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Steele Guardians #5

Solid as Steele

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He lost his memory…
Mackenzie Steele has been instrumental in keeping Steele Guardians afloat, working long hours for months. Nearing burnout, her family encourages her to take a vacation, and she reluctantly agrees. She needs solitude and quiet, and a vacation rental home in the Oregon desert is just the ticket. But she’s no sooner unpacked her bags when a man lands on her doorstep. A man who can’t remember his identity or why he’s there. All they know is that the name Owen seems familiar to him. But will finding it bring a killer to her doorstep?
Mackenzie shouldn’t trust this man, but something about his earnestness draws her to him, and she agrees to help him determine his identity. When her rental home is bombarded with bullets, she knows she’s accepted a task that could turn deadly, and she should walk away. But by this time, her deepening connection with the stranger keeps her firmly rooted at his side, and she can only pray that she won’t regret her potentially life-altering decision.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

198 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Susan Sleeman

129 books804 followers
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

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews271 followers
January 4, 2023
Susan Sleeman is a favorite of mine for inspirational suspense and just continues to be that as I read more. She continues her series with MacKenzie Steele's story. MacKenzie is on vacation when she finds a body on her porch one morning. Yikes! And it just gets better from there on. There is more than one storyline going on here and I loved every single one. I am sure you will, too. Sleeman knows her stuff when writing crime dramas and this suspense lover is totally satisfied reading one of her books.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,106 reviews46 followers
March 10, 2023
Susan Sleeman did it again. What would you do if you found a body on your porch during your vacation? That's what happened to MacKenzie Steele. While on vacation, she founds Owen unconscious on her porch. He doesn't know who he is or what happened. When Mackenzie and Owen start retracing his steps in an attempt to recover his memories, they find themselves in danger.
The storyline has multi layers to it, along with suspense, action, tension, and romance. The characters were well-written, the story kept me turning the pages until the end, and the story plot included some twists and turns.
Looking forward to reading book 6 in this series.
Profile Image for Olive Breece.
19 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2023
Such a captivating series!

I don't know how you do it, Susan Sleeman, but you've managed to create a compelling series, each book even better than the one before. The characters are realistic and relatable and, by now, we feel like we know the entire family. Challenges and dangers are dealt with and worked through realistically and with faith and courage. The forensics and sciences are cutting edge and imparted without becoming tedious. The bar is set high for the next book but the author hasn't disappointed yet. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Profile Image for Tera Lewandowski.
57 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The twists and turns, action and suspense, and even some romance. All with a focus on God and how to be a servant for him.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,288 reviews41 followers
January 14, 2023
“The body lying on the front porch wasn’t included in Mackenzie Steele’s vacation home rental.”
Wow! What a great first line to capture the readers’ minds!
This story is packed with situations that will keep you struggling to breathe. I can’t imagine not being able to remember who I was or what had happened previously. This is what Owen is dealing with and what keeps Mac and him striving ahead to find out what has happened. However, they didn’t know that seeking who he was and what had happened would put their lives in danger.
This story has many of the same suspense, drama, action, and intrigue that are in all of this author’s books, and it kept me reading until I finished.
When reading this story, I enjoyed being able to envision exactly where it’s all happening, because this author has set it in my home state. I know of many of the places she mentioned in this book and her descriptions are spot on.
One of the reasons I love reading books by Susan Sleeman. She paints the picture of what is out there and what we as people need to be aware of. Susan Sleeman doesn’t sugarcoat her stories. They are hard-hitting and gritty.
This book not only has action, tension, and suspense but there is a bit of romance . . . well, maybe a little more than a bit!
Another reason I enjoy this author’s writings is that throughout the pages of this book, she weaves lessons that we can each apply to our lives. In this story, there is the lesson of finding hope in situations and not giving in to despair, and the only way to do this is to grab on to God’s love and the assurance that He’s with us.
If you love action, suspense, and intrigue, then I highly recommend you pick this series 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.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,327 reviews160 followers
February 4, 2023
3.5 stars
" . . . . he looked like he'd traveled a distance on foot, reached her porch, and dropped. . . . Was he dead? . . . . . Her coffee was only starting to brew. How could a girl think after only four hours of sleep and no java?"

And this was how Mackenzie Steele's vacation was going to begin? With an injured man passed out on the porch of her rental, deep in the middle of nowhere Oregon? Apparently so. Stranger still, when said man does rouse, he cannot remember anything that happened to him (his injuries were many) or even who he is. Not a great combination.

Calling in an experienced tracker, Mackenzie and the man who seems to think his name may be Owen, form a team of three to begin re-tracing Owen's trail to her front door. Unfortunately, they locate disturbing evidence proving something terrible had taken place, more than likely shocking Owen's psyche to the core. Now all they have to do is to put the pieces of the puzzle back together again. Much easier said than done.

Wonderful plotting! This story is a tangled web of theories and suppositions that place Mackenzie and Owen in a wicked bulls-eye of criminal activity. They hesitate for many reasons to acknowledge their growing personal attraction, (don't give up on them, though) especially as Owen struggles with all the "whys" of his life, allowing Mackenzie's deep faith to steady them both while passing along some proverbial advice.

"When I'm troubled about something I try to remember the problem isn't forever. That things will change. . . . Maybe not get better but change. . .. . . I say to myself that I'm upset for now. Adding the 'for now' . . . helps me remember it's temporary. . . . . Maybe instead of asking God why, ask Him to help you accept and deal with the problem."
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,166 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2022
Seems Mackenzie Steele and I have something in common. She had worked herself into a frazzle and then her getaway became more taxing and tiring than being at work. Although she was not working at her regular job, what she was doing was just like work. Many of us stay so busy on a vacation that we need a vacation when we get home. I can’t say that she resolved that issue, but she ended up with lots of others to deal with. One would certainly think the desert would be a great place to get away from everything else but she found out otherwise, beginning with finding a guy who appeared dead on her front porch. That would have sent me straight back to the city. Instead, she got involved in trying to help him find out who he was and why he was there. I can determine easily enough if someone seems to be the type of person with whom I want to spend time, but trusting a stranger enough to allow him into my home is a totally different ballgame. Owen had obviously suffered trauma but I would be calling the authorities rather than allowing him to set the first foot inside my doorway. I enjoyed the lessons about faith, family, and love that were woven through the story. As always, I enjoyed connecting again with various members of the Veritas Center team. The action kept drawing me in and urging me to keep reading, even when I needed to be elsewhere. Mackenzie was made of steel(e) just like her sisters and cousins. I am already anticipating the next story from Susan Sleeman. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
3,867 reviews1,759 followers
February 17, 2023
First, who knew that there was a desert in Oregon? Not this Canadian, that’s for sure. So, great setting, including some wilderness adventuring. And we’re also introduced to a band of brothers who run an outdoor wilderness adventure business and I am heartily hoping that their inclusion might be a foreshadowing of a future series! Please, please, please!

But, I digress. Best opening line ever: “The body lying on the front porch wasn’t included in MacKenzie Steele’s vacation home rental.” Bwahahahaha! And we’re off and racing through pages of adventure and danger and toe-curling romance! And didn’t Susan Sleeman go and bewitch me by turning a not-so-favourite trope of mine into something dazzlingly clever?!

I think I might have to stop saying I’m not an amnesia trope fan now. It’s done so well, and with a fresh slant too which makes it all the more interesting. Loved MacKenzie’s reaction to meeting Owen and that she was smart and sensible about it (you have to read the book to find out what I mean.)

And then I was in sheer bibliophile delight all the way to the end as Sleeman delivered her iconic blend of family, faith, humour and suspense. And I loved all the investigative details — along with some exciting cameos from previous series.

I listened to the audible edition of Solid as Steele, narrated by Whitney Dykehouse (who does all of Susan Sleeman’s audio books and I love the giddy ‘home coming’ feeling I get when I start listening to a new book.)

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/02/17/s...
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
697 reviews63 followers
March 23, 2023
NEW SET OF CRIME-SOLVING ABCs

Best-selling author Susan Sleeman has just released her latest addition to the Steele Guardian Series, Solid as Steele (Book 5). In this dynamic book, Sleeman introduces readers to a new set of crime-solving ABCs.

A is for Amnesia. Sleeman has her main character, Mackenzie Steele, on vacation in the Oregon desert and discovers a man on her front porch. She thinks he is dead but discovers he has a head wound and is suffering from amnesia. Should she fear this man who thinks his name may be Owen or help him?

B is for Body. Mac decides she wants to help Owen and calls reinforcements to support him. None of them expected to find the decomposing body of a young woman. Was Owen involved in her murder, or was he searching for her and ambushed as he described?

C is for Cooperation. There is cooperation among several law enforcement agencies, Private Security Companies, and the Veritas Center. It will take them working together like a well-oiled machine to solve this case before more bodies drop and time is of the essence!

What I like best about this book is that Sleeman sets the pace with the suspense from the first sentence. She never eases up on that pace until you have read the last word. Her characters in Solid as Steele, like all of her other writings, are always exciting and her plots are never, ever dull!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Edge of Your Seat Books. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
1,735 reviews33 followers
January 5, 2023
I love this story and the characters! Not a surprise as I've loved every book I've read from this author! Susan Sleeman knows how to hook you in from the first page! With this book, we find Makenzie finding a body on her front porch as she begins her vacation in rural Oregon! Now there's something I wouldn't want to have happen to me! Makenzie relies on her faith a great deal throughout the book. She's been in law enforcement long enough to form opinions and rely on her gut. The man on her doorstep is unconscious rather than dead but she doesn't want to take any chances that he might hurt her, so she proceeds cautiously. If it were me, I'd call law enforcement, but she takes him to the hospital and moves on from there. The man has amnesia, and it frustrates him to no end. Finally, he remembers his first name is Owen. As the story unfolds, they discover a body and realize Owen had a traumatic experience because he was beaten and left for dead although he managed to get to Makenzie's doorstep. There are many twists and turns as Makenzie tries to discover why Owen was in the desert and who he is and who is trying to kill them! There are multiple storylines going also. I especially liked the recurring characters from the Veritas Center that appeared from another series from the author. Always great to check in with previous characters! I can't wait for the next book already! I love this Steele family!
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,613 reviews84 followers
December 17, 2024
"Solid as Steele" is a romantic suspense. Though a part of a series, this worked as a standalone. Ex-cop Mackenzie and Detective Owen investigated a cold case that might just be his missing sister. All they found was a skeleton wearing her clothing. They investigated together, though no good reason was given for why Mackenzie was still treated like a cop. They asked good questions and followed up on any leads. However, it was pretty obvious who the bad guys were, so it was just a matter of proving who did what.

Owen kept trying to play the unstoppable, protective man, and Mackenzie was surprisingly tolerant of it. But I didn't understand Mackenzie's interest in Owen. At first, she literally didn't know who he was (as he didn't know). Later, they didn't have much time to get to know each other very well.

And Mackenzie seemed to make Owen worse at his job. One time, they tracked down an armed bad guy to arrest him. Mackenzie recklessly rushed toward danger then froze, allowing the bad guy to shoot at her. Rather than stopping the bad guy and thus removing the threat, Owen tackled her to the ground and nearly sent them off the edge of a cliff. Her thought was just how safe Owen made her feel. I'd be thinking, "Wow, you let the killer go free, didn't save me from the bullet, and nearly killed me?!"

Mackenzie's faith inspired Owen to trust God even when He seemed untrustworthy. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting mystery.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
January 30, 2023
My review today is on the Christian Romantic Suspense, Solid as Steele. This is book five in the series Steele Guardians. I'm always thrilled to receive one of Susan's book. I'm a huge fan of her work. The only bad thing about this book is that I have finished it and now have to wait a few months to get the next one in the series. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it

As Mackenzie Steele watched a man come to her porch. His clothes were torn and dirty. He had some kind of wound on his head. He fell on the porch, was he dead? She only had four hours sleep and no coffee, how was she to deal with a dead body? She went back in the cabin, locked her door, changed clothes, grabbed her gun. He tackled her when she touched him. Who is he?

She ran from him, of course she would. He doesn't know who he is, doesn't know why he's here, but he knows he would never hurt a woman; and yet he had. Please God no. See there he prayed. He couldn't be all bad.

A terrifying journey to find out who he is. why he is here and who is after him. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan for peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
943 reviews9 followers
February 15, 2023
Mackenzie Steele takes a much-needed vacation to a rented cabin in the woods. Needing rest and quiet, she finds quite the opposite when an unconscious man is found on her front porch. A man who can't remember his name or identity. What to do? Is he a good guy or not? The story starts out fast paced and doesn't disappoint. Mackenzie is a combination of warrior and feminine woman, and the man without a memory starts to notice. When they come under fire, they are destined to work together to answer quite a few questions. In the midst of it all, can Mackenzie and her unknown visitor solve a few mysteries, including who he is? Will Mackenzie's friend Ryan and his brothers be able to help, or will danger win? And a great twist at the end!! WOW! I didn't see that coming!
I loved revisiting the Steele family as they gathered together and supported each other. I also enjoyed Mackenzie's "gut reactions" in caring for the mystery man as well as the positive dialogue. "Maybe instead of asking God why, ask Him to help you accept and deal with the problem." Great advice!!
Once again, Ms. Sleeman has written another winner! A clean romantic suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout! I wholeheartedly recommend the entire Steele Guardians series! It will not disappoint!
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 27 books613 followers
February 6, 2023
Solid as Steele by Susan Sleeman is book five in her Steele Guardians romantic suspense series.

I enjoyed this book! Reading it felt like cozying up with a favorite blanket. I loved the beginning where Mackenzie is trying to figure out whether she can trust this stranger who landed on her porch. And Owen, so unsure of himself because he has no memories.

The action gets going in twists and turns I didn’t anticipate. One of the turns entered a scene that was difficult to read (and could be a trigger warning). I can’t say more without a spoiler. But the twists didn’t stop there. They kept going all the way until the very end.

We also got a sneak peak at Susan Sleeman’s next series with the Shadow Lake Survival series. I was already highly anticipating it and now I can’t wait!

If you love romantic suspense, then don’t miss Solid as Steele. You don’t need to have read the rest of the series to read this one. Characters from past series do appear, but you won’t need to have read those books either — though I recommend reading all of them!

---
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
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.
Profile Image for Marilyn Johnson.
600 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2023
This is book five in the Steele Guardians series, however it is a stand alone. You do miss history of the Steele family, but not necessary in understanding what is going on. If you are a fan of Susan Sleeman, this book is everything you expect it to be. It is full of mystery, suspense, humor, romance and so much more. If you have read the Night hawk security series and the truth seekers series (by Sleeman), you will reconnect with characters from those books as well. I love how Sleemans books bring characters from previous series, yet you do not have to read any of those to enjoy this book.
Mackenzie Steele is in need of some vacation, yet when a handsome stranger, whom can not remember anything, other than the name Owen sounds familiar, lands on her doorstep she must decide to trust him or call the police. Even though she is not sure if she should trust him or not she feels compelled to help him. This is a page turner full of mystery, suspense and fun. I loved Owen and Mackenzies chemistry. I always enjoy reading books by Susan Sleeman. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
924 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2023
Whenever I pick up one of Susan Sleeman’s books, I know I’m going to get an action-packed, suspense-filled, nail-biting read. That’s exactly what I got with Solid as Steele, starring another of the Steele Guardians girls, MacKenzie Steele. When MacKenzie starts out her vacation by finding a body on her porch, she’s in for a wild ride. He’s still alive but can’t remember who he is or why he’s there, so she goes to work to help him solve the mystery. Engaging, realistic main characters and a great cast of supporting characters populate this story. I enjoyed catching up with many characters from earlier books by this author as they appeared in this one.

With plenty of action, suspense, danger, inspiration, and a good dose of romance, this is a great addition to the Steele Guardians series. Susan Sleeman is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. I always learn new things about criminal investigation techniques and technology when I read her books. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
3,514 reviews40 followers
January 15, 2023
In this latest addition to the Steele Guardians, the story belongs to Mackenzie Steele. A former detective, nowadays she’s has been working hard in her family’s security business. Needing a break, she goes to her favorite Oregon rental in the desert. Instead of the quiet and peace she was planning, on her first day, an injured man drags himself to her doorstep.
The man has no idea who he is or why he’s in the desert. Is he a friend or a foe?
As Mackenzie gets to know Owen, and he begins to recover his memory, the attraction between them grows, and so does the danger. Why was Owen in the desert? Who wants him dead?
This story is a stand alone Christian suspense romance. It’s a story about loss, faith, and hope as well as another engaging story in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,259 reviews
March 1, 2023
Solid as Steele by Susan Sleeman
Steele Guardians Series Book Five
Mackenzie Steele was a former detective with the Oregon State Police for five years before joining the family business. But now, she was at a cabin in the middle of nowhere. A trip she tried to take once a year where she could have peace, quiet, and time with God. Finding an injured man on the cabin porch changed all that.
Owen, luckily his name came to him, couldn’t remember who he was, why he was in the desert, or how he ended up passed out on this beautiful woman’s porch. Worse yet, he didn’t know if he was a good or bad guy. He’d been attacked in the desert and had no ID. Who was he?
I love every one of the series that Susan Sleeman has written. I enjoy seeing characters from previous series making cameos in other books.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
34 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2023
Great book

I almost always really, really like this author's books, so I do my best to pre-order them. In this one, the story is good, strong faith element, get to catch up a little with characters from a previous series, meet new characters which I hope may have a series of their own in the future (?), and plenty of suspense and mystery, which is my favorite.

With this author you can count on good writing, mystery/suspense, faith (but not preaching or hit over the head, it fits naturally and the struggles and questions are real), and always clean! Thank you Susan Sleeman for another great book!
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books413 followers
February 1, 2023
This crime-solving mystery begins with a wild opening as Mackenzie Steele discovers an injured man with amnesia on her vacation rental porch in a remote location in Oregon. This kicks off quite an adventure as she tries to help the guy and to find out who he is. This launches a dangerous adventure with several threads twisting and tugging as they try to uncover everything that is going on and who is behind it all. The author always does a great job creating a suspenseful story and including the latest techniques and tools, and I love my home state setting. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Antonetta  Secunda.
31 reviews
June 21, 2023
Really enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot of this book!
Love the dynamics between Mackenzie and Owen.
And the fact that the Veritas team was part of it in a bigger way then the other books in the Steele series.
Really enjoyed reading about these lovely characters and where they are now.
Susan Sleeman has a way of creating wonderful stories each of them unique and to connect them in ways that gives you a further insight into what is happening to them even after the book on the story they are the main characters in.
122 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2024
My thoughts: Solid as Steel is a romantic suspense that easily stands alone although it is part of a series. I enjoyed reading it. Ms Sleeman is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. I love how she comes up with new techniques I've never heard of before that are used to fight crimes.  There's a lot of action in the story as well as suspense and romance. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. And to find out who done it and why. There is some creepiness in this story but not a lot. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,441 reviews52 followers
February 4, 2023
This has got to be the best book of the series so far. Sleeman always writes a great suspense novel, but she pulled out all the stops on this one. Owen and Macenzie were awesome characters, and I never knew what was going to happen next.

Also in this book, the author started setting up her next series, Shadow Lake Survival. The three Maddox brothers are in this book to help, and from what the author wrote it will be another awesome series by her, debuting in August. Can't wait
Profile Image for Jill.
124 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2023
Great read!

This was a wonderful read. I stayed up way too late, needing to find out how it ended. It has characters from previous books and it is always fun to catch up with them. This story has amnesia, adventure, murders to solve, faith issues, good food, strong family ties and friendships. I love the twists this author writes so well. I had smiles and tears while reading. Highly recommend!
22 reviews
September 18, 2023
Book about how losing a loved one can test your faith. Along with making you question whether to allow your heart open to love and a full life ahead. Many surprises of joyful reunions, adventure and suspense. How the goodness of others giving charitably can bring reawakening of faith in those who are lost in the anger and fears in life. Exciting book to read. Eager to read next book in the series.
1,602 reviews8 followers
February 9, 2024
The. suspense is incredible Mackenzie Steele is on vacation and starting with day one it is anything but relaxing. She finds a stranger Detective Owen Greer passed out on the porch of her cabin and the suspense begins! After h regains his memory, we have skeletons, bodies found, being chased and shot at! The Veritas crew is called in to help with the evidence let the adventure begin. Wow! Another great Steele book.
18 reviews
February 3, 2023
Another Great Read

I love all of Susan Sleeman’s books. I find the mystery, romance and faith filled actions very intriguing. In all her books there is a place I stop and realize that part applies to me and my faith as well. I will continue to look forward to her next book and the one after that.
755 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2023
Owen and Makenzie??????

Owen’s sister Cassie has been missing for a while. He is wanting to find her so so bad for his parents and her husband Keith, even though he was a jerk. When Makezie had no idea who he was or where he came from. The story begins. Once again SteeleGuardians oh my oh my. a+++++++++++++++
14 reviews
June 3, 2023
solid as steel

I have all the books in this series and this was by far the best. The writing was tighter, the story more believable and the characters more realistic. I enjoy the writing style and basic story lines and feel this was book was an overall improvement in form and storytelling.
506 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2023
Enjoyed As Usual!

I enjoy this series because I like the element of mystery without it being terrifying. I pretty much guessed that Cassie was alive and the reason for her disappearing.
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