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After the End: Volumes 5-8
This is the After the End collection, Volumes 5 through 8.
BROOD by Claire Kent
For years, I’ve been waiting to turn twenty-one so I can marry, start breeding, and contribute to life in our bunker, but just before my spousal ceremony, the council makes a change. Instead of marrying the boy who’s always been my best friend, I’m expected to marry Will instead. Will is a stranger—gruff, intimidating, and fifteen years older than me. I’ll do my duty no matter what, but I really don’t want to marry and breed with him.
Content notes/ breastfeeding, childbirth, gun violence, medical abuse, pregnancy, physical violence, references to infertility, reluctant consent, secondary character death
TAKEN by Elizabeth Stephens
There’s been a malfunction in my pod. Only my pod. Fanfreakingtastic. Instead of waking up thousands of years after the fall of civilization, I’ve woken up early – to a world filled with monsters. When one of them – the biggest one – decides to take me to his tent for the night, I have no choice but to go with him. The big guy and I can’t communicate. I can't tell him that I need to return to fix the bunker, so I'm gonna have to try to escape. My odds look bleak, because he watches me with the possessiveness of a male who wants me for more than a night…maybe to keep.
Content notes/ big bugs
TRADE by Cate C. Wells
When my husband replaces me with a younger model, I’m entered into the lottery and traded to an Outsider for fuel.
I expect a wasteland, but when the bunker doors open, I see green trees, blue skies, and him—a man half my age with a stone-cold face and a machete strapped to his thigh.
I’ll be lucky to escape him alive. That’s what we’ve been told all our lives.
And the people in charge wouldn’t lie to our faces about everything.
Would they?
Content notes/ cheating on FMC by her husband (not the MMC), coerced sex/forced compliance, described use of abortifacients, gendered violence against FMC by secondary characters, gore, violence
PRIMA by Sherry Thomas
A handsome prince comes across a beautiful woman on the open sea. She is lying on a primitive-looking raft, almost entirely naked. What is he to do?
Content notes/ systemic misogyny, violence
BROOD by Claire Kent
For years, I’ve been waiting to turn twenty-one so I can marry, start breeding, and contribute to life in our bunker, but just before my spousal ceremony, the council makes a change. Instead of marrying the boy who’s always been my best friend, I’m expected to marry Will instead. Will is a stranger—gruff, intimidating, and fifteen years older than me. I’ll do my duty no matter what, but I really don’t want to marry and breed with him.
Content notes/ breastfeeding, childbirth, gun violence, medical abuse, pregnancy, physical violence, references to infertility, reluctant consent, secondary character death
TAKEN by Elizabeth Stephens
There’s been a malfunction in my pod. Only my pod. Fanfreakingtastic. Instead of waking up thousands of years after the fall of civilization, I’ve woken up early – to a world filled with monsters. When one of them – the biggest one – decides to take me to his tent for the night, I have no choice but to go with him. The big guy and I can’t communicate. I can't tell him that I need to return to fix the bunker, so I'm gonna have to try to escape. My odds look bleak, because he watches me with the possessiveness of a male who wants me for more than a night…maybe to keep.
Content notes/ big bugs
TRADE by Cate C. Wells
When my husband replaces me with a younger model, I’m entered into the lottery and traded to an Outsider for fuel.
I expect a wasteland, but when the bunker doors open, I see green trees, blue skies, and him—a man half my age with a stone-cold face and a machete strapped to his thigh.
I’ll be lucky to escape him alive. That’s what we’ve been told all our lives.
And the people in charge wouldn’t lie to our faces about everything.
Would they?
Content notes/ cheating on FMC by her husband (not the MMC), coerced sex/forced compliance, described use of abortifacients, gendered violence against FMC by secondary characters, gore, violence
PRIMA by Sherry Thomas
A handsome prince comes across a beautiful woman on the open sea. She is lying on a primitive-looking raft, almost entirely naked. What is he to do?
Content notes/ systemic misogyny, violence
Audible Audio
Published June 5, 2026
About the author
Claire Kent
43 books2,346 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 23, 2026
TLDR; the first three were so good for three different reasons and in three different styles. The fourth was definitely just not my jam but might revisit after more sleep.
I read three of the four (why end with that last one?), even though I only came for Claire originally. I reviewed the first three separately but without many reviews yet, I'll leave my two cents here too. First three were 4 stars for me, with the fourth story a DNF pretty early on.
I'm a big fan of Claire and her incredible world building and character vitality. This one was no exception. The world and characters felt way different from Impact, but not in a bad way. The world is somewhat similar, and I found myself making comparisons to one of her other books (princess or whatever? The bunker one, obviously), but they're so different so the comparisons ended quickly. The conspiracy, the relationship with Bella, baby Bun, it was all good albeit heartbreaking, and the whole situation felt so bleak and gut wrenching, I definitely cried a fair bit. As always, my core complaint was just "not long enough" and "where is my second epilogue, they deserve it" but alas, we can't live happily ever after with them forever.
Second story took a minute to get into, home girl was a bit of a high energy girl and the vibes were so entirely different from the first. However, Elizabeth is another fantastic author, and after searching my shelves for her to see what I've thought in the past, I found well over half a dozen 4-5 star reads and kept truckin. Plus, I love me a good cinnamon roll! This was a sweet and spicy treat, though "cum bucket" was a bit jarring, and honestly, shouldn't she have struggled at least a LITTLE bit with the size? And the barbs? Like clearly it was good, but that's a lot to adjust to. Anyways, I also kind of loved Pam and the banter, and the ending was super sweet and wholesome.
Third story was super good, and the human connection felt super solid, between friends, between the two leads, and between the women. I love love love the catharsis at the end, honestly so perfect. Also, love a good autistic special interest! It really highlighted how beautiful everything is and how dingy and grimy the bunker really was.
Fourth story I just could not connect to. It felt a lot like a folk tale adapted into a novel, like how that one webtoon did it (shit what's it called? Something something voyage to the dawn or something, idk), but I just could not connect to this one. It felt like someone transcribing an old Disney movie but in the wrong language, like there were clear descriptions and things were happening and characters were involved but I didn't get any of the emotion or hidden meaning from anything like I felt like I was supposed to be getting. Might just be because I'd already read three books essentially and it's now well past 3am, but alas, we'll never know. Maybe I'll give it a go again in a few days.
I read three of the four (why end with that last one?), even though I only came for Claire originally. I reviewed the first three separately but without many reviews yet, I'll leave my two cents here too. First three were 4 stars for me, with the fourth story a DNF pretty early on.
I'm a big fan of Claire and her incredible world building and character vitality. This one was no exception. The world and characters felt way different from Impact, but not in a bad way. The world is somewhat similar, and I found myself making comparisons to one of her other books (princess or whatever? The bunker one, obviously), but they're so different so the comparisons ended quickly. The conspiracy, the relationship with Bella, baby Bun, it was all good albeit heartbreaking, and the whole situation felt so bleak and gut wrenching, I definitely cried a fair bit. As always, my core complaint was just "not long enough" and "where is my second epilogue, they deserve it" but alas, we can't live happily ever after with them forever.
Second story took a minute to get into, home girl was a bit of a high energy girl and the vibes were so entirely different from the first. However, Elizabeth is another fantastic author, and after searching my shelves for her to see what I've thought in the past, I found well over half a dozen 4-5 star reads and kept truckin. Plus, I love me a good cinnamon roll! This was a sweet and spicy treat, though "cum bucket" was a bit jarring, and honestly, shouldn't she have struggled at least a LITTLE bit with the size? And the barbs? Like clearly it was good, but that's a lot to adjust to. Anyways, I also kind of loved Pam and the banter, and the ending was super sweet and wholesome.
Third story was super good, and the human connection felt super solid, between friends, between the two leads, and between the women. I love love love the catharsis at the end, honestly so perfect. Also, love a good autistic special interest! It really highlighted how beautiful everything is and how dingy and grimy the bunker really was.
Fourth story I just could not connect to. It felt a lot like a folk tale adapted into a novel, like how that one webtoon did it (shit what's it called? Something something voyage to the dawn or something, idk), but I just could not connect to this one. It felt like someone transcribing an old Disney movie but in the wrong language, like there were clear descriptions and things were happening and characters were involved but I didn't get any of the emotion or hidden meaning from anything like I felt like I was supposed to be getting. Might just be because I'd already read three books essentially and it's now well past 3am, but alas, we'll never know. Maybe I'll give it a go again in a few days.
September 6, 2026
5 stars
Trade- I always love cate’s writing. Gloria’s resilience was awesome and of course, Dalton, the young handsome outsider was a great trade up from her cheating husband. It was a feel good story where the good guys won and the bad guys got their just desserts. Plus I love how strong the women were to rise up from the oppression. I liked how Gloria’s brand of justice. She didn’t wait to be rescued like the Disney version of little mermaid- she did it herself like in Frozen. Amazing. Highly recommend.
Trade- I always love cate’s writing. Gloria’s resilience was awesome and of course, Dalton, the young handsome outsider was a great trade up from her cheating husband. It was a feel good story where the good guys won and the bad guys got their just desserts. Plus I love how strong the women were to rise up from the oppression. I liked how Gloria’s brand of justice. She didn’t wait to be rescued like the Disney version of little mermaid- she did it herself like in Frozen. Amazing. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2026
Love this novella series. I've read them before, last year. I didn't enjoy Prima so I skipped it this time around.
In order of preference:
Taken ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (one of the funniest in the series, made even funnier by the narrated edition)
Trade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (emotional and so liberating)
Brood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (this was more on the bland side but I still enjoyed the story immensely)
In order of preference:
Taken ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (one of the funniest in the series, made even funnier by the narrated edition)
Trade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (emotional and so liberating)
Brood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (this was more on the bland side but I still enjoyed the story immensely)
May 26, 2026
I enjoyed two of these novellas - the ones by Claire Kent and Cate C Wells.
Unfortunately the other two were underwhelming for me, although the writing within itself was fine and other readers may enjoy them.
Unfortunately the other two were underwhelming for me, although the writing within itself was fine and other readers may enjoy them.
May 13, 2026
Read this primarily for Cate C. Wells story "Trade" which was very good, as per usual. 4 stars for it.
Skimmed the other 3 books. They were okay, (caveat) not really my kind of thing. But YMMV.
Skimmed the other 3 books. They were okay, (caveat) not really my kind of thing. But YMMV.
September 13, 2026
I wanted to like this more than I did.
May 26, 2026
I really enjoyed Brood and Trade. I wanted to love the other two but they just seemed to be lacking something. Fun summer reading distraction!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2026
So similar to the first set of novellas in the series, it’s difficult to rate the book as a whole since each story is so vastly different.
Brood- So this was my first Claire Kent book, and it will clearly not be my last. The romance built between Will and Cadence is the opposite of most stories. It goes from extremely sexual without a lot of emotion to very emotionally and physically connected in so many ways. None of the spicy scenes felt forced and it seemed like a very believable dystopian romance. (5/5)
Taken- I actually liked this story more than I expected. I expected to hate it considering I really don’t love the idea of monsters taking a human as their “sex slave,” but there was a lot more depth to the characters than I anticipated. Having the duo perspective really helped build the character’s deep connection to each other. While it still isn’t my favorite book in the series, it still was a completely different take on dystopian romance and I appreciated the story. (3.5)
Trade- This may be my favorite of the four books in parts 5-8. Again, this was my first book by this author, and it won’t be my last. This book has a devastating start that grabs your heart and attention. It makes you feel like the rug can’t be ripped out from any of us at any time. It makes you want to root for Gloria. But maybe it was all for the best, because watching Gloria take her life back and fight for her love with Dalton was worth it. The determination of a woman scorned should never be underestimated, and it made for an exhilarating love story with a lot of twists and turns along way. (5/5).
Prima- So maybe I got my hopes up too much for this one, but this was the biggest disappointment to end on, especially after the high I was left on after reading Trade. It was a somewhat sad love story that was difficult to follow with all of the time jumping. While they may get a happy ending, it took too long to get there and the story wasn’t enticing enough to make it worth the wait. The very PG story also ending with some very blunt sexual talk out of nowhere at the end just felt abrupt and out of place. It somewhat cheapens the book . (2.5/5)
Brood- So this was my first Claire Kent book, and it will clearly not be my last. The romance built between Will and Cadence is the opposite of most stories. It goes from extremely sexual without a lot of emotion to very emotionally and physically connected in so many ways. None of the spicy scenes felt forced and it seemed like a very believable dystopian romance. (5/5)
Taken- I actually liked this story more than I expected. I expected to hate it considering I really don’t love the idea of monsters taking a human as their “sex slave,” but there was a lot more depth to the characters than I anticipated. Having the duo perspective really helped build the character’s deep connection to each other. While it still isn’t my favorite book in the series, it still was a completely different take on dystopian romance and I appreciated the story. (3.5)
Trade- This may be my favorite of the four books in parts 5-8. Again, this was my first book by this author, and it won’t be my last. This book has a devastating start that grabs your heart and attention. It makes you feel like the rug can’t be ripped out from any of us at any time. It makes you want to root for Gloria. But maybe it was all for the best, because watching Gloria take her life back and fight for her love with Dalton was worth it. The determination of a woman scorned should never be underestimated, and it made for an exhilarating love story with a lot of twists and turns along way. (5/5).
Prima- So maybe I got my hopes up too much for this one, but this was the biggest disappointment to end on, especially after the high I was left on after reading Trade. It was a somewhat sad love story that was difficult to follow with all of the time jumping. While they may get a happy ending, it took too long to get there and the story wasn’t enticing enough to make it worth the wait. The very PG story also ending with some very blunt sexual talk out of nowhere at the end just felt abrupt and out of place. It somewhat cheapens the book . (2.5/5)
August 16, 2026
Brood
By: Claire Kent
3 / 5 ⭐
3.5 / 5 🌶️
First Person, FMC POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 🔥
Will (MMC) and Cadence (FMC)
Well written Silo-like novella. The plot is intriguing and well thought of. The world building is also well developed.
However, it was very frustrating to read over and over again about the MC's terrible communication 😩😤🙄🥲.
Overall and entertaining, original read with delicious spicy scenes, even if somewhat clinical and cold-ish at the start, before the MC's begin to develop feelings towards each other.
Happy reading 📚
---
Taken
By: Elizabeth Stephens
3.5 / 5 ⭐
4 / 5 🌶️
First Person, Dual POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 6, 8, 9, 14 🔥
Lokus (MMC) and Rhen (FMC)
Considering how short this read is, there's a lot of spice, and a pretty good description of the post apocalyptic world.
Unfortunately the character development is a little limited (like, they basically have s*x right after meeting and boom! Now they are fated mates and in love... ok sure 🙄🙄🙄) but it is to be expected in a short story.
I rounded up the mark to 4 stars because I found myself to be totally invested in the story l, and the FMC is pretty hilarious and very s*x positive 🫡.
Happy reading 📚
---
Trade
By: Cate C. Wells
3 5 / 5 ⭐
2.5 / 5 🌶️
First Person, FMC POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 4, 6, 7 🔥
Dalton (MMC) and Gloria (FMC)
This story is imo not as engaging as the other ones in the series. However, it is entertaining and perhaps more realistic.
Gloria is a woman who has always followed the rules. She gets kicked out of the "safety" of her bunker / silo when her husband betrays her by getting a 18 year old woman pregnant. She discovers on the outside the beauty of earth, water, trees... She also falls for her much younger, hot as f,*ck protector.
Hope you'll enjoy this one.
Happy reading 📚
---
Prima
By: Sherry Thomas
DNF
By: Claire Kent
3 / 5 ⭐
3.5 / 5 🌶️
First Person, FMC POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 🔥
Will (MMC) and Cadence (FMC)
Well written Silo-like novella. The plot is intriguing and well thought of. The world building is also well developed.
However, it was very frustrating to read over and over again about the MC's terrible communication 😩😤🙄🥲.
Overall and entertaining, original read with delicious spicy scenes, even if somewhat clinical and cold-ish at the start, before the MC's begin to develop feelings towards each other.
Happy reading 📚
---
Taken
By: Elizabeth Stephens
3.5 / 5 ⭐
4 / 5 🌶️
First Person, Dual POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 6, 8, 9, 14 🔥
Lokus (MMC) and Rhen (FMC)
Considering how short this read is, there's a lot of spice, and a pretty good description of the post apocalyptic world.
Unfortunately the character development is a little limited (like, they basically have s*x right after meeting and boom! Now they are fated mates and in love... ok sure 🙄🙄🙄) but it is to be expected in a short story.
I rounded up the mark to 4 stars because I found myself to be totally invested in the story l, and the FMC is pretty hilarious and very s*x positive 🫡.
Happy reading 📚
---
Trade
By: Cate C. Wells
3 5 / 5 ⭐
2.5 / 5 🌶️
First Person, FMC POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 4, 6, 7 🔥
Dalton (MMC) and Gloria (FMC)
This story is imo not as engaging as the other ones in the series. However, it is entertaining and perhaps more realistic.
Gloria is a woman who has always followed the rules. She gets kicked out of the "safety" of her bunker / silo when her husband betrays her by getting a 18 year old woman pregnant. She discovers on the outside the beauty of earth, water, trees... She also falls for her much younger, hot as f,*ck protector.
Hope you'll enjoy this one.
Happy reading 📚
---
Prima
By: Sherry Thomas
DNF
September 19, 2026
Brood
For all that this one has less conflict/ action than the other stories I’ve read so far in this series this one had the biggest sense of creeping dread for me. I think part of it was that the FMC wasn’t at all suspicious to start with that anything was wrong apart from a sense that the meat was differing in batches (always a worry in a dystopian story). The other, much larger part, is the lack of autonomy she had particularly of her body which made this feel intense and uncomfortable and just got worse as the story continued.
The ending was a bit abrupt, a frequent issue with novellas but all in all I found this one to be really successful.
4 ⭐️
Taken
I’m not sure if this one suffered as I read it immediately after the one before but I definitely did not enjoy it as much which is a shame because the premise was really cool with the frozen humans waiting to be released once 2 thousand years had passed.
As soon as the main characters met there was very little else besides than having sex and a lot of situations that seemed straight out of ice planet barbarians, though now we were in the dessert with the bugs from Starship Troopers.
I liked the ending, just wish there had been more in the side parts of the story.
2.5 ⭐️
Trade
Cate C. Wells is hit or miss for me usually but this was somewhere in the middle. I was a bit sad to be back in a bunker again as it makes many of these novellas have a similar feel. The idea was good but it needed something in the second half to land in a way that it didn’t quite manage to.
2.5 ⭐️
Prima
I was so pleased to not have another bunker story! This one had a beautiful dreamlike quality and a lot of really good plot, I think the execution let it down in some places as things felt a little bit muddled when explaining the political intrigue but there was a fairytale element that I really enjoyed.
3.5 ⭐️
For all that this one has less conflict/ action than the other stories I’ve read so far in this series this one had the biggest sense of creeping dread for me. I think part of it was that the FMC wasn’t at all suspicious to start with that anything was wrong apart from a sense that the meat was differing in batches (always a worry in a dystopian story). The other, much larger part, is the lack of autonomy she had particularly of her body which made this feel intense and uncomfortable and just got worse as the story continued.
The ending was a bit abrupt, a frequent issue with novellas but all in all I found this one to be really successful.
4 ⭐️
Taken
I’m not sure if this one suffered as I read it immediately after the one before but I definitely did not enjoy it as much which is a shame because the premise was really cool with the frozen humans waiting to be released once 2 thousand years had passed.
As soon as the main characters met there was very little else besides than having sex and a lot of situations that seemed straight out of ice planet barbarians, though now we were in the dessert with the bugs from Starship Troopers.
I liked the ending, just wish there had been more in the side parts of the story.
2.5 ⭐️
Trade
Cate C. Wells is hit or miss for me usually but this was somewhere in the middle. I was a bit sad to be back in a bunker again as it makes many of these novellas have a similar feel. The idea was good but it needed something in the second half to land in a way that it didn’t quite manage to.
2.5 ⭐️
Prima
I was so pleased to not have another bunker story! This one had a beautiful dreamlike quality and a lot of really good plot, I think the execution let it down in some places as things felt a little bit muddled when explaining the political intrigue but there was a fairytale element that I really enjoyed.
3.5 ⭐️
September 21, 2026
Brood by Claire Kent: 4,5. I’m a sucker for a fun age gap and forced marriage!!!! Loved everything about this.
Taken by Elizabeth Stephens: 2,0. Okay this is the first one of these stories that I can actually say it’s bad and deserves the low rating. I’ve never read anything from Elizabeth Stephens before and now I’m wondering if she really is such a bad writer or it was just the main character being an annoying as fuck voice? Also, no one who is bilingual mixes their words in sentences like the FMC does. “Minha mãe told me …” sounds like she’s having a stroke.
Trade by Cate C. Wells: 3,0. The first half of this was really off-putting. Then, the reveal that the MMC didn’t know the women weren’t the ones trading their bodies for fuel or food made it slightly better. I liked the writing style but the relationship felt very rushed (they only know each other for 3 days before they say ily).
Prima by Sherry Thomas: 1,0. Okay, this is the lowest rated story for a reason. Why write such a convoluted story in a novella? And with dual timelines? just horrible, sorry
This gets an overall (and very low) 3 stars.
Taken by Elizabeth Stephens: 2,0. Okay this is the first one of these stories that I can actually say it’s bad and deserves the low rating. I’ve never read anything from Elizabeth Stephens before and now I’m wondering if she really is such a bad writer or it was just the main character being an annoying as fuck voice? Also, no one who is bilingual mixes their words in sentences like the FMC does. “Minha mãe told me …” sounds like she’s having a stroke.
Trade by Cate C. Wells: 3,0. The first half of this was really off-putting. Then, the reveal that the MMC didn’t know the women weren’t the ones trading their bodies for fuel or food made it slightly better. I liked the writing style but the relationship felt very rushed (they only know each other for 3 days before they say ily).
Prima by Sherry Thomas: 1,0. Okay, this is the lowest rated story for a reason. Why write such a convoluted story in a novella? And with dual timelines? just horrible, sorry
This gets an overall (and very low) 3 stars.
May 30, 2026
I love this story. Cadence has always been an over achieving girl always having to be the best. The best worker the most clever the perfect ideal citizen so when she turns 21 and finds out her “loved you for forever” friend Danny is no longer her spouse she doesn’t show emotion. It’s against the rules and she is a rule follower ladies and gentlemen.
She’s fertile and healthy and Will who is 15 years older would be a better spouse to increase the probability of healthy offspring. The only problem is that will only lost his spouse to a heart attack three days before.
At first the sex was something that had to be done and without emotion. Eventually emotions can’t be ignored and Will and Cadence make the most amazing sweet love you with everything I am kind of lovers.
The writing the characters the plot everything was perfect!!!
She’s fertile and healthy and Will who is 15 years older would be a better spouse to increase the probability of healthy offspring. The only problem is that will only lost his spouse to a heart attack three days before.
At first the sex was something that had to be done and without emotion. Eventually emotions can’t be ignored and Will and Cadence make the most amazing sweet love you with everything I am kind of lovers.
The writing the characters the plot everything was perfect!!!
September 10, 2026
ONLY FOR BROOD BY CLAIRE KENT
Absurd forced proximity in an interesting setting
⭐️ 4.0 Stars
🌶️ 4.0 Spice
♥️ 4.0 Romance
I really enjoyed Brood! It was an interesting new perspective on Claire Kent’s dystopian world. Compared to the Kindled series, it felt much heavier and more political, and it actually reminded me a little of the TV show Silo.
I especially loved the way Claire Kent handles forced proximity. The relationship develops so slowly and naturally that the characters’ feelings actually feel genuine.
I really liked this one, even though I would have happily taken more story and definitely more spice 😂
Absurd forced proximity in an interesting setting
⭐️ 4.0 Stars
🌶️ 4.0 Spice
♥️ 4.0 Romance
Everything about you is beautiful. And warm and resilient. And utterly genuine. I’ve never known anyone like you. -Will
I really enjoyed Brood! It was an interesting new perspective on Claire Kent’s dystopian world. Compared to the Kindled series, it felt much heavier and more political, and it actually reminded me a little of the TV show Silo.
I especially loved the way Claire Kent handles forced proximity. The relationship develops so slowly and naturally that the characters’ feelings actually feel genuine.
I really liked this one, even though I would have happily taken more story and definitely more spice 😂
May 13, 2026
Claire Kent, Elizabeth Stephens, Sherry Thomas, and Cate C Wells have written the first book collection that I have read where all the stories are all 5 star worthy and the stories are excellent. The stories are all original but they all show case strong, intelligent women who have strong moral compasses and fight to make their futures how they want them to look. It’s a beautiful, wonderful collection meant to be reread often. Sherry Thomas’ contribution was stunningly lyrical. Congratulations, ladies!
May 17, 2026
My review is only for Taken by Elizabeth Stephens
The book was way better than I was expecting. Rhen wakes up 2000 years later than she was supposed to from stasis and let's just say things don't go how they're supposed to. She gets well as the title states taken and our girl is like you know what I'm going to try to make the best of this as she does thoroughly. There is definitely a language barrier going on which makes it that much more fun in my opinion. I really enjoyed how everything ended though and I enjoyed the ride to the ending.
The book was way better than I was expecting. Rhen wakes up 2000 years later than she was supposed to from stasis and let's just say things don't go how they're supposed to. She gets well as the title states taken and our girl is like you know what I'm going to try to make the best of this as she does thoroughly. There is definitely a language barrier going on which makes it that much more fun in my opinion. I really enjoyed how everything ended though and I enjoyed the ride to the ending.
June 22, 2026
Eh. I liked this set of novellas. They were quick and easy reads.
Brood: 4* - dystopian - bunker, secrets, corruption, family, cute - Claire Kent
Taken - 3*? This was funny.. short… wouldn’t necessarily recommend but… - Elizabeth Stephen’s
Trade - 3.5?* I liked this. Dystopian - bunker vibes, sexism/Women mistreated, secrets, women traded, abuse… - Cate C wells
Prima - 2* Prima, the last one was not easy to follow… I feel like something was off with the layout and the actual execution of the story. The concept was actually pretty niche and interesting.
Brood: 4* - dystopian - bunker, secrets, corruption, family, cute - Claire Kent
Taken - 3*? This was funny.. short… wouldn’t necessarily recommend but… - Elizabeth Stephen’s
Trade - 3.5?* I liked this. Dystopian - bunker vibes, sexism/Women mistreated, secrets, women traded, abuse… - Cate C wells
Prima - 2* Prima, the last one was not easy to follow… I feel like something was off with the layout and the actual execution of the story. The concept was actually pretty niche and interesting.
Read
June 30, 2026"Everything about you is beautiful. And warm and resilient. And utterly genuine. I've never known anyone like you." -Claire Kent, BROOD
Welp, this collection did not hold up as well as the first EXCEPT for Brood. I loved that story & of course wanted more. I feel bad not rating but honestly, the other three books were just that bad🙈
5. Brood Claire Kent: 4 stars!
6. Taken Elizabeth Stephens: DNF
7. Trade Cate C. Wells: DNF
This one pissed me off! Rape is NOT romance and the author should be ashamed for not giving a trigger warning.
8. Prima Sherry Thomas: DNF
Welp, this collection did not hold up as well as the first EXCEPT for Brood. I loved that story & of course wanted more. I feel bad not rating but honestly, the other three books were just that bad🙈
5. Brood Claire Kent: 4 stars!
6. Taken Elizabeth Stephens: DNF
7. Trade Cate C. Wells: DNF
This one pissed me off! Rape is NOT romance and the author should be ashamed for not giving a trigger warning.
8. Prima Sherry Thomas: DNF
June 2, 2026
I read the claire kent and cate wells ones
Both were really good. Very dystopian and women aren't always treated very well. Spoiler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trigger-The cate wells has sort of non con that the H thinks it's consensual and the h assumes she has no option, they discuss it later and it all works out. I did love this story and wish it was longer, the world was interesting and I want to learn more.
Both were really good. Very dystopian and women aren't always treated very well. Spoiler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trigger-The cate wells has sort of non con that the H thinks it's consensual and the h assumes she has no option, they discuss it later and it all works out. I did love this story and wish it was longer, the world was interesting and I want to learn more.
July 16, 2026
A nice range of interpretation for what happens after the collapse of society. My favorite by far was the one by Sherry Thomas. That one was 5 stars for me. The others were a range of 3.5-4 stars. Though all of them had men being incredibly shitty and the patriarchy suffocating what is left of society in some way. The patriarchy will likely bring about the end of the world so I guess that tracks.
May 30, 2026
First book, 3*. Will really grew on me.
Second book, DNF. T-Rex shape shifting men? Wtf?
Third book, 3.5*. Loved it but of course we’re here with the male domination and female subjugation storylines, because of course that’s the most realistic apocalyptic outcome.
Fourth book, I quit 1 chapter in. No thank you for whatever that was.
Second book, DNF. T-Rex shape shifting men? Wtf?
Third book, 3.5*. Loved it but of course we’re here with the male domination and female subjugation storylines, because of course that’s the most realistic apocalyptic outcome.
Fourth book, I quit 1 chapter in. No thank you for whatever that was.
Read
September 11, 2026I love the first 3 stories. Havent read the 4th yet
Brood: I’ve read Claire Kent before and I’m reminded how much I love her stories.
Taken: first time reading this author but I did enjoy. Kinda skip over the repetitive references to her famiky members. But still good.
Trade: love this and another solid read from Cate Wells.
Brood: I’ve read Claire Kent before and I’m reminded how much I love her stories.
Taken: first time reading this author but I did enjoy. Kinda skip over the repetitive references to her famiky members. But still good.
Trade: love this and another solid read from Cate Wells.
May 31, 2026
i liked 5 & 7 way better. 6 was just kinda odd with the whole monster thing and 8 i literally felt like i was reading a foreign language until the last few chapters where everything was actually explained.
May 16, 2026
was good
This book was fun , Claire Kent’s is my favorite 🖤 her is a 5 star as always. Overall the whole thing was a three star.
This book was fun , Claire Kent’s is my favorite 🖤 her is a 5 star as always. Overall the whole thing was a three star.
May 21, 2026
You will never guess which novellas bumped this from one star to two stars, it’s likely not the ones you’re expecting
May 29, 2026
I only wanted to read Cate Wells novella. It was good! I tried to read another, but it was not… good.
June 1, 2026
Fours stars for the books by Claire Kent and Cate C. Wells.
June 13, 2026
Mixed bag- Claire Kent and Cate C Wells had the best ones
Read
September 22, 2026Read 1st and 3rd story.
Read
June 22, 2026Yeah .... I'm not even going to give this a rating at all.
Ratings in order - 4⭐, 2⭐, 0, 2. Womp woml
Ratings in order - 4⭐, 2⭐, 0, 2. Womp woml
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