SFRB Recommends #65: Heart of Brass by Kate Cross #steampunk #romance

Arden, undercover for The Wardens of the Realm who protect 1898 steampunk England, has the status, wealth, and independence of a countess - and can see the final moments of a murder victim’s life. Her husband Lucas vanishes until she spots him one night. The Company wiped his memory, sent him to kill her, but he cannot. Yet if he does not, someone will — and kill him.

This book has steampunk cybernetics and lots of cool inventions mixed in with its romance. If you're a fan of historical romance, this follows lots of the tropes and the hearfelt moments are lush and vivid.

I love Arden's ongoing struggle with her grief and anger and how she deals with it and goes through it with her husband. People in service to their country or a greater good can neglect their personal relationships, and even if they don't, the idea of something more important than a family can be tough to come to grips with.

Author site: Alter Kate

Recommendation by Lee Koven.