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Hold #4
Rise
For almost a year, Talia has lived as a sex worker for the High Director of the Coalition Council, providing recreational sex and sensual pleasure for some of the most important and influential people in the explored universe. After a difficult and joyless childhood, she now has comfort and security, living and working in the center of power in Coalition space. She has everything she needs, and she doesn't know she has anything else to hope for--until she meets Desh.
Sex with Desh is better than she's ever known sex could be, but they have no future together. Desh is a rising champion in a combat tournament, but she knows he's hiding secrets. He's on a doomed mission that will likely kill him in the end. And even if it doesn't, Talia will always be a sex worker. Her job is to have sex with other men. She can offer her body to Desh for now, but offering her heart to him would mean giving up her hope of a future--and probably risking her life.
Falling in love is the most dangerous thing she can do.
Sex with Desh is better than she's ever known sex could be, but they have no future together. Desh is a rising champion in a combat tournament, but she knows he's hiding secrets. He's on a doomed mission that will likely kill him in the end. And even if it doesn't, Talia will always be a sex worker. Her job is to have sex with other men. She can offer her body to Desh for now, but offering her heart to him would mean giving up her hope of a future--and probably risking her life.
Falling in love is the most dangerous thing she can do.
182 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2017
163 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
41 books2,168 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 107 reviews
December 6, 2022
This was a good and satisfying ending to the series. I liked seeing Desh get his story, and liked Talia, for all her personal growth. Watching her find value in herself outside of her looks or body was 👌🏻. I’m glad I read this, I wasn’t going to because frankly, I dislike stories about sex workers. Not because I judge the work, but because I find it sad, especially in dystopian books when often sex work is the best choice between of a number of very terrible options for a character. Which was exactly this situation lol. I didn’t enjoy the descriptive sex scenes with other men, I get why they were included, to contrast them with the satisfying, emotional sex she found with Desh, but still it was hard to read. But other than that, this book was a bit slow to start, maybe because I was still trying to avoid reading it, but once it got going it was quite good.
It did have a heavy Star Wars feel to it, with the evil High Commander, the Coalition and the rebellion, it felt like I was reading a prequel to the prequel of Star Wars. I’m going to be honest here though, I don’t care for Star Wars. My husband is a geek for it, so I have seen them all, under duress. It is not my idea of a fun movie. But this was a better framework for that kind of story for me. I wonder if Claire Kent is a Star Wars fan…hmm, well if she is I still like her anyway.
Overall I enjoyed this, it had angst, adversity, heart and a lot of character development. So I forgive the Star Wars likeness and accept the sex worker character. Great ending to the series, not my favourite, but still quite good.
It did have a heavy Star Wars feel to it, with the evil High Commander, the Coalition and the rebellion, it felt like I was reading a prequel to the prequel of Star Wars. I’m going to be honest here though, I don’t care for Star Wars. My husband is a geek for it, so I have seen them all, under duress. It is not my idea of a fun movie. But this was a better framework for that kind of story for me. I wonder if Claire Kent is a Star Wars fan…hmm, well if she is I still like her anyway.
Overall I enjoyed this, it had angst, adversity, heart and a lot of character development. So I forgive the Star Wars likeness and accept the sex worker character. Great ending to the series, not my favourite, but still quite good.
July 31, 2021
Oh my! What better way to end this series?!
Once more, this is an unusual storyline. Once I learned what Talia’s position in the coalition was, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to fully connect with her. But her character was developed with so much emotion, hope and longing that it was impossible for me to not love her. Watching her emotional changes was an exceptional journey that I greedily devoured. Despite her job, I believe there is a little bit of Talia inside so many of us.
Desh was not the full, in your face, alpha. Instead, he knew his position, what he had to do and did it. He felt all the emotions but respected that Talia was in a certain place that hindered her ability to be what he hungered for. I especially loved what he was willing to sacrifice and then the excitement I felt when he turned the table on her to show her the importance of her own actions.
I loved the hope that ends this book and this series. I didn’t realize this author was going to take it this direction, but then again, this whole series has been one unique story after the other. Usually, I’d be demanding to know all the little details as well as an extended epilogue. This is the first time I can truthfully say, this is perfect in its incompleteness. It left me with my own imaginings for each of these couples as well as Talia and Desh and I absolutely loved it that way!
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Once more, this is an unusual storyline. Once I learned what Talia’s position in the coalition was, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to fully connect with her. But her character was developed with so much emotion, hope and longing that it was impossible for me to not love her. Watching her emotional changes was an exceptional journey that I greedily devoured. Despite her job, I believe there is a little bit of Talia inside so many of us.
Desh was not the full, in your face, alpha. Instead, he knew his position, what he had to do and did it. He felt all the emotions but respected that Talia was in a certain place that hindered her ability to be what he hungered for. I especially loved what he was willing to sacrifice and then the excitement I felt when he turned the table on her to show her the importance of her own actions.
I loved the hope that ends this book and this series. I didn’t realize this author was going to take it this direction, but then again, this whole series has been one unique story after the other. Usually, I’d be demanding to know all the little details as well as an extended epilogue. This is the first time I can truthfully say, this is perfect in its incompleteness. It left me with my own imaginings for each of these couples as well as Talia and Desh and I absolutely loved it that way!
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
September 17, 2019
3.5
Only read if you won't be bothered by descriptive OM sex scenes. Usually, I must say I actually have no problem with this, after coming across countless OW scenes, it's only fair. But this time I was bothered a bit.
---she had sex with her clients after she had sex with h which was too much for even me especially considering he was totally faithful.
--- hero was virgin so I thought he deserved better
---i expected him to be more bothered about it. I expected the hero to put a stop to it, to offer her a better life where she didn't have to be a prostitute to survive but he didn't...although he does have good reasons.
The thing is that she actually never got sexual pleasure from sleeping with OMs. She didn't hate it, wasn't traumatised from it or anything. It was simply her job. It was simply a service she was providing to her clients. She actually likes her job, she thinks it is the best option for her considering all the comfort, security and benefits she receives. She was content with it until Desh. Sex with H was very different to sex with her clients where the sex was all about what the clients wants and desires.
I liked the science fiction aspects of the book especially the political themes. BUT I WANTED MORE! I wish it was more developed especially the ending which was abrupt and we never got a proper resolution. We never got to know what actually happened to their world. I wanted the revolution/rebellion to be more fleshed out and detailed, it could have been a story for another book. Apparently it is the last book because the author decided to ditch this pen name and series because it wasn't making as much money as her other series. WTF!? You could tell the last couple of chapters were totally rushed and hurried.
Only read if you won't be bothered by descriptive OM sex scenes. Usually, I must say I actually have no problem with this, after coming across countless OW scenes, it's only fair. But this time I was bothered a bit.
---she had sex with her clients after she had sex with h which was too much for even me especially considering he was totally faithful.
--- hero was virgin so I thought he deserved better
---i expected him to be more bothered about it. I expected the hero to put a stop to it, to offer her a better life where she didn't have to be a prostitute to survive but he didn't...although he does have good reasons.
The thing is that she actually never got sexual pleasure from sleeping with OMs. She didn't hate it, wasn't traumatised from it or anything. It was simply her job. It was simply a service she was providing to her clients. She actually likes her job, she thinks it is the best option for her considering all the comfort, security and benefits she receives. She was content with it until Desh. Sex with H was very different to sex with her clients where the sex was all about what the clients wants and desires.
I liked the science fiction aspects of the book especially the political themes. BUT I WANTED MORE! I wish it was more developed especially the ending which was abrupt and we never got a proper resolution. We never got to know what actually happened to their world. I wanted the revolution/rebellion to be more fleshed out and detailed, it could have been a story for another book. Apparently it is the last book because the author decided to ditch this pen name and series because it wasn't making as much money as her other series. WTF!? You could tell the last couple of chapters were totally rushed and hurried.
May 6, 2025
I wish this series was full length novels because these novellas were all so good. Loved every one of them. I am definitely planning to read more from this author.
My series ranking
1- Fall book 3 - hands down my favorite
2- Release book 2 - hard to say if book 2 or four was second place for me, lived both
3- Rise book 4- such a good end to the series and a happy conclusion for every couple
4- Hold book 1
My series ranking
1- Fall book 3 - hands down my favorite
2- Release book 2 - hard to say if book 2 or four was second place for me, lived both
3- Rise book 4- such a good end to the series and a happy conclusion for every couple
4- Hold book 1
October 25, 2021
This was a great little series and each book was so unique.
Really enjoyed them all for the most part.
Really enjoyed them all for the most part.
December 18, 2017
It was ok
Loved the first and third book the best
Loved the first and third book the best
June 6, 2022
i can count the number of braincells between these two on one hand
September 18, 2021
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't sure exactly what to think of this book from the description. But I love anything Noelle Adams/Claire Kent writes and I have adored this series as a whole, so I knew I would give it a try no matter what. I am so glad I did! The story itself was great, and it also provided an excellent conclusion to the series as a whole.
I loved Desh in Fall and was so excited to see that he was getting his own story because I wanted to know more about him. There was a real depth to his character that was hinted at in the previous installment, and it was great to learn more about his motivations. And I found myself loving him even more because of his dedication to Talia. Talia was a great heroine, and I really liked her rational and pragmatic outlook on her life and the world.
As the description states, she is a sex worker, and I wasn't sure if I would like this aspect. Sex scenes between a major character and a 3rd party are usually a huge pet peeve of mine, but Ms. Kent handles things well here. The (very few) scenes between Talia and a client are clearly depicted as work and not enjoyable for Talia, and they are completely different from her scenes with Desh. It really was a complete non-issue for me, which surprised me but is a testament to Ms. Kent's writing.
I was also thrilled to catch up with Rone and Lenna, as they were my favorite couple. Each book in this series seemed somewhat loosely connected, but the ending of this book really tied everything together in a way I wasn't expecting. It was incredibly satisfying, and now I am inspired to go back and re-read the first 3 books to appreciate it even more. I also really enjoyed the author's note at the end and thought it provided some good insight.
Overall, a great romance and a compelling ending of a fantastic series!
I loved Desh in Fall and was so excited to see that he was getting his own story because I wanted to know more about him. There was a real depth to his character that was hinted at in the previous installment, and it was great to learn more about his motivations. And I found myself loving him even more because of his dedication to Talia. Talia was a great heroine, and I really liked her rational and pragmatic outlook on her life and the world.
As the description states, she is a sex worker, and I wasn't sure if I would like this aspect. Sex scenes between a major character and a 3rd party are usually a huge pet peeve of mine, but Ms. Kent handles things well here. The (very few) scenes between Talia and a client are clearly depicted as work and not enjoyable for Talia, and they are completely different from her scenes with Desh. It really was a complete non-issue for me, which surprised me but is a testament to Ms. Kent's writing.
I was also thrilled to catch up with Rone and Lenna, as they were my favorite couple. Each book in this series seemed somewhat loosely connected, but the ending of this book really tied everything together in a way I wasn't expecting. It was incredibly satisfying, and now I am inspired to go back and re-read the first 3 books to appreciate it even more. I also really enjoyed the author's note at the end and thought it provided some good insight.
Overall, a great romance and a compelling ending of a fantastic series!
September 20, 2021
3 stars... I don't know where to begin. This is a hard book to rate because I felt extreme discomfort while reading a good portion of it. The heroine is a sex worker and continues to have sex with OM while being with the hero each night. The hero, a virgin at this point, sees the heroine being fucked by OM, and she immediately tries to initiate things with him. Like, she hasn't even cleaned the other guy's cum off herself, but she's trying to have sex with the hero? 🤮 It was off-putting - to say the least. I am not a fan of either MC being with others during the book at all... so this really bothered me to read about. There is a great deal of detail in two of her sex scenes with OM.
On the other hand, the author did a really good job of justifying the heroine's decisions. I really couldn't fault her logic. In this alternate universe, the heroine chose her best option. She didn't have many choices and she felt that her future would be the most secure in a position as a sex worker. She couldn't just drop her other clients to be with the hero, because the hero wasn't offering her forever. The hero had distinct plans for his future that didn't involve the heroine. So, I understood why the heroine continued to be with OM. But did I like it? No. I hated every minute of it and every reminder of it.
I think what bothered me the most, was that the hero of this book is a virgin. His reasons for being a virgin were weak, and could have easily been changed by the author. I hate the matchup between the two MCs because of their sexual disparity. But TBH, their relationship was believable. Who else is a 28 year old virgin going to fall in love with, if not the first woman he's with? And he was the first person to show her kindness, so ofc she fell for him too. It was believable alright, but I still can't fully appreciate that aspect of the story.
Def Unsafe.
On the other hand, the author did a really good job of justifying the heroine's decisions. I really couldn't fault her logic. In this alternate universe, the heroine chose her best option. She didn't have many choices and she felt that her future would be the most secure in a position as a sex worker. She couldn't just drop her other clients to be with the hero, because the hero wasn't offering her forever. The hero had distinct plans for his future that didn't involve the heroine. So, I understood why the heroine continued to be with OM. But did I like it? No. I hated every minute of it and every reminder of it.
I think what bothered me the most, was that the hero of this book is a virgin. His reasons for being a virgin were weak, and could have easily been changed by the author. I hate the matchup between the two MCs because of their sexual disparity. But TBH, their relationship was believable. Who else is a 28 year old virgin going to fall in love with, if not the first woman he's with? And he was the first person to show her kindness, so ofc she fell for him too. It was believable alright, but I still can't fully appreciate that aspect of the story.
Def Unsafe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2023
Rise is the 4th book in Claire Kent’s Hold series which I have been loving! This is a futuristic, space, sci-fi romance series and each book has taken place on a different planet. This series can be read as standalones but you will get more out of this book if you have read the entire series, especially the ending and epilogue for this one. This was a quick read, less than 200 pages and just a series I’ve enjoyed!
This one actually takes place on futuristic earth (none of the rest of the books have) and we follow Talia who is a sex worker. Talia works for the Coalition Council offering sensual pleasure for some of the most important and influential people in the explored universe. She ends up meeting Desh, a rising champion in a combat tournament, and they’re both quickly attracted to one another. She realizes she starts to feel more for Desh than her usual clients and I loved seeing their connection. Desh was a character we already met in Fall (my fav book in the series, book 3) so I loved seeing his story get told here. He’s a virgin hero and has some other secrets of his own going on that play into his journey.
The Coalition Council was established as a way of maintaining peace a thousand years ago when space travel became safe and humans spread from earth to space, populating planets and developing new worlds. The Council included a representative from all the major planets, and it was supposed to support justice and freedom for all the worlds under its governance. But hundreds of years have passed since and none of the old ideals have held, instead the Council is now filled with the most ruthless and ambitious people whose only priority is to maintain power and do anything necessary to hold it. I loved seeing Desh, Talia, and the others in the series join forces for a bit of a rebellion in this book!
This one actually takes place on futuristic earth (none of the rest of the books have) and we follow Talia who is a sex worker. Talia works for the Coalition Council offering sensual pleasure for some of the most important and influential people in the explored universe. She ends up meeting Desh, a rising champion in a combat tournament, and they’re both quickly attracted to one another. She realizes she starts to feel more for Desh than her usual clients and I loved seeing their connection. Desh was a character we already met in Fall (my fav book in the series, book 3) so I loved seeing his story get told here. He’s a virgin hero and has some other secrets of his own going on that play into his journey.
The Coalition Council was established as a way of maintaining peace a thousand years ago when space travel became safe and humans spread from earth to space, populating planets and developing new worlds. The Council included a representative from all the major planets, and it was supposed to support justice and freedom for all the worlds under its governance. But hundreds of years have passed since and none of the old ideals have held, instead the Council is now filled with the most ruthless and ambitious people whose only priority is to maintain power and do anything necessary to hold it. I loved seeing Desh, Talia, and the others in the series join forces for a bit of a rebellion in this book!
March 11, 2018
Rise
I would have preferred more of a Rise against the rebellion kind of book, but as sexy erotica it was a quick enjoyable read.
"Hold" (book 1) for me was the most exciting book. It was gritty, brave and sexy and kinky (public sex) and sci-fi, with the feel of a Riddic (movie) setting. Most of all, I felt it was mature and the smart kind of writing that I really enjoyed from "Escorted."
"Fall" (book 3) I found equally as brilliant. Perhaps because I enjoyed a more mature female lead, as in Hold, more strength while thrown into an unknown world.
I have mostly enjoyed this series, but have to keep in mind that front and foremost these are erotica, not sci-fi. As erotica, they are very sexy reads, with the planetary worlds and evil coalition very much on the light side, the outside, the background. With the exception to Hold and Fall, books 2 "Release" and this one "Rise" I found were sexy, but SAFE. Easy sexy reads that you're not going to sweat over too much due to low angst, no real danger. Probably perfect for romance readers wanting to explore Sci Fi for the first time.
As a sci-Fi and fantasy reader, Rise is mere shades of what they could have been if they were 600+ page novels in dual POV's; In comparison, Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles, they are not. I would have loved if this wasnt a novella format, to have had more show not tell. Show us Desh's life as as assassin in training. Show us the Epilogue as being more part of the story instead of being a round-up of news. I'm sad of what it could have been, because I'm left feeling kind of unsatisfied in that respect.
Having said that, the author wrote that her intent was not to write about the rebellion, but (to quote) "exploring in four different ways how an oppressive regime like the Coalition could affect the most intimate parts of humanness, including sex and sexuality. It took a long time, but I’m really glad I finished the series, and I’m particularly happy with what I was able to do with Fall and Rise."
This was an easy quick read that I mostly enjoyed. Perhaps a little Nice. And Easy. Not my favourite heroine, Definitely not the kind of depth that I've enjoyed from some of the other books in this series. But I do think mostly this author met her objective for this as a series in whole, I adored how sexuality was explored in some very different worlds. I am completely there for more writing from this author, and have to check out books under her alter ego, Noelle Adams, and Samantha Chase. She sure knows how to write a sex scene.
I would have preferred more of a Rise against the rebellion kind of book, but as sexy erotica it was a quick enjoyable read.
"Hold" (book 1) for me was the most exciting book. It was gritty, brave and sexy and kinky (public sex) and sci-fi, with the feel of a Riddic (movie) setting. Most of all, I felt it was mature and the smart kind of writing that I really enjoyed from "Escorted."
"Fall" (book 3) I found equally as brilliant. Perhaps because I enjoyed a more mature female lead, as in Hold, more strength while thrown into an unknown world.
I have mostly enjoyed this series, but have to keep in mind that front and foremost these are erotica, not sci-fi. As erotica, they are very sexy reads, with the planetary worlds and evil coalition very much on the light side, the outside, the background. With the exception to Hold and Fall, books 2 "Release" and this one "Rise" I found were sexy, but SAFE. Easy sexy reads that you're not going to sweat over too much due to low angst, no real danger. Probably perfect for romance readers wanting to explore Sci Fi for the first time.
As a sci-Fi and fantasy reader, Rise is mere shades of what they could have been if they were 600+ page novels in dual POV's; In comparison, Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles, they are not. I would have loved if this wasnt a novella format, to have had more show not tell. Show us Desh's life as as assassin in training. Show us the Epilogue as being more part of the story instead of being a round-up of news. I'm sad of what it could have been, because I'm left feeling kind of unsatisfied in that respect.
Having said that, the author wrote that her intent was not to write about the rebellion, but (to quote) "exploring in four different ways how an oppressive regime like the Coalition could affect the most intimate parts of humanness, including sex and sexuality. It took a long time, but I’m really glad I finished the series, and I’m particularly happy with what I was able to do with Fall and Rise."
This was an easy quick read that I mostly enjoyed. Perhaps a little Nice. And Easy. Not my favourite heroine, Definitely not the kind of depth that I've enjoyed from some of the other books in this series. But I do think mostly this author met her objective for this as a series in whole, I adored how sexuality was explored in some very different worlds. I am completely there for more writing from this author, and have to check out books under her alter ego, Noelle Adams, and Samantha Chase. She sure knows how to write a sex scene.
April 23, 2018
Well that sucks
So the book was good all in all Desh falls for Taliya during a tournament he's in and well when things come to a head she finds out the truth about Desh that he's the Coalition Leaders son that he planet dumped when he was only 16 and Desh plans to confront his father basically a suicide mission. Taliya tries to talk him out of it but they get taken in by a commander who suspects Desh being the Coalition Leaders Son but during the transport Talyia is able to help Desh gain the upper hand and they get away. Once they're safe with Cain, Riana, Hall, Kayla, Rone, and Lenna they all decide enough is enough and Desh plans to gather all those opposed of the Coalition and take them down. The author flashes forward two years from that day and we learn that they had gained substantial ground in the revolt but we will never find out if they actually were able to finally free themselves of the tyranny that is the Coalition. If you read on to the end the author basically admits that was the last and final book because she only started this series because she wrote a book under this pen name Claire Kent and it did well so when she got the rights to hold back she decided to finish it but since her sales weren't as good under the pen name Claire Kent she decided to finish up and go back to writing under the one that was making the most money. It seriously pissed me off because hey I've done invested might as well say $12 bucks in your dang books and now I get left hanging because she got bored and wasn't making enough?! It now makes me realize this has happened to me many times before but most authors don't actually come out and say hey this series ain't bringing in the cash I want so I'm gonna bounce over to my real money maker see ya suckers!! Such total B.S. don't waste your money they may be decent reads but you will be left hanging and pissed off so save your money unfortunately I'm already screwed!
So the book was good all in all Desh falls for Taliya during a tournament he's in and well when things come to a head she finds out the truth about Desh that he's the Coalition Leaders son that he planet dumped when he was only 16 and Desh plans to confront his father basically a suicide mission. Taliya tries to talk him out of it but they get taken in by a commander who suspects Desh being the Coalition Leaders Son but during the transport Talyia is able to help Desh gain the upper hand and they get away. Once they're safe with Cain, Riana, Hall, Kayla, Rone, and Lenna they all decide enough is enough and Desh plans to gather all those opposed of the Coalition and take them down. The author flashes forward two years from that day and we learn that they had gained substantial ground in the revolt but we will never find out if they actually were able to finally free themselves of the tyranny that is the Coalition. If you read on to the end the author basically admits that was the last and final book because she only started this series because she wrote a book under this pen name Claire Kent and it did well so when she got the rights to hold back she decided to finish it but since her sales weren't as good under the pen name Claire Kent she decided to finish up and go back to writing under the one that was making the most money. It seriously pissed me off because hey I've done invested might as well say $12 bucks in your dang books and now I get left hanging because she got bored and wasn't making enough?! It now makes me realize this has happened to me many times before but most authors don't actually come out and say hey this series ain't bringing in the cash I want so I'm gonna bounce over to my real money maker see ya suckers!! Such total B.S. don't waste your money they may be decent reads but you will be left hanging and pissed off so save your money unfortunately I'm already screwed!
July 25, 2024
3.5/5 rounding down because I was a little disappointed
I really liked Desh in the previous book and was looking forward to this, unfortunately it was rather flat. I feel like if we already know a character, we should hear their voice. Once again I feel like this book (books) really suffer from only having the woman's point of view. This was Desh's book! He should have had at least the epilogue! I didn't care about this FMC, she didn't feel like a well rounded character and wish she was older than 18. She acted at least 25 and not like a teenager, so that's what I went with in my head.
Ending was super rushed? Like the entire rebellion was forced in the epilogue in like 3-5 pages. It was ridiculous why even include it? Idk just say you found a larger/secret arm of a different rebellion, join up with then, then they all retire. Or idk there are a lot of ways it could have gone. Instead of wrapping up an ENTIRE series in a quick summary? And even then, it wasn't wrapped up. The author clearly states this was her plan, to get the characters (including all couples from previous books) to the action part and only that far and then end things. It left me unsettled because it left all 4 books unwrapped up and all the characters in limbo.
I really liked Desh in the previous book and was looking forward to this, unfortunately it was rather flat. I feel like if we already know a character, we should hear their voice. Once again I feel like this book (books) really suffer from only having the woman's point of view. This was Desh's book! He should have had at least the epilogue! I didn't care about this FMC, she didn't feel like a well rounded character and wish she was older than 18. She acted at least 25 and not like a teenager, so that's what I went with in my head.
Ending was super rushed? Like the entire rebellion was forced in the epilogue in like 3-5 pages. It was ridiculous why even include it? Idk just say you found a larger/secret arm of a different rebellion, join up with then, then they all retire. Or idk there are a lot of ways it could have gone. Instead of wrapping up an ENTIRE series in a quick summary? And even then, it wasn't wrapped up. The author clearly states this was her plan, to get the characters (including all couples from previous books) to the action part and only that far and then end things. It left me unsettled because it left all 4 books unwrapped up and all the characters in limbo.
July 22, 2024
I was happy to see Desh has his own book. After what he’s been through, I’m glad to see he found a partner in Talia. After learning Talia’s story, I’m glad she found love with Desh. Her life was an empty one, only wanting her own room and some grapes. Thankfully, she got way more than she ever thought possible.
Awesome ending to the series. I wish there was an epilogue that discussed the entire outcome, but I’m happy with what we got. Power to the people. We can all have what we need to make a good life, if only we band together and commit to going through the hard times and fight for our freedom.
Awesome ending to the series. I wish there was an epilogue that discussed the entire outcome, but I’m happy with what we got. Power to the people. We can all have what we need to make a good life, if only we band together and commit to going through the hard times and fight for our freedom.
February 8, 2023
'Nunca en su vida habría sabido que besarse podía sentirse tan bien, como si él estuviera tan dentro de ella que nunca más volvería a
estar sola.'
•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.
Rise de Claire Kent serie Hold libro 4
Argumento:
Durante casi un año, Talia ha vivido como trabajadora sexual para el Alto Director del Consejo de la Coalición, brindando sexo recreativo y placer sensual a algunas de las personas más importantes e influyentes del universo explorado. Después de una infancia difícil y sin alegría, ahora tiene comodidad y seguridad, viviendo y trabajando en el centro de poder en el espacio de la Coalición.
Tiene todo lo que necesita y no sabe que tiene nada más que esperar, hasta que conoce a Desh.
El sexo con Desh es mejor de lo que jamás había imaginado, pero no tienen futuro juntos. Desh es un campeón en ascenso en un torneo de combate, pero sabe que esconde secretos. Está en una misión condenada al fracaso que probablemente lo matará al final. Y aunque no sea así, Talia siempre será una trabajadora sexual. Su trabajo es tener sexo con otros hombres. Puede ofrecerle su cuerpo a Desh por ahora, pero ofrecerle su corazón significaría renunciar a su esperanza de un futuro, y probablemente arriesgar su vida.
Enamorarse es lo más peligroso que puede hacer.
Mi humilde opinión:
En Rise, Desh se encuentra en una misión secreta el La Residencia del Alto Director de la Coalición haciéndose pasar por un luchador. Para tener éxito y llegar al mismo director, deberá ganar todas las peleas. Allí conoce a Talía, una acompañante de ocio que está buscando una mejor vida. Ninguno de los dos pensó que conocerse pondría en riesgo sus planes trazados...
Esta entrega de Hold fue una lectura rápida y lamentablemente terminé medio decepcionada. No fue malo pero esperaba algo más por ser el cierre de la serie.
Me gustaba la idea de este Desh años después, entrenado y decidido a ir en contra de la Coalición pero...
Me hubiera gustado ver su lado inteligente, con un plan mejor que una misión suicida. Me hubiera gustado saber más de esos años de entrenamiento. Me hubiera encantado ver cómo infiltrado como luchador hacía daño a la Coalición. Ni siquiera hubo una escena de lucha decente para poner tensión a la historia. No, en lugar de ver algo más de suspenso y acción, todo va más por el lado del romance. Lo que me encanta pero ojalá la autora lo hubiera equilibrado, un poco de esto y otro de aquello.
Así que el romance me dio igual. Fue dulce, sexy y tuvo su drama pero no es que me emocionara tanto. Estuvo la erótica que tuvieron todos los libros de la serie pero esperé más de Desh y Talía.
Al principio Talía me resultó materialista y débil como heroína.
Entendía que era prostituta y que escogió serlo porque sentía que ella no tenía otra salida para mejorar su vida pero no fue fácil para mi aguantar el maltrato que recibía o a pesar de querer a Desh tenía sexo con otros hombres.
Solo con Marshall fue explícito. Por lo que las partes con Marshall teniendo sexo decidí saltarlas. Era un tipo asqueroso y arrogante. No podía aguantar las palabras despectivas que le decía a Talía y el maltrato físico. Que ella se dejara hacer y decir lo que sea por la comodidad y el dinero.
Le tomó tiempo darse cuenta que era más que un objeto sexual y que había otra opción.
El mundo de Talia era diferente ahora. Y preferiría estar muerta que vivir una existencia vacía y estéril, la vida que había vivido durante tanto tiempo.
Ya no la quería.
Quería… algo más.
Quería ser otra cosa.
Era un ser humano pleno, con alma y libre albedrío, y lo iba a usar para tomar las decisiones que quisiera tomar en su vida.
Fue emocionante cuando pareció despertarse y convertirse en la heroína que esperaba ver en la historia. Ella misma es la que le da confianza a Desh y anima a luchar de otra forma.
Así que Desh y Talía me gustaron mucho más avanzado el libro cuando juntos toman decisiones inteligentes y no impulsivas. Se unen para hacer algo real y combatir el tiranismo de la Coalición.
Los capítulos finales y el epilogo fueron para mí las partes que más me gustaron leer. Porque sentí que estaba pasando algo más emocionante.
Primero me encantaron todas las actualizaciones de las parejas anteriores viviendo en el mismo planeta. Me entristeció saber que la tribu de Rone fue destruida por la Coalición pero estaba feliz con Lenna y sus hijos. Cain y Riana también tenían hijos! Me encanta que las parejas crezcan! Todas noticias felices pero... Y de nuevo PERO fue un resumen de todo lo bueno! Ojalá la autora hubiera escrito más sobre la rebelión que encabezaba Desh y que se unieron Hall, Kyla, Lenna y Cain!
Aparte de lo que esperé y no llegó, me parece que la serie tuvo un buen final.
December 5, 2023
okay boooo👎🏼
May 29, 2025
3.5 rounded down. I loved the idea of this series, but I wish it was either longer or more in depth maybe. I think this is likely my own fault, not realizing they're novella length.
July 9, 2022
202207 - I listened to this again. Similar feelings. I get that the heroine is young and raised in such a way that she’s fixated on pleasing the men she has sex with while performing her job as a sex worker, but I don’t enjoy the naïveté or that she continues to service other men while with Desh. It’s reasonable, but I don’t like it. I gave 4 stars for the follow up on characters from previous books and wrap up of the series.
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I kind of want to give this four stars because it was a nice wrap up for the series, but Talia annoyed me for most of the book. She’s just 18, a sex worker, and somehow so naive. I did enjoy catching up with previous characters.
I’m disappointed the author doesn’t plan to publish under this pen name any longer. These books feel more original and more well developed than what she’s writing under her other pen name. Oh well, I guess.
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I kind of want to give this four stars because it was a nice wrap up for the series, but Talia annoyed me for most of the book. She’s just 18, a sex worker, and somehow so naive. I did enjoy catching up with previous characters.
I’m disappointed the author doesn’t plan to publish under this pen name any longer. These books feel more original and more well developed than what she’s writing under her other pen name. Oh well, I guess.
November 26, 2022
This whole series was so bad but I still read all of it so what does that say about me
December 3, 2022
The first book was strongest but I really enjoyed this science fiction romance series. Desh and Talia’s duty vs. love conflict really tugged on my heartstrings, especially once it became paired with the larger struggle against the oppressive regime. Their individual hopes and dreams pave the way for everyone else’s hopes for the future. I did not see Claire Kent ever examining how a rebellion comes about and it was such a pleasant surprise. That said, Desh’s initial plan was a big head-scratcher—all those years to plan and that was the best he could do? It’s a good thing he had Talia there to show him the error of his ways.
Characters: Talia is an 18 year old sex worker. Desh is a 28 year old Combatant (fighter) and virgin.
Content notes: sex work, sex work shaming (somewhat countered), fatphobia, fatshaming, tournament fights, injuries from fighting, past planet dump (punishment for sedition , past objectification of FMC by men in town (started when she was 14), family planning conversation, on page sex, alcohol, gendered pejorative, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
Characters: Talia is an 18 year old sex worker. Desh is a 28 year old Combatant (fighter) and virgin.
Content notes: sex work, sex work shaming (somewhat countered), fatphobia, fatshaming, tournament fights, injuries from fighting, past planet dump (punishment for sedition , past objectification of FMC by men in town (started when she was 14), family planning conversation, on page sex, alcohol, gendered pejorative, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
December 14, 2017
Claire Kent est le pseudonyme de Noelle Adams quand elle écrit de la romance érotique. Le livre auquel appartient cette série est le quatrième mais se lit très bien tout seul. C’est également une série de science fiction de l’auteure même si le contexte n’est pas tellement creusé. Il s’agit, à chaque fois, de montrer un élément de ce monde et quelques caractéristiques. Dans ce cas précis, nous allons découvrir un tournoi de combattants, des sortes de fighters de MMA. Autour se trouvent pas mal de gens dont des prostituées qui cherchent des protecteur qui leur permettront d’échapper à leur statut.
C’est le cas de Talia, une très jeune femme qui a du mal à s’imposer dans ce métier et sait à quel point elle devra partir à la recherche d’un protecteur suffisamment puissant pour assurer son avenir. Talia va tomber sur Desh, un des combattants et elle est plutôt satisfaite de lui offrir ses services. Desh est séduisant et gentil. Il l’attire aussi, ce qui est rarement le cas de ses autres clients.
http://romance-bluemoon.com/2017/12/r...
C’est le cas de Talia, une très jeune femme qui a du mal à s’imposer dans ce métier et sait à quel point elle devra partir à la recherche d’un protecteur suffisamment puissant pour assurer son avenir. Talia va tomber sur Desh, un des combattants et elle est plutôt satisfaite de lui offrir ses services. Desh est séduisant et gentil. Il l’attire aussi, ce qui est rarement le cas de ses autres clients.
http://romance-bluemoon.com/2017/12/r...
Read
September 14, 2022I really respect that Claire Kent wrote a dystopian series that hyper-focused on each romance within the world-building stage. Normally the final book would have The Big Showdown, but Kent isn't interested in the mechanics of rebellion, just the people at the heart of it.
This is a very dark series, so please keep that in mind! Talia, the heroine of this one, is a sex worker, and the book definitely handles it better than I was expecting. Her love interest Desh could be something of a Chosen One archetype because of his birthright, but he's no weary torchbearer here. (At least, not in the long run!)
This is a very dark series, so please keep that in mind! Talia, the heroine of this one, is a sex worker, and the book definitely handles it better than I was expecting. Her love interest Desh could be something of a Chosen One archetype because of his birthright, but he's no weary torchbearer here. (At least, not in the long run!)
December 7, 2017
Rise is the 4th book of the Hold series and it is quite interesting.
This book is a sci-fiction romance, but there is a political plot underlining it that makes it so good.
I think that Claire Kent in this series shows a lot of skills in telling the story of Talia, a sex worker for the High Director of the Coalition Council. She came from poverty and being in the leisure suite is a way of improving her life and she accepts her whole in this situation with quite a rational mind.
However, as nothing is easy for anybody, she become attached to a warrior named Desh, unknowing his motives for participating in the Combat Tournament.
This is a love story that you will have to read with an open mind and you will enjoy the cleverness of the writing and how this author is subtle in dealing with a lot of strong issues.
The whole series is great, the first one Hold is in a prison and shows how a couple survived a horrible incarceration, the second is Fall regarding hidden secrets in a different planet. The third one about a primitive planet and is all about survival and how love can exist even when people come from different worlds. Rise is the end of the series and is excellent in closing these characters that are so strong and resilient.
A good reading!!
This book is a sci-fiction romance, but there is a political plot underlining it that makes it so good.
I think that Claire Kent in this series shows a lot of skills in telling the story of Talia, a sex worker for the High Director of the Coalition Council. She came from poverty and being in the leisure suite is a way of improving her life and she accepts her whole in this situation with quite a rational mind.
However, as nothing is easy for anybody, she become attached to a warrior named Desh, unknowing his motives for participating in the Combat Tournament.
This is a love story that you will have to read with an open mind and you will enjoy the cleverness of the writing and how this author is subtle in dealing with a lot of strong issues.
The whole series is great, the first one Hold is in a prison and shows how a couple survived a horrible incarceration, the second is Fall regarding hidden secrets in a different planet. The third one about a primitive planet and is all about survival and how love can exist even when people come from different worlds. Rise is the end of the series and is excellent in closing these characters that are so strong and resilient.
A good reading!!
March 25, 2023
I wasn’t a fan of the age gap but I wanted to read Desh’s story, so I mentally aged them up. Loved seeing everyone from the previous books and learning about what they’re up to, especially Lenna and Rone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2021
Me esperé todo el libro para el POV de Desh, no pasó. Esperé que pasara algo con el Alto Director, no pasó. La evolución de personaje de Talia es de un segundo a otro, no me gustó tanto.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2022
3.5 Stars A worthy conclusion to an extraordinary series in the dystopic setting. Feelings are explored here at a depth that is rarely found in books - existential, raw and absolutely honest.
dnfs-2024
August 16, 2024DNF @ 27% This was just not for me
May 23, 2022
This was an okay finish to the series. After reading the authors thoughts at the very end it wasn't their intention to do anything past love and relationships when living under the coalitions thumb. I think this series could have been longer, and better if it was thickened up with more of the story. I would have loved to read a novella or even a story of how Lenny and Rone escaped and met up with the others. I would have loved to read about some of the war and fighting. There was a lot of open ended questions and stories that would have been great to know how things turned out.
This couple wasn't my favorite. I think it they were able to be more fleshed out I would have enjoyed them more. Desh was okay but jeeze, his reasoning for even joining up with the tournament was, a suicide mission, I understood that. I can get behind a suicide mission if it was gonna make a change. I was assuming he was gonna go in with a bomb or some device to take out his Dad but then when I read he was just gonna take off his mask and show his Dad that he wasn't really dead or weak because he was stronger and won a fighting tournament was just fucking stupid. 28 year old man was acting so dumb, it was unbelievable.
This couple wasn't my favorite. I think it they were able to be more fleshed out I would have enjoyed them more. Desh was okay but jeeze, his reasoning for even joining up with the tournament was, a suicide mission, I understood that. I can get behind a suicide mission if it was gonna make a change. I was assuming he was gonna go in with a bomb or some device to take out his Dad but then when I read he was just gonna take off his mask and show his Dad that he wasn't really dead or weak because he was stronger and won a fighting tournament was just fucking stupid. 28 year old man was acting so dumb, it was unbelievable.
April 19, 2022
4.5 stars
This was such a good series! I devoured all four books, and Rise ended the series on a high note. I loved it! Desh, a character we met in the previous book 'Fall', is the male hero in this story. Talia is our main character and the story is written from her perspective.
I was initially apprehensive when I read in the synopsis that Talia worked as an escort. I wasn't sure I wanted to read our heroine being with men other than the male mc. However, upon reading the story, I feel it worked really well. Talia treated the work as simply a job to do and the escort subject was neither glamourised or diminished. The romance between our main characters and the emotion there was also really good. Perhaps even more so than the previous stories.
I'm sad to see the Hold series complete, but it will definitely go on the re-read pile.
(*^ω^*)
This was such a good series! I devoured all four books, and Rise ended the series on a high note. I loved it! Desh, a character we met in the previous book 'Fall', is the male hero in this story. Talia is our main character and the story is written from her perspective.
I was initially apprehensive when I read in the synopsis that Talia worked as an escort. I wasn't sure I wanted to read our heroine being with men other than the male mc. However, upon reading the story, I feel it worked really well. Talia treated the work as simply a job to do and the escort subject was neither glamourised or diminished. The romance between our main characters and the emotion there was also really good. Perhaps even more so than the previous stories.
I'm sad to see the Hold series complete, but it will definitely go on the re-read pile.
(*^ω^*)
June 4, 2022
I loved this! Sex workers in romances is always a bit dicey in regards to how they will be portrayed, and how the work is portrayed, but I thought this was well done. It was soooooo hot! I really want there to be a follow up book involving all the couples, but apparently the author stopped writing this series because it wasn’t making her enough money. Damn people! This series is so good - why is this not hugely more popular? I like Ruby Dixon, but honestly this is light years (pun) more enjoyable to read. Although probably darker, so, maybe the audience is smaller. Still though, considering just how wildly popular Ruby is, surely Clare should be popular enough to finish writing a series of novellas…
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