This is a heartwarming, sexy, thrilling and emotional second chance filled with danger, intriguing charters, heart pounding action and exciting rekindled passion... was a great reading experience from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this adventure and look forward to the next one.

Generic tale with more suspense than romance and underdeveloped MCs

I would like to thank B. J. Daniels, Harlequin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mild Spoilers

This book was a solid piece of work, but it lacked personality. It was well plotted and moved at a steady pace that didn’t let me get bored—though it slowed, sometimes a bit too much, during passages of introspection, reflection, and exposition—but the hero and heroine, the lifeblood of any romance, were bland and given little development. Chase had the storyline about his father, which gave him some character growth, but we knew little about him other than the unfortunate situation of his parentage, that he loved Mary, and that he could do ranch work and carpentry work. As for Mary, she liked decadent, calorie-loaded coffees that were pretty much desserts in a cup—end of interesting traits. And that trait was necessary for the plot to unfold as it did, not just a character-building fun fact. It was also said she was a rebel, in that she delighted doing the opposite of what her father tried to advise, but to be honest she didn’t strike me as a rebellious sort of person. She seemed too polite, respectable, and serious for that. Not nearly irreverent enough.

Because the MCs had little personality, I didn’t grow close to them or relate to them. Neither did I feel chemistry between Chase and Mary; their declarations of love seemed so automatic and unearned, especially on Chase’s part. We were simply supposed to accept that they fell in love years ago and were still in love despite their time apart. We didn’t see, either in real time or flashback, what happened to cause the rift, were only told about it, so that kept the two and their emotional conflict at arm’s length, too. We didn’t see them fall in love, which means the novel as a whole felt more like a thriller than a romance. The focus was definitely on the suspense and various crimes, because all that Mary and Chase needed to find their HEA was for Mary to reconcile with the fact that he was back and they could pretty much live the life she wanted to begin with, just four years delayed. Not all that romantic, engaging, or page filling.

The antagonists were a mixed bag. I’m not entirely sure what purpose Deputy Douchebag—I mean, Dillon Ramsey—was supposed to serve. He provided an obstacle and rival for Chase in regards to Mary’s affections, but it was so obvious he was an asswipe that I wasn’t at all concerned he was a true threat to Mary and Chase’s HEA. If anything, I lost some respect for Mary for the fact that she bothered dating him despite how few rats’ asses she gave about him—I lost even more respect for the fact that she continued to see him after she’d lost those few rats’ asses she gave. It was like she was trying to punish Chase or make him jealous on a subconscious level she wasn’t even aware of—or justified to herself as “making her own choices.” Also in regards to Deputy Douchebag, Daniels laid out the whole cattle-rustling thing, then totally abandoned it and killed him and his minion Grady off without further ado, leaving me to wonder what the hell the cattle rusting thing had to do with anything, because it came to nothing.

The primary antagonist, Fiona/Lucy, was actually pretty well-developed. Dare I say better developed than the MCs? We knew more about her background, about the trauma she endured growing up, about the challenges she faced as an adult, about her internal conflict, about her personality. We saw moments of vulnerability and regret that almost had me convinced she might do something selfless in the end to partially redeem herself. Unfortunately, she didn’t.

Lastly, there were a few distracting points in which continuity didn’t match up, such as halfway in when Mary and Chase “discover” that his mother met his father in Big Sky and act likes it’s a huge revelation, when that fact has already been known and mentioned at least three times before in the novel. But it could be that those minor issues were fixed in the final draft, so don’t worry too much about those.

Overall, Steel Resolve is good, generic contemporary romantic suspense in a western setting. Nothing stood out about it, it had a mass-produced feel to it, but it wasn’t a terrible waste of time to read, either.

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Great book! This looks to be the start of a new series: Cardwell Ranch. I'm excited to read more from this author and series. Fans of Sharon Sala and Linda Lael Miller are sure to like this!

This book could be classified as a second chance, suspenseful, mystery romance. Wonderful characters both good and bad and a fast pace narrative, make this book an exciting read.

Chase Steele never knew who is father was, his mother refusing to tell him. However, when he was 15, and she was first diagnosed with cancer, she sent him to live with the Jensen family at their ranch in Big Sky Montana. During those years, he also fell in love with their next door neighbor, Mary Cardwell Savage. Unlike most of their peers including her 3 brothers, Mary had no desire to go off and see the rest of the world. She just wanted to go to college near by and then come home to her legacy the Caldwell Ranch. When they were 24, feeling they were too young for marriage, Chase left, heading to Arizona where his mother was, Mary refusing to go with him. He never stopped loving her. After his mother's death he decides it is time to go back to Big Sky and Mary, even though they had not kept in touch. Meanwhile, a friend of his mother's, leaves a package for him with the Caldwells, labeled to be delivered to Chase after her death. Mary sends him a melancholy letter telling him about the package, about the same time he had already decided to return to her. However, he has a crazy stalker obsessed with him, who follows him back to Big Sky with revenge in her heart, and deaths in her wake. Can Chase convince Mary that she can trust him? Can he keep them both safe?

I received an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my voluntary and unbiased review.

This second chance romance mixed with some mystery and danger. Loved all the elements of this story and would definitely recommend it.

An easy read without too much mystery or suspense...but lots of crazy stalking. I liked it. 3.5/4 stars

I received this book complementary of Net Galley and publishers. His history is bringing Chase back home and Mary is still there waiting for him! This book has several different stories surrounding the main story but the mystery of a stalker ex-girlfriend had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is a must read! LOVED IT.

I, personally, love when authors revisit their earlier series with additional stories, new family members or take us into the next generation. So picking up STEEL RESOLVE was a given for me as I’ve enjoyed Dana and Hud’s story in an earlier series and cameo appearances in others. To see their daughter finding love and facing danger was like coming home to family treat for me.

Once, Mary and Chase had a future together ahead of them – until one event changed everything and they went their separate ways in hurt and anger. Now, simply by writing out her true feelings for Chase and leaving the letter where she shouldn’t have she has brought Chase home — and more trouble than anyone bargained for as well.

STEEL RESOLVE is told in several points of view, the most unique one (to me) was the voice of one deranged woman as she planned and executed her evil doings. Hud is also heard as he tracks down cattle thieves, and he has a very good idea of who to blame he just needs proof. And then there are Mary’s and Chase’s voices as we hear the story from their point of view. Admittedly, there is a lot going on in this story, but I didn’t find it difficult to keep the stories straight while reading. Even with an established Cardwell universe, there is still some world building for this new series, which I expected.

I enjoyed my time in STEEL RESOLVE, there is the second chance romance for Chase and Mary, a real danger to Mary on a few different fronts, a mystery to solve and old friends to catch up with. If you’ve followed the Cardwell series then you’ll enjoy going back for a visit – if this is your first Cardwell story then anything you really need to know about the characters is given to you in this story. I had fun, and that’s the entire point of reading Romantic Suspense.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Mary and Chase were high school sweethearts, staying together nearly all through college, but Chase decided to take off and make his fortune elsewhere and discover himself, leaving Mary heartbroken back in Montana. Chase ends up in Arizona Caring for his ailing mother, who passes. Chase decides to come back when he receives a letter from Mary. Only Mary never meant him to have it.
To make matters more complicated, Chase picked up a stalker, Fiona, who is positive Chase is meant to be with her. When Chase leaves to go back to Big Sky Montana, Fiona vows to make him sorry. Chase just wants to leave her behind, return home and win Mary back. Fiona plans to make him pay with his life. And Mary too…
All in all I thought this was a pretty good book. There were a few little things that I wasn’t completely sold on. The whole book Chase admits to sleeping with Fiona, but during the climax he does a 180 and claims he only remembers her taking off his boots and jeans before he went to sleep. So the whole tension between him and Mary was null and void…quite conveniently. I also thought Mary took him back quite easily really. They were doing the whole friendship thing, with Mary helping Chase try to figure out who his father is, and then she’s asking him at the end if he plans to be her man. Huh.
I did enjoy getting a multiple pov book, with it rotating through Chase, Fiona, Mary, Hud, and Dillion. It felt like you were getting a full 360 view of what was going on and what everyone was thinking. There wasn’t much mystery as a result, but there was a little bit of suspense and it certainly was an intriguing read.
This is my first B.J. Daniel’s book, but I think I will certainly be looking for more to read!

This was a very good, well written and suspenseful read. There was a lot going on but still entertaining to read.

Mary wrote her true feelings in a letter never intending on sending it out. Chase has been dealing with a unstable women he had one night with who thinks there's something more between them. After the death of his mother he returns to his hometown for Mary after receiving her letter and trying to figure out who his father was. Thing is the unstable women clearly can't take a hint and get her revenge for him leaving her.

This was a pretty good book. I loved that not only does the readers get the point of view of the main characters Chase and Mary but the unstable women, Fiona, as well. As much as I liked the romance between the two I loved seeing Fiona's perspective, seeing how she was making herself blend in. Seeing the lengths she would go through to get what she wants and seek revenge and who she thinks deserves it. It was also interesting getting her bit of back story. I loved that I was curious on when Fiona would strike out on the couple how she would do it. I did enjoy the second chance romance that Mary and Chance went though and seeing how they were working together to find his paternal father. That side was interesting enough but tbh I really loved getting Fiona's perspective on this book. Overall great book I really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this fast paced second chance romance with intrigue. I felt the characters were well developed even with the shorter length of the novel. I loved the unusual story line...the crazy stalker attempting to thwart the rekindling of a first love. The H and h were both relatable and enjoyable characters to read about. The Montana setting was a nice backdrop as well.

Definitely recommend this book. I would be interested in more from this author as well...and the set up for the next in this series was introduced.

I loved every minute of this fantastic debut to the Cardwell Ranch-Montana Legacy series with complex characters and a well-crafted thrill-ride that kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen in this can't-put-down book. I really liked Mary Caldwell Savage and her dynamic with everyone in Big Sky, Montana especially Chase Steele who returns to prove their love deserves a second chance with an unstable and dangerous stalker following close behind.

Steel Resolve is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-written contemporary western romantic suspense. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I also purchased a copy to read again later and look forward to more from this gifted author.

This was a good second chance romance combined with several elements of mystery and danger. Mary and Chase were friends and sweethearts through high school and college. Their youth worked against them when Chase left Big Sky, breaking Mary's heart. They never forgot each other or their love. When Mary received a box to deliver to Chase after his mother's death, it gave her the excuse she needed to write to him, though she never meant to mail that particular version of the letter.

Chase left Big Sky to find out who he was. He never knew who his father was, which left a huge hole in his heart. Even on her deathbed, his mother refused to reveal that information. He lived and worked in Arizona while caring for his mother, and was in bad shape on the day he picked up her ashes. After having too much to drink, he ended up spending the night with Fiona, something he recognized as a mistake the next morning. Even after explaining that he was in love with another woman, Fiona wouldn't leave him alone, convinced that they belonged together. Mary's letter gave Chase the push he needed to return to Montana, escape from Fiona, and hopefully win back Mary.

Meanwhile, back in Big Sky, Mary attempts to move on with her life. When she doesn't hear from Chase about her letter, she's hurt. She tries dating one of her father's deputies, but he doesn't measure up to her memories of Chase. She stays busy with her work and frequent visits to her parents' ranch. She's stunned when Chase appears at the ranch declaring his love and wanting a second chance. Things got complicated when Dillon showed up. It was interesting to see how different the two men handled it. I loved how Chase made it plain to Mary that he wasn't going anywhere.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Mary and Chase. Chase is determined to win her back, but Mary is a bit hesitant. She isn't sure that she's willing to trust her heart to him again. I liked that Chase was ready to give her time, but also wasn't going to back off from showing her how he felt. One thing that brought them together was Chase's search for his father. The contents of the box Mary gave him contained some clues, and Mary offered to help him figure it out. I loved how she understood how important it was to him and how she supported him. I ached for Chase as the search continued and he met various potential fathers. It didn't take long for Mary to realize that her love for Chase is as strong as ever and to want a future together. But there is someone who has vastly different ideas on the subject.

From the very beginning of the book, there is a front row seat to the bane of Chase's life. Fiona's obsession with Chase and what she believes is a scary thing. Watching the lengths she went to in getting close to Mary was terrifying in its complexity. I was glued to the pages as I waited for Chase to get a clue and hoping that it wouldn't be too late. The final confrontation was intense, with Mary in a fight for her life. It had a satisfying ending, with later revelations giving context to Fiona's actions.

There was a minor storyline about some cattle rustling that was intertwined with some of the characters. It gave vital information about the motives of one of the characters. Though the mystery was resolved, it did not go the way I expected it to.

I am a long-time reader of B.J. Daniels' books and it was fun to see that we are now moving on to a new generation of Cardwells. Dana and Hud's story was told in Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch, and over the years we have seen their family grow. I've always enjoyed the glimpses into the lives of previous characters. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Whoa, okay... first of all, B.J. Daniels is a great writer. I've read and enjoyed many of her stories. I grabbed this one because it sounded really good. The story started off well enough and then took a hard left and completely took me out of the story.

The things the villian(s) went through to exact revenge/make amends/etc. went WAY beyond the norm. I mean I do know this is fiction but the plot was a little too outside the scope of the story. I couldn't believe what I was reading and so I couldn't relate to the characters.

This review will not affect me from picking up future books by the author. The story just wasn't for me.

I liked the story. There was love and intrigue. It was a real page turner. The characters were strong and we'll developed. The writing was very good.. I love sexy cowboys. I love mystery, suspense and twists. I give the book 4.5 stars and a strong recommendation.

I liked this book. The storyline is well written and offers both tension and emotion. Mary and Chase's story will keep you engaged and in my opinion, often on edge. This is supposed to be a romantic suspense read but as it is written there was not much suspense to it. There was however, a pretty big creep factor. One that I though was both timely and thought provoking.

There were more than one mysteries happening in this book, which made for a fairly interesting storyline. There were some twists and turns along the way and the conclusion was satisfactory. I really enjoyed it. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review

I love all of her books. I especially enjoy the mix of romance and intrigue. From the first page I was hooked and hated to see it end. If you have never read this author, you are missing out.

I really enjoyed this story. Mary and Chase have been in love since they were kids. Mary broke up with him and he left town. She couldn't believe it. Now Chase is back, they still feel the same way about each other, but Mary isn't sure she can trust him again. Before Chase came back, he had a woman who was sure that Chase loved her and when she finds out his heart belongs to someone else, she is determined to get rid of the competition. Mary is unaware of the woman who wants her dead and Chase will do everything he can to protect Mary. Will they be able to get around their past?