I really enjoyed this book, it was totally different than what I'm used to reading, so I read it in one sitting! I couldn't put it down!

There is one thing that that can be said for this series and that is the development of characters and the plot is awesome. Hardt is a creative writer and develops her stories in such a manner that you will continually feel that pull to connect and attach yourself to the characters. The development and connection between Dale and Ashely is such that it is almost tangible. You know they are meant to be together. There is just a lot of “Stuff” in the way.

There are issues in these two characters. Ashley pushes that man in big ways. For someone who has hidden problems like she does, she needs to tread carefully. There were several parts I did not like concerning her actions and mouth. Thankfully, he is strong in many ways.

With Dale, he too is holding back some serious issues and emotionally gutting feelings. Raw and tormenting imagery that makes your heart ache for him.

Together they are strong, but you can feel that tension and emotion vibrating off the pages. Not many authors can do that! That is what grabs you and hooks you right in. The heat and steam between these two is off the charts. Your buy-in is complete.

This story is loaded with so many additional pieces coming into play that you are looking for more answers to the questions popping up. However, at just the critical piece, a cliffhanger shows its face and you are left hanging until the next volume. Plus, this story went by so fast!! LOL

Hardt captures her readers with a strong connection in what is building to be a love story for the ages. So many emotions and hot scenes makes the reader anxious for the next installment. Her creativity, imagery, and wordsmith skills are off the hook with this one!

As is typical with the Steel brothers saga, various plots are not random, but all connected. And typically in a heart wrenching fashion. This book is no different - and the plot twists just keep coming! Not only that, but there’s still a couple of alluded plot lines we haven’t even read yet.
Dale has finally committed to Ashley - for the 2 remaining months of her internship. No more. And things are good for a time, until his birth father brings to light horrifying sins he committed on his death bed. Will Dale be able to cope? Can Ashley keep him forever? Or is tragedy going to continue to strike?
I am so excited for the next book!

This is book 17 in the Steel Brothers Saga. It is best read in order. If you choose not to read them all, at least read book 16 first as each Steel has three books about them and book 16 starts Dale’s story.
Dale’s biological father comes into his life and his adopted father is being supportive to the point he wants Dale to get to know him. Dale could care less.
Meanwhile, Ashley is fighting to have a relationship with Dale. He, however, is convinced he’s not good enough. When something happens in his personal life, it’s Ashley who jumps in to help him.
Opinion
It amazes me how Ms. Hardt can repeatedly tell a story about this family and makes it better than the last. The details she pulls into each story are so fascinating. I’ve never heard of anyone who has what Ashley has but I am captivated by the idea.
This story does not disappoint. I am convinced that if you like dark romance, you’ll love this series.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

A man born to be Cherished

Cherished
past tense verb
protect and care for (someone) Lovingly

If there has ever been a perfect title for a story, then CHERISHED is that title. Ashley White is in love with Dale Steel, and nothing he will say or do will ever change her feelings. Dale believes he is broken, damaged beyond repair, and does not accept he is worthy of love ... be it from Ashley or anyone else.

"Dale knows how much we all love him. what he doesn't know, though - and may never be able to grasp as long as he lives within those walls he's erected around himself - is how much he's cherished."

Emotionally charged and captivating, part 2 of Dale and Ahsley's story is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. Ashley constantly challenges Dale to allow his walls to crumble, yet he is afraid that his past will be too much for her to handle. Ashley loves Dale with such a fierce intensity, but will she get through to him, or will he continue to push her aside, as he has always done to others?

"She doesn't have to be anywhere near to me to make me want her. I always want her. Always."

Dale's demons have ruled his life for twenty-five years. Years where he has closed himself off from all emotions. Now his emotions have been awoken - can he learn to live with them, or will he build more walls to close himself off even further? Will his love for Ashley, and hers for him, be too much for him to cope with? Will Ashley be the light he needs to lead him from the darkness?

"I don't want you feeling my pain. I don't want anyone feeling my pain. It's mine, damn it! All mine!"

As well as dealing with the emotions Ashley has awoken, Dale must also cope with secrets that are revealed and a person from his past who could change everything for him. This man is so strong, yet he allows his demons to overshadow everything that he could have ... everything he desires.

Helen Hardt has once again ripped apart my heart. I desperately need Dale to find his happiness ... his freedom from his past. This story has kept me mesmerised from the very beginning and will, more than likely, continue to do so. She is the Queen of angst, heartache, of writing broken men and the strong women who love them. I cannot wait to see how she concludes Dale and Ashley's story in FREED.

This is an absolute MUST READ for the lovers of the Steel family.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE CHERISHED STARS ✨✨✨✨✨