Many of you may know that Meljean Brook is a really good friend of mine. I'm a huge fan of her writing - in my opinion, she has an amazing brain that can think up the most complex, tricky plots and nuanced, wonderful characters. Her world-building is sublime. Her female characters are strong, badass, and emotionally layered.

Next week, her next book in her steampunk series comes out - HEART OF STEEL. I got a chance to read this book early and was blown away by how fun and adventuresome it was, and how utterly likable Yasmeen and Archimedes were. I could read an entire series based on those two! Here's the blurb:

As the mercenary captain of the Lady Corsair, Yasmeen has learned to keep her heart as cold as steel, her only loyalty bound to her ship and her crew. So when a man who once tried to seize her airship returns from the dead, Yasmeen will be damned if she gives him another opportunity to take control.

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…

Their relationship is so sexy and fun. Archimedes reminds me a little of Han Solo in his lighthearted, playful nature. And Yasmeen? Well...she kind of reminded me of Han Solo too, in that rogueish mercenary captain sort of way. So this book was like watching Han Solo make out with Han Solo, which was pretty much as awesome as it sounds. Oh, and with airships.

Interested? How can you not be after my stunning analogy?

Want to win a free copy?  I'm giving away TWO paper (or Kindle! Your choice!) copies of Heart of Steel to two winners. This is open to anyone that Book Depository ships to, so if you're international, no problem. Here's what you have to do:

Meljean's next book after HEART OF STEEL is titled MOLTEN. The next is RIVETED. What awesome steampunk title would you give the book after that?

Just comment with your title suggestion by 11:59pm CST on 10/31/2011! Meljean reserves the right to totally borrow any incredibly awesome titles for future potential title-dom of course! I'll pick one winner of the title I like the best, and one random, so your odds are good even if your title is not.

The fine print: Comment by 11:59:59 PM CST on 10/31/2011 for your chance to win. Two winners will be selected and their names posted on this blog within the next day or two. Winner must provide me with their mailing address via email or contact form. You may enter as many times as you like for the title portion - I will weed out multiples for the random winner. So if you enter 5 times, you will have 5 title chances to win, and 1 random chance to win. The contest is open to international readers. No purchase necessary to enter. A review of the book is always deeply appreciated. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited.