What do you think?
Rate this book
Kindled #7
Homestead
After losing the last remaining member of my family, I'm left all alone in a dangerous, uncivilized world. A twenty-year-old woman with no skills, no resources, and no protection can't make it on her own after Impact, so I'm forced to rely on the charity of strangers to survive.
My one chance of safety and security comes from an unexpected offer. Jimmy Morgan needs a partner. He wants help in his house and a woman in his bed, and he'd like that partner to be me. In return I get a place to live, plenty of food, and the protection of a competent man and his larger community. It's a good deal, so of course I accept.
It means I have to live with a gruff, stoic man I barely know. All the new chores around the house are difficult enough, but they're not my biggest challenge. Because I'm now Jimmy's woman... whatever that means.
My one chance of safety and security comes from an unexpected offer. Jimmy Morgan needs a partner. He wants help in his house and a woman in his bed, and he'd like that partner to be me. In return I get a place to live, plenty of food, and the protection of a competent man and his larger community. It's a good deal, so of course I accept.
It means I have to live with a gruff, stoic man I barely know. All the new chores around the house are difficult enough, but they're not my biggest challenge. Because I'm now Jimmy's woman... whatever that means.
338 pages, Hardcover
Published May 9, 2024
339 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
40 books2,210 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,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
May 29, 2024
Good but the hero was too stinky for me
3.5 stars rounded down because this made me a bit uncomfortable. The issues I had with this were mostly my preferences for how I like my fmcs and my mmcs. This was well written, real, raw and emotional. It was also, as per usual for Kent, quite erotic.
Other than my own issues with this, the book was on the long side and leaned in heavily to both sex (uncomfortable sex) and slice of life. Sometimes I like both, especially in dystopian, but this time the balance felt off and the story dragged.
As to my own issues, I was very uncomfortable with the FMC’s journey. She had a very good growth arc but as people pleasing or insecure heroines aren’t my fave in this genre (I love the ass-kicking girlies) I had trouble and wished she’d get her head out of her ass and communicate and stop trying to squash down all her feelings in favour of giving the hero blow jobs. That being said, this was an important part of the plot and her character arc, and the ending did do her justice.
The other issue I had was that the hero was extremely unappealing to me. Yes, he was a golden retriever, which I love, but the author could not stop telling us how smelly he was. We were inundated with descriptions of him being dirty and sweaty and of his overwhelming smell and of his gastric problems ( farts ). Sometimes I need a little bit more mystery. I need a little bit more room for my delusions. I realize that in a post apocalyptic society, people would not have deodorant, regular hot showers, and access to personal hygiene products, but I didn’t need it shoved in my face quite so much. Now this is something that Claire Kent does frequently, and I should be used to it and I have enjoyed it in other books of hers but this one just was too much for me for whatever reason.
But at its heart the story was very sweet and a good homage to a Western/ Frontier MOC and Jimmy was a decent (if stinky) hero and I loved the community and the hopeful vibes. If you like this series this is worthy read and I hope you don’t have the same icks that I do with it.
Thanks to the author and wildfire marketing for the early copy.
**********************************
When an arc comes in months after you signed up and you totally forgot you signed up for it lol.
Maybe I should have a system or something? Nah!
3.5 stars rounded down because this made me a bit uncomfortable. The issues I had with this were mostly my preferences for how I like my fmcs and my mmcs. This was well written, real, raw and emotional. It was also, as per usual for Kent, quite erotic.
Other than my own issues with this, the book was on the long side and leaned in heavily to both sex (uncomfortable sex) and slice of life. Sometimes I like both, especially in dystopian, but this time the balance felt off and the story dragged.
As to my own issues, I was very uncomfortable with the FMC’s journey. She had a very good growth arc but as people pleasing or insecure heroines aren’t my fave in this genre (I love the ass-kicking girlies) I had trouble and wished she’d get her head out of her ass and communicate and stop trying to squash down all her feelings in favour of giving the hero blow jobs. That being said, this was an important part of the plot and her character arc, and the ending did do her justice.
The other issue I had was that the hero was extremely unappealing to me. Yes, he was a golden retriever, which I love, but the author could not stop telling us how smelly he was. We were inundated with descriptions of him being dirty and sweaty and of his overwhelming smell and of his gastric problems ( farts ). Sometimes I need a little bit more mystery. I need a little bit more room for my delusions. I realize that in a post apocalyptic society, people would not have deodorant, regular hot showers, and access to personal hygiene products, but I didn’t need it shoved in my face quite so much. Now this is something that Claire Kent does frequently, and I should be used to it and I have enjoyed it in other books of hers but this one just was too much for me for whatever reason.
But at its heart the story was very sweet and a good homage to a Western/ Frontier MOC and Jimmy was a decent (if stinky) hero and I loved the community and the hopeful vibes. If you like this series this is worthy read and I hope you don’t have the same icks that I do with it.
Thanks to the author and wildfire marketing for the early copy.
**********************************
When an arc comes in months after you signed up and you totally forgot you signed up for it lol.
Maybe I should have a system or something? Nah!
May 20, 2024
This story is basically two strangers deciding to live together as a couple would, working the land, and spending their evenings together.
Jimmy Carlson needs a partner. He wants help in his house and a woman in his bed, and he'd like that partner to be me. In return, I get a place to live, plenty of food, and the protection of a competent man and his larger community. It's a good deal, so of course I accept.
Chloe (23) is a bit naïve about how everything works, but she is giving at her all. She doesn’t want to disappoint Jimmy.
Jimmy (27?) is a widower, and as much as he is a kind soul, he is also emotionally closed off.
What worked: The awkwardness of the characters.
The setting, descriptions of farm life, and how difficult it would be to live without modern conveniences are spot on.
I love that this author doesn’t shy away from bodily functions, and natural human smells during the apocalypse. Although, I could’ve done without the fart scene.
What didn’t work: Gasoline goes bad. So the reality of these people driving around in trucks, just wouldn’t happen after nine years. Get some horses or donkeys to travel, or propane powered vehicles.
Girlie. This is the nickname he gives her. It is so off-putting, when they are having sex.
“That’s right, girlie,” he murmurs, holding my ass with one of his hands and reaching over to gather up my hair with his other. “Now you’re takin’ it good.”
Despite my complaints, this series is incredibly fun to read. Kent infuses her characters with so many realistic qualities, insecurities, and raw emotions. Highly recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic romances. Ok as a standalone, but better if you start this series with Last Light.
BR with Isabella because we both love this series!
Jimmy Carlson needs a partner. He wants help in his house and a woman in his bed, and he'd like that partner to be me. In return, I get a place to live, plenty of food, and the protection of a competent man and his larger community. It's a good deal, so of course I accept.
Chloe (23) is a bit naïve about how everything works, but she is giving at her all. She doesn’t want to disappoint Jimmy.
Jimmy (27?) is a widower, and as much as he is a kind soul, he is also emotionally closed off.
What worked: The awkwardness of the characters.
The setting, descriptions of farm life, and how difficult it would be to live without modern conveniences are spot on.
I love that this author doesn’t shy away from bodily functions, and natural human smells during the apocalypse. Although, I could’ve done without the fart scene.
What didn’t work: Gasoline goes bad. So the reality of these people driving around in trucks, just wouldn’t happen after nine years. Get some horses or donkeys to travel, or propane powered vehicles.
Girlie. This is the nickname he gives her. It is so off-putting, when they are having sex.
“That’s right, girlie,” he murmurs, holding my ass with one of his hands and reaching over to gather up my hair with his other. “Now you’re takin’ it good.”
Despite my complaints, this series is incredibly fun to read. Kent infuses her characters with so many realistic qualities, insecurities, and raw emotions. Highly recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic romances. Ok as a standalone, but better if you start this series with Last Light.
BR with Isabella because we both love this series!
May 25, 2024
3.5 It Makes Things Safer Stars ⭐
“Chloe, doll,” he’d tell me, “the world is hanging on by a thread. It’s on its last legs. Don’t you feel the end in the air?”
Let's be honest, if you're as obsessed as I am with the Kindled Series and post apocalyptic world this author has created, every new book released feels like Christmas. Which brings us to Homestead. Mmm, my feelings are torn.
I really love the concept of quid pro quo. It's so naughty and wrong. To be transparent, it's one of my favorite tropes, so I was giddy realizing that this was the relationship between Jimmy and Chloe. She needs a home and he wants all his needs tended to...
“I want to be good to you.” His mouth parts slightly. Something flares up in his eyes. “You have been good to me. You got no idea how much better it is for me with you here.”
So initially I liked the arrangement until you understand that Chloe is playing a part. After all she would be destitute without Jimmy, so she has to keep him sweet. I mean if he wasn't happy with the amount of sex and blowjobs he received, not sure what more you could do for him.
Where both of them are holding back their true feelings, they're building a life together. As usual, the writing and storytelling was effortless and a pleasure to read. I didn't love Chloe even if I found her realistic. She was only 14 at Impact, and had been in total isolation with her grandfather before hooking up with Jimmy. It explains her struggles.
As for Jimmy, this author loves penning smelly men which amuses me to no end. He was an honest to goodness bloke who worked hard and looked after what was his. Jimmy and Chloe were a good couple, they just lacked the right amount of chemistry for me.
BR with Rain. Your patience was appreciated! Being time poor sucks!
“Chloe, doll,” he’d tell me, “the world is hanging on by a thread. It’s on its last legs. Don’t you feel the end in the air?”
Let's be honest, if you're as obsessed as I am with the Kindled Series and post apocalyptic world this author has created, every new book released feels like Christmas. Which brings us to Homestead. Mmm, my feelings are torn.
I really love the concept of quid pro quo. It's so naughty and wrong. To be transparent, it's one of my favorite tropes, so I was giddy realizing that this was the relationship between Jimmy and Chloe. She needs a home and he wants all his needs tended to...
“I want to be good to you.” His mouth parts slightly. Something flares up in his eyes. “You have been good to me. You got no idea how much better it is for me with you here.”
So initially I liked the arrangement until you understand that Chloe is playing a part. After all she would be destitute without Jimmy, so she has to keep him sweet. I mean if he wasn't happy with the amount of sex and blowjobs he received, not sure what more you could do for him.
Where both of them are holding back their true feelings, they're building a life together. As usual, the writing and storytelling was effortless and a pleasure to read. I didn't love Chloe even if I found her realistic. She was only 14 at Impact, and had been in total isolation with her grandfather before hooking up with Jimmy. It explains her struggles.
As for Jimmy, this author loves penning smelly men which amuses me to no end. He was an honest to goodness bloke who worked hard and looked after what was his. Jimmy and Chloe were a good couple, they just lacked the right amount of chemistry for me.
BR with Rain. Your patience was appreciated! Being time poor sucks!
May 30, 2024
in conclusion he stinks and farts
~~~~~
i forgot that i signed up for the arc and i didn’t realize it was the 7th book which i didn’t read the previous books🙈 but anywayssss i got the arc so yayyy!! 🤭
~~~~~
i forgot that i signed up for the arc and i didn’t realize it was the 7th book which i didn’t read the previous books🙈 but anywayssss i got the arc so yayyy!! 🤭
January 29, 2025
Reread in Jan 2025 for Patreon
.
.
.
I can't quite explain how much comfort I find in this special little dystopian series. Should I find the end of the world comforting? Probably not. But here we are. I know that's not what everyone is looking for when they pick up a book about the apocalypse, yet the Kindled series has become my escape in so many ways.
Okay, onward to this book.
Homestead read like a Historical Romance to me. A Marriage/partnership of convenience where both parties have something the other one needs and they team up to offer it. Also with the added benefit of very few modern conveniences. If you aren't a frequent HR reader, have no fear, it's just the impressions I got and I liked that. That transactional element that brings so many couples together in books by this author is something I love to read.
Chloe has only had her grandfather to count on for 9 long years and the first time they venture off their safe place, her grandfather is killed and she is now at the mercy of strangers. She's willing to work hard, keep her head down, and even cohabitate with Jimmy for survival.
When Jimmy offers for her to live and be with him at his small farm, Chloe doesn't need to overthink it. It's the best outcome she can hope for. All the emotional and physical aspects are very foreign to her but she'll do what she thinks is expected of her.
Jimmy is a quiet, gruff, yet kind man and I loved watching the small things he would do to care for Chloe. Yes, he could express himself more but what fun would that be?
There were also some background maneuvering in this world that seem to be rearing their heads. What is happening with the Wolf Packs? What new dangers have evolved in this world? I look forward to what's happening next, even if I'm scared.
Beacon is up next and it is the long awaited love story of Mack and Anna. Since I first read Last Light, I have wanted their story. But I do hope they won't be the end of this world, so fingers crossed that Claire Kent gets inspired for more.
I'd be so sad to lose my comforting dystopian world.
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Attempted SA, Death of loved one
.
.
.
I can't quite explain how much comfort I find in this special little dystopian series. Should I find the end of the world comforting? Probably not. But here we are. I know that's not what everyone is looking for when they pick up a book about the apocalypse, yet the Kindled series has become my escape in so many ways.
Okay, onward to this book.
Homestead read like a Historical Romance to me. A Marriage/partnership of convenience where both parties have something the other one needs and they team up to offer it. Also with the added benefit of very few modern conveniences. If you aren't a frequent HR reader, have no fear, it's just the impressions I got and I liked that. That transactional element that brings so many couples together in books by this author is something I love to read.
Chloe has only had her grandfather to count on for 9 long years and the first time they venture off their safe place, her grandfather is killed and she is now at the mercy of strangers. She's willing to work hard, keep her head down, and even cohabitate with Jimmy for survival.
When Jimmy offers for her to live and be with him at his small farm, Chloe doesn't need to overthink it. It's the best outcome she can hope for. All the emotional and physical aspects are very foreign to her but she'll do what she thinks is expected of her.
Jimmy is a quiet, gruff, yet kind man and I loved watching the small things he would do to care for Chloe. Yes, he could express himself more but what fun would that be?
There were also some background maneuvering in this world that seem to be rearing their heads. What is happening with the Wolf Packs? What new dangers have evolved in this world? I look forward to what's happening next, even if I'm scared.
Beacon is up next and it is the long awaited love story of Mack and Anna. Since I first read Last Light, I have wanted their story. But I do hope they won't be the end of this world, so fingers crossed that Claire Kent gets inspired for more.
I'd be so sad to lose my comforting dystopian world.
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Attempted SA, Death of loved one
January 5, 2026
STINKY but SWEET! Gritty dystopian romance that will make you appreciate modern plumbing but also fantasize about
cozy homestead living
🐥🤎🐷
Chloe is a sheltered girlie that’s been living secluded in the deep forest with her grandpa. After his death she’s thrown into the unknown of a hardworking community and meets stinky Jimmy that’s looking for a woman.
”He takes care of me, and I make him happy.”
Women in dystopian societies have it HARD! There is definitely a more TRANSACTIONAL dynamic to this one or at least that’s how Chloe perceives it. I didn’t like Jimmy as much (not because he was too gritty lol) because his lack of communication and ‘dead wife’ storyline made it really tough on Chloe.
🤎 sheltered fmc introduced to gritty homesteading
🤎 old lady tells her that a BJ a day will keep her man happy AND SHE COMMITS! Gives her man so many BJs he actually gets concerned!
🤎 he loves her cooking & shows it
The author has perfected the cozy dystopian romance with slightly dirty mmcs & determined fmcs. Every story has a slightly different flavour but all with a deliciously sweet ending.
dystopian
non-communicative mmc
virgin fmc
forced proximity
light spanking
homesteading
backbreaking work
rougue gang attacks
found family
pregnancy
HEA
Chloe is a sheltered girlie that’s been living secluded in the deep forest with her grandpa. After his death she’s thrown into the unknown of a hardworking community and meets stinky Jimmy that’s looking for a woman.
”He takes care of me, and I make him happy.”
Women in dystopian societies have it HARD! There is definitely a more TRANSACTIONAL dynamic to this one or at least that’s how Chloe perceives it. I didn’t like Jimmy as much (not because he was too gritty lol) because his lack of communication and ‘dead wife’ storyline made it really tough on Chloe.
🤎 sheltered fmc introduced to gritty homesteading
🤎 old lady tells her that a BJ a day will keep her man happy AND SHE COMMITS! Gives her man so many BJs he actually gets concerned!
🤎 he loves her cooking & shows it
The author has perfected the cozy dystopian romance with slightly dirty mmcs & determined fmcs. Every story has a slightly different flavour but all with a deliciously sweet ending.
dystopian
non-communicative mmc
virgin fmc
forced proximity
light spanking
homesteading
backbreaking work
rougue gang attacks
found family
pregnancy
HEA
June 24, 2024
I'm so glad I finally got round to reading this 😭. I'm absolutely OBSESSED with this world and series- and this was such a great addition to it. I'm not ready for the final book 🥲🫠.
May 24, 2024
3,5
I didn’t like this story the same way as the previous books. The characters were just fine and I didn’t see their connection.
I didn’t like this story the same way as the previous books. The characters were just fine and I didn’t see their connection.
May 22, 2024
'𝐇O𝐌E𝐒T𝐄A𝐃' Is a Post Apocalyptic novel and the seventh book within the series (Kindled) by author Claire Kent. Only one more instalment after this and the kindled series will be completed, but I'm excited about the new series that's going to drop next year..
This one was cute, a lot of learning curves, a lot of awkward moments and sweet moments, and a shitload of blowjobs, which was the advice she was given to keep her new man happy. And not one complaint by him to be had 🤣
What started out as an arrangement became so much more, but what a journey they had to travel to get to where they were settled and in love. Because of this I didn't really feel that initial attraction between them because they were tiptoeing around each other worried that any wrong move and the bomb would detonate. She was worried if she couldn't please him, or make him happy that he'd kick her out of his home. He was a man with few words, his love was shown in the ways he protected her, provided for her.
I didn't really warm up to Chloe, I love sassy, strong heroines and Chloe was the opposite, she was a people pleaser, squashing her feelings down deep, and not voicing her opinion just to please others around her to make them like her. I do understand where the author was going in regards to her character. Left alone in the world after her grandfather dies she only has the kindness of this community which takes her in. So she has a deep rooted fear if she speaks out of line she'll be turned out on her ear..
And Jimmy like the previous men in this series, he's a man with few words, rough around the edges but is a kind hearted man.
Overall I did enjoy this book.
May 15, 2024
This is a NetGalley arc review. Thank you as always to NG and the publisher for these awesome reading opportunities!
✨4
🌶️2
Homestead is Book 7 (technically Book 8 if you count Last Light) of Claire Kent’s post-apocalyptic romance series Kindled, which follows characters surviving in a post-asteroid decimated world, and finding dirty, stinky, sweet love along the way, as well as attempts to rebuild civilization.
While the worldbuilding is never truly expanded beyond that essential premise, because these books are so intimately character focused, I never felt lacking in any way; rather, the setting provides a unique background for a romance.
Claire Kent’s writing continues to be utterly readable, bingeable, and digestible. Literally throw in any other synonym and you’d be correct. Her writing just flows, almost like it has a sentient mind of its own. It’s choppy and brusque when it needs to be, perhaps to show the early gruffness of the MMC, Jimmy Morgan. It’s also stilted when it needs to be, really hitting home to the reader that the early stage of Jimmy and the FMC Chloe’s relationship is awkward and tentative, and we’ll see it grow over the course of the book, complemented by the writing itself. There’s no pretenses or fluff to Claire Kent’s writing, she just has a story to tell, and tell its well.
This particular story, Homestead, introduces us to FMC Chloe, who, after the asteroid Impact and losing her parents, has been surviving in the wilds with only her grandpa as company, and as her main protector from this new, cruel world. It’s one her grandpa was oddly prepared for, being one of those bunker conspiracy theory types. Turns out he was right!
For a second, I thought we were going to get a badass grandpa and granddaughter duo making their way in the world, but then I remembered the plot of the story, and just when I did, events kicked off that shot, literally, Chloe into the arms of MMC Jimmy and his own community. It takes Chloe a lot of time to get used to her new living arrangements, and even more time getting the hang of all the manual labor required to keep the community functioning. And as one of the newest members of the community, Chloe fears that there’s a good chance she’ll be kicked out if she doesn’t pull her weight.
But her luck changes when Jimmy approaches her with an arrangement: be his woman, be his partner, and Chloe would be able to live with him in his private house, and tend mostly to their own needs.
In terms of this aspect of Homestead, a fellow reviewer on here, Jenn (The Book Refuge), hit the nail on the absolute head with her description of the tone, quoting from her review:
“…Homestead read like a Historical Romance to me. A Marriage/partnership of convenience where both parties have something the other one needs and they team up to offer it. Also with the added benefit of very few modern conveniences…”
Read her full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This was spot on! There was talk in the book here of what Chloe felt like she was expected to do, like house chores, versus what she thought Jimmy would take care of, like manual labor outdoors. These lines were pretty defined in the beginning, mostly because Chloe thought she had to stick to them so severely or Jimmy would tire of her and kick her out, but as their relationship progressed and they actually talked more, it was nice to see how these roles sometimes flipped when the characters needed to help each other out.
Speaking of talking more, I would say that is my biggest complaint about Homestead, and the reason for a star being taken off. This is one of Claire Kent’s longest books, yes, but I feel like the only reason it was so long was because of all the miscommunication, or rather, lack of communication, between the characters, and repetitive ruminations of the FMC. This book could’ve totally worked, and worked even better, if it was closer in length to the others in the series. The additional page count only really added additional room for the MCs to continue the lack of actually discussing their problems, versus just saying “I’m fine” and glossing over it.
Other than that, this was a nice story, and I loved how the romance between Chloe and Jimmy progressed. By the end, you could really feel their love and devotion for each other, made all the stronger and the sweeter because they both can shout it from the rooftops after finally opening up to each other, and realizing their both not mind readers.
Also, the stinky man streak continues, I see you Claire Kent.
I would love to see so many more entries in this series, but I think it may be winding down, at least this main portion of it. Based on the set up of Mack’s character at the end of this book, looks like we’ll finally be getting his and Anna’s story. I wonder if their book will close the series, or if we’ll get one more after that?
I highly, highly, highly recommend this series, and Homestead was a great and worthwhile entry to the Kindled world.
✨4
🌶️2
Homestead is Book 7 (technically Book 8 if you count Last Light) of Claire Kent’s post-apocalyptic romance series Kindled, which follows characters surviving in a post-asteroid decimated world, and finding dirty, stinky, sweet love along the way, as well as attempts to rebuild civilization.
While the worldbuilding is never truly expanded beyond that essential premise, because these books are so intimately character focused, I never felt lacking in any way; rather, the setting provides a unique background for a romance.
Claire Kent’s writing continues to be utterly readable, bingeable, and digestible. Literally throw in any other synonym and you’d be correct. Her writing just flows, almost like it has a sentient mind of its own. It’s choppy and brusque when it needs to be, perhaps to show the early gruffness of the MMC, Jimmy Morgan. It’s also stilted when it needs to be, really hitting home to the reader that the early stage of Jimmy and the FMC Chloe’s relationship is awkward and tentative, and we’ll see it grow over the course of the book, complemented by the writing itself. There’s no pretenses or fluff to Claire Kent’s writing, she just has a story to tell, and tell its well.
This particular story, Homestead, introduces us to FMC Chloe, who, after the asteroid Impact and losing her parents, has been surviving in the wilds with only her grandpa as company, and as her main protector from this new, cruel world. It’s one her grandpa was oddly prepared for, being one of those bunker conspiracy theory types. Turns out he was right!
For a second, I thought we were going to get a badass grandpa and granddaughter duo making their way in the world, but then I remembered the plot of the story, and just when I did, events kicked off that shot, literally, Chloe into the arms of MMC Jimmy and his own community. It takes Chloe a lot of time to get used to her new living arrangements, and even more time getting the hang of all the manual labor required to keep the community functioning. And as one of the newest members of the community, Chloe fears that there’s a good chance she’ll be kicked out if she doesn’t pull her weight.
But her luck changes when Jimmy approaches her with an arrangement: be his woman, be his partner, and Chloe would be able to live with him in his private house, and tend mostly to their own needs.
In terms of this aspect of Homestead, a fellow reviewer on here, Jenn (The Book Refuge), hit the nail on the absolute head with her description of the tone, quoting from her review:
“…Homestead read like a Historical Romance to me. A Marriage/partnership of convenience where both parties have something the other one needs and they team up to offer it. Also with the added benefit of very few modern conveniences…”
Read her full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This was spot on! There was talk in the book here of what Chloe felt like she was expected to do, like house chores, versus what she thought Jimmy would take care of, like manual labor outdoors. These lines were pretty defined in the beginning, mostly because Chloe thought she had to stick to them so severely or Jimmy would tire of her and kick her out, but as their relationship progressed and they actually talked more, it was nice to see how these roles sometimes flipped when the characters needed to help each other out.
Speaking of talking more, I would say that is my biggest complaint about Homestead, and the reason for a star being taken off. This is one of Claire Kent’s longest books, yes, but I feel like the only reason it was so long was because of all the miscommunication, or rather, lack of communication, between the characters, and repetitive ruminations of the FMC. This book could’ve totally worked, and worked even better, if it was closer in length to the others in the series. The additional page count only really added additional room for the MCs to continue the lack of actually discussing their problems, versus just saying “I’m fine” and glossing over it.
Other than that, this was a nice story, and I loved how the romance between Chloe and Jimmy progressed. By the end, you could really feel their love and devotion for each other, made all the stronger and the sweeter because they both can shout it from the rooftops after finally opening up to each other, and realizing their both not mind readers.
Also, the stinky man streak continues, I see you Claire Kent.
I would love to see so many more entries in this series, but I think it may be winding down, at least this main portion of it. Based on the set up of Mack’s character at the end of this book, looks like we’ll finally be getting his and Anna’s story. I wonder if their book will close the series, or if we’ll get one more after that?
I highly, highly, highly recommend this series, and Homestead was a great and worthwhile entry to the Kindled world.
May 1, 2024
Jimmy was an awesome hero and his lack of communication is actually a trait that I love. Especially in a big burly earthy hero. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have loved to have his point of view. While his actions often hinted at his feelings for Chloe, I wanted to know what he was thinking about her and their relationship.
I loved watching Chloe grow from the young girl who had been taken care of since impact, to the self sufficient woman that was capable of taking care of herself and her man. She was an endearing heroine that won me over with her struggles and perseverance to be a stronger woman.
I am not a fan of book series. However, I am a fan of this series. With each book I have fallen deeper into this dystopian world Ms. Kent has created. Her writing is crisp and straightforward as she develops the world, the characters and the storyline. The world is exactly as I would expect it to be, there are no overblown storylines that add unnecessary drama and the characters are realistic in looks, actions and desires. I hope this series continues on for a long time.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers attacked with the intent to sexually assault; death of child by secondary character who did not intend for it to happen - no details or gore
Steam
I loved watching Chloe grow from the young girl who had been taken care of since impact, to the self sufficient woman that was capable of taking care of herself and her man. She was an endearing heroine that won me over with her struggles and perseverance to be a stronger woman.
I am not a fan of book series. However, I am a fan of this series. With each book I have fallen deeper into this dystopian world Ms. Kent has created. Her writing is crisp and straightforward as she develops the world, the characters and the storyline. The world is exactly as I would expect it to be, there are no overblown storylines that add unnecessary drama and the characters are realistic in looks, actions and desires. I hope this series continues on for a long time.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers attacked with the intent to sexually assault; death of child by secondary character who did not intend for it to happen - no details or gore
Steam
May 28, 2024
My opinion of this story is definitely influenced by my love for this author and this series. That being said...I really liked this story.
Jimmy and Chloe are both awkward on their own and definitely together. I like that Jimmy isn't really a grumpy character, but still unsure of how to be around Chloe and he is just generally quiet. Chloe battles with her being a people pleaser. I was really sympathetic to her character (being a reformed people pleaser myself), so I understood her reasoning.
Unlike most of the stories in this series, this one is more of a slice of life and pretty low drama. The spice did start pretty early and was frequent, but I love the way CK writes spice so there is no complaint from me.
She also uses this story to set up for the last book in the series and a spin off series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this slower paced book. I think works especially following Sanctuary, probably the most emotional book of the series.
Jimmy and Chloe are both awkward on their own and definitely together. I like that Jimmy isn't really a grumpy character, but still unsure of how to be around Chloe and he is just generally quiet. Chloe battles with her being a people pleaser. I was really sympathetic to her character (being a reformed people pleaser myself), so I understood her reasoning.
Unlike most of the stories in this series, this one is more of a slice of life and pretty low drama. The spice did start pretty early and was frequent, but I love the way CK writes spice so there is no complaint from me.
She also uses this story to set up for the last book in the series and a spin off series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this slower paced book. I think works especially following Sanctuary, probably the most emotional book of the series.
July 10, 2025
Ok wtf was this Claire. Where was the romance? The intrigue? The lust?
I thought this would be a fun, lusty arranged-marriage type book. You know, when they get together for practical reasons but are actually super into each other and have to fight the feelings because it was never supposed to be a love match. And yeah, these two characters fight their feelings, mostly because they barely even have any.
This book was incredibly un-sensual. Almost clinical. I don't think I've ever read a book when the FMC doesn't cum during sex. In her head she's like, "yeah this is fine, it feels ok, but I have to do this every night so he won't throw me out on the street."
I repeat. WTF.
I was like, well, I guess this will get better. It did not.
I have never read a book with so many blowjobs in my life. She just gets it into her head that she must please her husband and husbands love blowjobs. And I don't know about everyone else, but that is the least interesting aspect of sex to read about over and over again.
This whole book was a beautiful young woman trying to be the perfect wife to just... a random guy. He's showing his butt crack and farting and has horrible body odor. I love some realism in romance as much as the next person but I am reading to escape reality. I don't want to be reminded of how gross men can be.
Definitely my least favorite Claire Kent book so far.
I thought this would be a fun, lusty arranged-marriage type book. You know, when they get together for practical reasons but are actually super into each other and have to fight the feelings because it was never supposed to be a love match. And yeah, these two characters fight their feelings, mostly because they barely even have any.
This book was incredibly un-sensual. Almost clinical. I don't think I've ever read a book when the FMC doesn't cum during sex. In her head she's like, "yeah this is fine, it feels ok, but I have to do this every night so he won't throw me out on the street."
I repeat. WTF.
I was like, well, I guess this will get better. It did not.
I have never read a book with so many blowjobs in my life. She just gets it into her head that she must please her husband and husbands love blowjobs. And I don't know about everyone else, but that is the least interesting aspect of sex to read about over and over again.
This whole book was a beautiful young woman trying to be the perfect wife to just... a random guy. He's showing his butt crack and farting and has horrible body odor. I love some realism in romance as much as the next person but I am reading to escape reality. I don't want to be reminded of how gross men can be.
Definitely my least favorite Claire Kent book so far.
May 22, 2024
3.5 ✨
May 27, 2024
Yikes… this is the first book in the series I actively disliked. It was all blowjobs and house chores and suddenly they’re in love? What???
My first ick was Chloe has been alone with her grandpa since 14 and when he’s killed she’s over it in like a week. Her ENTIRE WORLD for a decade and it’s not brought up again once she’s with Jimmy. I understand Kent’s books are about the harsh new world - it’s what I like about her books - but it’s such a huge traumatic event that she shrugged off. It didn’t feel realistic at all.
Biggest ick: Jimmy, who was AT THE MURDER of her grandpa, asks for a transactional relationship and then later is shocked/sad she’s been giving him blowjobs every single day, never argues, etc. and didn’t love him?? Excuse me?? This man is supposed to have been in a long serious romantic relationship with his wife. He’s also aware she has had NO sexual experience outside of him. This whole situation and excessive descriptions of mindless sex created more rage than romance. Jimmy is just gross - I’d rather rough it alone than be stuck with him.
I’ve been really looking forward to Mack’s book but the last few in the series have been such a disappointment… and I’m not sure how I feel about the start of Mack and Anna’s story.
My first ick was Chloe has been alone with her grandpa since 14 and when he’s killed she’s over it in like a week. Her ENTIRE WORLD for a decade and it’s not brought up again once she’s with Jimmy. I understand Kent’s books are about the harsh new world - it’s what I like about her books - but it’s such a huge traumatic event that she shrugged off. It didn’t feel realistic at all.
Biggest ick: Jimmy, who was AT THE MURDER of her grandpa, asks for a transactional relationship and then later is shocked/sad she’s been giving him blowjobs every single day, never argues, etc. and didn’t love him?? Excuse me?? This man is supposed to have been in a long serious romantic relationship with his wife. He’s also aware she has had NO sexual experience outside of him. This whole situation and excessive descriptions of mindless sex created more rage than romance. Jimmy is just gross - I’d rather rough it alone than be stuck with him.
I’ve been really looking forward to Mack’s book but the last few in the series have been such a disappointment… and I’m not sure how I feel about the start of Mack and Anna’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
I found this book searching for another one then my friend Isabella and Rain spoke so good of this series that I gave this a try
Well I liked this a lot also the reality check of body odor
Well done
Well I liked this a lot also the reality check of body odor
Well done
May 17, 2024
4.5 stars
Homestead is book 7 in the Kindled series, and I loved it from beginning to end. It had a completely different feel from the previous books, this time we are in an established farming community. Chloe has lived a very sheltered life with her grandfather until he is killed. She is rescued by Jimmy who brings her to his community where she starts to live and tries to find her place in this new world without her grandfather. Jimmy was immediately smitten with Chloe so he asked her if she would be his partner and woman. Chloe broke my heart at times, she had no idea about relationships or what's expected of a partner, so she tried to be perfect at all times. Jimmy was awesome, he treated Chloe so good but like a typical man he was blind to certain things. I loved when they finally talked and shared their feelings and Chloe finally found her voice. As a couple Jimmy and Chloe were wonderful and there was definitely lots of spice. I can't wait for Mack's book, and I really hope this author continues to write more books in this series.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own***
Homestead is book 7 in the Kindled series, and I loved it from beginning to end. It had a completely different feel from the previous books, this time we are in an established farming community. Chloe has lived a very sheltered life with her grandfather until he is killed. She is rescued by Jimmy who brings her to his community where she starts to live and tries to find her place in this new world without her grandfather. Jimmy was immediately smitten with Chloe so he asked her if she would be his partner and woman. Chloe broke my heart at times, she had no idea about relationships or what's expected of a partner, so she tried to be perfect at all times. Jimmy was awesome, he treated Chloe so good but like a typical man he was blind to certain things. I loved when they finally talked and shared their feelings and Chloe finally found her voice. As a couple Jimmy and Chloe were wonderful and there was definitely lots of spice. I can't wait for Mack's book, and I really hope this author continues to write more books in this series.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own***
April 28, 2024
“Homestead” by Claire Kent
4.5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“I like taking care of him. I like making him feel good. I wouldn’t have expected to get so much enjoyment out of caring for a man this way, but I really do.”
-This is the newest installment in Claire Kent’s dystopian romance series. All of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, aside from “Sanctuary”, which needs to be read after “Citadel”. Ten years prior, an asteroid hit Earth, and society collapsed. Each book focuses on characters in the Appalachian and Ozark region of the United States, and how they’ve established a new life.
-”Homestead” provides a very short and quick backstory for the FMC, Chloe. She spent the last ten years living with her grandpa in the Ozarks, and at the beginning of the book he’s killed while they’re scavenging for supplies. Chloe is rescued by Jimmy, who takes her to his parents’ nearby farm. It’s a similar set-up like in “Haven”, surrounding farms trade supplies and labor in order to function. After a month, Jimmy approaches Chloe and asks if she’d like to live with him on his property. He’s not proposing romance, it’s purely transactional; she helps him with tasks inside the house, he works outside, they both make a decent life for each other with their respective jobs.
-I think Chloe and Jimmy are the most realistic characters in the most believable scenario out of all the books in this series. Chloe works very hard to prove her worth (which she is fixated on throughout the entire story), but she lacks the knowledge and experience to survive on her own. Jimmy is a widower, about ten years older than Chloe, and truly just needs someone to help him with his property. But they’re both single, and there’s an attraction between the two of them, so of course this plays a pretty big role as the story progresses.
-I would describe Jimmy as a ‘soft mountain man’. He’s not some hulking alpha type who orders Chloe around. He respects her, he wants her to feel comfortable in their home, and he wants to take care of her. I really like how he’s not described as a super jacked guy, he’s got a soft stomach, kind of a dad bod. Chloe describes herself as short and kind of curvy, with long straight blonde hair. Whenever Chloe talks about her appearance, I noticed she’d play down her attributes, but Jimmy always expresses how beautiful he thinks she is.
-The book mostly takes place at their little cabin, and we see all of the arduous labor that goes into living in a remote location without modern amenities. It’s kind of exhausting to read about everything they have to do on a daily basis in order to survive, but I also appreciate its inclusion in the story. It really emphasizes how much Chloe and Jimmy need each other.
-Due to the transactional nature of their relationship, there’s a lack of communication between the MCs. It’s not miscommunication, there’s no communication. Jimmy is quiet and isn’t good at expressing his thoughts and feelings, but he tries to convey this through his actions. Chloe is scared to rock the boat (even though Jimmy has never raised his voice at her and never threatened her), because she’s in a tough situation. She has no family and friends, this is her one shot at surviving, so she works hard every single day to make Jimmy happy and to provide for their home.
-Now, that’s not to say she doesn’t enjoy making Jimmy happy, that’s actually a big part of the story, she grows to like being a caretaker. Chloe grows so much more confident as the story progresses when she picks up new skills, when she contributes to their farm community, and seeing how content Jimmy is.
-The romance grows steady throughout the story, and sometimes it’s not super obvious. But it’s a good example of how you can express love through service; Chloe’s love language is acts of service. However, the smut happens the first night Chloe moves in with Jimmy, and it’s a very consistent part of their relationship going forward. I think Chloe learns a lot about herself through being physical with Jimmy, because it’s a side of her that she’s never explored before; I’m not even sure she knew this side existed.
-Readers get to see past characters, like Rachel and Cal, and the set-up for Mack’s book is done really well; I love how he gets to shine a bit in this story. Mack is such a steady force in every single book, and I’m more than ready for him to get his own story.
Thank you NetGalley and Claire Kent for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“I like taking care of him. I like making him feel good. I wouldn’t have expected to get so much enjoyment out of caring for a man this way, but I really do.”
-This is the newest installment in Claire Kent’s dystopian romance series. All of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, aside from “Sanctuary”, which needs to be read after “Citadel”. Ten years prior, an asteroid hit Earth, and society collapsed. Each book focuses on characters in the Appalachian and Ozark region of the United States, and how they’ve established a new life.
-”Homestead” provides a very short and quick backstory for the FMC, Chloe. She spent the last ten years living with her grandpa in the Ozarks, and at the beginning of the book he’s killed while they’re scavenging for supplies. Chloe is rescued by Jimmy, who takes her to his parents’ nearby farm. It’s a similar set-up like in “Haven”, surrounding farms trade supplies and labor in order to function. After a month, Jimmy approaches Chloe and asks if she’d like to live with him on his property. He’s not proposing romance, it’s purely transactional; she helps him with tasks inside the house, he works outside, they both make a decent life for each other with their respective jobs.
-I think Chloe and Jimmy are the most realistic characters in the most believable scenario out of all the books in this series. Chloe works very hard to prove her worth (which she is fixated on throughout the entire story), but she lacks the knowledge and experience to survive on her own. Jimmy is a widower, about ten years older than Chloe, and truly just needs someone to help him with his property. But they’re both single, and there’s an attraction between the two of them, so of course this plays a pretty big role as the story progresses.
-I would describe Jimmy as a ‘soft mountain man’. He’s not some hulking alpha type who orders Chloe around. He respects her, he wants her to feel comfortable in their home, and he wants to take care of her. I really like how he’s not described as a super jacked guy, he’s got a soft stomach, kind of a dad bod. Chloe describes herself as short and kind of curvy, with long straight blonde hair. Whenever Chloe talks about her appearance, I noticed she’d play down her attributes, but Jimmy always expresses how beautiful he thinks she is.
-The book mostly takes place at their little cabin, and we see all of the arduous labor that goes into living in a remote location without modern amenities. It’s kind of exhausting to read about everything they have to do on a daily basis in order to survive, but I also appreciate its inclusion in the story. It really emphasizes how much Chloe and Jimmy need each other.
-Due to the transactional nature of their relationship, there’s a lack of communication between the MCs. It’s not miscommunication, there’s no communication. Jimmy is quiet and isn’t good at expressing his thoughts and feelings, but he tries to convey this through his actions. Chloe is scared to rock the boat (even though Jimmy has never raised his voice at her and never threatened her), because she’s in a tough situation. She has no family and friends, this is her one shot at surviving, so she works hard every single day to make Jimmy happy and to provide for their home.
-Now, that’s not to say she doesn’t enjoy making Jimmy happy, that’s actually a big part of the story, she grows to like being a caretaker. Chloe grows so much more confident as the story progresses when she picks up new skills, when she contributes to their farm community, and seeing how content Jimmy is.
-The romance grows steady throughout the story, and sometimes it’s not super obvious. But it’s a good example of how you can express love through service; Chloe’s love language is acts of service. However, the smut happens the first night Chloe moves in with Jimmy, and it’s a very consistent part of their relationship going forward. I think Chloe learns a lot about herself through being physical with Jimmy, because it’s a side of her that she’s never explored before; I’m not even sure she knew this side existed.
-Readers get to see past characters, like Rachel and Cal, and the set-up for Mack’s book is done really well; I love how he gets to shine a bit in this story. Mack is such a steady force in every single book, and I’m more than ready for him to get his own story.
Thank you NetGalley and Claire Kent for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2024
3.5 Stars
Enjoyable read, but I wished for more romance despite the circumstances. My favorite book continues to be “The Last Light” but it’s a good standalone if the synopsis if up your alley.
Enjoyable read, but I wished for more romance despite the circumstances. My favorite book continues to be “The Last Light” but it’s a good standalone if the synopsis if up your alley.
May 19, 2024
Kent once again brought that good good realism spice ✨ i do love how Kent is able to make the end of the world seem labor intensive, smelly, and violent, while also bringing a coziness to things as well. i think the reason this one wasn't a full four stars is because, well … i needed a touch more communication. these two (Jimmy and Chloe), just did not communicate about anything substantial. by the time real conversations were finally being had the book was almost over.
that said, i'm glad i finally found a book in this series that sort of captured that Last Light magic.
June 21, 2024
I stayed up way too late reading this. This is exactly what I was hoping for. Basically the Kindled series version of Hold. CW death of grandparent on page, attempted rape, injury, kidnapping, surprise pregnancy, historical death of his wife in childbirth, death of a child.
June 3, 2024
kinda boring
And what’s the deal with all the BJs. Got old hearing about it. And to make sure it was done every night. Check off on the to do list for her role as the woman?
And what’s the deal with all the BJs. Got old hearing about it. And to make sure it was done every night. Check off on the to do list for her role as the woman?
May 20, 2024
Between 3.75 and 4🌟.
I have been binging this series (books 6 & 7)since I got the arc for this book. And it didn’t disappoint.
Chloe and Jimmy meet quite unexpectedly when Chloe is in danger. He saves her when she is orphaned and brings her to his community. Sheltered from everything, Chloe is quite innocent but very hardworking. I loved how she powered through all the obstacles life kept on throwing at her. But her life is quite precarious so when Jimmy put forth a preposition she agrees ( and that scene was my favourite)!
I really love this series and this is one of the realistic books in it with struggles that they face in post apocalyptic world, which is devoid of even basic necessities.
There is a learning curve between Jimmy and Chloe and the author has captured and written it beautifully. This is one of the book where I really wish we could’ve read Hero’s POV because Jimmy is a taciturn. But I really loved how much of a softie he was. He was really kind and patient. I loved that when things hit a rough patch, they communicated with each other.
It was good to see Rachel, Cal and Mack. Can’t wait to read Mack’s book and I really really hope this author will continue this series or write a spinoff.
—post apocalypse romance.
—partner with benefits.
—grumpy, taciturn hero.
—age gap, TW, KU and safe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7M33rdSf...
I have been binging this series (books 6 & 7)since I got the arc for this book. And it didn’t disappoint.
Chloe and Jimmy meet quite unexpectedly when Chloe is in danger. He saves her when she is orphaned and brings her to his community. Sheltered from everything, Chloe is quite innocent but very hardworking. I loved how she powered through all the obstacles life kept on throwing at her. But her life is quite precarious so when Jimmy put forth a preposition she agrees ( and that scene was my favourite)!
I really love this series and this is one of the realistic books in it with struggles that they face in post apocalyptic world, which is devoid of even basic necessities.
There is a learning curve between Jimmy and Chloe and the author has captured and written it beautifully. This is one of the book where I really wish we could’ve read Hero’s POV because Jimmy is a taciturn. But I really loved how much of a softie he was. He was really kind and patient. I loved that when things hit a rough patch, they communicated with each other.
It was good to see Rachel, Cal and Mack. Can’t wait to read Mack’s book and I really really hope this author will continue this series or write a spinoff.
—post apocalypse romance.
—partner with benefits.
—grumpy, taciturn hero.
—age gap, TW, KU and safe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7M33rdSf...
December 14, 2024
Trigger Warnings:
1 Last Light
2 Haven
3 Princess
4 Embers
5 Hero
6 Citadel
7 Sanctuary
I’ve been binging the Kindled series by Claire Kent and have been having so much fun. The world reminds me of The Last of Us, beautiful but grim. I recommend reading all the books since you are able to enjoy the series. They can be read as stand-alones except Citadel and Sanctuary which are kinda duology. But there are recurring characters whose stories play in the background a bit. Mack is the next book and I am so damn excited. Something very significant happens to Mack in this book and I think it will be part of his plot in the next book. The FMC in this book, Chloe, came off as whiny and annoying. The MMC Jimmy was sweet but he didn’t stand out to me after I read Aiden’s book. Claire Kent loves to mention how smelly and unclean the men are and usually it doesn’t bother me too much but it kinda gave me the ick here. The description of butt-cracks are a nope for me I’m sorry. Jimmy and Chloe’s book is very slow at first, something fucked up happens but then it is mainly domestic scenes. But I didn’t feel much chemistry between Jimmy and Chloe. They felt like coworkers who lived together and fucked on the side. Chloe and Jimmy didn’t seem to connect on a personal level. Chloe wasn’t honest with Jimmy half the time for personal reasons. I wish this issue was tackled by the middle so that they can get to know each other. Their conversations were surface-level and the romance felt one-sided on Jimmy’s end. Chloe got mad at the stupidest shit that I was confused half the time. They both sucked at communicating and while it is addressed, it is addressed super late. There are some heavy things that happen in the middle and end of the book, but this is mainly cozy. The summary of this book made it seem like Jimmy made Chloe sleep with him but that’s not how things went down which was a relief. He gave her choices, never forcing her to do anything but Chloe had personal insecurities and felt the need to do it. This was a quick read but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other books in this series.
After an asteroid hits the Earth, Chloe and grandpa find a way live. When Chloe loses him, she is on her own. Jimmy, the person who saves Chloe, takes her to a community to live in. But Chloe is miserable until Jimmy asks her if she wants to live with him instead.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
1 Last Light
2 Haven
3 Princess
4 Embers
5 Hero
6 Citadel
7 Sanctuary
I’ve been binging the Kindled series by Claire Kent and have been having so much fun. The world reminds me of The Last of Us, beautiful but grim. I recommend reading all the books since you are able to enjoy the series. They can be read as stand-alones except Citadel and Sanctuary which are kinda duology. But there are recurring characters whose stories play in the background a bit. Mack is the next book and I am so damn excited. Something very significant happens to Mack in this book and I think it will be part of his plot in the next book. The FMC in this book, Chloe, came off as whiny and annoying. The MMC Jimmy was sweet but he didn’t stand out to me after I read Aiden’s book. Claire Kent loves to mention how smelly and unclean the men are and usually it doesn’t bother me too much but it kinda gave me the ick here. The description of butt-cracks are a nope for me I’m sorry. Jimmy and Chloe’s book is very slow at first, something fucked up happens but then it is mainly domestic scenes. But I didn’t feel much chemistry between Jimmy and Chloe. They felt like coworkers who lived together and fucked on the side. Chloe and Jimmy didn’t seem to connect on a personal level. Chloe wasn’t honest with Jimmy half the time for personal reasons. I wish this issue was tackled by the middle so that they can get to know each other. Their conversations were surface-level and the romance felt one-sided on Jimmy’s end. Chloe got mad at the stupidest shit that I was confused half the time. They both sucked at communicating and while it is addressed, it is addressed super late. There are some heavy things that happen in the middle and end of the book, but this is mainly cozy. The summary of this book made it seem like Jimmy made Chloe sleep with him but that’s not how things went down which was a relief. He gave her choices, never forcing her to do anything but Chloe had personal insecurities and felt the need to do it. This was a quick read but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other books in this series.
After an asteroid hits the Earth, Chloe and grandpa find a way live. When Chloe loses him, she is on her own. Jimmy, the person who saves Chloe, takes her to a community to live in. But Chloe is miserable until Jimmy asks her if she wants to live with him instead.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
May 21, 2024
1.5 stars
(crickets)
I am not sure what I expected but this wasn't it.
Homestead was one-third smells, one-third mindless sex scenes and one-third household chores. I am not a fan of the quid pro quo trope because it's rarely well done. The transition from a purely transactional relationship to genuine one has to be shown and not told. When Jimmy confessed that he had been in love with Chloe for ages I was like - huh? Did I miss something?
This was unnecessary long. I think it was supposed to be a slow burn but instead was just an endless stream of descriptions about transactional sex, Jimmy's olfactory state and Chloe bursting into tears/sobbing/choking up. Once you see it you can't unsee it 😔
Finally we'll get Mack and Anna's book next. But I'm going to keep my expectations NIL, so I wouldn't end up getting disappointed for a fourth time in a row 🙃
(crickets)
I am not sure what I expected but this wasn't it.
Homestead was one-third smells, one-third mindless sex scenes and one-third household chores. I am not a fan of the quid pro quo trope because it's rarely well done. The transition from a purely transactional relationship to genuine one has to be shown and not told. When Jimmy confessed that he had been in love with Chloe for ages I was like - huh? Did I miss something?
This was unnecessary long. I think it was supposed to be a slow burn but instead was just an endless stream of descriptions about transactional sex, Jimmy's olfactory state and Chloe bursting into tears/sobbing/choking up. Once you see it you can't unsee it 😔
Finally we'll get Mack and Anna's book next. But I'm going to keep my expectations NIL, so I wouldn't end up getting disappointed for a fourth time in a row 🙃
September 28, 2025
Homestead aka Çiftlik..
Dünyaya 9 sene önce çarpan göktaşı ile post apokaliptik bi düzen oluşmuş, yağmalar vs.. Walking dead tarzı bir ortam.. İnsanlar zarar ziyan bir şekilde hayatta kalmaya çalışıyorlar. Chloe 14 yaşındayken dedesiyle ormandaki kulübeye kapanmış bir şekilde yaşamışlar, ta ki yağmaya çıktıkları bir gün kötü adamlar dedesini öldürene kadar.. Sonrasındaysa Jimmy ile tanışır ve olaylar gelişir.
Jimmy kıtlık zamanında gelen Chloe’ den etkilenir ve bir anlaşma teklif eder. Adamın bir kadına ihtiyacı vardır, kadının da bir eve. Bu anlaşmayla Jimmy’ nin çiftlik evinde yaşamaya başlarlar, hem birbirlerini hem de etrafı tanırlar, vs..
Ne çok iyi ne çok kötü, 3 yıldızını alıp oturan klasik Claire Kent 🌟
Post Apokaliptik okumayı seviyorum 💖
Dünyaya 9 sene önce çarpan göktaşı ile post apokaliptik bi düzen oluşmuş, yağmalar vs.. Walking dead tarzı bir ortam.. İnsanlar zarar ziyan bir şekilde hayatta kalmaya çalışıyorlar. Chloe 14 yaşındayken dedesiyle ormandaki kulübeye kapanmış bir şekilde yaşamışlar, ta ki yağmaya çıktıkları bir gün kötü adamlar dedesini öldürene kadar.. Sonrasındaysa Jimmy ile tanışır ve olaylar gelişir.
Jimmy kıtlık zamanında gelen Chloe’ den etkilenir ve bir anlaşma teklif eder. Adamın bir kadına ihtiyacı vardır, kadının da bir eve. Bu anlaşmayla Jimmy’ nin çiftlik evinde yaşamaya başlarlar, hem birbirlerini hem de etrafı tanırlar, vs..
Ne çok iyi ne çok kötü, 3 yıldızını alıp oturan klasik Claire Kent 🌟
Post Apokaliptik okumayı seviyorum 💖
September 4, 2024
Super practical fmc who is terrified of being useless and thrown out. Protective bear of a mmc who is obviously enamored with her.
Claire Kent is the queen of transactional romances
Claire Kent is the queen of transactional romances
May 27, 2024
I love this series and this world. I tore through this book in a day even though I’ve been in a very picky slump lately.
However, Chloe drove me insane. How can someone be that oblivious? I found her very frustrating.
I enjoyed the action packed ending and even Chloe towards the end with how she treated Mack. And I felt we finally got to see Jimmy's personality at the end.
So yeah not my favorite of the series but I enjoyed it still.
However, Chloe drove me insane. How can someone be that oblivious? I found her very frustrating.
I enjoyed the action packed ending and even Chloe towards the end with how she treated Mack. And I felt we finally got to see Jimmy's personality at the end.
So yeah not my favorite of the series but I enjoyed it still.
April 30, 2024
This wasn’t my favorite in the series, but I love this series so much and it’s always a joy to return to this post apocalyptic world!
I think all of these have had a western romance vibe to them just because they fall into the same vein of “rugged, quiet working man meets down on her luck woman/woman in a patriarchal society” that’s really prevalent in westerns. And I really love that about this series. This one has more of a mail order bride feel, just without the actual mail order part lol
She accidentally lands on the border of his community while being chased through “The Wild” (aka the heavily forested South) after He shoots her pursuer/her grandpa’s murderer . I mean, quid pro quo may not be your cuppa, but as soon as Jimmy was like “I could really use a woman to help shoulder the burden and in return, I’ll keep you safe and taken care of” I was like YUSSSSSSS GIMME GIMME. Because A. How is that power imbalance going to play out (will she fall in love or not?) and B. it’s an interesting look at how romance unfolds under the most extreme of circumstances.
And Jimmy IS a good man! He does try to make Chloe happy. And Chloe IS happy. But how equal can the relationship be if one is in a position of power over the other (even if you’re not wielding that power?).
But also….Kent doesn’t write flowery, poetic passages because these are regular people trying to survive in extraordinary, and often bleak, circumstances. However, that’s kind of what I love about it? Jimmy isn’t the most ripped man alive. Chloe isn’t some Michone, sword wielding badass. No one is getting married and driving sports cars and going on vacations. But they are carving out a little pocket of happiness by creating a life that’s safe and it’s with this person they love. That’s what I love the most about this series.
I do think this is my least favorite in the series because even for a series that hinges on these two people in love not being able to express their feelings well, Chloe and Jimmy danced around talking it out a lot more than I wanted them to.
So 3.5 ⭐️
CW: attempted assault of FMC (not be MMC, saved by MMC before it could happen), farm life, minor wounds, pregnancy, accidental killing of a child due to a grenade (non-graphic, talked about afterward, not by either MC), kidnapping of MCs by bad guys, shotgun wound/bleeding
I think all of these have had a western romance vibe to them just because they fall into the same vein of “rugged, quiet working man meets down on her luck woman/woman in a patriarchal society” that’s really prevalent in westerns. And I really love that about this series. This one has more of a mail order bride feel, just without the actual mail order part lol
She accidentally lands on the border of his community while being chased through “The Wild” (aka the heavily forested South) after He shoots her pursuer/her grandpa’s murderer . I mean, quid pro quo may not be your cuppa, but as soon as Jimmy was like “I could really use a woman to help shoulder the burden and in return, I’ll keep you safe and taken care of” I was like YUSSSSSSS GIMME GIMME. Because A. How is that power imbalance going to play out (will she fall in love or not?) and B. it’s an interesting look at how romance unfolds under the most extreme of circumstances.
And Jimmy IS a good man! He does try to make Chloe happy. And Chloe IS happy. But how equal can the relationship be if one is in a position of power over the other (even if you’re not wielding that power?).
But also….Kent doesn’t write flowery, poetic passages because these are regular people trying to survive in extraordinary, and often bleak, circumstances. However, that’s kind of what I love about it? Jimmy isn’t the most ripped man alive. Chloe isn’t some Michone, sword wielding badass. No one is getting married and driving sports cars and going on vacations. But they are carving out a little pocket of happiness by creating a life that’s safe and it’s with this person they love. That’s what I love the most about this series.
I do think this is my least favorite in the series because even for a series that hinges on these two people in love not being able to express their feelings well, Chloe and Jimmy danced around talking it out a lot more than I wanted them to.
So 3.5 ⭐️
CW: attempted assault of FMC (not be MMC, saved by MMC before it could happen), farm life, minor wounds, pregnancy, accidental killing of a child due to a grenade (non-graphic, talked about afterward, not by either MC), kidnapping of MCs by bad guys, shotgun wound/bleeding
January 29, 2025
Homestead is book 7 in the Kindled series, and it can be read as a standalone. After the world ended, Chloe lived with her grandpa in his remote cabin, which was equipped with everything you needed to survive after the apocalypse. But when her grandpa gets killed, Chloe has no choice but to move to a communal farm, ran by her savior's parents. That is, until her savior, Jimmy, asks her to move in with him in a transactional arrangement. In exchange for providing Chloe with a place to stay and security, she would help him out with day-to-day tasks.
It all sounds very clinical, and it is at first, but it obviously transitions to something more intimate and deeper. And this is what Claire Kent excels at. Jimmy's offer to Chloe made me laugh so much—he basically did the equivalent of a mating dance, but Chloe was so confused when he kept listing all of his achievements to her. It was hilarious 😂
The heroes in this series are usually the silent taciturn type. But here, it's the heroine who's quiet and monosyllabic. I also get why she's this way. Her life had been steady and stagnant with her grandpa, and then everything changed in the blink of an eye, and before she knew it, she moved in with a stranger. It's a lot for a person to process and Chloe is really focused on pleasing Jimmy so he doesn't kick her out. Not that he ever would, but she doesn't know that because she doesn't know him. Chloe feels like she owes Jimmy for proposing to her. She feels obligated and doesn't complain even when she's bothered. She basically pushes her own feelings aside because she's scared of being left all alone.
You can see how the main conflict here is internal. Homestead is very character-driven and focuses mainly on communication between partners. I will say that the manual labour is particularly emphasized in this book and I was exhausted because it felt like I was the one doing all of it 😂 There is a bit of plot development towards the end, which sets up the final book in the series—Mack and Anna's story! Finally!
It all sounds very clinical, and it is at first, but it obviously transitions to something more intimate and deeper. And this is what Claire Kent excels at. Jimmy's offer to Chloe made me laugh so much—he basically did the equivalent of a mating dance, but Chloe was so confused when he kept listing all of his achievements to her. It was hilarious 😂
The heroes in this series are usually the silent taciturn type. But here, it's the heroine who's quiet and monosyllabic. I also get why she's this way. Her life had been steady and stagnant with her grandpa, and then everything changed in the blink of an eye, and before she knew it, she moved in with a stranger. It's a lot for a person to process and Chloe is really focused on pleasing Jimmy so he doesn't kick her out. Not that he ever would, but she doesn't know that because she doesn't know him. Chloe feels like she owes Jimmy for proposing to her. She feels obligated and doesn't complain even when she's bothered. She basically pushes her own feelings aside because she's scared of being left all alone.
You can see how the main conflict here is internal. Homestead is very character-driven and focuses mainly on communication between partners. I will say that the manual labour is particularly emphasized in this book and I was exhausted because it felt like I was the one doing all of it 😂 There is a bit of plot development towards the end, which sets up the final book in the series—Mack and Anna's story! Finally!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews