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Forged of Steele #3
Beyond Temptation
Sexy millionaire Morgan Steele will settle for nothing less than the perfect woman. And when he lays his arrogant eyes on sultry Lena Spears, he believes he's found her. There's only one problem, the lady in question seems totally immune to his charm.
Morgan is determined to convince the sassy career woman that he's Mr. Right. He wines and dines her. He promises her the baby she desperately wants and the financial security she craves. And given time, Morgan is certain that once he gets Lena into his bed, she'll never want to leave...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2006
197 people are currently reading
1446 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
898 books3,593 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 10, 2014
Morgan was too hot to handle in this. He was not going to let Lena get away without a fight. I loved it! The steamy chat session was great, didn't like how she talked about a twin though. She seemed to old to not talk about what she wanted without the whole twin thing. He was game though and turned it up when she tried to pull away. Can't get enough of these Steels.
March 29, 2009
WOW...Morgan Steele is a man with the patience and self-control of a saint...to put up with the year long rejection from Lena, yet still go after her with such determination...I MUST admit I enjoy the measures he takes in an effort to woo her...to try to make her see that he is her Mr. Right...and that she is the PERFECT woman for him...what an AMAZING man...and although Lena is sweet, her attitude is a little annoying at times...but I still want to see her come away with the ULTIMATE prize...a Happily-Ever-After with Morgan...BUT will Lena come around and stop fighting what is meant to be...or will Morgan have to settle for a less than "perfect" woman....Mrs. Jackson creates another HOT & STEAMY sensual tale...I'm looking forward to seeing which Steele will fall next.
January 23, 2020
Love a determined man! Up and coming politician, Morgan Steele, knew Lena Spears was the woman for him. He wasn't about to let the catty, rich women in his town, insult Lena or dictate to him, who he should or should not marry. I loved the way he showed Lena how much he loved and valued her.
August 7, 2015
Beyond Temptation
I choose 5 stars for this book, because of the real life picture it tells about people who are gain. People who seems to think and believe that love is in how you look, what you wear, and the price of it as well. Here Morgan loved Lena for all the RIGHT reasons, but Lena had to first love herself. Lena and Morgan's love for family, was their common goal that shined above everything else. He loved Lena and her mother unconditionally, and she loved him enough not to stand in the way of his career choice. A beautiful love story for full figure women that don't believe they can and will find love!
I choose 5 stars for this book, because of the real life picture it tells about people who are gain. People who seems to think and believe that love is in how you look, what you wear, and the price of it as well. Here Morgan loved Lena for all the RIGHT reasons, but Lena had to first love herself. Lena and Morgan's love for family, was their common goal that shined above everything else. He loved Lena and her mother unconditionally, and she loved him enough not to stand in the way of his career choice. A beautiful love story for full figure women that don't believe they can and will find love!
July 31, 2016
This was one of my favorite Brenda Jackson novel. This book was about Morgan Steele how he was obsession with Lena Spears and came up with a plan to win her over. By making a business proposal to buy a house and sell his old house just to get close to her. It start off as friendly get to know her better. He also proposal to her offer have a stable environment for her mother and being his wife and having his baby. Lena was overwhelmed she felt she wasn't good enough to fit in his world. Little did she know Morgan Steele loved for a whole year. He wanted Lena to trust him and show him her twin side who was bold and sassy independent women.
January 28, 2013
This book was waaayy better than the last one. Lena could have done without the split personality character which was weak and cheesy. Her character had enough issues without adding that tidbit. This Steele (Morgan) had to really work for his bride and that was what was missing from the last book. I'm now reenergized to keep reading the series. :)
August 30, 2016
I can't get enough of Brenda Jackson's writing. This book is no acception! She writes passionately and with so much enthusiasm you can just feel everything happening as if you are in the book or sitting watching the conversations. I definitely recommend this book to others. In fact, I recommend the entire series.
Read
April 21, 2007I don't think that I am necessarily the target audience for Brenda Jackson's books.
February 6, 2011
so far have nothing bad to say about the series love each book in the series so far...
March 28, 2021
I ... low key don't want to re-listen to this audiobook but it's [probably] more because IRL ~traumatic thing happened to me and I absolutely DO NOT WANT in ANY WAY to relive it.
So :X
But also/otherwise?
I'd ... like listened to the Steele books so piecemeal it was kinda ... I felt like I was missing bits even though I'm PRETTY sure I've listened to the first two. Definitely the 2nd ... [or the 1st?] Whatever.
ANYWAY. Lena and Morgan. (😅 not a great sign for a second I remembered the hero as Donovan...)
Honestly Morgan is a really good guy!
The whole manufactured relationship/the lengths he goes to try to get his girl...
I get he tried to ask Lena out a bunch of times and she shot him down but like - ugh. Kinda feel like if they had just FUCKING HAD A CONVERSATION they could've avoided a lot of heartache ...
I also ... ugh. So I understand learning from your experiences - Lena had been burned by trash ass men in the past.
But like... 🙄 and I resent even having to type this part out since I HATE THIS PHRASE 😒 but - not all men are trash/not all men only want a physical "relationship"/not all men would discard you because you're the caretaker for your mother.
I get that her mother is poorly ... but she's 73? And is written as SO FRAIL AND ELDERLY and like ... I know each person differs of course but like, 73 isn't that old? A *lot* of 73 year olds are basically just hitting their stride and gallivanting all over the world ... (I mean, pre-covid anyway...)
So ...
PLUS she's got her mom in "adult daycare" - and I have to admit - them calling it "daycare" throughout the book kinda threw me each time 😅
Mostly it seems just ... her mom has SEVERE depression. So ... Lena... just ... IDEK.
Whatever.
I liked but didn't like that Morgan asked about her mom EVERY TIME. It got low key repetitive/annoying that Lena didn't have a fucking clue like - OBVIOUSLY HE REALLY CARES ABOUT HER since he asks EVERY. DAMN. TIME.
Even my friends I literally grew up with and LITERALLY have known my ENTIRE LIFE don't even ask after my parents. >.> Like ... ever :P
And they obviously know my parents/growing up considered them surrogate family ...
LOL so I guess my friends are trash.
But it also stands alone that Morgan really cares about her mom - and she appreciates him asking. she just never seems to connect those dots.
Of course Morgan never TELLS HER that he LOVES HER and wants a REAL RELATIONSHIP. Idiot.
I literally just rolled my eyes.
I liked the brotherly ribbing. Heh their basketball game.
The catty girls though 🙄 - more literal eyeroll.
What bitches.
I get why Lena let them get to her - because she wasn't sure about Morgan - BECAUSE HE WAS NEVER OPEN AND HONEST WITH HER.
eg'piesrg;oeknsrg;eskrognes;rgknesrglkng
So yeah.
Like... uggghhh. I was initially waffling between 2 and 3 stars but this just ... had so much to be annoyed about.
[the house stuff was really cute though...]
but also - honestly I don't think this is a spoiler because obviously it's a romance and they end up together - the proposal. My dude. >.<
so like ... D+?
Just ... so much - too much - manufactured drama. Even for a category.
JUST FUCKING TALK TO EACH OTHER.
Even the smitten hero aspect couldn't save it because it was all hidden smitten-ness.
BE OPEN WITH YOUR SMITTEN-NESS!
ps - sidenote/another thought - not sure :X how much of it is ... that Ron Butler actually might make things more goofy than they actually are? Like ... his tone/the way he says some things just ... is comical in a bad way. 😒
I wish he wouldn't highlight/emphasize random words cuz it's just ... cringe.
So :X
But also/otherwise?
I'd ... like listened to the Steele books so piecemeal it was kinda ... I felt like I was missing bits even though I'm PRETTY sure I've listened to the first two. Definitely the 2nd ... [or the 1st?] Whatever.
ANYWAY. Lena and Morgan. (😅 not a great sign for a second I remembered the hero as Donovan...)
Honestly Morgan is a really good guy!
The whole manufactured relationship/the lengths he goes to try to get his girl...
I get he tried to ask Lena out a bunch of times and she shot him down but like - ugh. Kinda feel like if they had just FUCKING HAD A CONVERSATION they could've avoided a lot of heartache ...
I also ... ugh. So I understand learning from your experiences - Lena had been burned by trash ass men in the past.
But like... 🙄 and I resent even having to type this part out since I HATE THIS PHRASE 😒 but - not all men are trash/not all men only want a physical "relationship"/not all men would discard you because you're the caretaker for your mother.
I get that her mother is poorly ... but she's 73? And is written as SO FRAIL AND ELDERLY and like ... I know each person differs of course but like, 73 isn't that old? A *lot* of 73 year olds are basically just hitting their stride and gallivanting all over the world ... (I mean, pre-covid anyway...)
So ...
PLUS she's got her mom in "adult daycare" - and I have to admit - them calling it "daycare" throughout the book kinda threw me each time 😅
Mostly it seems just ... her mom has SEVERE depression. So ... Lena... just ... IDEK.
Whatever.
I liked but didn't like that Morgan asked about her mom EVERY TIME. It got low key repetitive/annoying that Lena didn't have a fucking clue like - OBVIOUSLY HE REALLY CARES ABOUT HER since he asks EVERY. DAMN. TIME.
Even my friends I literally grew up with and LITERALLY have known my ENTIRE LIFE don't even ask after my parents. >.> Like ... ever :P
And they obviously know my parents/growing up considered them surrogate family ...
LOL so I guess my friends are trash.
But it also stands alone that Morgan really cares about her mom - and she appreciates him asking. she just never seems to connect those dots.
Of course Morgan never TELLS HER that he LOVES HER and wants a REAL RELATIONSHIP. Idiot.
I literally just rolled my eyes.
I liked the brotherly ribbing. Heh their basketball game.
The catty girls though 🙄 - more literal eyeroll.
What bitches.
I get why Lena let them get to her - because she wasn't sure about Morgan - BECAUSE HE WAS NEVER OPEN AND HONEST WITH HER.
eg'piesrg;oeknsrg;eskrognes;rgknesrglkng
So yeah.
Like... uggghhh. I was initially waffling between 2 and 3 stars but this just ... had so much to be annoyed about.
[the house stuff was really cute though...]
but also - honestly I don't think this is a spoiler because obviously it's a romance and they end up together - the proposal. My dude. >.<
so like ... D+?
Just ... so much - too much - manufactured drama. Even for a category.
JUST FUCKING TALK TO EACH OTHER.
Even the smitten hero aspect couldn't save it because it was all hidden smitten-ness.
BE OPEN WITH YOUR SMITTEN-NESS!
ps - sidenote/another thought - not sure :X how much of it is ... that Ron Butler actually might make things more goofy than they actually are? Like ... his tone/the way he says some things just ... is comical in a bad way. 😒
I wish he wouldn't highlight/emphasize random words cuz it's just ... cringe.
September 19, 2020
Winning over his Full figured love
I loved this story of Mogan and Lena. Mogan knew he wanted Lena the first time he met her and though she turned his offers of a date down few times, he was determined to make her see they were meant to be together. Lena is a very smart, intelligent woman, but she was a bit unfair in painting Mogan with the same brush as the previous guys she dated. He comes from a family of strong men, and ones who have always put family first. I loved the interaction between him and her mom, Ms. Odessa. So their most special common goal was love of family, and their chemisty and love for each other couldn't be denied. Love that as a full figured woman Lena is shown in so many ways by Mogan jusg how special she is, and how much she is loved. Mogan will surely succeed as an awesome politician, and more so with such a beautiful woman by his side. Sorry Haters (Jamie and Cassandra). LOL
I loved this story of Mogan and Lena. Mogan knew he wanted Lena the first time he met her and though she turned his offers of a date down few times, he was determined to make her see they were meant to be together. Lena is a very smart, intelligent woman, but she was a bit unfair in painting Mogan with the same brush as the previous guys she dated. He comes from a family of strong men, and ones who have always put family first. I loved the interaction between him and her mom, Ms. Odessa. So their most special common goal was love of family, and their chemisty and love for each other couldn't be denied. Love that as a full figured woman Lena is shown in so many ways by Mogan jusg how special she is, and how much she is loved. Mogan will surely succeed as an awesome politician, and more so with such a beautiful woman by his side. Sorry Haters (Jamie and Cassandra). LOL
October 7, 2020
Lena and Morgan K-I-SS-I-N-G! 3.5***** Spoiler Alert!
Morgan Steele walked into the Charity Ball one year ago and beheld his perfect woman! Since then he has been rebuffed and thwarted by the voluptuous, big, Lena Spears and he has now arrived with a new game plan... use her as his personal realtor just to be near her. His direct business proposition was cold but they did connect, and he finally won her and her aging mom, Odessa, over despite what the snobbish society folks said about having Lena as his wife, on local TV proposing to Lena and announcing his bid for mayor. The new power couple has arrived.
Great characters and plot demonstrating going after one's goals in a non -creepy, stalking manner. Lena was made to realize by Kylie's loyal friendship that not all men want skinny size 0, trophy wives, and they prefer what is on the inside more that the superficial outwards appearances. The third Steele has fallen, now onto Donovan's tale.
09/20/20- 10/06/20 COVID-19 CAShInPl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
I've been catching up on Brenda Jackson reads and I think this might be her best yet. She has so many interesting novels that it's hard to choose! I loved the premise pf this one soo much. The hero Morgan's infatuation with the heroine Lena from a even over a year ago never waned. He loved her at first sight and was determined to prove his dedication to her. Morgan wanted Lena so bad that he was willing to sell the house he loved and meticulously worked on just so she could work with him. I love determined and underhanded heros! Their methods are usually bonkers but pays off in the end.
Morgan and Lena had their share of drama with the crazy people in the town interjecting their opinions about their relationship. I loved how Morgan disregarded all nonsense and focused on Lena and her mother.
Beyond Temptation was great from start to finish!
Morgan and Lena had their share of drama with the crazy people in the town interjecting their opinions about their relationship. I loved how Morgan disregarded all nonsense and focused on Lena and her mother.
Beyond Temptation was great from start to finish!
May 13, 2018
I love a marriage(/engagement) of convenience – or “of purpose” as the hero of this book, Morgan, calls it. I did *not* love the setup that Morgan had been asking our heroine, Lena, out for a year and kept getting rejected. That’s not charming, it’s annoying and potentially harassment. Just saying, it’s notable that the relationship didn’t move forward until he stopped hitting on Lena and started getting to know her and what was important to her.
July 23, 2022
Beyond Temptation. This book was exciting. Morgan Steele is determined to get his true love to marry him. He first had to get her to see that she is the one. He does everything he can to get Lena to see that he is Mr. Right. He even sells his house just so she can help sell it and be next to him. Lena thinks she is not good enough for Morgan and she also comes with baggage that most men don't want to deal with. Boy does she get a big surprise!! A great read!
April 17, 2019
GREAT STORY, LOVED IT..
I loved Morgan and Lena's story. Loved how Morgan knew she was his perfect woman and would not her or anyone stop him from being with her. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who love a great romance story. I am trying to find the book about Donovan. Great job as usual Brenda please keep the wonderful stories coming. Thank you.
I loved Morgan and Lena's story. Loved how Morgan knew she was his perfect woman and would not her or anyone stop him from being with her. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who love a great romance story. I am trying to find the book about Donovan. Great job as usual Brenda please keep the wonderful stories coming. Thank you.
February 12, 2025
Beyond Temptation
This was a story about Lena Spears and Morgan Steele. Morgan met her at a charity ball and instantly felt an attraction. He hired her as a realtor to sell his home and find him one that was better than the custom built home he was living in. After what see impossible, she finally delivered. Also he had to convince her of his true love.
This was a story about Lena Spears and Morgan Steele. Morgan met her at a charity ball and instantly felt an attraction. He hired her as a realtor to sell his home and find him one that was better than the custom built home he was living in. After what see impossible, she finally delivered. Also he had to convince her of his true love.
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August 31, 2019Beyond Temptation was an excellent book. I felt like I was apart of the family.I loved Morgan and he was determine to make her his wife. He let you know that you don"t have to be thin, to be loved and appreciated. I read the book twice.
October 6, 2020
Yet another excellent read from Mrs. Jackson; my favorite author!
I really liked Morgan and Lena as a couple....the air sizzled between them the moment they met and Lena realized right away that she wanted him!
I really liked Morgan and Lena as a couple....the air sizzled between them the moment they met and Lena realized right away that she wanted him!
November 20, 2020
I Just Love the Steel Series!
Ms. Jackson' s books are always a delight! I was waiting for Lena & Morgan's story since I read Kylie & Chance's story! Nice to leave reality for a little while! Next up, Cameron & Vanessa!
Ms. Jackson' s books are always a delight! I was waiting for Lena & Morgan's story since I read Kylie & Chance's story! Nice to leave reality for a little while! Next up, Cameron & Vanessa!
December 16, 2020
Steele trap
Wonderful story, quality writing and the visual comes across clearly. I'm beginning to enjoy the Steeles after three books of this series plus " Never too late" . I enjoy, and I am entertained while reading author's works.
Wonderful story, quality writing and the visual comes across clearly. I'm beginning to enjoy the Steeles after three books of this series plus " Never too late" . I enjoy, and I am entertained while reading author's works.
June 8, 2021
Ooooh lawd!!! Morgan Steele has ruined me for all men to come. If a man isn’t pursuing me like Morgan pursues Lena….does he even REALLY like me???? I had a difficult time putting this book down and will definitely revisit this author. Now, where is the Morgan to my Lena?!
November 23, 2022
Pretty good Harlequin style. I never read categories anymore, and I never read many to begin with, but I do think Brenda Jackson always writes an appealing couple.
The house stuff stressed me TF out, though.
The house stuff stressed me TF out, though.
April 5, 2023
The reviews about Lena and morgan.
Morgan did a great job by finding ways to be with Lena. The best part to me was the sex talk on messenger. She got him good when she spoke of her twin. That made the story 🔥
Morgan did a great job by finding ways to be with Lena. The best part to me was the sex talk on messenger. She got him good when she spoke of her twin. That made the story 🔥
April 27, 2023
Beyond Temptation
This book had me glued from beginning to end ..Lena is like most women believing she is not enough ..I am happy to keep this one in my archives and pulled out on days when I need a reminder
This book had me glued from beginning to end ..Lena is like most women believing she is not enough ..I am happy to keep this one in my archives and pulled out on days when I need a reminder
June 6, 2023
When a steel man falls in love he does what ever it takes to to when the love of that woman. After a year of asking for dates failed Mason came up with a plan when that back fired he went to plan b and captured his Lena.
September 29, 2023
Another great read!
This was a wonderful story with some twists and turns. I see a-lot of Lena in many women. The feeling that she doesn’t have the pedigree or the looks to get “that” guy.
Her and Morgan’s story is wonderfully told and very realistic.
This was a wonderful story with some twists and turns. I see a-lot of Lena in many women. The feeling that she doesn’t have the pedigree or the looks to get “that” guy.
Her and Morgan’s story is wonderfully told and very realistic.
September 12, 2024
Morgan had been after Lena for a while. She was so jaded and thought that no man would want her because she was caring for her mother. Morgan was ready to prove her wrong.
This was a good story. I enjoyed it a lot.
This was a good story. I enjoyed it a lot.
May 6, 2017
Love and business mixed well
Good read for those who enjoy a nice believable romance. Just enough to keep you turning the pages and not get bored with the story.
Good read for those who enjoy a nice believable romance. Just enough to keep you turning the pages and not get bored with the story.
June 7, 2019
Couldnt.Stop Reading
I enjoyed the humor and romantic jesters.of this book. The hero was quite a loving and caring guy which made the reader root for.him
I enjoyed the humor and romantic jesters.of this book. The hero was quite a loving and caring guy which made the reader root for.him
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews