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Steel Corps #1

Core of Steel

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Staff Sergeant Bea “Mic” Michaels is the leader of Steel Corps, an elite group of the finest men in the American Armed forces. Commissioned by the United States Government to do what other units cannot, existing both above and outside the law.
A new recruit, Corporal Chris Jordon, has just been delivered, but before he can call himself Steel, he must pass every physical and mental test Mic throws at him. Orders for a mission have come down and Mic must train Jordon faster than ever.
Their team is thrown into a desperate mission to rescue an undercover operative in the heart of Columbia. Forced to take down the head of the Fernando Cartel and the mysterious Frenchie, their mission is complicated when Mic and Jordon are lost to their team.
Digging deep within herself, Mic will need every ounce of her strength to save both her team, and herself.


256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2015

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129 people want to read

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J.B. Havens

24 books106 followers

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5 stars
162 (52%)
4 stars
88 (28%)
3 stars
40 (13%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Carol Ann.
103 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2016
Wow. This was very different from my usual read, but totally worth the read for a badass protagonist and a pretty decent plot line. Hidden gem in the kindle unlimited pile
Profile Image for David Dalton.
3,060 reviews
August 30, 2016
I am not quite finished (81%) but I had to get my thoughts down pat. I am certainly not the target audience for this story. This is a romance story within a so-called action military thriller. Just so not for me. The premise is that a female SSGT (E-6) is in charge of a special covert squad (beyond Delta Force or SEALs, or Green Berets) and leads her team into super tough missions. Okay, I gave it a shot.

So many things wrong, not with the idea of a tough female soldier, I like those type of characters, with "Queen" from the Jeremy Robinson's Chess thrillers; like: Callsign: Queen (Zelda Baker) being a Prime exaple. But Mic and her team do so many things wrong, and they whine a lot as well. I never read one thing that made them special. Not one thing that indicated they were super elite.

It was pretty easy to spot that the author did very little research into what and how special op teams do and what equipment they use. Canteens? Not anymore. MRE's in the field on a covet mission? But the icing on the cake that drove me over the wall: When on the run from the bad guys after the initial objectives were accomplished, a wounded soldier (the heroine Mic) dropped her backpack, Her backpack held her several things that would help to id her country's origin, but the big item was a "Top Secret" file! Oh my goodness! Who goes into a foreign country under covert status to kill a bad guy, carrying "Top Secret" files? Aggghhhh. What does J.B. think the word "covert" means???? That did it for me. I shook my head and knew I made a poor choice picking this book to read. And while on the run she kisses her fellow soldier who just pulled a bullet out of her. Oh yeah, that's romance. Bleeding and on the run for her life, she makes time for a little lovin. Aggggh again.

For readers that dig romance thrillers with a touch of action this is for you. I was looking for an action thriller by a super good covert team and came away VERY disappointed.
163 reviews
April 24, 2016
DNF 20%

No.

Just no.

I started reading this book because a friend was reading it, and I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about (I'll leave it to your imagination if it was good or bad fuss). It was included in KU, so I picked it up. Dear God I wish I never had.

The premise was interesting, I'm a sucker for military novels, especially ones that seem to be outside the mold. Within the first few pages, I discovered I had made a grave mistake.

The writing itself was a big issue, and I found myself wondering quite early if it had been to an editor or if the author just hit publish and called it done(your/you're mixups and tense swaps right out of the gate) but the sheer number of unnecessary descriptions (why the hell do we care if she's wearing Raybans or Nikes or what kind of specific car each member is driving. I almost expected the character to start reciting out of a spec manual) made me scratch my head. Add in the casual sexual harassment passed off as a joke, and the hints of instalove "though we can't do anything about it" and I was turned completely off from this. I give it 2 stars, if only because the author had the guts to publish.
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
November 20, 2017
3.5/4 stars

OK...I am going to start this review off by saying my rating doesn't reflect on the writing of this book, because the care, detail and research has certainly gone into this book. For me, I've read the Trident series and the Omega series (up to date) by Samantha A Cole, and I went on to read this series because the teams are connected, and the books cross paths. I loved the previous series, and I needed more. The thing with this book was the lack of romance. The connection was there with the Steel team and I loved that. The first half of this book was very slow for me, but the last 40% or so was perfect. It had me gripped on the edge of my seat. I cried for Phillips. I wanted to jump into the book and cause murder myself, I just wanted more from Bea and Chris, because I know from the other series' there is more to them. I look forward to going onto read book 2.
Profile Image for Missy Harton.
491 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2016
"...We do what others cannot. We ARE Steel."

What an EXCITING way to be introduced to the works of J.B Havens! The storyline is serious but there are several spots of chemistry and humor tied in making it the complete package!
A thrilling action packed journey of an elite group of, "ghosts, black-ops, spooks, operators...not Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force, (they) are all of those and none of them." Steel are in tip top shape; mentally and physically. Their constant training and conditioning allows for nothing but success. Each mission is different from the last; always highly classified and usually extremely dangerous. Their job is to "go in and dance with the devil so others don't have to."
Bea Michaels (aka Mic) is the leader of this group. She may be a female, but she is earned her place and demands nothing but perfection. She finds herself with a new recruit. Can she have Chris Jordan prepared and blended into this unit before their next mission? Beware of the epilogue...it's only going to make you want to know more!! If you're a fan of military type books, this is a MUST for you!
Profile Image for Samantha.
Author 99 books1,497 followers
May 16, 2016
I loved this book from Chapter 1 on. I even think I developed a girl-crush on Bea 'Mic' Michaels. She's kick-ass and in charge of an elite and covert team of US soldiers. She holds her own and then some as the only female on the team of rough and tough men. But she still has her vulnerabilities...and only one man seems to be able to see past her masks to the real woman underneath. However, she is Chris Jordon's superior so they have to fight their mutual attraction to each other. This book was face paced and heart stopping at times. It does end with several questions unanswered, but I'm sure that Book 2 will pick up right where this one left off and I can't wait to get into it. This is an action packed suspense story with the unacted upon sexual tension as a backdrop. I highly recommend it. GI Jane, meet Mic....she's going to give you a run for your money!
Profile Image for Trebonius Octavianus.
71 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2016
J. B. Havens, new action packed book is about an elite military team that goes on a precarious mission to rescue an undercover agent in the heart of South America. Pitted up against a formidable foe, the mission pushes the team's limits but endures with great leadership. Entertainingly, the plot line, and narrative will have you turning the pages wanting more. For me, I especially enjoyed Authors Film Noir writing style in the Core of Steel. 5 stars in my book!
Profile Image for Donna.
40 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2016
I was hooked from the beginning. I'm ready to get into book 2. I enjoyed the action in this book.
662 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2018
Altho I read and enjoyed the two books "No Way in Hell" I didn't enjoy this book near as much. I wasn't expecting such bloody violence - Some may but ..this story could have been told without the bloody gore. The other problem I found was the author doesn't know her military protocol very well. A NCO is NOT an officer and isn't saluted. An NCO is enlisted and even a staff sarg. isn't saluted regardless what position is held. Author needs to do better research if she is going to write military books! There is quite a few editing errors that I found that made the story a bit difficult & misspelled words don't help to make a smooth read. Bits and pieces didn't make sense for example: how did Diego (Mateo's son) know who Riley was and then how to make contact? He was never part of the team or inside where the son could see who he was! If he was assigned as a guard of the compound, it would have been redacted and not easily available to a hacker to find and to make contact with him through his mother the same night they got home??? If Diego killed Riley for being a traitor why did he leave the mother alive? She could identify him and/or his men. The names are not on the uniform so how did Diego know who Riley was? Riley was at the front gate, Diego came in through the woods.... there are other parts that just don't make sense....

I don't know if I will read the rest of the series....this one left more questions and holes than story....
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
May 9, 2019
Not your average elite Black Ops Special Forces team thriller. Not by a long shot. From beginning to end I could not wrap my head around this scat-talking, bodacious, female Staff Sergeant allegedly in charge of an elite special forces team. It never did come across right. Was this a serious opening volume to a new series, or a not so funny parody? We are led to believe this is an elite special forces team; how so? They botched their only mission; failed to make the raid appear as a coup, changed into and out of costume for no particular reason, one of the team is having a breakdown due to his part in killing a female cartel member, they abandoned wounded team members, and then left behind a backpack containing top-secret mission intel. Elite…they are all of that and none of that! The rambunctious SSGT couldn’t keep her eyes off the new guy and couldn’t keep her head in the game. The new guy didn’t fare much better. There was potential in the premise, but research was way off target. This story is fubar. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Author 18 books386 followers
October 19, 2016
From the moment Chris Jordan saw Bea, he knew he was in trouble. Bea was his commanding officer, but the response she brought out in him was anything except work related. Worried that his emotions would be split between work and protecting her, they decided waiting until the mission was accomplished before establishing a relationship was the safe and proper thing to do only things didn't work out as planned.

Bea saw the new guy as she ran around the track, but when he grabbed her ass as he passed her, all bets were off. Showing him who was in charge proved difficult when she was attracted, but the mission always comes first. With only a short window to get her team ready for their mission, it forces Bea to find out what Chris is made of and if he will fit into they tight-knit group?

When things don't go as planned, Bea and Chris find themselves relying on each other to make it home alive, but is home really safe?

This book give a very good description of a black ops group and the missions they might encounter, but Bea's character is spot on for what a woman endures in leadership and in a military setting. This is a must read for those that love a military romance with plenty of suspense. Be ready to grab book 2 to find the continuing story.
Profile Image for Kristy.
120 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2017
Unsung Heroes

I love military books. I love the brotherhood, the determination, the sense of right and wrong. This I was not prepared for. The actions and emotions were so raw I almost stopped reading the book. I couldn't though as I desperately wanted to know the whole story. Credit to J.B. For that! Now that I'm emotionally invested I will move on to the next in the series for as long as I can stand the uncensored brutality of some of the training and missions. The fact that the NCO is a woman hardly came into play in my mind. Mic is one badass mother f**ker! If you like it brutal, raw, honest, down and dirty, you'll love this series!
3 reviews
February 21, 2019
Just finished recording this for the audiobook version. I found it a pleasure to read. Havens adds dimension to each character in the Steel Core to give them heart and connect them to the reader. You feel as if you are there, as a part of the team, the ops and the drama. I can't speak to the accuracy of the details, because I'm not in the military but there's gore, romance, thrill! That makes it a good read in my book!
Profile Image for Wicked.
26 reviews
September 2, 2021
This heroine is who I want to be…

That may seem odd or terrifying to some people. But Mic, her core of strength is what I admire. Her absolute conviction that bad people deserve death…and she is the one who doles it out. Her physical strength and stamina are what I long to have. The other characters who support her and are part of her brotherhood are priceless. Wish we had a real Steel Corps these days.
31 reviews
January 3, 2023
Military Greatness

So overcome with emotion. I am an old chick, almost 73 and I say this was one of best reads of my life. Having someone in my family undercover for 20 yrs. Makes one realize how each person who has sacrified for our country is a warrior. Could not recommend this book enough..clandestine, courageous and realization of what we don't know. Thank you for writing this book. Now on to #2.
1,124 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2018
DOESN'T HOLD MY INTEREST

Not my style of reading material. Sounded like a pretty hard core dangerous training by a secret government agency. Unfortunately for me, I was never too sure where everything was taking place and what the purpose was. I flipped through the book but couldn't find anything to grab my interest. Will try a second book to see if this impression changes.
892 reviews
February 1, 2019
Slow

Yes Bea (Mic) is a badass female that I love but the book is a lot of training and not enough action. Once the action does happen ( last 30%) it gets interesting. then......


It just gets silly with everyone doing things they would never do as highly trained military with disappointing and not necessary consequences. Boo!
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,540 reviews10 followers
June 9, 2020
Good and interesting story with a lot of action. I like that the characters are a family unite. The way they interact and bicker back and forth is very entertaining.

I know that Mic and Jordan wind up together because of a crossover with another series. I get that there is supposed to be this strong attraction between them here but I'm just not feeling it. Maybe it will come later?
143 reviews
April 25, 2021
Wanted to like this book. Just couldn’t. The longer I read the worse it got, but I made myself finish it. I’m not a big military buff and even I could see all sorts of things that made no sense. Sometimes the characters’ reactions seemed all wrong. And to top it all off, there were lots of grammar/typo errors.
Profile Image for James Patrick.
Author 14 books39 followers
September 24, 2017
What a book! Fast paced, with a story and characters that draw you in from the start! From the hard nosed Mic all the way to Jackson, every character has your full attention. Compelling story, and a ton of action. A page turning book that makes every attempt to have you read it in a single sitting.
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,381 reviews18 followers
October 6, 2021
WOW!

I met Steele in another series and knew I had to find out why. This first book didn't disappoint. What a way to officially meet them! Can't wait to get started in the next book!
Profile Image for Lori Dunn.
885 reviews23 followers
April 20, 2022
I truly loved this book. So different from the Samantha Cole Trident series yet connected. I loved reading more about Mic and the boys. This is a total action book with only peripheral romance hinted at. The further insight to these characters is great. Fantastic story. 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Sarah Blackburn .
75 reviews21 followers
May 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this military read! I Loved the female character being in charge for a nice change. Can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for karen.
1,627 reviews
December 14, 2018
Lot of suspense and action. Bea is one powerful women. I did not see it he ending coming. Why Phillips. Why anyone for no reason. Now we will see where the rest of the series goes,
1,522 reviews45 followers
October 14, 2016
I loved the story line and the interaction the between the team – you could really see they cared for each other. Can’t give too much away as I don’t want to spoil it for other readers.
There is humor mixed with action and some romance as well I can’t wait to see what happens with Steel Corps next.
Bea or ‘Mic’ is the leader of the of an elite group called Steel Corps. When the new recruit arrives Bea is given limited time to train him for their new mission.
This team certainly kicks ass with their training and missions. There is some chemistry between Mic and the new recruit Jordan, although without saying how that ends – it did keep me intrigued.
They find out their mission to retrieve an operative and things certainly don’t go as they had planned.
Profile Image for Teresa.
687 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2016
5 stars. Wow Bea 'Mic' Michaels is one helluva kick ass heroine. This book was high octane with plenty of action and a tear inducing heart sinking moment towards the end. This story leaves threads at the end that will have you reaching for the next book in the series an I loved how the romance element was subdued and suitable to the situations the chardacters find themselves in and hopefully will build in the next book. Highly recommended read.
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,180 reviews10 followers
March 12, 2017
Core of Steel by J.b. Havens is a kick ass rollercoaster ride of a military book. Not your normal military romance because the main character is Bea "Mic" Michael's a female staff sergeant in charge of Steel an elite group of special operatives from all sectors of the military. This is Havens first book and she definitely knows how to keep her readers interested. This is the first in the series and you will definitely want to read the next book. This is a hard core book with lots detail more military than romance.
Profile Image for Amanda.
213 reviews
November 18, 2016
Mic is a female Staff Sargent of a Black Ops team called Steel, only as far as anyone is concerned Steel doesn't exist. If one of them is killed while on a mission, no one will know. Upon acceptance into Steel they must cut all ties. Mic has been advised they have a new recruit coming and he needs to be rushed on his training as their next mission is in mere weeks. Mic doesn't like it, but Master Staff Sargent Jackson hand picked this noob and they've been together long enough that she trusted his instincts, she just didn't like the time crunch. When the new recruit arrives, she's on the track warming up for the training for the day. Mic noticed the rest of the boys gathered around the noob and was wondering what kind of hazing the boys had planned. She glanced at him and he had a good build for Steel material, only time would tell. Mic finally heard him coming up behind her like a lumberjack and she tuned into his foot falls. As soon as his hands grabbed her ass, her elbow made contact with his mouth, and she swiped his feet out from under him. Mic warns him not to listen to the rest of the guys and walks off for breakfast. Corporal Jordon still didn't know until breakfast that she was his commanding officer. Not only does she and the other men put him through a rough speedy training, but Mic and Jordon have an attraction that Mic tries really hard to shut down because there is no room for attachments in Steel. Suddenly Mast Sargent Jackson calls Mic into his cabin stating that the mission has changed and they have less time and an additional target. Nothing about this mission is sitting well with Mic and she can't figure it out. Jackson wants to go as an extra man, Mic won't have it because he's ben out of the field for so long. Mic has a decision to make and she doesn't know if it'll be right or wrong until it's too late. She takes one of the Marine guards that stands as security for the base. Mic is still nervous and concerned for her Steel Boys when it comes to the decision that she's made, even as they are in the plane and wheels up. Will they all return? Is she worrying for nothing? Are they being set up?
Profile Image for Jess.
159 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2016
This review took me a bit to write, because JB Havens left me with a lot to think about. Core of Steel isn't a fluffy, full of sex military book. It's full of gritty, real characters. They have flaws, faults and a questionable moral compass that always points true to Uncle Sam. They've left their family, friends and everything from the civilian world to become the monsters under the bed. When Uncle Sam calls, Steel rolls out to save lives, take lives or whatever needs done. They do whatever is necessary to complete the mission. Even when it means adding a new person into the tightknit team at the worst possible time.

Mic. I fell in love with her. She rules the team of men with absolutely confidence, pulling no punches. She holds herself to a higher standard, pushing herself to excell and be the best at everything she can. Mic has to be the most badass, strong heroine I've read in years, maybe ever. Mic doesn't come across as a witch, she still manages to be open & vulnerable. The rest of the team are as engaging, strong and stand out in their own way. Jordan is the new guy, the unknown square peg trying to fit in the round hole. He's patient, hardworking and not a pushover.

Core of Steel is not a traditional romance or a steamy BDSM novel. It IS full of chemistry, longing and sexual tension. JB Havens is a great example of not needing sex to get hot & steamy! The points I liked the most I can't say, due to possible spoilers. Just know that this book will leave you feeling, thinking and yearning for more. Be prepared for all the emotions. I found myself laughing out loud, holding my breath and at some times setting my kindle down to regroup. I'm excited to read book 2, once I have a full day to ignore my chores. <3
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