Helen Hardt you ROCK!!!!! I thought that this book will end after book 3 however the Ms. Hardt has more coming. I am looking forward from this author. I can not wait for more please

All I can say is "WOW"! Normally I'm not a big fan of continuing books, but with these, I can't wait for the next installment. I usually like series that each have an ending for all of the books in that series with no cliffhangers. But, the way Helen Hardt writes, I'm changing my tune. The characters are two dimensional and are victims in their own way. It shows that you don't have to be the actual victim of the crime to have residual effects. The crime against one person in a family effects everyone in the family and effects family members of the perpetrators. Both Ruby and Ryan have a lot to deal with, some that weren't expected. Ruby has had a long time to live with what her father has done but Ryan has had time to deal with what happened to his brother. So the fact that there are more aftershocks that he has to deal with now that he has found someone that understands him is disheartening. I can't wait for the next installment. I want answers just as much as the Steele's do but I don't want it to end.

First of all, you have to read the Steel Brothers Saga in order because there's an amazing and interesting continuing storyline you don't want to miss. Warning: When you finish the book you will want more.
Now that Jonah and Talon found their happily ever after, it's Ryan's turn! He meets Ruby on the way to Jonah and Talon's destination wedding. So what happens when Ryan upgrades her plane ticket from coach to first class?  Ryan wonders what's under her baggy clothing. After unlimited amounts of alcohol and romance on a spectacular island vacation, Ryan falls hard for Ruby. She's brilliant, pure, and hot. Ryan's fantasies come true when he  finds out how hot her body is after Jade/Marjorie's makeover.

Ryan feels bad about his lack of participation in the family melodrama, and he's determined to repair that. He enjoys himself, but he notices his brothers acting weird. His older brothers are withholding something important. He decides to brush it off as wedding jitters. The Steel family has a limitless amount of drama and secrets. I turned the pages like a kid who ate too much Halloween candy. When Ryan finds out "the enormous secret" he's furious. He feels so alone and ends up on Ruby's doorstep. Ruby is his safe space. She betrayed him, but he can overlook that for now because she allows him to take his passion and aggression out on her. I was stunned yet I couldn't stop turning the pages! I was hooked on Ruby/Ryan's epic chemistry.

Ruby has many secrets of her own. She hides her body and makes herself look unattractive on purpose, yet she works out like a gym rat. She thinks hot rancher Ryan is SO above her. A hot rancher wouldn't be the least bit interested in a mousy police detective, right? Their relationship progresses faster than a bear on a campground. Ruby's skeptical about trusting Ryan because of her own dark history. It turns out, Ryan and Ruby have shared secrets.

The continuing storyline kept me engaged. Secrets are coming out of the woodwork, and Ryan's entire outlook on life changes. His reaction to the extraordinary news coming from his brothers differs vastly from Ruby's. Ruby's afraid she's lost him forever.

Ruby/Ryan's story doesn't end with "Shattered." DUN DUN DUNNN...there's a big cliffhanger. To be continued.

 

Trigger Warning: This book contains flashbacks of sexual abuse and adult situations.

Shattered equals destroyed and in many ways this book takes you on a journey. When I first started this book I was so involved in these characters I couldn't stop reading. I put everything I had to do aside until I was able to complete the read. Helen Hardt was able to tell this compelling story in a way that a reader would never get to a point where they said I give up I don't want to read it anymore. Instead it was the opposite where I said I can't sleep until I finish this read excellent book.

This is the first book I have read from this author but, it most definitely will not be the last! This is part of a series about 3 brothers and a sister who have had to deal with the fact that their father was part of a pedophile, sex slave group. Ryan Steel is the youngest of the brothers and, happy that his two oldest brothers have found the loves of their lives and are having a double wedding in Jamaica. Detective Ruby Lee has become the best friend of one his new sisters-in-law so, they meet at the resort. The attraction between the two is immediate and scorching and just gets hotter! They decide to all work together to hunt down even more info about their parents and the sick group that they were part of. Problem is that there is some possible new info that the rest of the Steels want on Ryan, without his knowledge. Ruby agrees to help, without telling Ryan , knowing that he may never forgive her once he finds out what she's done. I could not put this book down! It is enthralling, action-packed, heart breaking and all about what real love truly means.

Whoa, what the heck kind of series did I just drop myself into the middle of?! Only I would start on book 7 of course. And she gets me totally into the story, and the mystery, and all the action, then I see it's at 95% and there is No. Way. that it will wrap up in time. Cliffy? Reallly?????

Ok so Shattered is the first book I have EVER read by Helen Hardt. I am so intrigued by this whole series I need to go back to the beginning and catch up. I was able to read this as a standalone, though I imagine the next one you can't because, well, cliffy. Anywho, the author's writing style really gels with me, I was totally invested in the characters. All the Steels are a close knit group. Ryan is a little happier go lucky than the others, but he goes through a lot in this book. He's also apparently the most handsome, ooh la la! Ruby has pretty much sheltered herself and hid behind drab clothes, but she's kind of emerging out of her shell. These two both have seriously rough pasts and a pretty crazy present to be honest. I am for sure reading the next one, can I have it now?? Please????

This series is so intriguing, I read this book in a matter of hours. I could not put it down, My emotions are in such turmoil over Ryan and Ruby. The next book cannot come quick enough!!

The ending to this book left me shocked and riveted. I honestly can't wait for the next book to come out to see how it unfolds. The love story was intense and what they thought they knew about their parents was nothing compared to the truth. Although I had a hard time connecting with the characters I am glad I stuck it out until the end.

I enjoyed this book but did not realize it was not a stand alone story... Helen kept me involved through the whole book.....I would have enjoyed it a lot more even if is a continuing story if Ryan and Ruby could have had a HEA....

OMG this book is so good. At the beginning it is a nice sweet blooming romance. Ryan gets to know Ruby more while they are at Talon and Jonah's wedding. Ryan and Ruby become close on this little vacation. When they return to their hometown things start to happen that throws Ryan's world out of sync. Towards the end of this book, you find out more about what was going on with his father and the future lawmakers and trust me it will leave you pole plexed. And of course in her own evil way Helen leaves you wanting more. Her cliffhangers are famous for making you want the next book now. Can not wait for Twisted to come out in December of this year. I'm so worried about what is going to happen to Ryan that it is driving me crazy (in a good way).
Thanks Helen for making me CRAVE (lol) these books. You are the best

It is wedding time for two of the Steel brothers! We are going to Jamaica, Mon!

The whole gang is here! They are actually pairing up... Bryce with Marj, Joe with Melanie are getting married, Talon and Jade are also walking down the aisle, and that leaves Ruby with Ryan. Those balmy evenings, champagne and irresistible urges will keep all entertained.

But the core of the story continues. We still have one criminal out there who needs to be brought to justice. Ruby is determined to bring her father in and make him face what he did. She is a cop on a mission and will not be deterred.

Little by little, the gang is uniting to uncover the truth about all the secrets. They have discovered enough information to doubt who their father was, what really was going on with their mother, and why Larry is still not talking. Too many lies in their lives. Too many secrets. Be prepared for a big discovery.

Love this series! Not for the faint of heart... this deals with adult subjects but is a terrific read.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.

Ruby is scarred by the tragic past of all the crimes her father has committed. She is afraid to be noticed by men so she dresses down trying to remain invisible. That may work for some but not for Ryan Steele. He can identify what she has loved through since they both have dealt with life that have involved tragedy. Ryan desperately wants to reach through the inner walls Ruby uses to,protect herself. As soon as a wall comes up he scales over it not letting her hide from the ghosts of her past that threatened to consume her. Will their pasts leave them alone or come back to haunt them?

What a tremendous continuation of The Steel brothers story. I can't tell you in words how much I enjoyed the beginning of Ryan's story... nor the end! Oh my word... I can't wait for the continuation!!

OMG Helen hardt did it again. I read the book in 24 hours I could not but it down. had to keep reading to see what was gonna happen next. and the ending what can I say besides WOW
the book does not disappoint.

Helen Hardt has done it again. I am so in love with her books and the story of Eve and Ryan is an amazing story that draws you in and holds you. The things these two have been through in their past draws them closer together and develops a relationship filled with lust and heat. I don't want to say anymore and spoil anything, just read it, you will love it like I do.

OMG! the twists and turns so exciting the story gets better and better with every book

Shattered is the beginning of Ryan's leg of the Steel brothers' journey. He is joined by Ruby, who plays an integral role in the big picture. Together they have some dark, mysterious roads to navigate to reach the final piece of truth everyone has been searching for... but first, a double celebration! Talon & Jade, Jonah & Melanie are getting married! I enjoyed this lovely element to the book. As with the previous editions, there are equal parts intrigue and sweltering romance. It is about time the group have a spot of joy. Of course, this is a Helen Hardt world, so there is always something lurking around the corner, so who knows how long it will last?
Ryan and Ruby are great together. She walks the walk of truth and justice, and he is more than just the jovial, " best looking Steel".
I truly enjoyed Shattered for all of the emotional twists and turns.

Shattered is another must have from Helen Hardt! I fell in love with this series when I started reading Craving and haven't been able to get enough since. The series can't be published fast enough! If you're looking for a darker romantic suspense series this is the series you should read. I am telling you, it's completely addictive.

Highly recommended!

This was by far my absolute favorite of not only this series but all of Helen's books! Shattered is simply phenomenal ! Amazing!! I don't think I can wait to read the next book! I've liked Ruby since she was first introduced. You can feel her pain and her empathy for others. The chemistry between her and Ryan truly sizzles !! Must must must read!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. SHATTERED is the seventh book in Helen Hardt's STEEL BROTHERS SAGA, and this series must be read in order. If you haven't read this series yet, start with CRAVING, book one. The first three books (books one, two, and three) follow the romance between Talon Steel and Jade Roberts, the next three books (books four, five, and six) follow the romance between Jonah Steel and Melanie Carmichael, and the final three books (books seven, eight, and nine) are to follow the romance between Ryan Steel and Ruby Lee.

SHATTERED begins the romance between Ryan Steel, aka Snow Creek's hottest Steel brother, and Detective Ruby Lee's romance. Hardt continues to delve into the mystery surrounding the Steel brothers, a dark, twisty plot that began with book one. This book also introduces Ruby's dark past, and together, they explore them.

Keep in mind that these books are extremely erotic, semi-low on plot development, have some themes that may be considered triggering, and always end on a cliffhanger.However. Hardt's writing is quite captivating, so you may still be able to enjoy the series.

If you enjoy extremely dark themes in your erotic romances, you will love this series! I give it a 5/5 stars.