In the dark where monsters live, a dark story flourishes to life, born of wicked intent and evil power. A warning of sorts, sinister actions threaten the innocent and rob them of their virtue. Steel Archer, with his commanding charisma and keen focus captivated his platoon. He had been to battle and tasted the sand of the desert war. No one understood, how could they? The adrenaline buzz, the … adrenaline buzz, the anticipation, the planning and preparation that came with each mission fed his mind, body, and soul. It was addicting until it all went wrong, men died.
His men.
But now that was all behind him. PI- Securities firm was where he landed and his reputation for questionable methods of persuasion, worked to his advantage.
“I’d been told I had a calm about me. But don’t be fooled, undermining my power would be foolish. I saw myself as a wild predator who lived life on the razors edge.”
His good looks and intensity rolling off in waves. Years of training banishing any trace of emotion. Every muscle in his body instinctively warning him, like a sixth sense of what’s to come. Foreseeing the enemy’s next move is far more primal, instinctive, and raw than most believe.
“There’s never been room for a life outside my profession. Certainly not a woman, that’s a liability I can’t afford to indulge in. “
Until he met his match.
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Hard as Steel is Book 4 in the Surviving Series from author Virginia Wine. This book has romance, suspense and mystery from the start. I was captivated and thoroughly enjoyed this read from the start.
Even though these reads can be read as a stand-alone personally I did find that I felt I was missing bits of information that I could have got if I had read the previous three in this series, but nevertheless this book has given me a brilliant introduction into Virginia Wine’s writing style, plots and captivating characters.
You cannot dispute how intense this read is whether that’s from the twists and turns that are thrown our way throughout, the steamy scenes or the guessing game you play in which you keep losing because the author always has to keep you guessing with new clues.
Steel and Nicole our two main characters have an amazing chemistry, but is what these two develop enough to break the wall that Nicole has built so high? Or keep the calmness that Steel needs in his life?
I love that this book was told from various POV’s it gives us the opportunity to really understand each character, their thoughts and feelings and also their actions, it definitely brings you closer to each character.
Overall this is a brilliant book that has opened up the chance to experience a new author her work, and the rest of the books in this series! With the rest of the secondary characters within this read, I can’t wait for them to get their own story to tell!
Don’t miss this read!
Hard as Steel (Surviving Series Book 4)
By Virginia Wine
4 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author so obviously I read this as a standalone – I definitely think I would have benefited from reading the previous books in the series however I quickly read through the reviews so I kind of had an idea of what had happened previously. I enjoyed the story, I thought the characters were complex which meant I had to work a little harder to understand them, so it wasn’t a particularly easy read but I kind of liked that about the book. There were some good plot twists that definitely meant that I was constantly guessing what was going to happen next. The author’s writing was rich and detailed and I could really feel those emotional times coming across well. Whilst I didn’t connect with the characters, Steel and Nicole, as much as I thought I would or wanted to I did enjoy reading their story. I would definitely like to read more from this author and this series again in the future.
Hard As Steel by Virginia Wine is the fourth book in her Surviving Series. This book can be read as a stand-alone.
This book was a great read. The story I found to be full of twists and turns. I was constantly trying to guess as to who was behind it all. I was wrong every time. The book draws you in straight away and keeps you hooked.
The characters work really well together. I could feel the alpha male vibe coming from Steel from the moment I read the blurb. This book was very enjoyable and I will certainly be going back to look at the rest on the series.
Hard as Steel may be book four in a series, but I was able to read it as a stand alone. Steel and Nichole are falling for one another, while working on a disturbing case. The love story part of this is easy, but the real interest lies in the mystery girl who has to recover her memories. Those parts were my favorite. The action and suspense really pick up near the end, and I could see myself reading the next book. The only thing that kept this from 5 stars was that the writing and grammar were choppy or a little rough at times. But I loved the poems throughout.
Hard as Steel is book four in the Surviving Series by Virginia Wine. This is the first book O have read by this author and would have benefited by reading the other books in the series, just to get a better handle on the characters. The way this author writes a story is well thought out, detailed and emotional.
Steel’s job as a private investigator keeps him too busy for a relationship. But that comes to an abrupt end when he meets an unforgettable woman. It is a delicate battle of wills and denial. An extremely entertaining battle, amd only with one outcome.
I really liked Hard as Steel and struggled to put it down. It was an action packed adventure. 4 stars.
3 and a half stars for this one.When I read the blurb I was convinced the story is about Steel and Nikki. How Steel is such an alpha male obsessed with his job when Nikki comes along but tries to keep her away as she can be a distraction. I was expecting that pull, the banter, his inner struggle but we got none of that. However I found myself more interested in Grace’s story and her past and what’s going on with Flynn. Those parts had the premises of a good psychological thriller that I didn’t even care at that point how the relationship between Steel and Nikki develops. I didn’t see them as main characters.
I understand this book is part of a series however a bit of a introduction of what’s going on would have been amazing and made this book possible to be read like a standalone. Without that, I felt I am missing important bits and made Steel and Nikki’s story hard to follow.
Hard as Steel (Surviving Series Book 4)
By Virginia Wine
Rated 4 stars
This is quite the interesting story that has many levels. It’s book four of the series and it might help to read the others first. Not mandatory because I have not read them but probably helpful because these seem to be ongoing stories. This one is about Nick and Steel. With a few other characters that have a story of their own to tell.
I enjoyed reading this. At first I felt like I was thrust into a story already in progress. But that quickly changed to one I could easily follow along. I liked the characters. The passion Steel felt for Nick was easily conveyed through words. Steel is intense and that scene where they (Steel and Nick) are dancing is so….so…hot! All the secondary characters filled their rolls well. Will added a bit of fun to the story. This is a suspenseful story with a little dark side and has some deep romance.
This is the fourth book of the series and I highly recommend reading the other three first just so you can get a better understanding of this one. This novel had me hooked right from the get go I was unable to pull my eyes away from the pages I just wanted to know what would happen next. It’s full of suspense well enough to keep you on your toes and turning the pages to see what is revealed next! It really was a brilliant book one that kept me questioning throughout certainly is a page turner!
Hard as Steel: Book four (“Surviving Series”) by Virginia Wine is a romance suspense story and a page turner. I enjoyed this complex and layered tale and liked the characters but wished I had started at the beginning of the series with book one. I felt like I was missing out on very important background information in relation to the characters and their worlds. The plus is that the story is told in multiple POV’s which does give you that much more insight to the characters and who they are and what they are thinking. It was a bit of an emotional read and some broke my heart as the flashbacks told by a tragically tortured soul. I now have to go back and read the other three books in the series and then re read this one to put it all in perspective and look forward to the next book as the story did not end finished.
Hard as Steel by Virginia Wine is the fourth book in her Surviving Series and what a great read this turned out to be. Following the story of Steel Archer, who is a strong independent man who will do anything for the people the he loves. While this story is a dark and twisted, it does have some elements of romance and suspense. Getting hooked from the first page I couldn’t put this book down until I knew how it was going to end. Seeing a man like Steel fall for Nicole Lancaster, who is an FBI agent used to the boys’ club of Steel’s world, was such a treat. These two together were such fire that it all but gave me a stroke the chemistry between them. Both of them were so independent and determined to best the other that when they gave in to their feelings it made the story just explode. Getting to see the softer side of Steel made him feel so much more human that I fell for him on the spot. Can these two make a real go of it or will the worlds that they live in pull them apart? Can Steel keep the woman that brings out the best of him? Can Nicole trust that Steel will be there when she needs him most? Hard as Steel is the first book by Virginia Wine that I have read, and I have now bought all of the books in this series to do a binge reading session. I love that each book can be read on its own and that they all tie together in the end. If you are looking for a great story that will heat you up and keep you intrigued from beginning to end, this is the book and series for you. I can’t wait to see what Wine brings to her readers next.
Hard as Steel Surviving Series Book 4 By Virginia Wine
Four Stars
Holy smokes Batman. This story was intense. Steel is a hard man but an honest and trustworthy person. He has a gift for helping others and it shows with this story. I’m sure I’m not the only one who makes the characters into couples as the story goes on. For me Steel and Grace seemed like a better fit. But too each their own. I really enjoyed this story though. The author held you in suspense with every chapter. This predator out to get Grace, murder, love and trust. Grace has had to relearn to function and she is so courageous. Nick is super sweet and I understand her appeal. It was a quick read that was thrilling and mysterious. I got a good feel for the characters. I could easily follow what the author was going for in this book. Life isn’t always roses and we have to learn to live with the good and bad.
Hard as Steel by Virginia Wine is the fourth book in the Surviving Series and follows the story of the elite PI Securities.
Nicole Lancaster is an FBI agent who is in the boys club, always dedicated to her job wanting to progress further within the FBI. Until a case comes across her desk which has her being more invested than usual, this women is broken and can she help her with out putting her career in jeopardy.
Steel Archer is ex military, hard as nails and working for a PI Securities but with his past is full of skeletons and devastation that haunts him constantly, but when a young women enters his world looking for help, Nicole’s and Steel’s collide. Will both their lives change to help a young broken woman?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I feel that although I loved the story, their was bits missing in the backstory of the other books. I would recommend reading the series in order and then I feel you have a better understanding of the story, but this did not distract from the story of Nicole and Steel.
The writing was fasted paced and with the twists and turns of the story has you reading on, I loved the different prospective of the characters and the relationships that grow as the story goes on. I would love to go back and read the rest of the series to see how this series grows.
Hard as Steel Book 4 in the Surviving Series written by Virginia Wine. I really this as a standalone. Steel Archer is a difficult yet loyal man. He and his team have accomplished a lot and been through a lot. The chemistry between the characters is hot and cold, as Steel and Nichole figure out what’s going on in their lives as a couple while still maintaining their careers. As FBI Nichole has a lot on her plate and she doesn’t want all of her hard work to go to the back burner. Then there’s Steel who has been through so much then with the surprise of Grace, then Flynn’s feelings it adds new issues. Overall I enjoyed the story and it’s unique storyline.
Hard as Steel by Virginia Wine is book four in the Surviving Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and though it read alright as a stand alone, I would have like to have read the others as there were many characters that Steel seemed to have know for years. The characters are incredibly complex, like Nicole for example. She doesn’t talk much about anything when it comes to feelings. She’s very head strong and concerned with her work, it’s important to her. Romance isn’t exactly on the top of her lists. The plot twists are perfect and just enough to keep you needing more. I’m definitely going to have to go back for those other books. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I feel as if I must preface this review with a bit of a warning, I have not read Virginia Wine’s works before or the other previous books in the Surviving Series yet. I wish that I had before I had jumped into this one head first. Unfortunately, this was just how it happened to work out for me this time. However, it wasn’t a total disappointment. I did enjoy the novel. It was a well-developed plot line and I did enjoy the characters that were played throughout. I feel as if I would have been able to really enjoy the book to its fullest potential however if I had the chance to know them from the beginning and had the entire story. My plan is to go back and start with book one, ‘Surviving Eden’. I will eventually read this one again in the proper order, and update my review then.
That said this book is centered on Nicole Lancaster and Steel Archer. Nicole is a FBI agent. She is serious about her career and very good at is because of it. Now she is up for a promotion and is determined to not let anything get in the way of her getting said promotion. At the same time she is given an intense case that could also make or break her so she needs to keep things in check. The last thing she needs is to feel anything for the private investigator that is working on the same case. Between these two things what will happen for her?
Steel just wants to protect the woman he was hired to protect. He is fighting hard to overcome his past demons. He never expected to start feeling things for the FBI agent Nicole Lancaster that is working the case of the woman he is protecting. He has his own demons and it appears she does as well. He can’t break her walls down to save his soul. And what happens when both the women are now in danger? Can he keep them all safe? Will he ever break through Nicole’s rock solid protective shell? You will just have to read and find out what happens for yourself!
Virginia Wine’s Hard as Steel is book four in the Surviving Series. This contemporary romantic suspense is Steel Archer’s story. The opening scenes in the first chapter(s) immediately captured my attention. The characters each stood distinctly apart and made me inquisitive on each of them – to include who they are, what they are doing and their pasts. These are not simple, one-dimensional characters. This story is suspenseful along with the romantic elements that are tied in. There are emotional ties, raw and hard that are being fought, pushed upon and resisted. It makes a great story for Hard as Steel, not only for this individual story, but begging the reader to take a chance on the other books within the series.
3 and a half Stars
Hard as Steel is the fourth book in the Surviving series by Virginia Wine. This is my first read by Ms. Wine, but when I read the blurb I was immediately hooked and needed to find out what happens. I realise now that this being book four in a series, I would have been better reading the other three books before starting this one, as I feel that there was backstory and character information that I was missing, and that detracted somewhat from my enjoyment of this book.
I love the premise of the book, enjoyed the story, and liked the characters. But there were a few issues that prevented this book from reaching its full potential, and delivering promise held in the synopsis. I will get to these issues in a moment.
Nicole Lancaster is a seasoned FBI Agent who is focused of her career and moving up the ladder as high as she can go. A woman in a man’s world, she has to work twice as hard as her male colleagues, just to prove herself and gain any recognition. She’s up for another promotion, so she doesn’t need any distractions that may derail her plans. But what happens when a case pulls her in a lot farther than she expects? The more time she spends with the broken young woman, the more she pulls her in. What about the sparks and intense connection she feels towards a certain private investigator who’s also looking into the case? With danger an ever-present factor there is no room for error.
Steel Archer is ex-military, now working with PI Securities. He’s had some traumatic experiences that still haunt him. When a battered and broken young woman stumbles into his world, it thrusts him into an investigation that will test him and require him to draw on all his training to make it through. Nicole brings a calming and soothing effect on him- but she has a hard shell that he’ll need to crack in order to pursue anything with her. What happens when he’s targeted by an evil mastermind in a sinister plot? Is there a connection to the current case he’s working on? Will he break through Nicole’ defences and convince her that he’s worth the risk? When danger comes calling, can he keep everyone safe?
This story is told from several points of view, which gives the reader a really great perspective of what’s going on. There were parts of the story that really tugged at my heartstrings and had me feeling for what the characters had been/were going through.
The story was complex and multi-layered, with a lot of flashbacks that helped to build some backstory and move the plot on. There was a lyrical/poetic style to the writer’s style, especially in the flashback sequences. The story was detailed and descriptive- but there were times the story felt a bit abrupt or clipped.
Like I said previously, I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I had read the previous books first, because there seemed to be too much information and character details that I ‘should have known already’. This did take away from my enjoyment of the story. Also, it wasn’t always apparent ‘who’ was speaking, and I had to re-read some of the dialog to work it out.
Then there were quite a few editing issues that kept pulling me out of the story. Simple thing that could have been caught, and without which this would have been an amazing read. Things such as misused words, ie: mild stone, instead of milestone; acquittance, instead of acquaintance; manors, instead of manners- just as a few examples. Then there were words that should have been plurals and weren’t, and quite a few punctuation issues. Although these things were minor issues, they did interrupt the flow, and my overall enjoyment of the story.
I am intrigued to see what happens in the first three books, and whether, as I suspect, there is a bridging/underlying storyline. So, I will be going back to read the first three books to find out. I also really liked Grace and am intrigued by her and want to know more- so I will definitely be reading the next book, “Surviving Grace”.
Thank you, Ms. Wine!
This romantic thriller is full of rich detail and riveting plot developments. It kept me guessing from beginning to end while taking me on quite an emotional journey. A great book from start to finish.
This book has a little bit of everything in it which makes it enjoyable from romance to suspense to mystery. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The author pulled me into the plot right from the beginning and kept me turning pages until the end. The characters are lovable and I will say Steel is hot, sexy and a strong, my favorite. I loved the chemistry between him and Nicole. This story is a sitting on the edge of my seat type and I highly recommend it.
Hard as Steel: Book four (“Surviving Series”)
By: Virginia Wine
5 out of 5 stars
The story Hard as Steel: Book four (“Surviving Series”) by Virginia Wine is a romantic suspense book. This is a story that hooks you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let go until you have read the final page. It is a story with enough suspense that you wonder what is going to happen next. It is a page-turner. I loved reading about the character of Steel Archer. He is a man that is strong, independent in his actions, and protects those that he cares for. This story has a dark and twisted tale to tell that will chill you and keep you guessing until the end. The story also does have some steamy scenes that make the temperature in the room rise. I loved how the author put such emotion behind what Steel does. I felt what he felt. The details are also such that you feel you are right there with the characters going through what they did. Who will be Steel’s match? Read this book to find out. There are other characters that are introduced in the story and I enjoyed reading about them and when they interact with Steel. There is a feeling of brotherhood that is special. This is a book that is wonderfully written and one that I would highly recommend reading.