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Forged of Steele #7

Intimate Seduction

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When a man finds a beautiful woman asleep in his bed...

...he has only one choice. To seduce her with a night of lovemaking she'll never forget. Trouble is, Donovan Steele's sultry new housekeeper is just as determined not to become the legendary playboy's latest conquest.

Trading the Ivy League for down South, Natalie Ford is helping out with her ailing aunt's housecleaning service. But she finds that this powerful, potent man of Steele ignites a different kind of chemistry--one that defies every law of attraction the science professor ever learned.

Natalie knows she has to come clean to Donovan about who she really is...especially when he starts believing she's out to sabotage his family business. Will she lose her chance to love the real man behind the seductive legend?

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2009

175 people are currently reading
705 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Jackson

892 books3,560 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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5 stars
883 (58%)
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417 (27%)
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172 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2009
Mrs. Jackson gives us another Steele Hit! I must admit considering the "playa" that Donovan Steele has been portrayed as throughout this series...I DEFINITELY thought there would be more drama...perhaps some of his other women NOT taking to kindly to ONE woman occupying all his attention and time...and making big TROUBLE for him...but SURPRISINGLY the only DRAMA was caused by Donovan, himself...lol...the romance as usual is on point...another quick and ENGAGING read...and I can't wait to meet ALL the Bachelors in Demand...and also the Steele's of Phoenix and their circle friends...bring it on, Mrs. Jackson!
Profile Image for Wsb.
149 reviews
January 7, 2019
It really breaks my heart to give this a two star rating because I love Brenda Jackson's novels. I JUST CANNOT with this book! Several times I wanted to stop reading but I had to see how it ended.

Spoilers from here on out -

Problem 1:

Donovan Steele is a creepy stalker. He finds this woman sleeping in his bed. Does he WTF?!! and throw her out? No, he lifts the cover and checks out her body before waking her. And he wakes her with the goal of getting her back in bed. Now mind you that Donovan has a policy about not letting women into his Master Bedroom. But he finds this stranger there and because she has a nice body, his goal is for them to have sex in his sacred bed. Um Okay.

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Creepy.


Donovan pursues Natalie relentlessly. Going so far as to deliver flowers to her aunt's house personally. Natalie continues to resist him while giving somewhat mixed signals. I mean her mouth clearly states that she doesn't want anything to do with him. That same mouth spends like five minutes kissing him outside of Racetrack Cafe.

Donovan's pursuit of Natalie confused me even more. He is a staunch bachelor and prides himself on the fact that he only deals with women who know the score and want the same things he does. Yet Natalie is adamant she she is not interested in him, makes it clear - and he continues to pursue her. To point where he demands that he receive cleaning services once a week and then takes the day off so that he can be at home when she gets there. Then he comes out of his office with his shirt open in an attempt to turn her on. Finally when all else fails, he blocks her way out of the bathroom when she's done cleaning and kisses her while surreptitiously moving her toward the bed.

Creepy.


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So after their first fling Natalie sends another worker to clean Donovan's house. Her reasoning makes sense, there is no way that she can keep working for him after they've had sex. Donovan decides to come out of the shower all shiny and naked wearing nothing but a towel and scares the bejesus out of this cleaning woman who is actually there to work. He then throws a tantrum telling Natalie that he will ruin her aunt's business by pulling all of his referrals, which happen to be the highest paying clients, unless Natalie meets him at the cafe.

Creepy. Stalker.



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A very angry Natalie, feeling that she has no choice (yeah right), agrees to meet him. When they arrive at the cafe Donovan doesn't understand why Natalie is so upset. When she explains that she doesn't appreciate his threats he proceeds to ask her questions in an attempt to get to know her.


Natalie's anger vanishes into thin air and she and Donovan wind up making out.



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WTF? This made absolutely no sense to me. The guy threatened to ruin your business - I get that you're attracted to him and whatever but really? Suddenly the anger is gone and now you're rushing off with him to see his niece being born? No. I'm not buying it.



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Problem 2:

This whole "Bachelor in Demand" thing. The idea of these guys forming this club was ludicrous enough. I get someone making a vow to remain a bachelor forever but to go so far as to form a "club" is hilarious. These are grown men not eight year old boys. I was willing to let this slide since this is the name of the series and the author had to give us some backstory on it. I was done however when Farrah recited what I call "The Legend of the Bachelor's in Demand"

The author expects for me to believe that in a city as large as Charlotte, women are sitting around the office - the water cooler if you will - discussing the bachelors in demand? To the point where Farrah knew their entire history; the fact that they were all god brothers, that all of their fathers went to college together, and that all of their names began with U, X, W... etc? Also she knew enough detail about Donovan to know that he doesn't invite women to his "real" bedroom. I'm sorry but no. You're going to have to find a better way to explain this history. If they lived in Mayberry I'd probably believe it. But in Charlotte - that simple doesn't make sense.


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Outside of these issues it was the typical Brenda Jackson novel. Steamy sex scenes accompanied by insta-love. Usually I enjoy these things but I couldn't get past Donovan's creepy stalker tendencies.
Profile Image for Elle.
712 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2010
This book has such a high average rating that I thought I'd like it a lot better, but I didn't. It was both slow moving and ridiculous. Ridiculous in that I just ended up getting annoyed.

1) I don't care how hot, if I found my cleaning person (if I had one) sleeping in my bed while they were suppose to be working I would fire them and ask for a refund on that shift. Then I'd clean myself because you can't trust anyone these days.
2) If I had a PhD, I wouldn't be purposefully hiding it from people. Sure I might not rub it in your face, but if I was on sabbatical to help out my aunt and someone directly asked me what I was doing I would say!
3) Why do the women always have such little experience, YET are told they are naturals when they meet 'the one'? Wouldn't there be some awkward, hesitant sex before they get lost in passion? My life leads me to believe that there would be!

So I'm not going to be reading any Brenda Jackson for awhile. This book wasn't bad bad bad, it was Ok, low level good you could say. But it just didn't suit me.
Profile Image for anahissa.
112 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2023
I picked this book up off the street, noticing only the “New York Times Bestselling Author” tag on the cover. I had no idea who Brenda Jackson was or what kind of book this was going to be. Scandalous! The book is soaked in sex and sweet relationships but it also did not give me enough character development or even chemistry between the two other than physical. I really tried to be open about this knowing it’s a pulpy romance and I really enjoyed the beginning, I found it fun. But eventually I realized what I wanted more was tension and I felt like they got together pretty quickly and there really weren’t any good obstacles in their way. Would’ve preferred a stronger enemies to lovers storyline. Also the end was just….. ridiculous. She’s a famous professor and she’s leaving her job to get married and have babies with someone she met less than 4 weeks ago???? What?? I’m all for true love but she is constantly referring to herself as reasonable it makes no sense. Also giggled at the “inside of her was my home” line.

Still, I enjoyed the word building of the novel as I understand to be one in a collection of books about the Steele family. I also looked up Jackson and I really appreciate her background and what she’s trying to do here with showcasing black love and relationships. And I liked the strength of the family in this. I think I just would’ve liked stronger tension and obstacles to overcome. Great sex though.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,598 reviews49 followers
September 2, 2018
At first, I was annoyed with Donovan's arrogant behavior. Not every woman appreciates an Alpha male coming on so strong. He was just about to cross the "pursuer" line into stalker territory! Natalie had self esteem issues due to Karl and other assorted creeps implying that Natalie may be an expert in chemistry but she was failing at romance. So I understood why she kept her credentials secret from Donovan. Natalie wanted to see how he would treat her if he only thought she was a housekeeper. I loved how Natalie stepped in to help her injured aunt. She was extremely grateful for how her aunt took care of her when Natalie's mother abandoned her. Absolutely hilarious when Donovan discovers what Natalie really does for a living!
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,498 followers
June 26, 2011
Love brenda jackson this was a good book in the series of Steels to read. Brenda sure knows how to get us addictive to her series. you will enjoy this book And the not knowing who she really is but catching her in his bed asleep and looking good i do like the book good read for me


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Profile Image for Lisa.
218 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2013
I found this book very enjoyable. I love this author's writing style. Very romantic descriptions. I liked the way she created Donovan's character to be sure of himself but at the same time showing vulnerability when it came down to Natalie. Would suggest this to anyone who wants some nice easy, get away from the everyday world reading.
Profile Image for Deb.
67 reviews
September 16, 2013
Yum.These Steele boys sure do know how to treat a lady. Felt like I was visiting friends with Donovan and Natalie since I knew about them in Uri's story. It was great seeing how they met. The key to any relationship is TRUST. Without that, there is no relationship. Great read
Profile Image for LaSonya.
86 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2016
Very good read. I knew it would be with Brenda Jackson's name on it.
Profile Image for Limecello.
2,504 reviews45 followers
Read
April 12, 2022
Donovan and Natalie are a cute couple - but her whole "OH MY GOD I CAN'T LET ANYONE KNOW I'M SMART" is really annoying.
GR says this book was published in 2009 ... so yeah.
[It seems like she's been teaching for a bit ... although maybe just a year? But like getting your PhD in chemistry in four years? I guess is possible if you do a Masters/PhD/straight from BS to PhD? Cuz usually you still need like what 1-3 years of classes and then writing and defending your thesis...] ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Donovan goes from sex obsessed - and not [just] with Natalie - just - goes from absolute player to totally smitten with Natalie.
I liked all the cameo appearances from all the other Brenda Jackson books.
They're both very likeable characters. The main drama isn't even that manufactured/I could see it coming but I was like "yeah this makes perfect sense and I can see it happening in real life."

... not ... so much the "can't tell anyone I'm smart" thing but .... whatever.

I'd say ... C- - ?
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews8 followers
February 1, 2023
Intimate Seduction. I liked this book! What is it like to come home and find a woman in your bed? Well, Donovan find that when he came home and find a woman in his bed. He finds out she was the housecleaner's niece and stepping in because her aunt hurt hesself. Donovan didn't care. He wanted her and was determined to have her back in his bed once again. His tactics were overbearing and Natalie Ford couldn't resist. But trouble was blooming because Natalie hasn't told Donovan who she really is and what job she really have as a professor. That might be a game changer. This is a good read!
Profile Image for Khaleelah Gilcreast.
8 reviews
March 24, 2020
Great as always

I absolutely love anything by Mrs Jackson, so I'm always expecting to be entertained. I took sometime off from reading her books because I wanted them to all be the soft back version (I'm a weirdo when it comes to books) but with being basically quarantined and away from my booksI couldn't resist buying and reading this book. I am glad I didn't resist. I loved the simplicity of thier story. It just made me feel good and remember why Mrs. Jackson is one of my favorite authors and certainly in the top three.
87 reviews
May 10, 2021
Donovan Steele,had everything planned for his bachelor life,until he accidentally bumped into Natalie,who rocked his world.While still thinking he was in control,he didn't realised that his control was gradually slipping.Natalie level of humbleness really appealed to me!!
She saw nothing wrong with assisting her aunt with her housekeeping service despite being a well renowned doctor
Profile Image for Turtleberry Turtleberry.
Author 46 books47 followers
September 14, 2024
Donovan literally found Natalie in his bed and didn't have any problem with her being there. He pursued her until she finally gave in to them having a fling. That fling quickly turned into more.
I enjoyed this story. Their misunderstanding and makeup was natural given what she had kept from him. Very good book.
201 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2025
Intimate Seduction

This was a story about Natalie Ford and Donavan Steele. They met when he found her asleep in his bed. Natalie had come to town because her Aunt Earline injured her ankle. Since her company was responsible for housekeeping for Donavan, Natalie cleaned his home for her aunt. He instantly was attracted to Natalie and fell in love before he was aware.
79 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2023
Donovan’s story was very unbelievable to me. I love the Steele brothers, but I NEVER like the “player boy arch” and didn’t like it here. And the “conflict” at the end was just silly.

But, Brenda Jackson is still a go-to author and I LOVE Ron Butler narrating her books.
Profile Image for Kelly Cook.
146 reviews
October 4, 2019
Natalie is a self described chemistry geek and Donovan is a self described ‘playa’ bachelor.

This a hot and steamy story, that continues the Steele Family series.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
65 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2021
Pretty good story, but I don’t like the way it ended!
Profile Image for Cherry-Ann.
491 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2021
So much of this book was about body image that it was difficult to believe any real love existed between the protagonists.
Profile Image for Tiara Fitzpatrick.
1 review
December 14, 2021
Awesome

I love this book I can’t wait to read the other family members story. Author did a great job the passion I felt with every page I turned
715 reviews
July 12, 2022
It was a quick read about Donavon & Natalie. She is helping her aunt by working at her cleaning service where she meets Donavon. It was ok, I did not like how pushy Donavon was.
Profile Image for M.
174 reviews
December 25, 2022
If you care about boundaries on any level, this book is garbage. I spent the whole time yelling and angry at how all her boundaries were steam rolled and it was ok because he was good in bed. 🙄🙄🙄
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,483 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2023
Another Steele falls in a great story that drew me in and kept me. Love the narrator.
1,014 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2023
He fell

Donovan met his match in Natalie. What he thought he was conquering caught him . Like his brothers and cousins he found a love of a lifetime.
193 reviews
March 12, 2025
intimate seduction

Ooh Donovan and Natalie!!! This was spicier than the hottest spice. I couldn’t stop reading this very sensual romantic story.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,794 reviews123 followers
August 1, 2013
Pretty good book. Natalie is in Charlotte to help out her aunt who broke her ankle. Fortunately it is summer break so she can take the time away from her job as a chemistry professor. When she meets Donovan the attraction between them is immediate and explosive. She doesn't intend to become another notch in his bedpost, and he won't give up until she gives in.

I liked Natalie. She is a brilliant woman who has earned the respect of her peers. She takes a break for the summer to help out her aunt. When she meets Donovan she lets him think that she's just a house cleaner. She had a problem in the past with a man who was so intimidated by her intelligence that he could only cope by putting her down. He did a real number on her self confidence, especially when it came to intimacy. At first she had no intention of giving in to Donovan's seduction attempts, but then decided to take advantage of their attraction for her own pleasure. I loved seeing the way that her confidence grew. I also enjoyed seeing her do things that brought her out of her academic shell. While I understood her need to keep her profession quiet, she waited a little too long to tell Donovan. Fortunately it all worked out for her.

Donovan was quite the footloose bachelor. He worked hard but he liked to play even harder. When he met Natalie he felt an strength of attraction he had never felt before. He was determined to have her, and when he did it was like nothing else before. I loved the way that he couldn't get her off his mind, even getting distracted at work. He also took her to family gatherings, something he'd never done before. He made a real idiot out of himself when he found her notebook and I loved watching him have to grovel.
Profile Image for D.lee.
203 reviews14 followers
June 21, 2012
I loved Donovan's story. Mrs. Jackson stayed true to the Forged of Steel force. Donovan and Natalie's chemistry jumped off the pages. Donovan was hot and sexy just like his brothers and Natalie was the perfect woman to bring him to his knees. The only thing I didn't like is as usual Kimmani Press only allows its authors around 250 pages to develop a lasting romance between their Hero and Heroine, but being true to her title as the "Queen of Romance" Mrs. Jackson delivers an explosive page turner. I loved it.
Profile Image for Karen.
250 reviews
December 11, 2013
Diehard Playboy Donovan Steele wasn't ready for the likes of Natalie Ford. He found out the hard way that he was smitten with her from the time he found her fast asleep in his bed...a bed that he never invited any of his conquests to share. Little did he know that she would not only peek his curiosity, she would also steal his heart and end his womanizing ways. An awesome love story that lures you in from start to finish.
Profile Image for Deanna Byrd.
43 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2016
I just love anything Mrs. Jackson write. I have been reading every book she ever wrote for the past 5 years. I came across one of her westmorelands novel and have been reading every single book she ever wrote. s

This book book was awesome. I love the Steele family. They are close net and when they love they love hard. Morgan and Natalie has this building chemistry at first sight of seeing one another. I like to think such a thing as love at first sight still exists.
Profile Image for Connie.
588 reviews46 followers
February 27, 2013
It was a decent book. I'm glad that I read it so that I could read about all of the Steele brothers, but sometimes I think that Ms. Jackson has too many other characters that she is trying to introduce for other books. To try to keep up with all of the family members can be a little cumbersome at times even though it is nice to know who they are when you read another book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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