Lost Song

The Wild #1

by Claire Kent

I was nineteen when the world fell apart with news of an impending planet-altering disaster. To make the most of the time we had left, my high school boyfriend and I ran away to elope. We moved to a camper deep in the woods to escape the chaotic panic and violent struggle for food and supplies. We learned to survive on our own.

Three years later and he's long gone. But I'm still here. Living alone. Avoiding other survivors because no one can be trusted anymore.

Then an injured man drops at my feet, and I make the impulsive decision to help him. I'll tend to his wounds and wait for him to heal, but that's all I can offer. He's got his own demons--everyone who's made it this long does--and I won't let him drag me into danger.

I've done fine on my own. I can't risk everything that's kept me safe for him.

Lost Song is a post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe and includes some violent content and (secondary) character death.

Genres: Romance, Dystopia, Forced Proximity, Post Apocalyptic, Survival, Dark Romance, Science Fiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 6, 2026

About the author

Claire 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,

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR...

📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

❀⋆.ೃ࿔* LOST SONG ❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is the first post-apocalyptic romance novel within (The Wild) series by author Claire Kent. This is Kat & Micah's story. And Molly Kat's much loved springer spaniel.

I may have squealed a little bit when this landed in my inbox..I think I have this author to thank *coughs* or blame for my obsession with this genre. With coffee in hand, my trusty iPad and my favourite couch to read on, I was good to go, life on hold and like a favourite programme this was binged from front to back. Like usual this author weaved her magic and I couldn't put this down, and like usual I wish it was longer, and I wish we had've stayed longer within the compound walls, as I was hoping for more within those scenes it was over with.

A strong independent heroine and a happy go lucky hero these two were bound to collide in the best way possible. All her hard edges aligned perfectly with him, together they were perfection.

Kat's marriage had lasted just a few weeks and hours past eleven months, when out of the blue he packs his things and left, leaving Kat behind all alone in their camper nestled within a secluded spot within the woods. Until a stranger is found on death's door outside her camper, she has no choice but to help him. Days turn into weeks as he heals, day after day she wants him to leave her sanctuary but that over part craves his companionship. A lost battle weaves itself around her heart as Micah breaks down all her defensives.

I crave that survival aspect of living within a dangerous changed world, and this author feeds that obsession of mine perfectly.

...‘I'm thinkin' I've never met anyone as beautiful as you. Beautiful and fearless and tough and vibrant. Alive. And fragile underneath it in a way that it makes me wanna be a godamn hero’

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[Soft Nectarine ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the world ends WHO WILL WARM YOUR HEART? 💚✨ Injured but HANDSOME man lands on the doorstep of a jaded girlie & she may as well put his smart mouth to use for something…

✨🌲 ⛺️💚🐶🧡⛺️ 🌲✨

Cozy. Dystopian. Heartwarming.

Kat is a smart prepper girlie surviving in her camper for years after a global catastrophe. She needs no one. Until one day an injured giant lands on her doorstep and now she’s trying to heal him fast so she can kick him out 💨 But he’s handsome & witty so…maybe she can just partake in some casual sex while he’s recovering, right?

“He loves me so much. It’s impossible not to feel it. Right now and every moment of my days.”

Perfectly executed reverse grumpy x sunshine trope!! Kat’s reserved/self-sufficient personality needed someone cheerful to spice up her life 🧡💚 Micah’s sunny personality was like a balm to her jaded soul & the way he thought she was PRECIOUS…how adorable!!

🏕️ HE FALLS FIRST! Micah thinks she’s the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen!

🏕️ emotionally open mmc *we love a man that can cry*

🏕️ blueprint for the SICK BED trope

🏕️ they sing to each other

This book is different than Claire Kent’s others because it’s filled with playful attraction from the start. The slow melting of Kat’s heart & Micah’s vulnerable approach made the story an emotional read. Definitely SPICIER too!!


dytopian
reverse grumpy x sunshine
forced proximity
sick bed
small communities
trading/scavaging
single POV
HEA

Thank you to Claire Kent for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for Content Pull.

I am the Author's Assistant!

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Claire Kent made me irremediably fall in love with the Post-Apocalyptic subgenera, and now to say that I’m obsessed with it is an euphemism. Love Song was no exception to the rule; i inhaled it in one sitting. everything played out perfectly in the narrative, to my opinion, from the impromptu circumstances that led the protagonists to meet and stay together for a relatively long period, to how their personalities were a prefect match to one another and lastly, how all the jam-packed with adrenaline part of the storyline was dextrally orchestrated, i was PANICKED. did i mention the toe-curling, delicious scenes? because one thing the author MASTERS other than making a dystopian, scary world the home for such beautiful and heartwarming love stories, is certainly writing multiple hot scenes without falling in a repetitive and boring loop. all in all, i would definitely recommend this book (or any by this author to be honest) especially if you are looking for something short and fast-passed to read.

many thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟!

I’ve been waiting for this book since a while now and it’s amazing.
It was so satisfying to read about a heroine who is a recluse, independent, grumpy and completely self sufficient. Kat was fantastic! A no nonsense and practical heroine. Surviving in apocalypse world where humanity is completely fallen is no small thing. But she did it and thrived. I loved her character.
Micah was her complete opposite. He is still hopeful and not jaded. He was also a sunshine to Kat’s grumpiness. I enjoyed their equation. It was satisfying to watch them figure it out and fall in love. They really had that special connection and were ready to work on it.
I loved Logan more in this book. He was more approachable. Can’t wait to read his book. Burgundy’s too.

-Post apocalypse romance.
-Forced proximity.
-Found family.
-Reverse grumpy x sunshine.
-Standalone, KU, safe and TW.
-Out on 6th March.

I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cc]

Whoo hoo!! I was hoping she'd start another series!!! I'll just be sitting over here very impatiently waiting for it, but I will be waiting. Lol. If you haven't read this talented writers other series, do yourself a favor and READ THEM.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headlines:
Injured on her land
Don't wanna feel
The pull

When I say the anticipation has been high for this interconnected (to the Kindled series) series starter, I've only been ready for about a year but the wait was worth it. This post-apocalyptic romance had forced proximity written all over it and a dog, Molly who observed all.

Kat lived alone in a camper, shrouded by failing trees, hunting, growing a little food and trading for the other things she needed but she didn't want to live with others. Life had already taught her that no-one was worth the trust it would take. Micah was injured on her land and Kat had no choice but to offer some care to get him back out of the door.

I've always loved a bit of injured tragedy and the chemistry that can bubble from from those close quarters. Micah was respectful despite his attraction and Kat fought every feeling she developed. Alongside these two and their connection was a companionship that was precious, developing into shared goals.

There was a great plot afoot in Lost Song, Logan, Deck and Lilah who we met in Protected were fairly prevalent and I loved seeing Deck and Lilah especially. A lost loved one, an errant husband and a horrendous religious community all featured. I was glued to these pages and I finished it all too soon in two delicious bites.

Lost Song started off this series with characters I'm invested in. The Wild has such future promise and I am very intrigued about Logan and his daughter. I'm hoping his book will one day appear.

Thank you to the author for the eARC.

[aedor ୨ৎ]

OH MY FUCKING GOD, ANOTHER APOCALYPSE THEME?? SIGN ME TF UP!!!

[ren ♡]

A SPIN-OFF?! YAY - ANOTHER REASON TO LIVE!!

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I began Lost Song, I just couldn’t wait to pick it up at the end of each work day. It’s difficult to out my finger on just what it is that makes Claire Kent’s writing so compelling, but I think it’s a mixture of interesting storytelling combined with the ability to choose exactly the perfect word for each feeling and expression.
My experience reading post-apocalyptic romances is limited, but I found this world to be savage and unyielding and the perfectly wrong environment to forge a love story, which of course made Lost Song completely binge-worthy. You have a pretty badass heroine, Kat, who’s had to live on her own foraging and bartering for supplies amidst a time with no prospects, no future, and no promises of tomorrow. It’s a story of girl and her dog against the world. When Micah shows up on the scene, broad-shouldered, injured, and unanticipated, he seems like more trouble that Kat bargains for. I love an unlikely pairing and the work Kent puts in to breaking down Kat’s physical and metaphorical walls is truly beautiful to behold. I think Lost Song will appeal to all types of readers from fantasy, to romance, to new adult for the world building and character development, and these characters’ ability to navigate difficult situations. Call me a Claire Kent fan because I can’t wait to dive back in to this world and am excited to see what other character arcs she has in store for us. I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Please visit the author’s website for content warnings.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually don’t even know where to start with this, it’s no secret I LOVE Claire Kents books, and I have been waiting for the Lost song since CK announced it a while ago. This lived up to everything I was hoping it would be!! I didn’t want to stop reading, I was hooked from the start, we have like the perfect set up in a book with this story, I loved coming back to the Wild and finding out more about it, it has a very different feel from the books in the adjacent series set in the same world. I am really excited to see where CK takes this world!!

Micah, our MMC, oh what a golden retriever of a man who also has some trauma to deal with around his sister, who is also a protector, he was such a delightful MMC and the mouth on him!! He is a deep well who isn’t afraid of taking the back seat for a women, he was just so perfect. I loved his humor, I loved his care taking vibes, just everything!!!

Kat, our FMC, was just a prickly character, and I loved her for it! An FMC who isn’t afraid to be bad ass and stick up for what she believes is right. Kat was such a strong character to the point in one part she made a silly decision, but she got herself out of the situation while still learning her lesson!! I loved Kat and Micah together, the perfect reverse grumpy x sunshine, I am looking forward to them popping up in future books.
This was a fantastic start to the new series, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2!!!

3.5 🔥

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely Claire’s spiciest book 🥵 their chemistry was hot. I liked how capable both MCs were. No third act breakup. I wish it was longer because I wanted to get more in depth with them and maybe explore more angst. But it was satisfying and it was fun to see Logan again. I can’t wait for his book. Sensing some Logan/Burgandy tension????

[Jody Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a strong and compelling start to a new series! Lost Song is book one of The Wild (although, like the Kindled series set in the same universe, there is a precursor book, Protected). The events of this book take place about a year afterwards, so around three years after Impact. Kat is living with her dog in a trailer, her HS boyfriend she married at Impact having run off to join a gang in the first year. She stumbles across Micah suffering from a gunshot wound and takes him in. When we last saw Micah in Protected he was traveling with Logan and settled with him in the Wild. Right now though he's a loner, looking for his sister who was lost after a battle. In the year since we saw Logan settle in the area in Protected, he's holding and expanding territory, offering protection and provisions in return for favors. Kat is not a fan.

If there's one consistent through line in every Claire Kent book, it's that her heroes are stoic, non-communicative types who are secretly gone for their heroines, but the heroine doesn't know. Micah, however, forgot the get that memo. He's all "we're in sync somehow,[...] you feel it too?" and "every day like that for the rest of our lives" and "I don't think I can make it without you anymore." Kat is the one who needs to learn to open after years of being on her own, to be vulnerable and share her problems.

Kat can pretend she's taking it day by day, as she nurtures him after injury, risks her life to save him, does the impossible to bring him his heart's desire. But she knows "It feels like the embodiment of one truth I simply can't escape or deny. We're together. For real. All the way. And that's never not going to be true." The conflict here is mostly external, and even at one point, where another couple may have called it quits because of a discovered betrayal, Kat realizes she doesn't want to "hold on to a fairly small grievance just for the sake of the grievance." I love this couple and their dynamic, how they accept and protect the other for what they need and provide it while staying true to themselves.

If the overarching theme of the Kindled series is that to be fully human is to be in service and connected to others, then the Wild seems to examine what happens when we try to go it alone. Even in Beacon, set seven years after this book, characters note how life in the Wild is like year one after Impact, unsafe, constantly on alert, with no sense of shared humanity. Kat lives on her own, warily trading with others when necessary. This is where Logan is king, a man who is "not a good man. He never does the right thing just because it's the right thing. He doesn't help people out of the goodness of his heart." Contrast this with Haven Farm (lol, Wild/Haven, subtle) where as soon as they have extra food, they share it, if they are safe, they take in others.

Still, the titular Lost Song here "encapsulates a truth I've been ignoring in order to survive. So much that was good and beautiful in the world has been lost. [...] What's good that still remains is like the flickering light of the fire, flaming out only briefly before it withdraws. And Micah's song [...] has become the symbol for all that we've lost. That and the small, bittersweet hope that this brokenness won't last forever."

I'm so fascinated by this start to the series, and the premise of a setting in a society that did not bend toward community and care after impact. I'm eyeing with interest the evolution of Logan from Protected to Lost Song - the difference in keeping a found family together and safe and the mantle of leadership while on the move and eking out a survival that way and what’s needed to hold that safety and survival once established. I can’t wait for more Wild books to see what’s happened to take him from the way he is in year three all Tough but Fair but opening and welcoming to Kat to the unapproachable almost head of state / feared role he played in year ten in Beacon.

Thank you to the author for an arc.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by the author

"Somehow, in some way, what´s good will always endure."

This story is exactly the kind of post-apocalyptic romance Claire Kent excels at, quiet, grounded, emotionally honest, and deeply human.

Kat is the kind of heroine I instantly love.
She’s young, but hardened by loss and survival.
Living alone in a trailer deep in the woods, abandoned years earlier by the man she trusted, she has built a life that is fragile but fiercely her own.
She is cautious, independent, and doesn’t trust easily, and in this world, that isn’t a flaw, it’s wisdom.
She reminded me of a cat: observant, wary, self-sufficient, and absolutely capable of defending herself when needed.

One of the details I loved most was Molly, the dog Kat takes in.
Animals matter to me in stories, especially in post-apocalyptic settings, and here Molly isn’t just background flavor, she’s loved, protected, and part of Kat’s small, hard-won sense of home.
That alone made Kat feel even more real to me.

When Micah appears injured on her land, Kat makes a decision that goes against every rule she’s set for herself, she helps him.
Not because she’s reckless, but because she’s human.
From the start, the chemistry between them is undeniable, yet refreshingly calm.
Micah is gentle, easygoing, quietly kind.
He never pushes, never demands, never tries to take space Kat hasn’t offered.
He carries his own pain, but he doesn’t let it turn him hard.

What truly deepened the story for me was Micah’s emotional wound: the loss of his sister.
And this is where Kat truly shines.
Against all logic and perhaps with a touch of beautiful, stubborn recklessness, she follows her instincts, tracks down the sister, and rescues her.
It’s a powerful moment that reinforces what this story is really about.

This is, at its core, a story about female strength.
About a woman who is fully capable of surviving the apocalypse on her own.
Who doesn’t need a man to protect her and yet, when she meets the right one, chooses love and companionship not out of fear or dependence, but out of desire.
That choice never feels like a loss of independence.
It feels like expansion.

The relationship between Kat and Micah is one of my favorite things about this book.
It’s not toxic.
Not melodramatic.
Not built on power imbalance.
Their connection feels genuine, respectful, and emotionally safe, which, in a broken world, feels quietly radical.

All the characters are well-written and engaging, and fans of the Kindled series will appreciate the familiar faces and connections (especially Micah).
As the first book in this series, this is a strong, confident opening, emotionally satisfying on its own while leaving me excited for what’s to come.

This was an easy five stars for me.
I loved the couple, loved the atmosphere, and loved the message woven gently through the story. The author once again proves she understands not just survival, but what makes life worth surviving for.

[hungrybookworm.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚 “𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓.”

💚 “𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅.”

💚 “𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒔.”


I was so excited to read this book because Claire Kent originally planned for it's release last year but got pushed to this year. We first met Micah in Protected and I’ve always been curious about his character ever since. He felt quiet but strong and I just knew there was more to him. So when it finally dropped, I’m so happy and satisfied that he finally got his happily ever after. He really deserved it.

The chemistry between the character was good. Kat is such a strong character. She’s been alone in the wild for a long time and it makes sense why she’s so guarded. When you’ve survived on your own for years, trusting someone doesn’t come easily. I completely understood her perspective despite her bad judgements.

As for Micah, it must have been difficult at first to deal with Kat’s independence and walls. But even from the beginning, he understood her. He respected her space. He accepted who she was instead of trying to change her. I really appreciated that about him.

And I was also so excited while reading because I got to see familiar characters again. Burgundy! Then Deck and Leilah from Protected, still one of my favorite couples. Their story was really great and reading them again made everything feel connected. Logan too, I’ve been curious about him ever since I read Beacon. Getting glimpses of him in this past timeline made me even more interested in his story.

One thing I truly love about Claire Kent’s books is how connected her post-apocalyptic world feels. The characters overlap. The timeline flows. The world expands naturally. As someone who has followed her books for a while, I really appreciate that continuity.

Lastly, I really love that Claire Kent includes pets in her stories. The last time I watched a film, Last Night on Earth I didn’t see any trigger warnings. The villain brutally shot the dog. I was honestly pissed I couldn't finish it. I know it’s an action film and it’s meant to be brutal, but still? That scene stuck with me. So having Molly included in the story makes everything feel softer and less cruel. I have six dogs, and every time I read Claire Kent’s post-apocalyptic worlds, I always think, “Yeah… I would not survive this.”

Anyway, I’m very grateful to be part of Claire Kent's ARC team and to read Lost Song in advance. It’s truly an honor to support an author whose work I genuinely love. Honestly, I’m a sucker for her stories. Whenever she writes, I’m going to read it.

[cuore__di__carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENG/ITA REVIEW

ENG

This amazing post-apocalyptic romance with a reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic is here to comfort you with its unexpected sweetness.

BLURB
After the fall of an asteroid, the world collapses and is now inhabited by survivors.
Kat lives alone in her secluded camper with her dog, she’s self-sufficient and strong, until one day she finds a man injured and collapsed outside her camper. While she helps Micah to recover his strength, his sweet and serene ways soon enough break Kat’s hard exterior. But they are in danger and must protect everything they love at all costs.

Claire Kent is confirmed to be the queen of dystopian romance. It is not an easy genre, as it deals with catastrophe and loss, but the feelings the author describes, the hope and fight for survival, the unexpected, deep bonds are raw and real, amazingly built. This book was a comfort and Kat a surprise. While at first she seems too closed off and guarded, her behaviour makes her feelings even more sweet. Micah is sunshine personified and I loved their banter, how they learn to understand one another in such a difficult predicament.

Beautiful, can’t wait to read more!

RATE: 5/5

—

ITA
Lasciateci trasportare dall’inaspettata dolcezza di questo romance distopico, dove una ragazza indipendente e introversa si apre all’amore, l’unica cosa che conta in un mondo devastato.

TRAMA
Dopo la caduta di un asteroide il mondo è al collasso, abitato da sopravvissuti che farebbero di tutto per andare avanti.
Kat vive insieme al suo cane in un camper nella foresta. È forte, autosufficiente e chiusa a tutti. Finché non si trova ad occuparsi di Micah, uno sconosciuto ferito che trova sulla porta di casa. Micah è solare, ottimista e determinato. Presto tra loro nasce un inaspettato sentimento. Ma il pericolo è dietro l’angolo e i due dovranno difendersi per far sopravvivere il loro amore.

Claire Kent è di sicuro la regina dei romance distopici, che non sono un genere facile da scrivere o da leggere, perché parlano di perdita e catastrofe. Ma i sentimenti che crescono in situazioni disperate sono anche quelli più veri e intensi e l’autrice lo descrive benissimo in tutti i suoi libri.

Qui la meraviglia è come Kat, così incredibilmente dura, fa spazio dentro di sé al sole di Micah, simpatico e dolce. Insieme fanno scintille e si proteggono a vicenda. La loro crescita personale in un mondo che crolla è davvero meravigliosa.

Bellissimo, non vedo l’ora di leggere altro!

VOTO: 5/5

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Post-apocalyptic
Black Cat and Golden Retriever (I refuse to say reverse grumpy and sunshine!)
Wounded MMC
He falls first
Forced proximity (my favorite!)
Found Family
The dog lives

This is the story of two damaged people in a post-apocalyptic world finding love! She lives in a camper out in the woods on her own with her dog and one day she finds a wounded man just outside her camper. Kat is fiercely independent and hates having anyone depend on her and encroach on her life. But Micah is disarmingly charming even with an injury and she ends up nursing him back to health. The forced proximity of them being in this one camper really helped them to get to know each other and care for each other.

It was pretty obvious he was really into her from the get go but she couldn’t trust this as so many people (mainly men) have let her down, disappointed her and betrayed her. You could really see how Micah seemed to fully see her and understand who she was as a person. He tried really hard to never push too much or expect her to give anything she couldn’t. I really loved this about Micah.

In terms of the plot, we get some solid post-apocalyptic storylines. They have to go scavenging for things and then barter with local settlements to exchange for food and goods. This is how Kat and Micah come into contact with others. Micah used to be part of Logan’s Group of people but he clearly doesn’t want to be involved with them at the moment as he lost the only person he loved, his sister Burgundy, when the Group was involved in an altercation with another group. This has caused Micah to feel incredibly depressed and almost lose his will to live. Kat doesn’t trust anyone but especially Logan and his people, she thinks he’s like a mafia boss. But this is due to her own prejudices rather than actually getting to know people.

As much as I really enjoyed this book and recommend it (I gave it 5 stars overall), I do have a couple of niggles. Micah was a great and solid guy. I don’t really understand why he felt he could only live either for Burgundy and when he lost her, to then live for Kat. He’s such a great guy and he didn’t seem to be able to see this. But it was never explained why he was like this. Also, I’m so annoyed with Kat at the end when she does a supremely dumb move to find Burgundy. I get that she’s always been on her own and is so fiercely independent and she does realise pretty quickly that it was a super dumb move but Lord was it annoying. She was so lucky to get out of the situation. It was luck, not smarts that saved her. But I also get that this is a plot device for conflict and is needed to propel the story forward. I was just shouting at my kindle as she was doing it!

I found this to be a really interesting read. I read it in one sitting as it was so well written and flowed easily. The sex scenes are hot. The yearning from Micah is present but very respectful. And you get some good character development from Kat in the end. I recommend this read especially if you like a good post-apocalyptic story that feels really realistic.


I want to thank the author for gifting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good!





While this author always packs an emotional punch to her stories, this one hit in a way I wasn’t expecting. It unfolded in a quiet, unhurried way that pulled me right in. I immediately stopped rushing through it and allowed myself to sink into it. The connection between Kat and Micah built slowly, naturally, and I savored it all.





I really loved Micah’s calm steadiness. He didn’t need big dramatic gestures to prove himself. It was the way he paid attention, the way he showed up, and the way he made space for her that proved his worth. Kat was figuring things out, carrying her own weight amid her vulnerabilities, and making it work. Their chemistry simmered under the surface until it finally spilled over, and when it did it was emotional and satisfying on every level. This story was filled with the drama of surviving in a world that has been turned upside down, laced with danger, and woven with tender, hopeful moments that had me sighing happily at its end.


Heroine POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a player
Triggers graphic violence, death of a secondary character, cult-like religious extremist group, captivity/implied imprisonment, threat against women
Steam 5 /5; explicit

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lost Song” by Claire Kent

5⭐/5⭐
3🌶/5🌶

“I’m fine. I’ve been fine for two and a half years. And this hot, disturbing stranger isn’t going to change that about me.”

If Claire Kent writes it, I’m going to make damn sure to read it. The Kindled series, in addition to its extended stories, are one of my favorite romance series of all time. “Lost Song” is the newest edition, focusing on a new set of characters shortly after the Impact event.

Kat has been living on her own ever since her husband abandoned her, leaving Kat to survive in the Ozark wilderness on her own. But Kat is resourceful, intelligent, and independent. She makes the best of her situation and creates a suitable home for herself, in addition to her canine companion, Molly. She’s certain she’s fine alone, and that putting yourself in the situation where you’re dependent on others, is a recipe for disaster. Yet, all of this changes when Micah, an injured man who will certainly die without aid, collapses on her doorstep. Kat now has to break all of her rules to take care of Micah, which leads to life-altering consequences.

I loooooved the dynamic of Kat and Micah. Kat is definitely a ‘black cat’ personality FMC. She’s prickly, standoffish, and has a very hard time being vulnerable. Micah, meanwhile, is pure golden retriever energy. He’s sunshine! He’s radiating warmth and security, but that scares the hell out of Kat.

It was nice to see a flip on the usual couple dynamic I see in Claire Kent books: instead of the MMC being dominant, we see the FMC step into that role. Despite being so cautious, Kat is actually the one who makes the first move. I really enjoyed having Micah take a backseat and let Kat call the shots. She’s in charge, and he’s more than happy to go along with whatever she says.

If you want a little more context on this new set of characters, I do recommend reading “Protected” prior to “Lost Song”. “Protected” is a standalone, but serves as a nice prequel to “Lost Song”, and gives readers the chance to understand the new set of characters.

[Bruna Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Song by Claire Kent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️


I was stoked when I found I was selected for an ARC copy of this book. Protected is one of my absolute favorite books by Claire Kent so I was ecstatic when I found out this book was coming out and that I would be able to get a glimpse of my favorite characters again. I absolutely loved Micah in protected so it was so cool to finally get his story. The book takes place about 8 months or so after Deck and Lilah’s story. In this book we get Kat, who’s hyper independent and happy to just be on her own with her dog Molly that is… until Micah shows up on her door step bleeding out and she’s forced to decide on whether to save him or not. Seeing their relationship over time develop was absolutely amazing, I loved getting to see Kat grow and accept that it’s ok to love in trust in this new world they’re living in post apocalypse. I truly loved this book especially the last half where we really get into the action of the story.

Also this might be a minor spoiler so please do not keep reading this if you don’t want to be spoiled…













⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


but I really really really hope we get Burgundy’s story after this one. I feel like the ending sets ups up for it and she definitely deserves her happy ending…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️












Ok, potential spoiler over!!! But again this another amazing book by Claire Kent and I can’t to see what comes next after this one. The only thing I will say is that although this book can be read as a standalone, I would 100% recommend reading Protected first. I feel like it just makes the whole story feel even better knowing that you already met these characters before. Lastly I just wanted to say thank you to Claire Kent and her team for allowing me to read this ARC copy before the books release in exchange for my honest review

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Claire Kent and her team for the ARC!

Three years after a global catastrophe, Kat has been surviving as best she can—abandoned by her ex-husband, avoiding other survivors, scavenging whatever she can to trade for food and supplies. Her only companion is her dog Molly, until she finds an injured man at her camper. Kat can't bring herself to let Micah die, but as days turn into weeks, she realises he has slowly broken down her walls...

Lost Song is a brilliant start to The Wild series. Claire Kent has always been able to portray a haunting world for all books set in the Kindled universe, and while I felt at home again in Lost Song, this story has its own brilliant unique spin.

Kat has become one of my favourite FMCs—strong and practical but distrusting in this new world around her. Even though she was alone (apart from sweet Molly the spaniel!) her story doesn't feel lonely. She has a quiet perseverance, I loved seeing how she was surviving on her own initially.

"It will be no surprise to anyone that my hackles are nearly always up.
I didn't use to be like that, but I am now."

Micah was an instantly playful ray of sunshine in Kat and Molly's little sanctuary. I loved that he was so emotionally open yet had a protective nature when it came to Kat—and not in an overbearing way, he knew Kat was capable on her own. I found their shared love for music so endearing, it was very sweet when they would sing to each other.

"But I'm filled with something that spills out with my voice, that drums with the beat, that pulses with my blood.
Because I thought all of this was lost from the world.
But it's not."

Tropes and Themes:
Post-apocalyptic romance
Single POV
Reverse grumpy x sunshine
He falls first
Forced proximity
Caretaking
Found family
Doggy companion

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

Lost Song is first book the Wild series, but it is still set in the post-apocalyptic Kindled world Claire Kent has created. I was so excited to dive into this one after reading Protected, where Micah and his group were introduced.

This takes place 3 years after impact, so the world is still dealing with effects of the asteroid and the increase of dangerous groups. Kat bought a camper with her husband and moved out to the wilds after impact, but her husband was too weak to live on his own and he abandoned her to join a militia group. She has been surviving on her own with her sweet dog and doing well living a solitary lifestyle. Her life gets turned upside down when she discovers a man bleeding out from a gunshot wound near her camper.

Kat wants nothing to do with Micah and just wants to patch him up and send him on his way, but he is worse than she expected. She lets him stay until he gets better and they settle into the routine of daily life. Soon she can't deny her attraction to Micah, and they start to slowly fall for each other.

Kat was such a strong character, living on her own in a dangerous world. She doesn't trust easily, but Micah is the perfect golden retriever hero to break down her defenses. I loved how she was the grumpy one and Micah was the sunshine.

I just love the way Claire Kent writes a realistic, gritty, slice of life type of romance. I could feel their connection form in a truly organic way.

There was also an action-packed 3rd act, and I loved the way it played out for all of the characters.

It was great to see the characters from Protected again (Deck, Lilah, Logan, & Burgandy). I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Thank you, Claire Kent, for providing the ARC.

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There's not going to be anyone else for me."

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

After her husband walked out on her after the Impact, Kat has been content to rely only herself and her sweet dog Molly. The safety of her haven is tested by the arrival of Micah - a stranger, bleeding out from a gunshot. She's content to let him heal and be on his way as soon as possible, but as the days pass, Micah starts to remind her that sometimes it's okay to trust others.

I will never get enough of Claire Kent's post-apocalyptic series. The setup to this was so good - you can completely emphasize with Kat's, a single woman living alone, trust issues, especially after being abandoned like that. Right away we know how competent she is, how she's survived so well and for so long.

When she finds Micah, I wasn't sure what to expect. I also loved that he is truly a good man (and I also loved how in awe he was of her, rightly so!!), I was really hoping she'd give him a chance. This story is such a great blend of slow, slice-of-life moments as he recovers from his wounds, and then the suspense and action as their story unfolds. Both are my favorite, so this was such a treat! I also enjoyed the themes of song and community in this (always love getting to see old friends again), that really had my heart aching.

I loved everything about this book!! (And of course the secret star of the show - Molly 💖)

Tropes & Tags:
🏕️ post-apocalyptic
🎶 black cat x golden retriever
💙 forced proximity
🏕️ he falls first
🎶 caretaking
💙 found family

[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Claire Kent! 📖]

[Mary Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot to be said for a heroine who knows what she wants in the world—or who thinks she does. Kent does a fantastic job creating one in Kat, the heroine of Lost Song. She’s built a secure, independent life for herself after the Impact changed the world. But she also doesn’t trust many people, especially men—which makes dealing with an injured man who lands on her doorstep a challenge.

Her hero is Micah, one of the most endearing characters from Kent’s earlier book Protected. Here he’s hurt in more ways than one, but he’s still the sunshine to Kat’s grump. Each draws the other away from positions that have kept them isolated, and in needing and eventually loving one another, each significantly transforms the other’s life.

Let’s get real—I loved almost every second of Last Song. It’s set in the immediate years after Impact, before a lot of social structures were fully determined. There’s danger, there’s community, there’s independent thinking, and more in this book. Kat and Micah are fantastic characters. Kent almost always writes these dystopian books from the heroine’s POV, but she does a grand job of showing you what Micah is thinking and feeling through Kat’s eyes.

One special element here is music. Micah and Kat both love to sing, but Kat has rarely done that since Impact. Seeing how singing becomes a means of invoking memory, comfort, and hope was hands-down one of my favorite parts of Lost Song.

Although it’s part of Kent’s ever-expanding dystopian world, Lost Song can easily be read on its own. So do it—it’s a marvelous book.

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lost Song. The title refers to the beautiful aspects of the human condition (love, friendship, art, music) that seem to get lost as people fight for survival, but that make life worth living. The book features my favorite type of pairing: a strong, competent woman with a golden-retriever man who absolutely worships her. Kat has been able to survive years alone in the wild, and can shoot, hunt, and fish as well as anyone. In the violent, dystopian world after Impact, and thanks to bad experiences with her ex-husband and brothers, she does not trust men and is resigned to a life of isolation with her adorable dog Molly. When injured Micah stumbles upon Kat's secluded camp, she takes care of him and, as he heals, she relaxes around him thanks to his steadiness and jovial nature. Their relationship grows more passionate over time, and the deepening of their emotional connection is very satisfying to read about. The book explores the themes of trust and vulnerability with a romantic partner, as well as the concepts of loyalty and human cruelty through the suspenseful subplot with Burgundy (Micah's sister). In the end, Kat opens herself to love and friendship and learns to lean on Micah and on Logan's team (which includes Burgundy, Lilah, and Deck from Protected), while Micah finds his true purpose as a total simp for his badass woman. Overall, Lost Song is a wonderful addition to Claire Kent's dystopian universe.

[Paola Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

\(＾∇＾)/
I always get so excited diving back into Claire Kent’s post-apocalyptic world!! She does such an incredible job of making that world feel hopeful in the midst of so much chaos and fear.

I loved seeing familiar faces again and continuing to witness their happiness while also falling in love with brand-new characters. I had been eagerly awaiting Micah’s book ever since we met him in Protected. I fell in love with Micah then, and somehow I ended up loving him even more in his own story.
He’s the kind of hero who truly cares for his woman, and I felt that through every single action he takes to protect and provide for Kat.
Kat was simply badass. I’m always rooting for the women Claire introduces because they embody such strength and resilience, and Kat was just THAT girl.
And I can’t not mention one of my absolute favorite parts of this book—Molly. She was the sweetest pup, and I adored her bond with both Kat and Micah.

I’m really hoping to see glimpses of Kat, Micah, and Molly in future books. I’m always looking forward to whatever story Claire Kent creates next. Manifesting (and patiently waiting for!) Burgundy’s book.

。。。

I’m also so grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC from the author and her team. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Morgan (romanticizeyourbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

It’s no secret that Last Light is my favorite romance of all time and that I have read and eaten up every single book in Claire Kent’s post apocalyptic world. I may have told everyone I knew when I found out I got the arc (I’m sorry I was just really excited okay?!?).

What I love about this book, is that even though we have visited the post apocalyptic world before, it’s done in a new way. Kat was fiercely independent and had no time for anyone’s bullshit. A damsel in distress she was not. I got chills when she helped protect that mother and son from a man who meant them harm, it was so seamless and badass. She did was what right and wasn’t afraid.

Her relationship with a Micah was refreshing to see. Kat had all the power and Micah was such a simp for her. Micah broke my heart, the guilt he felt for his sister was consuming him.

Although I loved Kat, at times I did want to strangle her. She took unnecessary risks and really put Micah through hell.

The ending had me absolutely wrecked in the best way. I couldn’t help but recognize how certain parts of this story reflected what’s going on in the world currently. I needed to read about women being triumphant, brave, strong, and angry.

I can’t wait to continue with this series!!!

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Song is the newest post apocalyptic romance from Claire Kent, this is the intro to The Wild series that still exists in her Kindled world. While this definitely can stand on its own, all of her post apocalyptic romances are fabulous so why not go back and read them all (starting with Last Light and Haven 🤭)!

I love when she writes gritty, dangerous, more survival-centric stories and this one definitely had that vibe of very real threats to the character’s survival. This book takes places three years post-Impact (the event that led to this post apocalyptic situation) and we follow Kat and Micah. Kat has been living on her own in a parked camper out in the woods with her trusted canine-companion Molly. One day she finds Micah injured on her doorstep with a bullet wound and she takes him in.

This was a lot of fun. She’s grumpy x he’s the sunshine one, he’s flirty and the steam was cranked up in this one. We get loads of sick/caretaking scenes for both. We also see some appearances of familiar characters as this book has direct connections to the Kindled series and Protected (Lilah, Deck, Burgundy, Logan). I’m excited for more to come in The Wild series!

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost song (The Wild) - Claire Kent has another 10+ star book here

Claire Kent has created yet another dystopian masterpiece.

Claire Kent sends us again to the Wild, 3 years after Impact.

Katherine/Kat lives with her doggy Molly after her husband Jesse abandoned her to join a militia group 2 years ago.
She knows she can only rely on herself, men are not trustworthy.

Micah has not been the same man since her sister Burgundy has been disappeared and he blames himself for that. He is hurt and unfortunately ends up by Kat camper’s door.

The book starts slow, showing us a lonely but strong Kat, how she is integrated in the communities nearby.
Action picks up fast, never a dull moment that will get you bored.
The slow burn between this couple is delicious.
The more and more she gives Micah a chance, her world blossoms with opportunities and sees people more positively - including Logan and his group.
The most rewarding is the “found family” feeling - how Kat finds her place after being alone for so long.

It was fantastic to see Lilah and Deck again and how big of a role they had in this story.

Looking forward to next book!

I received an ARC but this opinion is my own

[Indiaaareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Readers Copy Review

Let me just say Claire Kent does it again. She brings post apocalyptic romance to life so perfectly every time. I’m so happy I got an advance copy, thank you.

I knew I loved Micah from Protected and I lobe seeing more of his personality come out. He is such a puppy dog and seeing hime in the lovey dovey state and so vulnerable throughout the book was raw and beautiful which I always enjoy for mmc.
Kat is an independent badass and I love her character so much. She’s weary of new people but Micah finds a way to warm her and watching her develop into someone who’s able to trust and love again.

I truly loved this book and seeing Kat, Micah and Molly develop into family was heartwarming. This book is a reminder that even at the end of the world we shouldn’t stop living, Claire kent always finds ways to include normalcy in a world that’s not and I appreciate it so much.

“We can’t stop living because we’re scared”

“I always figured it would take a miracle to get my sister back, but I should have known that miracle would be you.” - Micah

P.s I really hope we get Burgundy’s story next!