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Is love enough?

Ava Steel is haunted by a ghost that has come back from the grave. She questions who she is and whether she’s capable of being in a relationship with Brendan Murphy, the man she loves. As she shuts down her bakery—something she never does—to deal with these newly discovered secrets, she shuts down her relationship with Brendan as well.

Brendan doesn’t want to let Ava go, but he’s dealing with his own issues. As his connection to the Steel family is finally revealed, he and the townspeople of Snow Creek face a financial crisis—one the Steels can’t help them solve.

As more and more secrets are unburied from both Ava’s and Brendan’s past, they fight to find their way back together. But the obstacles are large and seem insurmountable.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

255 people are currently reading
4776 people want to read

About the author

Helen Hardt

202 books8,330 followers
#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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5 stars
1,134 (70%)
4 stars
353 (21%)
3 stars
109 (6%)
2 stars
16 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Angela.
274 reviews9 followers
September 25, 2023
Good Over Evil...

Ava Steel and Brendan Murphy...


Ava, has quickly become my favorite character. All her goodness, out weighs the evils of the life that her grandmother destined for her to have.

In this, the 27th edition of The Steel Brothers Series, you finally get the answers to so many questions we have had throughout this entire series. But yet, there are still secrets and questions left unanswered...

Brendan and his dad Sean Murphy have been searching for years, for why and what happened to the original Sean Murphy, from more than 50 years ago, With Ava Steel's help, they finally get their answer.

New family...Brendan and Sean have a cousin and nephew (I think) in Jack Wingdam and Ryan has a sister in Lauren Wingdam and Jack as a nephew.

Y'all, this book was EVERY DAMN THING!!!

Because so many answers, yet I know we still have so many left unanswered, that this is up to this point my favorite Steel Brothers edition.

I love The Steel Brothers and I love Helen Hardt for bringing them to life, in my minds eye.

I rate this book above 5 stars and recommend it to EVERYONE! But because it is a series, you must begin with book 1 Craving, which is currently free on Amazon (as of 9/24/23)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sherry Schmig.
30 reviews
July 15, 2024
I really don’t know how Helen Hardt is going to bring the drama in the next book! Wendy being dead for real this time! All the secrets should be out in the open now! How’s this all going to end? I guess I’ll have to keep reading! lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Courtney Shapiro.
1,321 reviews60 followers
September 18, 2023
4.5
This book like many of Hardt's others in the series was truly a WTF moment in the best way. I feel as always, things were answered while also opening up so many more rabbit holes And let me tell you i am so deeply invested in this rabbit hole of a series. I thought the tension and mystery elements were done so well. I just wish we would have gotten more of Ava and Brendan. I feel like they were apart for most of this book and it didn't really give me solidity or closure on their relationship even though I know they'll show up in other books. This had the classic Helen Hart dark romance vibe, but I think I wanted more spice. I'm definitely very curious to see where the next book goes as well as which Steel character it will focus on. I love this series so much! Thank you to Helen Hardt for the e-ARC to read and review!
Profile Image for Sarah.
32 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2023
I HATE the writing style. Everything is repetitive and 50% of the book is usually the same lines almost or describing people in the same ways. Often weird ways to describe people in an internal monologue.

The entire series almost repeats the same narrative and trope over and over.

It repulses me and somehow has me hooked at the same time. I just want answers, I have been reading this series for so long now I just want to know how it ends.
739 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2023
Destiny is more than just Ave and Brendan’s love story, this book has so many twists, turns and secrets that are woven into the Steele family’s legacy. I am amazed at this author’s talent to keep all the details of all these 20+ books straight and then come up with new and fresh plots that she has woven through to keep the reader coming back book after book to find out what is happening with this family. The Steele’s have had so much sadness, hurt and heartache but beautifully mixed in, but not always easy, are the love stories of each couple. After reading a crazy number of romance books in my life, The Steele Sage is my favorite as they are not only romances but mysteries, bad guys, up and downs, healing, forgiveness and an amazing love between some very deserving couples.

Having said all that Ave Steele is not my favorite heroine out of out these books. She just wasn’t connected to the family the way the rest of the members are. I’m sure the author made her this way for a reason and I get that but I didn’t connect with her as I have the others. I enjoyed getting to know Brendan. He definitely loved Ava and was a loyal son and friend. I totally recommend Ava and Brendan’s story and I did enjoy getting more of the puzzle revealed in this book. The reader definitely needs to read the previous books in this series to understand the back stories and how they are tied in with Destiny. I highly recommend this entire series.

Ava and Brendan continue to find out secrets from the past regarding their families. They realize their love is forever and through all the ups and downs of secrets being revealed they decide forever is in the cards for them.
Profile Image for Sarah Slusarczyk .
585 reviews
September 26, 2023
And the saga continues! The Steele Family is back at it again with the latest addition to their never ending series. As the series is so extended, if you haven't kept up with it, it makes reading the last few books difficult. This is definitely a series you need to read and keep up with to understand, there is so so so much to these books, that there is no way to go in blind.

Destiny focuses on Ava and Brendon and their continued story together. As always, HH delivers a mind -blowing, jaw dropping storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. For Ava and Brandon, it takes all heck breaking loose for them to finally come to terms with what they mean to one another, and that alone is…fabulous to read. Then there is the family drama…but with the Steele’s...when is there not family drama. More and more secrets are uncovered, bonds are tested and relationships made. I felt so much for Ava as I read more and more of this book, she always makes it seem like the world is resting on her shoulders…but that is what makes her character so good!

The way Destiny ends….just prepare yourself fellow readers, it’s a doozy. Way to got Ms. Author for another awesome addition.

4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
Profile Image for Serena.
773 reviews21 followers
September 25, 2023
5/5⭐
3/5🌶

Destiny is the 27th installment of the Spectacularly Popular Steel Brothers Saga by Helen Hardt.
I could not put it down.

Ava and Brendan's Story is complete here. However the series is not!

In Destiny we finally have secrets revealed and a bit of closure with the Mysteries involving the connections between the Murphy family and the steel family. Going back to the very beginning where it all started finally Ava and Brendan get the answers they were looking for. Maybe not all of the answers for every single mystery that revolves around the steel family but they get the answers and the final puzzle pieces to the mysterious notes and clues that were sent to them anonymously. And decades worth of questions revolving around Brendan's great uncle and his death are finally answered.
Helen stayed true to her gift of giving us a Unforgettable story. She keeps our attention throughout the entire book and gives us hunger for even more. Destiny really opens your eyes to many questions that not only apply to this series and these families that we have grown to love, but also can take a bit of it and apply it to our own lives.
Destiny was truly a remarkable installation to this series and one that gives us all the closure that we have been looking for when it comes to Ryan's storytoo.
It all circles back and brings everything together and I truly loved that and it made my heart Happy in many different ways.

Destiny is definitely a five-star read and one that is an absolute must read for any steel brother Saga fan!

Profile Image for Carrie Youngcourt.
231 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2023
When an enemy from the past makes a reappearance it’s up to Ava and Brendon to figure out what they want. When they finally figure out who it is Ava must figure out what this person wants from her and all the people in her life.

When Ava finally figures out what it is she was meant to do she sets about to do it to fulfill her destiny so that she can put everything behind her and move forward with Brendon!

Leave it to Miss. Hardt to write another fantastic book! I love how she combines the relationship of the couples meeting ash’s falling in love with mystery. It’s always enough to leave you guessing and in these last two books threw me for a loop I never thought we’d see someone from the past books make reappearance! I can not wait for the next book in December and to see what she’s got to her sleeve this time!
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,656 reviews51 followers
December 3, 2023
WOW just WOW

DESTINY the 27th book in the Steel Brothers Saga has brought out so many revelations. Ms. Hardt has totally blown my mind with this one.

Wendy Madigan has proven to be a nasty piece of work, but she was also sly, calculating and has had everything planned for years ... The lengths she has gone to have left me stunned.

I love that finally the Steel family are all working together, along with the Murphys to solve the riddles of the past.

Ava Steel is proving to be an extremely strong woman, ready to face the past and move on with the future. She cares for others, so much so that she will put them before any of her own needs.

So many questions were answered, but a few still remain.

I look forward to reading the final three books in this AMAZING saga.

✨✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
272 reviews
January 7, 2024
Is love enough?

Ava Steel is haunted by a ghost that has come back from the grave. She questions who she is and whether she's capable of being in a relationship with Brendan Murphy, the man she loves. As she shuts down her bakery—something she never does—to deal with these newly discovered secrets, she shuts down her relationship with Brendan as well.

Brendan doesn't want to let Ava go, but he's dealing with his own issues. As his connection to the Steel family is finally revealed, he and the townspeople of Snow Creek face a financial crisis—one the Steels can't help them solve.

As more and more secrets are unburied from both Ava's and Brendan's past, they fight to find their way back together. But the obstacles are large and seem insurmountable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debra.
168 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2023
I really don’t know how she does it. 27 books in and Helen Hardt’s creativity still knows no bounds. This is the conclusion of Ava and Brendan’s story. Somehow we are brought right back to the beginning and finally many of our questions are answered. This story twists and turns and old characters are revisited. Newer characters make appearances. This story just keeps getting better and better and when I think I have figured it out, the author manages to shock me again. This series is worth reading and as more books are released I grow worried that this story will come to an end before I want it to. I am ready for the next book so bring it on, Helen Hardt!
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,284 reviews29 followers
September 22, 2023
All the lies people tell just to cover up the truth, will reveal itself in the end...

I am once again blown away. This series continues to reel me in and keep my curiosity piqued. Brendan and Ava keep on struggling to unravel family secrets. The discovery of the lineage to the Steel family causes them to take a pause in their relationship so they can each seek out answers to try to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Ave feels she is at the heart of all the skeletons emerging from the family closet. She will do anything to find out why, even at the expense of losing Brendan with the fallout. Yet again I am intrigued to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Jan Savage.
110 reviews
October 30, 2023
Wow loved this book .Omg so many ups and downs twists and turns .The steels are drawn into Wendy Madigans snare .Wendy has her sights set on Ava Steele .Ava feels drawn to her grandmother and Wendy will only tell Ava .Everyone is drawn in the town residents have been ensnared by Wendy Madigan something Wendy started 50 years ago .Everyone is searching for answers.Brendan Murphy has found new relatives.And Ava has stumbled into Wendy trap and has Ava searching and she finds more than she thought but also feels there’s lots of unanswered questions.The Steeles find relatives and are happy to welcome them in to the family
558 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2023
Well, finally we get more answers but there’s still a lot of questions left. Ava Steel knows that she’s the “key” to everything that’s been happening to both her family and Brendan’s. But, the why and how to stop it evades her. Once Ava and Brendan are completely honest with each other, their relationship and trust grows. There are quite a few twists and turns that are thrown at them, but, they manage to overcome those obstacles. Can’t help but wonder who’s next in the series to continue the search to right the wrongs from the past.
Profile Image for Sherryle.
1,385 reviews
September 23, 2023
I enjoyed this contribution to this series. Ava is an amazing woman who is the most gracious person within the Steel family. After all that has happened, the original steel family has been through so much & now so is the next generation. I'm looking forward to seeing Brendan & Ava get married, having a family & more.

Thank you to Helen for the insight to Wendy/Sabrina. She's one of those people who don't care what happened to those who she didn't care for after promises of everything.

I'm glad to receive an arc & write my review for this amazing series....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
355 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2023
I would like to give a big shout out to Helen, for giving us some closure on this crazy ride with the 3rd or 4th generations of the Steel Saga. I am sure there !maybe next some twist and turns left to come; but this book said it all for me. I am hoping it is all happy travels till we reach the end.
You know HH loves cliffhangers so you know she will leave something in the next book that will lead to that HEA in the last book!!

Could it be weddings?
Will they find more history repeat itself?
How will Rory's concert go?
Profile Image for Sharon.
95 reviews
September 29, 2023
Answers to so much

Ava Steel meets Wendy Madigan, her grandmother, and gets a lot of answers to questions we had throughout the series. Ava almost got caught in Wendy’s web of deception and manipulation. There’s more questions that need answered and maybe that will happen now that things have been brought to light. Ava, Brendan, and the Steels have new family and everything in town will change- or so it seems. Helen Hardt has definitely kept us all intrigued with this story! Where will it take us next?
1,651 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2023
This is the third book of Brendan and Ava story. Who’s story will be next?

Brendan and Ava’s story continues with her destiny revealed. So much comes to light in this third part of their story. It’s riveting what they find out separate and together, so it all melds together into one. Who would have thought; Brendan is not a Steel. They have a couple of rocky times, but they still come together beautifully, because they love each other so much. Their love is hot and steamy. There are still questions, so we’ll see what comes next in this big mystery.
Profile Image for Corinne Akers.
1,147 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2023
Destiny

So many questions answered, and yet there’s still so many questions, unanswered. At least, one chapter of the saga has now come to an end. Brendan and Ava’s story is only just beginning. And now I am beyond curious to know what the last three books are going to hold. This book as well as the whole storyline has been brilliantly written! For years we have followed this story as readers, and it’s been so phenomenal to read. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next, and the last, 3 books! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Sue.
39 reviews
October 14, 2023
Destiny

I just knew the old lady in the hospital was Wendy.
A lot of questions have been answered, and now the family has grown, but I still wonder if Wendy is really dead. I have a feeling that she's not. Only time will tell. I loved this book, although there is no actual cliffhangers this time, but still some unanswered questions. Can't wait for December to arrive to find out who the book will be about. Of course, Ava and Brendan have to have a Steel wedding. Well done Helen, I know all good things must come to an end, but I don't want it too.
Profile Image for Melaney.
37 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2023
OHMYGOSH! Ava is the key! Brendan and Ava are about to hit a rough patch. Ava is obsessed with finding answers. Wendy Madigan is back and just wants to pass along her "knowledge," and Ava is the only person she trusts.

Brendan is only concerned about Ava. He feels like she's in way over her head and is doing his best to be supportive. But, he comes across some info that rocks his world, and the towns, in a big way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
59 reviews
October 9, 2023
Another fantastic Steel Brothers book!

Another great book in the Steel Brothers Saga! Destiny started right were Fortune left off. Ava and Brendan continue to search for answers regarding each of their families all while continuing to fall more deeper in love. There are a lot of revelations in this book. The saga continues! Thank you Helen Hardt for another fantastic book that keeps us the reader guessing. Please don't ever end this series!
6 reviews
October 10, 2023
You would assume that when you reach the 27th book in a series that the story would become predictable and maybe even a little boring but Helen Hardt keeps you on your toes and always guessing. This book is no different. Lots of questions are answered but even more are left unanswered. The queen of cliffhangers continues to mystify her fans with this third installment of Ava and Brendan’s story! I can’t wait for book 28!
4 reviews
November 13, 2023
For everyone reading Helen's Steel Brothers Saga, this is a must read. With Destiny we learn many things we have wanted to know about the family and how they tie together. Ava fights to learn about her family history and learns some crazy news. This news helps to put this together for us also. Ava helps find some closure for her and her family and along the way finds happiness for herself. I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
Profile Image for Amber L.
581 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2024
Once again I walked into a wild up and down hill rollercoaster ride of emotions and some answers. Ava and Brenden were just a wonderful couple. How the up and downs shows how couples deal with them yet they love each other so much that no matter what they face, they were all in. We got a lot of questions answered but there are still some questions that needs to be answered. I can't wait to read the next book......
Profile Image for karen.
1,627 reviews
February 18, 2025
wow. Helen does not disappoint. the secrets just keep coming. Wendy was a real psychotic bitch.
what the Steels have been through us beyond unbelievable. but they have stayed strong and honorable. even though this generation had nothing to do with the evil that Existed in Brad Steel's generation.
I love Ava and Brendan. They are 2 old souls who were made for each other.
I hate to this series end. Fantastic Helen
Profile Image for MaryAnn Costanzo.
263 reviews
September 13, 2023
Wow what a roller coaster ride for AVA and Brendan. ACTUALLY the whole darned extended family. We definitely get alot of answers to many of our questions with some that we may never be able to solve... I just love how pure of heart that Ava is and how through temptation she was still able to find and be herself.. Can't wait for Melody.
1,036 reviews16 followers
September 16, 2023
"All hail to the Queen of Cliffhangers"

You would think by now I'd be prepared for Helen's books, but once again, she stuns me. The conclusion to Ava and Brendan's story is so full of twists and turns. A lot of questions were answered, but of course, more pop up. And talk about cliffhangers; well, this one is a doozy!! I give it more than 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jenna  Price.
1,219 reviews
September 26, 2023
When an enemy from the past makes a reappearance it’s up to Ava and Brendon to figure out what they want. When they finally figure out who it is Ava must figure out what this person wants from her and all the people in her life.

This is one of my all-time favorite series. It's schmutty romance and suspense throughout. I can't wait for more!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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