Review

The last time Archimedes Fox saw Captain Yasmeen Corsair, he was falling from the deck of her sky ship into zombie infested territory. Amazingly, he survived. All he wants now is the priceless item she stole from him, and to seduce the cold hearted captain.

Lady Corsair planned on selling Archimedes’s priceless Da Vinci sketch to the highest bidder, but instead finds herself attracting all sorts of the wrong attention—from Horde leaders to French assassins. In order to survive, she must partner with the man that wishes to ensnare her heart.

Fans of Meljean Brook’s The Iron Duke have to wait no longer; Archimedes is back with a single solitary goal—to seduce Captain Corsair. Plus, getting a hold of that Da Vinci sketch she took would be an added bonus. I’ve personally been waiting for this book for a long time, as Archimedes’s demise in The Iron Duke left me shocked and stunned, literally sitting at my computer with my jaw hanging open.

I can gladly say that Brook does not disappoint and the adventure of Yasmeen and Archimedes captivates from the first page.  The continuation of the world and characters that Brook created in the first book is delicious. Yasmeen is an incredibly complex character, and her creative back-story shows immense depth in this machine driven world created by the Mongolian-based, villainous Horde. She definitely is an imposing, strong female who doesn’t yield against any man or force - until Archimedes shows up on the scene.

Archimedes is a rare and unique individual who is capable of surviving just about anything. What I truly love about this character is that he’s so determined to get what he wants, but he won’t belittle or destroy others to get it. The chemistry between him and Yasmeen is electrifying, and the pair plays of each other’s strengths extremely well in the bedroom and out of it. Archimedes is also comfortable in his own skin and if needed is not afraid to submit to the woman he longs to possess. One of my favorite scenes is when Archimedes asks Yasmeen to agree to be his partner.

“So do we have an agreement, then?”

All trace of laughter faded. “As long as we both understand: We are partners. I will not give you orders, and even if I take you to my bed, you will do nothing to undermine me or assume superiority. If you betray me, I will gut you.”

If I take you to my bed. This was one of the finest moments of his life. “I understand.”

“You don’t have anything to add? No stipulations of your own? Warnings?”

“I’ve already given warning that I intend to fall in love with you.”

Her gaze hardened. “The time for games is past, Mr. Fox.”

“It’s not a game. “ He matched the gravity of her tone. “Not for lack of trying, I’ve never been in love. I desperately want to be. And I’ve come to realize that you’ve been in my thoughts so long, you’re the only one for me.”

“I won’t encourage you.”

“It’s too late for that. You encourage me with the way you blow the smoke from between your teeth when you’re frustrated. You encourage me with every quick thought and irritated glance. The flick of your eyelashes, the fullness of your lips.” He let his gaze slip over her features, worshiping each one. “Your sneer.”

Her lips smashed together, and she seemed to fight another laugh before finally relaxing into a smile. “Very well. Fall in love with me, if you like. But don’t expect me to do the same.”

“I don’t.”

Those moments of banter and interaction are scattered throughout the story and make Archimedes such an endearing hero. Ultimately, Mr. Fox has ruined me for all men because what women doesn’t want a man to declare that he would fall in love with her just as she is and not long for anything more. 

If you haven’t thought to divulge into the Brook’s fantastical and sexual stormy steampunk world then I encourage you to start now. Heart of Steel is a sure win, and won’t be leaving my bookshelf anytime soon.

Reviewed by Landra