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Central Cities #1
Devotion
All my life, I’ve worked to become a palace partner, so when a new administrator selects me to be his, I plan to devote myself to his happiness.
But Gabriel isn’t from the Capitol. He isn’t even from the Central Cities, which—forty-five years after a global cataclysm—is the only truly safe place in the world. He’s from the wilderness, and he doesn’t understand palace culture. He doesn’t even want a partner, but he’s stuck with me anyway.
My job is to soften his life in any way he desires, but he believes there’s something wrong with the system. He only sees complications when the truth is very simple. And entirely reciprocal.
He takes care of me, and I make him feel good.
But Gabriel isn’t from the Capitol. He isn’t even from the Central Cities, which—forty-five years after a global cataclysm—is the only truly safe place in the world. He’s from the wilderness, and he doesn’t understand palace culture. He doesn’t even want a partner, but he’s stuck with me anyway.
My job is to soften his life in any way he desires, but he believes there’s something wrong with the system. He only sees complications when the truth is very simple. And entirely reciprocal.
He takes care of me, and I make him feel good.
370 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2025
219 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
40 books2,116 followersClaire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. After teaching English at the university level for several years, she started writing full-time under two different pen names. She lives in Virginia.
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
February 6, 2025
*2,5* As much as I am a Claire Kent fan girl, I have to be honest, I did not enjoy this story very much. It could be that I just did a reread of Last Light, and that book has so much more character depth and genuine emotion.
This is a handmaid’s tale/geisha-like story. Their pleasure is your only concern.
Dystopian
Minimal world building
45 years after the fall of modern society
Age gap
Power imbalance
Cerebral hero
Virginal heroine
The plot is quite dry and their interactions feel so stilted that it took me ages to become invested in the characters.
It was well past the 50% mark and she was still only giving him bjs on the daily. I’ve never been so tired of hearing about a sore jaw, sore knees, swallowing, or taking it to the face in my whole life.
It’s the same repeated routine. I use the same massage techniques. The same skills to suck him off. There should be a tedium to the sameness the way there is with the rest of my days, but there’s not.
It was a tedium for the readers.
I would classify this as a slow-burn, even though their sexual interactions happen on the daily. There are minimal emotions and no actual intercourse for over 5 months.
Jess (late 20s?) possesses a childlike, naive demeanor, which contrasts oddly with her training in the arts of pleasure.
I cock my head to the side, genuinely confused. “Because I’m your partner. It’s my job to make you happy. And what that looks like is up to you.”
Gabriel (40) is a brilliant scholar, though we don’t learn much about either character or their backgrounds. His uncertainty about how to handle their relationship actually works in his favor. Despite the significant power imbalance between them, he never exploits it.
It’s nice to find out who his parents are at the end. I wish I would’ve liked the story more.
This is a handmaid’s tale/geisha-like story. Their pleasure is your only concern.
Dystopian
Minimal world building
45 years after the fall of modern society
Age gap
Power imbalance
Cerebral hero
Virginal heroine
The plot is quite dry and their interactions feel so stilted that it took me ages to become invested in the characters.
It was well past the 50% mark and she was still only giving him bjs on the daily. I’ve never been so tired of hearing about a sore jaw, sore knees, swallowing, or taking it to the face in my whole life.
It’s the same repeated routine. I use the same massage techniques. The same skills to suck him off. There should be a tedium to the sameness the way there is with the rest of my days, but there’s not.
It was a tedium for the readers.
I would classify this as a slow-burn, even though their sexual interactions happen on the daily. There are minimal emotions and no actual intercourse for over 5 months.
Jess (late 20s?) possesses a childlike, naive demeanor, which contrasts oddly with her training in the arts of pleasure.
I cock my head to the side, genuinely confused. “Because I’m your partner. It’s my job to make you happy. And what that looks like is up to you.”
Gabriel (40) is a brilliant scholar, though we don’t learn much about either character or their backgrounds. His uncertainty about how to handle their relationship actually works in his favor. Despite the significant power imbalance between them, he never exploits it.
It’s nice to find out who his parents are at the end. I wish I would’ve liked the story more.
February 6, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
📚 D𝐄V𝐎T𝐈O𝐍 📚 Is the first full length Post Apocalyptic romance book within the (Central Cities) series written by author Claire Kent.
Yes!! Saw this had gone live so of course I grabbed it!! Totally different to anything I've ever read before BUT whatever this author writes I will read!!
Forty five years ago after the fall the world collapsed creating mayhem and violence, a military leader took over and created order and unified all the cities in this region under his government.
For a year long contract Gabriel aged forty is hired by the President as a Coordinator of special projects, by implementing a plan to redo the entire banking and identification system within the Central Cities, and as such being employed as a Coordinator a partner is part of that package. Gabriel is like a fish out of water, this isn't how he's been raised, and it's certainly not how he conducts his personal relationships.
Jess has lived all her life within the walls of the palace and has strived to become a selected palace partner which is the only way for someone born to the labor class to move up in status. Being a selected partner she is required to cater to that person's sexual wants and needs. Not in a romantic capacity but to soften her partners life. It also gives her stability and creature comforts otherwise not offered to her.
Gabriel struggled with the palaces customs and culture and in small ways he stepped up and made Jess's life easier too by stepping in when she needed help with certain situations which arose.
This was such a strong start to what I can only imagine will be an epic series, once I started I literally couldn’t put it down, I quickly fell in love with these two characters and their journey and their path towards an HEA.
I wish I had counted how many times she gave him a blow job because it was pretty much every day since they were partnered up. He was one happy man.. lol
* Age gap, Forced proximity, slow burn *
Read
February 3, 2025This book was like 80% blow jobs, 20% plot
March 7, 2025
I like a lot of the stories that come from this author, but this book isn’t what I expected. I think the environment and characters are weak in comparison to another previous books.
Unfortunately!
Unfortunately!
July 6, 2025
heroines devotion was sucking dick throughout thee whole story, kid you not. dat poor jaw, but she needs to be rewarded for being such a devoted best seller blow job wifey position since that’s what the title is about. 🙂↕️
February 5, 2025
Devotion was everything and I loved it so much! I’ve been reading Claire Kent for a few years now and her books always hit so well, but this start of this new series is sooo exciting and was so good! This is a dystopian romance with age gap and a transactional set up. Highly recommend you read the Kindled series first because this adds so much more to that world in a super cool way!
It’s been 45 years after a global cataclysm and now there are a lot of city states, the Capitol, and wilderness. Gabriel is a new palace administrator who isn’t from the Capitol, or even the Central Cities. He’s from the Wilds and not accustomed to any of the palace customs and culture. He’s been tasked with putting a plan together to redo the entire banking and identification system in the Central Cities. While there working he’s told he will now get his choice of a palace partner. A palace partner is a paid position of your choosing (from a selection pool of candidates) who is tasked with looking after all your needs/wants and basically there for all things to please you (which of course has varying degrees depending on the person you’re working for). Gabriel is very adverse and reluctant to the idea of a palace partner at first, but he’s told it’s not only an honor and privilege but also not optional…so he picks Jess. Jess has dreamed of being a palace partner for most of her life and has worked hard to be pleasable to her future partner, she’s very eager to help Gabriel but he isn’t interested at first. He eventually relents to her wanting to help him relax, but when he offers to reciprocate she informs him that’s actually an insult. And it kinda goes from there!
“You make everything better for me.”
I loved this unique world and setting and learning more about the ways of the palace/Capitol along with Gabriel. Jess is a strong character whose world gets shaken up too as she gets to know more about Gabriel and things outside of the Capitol. I loved seeing how this world opened up and can’t wait to see what more comes in the next book! The slow burn between these 2 was so satisfying and I could have honestly kept reading more about them! I loved their connection and chemistry. Definitely recommend reading the Kindled series before jumping into this one.
It’s been 45 years after a global cataclysm and now there are a lot of city states, the Capitol, and wilderness. Gabriel is a new palace administrator who isn’t from the Capitol, or even the Central Cities. He’s from the Wilds and not accustomed to any of the palace customs and culture. He’s been tasked with putting a plan together to redo the entire banking and identification system in the Central Cities. While there working he’s told he will now get his choice of a palace partner. A palace partner is a paid position of your choosing (from a selection pool of candidates) who is tasked with looking after all your needs/wants and basically there for all things to please you (which of course has varying degrees depending on the person you’re working for). Gabriel is very adverse and reluctant to the idea of a palace partner at first, but he’s told it’s not only an honor and privilege but also not optional…so he picks Jess. Jess has dreamed of being a palace partner for most of her life and has worked hard to be pleasable to her future partner, she’s very eager to help Gabriel but he isn’t interested at first. He eventually relents to her wanting to help him relax, but when he offers to reciprocate she informs him that’s actually an insult. And it kinda goes from there!
“You make everything better for me.”
I loved this unique world and setting and learning more about the ways of the palace/Capitol along with Gabriel. Jess is a strong character whose world gets shaken up too as she gets to know more about Gabriel and things outside of the Capitol. I loved seeing how this world opened up and can’t wait to see what more comes in the next book! The slow burn between these 2 was so satisfying and I could have honestly kept reading more about them! I loved their connection and chemistry. Definitely recommend reading the Kindled series before jumping into this one.
February 25, 2025
3.25 "Stop the Blowjobs" Stars
So a little bit of background info.:
I'm unsure as to the year this is supposedly set in, BUT I do know that it's a post-apocalyptic world where whatever the catastrophic event was is known as "The Fall". They now have central cities that are surrounded by a barrier wall with the capital at its center. In said capital is "the palace" where administrators and the president live. One of the perks of living in the palace as a high ranking official, is that you are able to choose a "palace partner". There are both male and female partners to choose from and their sole purpose is to see to every need and comfort of the high ranking official they serve. It's difficult to make it into this program, as they only accept the best of the best and even if you're accepted into the program, you only have 6 months to be chosen and if you're not, then you must leave and make a living otherwise. So basically a position as a "palace partner" is highly sought after since it's essentially the only way for people born to a lower class to raise to an elevated style of living because they too get to enjoy life in the palace with their partner.
The book starts out with our heroine, Jess, in her final month of being able to be selected as a palace partner. Our hero, Gabriel, is very reluctant to choose a partner, as he is originally from the wild lands that lie beyond the boundaries of the barrier wall and he does not believe in indulging in the luxuries the palace officials have become so accustomed to. Eventually he has to choose a partner and he chooses Jess. This is the start of our story with our heroine trying to convince our hero to let her do her job as his partner without him feeling guilty over it.
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately it got very repetitive. I cannot tell you how many times you'll have to endure "hearing" about Jess giving Gabriel a massage and then a blowjob. Like it began to become comical at one point because you're like "Surely this author is not going to keep going over this same scene over and over and over again." But, alas, she does and what was once kind of comical just becomes downright annoying. Don't get me wrong-- Claire Kent certainly knows her way around a spicy scene, BUT one can only take so much of a dick plopping out a mouth and guttural grunts before you're just like, "Enough already! We get it! She enjoys sucking his dick and he enjoys her sucking his dick!"
We literally get to 70% in the story before it really starts taking a turn for the plot to start developing. Before that, it's just blowjobs and other administrators constantly trying to convince Gabriel to swap partners with them. Which also doesn't make sense because they made it seem like nobody wanted her before Gabriel came. She was literally down to like her last 3 weeks before she was going to be booted from the program altogether and then suddenly everybody and their momma wants to bang her!
Despite all this, I still love Claire Kent's writing style even if she didn't knock this one out the park like she did with some of her previous work and I can certainly appreciate her dedication to editing because there were no mistakes.
Given the quality of most of the books I read these days, I HAVE to give credit where credit is due when it comes to a meticulously edited book.
Anyway, so as far as recommending this book...I don't think it's a total waste of time. I read it quickly and it was easy to digest, however, just bear in mind that it's not going to be a masterpiece or blow your mind.
So a little bit of background info.:
I'm unsure as to the year this is supposedly set in, BUT I do know that it's a post-apocalyptic world where whatever the catastrophic event was is known as "The Fall". They now have central cities that are surrounded by a barrier wall with the capital at its center. In said capital is "the palace" where administrators and the president live. One of the perks of living in the palace as a high ranking official, is that you are able to choose a "palace partner". There are both male and female partners to choose from and their sole purpose is to see to every need and comfort of the high ranking official they serve. It's difficult to make it into this program, as they only accept the best of the best and even if you're accepted into the program, you only have 6 months to be chosen and if you're not, then you must leave and make a living otherwise. So basically a position as a "palace partner" is highly sought after since it's essentially the only way for people born to a lower class to raise to an elevated style of living because they too get to enjoy life in the palace with their partner.
The book starts out with our heroine, Jess, in her final month of being able to be selected as a palace partner. Our hero, Gabriel, is very reluctant to choose a partner, as he is originally from the wild lands that lie beyond the boundaries of the barrier wall and he does not believe in indulging in the luxuries the palace officials have become so accustomed to. Eventually he has to choose a partner and he chooses Jess. This is the start of our story with our heroine trying to convince our hero to let her do her job as his partner without him feeling guilty over it.
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately it got very repetitive. I cannot tell you how many times you'll have to endure "hearing" about Jess giving Gabriel a massage and then a blowjob. Like it began to become comical at one point because you're like "Surely this author is not going to keep going over this same scene over and over and over again." But, alas, she does and what was once kind of comical just becomes downright annoying. Don't get me wrong-- Claire Kent certainly knows her way around a spicy scene, BUT one can only take so much of a dick plopping out a mouth and guttural grunts before you're just like, "Enough already! We get it! She enjoys sucking his dick and he enjoys her sucking his dick!"
We literally get to 70% in the story before it really starts taking a turn for the plot to start developing. Before that, it's just blowjobs and other administrators constantly trying to convince Gabriel to swap partners with them. Which also doesn't make sense because they made it seem like nobody wanted her before Gabriel came. She was literally down to like her last 3 weeks before she was going to be booted from the program altogether and then suddenly everybody and their momma wants to bang her!
Despite all this, I still love Claire Kent's writing style even if she didn't knock this one out the park like she did with some of her previous work and I can certainly appreciate her dedication to editing because there were no mistakes.
Given the quality of most of the books I read these days, I HAVE to give credit where credit is due when it comes to a meticulously edited book.
Anyway, so as far as recommending this book...I don't think it's a total waste of time. I read it quickly and it was easy to digest, however, just bear in mind that it's not going to be a masterpiece or blow your mind.
February 3, 2025
This is a fast paced read with characters I connected with and a storyline that immediately pulled me in. And holy heck, the steam was absolutely blistering in its intensity!
This is set in a Post-Apocalyptic world where the heroine is finally living her dream of being a partner to a palace administrator. I loved being introduced to this world and the rules they lived by. And I was very anxious about where it was going to go as it became apparent there was conflict with this way of life.
I was so excited about this book simply because I love everything from this author. However, after reading it , I'm not just excited, I'm jumping up and down with joy. The ending, although not a cliffhanger in any way, promises more to come and it's easy to say I'm already a huge fan of the series!
Single POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
This is set in a Post-Apocalyptic world where the heroine is finally living her dream of being a partner to a palace administrator. I loved being introduced to this world and the rules they lived by. And I was very anxious about where it was going to go as it became apparent there was conflict with this way of life.
I was so excited about this book simply because I love everything from this author. However, after reading it , I'm not just excited, I'm jumping up and down with joy. The ending, although not a cliffhanger in any way, promises more to come and it's easy to say I'm already a huge fan of the series!
Single POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
February 1, 2025
Another great post-apoc story by Claire Kent.
This one is much lighter in tone as compared to her Kindled series. I loved Jess and Gabriel's relationship. It slowly built during the story but they quickly resolved any miscommunication between them. Gabriel was very protective of Jess and she was supportive of him. I liked that she didn't try to be this badass, she was very smart and level headed. She was very soft and sweet but wasn't a doormat. I loved how CK achieved this especially for a dystopian story. They were both very honest with each other and didn't shy away from admitting their feelings. Gabriel even mentions that she gave him the confidence to be a better man. There is a moral dilemma that she helps him solve.
There was some more world building in this story than I expected but I was very pleased. Gabriel was a bit different for a CK MMC. He wasn't as broody and gruff. I liked that he was very aware of Jess and what was going on in the city.
This story had great pacing and I flew through reading it. I was worried that the amount of spice would slow down the story but it didn't. The spice in this story reminded me of what was in Homestead. Not to be too explicit, but there was a particular act that I don't mind reading about however I think it might have been done too much for me. I had a similar reaction when I read Homestead. I don't mind it but it did make me realize that there could be too much of it one book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Its a great, refreshing story especially if you are binging CK post-apoc stories. This one will be breath of fresh air. Its a sweet and easy read.
This one is much lighter in tone as compared to her Kindled series. I loved Jess and Gabriel's relationship. It slowly built during the story but they quickly resolved any miscommunication between them. Gabriel was very protective of Jess and she was supportive of him. I liked that she didn't try to be this badass, she was very smart and level headed. She was very soft and sweet but wasn't a doormat. I loved how CK achieved this especially for a dystopian story. They were both very honest with each other and didn't shy away from admitting their feelings. Gabriel even mentions that she gave him the confidence to be a better man. There is a moral dilemma that she helps him solve.
There was some more world building in this story than I expected but I was very pleased. Gabriel was a bit different for a CK MMC. He wasn't as broody and gruff. I liked that he was very aware of Jess and what was going on in the city.
This story had great pacing and I flew through reading it. I was worried that the amount of spice would slow down the story but it didn't. The spice in this story reminded me of what was in Homestead. Not to be too explicit, but there was a particular act that I don't mind reading about however I think it might have been done too much for me. I had a similar reaction when I read Homestead. I don't mind it but it did make me realize that there could be too much of it one book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Its a great, refreshing story especially if you are binging CK post-apoc stories. This one will be breath of fresh air. Its a sweet and easy read.
February 24, 2025
It’s kind of harsh to give this book two stars? Based on the fact that I read it whilst working yesterday, and I hid in places to keep reading, probably.
But the thing is, the world was flimsy built, the characters, dull. The sex slavery was tame but it was there nevertheless and the fact that he didn’t think about her and her feelings, despite being troubled as he was, made me gag.
I did enjoy the ride but it wasn’t a good one.
But the thing is, the world was flimsy built, the characters, dull. The sex slavery was tame but it was there nevertheless and the fact that he didn’t think about her and her feelings, despite being troubled as he was, made me gag.
I did enjoy the ride but it wasn’t a good one.
December 7, 2025
Readers of Clair Kent's Kindled series will be thrilled with the new Central Cities series, as the same dynamics and urgent storytelling appear here. For readers unfamiliar with that series, this is an excellent entry point to a rich and well-developed universe.
Devotion opens 45 years after The Fall, a near-extinction event. Most of "civilization" is in the Central Cities, under a military-backed strongman presidency. Unlike the more immediate post-impact world of Kent's previous series Kindled, society has had a little time to rebuild. However, much of the same rules apply, just polished with a veneer of laws and social mores. The strong still rule and take what they want (leadership, living in the castle, comforts and security) and the weak are the underclass, once indentured servitude and now a strict labor class in a hierarchical society with no room for advancement. And of course the powerful take advantage of women doing what they need to do. In this case it's serving as a "Partner," a high status role that is the only way for someone born to the labor class to move up. The system is ripe for exploitation (to put it mildly) as we see. Partners are reliant on their Administrators for everything from food and clothing on, and require permission for every single aspect of their lives. Their role is to "soften the life" of the hard working administrators, sitting at their knee on cushions during meetings, running little errands, and of course providing other services as required. In addition to the salary and status of being a Partner, there is the appeal of contributing to the good work of the Central Cities, and the mission of those who are rebuilding society.
OK, lots of world-building Jody, what about the book? It. Was. Wonderful. Kent easily fast forwards the post-apocalyptic world to what happens next when immediate survival and lawlessness isn't the only pressing concern. Jess is the daughter of laborers, and has trained and positioned herself for ten years to be a Partner. She is selected by Gabriel, an Administrator new to the Cities, and unfamiliar with the social rules. His discomfort with the transactional nature of the relationship (explicitly one-way, Jess can never initiate) starts to raise flags for the reader even before we learn all the rules Jess lives by. Gabriel decides everything, how and what they do, her pleasure is "contrary to every impulse and expectation of a palace partner" because she's not focused solely on him. She's completely at his whim. "It is reciprocal. You take care of me, and I soften your life. I make you feel good. You're never responsible for pleasing me physically."
Like most Kent books, this is mostly forced proximity type relationship. Jess and Gabriel get to know each other and care for each other beyond the strictures of being Partners, as they share a small suite of rooms and spend hours together. Like most Kent heroes, Gabriel is GONE for Jess without saying so, going above and beyond in every way, as he chafes against the transactional/exploitative nature of their coming together. Their build of intimacy and affection comes as outside pressures start to intrude.
Kent is just so clever with the structure here. Jess goes into the program with the idea devoting herself to her partner, to easing their lives. And Gabriel gets and respects that choice, at one point they are talking about his work and the good it will do, and she explains that because she helped him relax and do that work "my devotion to you feels...feels bigger" and he gets it, "I never understood why you were so happy to do what you do. Until now." It's soon clear that Jess' devotion is to Gabriel, not some amorphous ideals, and his is to her. When the foundations of her devotion get shaken, it's hard to imagine that a relationship created in an exploitative structure can stand up to outside pressures, Gabriel's awareness of the disparity in their power, and the reactions to those not in the system. Just before their snow-globe relationship of their palace quite gets claustrophobic, Kent opens the universe and lets the reader see more. What a strong start to a new series!
December 2025 reread: Reread this because of new book Ashes set in same time/locale. It’s even more apparent on a reread how much the administration just lied to potential partners in a long con of having a pipeline of compliant sex workers available to do anything and everything. It’s like indentured servitude never went away for that group. It was interesting seeing the reactions of anyone who HAD seen beyond the charade to the life Jess chose even before she saw the truth herself. Like her family always knew, they wanted her out with them and she didn’t get it yet why, but then her slowly wanting different for her sister even while she still believed, and then the shame attached with his family potential reaction once she’s fully aware. I actually wanted on this reread more on-page grappling with the unequal start to their relationship and how to transition it from servant (property) / master.
Devotion opens 45 years after The Fall, a near-extinction event. Most of "civilization" is in the Central Cities, under a military-backed strongman presidency. Unlike the more immediate post-impact world of Kent's previous series Kindled, society has had a little time to rebuild. However, much of the same rules apply, just polished with a veneer of laws and social mores. The strong still rule and take what they want (leadership, living in the castle, comforts and security) and the weak are the underclass, once indentured servitude and now a strict labor class in a hierarchical society with no room for advancement. And of course the powerful take advantage of women doing what they need to do. In this case it's serving as a "Partner," a high status role that is the only way for someone born to the labor class to move up. The system is ripe for exploitation (to put it mildly) as we see. Partners are reliant on their Administrators for everything from food and clothing on, and require permission for every single aspect of their lives. Their role is to "soften the life" of the hard working administrators, sitting at their knee on cushions during meetings, running little errands, and of course providing other services as required. In addition to the salary and status of being a Partner, there is the appeal of contributing to the good work of the Central Cities, and the mission of those who are rebuilding society.
OK, lots of world-building Jody, what about the book? It. Was. Wonderful. Kent easily fast forwards the post-apocalyptic world to what happens next when immediate survival and lawlessness isn't the only pressing concern. Jess is the daughter of laborers, and has trained and positioned herself for ten years to be a Partner. She is selected by Gabriel, an Administrator new to the Cities, and unfamiliar with the social rules. His discomfort with the transactional nature of the relationship (explicitly one-way, Jess can never initiate) starts to raise flags for the reader even before we learn all the rules Jess lives by. Gabriel decides everything, how and what they do, her pleasure is "contrary to every impulse and expectation of a palace partner" because she's not focused solely on him. She's completely at his whim. "It is reciprocal. You take care of me, and I soften your life. I make you feel good. You're never responsible for pleasing me physically."
Like most Kent books, this is mostly forced proximity type relationship. Jess and Gabriel get to know each other and care for each other beyond the strictures of being Partners, as they share a small suite of rooms and spend hours together. Like most Kent heroes, Gabriel is GONE for Jess without saying so, going above and beyond in every way, as he chafes against the transactional/exploitative nature of their coming together. Their build of intimacy and affection comes as outside pressures start to intrude.
Kent is just so clever with the structure here. Jess goes into the program with the idea devoting herself to her partner, to easing their lives. And Gabriel gets and respects that choice, at one point they are talking about his work and the good it will do, and she explains that because she helped him relax and do that work "my devotion to you feels...feels bigger" and he gets it, "I never understood why you were so happy to do what you do. Until now." It's soon clear that Jess' devotion is to Gabriel, not some amorphous ideals, and his is to her. When the foundations of her devotion get shaken, it's hard to imagine that a relationship created in an exploitative structure can stand up to outside pressures, Gabriel's awareness of the disparity in their power, and the reactions to those not in the system. Just before their snow-globe relationship of their palace quite gets claustrophobic, Kent opens the universe and lets the reader see more. What a strong start to a new series!
December 2025 reread: Reread this because of new book Ashes set in same time/locale. It’s even more apparent on a reread how much the administration just lied to potential partners in a long con of having a pipeline of compliant sex workers available to do anything and everything. It’s like indentured servitude never went away for that group. It was interesting seeing the reactions of anyone who HAD seen beyond the charade to the life Jess chose even before she saw the truth herself. Like her family always knew, they wanted her out with them and she didn’t get it yet why, but then her slowly wanting different for her sister even while she still believed, and then the shame attached with his family potential reaction once she’s fully aware. I actually wanted on this reread more on-page grappling with the unequal start to their relationship and how to transition it from servant (property) / master.
March 20, 2025
RTC! Readable but I have issues with the characterization. More thoughts to come.
More thoughts:
First off, a lot of my GR mutuals whose reviews I've seen have hit it on the nail, so please go read their reviews to get a good sense of what to expect.
Now, I liked this because it was readable but Claire Kent should have adjusted a few things. Unpopular opinion: I can handle doormat heroines IF... there have been certain times mousy heroines have worked for me, and this usually has to do with her inner sassiness coming out or her naivety lending her courage, or when the sexual chemistry is just too damn good.
Devotion is a dystopian setting where administrators are given a companion, and it's seen as a huge perk. Personally for me, I still don't understand what a companion is, but they primarily seem to be courtesans/sex workers, although the heroine says that they don't have to be that. What's also interesting is that the companion is not a partner but the companion is always with the administrator too? You'd think the companion would be put somewhere else.
Anyways. I don't care too much about the setting. I also don't even care that it's repetitive, although this was certainly a BJ fest.
My main qualm is that this is some tradwife crap. I don't know if we're supposed to feel better that the heroine willingly wants to be in this role. IT DOESN'T.
It's not feminist that this is likely the best economic choice for her. It just isn't. And with all this tradwife rhetoric of wanting to stay at home (where you do work for free, dependent on someone else), it just bugged me.
As someone who loves TPE, dom/sub, all those kinky power dynamics, I could not root for the heroine OR the hero. The heroine is happy to give up all of her power. Meanwhile, the hero feels uncomfortable at the custom, at first, but he doesn't change the custom or stop her. He is clearly always seeking consent from her, but it just seems like a cop-out.
This book would have been better if the heroine ever had a role to play in her own story. Instead, she's just on her knees or massaging him. There's this one point where she has to travel and she gets back to the capital late. She's in literal tears, crying, because she was away from him and it was dark. LOL WHAT.
Anyways, I feel like I'm being brainwashed. It's really funny too because I love billionaire romances where the heroine is spoiled, but this wasn't it.
However, 4 stars because it was very well paced, entertaining, and plot does move forward.
More thoughts:
First off, a lot of my GR mutuals whose reviews I've seen have hit it on the nail, so please go read their reviews to get a good sense of what to expect.
Now, I liked this because it was readable but Claire Kent should have adjusted a few things. Unpopular opinion: I can handle doormat heroines IF... there have been certain times mousy heroines have worked for me, and this usually has to do with her inner sassiness coming out or her naivety lending her courage, or when the sexual chemistry is just too damn good.
Devotion is a dystopian setting where administrators are given a companion, and it's seen as a huge perk. Personally for me, I still don't understand what a companion is, but they primarily seem to be courtesans/sex workers, although the heroine says that they don't have to be that. What's also interesting is that the companion is not a partner but the companion is always with the administrator too? You'd think the companion would be put somewhere else.
Anyways. I don't care too much about the setting. I also don't even care that it's repetitive, although this was certainly a BJ fest.
My main qualm is that this is some tradwife crap. I don't know if we're supposed to feel better that the heroine willingly wants to be in this role. IT DOESN'T.
It's not feminist that this is likely the best economic choice for her. It just isn't. And with all this tradwife rhetoric of wanting to stay at home (where you do work for free, dependent on someone else), it just bugged me.
As someone who loves TPE, dom/sub, all those kinky power dynamics, I could not root for the heroine OR the hero. The heroine is happy to give up all of her power. Meanwhile, the hero feels uncomfortable at the custom, at first, but he doesn't change the custom or stop her. He is clearly always seeking consent from her, but it just seems like a cop-out.
This book would have been better if the heroine ever had a role to play in her own story. Instead, she's just on her knees or massaging him. There's this one point where she has to travel and she gets back to the capital late. She's in literal tears, crying, because she was away from him and it was dark. LOL WHAT.
Anyways, I feel like I'm being brainwashed. It's really funny too because I love billionaire romances where the heroine is spoiled, but this wasn't it.
However, 4 stars because it was very well paced, entertaining, and plot does move forward.
February 4, 2025
3.5 stars
I wish there would’ve been more character development especially from the H. We get to read from the h’s perspective but get very little from the H.
Their connection is based on how the h supports the H through “sexual release” which was a bit repetitive (especially in the beginning). I enjoyed it but I was hoping for more.
I wish there would’ve been more character development especially from the H. We get to read from the h’s perspective but get very little from the H.
Their connection is based on how the h supports the H through “sexual release” which was a bit repetitive (especially in the beginning). I enjoyed it but I was hoping for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
《1.5 ☆》
While reading this book, too many times I was asking my ceiling and doing comically dumb shit—asking audacity because what did I just read? Not in a bad way, also not in a good way…
update. now i know what best word to describe this one: male fantasies and im utterly annoyed abt this. had to drop the star x
▪︎ semi-spoiler + write this at 3am ▪︎
70% in? Still okay, great, good—damn. Never thought a dystopian concept could feel like this. It felt… obviously misogynistic, super unserious, but at the same time, it reflects reality in a twisted way. Then after the 80% mark… the guy became so comical to me? This might just be me being a bitch, but he did not feel like the same man from the beginning. Like, suddenly he switched up?? I don’t know, the dialogues felt off. The girl though? She was serving, and her POV really showed how disgusting the palace setup is.
I love how she’s genuinely smart, observant, clearly got a brain. I thought she’d be a weak-ass doormat, but no—she’s serving. She’s smart despite the trash world she’s in. Loved her. A fresh female lead that didn’t make me grit my teeth—except when they about to be dead, she be like “let me blow you for one last time” girl… HOLD YOUR NINIES. Didn’t know a single stick could have you losing sanity like that. One breath away from death and she’s still trying to go down on him. Please!
Also… hello??? Is this book borderline psychotic? I get it’s smut-centered, but every freaking chapter mentioning BJs got me twitching my eyes. It’s giving “not creative". Like, stop—I get it, his stick softens and hardens in 38 ways and she’s vacuuming it like Dyson level 10. Every chapter though? Someone with a BJ kink is thriving here.
Again, this could’ve been better to me if there wasn’t a PhD-level breakdown of “how to suck dick” every five minutes. I genuinely thought I was reading a manual at some point. I now know tips and tricks I didn’t even ask for.
Not replaceable to Claire Kent’s Hold or Princess for me, but yeah—I stayed till the end.
While reading this book, too many times I was asking my ceiling and doing comically dumb shit—asking audacity because what did I just read? Not in a bad way, also not in a good way…
update. now i know what best word to describe this one: male fantasies and im utterly annoyed abt this. had to drop the star x
▪︎ semi-spoiler + write this at 3am ▪︎
70% in? Still okay, great, good—damn. Never thought a dystopian concept could feel like this. It felt… obviously misogynistic, super unserious, but at the same time, it reflects reality in a twisted way. Then after the 80% mark… the guy became so comical to me? This might just be me being a bitch, but he did not feel like the same man from the beginning. Like, suddenly he switched up?? I don’t know, the dialogues felt off. The girl though? She was serving, and her POV really showed how disgusting the palace setup is.
I love how she’s genuinely smart, observant, clearly got a brain. I thought she’d be a weak-ass doormat, but no—she’s serving. She’s smart despite the trash world she’s in. Loved her. A fresh female lead that didn’t make me grit my teeth—except when they about to be dead, she be like “let me blow you for one last time” girl… HOLD YOUR NINIES. Didn’t know a single stick could have you losing sanity like that. One breath away from death and she’s still trying to go down on him. Please!
Also… hello??? Is this book borderline psychotic? I get it’s smut-centered, but every freaking chapter mentioning BJs got me twitching my eyes. It’s giving “not creative". Like, stop—I get it, his stick softens and hardens in 38 ways and she’s vacuuming it like Dyson level 10. Every chapter though? Someone with a BJ kink is thriving here.
Again, this could’ve been better to me if there wasn’t a PhD-level breakdown of “how to suck dick” every five minutes. I genuinely thought I was reading a manual at some point. I now know tips and tricks I didn’t even ask for.
Not replaceable to Claire Kent’s Hold or Princess for me, but yeah—I stayed till the end.
February 4, 2025
Enjoyed this book and I always devour Kent’s books. There was a service the h performed for the H that got a bit, um, repetitive before the relationship progressed. The H was a bit slow on the uptake on that one haha. The h sure was patient. I enjoyed the HEA. Were Gabriel’s parents characters from a previous book? It’s looking like I certainly would want to stick to the outskirts and not the Central Cities in this dystopian world!
February 14, 2025
Spoilers ahead
Well this was...... different
The h is a partner in the palace, basically someone that's a companion who's sole purpose is to take care of their person. She's chosen by the H to be his partner, he's not from the cities and is unaccustomed to their way of life. Over months they fall in love and eventually must flee a dictator ruler.
********
Sis must need a jaw replacement surgery by now, maybe knee replacement too, she gave a blowjob a day for months 🤭 it boggles my mind 😂
For as much sexual contact as this had it actually wasn't spicy? Idk it wasn't as hot as I was expecting, very bland but funny and cute too? I have no idea 😂
I would've liked to get the H's pov because this felt very shallow to me. I needed greater depth and emotions to believe in them falling in love.
An interesting concept in this post apocalyptic world but not as grasping as I expected.
Nevertheless an enjoyable enough read I'd definitely try more from this author and this series.
******
No cheating
Experienced H, he's more the academic type so not a manwhore
h was a technical virgin but she's given oral to both males and females, one assumes in the course of her training?
OP wanted the h but they only wanted each other
Well this was...... different
The h is a partner in the palace, basically someone that's a companion who's sole purpose is to take care of their person. She's chosen by the H to be his partner, he's not from the cities and is unaccustomed to their way of life. Over months they fall in love and eventually must flee a dictator ruler.
********
Sis must need a jaw replacement surgery by now, maybe knee replacement too, she gave a blowjob a day for months 🤭 it boggles my mind 😂
For as much sexual contact as this had it actually wasn't spicy? Idk it wasn't as hot as I was expecting, very bland but funny and cute too? I have no idea 😂
I would've liked to get the H's pov because this felt very shallow to me. I needed greater depth and emotions to believe in them falling in love.
An interesting concept in this post apocalyptic world but not as grasping as I expected.
Nevertheless an enjoyable enough read I'd definitely try more from this author and this series.
******
No cheating
Experienced H, he's more the academic type so not a manwhore
h was a technical virgin but she's given oral to both males and females, one assumes in the course of her training?
OP wanted the h but they only wanted each other
September 5, 2025
-=- 3.5 stars -=-
I have no idea how I missed this release 😭. I was so excited to see another book in this world.
I feel like the ending of the story/ the last 30% really made the book for me.
This definitely wasn't as thorough as some of the other stories in this world. There wasn't much individual character development and depth. The same goes for the world-building, which overall, was so frustrating because I was so invested and wanted to know so much more about the details of the world, considering this was a new side to it that hadn't been introduced before.
I also really liked the characters, but again, I wished that more happened emotionally. It was quite repetitive (there are only so many blowjob scenes you can read in one book 💀) and slow development-wise. I would've loved to have known more about these characters and to have more of those meaningful moments that we know CK can write that aren't solely centered around the smut.
But overall, eventhough I thought that more could've been done, I still really enjoyed reading this. I read in one sitting and became so invested in the story.
The ending of the book made me feel weirdly emotional because it hit me that all our favourite characters have now grown up, and I was NOT ready for it.
Anyways, now knowing certain connections to the other books, it made me want to go back and read everything just so see all the hints and easter eggs (the swimming thing made so much sense now).
But yeah, that ending just made me feel so weird (in a wholesome way), I'm genuinely so attached to these characters. That mixed in with the actual end of this story just hit for me.
I loved how the story came to an end, it felt right considering how genuinely bleak it was getting 😭. I felt like there was no hope for these characters at one point, so to see how the book ended was really sweet- and that's when we started to see that softer, more intimate side to the MC's relationship.
If you couldn't tell already, I am a COMPLETE sap for this world. I'm really interested to see what's next!
I have no idea how I missed this release 😭. I was so excited to see another book in this world.
I feel like the ending of the story/ the last 30% really made the book for me.
This definitely wasn't as thorough as some of the other stories in this world. There wasn't much individual character development and depth. The same goes for the world-building, which overall, was so frustrating because I was so invested and wanted to know so much more about the details of the world, considering this was a new side to it that hadn't been introduced before.
I also really liked the characters, but again, I wished that more happened emotionally. It was quite repetitive (there are only so many blowjob scenes you can read in one book 💀) and slow development-wise. I would've loved to have known more about these characters and to have more of those meaningful moments that we know CK can write that aren't solely centered around the smut.
But overall, eventhough I thought that more could've been done, I still really enjoyed reading this. I read in one sitting and became so invested in the story.
The ending of the book made me feel weirdly emotional because it hit me that all our favourite characters have now grown up, and I was NOT ready for it.
Anyways, now knowing certain connections to the other books, it made me want to go back and read everything just so see all the hints and easter eggs (the swimming thing made so much sense now).
But yeah, that ending just made me feel so weird (in a wholesome way), I'm genuinely so attached to these characters. That mixed in with the actual end of this story just hit for me.
I loved how the story came to an end, it felt right considering how genuinely bleak it was getting 😭. I felt like there was no hope for these characters at one point, so to see how the book ended was really sweet- and that's when we started to see that softer, more intimate side to the MC's relationship.
If you couldn't tell already, I am a COMPLETE sap for this world. I'm really interested to see what's next!
February 9, 2025
Wish there was a little more of the pages dedicated to story instead of BJs...just sayin'
Read
March 15, 2025I had to DNF this one. Nothing happens. It’s like Groundhog Day. The H takes a 2 hour swim, they eat
Breakfast , he works until mid afternoon when he takes a break for a blowjob. There’s no reciprocation. Rinse and repeat. The H is a boring administrative officer and the h is a robot blowjob giver. I mean it’s not even a spicy bj.
Breakfast , he works until mid afternoon when he takes a break for a blowjob. There’s no reciprocation. Rinse and repeat. The H is a boring administrative officer and the h is a robot blowjob giver. I mean it’s not even a spicy bj.
February 3, 2025
I really wanted Jess to open her eyes and become bitter and resentful with Gabriel and not so damn Pollyanna. And he rightfully felt guilty for how they started and she still couldn’t see it. Maybe I would have liked this more if it wasn’t so one note and repetitive. It felt really flat. Wake up, blow job, knit. My god I was so bored of blow jobs 😂😂😂 everyone felt one dimensional.
March 2, 2025
4.5🌟!
-Dystopian romance.
-Age gap.
-KU.
-Dystopian romance.
-Age gap.
-KU.
May 14, 2025
2 stars | devotion 💌
I wanted to enjoy the book but I just couldn’t. the main characters lacked chemistry and their relationship felt more like a business arrangement than a genuine connection. + there wasn’t much happening in the story either. he was working but we hardly learned anything about it and she spent most of her time trying to please him. the way she acted came off as robotic, if that makes sense. this might be my least favorite book of claire kent.
I wanted to enjoy the book but I just couldn’t. the main characters lacked chemistry and their relationship felt more like a business arrangement than a genuine connection. + there wasn’t much happening in the story either. he was working but we hardly learned anything about it and she spent most of her time trying to please him. the way she acted came off as robotic, if that makes sense. this might be my least favorite book of claire kent.
December 5, 2025
dunno what it says about me but I found all the BJ's kinda hot 😂😂😂 loved how this tied in with the original books too.
October 11, 2025
I am psyched by how Claire Kent has taken her post-apocalyptic series setting for Kindled and taken it beyond expectations. She is introducing new lines of stories—some fairytale-driven, others set in the “wild” that faithful followers of the series will immediately recognize as threads of a larger world. She is also experimenting with different timelines that explore how humanity has evolved in the decades since the catastrophic event that reshaped the earth. Devotion is one such story, set forty odd years after the collapse, in the Central Cities where civilization has been rebuilt under the guise of order but thrives on control and quiet tyranny.
Jess, the heroine, has spent her entire life training to become a “palace partner”, a coveted role in which men and women devote themselves entirely to the pleasure and comfort of the ruling administrators. It is a system that glorifies service and submission, one she has never thought to question.
When she is chosen to serve Gabriel after having been overlooked for the role many times, for the new administrator who has come from the wilderness rather than the inner circles of the Capitol, she believes her life’s purpose has finally been fulfilled. But Gabriel doesn’t fit into the mold. He is distant, pragmatic, and clearly disillusioned by the hierarchy that rules the Central Cities. His refusal to indulge in the expected rituals of power begins to unravel everything Jess has been taught to believe.
Told solely from Jess’s point of view, Devotion immerses readers in her limited understanding of Gabriel and the society that has shaped her. For much of the book, she interprets her service to him as her life’s meaning, her devotion literal, physical, and constant. Claire Kent’s writing is bold and fearless here, particularly in how she uses eroticism to illustrate Jess’s awakening. The repetitive physical acts, acts that could easily have felt gratuitous, become a language of transformation. Each encounter subtly shifts their balance of power, as Jess begins to realize that devotion is not about submission but about mutual connection.
Gabriel is perhaps one of Kent’s most difficult heroes to read. Stoic and reserved, he often feels cold, even selfish, until his true intentions begin to emerge. Once the veil lifts, his quiet resistance to the oppressive system becomes the most powerful act of rebellion in the novel. He is not a man who needs to dominate but rather one who protects, questions, and ultimately loves in a way that honors freedom over control. Knowing that Gabriel is the son of Gabe and Olivia from Princess in the Kindled series makes his moral complexity even more rewarding; he carries both the legacy of survival and the yearning for something better.
Kent’s world-building remains top-tier, full of nuance and moral ambiguity. The Central Cities, with their polished facades and hidden cruelty, stand as a chilling reflection of how far humanity will go to preserve comfort at the cost of freedom, realities that we witness every day in real life. I loved how, as much as Jess was utterly devoted to her role, she became his confidante in matters of governance, where her advice was solicited by Gabriel, which made my heart happy in many ways.
Jess’s transformation within that structure, her slow realization that love and servitude cannot coexist unless it is something mutually wanted by both, is where Kent’s storytelling truly shines. While a brief separation between them might have strengthened the emotional arc, the story’s resolution still lands with satisfying emotional weight.
Recommended for: readers who love slow-burn dystopian romance, morally layered heroes, and erotic storytelling that doubles as social commentary.
Final Verdict: Devotion is an intoxicating blend of sensuality, rebellion, and emotional evolution, proving once again that no one writes post-apocalyptic intimacy quite like Claire Kent.
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
Jess, the heroine, has spent her entire life training to become a “palace partner”, a coveted role in which men and women devote themselves entirely to the pleasure and comfort of the ruling administrators. It is a system that glorifies service and submission, one she has never thought to question.
When she is chosen to serve Gabriel after having been overlooked for the role many times, for the new administrator who has come from the wilderness rather than the inner circles of the Capitol, she believes her life’s purpose has finally been fulfilled. But Gabriel doesn’t fit into the mold. He is distant, pragmatic, and clearly disillusioned by the hierarchy that rules the Central Cities. His refusal to indulge in the expected rituals of power begins to unravel everything Jess has been taught to believe.
Told solely from Jess’s point of view, Devotion immerses readers in her limited understanding of Gabriel and the society that has shaped her. For much of the book, she interprets her service to him as her life’s meaning, her devotion literal, physical, and constant. Claire Kent’s writing is bold and fearless here, particularly in how she uses eroticism to illustrate Jess’s awakening. The repetitive physical acts, acts that could easily have felt gratuitous, become a language of transformation. Each encounter subtly shifts their balance of power, as Jess begins to realize that devotion is not about submission but about mutual connection.
Gabriel is perhaps one of Kent’s most difficult heroes to read. Stoic and reserved, he often feels cold, even selfish, until his true intentions begin to emerge. Once the veil lifts, his quiet resistance to the oppressive system becomes the most powerful act of rebellion in the novel. He is not a man who needs to dominate but rather one who protects, questions, and ultimately loves in a way that honors freedom over control. Knowing that Gabriel is the son of Gabe and Olivia from Princess in the Kindled series makes his moral complexity even more rewarding; he carries both the legacy of survival and the yearning for something better.
Kent’s world-building remains top-tier, full of nuance and moral ambiguity. The Central Cities, with their polished facades and hidden cruelty, stand as a chilling reflection of how far humanity will go to preserve comfort at the cost of freedom, realities that we witness every day in real life. I loved how, as much as Jess was utterly devoted to her role, she became his confidante in matters of governance, where her advice was solicited by Gabriel, which made my heart happy in many ways.
Jess’s transformation within that structure, her slow realization that love and servitude cannot coexist unless it is something mutually wanted by both, is where Kent’s storytelling truly shines. While a brief separation between them might have strengthened the emotional arc, the story’s resolution still lands with satisfying emotional weight.
Recommended for: readers who love slow-burn dystopian romance, morally layered heroes, and erotic storytelling that doubles as social commentary.
Final Verdict: Devotion is an intoxicating blend of sensuality, rebellion, and emotional evolution, proving once again that no one writes post-apocalyptic intimacy quite like Claire Kent.
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
February 9, 2025
“Devotion” by Claire Kent
4⭐️/5⭐️
5🌶/5🌶
“I love it. Love how he doesn’t question this anymore. That he knows it’s his—I’m his—whenever he wants.”
“Devotion” is unlike any erotic or romantic story I’ve read, and if you’re someone who enjoys reading about dubcon, then you’ll want to read this book. I find myself, from time to time, wanting some kind of dubcon dynamic between the main characters, but usually it’s paired with some kind of degradation. That’s not the case in “Devotion”, there is zero degradation and 100% praise for the FMC by the MMC.
The story immediately opens with Jess about to be brought out for potential selection. She’s in a group of men and women who have trained their whole lives to be partners for government employees of the Central City, and to live in the palace taking care of said employees. It’s the last time she will be brought for selection, but to her great relief she’s chosen by a man named Gabriel, who arrived in Central City to work for the president. Gabriel is unfamiliar with palace practices, and is very uncomfortable with how Jess openly presents herself to him, offering her body willingly. However, unbeknownst to Jess, Gabriel is charmed by her personality and appearance, and it doesn’t take long before he lets Jess help him ‘relax’.
The point of their relationship is there is an imbalance of power. Gabriel is the only person who can give her credits (currency) to spend on personal items, he has to allow her to eat, sleep, use the bathroom, etc. He cannot fathom why someone who enjoy lording over another individual like that, and quickly tells Jess she can do anything she wants, because that will make him happy. Seeing her flourish under his respect and, at times, true partnership, helps develop their relationship past the physical and more emotional.
It’s impossible to separate the sex from the overall plot, which is why I would call this an erotic romance. Jess’ role isn’t limited to sex, but it’s entirely expected of her, and she willingly complies.
At times the scenes read repetitive, and maybe that’s due to being a single POV through Jess. But I think dual POV would have taken away from the fear Jess always has that Gabriel will be taken away from her.
This can be read as a standalone, but it does fit in with the Kindled series. “Devotion” takes place 45 years after the impact, and there is a tie-in to a specific book in the series (but I won’t say what it is, you’ll have to read to find out!).
Overall, I’m impressed with the first installment in Claire Kent’s new series, and I’m excited to keep reading. I think this is a book I’ll revisit in the future.
4⭐️/5⭐️
5🌶/5🌶
“I love it. Love how he doesn’t question this anymore. That he knows it’s his—I’m his—whenever he wants.”
“Devotion” is unlike any erotic or romantic story I’ve read, and if you’re someone who enjoys reading about dubcon, then you’ll want to read this book. I find myself, from time to time, wanting some kind of dubcon dynamic between the main characters, but usually it’s paired with some kind of degradation. That’s not the case in “Devotion”, there is zero degradation and 100% praise for the FMC by the MMC.
The story immediately opens with Jess about to be brought out for potential selection. She’s in a group of men and women who have trained their whole lives to be partners for government employees of the Central City, and to live in the palace taking care of said employees. It’s the last time she will be brought for selection, but to her great relief she’s chosen by a man named Gabriel, who arrived in Central City to work for the president. Gabriel is unfamiliar with palace practices, and is very uncomfortable with how Jess openly presents herself to him, offering her body willingly. However, unbeknownst to Jess, Gabriel is charmed by her personality and appearance, and it doesn’t take long before he lets Jess help him ‘relax’.
The point of their relationship is there is an imbalance of power. Gabriel is the only person who can give her credits (currency) to spend on personal items, he has to allow her to eat, sleep, use the bathroom, etc. He cannot fathom why someone who enjoy lording over another individual like that, and quickly tells Jess she can do anything she wants, because that will make him happy. Seeing her flourish under his respect and, at times, true partnership, helps develop their relationship past the physical and more emotional.
It’s impossible to separate the sex from the overall plot, which is why I would call this an erotic romance. Jess’ role isn’t limited to sex, but it’s entirely expected of her, and she willingly complies.
At times the scenes read repetitive, and maybe that’s due to being a single POV through Jess. But I think dual POV would have taken away from the fear Jess always has that Gabriel will be taken away from her.
This can be read as a standalone, but it does fit in with the Kindled series. “Devotion” takes place 45 years after the impact, and there is a tie-in to a specific book in the series (but I won’t say what it is, you’ll have to read to find out!).
Overall, I’m impressed with the first installment in Claire Kent’s new series, and I’m excited to keep reading. I think this is a book I’ll revisit in the future.
February 1, 2025
Read if you like: dystopian romance, transactional relationship, age gap, forced proximity (one room), lots of steam, protective MMC, caretaking
I loved this book so much!! What an incredible start to the series. I was devastated that the kindled series came to an end (one of my favourite series ever) but now I’m screaming and kicking my feet at the fact that this new series is a spin off from it!! AHHH and the cameos in this book?? 🤩🥹🥰🥰
Gabriel is such a good man 😭 he had a soft spot for Jess and I loved the way he protected and took care of her. He just wanted to make her happy and I loved them so much together 🥹 Jess was so loyal to him and took care of him in her own way. I enjoyed seeing her growth and the way she came to realise the world was not as it seems.
Oh my god Gabriel’s dirty talk had me BLUSHING oh boy was he big on the praising 😮💨🥵🔥 this was such a steamy book and I ate up every second of it
Claire Kent is one of my favourite authors ever, her books are an addiction and I fall in love with her characters every single time. I love how I get sucked into her dystopian worlds and I wish that everyone loved her books just as much as I do 🥹
Thank you Claire Kent for this ARC 🤍 all opinions are my own
I loved this book so much!! What an incredible start to the series. I was devastated that the kindled series came to an end (one of my favourite series ever) but now I’m screaming and kicking my feet at the fact that this new series is a spin off from it!! AHHH and the cameos in this book?? 🤩🥹🥰🥰
Gabriel is such a good man 😭 he had a soft spot for Jess and I loved the way he protected and took care of her. He just wanted to make her happy and I loved them so much together 🥹 Jess was so loyal to him and took care of him in her own way. I enjoyed seeing her growth and the way she came to realise the world was not as it seems.
Oh my god Gabriel’s dirty talk had me BLUSHING oh boy was he big on the praising 😮💨🥵🔥 this was such a steamy book and I ate up every second of it
Claire Kent is one of my favourite authors ever, her books are an addiction and I fall in love with her characters every single time. I love how I get sucked into her dystopian worlds and I wish that everyone loved her books just as much as I do 🥹
Thank you Claire Kent for this ARC 🤍 all opinions are my own
March 28, 2025
✦ ࣪ ˖ 𝟐 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
⤿ 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘯𝘧
× 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭
Jess is a Palace Partner - she is picked on a lineup by a palace administrator (Gabriel) and her job is to "soften his life" (aka suck him off daily😭).
it's set in a dystopian world (which i couldn't tell you much about cause world building was minimal) and class systems seem pretty difficult to escape.
▸ i was expecting to like this a little more than i did as i've read 3 of her books from the hold series, granted that was 3 years ago but stilllll !! there's barely any plot at all and it only comes into fruition after the 50% mark, majority of the book is blowjobs, sex and dull discussions between Jess & Gabriel. i literally couldn't two fucks about whatever was going on towards the end so i skimmed 🙏
꒰♡ ₊ . ݁ 2 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 cause i did manage to get to 80% before i started skimming
⤿ 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘯𝘧
× 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭
Jess is a Palace Partner - she is picked on a lineup by a palace administrator (Gabriel) and her job is to "soften his life" (aka suck him off daily😭).
it's set in a dystopian world (which i couldn't tell you much about cause world building was minimal) and class systems seem pretty difficult to escape.
▸ i was expecting to like this a little more than i did as i've read 3 of her books from the hold series, granted that was 3 years ago but stilllll !! there's barely any plot at all and it only comes into fruition after the 50% mark, majority of the book is blowjobs, sex and dull discussions between Jess & Gabriel. i literally couldn't two fucks about whatever was going on towards the end so i skimmed 🙏
꒰♡ ₊ . ݁ 2 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 cause i did manage to get to 80% before i started skimming
January 31, 2025
I really enjoyed the setting and set-up for this one. Gabriel and Jess were very different people with vastly differing expectations at the beginning of their relationship and it was interesting to see their opposing viewpoints based on their upbringing and previous environments. The pacing was great and their relationship developed very naturally despite their circumstances. The Central Cities are a fascinating backdrop to the story and having read all of the books in the Kindled series, I loved learning about this new world of the future after The Fall and how humans reacted and re-developed.
February 5, 2025
I wish there had been more plot and world building in the first 70% but it was still fine. 3.5* rounded up.
February 21, 2025
Headlines:
City dystopia
Relational power
Freedom
This story landed the reader in a futuristic city, full of power plays, control while giving the illusion of freedom. Jess was a partner to palace officials as her job and she was socialised into seeing this as a good career; and it would be if not for the potential for abuse. She was chosen by Gabriel, new to the city and unused to their culture.
This was a very relationship-focused story, delving into the dynamic of power and connection between these two. It had a lot (a lot) of spice but that was bourne out of a forming intimate connection and friendship.
I enjoyed the new world Kent created and the later reveal in the last portion of the book gave me a lot of joy. Suffice it to say, city life was not all it was cracked up to be.
There were a lot of layers beyond the intimacy that had me thinking about preconceptions of sex work, power dynamics in those relationships, dictatorships masquerading as democracies and integrity. I really enjoyed this mix of relationship with deeper themes.
I look forward to seeing where this series goes and if book one is anything to go by, it'll be good from here.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
City dystopia
Relational power
Freedom
This story landed the reader in a futuristic city, full of power plays, control while giving the illusion of freedom. Jess was a partner to palace officials as her job and she was socialised into seeing this as a good career; and it would be if not for the potential for abuse. She was chosen by Gabriel, new to the city and unused to their culture.
This was a very relationship-focused story, delving into the dynamic of power and connection between these two. It had a lot (a lot) of spice but that was bourne out of a forming intimate connection and friendship.
I enjoyed the new world Kent created and the later reveal in the last portion of the book gave me a lot of joy. Suffice it to say, city life was not all it was cracked up to be.
There were a lot of layers beyond the intimacy that had me thinking about preconceptions of sex work, power dynamics in those relationships, dictatorships masquerading as democracies and integrity. I really enjoyed this mix of relationship with deeper themes.
I look forward to seeing where this series goes and if book one is anything to go by, it'll be good from here.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
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