Steele

Justice #1

by Kathi S. Barton

Steele Bennett was born with a gift, but he sees it more as a curse--he can see and speak with spirits. And when he loses his twin sister at seventeen, he wants to turn his back on life--block his heart so that he never has to feel the sharp pain of loss again… The small bar Kari Briggs runs is failing fast. She hasn’t seen the owner in three months, past due notices are piling high, and her last paycheck bounced twice. And if she doesn’t pay the delivery guy soon, there’ll be no more supplies. She has trouble enough controlling her cat, so the last thing she needs tonight is trouble. But those guys at the bar won’t listen and take it outside. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she is shocked when a tall stranger grips her arms from behind and her cat wants to roll over and purr. From the moment Steele touches her, she knows he’s her mate. And Steele thinks he can just get her out of his system with sex and a lot of it--he won’t mark her and she can’t mark him--no permanent attachments. But that’s not how it works with a shifter, she will die if her cat can’t get what she needs from him. She will love him because she has no choice--he is her mate--but that is a secret she is willing to take to her grave…

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance

205 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2015

About the author

Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my introduction to the world of author Kathi S. Barton.....I really loved this book! I've never read a book quite like this one. I entered the of necromancer Steele Bennett. Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, Steele has spent his entire life helping the dead find justice. He had a very troubled childhood and lost his best friend, his twin sister Aster at a young age. With the help of his dead sisters ghost, Steele, along with others like himself, uncover a mystery of unsolved murders.

Kari Briggs, a panther shifter, is drawn into Steele's world when it's discovered they are mates. There's lots of angst with these two in the beginning. Then when his mate's life is in danger, only he can save her.

I loved the relationship between Steele & Kari. Though they both drove each other crazy with denying what they were to each other. The sexual chemistry and sexual tension with this couple was hot hot hot! Kathi Barton writes some very steamy love scenes.

I find the world of communicating with the dead a fascinating one and look forward to the next book in this interesting series.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be a great series. Then again, I've never read anything from Kathi that I didn't love.

Poor Steele! He loses everything in one day, one right after the other. This gives us a glimpse into why he became the man he is and you can understand why he protects his heart the way he does. Until he meets Kari, of course. Kari has also had a rough life and the hits just keep coming for her. She knows who Steele is to her, but as a human, Steele doesn't know that. He thinks he can keep her around for one thing only and that'll be it. There are times you want to throttle him for how he treats her, but don't worry, he more than redeems himself. There were some great plot twists I didn't see coming and am so thankful things worked out that way. I can't wait to see what book 2 holds for Nick. We got a glimpse of what's coming for him at the end of this book and I'm already counting down until I can get my hands on Nick, err I mean, Nick's story.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathi S. Barton is an amazing author and I have totally fallen in love with this book. There was no way that I was putting it down and carried it everywhere with me. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you know them personally and the story will grab you and not let you go until you finish the very last sentence and then you are wanting more. This has got to be read, you will not be sorry.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Released in 2015, 'Steele' is the first book in Kathi S. Barton's "Justice" series. It's definitely a twist on what I'm used to from Ms. Barton and I mean that in a good way. Kari is working behind the bar when she realizes blood is about to be spilled and she proceeds to tell them to take it outside. When they don't listen the first time she repeats herself thinking it's going to turn physical with her she receives unsolicited backup from another patrol that has stepped up behind her. It turns out his name is Ray and he's part of the Dreamers Team, a group of men who are also necromancers. The bar finally closes, and all customers leave except this group of me, which includes our Hero Steele Bennett, and the bartender, Kari Briggs. That is when we, along with Kari, find out the financial straits of the bar and she has been left in since she hasn't seen or heard from the owner in an extended period of time. Not only that, but Kari is a panther shifter who was turned without her permission and then left with no guidance on how to exist with or control her cat. Oh, let me add the frosting to this mixed ingredients of delight. Steele comes across as an absolutely first-class jerk (I'm being politically correct here), and I wanted to punch him. There are numerous twists and turns in the plot, several ghosts have major parts in the storyline, and a bombshell I didn't see coming. With this being the representative of a new series for me I can't wait to see what 'Nick' brings in the next book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.Steele had a hard life and don't want to love anyone. Kari was change against her will. Can Steele and Kari find love before its to late. The character are amazing and the plot is wonderful. Love meeting everyone can't wait to see what will happen with them.

[Ellena deLeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was artfully crafted and uniquely designed to pull you into the pages where secrets and fairytales live and dreams come true for those who believe!

This book was enchanting, enthralling and endlessly entertaining where stubbornness and determination to rise above conflict with a core of steel to get to where love and happiness lives! The twists and turns and ups and downs in this book gives the starting of this series a darker undertone than previous series. I suppose when you're dealing with necromancers there would have to be some weird things, but the irony of the HEA makes it a worthy book to read!!!

One of Your Greatest Fans,

Lena deLeon
lenadeleon2004.ld@gmail.com

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Interesting!

Steele can see & talk to ghosts; he & his twin sister, Aster, have been able to do that since they were little. But, 1 day when he was in his teens he helped a woman ghost that changed his world.

Kari, is a panther but, she was changed into the panther against her will & can’t always control it. She’s been working at a bar & wondering where the owner is & when was he coming back when she met Steele.

Kari knee immediately that Steele was her mate; but, unfortunately for her all he wanted was protected sex. That’s how this story starts & I’m not going to tell you how it ends other than this book was very good & has lots of interesting things going on.

[Laura Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ STARS
It's been awhile since I've read a Barton book. And boy oh boy was this a great series to start back on!! Love the Ghost whisperer meets Shifter. Hot steamy sexy love along with a crimes to solve! The whole gamit of goodies right here!!

[Mnms · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fairly dark and intense story that totally derails, which really is a shame

[Adrianna Lamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read a book quite like this one. Kathi S. Barton is an amazing author. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a few hours. The character are amazing and the plot is wonderful.

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started to read this I was intrigued by the whole being able to talk to spirits and help them find peace. When Steele is introduced in the beginning I was not sure what I thought about him. When we see him as a grown man I again felt like he was a jerk and his actions did not make me change my mind. I understood his reasons for acting the way he did but still thought he was a spoiled self centered brat even when he was an adult. Kari was not all sunshine and smiles either. Again I understood the attitude but thought she gave up to easy when it came to Steele as it was easy to see she was a force to be reckoned with. Pairing these two hostile characters was quite a rush, both were so similar that they almost missed out what a good thing they could have together. I enjoyed getting to know some of the spirits that were hanging around. They added humor, understanding, acceptance and helped the Necromancers find peace just has they helped the spirits. As always secrets have a way of coming out and there were some big ones. Several twists and turns and a dark threat set the stage for what is to come. This was well thought out but not as clean as some of the others Ms. Barton has written. The flow was a little off at the beginning but as the story progressed it smoothed out and did not seem to have any more glitches. The characters were intense, the supporting characters were interesting and keep things on an even keel keeping the story focusing on the bigger picture not just the unhappy couple. The storyline keeps your interest and I can see the potential greatness to come. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele Bennett was born with a gift, but he sees it more as a curse―he can see and speak with spirits. And when he loses his twin sister at seventeen, he wants to turn his back on life―block his heart so that he never has to feel the sharp pain of loss again...
The small bar Kari Briggs runs is failing fast. She hasn't seen the owner in three months, past due notices are piling high, and her last paycheck bounced twice. And if she doesn't pay the delivery guy soon, there'll be no more supplies.
She has trouble enough controlling her cat, so the last thing she needs tonight is trouble. But those guys at the bar won't listen and take it outside. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she is shocked when a tall stranger grips her arms from behind and her cat wants to roll over and purr.
From the moment Steele touches her, she knows he's her mate. And Steele thinks he can just get her out of his system with sex and a lot of it―he won't mark her and she can't mark him―no permanent attachments. But that's not how it works with a shifter, she will die if her cat can't get what she needs from him. She will love him because she has no choice―he is her mate―but that is a secret she is willing to take to her grave...

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had to read this book a couple times to finally start to like it. I've read just about every book that Kathi has put out, but this was a first with ghosts and necromancers.

Steele Bennett hasn't had an easy life. Besides always been able to see ghosts and help them to crossover, his parents despise him and his twin sister. But that's not all the secrets this family has hidden. After his sister dies he's convinced he will never help another "client" again and he most certainly will never love someone to the point that they can hurt him.

Kari Briggs has also had a troubling past. She's been turned to a cat without her consent and now has no idea how to control it. The bar she's working at isn't paying her since the owner ran out on her 3 months ago with all the money the bar had. But one run in with the group of necromancers and she's found her mate.

Both of these people have issues they must overcome before these two even have an attempt of a future together. But with Steele's refusal to admit he's her mate, her cat is slowly dying. Will Steele realize his love for Kari before it's too late?

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had to read this book a couple times to finally start to like it. I've read just about every book that Kathi has put out, but this was a first with ghosts and necromancers.

Steele Bennett hasn't had an easy life. Besides always been able to see ghosts and help them to crossover, his parents despise him and his twin sister. But that's not all the secrets this family has hidden. After his sister dies he's convinced he will never help another "client" again and he most certainly will never love someone to the point that they can hurt him.

Kari Briggs has also had a troubling past. She's been turned to a cat without her consent and now has no idea how to control it. The bar she's working at isn't paying her since the owner ran out on her 3 months ago with all the money the bar had. But one run in with the group of necromancers and she's found her mate.

Both of these people have issues they must overcome before these two even have an attempt of a future together. But with Steele's refusal to admit he's her mate, her cat is slowly dying. Will Steele realize his love for Kari before it's too late?

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

[LaVida Brisco - One Last Page Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Steele My Heart

What a fantastic start to which undoubtedly will be another awesome series by Kathi S. Barton. Steele always had the gift of talking to the dead until one night a ghost leads him to secrets that his family would wish to leave buried literally. That same day Steele lost the most important person in his life his twin sister Aster from that point on he decided to close his heart because everyone he loves he loses. Kari is a panther working a dead end job without any control over her cat and one whiff of Steele and she knows that he is her mate. From there you're taking on a roller coaster of emotions with blazing chemistry that will have you blasting Steele while wanting to rip his clothes off, the secondary characters in the book are great and I can't wait to read all about their HEA. So looking forward to the next book in what will be a extraordinary series.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele is a great read - he sees and talks with the dead and he sees it as a curse. He has a twin sister that means the world to him. On the fateful day that they turn 17 he loses his sister, his dad commits suicide and his mom is committed. He wants to give up on everything and walk away from life.

Kari is a panther - she has all she can do to control her. She knows from one touch that Steele is her mate but he doesn't want her for anything more than someone to have sex with. Such an awesome journey these two take to come together as one.

This is most definitely a must read and would recommend to everyone.

[Laura Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first book in this series. Steele is a gruff alpha male with a scarred past and puts an emotional block on his heart. Kari is a cat she has trouble controlling. They come together like an explosion, then Steele, being the emotionally stunted person he is, ignores their true meaning to each other. Steele has the ability to see the dead and leads this story in a unique way. When he gets his head out of his backside and realises how he can't live with Kari, he goes full force on claiming her. But will she allow him too? Good story line and great characters, with a glimpse of future series characters, promises to be another fabulous series from Kathi.

[Charlene Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele: Justice Series

The first of another FANTASTIC series by the incredible Kathi S Barton.

Steele is a necromancer who meets a panther, and that is just the beginning of the fun.

There are ghosts, bad guys, and so much more going on. And of course there is the love story.

Kathi has truly taken us in another direction, and it is a WONDERFUL journey.

Can't wait for the next one

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undecided

I am still undecided about this story. There is so much potential, but when I completed reading it. I felt it was unfinished. The romance aspect also seemed to come out of left field. Steele is a complete jerk, just wants a quick lay, then suddenly they are in love. I will re-read this at a later date and see if my opinion changes. Regardless, I think Kathi Barton is an excellent author and will continue to read her stories.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not sure when first started book if i was gonna continue. Love Kathi's books,but this is first time i have ever read a story about ghost. It did not take me long to get into the story and i really enjoyed it. Lots of funny moments,steamy scenes,had me crying several times .

[Michelle °O° · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTF did I just read? :(

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would of been a good book, if it didn't talk about raping children.

[Debbie Bregman-Buis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story a lot. Didn't like how it was written though. I didn't like the style, since it was kind of confusing who said what.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

mm