Burn

Steel Brothers Saga #5

by Helen Hardt

Your Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance.

Jonah Steel is knee deep into trying to solve the mystery surrounding his family and his brother’s abduction, and the arrival of his best friend has complicated the situation…although not as much as his infatuation with his brother’s therapist, Dr. Melanie Carmichael. The quiet humility of the blond beauty has him enthralled, and he burns for her as he never has for any woman.

Melanie Carmichael is intelligent and driven, yet filled with regret. She has fallen in love with gorgeous Jonah Steel, but fears she may never be able to tell him. The demons from her past have come for her…and she may not get out alive.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2017

About the author

#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.

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:
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Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
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Reviews

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: February 14, 2017
Genre: Dark Romance

Burn is the 5th book in the Steel Brothers series and must be read in order of the series. Each of these books, this one included, falls within the dark and emotional romance subgenre as they deal with serious issues that could bother some readers (including rape). Reader discretion is advised.

As with the rest of the books in the series, this one is filled with twists and turns. Answers to questions that readers may have about previous books slowly reveal themselves as each book unfolds leaving readers feeling immensely satisfied. While each book may end in a cliffhanger (this one does too) it’s great to know that everything will come together as the series continue to progress. Now, while I could certainly do without all of the cliffhangers, I have to admit that they do make us want to continue the series. That is certainly not all though because these characters who we have become close friends to us readers. For me, I feel like I have been able to connect with them on a very deep level and watching them grow and get answers to their lives questions gives me a lot of satisfaction.

For those who are familiar with this great series, this one is a continuation of Melanie and Jonah’s story (along with the mystery of Talon’s abduction). The romantic relationship between these two continue to grow through this book, and I have to admit that it is not only swoony but extremely hot as well. But of course, problems are continuing to plague this couple as they search for answers about the past… And getting through them is not as easy as one would hope…

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the series as a whole has come to be one of my favorites. I am now eagerly anticipating the next book in the series and cannot wait to get my hands on it! With that being said, if you have read the previous books in the series you simply HAVE to continue it with this book. It is above par and has exceeded my expectations. For those who haven’t read the series, I would say that starting it now is a good idea because there are quite a few books that lead up to this one.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: Special thanks to the author for providing me an early copy of this novel for review purposes.

[Lissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't have the time or energy to give this book the thorough raking-over-the-coals-how-does-anyone-like-this-absolute-SHIT review it deserves. Sadness. But, allow me to say, it's just as bad as all of the other books in this series.

A few notes I made in this WTF fest:

The "mystery" of Talon's kidnapping is getting beyond ridiculous by this point. It's clearly obvious that the author is attempting to milk this cash cow until it runs dry, and it's painful to read it. Every new "clue" in the mystery is treated as absolutely earth-shattering - and it's not. And the melodrama keeps ratcheting up to nearly unbearable levels. I am not sure if I will be able to force myself through the next book, let alone all of the OTHER books that the author is likely going to write in this series.

The author's love of cliffhangers - there's one at the end of nearly every chapter now - is lazy. Yeah, I'll say it. It's fucking lazy storytelling when you have to end every CHAPTER on a cliffhanger because you are afraid that the words you write aren't engrossing enough to keep the reader interested enough to turn that page. The excessive use of cliffhangers is cheap and stupid.

The very idea of a leather sex club in Grand Junction - trololololololololololololol. The blurb about the author SAYS she lives in Colorado, but if she does, I seriously doubt that she's ever been in Junction. The "seamy underside" of Junction is ridiculous as well, but I have ranted about this in probably every review for this series, so if you want to see a full-on diatribe, I'll refer you to those reviews instead. ;)

I love how one of Jonah's first thoughts after finding out that the woman he "loves" (oh I'll get THERE in a minute) has been kidnapped and nearly killed - well, golly gee, how am I going to act like the Dominant I am and be able to cuff her to the bed and blindfold her NOW?!?! Jesus Fucking Christ. Yep, we have a winner here, ladies! What a gentleman! And I swear, the author has absolutely NO idea about D/s and it is FUCKING EMBARRASSING to read her be an absolute MORON about it when she could have just done ten minutes of research on google and not come across as such an imbecile. But that, apparently, requires too much effort.

And yes, Jonah and Melanie now "love" one another, even though Jonah freely admits that they barely know anything about one another. But they have had some shitty sex together and Melanie's orgasms feel "different" to her now, so it's love motherfuckers! And their version of "love" is so middle-school that Melanie has to tell someone she views as a possible romance rival, when she is asked, that she and Jonah are in love with one another to make the other woman back it up fast. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL Mature adults don't have to pull that shit, but I would never argue that this book is written for mature adults.

Also, Melanie is a fucking SHITTY therapist. She thinks she knows anything and everything about her clients - she would ALWAYS be able to tell if someone was falling in love with her and she would ALWAYS be able to tell if they are suicidal. Nope and nope. And as a finale, let's just see the "wonderful" advice that she gave poor Gina (paraphrased for hilarity):

Gina: I can't get over what happened to me and my life is shitty as a result of this trauma.
Melanie SUPERTHERAPIST: Well, think about the other people who have suffered worse.
Gina: I am so depressed that I can't think about anyone having it worse than me.
Melanie SUPERTHERAPIST: YOU FOOL, DON'T THINK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND COMPARING YOURSELF TO THEM! FOCUS ON YOURSELF!

Absolute shit.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing !

I have to say these books are not for the faint hearted, I cried buckets !!

They will leave you with a serous book hangover, but that being said they are so well written & heart wrenching they make a incredible read. But I would say you have to read them in order or you will have no idea what's going on !

book 4 & 5 (and 6 I think) are Mellissa & joes story and your emotions are all the place they are so many twist & turns they make your head spin there are more new characters added to make it even more exciting.

Gutted I have to wait till may for part 6 !

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The suspense continue....
Burn is the 5th book of the Steel Brother Saga. The story continues around Jonah and Melanie solving mystery of Talon's horrific past. And the mystery surrounding Steel family.

I sadly have to say, Melanie does not grow on me. I think she is just feeling sorry for herself a lot in this book. While Jonah is mediocre. I can not feel his intense dark character. To me Jonah is trying to hard to be a good guy to everyone.

Despite the shortcoming, I still curious about the final conclusion of this story.

3 stars

[Jessica Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I found myself LMAO on page 190 to 191. Poor Melanie can never be outside in the pool without getting interrupted. Second Hail Mrs. Hardt my lord can write a damn cliffhanger so well. She leaves you so intrigued that you want to cry until you get the next book. Third my book club will tell me Jonah was better than Talon. The last book I was like wth are they talking about. Now I'm like damn Jonah and the collar. Now I'm wondering what kind of freak is Ryan. Do we have to really pick between the brothers. I just want them all lol.

Melanie is one strong fierced chick.

[Helen Hardt]

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[Julie Bergesen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okei endelig nokka mer enn en 1 stjerner i na serien. Æ likt faktisk flere dele av na boka, men igjen det negative utveie det positive.

Vi slapp av med at Melanie holdt på å bli drept i slutten av forrige bok. Og selvfølgelig når ho prøvd å ring Jonah for å få hjelp før ho vart bortført svart han ikke på tlf hennes fordi han va gretten på ho (I mean fair alle ignorere folk man e irritert på i blant, men seff e d jo helt sjukt dårlig timing fordi det e alltid det i na serien 🥰👍). Lang historie kort, Melanie e en champ ikke tar bullshit fra nonn og klare å røm (queen, æ likt faktisk veldig starten av hennes del i na🙂‍↕️) ho blir jo lagt inn på sykehuset, og det eneste ho tenke på e at ho elske Jonah, nær døden opplevelse og alt det. Jonah finn ut ka som har skjedd og gjett ka?? Han får dårlig samvittighet, fordi hele livet hans omhandle at han har dårlig samvittighet fordi han aldri klare å hjelp nonn ever! Asså for en u- heldiggris🐷

Resten av boka handle da naturligvis om at ho e så glad for å bli passa på av han og han går bare å vente på den dagen han må innrøm at han ignorert tlf når ho ringt han det øyeblikket ho blei angrepet 🙀 crazy ikr. Vel ikke helt fordi veit dokker ka som e et enda større sammentreff som æ ALDRI hadd gjetta ever (sarkasme omg) onkelen som påført den avdøde pasienten t Melanie traume e mest sannsynlig ene kidnapperen t talon? HWAAAAT og ja ta e samme person som e/va stefaren t Jade- WHAAAAAT og gjett ka? Den siste kidnapperen? ORDFØREREN og ingen andre ringere enn faren t beste kompisen t Jonah- og ja vi må ikke glem at ta e samme fyr som angrep og bortført Melanie - og mest sannsynlig uten at ta e blitt fortalt enda - han som bortført eksen t jade og gjor all d samme med han som han gjor med talon?
(Sorry æ veit det fins mange mange ekle folk i verden men miss girl har sett mye criminal minds OG hørt mye true crime - æ syns det e lite sannsynlig at han bytte MO så my? Han går fra å kidnap små gutta, gjør sjuke ekle ting t dem, t å gjør sjuke ekle ting med niesa si (sånn vi høre om ofte), t å bortfør og gjør sjuke ekle ting med en voksen mann samtidig som han bortføre en dame og ikke gjør nokka mer enn å prøv å gass ho ( som ja e sjukt, men det e ikke nokka mønster e hverken alder, kjønn eller metode), sorry ta virke bare som om forfatteren forsøke å koble alt sammen t en sånn sjuk plottwist.

Uansett ja æ ska læs bok nr6 æ tror det e den siste boka i typ «hoved serien» så kanskje vi endelig får en avslutning på det ikke så mystiske mysteriet vi har forsøkt å løs i 5 bøker no🥸

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burn is book 2 in Jonah and Melanie's story. I still don't really like this couple as much as the first couple in the series but we do learn some new things for the series.

[Angel Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, full disclaimer. The first 3 books of the Steel Saga had me in such an emotional mess, in all the best ways, that I was seriously wondering how books 4, 5, and 6 would top the experience. All of these books are slow-burn stories, much in the style of a Gabaldon or Deveraux (though a lot steamier, thank God!), that build you up to the "OMG" moments with such strategic storytelling, you're left gasping from them--then dying because the climax was that damn good. Book 5, "Burn" doesn't disappoint on any of those levels. Jonah Steele's hero caliber definitely climbed for me with this one--I'm such a goner for a dominant, brooding man--and what can I say about Melanie except that she's the heroine we'd all want to be in similar circumstances. A REALLY great read, leaving me longing for Book 6 already!

[Karen Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I might be a bit lost when Burn was released because it was a while since I read book #4, but I was wrong. It wasn’t long before my memories of events and the characters came flooding back, proving that the Steel Brothers are memorable.
While I was reading Burn, I found it very hard to put it down. People and things kept interrupting me as I tried to find out what happens next in this series. Yes, I loved this book just as much as I loved the first four books and even though I want all the ends to be tied up, I also don’t want this series to finish.
A Word of Warning: Burn ends on a cliff hanger, but this book was well worth the pain. BTW, I bought every one of these books.
I gave Burn 5 sizzling stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog

[Pinar Celebi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/4

[Bookishlifeofdani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of Jonah and Melanie's time together. This is the fifth book in the series, Jonah's second book. It continued with Talon's incident that happened to him when he was a child. These books are very drawn out. This could have been finished in three books. The Steel brothers each have three books about them. I feel that there will never be an end to the Steel Brothers Saga. There is no real progress in the books and it repeats itself. The main characters are whiny and do not communicate with one another. Jonah is so afraid to tell Melanie that he didn't answer her call when she needed him and when he finally tells her, it is not even a big deal. What was he so worried for? Who knows. Instead of listening to what she had to say about the situation, he takes off to his brothers house and breaks up with her because he feels she will never forgive him and he is not worthy. Really? Relationships are built on COMMUNICATION, not making a decision on your own that you do not deserve her because you didn't answer a stupid phone call. How would you know that she was in trouble? You couldn't have so he needs to chill out and take a breather.

Melanie is annoying and thinks that she knows everything about a person. She cannot get past the fact that one of her clients committed suicide. I understand it is hard on a person but you cannot save everyone. When she finally finds out it probably wasn't suicide, things start to get a little interesting but only by a smidgen. The book does not leave much mystery. We already know who the three abductors are from Talon's past and we know he was not meant to be taken. What I do not understand is why it is taking so long for them to figure this out and get on with everything. There are at least four more books in this series due to the third brother and there is not much more that needs to be discovered.

It is so hard to stop reading them when you have invested so much time into the first five books. It is more curiosity than anything that keeps me reading these books. I loved the first two books in this series but after the third, it started to go downhill. I am hoping the series can come back for a win but it does not look promising. At least the third brother's story sounds more interesting than the others. He is makes appearances in the first five books but not much has been said about his situation. We shall see where the Steel Brothers Saga takes us next.

[Kerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Long & tedious!
This could have & should have ended with the last book. Story is waaaaay too drawn out. It is repetitive. I did a lot of skimming. At $8.00 a book I really expect to be glued to the pages, but that definitely is not the case. If Helen needs money that bad, she should just set up a Go Fund Me page. She's not doing her reputation as an author any good at all. The theory behind the story is good, but it should have been over 2 books ago!

[Tamara Drummond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I'm not a big fan of cliffhangers. When I first read the first book was like OMG finally something good. However as the books go on and I mean dragging on this could have been one book. Not a fan of the couple just don't feel the connection between the two. Still love ya Helen....but can we wrap it up soon.

[Ms Toyin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, I really tried but just couldn't anymore. It took me 2 weeks to read books 4 & 5 (didn't finish 5)
and it was just so dreadful. Sorry. Helen you've written so much better than this, what happened?
I won't be completing this series.

[Michelle Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe and Melanie's story continues. I just can't seem to put these books down :)

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 ½ Stars*

Burn by Helen Hardt is the fifth book in the Steel Brothers Saga, because this is a continuation series surrounded by a ton of suspense. I'm going to keep this review short and sweet in order to avoid spoilers. Just know, this saga… so far… involves some pretty big trigger warnings. If you find Child Abuse in any way, shape, or form triggering I highly recommend you go into this one with your eyes wide open. And if you find this to be a severe trigger, I highly recommend you skip this series altogether.

Interesting how I loved Jonah in the first three books of the series, but for some unknown reason, I am not really vibing with his character point of view. This man could easily undo all of his worry by actually confiding in those he loves. All he has to do is open his mouth and talk, not internalize everything. You all aren’t solving anything by keeping secrets!!! GRRRR…. I’m seriously annoyed by the lack of communication coming from this man!

However, I did like Melanie a touch more in this novel than I did in Melt. She’s finally opening up about her past, her fear, and the overwhelming grief she feels due to not being able to help one of her patients. I am loving this side of Melanie.

But holy hell, that cliffhanger!! I knew this would happen. I said in my review for Melt, I’m fairly certain I predicted the outcome of this series.. And so far all my predictions have come true and are beginning to come true!! WOW! Bring on the drama.

So in regards to the series, I’m, once again, loving the suspense! I just wish Jonah was a little more like the Jonah in the first three books and a little less like the secret keeper he is in his point of view. This could have all been said and done, if he shared his suspicions!!! Not to mention the fact that he was all pouty and didn’t listen to his gut instincts where Melanie was concerned! GRR.. This man, I tell you. He has me fit to be tied!!

Now on to Surrender! Here’s to hoping he cleans up his act and achieves that happily ever after aspect. I’m crossing my fingers!

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[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a series that may be very triggering to readers. There will be a complete trigger list at the end of this review.

Jonah carries a lot of guilt from what happened to his younger brother Talon when they were children. He feels responsible, and can't seem to forgive himself.

Are his interactions with therapist Melanie Carmichael help him heal? Or is he now love blind, and unable to help Talon catch the culprits?

This book handles a lot of the triggers well, while also triggering others, so truly be careful if you are sensitive. Also, the smut is a bit outdated in how it is written in my opinion. Certain words that aren't used in most smut driven text are prevalent in this series, and pulled me out of it a bit.

But I am invested in the characters and the story, so I do plan to continue.

Trigger Warning:
Child Abuse, Rape, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Physical Violence, War Trauma, Depression, Suicide, PTSD

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no doubt about it - I'm definitely hooked and extremely frustrated that it ended on such a cliffhanger! They've all ended on a cliffhanger but this has to be the hardest as know I gotta wait nearly 3 weeks before the next part of the serial is published :((

In each of the books some questions have been answered but they then raise even more questions and I don't think we will get to the bottom of it all until the end of Ryan's story. The next story will hopefully resolve Melanie & Jonah's tale but then we move on to Ryan which will probably be another 2-3 books!........

Don't get me wrong these are all worth reading and have had me gripped, but I really wish I had waited until they had all been released before I jumped on this band wagon!

[Felicia Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This particular book was so freaking good! I read 100 pages the first day and had to finish before I went to bed. It started off so good because the last book and it was so much suspense. Mel’s story is just amazing. I am loving how her story is unraveling. I love how we are slowly getting more answers from Talon’s story. I mean is so amazing. Helen is doing a great job of not rushing the storyline and I really appreciate that. Love how much the family is involved in the story compared to part for it. This may have been my favorite books so far in the saga. I definitely Reddit the fastest. Started on a Sunday, but Monday is when I read most of the book. I love love love this book.

[Mary Alice Van Stavern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah and Melanie

This is another part of Jonah' story but they are still finding answers to Talon's!! They are also working on Melanie's issues as well!! These characters are great and you fall in love with them!! How they help each other!!

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one better than the previous one. Jonah was as selfish and Melanie grew a spine. I know that may sound harsh but I did not like her in their first book. The plot has certainly thickened especially with that ending. On to the next!!

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg another wonderful book by Helen. I hope Melanie and Jonah get back together. I think they were made for each other just like Talon and Jade

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving The Steel Brothers series so much! Helen Hardt has done it again with so much heart pounding, heartbreaking and so intense. Can't wait to continue with Surrender!

[Stephanie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are definitely reaching full soap opera connections but thus book ended at such an antictipated section you definitely have to read the next. Jonah's character is growing on me!

[Susan Dargan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #5 see book #6

[Liz Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saga is intense.

So far, every door we had opened had led to more doors. Answers had only posed more questions. We seemed further away from the truth now than we had been when we’d started this journey.

Lots of twists and turns. Jonah and Melanie have insecurities which are driving me nuts; repetitive references to theirs and other characters insecurities are frustrating, hence I’m speed reading/skipping parts of the story.
However, apart from the repetition I still recommend this saga.

[Mick Grimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is twisted but good reading

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nope, still not finished!
And still with the bombshell/cliffhanger endings..not really a surprise any more. How about just finishing it all ready!

[Alison Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!

This series has hooked me from the beginning. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This definitely doesn’t always make sense.