His voice enthralls her. Her vibrancy awakens him.
Ashley White can’t wait to begin her internship at Steel Vineyards. As an oenology doctoral candidate, she knows all the theory but lacks practice. Working under renowned winemaker Ryan Steel—and his equally talented nephew, Dale—is an opportunity she can’t refuse.
Dale Steel is a loner. Despite his huge family full of uncles, aunts, and cousins, he’s more at home in his vineyards, where he finds something that comes close to the tranquility he craves. He’ll never find true peace, and he’s accepted his fate…until his new intern shows up and turns the only world he knows upside down.
Ashley awakens emotions in Dale that he never dreamed possible, and though he resents her intrusion into his life, he can’t deny the sparks that blaze between them. Still, he must remain distant. To succumb to his growing feelings would provoke something else entirely—the darkness he keeps hidden even from himself.
#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.
Oh how I miss the Steel brothers. Now with Awakened, Miss Hard gives us the story of next generation. After all of those delicious soap opera drama on the previous books, Awakened does not disappoint.
I think mostly becausebof Dale. He is a prime alpha who is about to burst. And I can not wait to listen to his story in next book. For you who follow this series knows that Dale and Donny had gone through a horrific experience. It is so good to have their own story.
Honestly I was nervous going into this book, I figured I might not be as invested in the kids stories, but boy was I wrong! This book hooked me in immediately and every book has a way of pulling me in and finishing it as fast as possible. Helen continues to outdo herself, and these next 3 books are no different based off of this one. I cannot wait for the next 2!
GAH, this one hooked me quick, so much so that I really hated to finish. I put it aside several times in the last three weeks just so I could prolong my reading experience. I am always super stoked to read 2.0 (next generation) stories because they’re not only a new and exciting journey, but also a sort of extension of a previous couple(s) that you’ve already enjoyed so it’s a double #win!!
Dale Steele is a special character because there is a lot of history to him that we are clueless on, but it also hints towards the dark/shadowy type of history. He was adopted into the Steele family so there’s no hereditary history to go on, so we are flying blind here, which is what has me hooked and salivating for this story to continue. It was hard to put this book down and come to it all those times because I’m really drawn to his story, but I just wanted to prolong the ending or should I say pause for accuracy. I should also mention that Ashley herself has a past similar to Dale’s which makes their match on the explosive side or at least it will be!
This is only the beginning of Dale and Ashley, but I am here for all of it! Helen is one of the very few authors that I one-click trilogies on before they are all released, and it is because of this family that I do so. They are captivating and unique and always an exticing surprise waiting right around the corner!
Helen Hardt never disappoints. With this book, I expected some downfall. It's following the children of Talon and Jade. I cannot express how much joy I had to realize that there was no "downfall." When you first start, you realize a lot is starting to line up with other stories. I know there's going to be a "punch in your face" guy that I don't like (we'vehad quite a few with the series)... and she let us in VERY briefly but I expect that character to make an appearance later and make me wanna choke him myself. The "love" story (and I put that in quotations because it really is JUST beginning and I don't want to jinx it) pulls at your heart strings. I yelled "JUST TALK" I don't know how many times, which only proves I would've sucked as a therapist. Without giving ANY spoilers, Dale's story opens a new path I didn't expect. Ashley joining in only makes it an even quicker read. I honestly cannot wait for the next one. Which leads me to a few questions for Ms. Hardt: will you be doing 3 more books for Donny and the rest of the children? Or is it still up in the air? (Personally you could write about Talon, Joe, and Ryan's GRANDCHILDREN and I would be grasping at ever word!!)
Oh my lawd I thought the first 15 books were full of passion,heat, and physical attraction, Awakened was making my kindle's pages melt! I could feel the attraction between Dale and Ashley! I can not wait for the Cherished!
I have a soft spot for Dale because of his past and it's so much like his dad's. The attraction between Dale and Ashley is off the charts but can Dale put his terrible past behind him to let Ashley in? There's also someone that's up to no good that shows up out of the blue that I'm excited to see where that goes and plays out!
Ashley arrives at the Steals to intern at the winery but she meets Dale and the fireworks start not only is she excellent at her job but she shows a passion for it. But the more those two are around eachother the more the attraction becomes. I think the whole family is secretly routing for them to get together, it's obvious that theirs an attraction there!
Dale, adopted at 10 by Talon and Jade (whom you first met in Craving) has emotional baggage that no one knows about. He does not want to let it out, yet Ashley (an intern, who he does not think is needed at the winery) is bringing to surface.
This book has it all, Intrigue Slight Suspense Some Terror Love, etc...
I loved everything about this book. Helen Hardt, is a master at her craft.
Bring on Cherished, the next book in this amazing series. You HAVE to read this awesome series in order, starting with Craving, or you won't understand who/what does what/when.
The biggest 5 stars I can award, goes to this book
Helen Hardt continues the Steel Saga with the next generation, the book is set twenty five years after the events from the previous parts of the series. The family has kept many secrets from the new generation and like the secrets of the past, they are bound to come out. How will those secrets affect the new generation? And what new secrets are going to be revealed? This book is about Dale Steel, who in so many ways, is a copy of his adopted father Talon. Just like Talon in the beginning of the series, he is a grown man who hasn’t had a significant romantic relationship, holding himself aloof and distant from anyone other than his family. He suffers from the trauma of his past, and even though he has undergone counseling, he still lives in the shadows of his past. He has used his passion for wine to expand the Steele empire, and his content with the way his life is until his sister’s friend Ashley White comes to intern at the winery.
Ashley has had a hard life, living on the streets when she was younger with her mother. She worked hard to get through college and views people like the Steels as privileged, believing that they have all had perfect lives because they have money. She has no idea what Dale Has experienced, but she finds herself drawn to him. This book is only about four days long but is definitely reminiscent of Talon and Jades story. In many ways it felt like a regurgitation of their story but maybe it was meant to be a parallel. The book has the same style of heat and spice as the previous books and I’m interested in seeing how the story develops.
This was more of a three and a half as I felt it seemed recycled but I enjoy the fast paced story. Hopefully Helen will deliver another great story. Knowing that this was part of another three part story, I felt that she could definitely have told the story in less books. While I love the Steels I dislike when it’s drug out, making more filling than story.
So, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Awakened... I was so excited when it was announced that the author was doing the next generations of the Steels and I was not disappointed. What a start to this generation and what a way to end my reading year!
Dale was adopted by Jade and Talon after he was kidnapped and found with his brother. Well now Dale is all grown up and he's battling demons from his past. Demons he would much prefer to keep inside. He would rather work hard at the family vineyard and ignore the emotional baggage left behind from the horrible things that have happened to him and his brother a child.
That all changes when Ashley, the vineyards intern steps into the picture and she starts to bring these demons to the surface.
Ashley is an intern at the vineyard. She is training for her PhD in Oenology and is doing so at the Steels for the next 3 months.
I could immediately feel the attraction between these two. Dale is the distance, he's withdrawn from it all.. But he can't deny the feelings she has for this woman. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to these two. Ashley seems to be able to tame Dale's demons... But she's also got some of her own. They both have more in common with each other than they realise. Ashley's life has been anything but perfect too.
Will these two be able to battle their demons together or will they fight this attraction they have one another?
This was amazing. It was intriguing, suspenseful, and full of mystery that I have come to love when it comes to the Steel brothers. I was completely consumed from page one and I can't wait to see the author has up her sleeve for the next instalment.
This story is an emotional and heart wrenching read, but with hope for what could be. This is about Dale, a second-generation Steel. Dale and his brother Donny were rescued when they were young and adopted by Talon and Jade Steel. Dale is a loner, he prefers to lose himself in the vineyard amongst the grapes. He feels peace and solace there. Everything is disrupted when a friend of his sister's comes to the ranch and unsettles his frame of mind.
Ashley is an intern working towards her PhD in Oenology and is in training at the Steel Vineyards for 3 months. From the start Ashley is attracted to Dale but finds him aloof and detached. Dale tries to ignore the fact that he is also attracted to Ashley but fights it with everything he has. But he also cannot deny that when he is with her, she seems to keep his demons at bay. The two of them have more in common that they realize coming from broken beginnings. There is also mystery and intrigue that always seems to follow the Steel family. I found myself entranced and drawn to Dale and Ashley as they try to control the feelings they have for each other.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see how everything unfolds.
This is the next generation of the Steels it’s got the same feel as before that we all love and why we can’t get enough of the Steels!! 🌟 The author delivers as always and she provides us with a complex story that is intense!! The story a spectacular mind blowing explosion of sensory overload that will take your breath away! 🌟 This slow burning romance that will leave the reader dying for more!! It delivers an irresistible air of mystery that has to be unraveled by the reader! The next generation of Steels was delivered to us in powerfully and masterfully written fashion. That has the reader wanting and waiting for more! 🌟 These are not stand alone novels you’ll need to start from the beginning with Craving to understand the Steel Saga but it’s worth every moment and once immersed in their world you’ll never want to leave!! 🌟 I’d give it a million stars if I could it’s just that spectacular of a series that I���ve loved the moment I started reading it!
Just when I thought nothing could top the original Steel Brothers and Brad & Daphne’s story Helen Hardt brings in the next generation. I have no words to adequately describe Awakened or to describe Dale Steel and Ashley. Like the wine they make and sell they are an exquisite pairing.
Dale has his past that we learned during Talon’s story but how much is Dale allowing others to see of that time of his life? Ashley has her own past and like Dales mom, Jade, finds herself on the Steel ranch. I love that the kids are grown. The original Steels are present. This is one family that stays with you. I cannot wait for more. I knew, as these stories are, would end on such a cliffhanger. I’ll be counting down the days to Cherished.
Thank you Helen Hardt for keeping this family going. These stories get better and better.
It leaves you wanting more. When you start reading the book and you meet Dale and Ashley, you can see the immediate chemistry between the two. The characters bring you in to their lives and you can feel the pain and torment that rages through Dale. On a different note, I love all of the wine references. I wasn't aware that oenology existed and I'm interested in learning more about that topic. I cannot wait to read the next book!
More Steel Brothers!! Could anything more exciting? Awakened is Dale and Ashley’s story and it is a great introduction into the next generation of Steels. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for Cherished.
Awakened by Helen Hardt is book 16 in the Steel Brothers Saga. This stars the story of Dale Steel and Ashley White. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one so I do think you should read the previous book...especially the First "Craving" as Dale is the adopted son of Talon and Jade from that book. Dale has grown up and this is the start of his story. Dale due to his past prefers to be alone with just his dog and the vines in the winery the family has. This keeps Dale's past feelings safe and not in the present. Then Ashley comes into his life and feelings start to surface that he hasn't wanted to face or deal with. Ashley is working toward her Doctoring in Oenology. When her friend Diana Steel (sister to Dale) invites her to stay at Steel Ranch along with interning under Ryan Steel and Dale she of course excepts the offer. Ashley hasn't had a easy life either and has worked to become something more so this internship means a lot to her. But then she starts having feelings for the Dale who doesn't feels she is needed or really want her there. Ms. Hardt knows how to write the books that draw you end and keeps those pages turning. I can't wait to read more from this author and the next installment in this series.
Years have passed and Dale is now an adult working for his Uncle Ryan in the winery. When his sister, Diana, brings home a doctoral student for an internship at the winery, he is less than happy. Ashley spent part of her life homeless and can’t believe how the other half lives. Dale is gorgeous but rude to her. She’s excited yet trepidatious about the working situation. Opinion I think this may be the best of the series yet. Like usual it ends in a cliffhanger with many left unknown elements. I have to say poor Ashley, he really did screw up. I cannot wait for the next in the series. I also hope that, with the introduction of many new characters as cousins to Dale, the series is not ending anytime soon. For those of you new to the series, I suppose each triplet of books can be read individually but I’d really suggest you read the book in its entirety from start to finish. Many thanks to Bare Naked Words for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I have read all of the other Steel family books and wasn’t sure how Ms Hardt would continue the story since we supposedly knew everything. But, do we? But, this is Dale’s story as an adult. Even though Talon and Jade rescued Dale and his brother, Donny, Dale couldn’t get what they went through out of his mind. It followed him everywhere except in the vineyard, where he found some peace and quiet. Then Ashley arrived, upsetting his life. He couldn’t get her off of his mind, which didn’t set well with him. When Ashley was asked to intern at the Steel vineyards, she couldn’t believe her luck. What she wasn’t expecting was meeting someone who captivated her so quickly. Her feelings were escalating faster than she thought possible. Of course, there are unexpected circumstances that might derail any kind of relationship between Ashley and Dale. As usual, the ending left many unanswered questions and feelings unresolved.
I was a little skeptical about how this book would be. Would Talon and the others be involved was the BIGGEST question/concern I had. After reading, I can say that I'm very impressed (not that I'm surprised 😉). The brothers and their wives are still included just enough to really tie the story all together. Ashley and Dale have chemistry unlike any other. I also enjoy that Dale didn't quite follow his fathers footsteps on the ranch. I can't wait to read the rest of Dale and Ashley's story and see how Ashley finds out about Dale's past and if Dale opens up about the things in his past he hasn't told anyone, not even Talon. As always, Helen has me craving more. Waiting until March might actually be the death of me.
So awesome. This has a similar feel to it like craving did. Talon and Jade’s story. But I have a feeling that dales battle will be much harder than talons was. But there is only hope set forward because dale has something that talon didn’t. Dale has talon and as long as he can allow himself to open up I know he can overcome anything. This was such a great book and the descriptive nature of all of the wines and colors were amazing. I can’t wait for the next 2. Thank you so much helen hardt and Bare Naked Words for allowing me to get the arc and write this review.
A complex, intense, spectacularly mind blowing explosion of sensory overload that will steal your every breath! This slow burning romance, with an irresistible air of mystery, ushers in the next generation of Steels in a powerfully and masterfully written fashion. Five stars for this exceptional read!
The next generation of Steel stories are here and what a way to start. The first book belongs to Ashley and Dale and boy oh boy what an amazing start it was. This was and emotional book with a slow burn romance between Ashley and Dale that will definitely leave you wanting more at the end. This book did not disappoint, can’t wait for the next book!!
Every time I read one of Helen’s books I always say that’s my favorites but I can say this is my favorite book. I really enjoyed reading Dale and Ashley’s story.
What an ending to a wonderful story, This has everything, Love, heartache, such an emotional ride and I love every page of it, I am still on a emotional book high.
I liked Hardt's portrayal of Dale. As we can see from the book of Talon and Jade, Dale's more mature than his brother. Hardt never disappoints me. I can't wait to read the next book.
That is what Helen does to you! She grabs a hold of you and takes you for the most exhilarating rides with her books.
First and foremost if you're new to Helen's books, what took you so long lol just kidding, seriously though... Start with Craving and buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Secondly, Helen you have done it again! Hit the feels just the right way. Every time I think can it get any better? Why yes, yes it can!! You have never ever wrote anything I haven't liked. The beginning of the Next Generation of Steels is phenomenal!!
Awakened is the Story of Dale Steel and Ashley White. It's a slow burning story of these two amazing characters. I'm swooning over them both. Such fire between them even from the awkward first meeting there was just a burst of energy and excitement to see where these two would go.
Dale has a troubled history of which we are all aware of if we've followed the saga from the beginning we already know. Those who have gotten close to Dale are very few and far between. Hes a loner and preferred to be by himself with his dog or with the grapevines in the vineyard. He's so at peace within the vineyard it warms your heart.
Ashley White is a new friend to Diana Steel Dale's sister. She comes to the Steel Ranch and is ready for her internship with their Uncle Ryan Steel whom she's thrilled to be able to learn from the Master Winemaker. She's daring and smart, knows her stuff and is just about ready to get her Doctorate in oenology. She is ready to learn everything there is to know about winemaking.
From the beginning theres sparks, blinding and deeper than either are ready for. Theres so much that they don't know about each other and it drives a wedge. Dale's past is a big deal and he never let's anyone to far in. Ashley is determined to get close even if it costs her everything she's worked her whole life to get. She's not backing down.
When neither one can deny their passion any longer things heat up. However in true Helen Hardt fashion she gives us a twist to our minds and hearts.
Dale's demons surface and he doesn't know if he's ready to face them. He wants to, Ashley has Awakened feelings he never dreamed he would or could ever have fore a woman, he's ready to walk through Hell for Ashley but can she walk with him or will she stand back from the fires that are ready to consume them both.
I'd give 10 stars if I could!!
I can't wait to see what's going to happen next! I am beyond thrilled I got the wonderful opportunity to receive an ARC of Awakened.
Helen you are marvelous and I will be waiting on pins and needles for Cherished!!
This book was one that I was not sure I was really wanting to read. It follows the kids of jade and talon. But boy was I wrong!! This story leaves you wanting to see how it goes next. Just when you think you have Helen leaves you wanting more!!
Dale and Ashley bring the angst, chemistry, laugh out loud moments, sadness.....all the feels!
If you haven't read any of the Steel Brothers saga, I suggest you start from the beginning with Craving. There is so much that has happened prior to this book (#16 in the saga) that you might get a bit confused with all the characters and how Dale comes to be with the Steels. With that being said....
Dale stole my heart when he was 10 and his brother Donny 7. The tears cried over these 2 and what they've gone through, there are no words. Now, 25years later, Dale is a grown man whose happiest in his vineyard. He doesn't want an intern and he makes that crystal clear to everyone.
Along comes Ashley, a friend of Dale's sister, Diana, to intern at the Steel Vineyards to complete her doctorate in Oenology. That gets under Dale's skin like nothing else. For him winemaking and the vineyard are second nature. What can a college teach about it? And so the fun begins...
I loved Awakened. I feel for Dale but he also gets my blood boiling sometimes. Ashley fascinates me with her synesthesia. The ending left me with my jaw on the floor, in between yelling out loud and crying. I love books that get me totally wrapped up and involved!
Well done yet again, Helen Hardt! And thank you, Wendy and Bare Naked Words for selecting me for the ARC! March can't get here fast enough.
Just as any other in the series, this one is just as intense and addictive. Helen Hardt always delivers a great captivating story with the a great deal of twists, mystery, and passion.
After compiling the stories of the Steel brothers and parents, this is a story about the adopted brothers by Talon and Jade Steel from first in series Craving.
Dale and his younger brother have been both kidnapped, beaten, and raped at the age of ten and saved by Talon and Jade Steel. Now, twenty five years later, Dale is still living in the nightmare of the horrible memories so he spends his time at the Steel farm in the vineyards where he finds his peace.
Ashley is a young intern who is about to complete her PhD in oenology and Dale is to train her and teach her all about the wine that they produce.
From the moment they first see each other there are sparks but as much Ashleigh tries to seduce him Dale is the hardest person to let anyone in.
Helen Hardt you always delivers great stories, each of them is full of emotion that can just suck you in completely. Each character has its own demons and it’s hard sometimes not to let the tears flow.
Can’t wait for next one in series to complete and find out the fate of the whole Steel family ❤️