The Plot
Bodyguard Owen Jackson risks his life daily while suppressing his feelings for Penny Sandoval, the daughter of a presidential candidate he’s assigned to protect. But when Penny and her son, Cruz, are kidnapped and taken to the California badlands, Owen is forced to confront his past—especially when he learns that the gang leader behind the abduction is his own brother, Shane. As Penny and Cruz escape into the desert, Owen must save them from both the ruthless gang and the harsh terrain, revealing his darkest secrets to keep them alive, even if it means losing the woman he loves.
My Breakdown
I read this years ago, yet it remains simply unforgettable. Badlands is the third book in the Aftershock series, but it can be read as a standalone. I loved them all, but Owen Jackson? He’s an MMC to die for.
Owen is haunted by his past—including time in prison and a dysfunctional family. He’s a man convinced he’s not good enough, even when he’s the only one capable of saving the day. His internal struggles and vulnerabilities make him deeply relatable and incredibly compelling.
He couldn’t handle his feelings for her. They were too intense, too threatening to his self-control. Whenever she got close to him, he felt as if he was on the edge of something, ready to fall over. Her touch affected him on a deeper level, reaching the places he was afraid to access.
Penny Sandoval transforms from a sheltered politician’s daughter into a resilient survivor. She’s spent her life following the rules, but when she and her young son are kidnapped, she has no choice but to rely on Owen—the man who once saved her life and the one she’s secretly desired ever since.
Together, they flee into the unforgiving California Badlands, dodging ruthless criminals, battling the elements, and confronting the feelings they’ve both buried for years. Their attraction simmers beneath the surface until it finally ignites. The forced proximity of their survival race accelerates their bond, leading to moments of tenderness, intensity, and undeniable chemistry.
Now, about the spice. As I said, I read this years ago, and yet… that shower scene? Burned into my brain forever. It was the perfect blend of raw emotion and undeniable heat—a moment of passion and vulnerability that was both unforgettable and intensely satisfying.
Beyond the romance, Badlands is packed with suspense, gripping twists, and an atmospheric setting that amplifies every moment of tension. The isolation and danger of the Badlands create a backdrop that heightens the stakes at every turn.
If you’re craving a romance that’s as emotionally gripping as it is action-packed, Badlands is a must-read. It’s got heart, heat, and just enough danger to keep you flipping pages long into the night.
Badlands is available on
