Chance

Steel Brothers Saga #25

by Helen Hardt

Pulled together by long-buried secrets…

Ava Steel isn’t the typical member of her famous family. She colors her hair pink, practices the tarot, and runs her bakery in town without any help from her family’s financial fortune. She’s content in her life, and she knows who she is…until she receives a cryptic text from a mysterious stranger.

Bar-owner Brendan Murphy inadvertently became entwined with the Steel family when he dug up timeworn documents under his floorboards. When he and Ava—who, despite their age difference, he’s been crushing on for a while—receive identical enigmatic messages, they’re thrown together for more than just fun between the sheets.

Ava revels in her new and unexpected relationship with Brendan, but deep down, she fears her family is keeping secrets—secrets that could make her question everything she thought she knew about them…and herself.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

#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.

Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...

Unchained (Blood Bond Saga: One) is FREE!! Get it here:
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Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR_Breathless

Reviews

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Brendan are so freaking good together. Their story started out so so well. I felt like both of their perspectives were so fresh and while there was drama, they were part of it in a different way. I thought the decoding aspect of the mystery was different than the other books and it worked well here. I also loved how unique Ava was apart from her siblings and cousins. Secrets are brewing in this one and I can't wait for everything to be revealed. I loved the spice and I loved that their relationship was done a bit slower than some of the other Steels. It was too good to put down and I can't believe I can't read the next one right away. This is a top tier series and Ava and Brendan are a top tier couple for sure. There was so much natural chemistry and their relationship didn't feel forced at all. I also thought tying the mystery back to the past was so smart and I'm ready for another ride on this journey. Helen Hardt pulls me in to her stories immediately and I'm already so attached (and obsessed!) with these two!

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the evolving story of Ava Steel and Brendan Murphy! The Steel Brothers saga is way too good to put down! Looking forward to more Ava and Brendan!

[Debbie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Family secrets. Hypocrisy. Secret Knowledge. What does it all mean?”
It means take a Chance on Ava and Brendan! Ava has always been the pink sheep of the Steel family. Does her own thing without the financial help of her family. Even with her family being ranchers Ava is the more earthy type. Intuned with herself and the universe. Brendan has some older documents of the Steels. Their ancestors have a past together and it looks like it’s all coming to their present.
Unbelievable that this is book 25 and I’m wanting more. Both Ava and Brendan’s families have tragic pasts that they are learning about and once again we are left with a cliffhanger.

[Karen ♐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Ava and Brendan together. It was great how these two got together and I love how the story continues from previous books regarding the mystery in the family. I already loved both of these characters from previous books in the series. It's great how Ava started her business all on her own never using any of the family's money. And Brendan runs his pub. They are both really good people. Things started to heat up toward the end of the book. Can't wait to get to the next one.

[Sherry Schmig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish Ava’s parents would come clean with some of their secrets!! I worried someone is alive that should be dead that could destroy Ava’s relationship with her family and Brendan!! That’s just what I’m thinking! Such a great cliffhanger again ! I can’t wait to start the next book!

[Meaghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, mysterious, intriguing

Oh. My. God, I loved this book. Finally, after all those alpha Steel men, a sweet unique Steel woman gets the chance to tell her story. CHANCE is the 25th installment in the Steel Brothers Saga, and it is just as intriguing and mysterious as the first book, Craving. CHANCE is the beginning of Ava Steel and Brendan Murphy's trilogy.

"There's a spark here. A spark with Brendan Murphy that I haven't felt in a long time, if ever."

I adored Ava, Ryan and Ruby's eldest daughter. Unlike other members of the Steel family, Ava never relied on Steel money, instead she was financially independent and chose to live in an apartment above her bakery in town. Even though she loves her family, she enjoys being on her own. She loves her tarot cards, and often refers to them when she's in need of guidance. She's quirky, has pink hair, and content with her life, until she receives a cryptic message. Brendan Murphy is the owner of Snow Creek's popular bar, Murphy's. He became embroiled in the Steel's dramas when documents were found in his apartment above the bar, apartments that were information about the Steels. For the past two years Brendan has admired Ava from afar but never did anything about it due to their age gap, he's eleven years older. That is about to change as he too has received a similar cryptic message to Ava's.

"She is as unique as a snowflake."

I enjoyed Ava and Brendan as a couple. There was no slowburn romance with these two, hot and heavy is the way forward for them. Yet, they were more than that, there was friendship, trust, and genuine care between them. I loved that Brendan showed an interest in Ava's use of her tarot cards, he didn't mock or laugh at her like she thought he would, instead he wanted to learn about them. He just likes her the way she is... "unique as a snowflake". I loved the chemistry between them, they sizzled together, and I can't wait for more.

"What is it about Ava Steel? I don't know, but she's my perfect match."

A cryptic message turns Ava Steel's world upside down. Her family, the one she loves fiercely, has been hiding secrets, ones that will affect everyone, why? Who is the mysterious sender of the messages? Why are they sending them now? What is the implication for both the Steel and Murphy families? Why are Ryan and Ruby acting so strangely? Once again Helen Hardt has left me questioning everything, what else will be dredged up from the past? And that final single word cliffhanger ... my mind went to only one person, but how could it be possible?

Another addictive installment from Helen. Now to wait, not so patiently, for Fortune.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE INTRIGUING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite one yet! Chance is the twenty-fifth installment in the Steel brothers saga. It is recommended to read the series in order, too much is intertwined for a reader to go in blind. Chance is the story of the Steel Families pink sheep if you will; Ava.

Ava is her own person and fiercely independent. She is one that prefers her bakery and being on her own more than anything else. That’s not saying she doesn’t love her family, she does, but she knows she is a bit more….unique than them. One day she receives a cryptic message, but what is it about, and who is it from? She doesn’t seek to underearth the many family secrets, she just goes about her life, so who is sending her messages?

Brendan Murphy, bar owner extraordinaire, got roped up in the Steel family drama when evidence was found in his building. A normally reserved man finds himself thrown into the chaos that is the Steel family, but he doesn’t mind much as he starts to develop a crush on Ava, even though they have an age difference. The pair are inexplicably drawn together, one night, Brendan finally gives in and asks Ava out, when she agrees they are both over the moon. However, when Brendan too receives a cryptic message, he and Ava both are tossed together in more than just romance, but a dangerous plot of secrets and revenge.

Like the majority of the Steel Family books, Chance will keep you guessing until the very end, HH is well known for her riveting storylines, spicy scenes and fantastic characters. Brendan takes a little bit to warm up to, and Ava is determined to live her best life no matter what comes her way. As the two join forces to uncover the clues of the messages, more than secrets are exposed. Chance is a fast paced, thrilling, quirky romance that fans of HH are going to love!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐
3.5/5🌶

And the steel Brothers saga continues with Ava Steele's story and what an amazing start off to her trilogy Ava is the odd one out Steel she sticks to herself she doesn't use her family's money she loves her family but she's determined to make it on her own not using any of her trust fund she opened her Bakery with money she earned a living in the town of Snow Creek right above her modest little Bakery she's Corky and fun and sweet and it shows on every page just how amazing Ava is. Being Ryan and Ruby Steels Daughter we had absolutely no doubt how incredibly observant she is also. Unless it comes to her love life of course.
Brendan Murphy was introduced to Us in Dale steals story. he and his bar and his family have been slowly coming into the Forefront of this next generation of steals stories and he's wonderful and absolutely amazing. The Mystery of the papers that were found in his apartment in the floorboards about the lien on his bar, the unanswered questions of what happened to his great uncle decades before are all stirring to the surface again. And when he receives the same message that Ava receives the two families are thrown into this mystery together. Ava and Brendan are determined to figure out what is going on what their families past has to do with their present.
Throw in the not so well kept secret of Brendan's crush on Ave and Chance is a spectacular start to another Steel Brothers Saga story!

Ave and Brendan are explosive and they are absolutely amazing together. They're everything that we want and crave in a romance and so much more!

Hold on to your thinking caps folks anf grab your detective notepads because this books gives us so many different riddles, and clues we're all going to be trying to Chanel our inner Sherlock Holmes!

5 Spectacular ⭐ for Chance by Helen Hardt

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've been given glimpses of Ava Steel many times throughout the Steel Brothers series but getting to know her in this first book focused on her and Brendan Murphy sheds so much light on who she really is. She is very different from many of the Steels but at her core she still has the values that her family is known for but now she is learning secrets about her family that she had no idea even existed. How could her family lie to her for so long? And now if appears there are even more secrets and she is being involved in them but no one wants to tell her exactly what's going on. Brendan's family is somehow involved too because they are getting weird, cryptic messages also but how is it all related? Brendan's dad thinks it might be related to the death of his uncle at Bradford Steel's wedding. His dad tried solving that mystery decades ago and came to dead end after dead end. Brendan and Ava have just begun dating and are dealing with this odd situation and navigating their feelings for one another. Ava's parents definitely know something and think they are protecting her but what or who are they protecting her from?

[Karen Voitik · Rating 3 out of 5]

>Book Review – Chance

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 25th in the Steel Brothers series and ends with a cliffhanger. Once the mystery gets going, the book abruptly ends. This is the 1st book in this series that I have read. I felt behind due to the large number of characters in the Steel family. Past plots are mentioned that confused me a bit. I felt this book relyed on past plots too much creating a series of books that are not standalone.

>The trope in this book is the May/December realtionship. Brendan is the older bar owner and Ava is the young girl from the rich family, trying ot prove she can stand on her own. Ava is involved in tarot readings. Throughout the book she seems to only act when her cards give her a good reading. Nothing wrong with tarot reading, but Ava seems a bit obsessed. I also felt Brendan and Ava move their relationship quite fast. I needed more character development for Brendan especially. In the small town, where were his ex’s?

>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 3 stars. All of the secrets in this plot are not even close to being revealed.

[Mrs Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance is book 25 in the Steel Brother series and again never fails to disappoint 😊

This story is about Ryan Steel's daugher Ava and bar owner Brendan.
Ava owns the bakery and has worked had to finance it on her own with out her steel trust fund, she also reads tarot cards, she is happy and content with her life until a cruiptc message changes all that.
Brendan is the owner of the bar in snow creek, he has become involved in the Steel family when documents were found in his apartment, also receiving a the same cruiptc message.

Brendan has liked Ava Steel a long time but was unsure to pursue it because of the age difference.  But after receiving the same messages they have been thrown together to solve the mystery and also into each others arms.
With secrets and lies within the family will the relationship hold and will they find out the truth.
This book had me gripped from start to finish, Helen knows how to keep you hooked with this series.
So ready for book 26 Fortune 😍

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the twenty fifth book in the Steel Brothers Saga and it just envelops you in this amazing family as the mystery continues to unravel. It is not a standalone. Ava Steel is a woman who marches to her own tune. She is independent with her own style and has complete trust in her intuition that does not lead her astray. Brendan Murphy is a man whose family has a history with the Steels that seems to have resurfaced with some unexplained messages. He also has a huge crush on Ava. As the two are thrust together, their attraction is taken to another level but are they both on the same page as he is a bit older than she is? Filled with drama, suspense and secrets, Ms. Hardt has outdone herself once again with this storyline. She keeps readers on the edge of their seats and highlights the importance of acceptance and being true to one’s self because you are enough. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's left unsaid, says it all...

Collusion and conspiracy is the thread that weaves its way into the Steel Brothers Saga. It has followed into the next generation. Ava Steel has taken a step back from the family fortune and has achieved her success on her own. She is her own person, it shows with her pink hair and her love for Tarot Cards.

Brendan has held a torch for Ava but did not pursue her. There is an age difference between them preventing them from being more than friends. That changes when Brandan and Ava are thrown together in yet another mystery in the family. Brendan's father and Ava herself have received cryptic messages. According to Ava's tarot cards, there are secrets being suppressed. Brendan and Ava with their renewed relationship, join forces to unravel this latest puzzle.

As always Helen Hardt leaves us dangling with more questions that demand answers. I can't wait to see what happens next with Ava and Brendan.

[Corinne Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance

Brendan Murphy owns the local bar where the Steels found paperwork buried under the floor boards in his place. After getting his bar and apartment completely destroyed by someone searching for something that nobody seems to know what it is, the younger Steels had his bar renovated through “insurance”, now this is only relevant because I’m sure it’s some how going to come out and cause problems at some point in the budding romance between Ava Steel and Brendan. Not that they don’t have enough other things working against them at this point, like the underlying mystery that has resurrected itself generations later! At some point I hope we finally find out the answers as to what’s going on, but honestly I’m kind of just trying to live in the moment with each couples love story instead of trying to connect the dots. Every time I think I’m close, it turns out I’m not! Lol ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amber L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't so sure about this couple but I do have to admit I found this couple more fun and down to earth. This couple reminds me for actually three different couple of this series Marjorie and Bryce with a bit of Ruby and Ryan and a dash of Dale and Ashley. While I was reading this I just want this series to be a movie or a TV show lol. There are more questions and some answers. Ava relationship with the family is strong yet she is starting to question something. She did find out some secret but not all of them. Her relationship with her mother felt really real to me. Brendan had his own troubles but he fell hard for Ava and he will do anything to help and protect Ava even from her family. Do have to go say there was times that I was reading that I did forget couple of different characters names and who they are for a few seconds. But I can't wait to read more from this couple and the mystery around the text message......

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Steel Sage continues with Chance and is the beginning of Ava Steel and Brendan Murphy’s relationship. As these two navigate getting to know each other they receive mysterious messages causing more and more questions with very little answers. As Ava turns to her family for help she is finding there are many secrets among the members of her family. As Ava feels nothing is going to come out of all the secret keeping she and Brendan turn to each other for support and become determined to find answers. As this is a cliffhanger, the story continues in the next book, Fortune. More secrets will come to light as Ava and Brendan become closer. The Steel Brothers Series is a great read with so many twists, turns, tears, and mysteries but there is always romance, strong characters, great plot lines and happy ever after for our hero and heroine. I highly recommend Chance as well as all the books in this series.

[Terri Tutor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the Steel kids is getting caught up in the continuing mystery regarding their family, along with Brendan Murphy. His family, also, has a history with the Steel’s, that still plagues his father. Ava Steel has always been her person. She has her own style, pays her own way, but always knows that her family has her back. When she gets caught up with her family’s ongoing problems, she finds that both her and Brendan share more than just a short term relationship. He has had feelings for her for quite awhile and she’s just starting to realize hers. She might not be ready to be a long term committed relationship but sometimes it just happens. Especially, with all that’s going on with her family and the secrets that are finding the light of day. Can they endure when or if they find out that what happens in the past doesn’t always stay there?

[Jennifer Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on your seat and leave you in suspense. The characters grow with each other and sparks keep flying. Ava thinks of herself as a plain Jane but in Brendan’s eyes she is the most beautiful woman on this earth and her pink hair just adds to her character. Age is just a number and hasn’t stopped these two from falling hard and fast for each other. This book was as exciting as the rest of the series has been but one thing this one offers is a suspenseful ending. The cliffhanger is riveting to say the least. Helen Hardt has out done herself again with this book!!Chance

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving the beginning of Brendan and Ava’s story!

Brendan is a bartender in Snow Creek. He’s been hot for Ava for over a year. Ava is a Steel, but likes to be independent. She’s never touched any of her trust fund, but opened a bakery and sandwich shop on her own in Snow Creek. She is a unique person, her personality, the way she dresses and the way she thinks. Ryan and Ruby Steel are her parents. Brendan finally asks Ava to go out, and they are dating now. Ava is into Tarot cards. Also, they receive the same two text messages, which is mysterious in and of itself. They don’t understand any of it. This story is steamy, suspenseful and mysterious to a fault. The ending of this part of Brendan and Ava’s story brings a surprise, as Ava figures out part of the puzzle. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. The plot thickens.

[Francine D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen has put us on a mysterious rode again with the Steel family secrets!!

Another Steel has entered a relationship that brings us back to where it started When Donny took over his mothers position. So new clues sent to others may finally solve the problems the past has left, before moving on to another generation!!!
Can this family ever have closure from horrific things from the past?
Will the truth come out about Ryan Steel?
How will the rest of the children feel about their lack of knowledge from the past?
Secrets go back for generations and need to come put to solve this new mystery.
Will the past continue to haunt the future of this family?
Helen Hardt has given us years of joy with this family and the end is close. I can't wait to see how she ends this Saga. Two more books and we will learn how they all survived the life they inherited.
🔥🔥🔥and mystery, secrets

[Kristine Avakian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance is the beginning of Ava's story...daughter of Ryan and Ruby Steel. Ava is a pink haired kinda quirky free-spirit who reads tarot cards and owns the local bakery. Brendan is owner of the local bar. Each has a bit of a crush on each other and finally Brendan gets the nerve to ask Ava to dinner...despite knowing how protective Ava's male cousins are. The relationship deepens when Brendan and Ava both receive similar eery messages with no number or address attached. This leads them to question everything....about their grandparents, parents and the secrets that have been long held and continue to be held but might ultimately affect their future.
I loved the book...it is definitely a what's waiting around the corner story! Helen always weaves a magnificent story...and Ava and Brendan's story will most definitely pull you in so much you won't want to it to finish!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What"s To Come

Ava Steel and Brendan Murphy have made a remarkable match.

They seem to have both received the same mysterious messages. They are stumped as to who they are from, and what they mean. They have turned to Ava's tarot cards and family for answers.

The tarot cards scare and the family angers...

Ava and Brendan have decided they don't want secrets between them. They are going to confront Ava's parents, but have promised to wait until after Ava's parents 25th anniversary party.

Ava and Brendan's relationship continues to bloom, but will it be strong enough to withstand what's to come? I can't wait to see what that is.

As always, Helen Hardt leaves us hanging. And that makes me need more. NOW!!! I give this book 5 of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers who have read this series. You must read this series in order, starting with Craving, book 1 as you will not be able to understand the storyline otherwise.

[Becky Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow boring star

This is the twenty fifth book in the Steel saga and by now I'm really getting a bit frustrated with all the secrets and all the Adel your parents and the I can't tell yous. Just sit all the younger generation down and tell them all the secrets already.
Also, why does all the men have to be hung like horses and have eight packs and chilled jaws and the women are all breath taking gorgeous and have tight bodies.
Please stop dragging everything out in each book. Just when it finally starts getting g good the book ends on a cliff hanger and we have to wait on the next book and why does each couple need three books. The costs starts adding up with each book being around $8.00.
Overall the book is ok.

[Derice Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in this series about the Steel family. I have been hooked since the first book & love the way you learn more about the family in each book along with trying to unravel the mystery that surrounds the family. Every character that you meet is intertwined with others & have you wanting to know more about them. Ava is one family member that has been mentioned in passing but now I feel like I know her better & this book has you rooting for her to find her person & maybe she's found that in Brendan. I loved reading their story & root for them to be the next couple in the family to find the person who they belong with.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good mystery. Of course, it didn't get solved, just more of a mystery than ever. I have read quite of few of the Steel stories, but not the last few. It was nice that the beginning brought you up to date with who was who. Ths one focused on Ava and Brendan. Brendan wasn't a Steel but he was dating Ave and she was. They were both getting mysterious messages that they couldn't decipher. And her parents and aunts and uncles and cousins were keepng secrets that they would tell her. The story was excellent, lots of great chemistry and some secrets coming out. I can't wait until the next one.
I got this story from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Steel offspring - another addition to the mystery club. Ava Steel might not be tied to the money that the Steel family have as she has created her own bakery on her own to feet, but that does not keep her from being surrounded by the past that has plagued her family for generations. This installment brings a connection between Brendan and Ava. Two unlikely mates since there is a big age gap but a connection nun the less. While each new couple add to the chaos this family will be hard pressed to find answers unless they start communicating. Looking forward to see where this story goes.

[Janet Barsorian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the Steel Bros Saga

I love all the books. I have Saud in previous reviews, that there is such a huge story, at the very least we are dealing with FIFTY, FIFTY; Antagonists and Protagonists. It makes for a ton of confusion. Trying to remember who everyone is. I wish the books were longer, more story LESS SEX. My gosh every man is "chiseled from granite" and has at least a 9 inch penis. Every woman "tastes" like some fruit orchard and ALL THE WOMAN LOVE ANAL SEX and ALL THE WOMEN HAVE MULTIPLE ORGASAMS. My goodness, I get it, but at 25 books in, I hope we didn't have to sacrifice storyline for 6 pages of nipple tweaks. That will bum me out.

[Donita Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHANCE The Steel Brothers Saga Book 25 by Helen Hardt
This starts Ava and Brendan's story. Ava is the wild one of Ryan Steel's daughters, with pink hair, lip ring, tarot practicing, and enough fierce independence to avoid using any Steel money from her trust fund to run her bakery/sandwich shop. Brendan runs the town's bar, and in spite of being worried about being so much older, he has been crushing on Ava for over a year. When they both end up receiving the same mysterious messages, their families are not coming forth with any information. Now the fear of secrets is affecting all of them. This is 5 stars.

[zagzig · Rating 3 out of 5]

another book, another opportunity for me to observe with some bemusement that I am now 25 books deep into this series

I mean if you're reading this book you probably read the last 24 and this is more of that. Brendan is the standard big manly man male lead with slightly more of an age gap than usual, Ava is the standard independent and feisty yet probably going to be a damsel at some point female lead with pinker hair and more tarot reading than usual, the mystery with this human trafficking ring has been going on for a while, and the sex is very well hung grunting neanderthal who makes sure his partner orgasms thrusts forcefully into enthusiastic lady