Nerves of Steele

Books Review, Christian Fiction, First Line Friday, Novels, Romantic Suspense, Writing Spot

Welcome to First Line Friday!
Today I’m featuring

Nerves of Steele by Susan Sleeman.

One mysterious break-in…

As a middle child, Peyton Steele has always needed to find a way to standout. But coming to the attention of the head of security for her client’s jewelry store when millions of dollars in jewels go missing is not the way to do it. She thinks the state-of-the-art cameras she’d recently had installed will make it easy to find the thief, but she’s stunned when the video doesn’t show the theft taking place.

Propels her into a level of danger she’s never known.

The lack of video evidence is not acceptable to store security manager and former detective, Grant Logan. He’s given up his law enforcement career to spend more time with his daughter and he’s up for a promotion as security manager for the entire jewelry chain. To gain the job that will give his young daughter everything he wants for her, he has to prove his abilities by finding the thief at all costs. He’ll put everything on the line to gain this new job, but how far will he go? Despite his growing interest in Peyton, will he risk both of their lives to succeed?

From Goodreads

Author Information

Discover more information about Susan Sleeman at: susansleeman.com.

First Line

[Graphic Text]: Five minutes. Only five minutes stood between Peyton and sanity, and she didn’t know if she would make it.

My Review

Nerves of Steele is the second book in Susan Sleeman’s romantic suspense series, Steele Guardians.

Peyton’s story is unique in that it doesn’t begin with her fleeing for her life, but rather for her sanity. She doesn’t get far when a robbery–and the handsome security guard–derails her plans. Grant left the LAPD to spend more time with his daughter, but if he can’t solve this robbery, he may be out of a job.

Overall, this story was more mystery and who-done-it than high suspense. Discovering the who behind the crimes was a winding road and just as the reader (and characters) figured out one step, another twist was thrown in. I liked how Peyton and Grant acknowledged their attraction for each other up front, as well as the reasons neither could act on those feelings, despite the growing disappointment with those choices.

Most of all, I loved the spiritual side of this story. Grant has already wrestled through some of the hard questions, but Peyton has not and observing their conversation takes the question of why bad things happen well past the usual Christian platitudes.

If you’re looking for a sleuthing romantic suspense, then definitively grab a copy of Nerves of Steele! Book three will be coming soon, too!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Retail Links

Amazon | BN.com | Indiebound
Goodreads | BookBub

Now it’s your turn.
Pull out the book beside you and leave a comment with the first line.

First Line Friday is hosted by Reading is my Super Power.


8 thoughts on “Nerves of Steele

  1. I love Susan Sleeman’s books. I’m a little behind, but I’m hoping to start this series soon. It sounds so good! Hope you have a great week! 🙂

  2. Happy Friday!
    I’m currently in the middle of One Fine Day by Rachel Hauck and Carrie Padgett. I’m loving it!
    “Chloe woke at two a.m. thinking about Sam, and somewhere between brushing her teeth and pinning her beloved beaded clip into her hair, guilt crept up her chest and filled her throat.”
    I hope you have an excellent weekend!

  3. I need to get back into reading Susan!

    The book I chose this week will release on June 7.
    In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer
    St. Louis, Missouri. 1895
    Invisible people rarely received correspondence. A fact that Damaris Baxter had accepted long ago.

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