The Strongest Steel is a gem of a read! From the first page I was hooked and found that I couldn't decide if I wanted to devour the book or take my time and savor it because I didn't want it to end. It's a sweet, fun, sexy and emotional ride with just the right amount of drama and good dose of suspense that's filled with characters that you'd want to have in your inner circle of friends. 
 I adored Harper and Trent. Actually I loved Harper from the very beginning when she referred to a dog as a "rat on a leash." because there are a few dogs that I've said the same thing about so I figured it was good start, and it was. Despite the hell that Harper has been through she's a survivor. She is still working through what happened to her and hasn't allowed many close people and yet she hasn't closed herself off either. She has a generous heart and a quick wit with those that she comfortable with. Trent has that whole sexy alpha male vibe that just comes naturally and doesn't tip the scales into asshat territory. His easy going attitude, compassionate nature and charm made him that much smexier. 
 As for their relationship, I really liked how it progressed. While there was mutual attraction, there was no insta love involved (thank goodness) though trust, at least on one level, was instant considering Harper wanted a tattoo, but from that their relationship grew into more as walls started coming down and it was quite apparent that they were meant to be together. One of the things I enjoyed was that while Trent pushed the boundaries with Harper, he respected her enough and what she had been through to always give her a choice. 
 The story was well thought out and plotted and the writing is engaging and flows well. The pacing was excellent and the various twists and turns about Harper's past as well as what was currently going on with the psycho ex were woven well into the story. I liked the way that Ms. Cole addressed what had happened to Harper and how she was working at finally moving past it. I thought it was done realistically as well as with compassion. And as a fan of tattoos, considering I have some myself, I appreciated the effort she took to make the process come to life on the page because it showed how much she cares about getting it right. The secondary cast of characters were all fun and interesting and really gave depth and life to the story. It's difficult to pick a true favorite, but I do know that I want to know why Cujo is called Cujo because all that comes to mind is the beast from Stephen King's novel, but then again maybe that's a hint? {Thank goodness his book is next!} 
 The Bottom Line ~ The Strongest Steel is a great debut novel and now I have a new author to stalk..er..follow *grin* 
 ~ ARC received from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~