As a middle child, Peyton Steele has always needed to find a way to standout. But coming to the attention of the head of security for her client’s jewelry store when millions of dollars in jewels go missing is not the way to do it. She thinks the state-of-the-art cameras she’d recently had installed will make it easy to find the thief, but she’s stunned when the video doesn’t show the theft taking place.
Propels her into a level of danger she’s never known.
The lack of video evidence is not acceptable to store security manager and former detective, Grant Logan. He’s given up his law enforcement career to spend more time with his daughter and he’s up for a promotion as security manager for the entire jewelry chain. To gain the job that will give his young daughter everything he wants for her, he has to prove his abilities by finding the thief at all costs. He’ll put everything on the line to gain this new job, but how far will he go? Despite his growing interest in Peyton, will he risk both of their lives to succeed?
SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
It's time for me to do my Susan Sleeman happy dance because I get more than a tad shy of giddy whenever one of her books releases. :-) I love the way this author builds suspense while incorporating witty banter and family shenanigans -- in this case that would be the extended Steele family. Sisters and cousins run the show but they receive plenty of backup from parents and grandparents too.
Like Sleeman's previous series, Nighthawk Security (eep, be prepared for some cameos from that clan), Steele Guardians celebrates the legacy of family while delivering topnotch suspense with a healthy side of faith. An all round winning combination for this reader!
This time it's middle child Peyton who is put through the paces as she grapples with a puzzling locked room mystery. And while she might be the security expert whose company installed the state-of-the-art camera equipment that didn't pick up a thing, she's forced to work with the store's security manager, Grant Logan, an ex-detective out to prove himself to his new employer. Woooo, talk about a great set up for some fireworks to go off. It's very much a case of opposites attract and I love the way they systematically work through all the stumbling blocks strewn in their happily ever after path. Never mind that pesky robbery that needs solving. :-)
High action, intense intrigue and thought provoking inspirational elements make this another five star read. Absolutely love this series and can't wait for the release of Forged in Steele this summer! (And don't you just love the clever titles in this series? So well thought out. I love that kind of attention to detail in my novels.)
I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Whitney Deckhouse and enjoyed every thrilling second.
'Five minutes. Five minutes stood between Peyton and sanity, and she didn't know if she would make it.'
Susan Sleeman is back with book two in her Steele Guardians series and she does not disappoint. She never disappoints, actually, and that's why she is a go-to author for suspense in my book, pun intended. A million dollar heist of black diamonds is the back drop for this story that features Peyton Steele. And there are only a few suspects, but none who seem likely.
Sleeman never fails to ratchet up the suspense in her novels while at the same time evoking a deep spiritual response in her characters. She also adds in a surprising twist that I did not see coming. She is a huge favorite for this reader.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
Peyton was a deputy until her brother was murdered and the family business, Steele Guardians, needed a chief financial officer. She loves working with numbers but is suddenly thrown into an investigation involving the theft of 205 black diamonds from a jewelry store. She has no background in investigations but the store owner expects her to work with his new security manager to find his diamonds. The security manager, Grant, had just moved from Los Angeles where he worked as an LAPD detective. One of my favorite characters was a little red-headed girl named Sadie. She kept Grant in line. She was his daughter and a key reason he had left the L.A. Police Department. The job demanded more than he could give and still be the daddy his little girl needed. He promised his daughter that he would be home to have dinner with her every evening, and he intended to keep that promise. After only one day on the new job, the diamonds have disappeared and he can picture himself being unemployed if they are not found. Peyton is concerned that the family business is on the verge of losing a new client that she worked hard to secure. The question is whether she and Grant can work together, particularly since it appears the new state-of-the-art video cameras she had installed have failed. With tension building, they turn to the task at hand but hit constant roadblocks. I enjoyed the action and suspense with some romance and faith mixed in to keep things lively. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
“Five minutes. Only five minutes stood between Peyton and sanity, and she didn’t know if she would make it.”
These first lines set the pace for the intense, face-paced thriller author Susan Sleeman presents readers within her latest release, Nerves of Steele (Steele Guardians - Book 2). Peyton Steele is trying to prove to her family and herself that she deserves her position with the Steele Guardians, her family’s security solutions business. Sleeman has, in my opinion, devised a spectacular plot that will keep your rapt attention until you read the last word! From the start, the main character, Peyton, finds herself challenged in ways she knows she cannot handle by herself. Her client is trying to hold her responsible because he was robbed of his very expensive black diamonds while under the protection of her company. Something is very amiss as the security cameras were fully functioning but they did not catch any irregularities! The question is – will she allow herself to trust store security manager and former detective, Grant Logan to help solve this baffling crime? This book has it all: a thrilling, fantastic plot, relatable characters, interesting settings, and a beautiful example of romance being found in unlikely places.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Edge of Your Seat Books. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
3.5 stars " . . . my black diamonds are missing from the safe. They're worth a million dollars, and I hold you personally responsible for the loss."
Not exactly a vacation. That's where Peyton Steele was heading when she received the disturbing call from Alex Armstead, owner of Armstead Jewelers. Having just acquired the account on behalf of her family's security business, Peyton was dumbfounded; they had installed top-of-the-line equipment, including cameras . . . how could those diamonds have disappeared?
Grant Logan had been employed by Armstead Jewelers for just over twenty-four hours. As the store's security manager, he was just as disturbed as Peyton was over the mysterious theft. Tasked with working together, the two former law enforcement officers put their skills to the test on behalf of their employer, only to have the case take a violent turn. . . . . very early on.
As Peyton struggles to maintain her confidence and composure, Grant's presence begins chipping away at her preconceived notions about the future. Was it possible to find contentment without striving to prove herself all the time, especially in front of her family? Perhaps God's plans might include a handsome security manager after all. Though in the meantime, Peyton is going to discover that she really does have "nerves of steele".
Hold onto your book cover! This story moves at a fast and furious pace, while exploring the complex dynamics within the Steele family and those that dare to love them.
Good read, Peyton and Grant are at odds from the start but both of them want to solve the jewelry theft. They have to work together. Clean romance, danger, mystery, murder, kidnapping, and some chemistry all come together. Add in Peyton's family and Grant's daughter and it's definitely a fun story. Enjoy
Some one forgot to! Make the girl on the cover with red hair!!!! I enjoyed the book and trying to figure out who did it. Good characters and story line. The author could change up some of the wording from book to book so the characters aren't using the same wording to describe their feelings. Anyways... Food read
What a fitting title for this new book by Susan Sleeman! Peyton Steele truly needed nerves of steel to get through all the roadblocks that were put in front of her while she was on this new case for the family business. It seemed like every time she turned around something new was happening. All she had wanted was to solve this case, find the diamonds, and show her family she was capable to be the CFO of the family business. She didn’t count on partnering with Grant Logan. A guy who threw her and all her plans for her future in a tailspin. This story has many of the same suspense, drama, action, and intrigue that are in all of this author's books, but there is an added sweetness to it. I truly loved reading how Grant strived to be a loving dad and make sure he kept his promises to his daughter, putting her first above work. I loved this example of what it takes to be a good father and individual. This character showed integrity and honor. The author also did a beautiful job weaving Godly principles into these characters. One fun thing about this book is that I learned some new things. It had me looking up information about black diamonds, personal safes, and mudslides. Fun! Oh, and the suspense was good too! Susan Sleeman is a mastermind at bringing just the right amount of suspense to all her books. You really don’t know how it’s all going to end up until the very end! This is what makes an amazing author! When the reader gets so tangled up in the story that they don’t want to put it down. If you love action, suspense, and intrigue, then I highly recommend you pick this book up and start reading it! However, I have to warn you, once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop! I stayed up way too late to finish this book. WOW! I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Peyton is getting ready to go on vacation when she gets a call from one of her clients. His jewelry business has just been broken into and over a million dollars in diamonds have been stolen. Peyton knows she has to go investigate because the Steele family business is on the line with this client. Grant Logan wants the job as the store’s security manager. The robbery is a nightmare for him as he has just moved his daughter to the area and needs this job. Owner Alex Armstead has informed both Peyton and Grant that they will be working together to find out who the thief is and if they don’t find the diamonds then neither of them will be employed by him. Before Alex can explain some of his actions he is involved in an accident that puts him in the hospital in a coma. Can Grant and Peyton figure out who has the diamonds and who may be threatening the Armstead family? But most of all can Grant and Peyton work together to solve the crime with the obvious attraction they are feeling towards each other every time they are in the same room?
I’m absolutely loving the Steele Guardians series! Nerves of Steele definitely didn’t disappoint in the excitement/suspense department. I loved the characters as well. Grant is kind and patient and definitely a loving father to his daughter. I liked Peyton’s epiphany’s that she had about where she saw her life going and her ability to adjust her expectations after struggling it out with the Lord. Author Susan Sleeman knows how to make the spiritual “ah ha” moments that speak to the characters hearts, personal and touching to the readers hearts as well. An exciting book that keeps the reader turning the pages with expectation and excitement!
Another thrilling book by Susan Sleeman. Peyton is the CFO of the Steele Guardians, and responsible for the contract with one of the big jewelry store chains. Then a million dollars of black diamonds are stolen. Logan is the store's security manager. He and Peyton are charged with finding the diamonds. There is an immediate attraction between the two. His wife is dead, but he has a daughter Sadie. The whole book is filled with leads that seem to lead nowhere. And will a child change everything?
In this latest addition to the Steele Guardians series, Peyton Steele gets her story. She’s the company’s CFO who as a former law enforcement officer occasion gets involved in the cases they are working. The middle child of the family, she always seems to want to outshine the rest of the family. She didn’t expect the cameras she installed in an exclusive jewelry store to supposedly fail and not recorded the theft of a million dollars in black diamonds. Peyton is less than thrilled when she’s forced to work with the head of the store’s security. Grant Logan is a with widower, single dad and former LAPD detective. Though the attraction is instant neither is interested in working with the other to solve the mystery. But the owner forces them to work together if they want his continued business. As the mystery and danger seems to escalate and someone ends up in the hospital, they get a chance to discover they are both religious believers. Grant would like a relationship, but with Peyton’s determination of not getting married now and having children, he doesn’t see one between himself and Peyton. Will they survive the danger? Will the mystery be solved? Will they find their HEA? As always, the author delivered another clean , Christian engaging romance with well developed characters and a strong female protagonist. The reader also gets a chance to visit with characters from previous stories and “see” how they are doing. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
My review today is on the Romantic Suspense, Nerves of Steele. This is the second book in the series, Steele Guardians. I'm a huge fan of Susan's books. I have never read one that I didn't love. I'm always thrilled when I get the chance to read a new one. I don't know where she gets all of her ideas but each one seems to be better than the last one. This one is awesome and I know you are going to love it.
Peyton and her sister are at the airport on their way to Arizona for a vacation when she gets a bad feeling. Was her feeling from God? Did she forget something important? She receives a call from one of her newest clients. His black diamonds have been stolen. She finds the new security manager very attractive but soon finds out he has a child, a real turn-off. Or is it?
Grant Logan is a new security manager, he's been on the job for exactly one day. A million-dollar theft is not the way to start a new job. He is drawn to the beautiful Peyton but when she learns that he has a child she is no longer interested. No way does he want a woman in his life that doesn't want to be a mother. Can they work together without breaking his heart?
An exciting journey to find the diamonds and discover who the thief and now murderer really is. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not for destruction even in this time of political turmoil, war, and chaos. Give Him your heart and watch Him turn your life around.
Nerves of Steele is the second book in Susan Sleeman’s romantic suspense series, Steele Guardians.
Peyton’s story is unique in that it doesn’t begin with her fleeing for her life, but rather for her sanity. She doesn’t get far when a robbery–and the handsome security guard–derails her plans. Grant left the LAPD to spend more time with his daughter, but if he can’t solve this robbery, he may be out of a job.
Overall, this story was more mystery and who-done-it than high suspense. Discovering the who behind the crimes was a winding road and just as the reader (and characters) figured out one step, another twist was thrown in. I liked how Peyton and Grant acknowledged their attraction for each other up front, as well as the reasons neither could act on those feelings, despite the growing disappointment with those choices.
Most of all, I loved the spiritual side of this story. Grant has already wrestled through some of the hard questions, but Peyton has not and observing their conversation takes the question of why bad things happen well past the usual Christian platitudes.
If you’re looking for a sleuthing romantic suspense, then definitively grab a copy of Nerves of Steele! Book three will be coming soon, too!
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
A jewelry heist! haven't read many books with that story line and this one was great! Of course this author is one of my go-to authors to read any books she writes! This story was intriguing because a million dollars of black diamonds are stolen from a jewelry store right after a secure system had been installed. Peyton Steele's family was involved in that and she feels responsible. Grant Logan was the store security manager and he also feels responsible so the two of them work together to find who has stolen those diamonds. They think it will be easy because of the security cameras but the film shows nothing! What follows is a great up and down story of how Peyton and Grant discover what happened even though there is also a police investigation going on! Peyton's whole family is involved because they own a security firm and I loved seeing all their strengths, especially since I "met" them all in the first book in the series. I also enjoyed seeing Peyton's transformation from the beginning of the book to the end. She had a "bucket list" somewhat of things she wanted to do before having a family but then realized that those things were not important because she never even tried to do them! I enjoyed Grant's character also. His daughter was darling! A very enjoyable story!
This is the second in a series about a law enforcement family but you wouldn't necessarily need to read the 1st in order to enjoy this one. (There are 3 other series before this one. Some of the members of two of those series appear in this series as well. I recommend reading them all.)
Peyton is the CFO of her family's company Steele Guardians. She left her deputy job to take that position when her only brother who held that position was murdered. She does suffer from the middle child syndrome (as she is the middle of the 3 girls) and this affects many areas of her life.
Grant Logan recently moved to town to take a security position with a jewelry store in an attempt to spend more time with his daughter after his wife's death in a freak accident. He was formerly a detective in LA.
Peyton recently oversaw the installation of security system in that jewelry store and is shocked when a robbery of a cache of black diamonds occures in spite of this system. The owner tasks Peyton and Grant with finding the diamonds.
There are quite a few twists in the story before the diamonds are found and several more after they are found. Grant and Peyton have things to confront about themselves as well and this occurs throughout the book. There is mention of faith but it is not the prevalant theme of the book.
I pre-order anything Susan Sleeman writes and will continue to do so.
Once again Susan Sleeman has penned a story packed with nonstop suspense in her second Steele Guardians series book, Nerves of Steele. This is Peyton’s story, and she’s tasked with finding who stole black diamonds from the jewelry store where she had installed security cameras. Grant Logan is the security manager for the store and together they attempt to find the culprit.
I always enjoy reading Sleeman’s books, as she includes information about criminal investigation techniques and technology, and I like learning new things as I read a captivating story. She also is a master at creating flawed, but endearing, characters that grow and progress throughout the tale.
Filled with plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and a dash of romance, this book also has threads of inspiration that add depth and dimension to it. This sums up why Susan Sleeman is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Although it’s part of a series, it can easily be read by itself. It was fun to see familiar people from previous books pop up in this one. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment of Steele Guardians. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars ...This is book two in the Steele Guardians series, However it is a stand alone book, you will miss some history of the characters but you will not be lost. If you are a fan of Susan Sleeman, as I am, this book is everything you expect it to be. It is full of mystery, suspense, family, humor, romance and so much more. We met the Steele sisters in previous book but you do not miss anything by starting in this series. If you have read the Night hawk security series and the truth seekers series, you will reconnect with characters from those books as well. I love how Sleemans books bring characters from previous series. Peyton Steele, has always felt she has something to prove, when diamonds go missing she will stop at nothing to find them and help keep a client. Grant Logan, has changed his job to spend more time with his daughter. When Grant and Peyton must work together the sparks start to fly. Both have things from their past they must overcome and maybe a future to look forward to. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
I gave this four stars just because it took me awhile to get into it.
Alex owns a jewelry store. Steele Guardians has put in the security system for it, and Grant is the security directer at the jewelry store. Despite all of that, the store is now missing its black pearls and Alex wants to know who did it. But before much can be found out he leaves the store in a huff and is struck down by a passing vehicle - he's in a coma throughout the story.
Peyton has something to prove, or so she thinks, so she can't mess this one up. Even though she is the CFO of her family's company, she ends up taking lead on this robbery - she was the one who headed up putting in the security system, and since it was so good it had to be an inside job! Grant, the head of security joins her in the investigation - but he has a little daughter that he has to take care of since his wife died and he will be home for dinner every night! As attractions begins, she tells him she doesn't want children right now! How are they going to work things out???
I love Susan Sleeman’s books and her ability to draw you in and you feel connected to her characters. Nerves of Steele the second book in Steele Guardians, is the story of Peyton, middle daughter and CFO of the family business.
Peyton Cancels her vacation when she gets a call from a new client that has been robbed demanding she recover his diamonds. Grant Logan, a single father and newly hired security manager, is determined to recover the diamonds as well.
Neither Peyton or Grant desire a relationship but cannot deny the attraction they both feel. Grants daughter, Sadie, instantly bonds with Peyton. How will they spend so much time together investigating and resist their chemistry?
As always Susan will keep you captivated from beginning to end. I’m never disappointed and always excited for a new book.
I just really love, love this author and this series isn't disappointing at all. Highly recommend reading all the books in previous series and this one. I love that previous book characters show up in this series. You don't have to read the previous series to understand this series, but if you do read the others, you will know the character backgrounds. I love how this is done. Again, highly recommend reading them all! Please support our Clean romance suspense authors!!
I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
A great read! Several twists and turn and some excitement! Peyton Steele is CFO of her family business and she has changed the security protocols at her client's jewelry store. Then millions of dollars in jewels go missing! What?! How? The new store security manager Grant Logan is determined to find who took the jewels so he can keep this job so he can be home at night for his young daughter. He and Peyton join forces, albeit reluctantly, to find answers. Will they discover who took the jewels? Will it threaten their lives to discover the truth?
Peyton Steele struggles with the middle child syndrome. Grant Logan struggles with regret and a feeling of failure. Both common issues that many people struggle to overcome.
Lots of food for thought in this book as well as a great action story, suspense, mystery and of course, some romance.
Very enjoyable story that made a great vacation read! I look forward to more from this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nerves of Steele in Steele Guardians series. It was a gripping, twist and turn romantic suspense. I also enjoyed visiting characters from previous stories. The forensic research by the Veritas team is always so fascinating. I did, however, find portions of this book a bit unrealistic; but overall a great read that I highly recommend! Looking forward to reading the next book in this series by Ms. Sleeman.
I read these books for the mystery and the romance. There was plenty of both. Grant is healing after the death of his wife in a bizarre accident 2 years earlier. Peyten is making her way as CFO of the family business as top security specialist. She struggles to have the same skills as her family, even though she is a “numbers nerd.” I didn’t figure out who the bad guys were until the end o
This is such an enjoyable book! I love books with families in them. The characters are wonderful, the suspense is very good as they unwind the mystery, and the action scenes are exciting. The romance has depth and is clean which I really enjoy. Very entertaining!!
Nerves of Steele is a page turner. Susan Sleeman puts out another great book. The Steele family is so real that you feel like you know them. Suspense family and faith make a great story. I love how she brings characters from previous stories in to the new ones so you get glimpses of their continuing stories.
Another great read by this awesome author. Loved the plot and characters, and enjoyed appearances by a few characters from the other series.
One turn-off: a reference to the effects global warming by the heroine of the story.......I assume the author believes in that crap, and hopefully leaves it out of future books
I liked the first book in this series enough to wait (impatiently) for book two. Loved it! The author did a great job with Peyton and Grant's story. Their goals, motivation, and conflict were clear from the first chapter and made it a fun read. Enjoyed their character arcs and the plot was tight suspense at its best. Looking forward to book 3.