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Crossed Lines
He did the right thing.
Now he doesn’t know how to live with it.
Six months ago, Henry Simpson killed a man to save his sister and her fiancé.
His family sees a hero. He sees someone he doesn’t recognize.
Tabitha Haynes isn’t looking for complications. Medical school has taught her discipline and focus. But when she arrives for her best friend’s wedding and encounters Henry, her restraint snaps.
Their chemistry is instant and explosive. Henry wants her with a hunger that’s all heat and no promises. She meets him with an intensity that frightens her. But neither knows how to stop once the line is crossed.
Because some decisions are made in seconds. And some goodbyes arrive without warning.
Now he doesn’t know how to live with it.
Six months ago, Henry Simpson killed a man to save his sister and her fiancé.
His family sees a hero. He sees someone he doesn’t recognize.
Tabitha Haynes isn’t looking for complications. Medical school has taught her discipline and focus. But when she arrives for her best friend’s wedding and encounters Henry, her restraint snaps.
Their chemistry is instant and explosive. Henry wants her with a hunger that’s all heat and no promises. She meets him with an intensity that frightens her. But neither knows how to stop once the line is crossed.
Because some decisions are made in seconds. And some goodbyes arrive without warning.
- GenresAudiobook
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Helen Hardt
209 books8,400 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2026
Not for me. Although it was nice to be back with the Steel family again, this was probably the worst book in the series. All the main characters did was f*** and walk away, feel bad and then repeat walking away. We’re supposed to believe they love each other?
April 30, 2026
Being fully honest—and with nothing but respect for the author—this one just wasn’t for me for two very specific reasons.
First, it includes dubious consent that’s framed as acceptable because the woman “didn’t say no.” She explicitly acknowledges that she didn’t give consent, yet justifies it because she “didn’t ask him to stop.” On top of that, the male lead chooses not to use protection without his partner’s permission. That alone made this a really uncomfortable read for me.
Second… I simply cannot stand the MMC. Yes, he has trauma—but that doesn’t excuse how he treats people. He’s consistently cruel, dismissive, and self-serving. At one point, the FMC mentions that she used to think he was a good guy, and his response? “I am a good guy.” This comes immediately after the scene mentioned above. I don’t know… it just reads like the kind of guy who would also say, “But what were you wearing?”
No? Just me?
Honestly, the plot can be summed up pretty simply:
Man experiences trauma → lets it turn him into a terrible person → does nothing to actually deal with it → girl connected to said trauma (for reasons I don’t fully buy) likes him → he ignores her → kisses her → she says she doesn’t want sex → he does it anyway → refuses protection → gets mad when questioned → leaves her alone in a barn… during a thunderstorm.
From there, it’s a cycle of him ignoring her, convincing her to sleep with him again, treating her poorly, and repeating the pattern—set against wedding events, a random “hot, hippie” plus-one, and a final twist I just didn’t care about by that point.
So… yeah. There you go. You’re welcome.
This story, for me, was completely ruined by the MMC.
First, it includes dubious consent that’s framed as acceptable because the woman “didn’t say no.” She explicitly acknowledges that she didn’t give consent, yet justifies it because she “didn’t ask him to stop.” On top of that, the male lead chooses not to use protection without his partner’s permission. That alone made this a really uncomfortable read for me.
Second… I simply cannot stand the MMC. Yes, he has trauma—but that doesn’t excuse how he treats people. He’s consistently cruel, dismissive, and self-serving. At one point, the FMC mentions that she used to think he was a good guy, and his response? “I am a good guy.” This comes immediately after the scene mentioned above. I don’t know… it just reads like the kind of guy who would also say, “But what were you wearing?”
No? Just me?
Honestly, the plot can be summed up pretty simply:
Man experiences trauma → lets it turn him into a terrible person → does nothing to actually deal with it → girl connected to said trauma (for reasons I don’t fully buy) likes him → he ignores her → kisses her → she says she doesn’t want sex → he does it anyway → refuses protection → gets mad when questioned → leaves her alone in a barn… during a thunderstorm.
From there, it’s a cycle of him ignoring her, convincing her to sleep with him again, treating her poorly, and repeating the pattern—set against wedding events, a random “hot, hippie” plus-one, and a final twist I just didn’t care about by that point.
So… yeah. There you go. You’re welcome.
This story, for me, was completely ruined by the MMC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎧 Audiobook Review: Crossed Lines by Helen Hardt
Steel Legends, Book 5 — best read after the earlier books
Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC! Spoilers incoming!
As someone who’s been locked into this series, I was excited to finally see what happened to Henry. The audiobook captures his PTSD, guilt, and emotional unraveling well, and I liked getting that missing piece of his story. But this book was a mixed experience for me.
⚠️ Consent & Behavior Issues
There is dubious consent here. Tabitha never says “no,” but there’s also no enthusiastic consent, and Henry even acknowledges afterward that she didn’t actually consent. On top of that, he decides protection “isn’t needed” without talking to her first. The combination of no clear consent, no communication, and no protection made the encounter feel deeply uncomfortable, and the story moves past it too quickly.
Henry’s trauma is real, but the book often treats it as an excuse for him being cruel, dismissive, jealous, and emotionally inconsistent. He sleeps with Tabitha, pushes her away, repeats the cycle, and the narrative softens it because he’s hurting. That didn’t land for me.
⚠️ Tabitha & the Therapist Aunt
Tabitha is smart, capable, and becoming a doctor, so watching her accept behavior that feels beneath her was hard to buy. And the biggest plot issue for me: Henry’s aunt, who is a therapist, talks to him twice over a long weekend and then encourages him to “go get the girl” even though he clearly hasn’t dealt with his trauma, guilt, or abandonment issues. Nothing about his emotional state says “ready for a relationship,” so that advice felt rushed and out of character for a mental health professional.
⚠️ The Ending
Like other Helen Hardt books, this ends unresolved. Normally I don’t mind, but with the consent issues and the rushed “healing,” I’m not sure I want to continue immediately.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This had compelling moments and strong narration, and I’m glad we finally saw Henry’s aftermath. But the consent dynamics, Henry’s behavior, and the unrealistic emotional turnaround made this one tough for me. If you’re new to Helen Hardt, start with Book 1. If you’re already invested in the series, you’ll probably still want to read it — just know this installment is messy, uncomfortable, and imperfect.
Steel Legends, Book 5 — best read after the earlier books
Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC! Spoilers incoming!
As someone who’s been locked into this series, I was excited to finally see what happened to Henry. The audiobook captures his PTSD, guilt, and emotional unraveling well, and I liked getting that missing piece of his story. But this book was a mixed experience for me.
⚠️ Consent & Behavior Issues
There is dubious consent here. Tabitha never says “no,” but there’s also no enthusiastic consent, and Henry even acknowledges afterward that she didn’t actually consent. On top of that, he decides protection “isn’t needed” without talking to her first. The combination of no clear consent, no communication, and no protection made the encounter feel deeply uncomfortable, and the story moves past it too quickly.
Henry’s trauma is real, but the book often treats it as an excuse for him being cruel, dismissive, jealous, and emotionally inconsistent. He sleeps with Tabitha, pushes her away, repeats the cycle, and the narrative softens it because he’s hurting. That didn’t land for me.
⚠️ Tabitha & the Therapist Aunt
Tabitha is smart, capable, and becoming a doctor, so watching her accept behavior that feels beneath her was hard to buy. And the biggest plot issue for me: Henry’s aunt, who is a therapist, talks to him twice over a long weekend and then encourages him to “go get the girl” even though he clearly hasn’t dealt with his trauma, guilt, or abandonment issues. Nothing about his emotional state says “ready for a relationship,” so that advice felt rushed and out of character for a mental health professional.
⚠️ The Ending
Like other Helen Hardt books, this ends unresolved. Normally I don’t mind, but with the consent issues and the rushed “healing,” I’m not sure I want to continue immediately.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This had compelling moments and strong narration, and I’m glad we finally saw Henry’s aftermath. But the consent dynamics, Henry’s behavior, and the unrealistic emotional turnaround made this one tough for me. If you’re new to Helen Hardt, start with Book 1. If you’re already invested in the series, you’ll probably still want to read it — just know this installment is messy, uncomfortable, and imperfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
📚 Crossed Lines by Helen Hardt 🎧
Quickly into this one the setup already had me hooked. Love a best friend’s brother/off-limits trope 👀 Henry dealing with PTSD after having to kill a man to save his sister and her fiancé, and you can immediately feel how much that moment changed him as he tries to live with it throughout the story. There’s this constant heaviness under everything he says and does that makes the emotional side hit harder.
Then Tabitha shows up for the wedding and the chemistry between them goes from 0 to chaos REAL fast 😬 It’s messy, intense, impulsive, and honestly feels more realistic than a lot of romances when it comes to trauma and the kind of connections people cling to while trying to survive difficult moments in their lives.
🎧 The audio so good. Lance Greenfield and Vanessa Vasquez fit these characters so well. Listening at x1.25 speed and already stuck in the “okay one more chapter” cycle.
And here I am posting this at 2:32am pretending I’m asleep before my husband wakes up for work in 10 minutes 💀 so excuse any typos lol.
Thank you Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Quickly into this one the setup already had me hooked. Love a best friend’s brother/off-limits trope 👀 Henry dealing with PTSD after having to kill a man to save his sister and her fiancé, and you can immediately feel how much that moment changed him as he tries to live with it throughout the story. There’s this constant heaviness under everything he says and does that makes the emotional side hit harder.
Then Tabitha shows up for the wedding and the chemistry between them goes from 0 to chaos REAL fast 😬 It’s messy, intense, impulsive, and honestly feels more realistic than a lot of romances when it comes to trauma and the kind of connections people cling to while trying to survive difficult moments in their lives.
🎧 The audio so good. Lance Greenfield and Vanessa Vasquez fit these characters so well. Listening at x1.25 speed and already stuck in the “okay one more chapter” cycle.
And here I am posting this at 2:32am pretending I’m asleep before my husband wakes up for work in 10 minutes 💀 so excuse any typos lol.
Thank you Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Henry is suffering from PTSD after taking someone life to save his sister and her fiancée. Now, he is withdrawn and prefers to be alone. No one knows how to provide him the help he needs that is until his sister is getting married and her best friend Tabitha shows up for the wedding. It was instant attraction from both parties. What started off as steamy became a roller coaster of emotions. It was a lot of push and pull between both characters. I found Henry to be emotionally exhausting and he kept stringing Tabitha along. Her lack of self worth and the need to a part of the Steele’s family clouded her judgement of him.
I dislike the fact Tabitha kept bringing up the issue of being less fortunate and highlighted how she has to take out student loans for medical school etc. I also hated her comparison of Ms. Steele to her mom as both are in different income brackets. While one had to bend her back to provide for her children, the other was fed with a gold spoon.
The book ended on a cliffhanger so I am curious to see if and how things are resolved between the characters.
I dislike the fact Tabitha kept bringing up the issue of being less fortunate and highlighted how she has to take out student loans for medical school etc. I also hated her comparison of Ms. Steele to her mom as both are in different income brackets. While one had to bend her back to provide for her children, the other was fed with a gold spoon.
The book ended on a cliffhanger so I am curious to see if and how things are resolved between the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of *Crossed Lines* by Helen Hardt
Narrated by Lance Greenfield & Vanessa Vasquez
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3)
*Trigger warnings: dubious consent, morally grey MMC*
This book would have benefited from clear trigger warnings, as some aspects of the story may be difficult or uncomfortable for readers.
The MMC is dealing with PTSD after killing a man while protecting his sister, but he puts little effort into healing, and his behavior toward the FMC can be difficult to read at times. He comes across as morally grey in a way that may not work for all readers.
The FMC is an intelligent medical student who has fallen for her best friend’s brother, but their relationship is quite toxic.
The ending was unsatisfying, with a cliffhanger that either suggests a continuation or leaves things feeling unresolved.
This is not a typical romance and may leave many readers frustrated. However, for those looking for something darker or different, it might still appeal.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Narrated by Lance Greenfield & Vanessa Vasquez
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3)
*Trigger warnings: dubious consent, morally grey MMC*
This book would have benefited from clear trigger warnings, as some aspects of the story may be difficult or uncomfortable for readers.
The MMC is dealing with PTSD after killing a man while protecting his sister, but he puts little effort into healing, and his behavior toward the FMC can be difficult to read at times. He comes across as morally grey in a way that may not work for all readers.
The FMC is an intelligent medical student who has fallen for her best friend’s brother, but their relationship is quite toxic.
The ending was unsatisfying, with a cliffhanger that either suggests a continuation or leaves things feeling unresolved.
This is not a typical romance and may leave many readers frustrated. However, for those looking for something darker or different, it might still appeal.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay readers be aware this is book 1 of 2, so it does end in a cliffhanger.
In Crossed lines, our hero Henry crosses the line of NO decency, empathy and kindness way too many times, to even be marginally likable. I really felt bad for the heroine, its not that she does not have a backbone, she does, but she had no control over her urges. I just felt she was abused emotionally, way too much for this book to be something worth reading.
Based on the blurb of the next book though, it looks like there's going to be a lot of groveling / redemption. At least that's my hope.
Narration by Lance Greenfield & Vanessa Vasquez was actually very good, given the number of characters in the book and you do get the MC's emotional state through their tones and intonations.
Overall a marginally decent read.
#netgalley #CrossedLines
In Crossed lines, our hero Henry crosses the line of NO decency, empathy and kindness way too many times, to even be marginally likable. I really felt bad for the heroine, its not that she does not have a backbone, she does, but she had no control over her urges. I just felt she was abused emotionally, way too much for this book to be something worth reading.
Based on the blurb of the next book though, it looks like there's going to be a lot of groveling / redemption. At least that's my hope.
Narration by Lance Greenfield & Vanessa Vasquez was actually very good, given the number of characters in the book and you do get the MC's emotional state through their tones and intonations.
Overall a marginally decent read.
#netgalley #CrossedLines
May 15, 2026
Crossed Lines
This is a generational book, meaning it’s like the third or fourth generation of Steels - so if you’ve followed the Steels from the beginning, you’ll love still hearing about the family history. This book is pretty emotional though because in the last book Henry killed someone in defense of his sister and her fiancé. In this book he is dealing with the repercussions that act has upon his psyche. Tabitha is a med student and a bridesmaid in his sisters wedding. Henry is instantly affected by her, but he’s in such a bad place mentally that he can give her anything more that short quick attention. But after a particularly slow and sweet round of love making, they finally admit that they care for each other. Too bad she’s going back to college and he just had a house fall on him!! Yep that’s how it ended. Still I loved every bit of this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a generational book, meaning it’s like the third or fourth generation of Steels - so if you’ve followed the Steels from the beginning, you’ll love still hearing about the family history. This book is pretty emotional though because in the last book Henry killed someone in defense of his sister and her fiancé. In this book he is dealing with the repercussions that act has upon his psyche. Tabitha is a med student and a bridesmaid in his sisters wedding. Henry is instantly affected by her, but he’s in such a bad place mentally that he can give her anything more that short quick attention. But after a particularly slow and sweet round of love making, they finally admit that they care for each other. Too bad she’s going back to college and he just had a house fall on him!! Yep that’s how it ended. Still I loved every bit of this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recovery is a process. It takes time and patience...
Everyone says Henry Simpson is a hero, but he does not agree. Even though he saved his sister and her fiancé in the process, he feels he can't get past taking another person's life.
Tabitha Hayes is to attend her BF's wedding. She meets Henry and a high voltage attraction happens between the two of them. Their feelings raise complications as Henry has not dealt with his issues and until he has, I'm not sure it's a good idea for them to continue. His emotions are up and down and it's not fair to Tabitha to be unsure where they stand.
As this ended on a cliffhanger, I am curious to find out where this story leads us.
Everyone says Henry Simpson is a hero, but he does not agree. Even though he saved his sister and her fiancé in the process, he feels he can't get past taking another person's life.
Tabitha Hayes is to attend her BF's wedding. She meets Henry and a high voltage attraction happens between the two of them. Their feelings raise complications as Henry has not dealt with his issues and until he has, I'm not sure it's a good idea for them to continue. His emotions are up and down and it's not fair to Tabitha to be unsure where they stand.
As this ended on a cliffhanger, I am curious to find out where this story leads us.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I must start this review by saying this pains me to rate/review a Helen Hardt book because they are soo good!
For me the two main characters are just too childish for their age.
The constant reminder of poverty/lower class/college debt/work so hard/I got it myself etc really is jarring to the story with Tabitha
and the PTSD being terribly presented/worked thru by Henry doesnt work.
They are too broken people that truly do not bring out the good in eachother and they both need some serious therapy.
For me the two main characters are just too childish for their age.
The constant reminder of poverty/lower class/college debt/work so hard/I got it myself etc really is jarring to the story with Tabitha
and the PTSD being terribly presented/worked thru by Henry doesnt work.
They are too broken people that truly do not bring out the good in eachother and they both need some serious therapy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. Tabitha and Henry take it to the next level. Not sure what love feels like and having your date tell you that what you are feeling is love. Henry after killing a man to protect not only Tabitha but his sister and soon to be brother has definitely taken a toll on him.. Just when things are becoming clear and Henry has a plan a accident happens and that's where we leave off. Waiting for answers and to see if they can face the fact they are in love and what they are going to do about it... Can't wait
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ALC from Net Galley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, from the very beginning.
The MMC is clearly struggling and makes some bad choices (that will probably make some female readers mad), but it definitely builds his character.
There is clearly something meaningful building between the MMC and FMC...but holy heck, I wasn't expecting THAT cliffhanger!!!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, from the very beginning.
The MMC is clearly struggling and makes some bad choices (that will probably make some female readers mad), but it definitely builds his character.
There is clearly something meaningful building between the MMC and FMC...but holy heck, I wasn't expecting THAT cliffhanger!!!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook. I absolutely loved this book so much! After Henry experienced something tragic it's hard for him to move on with his life and poor Tabitha is caught in the cross fire. I was pretty upset it ended on a cliffhanger though! 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read by Helen Hardt.
I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
Henry has experienced something very traumatic, and Tabatha gets caught in the middle of it. Can’t wait for the next installment to see how things work out.
I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
Henry has experienced something very traumatic, and Tabatha gets caught in the middle of it. Can’t wait for the next installment to see how things work out.
May 21, 2026
Wow
Talk about a cliffhanger this book definitely has one... Helen Hardt you are a brilliant writer!!! I will recommend your books every day 🥰
Talk about a cliffhanger this book definitely has one... Helen Hardt you are a brilliant writer!!! I will recommend your books every day 🥰
May 22, 2026
I've read all the Steel books and loved them all I've enjoyed following all their journey's but I feel its too repetitive and predictable
May 23, 2026
Another book of Helen Hardt's that ends in a huge cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I listen to the audiobook and enjoyed listening to the narrator. This is an emotional read that is heartbreaking. The story is a mixture of emotions and struggle.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews