Bradford Steel never believed in fate…until he met the girl of his dreams.
As sole heir to the Steel ranch and fortune, Brad knows what his future holds. He’ll marry and have children, but he’s not cut out for love. Fate has other plans, though, when he meets college freshman Daphne Wade—an innocent and beautiful young woman who loves sunrises, animals, and the color yellow.
Daphne is on her own for the first time, and she vows to make the most of every minute. Never again will she fall victim to the anxiety and depression that plagued her through high school. Instead, she’ll treasure the joy in even the most mundane and live her life to its fullest. When handsome senior Brad Steel shows an interest in her, she gathers her courage and dives in.
Their relationship moves more quickly than either of them expect, and before long, fate blooms into love. Brad is determined to eliminate all the obstacles in their way and protect Daphne. It’s a promise he’ll ultimately keep…no matter the cost.
#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
From the moment I read Craving (Book One in the Steel Brothers Saga) I had been intrigued about Bradford and Daphne. They were mentioned so heavily throughout the whole saga, so to finally get the events that lead up to the horrible things that happened to Talon and the rest of the family was mind-blowing and certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
Fate takes us back to when Daphne and Bradford met in college and how they came about. Daphne is a young, shy and reserved freshman in college and Bradford was the confident and outgoing senior, both have a separate past that they want to forget. The moment they met they realized that this wasn't a chance meeting. It was fate. Bradford had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life and had the strong belief that this woman could take away what had happened in his past. I think they both thought that. But that's not how things go...
The author throws us into a storyline that shows us an in-depth look into the Steel Brothers history and shows us who Daphne was before she got sick, and how he was before she did, and before Wendy lost her mind. It also showed us more about Theo, Tom and Larry before they became these evil men that traumatized Talon so many years later... and became evil disgusting men. Which ultimately leads Bradford to make some of the drastic choices he made in his life and for his family and wife. It gave me so much more insight into Talon's part of the story, as well as his other three children.
I won't dive into details on everything that transpired throughout this part of the saga but I will say, as always expect the unexpected with this author. She throws me into a tunnel of events that had my head spinning and my heart pounding. This was a phenomenal start to Bradford and Dalphn's story. It had suspense, mystery, heat and consumed me the moment I started page one. I was completely engrossed in every damn detail in this book, I was obsessed and I devoured it in one sitting. This shows just how amazing Ms. Hardt's ability to pull you in with her words is. It's nothing less than perfect and it's the start to one hell of a ride!
I cannot wait for Legacy and to see where the author is about to take us with Bradford and Dalphns' story.
You need to read Craving and follow the entire series before this, but you will not be disappointed.
How lucky am I that I got to start the Steel Brothers Saga series with the book that started it all! But #funfact, I had NO IDEA that was actually the case until I started reading! What had happened was (lol) … I have been meaning to dive into this series for almost two years now, but I’ve just never been able to carve out the time to indulge in a 10+ book binge!! I finally figured out these are written in sets of threes, so it didn’t look so daunting and now not only have I read Fate but Talon and Jade’s trilogy as well and I am in deep people! There is no stopping me now …. But let me just focus on Fate now …
After I finished with Jade and Talon’s trilogy, I didn’t really have a choice but to jump into Fate because it was going to release, and I needed to do this review. I know there’s a lot of reviews that mention you should read these books in order (meaning order of publication) but in my limited knowledge of the series I think this book goes very well no matter where you are in the saga. It’s the beginning. It takes you back in time to how this family began and all its twisted (understatement of the year) paths. It stands to reason you do not need to read the future to read the past. Do what you will with that little bit of info.
Helen Hardt has some kind of skill I don’t have the words to describe. The phrase “oh what a tangled web we weave etc etc etc” comes to mind. Not gonna lie, I’m a little traumatized just thinking about what’s coming but also ridiculously excited. Her writing is addictive. She sucked in my mind and I just don’t want to read anything but her right now! I can’t wait to move forward with Brad and Daphne but also kind of excited to start Jonah’s story! GAH, I can’t believe I’ve waited this long!
How do I EVEN with this book??? Wow. I mean WOW. Even that doesn't come close to how thoroughly this story and these characters blew me away. In Steel Brothers canon, FATE is actually a prequel. It's the story of the Steel parents, Brad and Daphne, before insane events tore their world apart. When I first learned Ms. Hardt was going to tackle this daunting project--a prequel for a 12-book, bestselling series?--my jaw dropped. She took on an ambitious duty, because all of us "Steel heads" sorta-kinda already know the ending, right? I should have known this incredible writer would rise to that task, and then some. This book, told with such deep heart and emotion, was exactly the story we all needed. I was fascinated and dazzled through every last word of this book, which is, IMHO, Ms. Hardt's most outstanding work to date.
The best part of the story, for me (well, besides the beautiful insta-love between these two) is Daphne herself. Getting to know her as a young woman, with her innocence but resilience, was such a wonderfully satisfying experience. I think there's a little of Daphne in all of us, and watching this young woman push past her fears for the sake of true love was a riveting, breathtaking ride.
I already want and need more of this heart-stirring couple. Such an incredible ride!
Loved reading this inside story on Brad and Daphne and their beginning. Love at first sight for these 2 💞 Awesome reading! And I had forgotten about the cliffhanger endings! Needlessly to say I am awaiting for the next book in the series, Legacy 👍
I was thrilled to learn that Helen Hardt was taking us back to the very start of the Steel Legacy. Brad Steel meets his future wife Daphne Ward in college. She is everything Brad craved and wanted in a woman. She was young, virtuous and chaste. He needed a new and fresh start to his life and future.
Daphne was enamored with Brad, he made her feel protected and safe. The feelings they share for one another hits them fast and furious. They were meant to be together. We get a first glimpse of the formation of the Future Lawmakers and their members. Brad and Daphne each have a past that I am sure will impact their future together. I look forward to finding out more in Legacy.
OMFG helen hardt did it yet AGAIN!!!!!! yet an other amaxing steel book, i prayed we would get the back history and holy crap here it is, an def F'en read SERIOUSLY read it!!!
Fate by Helen Hardt is book 13 in the Steel Brothers Saga Series. This is the story of Daphne Wade and Brad Steel. This takes us back in time to let us into Daphne and Brad's story...somewhat of a prequel but a full story line. We see Brad coming to the end of his college days and Daphne just starting college and working toward a new beginning. Of course there is lust/love from their first meeting. Of course there is drama from Wendy where Brad has to make clear where his heart lies. Daphne is the sweet innocent young women to Brad's experience and somewhat stern attitude. Brad knew that he had to take over his family ranch and have the family needed to keep their dynasty going. What Brad didn't know was that he maybe able have that with someone he cares for. This series just keeps getting better and better. So happy that we are allowed to read the story of Daphne and Brad.
The story continues and now we learning about how Brad and Daphne came together. Is really a sweet story, and insta love.
There’s a secret surrounding Daphne, one I don’t think she even knows about it!!! But Brad is gonna find out, I’m guessing in the next book, I only hope what I’m thinking is not and it’s something else.
Book 13 in the series but this one is long overdue. The origin story those who have read the series have been longing for. A plot that was different enough from the rest yet engaging enough to leave you wanting more.
In the grand scheme of Helen Hardt��s Steel Brothers Saga, Fate is a blast from the past. This is where things begin, and where things get even more dicey then they already are.
Brad and Daphne have been seen through many of the previous books, and to finally get their story, is a rush! Through those books, I must admit, I disliked Brad. Seeing this side of him made me change my mind quickly.
The book starts off with the pair in college, meeting and falling in love. Brad is a senior, knows his life is planned out for him. Graduate, take over the family business, marry and have children. The poor bloke is knocked off his feet when he meets sweet and kind Daphne. The attraction is like nothing he has felt before, instant and fierce. Their relationship starts off as friends, but quickly changes.
I so very much enjoyed seeing how these two met, but the ending….That cliffhanger….What a killer way to go. I must now wait for the next to arrive and get my next fix. Helen has yet again outdone herself in this book. 5 out of 5 stars!!
Helen Hardt, you have done it again! Another epic installment in the Steel Brothers Saga! As always the ending has left me the edge of my seat and I can't wait for the next book!
Absolutely amazing. I loved it and I can't wait for the next installment. The Steel brothers is my all time favourite series and it's what got me into reading again I believe everyone should read it.
I have read mostly all of the books from this author and she continues to blow my mind. This series is my top three favorites I have ever read. I was so excited when I got this book I stopped everything and started to read it immediately. This is the thirteenth book of this incredible series. You have to read all of these books in order to completely understand what is going on. I got lost in these characters I could not stop until the end.
This book starts the love story of Brad and Daphne Steel. Brad is the senior in college and he knows that his life is already picked out for him. He is the sole heir of his father’s ranch. Brad knows that he has to get married and have kids but he doesn’t believe in love until he meets the beautiful Daphne. He is instantly attracted to her but she is not like all the other girls. Daphne is sweet and innocent which is what Brad is looking for. They start off as friends but it quickly turns into a relationship. Brad will keep Daphne even if it puts him into danger.
Oh my dear lord! This! This is why I love the Steel Brothers Series! I have been waiting and dying to read Brad and Daphne's story! This is where is all began people!!! The story before the story and seriously it was amazing! This book was read in less than 24 hours. Helen always gives us a healthy dose of love and mystery, of course Fate was no different. Truly Brad and Daphne were meant to be. They have a whirlwind romance that you can't help but be swept up in. A page turner and one that will have you feeling pretty emotional just by reading chapter 1! I simply cannot wait for Legacy, there is so much more to be discovered.
I'm in complete awe of this author! She has now taking us back the beginning. The Steel Brothers parents, to they story and how they feel In love. On to Legacy.
As always Helen Hardt did not disappoint with Brad’s story and how it all began. I was able to pick it up and get right back into the story as if I just finished the previous book without missing anything and of course she left us hanging wanting more. Thank you Helen for getting me back into reading with the Steel Brothers Saga!!!
Helen has outdone herself again. I was very excited to see that we were getting a prequel for this series, especially to understand why Brad did what he did! And what happens with Daphne. This book captures the very beginning of their relationship, and I loved seeing how they met and fell in love. Of course the book ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll have to be patient and wait until the next book comes out! If you’ve loved the story of the Steel Brothers, then you will love reading about their parents’ story and how everything began.
The readers have waited for Brad and Daphne's story and they will not be disappointed. Helen Hardt writes in such a way that the reader can truly feel the love that Brad has for Daphne and also just how crazy Wendy really is. Puzzle pieces are finally coming together and while some questions get answered there are even more that come up. In true Helen Hardt fashion you will not be disappointed!!
Wow! Mind blown! Fate takes us back, way back, to the beginning of the Steel Brothers. How everything got started. Brad and Daphne’s story is an absolute must read. This book was amazing! I absolutely loved it.
When I started to read this book I had many conflicting feelings because by reading the other books you know there future and now you are going back to the start.
While you know about all the horrible and horrific things to come. I didn’t go in to this book with happy feelings and now after a have read the first book I am almost speechless.
This book was so incredible,adorable and cute and romantic with some very heavy element to it. This definitely became one of the best book I have read and now continuing to the next book I am so scared. You some what now there ending but I can’t but hope for something something better for them.
It was so nice to learn about Daphne and Brad backstory. It makes me sad to see how their future ended up in :( I wish there is a miracle for Daphne to recover from all this, it hurts just the more when I grew attached to their story. I hate Wendy by the way, I want to punch her like no tomorrow when she's in the picture...
I am deeply sad to know that his son and daughter didn't visited him in prison at the beginning so I was somewhat happy that at least Talon still did. Brad have made wrong decisions but he's never committed those crimes like Tom, Theos and Larry did so he deserves a second chance. All he ever wanted was to protect his family in his own way. I dont know where the story will go from here and everytime I read how Brad said he wanted to live happily and protect his family it makes me sad because I know what happened later. I like that Talon still visit his father, Brad, Talon is my favourite of the Steel Siblings, despite he's been through so much he still cared enough to visit him. On the contrary I wish Jonah would forgive his father one day... I really hope that at the end, in my HC Brad will be able to get out of prison, and live a new life with Daphne and his beloved family, and I do hope with some sort of miracle that Daphne condition will get better and she will be sane again. So sad. But I do love Brad and Daphne.