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

Jonah Steel is intelligent, rich, and hard-working. As the oldest of his siblings, he was charged by his father to protect them.

He failed in the worst way.

Dr. Melanie Carmichael has her own baggage. Although the renowned therapist was able to help Jonah’s brother, she is struggling with feelings of inadequacy. When the oldest Steel walks into her office seeking solace, she can’t turn her back.

As Melanie and Jonah attempt to work through their issues together, desperately trying to ignore the desire brewing between them, ghosts from both their pasts surface…and danger draws near.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2016

6452 people are currently reading
7623 people want to read

About the author

Helen Hardt

203 books8,325 followers
#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.

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5 stars
8,017 (54%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
Profile Image for Lissa.
1,319 reviews141 followers
February 7, 2017
Damn it, I have been roped into this series against my will and I can't think of a way to get out of reading every single shitty book this author pumps out without hurting a friend's feelings. Sigh.

And so, for the fourth installment in this ridiculous series, we have now switched to Jonah and Melanie, both of whom were introduced in the previous three books. The shift was a bit jarring, but I was glad to get out of Talon's head in particular, as well as Jade's. Surely this book, featuring Jonah (who seemed more level-headed than Talon) and Melanie (who seemed much more mature than Jade) won't be as shitty as the prior three, right?

Wrong. Because even though the author has theoretically switched characters, Jonah is almost EXACTLY like Talon, and Melanie is almost EXACTLY like Jade.

First off, one of my pet peeves is how the author has obviously NEVER been to (Grand) Junction; if she has, she defintely didnt pay any attention. She actually said that there was a skid row in Junction! SKID ROW! Dude, Junction has its problems - there is illegal drug use and the associated problems that come with it. It has some homeless people (a lot of them are temporary, young adults hitching across the country and hitting up "the west"). But I cannot imagine a SKID ROW, or even an area so freaking shady that there is a plethora of "bums" who will either beat up a Steel brother who wants to be hit (Jonah) or a Steel brother who wants to "defend" himself after someone tries to pick his pocket (Talon). I get that this mythical seedy side of Junction is a driving factor in this series, but if you're going to make a town so bad, you should probably just make up a name for a fictional setting (Snow Creek, for example, is not a real place).

Once again, the Steel brother (Jonah this time around) equates being "dominant" with being a grade A asshole.

FUCK
YOU
VERY
MUCH


And that is how a man who is "dominant" is supposed to act, which makes me think that the author (who has already proven that she does not have a grasp on basic human anatomy) has absolutely NO FUCKING CLUE about D/s.

And let's get on to Melanie, who as I mentioned (beneath the previous spoiler cut) is forty years old and yet is as blushing and retiring as a teenaged virgin.

And speaking of Melanie's body, every time she talks about it, she keeps putting herself down. She isn't stacked. She's too lean and athletic. She's a perfect size six, but she's just average. GIVE IT A FUCKING REST. She has what is considered a "perfect" body by American standards, and every time someone tries to compliment her, she just tears herself a new one. I FUCKING HATE THIS TROPE IN ROMANCE! It's like a woman HAS to look good in a typical romance book, but she's not allowed to think that she does indeed look good. This trope almost literally makes me vomit at times, and this is one of those times.

Melanie sounds more like a whiny thirteen year old than a forty year old woman.

And speaking of tropes that I hate, I got some more up my sleeve! I also hate the "this is the best sex I've ever had so it must be love" trope, which gets heavy play in both Jonah/Melanie and Talon/Jade. Sex does not equal love! You can have great sex with someone you don't love and not-so-great sex with someone you do love! Sometimes the shittiest sex you'll have is with someone you love, and that's okay!

Also, super sick of the "he's got a huuuuuuge dick so this is the greatest sex I've ever had" trope. As a lesbian who has never had sex with a man willingly, I don't get the appeal in het (and often gay) romances with the big dick thing. Personally, sleeping with someone who is wielding a baseball bat between his legs sounds unattractive on multiple levels. And if the guy doesn't know how to use said baseball bat, it sounds even MORE "do not want" to me.

And like I already admitted, I skimmed through the sex scenes, because I knew if they were anything like the ones between Talon and Jade (which they totally were), they would be god-awful. Melanie, like Jade, has the rare "ruby red" nipples and labia. WTF. Has the author ever looked at a woman naked before? I have slept with several woman, and never ONCE have I found ruby red nipples or labia, haha.

Finally, allow myself to declare my disgust for the cliffhanger ending, which I KNEW would be coming because the author is incapable of wrapping any storylines up at all, apparently. Cliffhangers like that make me think that the author believes that the story isn't strong enough to draw readers back, so she has to "pull them in" with a cliffhanger - and that is lazy storytelling.
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,710 reviews1,038 followers
February 22, 2021
Melt does not start with a bang like the Talon's story. Melt is the story of Jonah and Melani. The suspense continue in this book. The twist deepened. Even though I feel Miss Hardt grappling to put more plot/ twist into the story. But she fails to build that suspense.

The sex is mediocre. And I have problem with Melani. She comes as weak and spinless heroine. Torturing herself with what is right and what is wrong. I was hoping a heroine like Jade. With what is lacking, I am curios about Jonah. He is the eldest brother and surely he has a lot of burden in his shoulder especially guilt.
Too soon to stop reading this series.

For now, this is OK read.

3 stars
Profile Image for Kimberly.
684 reviews35 followers
November 17, 2016
I don't even know where to begin with my review. This is the 4th book in the Steel Brothers Saga, and what a saga it is! This book is about Jonah Steel and his struggles with the crushing guilt he feels about what happened to Talon all those years ago. Jonah's love interest is Talon's psychotherapist Melanie Carmichael. And she also struggles with crushing guilt because of a patient she lost. When Jonah realizes he must do something to help him through the guilt he goes to Melanie but they both quickly realize they want to me more than Dr. and patient. Things heat up quickly from there but they both struggle with whether they want to pursue the relationship or not. And while this is going on more pieces to the puzzle of who kidnapped and tortured Talon start coming to light. This book is fast paced and the new revelations will leave you reeling and wanting desperately to know what the truth is.

I love Melanie and Jonah. I could relate to them on so many levels. Jonah feels a deep responsibility to his siblings, and as the oldest child myself I know exactly where he is coming from. And Melanie, oh my goodness she is a successful and professional doctor, but she struggles with the type of insecurities I think a lot of women have. Both of these characters have a realness about them, even though they are living through some extraordinary circumstances they still have the same thoughts, feelings, and insecurities we all feel. I also enjoyed the humor laced throughout, it gave balance to the serious and angst filled tone of the story.

And let's take a moment to talk about the love scenes. I swear Helen Hardt writes the best love scenes I have ever read. I feel like I have to stand in front of the fan while reading them. Jonah is now my new favorite hero, his words will literally MELT you!

This series has been one of the most enjoyable I have read in a long time. To say I'm desperate for the next book is an understatement. Well done Ms. Hardt, well done!
Profile Image for Helen Hardt.
Author 203 books8,325 followers
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July 15, 2020
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Profile Image for Melanie A..
1,242 reviews559 followers
February 20, 2018
This series is DEFINITELY my biggest guilty pleasure! It's pure old-school romance: salacious and cheesy to the extreme, but I love it!

Unfortunately, this installment wasn't my favorite. The story shifts away from Talon to focus on his brother, Jonah, but the author doesn't give us much to love about him or his love interest, Melanie. They're both drowning in guilt and low self-esteem.
She was a mess, and I was a mess. The two of us together were a nightmare.
Neither thinks they are good enough for the other, which got a bit old by the end of the book.

On the plus side, they had great chemistry together. I kind of loved their old-fashioned, slightly misogynistic dirty talk. And the mystery of Talon's kidnapping is further unraveled...though not nearly with as much finesse as in the previous books. Still, I'm eager to learn the truth so I'll definitely be indulging in book 5 in the near future!
Profile Image for Elle G. Reads.
1,887 reviews1,019 followers
July 19, 2017
Release Date: December 20, 2016
Series: Steel Brothers #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance + Suspense

For those who are new to the series, I recommend reading these books in order as they follow the same plotline. The first book – which must be read first – is Craving. Then you will move along to Obsession, Possession, and then this one Melt. There are two more books being released after this one and I absolutely cannot wait!!!! The first three books in the series follow Talon and Jade. Talon has suffered from horrific childhood abuse and captivity in the hands of 3 unknown men and has been reluctant to start any type of relationship with anyone. Even getting close to his family has been difficult as he holds inner resentment. Jade is the woman who seemingly set Talon free from the wounds, although they are still stuck in his heart because these men who have damaged him are still free. The fourth book of this series (which is this one) is in Talon’s brothers POV – his name is Jonah -- . Some may think that you can read this one without the others but I am telling you this would be a mistake as the suspense and mystery of what happened to Talon 25 years ago, is still being uncovered in this one. So, make sure to read them in order otherwise it would be a waste of time and money.

With that being said, I truly loved this book (along with the whole series which has easily become one of my favorites of 2016). To sum them all up in a few words I would say they are dark, gritty, suspenseful, and captivating. Each and everyone one of them come highly recommended from me, but you should be warned now that they all end in cliffhangers! Luckily, 4 of the books thus far have been released so you won’t have to wait to read them. Now, while this book does follow a different couple, you still will get your taste of Talon as he does appear quite a bit in this book. He is after all, Jonah’s brother. There is also a bit of a forbidden romance mixed in as Jonah and Dr. Carmichael (Talon’s and Jonah’s therapist) get together. This of course, is not without it’s own set of drama because Jonah still feels guilt for his brothers abduction and Dr. Carmichael has her own demons to face…

Overall, this is the perfect book! It blends suspense, mystery, and romance perfectly! Even more, it depicts real life problems (even if they are horrific) allowing readers a glimpse into how imperfect this world truly is. Helen Hardt does a wonderful job with all of this because readers can empathize and connect with the characters on a very deep and emotional level. This is normally a hard feat, but Helen Hardt has done it with grace. So, should you read this book (pending that you have read all the previous books first)? YES!!!!! They are all gripping from start to finish and I expect many readers will devour them as I have. Grab your copy!!!

ARC Provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!!!
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,001 reviews798 followers
July 22, 2023
Melt is book one for Melanie and Jonah: I struggled a bit with this book. I had a hard time with Melanie's decisions in most of this book. She's supposed to be this smart renowned therapist and yet she mad some very bad decision. I'm still so curious to get the full story about Talon and we seem to be getting little pieces to the puzzle with each book. Hopefully I'll like Melanie more in the next book.
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,940 reviews2,674 followers
March 26, 2025
The most boring couple around!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💜🩷🩶
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: ☹️😄😍
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

The heroine: Melanie Charmichael - she is a psychologist, and she first met Jonah Steel at a conference where she was speaking. He was at a different conference, but the attraction was there from the beginning. She didn’t think she would see him again, until he referred his brother Talon to her, and she started helping Talon deal with his problems. Just because she helps people with problems doesn’t mean she doesn’t have any of her own.

The Hero: Jonah Steel - He is a wealthy rancher; His brother Talon runs the orchard on the family ranch, his brother Ryan runs the winery, and Jonah works with the livestock. Jonah’s younger brother Talon was kidnapped by three men when he was 10 years old. He was held in a dark basement for nearly two months and was brutally beaten, raped and starved. Jonah has always felt a lot of guilt for not being there since his brother wanted him to come with them that day and he turned Talon down. Jonah is a bit surprising and much deeper than I expected.

The story: When Jonah ends up in the hospital due to his own dangerous pastime. His brother begs him to see his therapist and Jonah finds himself in Melanie’s office. He felt like a fraud, since his brother was dealing with so much and his issues pale in comparison. Melanie is also suffering because she lost a patient that she was trying help to deal with childhood trauma, a patient who confessed her love for Melanie in her suicide note.

Like the previous books in this series, this one gets pretty steamy very quickly. Helen Hardt does sexy scenes very well, with hot and powerful men, which I like, though there could be a few less intimate scenes and a bit more story for my liking. Though I have to say, I did like the Steel brothers quite a bit in the first three books. I was a bit surprised that Jonah wasn’t as together as he had seemed. I did know that he had a lot of guilt, but I wouldn’t have expected his feelings to have such a negative effect on him. So, I thought I would really like this one, but Jonah and Melanie together turned out to be very boring, pretty much exactly like her beige cotton underwear and bra.

This audiobook was told in multiple points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Alexander Cendese and Teri Clark Linden. I quite like Alexander Cendese. He has a deep voice, and he really makes a good Jonah. The only thing I don’t like about him is his female voice. I wish this would have been done in duet. Teri Clark Linden has a soft, pretty voice, but like Alexander, I don’t really like her voice for the opposite gender.

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Profile Image for Alison.
77 reviews
January 1, 2017
Why do I keep reading this series!?! Money ploy. Series could've been done in 2 books, if that. Disappointed that it seems all books need to be Series nowadays.
Profile Image for Louise.
259 reviews
July 31, 2017
Ok, this series seriously needs to end! Finished book 4 and feel like I have gained no more ground in solving this drama but I can't stop....MUST know how this ends.
Really feel Hardt has dragged this out far too long and for the first time in this series she didn't finish this book on a "I must have the next book now" cliffhanger; it was a bit of a fizzle of an ending. The sinister thing is though I will pick up the next one just so I can see if this finally ends.
Profile Image for Julie Bergesen.
105 reviews
May 5, 2025
1.5 🌟 ehm sa bøkern blir ikke akkurat bedre MEN im still here i guess.

To be fair den her kunna vært en 3 stjerner asså den hadd faktisk potensialet, så ka e grunnen t at den floppa tenke du sikkert? Vel selvfølgelig ska æ Fortell dæ så du slepp å læs den og finn ut for dæ sjøl😍

1. fmc: psykoterapeut, wow flink og utdanna dama i 40 åran. Har hjulpe sååå mange folk, men glemme av og til sæ sjøl, fair game ho har en travel hverdag.

2.mmc: storebror Jonah. Problemstilling: dårlig samvittighet overfor lillebror fordi han føle at han hadd kunna redda han når han vart kidnappa. Igjen fair asså æ hadd følt det samme.

Okei så kordan blir dem kjent ka e greia? Vel dem møtes på en bar flere bøker tbake. Ho forklare at ho e psykolog og forfatter. Han syns ho e pen men ingenting skjer mellom dem. Han anbefale ho t broren sin sia han e lei av at han ikke har prøvd å få hjelp etter han vart kidnappa😌 ho blir psykologen t broren og får til å hjelp han gjennom traume i racer fart (så realistisk). Broren anbefale Jonah å også dra t ho fordi han vil at alle i familien ska bearbeidet traumet. Han gjør det, men ka skjer? Han klare ikke fokuser fordi ho e pen. Han glemme telefonen sin og må dra tbake t kontoret hennes for å hent den, men ka ser han på kontoret? Å bare en psykolog som har et sammenbrudd. Ka gjør ho? Hmm vel ho spring t han og bynne å råklin med pasienten sin😀👍 okei så dokker skjønne problemet her eller?

Resten av boka handle egt mest om at Jonah e obsessed med å finn kidnapperan t broren sin og psykologen som nekte å åpne sæ opp om probleman sine. Side plottet med pårørende t ene pasienten e faktisk veldig spennende HELT til ho blir angrepet å bortført av en snikmorder??? Sånn Koffor ska alt i na serien heng sammen med det org mmc gikk gjennom? Sjansen e så liten men seff også veldig lett å koble for forfatteren fordi da slepp ho å faktisk tenk på en løsning som faktisk e realistisk!
Profile Image for Siv30.
2,783 reviews192 followers
February 11, 2017
מסתבר שזה ספר רביעי בסידרה ולא שמתי לב לעיניין עד שהתחלתי לקרוא.

הספר הזה מספר את סיפורו של ג'ונה, האח המבוגר במשפחת סטיל. אחיו הצעיר, טאלון, נחטף לפני 25 שנים ועבר התעללות מינית עי 3 חוטפים שמהם מצאו רק אחד -דוד שלו. לאחר שיחרורו מהחוטפים הוריהם טיטאו את הסיפור מתחת לשטיח ועתה לאחר ששניהם מתים האחים מטפלים בחווה משגשגת שלהם, ומתמודדים עם הנשורת של האירועים מהעבר.

ג'ונה פונה לטיפול פסיכולוגי אצל דר' מלאני קרמייקל. אבל הטיפול נכשל מסיבות שונות כולל העובדה שהוא נמשך למאלני. מלאני בעצמה לא התאוששה מהתאבדות אחת מהמטופלות שלה. ולא די בכך, עתה אביה של ג'ינה המטופלת שהתאבדה חוזר לבקש תשובות.

ואז העלילה הופכת הזויה במידה מסויימת. במיוחד החלקים שמתייחסים למלאני. אביה של ג'ינה מגיש תלונה על מלאני והיא מושעית מעבודתה לא לפני שהיא נדרשת עי מנהליה להציג לאב האבל את התיקים הרפואיים של ג'ינה, תיקים שהיא לא יכולה להציג בגלל סוגיות של סודיות מטופל רופא. מכאן העלילה באמת הופכת להזויה.

הבנתי שצפויים עוד שני ספרים בסידרה והאמת שנמאס לי מכל ההמשכונים האלה. במקום לקבל ספר אחד עם עלילה זורמת שיש לה התחלה אמצע וסוף מקבלים ספרון שבחלקו מריחה שלא מתקדמת לשום מקום כדי למלא כך וכך עמודים ולהוציא עוד כמ דולרים מהקוראות.

יחד עם זאת, הספר מעניין והעלילה יכלה להיות טובה לו הספר היה מתחיל ונגמר ולא מתחיל לפני 3 ספרים ונגמר עוד 3 (יש בסידרה 7 ספרים 3 עוסקים בג'ונה ומלאני).
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,374 reviews48 followers
September 5, 2017
Wow

OK I read this in one day. I was on the edge of my seat, I just want to known what happened and why!!! Jonah and Melanie both have so much in common and have similar issues. Maybe they can help each other. That definitely takes a backseat to the crazy mystery and suspense though. Their story is really just taking off!
Profile Image for Mary Alice Van Stavern.
55 reviews
February 16, 2021
Wow!! More mysteries!

Talon and Jade are still working on details about Talon's childhood! Jonah is trying to help too! Jonah and Melanie are both having private issues and secrets yo work out!! The thoughts and language wasn't as bad in this book! I think it was rough in Talons book because of his experience!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
November 11, 2020
🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/11/2020)!🎁
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews63 followers
December 4, 2016
The Steel Brothers saga continues to mesmerize in this fourth book. The mystery is slowly unfolding while the lives of all our characters continue to be entangled in a myre of suspense.

While Talon is moving along with his much needed healing, Jonah is left to deal with the guilt he has carried for twenty five years. Being the oldest, his father always told him to watch out and protect his brothers. How can he move on now that what happened to Talon is in the open when he still feels responsible?

His attraction to Melanie veers his efforts toward protecting her too. It is in his nature. But the secrets Melanie carries inside cannot be shared. She is in peril and knows it. Who will be able to help her in the end before further damage is done to her?

I cannot wait for the next installment of this story. I need to find out why Talon's parents kept this secret? Who did they pay five million to? What else is hidden with the move to fake Marj's birth certificate? Are the other two pedophiles as close as someone of importance in their town?

So many questions... and I am desperate to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Amy.
838 reviews10 followers
May 19, 2017
Fourth book in the series ends with another cliffhanger. The storyline is compelling, but Jonah Steel, one of the main characters, is a selfish jerk. I'm seriously debating whether I want to continue this series or not because I dislike his character so much. He goes around blaming himself for not helping his brother Talon when they were kids, but he's guilty of leaving Melanie hanging out to dry for the exact same thing. He's a selfish lover, too--always taking pleasure for himself and rarely giving it.
Profile Image for Caryn.
2,393 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2019
Angry

I hate paying for a f*c*ing book and the story ends at 68%. Dragging this saga out over a possible 12 books is just ripping us off if this happens again. We’ve learned nothing new except the Steel men are very virile very often.
Profile Image for Yulanda Bolton.
579 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2017
This series just keep getting better. Each book of the series gives out but the clues to finding out all the the parties involved in solving who did all the crimes is crazy. Loving Jonah and Melanie chemistry and can't wait to find out which there relationship will go.
Profile Image for Delia Balas.
242 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2022
4 Books and still looking for the criminals
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angel Payne.
Author 90 books3,319 followers
December 19, 2016
I'll be super honest. After the completely captivating experience of the first 3 Steel Brothers books, my expectations were through the roof for Book 4. With this newest installment of the series, Ms. Hardt delivered a read SO worth the anticipation.
Get ready to step on the gas and GO pretty much from page 1 of this newest "section" of the story. It's Book 4 of the series, but is the first installment of the world focusing on Jonah ("Joe") Steel and the woman who has captivated him from the first section of the series: psychotherapist Melanie Carmichael. Mel is absolutely the perfect woman to pair with Joe. She's smart but humble, independent yet deeply craving a connection to a man who will love her with unbridled passion. Best of all, she understands the demons of guilt that haunt Jonah--because of her own closet filled with the same kinds of ghosts.
This is the nucleus of where Ms. Hardt shines the brightest: exploring the way love not only connects and heals, but through that process, becomes transformative. It literally changes the person one can be--for the better. Nobody said the process was easy, though--and here's the next arena in which this writer shines, and has earned a solid place at the top of my MUST-READ list. I love my conflicts messy, lusty, and filled with lots of twists, turns, and tears along the way--and I know that a Helen Hardt read will always give me all of this and more. But damn, that ENDING! When, when, wheeeennnn do we get Book 5???
A beautiful blend of established back story, new conflicts, and above everything, the beauty and connection of a new love story, MELT accomplished exactly that--and more--for me. The sexy Steels continue to steal my heart!
Profile Image for Cindy M. Green.
841 reviews30 followers
February 13, 2017
Melt is Book #4 in The Steel Brothers Saga. I would recommend reading the books in order; Craving, Obsession, Possession and then Melt. The first three books in the series follow Jade and Talon, while Melt starts the relationship between Jonah, the oldest brother, and Melanie who is a Jonah and Talon's Therapist.

The Steel brothers continue to look for clues about Talon's tortured past and why their parents made the decisions they did at that time. I love that although we are focused on a new brother and his love interest, all of the characters in the first three books are still very much a part of this story. The continuation in Melt from the first three books is captivating and steamy at the same time.

You feel the pain and suspense of the characters. Being that Joe is the oldest of the Steel brothers, he always felt he was responsible for his brothers and failed Talon when they were younger. Joe struggles with that everyday and works to get past that guilt. Dr. Carmichael is struggling with her own demons and the two feel a connection because of it. Can they be what each other needs?

The cliffhangers keep you coming back for more. This series is worth the investment. If you like a hot, steamy romance with mystery and a suspenseful “who done it” that keeps you wanting more, don't miss out! Helen does not disappoint!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,483 reviews43 followers
November 24, 2016
You will melt when you read about Jonah's guilt and love for his family. Being the oldest you are responsible for you younger siblings. You have to protect and guide and handle it all. Well, yeah not really, but that is how Joe felt. When things got tough he dealt with it the only way he knew how, and it was unhealthy and dangerous.
Melanie, Talon's Dr. is struggling with her own guilt. A Dr, should be able to handle loss, I mean she is helping Talon with his trauma and her guilt is a sort of trauma, right? There is only one thing that is helping her deal, Joe.
Melanie quiets the guilt inside of Joe and helps him focus on healing the pain of what happened to Talon. Together can they help each other? Will their own insecurities or fears get in their way? This book was intense leaving me wanting and salivating for more.
Helen has given us a series with men that will not only Melt your heart, they will heat up your soul. Talon, broken, having survived the most heinous of crimes against a child. Books filled with suspense and danger, a mystery to solve to bring justice for Talon and his brothers. The men in this family are going to Steal your heart.
Profile Image for Jamie.
2,052 reviews94 followers
March 19, 2025
This author isn't for me. I just can't do it anymore. The ridiculous comments and statements these characters made were just over the top.

Jonah telling Larry that "You're in prison, for God's sake. No one from the outside can get you in here." LOL. Even in 2016 they could get people in prison.

Then at one point you have Melanie thinking that a nurse doesn't understand losing a patient because she's not a doctor. Like are you kidding me?!?!? Or Melanie calling the parents of her patient that died over a year ago AFTER being told by her lawyer to not have contact and she calls them but hangs up with they answer. Then that starts the whole story line with that for her. It's not smart.

These are supposed to be intelligent, successful people but she writes them as idiots. Idiots who do nothing but have sex every which way and multiple times a night. Sex does not make a book, sorry.

I'm over it and I could care less who kidnapped Talon at this point.
Profile Image for Cyndi Marie ☆★Audiobook Addict★☆.
1,621 reviews159 followers
July 19, 2019
🎧 Audio Review 🎧

I should have know there would be a HUGE CLIFFHANGER! I love this series and can not wait for every book as they are released! I always say I'm going to wait until the next 3 in the set is out but I just can't wait! This book has you on the edge of your seat the entire time! With a great story line, seriously troubled and strong characters and Hot sex scenes... How can I not love it!

The narration for this book wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed their work for the most part but his female voice is not great and she makes Melanie come across a little flaky with her almost child like voice. I completely agree with a change of narration since these next 3 are different main characters and deserve their own voices, I just didn't agree with the choice of narrators.
Profile Image for Jenny.
304 reviews
September 15, 2017
Gah! Friggin cliffhanger at a terrible point in the book. I get wanting to sell more books. Truly, I do. But because these cliffhangers are so blatantly manipulative so that you buy the next book, I won't be investing in any more of this author's material. I'll finish this one series because I'm invested and want to know what happens, but to end a book so abruptly is just... messed up. I'm not a fan and won't support this style of writing.
Profile Image for Alecia (The Staircase Reader).
1,111 reviews75 followers
January 4, 2022
Melt is the fourth book in Helen Hardt’s Steel Brothers Saga. The next three books in the saga are told from Jonah (Talon Steel’s older brother) and his love interest Melanie Carmichael (who also happens to be Talon’s therapist.) Let it be warned, this saga does contain some extremely dark and detailed moments that Talon went through when he was younger. This saga is all about Talon, Jonah, and Ryan Steel finding vengeance and seeking retaliation for the three mystery men who abducted and hurt the middle brother in unspeakable ways. If any form of child abuse is triggering for you, I highly recommend you skip this series. I also want to add, this series is a continuation series. These are not standalones. To understand the story line, you must first read Talon’s story.

So, with all that being said, I’m going to try to review and try to keep Jonah’s first book as spoiler-free as possible.

I can’t tell a lie, I was a bit underwhelmed with Melt, and that saddens me on a whole new level. When I first picked up this series I saw Jonah as the alpha of the three brothers. I saw him as the leader and the protector. But this man’s personality rarely matched up to what I saw in the first three books. I wanted that rough and rowdy exterior. I wanted this man to bear the strength of his family. He’s the oldest, so in my mind he was supposed to be the strongest. But I guess the saying rings true, even the strongest of men fall sometimes.

I also felt this novel was a bit redundant to what took place in the first three books, when it comes to the suspense aspect, that is.

But let’s move on from that aspect and let’s talk about Melanie. I liked Melanie to an extent. I loved her as a therapist, but as a love interest I thought she ranked as a bit awkward and to be honest, I’m sitting here still wondering what’s going on with her. She’s definitely nothing like Jade was. Her strength is in her work where she gives it to others. But in her personal life, her strength is non-existent.

I can’t tell a lie, the only reason I kept reading this book and not skipping ahead is due to the smoldering sex scenes. Helen Hardt definitely knows how to bring the lust factor into the equation! Now, when Jonah and Melanie were in the throes of passion, I couldn’t put this one down. I loved the connection they shared in these moments. There two really need to get their stuff together outside of the bedroom. I need more of that passion everywhere else!

I also want to add, the communication between the three brothers needs some tending to. I had trouble grasping the connection between them all through Jonah’s eyes… and maybe, because he’s the brother who is filled with guilt, this was supposed to be the outcome. I’m not sure. All I know is I wanted more between all the relationships in this novel.

I do plan on carrying on with this series, especially given who one of the kidnappers may be! I have a feeling I may have already mapped out this series. Usually my predictions are spot on, but this time, I’m hoping my predictions are far from where they initially landed. What can I say, I’m a sucker for suspense!

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Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2017
I've never read anything from Helena Hardt before, I won this book through Meredith Wild, I am thinking if I recall correctly she did give this book away in the giveaway, not sure if the giveaway was on Goodreads or whatnot? but the return address as in fact Meredith Wild ... I love that, Love, love, love Meredith's writing style ... so I was super excited to see any book she would recommend ... now I have never read anything Helen like I said ... so I was pushed in to a series that I knew nothing about. I know some authors really make it a point to have books that are in a series but can be read as standalones ...not sure I would call this a standalone??! I love the interaction between Dr. Melanie Carmichael and Jonah Steel, the immediate steam, hotness, panties melting, is it warm in here kind of moments?? ...another freaking amazing sexy family of men ... i think there is 1 girl??! The Steel Family apparently needs much help or to talk out some troubles, which we all have our demons and things to do deal with, but these folks seem to have more than most, I did read it but as I said I felt something was missing or that I didn't have the whole story and when the story got really dark and deep.... deeply rooted, side of your seat moment, I am thinking to myself there is no way she will be able to finish this important section, so don't do it??! Please no. darn. sad face. ... Helen ripped it out from under me??! This is what I would call a cliffhanger read ... not that I don't enjoy those kind of reads, because I read them constantly, but I prefer them when I am more rooted in the story, or I know more, I know the characters and what has been going on, you are understanding their life, where they have come from, the mysteries, the ends and outs, and all kind of jazz ...but I am kind of mixed feelings ... I wish that Helen could some how bring you into this book a bit more easily ... I enjoy the thought of being a series but a standalone as well ... so maybe a quick recap of the past books or something to pull ya in slowly to a more clear understanding if you are NEW to this series and whatnot. To me there is something behind Jonah aggression ... and it needs to be addressed... not saying that it is not an interesting read but ... just that this read the book and give me more thoughts or pause as to where it will head next??! I love Talon ... I think he was one of my favorite characters or one I must connected with most. Jonah .. I've never been the oldest kid ... so I have never had that kind of responsibilities ... but I know that is probably a great deal of stress and pressure. I will say that Helen has a great writing style and I enjoyed this read ... will I check out more from this series?? hesitate 'cause I don't want another read like this ... being so ahead in the series ... if I had started at that the beginning of the series maybe I would be more drawn to it??! I think I will try another series or book from her. Just finish the book in my mind and let it be. Personally I think this is series that needs to be read in order ... just my humble opinion though. Please take that how you wish and will ... I see she has the Temptation Saga and a Cougar Chronicles ...love a woman being in control ... maybe I will dive in that one??! ( :
Profile Image for Jade Violet.
328 reviews512 followers
April 11, 2018
The fourth book of the Steel Brothers Saga starts us off with a new couple. Jonah, Talon's oldest brother is still suffering from profound guilt and sense of responsibility about his brother's abduction and rape as a child. Even though Talon is healing at a rapid rate and completely in love with Jade, Jonah seems to struggle deeper. Enter Dr Melanie Carmichael - Talon's therapist that helped him in the last two books. Jonah goes to see her for help with his feelings but the two are wildly attracted to each other and that's a major obstacle in any patient/doctor roles. Add to that that Melanie has her own crisis that she feels guilt and responsibility for and the ongoing mystery of who the three abductors were and what secrets have been buried and you have a romance/mystery/suspense.

I was actually happy to get off Jade and Talon. I don't quite know this Jonah well enough yet and I'm kind of miffed that the author wrote so many books to string this out but I'll keep on reading because at this point I think I deserve some answers! Ends on a cliffhanger, just as the others did, but this one seems more perilous.
Profile Image for Shae.
3,221 reviews349 followers
August 22, 2019
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.

Will his interactions with therapist Melanie Carmichael help him heal? or does he just want the tall, leggy woman in his bed?

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
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