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Steel Hawk #3
Dangerous Illusions
Keep your lovers close, your enemies closer. Especially if they’re one and the same.
Steel Hawk, Book 3
With Steel Hawk still reeling from explosions at Zarrenburg Castle and at its own headquarters, company lawyer Edward Long’s legendary stoicism has been severely tested. It’s clearly an inside job, and no one is deeper inside than Edward—which leaves him squarely in the center of a frame.
Someone is using him to bring down the company he loves. Worse, the PI that Adam Hawk sends to investigate…there’s something off about her. And something that seriously turns him on.
Operating under an assumed name, Sophie Hawk aims to dig deeper into the company’s systems than any other investigator would dare. Especially with the prime suspect’s hot-chocolate gaze tracking her every move.
As their dueling intellects strike sparks, the rising heat threatens the trip wires Edward has set up around his heart—and the secret that ties him to a man who’ll stop at nothing to claim his right to rule the house of Zarrenburg. Or, if he can’t have it, destroy it—and everyone connected to it.
Contains agonizingly sweet kisses, dirty thoughts, dirtier talk, mutual trust stretched to the limit, and criminal abuse of a thousand-dollar suit jacket.
Steel Hawk, Book 3
With Steel Hawk still reeling from explosions at Zarrenburg Castle and at its own headquarters, company lawyer Edward Long’s legendary stoicism has been severely tested. It’s clearly an inside job, and no one is deeper inside than Edward—which leaves him squarely in the center of a frame.
Someone is using him to bring down the company he loves. Worse, the PI that Adam Hawk sends to investigate…there’s something off about her. And something that seriously turns him on.
Operating under an assumed name, Sophie Hawk aims to dig deeper into the company’s systems than any other investigator would dare. Especially with the prime suspect’s hot-chocolate gaze tracking her every move.
As their dueling intellects strike sparks, the rising heat threatens the trip wires Edward has set up around his heart—and the secret that ties him to a man who’ll stop at nothing to claim his right to rule the house of Zarrenburg. Or, if he can’t have it, destroy it—and everyone connected to it.
Contains agonizingly sweet kisses, dirty thoughts, dirtier talk, mutual trust stretched to the limit, and criminal abuse of a thousand-dollar suit jacket.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2016
31 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ballance
33 books692 followersSarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 18, 2018
Edward Long is Steel Hawk's company lawyer. His behavior has always been impeccable, but recently weird things started happening to the company and he's a suspect. He knows he's innocent, but others aren't convinced of this fact. Someone is using him to undermine the business he loves working for and this person is clearly having success. His boss sends someone to investigate the matter. Sophie Hawk will get to the bottom of the case and it's up to her to determine if Edward is guilty or not. This infuriates Edward, but he can only cooperate and hope for the best.
Sophie doesn't use her real last name, so her connection to the company isn't obvious. She's a PI with an excellent track record and finding out who's trying to bring Steel Hawk down is exactly the kind of job she excels at. When she meets Edward she has a gut feeling he's innocent, but there's so much proof that indicates otherwise. To make matters more complicated there's plenty of attraction between them. Can Sophie trust herself and listen to her intuition and is Edward really innocent? Will she be able to find out what's going on with Steel Hawk and prevent more damage from happening?
Dangerous Illusions is a fascinating romantic story. Sophie is a clever, capable and skillful woman. She can stand up for herself and she's really good at her job. I was curious to find out what she'd discover and Steel Hawk's mysteries kept me glued to the pages. Edward isn't the most warm and welcoming person, but slowly she manages to defrost him. I was intrigued by his complex personality and loved his moody charm. They are giving each other a good challenge and that immediately captivated me.
Sarah Ballance writing style has a nice easy flow, which made it possible for me to completely lose myself in her story. I loved her descriptions of Steel Hawk's hidden rooms and very much enjoyed finding clues together with Sophie and Edward. Dangerous Illusions is a gripping story filled with family secrets, old feuds and mysterious people. The many surprising twists and turns are making this story a joy to read and the ending is absolutely wonderful. Sarah Ballance has written a fantastic Steel Hawk finale.
Sophie doesn't use her real last name, so her connection to the company isn't obvious. She's a PI with an excellent track record and finding out who's trying to bring Steel Hawk down is exactly the kind of job she excels at. When she meets Edward she has a gut feeling he's innocent, but there's so much proof that indicates otherwise. To make matters more complicated there's plenty of attraction between them. Can Sophie trust herself and listen to her intuition and is Edward really innocent? Will she be able to find out what's going on with Steel Hawk and prevent more damage from happening?
Dangerous Illusions is a fascinating romantic story. Sophie is a clever, capable and skillful woman. She can stand up for herself and she's really good at her job. I was curious to find out what she'd discover and Steel Hawk's mysteries kept me glued to the pages. Edward isn't the most warm and welcoming person, but slowly she manages to defrost him. I was intrigued by his complex personality and loved his moody charm. They are giving each other a good challenge and that immediately captivated me.
Sarah Ballance writing style has a nice easy flow, which made it possible for me to completely lose myself in her story. I loved her descriptions of Steel Hawk's hidden rooms and very much enjoyed finding clues together with Sophie and Edward. Dangerous Illusions is a gripping story filled with family secrets, old feuds and mysterious people. The many surprising twists and turns are making this story a joy to read and the ending is absolutely wonderful. Sarah Ballance has written a fantastic Steel Hawk finale.
August 16, 2016
First, a panic, I missed two Sarah Ballance books???? Nope book one and two in this series are written by different authors, but have no fear, you don't have to read them to enjoy this book, it would just help with knowing the players That out of the way, WOW I know it's common for a reviewer to say "I could not put this book down" when they are trying to over sell a book, but honestly, i cursed last night when i was falling asleep, I had about an hour left in the book and had to step away
Sarah writes excellent romance books, but i'm learning she excels at mystery/suspense/whodunit type books This book is a real page turner with no dull moments and zero predictability. The plot is unique as an undercover investigator attempts to figure out who is sabotaging Steel Hawk from the inside as she is trying to resist Edward, The main suspect. The chemistry between Sophie and Edward is electric and i love how he's "scary and standoffish" to the rest of the world but melts for Sophie. The book is truly amazing and i'll be adding the other two to my want list for future purchases when i have time. I'm looking forward to hopefully more books like this from Ms. Ballance
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review
Sarah writes excellent romance books, but i'm learning she excels at mystery/suspense/whodunit type books This book is a real page turner with no dull moments and zero predictability. The plot is unique as an undercover investigator attempts to figure out who is sabotaging Steel Hawk from the inside as she is trying to resist Edward, The main suspect. The chemistry between Sophie and Edward is electric and i love how he's "scary and standoffish" to the rest of the world but melts for Sophie. The book is truly amazing and i'll be adding the other two to my want list for future purchases when i have time. I'm looking forward to hopefully more books like this from Ms. Ballance
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review
August 23, 2016
This book had me hooked from the first page. Literally after the first 3 paragraphs I couldn't put it down! On a side note, this is completely stand alone so you don't have to read the first two to understand what is going on in this book.
I loved both Edward and Sophie. It's not often that I'm rooting for both sides in the romance but both the hero and heroine truly captured my loyalty from the beginning. Edward is not a typical romantic hero. He's no cowboy, no firefighter, no navy SEAL...he's a lawyer. A boring, staid man of the law. But there is so much more to him than meets the eye. The fact that he has a suspicion of the truth that is revealed in the end, but that he doesn't want to bring it to light out of loyalty to Steel Hawk and Zarrenburg just shows that he is a man of character. And you also understand why he is so private, why he wants to keep that part of himself buried as he is trying to come to grips with it himself. Then in walks Sophie under the guise of being a third party investigator when she is part of the family and wants to get to the bottom of the problems ASAP. But her inherent sense of justice can't just pin the problems on Edward because he is convenient. Sophie is not a typical heroine and is the perfect match to Edward's different breed of hero. She is, in fact, an investigator but makes her living going through paperwork and files to find problems. Not at all an exciting private eye type. But she is intelligent and thinks quickly in situations where she has to. While neither fits the hero or heroine stereotype they fit perfectly well together.
The story itself is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Things are amiss at Steel Hawk and in Zarrenburg. All fingers point at the company's loyal attorney, Edward, but Sophie isn't sure that he's the culprit. Just the 1st chapter leaves you with the feeling that there are a lot of different elements at work. Danger is certainly lurking and the suspense as Sophie and Edward work together to find power behind the sabotage at Steel Hawk is intense. But both of those are a definite sidebar to the loyalty to the company, Adam Steel (part owner of Steel Hawk), and even Zarrenburg. Loyalty and love that is quickly developing between Edward and Sophie...but as they dig deeper into this mess she can't keep her identity secret for long. Loyalty and love are both tested as both face an unseen danger while questioning if they can trust each other. It's a perfect blend of mystery and romance that will keep up until 2am until you finish it.
Most of the action takes place inside Steel Hawk's headquarters. The building itself is described as a perfect blend of past and present, the beauty of an old building with all the modern updates. But it lends an air all of its own to the story. While they are in the new part of the building everything seems tidy and neat, but you feel as if there is something lurking just under the surface. All the security is almost too much, leaves one with the uneasy feeling that you are being watched. But once they enter the older part of the building that has been neglected by everyone except Edward, there is an ominous feeling yet it seems so much warmer than the rest of the building. Walls of glass are contrasted against the warmth of the brick basement where Edward's safe is. You can understand that he would feel "safe" there among the dust and the rats in comparison to the offices above. Where they are at definitely contributes to the overall uneasiness that pervades the story. You are always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
All in all, if you don't read it you are sorely missing out on one of the best stories I've read in a while. Now I may just have to go back and read the first two to find out what all the excitement is about LOL
I loved both Edward and Sophie. It's not often that I'm rooting for both sides in the romance but both the hero and heroine truly captured my loyalty from the beginning. Edward is not a typical romantic hero. He's no cowboy, no firefighter, no navy SEAL...he's a lawyer. A boring, staid man of the law. But there is so much more to him than meets the eye. The fact that he has a suspicion of the truth that is revealed in the end, but that he doesn't want to bring it to light out of loyalty to Steel Hawk and Zarrenburg just shows that he is a man of character. And you also understand why he is so private, why he wants to keep that part of himself buried as he is trying to come to grips with it himself. Then in walks Sophie under the guise of being a third party investigator when she is part of the family and wants to get to the bottom of the problems ASAP. But her inherent sense of justice can't just pin the problems on Edward because he is convenient. Sophie is not a typical heroine and is the perfect match to Edward's different breed of hero. She is, in fact, an investigator but makes her living going through paperwork and files to find problems. Not at all an exciting private eye type. But she is intelligent and thinks quickly in situations where she has to. While neither fits the hero or heroine stereotype they fit perfectly well together.
The story itself is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Things are amiss at Steel Hawk and in Zarrenburg. All fingers point at the company's loyal attorney, Edward, but Sophie isn't sure that he's the culprit. Just the 1st chapter leaves you with the feeling that there are a lot of different elements at work. Danger is certainly lurking and the suspense as Sophie and Edward work together to find power behind the sabotage at Steel Hawk is intense. But both of those are a definite sidebar to the loyalty to the company, Adam Steel (part owner of Steel Hawk), and even Zarrenburg. Loyalty and love that is quickly developing between Edward and Sophie...but as they dig deeper into this mess she can't keep her identity secret for long. Loyalty and love are both tested as both face an unseen danger while questioning if they can trust each other. It's a perfect blend of mystery and romance that will keep up until 2am until you finish it.
Most of the action takes place inside Steel Hawk's headquarters. The building itself is described as a perfect blend of past and present, the beauty of an old building with all the modern updates. But it lends an air all of its own to the story. While they are in the new part of the building everything seems tidy and neat, but you feel as if there is something lurking just under the surface. All the security is almost too much, leaves one with the uneasy feeling that you are being watched. But once they enter the older part of the building that has been neglected by everyone except Edward, there is an ominous feeling yet it seems so much warmer than the rest of the building. Walls of glass are contrasted against the warmth of the brick basement where Edward's safe is. You can understand that he would feel "safe" there among the dust and the rats in comparison to the offices above. Where they are at definitely contributes to the overall uneasiness that pervades the story. You are always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
All in all, if you don't read it you are sorely missing out on one of the best stories I've read in a while. Now I may just have to go back and read the first two to find out what all the excitement is about LOL
August 18, 2016
The third in the series but I was able to read as a stand alone and still follow along with no problem. That being said I will be going back and reading books 1 and 2. I really enjoy this author, she has a winning writing style that always ensnares her readers right from the first page. Sophie and Edward were great characters, the sexual tension between the two left sparks on the pages as they fought to keep their relationship professional. The mystery was well thought out and executed so that it was hard to believe in the innocence of the accused even when you knew he was not guilty. The twists and turns kept you on your toes, kept the storyline moving and made it very exciting. The characters were well developed, easy to like and made you smile and laugh many times. A truly enjoyable reading experience. I look forward to seeing if the series continues.
Merged review:
The third in the series but I was able to read as a stand alone and still follow along with no problem. That being said I will be going back and reading books 1 and 2. I really enjoy this author, she has a winning writing style that always ensnares her readers right from the first page. Sophie and Edward were great characters, the sexual tension between the two left sparks on the pages as they fought to keep their relationship professional. The mystery was well thought out and executed so that it was hard to believe in the innocence of the accused even when you knew he was not guilty. The twists and turns kept you on your toes, kept the storyline moving and made it very exciting. The characters were well developed, easy to like and made you smile and laugh many times. A truly enjoyable reading experience. I look forward to seeing if the series continues.
Merged review:
The third in the series but I was able to read as a stand alone and still follow along with no problem. That being said I will be going back and reading books 1 and 2. I really enjoy this author, she has a winning writing style that always ensnares her readers right from the first page. Sophie and Edward were great characters, the sexual tension between the two left sparks on the pages as they fought to keep their relationship professional. The mystery was well thought out and executed so that it was hard to believe in the innocence of the accused even when you knew he was not guilty. The twists and turns kept you on your toes, kept the storyline moving and made it very exciting. The characters were well developed, easy to like and made you smile and laugh many times. A truly enjoyable reading experience. I look forward to seeing if the series continues.
August 6, 2016
4 1/2 stars
Sarah Ballance is becoming one of my go to authors when I need a suspenseful but romantic kick in the butt. She does it again with this book which is book 3. This can be read as a stand alone and does have an HEA.
Written as a multi pov.
This book had lots of mystery, suspense, intrigue, along with romance, determination, and kick @$$ attitude by Sophie. She was kicking butt and taking names. She is a very strong character and was easy to want her to be on your side. She has a great mind for figuring out things and is very strong willed. Edward was great as well. The poor guy is being set up and is doing what he can to clear his name.
There were a few details that I wish had been explained a wee bit better concerning the whys and hows of things but all in all, as a whole it was well done.
Great story line, awesome characters, dialogue flowed nicely and the descriptions to details were done nicely for the most part. Like I said...could have been a wee bit stronger in some areas.
All in all, a great read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
Sarah Ballance is becoming one of my go to authors when I need a suspenseful but romantic kick in the butt. She does it again with this book which is book 3. This can be read as a stand alone and does have an HEA.
Written as a multi pov.
This book had lots of mystery, suspense, intrigue, along with romance, determination, and kick @$$ attitude by Sophie. She was kicking butt and taking names. She is a very strong character and was easy to want her to be on your side. She has a great mind for figuring out things and is very strong willed. Edward was great as well. The poor guy is being set up and is doing what he can to clear his name.
There were a few details that I wish had been explained a wee bit better concerning the whys and hows of things but all in all, as a whole it was well done.
Great story line, awesome characters, dialogue flowed nicely and the descriptions to details were done nicely for the most part. Like I said...could have been a wee bit stronger in some areas.
All in all, a great read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
August 17, 2016
Dangerous Illusions is the third book in a series, however I read the book as a standalone and had no issues following along. The book was well written and engaging. There was chemistry and sexual tension between Sophie and Edward that kept the reader on edge waiting for one of them to make the next move, there was a suspenseful who dunit angle to the story, and I enjoyed Sophie's tough girl investigator style.
Sophie was strong and more than capable. Here character had sarcasm in spades, which I loved. I also loved how Edward and Sophie would verbally spar, throwing those sarcastic gems back and forth. I enjoyed that they didn't have a syrupy sweet relationship. I loved that Sophie stood up to Edward and at the same time she seemed to soften his character.
I'm a huge Sarah Ballance fan! This book was a little bit of a departure from the contemporary stories I'm used to from her, but I loved it just the same. You can't go wrong with a Sarah Ballance book!
Sophie was strong and more than capable. Here character had sarcasm in spades, which I loved. I also loved how Edward and Sophie would verbally spar, throwing those sarcastic gems back and forth. I enjoyed that they didn't have a syrupy sweet relationship. I loved that Sophie stood up to Edward and at the same time she seemed to soften his character.
I'm a huge Sarah Ballance fan! This book was a little bit of a departure from the contemporary stories I'm used to from her, but I loved it just the same. You can't go wrong with a Sarah Ballance book!
August 16, 2016
This is Book #3 in the Steel Hawk series. This book has suspense, romance, intrigue, and mystery. Sophie is a strong woman, who kicked butt and ask questions later type of a person. She is a PI and is hired by her family to investigate what is going on in the family business. Sophie is to determine if Edward is the one doing the everything in the company or is it someone outside the company? Edward is a complex man, who is hot and has Sophie thinking thoughts she should not especially since she is investigating him.
☆☆☆☆
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
August 15, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was hooked from the very beginning. Dangerous Illusions offers a great blend of mystery and romance, with lots of sassy dialogue. I thought the storyline developed perfectly. Sophie and Edward were great characters and had wonderful chemistry. Another good read from Ms. Ballance that I think you will enjoy.
I have to admit that when I saw it was “Book 3”, I was a bit worried that I would miss the continuity of not having read the first two books in the series. This was not the case – it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Book received from author for an honest review.
I have to admit that when I saw it was “Book 3”, I was a bit worried that I would miss the continuity of not having read the first two books in the series. This was not the case – it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Book received from author for an honest review.
August 16, 2016
I’m a huge fan of Sarah’s romantic comedies and historicals and I love romantic suspense so I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. And it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely loved Sophie and Edward and their interactions. Definitely had me laughing at several points. Sarah's writing always sucks me right in and keeps me hostage until the last page. And I’m a sucker for some danger and a good mystery mixed in with romance so this book was just all around highly entertaining. It’s the third book in the series but I haven’t read the first two yet and wasn’t lost – it can be read as a standalone. I’ll definitely be reading more of Sarah’s suspenses!
August 16, 2016
Dangerous Illusions by Sarah Ballance....Sarah is one of my favorite authors, she knows how to write the best book boyfriends ever that you dream about and Edward is no different. Edward is another hot strong hero and Sophie is very sassy, which makes for fun interaction with Edward. This book has a great storyline full of suspense and romance, which holds you attention all the way through. This is a must read if you are looking for entertainment. I was given a complimentary book for an honest review.
August 16, 2016
I love it when Sarah mixes a little mystery into her books with a steamy hot guy & a no nonsense woman who can definitely take care of herself - even when rats are involved! The sarcasm that Edward & Sophie speak fluently is great! I laughed out loud more than once due to it...it's my favorite language.
Though I've only read the first & third book in the Steel Hawk series I've definitely enjoyed both.
Though I've only read the first & third book in the Steel Hawk series I've definitely enjoyed both.
July 30, 2016
This book started off slow but gained my attention more as the I read. I think it needed more action in the book. I loved Shoppers character. Shopie takes no shit from anybody not even Edward. She is sassy, kicks ass and takes names. This book has it all. It has mystery, action and romance. I highly recommend reading this book.
August 16, 2016
I received this book from Rock Star Lit in exchange for an honest review.
Another good addition to this series. A great book with a good blend of romance, adventure, twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. It had a good storyline and well developed characters. Definitely a very good book.
Another good addition to this series. A great book with a good blend of romance, adventure, twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. It had a good storyline and well developed characters. Definitely a very good book.
September 17, 2016
Gorgeously good ending to the Steel Hawk trilogy, with characters that take you on a suspenseful, sexy, fast-paced ride from the moment you meet them all the way through to the end. I love Ms Ballance's sophisticated, sleek and glossy suspense writing style.
July 18, 2016
This book can be read as a stand alone. It was awesome. There was action, mystery, and of course romance. The complex characters and storyline left you hanging by the edge of your seat.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews