Review: Badlands by Seleste deLaney

Release date: February 28, 2011
Synopsis (via Goodreads):

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands— if death doesn't find them first...

My Thoughts:  I always listen to music when I read.  Actually, I just always listen to music.  While I was reading this book, the song Ghost Town by Shiny Toy Guns came on and started circling in my head.  Over and over and over.  It was just a few lines of it, but they fit so perfectly that I couldn't shake it.

These are the badlands, the worst place to fear, making graves for the ones we left here.

Perfect.  I love it when things like that happen.

This book starts off with a bang and sends us on a high-flying quest into enemy territory to rescue the princess.  Being steampunk, we get dirigibles, clockwork critters, corsets, and some uptight morality.  We also get one immodest warrior woman who has no problem walking around naked.

All in all, it was a fun little jaunt on an airship with some good battles, some hot glances and some repressed desires.  Quick, fun and bloody.  Just the way I like it.

More books by Seleste deLaney

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