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Forged of Steele #8
Hidden Pleasures
All she has to do is be his lover for a week…And when the man is gorgeous Galen Steele, what woman could possibly say no?Brittany Thrasher has her own hidden motives for accepting Galen's proposal. Only the savvy businesswoman draws the line at actually falling for the sexy playboy. Even if he is the incredible lover of her most taboo fantasies….The moment their paths crossed again at an auction, Galen knew Brittany was special. If she wants the house he just won so badly, how far is she willing to go to get it? That's when the Phoenix entrepreneur makes her an offer he fully expects her to refuse.But once their passion heats up, the bidding really begins. And Galen will uncover Brittany's secret. Because this determined man of Steele isn't about to let the woman of his dreams get away….
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2010
158 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
899 books3,606 followersIn 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 2, 2010
Brenda Jackson’s Hidden Pleasures is enjoyable story of two people gambling for love. Brenda Jackson brings her readers another Steele novel, this time branching off to the Phoenix Steeles.
Galen Steele is a notorious womanizer, just like his father was. Not believing that there is such thing as the right woman, he is struck when he sees one that makes him want to do more for her than bed her. Brittany Thrasher is a successful etiquette trainer who happens to think Galen is one of the rudest men she has ever met. After their run-in in New York, Brittany never thought she would see him again until she goes to Phoenix to claim the property that her biological mother has left her. Since her mother has left behind a considerable debt and the house is going on the auction block and Brittany plans to get it. Her only problem is that she runs into Galen after he outbids her for the property, and the only way she can get it back from him, is if she agrees to stay a seven days in his house.
I felt compassionate for Brittany’s story. I looked forward to Galen breaking her out of her prim and proper shell. She had to overcome so many different levels of growth due to her horrible experiences growing up in foster care. I liked how Galen realized he wanted to be that guy that wanted to show her love and caring, especially since he was a well known playboy. There were parts where Galen was arrogant and only wanted sex. I really wanted him to wine and dine her. I wanted more romance in this story.
The premise of the story was familiar but a bit unrealistic. I found it strange to believe that Brittany would accept Galen’s propose to stay a whole week in his house. He was virtually a stranger to her and though she displayed some misgivings about the proposition, she easily accepted. I know that I would not accept a strange man’s offer to stay in his house in a city that I am not familiar with. Then to top it off, Brittany easily falls in bed with Galen, after years of having reservations about sex. I was expecting her to be more reluctant. I just found some of the points in the story a little unbelievable. I know that the book is short but I felt that Brittany’s issues with her mother and men could have been delved into more. I also think that her relationship with Galen could have been fleshed out better.
Wow, the love scenes were hot. Galen and Brittany were on fire and I enjoy every tasteful minute of it.
Overall this is a nice addition to the Steele family series. I look forward to reading upcoming books for the rest of the Phoenix Steeles.
Galen Steele is a notorious womanizer, just like his father was. Not believing that there is such thing as the right woman, he is struck when he sees one that makes him want to do more for her than bed her. Brittany Thrasher is a successful etiquette trainer who happens to think Galen is one of the rudest men she has ever met. After their run-in in New York, Brittany never thought she would see him again until she goes to Phoenix to claim the property that her biological mother has left her. Since her mother has left behind a considerable debt and the house is going on the auction block and Brittany plans to get it. Her only problem is that she runs into Galen after he outbids her for the property, and the only way she can get it back from him, is if she agrees to stay a seven days in his house.
I felt compassionate for Brittany’s story. I looked forward to Galen breaking her out of her prim and proper shell. She had to overcome so many different levels of growth due to her horrible experiences growing up in foster care. I liked how Galen realized he wanted to be that guy that wanted to show her love and caring, especially since he was a well known playboy. There were parts where Galen was arrogant and only wanted sex. I really wanted him to wine and dine her. I wanted more romance in this story.
The premise of the story was familiar but a bit unrealistic. I found it strange to believe that Brittany would accept Galen’s propose to stay a whole week in his house. He was virtually a stranger to her and though she displayed some misgivings about the proposition, she easily accepted. I know that I would not accept a strange man’s offer to stay in his house in a city that I am not familiar with. Then to top it off, Brittany easily falls in bed with Galen, after years of having reservations about sex. I was expecting her to be more reluctant. I just found some of the points in the story a little unbelievable. I know that the book is short but I felt that Brittany’s issues with her mother and men could have been delved into more. I also think that her relationship with Galen could have been fleshed out better.
Wow, the love scenes were hot. Galen and Brittany were on fire and I enjoy every tasteful minute of it.
Overall this is a nice addition to the Steele family series. I look forward to reading upcoming books for the rest of the Phoenix Steeles.
March 11, 2016
I have a crush on this author. Call it a woman crush, call it an author crush, call it a literary crush, call it whatever you choose, but I admire not just her writing, but her ability to connect with her readers through her writing. Not just connect with the readers, but form a relationship with them. Because of Brenda Jackson, I created the following saying: "I want readers to be able to form a connection with the characters I write about. I want readers to be able to form a relationship with me." Any die-hard Brenda Jackson fan (or cyber stalker like myself ;-) knows that Brenda Jackson connects with her readers through more than just books. It's because of her readers' pleas she gave in and got on social media in the first place (I learned that by sitting in the back of a room at a speaking engagement of hers). Not only did this book make me love love. It made me give romance writing a try myself.
June 14, 2024
Please read this story, you will not regret it.
February 22, 2023
Quick Summary: An insta-love hookup romance
My Review: Hidden Pleasures by Brenda Jackson was a fast-paced love story. It brought together two career-driven people -- Brittany and Galen. The first time they met, it was not a sweet meet. The second time they met, they were at cross purposes. Finally, they connected in a memorable way and nothing was ever the same again.
My Final Say: This super speed lust to love romance was ultimately about a proposition and a quest for the big O.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes (+/-)
Audience: A
Series: Yes
#libraryfind
My Review: Hidden Pleasures by Brenda Jackson was a fast-paced love story. It brought together two career-driven people -- Brittany and Galen. The first time they met, it was not a sweet meet. The second time they met, they were at cross purposes. Finally, they connected in a memorable way and nothing was ever the same again.
My Final Say: This super speed lust to love romance was ultimately about a proposition and a quest for the big O.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes (+/-)
Audience: A
Series: Yes
#libraryfind
February 10, 2024
Actual rating: 1.5 ⭐️
This installment was the last straw for me. The original Steele brothers and cousins out of Charlotte were engaging, fun, sexy and everything in between. Donovan’s story irked me because he was a womanizer, but I wanted to give the Arizona Steele’s a chance. Not only was Galen’s story bad, it wasn’t even believable. And knowing that ALL 6 of the Arizona Steele’s share the “womanizer” arch, then I’m not interested.
The Forged of Steele saga was a good one, but it ends for me with this story.
This installment was the last straw for me. The original Steele brothers and cousins out of Charlotte were engaging, fun, sexy and everything in between. Donovan’s story irked me because he was a womanizer, but I wanted to give the Arizona Steele’s a chance. Not only was Galen’s story bad, it wasn’t even believable. And knowing that ALL 6 of the Arizona Steele’s share the “womanizer” arch, then I’m not interested.
The Forged of Steele saga was a good one, but it ends for me with this story.
June 24, 2013
This book's storyline could have been better. I thought the story was not very hot & steamy & a little boring. I didn't like Galen. I thought he was arrogant & rude. I didn't like Galen did to Brittany. I felt sorry for Brittany. If you wanna read this book I suggest you borrow it from the library, it's not worth buying.
June 26, 2016
A great kick-off to the Bad News Steele's...from Galen and Brittany's hostile meeting...the sweet and SEXY middle...to the heartwarming and endearing ending. Looking forward to seeing the next Phoenix Steele fall in love.
April 26, 2022
Pleasures Revealed
I first read this book 10 years ago. I've read several of the family sagas by Brenda Jackson. My favorite ones were the Westmoreland family saga which I have re-read at least twice. The Madaris family saga was my second favorite and while looking for a certain book to re-read, I came across Hidden Pleasures. As with most of Brenda Jackson, this is a fairly erotic romance. All the families are large, beautiful African-Americans.
As with most of the men in the families that Ms. Jackson writes about, the Steeles are another very close African- American family. There are 6 sons who are known as the Bad News Steeles. They are all handsome, rich and desired by most of the women they meet. However, they are confirmed bachelors and are intent on remaining so. Then Galen Steele meets Brittany and immediately falls in love with her.
The book covers the week Galen enticed Brittany into staying with him. She thought she was unable to feel sexual pleasures, mainly because of being abused when she was 13 and then because the other two men she had sex with knew nothing about giving a woman sexual pleasure.
They both fell in love with each other. Yes, there's a HEA ending.
I first read this book 10 years ago. I've read several of the family sagas by Brenda Jackson. My favorite ones were the Westmoreland family saga which I have re-read at least twice. The Madaris family saga was my second favorite and while looking for a certain book to re-read, I came across Hidden Pleasures. As with most of Brenda Jackson, this is a fairly erotic romance. All the families are large, beautiful African-Americans.
As with most of the men in the families that Ms. Jackson writes about, the Steeles are another very close African- American family. There are 6 sons who are known as the Bad News Steeles. They are all handsome, rich and desired by most of the women they meet. However, they are confirmed bachelors and are intent on remaining so. Then Galen Steele meets Brittany and immediately falls in love with her.
The book covers the week Galen enticed Brittany into staying with him. She thought she was unable to feel sexual pleasures, mainly because of being abused when she was 13 and then because the other two men she had sex with knew nothing about giving a woman sexual pleasure.
They both fell in love with each other. Yes, there's a HEA ending.
November 3, 2019
Brittany Thrasher has just received a letter from her birth mother. She never knew who the woman was and now her mother is dead. The only thing left is her mother's house in Phoenix where Brittany might find more information about her own past.
Galen Steele is the oldest of the Phoenix Steeles. When the book opens, he is almost late for his cousin's wedding because he was having sex. And is super gross about describing the woman. He basically throws Brittany out of the cab she ordered so that he can get to the wedding on time. And now she's in Phoenix so he's going to buy her mother's house from the auction block (back taxes) and blackmail Brittany into spending a week with him. But it's okay, because he actually puts the house in her name before the sexxxing. Except that he sort of neglects to tell her that so she feels obligated.
Brenda Jackson is a pretty good writer and I don't think that she would write this book today but I ended up racing through to the end to see if she, somehow, redeems Galen. And.... she doesn't. Ew. Ew. Ew.
Galen Steele is the oldest of the Phoenix Steeles. When the book opens, he is almost late for his cousin's wedding because he was having sex. And is super gross about describing the woman. He basically throws Brittany out of the cab she ordered so that he can get to the wedding on time. And now she's in Phoenix so he's going to buy her mother's house from the auction block (back taxes) and blackmail Brittany into spending a week with him. But it's okay, because he actually puts the house in her name before the sexxxing. Except that he sort of neglects to tell her that so she feels obligated.
Brenda Jackson is a pretty good writer and I don't think that she would write this book today but I ended up racing through to the end to see if she, somehow, redeems Galen. And.... she doesn't. Ew. Ew. Ew.
October 7, 2019
Loved it!
This was my favorite Forged of Steele book so far. I've read them out of sequence, so kept hearing about Brittany and Galen. I like a man who knows his mind early and doesn't have to led kicking and screaming to the finish line.
The book was very emotional and had the requisite hot sex scenes. Brenda Jackson is the queen at writing sex scenes, and you never see those scenes repeated in her books.
What is repeated is the signature "running the hand down the face." All the men use that gesture. I don't know if it's on purpose or if she doesn't realize she does it. It would be interesting to know the real reason.
I recommend this novel to all Brenda Jackson's followers and romance lovers.
This was my favorite Forged of Steele book so far. I've read them out of sequence, so kept hearing about Brittany and Galen. I like a man who knows his mind early and doesn't have to led kicking and screaming to the finish line.
The book was very emotional and had the requisite hot sex scenes. Brenda Jackson is the queen at writing sex scenes, and you never see those scenes repeated in her books.
What is repeated is the signature "running the hand down the face." All the men use that gesture. I don't know if it's on purpose or if she doesn't realize she does it. It would be interesting to know the real reason.
I recommend this novel to all Brenda Jackson's followers and romance lovers.
December 17, 2020
Galen Steele is the oldest of the Bad News Steele brothers and is used to having any woman he wants. So when he meets Brittany Thrasher and realizes he has something that she wants he makes a proposal that he sees as an advantage for him.
Brittany Thrasher has her own hidden motives for accepting Galen's proposal. She feels she can get what she wants without falling for the sexy playboy.
They both have their own agenda but when things heat up they are both in for a surprise. This is the first of the dominoes effect of the Bad News Steeles falling.
Brittany Thrasher has her own hidden motives for accepting Galen's proposal. She feels she can get what she wants without falling for the sexy playboy.
They both have their own agenda but when things heat up they are both in for a surprise. This is the first of the dominoes effect of the Bad News Steeles falling.
February 7, 2023
Hidden Pleasures. Good read! Galen is in New York for a wedding and he is late and takes a cab right from under Brittany's nose. Brittany finds out who her real mother was but unfortunately did not get a chance to meet her before she died. Her mother wills Brittany her house in Phoenix, but it is up for auction. She flies to Phoenix to the auction. While there, Galen overhears Brittany talking to a friend about the house. Galen decides to help by bidding on the house and was able to buy the house. He decided to give it to Brittany on one condition. Its a must read book!
February 27, 2025
Hidden Pleasures
This was a story about Brittany Thrasher and Galen Steele. They first met in New York on the day of Donovan Steele's wedding. They were attempting to catch the same taxi. They later met in Phoenix at an auction. He overheard her discussing she wanted the house her birth mother left her in her will and entered a bidding war. Much later following his proposal they fell madly in love.
This was a story about Brittany Thrasher and Galen Steele. They first met in New York on the day of Donovan Steele's wedding. They were attempting to catch the same taxi. They later met in Phoenix at an auction. He overheard her discussing she wanted the house her birth mother left her in her will and entered a bidding war. Much later following his proposal they fell madly in love.
September 14, 2024
Galen helped Brittany when she didn't know she needed help and he did it because he wanted her. Bad. She finally gave in to his desire for her to spend a week with him.
I enjoyed how they met and how they both left a lasting impression on each other. I enjoyed watching them fall in love. He made sure to make her feel wanted, desired, and loved.
This was such a good book.
I enjoyed how they met and how they both left a lasting impression on each other. I enjoyed watching them fall in love. He made sure to make her feel wanted, desired, and loved.
This was such a good book.
March 19, 2021
Awwww
Another great story from this author, always diverse themes. Foster care, sexual repression, male whores, friendships and healing. As always, I did not want the "Steele" saga to end. And it does continue, YAY!
Another great story from this author, always diverse themes. Foster care, sexual repression, male whores, friendships and healing. As always, I did not want the "Steele" saga to end. And it does continue, YAY!
December 11, 2024
Everybody deserves to be love
When you think life gave you damage lemons because you not perfect, you make lemonade to your liking and taste, just let everybody find out what you already know
When you think life gave you damage lemons because you not perfect, you make lemonade to your liking and taste, just let everybody find out what you already know
March 15, 2025
Hidden Pleasures
Another wonderful and romantic happily ever after. It always feels like rescue and redemption when this kind of love happens in a fictional story. I know it can also include non-fiction too.
Another wonderful and romantic happily ever after. It always feels like rescue and redemption when this kind of love happens in a fictional story. I know it can also include non-fiction too.
April 2, 2019
This book was a great short story! I gave it three stars simply because it was a short read. This is a quick romance that will have you wanting more. Good Job Brenda!
July 24, 2019
Fun Loving
I enjoy Ms. Jackson's books. This one has fun,a feisty heroine and Smokey Robinson's eyes lovers. Who wouldn't enjoy that?
I enjoy Ms. Jackson's books. This one has fun,a feisty heroine and Smokey Robinson's eyes lovers. Who wouldn't enjoy that?
August 3, 2022
Love
I recommend this book to anyone that doesn't know what love at first site means. True meaning of HIDDEN PLEASURE!!!
I recommend this book to anyone that doesn't know what love at first site means. True meaning of HIDDEN PLEASURE!!!
August 8, 2022
This is my second time reading this book. Not one of my favorites from the Steele series. The romance scenes could be better but I do like the idea of family and falling in love.
Read
July 28, 2023Loved it! Those Steele fall hard. And it hits when they least expect it, which makes the book so fun to read.
November 26, 2023
Never say never
Galen was hooked at first sight. He thought he wa a bachelor for life but Brittany proved him wrong. I liked it.
Galen was hooked at first sight. He thought he wa a bachelor for life but Brittany proved him wrong. I liked it.
March 8, 2024
This book was a good read. Even tho the characters were few they were believable. The story line gives away the ending.
November 9, 2025
DNF. The whole mind your manners stuff was annoying 🙄 And mentioning manners while being intimate was weird! I stopped reading during the first intimate scene
December 28, 2016
Very heartwarming!!! Loved it!
December 25, 2018
Not the best of Brenda Jackson’s numerous novels, but had the requisite weight of a well written romance.
August 17, 2010
It is no surprise that I am a huge fan of Brenda Jackson’s novels. I have devoured her previous Steele titles, which focused on the Charlotte Steele family, and couldn’t wait to be introduced to the Phoenix Steele family. While I thought the story was excellent and the characters were a breath of fresh air, I must admit that while this novel was good, it was not Jackson’s best Steele title.
What makes Jackson’s novels unique is how the characters are stubborn and resist falling in love. In Hidden Pleasures, Brittany fell in love with Galen way too easily and didn’t even get mad at him when she found out he lied to her. I was waiting for an argument, a lecture, or anything that would reprimand him for his actions, but nothing came.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it is definitely worth reading. Read the excerpt below and watch how Galen steals Brittany’s cab from her. Funny stuff! And let me know: How would you react if a handsome man stole a cab away from you?
What makes Jackson’s novels unique is how the characters are stubborn and resist falling in love. In Hidden Pleasures, Brittany fell in love with Galen way too easily and didn’t even get mad at him when she found out he lied to her. I was waiting for an argument, a lecture, or anything that would reprimand him for his actions, but nothing came.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it is definitely worth reading. Read the excerpt below and watch how Galen steals Brittany’s cab from her. Funny stuff! And let me know: How would you react if a handsome man stole a cab away from you?
June 26, 2011
I'm a BIG fan of Brenda Jackson and I did like this book alot and I love the Westmorelands and the Steels. But i have read enough of Brenda's books to know that this wasn't the best. I was still excite for the book and as always she teases us with the brothers and who will be possible be getting together. Both characters were great for me Galen was a pretty nice guy but for Brittany's character i feel for her and not knowing her mom and growing up in foster care but i'm glad something good came out of it.
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Join my book group on Facebook (Romance Novel Junkies) and fan page (Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews). We have over 500 members, which includes well known and indie authors and avid readers as members, who are apart of this group. We would love to hear about new books and thoughts. Also check out our kindle and ebook lending library.Twitter@romanceJUNKIES.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews