I'm a sucker for tortured hero/betrayed heroines, so I jumped at the chance to read this story. But I just didn't feel it.

Jade is at her friend's ranch to heal from her romantic betrayal...and yet I don't buy it. Her emotional pain doesn't even seem buried so much as...non-existent.

Talon's pain just comes off as pretty contrived. The hardest thing for me, though, was the pacing and description came off as pretty amateur. That coupled with the weak character development, this story just didn't do it for me.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Title: Craving
Author: Helen Hardt
Publisher: Waterhouse Press
Series: Steel Brother Saga # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Craving" by Helen Hardt

My Thoughts....

Interesting series 'Steel Brothers Saga # 1' that features Talon Steel and Jade Roberts who were definitely two broken souls. This author gives the reader quite a good story and be warned it end on a cliffhanger where you will have to get the rest of the story in later series. Be ready for quite a emotional roller coaster ride and lots of twist and turns for these two. The main question is will they be able to heal each other?

After Jade is left at the alter on her wedding day she goes to stay with her friend, Marjorie Steel
at the Steele brothers ranch while she is waiting to get her results from the bar exam to become a lawyer. What will happen after Jade meets Talon Steele? Will it be something their for them especially for Talon at the first sight of her[picking her up from the airport? But as we read their is a lots that had gone on with Talon not only was he returning from the Marines but something had happen to Talon in his past during his childhood. What was Talon's childhood secret that it seemed that he was always struggling so hard with especially when he was with Jade? And then their was the question to what was it between Jade and Talon as it seems that he simply craved her..all the time? Why was it so hard for Talon to open up about what had gone on with him especially to Jade. Will he seek help? This is a very mature adult read so be aware that this story is loaded with a lots of erotica sex that will be all over the place for these two. Well, to get all of these questions answered and so much more you will have to pick up "Craving" to see just how well this author brings it out to the reader. It will be one heck of a good read.

So, I guess the reader will have to get the next series to see if these two finally get their HEA.

Really good storyline. Excellent chemistry between characters.

I really wanted to like this book as I've heard such wonderful things about it. However, it did not work for me and let me tell you some reasons why this book wasn't a great read for me. Let me start off by saying this is more Talon's and Jade's story. I liked Jade's character a little but I felt as if her character deemed herself less worthy to go along with whatever Talon suggested. Where was her backbone because it wasn't in this story. Talon went through something horrible which you get memories off but you're still left wondering who it came from. I guess that gives him a reason to act the way he does but he came off as a complete jerk to me. I just couldn't agree with what he was doing; not even a little and I enjoy a good "dark moments" read but this book just wasn't for me. This book ended with a cliffhanger which I don't mind a good cliffhanger but when the book just stops in the middle of the story it left me saying WHAT?????

I'm hooked!
Talon and Jade's story is so mysterious and compelling, I'm left on the edge of my seat!
You get snippets of Talin's backstory, the reason he's so withdrawn, so you start to draw your own conclusions. But that still doesn't explain the whole story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Warning: if you don't like cliffhangers than this not the book for you.
5 stars!

CRAVING is a dark, emotional story. Jade, an attorney decides to pack up and start her life over again in Colorado. Her best friend's family has a ranch there and she will stay with them until she finds a job. Jade finds herself drawn to Talon, her friends older brother, even though he confuses her. He is ruggedly good looking but he is not easy to get along with. Jade finds it impossible to resist Talon’s advances. When he kisses her she melts, but then, he walks away and pretends it never happened. Jade doesn't understand Talon’s actions or why she keeps letting him hurt her and push her away.

Something about Jade calls to Talon but he keeps fighting his feelings for her. Talon continually argues with himself knowing he should stay away from Jade, but he can't seem to resist her. Talon has gone through some horrific events in his life that have left him emotionally scarred and he refuses to seek the help he needs.

Talon and Jade have explosive chemistry but they never discuss their feelings. Talon finds it impossible to talk to anyone and keeps everything locked up inside. He is a mess but somehow Jade sees the good in him and is patient and understanding. Talon and Jade crave each other even though they fight against their feeling. They just can't seem to resist each other. They have a sizzling chemistry and a highly passionate affair, although they know it will not lead anywhere. Jade brings out something in Talon he has never felt before and even though it scares him, he keeps coming back for more. Talon knows she is too good for him, he knows he should leave her alone but he can't. Something happened years ago that changed him forever and he will never be whole again. Talon knows Jade deserves someone who will love her and he knows it is not him. I feel sorry for Talon; he is a mess. He has flashbacks from his childhood throughout the story and we slowly learn his secrets. This is a passionate, intense story with flawed yet likeable characters. It is the first book in the Steel Brothers Saga and ends in a cliffhanger.

I really enjoyed this story. New author for me, but I will certainly read more.

Loved the complexity of the H. He has demons in his past that were touched on briefly here. Looking forward to reading the next in series to see how the story plays out.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book!

I loved this story, I was hooked from the very first page. Helen Hardt has woven a steamy and suspenseful story filled with mystery and secrets. This novel was well-paced, the characters were enthralling and intriguing.

Jade was jilted at the altar. She has fled to her best friend, Marjorie,’s ranch, to move on and overcome her pain. Talon is Marjorie’s brother and lives at the ranch. Talon is a complex, brooding character. He seems broken, fighting his demons. But his past remains mysterious. Jade is attracted to Talon, their chemistry is all-consuming. There was a lot of push and pull between these characters, but they can’t resist their attraction. This story is an emotional rollercoaster, the start of a riveting saga, ending on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read more in this captivating series!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book, provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.

****3.75 Steel Stars****
My first read from Helen Hart and it was a great story, but it was missing something but not enough for me to stop reading book 2 and 3. Jade comes colliding into Talon Steel life and he just trying to find his way of living; Talon is a man with tortured soul with bad memories of a time he would like to forget. Jade is trying to find her place in the world and have a fresh start after being left by the man who was suppose to be for every. Jade takes her friend Marji Steel up on a offer to start new at the ranch. The charged filled sexually tension is starts from the moment they lay eyes on one another. Jade soon learns that Talon is much different from the rest Steel brothers he’s hot-cold but when the sparks fly between them it’s off the charts. Talon tries to keep Jade at arm length but she slowly wedging herself in. Talon buried secrets from his childhood are threatening to keep him from having Jade and happiness that he thought he never deserve. Can Talon be able to forget and learn it’s OK to be happy?

****ARC granted by NetGalley for review****

Helen Hardt is my new favorite author. I finished this book in one day and instantly ordered the next book from amazon. Jade has broken off her engagement and decides to move to Colorado and stay on her best friends ranch. One thing she doesn't expect is to meet Talon Steel. Talon is everything that Jade isn't looking for and Talon has a horrible secret of his own that he is holding onto. Can two broken people help to fix each other? This series is amazing and I absolutely cannot recommend this series enough.

Jade recently was left at the alter and ventures off to move in with her best friend, and college roommate, Marjorie on her family ranch. Jade has met two of Marjie's brothers a time or two but never has met her one brother, Talon, who was deployed. Now that brother is home and living at the family ranch when Jade arrives. It is evident that they have chemistry, however, Talon's demons refuse to let anyone inside.

I've seen this book advertised as a good sequel to Fifty Shades of Gray. I personally, don't see a strong correlation between the two books. With that being said, this book is good read but be aware that this is a cliffhanger and you will need to read the rest of the series. The story contains a romance of sorts and a mystery that develops throughout the book that kept me wanting to know more (I suppose this is possibly where it could relate to Fifty Shades?). I look forward to continuing with the series.

This book was a complete lure. Lure as in read this but be prepared to get pulled into reading a whole series of complete book nirvana. Why?...well here goes: perfect tortured hero, strong heroine and lots and lots of amazing supporting characters to keep you reading to your hearts content. I really enjoyed this book, along with the other titles and I'm waiting for "Burn" the next in series. Keep writing Ms Hardt and rest assured you have a hungry reader on your hands waiting to spread the word!