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Hold #2
Release
Kyla was born the younger daughter of the royal family of a planet known throughout Coalition space for its indulgence and debauchery. Travelers come from all over to give into their deepest desires in the decadent royal court, but Kyla has been surrounded by sex and physical indulgence since childhood. Now she wants nothing to do with such empty pleasures--at least, until she encounters Hall.
Hall is irresistibly sexy and mysterious, and he seems to know her from the inside out. He makes her want to explore the sensual side of herself for the first time. But he has already declared himself as a potential suitor of her sister, which means he's completely off limits to Kyla. He's also hiding a gift that makes him as dangerous as he is attractive.
When she discovers a plot that threatens to bring down the iron fist of the Coalition on her peaceful planet, Kyla is forced to rely on a man who has been hiding secrets from her all along--a man who makes her want things she's never wanted before.
Hall is irresistibly sexy and mysterious, and he seems to know her from the inside out. He makes her want to explore the sensual side of herself for the first time. But he has already declared himself as a potential suitor of her sister, which means he's completely off limits to Kyla. He's also hiding a gift that makes him as dangerous as he is attractive.
When she discovers a plot that threatens to bring down the iron fist of the Coalition on her peaceful planet, Kyla is forced to rely on a man who has been hiding secrets from her all along--a man who makes her want things she's never wanted before.
181 pages, ebook
First published May 4, 2016
262 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
40 books2,116 followersClaire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. After teaching English at the university level for several years, she started writing full-time under two different pen names. She lives in Virginia.
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
March 17, 2025
*2.5* Unfortunately, this one felt quite bland. There’s no real explanation for why these two fall in love, but I’m happy they did.
Hall’s character in this book feels completely different from who he was in book one, which, btw, I highly recommend.
Hall’s character in this book feels completely different from who he was in book one, which, btw, I highly recommend.
January 26, 2022
2.5 Stars
I decided to read this after I stumbled on an online discussion about the H. There were several readers that were upset how Hall was portrayed… specifically his sexual proclivities. It also takes place on a planet where open/kinky/public sex is expected/welcomed. As someone who LOVES dicey shit, I jumped in… and it was rather anticlimactic. So, I thought I’d start by just spoiler-ing this particular part in case it is the reason to either read or avoid this one.
Hall’s sexual history is discussed very quickly in the prologue of the book. It’s actually the first two pages of the book, but 🛑HERE if you want zero deets.
HALL HAD NEVER BEEN uncomfortable around sex. He’d lost his virginity when he was twelve years old to a prostitute who lived down the block from his grandmother. In the twenty- four years since, he’d had sex with women all over Coalition space— and a few men when he was younger and willing to push his limits. He’d fucked and been fucked so many times that he couldn’t even remember all their faces, and he’d never known all their names. He’d experimented with kink of every variety, and nothing had ever embarrassed him.
That’s it, and it’s never brought up again. Hall doesn’t flirt, sex-up, or pursue any other women except the h. In fact, he’s there undercover as a potential partner for her sex obsessed sister and goes out of his way to not be selected.
As far as the planet. Yes, there’s sex going on before/during/after dinner at the table, but nothing is really graphic, and other than the h giving a hand job in front of the H early on (before together), it’s safe.
There wasn’t anything wrong with the book, I just found it boring. The couple takes quite a while to get together, so it’s smut-lite. There’s not much going on, lots of conversations and daily stuff with little action and danger.
I expected more grit from Hall; it was teased that he had this dark past in Hold, but I found him rather sweet… which was a huge letdown. I also found Kyla boring and a smidge annoying. Even virgin princesses can be tough, but Kyla was wimpy, and either complaining about a headache or worrying about her selfish, petty sister. I’m pretty laid back, but have little patience when characters worry/sacrifice for shitty friends or relatives. It makes them weak not compassionate.
Bottom Line- Ok, but not great… but I've heard good things about the next book, so I wanted to read it. You really wouldn’t need to though; nothing here really feeds into the next one. We get a small cameo from Cain and Riana.
I decided to read this after I stumbled on an online discussion about the H. There were several readers that were upset how Hall was portrayed… specifically his sexual proclivities. It also takes place on a planet where open/kinky/public sex is expected/welcomed. As someone who LOVES dicey shit, I jumped in… and it was rather anticlimactic. So, I thought I’d start by just spoiler-ing this particular part in case it is the reason to either read or avoid this one.
Hall’s sexual history is discussed very quickly in the prologue of the book. It’s actually the first two pages of the book, but 🛑HERE if you want zero deets.
HALL HAD NEVER BEEN uncomfortable around sex. He’d lost his virginity when he was twelve years old to a prostitute who lived down the block from his grandmother. In the twenty- four years since, he’d had sex with women all over Coalition space— and a few men when he was younger and willing to push his limits. He’d fucked and been fucked so many times that he couldn’t even remember all their faces, and he’d never known all their names. He’d experimented with kink of every variety, and nothing had ever embarrassed him.
That’s it, and it’s never brought up again. Hall doesn’t flirt, sex-up, or pursue any other women except the h. In fact, he’s there undercover as a potential partner for her sex obsessed sister and goes out of his way to not be selected.
As far as the planet. Yes, there’s sex going on before/during/after dinner at the table, but nothing is really graphic, and other than the h giving a hand job in front of the H early on (before together), it’s safe.
There wasn’t anything wrong with the book, I just found it boring. The couple takes quite a while to get together, so it’s smut-lite. There’s not much going on, lots of conversations and daily stuff with little action and danger.
I expected more grit from Hall; it was teased that he had this dark past in Hold, but I found him rather sweet… which was a huge letdown. I also found Kyla boring and a smidge annoying. Even virgin princesses can be tough, but Kyla was wimpy, and either complaining about a headache or worrying about her selfish, petty sister. I’m pretty laid back, but have little patience when characters worry/sacrifice for shitty friends or relatives. It makes them weak not compassionate.
Bottom Line- Ok, but not great… but I've heard good things about the next book, so I wanted to read it. You really wouldn’t need to though; nothing here really feeds into the next one. We get a small cameo from Cain and Riana.
November 10, 2022
I can’t believe this was written by the same author as Hold. This was a completely different style of book. It takes place on a decadent pleasure planet and is a man whore/virgin trope. I gotta say, for a book taking place on basically a giant orgy planet, this book had very little sex and the sex was incredibly vanilla and boring. For those who didn’t read it because of the first paragraph, that was 90% of the sex in the whole book. After Hold being basically a prison planet hump fest this book was a weird follow up. It was mostly bland, I didn’t feel the connection between the characters and I spent the first half or more being utterly bored. The ending bit was exciting at least. I will read the next one because I hear this was an anomaly and the next is as good as the first. My advice, unless you’re ocd and have to read an entire series, in order, I’d skip this one.
April 23, 2017
Kyla and Hall.
I loved the first book, Hold. It was written under Claire Kent's other name, Zannie Adams. I guess that's why I didn't hear of this sequel til recently. This book is a great sequel and you even meet Cain and Raina for a brief cameo near the end. Not as good as the first book, it is much less intense, but I loved the MCs. Supposedly Hall knows Cain from the prison, Genus 6, but I went back to look and couldn't find him in the story. I don't even know Hall's first name, or is that his first name??...
#############
UPDATE; I've since learned that my version of Hold is an old one and Hall was added in a later re-write. I plan to read it and see what else was changed in those 15 extra pages!
#############
Well anyways,
Hall and his cohort Jenna are undercover on the planet Evalon. Hall is pretending to be one of the group of potential temporary consorts for the Empress... Well she isn't an Empress anymore. Ever since the Coalition took over Evalon, it's court has become an empty shell of it's former glory. Known only for it's sexual promiscuity. But it's not the Empress that Hall is interested in, it's her younger sister, Kyla. Kyla has been around the decadence of the Evalon court since she was a little girl, but could never bring herself to partake. She sees it for the empty souless life it is. There isn't much detail given to the sexual shenanigans.
Slowly Kyla and Hall learn more about each other and fall in love. It was much sweeter than I was expecting, and despite the setting of the story, it is a lot less naughty than 'Hold' was. There's still some good smexy times between the MCs, especially with Hall's special 'talent'.
As for OW stuff and the sister
I love this series and hope the author continues with more!
I loved the first book, Hold. It was written under Claire Kent's other name, Zannie Adams. I guess that's why I didn't hear of this sequel til recently. This book is a great sequel and you even meet Cain and Raina for a brief cameo near the end. Not as good as the first book, it is much less intense, but I loved the MCs. Supposedly Hall knows Cain from the prison, Genus 6, but I went back to look and couldn't find him in the story. I don't even know Hall's first name, or is that his first name??...
#############
UPDATE; I've since learned that my version of Hold is an old one and Hall was added in a later re-write. I plan to read it and see what else was changed in those 15 extra pages!
#############
Well anyways,
Hall and his cohort Jenna are undercover on the planet Evalon. Hall is pretending to be one of the group of potential temporary consorts for the Empress... Well she isn't an Empress anymore. Ever since the Coalition took over Evalon, it's court has become an empty shell of it's former glory. Known only for it's sexual promiscuity. But it's not the Empress that Hall is interested in, it's her younger sister, Kyla. Kyla has been around the decadence of the Evalon court since she was a little girl, but could never bring herself to partake. She sees it for the empty souless life it is. There isn't much detail given to the sexual shenanigans.
Slowly Kyla and Hall learn more about each other and fall in love. It was much sweeter than I was expecting, and despite the setting of the story, it is a lot less naughty than 'Hold' was. There's still some good smexy times between the MCs, especially with Hall's special 'talent'.
As for OW stuff and the sister
I love this series and hope the author continues with more!
December 18, 2018
2.5 stars
The story was sweeter than what you would expect from the setting. It is about a virgin princess who choose to stay that way after being surrounded by physical indulgence since childhood. Then she met Hall who made her see that there's a life to live out of her luxurious prison.
The story was sweeter than what you would expect from the setting. It is about a virgin princess who choose to stay that way after being surrounded by physical indulgence since childhood. Then she met Hall who made her see that there's a life to live out of her luxurious prison.
May 17, 2024
NOTHING like the last book. So disappointed.
Hall escaped the prison in the last book and is now back to his "freelance" mind-altering lifestyle. He's working a job in this castle that has all these traditions about f*cking in public, and everyone does it EXCEPT for our MMC and FMC. Anyway, the Empress's sister, Kyla isn't interested in sex and she's still a virgin. They start a REALLY FREAKING SLOW friendship-ish kind of thing. Yada yada sh!t happens and they have to escape the planet. They don't have sex until the 87% mark. The last book they had sex within the first 5 pages!!!! (that might be an exaggeration but just barely).
I was so bored with the story by the 40% mark, and kept going trying to at least get some sex out of it but nope. I might not be so upset about the no sex thing if the story had been better and not so freaking boring.
I don't even care enough to finish this series. I'm still going to read more of this author, just not this series.
Hall escaped the prison in the last book and is now back to his "freelance" mind-altering lifestyle. He's working a job in this castle that has all these traditions about f*cking in public, and everyone does it EXCEPT for our MMC and FMC. Anyway, the Empress's sister, Kyla isn't interested in sex and she's still a virgin. They start a REALLY FREAKING SLOW friendship-ish kind of thing. Yada yada sh!t happens and they have to escape the planet. They don't have sex until the 87% mark. The last book they had sex within the first 5 pages!!!! (that might be an exaggeration but just barely).
I was so bored with the story by the 40% mark, and kept going trying to at least get some sex out of it but nope. I might not be so upset about the no sex thing if the story had been better and not so freaking boring.
I don't even care enough to finish this series. I'm still going to read more of this author, just not this series.
avoid
June 7, 2022Self note avoid
Hero-manho- is bi. (had sex with men and women)
I don’t want to hear that the H has been fucked (bottom) by other men in a straight romance novel.🤮 How is that a turn on for a straight female reader?
Hero-manho- is bi. (had sex with men and women)
I don’t want to hear that the H has been fucked (bottom) by other men in a straight romance novel.🤮 How is that a turn on for a straight female reader?
October 22, 2021
Um.. not as good as the first one.
Got pretty bored. Also was confused.
But onto the next
3/5
Got pretty bored. Also was confused.
But onto the next
3/5
January 12, 2023
Release is the 2nd book in Claire Kent’s Hold series and I’ve been having a fun time with this series. I’m on a Claire Kent kick after loving her post-apocalyptic romance series Kindled. This Hold series is a sci-fi romance series that takes place in space in the future, basically each book in the series has been on a different planet and each is vastly different (ex: a prison planet, a royal planet, and a prehistoric/cavemen planet).
In this book we are on Evalon, where the women get to choose who they partner up with/get sexual with. Unlike the prison planet of the first book which was using sex as a bargaining tool for survival, here on Evalon sexual relations are common occurrences (like everyone doing it everywhereeee, all the time). Hall, the hero in this one, even talks about how he lost his virginity super young and since has done everything since, “he’s tried everything but a serious relationship”. The heroine Kyla is the sister of the Empress and lives in a royal palace. The Coalition Council took over a multitude of galaxies populated by humans who had spread out from Earth in the past thousand years and is kind of the ones in charge of space it seems like. So there is some political complications with Kyla’s sister wanting to enforce her royal powers over what the Coalition wants to control. Hall also has some special abilities, he’s known as a Reader. Readers are people with the ability to tap into others minds. But Hall can actually do more than read what others are feeling, he can also turn it around and make them feel what he wants them to/feel something different.
So this read is more complicated/a bit confusing with everything going on in regards to the Coalition, the royals/palace setting, and even Hall’s abilities. I did enjoy the first book more because it was a bit easier to follow and the couple just worked for me better. That said I’m fascinated with this series as a whole and have already continued onto the next book which is my fav so far!
In this book we are on Evalon, where the women get to choose who they partner up with/get sexual with. Unlike the prison planet of the first book which was using sex as a bargaining tool for survival, here on Evalon sexual relations are common occurrences (like everyone doing it everywhereeee, all the time). Hall, the hero in this one, even talks about how he lost his virginity super young and since has done everything since, “he’s tried everything but a serious relationship”. The heroine Kyla is the sister of the Empress and lives in a royal palace. The Coalition Council took over a multitude of galaxies populated by humans who had spread out from Earth in the past thousand years and is kind of the ones in charge of space it seems like. So there is some political complications with Kyla’s sister wanting to enforce her royal powers over what the Coalition wants to control. Hall also has some special abilities, he’s known as a Reader. Readers are people with the ability to tap into others minds. But Hall can actually do more than read what others are feeling, he can also turn it around and make them feel what he wants them to/feel something different.
So this read is more complicated/a bit confusing with everything going on in regards to the Coalition, the royals/palace setting, and even Hall’s abilities. I did enjoy the first book more because it was a bit easier to follow and the couple just worked for me better. That said I’m fascinated with this series as a whole and have already continued onto the next book which is my fav so far!
June 12, 2016
If I say this book was ok, I think I may be in a good mood and perhaps I alredy forgot how much it got me rolling my eyes around the 30% of the book and so on till the end.
I was really dissapointed at this because I was really looking forward to read the follow up and even though the blurb was promising the execution was the problem. It got boring, repetitive (for a really short boook) and so, so cheesy at the end that I was really wondering if I was reading a book by the same author that wrote Hold.
Would I recommend this? I don't think so, but I wont be warning off of it. It is an ok read, just not for me.
I was really dissapointed at this because I was really looking forward to read the follow up and even though the blurb was promising the execution was the problem. It got boring, repetitive (for a really short boook) and so, so cheesy at the end that I was really wondering if I was reading a book by the same author that wrote Hold.
Would I recommend this? I don't think so, but I wont be warning off of it. It is an ok read, just not for me.
April 22, 2025
A lot different than book 1 but I really enjoyed it! The planet in this book was a bit interesting. Very short fun read. Really looking forward to hook 3!
July 22, 2024
I was bored to death on this planet, which is crazy considering it was a pleasure planet. Book 1 and 3 are so much better, in my opinion.
February 12, 2017
I usually quite like this author (under this name, and Noelle Adams), but I found this book really slow going. Nothing really wrong with either of the protagonists, but the set up was not that engaging, and the chemistry between them was fairly weak. Pleasant enough, but kind of dull.
June 11, 2024
3.5⭐️ not my fave but still fun
November 8, 2024
3.5 stars
I've enjoyed the first book in this series of these interconnected sci-fi dystopian romance standalones more than this one, mainly because of the setting but i did like this one as well.
Hall, a character from the first book in the series, after he has escaped prison takes business with his partner Lenna in this Planet Evalon, which is known for being a place of pleasure and fun. Hall infiltrates as one of the Empress' potentials ( the Empress chooses one among the potentials each week until she finds one to settle with).
His eyes, on the other hand, settle on the Empress' sister Kyla, who keeps to herself, doesn't like the mechanics of the court of her Empress sister and is not interested in that life and who also has always been sick with these migraines.
It sort of has a forbidden relation element to it, because the Potentials are only supposed to be kept for the Empress and can't be with anyone else.
I've enjoyed the first book in this series of these interconnected sci-fi dystopian romance standalones more than this one, mainly because of the setting but i did like this one as well.
Hall, a character from the first book in the series, after he has escaped prison takes business with his partner Lenna in this Planet Evalon, which is known for being a place of pleasure and fun. Hall infiltrates as one of the Empress' potentials ( the Empress chooses one among the potentials each week until she finds one to settle with).
His eyes, on the other hand, settle on the Empress' sister Kyla, who keeps to herself, doesn't like the mechanics of the court of her Empress sister and is not interested in that life and who also has always been sick with these migraines.
It sort of has a forbidden relation element to it, because the Potentials are only supposed to be kept for the Empress and can't be with anyone else.
August 13, 2016
I really like this authors world building. She does a fantastic job at it. This title lost points with me mostly because the content and storyline wasn't what I enjoy to read about.
March 15, 2017
Oh dear did this author just pull a 180 on her sequel. If the last book was a doughnut this book was a tick tack. The MC female didn't even lose her virginity until 90%. I don't think that counts as an erotica. Boooo! Crossing my fingers there's another 180 in book three.
February 23, 2023
3'5/5✨
April 20, 2021
3.5 stars. I’m honestly surprised to be rating this book so highly. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. Originally, I decided to skip this book because I’m not a fan of the manwhore & virgin pairing. I read books one and three last year, and just did a reread of both again. They were so damn good (even the second time) that I decided to try this one out. And frankly, I’m glad I did.
This book has a few distasteful parts... but I did my best to forget them quickly and move on. The rest of the story is well written and well paced. I might even try reading book 4 now (maybe).
SWE; h is a virgin, hero was a manwhore who’s past is spelled out for us right at the start of the book. He goes to the h’s planet under guise as a potential partner for her sister. Nothing ever happens between H & the sister. Heroine gives her friend a hand job in front of the hero... very strange scene tbh, but it almost made sense considering the customs of their world. She wasn’t into it, just doing it because it was expected of her.
This book has a few distasteful parts... but I did my best to forget them quickly and move on. The rest of the story is well written and well paced. I might even try reading book 4 now (maybe).
SWE; h is a virgin, hero was a manwhore who’s past is spelled out for us right at the start of the book. He goes to the h’s planet under guise as a potential partner for her sister. Nothing ever happens between H & the sister. Heroine gives her friend a hand job in front of the hero... very strange scene tbh, but it almost made sense considering the customs of their world. She wasn’t into it, just doing it because it was expected of her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ | 1.5🌶️
I was so excited to read this after finishing the first book and loving it. This one fell flat and was nothing like the first. Not much to the plot and no spice until the very end. Not that I need spice but if it’s lacking plot and chemistry it just does not hold my attention.
I was so excited to read this after finishing the first book and loving it. This one fell flat and was nothing like the first. Not much to the plot and no spice until the very end. Not that I need spice but if it’s lacking plot and chemistry it just does not hold my attention.
May 12, 2016
Release is the second novella in Claire Kent’s Hold series. The first book in the series, titled Hold, was a gritty erotic prison planet sci-fi story that had me hooked from the first page with its intensity. Release follows up that story by taking one of the characters who escapes from the prison planet, Hall, and giving him a chance at his own happy ending. The story takes place on another planet, also in Coalition space, one known for its debauched excesses. Hall is there to help smuggle some goods off world but finds himself captivated by Kyla, the sister of Lady Patrice who is the current governor. As one of Lady Patrice’s potential suitors, for them to even strike up a friendship is forbidden. But Kyla finds herself equally drawn to this mysterious man, even as she knows something isn’t quite on the up and up. When Hall gives her the chance to escape her unsatisfying life, will she jump at the chance to explore new worlds with him? Or will a Coalition crack down ruin any chance of them making a new life together?
I definitely found this story lighter in tone and less erotic than Hold, but equally interesting. It’s a combination fantasy and sci-fi romance, with much of the action taking place on the planet’s surface. Hall is a fascinating man. He has a psychic ability as a Reader, a man who can sense others emotions. But he also has the skill of being able to change another’s feelings by delving into their psyche. This enables him to keep his position as a potential suitor for Lady Patrice (necessary for infiltrating the Royal Court), yet at the same time to keep her from choosing him by using his telepathic powers. His attraction to Kyla confounds him. She’s obviously an innocent despite the sexual excesses that go on around her. Hall is an experienced man who has had lots of lovers, but he is drawn to her because she is different.
Kyla is a quiet, unassuming woman. She tries to avoid Court as much as possible, uncomfortable with what goes on around her. It’s historically the norm for their planet for the ruler to choose a new lover every week. She’s been exposed to public sexual acts since she was young, and so they hold no interest for her. She has no desire to interact with a man in a world where emotions are clearly not involved between bed partners. She catches Hall outside of the castle, a place he’s not supposed to be, and they strike up a conversation that leads to a friendship between them. Soon, the sexual chemistry can’t be denied and Hall realizes that he’s falling in love with this woman who is so different from anyone he has ever met. Their love scenes are powerful, as his psychic gift makes for a connection between them, unlike any other relationship he’s had. The forbidden love affair aspect keeps the story moving at a swift pace, as the chances of them getting caught grow, and the Coalition catches wind of a rebellion her sister is fomenting.
I enjoyed everything about this story, from the development of the relationship between Hall and Kyla to the world building and the setting. There’s some good tension build up as the story progresses, and even though it’s not overly long, it’s an entertaining read. I found Hall’s psychic gift added an interesting dimension to his character. I’m looking forward to more in this series! 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
I definitely found this story lighter in tone and less erotic than Hold, but equally interesting. It’s a combination fantasy and sci-fi romance, with much of the action taking place on the planet’s surface. Hall is a fascinating man. He has a psychic ability as a Reader, a man who can sense others emotions. But he also has the skill of being able to change another’s feelings by delving into their psyche. This enables him to keep his position as a potential suitor for Lady Patrice (necessary for infiltrating the Royal Court), yet at the same time to keep her from choosing him by using his telepathic powers. His attraction to Kyla confounds him. She’s obviously an innocent despite the sexual excesses that go on around her. Hall is an experienced man who has had lots of lovers, but he is drawn to her because she is different.
Kyla is a quiet, unassuming woman. She tries to avoid Court as much as possible, uncomfortable with what goes on around her. It’s historically the norm for their planet for the ruler to choose a new lover every week. She’s been exposed to public sexual acts since she was young, and so they hold no interest for her. She has no desire to interact with a man in a world where emotions are clearly not involved between bed partners. She catches Hall outside of the castle, a place he’s not supposed to be, and they strike up a conversation that leads to a friendship between them. Soon, the sexual chemistry can’t be denied and Hall realizes that he’s falling in love with this woman who is so different from anyone he has ever met. Their love scenes are powerful, as his psychic gift makes for a connection between them, unlike any other relationship he’s had. The forbidden love affair aspect keeps the story moving at a swift pace, as the chances of them getting caught grow, and the Coalition catches wind of a rebellion her sister is fomenting.
I enjoyed everything about this story, from the development of the relationship between Hall and Kyla to the world building and the setting. There’s some good tension build up as the story progresses, and even though it’s not overly long, it’s an entertaining read. I found Hall’s psychic gift added an interesting dimension to his character. I’m looking forward to more in this series! 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
Read
November 6, 2020I’m not rating this book because I gave up at 70 something % but I wanted to make a note to myself for later:
Self,
You HATED this book with the fire of a thousand suns. There was lots of gross sex between side characters and the heroine even gave some (not the hero) guy a hand job but there was no actual sex between the h and H before you threw in the towel and stopped your suffering.
If anyone asks you about this series tell them the first book was fantastic but the second book was the biggest load of bullshit ever and you wished you could get those hours of your life back.
At the time of this note you weren’t sure if you were going to read book 3 which was the entire reason you started this to begin with and you wanted to break things.
Self,
You HATED this book with the fire of a thousand suns. There was lots of gross sex between side characters and the heroine even gave some (not the hero) guy a hand job but there was no actual sex between the h and H before you threw in the towel and stopped your suffering.
If anyone asks you about this series tell them the first book was fantastic but the second book was the biggest load of bullshit ever and you wished you could get those hours of your life back.
At the time of this note you weren’t sure if you were going to read book 3 which was the entire reason you started this to begin with and you wanted to break things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
3.5 sexy smuggler stars
I’d recommend reading Hold by Claire Kent before diving into this book. I don’t know if the MMC, Hall, has enough room to be fully developed in this story without that introduction.
After escaping the prison planet in book 1, Hall finds himself on a smuggling operation on the “pleasure planet” where he’s drawn to the younger sister of the Empress. The older sister was kind of a spoiled brat downer to this whole story.
The FMC was perfectly fine. She didn’t stand out as a particularly magnetic heroine. The chemistry between these two was less attractive than switching over to Instagram, which I kept seeming to do rather than finish this rather short novel.
I’d recommend reading Hold by Claire Kent before diving into this book. I don’t know if the MMC, Hall, has enough room to be fully developed in this story without that introduction.
After escaping the prison planet in book 1, Hall finds himself on a smuggling operation on the “pleasure planet” where he’s drawn to the younger sister of the Empress. The older sister was kind of a spoiled brat downer to this whole story.
The FMC was perfectly fine. She didn’t stand out as a particularly magnetic heroine. The chemistry between these two was less attractive than switching over to Instagram, which I kept seeming to do rather than finish this rather short novel.
December 9, 2017
Book 1 "Hold" was brilliant, but I didn't love this one anywhere near as much. It's a departure from the first book in style, this was more of a 90's era Startreck Voyager episode where the team visits a dark ages-like planet, a "pleasure planet", where there is a role reversal of a harem.
Could have been interesting, but I found it slow and struggled to commit. But, I found by about half way, I was involved and rooting for the characters.
I did love catching up with previous characters towards the end, and I am emotionally involved enough to continue with this series.
Could have been interesting, but I found it slow and struggled to commit. But, I found by about half way, I was involved and rooting for the characters.
I did love catching up with previous characters towards the end, and I am emotionally involved enough to continue with this series.
January 18, 2023
These are quick easy reads.
A nice lil romance with some spice.
:)
A nice lil romance with some spice.
:)
October 27, 2022
I didn’t care as much about the tropes and set up for this one, but still enjoyed it so much.
Read
October 27, 2025DNF 56%. Just couldn’t get into this so i won’t rate it.
February 7, 2023
'Nunca me he visto obligado a nada tan firmemente como estoy
obligado a ti. Estoy irremediablemente encadenado por el resto de mi vida. Pero es el tipo de esclavitud que he pasado buscando toda mi vida.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Release de Claire Kent serie Hold libro 2
Argumento:
Kyla nació como la hija menor de la familia real de un planeta conocido en todo el espacio de la Coalición por su indulgencia y libertinaje. Los viajeros vienen de todas partes para satisfacer sus deseos más profundos en la corte real decadente, pero Kyla ha estado rodeada de sexo y placer físico desde la infancia. Ahora no quiere tener nada que ver con esos placeres vacíos, al menos, hasta que se encuentre con Hall.
Hall es irresistiblemente sexy y misterioso, y parece conocerla de adentro hacia afuera. Él la hace querer explorar el lado sensual de sí misma por primera vez. Pero él ya se ha declarado a sí mismo como un posible pretendiente de su hermana, lo que significa que está completamente fuera del alcance de Kyla. También esconde un don que lo hace tan peligroso como atractivo.
Cuando descubre un complot que amenaza con derribar el puño de hierro de la Coalición en su pacífico planeta, Kyla se ve obligada a confiar en un hombre que le ha estado ocultando secretos todo el tiempo, un hombre que la hace desear cosas que nunca quiso. antes.
Mi humilde opinión:
En Realise, el segundo libro de Hold, nos lleva al planeta Evalon
conocido por el placer y la indulgencia. La gobernadora o emperatriz Patrice disfruta de la búsqueda de un consorte mientras está en la mira de La Coalición por traición. Su hermana Kyla no pertenece el mundo de la corte ni las actividades de placer en medio de la cena. Cuando sus ojos se cruzan con un hombre que parece mirarla todo el tiempo despierta su curiosidad y sentimientos que no entiende. Hall está en Evalon contrabandeando con su amiga Lenna. Para eso tiene que fingir estar entre los pretendientes de la emperatriz. No puede descuidarse y no piensa volver a prisión. Ya estuvo en una y estuvo a punto de suicidarse. Pero cuando conoce a Kyla descubre que encontró lo que estaba buscando y que podría perderla si no se arriesga.
Estaba esperando el libro de Hall!!! Me gustó mucho su personaje en el libro anterior. Él necesitaba contar su historia y obviamente tener su final feliz.
No estoy totalmente feliz con la historia. Podría haber sido mejor en ciertos puntos.
La trama...
Era muy diferente a la anterior. Ésta es menos cruda y más relajada por decirlo de una manera. La historia no sucede en prisión sino en un planeta con un 'reino' estilo medieval con espaldas, guardias, palacio, jardines, baile de máscaras. Me gustaba esta idea pero no encontré el planeta del libertinaje tan interesante o me gustó para el caso. Hay tensiones, traición y complot en la corte pero todo eso tampoco no me atrapó tanto. Pero tuvo sus intentos y giros que tuvieron peligro y acción que aprecié.
La pareja...
Hall y Kyla me gustaban como personajes individuales pero como pareja no pegaban muy bien. Hubo momentos que me parecieron lindos pero no sentí la química. Las escenas de sexo no tenían calor. Hall poseía el raro don de leer a la gente, podía sentir sus emociones, cambiarlas como quisiera y podía transmitir lo que sentía. Me parece que las escenas de sexo podrían haber sido increíbles si se hubiera incorporado mejor su don en esos momentos. A favor de Hall, él rechazó con su don cada avance de Patrice. En contra de Kyla, masturbo a Tor mientras Hall la miraba! Así que hubo cosas que no ayudaron a que vea a esta pareja totalmente conectada.
Sin embargo, el romance fue dulce y entendí que lo dos se encontraron en un momento en que buscaban un lugar en el mundo para hacerlo suyo. Un hogar. Algo que nunca imaginaron posible hasta que se encontraron y se enamoraron.
Me encantó volver a saber de Cain y Riana, que son muy felices en su rancho. Fue genial que aceptaran a Kyla y que ella pudiera trabajar en lo que le gustaba. Hall también con su idea del viñedo. El epilogo fue justo lo que buscaba para él.
July 31, 2021
I was so excited to learn that Hall had his own story! I loved him in the first book.
While I loved both Hall and Kyla, I was not a fan of the “world” they were in and how it operated. It is very sexually open with everyone being with anyone. At least that was my understanding. I appreciate the originality of this story, but this premise is something I do try to avoid.
Fortunately, this couple never really interacts with anyone else in this style. There is one time that Kyla offers something to a male friend but nothing happens. I really liked her and felt bad for the struggle that enveloped every day of her life. She was cast into a position that she was never going to be able to be free of. At least for years yet.
Hall was also in a difficult situation. However, his special gift helped him to maneuver things to his advantage...for a while. I loved that he had eyes only for Kyla. Watching him work things out between his reason for being there, his feelings for Kyla, and what was happening politically on this particular planet, kept me glued to this story.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
While I loved both Hall and Kyla, I was not a fan of the “world” they were in and how it operated. It is very sexually open with everyone being with anyone. At least that was my understanding. I appreciate the originality of this story, but this premise is something I do try to avoid.
Fortunately, this couple never really interacts with anyone else in this style. There is one time that Kyla offers something to a male friend but nothing happens. I really liked her and felt bad for the struggle that enveloped every day of her life. She was cast into a position that she was never going to be able to be free of. At least for years yet.
Hall was also in a difficult situation. However, his special gift helped him to maneuver things to his advantage...for a while. I loved that he had eyes only for Kyla. Watching him work things out between his reason for being there, his feelings for Kyla, and what was happening politically on this particular planet, kept me glued to this story.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
October 24, 2020
DNF at 25%.
I hate leaving books unfinished. But honestly,I couldn't keep reading anymore. It was a constant struggle to try to get into the story,that point where the storyline and the characters just click into place and you're invested in their lives just never came at all.
I did not like Kyla. She had a holier-than-thou attitude about almost everything. She felt herself superior to her sister,her sister's friends,her sister's lovers. She claimed to have never felt sexual desire and yet you witness her giving away sexual favours and getting hot and bothered over a little eye contact with Hall.
Her conversations with her sister are stilted and awkward. She frequently looks down upon her world's reputation for debauchery and the people who indulge in it and considers herself to be above it all. She alludes once as to how her sister couldn't handle intelligent guys when she chooses someone other than Hall to be her weekly bedmate. The chosen bedmate is not someone Kyla's ever conversed with or spent time with or been around- in other words,a complete stranger-and yet she somehow knows he's mentally deficient. Ugh. The whole thing just put a bad taste in my mouth. Plus the characters gave me emotional whiplash all the time. Hall goes from being intrigued by Kyla to thinking she's shy,to somewhat desiring her to thinking she's The One in just a couple of chapters and maybe two shared conversations. And all this from a measly 25% of the book. I eventually felt one of Kyla's infamous migraines coming on,so I decided to give up.
I hate leaving books unfinished. But honestly,I couldn't keep reading anymore. It was a constant struggle to try to get into the story,that point where the storyline and the characters just click into place and you're invested in their lives just never came at all.
I did not like Kyla. She had a holier-than-thou attitude about almost everything. She felt herself superior to her sister,her sister's friends,her sister's lovers. She claimed to have never felt sexual desire and yet you witness her giving away sexual favours and getting hot and bothered over a little eye contact with Hall.
Her conversations with her sister are stilted and awkward. She frequently looks down upon her world's reputation for debauchery and the people who indulge in it and considers herself to be above it all. She alludes once as to how her sister couldn't handle intelligent guys when she chooses someone other than Hall to be her weekly bedmate. The chosen bedmate is not someone Kyla's ever conversed with or spent time with or been around- in other words,a complete stranger-and yet she somehow knows he's mentally deficient. Ugh. The whole thing just put a bad taste in my mouth. Plus the characters gave me emotional whiplash all the time. Hall goes from being intrigued by Kyla to thinking she's shy,to somewhat desiring her to thinking she's The One in just a couple of chapters and maybe two shared conversations. And all this from a measly 25% of the book. I eventually felt one of Kyla's infamous migraines coming on,so I decided to give up.
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