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Forged of Steele #1
Solid Soul
In the real world there was no way flower shop owner Kylie Hagan would ever meet up with millionaire Chance Steele. But the world of single parents and teenage hormones brought them together the first time -- and a simmering passion they both tried to deny wouldn't keep them apart for long.
Chance made her think of hot, sultry Southern nights. Kylie had him imagining satin sheets and soul-stirring kisses. But in the cold light of day, they had to resist each other. There was no way they'd let uncontrollable desire ignite their carefully protected hearts.
But some things they couldn't ignore.
Chance made her think of hot, sultry Southern nights. Kylie had him imagining satin sheets and soul-stirring kisses. But in the cold light of day, they had to resist each other. There was no way they'd let uncontrollable desire ignite their carefully protected hearts.
But some things they couldn't ignore.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
223 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,588 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 23, 2012
I liked it, though I am not a huge fan of "parent trap" type stories. Aside from the slightly manipulative (and slightly unrealistic) teens, the characters were likable (hero and heroine were two nice, attractive characters), and there was plenty of steam. (Actually, I didn't even mind the two teens too much, though they did strike me as Stepford Teens.)
My main issue was there just wasn't a lot of conflict - two perfect people who are perfect for each other, with no real reason not to get together, so I never really worried for them. This did reduce the impact of the book for me and made it a little dull, overall, though a lot of readers will likely find the perfection of all the characters adds to the sweetness of the romance.
Biggest plus for me, the heroine is mature and responsible, and the hero is honourable and lovable, so the sexism one often finds in romance is simply not present in this book. (If stupid heroines and he-men heroes keep you away from many romances, this book might be great for you.) I could understand why these two liked each other, which made the love story realistic. I would certainly read more from this author because of this.
My main issue was there just wasn't a lot of conflict - two perfect people who are perfect for each other, with no real reason not to get together, so I never really worried for them. This did reduce the impact of the book for me and made it a little dull, overall, though a lot of readers will likely find the perfection of all the characters adds to the sweetness of the romance.
Biggest plus for me, the heroine is mature and responsible, and the hero is honourable and lovable, so the sexism one often finds in romance is simply not present in this book. (If stupid heroines and he-men heroes keep you away from many romances, this book might be great for you.) I could understand why these two liked each other, which made the love story realistic. I would certainly read more from this author because of this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2013
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book a nice story but from the first page i guessed the plot which wasn't a bad one. And def i would've loved more sex scene but over all this book was a good read.
I really enjoyed this book a nice story but from the first page i guessed the plot which wasn't a bad one. And def i would've loved more sex scene but over all this book was a good read.
October 2, 2021
Really great story line. To sum it up Tiffany and Marcus both have single overbearing parents. They decided to hook them up so that they could spend their time on each other instead of being helicopter parents. It worked out. The end.
A few issues I had with this book:
-I've said it before and I'll say it again, this author does not know how to write with a voice of a young person. The things that she had these teenagers saying were simply laughable. Sometimes this made it difficult to concentrate.
-I realize that the author is older but I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sick of the word "affair" not only in this series but in all of her series. Who has an affair? In this century, people just hook up and have sex. In these books there's always some long drawn out proposition about "we should have an affair" or "we can't have an affair" or "we're not having an affair" or my favorite "what if we did have an affair". Dafuq? Who talks like that? I don't think I've heard having a f*ck buddy referred to as an affair in this lifetime. The drawn out nature of it takes away from the story.
-Kylie's character, I just wanted to punch her in the throat. She really thought that she should spend the rest of her life alone and lonely in order to set an example for her daughter. She didn't need a man, she needed a psychologist. Ugh! Her insistence that she and Chance simply couldn't be together was just crazy. It added to the story line that I loved though so I guess I won't complain.
A few issues I had with this book:
-I've said it before and I'll say it again, this author does not know how to write with a voice of a young person. The things that she had these teenagers saying were simply laughable. Sometimes this made it difficult to concentrate.
-I realize that the author is older but I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sick of the word "affair" not only in this series but in all of her series. Who has an affair? In this century, people just hook up and have sex. In these books there's always some long drawn out proposition about "we should have an affair" or "we can't have an affair" or "we're not having an affair" or my favorite "what if we did have an affair". Dafuq? Who talks like that? I don't think I've heard having a f*ck buddy referred to as an affair in this lifetime. The drawn out nature of it takes away from the story.
-Kylie's character, I just wanted to punch her in the throat. She really thought that she should spend the rest of her life alone and lonely in order to set an example for her daughter. She didn't need a man, she needed a psychologist. Ugh! Her insistence that she and Chance simply couldn't be together was just crazy. It added to the story line that I loved though so I guess I won't complain.
February 25, 2024
3 Stars
I've gotten out of the habit of reading singularly focused (contemporary) romances. Instead, I enjoy having several+ secondary characters, a mystery or two, and family drama to add some extra depth to the storyline. And that's if there's any romance at all. Don't get me wrong, I still love some romantic interludes to hang my romance-loving heart on.
Because of my evolving reading interests, this short-form formulaic romance is just, well, too formulaic for me. It was cute and I did enjoy the insertion of two teens playing matchmaker for their single parents, but everything else fit squarely into the Harlequin romance blueprint. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. I've simply outgrown it. For the most part. There have been, and might be exceptions in the future. I haven't completely closed the door on them yet.
I've gotten out of the habit of reading singularly focused (contemporary) romances. Instead, I enjoy having several+ secondary characters, a mystery or two, and family drama to add some extra depth to the storyline. And that's if there's any romance at all. Don't get me wrong, I still love some romantic interludes to hang my romance-loving heart on.
Because of my evolving reading interests, this short-form formulaic romance is just, well, too formulaic for me. It was cute and I did enjoy the insertion of two teens playing matchmaker for their single parents, but everything else fit squarely into the Harlequin romance blueprint. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. I've simply outgrown it. For the most part. There have been, and might be exceptions in the future. I haven't completely closed the door on them yet.
March 28, 2009
A GREAT start to the Steel Series...UNFORTUNATELY...not realizing this was a series I actually read the second book in this series first, "Night Heat"....so I'm really glad I finally got to start at the beginning..."Solid Soul" is an ENGAGING...HUMOROUS...SEXY and sometimes serious story of love, romance and family issues....the cast of characters are UNFORGETTABLE...I enjoy Tiffany and Marcus and their all antics to get their parents together...Kylie and Chance share an instant and PASSIONATE attraction that they struggle to control due to the "situation" with their children...and once Chance realizes his love for Kylie he DESPERATELY tries to convince her they deserve this "chance" at love and happiness...I'm looking forward to continuing with this series to see which Steel will bend to love next?!!!
April 20, 2015
Sweet, but too predictable.
Read
July 31, 2021I can't actually really remember if I finished this audiobook on the 20th or 21st; either way it'd have been right in the wee hours.
ANYWAY. This is actually a book where I enjoyed the matchmaking by the kids.
It was so obvious and yet not - cuz I could believe that parents could/would be easily manipulated to lose their minds when their kids were acting ~stupid and to not see what was before their faces [e.g. their kids were LIARS :P] - and also the bonus of Kylie and Chance already being attracted to each other.
Although 🙄 I'm still not sold on "love at first sight" but anyway.
What kinda bothered ~ [ish] me was ... how Kylie was just "nope not gonna be in a relationship until my daughter goes off to college" - and Chance kept making the EXCELLENT point like "don't you want to [also] set a good example/let Kylie see what a true loving relationship is like/should be?" Kylie ... was only 31 and I think Chance was 39? Hm. Maybe 37? I can't remember now [I've also started book 2 so maybe he's 38 in book 2?]
So yeah Kylie is still REALLY young.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
7/31/21 => er, so obviously there was a glitch and none of my previous review had saved - thankfully some of it popped up but I think my browser had crashed or something; so I can't remember the rest of it.
I did like it but not LOVE it - some of the kid stuff was eyeroll - but I liked how they involved the uncle(s). I've also since read a number of the following books.
I .... could see myself re-reading this book but also that I'd pick other BJ books to re-read first.
ANYWAY. This is actually a book where I enjoyed the matchmaking by the kids.
It was so obvious and yet not - cuz I could believe that parents could/would be easily manipulated to lose their minds when their kids were acting ~stupid and to not see what was before their faces [e.g. their kids were LIARS :P] - and also the bonus of Kylie and Chance already being attracted to each other.
Although 🙄 I'm still not sold on "love at first sight" but anyway.
What kinda bothered ~ [ish] me was ... how Kylie was just "nope not gonna be in a relationship until my daughter goes off to college" - and Chance kept making the EXCELLENT point like "don't you want to [also] set a good example/let Kylie see what a true loving relationship is like/should be?" Kylie ... was only 31 and I think Chance was 39? Hm. Maybe 37? I can't remember now [I've also started book 2 so maybe he's 38 in book 2?]
So yeah Kylie is still REALLY young.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
7/31/21 => er, so obviously there was a glitch and none of my previous review had saved - thankfully some of it popped up but I think my browser had crashed or something; so I can't remember the rest of it.
I did like it but not LOVE it - some of the kid stuff was eyeroll - but I liked how they involved the uncle(s). I've also since read a number of the following books.
I .... could see myself re-reading this book but also that I'd pick other BJ books to re-read first.
August 16, 2020
Awesome, Great story
I love Brenda Jackson. Once again she has created characters you can't help but love. Chance and Kylie have the two most important people in their lives set them up but good. Marcus and Tiffany are smart,, loving, and are two kids who just want their parents to find happiness. Their plan was heartfelt and special. So many funny aspects also, kept me laughing. The Steele brothers are an intriguing bunch. Looking forward to reading Bas, Morgan, and Donovan's stories as well. Mrs. Jackson you never fail to please when I read one of your books. Thank you!!😍👍👍
I love Brenda Jackson. Once again she has created characters you can't help but love. Chance and Kylie have the two most important people in their lives set them up but good. Marcus and Tiffany are smart,, loving, and are two kids who just want their parents to find happiness. Their plan was heartfelt and special. So many funny aspects also, kept me laughing. The Steele brothers are an intriguing bunch. Looking forward to reading Bas, Morgan, and Donovan's stories as well. Mrs. Jackson you never fail to please when I read one of your books. Thank you!!😍👍👍
June 28, 2022
Solid Soul. This book was fun. I enjoyed this book. Kylie is a single mom of a 15 year old daughter. Chance is a single dad of a 16 year old son. They both feel their priority is their children. Their children, Tiffany and Marcus feel their parents are too overprotective. They are best friends and want to do things without being watched all the time. So they devise a plan to get their parents together and hope they fall in love and start caring about each other instead of them. This plan works and the kids get their wish of having their parents fall in love and out of their hair. Good read!
April 12, 2019
GREAT FUN STORY.
I loved this story about Chance and Kylie, they were so cute and great together. Their kids were really great at match making. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone who love a great romance story you wont regret getting this book after all it's by THE BRENDA JACKSON just saying, enjoy people. Great job Brenda please keep these fascinating stories coming. Thank you.
I loved this story about Chance and Kylie, they were so cute and great together. Their kids were really great at match making. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone who love a great romance story you wont regret getting this book after all it's by THE BRENDA JACKSON just saying, enjoy people. Great job Brenda please keep these fascinating stories coming. Thank you.
August 16, 2020
Solid Soul (Forged of Steele Book 1)
It was an okay book. Set in Charlotte NC where Kylie & her teen daughter Tiffany have relocated. Kylie's first meeting with business tycoon Chance Steele was at her newly opened flower shop. And it would not be their last encounter. This novel was FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Author Brenda Jackson has a lengthy series on the Steele 👪 at minimum cost.
8/16/2020.
It was an okay book. Set in Charlotte NC where Kylie & her teen daughter Tiffany have relocated. Kylie's first meeting with business tycoon Chance Steele was at her newly opened flower shop. And it would not be their last encounter. This novel was FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Author Brenda Jackson has a lengthy series on the Steele 👪 at minimum cost.
8/16/2020.
November 18, 2020
Simply Spectacular!
I loved the way Marcus & Tiffany plotted to get their parents together! And the final strategy when they got Uncle Donovan's help was simply brilliant! Chance and Kylie didn't stand a chance. I always enjoy Ms. Jackson's stories; it brings much delight at a time that it is sorely needed to leave reality and enjoy a happy ending! I am looking forward to Morgan and Lena's story.
I loved the way Marcus & Tiffany plotted to get their parents together! And the final strategy when they got Uncle Donovan's help was simply brilliant! Chance and Kylie didn't stand a chance. I always enjoy Ms. Jackson's stories; it brings much delight at a time that it is sorely needed to leave reality and enjoy a happy ending! I am looking forward to Morgan and Lena's story.
February 21, 2021
I liked each character individually, but I just didn't feel the connection between the main 2 adult characters. chase claimed the loved Kylie before they had any connection at all.... then Kylie claimed to loved him, nearly one sentence after wanting nothing to to with him, and still with no actual romantic interaction. I didn't dislike the book, but it just felt as if the romance was rushed/forced before if was authentic
January 6, 2020
Lessons learned
I think many of us can relate to this story because it's real. Mistakes are made as teenagers and those that result in a pregnancy can go both ways. A young lady left with a baby or a teen couple accepting their responsibilities. Either way it's a lesson to be learned early in life and hopefully not repeated. Learn, accept, and grow. nuff said!
I think many of us can relate to this story because it's real. Mistakes are made as teenagers and those that result in a pregnancy can go both ways. A young lady left with a baby or a teen couple accepting their responsibilities. Either way it's a lesson to be learned early in life and hopefully not repeated. Learn, accept, and grow. nuff said!
September 13, 2020
Solid Soul
This was a love story about to teenagers determined to get their single parents together. They formulated the perfect plan by pretending to be in mad love with each other. Since they were too young for a serious relationship their parents first became concerned friends agreeing to become chaperones. Their friendship turned into love ever after. Great story😍
This was a love story about to teenagers determined to get their single parents together. They formulated the perfect plan by pretending to be in mad love with each other. Since they were too young for a serious relationship their parents first became concerned friends agreeing to become chaperones. Their friendship turned into love ever after. Great story😍
September 8, 2024
Chance and Kylie were both single parents. Their kids crafted a plan to get them together. Of course the two parents fell right into the trap. Their was an immediate attraction.
I thought this book was very good. The way the kids pulled out plan b when it looked like things were stalling between their parents was wonderful.
I thought this book was very good. The way the kids pulled out plan b when it looked like things were stalling between their parents was wonderful.
June 9, 2025
A Great Love Story
This is a very entertaining and engaging read. It has described the joy of every aspect of seeing, finding, and falling in love. It acknowledges the fact that love between a man and woman can be recognized by a child heart for their parents. Check it out! You won't regret it!
This is a very entertaining and engaging read. It has described the joy of every aspect of seeing, finding, and falling in love. It acknowledges the fact that love between a man and woman can be recognized by a child heart for their parents. Check it out! You won't regret it!
June 8, 2018
Very good romantic story
Found the book very descriptive and romantic as the story went on that you want to enter the book. Had funny moment and more that can't wait for the next book.
Found the book very descriptive and romantic as the story went on that you want to enter the book. Had funny moment and more that can't wait for the next book.
October 18, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, the characters were all likeable and had some funny parts in it, Kylie's character did start to irritate me a little but she got her act together eventually.
Overall enjoyable book
Overall enjoyable book
April 6, 2019
Mrs. Jackson is moving up to be my #1 favorite author!
Reading this Forged of Steele, 1st book, has triggered my love for romance novels and moved Brenda Jackson to the top of my LIST of favorite authors!
Reading this Forged of Steele, 1st book, has triggered my love for romance novels and moved Brenda Jackson to the top of my LIST of favorite authors!
April 8, 2019
Sat and read it Straight through
I enjoyed this book. It was humorous , hot and sexy. It was a a quick read. Adults will find it fascinating. I learned a few tricks myself. Kudos Ms Jackson
I enjoyed this book. It was humorous , hot and sexy. It was a a quick read. Adults will find it fascinating. I learned a few tricks myself. Kudos Ms Jackson
April 30, 2019
Absolutely hilarious how Tiffany and Marcus conspire to get their parents to date one another so that they would be happy. Kylie complained and dragged her feet a little too much for me. But once Marcus claimed her as his, things got HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!
August 25, 2019
Great read
If you are looking for a good love story this is it. I love the story the way it flowed. It is about a woman that was afraid of love because of her past. A man that was a widower and found love. Great story.
If you are looking for a good love story this is it. I love the story the way it flowed. It is about a woman that was afraid of love because of her past. A man that was a widower and found love. Great story.
October 17, 2020
Well written, loved it!
Great and intuitive children. First time reading this author's work. I found the story engaging, well written and inspiring. Cannot wait to read her next book in this series or another purchased ebook of Brenda Jackson.
Great and intuitive children. First time reading this author's work. I found the story engaging, well written and inspiring. Cannot wait to read her next book in this series or another purchased ebook of Brenda Jackson.
February 9, 2021
En av de få saker som jag har väldigt svårt för i böcker är upprepningar av samma adjektiv för att beskriva objekt. " han sa ditten sexigt", " Hans arm var sexig". Den här boken innehåller mycket sådant.
September 3, 2021
Kylie needed some help with her deep rooted issues. Hopefully she gets it because the way she acted was not normal. Her parents need to go to counseling with her since they were the cause of her issues. In my book that’s mental abuse.
March 19, 2023
I think I might love the Steele family. I absolutely love this author and pretty much anything she puts out. She really knows how to tell a story that gives all the feels and makes you part of the family. Her families are fabulous and somehow the stories all fit. The narrator is excellent.
October 2, 2025
The whole idea of not dating because of old opinions your parents had of you. Or because you don't want your teenage daughter to judge you is WEIRD! However, I am reading this in 2025 and quite frankly nobody gives a crap what people think about them, do they?
April 20, 2019
Loved
I loved this book I love all of her books this was a re read for me the steeles are a gret series yes I would recommend
I loved this book I love all of her books this was a re read for me the steeles are a gret series yes I would recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews