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Jesse Alexander #2
Steel Heart
With the Hope Diamond locked around her throat, Jesse Alexander finds herself in the unfortunate position of being a walking national treasure. With the Starfall stone poised to pulse and flood the world with more of its magic, she must figure out how to remove it before she becomes its pawn yet again.
Unfortunately, the stone has a mind—and plans—of its own. Add in a determined tiger, a wolf out for revenge, and an ultimatum to find her clan's missing Starfall stone, and it will take all of Jesse's wit and cunning to survive with her life—and her heart—intact.
Unfortunately, the stone has a mind—and plans—of its own. Add in a determined tiger, a wolf out for revenge, and an ultimatum to find her clan's missing Starfall stone, and it will take all of Jesse's wit and cunning to survive with her life—and her heart—intact.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2019
121 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
84 books1,314 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 26, 2019
Plot: 5
Execution: 1.5
Well, I read this with a headache. At 20 percent I had to stop. The circuitous dialogue and repetitive information was a pain.
It felt like this had turned into a book from the Magical Romantic Comedies series. Siberians! Claim! Maim! Tigers don't purr! The world is in the way of our happiness!
I started up again and was sucked in by the plot. Some old characters, some new, and some in need of rescue (including the heroine after heroic deeds). The father is great!
I'm still interested in this world and look forward to more in this series. But I am willing to wait for the bugs to be ironed out.
Execution: 1.5
Well, I read this with a headache. At 20 percent I had to stop. The circuitous dialogue and repetitive information was a pain.
It felt like this had turned into a book from the Magical Romantic Comedies series. Siberians! Claim! Maim! Tigers don't purr! The world is in the way of our happiness!
I started up again and was sucked in by the plot. Some old characters, some new, and some in need of rescue (including the heroine after heroic deeds). The father is great!
I'm still interested in this world and look forward to more in this series. But I am willing to wait for the bugs to be ironed out.
December 26, 2019
Great plot to follow up book one.
This story would have been shorter if once something was said, it moved on. Sadly it did not. Inside jokes are used to death including references to past events. Once a new character enters the room, the same information is gone over.
It made me feel like it was assumed anyone who reads it won't understand unless things are repeated, sometimes more than twice. I was let down.
This story would have been shorter if once something was said, it moved on. Sadly it did not. Inside jokes are used to death including references to past events. Once a new character enters the room, the same information is gone over.
It made me feel like it was assumed anyone who reads it won't understand unless things are repeated, sometimes more than twice. I was let down.
January 3, 2020
Still battles to be fought.
Jessie and Anatoly have come to an understanding of sorts, he is her tiger and as such she can bite and maul him whenever she pleases. Their relationship would progress further but Jessie is still recovering from injuries she received (see Water Viper) so Anatoly is being patient wanting a healthy mate. Ferdinand ( the wolf mercenary from Water Viper) has plans to kidnap Jessie, he wants her as part of his pack and also wants to make use of the Hope Diamond __------which still resides around Jessies neck--------- the First Lady and her advisors want Jessie to go along with Ferdinands plans so they can find out what's he is plotting and who his co conspirators are, as they fear he is going to try and bring down the government. Before she is ready Jessie finds herself attacked and drugged being spirited away by Ferdinand, it takes all her strength and control to deal with what comes next and to try and refrain from killing Ferdinand before she learns what he's up to and who else is involved. Thoughts of her reunion with Anatoly keep her strong but the conspiracy is more deadly that any of them imagined. Continues on from where Water Viper left off so it would help to read that book first, Jessie is an interesting character an assassin and mercenary who has her own very strict moral code.
Jessie and Anatoly have come to an understanding of sorts, he is her tiger and as such she can bite and maul him whenever she pleases. Their relationship would progress further but Jessie is still recovering from injuries she received (see Water Viper) so Anatoly is being patient wanting a healthy mate. Ferdinand ( the wolf mercenary from Water Viper) has plans to kidnap Jessie, he wants her as part of his pack and also wants to make use of the Hope Diamond __------which still resides around Jessies neck--------- the First Lady and her advisors want Jessie to go along with Ferdinands plans so they can find out what's he is plotting and who his co conspirators are, as they fear he is going to try and bring down the government. Before she is ready Jessie finds herself attacked and drugged being spirited away by Ferdinand, it takes all her strength and control to deal with what comes next and to try and refrain from killing Ferdinand before she learns what he's up to and who else is involved. Thoughts of her reunion with Anatoly keep her strong but the conspiracy is more deadly that any of them imagined. Continues on from where Water Viper left off so it would help to read that book first, Jessie is an interesting character an assassin and mercenary who has her own very strict moral code.
February 5, 2020
Might be Feral but it is wonderful
I love these books. The world building is superb and the characters engaging. Jesse is so normal that even in extraordinary circumstances you can relate to her.
I love these books. The world building is superb and the characters engaging. Jesse is so normal that even in extraordinary circumstances you can relate to her.
June 16, 2021
Although the second book was a lot shorter, it had the same issues as the first one. This is a book where a LOT happens and so sometimes it feels hard to remember it all and keep track. Jesse as usual throws herself into new situations, although I feel like she did have some character development and is getting used to having a family and letting people care for her. Overall it wasn’t a bad book, but I found it confusing sometimes.
There were moments where supposed new revelations came to light but there was no aha moment for me because of the way the information was delivered. There were also some issues with editing again, like the first book. I’m still curious about what happens to Jesse and I would read the next book but this book was just alright.
There were moments where supposed new revelations came to light but there was no aha moment for me because of the way the information was delivered. There were also some issues with editing again, like the first book. I’m still curious about what happens to Jesse and I would read the next book but this book was just alright.
December 5, 2021
2021 bk 370. The writing was tighter in this sequel. In some ways I liked it better, but this is definitely a series where the book must be read in order - everything hinges on what preceeds it. Years have passed between the first and the second, Jesse has acquired a new name and a new career. It is a career that leads her back into the heart of the nation's capital (formerly just the site of the National Archives/Library of Congress). She still has the stone with her - and begins to acquire new stones as she helps her aunt and uncle route out traitors. A good plot that kept me interested. What was to be a 2 book set will now be four books. I'm glad as I've come to enjoy the antics of the shapeshifter crew.
January 29, 2020
I started reading this book with an open mind so that I could effectively dive into the world.
I was drawn into the story immediately. I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to know more about this world and the different characters throughout, we got more details and new characters too! Unmasking their true natures and so much more along the way really is fun.
I thought the people were very interesting in this one. When the book ended, I really wasn’t ready for it to end. I wanted to know more. Give us more Blain!
I was drawn into the story immediately. I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to know more about this world and the different characters throughout, we got more details and new characters too! Unmasking their true natures and so much more along the way really is fun.
I thought the people were very interesting in this one. When the book ended, I really wasn’t ready for it to end. I wanted to know more. Give us more Blain!
January 29, 2020
This is a fantasy novel that is not simply action and adventure and fantasy, it is detailed and involved the entire way through. There is a lot going on and these characters go through quite a bit over the course of the novel and series as a whole. I enjoyed that fact. I liked how much we got to experience throughout their journey.
We are getting another glimpse of these characters and I liked that there wasn't any character who seemed stagnate.
I think the flow of this novel was well done and I found myself flipping pages quite quickly to keep the story going.
We are getting another glimpse of these characters and I liked that there wasn't any character who seemed stagnate.
I think the flow of this novel was well done and I found myself flipping pages quite quickly to keep the story going.
January 29, 2020
I loved the descriptive way this novel was written. It really submerges the reader into the world.
There were a lot of moving a parts to this one and I really liked the originality that Blain brought.
This is the epitome of fun Urban Fantasy read. It will also definitely keep you guessing.
An overall wonderfully written fantasy novel and unique world, it’s a great continuation of Jesse Alexanders journey!
There were a lot of moving a parts to this one and I really liked the originality that Blain brought.
This is the epitome of fun Urban Fantasy read. It will also definitely keep you guessing.
An overall wonderfully written fantasy novel and unique world, it’s a great continuation of Jesse Alexanders journey!
January 10, 2020
Enjoyable
I liked the first book in this series, and I enjoyed this book as well. I’m even more delighted about the fact that there will be 2 more and an anthology coming too...!!! Jesse was such a cool character, and I liked getting to see her and Anatoly interact more.
I liked the first book in this series, and I enjoyed this book as well. I’m even more delighted about the fact that there will be 2 more and an anthology coming too...!!! Jesse was such a cool character, and I liked getting to see her and Anatoly interact more.
January 7, 2020
The saga continues
The action and pace of this story match. We continue to learn more about this world and have an opportunity to revisit beloved characters. The length was also just right.
The action and pace of this story match. We continue to learn more about this world and have an opportunity to revisit beloved characters. The length was also just right.
December 27, 2019
Jesse’s adventures continue in this anticipated sequel to Water Viper.
I love Jesse. She is a complex character that is fearless in her compassion and her sense of justice. In Steel Heart, we find out more about the plot that was uncovered in the end of Water Viper and a bit more insight into Jesse’s past. I am excited at the possibility to learn more about the weapons clans in future books.
There doesn’t seem to be as much action in this book as there was in Water Viper. Considering Jesse’s main objective in Steel Heart, that is okay. Although, that perception might be due the length of the first book.
The Jesse Alexander world may be my favorite of RJ Blain’s. (How could you not love a world where the president is a snarky, kick ass grizzly married to a mystic, bloodthirsty rabbit?Especially, when the grizzly is addressed as Madam President and the bunny as the First Gentleman instead of the other way around.) Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My...Bunny?
I can’t wait for the third book in this series. Blain, please don’t keep us waiting long.
I love Jesse. She is a complex character that is fearless in her compassion and her sense of justice. In Steel Heart, we find out more about the plot that was uncovered in the end of Water Viper and a bit more insight into Jesse’s past. I am excited at the possibility to learn more about the weapons clans in future books.
There doesn’t seem to be as much action in this book as there was in Water Viper. Considering Jesse’s main objective in Steel Heart, that is okay. Although, that perception might be due the length of the first book.
The Jesse Alexander world may be my favorite of RJ Blain’s. (How could you not love a world where the president is a snarky, kick ass grizzly married to a mystic, bloodthirsty rabbit?Especially, when the grizzly is addressed as Madam President and the bunny as the First Gentleman instead of the other way around.) Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My...Bunny?
I can’t wait for the third book in this series. Blain, please don’t keep us waiting long.
December 29, 2019
So Awesome!
Before beginning this 2nd book in the Jesse Alexander series, I re-read the 1st (Water Viper). I’m glad I did, because it helped to have refreshed my memory...plus, Water Viper was such a great story.
I’m not going to say anything that might give away the plot, and you can read the synopsis on line. However, I will say I couldn’t put the book down and loved how the plot continues the relationships revealed in book 1, while Jesse proves trouble finds her no matter how well-behaved she tries to be!
The hardest thing about finishing Steel Heart, is knowing I now have to wait for the next book in this series...
Before beginning this 2nd book in the Jesse Alexander series, I re-read the 1st (Water Viper). I’m glad I did, because it helped to have refreshed my memory...plus, Water Viper was such a great story.
I’m not going to say anything that might give away the plot, and you can read the synopsis on line. However, I will say I couldn’t put the book down and loved how the plot continues the relationships revealed in book 1, while Jesse proves trouble finds her no matter how well-behaved she tries to be!
The hardest thing about finishing Steel Heart, is knowing I now have to wait for the next book in this series...
January 1, 2020
Very Good
I enjoyed it too much. It was worth the wait. Good world building and great characters. It can not be read in one day but I tried and got interrupted by work
I enjoyed it too much. It was worth the wait. Good world building and great characters. It can not be read in one day but I tried and got interrupted by work
December 27, 2019
Fantastic Sequel to Water Viper
I don't know what other readers were expecting but this is exactly what I was expecting to continue Jesse's story, and it was worth the wait. A lot of questions that weren't answered in Water Viper were answered in Steel Heart. If you follow RJ Blain on Facebook or get her newsletter, you were aware there would be some deaths of beloved characters but the deaths were unfortunately necessary to make sure Jesse was motivated to not only avenge them but also to get the answers she needed to satisfy her curiosity.
I don't know what other readers were expecting but this is exactly what I was expecting to continue Jesse's story, and it was worth the wait. A lot of questions that weren't answered in Water Viper were answered in Steel Heart. If you follow RJ Blain on Facebook or get her newsletter, you were aware there would be some deaths of beloved characters but the deaths were unfortunately necessary to make sure Jesse was motivated to not only avenge them but also to get the answers she needed to satisfy her curiosity.
January 2, 2020
Jesse Alexander is back for more adventures in this fantastic second book by RJ Blain. This book picks up shortly after the events of the last book. We get to learn more about Jesse's family and clan. I love how Jesse has grown so much as a person between the last book and this one, great character development! I'm so looking forward to seeing where the next books will take the storyline!
December 31, 2019
Love!
This was a great sequel to Water Viper. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Thanks for another great book R.J.!
This was a great sequel to Water Viper. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Thanks for another great book R.J.!
February 11, 2020
Jesse Alexander may disagree, but I agree with all the other characters Ms. Blain introduces us to - Jesse gets into trouble in bars, so she should avoid them. However, I also agree that trouble follows her like a needy puppy (or starstone in her case) and mayhem ensues. It really does not help that the tigress in her tends to jump into whatever mayhem is brewing with all four feet. Ms. Blain took her time providing us with this sequal to "Water Viper" and it was worth the wait. Brava, Blain the feral book tamer!
December 28, 2019
Great book!!!
Once again RJ Blain does it again! What a great story! You get laughter and heartbreak along with good winning over evil. During your read you are thinking "No this can't happen"!! Go get the book, you won't regret it! But be sure to read Water Viper first. I love the chapter Jesse!
Once again RJ Blain does it again! What a great story! You get laughter and heartbreak along with good winning over evil. During your read you are thinking "No this can't happen"!! Go get the book, you won't regret it! But be sure to read Water Viper first. I love the chapter Jesse!
December 29, 2019
Loved this Book
While this book has some humorous sections, it is a more serious story than the “body count” books. Jesse is a character that any one can emulate (or at least want to emulate). There is action, love, and well grizzlies and tigers. Highly recommend.
While this book has some humorous sections, it is a more serious story than the “body count” books. Jesse is a character that any one can emulate (or at least want to emulate). There is action, love, and well grizzlies and tigers. Highly recommend.
December 30, 2019
My favorite Christmas gift
This book was so good I had to read it to my husband all the way through in one session because neither of us wanted to wait to find out what happened. Even better, there will be two more books in the series.
This book was so good I had to read it to my husband all the way through in one session because neither of us wanted to wait to find out what happened. Even better, there will be two more books in the series.
December 25, 2019
Best Xmas Present
There is nothing better than waking up to a new R.J. Blain, especially not when it's xmas morning. Now the author herself has stated that she considers this a feral book, and she's right; it's a feral brat of a book and I love it dearly for it. It continues on from Water Viper and has Jesse doing what she does best, wandering off and wandering into trouble. It's fun, it has sass and snark and it hits all the right notes, and yes, I devoured it in one sitting on xmas day, because that's what anti-social book dragons do.
Highly recommended
There is nothing better than waking up to a new R.J. Blain, especially not when it's xmas morning. Now the author herself has stated that she considers this a feral book, and she's right; it's a feral brat of a book and I love it dearly for it. It continues on from Water Viper and has Jesse doing what she does best, wandering off and wandering into trouble. It's fun, it has sass and snark and it hits all the right notes, and yes, I devoured it in one sitting on xmas day, because that's what anti-social book dragons do.
Highly recommended
December 30, 2019
An exciting sequel to Water Viper
I enjoyed Steel Heart very much. I loved Jesse’s growth as a character. I am hoping the wait for book 3 won’t be too long.
I enjoyed Steel Heart very much. I loved Jesse’s growth as a character. I am hoping the wait for book 3 won’t be too long.
December 26, 2019
Wonderful!
Just as good as the first one. The only thing I could find wrong with it is that it wasn't as long as the first one. I cannot wait for the next book and am a little worried as there was no mention as to when it might be coming out. I have the feeling I'll be re-reading them both alot before it comes out as I'm not patient.
Just as good as the first one. The only thing I could find wrong with it is that it wasn't as long as the first one. I cannot wait for the next book and am a little worried as there was no mention as to when it might be coming out. I have the feeling I'll be re-reading them both alot before it comes out as I'm not patient.
January 7, 2020
Awesome
I was excited to see what was next for Jesse and the gang, and I was NOT disappointed :) She stayed a strong person who learned to let people in, the overall character development was superb. The relationship building was a bit choppier than I would've liked but I understand why it had to be (anything more and it'd be a spoiler). I'm looking forward to the next book.
I was excited to see what was next for Jesse and the gang, and I was NOT disappointed :) She stayed a strong person who learned to let people in, the overall character development was superb. The relationship building was a bit choppier than I would've liked but I understand why it had to be (anything more and it'd be a spoiler). I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 25, 2019
Amazing
What a fantastic follow up to one of my all time favourite books. RJ Blain is a master story teller who’s stories cast a spell and leave you wanting more. Her characters are loveable and the story grabs you and doesn’t want to let go. I love the relationships and families in this series and can not wait to read more offerings. Highly recommended
What a fantastic follow up to one of my all time favourite books. RJ Blain is a master story teller who’s stories cast a spell and leave you wanting more. Her characters are loveable and the story grabs you and doesn’t want to let go. I love the relationships and families in this series and can not wait to read more offerings. Highly recommended
December 25, 2019
Five stars
I love this series!! Jesse is a strong sightly broken but fiercely independent main character. It's been fun to see how far she has grown. This series is different than RJ Blain's other works but in a good way. If you are looking for a strong female lead who who kicks butt, has amazing complex and rich support structure this is the series for you.
I love this series!! Jesse is a strong sightly broken but fiercely independent main character. It's been fun to see how far she has grown. This series is different than RJ Blain's other works but in a good way. If you are looking for a strong female lead who who kicks butt, has amazing complex and rich support structure this is the series for you.
December 28, 2019
Amazingly Fantastic
Steel Heart, the feral book, grips its teeth into from the first page and doesn’t relinquish its hold until the last! It’s everything you can expect from an RJ Blain novel and more - drama, action, comedy, magic, mayhem, and a body count in a world you wish you could live in. Highly recommend!!!
Steel Heart, the feral book, grips its teeth into from the first page and doesn’t relinquish its hold until the last! It’s everything you can expect from an RJ Blain novel and more - drama, action, comedy, magic, mayhem, and a body count in a world you wish you could live in. Highly recommend!!!
December 26, 2019
Fantastic
Another fabulous addition to Jesse’s story. The whole cast is here and gets air time. My only criticism is that she and Nate end up apart in the novel for a while, again. The plot is great it’s just I like reading about them together.
Another fabulous addition to Jesse’s story. The whole cast is here and gets air time. My only criticism is that she and Nate end up apart in the novel for a while, again. The plot is great it’s just I like reading about them together.
December 28, 2019
excellent sequel...can't wait for the next one :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews