Review: Undiplomatic Relations by Ashley Ladd

Undiplomatic Relations by Ashley Ladd

Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

In the 26th century, Major Kady Elliott witnesses a heartless massacre of innocent children. Deeply disillusioned and troubled, she escapes the evil murderer, Emperor Lukas. She vows to stop him, so she defects from the Federation and goes in search of the rebel forces hoping to join their ranks.

But that’s not so easily done. Not only was she a high-ranking officer in the Federation, she’s the ex-lover of the rebel commander, Admiral Shane Trigilio. And Shane’s more than a little bitter about her supposed betrayal of him. To rebuild his trust, he demands she follow his every command…

Publisher’s Note: Originally available in the Chances Are anthology.



Dodie's Review

This was a great blurb and set up, but unfortunately the book itself didn't deliver for me. Kady was Shane's subordinate in the rebel army. She was also having a clandestine affair with him, as it was frowned upon in the rebel army. As Shane became more dedicated to the rebels, Kady decided to leave and join the Federation army. Of course this was the ultimate betrayal of Shane and everything he believed in. Kady rises in the ranks of the Federation army, but realizes that Shane and the rebels were right when she witnesses a horrible massacre. Kady decides to go back to the rebel army and fight and defeat the Federation.

Kady ends up on Shane's space ship trying to beg her forgiveness and get back in his good graces. This is where everything fell apart for me. Kady restablishing her relationship with Shane just went a little too smooth for me. Shane never really pushed his advantage in punishing Kady for her perceived betrayal. There wasn't enough of a resolution of their difficulties to cement their new/ old relationship and take their relationship into the future.

It was a great set – up and a highly entertaining read. The sex was steamy, and well written, but the story just didn't coalesce for me. If you like space romances, this was still a good read.

3 Tea Cups!