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She needs a man to keep her alive in a world full of monsters.
He'll do.
Ever since the world fell apart, I've been like a princess trapped in a tower, looking down at our chaotic new reality from an upstairs window and never allowed to risk the dangers outside. Then my father dies, and there's no one left to keep me safe from selfish, violent men no longer restrained by social boundaries.
I need someone, and the leader of the local gang is my best choice.
Rough and intimidating, he's no prince. But Levi agrees to keep me safe, and I do my best to keep him happy. Maybe I want more than a transactional relationship, but the world after Impact doesn't allow for romantic daydreams.
Life is now a gritty fairy tale without a happily ever after.
He'll do.
Ever since the world fell apart, I've been like a princess trapped in a tower, looking down at our chaotic new reality from an upstairs window and never allowed to risk the dangers outside. Then my father dies, and there's no one left to keep me safe from selfish, violent men no longer restrained by social boundaries.
I need someone, and the leader of the local gang is my best choice.
Rough and intimidating, he's no prince. But Levi agrees to keep me safe, and I do my best to keep him happy. Maybe I want more than a transactional relationship, but the world after Impact doesn't allow for romantic daydreams.
Life is now a gritty fairy tale without a happily ever after.
ebook
First published September 22, 2025
375 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
42 books2,232 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 339 reviews
April 25, 2026
uhm, it was kinda strange yet i was strangely invested in seeing it through. i couldn’t stop reading it, unsexy references to butt cracks aside and all, so i pretty much killed this in one sitting. i thought it would be 3 stars for a while there but then i realized towards the end that i cringed way too many times. so…it was crack but i can’t really put my name behind it to say i was overly enthusiastic about this crack, ya know? 🙈
we’re in a post-apocalyptic setting. the heroine (hailey) has no choice but to align herself with the big scary grumpy older “boss” of the area (levi) when her dad dies unexpectedly, leaving her alone and vulnerable to predatory men in this rough world they live in if she doesn’t find a way to guarantee her safety without a man in the house. she offers herself to levi to be his companion (read: sex doll x trad wife hybrid), in exchange for his protection and shelter. that’s it. that’s the plot. it is a 160-page novella though, so…fair enough.
now, the beginning of their relationship is as you’d expect — very perfunctory and matter-of-fact, and their sex scenes reflect that. it’s not titillating at all, but it’s not meant to be, so this awkward vibe they had going for them was fine to me contextually. as their budding romance started to mature, i did really like how he softened towards her and how she became really fond of him. they had a few sweet and cute moments (as sweet and cute as a romance in this dusty environment can be anyways lol)…
BUT!!! as they started getting more “sexy”, i found that i enjoyed some of it, but not all of it all the time 😩. there were choice scenarios that took me out, like the pigtails-spanking thing (which niggled at me a bit, considering he had almost two decades on her) and various exchanges in their dialogue in other spicy scenes and general interactions that definitely had me a leeeeetle discombobulated and cringing 😂. overall, some of the language in the sex scenes was to blame as well. ”fluid is leaking from my entrance” was a particularly diabolical choice that comes to mind almost immediately and against my will. i also found it somewhat hilarious that it was alluded to a few times that the mmc’s stamina was close to that of a geriatric man — he was 40. like, it was NOT that serious. i’m sure a second erection a few nights here and there was not an otherworldly expectation. we’re reading romance after all 😀.
the mmc would NOT stop calling the fmc “girl”, and i wished that had fallen away a lot sooner. i could understand it in the beginning, but not when he was fingers deep into her and into their relationship.
unfortunately, my brain also started to overthink the hygiene situation here a bit too much, particularly when she kept giving him all those foot rubs after his long days out and about doing motorcycle gang-adjacent boss shit. weren’t his feet stinky? especially in this economy??? it made me a touch nauseous to even think about and there were multiple scenes and references to these sessions, so i couldn’t exactly shove it out of my mind.
at times, i almost started to think that the author was doing some of the stuff she was doing on purpose or going out of her way to make the mmc come off as less “traditionally” attractive (at least to me) — maybe as part of her quirky brand (idk, this is the first thing i’ve ever read by her). if that’s the case, she nailed it for the audience this was intended for (which, sadly, doesn’t include me). levi was…he was something. but so was hailey, and hey! they were making that headboard jump and that room smell like feet…and they liked it, so i’m glad they found a match in each other in this otherwise disastrous place. the ending was cute too, i’ll say that.
gabriela, i am deeply apologetic about his turn of events because i wanted to love this so much for you 😩. i have a delivery of tomatoes on their way to your address now, so that you can promptly toss them at me upon receipt. i’ll take it 🥲.
petty side note: all that abbreviating of words that end in -ing with -in’ really started to do me in. i’ve never yearned for the letter G that much in my life. my eyes missed it, terribly so.
we’re in a post-apocalyptic setting. the heroine (hailey) has no choice but to align herself with the big scary grumpy older “boss” of the area (levi) when her dad dies unexpectedly, leaving her alone and vulnerable to predatory men in this rough world they live in if she doesn’t find a way to guarantee her safety without a man in the house. she offers herself to levi to be his companion (read: sex doll x trad wife hybrid), in exchange for his protection and shelter. that’s it. that’s the plot. it is a 160-page novella though, so…fair enough.
now, the beginning of their relationship is as you’d expect — very perfunctory and matter-of-fact, and their sex scenes reflect that. it’s not titillating at all, but it’s not meant to be, so this awkward vibe they had going for them was fine to me contextually. as their budding romance started to mature, i did really like how he softened towards her and how she became really fond of him. they had a few sweet and cute moments (as sweet and cute as a romance in this dusty environment can be anyways lol)…
BUT!!! as they started getting more “sexy”, i found that i enjoyed some of it, but not all of it all the time 😩. there were choice scenarios that took me out, like the pigtails-spanking thing (which niggled at me a bit, considering he had almost two decades on her) and various exchanges in their dialogue in other spicy scenes and general interactions that definitely had me a leeeeetle discombobulated and cringing 😂. overall, some of the language in the sex scenes was to blame as well. ”fluid is leaking from my entrance” was a particularly diabolical choice that comes to mind almost immediately and against my will. i also found it somewhat hilarious that it was alluded to a few times that the mmc’s stamina was close to that of a geriatric man — he was 40. like, it was NOT that serious. i’m sure a second erection a few nights here and there was not an otherworldly expectation. we’re reading romance after all 😀.
the mmc would NOT stop calling the fmc “girl”, and i wished that had fallen away a lot sooner. i could understand it in the beginning, but not when he was fingers deep into her and into their relationship.
unfortunately, my brain also started to overthink the hygiene situation here a bit too much, particularly when she kept giving him all those foot rubs after his long days out and about doing motorcycle gang-adjacent boss shit. weren’t his feet stinky? especially in this economy??? it made me a touch nauseous to even think about and there were multiple scenes and references to these sessions, so i couldn’t exactly shove it out of my mind.
at times, i almost started to think that the author was doing some of the stuff she was doing on purpose or going out of her way to make the mmc come off as less “traditionally” attractive (at least to me) — maybe as part of her quirky brand (idk, this is the first thing i’ve ever read by her). if that’s the case, she nailed it for the audience this was intended for (which, sadly, doesn’t include me). levi was…he was something. but so was hailey, and hey! they were making that headboard jump and that room smell like feet…and they liked it, so i’m glad they found a match in each other in this otherwise disastrous place. the ending was cute too, i’ll say that.
gabriela, i am deeply apologetic about his turn of events because i wanted to love this so much for you 😩. i have a delivery of tomatoes on their way to your address now, so that you can promptly toss them at me upon receipt. i’ll take it 🥲.
petty side note: all that abbreviating of words that end in -ing with -in’ really started to do me in. i’ve never yearned for the letter G that much in my life. my eyes missed it, terribly so.
October 8, 2025
There’s a comfort in reading in this overall world Claire Kent has built. If you’ve read multiple books, you have an idea of some of the elements to expect, though the nuances and specifics vary. Plus, depending on where a new book falls on the timeline, you could get a fun cameo. But across the different series, they standalone while still adding to the bigger picture, including this newest story/series. I enjoyed the small references to Rapunzel and felt it was incorporated well, esp within the context of the world falling apart around the FMC, which she saw from outside her window. I had also taken a break from this world and it did feel nice to sink back in.
Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow drama, small om drama in the sense of another man covets the h while not having a chance with her. Both are experienced, with only small references of the h’s included (a handful of boyfriends and some positions she was familiar with mentioned).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Transactional relationship to start
☆ She approaches him
☆ Age gap (H in his 40s and h in her 20s)
☆ Stoic H who’s done bad things and doesn’t think he’s a good man
☆ Somewhat sheltered h who was protected by her father
☆ She's a giggler when she's amused
☆ Unsatisfying sex to figuring out what works for both of them (there's some spanking fyi)
☆ Fast burn for steam, slow burn for emotional connection
☆ Female friendship
☆ Found family
☆ Putting on a show for others
☆ Slow acceptance/growth
Hailey (h) starts the book having just lost her father and facing a terrible choice. She was protected by him in their home as the apocalypse happened and society collapsed, but now she has the awareness to see that she needs a protector. Hailey had seen Boss/Levi (H) some mornings at the edge of her property, seeming to take a moment to relax while looking world-weary. Her father also told her that he prevented the group he runs from certain abuses. So she takes a chance and approaches him with the proposal that he’ll be her protector/man and she’ll exchange whatever she can give him. Levi’s shocked, however he does accept.
Because this starts as transactional, a good bit of their initial encounters are stilted and read as sort of mechanical in nature. The sex isn’t satisfying for Hailey (and she’s ok with that). Besides, she’s existing in a crisis-mode bubble where she’s not completely processed the loss of her father or her change in circumstances. For his part, Levi does show consideration of her and doesn’t press his advantage. He still takes what’s offered, but he’s not a bad man. It’s also hilarious that in all the steamy times that are present, he’s frank about the fact that he’s older and doesn’t have the refractory period of a younger guy or the drive of someone younger if he’s had a long day lol.
Hailey has a large adjustment as part of Levi’s group and with some bumps that occur, she finds her footing and makes connections. Her connection with Levi also deepens through some sweet, funny, and touching moments between them. I liked when he called her “sweetheart” and was bothered when he defaulted to “girl” though. Even though Levi’s protective, there’s still a concern about some members of his group and whether someone would cross a line with Hailey so she is limited with some of what she’s allowed to do. Even when those restrictions loosen somewhat, the world is still crappy and so are some of the people.
For all the progression, the third act has some conflict and some danger, but has excellent grovel where Levi’s basically on his knees out of fear and regret. I ate that up too. The ending is a short jump ahead of their wedding, but I highly recommend the bonus epilogue that’s available for the author’s newsletter. It’s 5 years further down the road and even more satisfying. Overall, this was a solid read. Some aspects were expected given the author’s other works and sometimes the scenarios the characters find themselves are awkward or uncomfortable. But I enjoyed Hailey and Levi’s growth and this was one of the easiest reads I’ve had recently.
Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow drama, small om drama in the sense of another man covets the h while not having a chance with her. Both are experienced, with only small references of the h’s included (a handful of boyfriends and some positions she was familiar with mentioned).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Transactional relationship to start
☆ She approaches him
☆ Age gap (H in his 40s and h in her 20s)
☆ Stoic H who’s done bad things and doesn’t think he’s a good man
☆ Somewhat sheltered h who was protected by her father
☆ She's a giggler when she's amused
☆ Unsatisfying sex to figuring out what works for both of them (there's some spanking fyi)
☆ Fast burn for steam, slow burn for emotional connection
☆ Female friendship
☆ Found family
☆ Putting on a show for others
☆ Slow acceptance/growth
Hailey (h) starts the book having just lost her father and facing a terrible choice. She was protected by him in their home as the apocalypse happened and society collapsed, but now she has the awareness to see that she needs a protector. Hailey had seen Boss/Levi (H) some mornings at the edge of her property, seeming to take a moment to relax while looking world-weary. Her father also told her that he prevented the group he runs from certain abuses. So she takes a chance and approaches him with the proposal that he’ll be her protector/man and she’ll exchange whatever she can give him. Levi’s shocked, however he does accept.
Because this starts as transactional, a good bit of their initial encounters are stilted and read as sort of mechanical in nature. The sex isn’t satisfying for Hailey (and she’s ok with that). Besides, she’s existing in a crisis-mode bubble where she’s not completely processed the loss of her father or her change in circumstances. For his part, Levi does show consideration of her and doesn’t press his advantage. He still takes what’s offered, but he’s not a bad man. It’s also hilarious that in all the steamy times that are present, he’s frank about the fact that he’s older and doesn’t have the refractory period of a younger guy or the drive of someone younger if he’s had a long day lol.
Hailey has a large adjustment as part of Levi’s group and with some bumps that occur, she finds her footing and makes connections. Her connection with Levi also deepens through some sweet, funny, and touching moments between them. I liked when he called her “sweetheart” and was bothered when he defaulted to “girl” though. Even though Levi’s protective, there’s still a concern about some members of his group and whether someone would cross a line with Hailey so she is limited with some of what she’s allowed to do. Even when those restrictions loosen somewhat, the world is still crappy and so are some of the people.
For all the progression, the third act has some conflict and some danger, but has excellent grovel where Levi’s basically on his knees out of fear and regret. I ate that up too. The ending is a short jump ahead of their wedding, but I highly recommend the bonus epilogue that’s available for the author’s newsletter. It’s 5 years further down the road and even more satisfying. Overall, this was a solid read. Some aspects were expected given the author’s other works and sometimes the scenarios the characters find themselves are awkward or uncomfortable. But I enjoyed Hailey and Levi’s growth and this was one of the easiest reads I’ve had recently.
September 29, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ STARS....
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
☀︎ 𝖳𝖮𝖶𝖤𝖱 ☀︎ Is the first age-gap Post-Apocalyptic Fairy Tale, re-imagining novella of Rapunzel by author Claire Kent. Spoken in dual POV's. Levi (40's) & Hailey (25)
This story is connected to the Kindled Universe which takes place 3 years after Impact.
When I first saw this pop up on Facebook I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it come release day! Beyond excited. Inhaled in no time at all!
The story opens up with Hailey’s overprotected father having just passed away. She was never allowed to leave their four acre property, always sheltered and protected, like Rapunzel up in her tower, but she knew where to avoid the booby traps her father had set up. Life has changed and Hailey knows she needs a man to keep her safe in this dangerous world. Jumping in with both feet she approaches Boss aka Levi with an offer he can't refuse. She had seen him numerous times from her bedroom window. And she needed him to become her new protector, and in exchange she’ll be become his woman. He's the leader of a local biker group who live in a motel within the community nearby.
This was a perfect Sunday lazy day read! I was getting cocooned in those feels and wanted to stay there longer.
Love this world
Love the cover
Love the characters
Love this author
Cannot wait for the next book, Ashes which is inspired by Cinderella.
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
☀︎ 𝖳𝖮𝖶𝖤𝖱 ☀︎ Is the first age-gap Post-Apocalyptic Fairy Tale, re-imagining novella of Rapunzel by author Claire Kent. Spoken in dual POV's. Levi (40's) & Hailey (25)
This story is connected to the Kindled Universe which takes place 3 years after Impact.
When I first saw this pop up on Facebook I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it come release day! Beyond excited. Inhaled in no time at all!
The story opens up with Hailey’s overprotected father having just passed away. She was never allowed to leave their four acre property, always sheltered and protected, like Rapunzel up in her tower, but she knew where to avoid the booby traps her father had set up. Life has changed and Hailey knows she needs a man to keep her safe in this dangerous world. Jumping in with both feet she approaches Boss aka Levi with an offer he can't refuse. She had seen him numerous times from her bedroom window. And she needed him to become her new protector, and in exchange she’ll be become his woman. He's the leader of a local biker group who live in a motel within the community nearby.
This was a perfect Sunday lazy day read! I was getting cocooned in those feels and wanted to stay there longer.
Love this world
Love the cover
Love the characters
Love this author
Cannot wait for the next book, Ashes which is inspired by Cinderella.
April 22, 2026
4 Stars
Kent just loves her post apocalyptic stories, forcing her heroines to make the utmost difficult decisions in the face of cold hard reality - survival depends on making the least repulsive choice one can live with.
Not to say that Levi is repulsive. He’s the strongest (fairest) leader in the territory, one who rules with necessary and absolute brutal authority and force. Hailey knows this and strikes a bargain with the dangerous man.
There’s no sugar coating this “practical” set up, but that doesn’t negate the evolving relationship or romantic impact of seeing these two find the rare comfort and happiness that is sadly lacking in pretty much all aspects of their lives.
Love and hope is a powerful motivator, and Levi and Hailey find it to start anew!
Kent just loves her post apocalyptic stories, forcing her heroines to make the utmost difficult decisions in the face of cold hard reality - survival depends on making the least repulsive choice one can live with.
Not to say that Levi is repulsive. He’s the strongest (fairest) leader in the territory, one who rules with necessary and absolute brutal authority and force. Hailey knows this and strikes a bargain with the dangerous man.
There’s no sugar coating this “practical” set up, but that doesn’t negate the evolving relationship or romantic impact of seeing these two find the rare comfort and happiness that is sadly lacking in pretty much all aspects of their lives.
Love and hope is a powerful motivator, and Levi and Hailey find it to start anew!
April 21, 2026
This was sort of odd but Cute
I think short, punchy dystopian post-apocalyptic romances are about to become my new thing.
This is another one from Gabriela’s shelf! 🙈😘 Thank you, lovely. I finished it and immediately went on to read three other books by Kent 🙈 just pretend you didn’t see the ones I read before each of them.
This is a Rapunzel retelling. Kent imagines a world in which Rapunzel’s father dies and she’s finally free. But now she needs protection, something only the leader of a post-apocalyptic gang can offer.
Levi and Hailey’s relationship starts off purely transactional for about the first 40%, and their sex life reflects that stark reality. The sex at the beginning is probably the most clinical I’ve read, but now that I’ve read more of Kent's work, it actually feels on brand. The story moves along so quickly that I barely had time to sit with it before things softened and they started to care for each other. It’s simply beautiful. And I think, set against a bleak life and a world in ruins, it makes that shift feel even more meaningful.
I really liked the small details that build the world and show what their daily lives look like. The lack of water, no proper toilets, scavenging trips, trading, it all made the setting feel vivid. Considering how short the book is, I was surprised by how immersive it felt.
The only thing I didn’t like is how often Levi calls Hailey “girl.” I read it one too many times in my head but never in a sexy or sweet tone 😭 But this is totally a me problem.
Something worth noting is that the dialogue can feel a bit unnatural at times, especially during the sex scenes, but for me it fit the tone and context of the story.
I think short, punchy dystopian post-apocalyptic romances are about to become my new thing.
This is another one from Gabriela’s shelf! 🙈😘 Thank you, lovely. I finished it and immediately went on to read three other books by Kent 🙈 just pretend you didn’t see the ones I read before each of them.
This is a Rapunzel retelling. Kent imagines a world in which Rapunzel’s father dies and she’s finally free. But now she needs protection, something only the leader of a post-apocalyptic gang can offer.
Levi and Hailey’s relationship starts off purely transactional for about the first 40%, and their sex life reflects that stark reality. The sex at the beginning is probably the most clinical I’ve read, but now that I’ve read more of Kent's work, it actually feels on brand. The story moves along so quickly that I barely had time to sit with it before things softened and they started to care for each other. It’s simply beautiful. And I think, set against a bleak life and a world in ruins, it makes that shift feel even more meaningful.
I really liked the small details that build the world and show what their daily lives look like. The lack of water, no proper toilets, scavenging trips, trading, it all made the setting feel vivid. Considering how short the book is, I was surprised by how immersive it felt.
The only thing I didn’t like is how often Levi calls Hailey “girl.” I read it one too many times in my head but never in a sexy or sweet tone 😭 But this is totally a me problem.
Something worth noting is that the dialogue can feel a bit unnatural at times, especially during the sex scenes, but for me it fit the tone and context of the story.
February 21, 2026
4 Stars
Raw, compelling, and sexy as hell, Tower is a re-imagining of the classic Rapunzel tale and serves as the latest series-starter set in Claire Kent’s ever-expanding dystopian universe.
The story follows a young woman named Hailey, who has been sheltered away, living under her father’s protection, in the years following a devastating global event that has left society in structural ruin. When Hailey’s dad dies suddenly (of natural causes), she must act quickly in this brutal new world, where a woman’s safety and autonomy are up for grabs. Taking matters into her own hands, to retain what control she possibly can, Hailey decides to approach the local gang leader, Levi, offering to trade her body for his protection. It’s a risky choice, but she’s weighed all her options and aligning herself with Levi—a man her father seemed to trust more than most—seems like her best option for survival.
The story then goes on to follow Hailey and Levi over the course of several months, as their initially precarious arrangement turns from necessity to fondness to love. All the while, Hailey learns to adapt to her new environment and builds new emotionally vital relationships with other members of Levi’s ragtag gang of survivors, giving this story a lovely found-family feel which was the cherry on top of an already juicy post-apocalyptic romance story.
To be clear, bad boy Levi may have been a badass ex-con, but he was also a damn good man at heart, who was doing the best he could in dire circumstances, to keep his people safe and thriving in their tough new reality. I never once felt like he was taking advantage of Hailey when she offered herself up to him for protection—if anything, she felt like the one in their relationship dynamic that ultimately held all the power, at all major moments across the story.
I’ve read quite a few books across Kent’s shared dystopian universe at this point, but I feel like Levi was the best of the heroes she’s written to date. His true feelings were apparent in his treatment of Hailey from the moment she approached him with her plan, showing through his actions, time and again, how much he respected, cared, and adored this grieving woman. His gruff but gentle nature was beautiful in its evolution, making him an ideal protector and personal champion, which skyrocketed him up to elite book boyfriend status.
Although set in a shared universe, this particular story reads as standalone (mostly because, timeline wise, it’s set earlier than, say, the long-running Kindled series). I particularly appreciated the universe timeline provided at the end of the book, that allowed me to see exactly where in the universe this was set chronologically. I found this to be a very handy little aide for readers like myself who love knowing exactly how best to tackle interconnected series storytelling in a way that won’t confuse or make me want to run for the hills with overwhelm. I’m not sure if the author also had this reading/chronological order list on her website (I couldn’t find it) but I suggest anyone reading any of these books gives it a look-see to avoid potential confusion.
This story has certainly sparked renewed interest in me to return to earlier stalled series, which, at the time I may have overdosed on, but now feel ready and raring to tackle anew! The direct sequel to this story, Ashes, couldn’t come soon enough.
Raw, compelling, and sexy as hell, Tower is a re-imagining of the classic Rapunzel tale and serves as the latest series-starter set in Claire Kent’s ever-expanding dystopian universe.
The story follows a young woman named Hailey, who has been sheltered away, living under her father’s protection, in the years following a devastating global event that has left society in structural ruin. When Hailey’s dad dies suddenly (of natural causes), she must act quickly in this brutal new world, where a woman’s safety and autonomy are up for grabs. Taking matters into her own hands, to retain what control she possibly can, Hailey decides to approach the local gang leader, Levi, offering to trade her body for his protection. It’s a risky choice, but she’s weighed all her options and aligning herself with Levi—a man her father seemed to trust more than most—seems like her best option for survival.
The story then goes on to follow Hailey and Levi over the course of several months, as their initially precarious arrangement turns from necessity to fondness to love. All the while, Hailey learns to adapt to her new environment and builds new emotionally vital relationships with other members of Levi’s ragtag gang of survivors, giving this story a lovely found-family feel which was the cherry on top of an already juicy post-apocalyptic romance story.
To be clear, bad boy Levi may have been a badass ex-con, but he was also a damn good man at heart, who was doing the best he could in dire circumstances, to keep his people safe and thriving in their tough new reality. I never once felt like he was taking advantage of Hailey when she offered herself up to him for protection—if anything, she felt like the one in their relationship dynamic that ultimately held all the power, at all major moments across the story.
I’ve read quite a few books across Kent’s shared dystopian universe at this point, but I feel like Levi was the best of the heroes she’s written to date. His true feelings were apparent in his treatment of Hailey from the moment she approached him with her plan, showing through his actions, time and again, how much he respected, cared, and adored this grieving woman. His gruff but gentle nature was beautiful in its evolution, making him an ideal protector and personal champion, which skyrocketed him up to elite book boyfriend status.
Although set in a shared universe, this particular story reads as standalone (mostly because, timeline wise, it’s set earlier than, say, the long-running Kindled series). I particularly appreciated the universe timeline provided at the end of the book, that allowed me to see exactly where in the universe this was set chronologically. I found this to be a very handy little aide for readers like myself who love knowing exactly how best to tackle interconnected series storytelling in a way that won’t confuse or make me want to run for the hills with overwhelm. I’m not sure if the author also had this reading/chronological order list on her website (I couldn’t find it) but I suggest anyone reading any of these books gives it a look-see to avoid potential confusion.
This story has certainly sparked renewed interest in me to return to earlier stalled series, which, at the time I may have overdosed on, but now feel ready and raring to tackle anew! The direct sequel to this story, Ashes, couldn’t come soon enough.
April 13, 2026
This was my first Claire Kent and I went in with few expectations other than it being a post apocalyptic Rapunzel retelling. I really just wanted an easy interlude/mood read to slot in between more serious books and this exactly hit the mark. I was unexpectedly charmed and I’m not entirely sure why, except that it has a cute and quirky vibe that induced some chuckles and side smiles.
Hailey is stuck inside her house with her father as her only protector, unable to leave due to the danger of being kidnapped in a ruthless post apocalyptic world. Until her father suddenly dies, and she decides to offer herself in a transactional relationship to the leader of a local gang in exchange for his protection.
At 25 Hailey is practical and world wise, doesn’t take protection for granted, and doesn’t waste time raging over her circumstances. Her rationale for approaching Levi is easy to support, and doesn’t have the hollow feeling of trading her self worth. Levi is gruff, serious, and supposedly morally gray with his ties to the local gang and a darker history.
I think the dynamic that pulled me in is the relationship’s gradual transition from awkward to sweet. For a short novella Kent paints a surprisingly realistic picture of what I would imagine an arranged marriage would be like. The initial bedroom scenes aren’t filled with heat. But you know what? I appreciate the acknowledgement of discomfort in romance. Even when emotional chemistry is present, it doesn’t necessarily mean the spice is initially as effortless as so many stories portray. And I love the idea that true affection and appreciation can grow from an arranged relationship.
The other aspect of this novella I love is the way it portrays an age and power gap. I don’t mean to beat a dead horse by hating on the age gap trope. And I’m not against the somewhat forbidden appeal. My discomfort exists in the inequality of a relationship rather the number of years between a couple. But there’s none of that here. With their actual ages (25 & 40) and their circumstance (world in ruins) their age differential hardly seems to matter. In fact, Levi actually expresses concern and regret at one point that he took advantage of Hailey. But Hailey never feels like she’s lost agency, never has a fear of saying no. He may not be warm and fuzzy, but a self reflective caring MMC who aims to please (iykwim 😉) is a win in my book.
This didn’t reinvent the wheel or anything, but it’s cute and quirky enough that it provided the perfect palate cleanse for me.
4⭐️’s kindle
2⭐️’s for the audio - definitely eyeball read this one
Hailey is stuck inside her house with her father as her only protector, unable to leave due to the danger of being kidnapped in a ruthless post apocalyptic world. Until her father suddenly dies, and she decides to offer herself in a transactional relationship to the leader of a local gang in exchange for his protection.
At 25 Hailey is practical and world wise, doesn’t take protection for granted, and doesn’t waste time raging over her circumstances. Her rationale for approaching Levi is easy to support, and doesn’t have the hollow feeling of trading her self worth. Levi is gruff, serious, and supposedly morally gray with his ties to the local gang and a darker history.
I think the dynamic that pulled me in is the relationship’s gradual transition from awkward to sweet. For a short novella Kent paints a surprisingly realistic picture of what I would imagine an arranged marriage would be like. The initial bedroom scenes aren’t filled with heat. But you know what? I appreciate the acknowledgement of discomfort in romance. Even when emotional chemistry is present, it doesn’t necessarily mean the spice is initially as effortless as so many stories portray. And I love the idea that true affection and appreciation can grow from an arranged relationship.
The other aspect of this novella I love is the way it portrays an age and power gap. I don’t mean to beat a dead horse by hating on the age gap trope. And I’m not against the somewhat forbidden appeal. My discomfort exists in the inequality of a relationship rather the number of years between a couple. But there’s none of that here. With their actual ages (25 & 40) and their circumstance (world in ruins) their age differential hardly seems to matter. In fact, Levi actually expresses concern and regret at one point that he took advantage of Hailey. But Hailey never feels like she’s lost agency, never has a fear of saying no. He may not be warm and fuzzy, but a self reflective caring MMC who aims to please (iykwim 😉) is a win in my book.
This didn’t reinvent the wheel or anything, but it’s cute and quirky enough that it provided the perfect palate cleanse for me.
4⭐️’s kindle
2⭐️’s for the audio - definitely eyeball read this one
March 30, 2026
A Post-Apocalyptic Fairy Tale, re-imagining Rapunzel. Connected to the Kindled Universe and it takes place 3 years after Impact.
Short Excerpt-
“And do I not get a choice?”
“Of course you get a choice. But why would you refuse? You don’t have a woman, and you haven’t had one since the first year after Impact. This would be the perfect means of solidifying your leadership and squashing all those questions about you not being tough enough to be in charge. After all, you’ll have captured the princess from her tower.”
I planned those words last night, and I can see their effect on his face.
I go on, for the first time experiencing a flicker of hope. “You can order me around, and I’ll act all cowed and submissive. You know it would help you. You wouldn’t always be having to deal with new challenges all the time.”
“So you’d just pretend to be my woman?”
“No, I’d pretend to be submissive. But I’d be your woman for real. I know perfectly well that I’m going to have to offer sex to survive. I’m just choosing who I offer it to.”
Ya'll are gonna FREAK OUT for this couple!
Coming Sept 26th!
*I am the assistant to Noelle Adams/Claire Kent*
Short Excerpt-
“And do I not get a choice?”
“Of course you get a choice. But why would you refuse? You don’t have a woman, and you haven’t had one since the first year after Impact. This would be the perfect means of solidifying your leadership and squashing all those questions about you not being tough enough to be in charge. After all, you’ll have captured the princess from her tower.”
I planned those words last night, and I can see their effect on his face.
I go on, for the first time experiencing a flicker of hope. “You can order me around, and I’ll act all cowed and submissive. You know it would help you. You wouldn’t always be having to deal with new challenges all the time.”
“So you’d just pretend to be my woman?”
“No, I’d pretend to be submissive. But I’d be your woman for real. I know perfectly well that I’m going to have to offer sex to survive. I’m just choosing who I offer it to.”
Ya'll are gonna FREAK OUT for this couple!
Coming Sept 26th!
*I am the assistant to Noelle Adams/Claire Kent*
September 25, 2025
What an emotional gut punch! I was completely pulled into the raw intensity of this story. The mix of grit, heartbreak, and unexpected tenderness hit me right where it counts.
This hero is everything I love about Kent’s post-apocalyptic men with their rough edges, strength that hides vulnerability, and a loyalty that feels bone deep. The heroine matches him beautifully with resilience and a quiet power, making their connection electric and unforgettable.
This isn’t a light read, but it’s the kind that lingers long after the last page, the kind you feel in your chest. Claire Kent never fails to give me a romance that’s both brutal and beautiful, and Tower might be one of her most haunting yet.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
This hero is everything I love about Kent’s post-apocalyptic men with their rough edges, strength that hides vulnerability, and a loyalty that feels bone deep. The heroine matches him beautifully with resilience and a quiet power, making their connection electric and unforgettable.
This isn’t a light read, but it’s the kind that lingers long after the last page, the kind you feel in your chest. Claire Kent never fails to give me a romance that’s both brutal and beautiful, and Tower might be one of her most haunting yet.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
September 6, 2025
Tower is a post apocalyptic romance novella from Claire Kent and part of her new fairy tale retelling collection. I love Claire Kent’s post apocalyptic romances and was so excited about this new fairy tale collection, this one is loosely Rapunzel vibes.
This novella takes place 3 years post Impact and it does exist in her post apocalyptic world (mini Haven character appearance). This is an age gap romance that starts off transactional and of course leads to more. As a novella this worked so well and I loved Hailey and Levi (aka Boss) together. Hailey’s father has just passed away when the story starts and he was definitely overprotective in keeping Hailey locked up at their house so to speak. Now she knows she needs to lean on others/a community for survival so she offers herself up to Levi. He is the leader of a local former biker group (pre-Impact days) who still are living as a community together nearby. Levi and his crew were locals that her father traded with in the past and Hailey doesn’t see her other options as great choices.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this one and Hailey and Levi too. Most Claire Kent heroes are gruff and broody and Levi didn’t feel that way as much which was refreshing and fun to see. This read quickly because it’s on the shorter side but it felt like a full-length story at the same time. I loved seeing these two fall for one another, the caretaking, learning about their pasts/family lives, the lite praise kink, the side characters, and just two people trying to survive and finding real companionship together. I’m excited for what other fairy tale retellings this series will bring and I’m just always down for a new Claire Kent to read.
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
This novella takes place 3 years post Impact and it does exist in her post apocalyptic world (mini Haven character appearance). This is an age gap romance that starts off transactional and of course leads to more. As a novella this worked so well and I loved Hailey and Levi (aka Boss) together. Hailey’s father has just passed away when the story starts and he was definitely overprotective in keeping Hailey locked up at their house so to speak. Now she knows she needs to lean on others/a community for survival so she offers herself up to Levi. He is the leader of a local former biker group (pre-Impact days) who still are living as a community together nearby. Levi and his crew were locals that her father traded with in the past and Hailey doesn’t see her other options as great choices.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this one and Hailey and Levi too. Most Claire Kent heroes are gruff and broody and Levi didn’t feel that way as much which was refreshing and fun to see. This read quickly because it’s on the shorter side but it felt like a full-length story at the same time. I loved seeing these two fall for one another, the caretaking, learning about their pasts/family lives, the lite praise kink, the side characters, and just two people trying to survive and finding real companionship together. I’m excited for what other fairy tale retellings this series will bring and I’m just always down for a new Claire Kent to read.
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
October 15, 2025
4.5 🌟 loved it! the fairytale twist to this classic Claire Kent dystopian romance was the perfect touch 👸🏼
October 19, 2025
It isn’t nothing new! This story is fast and forgettable.
Unfortunately.
Unfortunately.
November 26, 2025
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The world, the premise, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of development of feelings past sex.
The Bad: The length.
Overall: I really enjoy Ms. Kent's writing style and post apocalyptic world so I keep coming back to her. I just wish she'd make the stories longer!! I keep on hoping for another Last Light (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) which was full length and had great relationship development and closure. I feel like under 200 pages just simply isn't enough. It feels like just smut at that point because there isn't enough time to truly develop the relationship. I enjoyed it for what it was, but what it was is 3 "just okay" stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Hailey and Levi's story. It's in a post apocalyptic world and Hailey's dad just died unexpectedly and she knows that in order to survive, she needs a man. The pickings are slim but she knows that in order to survive, the leader of a motorcycle gang nearby, Levi, is her best option. She propositions him and he agrees to help her out in exchange for some clout from capturing the "princess" that his gang all knows about. There are some sexy times, some suspenseful moments, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Hailey's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, but I needed it to be longer to have more substance.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Levi. I liked him and how he allowed himself to be vulnerable with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Hailey. I liked how she understood what she needed to do and followed through.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- and so much that I did feel like it kind of takes away from the story/plot, but that could be due to the length.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place that I would call a HFN ending but others might be fine calling it a HEA ending . There is an option to sign up for the author's newsletter to get an extended epilogue.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The world, the premise, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of development of feelings past sex.
The Bad: The length.
Overall: I really enjoy Ms. Kent's writing style and post apocalyptic world so I keep coming back to her. I just wish she'd make the stories longer!! I keep on hoping for another Last Light (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) which was full length and had great relationship development and closure. I feel like under 200 pages just simply isn't enough. It feels like just smut at that point because there isn't enough time to truly develop the relationship. I enjoyed it for what it was, but what it was is 3 "just okay" stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Hailey and Levi's story. It's in a post apocalyptic world and Hailey's dad just died unexpectedly and she knows that in order to survive, she needs a man. The pickings are slim but she knows that in order to survive, the leader of a motorcycle gang nearby, Levi, is her best option. She propositions him and he agrees to help her out in exchange for some clout from capturing the "princess" that his gang all knows about. There are some sexy times, some suspenseful moments, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Hailey's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, but I needed it to be longer to have more substance.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Levi. I liked him and how he allowed himself to be vulnerable with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Hailey. I liked how she understood what she needed to do and followed through.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- and so much that I did feel like it kind of takes away from the story/plot, but that could be due to the length.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place that I would call a HFN ending but others might be fine calling it a HEA ending . There is an option to sign up for the author's newsletter to get an extended epilogue.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
March 26, 2026
I think it’s time to accept the reality that Claire Kent’s writing just isn’t for me 🤨
The dialogue was so cringy it made everything feel awkward and forced. Their dynamic came off more depressing than emotional, and not in a compelling way it was just flat and passionless. The villain was also painfully predictable and didn’t add much to the story
The dialogue was so cringy it made everything feel awkward and forced. Their dynamic came off more depressing than emotional, and not in a compelling way it was just flat and passionless. The villain was also painfully predictable and didn’t add much to the story
November 24, 2025
4.5 stars
I love getting back into the Kindled world. You don't have to read any of the previous Kindled books to enjoy this one.
I loved the 'Rapunzel' elements to the story. I thought it was well done without being so on-the-nose. Hailey's character was so unapologetically girly and Levi is fine with it. He never tries to change her. They had such a great dynamic and even though it was transactional, he never was cruel to her. They had some really funny moments together that had me laughing out loud. They are one of my favorite couples in this world. They balanced and understood each other so well.
I loved this story and cannot wait to read from this series.
Thank you Claire Kent for the ARC!
I love getting back into the Kindled world. You don't have to read any of the previous Kindled books to enjoy this one.
I loved the 'Rapunzel' elements to the story. I thought it was well done without being so on-the-nose. Hailey's character was so unapologetically girly and Levi is fine with it. He never tries to change her. They had such a great dynamic and even though it was transactional, he never was cruel to her. They had some really funny moments together that had me laughing out loud. They are one of my favorite couples in this world. They balanced and understood each other so well.
I loved this story and cannot wait to read from this series.
Thank you Claire Kent for the ARC!
February 18, 2026
3.5 Stars
Struggled to rate. I enjoyed this just as much as Ashes, yet had the same niggles with both books. However, I preferred the world-building here; only 3 years post impact with everyone in survival mode, grieving loved ones and lost lives. It felt grittier. I really felt for Hailey, her situation and the impossible decision she was forced to make. I actually cried with her during one scene and it’s why I’m rounding up. Can’t wait for Hooded
“She needs a man to keep her alive in a world full of monsters. He'll do.”
Struggled to rate. I enjoyed this just as much as Ashes, yet had the same niggles with both books. However, I preferred the world-building here; only 3 years post impact with everyone in survival mode, grieving loved ones and lost lives. It felt grittier. I really felt for Hailey, her situation and the impossible decision she was forced to make. I actually cried with her during one scene and it’s why I’m rounding up. Can’t wait for Hooded
December 1, 2025
Update: Just went to read my review of Claire Kent’s Devotion because I thought that I had liked it and it’s literally the same thing I said here in this review word for word 😂 I am going to pause on buying CK’s books after this one!
If you like heroines who serve heroes, you will enjoy this. Nothing about this really tickles my fancy or floats my boat. After the heroine’s father passes suddenly, she needs to find the next man to protect her in the post-apocalyptic world. She chooses the hero, leader of a biker gang.
It’s a big trad-wife fantasy where the heroine feels pleasure to serve him, from plating his food and toasting the bread so it’s better than everyone else’s to offering foot rubs for him. And that whole scene where she convinces him that he never forced her and it was all her choice… like yes she did choose him, but it was the best out of a bad lot. She’s acting like this is an empowered choice and while she did have to go out into the world to strike up this bargain, but it still requires her to fall subservient to a man’s physical needs, and to play the submissive act in public.
If you are my mutual, you know Idgaf about power dynamics but this just rubbed me the wrong way because it was so surface-level that it felt like patriarchal propaganda of isn’t it nice to live your life for a man? Isn’t it fulfilling to serve him, give him foot rubs, and put his needs first? (If he was offering me first bite of that apple, I would have taken it!!)
Like seriously don’t pmo with this shit 😂 The hero is literally just there, treating her with basic consideration, and the heroine is like awed. Not being cruel or violent is actually a low bar to clear, people!!
I’ve read a few novels by Claire Kent now and while they can be readable, nothing has compared to Hold in terms of chemistry, plot action, and also character psychology and growth.
If you like heroines who serve heroes, you will enjoy this. Nothing about this really tickles my fancy or floats my boat. After the heroine’s father passes suddenly, she needs to find the next man to protect her in the post-apocalyptic world. She chooses the hero, leader of a biker gang.
It’s a big trad-wife fantasy where the heroine feels pleasure to serve him, from plating his food and toasting the bread so it’s better than everyone else’s to offering foot rubs for him. And that whole scene where she convinces him that he never forced her and it was all her choice… like yes she did choose him, but it was the best out of a bad lot. She’s acting like this is an empowered choice and while she did have to go out into the world to strike up this bargain, but it still requires her to fall subservient to a man’s physical needs, and to play the submissive act in public.
If you are my mutual, you know Idgaf about power dynamics but this just rubbed me the wrong way because it was so surface-level that it felt like patriarchal propaganda of isn’t it nice to live your life for a man? Isn’t it fulfilling to serve him, give him foot rubs, and put his needs first? (If he was offering me first bite of that apple, I would have taken it!!)
Like seriously don’t pmo with this shit 😂 The hero is literally just there, treating her with basic consideration, and the heroine is like awed. Not being cruel or violent is actually a low bar to clear, people!!
I’ve read a few novels by Claire Kent now and while they can be readable, nothing has compared to Hold in terms of chemistry, plot action, and also character psychology and growth.
November 16, 2025
Great start to the series. It was a practical start to the relationship but I enjoyed how things progressed. There was a little drama in the end but oh Levi's proclamations 👏👏. Enjoyed this very much.
September 29, 2025
i really try to overlook how unappealing claire kent describes her heroes, if anything ive come to find it an endearing quirk of her writing. but sometimes she makes it so hard when she goes on about their long beards and their buttcracks and their stinky feet. like pls god almighty let me rest 😭😭 i did love the faith and jackson cameo tho ugh i loved their book
March 26, 2026
4.25⭐️
3🌶️
FMC has lived entirety of impact on her parent’s property, never interacting with others. Then they died. The parents, that is. So FMC decides to find a strong man in society to protect her knowing what will happen once news of her fathers death gets out. Enter, MMC! Older, gruff, leader of local biker gang. FMC is the town “princess”, coveted, and always locked away in her tower. Our story starts with her proposition to him…
Aka being his woman in exchange for protection.🤑🫣😼😆🦅😎
Teensy tiny Haven crossover. Ugh! Don’t remind me how I loved that story. Read it like 3 times.
Mhmm! Something about MMC being older, quiet, and grumpy really did it for me. I liked how we could see how he was affected by FMC & how he cared in that gruff way of his (since it’s FMC pov).
Random Thoughts
— Look, this is my biased cunty thought but who the hell’s coming just from being spanked. Like girl went feral. I thought she needed a rabies vaccine. Then she cried from the “emotional release”. Yeah, yeah, I get that’s a real thing but in context of the story I call BS! It was so random. (If this was say a Laylah Robert’s book…I’d of believed it)
—There were a few random times MCs would “laugh” or “giggle” & it felt forced. I don’t think everyone will feel this way but I couldn’t connect to the charm of those moments
— Sorry but I did have to pause when he’s got lotion (for body) all over his hands & is rubbing her feet/legs. Then immediately fingers/eats her out. 1) hope she doesn’t get a uti 2) c’mon…that’s gotta taste extra weird
——BOOK INFO——
standalone, fmc pov, 174 p
-Age gap (H 40s, h 25)
-Post-apocalyptic
-Transaction
-Gang leader x “princess”
-“Sweetheart”
open door, oral, pull-out for bc, spanking (once)
——SAFETY——
-CW- discussions of rape in other groups
(No specifics. More as reason fmc wants safety for fear of being at mercy one of those groups).
-No virgins
-No OPD, cheating, separation
-No manhoe (assumed…not stated)
-HFN
h - last bf 4 yrs ago in college (pre-apocalypse)
H - no mentions (loner-type H, never been in love)
safe <3
3🌶️
FMC has lived entirety of impact on her parent’s property, never interacting with others. Then they died. The parents, that is. So FMC decides to find a strong man in society to protect her knowing what will happen once news of her fathers death gets out. Enter, MMC! Older, gruff, leader of local biker gang. FMC is the town “princess”, coveted, and always locked away in her tower. Our story starts with her proposition to him…
Aka being his woman in exchange for protection.🤑🫣😼😆🦅😎
Teensy tiny Haven crossover. Ugh! Don’t remind me how I loved that story. Read it like 3 times.
Mhmm! Something about MMC being older, quiet, and grumpy really did it for me. I liked how we could see how he was affected by FMC & how he cared in that gruff way of his (since it’s FMC pov).
Random Thoughts
— Look, this is my biased cunty thought but who the hell’s coming just from being spanked. Like girl went feral. I thought she needed a rabies vaccine. Then she cried from the “emotional release”. Yeah, yeah, I get that’s a real thing but in context of the story I call BS! It was so random. (If this was say a Laylah Robert’s book…I’d of believed it)
—There were a few random times MCs would “laugh” or “giggle” & it felt forced. I don’t think everyone will feel this way but I couldn’t connect to the charm of those moments
— Sorry but I did have to pause when he’s got lotion (for body) all over his hands & is rubbing her feet/legs. Then immediately fingers/eats her out. 1) hope she doesn’t get a uti 2) c’mon…that’s gotta taste extra weird
——BOOK INFO——
standalone, fmc pov, 174 p
-Age gap (H 40s, h 25)
-Post-apocalyptic
-Transaction
-Gang leader x “princess”
-“Sweetheart”
open door, oral, pull-out for bc, spanking (once)
——SAFETY——
-CW- discussions of rape in other groups
(No specifics. More as reason fmc wants safety for fear of being at mercy one of those groups).
-No virgins
-No OPD, cheating, separation
-No manhoe (assumed…not stated)
-HFN
h - last bf 4 yrs ago in college (pre-apocalypse)
H - no mentions (loner-type H, never been in love)
safe <3
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026dnf 55% i got the ick so many times i stopped counting
September 7, 2025
I.am.a.simp.for.Claire.Kent
Tower is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with just a little bit of action at the end. Great introduction to her post apocalyptics series, if you just wanna have a taste of what it’s all about.
Tower is a romance book set in a post apocalyptic world 4 years after impact.
Hailey father has just died, she relied on him for protection is a world where women are at risk of rape and danger every day. She decides to offer herself to a local guy named “boss” in exchange for protection.
Was truly distraught after I finished all the books in the kindled series, so I am so happy to see more books come out in this world.
Thank you for an e-arc. All my thought are my Own.
Tower is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with just a little bit of action at the end. Great introduction to her post apocalyptics series, if you just wanna have a taste of what it’s all about.
Tower is a romance book set in a post apocalyptic world 4 years after impact.
Hailey father has just died, she relied on him for protection is a world where women are at risk of rape and danger every day. She decides to offer herself to a local guy named “boss” in exchange for protection.
Was truly distraught after I finished all the books in the kindled series, so I am so happy to see more books come out in this world.
Thank you for an e-arc. All my thought are my Own.
January 8, 2026
You know what, I changed my mind again. I'll do a small review.
I think I'm mad at this book.
I've only read two books from this author, and I felt like I read the same one? The other one was Brood. I didn't like it, so I thought, maybe I started with the wrong one. But this one disappointed me soooooo much. Did I choose the wrong book, again, or is this author not for me?
Also, why is the FMC massaging his smelly-not-so-smelly feet? I get that she has to act submissive in front of the other, but in private? I didn't mind the power imbalance at first, but that didn't last long. Even their relationship felt so shallow, I didn't care about it. Like I didn't care about the MCs. He's just 'old' and grumpy, she's just submissive and weak without a man in this universe.
I'll give one last chance to this author and that's it.
I think I'm mad at this book.
I've only read two books from this author, and I felt like I read the same one? The other one was Brood. I didn't like it, so I thought, maybe I started with the wrong one. But this one disappointed me soooooo much. Did I choose the wrong book, again, or is this author not for me?
Also, why is the FMC massaging his smelly-not-so-smelly feet? I get that she has to act submissive in front of the other, but in private? I didn't mind the power imbalance at first, but that didn't last long. Even their relationship felt so shallow, I didn't care about it. Like I didn't care about the MCs. He's just 'old' and grumpy, she's just submissive and weak without a man in this universe.
I'll give one last chance to this author and that's it.
September 6, 2025
“Tower” by Claire Kent
4⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“I’ve never felt so safe. So cared for. So protected. So loved.”
It’s simple, if Claire Kent writes a dystopian romance, I’m going to read it. “Tower” is the newest installment in the ‘world’ of the Kindled series. It’s adjacent, not necessary to read to understand the overarching plot within the series, but offers a lot of world building and even a surprise appearance from past MCs. It’s a pretty short novella, ~150 pages, and despite being tangentially related, I highly recommend reading this story.
“Tower” takes place three years after Impact, and this time we’re in southern Indiana (nice to have a new perspective on the world these characters live in!). Hailey has lived an isolated life with her father, who always sheltered and protected her. Once he passes away, Hailey makes the decision to approach the toughest man in the community with an offer he can’t refuse: be her new protector, and in exchange she’ll be his woman, however that looks to his community. Levi has a checkered past, but he’s trying to do better. When Hailey makes this offer, it’s an opportunity for him to show his strength and solidify himself as a leader.
Hailey and Levi have some great natural chemistry, and I’m not just talking in the bedroom. These two characters become genuine friends, and maybe it’s because Hailey is a little bit older than the average FMC (26 years old), but she’s very logical and straightforward. The conversations she has with Levi are blunt, not harsh, but they serve a purpose. I really enjoyed all of their interactions behind closed doors, laughing together, simply talking about their respective pasts. So many times in romance books we see the MCs bond, and maybe they were friends before, but to see how Haily and Levi become partners through their situations, that felt very authentic.
I loved reading about a new community, seeing a new type of dynamic rise out of the post-apocalyptic world these characters now live in. Usually these stories take place in the Appalachian region, or the Ozarks, so being in Indiana was a nice change. I also loved seeing past MCs in a scene; I won’t say who they are! That’s a spoiler you’ll have to read for yourself.
All-in-all, this is another wonderful addition to the world Claire Kent has created with the Kindled series. I’d read another one hundred stories about characters like Hailey and Levi, because they’re all so unique. Their backgrounds and circumstances affect the decisions they make, the relationships they develop, and every single time I’m hooked.
4⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“I’ve never felt so safe. So cared for. So protected. So loved.”
It’s simple, if Claire Kent writes a dystopian romance, I’m going to read it. “Tower” is the newest installment in the ‘world’ of the Kindled series. It’s adjacent, not necessary to read to understand the overarching plot within the series, but offers a lot of world building and even a surprise appearance from past MCs. It’s a pretty short novella, ~150 pages, and despite being tangentially related, I highly recommend reading this story.
“Tower” takes place three years after Impact, and this time we’re in southern Indiana (nice to have a new perspective on the world these characters live in!). Hailey has lived an isolated life with her father, who always sheltered and protected her. Once he passes away, Hailey makes the decision to approach the toughest man in the community with an offer he can’t refuse: be her new protector, and in exchange she’ll be his woman, however that looks to his community. Levi has a checkered past, but he’s trying to do better. When Hailey makes this offer, it’s an opportunity for him to show his strength and solidify himself as a leader.
Hailey and Levi have some great natural chemistry, and I’m not just talking in the bedroom. These two characters become genuine friends, and maybe it’s because Hailey is a little bit older than the average FMC (26 years old), but she’s very logical and straightforward. The conversations she has with Levi are blunt, not harsh, but they serve a purpose. I really enjoyed all of their interactions behind closed doors, laughing together, simply talking about their respective pasts. So many times in romance books we see the MCs bond, and maybe they were friends before, but to see how Haily and Levi become partners through their situations, that felt very authentic.
I loved reading about a new community, seeing a new type of dynamic rise out of the post-apocalyptic world these characters now live in. Usually these stories take place in the Appalachian region, or the Ozarks, so being in Indiana was a nice change. I also loved seeing past MCs in a scene; I won’t say who they are! That’s a spoiler you’ll have to read for yourself.
All-in-all, this is another wonderful addition to the world Claire Kent has created with the Kindled series. I’d read another one hundred stories about characters like Hailey and Levi, because they’re all so unique. Their backgrounds and circumstances affect the decisions they make, the relationships they develop, and every single time I’m hooked.
September 26, 2025
-=- 3.5 stars -=-
I'm so in love with this world, it's not even funny. This was such a nice addition, and I wanted more so badly 😭 I can't wait for the rest of the novellas (the next one being Cinderella-themed has me so excited).
I'm so in love with this world, it's not even funny. This was such a nice addition, and I wanted more so badly 😭 I can't wait for the rest of the novellas (the next one being Cinderella-themed has me so excited).
September 9, 2025
Tower is a Rapunzel inspired novella set in three years post-Impact in the Kindled universe. Hailey has been kept inside her house, "a princess locked in a tower" since impact, now both her parents are dead. She initiates a bargain with Levi, the boss of a local gang - her family's possessions and her body for protection. She gets to choose her fate, and she chooses him. "Make your life easier. Whatever that looks like."
Even though Hailey is the one who instigated their deal, and they are both benefiting from it (apart from the obvious, he also cements his leader status by bringing her home like a trophy), Levi is a Kent hero through and through. That means he's taciturn, feels the weight of his obligations, and is both gone for his lady and worried that their unequal start has colored what develops. Hailey is a Kent girlie seen through a slight prism, she's slightly older than most, and kind of feisty. I love her little brain, she asks for instruction, and is annoyed when she gets it. She sasses back when she shouldn't. She's also caretaking and freely affectionate, we see the value she brings to the whole community of the gang, not just Levi. What is new here, is the shared communication and vulnerability they both show, and the matching of energy. Anytime one of them makes an overture, the other meets it. It's lovely.
Listen, if Devotion has no fans, know that I am dead, I really liked that book, particularly the repetition of the sex act/act of service and how it moved the emotional and character evolution. I know some people are of the "woo that was a lot" school, but I see the work the intimacy was doing, to a point where none of it felt gratuitous to me. I felt like this novella was very much in conversation with Devotion with the clear work intimacy does on page.
The intimacy and emotion and vulnerability is very closely linked in Tower. Kent has a very clever use of time jumps here, and every scene that's on page, she shows us how the relationship as a whole levels up. We go from transactional and "was that good enough" to long sessions of mutual service and care, of "I'll do anything' for you. You know already know that" where there is vulnerability and declarations as a part of physical intimacy. There's a private thing that Levi does, and charting the asking and refusing, offering and declining, and eventual sharing of it echoes their physical and emotional joining.
Only Claire Kent would be, oh I'm not feeling creative and productive, so I'm going to right quick publish a series of novellas inspired by classic fairy tales set in my beloved Kindled universe. This felt looser and more light-hearted than most Kindled books, possibly because the characters were basically safe and supplied, and it was relatively early days since Impact. Levi and Hailey have an affectionate and communicative relationship, there is an age and power gap, but they feel so well suited for each other that it all equalizes. I thought it was a delight to read.
Thank you to the author for an arc.
Even though Hailey is the one who instigated their deal, and they are both benefiting from it (apart from the obvious, he also cements his leader status by bringing her home like a trophy), Levi is a Kent hero through and through. That means he's taciturn, feels the weight of his obligations, and is both gone for his lady and worried that their unequal start has colored what develops. Hailey is a Kent girlie seen through a slight prism, she's slightly older than most, and kind of feisty. I love her little brain, she asks for instruction, and is annoyed when she gets it. She sasses back when she shouldn't. She's also caretaking and freely affectionate, we see the value she brings to the whole community of the gang, not just Levi. What is new here, is the shared communication and vulnerability they both show, and the matching of energy. Anytime one of them makes an overture, the other meets it. It's lovely.
Listen, if Devotion has no fans, know that I am dead, I really liked that book, particularly the repetition of the sex act/act of service and how it moved the emotional and character evolution. I know some people are of the "woo that was a lot" school, but I see the work the intimacy was doing, to a point where none of it felt gratuitous to me. I felt like this novella was very much in conversation with Devotion with the clear work intimacy does on page.
The intimacy and emotion and vulnerability is very closely linked in Tower. Kent has a very clever use of time jumps here, and every scene that's on page, she shows us how the relationship as a whole levels up. We go from transactional and "was that good enough" to long sessions of mutual service and care, of "I'll do anything' for you. You know already know that" where there is vulnerability and declarations as a part of physical intimacy. There's a private thing that Levi does, and charting the asking and refusing, offering and declining, and eventual sharing of it echoes their physical and emotional joining.
Only Claire Kent would be, oh I'm not feeling creative and productive, so I'm going to right quick publish a series of novellas inspired by classic fairy tales set in my beloved Kindled universe. This felt looser and more light-hearted than most Kindled books, possibly because the characters were basically safe and supplied, and it was relatively early days since Impact. Levi and Hailey have an affectionate and communicative relationship, there is an age and power gap, but they feel so well suited for each other that it all equalizes. I thought it was a delight to read.
Thank you to the author for an arc.
September 27, 2025
I liked this but didn’t love it. Perhaps it was the short-length or how their relationship begins. I wished we could’ve had the H’s POV.
November 30, 2025
A spicy romance novella set three years after an asteroid impact devastated earth. Set in the dystopian world Ms Kent has created. Easy to read and understand. It stars a silver fox hero and I liked the H/h's interaction and the back story. 3.5 stars.
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