Heart of Steel
by Meljean Brook
Published November 1, 2011 by Berkley Trade
Treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox isn't interested in the Lady Corsair -- he wants her coldhearted captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. To reclaim it, Archimedes is determined to seduce the stubborn woman who once tossed him to a ravenous pack of zombies, but she's no easy conquest.
When da Vinci's sketch attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco -- and straight into their enemy's hands. But as they fight to save themselves and a city on the brink of rebellion, the greatest peril Yasmeen faces is from the man who seeks to melt her icy heart...
For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:
This book is full of high stakes adventure complete with relentless assassins and swarms of zombies. I love a story in which the hero is the one sure of his feelings and spends a good part of the story convincing the heroine she feels the same way. The journey that Yasmeen takes from heart of steel to letting love in was so well written you feel she could be you. And I never knew an almost kiss could be just as scorchingly hot as a complete one! Yasmeen is not a pampered, sheltered Miss but the beauty of this story is that is what draws Archimedes to her and he wouldn't have her be any other way.
The fascinating world building with its combination of historical facts and places with steampunk elements and alternate history makes for a thrilling read.
I daresay you will be finishing it in one sitting, as I did!
Look for Riveted, book 3 in the Iron Seas series sometime late 2012 and be sure to check out Meljean's site for Guide to the Iron Seas which includes the run-down on the alternate history and a handy map!