Trigger Warnings* death during childbirth, suicide, child kidnapping, hallucinations, and grief.

This book was such an emotional roller coaster, poor Kerrion could not catch a break 😔

I did not like how him and Neha rekindled their relationship after her keeping a secret of that magnitude for so long 🤨 I just personally didn’t enjoy, nor did I care for, their reconciliation. Do not get me wrong, I empathize with her and her reservations, but the way she handled it was crazy!!! She waited far too long to tell the truth, and honestly, it seemed like if she had never run into Kerrion again, she had no intention of ever revealing it. She wasn’t moved to do the right thing on her own, she was forced into it by circumstance. Then the fact that everything wrapped up with a HEA after such a massive betrayal 😒🙄🙄🙄 It wasn’t it for me, Kerrion deserved better.

That being said, the story itself kept me engaged from beginning to end. There was always something happening, and the plot never felt stagnant. Between all the twists, emotional moments, and unexpected turns of events, I stayed invested in seeing how everything would unfold. That extra 0.5 star is solely for the fact that, despite my issues with the romance and ending, the author still delivered a compelling story that kept me turning the pages and had me screaming at that crazy ass lady Anita 🫣🤯
3 reviews
November 20, 2025
Steel!!! 💚💚💚

First things first! When it comes to writing about a family that loves each other hard and that you’ll love just as much. Kimberly Brown is gonna give you that every single time! With this one you’re gonna get all of the things that you love about the Dillingers; action, laughter, and lots of love. Yet, you will also get new topics that are unique to these two particular characters.

Reading their story and going through their journey was an emotional one for sure. Which makes sense because Steel is the emotional Dillinger. Yet, like his father and brothers, he is an amazing father to his own son. Neha is a layered character who has a lot of her own personal things that she has to work through. Their journey is not an easy one! They are two people who are hurt and ultimately trying to pick up the pieces and figure out how it all fits together.

I loved all the moments from the people that we’ve gotten to know and love throughout the series and even some new ones. I definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Monique.
699 reviews33 followers
November 20, 2025
At the end of Jaeda’s book I pretty much pegged what trope(s) would be present in Steel’s book. And while one was going to be glaring, there was also a very surprising turn of events. This was an emotional story about second chances, forgiveness, support, grief, and the power of family. Both characters made mistakes in their past but they were able to move forward in their healing and it was like a beat was never missed. Loved Steel as a dad, but seeing as how Senior is with all of his kids, was there ever a doubt? As always the Dillinger clan were up to their same shenanigans (talking shit & poppin out babies😂) but always showing up when it matters.
Profile Image for Tonya Terry.
165 reviews
May 28, 2026
Steel this story ripped at my heat. This was a little tougher than the others. So much he went through and little KJ he was hilarious. Naha was wrong but she admitted it and they were able to work through it.

They way they did Senior was hilarious he stays in trouble but they mess with him out of love. That family hold each other down no matter what. Donna’s mom was so off but sad. People handle things in different ways but she needed help a long time ago.
Profile Image for Danielle Phoenix.
92 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2025
One thing Miss Kimberly gone do is have me in my feelings!! She been touching me deep with these past few reads…whew… but baby this one right here!!! This was a great read!! She did that!! It was the growth the love the family for me!! I love this family!! Steel yeah he’s that man for real!! I love a man that ain’t afraid to show his emotions!!
Profile Image for Nadia.
666 reviews64 followers
November 22, 2025
Possible Spoiler ***

3🌟

I love this family so much ! The Dillingers are the most loving and closest family members.... I love Steel and his need for starting a family unit like the one he came from.... Neha messed it up for me 😤😒😒 Her keeping such a big part of him away from him without any justification,and without any consequences. he did not deserve that.....I wanted to love this....
Profile Image for Keziah Mccoy.
4 reviews
May 3, 2026
idk how she keeps doing this ‼️‼️‼️‼️

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL ‼️‼️ I LOVE THIS FAMILY💕💕💕💕💕 EACH STORY JUST GETS BETTER & BETTER. THIS STORY WAS NOTHING I EXPECTED IN THE POSSIBLE WAY.
Profile Image for Ebony.
317 reviews33 followers
August 6, 2026
This was my least fav of the series so far. I liked the characters in their own ways but I just didn’t care for their story. Even some of the scenes felt repetitive. I’m going to take a break because I don’t feel like letting Mia and Titan stress me out.
Profile Image for Trina.
31 reviews
January 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Steel is up there with Smoke and Quaid 😉
Profile Image for Anyae Outlaw .
117 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2026
I love this entire series !!!!!! I am a huge Kimberly Brown fan!!!!
30 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2026
Absolutely amazing!!! Steel is my favorite Dillinger!😍😍😍
3 reviews
February 14, 2026
This was my favorite story!!! Steel was just beautiful all around. Second chance romance 10/10 😍🔥👏🏽
Profile Image for Brisace.
614 reviews
January 29, 2026
I’m a sucker for second-chance romance and messy, unresolved history. A former lover boy turned guarded single dad meeting the woman who broke his heart years later sounded like exactly my kind of emotional setup. I wanted to see if love could survive betrayal, if forgiveness was even possible, and how two people with unfinished business would handle seeing each other again. Honestly, I came for the angst and stayed for the feelings.
Profile Image for 5 Star Delta.
354 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2025
I love a good “circle the block” story! Steel is for sure a top tier Book Bae!

I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated,

Now will Mia have a book???
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews