Shattered: Steel Brothers Saga #7

Shattered By: Helen Hardt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Kristie K Just when you think she can’t possibly have any more twists to throw your way, Helen Hardt surprises you with the biggest twist of all… When we are presented with the word shattered, it evokes images of broken things, such as mirrors or glass. It can also, and more poignantly evoke feelings of broken hearts, minds, bodies, or souls…but in this case, its all four. Helen Hardt continues to weave her tangled web in the seventh installment of the Steel Brothers series with Shattered, the first of the series focusing on the youngest Steel brother, Ryan. Long considered the “pretty boy” of the family, Ryan heads up the winery at the Steel family ranch. The most easy going, and jovial of the Steel boys, Ryan is ready to watch his brothers get married in paradise, and begin their happily ever afters. While in Jamaica for the weddings, Ryan meets Ruby Lee, local detective and friend of his soon-to-be sister-in-law Melanie. Ruby Lee keeps to herself, stays out of the spotlight, and fights for those that can’t fight for themselves. Downplaying her innate beauty in her everyday life, Ruby is forced out of her comfort zone in Jamaica when her duties as Maid of Honor require her to doll herself up a bit and let down her hair. When Ryan catches a glimpse of the beauty beneath the facade, he can’t get enough of Ruby and wants nothing more than to get to know her better. As their friendship and attraction grows, more secrets come to light…some that may be devastating enough to shatter their burgeoning relationship. Holy hell, Ms. Hardt….what are you doing to me?!?! As with the last six installments, Shattered took me on another adventure that left me gasping and breathless. The devastating and horrific secrets that haunt the Steel brothers continue to wreak their havoc, revealing ever more destructive mysteries in their twisted past. Shattered brings even more challenges and heart wrenching situations to the forefront for the Steel boys, this time with possibly the most devastating coming for not just Ryan, but them all. I honestly wasn't sure how Ms. Hardt could possibly bring MORE to this already full table, but on all that is holy, she has! The story continues to weave a tangled and twisted tale of horror, deceit, and betrayal…and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. The characters continue to grow, change, and evolve, becoming even more amazing and easy to love than before. Ryan is a dream, with a heart of gold and the soul of a fighter. Ruby is a fallen angel, just waiting for the right reason to spread her wings again and fly. The plot and storyline are even more amazing and well executed than in the beginning, and continue to evolve and completely blow my mind! As with the previous installments, Ms. Hardt has left us on a devastating cliff-hanger, but this one comes with a new and refreshing twist from the previous stories. I am counting down the days until Twisted graces my kindle, Ms. Hardt… Kristie K

Ruby has an awful background and has dedicated her life to finding answers as to what and exactly who her father was. Ryan has learned to live with the guilt he experiences after narrowly escaping a horrifying situation that his brother had to endure. When these two meet during the double wedding of Ryan’s brothers, they are immediately drawn to each other. I loved the way this relationship developed and was elated to watch Ruby begin to come out of her frightened shell. Ryan was the perfect man to do it and he did an excellent job of showing how beautiful and desirable Ruby truly was, inside and out. He was a strong protective hero and he only wanted to do what was best for her. This book is full of questions and mystery and I really loved every moment of it. I was invested the entire time and hated when I had to set it aside for little things like work. While it can be read as a standalone, I think it would have been better to read the previous books. This was definitely moving into five star territory until I got to the end and it came to a screeching halt on a huge cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers! However, I love Ruby and Ryan so I will definitely be picking up the next book. ARC provided by NetGalley and Waterhouse Press Dual POV Safe Triggers

Absolutely loving this series, I just can't put it down! Such a fascinating & complex web of lies, deceit & corruption, weaved into very intense & sexy relationships! Loved this installment & the beautiful intro to Ryan & Rudy's relationship. Having so much time spent on their blossoming love, along with the weddings at the start of the book without any serious interruptions was just wonderful! Can't wait to read what happens next!