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Kindled #5
Citadel
Ever since the world fell apart, I’ve had no one except my sister. We’ve stuck together and taken care of each other, and I’ve never let anyone else in. But when one bloody night shatters our temporary haven on the flood-ravaged coast, surviving alone is no longer an option. I have to trust someone, and Cole is that person for me.
Cole has spent years on a doomed, lonely mission to find his brother, but he goes out of his way to save us. He’s strong and stoic and driven, and I can’t help wanting him as more than my rescuer.
But trusting Cole is a mistake. The man will always leave.
Two years after I learned this hard lesson, I need his help again. My sister is taken, and I have no one else to turn to but Cole. I’ll accept his help because I have no choice, but I’ll never trust him with my heart or my body again.
I’ll do anything for my sister, including once more risking everything on a man who will always leave in the end.
Cole has spent years on a doomed, lonely mission to find his brother, but he goes out of his way to save us. He’s strong and stoic and driven, and I can’t help wanting him as more than my rescuer.
But trusting Cole is a mistake. The man will always leave.
Two years after I learned this hard lesson, I need his help again. My sister is taken, and I have no one else to turn to but Cole. I’ll accept his help because I have no choice, but I’ll never trust him with my heart or my body again.
I’ll do anything for my sister, including once more risking everything on a man who will always leave in the end.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2023
148 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
40 books2,143 followersClaire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. After teaching English at the university level for several years, she started writing full-time under two different pen names. She lives in Virginia.
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
July 5, 2023
4 Can't Be Forced to Change Stars ⭐
I feel like I'll never tire of this series. With every new couple we meet, with each attempt at survival, and all those romances featuring hot sweaty sexual encounters; the end of the world doesn't seem so bad.
"If I thought I could have had a life, it always would have been with you."
In Citadel we meet sisters Del and Breanna who do what they need to survive. Whether it's selling your body for board, or blending into the background, these girls have managed. It is a false sense of security.
While on a scavenger hunt, Del stumbles across a stranger and it's bad luck. Because not long after, their sanctuary is no more. Cole is a survivor on a mission. He may help Del and her sister to find another safe place, but he's not staying.
“Oh, he’s got baggage. More than most. But if he can ever shake it off, then nothing will stop that man from claiming you.” She studies my expression and snickers. “Don’t look so upset. You used to watch him like he hung the stars.”
There's a little time separation as Cole continues his search well until Del needs his help. These two join forces to find missing siblings, yet they also find each other. Cole was older, bigger and badass while Del was initially channelling her inner GI Jane, and I loved it.
Citadel was great and I'm glad this series continues to entertain. You watch as a young woman falls for a man she shouldn't only to get her heart broken. But there's no greater reward for something you desperately want when you've stolen, killed and maimed for it. 🖤
I feel like I'll never tire of this series. With every new couple we meet, with each attempt at survival, and all those romances featuring hot sweaty sexual encounters; the end of the world doesn't seem so bad.
"If I thought I could have had a life, it always would have been with you."
In Citadel we meet sisters Del and Breanna who do what they need to survive. Whether it's selling your body for board, or blending into the background, these girls have managed. It is a false sense of security.
While on a scavenger hunt, Del stumbles across a stranger and it's bad luck. Because not long after, their sanctuary is no more. Cole is a survivor on a mission. He may help Del and her sister to find another safe place, but he's not staying.
“Oh, he’s got baggage. More than most. But if he can ever shake it off, then nothing will stop that man from claiming you.” She studies my expression and snickers. “Don’t look so upset. You used to watch him like he hung the stars.”
There's a little time separation as Cole continues his search well until Del needs his help. These two join forces to find missing siblings, yet they also find each other. Cole was older, bigger and badass while Del was initially channelling her inner GI Jane, and I loved it.
Citadel was great and I'm glad this series continues to entertain. You watch as a young woman falls for a man she shouldn't only to get her heart broken. But there's no greater reward for something you desperately want when you've stolen, killed and maimed for it. 🖤
July 2, 2023
“No one is as good or strong or brave or righteous as we’d like to be. I think we’re all a little bit broken.”
3.5 rounded up because I love the world this author has created.
It pains me to say, but this one read like parts of a story, rather than a completed manuscript. The flow was off, like an outline with thinly woven connections.
Post-apocalyptic setting
Two sisters
A hero searching for his brother
Long separation of love interests
Giant time jumps
Virgin h
Hot sex and dirty talkin
HFN
This book feels realistic in terms of humanity struggling to survive. There is not a whole lot of room for anything other than shelter, food, clothing and weapons.
What I enjoyed most about the story was the relationship between the sisters and the strength of their bond. The love interest took a while but once it entered the picture, it was written very well. These two communicated like real adults.
Because you thought I was some sort of silly girl who’d fallen hopelessly in love with you. You treated me as a stereotype instead of a real person, and you took the easy way out.”
Even though I inhaled this story, I was left feeling like I had missed something. The sexy scenes were smokin hot, but felt out of place. These characters spent so much time separated from one another, they didn’t have the time to grow in their relationship.
*Can easily be read as a standalone as there is no crossover with previous characters.
BR with Isabella because we both love this series!
3.5 rounded up because I love the world this author has created.
It pains me to say, but this one read like parts of a story, rather than a completed manuscript. The flow was off, like an outline with thinly woven connections.
Post-apocalyptic setting
Two sisters
A hero searching for his brother
Long separation of love interests
Giant time jumps
Virgin h
Hot sex and dirty talkin
HFN
This book feels realistic in terms of humanity struggling to survive. There is not a whole lot of room for anything other than shelter, food, clothing and weapons.
What I enjoyed most about the story was the relationship between the sisters and the strength of their bond. The love interest took a while but once it entered the picture, it was written very well. These two communicated like real adults.
Because you thought I was some sort of silly girl who’d fallen hopelessly in love with you. You treated me as a stereotype instead of a real person, and you took the easy way out.”
Even though I inhaled this story, I was left feeling like I had missed something. The sexy scenes were smokin hot, but felt out of place. These characters spent so much time separated from one another, they didn’t have the time to grow in their relationship.
*Can easily be read as a standalone as there is no crossover with previous characters.
BR with Isabella because we both love this series!
July 8, 2023
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
ღ 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋 ღ Is the fifth romance book in the 'Kindled' series by author Claire Kent. But can be read as a stand- alone. Heroines: Delaney aka Del and Breanna Hero: Cole
I have loved the crap out of this series from the get go, and this book was no different, from start to finish this was inhaled shamelessly in a matter of hours, I can not compare this series to anything I've ever read before and I am along for the ride. The storyline, the characters themselves get their hooks into you easily. Each character unique, fighters struggling in an ever changing world.
For a long time it's only ben Del and her sister Breanna. Whilst out on one of her regular scavenger hunts Del encounters a group of unruly men, knowing not to approach, one man catches her eye and even yells out to her to run, which she does, her second encounter is when the sanctuary they are living in with others is overtaken by that same group of men, and that same man as we later come to know as Cole saves them both.
'𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞'𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞.'
Coles top priority is to find his brother since the world crumbled to the ground after an asteroid hit Europe five years ago he'd lost contact and hadn't seen him since.
I just wish they were longer!!
January 8, 2024
3.5 Stars
I just love the world here. Cole and Delaney's story had such a delicious beginning and SO much potential...and while I didn't think Kent maximized this potential, I still enjoyed this overall.
Long story, short: This one wasn't my favorite, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I just love the world here. Cole and Delaney's story had such a delicious beginning and SO much potential...and while I didn't think Kent maximized this potential, I still enjoyed this overall.
Long story, short: This one wasn't my favorite, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
November 29, 2023
Another amazing instalment in this series.
It’s become an addiction.
I’m in love with everything that Claire Kent has done here. I always know that it’ll be a guaranteed good time with characters that I’ll end up adoring.
It’s become an addiction.
I’m in love with everything that Claire Kent has done here. I always know that it’ll be a guaranteed good time with characters that I’ll end up adoring.
July 4, 2023
*me getting ready to write this review looking like the absolute clown that I am after thinking and saying I would love this book*
-=-
If you've made it this far into the series then you're obviously reading it because you're invested in this world- so in that regard, I did 'enjoy' the book- I'm obsessed with this world and love the post-apocalyptic setting.
BUT 💀- honestly speaking this book was not for me. It turns out time jumps are where I cross the line
And because of the time jump, I hated how the romance played out 😭 with a burning passion. The whole development of their relationship felt so disjointed because of it. Everything prior to that point had been amazing for me- but after it, I really wasn't that interested.
The story just didn't flow well after that, and just felt so random 🤷♀️.
It's annoying because I was legitimately so excited to start this book- and I thought I would love it. I did like certain aspects about it, in relation to the world- but it wasn't what I was hoping for (and we didn't even get cameos) 🤷♀️.
It's also equally as annoying because I JUST got out of a huge slump and this just made me lose all motivation to read 😭 back to the fanfics I go (my coping mechanism).
But anyways, this was super fun, and I'm super happy, and I'm totally not upset 🤡.
October 30, 2024
Reread in Oct 2024 for Patreon.
CK's books just hit the spot for me.
.
.
.
.
Another powerful and beautiful entry to the Kindled series.
I loved getting to meet some new characters to add into our world. It just goes to show that this series could go on as long as the author desires it too... which I have heard will be for 8 books, but I'm saying now that I would read this forever. Haha! She makes me care so instantly and deeply for any characters she puts on the page.
Del was a great heroine and her mission is one that it's easy to get on board with. We are rooting for her and watching her learn to trust someone again was very relatable. I do wish we got to see more of her after the fact but that's something we have to look forward to in Sanctuary (Breeana's book)
It was also cool to see a bit of a Second Chance romance unfold. I think it was handled well and loved our broody burdened hero as much as any before him.
As always, I devoured this book too quickly and now I am left pining for more.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CK's books just hit the spot for me.
.
.
.
.
Another powerful and beautiful entry to the Kindled series.
I loved getting to meet some new characters to add into our world. It just goes to show that this series could go on as long as the author desires it too... which I have heard will be for 8 books, but I'm saying now that I would read this forever. Haha! She makes me care so instantly and deeply for any characters she puts on the page.
Del was a great heroine and her mission is one that it's easy to get on board with. We are rooting for her and watching her learn to trust someone again was very relatable. I do wish we got to see more of her after the fact but that's something we have to look forward to in Sanctuary (Breeana's book)
It was also cool to see a bit of a Second Chance romance unfold. I think it was handled well and loved our broody burdened hero as much as any before him.
As always, I devoured this book too quickly and now I am left pining for more.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
July 2, 2023
I have just been enjoying this post-apocalyptic series!! Im hooked at this point! Can’t wait for the next book! I hope she does create a spin off series after this one is done. 🫶🏼
May 3, 2024
3.5✨ (rounded up to 4✨ on GR)
2🌶️
✨Post apocalyptic setting
✨Can be read as a standalone if you really want to, but there’s more context if read as part of the series
✨Age gap, about ~12 years? FMC is 20yo at start of book, and MMC is early 30s
✨Time jumps
✨Themes of gaining and regaining trust, abandonment, sibling duty, hard choices, and new purposes
This was a true 3.5✨, not the best in the series by far, but still a worthwhile story in an interesting world with engaging characters. I swear, Kent’s stuff is just genuinely so readable. The words are just so easy to get lost in. She always manages to create real feeling characters, people who are gritty and vulnerable and compelling and complex.
Not sure if Citadel reinvented the wheel in any way with this series, not that it had to. This one just felt more like a filler than any of the others.
The romance between the MCs was also on the softer and sweeter side, compared to the stories of the other couples. They were able to relate to each other, in regard to their siblings, and how the meanings of sibling bond and responsibility come into play.
Although the darker and more desperate sides to Kent’s dystopian, post-apocalyptic setting are still on full display, especially with the FMC’s sister, and the things she (she as in the FMC’s older sister) does to keep her sister safe. This harsh reality made the connection between the MCs feel all the more special, as trust and empathy, two core elements of this story, are so much harder to earn, and risky to give.
The FMC’s sister really, really deserves a good romance with a man of HER choice, whenever and however she feels ready, after all she’s been through. Although there was a definite set up for a future book with the her and that mysterious British private courier if the bit towards the end was anything to go by👀
Book 1 in this series remains elite, but I will continue to read this series for as long as Claire Kent writes it!
2🌶️
✨Post apocalyptic setting
✨Can be read as a standalone if you really want to, but there’s more context if read as part of the series
✨Age gap, about ~12 years? FMC is 20yo at start of book, and MMC is early 30s
✨Time jumps
✨Themes of gaining and regaining trust, abandonment, sibling duty, hard choices, and new purposes
This was a true 3.5✨, not the best in the series by far, but still a worthwhile story in an interesting world with engaging characters. I swear, Kent’s stuff is just genuinely so readable. The words are just so easy to get lost in. She always manages to create real feeling characters, people who are gritty and vulnerable and compelling and complex.
Not sure if Citadel reinvented the wheel in any way with this series, not that it had to. This one just felt more like a filler than any of the others.
The romance between the MCs was also on the softer and sweeter side, compared to the stories of the other couples. They were able to relate to each other, in regard to their siblings, and how the meanings of sibling bond and responsibility come into play.
Although the darker and more desperate sides to Kent’s dystopian, post-apocalyptic setting are still on full display, especially with the FMC’s sister, and the things she (she as in the FMC’s older sister) does to keep her sister safe. This harsh reality made the connection between the MCs feel all the more special, as trust and empathy, two core elements of this story, are so much harder to earn, and risky to give.
The FMC’s sister really, really deserves a good romance with a man of HER choice, whenever and however she feels ready, after all she’s been through. Although there was a definite set up for a future book with the her and that mysterious British private courier if the bit towards the end was anything to go by👀
Book 1 in this series remains elite, but I will continue to read this series for as long as Claire Kent writes it!
January 5, 2024
I don’t seem connection with the characters. I think this story needs more development, unfortunately!
December 9, 2024
Trigger Warnings:
1 Last Light
2 Haven
3 Princess
4 Embers
5 Hero
Yikes this one was really hard to enjoy, I was not a fan of the MMC Cole or the FMC Del. I liked the different setting and found the book enjoyable at first, but I hated what happened. I loved Del’s sister Breanna, she has gone through so much, I have so much respect for her. Because of that, I had a hard time enjoying this story. I am excited to read her book, especially since the hint of her love interest seems a lot more interesting than most of the MMCs in this series (don’t get me wrong, I still love this series but he seems to have more of a personality like Zed). I don’t think you need to read all the books in the series to read this. But I would recommend you read Last Light to get a feel for the world. This takes place in an entirely different area and is kinda part of a duet, the next book is Sanctuary and focuses on Breanna. I didn’t find any chemistry between Cole and Del, I couldn’t buy their romance. And because of the circumstances in this story, I couldn’t root for the romance until things were settled. This was more heavy and dark in my eyes, I was just anxious for Breanna the whole time. Regardless, I was glad I read this but I couldn’t enjoy it. The world really does remind me of The Last of Us though, which is great.
Del and her sister Breanna lived in a community isolated from others. They lived with a group but after they were ambushed, they had no one to turn to except a stranger they met on the way named Cole. Cole can’t seem to keep his eyes off Del but he wants to focus on his one mission in life, finding his brother.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
1 Last Light
2 Haven
3 Princess
4 Embers
5 Hero
Yikes this one was really hard to enjoy, I was not a fan of the MMC Cole or the FMC Del. I liked the different setting and found the book enjoyable at first, but I hated what happened. I loved Del’s sister Breanna, she has gone through so much, I have so much respect for her. Because of that, I had a hard time enjoying this story. I am excited to read her book, especially since the hint of her love interest seems a lot more interesting than most of the MMCs in this series (don’t get me wrong, I still love this series but he seems to have more of a personality like Zed). I don’t think you need to read all the books in the series to read this. But I would recommend you read Last Light to get a feel for the world. This takes place in an entirely different area and is kinda part of a duet, the next book is Sanctuary and focuses on Breanna. I didn’t find any chemistry between Cole and Del, I couldn’t buy their romance. And because of the circumstances in this story, I couldn’t root for the romance until things were settled. This was more heavy and dark in my eyes, I was just anxious for Breanna the whole time. Regardless, I was glad I read this but I couldn’t enjoy it. The world really does remind me of The Last of Us though, which is great.
Del and her sister Breanna lived in a community isolated from others. They lived with a group but after they were ambushed, they had no one to turn to except a stranger they met on the way named Cole. Cole can’t seem to keep his eyes off Del but he wants to focus on his one mission in life, finding his brother.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
July 6, 2023
Citadel is the newest book in Claire Kent’s post apocalyptic series and I was so excited for this surprise release! I’ve been obsessed with the entire series and could not wait to dive into this new story.
In this we follow people we haven’t seen or met yet in the series, in fact this one could be read as a standalone as it is set away from all of the characters/places we’ve already come to know. In this series, near-future Earth was hit with an asteroid 5 years ago that wiped out an entire continent and set the world into waves of catastrophes and natural disasters. The people left behind have been barely surviving and keeping off the grid for the most part. In this we go to the east coast of the U.S. and meet Delaney (Del) and her older sister Breeana who live there with a small group.
Del is 20 and her older sister has always been the one to protect them, but Del wants to feel important and useful as well and dreams of a day she can take care of someone too. When a group of attackers show up and start killing those around them, Del grabs her sister and makes a run for it. They end up getting helped and reached by Cole, a man Del had run into earlier in the day. They all 3 travel together to a safer, walled-in community and while Cole and Del have started to grow close and share a night together, he leaves in the night to go search for his brother who got in with the wrong crowd. And then we catch up two years later with Del when Cole shows back up!
“If I thought I could have had a life, it always would have been with you.”
So this one has a bit of a second chance, which was fun seeing played out in this world! As always with this series, we have a broody closed-off hero which works for me so well! Cole was more talkative than previous heroes in the series and I loved how much he wants Del and lets her know it (once he knows they’re on the same page). This has age gap (she’s 20, he’s 33/34). I love how gritty and dangerous this world is, you really feel their struggles and how they’re trying to survive. Another fav in the series and I could just continue this series for forever! So it’s a good thing the author has plans for even more books in the series!
In this we follow people we haven’t seen or met yet in the series, in fact this one could be read as a standalone as it is set away from all of the characters/places we’ve already come to know. In this series, near-future Earth was hit with an asteroid 5 years ago that wiped out an entire continent and set the world into waves of catastrophes and natural disasters. The people left behind have been barely surviving and keeping off the grid for the most part. In this we go to the east coast of the U.S. and meet Delaney (Del) and her older sister Breeana who live there with a small group.
Del is 20 and her older sister has always been the one to protect them, but Del wants to feel important and useful as well and dreams of a day she can take care of someone too. When a group of attackers show up and start killing those around them, Del grabs her sister and makes a run for it. They end up getting helped and reached by Cole, a man Del had run into earlier in the day. They all 3 travel together to a safer, walled-in community and while Cole and Del have started to grow close and share a night together, he leaves in the night to go search for his brother who got in with the wrong crowd. And then we catch up two years later with Del when Cole shows back up!
“If I thought I could have had a life, it always would have been with you.”
So this one has a bit of a second chance, which was fun seeing played out in this world! As always with this series, we have a broody closed-off hero which works for me so well! Cole was more talkative than previous heroes in the series and I loved how much he wants Del and lets her know it (once he knows they’re on the same page). This has age gap (she’s 20, he’s 33/34). I love how gritty and dangerous this world is, you really feel their struggles and how they’re trying to survive. Another fav in the series and I could just continue this series for forever! So it’s a good thing the author has plans for even more books in the series!
May 15, 2024
4.5🌟!
Such a fantastic addition to this favourite series of mine.
—second chance.
—broody & grumpy hero x resilient heroine.
—post apocalypse romance.
—age gap, forced proximity.
—TW, KU and could be read as standalone.
Safety- heroine not celibate during separation but hero was.
Such a fantastic addition to this favourite series of mine.
—second chance.
—broody & grumpy hero x resilient heroine.
—post apocalypse romance.
—age gap, forced proximity.
—TW, KU and could be read as standalone.
Safety- heroine not celibate during separation but hero was.
August 25, 2023
I just love this series so much! This is a post-apocalyptic romance in a way that feels real. I can totally see this as a possibility and not just the method of the “end of the world” but life afterwards.
Del was such a strong, fierce heroine and Cole was the perfect match for her. Their relationship was a bit rocky and I struggled just a bit with some of Cole’s decisions. However, it soon became apparent where his thoughts and heart truly were and my struggle eased.
This is a fast read but it doesn’t feel like a short book. It’s full of life and situations that are not contrived and characters that stir all kinds of emotions. The chemistry between Del and Cole is apparent and the resolution for them believable.
Heroine POV
Safety
Triggers
Steam
Del was such a strong, fierce heroine and Cole was the perfect match for her. Their relationship was a bit rocky and I struggled just a bit with some of Cole’s decisions. However, it soon became apparent where his thoughts and heart truly were and my struggle eased.
This is a fast read but it doesn’t feel like a short book. It’s full of life and situations that are not contrived and characters that stir all kinds of emotions. The chemistry between Del and Cole is apparent and the resolution for them believable.
Heroine POV
Safety
Triggers
Steam
December 30, 2023
3 stars.
I’m still really enjoying this world that Claire Kent has created. I love seeing all the characters living their new lives in this post apocalyptic world and that remains the overriding factor for me when I read this series, but something about this story was missing for me this time. I think it was the romance part of the book, I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between Del and Cole and Claire Kent (and her other pen name Noelle Adams) is so so so good at creating the best chemistry between her couples,(I get that fluttery happy feeling in my chest just thinking about some of those previous couples😊) but sadly for me in this book the chemistry just wasn’t there.
I will continue to read this series, and I’m looking forward to reading Breanna’s book when it releases.
I’m still really enjoying this world that Claire Kent has created. I love seeing all the characters living their new lives in this post apocalyptic world and that remains the overriding factor for me when I read this series, but something about this story was missing for me this time. I think it was the romance part of the book, I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between Del and Cole and Claire Kent (and her other pen name Noelle Adams) is so so so good at creating the best chemistry between her couples,(I get that fluttery happy feeling in my chest just thinking about some of those previous couples😊) but sadly for me in this book the chemistry just wasn’t there.
I will continue to read this series, and I’m looking forward to reading Breanna’s book when it releases.
July 4, 2023
Unfortunately this one was a miss for me.
I really enjoyed the characters until the H leaves the h after taking her virginity.
2 years later he returns, she’s obviously ‘moved on’ with other guys but she happens to be single at the time.
For those that look for safety in books, technically the MCs were not in a relationship or anything was promised.
Yes, the h sleeps with the H and then she has other relationships where she sleeps with 2 more guys. The H doesn’t sleep with anyone else.
Also, it’s a very short story. I wished that the author would give more plot to become fully invested.
Anyway, I think the separation was unnecessary and didn’t help with the connection between the MCs.
I really enjoyed the characters until the H leaves the h after taking her virginity.
2 years later he returns, she’s obviously ‘moved on’ with other guys but she happens to be single at the time.
For those that look for safety in books, technically the MCs were not in a relationship or anything was promised.
Yes, the h sleeps with the H and then she has other relationships where she sleeps with 2 more guys. The H doesn’t sleep with anyone else.
Also, it’s a very short story. I wished that the author would give more plot to become fully invested.
Anyway, I think the separation was unnecessary and didn’t help with the connection between the MCs.
July 29, 2024
I liked this less than the others
I totally disliked the absurdity of her sister whorling to protect her and her reaction to this sacrifice is near to nothing
2.5 stars
I totally disliked the absurdity of her sister whorling to protect her and her reaction to this sacrifice is near to nothing
2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
Citadel is book 5 in the Kindled series and another fantastic addition. I can honestly say that I just can't get enough of this series and as soon as I realized this one was released, I downloaded it and inhaled it. In Citadel we meet Del and her older sister Breanna doing what is needed to survive in this new world. I loved them both, Breanna's sacrifice to do whatever it is to take care of her little sister even if she needs to use her body was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. At first Del seems very young for her age but a lot of it has to do with her always trying to hide the fact that she's a young woman and to keep herself hidden. Cole was also fantastic and exactly what I would have come to expect from this author. I loved the connection between Cole and Del which was definitely insta attraction which is very different from the other books in this series, but I enjoyed the change. I'm definitely not a fan of separations and the way Cole left was heartbreaking, but I think it was exactly what was needed. Del continued to grow and even experience other men and while Cole was definitely not happy, he acknowledges the fact that it was completely his fault. I definitely didn't like Cole's brother at all and felt he wasted so many years looking for someone who isn't worth the time. Overall, this was another winner for me, and I can't wait for Breanna's book.
August 1, 2023
Citadel is the 5th book in the Kindled series, but it can be read as a complete standalone. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, we meet Del and her older sister Breanna as they try their best to survive and protect each other. When their safe haven is under threat, the sisters have no choice but to trust Cole, a lone man who had once helped Del.
I'm honestly so happy that we are getting so many stories set in the Kindled world. What's interesting here is that Cole and Del have a second chance romance. After Cole, Del, and Breanna find a community to settle in, Cole leaves Del without saying goodbye. They meet again 2 years later, but Del can no longer trust Cole and she's determined to stay far away from him. But when Breanna goes missing, Del has no choice but to accept Cole's help to find her sister. And that's when the second chance romance really kicks in.
I just love the way Claire Kent transitions the romance from aloof sexual interest to deep love and intimacy. Even though Cole and Del try to pretend that their relationship is only based on sex, there is still a deep and believable emotional connection between them from the start. I was swooning by the time Cole and Del finally approached a new level of emotional intimacy and their love declaration was so sweet. In addition to the romance, I really enjoyed their conversations about Cole's sacrifice for his brother, especially in contrast with Del's connection with her sister Breanna.
I can always expect a good book from Claire Kent. I'm really excited for Aidan and Breanna's book! They are both interesting characters and I can't wait to dive deep into their story!
I'm honestly so happy that we are getting so many stories set in the Kindled world. What's interesting here is that Cole and Del have a second chance romance. After Cole, Del, and Breanna find a community to settle in, Cole leaves Del without saying goodbye. They meet again 2 years later, but Del can no longer trust Cole and she's determined to stay far away from him. But when Breanna goes missing, Del has no choice but to accept Cole's help to find her sister. And that's when the second chance romance really kicks in.
I just love the way Claire Kent transitions the romance from aloof sexual interest to deep love and intimacy. Even though Cole and Del try to pretend that their relationship is only based on sex, there is still a deep and believable emotional connection between them from the start. I was swooning by the time Cole and Del finally approached a new level of emotional intimacy and their love declaration was so sweet. In addition to the romance, I really enjoyed their conversations about Cole's sacrifice for his brother, especially in contrast with Del's connection with her sister Breanna.
I can always expect a good book from Claire Kent. I'm really excited for Aidan and Breanna's book! They are both interesting characters and I can't wait to dive deep into their story!
January 20, 2024
Ever since I read Kit Rocha’s dystopian post-apocalyptic Beyond series, I’ve had an interest in romance books that are similar (no zombies required though). Claire Kent (a.k.a Noelle Adams) started a new series, Kindled, in the same vein in 2021 and Citadel is book five. It’s the first of a duology about two sisters featuring some new characters that reads independently of the previous four novels. But the world is the same and the intense survival nature remains ever-present.
It’s a few years after impact, when a meteor destroyed western Europe and the world fell apart. Most of humanity is dead but there are a few pockets of survivors, some in organized communities and others living alone, all scavenging goods, medicines, and anything usable from the ‘before’ times. Del and her older sister Breanna have temporarily found a haven on the coast in a flooded hotel, and Breanna protects Del by trading sex for their survival, currently sleeping with the leader of their group. But one night their relative peace is shattered by a roving band who finds their hideout. They are saved by a lone man, Cole, who had been travelling with the rogue group for his own purposes but wasn’t part of their violent attack.
Cole has his own mission – to find his brother. He’s been on his trail for years, and picking up Del and Breanna doesn’t deviate him from his intended path as the sisters’ goal is to find another place to live and he knows of somewhere they might like. Once he’s got them settled in a community that seems relatively stable, he heads off again to look for his brother. Del is sorry to see him go, but understands his compulsion, as she would do the same if it were Breanna that was missing. Del and Cole have some sparks of attraction between them, enough so that three months later, when Cole drops back in to see how they are faring, the two of them share a steamy night together. But in the morning he is gone, with no word of goodbye. Two years later, he shows up again, but this time, Del is not going to be so foolish as to fall back into bed with him. He’s proven that he isn’t interested in settling down. But when an unexpected emergency throws Del and Cole together in a shared mission, will they find a way to reconcile and figure out a more promising shared future?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
It’s a few years after impact, when a meteor destroyed western Europe and the world fell apart. Most of humanity is dead but there are a few pockets of survivors, some in organized communities and others living alone, all scavenging goods, medicines, and anything usable from the ‘before’ times. Del and her older sister Breanna have temporarily found a haven on the coast in a flooded hotel, and Breanna protects Del by trading sex for their survival, currently sleeping with the leader of their group. But one night their relative peace is shattered by a roving band who finds their hideout. They are saved by a lone man, Cole, who had been travelling with the rogue group for his own purposes but wasn’t part of their violent attack.
Cole has his own mission – to find his brother. He’s been on his trail for years, and picking up Del and Breanna doesn’t deviate him from his intended path as the sisters’ goal is to find another place to live and he knows of somewhere they might like. Once he’s got them settled in a community that seems relatively stable, he heads off again to look for his brother. Del is sorry to see him go, but understands his compulsion, as she would do the same if it were Breanna that was missing. Del and Cole have some sparks of attraction between them, enough so that three months later, when Cole drops back in to see how they are faring, the two of them share a steamy night together. But in the morning he is gone, with no word of goodbye. Two years later, he shows up again, but this time, Del is not going to be so foolish as to fall back into bed with him. He’s proven that he isn’t interested in settling down. But when an unexpected emergency throws Del and Cole together in a shared mission, will they find a way to reconcile and figure out a more promising shared future?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
August 22, 2023
Back with my hopeful apocalyptic wasteland human romance queen Claire Kent. I just love this series. The men are growly and gruff (but are big ole softies for their ladies) and the FMCs always end up finding their own place with their own talents in the communities they build. This one was a bit different because we're A. Seeing a different side of the country post asteroid impact and B. This is a second chance after our MMC screws up and leaves for years. But I think what I love so much about Kent's writing is that these are people that probably never would have looked twice at each other in the contemporary normal world. But when survival is your priority, I think you look for different things in a partner that make you more compatible in an apocalyptic world. Ugh. Love this series. Love the dirty talk. Love the couple. Can't wait for the next one.
July 3, 2025
I loved these new characters and getting to see a different part of the country after Impact. My heart was full of longing right along with Del's. Cole's grovel was worthy of forgiveness. I liked that both characters were thoughtful and really took the time to decide if being together was really what they wanted.
So excited for the next book even though it looks like the trope will be enemies to lovers - which is not my favorite. I can't wait to see how the storylines come together!
So excited for the next book even though it looks like the trope will be enemies to lovers - which is not my favorite. I can't wait to see how the storylines come together!
September 26, 2024
Completely different characters to the one's we've met in previous books. This one starts off on the east coast where the coast has been covered in water. We meet Del and her sister Breanna. Very realistic what would happen if a woman wanted safety and protection and the thing's she'd do to stay alive. Unfortunately. But Breanna protects her younger sister and takes the sacrifices for her. We then meet Cole who's on his own quest to find his younger brother. Cole saves both Del and Breanna when the hotel they're living in is attacked by bad men. It's a continuous journey on foot to find safety. There's instant chemistry between Cole and Del. They're 14 yrs apart so I'm thinking we're never going to see a middle aged or even late 20s FMC here 😂. Most virgins as well. Anyways, Cole, Del, and Breanna are given sanctuary at a settlement called Monument which is in Virginia bordering Kentucky I think. Cole leaves Del and her sister there to go back out searching for his younger brother. Comes back 3 months later and that's where Cole and Del first have sex, but Cole making a bad choice leaves Del without telling her. Unfortunately, she thought she was enough for him to stay. Not so. He doesn't show back up until 2 yrs later! She's pissed once they meet again. She tried to continue with her life with two different relationships where one of the men she was with dies. A lot of dying in these books of course. She needs space from Cole and decides to go on a message run with her sister where her sister is unfortunately kidnapped by The Wolf Pack which has actually grown tremendously from book one. They've now hauled themselves up in a big hotel which they've named The Citadel. I'm unsure which state it's in. It seems Cole's brother was joined with them from the beginning. The rest of the book is Cole and Del trying to rescue Breanna. They meet Aidan who is the love interest of Breanna in the next book. Cole and Del have their HEA, but there's a lot of loose ends that will be covered in the next book. This was actually my favorite book so far because I really loved Del and Cole. So far this series is quite entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
”if i thought i could have had a life, it always would have been with you.” ♡₊˚
it was embarrassing how excited i was when i saw this on my kindle. i had no idea she came out with another one!!! i genuinely love this series so much, ever since i read it last month i have been randomly thinking about it ever since. i’m so happy that this book is no exception to how great they are! i really enjoyed this one. i’m such a sucker for the age gaps between the heroes and heroines in these books bc she does them so well. i’m in my tlou era and every man is so joel miller coded it makes my heart extremely happy.
cole and del were *chef’s kiss* loved them very much, and i thought the plot for this was really interesting! it was the first we haven’t seen any of the old characters, and it was so much fun! i love that it’s going to be the first in a duo as well, and i cannot wait for breanna’s book next! that girl has been through some shit, i’ll tell ya.
it was embarrassing how excited i was when i saw this on my kindle. i had no idea she came out with another one!!! i genuinely love this series so much, ever since i read it last month i have been randomly thinking about it ever since. i’m so happy that this book is no exception to how great they are! i really enjoyed this one. i’m such a sucker for the age gaps between the heroes and heroines in these books bc she does them so well. i’m in my tlou era and every man is so joel miller coded it makes my heart extremely happy.
cole and del were *chef’s kiss* loved them very much, and i thought the plot for this was really interesting! it was the first we haven’t seen any of the old characters, and it was so much fun! i love that it’s going to be the first in a duo as well, and i cannot wait for breanna’s book next! that girl has been through some shit, i’ll tell ya.
March 10, 2024
Another great addition to the series. I loved that we explored the sibling bond, being a sibling myself, it was so interesting. It was a whole new story and I was never bored, I never am with this series. Wunderbar! 💖
July 14, 2023
I am still loving this series which is a relief as there was a little dip in enjoyment for me with the last installment. It was nice to have a fresh set of people in Citadel while still looking forward to seeing these connect up later down the series.
Cole and Del were a believeable couple with all the time taken to get there. I'm definitely looking foward to Breanna's story.
Cole and Del were a believeable couple with all the time taken to get there. I'm definitely looking foward to Breanna's story.
April 28, 2024
I adore this series with my entire being. CW forced sex work.
October 8, 2024
3.5⭐️
July 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this addition to the Kindled world, it really helps expand it a lot with starting out on the coastline, I really liked both MCs, and it was another fast-paced book.
3 🔥
3 🔥
July 4, 2023
Perfect New Addition to This Amazing Series!
I was SO excited when I saw this new addition to the Kindled series came out, and I wasn’t disappointed. This book starts out on what used to be the East Coast. The world is a rough and dangerous place since an asteroid hit Europe years ago. Survival is everyone’s goal, and it’s a life filled with brutal conditions and unseen dangers that lurk around every corner. This frightening setting makes for such exciting, heart wrenching stories, with the characters experiencing very real dangers as they forge their way to their own happy endings.
In this story, Del and her sister Breanna have been making by for years in a dismal place. Del is young and toughened by a hard life. She goes out scavenging one day and runs across Cole. He quickly becomes a key to her and her sister’s survival.
Cole is a tough, hot, stoic man who is literally one of the last decent guys left. He also has his own heartbreaking mission, which threatens his instant connection with Del.
Everything about Cole and Del’s connection is written perfectly. The instant spark, her love for him, and his passion and possessiveness for her are all so freaking good that I know I’ll read this again. The steam in Citadel is 🔥🔥🔥. But so is the conflict, which gives the story and their connection an urgency.
I’m not entirely sure why an apocalypse is such a perfect backdrop for a romance, but it is. Perhaps it’s the urgency of the situations these characters experience, or perhaps it’s that such a cruel world whittles down all the falsities and makes love something to fight and die for. Regardless each of the Kindled stories are can’t miss, excellent reads. This can be read as a standalone, but if you haven’t read the others you should do yourself a favor and get them.
Can’t wait for the next one! Definitely recommend this!!
I was SO excited when I saw this new addition to the Kindled series came out, and I wasn’t disappointed. This book starts out on what used to be the East Coast. The world is a rough and dangerous place since an asteroid hit Europe years ago. Survival is everyone’s goal, and it’s a life filled with brutal conditions and unseen dangers that lurk around every corner. This frightening setting makes for such exciting, heart wrenching stories, with the characters experiencing very real dangers as they forge their way to their own happy endings.
In this story, Del and her sister Breanna have been making by for years in a dismal place. Del is young and toughened by a hard life. She goes out scavenging one day and runs across Cole. He quickly becomes a key to her and her sister’s survival.
Cole is a tough, hot, stoic man who is literally one of the last decent guys left. He also has his own heartbreaking mission, which threatens his instant connection with Del.
Everything about Cole and Del’s connection is written perfectly. The instant spark, her love for him, and his passion and possessiveness for her are all so freaking good that I know I’ll read this again. The steam in Citadel is 🔥🔥🔥. But so is the conflict, which gives the story and their connection an urgency.
I’m not entirely sure why an apocalypse is such a perfect backdrop for a romance, but it is. Perhaps it’s the urgency of the situations these characters experience, or perhaps it’s that such a cruel world whittles down all the falsities and makes love something to fight and die for. Regardless each of the Kindled stories are can’t miss, excellent reads. This can be read as a standalone, but if you haven’t read the others you should do yourself a favor and get them.
Can’t wait for the next one! Definitely recommend this!!
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