Protected

by Claire Kent

Two years after the world fell apart, I'm entirely alone, a twenty-four-year-old woman scrounging for food and barely surviving. My only choice left is to hook up with a group of roaming scavengers. They're not good people, but it's safer with them than on my own.

Deck immediately makes himself my silent protector. He never speaks, but he doesn't have to. He keeps me alive, and I try to communicate with him. We eventually learn to trust each other.

The world after Impact is rawer and bleaker than what it used to be, and we've lost most of what made life worth living. But maybe we haven't lost everything.

Maybe love still lurks in the ruins.

Protected is a standalone post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe and is part of the larger Kindled series world.

Genres: Romance, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Forced Proximity, Friends To Lovers, Adult, Apocalyptic

270 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Claire 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,

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5* This world doesn’t give you the luxury of moral introspection.

I wish I would’ve liked this one more. The premise drew me in, but it felt very bland. There wasn’t much substance or character growth. There were glimmers of depth, but it felt undercooked.

Lilah (24) is surviving on her own after her boyfriend died. She is very meek, I have no idea how she managed to stay alive on her own.

Deck (29) is a silent, gentle giant. Although he can speak, he chooses not to. He takes an instant liking to Lilah after their group finds her living alone.

I really liked the side characters, Logan particularly. I’m looking forward to reading his story.

Tropes:
Post apocalyptic
Sloooow burn
Wimpy fmc
Gentle giant mmc
Obvious bad character
Decent intimate scenes
HFN ending

There were moment that felt so awkward, like this statement.

I don’t know how to fish and I don’t have the required equipment, so I can’t help with the fishing.

What? You didn’t know how to clean clothes either but you managed to figure that out.

Also, the Trisha drama felt forced and unnecessary.

To be fair, it probably didn’t help that I just came off a binge of her Noelle Adams books, which are packed with emotion, layered characters, and so much heart. This story simply pales in comparison.

Helpful reading order and tropes from the author:
1. Last Light (standalone), age gap, road trip
2. Haven (Kindled, Book 1), secret relationship, partners
3. Princess (Kindled, Book 2), age gap, bodyguard
4. Embers (Kindled, Book 3), age gap, forbidden
5. Hero (Kindled, Book 4), single dad, partners
6. Citadel (Kindled, Book 5), age gap, protector
7. Sanctuary (Kindled, Book 6), rivals, stranded in the snow
8. Homestead (Kindled, Book 7), transactional, marriage of convenience
9. Beacon (Kindled, Book 8), second chance, wounded hero
10. Protected (standalone), road trip, nonverbal hero
11. Devotion (Central Cities, Book 1), transactional, age gap
12. Service (Central Cities, Book 2), she’s in charge, bodyguard

As always for this series, BR with Isabella!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming June 26th to Direct Sale and to KU on July 3rd!

Come back to the Kindled world 2 years after impact and meet Lilah and Deck.

Get ready for:
-Post-Apocalyptic survival
-5 Year age gap
-Standalone set before Last Light, with a cameo or 2 of characters you love from the Kindled series.
-Size difference (he's huge and bearded)
-He's non-verbal and they make their own sign language together
-He's a gruff protector

This will lead into the upcoming series The Wilds which starts in Year 3 after Impact!

I had a great time reading this one, though I am obviously extremely biased! But fans of the Kindled universe are in for a treat!

*Thank you to Claire Kent for an Advanced Copy to read. I am also her PA. So I wasn't kidding about being biased. ;)*

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟½ 𝐁I𝐆F𝐎O𝐓 𝐒T𝐀R𝐒

📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

'P𝐑O𝐓E𝐂T𝐄D' Is a full length post-apocalyptic standalone romance book set in the Kindled series world by author Claire Kent. Get ready to meet Lilah & Deck

Two years after impact...

As soon as I'd stumbled across this, I dived right in, and pretty much inhaled it in one sitting, I loved being back in this world, a series I'd most probably read again back to back.

This pulled me in right away as only this author has a tendency to do, I can't get enough books surrounding the end of the world as they knew it, surviving on the food they have to scavenge, the kill or be killed scenarios, seeking sanctuary wherever they deem safe. And this book was no different.

Since the death of her boyfriend four months ago Lilah's been struggling ever since, it's not safe being out on her own so she's wary of strangers for good reason. So when she stumbles across Logans large group (twenty men & four woman) her hackles are up but she has to eat or she'll starve and devices a plan to grab some of their provisions, but when she's caught stealing from them she thought the worst was going to happen, but Logan offers her safety within their group as long as she contributes around camp.

Logan asks Deck to look after Lilah and he does just that, he's always near, keeping an eye on her, watching over her, protecting her. It becomes obvious that he was beyond smitten by the newcomer to the group.

Deck hasn't spoken since impact and she's curious to know the reason why he stopped talking. Lilah had a cousin who was deaf so she'd learned enough ASL to teach Deck the language and improvised gestures they made up together to make communication easier.

I loved Deck, he took looking after Lilah to a whole new level, this big hulk of a man was a marshmallow when it came to her.

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[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 because I wish it was a little longer, but I still loved it! They were really huggy and I loved that

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75🌟!

It took me a hot minute to realise where I read about Lucian and this is a spin off series of Kindled BUT once I realised that I’m ecstatic. Dear author, please keep them coming.

From the moment silent, Bigfoot Deck meets Lilah, he’s attached to her hip. It was quite clear to everyone other than Lilah that he’s smitten. I adored the way he behaved whenever any other man showed interest in Lilah. It was so hilarious!
The characterisation was on point and I loved all the secondary characters too. I hope all of them get their own stories.
I enjoyed the suspense and action in this one. Along with Deck, Lilah was also a badass. Especially in the climax scenes.
Before I didn’t understand the significance of the flower on the cover but later when I did, my heart melted.

But I do have a tiny complaint that I needed more romantic scenes of Deck and Lilah. There was some emotional, some funny and some steamy scenes.
Overall I loved this book.

-Post apocalypse romance.
-Forced proximity, Found family.
-Disability rep (Mutism).
-KU (July 3), standalone.
-Safe, TW and recommended.

I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is cozy without action or surprises.
It’s worth reading.

[edith · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter how big and strong he is, a lot of it is natural bulk rather than cultivated musculature. He’s been physically active most of his life and even more so since Impact, and it shows in the strong shape of his arms and legs. But he doesn’t have a six- pack. He’s actually got a little extra flesh around his middle. And I like it.

YESSSSSSSUGGHHHH 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 A DAD BOD 🤰🤰



Yes, I read this just because of the DAD BOD, mute, BIG AND TALL, kind hero, no shame. The apocalyptic setting was just a bonus but I know what to expect from Claire Kent anyways, which is a story that follows a linear line. Her books are a good time when you want something quick and weirdly cute to read, and this delivered that.

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not wait to start this one.

This story bridges the Kindled series and the upcoming Wilds series. I loved both Lilah and Deck. I loved the communication between the two of them. Even if there was times when Lilah didn't want to talk about something, Deck would give her space and then check with her later. Their relationship developed pretty easily and stayed together. I like that Deck was devoted from the start and never wavered from Lilah. I liked that they developed a partnership before a relationship.

I loved seeing some easter eggs from the Kindled series.

Overall, this story was an easy read. There was not a lot of angst and just a bit of conflict towards the end. I loved how Claire Kent wrote these characters and can't wait for the rest of the series.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Protected is a new survival romance by Claire Kent. This is a post apocalyptic, standalone (but exists in the same world as Last Light and the Kindled series), with a gruff hero (this author does heroes like this so well), who is protective and non-verbal.

This book takes place 2 years after Impact, an event that lead to this post apocalyptic world that we’ve seen play out in the Kindled series and Last Light by this author. This book actually takes places before Last Light and the Kindled series and will act as a prequel/bridge into The Wilds series coming from this author next year. In this book we follow Lilah and Deck. Deck is traveling with a group and they find/run into Lilah when the story starts. Lilah has been surviving on her own after losing her boyfriend and is quickly folded into this new crew. Deck is tasked with helping her/keeping watch of her and they quickly form a bond. Deck is non-verbal and while he teaches her to fight, she teaches him to communicate with her (using ASL as a base and then coming up with their own signs/gestures to fill in).

This was nice and short and I liked Lilah and Deck together. We do get reminded maybe a couple too many times (for me at least) about their size difference, but otherwise I liked seeing these 2 work together. As a group they explore a lot and get into some sticky, survival situations that play out. I liked how protective and sweet Deck is. We do get a couple brief appearances of other characters in this Kindled world which is always fun and I can’t wait to see The Wilds series start up soon (with characters we meet in this book getting future books).

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

CW: attempted sexual assault, violence, deaths

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’m rounding this up to 4 stars because it wasn’t flawed enough to be a 3 star book. But, I enjoyed it, but didn’t LOVE it. The hero and heroine were likable, but not memorable. It wasn't totally lacking depth, but it could have used a little more. It was missing a certain je ne sais quoi that makes a book stand-out. This won't stick with me enough to make it a real 4 star read.

This is set in the world of Claire Kent’s Kindled series – and like the books in that series, you could read it as a standalone, but it is more enjoyable if you’ve read the other books.

This is setting up a spinoff series about Logan and his men. (Logan was the guy in Beacon whose daughter got kidnapped. He rules over that area of land where the Kindled characters were like, “we stay away from there, we don’t know what happens there”).

This is set a few years before most of the Kindled books, Rachel and Cal from Embers make a cameo when she’s clearly still a teen, before they get together, and the Homestead hero makes a cameo, when he’s also clearly still younger. This is about Lilah (24) who has been surviving alone in this dystopian world, and she comes across Logan (like 40) and his group, which includes Deck (29), the hero.

Deck is mute because of trauma, and I love that he never magically gets the power of speech back. Lilah teaches him sign language so that they can communicate better, but otherwise, she assures him that she likes him the way she is, even if he never talks again.

This book is typical Claire Kent, where the way she describes her heroes often sounds unappealing, so I just have to ignore that. Like, she could have written, “Deck is huge and scary” and that can still be hot. But nope, instead she wrote, “he looks like Bigfoot.” That’s so unappealing, why would you describe him that way! But it's so typical of how she writes, I had to laugh.

Similar to the other books in the Kindled series, this book is mostly a quiet focus on daily life stuff in a post apocalyptic world. But, it does have some differences from the other Kindled books that are interesting. Logan, the leader, is more morally grey and less nice than the leaders in the Kindled books. He’s not a bad guy, he’s very interesting – I can’t wait for him to get his own book. The author’s note at the end said he’ll get a book at the end, the way Mack did in the Kindled series.

Aside from a more morally grey leader, this book also had a character who was kind of a villain. Previously in the Kindled books, there weren’t really “villain” characters. The main characters would just encounter bad guys in 1 scene, but kill them, so we never learned their names.

So, this is a good start to the Wilds series – it seems like it will be similar to the Kindled series, but might have a little bit more intrigue. Especially since Logan seemed like a crime lord type when we meet him in Beacon (which is set like 5 to 10 years after this book). It could be interesting if the Wilds series makes us like the "bad guys," by slowly making them seem likable and innocuous in this book, before they become shadier down the line, in later books. I don't get the sense that Claire Kent is interested in writing dark romance. So if that DOES end up happening, it'll probably be to gesture towards a broader theme about everyone's shared humanity. And, the series will probably end with them living harmoniously with the Kindled characters. But, Logan is intriguing as a side character, so hopefully he'll spice up all the books even before he gets his own book.

This book didn't knock my socks off, but it was a quick and enjoyable read, and it did make me curious for the rest of the series.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished season 2 of Last of Us and it just got me wanting to read a story in this world and what utterly perfect timing.

I LOVED this one. Oh my goodness from the very beginning I got pulled in and could not put this down. Deck was so wonderful all around and I loved Lilah's strength and vulnerability. I think next to Last Light this is my favorite from all the ones I've read in this series. It was still stressful because of the world they are surviving in but the chemistry and connection Lilah and Deck had from the very beginning was 💯. I only wish this was longer. I definitely recommend giving this a read..

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow…so good!





Lilah is a fiercely resilient heroine who grabs your attention from the start. Living in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world, she’s tough but vulnerable, scared, and longing for connection. Watching her struggle to survive while slowly building a quiet connection with Deck is both inspiring and deeply moving. Her determination and growth throughout the story make her just as compelling as Deck, and their dynamic feels honest, raw and real.





Deck had me from the very first pages. Real, raw, and emotionally gripping… all without a single word. His presence was powerful, his silence magnetic, and every unspoken emotion hit just right. I appreciated that his silence wasn’t just a quirk; it created a quiet tension, hinting at emotions and thoughts just beneath the surface, while adding layers of mystery, strength, and a vulnerability that made his protective nature even more powerful. I absolutely LOVE how Claire Kent creates her heroes. She has an incredible gift for bringing them to life with such vivid, layered emotion that you feel every nuance. And in Protected, she works that magic once again - with quiet, breathtaking subtlety.





The slow, delicate way Deck and Lilah connect adds a beautiful layer of intimacy and vulnerability to the story, making their relationship feel deeply authentic and heartfelt. So when I finally learned what had happened to Deck - oh my gosh - I was shattered! That sense of brokenness and loss was so palpable, I could almost feel it through his pain.





The world this book builds is bleak and unforgiving, but within that harshness there’s still a flicker of hope, and maybe even love, that makes the journey worthwhile. Protected, like the rest of the series, isn’t just a survival story; it’s a moving exploration of how connection, love, and found family can still take root in the ruins.

Heroine POV
Safe h not a virgin; H not a player; there is another woman who wants to move in on the H but it doesn’t go anywhere and never causes drama between he h/H
Triggers there is always the concern for sexual assault for the woman in the Kindle world as it post-apocalyptic but there are no actual attempts in this one; violence
Steam 5 /5; explicit; birth control in the form of withdrawal

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headlines:
Non-verbal hero
Reluctant friendship
Finding your people

Claire Kent hit me with the feels with Protected and a cast of many new faces. Centre stage was given to Deck and Lilah and I was a rapt audience. Deck brought the intrigue factor immediately with his demeanour, size and being non-verbal. Asked to protect Lilah by their leader Logan, Deck was a pest, then a welcome shadow, then a friend.

This story was adjacent to the Kindled world and I believe it connects to the new series. It brought all the familiarity with this post-apocalyptic world but with a fresh story and set of characters. I did realise along the way that we’d actually met at least one of these character before in the Kindled series.

I got all the feels in my mind, heart and gut with these two. There was a rawness to their authentic connection and developing feelings. The on-page chemistry was engrossing and it brought the usual spice level that this author excels at.

I remain impressed with the way Claire Kent interconnects these worlds with different timelines but still, it doesn’t feel confusing. On the one hand, there’s a simplicity to the connections and sense of coupling in these books but that is meant in a complimentary way. On the other hand, the plots are always engaging and the found family in Protected was completely my jam.

All this to say, I cannot wait for the new series to arrive starting with The Last Song. This appetiser with Protected was everything I needed.

Thank you to the author for the eARC.

[Izzie d · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this.
Hero is unable to speak.

[Anne Boleyn's Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost DNFed when the FMC compared the MMC to Bigfoot 😅 No judgment if that is your thing, but it is definitely not mine, and I have struggled with the heroes in this series becoming increasingly...well...gross.

But I persevered! And I am so glad that I did!

Said MMC, Deck, was not a Bigfoot doppelgänger. At least not really. Phew! More importantly, I found that Protected was the most engrossing addition to the Kindled universe in several books. The depiction of life in the post-apocalyptic wilderness - whether on the road or in a temporary refuge - held my attention. The lead and supporting characters were well-developed and authentic.

The connection between Lilah and Deck felt genuine and tangible, reminiscent of the early (and my personal favorite) couples in the series. Initial tension, followed by wary acceptance, then gradual blooming of reliance and comfort and trust and attraction. Their relationship was still intense, but there was also a humor and lightness that has been missed.

Protected was a promising introduction to the upcoming The Wild spin-off, and I cannot wait to see more of these new characters shine.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! Loved the big teddy bear MMC who wore his heart on his sleeve and also excited that there was not a significant age gap yay! But the ow drama is really not my cup of tea

[ras 🔻]

how do yall be reading post apocalyptic books without being filled with a sense of dread, this was a pretty decent read overall but it also made me so anxious like that’s our future…

[Jody Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected is the latest book set in the Kindled universe, two years after Impact. The Kindled series starts with Last Light (I know, but it does) five years after Impact. Lilah is on her own after pre-Impact boyfriend dies, and joins up with Logan (whom we met in Beacon) and his traveling crew. Specifically she is discovered trying to steal food from them. Specifically by Deck, a giant, non-verbal man who has worked with Logan a decade before Impact.

The connection between Deck and Lilah is immediate and intense. Not in an insta-lust kind of way, but in an Invisible String kind of way. Lilah is completely alone in the world, and has struggled to stay safe and alive. "Now I have nothing worth protecting. Except myself. [...] I've fought too hard for too long simply to stay alive." Kent does great work showing their bond, even when Lilah is angry at being caught, her immediate instinct is to connect and communicate with him. "Without thinking, I sign and mouth out the words, 'Are you deaf?' to Deck. His scowl lessens, and he gives his head a brief shake." The caretaking continues on both side, her first meal she gives him half, because "He's so huge he probably needs extra food." He sticks close, offering physical protection, but also of her emotions when she needs to vent.

Their emotional and caretaking connection just builds and builds, before their relationship ever turns physical. Lilah teaches Deck some ASL (she has a deaf relative), a secret language between them. When there is a respite period (all road trip romances have a respite stage) he literally puts her in a tower with him like a princess, a sanctuary for the two of them. They SEE each other. She's a soft place for him in a hard world, taking care of him in ways he never expected, and he protects her. "No one has ever made me feel as safe as he does."

Something extremely true to the universe keeps Lilah from acting on her attraction, even though "It's not just lust as I understand it [...] It's deeper than that. Some sort of possessive entitlement." I loved how deftly Kent handled the situation, it's not a misunderstanding, but a well-founded fear. And as with every conflict the characters have throughout the book, this couple communicates well. Throughout the book they express their mutual concerns, apologize when at fault, take conciliatory steps to the other, validate the feelings of the other, and reaffirm how important the relationship is. Honestly, it's #relationshipgoals for us all.

If there's one through line of a Kent hero, it's that they are taciturn about it, but are gone for their heroine, and will do anything for them. The reader sees it (even though she usually writes FMC single POV). Of course Lilah doesn't see it the way we do, and it's frustrating even while it feels right. She's relatively new to the group, and having felt the relative security of belonging, she doesn't want to risk her spot. Even though they have mutually declared "you'll never be alone again" we get the "small shiver of fear that also awakes from the knowledge of needing someone so completely in a world that never allows the good things to remain."

I loved the way Kent built this relationship. When they do eventually come together (this might be the slowest burn of all her books) we feel the depth and strength of their friendship and that string that binds them together alongside the intense physical and emotional attraction.

I was completely gripped the whole time reading this, a testament to the writing and plotting. She just consistently took the more interesting and unusual path, and I feel like this is a top tier entry into the Kindled universe. I'm really looking forward to The Wild series to spend more time with these characters in this setting. This series was originally released on Kent's FB page in serial format. I appreciated being able to see the craft choices and edits she made to make it flow smoothly in book form.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book.

[Mads · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SLUMP IS OVER!!

4.5 stars. I love a big, seemingly-intimidating softy. The storyline wasn’t perfect, and I found myself questioning a couple minor things, but the romance was lovely. I enjoyed both the FMC and the MMC. I read it in two days, which is saying something since books have taken me months to read recently.

I feel like this story would be a really good palate cleanser between series. It’s got action, friendship, love, and hope at the end of the world as we know it. What more could you want?

[Sonya Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 🌟 good Lord I love these books so much!!

[Marie Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️Claire Kent has done it again!
Huge thank you to her and her team for giving me a ARC of this book!! I loved her Kindled series and this hit the void that left.
What to expect:
-post apocalyptic
-silent hero
-TENSIONNNN
-strong FMC
-size difference
I cannot wait for everyone to read this book. I devoured it in one sitting and already want more!!

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

Protected is a standalone, post-apocalyptic romance set in the same world as the Kindled series, but it takes place in 2 years after impact. I adored Last Light and the Kindled series, and I was excited to explore a different time and new characters. I don't know how Claire Kent manages to write such a feel-good and sweet romances in a dangerous setting. She always writes my favorite silent, broody, and sweet heroes. Deck completely stole my heart.

Lilah has been living on her own after her boyfriend died when a new group takes her in. They mostly travel from place to place scavenging for supplies, and Lilah is grateful to find a group to survive with. Deck takes on a protective role with Lilah and teaches her how to fight. He is non-verbal and stopped speaking after a traumatic event, so Lilah teaches him ASL. I loved how they communicated and depended on each other. Deck made Lilah safe and protected for the first time since impact. She didn't want to lose him or the group if their relationship failed, so she was reluctant to get involved even though she was falling for him. Deck proves to her time and time that he will always be there for her, though.

Deck was the sweetest, big, burly man, and I adored him. He was so thoughtful and genuine with Lilah.

I loved how this book was setting up Claire's new series set in The Wilds, and I can't wait. It was also great getting a couple of cameos from the Kindled series.

Thank you to Claire Kent for providing the ARC.

[Lillian]

Cute post apocalyptic novel. Mute hero.

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

- 4.25 stars rounded to 4
- same world, different cast, but I really enjoyed it anyways.
- I also liked that the MMC didn’t magically start talking, and stayed mute

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected was another winner for me by this author. I love that she continues to write books in this genre because it's one of my favorites. Lilah and Deck were a great couple, and I loved how they learned to lean on each other. While I wished that Deck would have at least spoken to Lilah I completely understood his desire to just not speak. As usual I loved the cameos and look forward to reading more books in this series especially Logan.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and sweet. Deck was a much softer MMC than Claire usually writes and their relationship developed much easier and faster, maybe because the book was much shorter (only 200 pages). He was very devoted. It was interesting to see the world much closer to impact (only 2 years) when there was more scavenging and more nomadic groups. I liked Lilah’s realistic reactions to events, it made her feel real. I’m looking forward to more books and more of Logan especially 👀

[Pene|ope • Temp Hyperfixation: WC & OMV · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I just thought I would react differently. I’m always so angry at everything. I thought it would all come out at a time like that, but it didn’t. It makes it worse somehow."

Total respect for how this FMC was written. Yes, she annoyed tf out of me with some of her actions, but I don't need to agree with everything a character does, I just need to see the logic behind it. She had very real hangups when it came to a relationship with the MMC, and to her place in the group.

I also really like that her character struggled with her reactions during intense, pivotal moments. She was angry at the world she found herself in, and was prepared to do what it took to survive in it, but her body and mind didn't always cooperate. This was a running theme that played out in different ways across the book.

I love that the MMC didn't miraculously begin speaking again after falling for the FMC. She wasn't written as a cure for what he was dealing with like I've seen so many other books do. I was nervous that I'd see that again here but was pleasantly surprised. She just accepted him as he was and that's all he needed.

My main reason for this rating is probably a me problem. I just got bored with the MCs' circling around of the same things through the story. The FMC would refuse to talk and the MMC would push until they were both frustrated. Rinse. Repeat. 

Even the smut was the same: her on top doing the same two movements every single time, after mentioning for the 10th time THAT CHAPTER how their bodies don't match up because ✨size difference.✨ We get it, she's tiny and he's huge. I know for a fact now that this author herself is either tiny or short because there's no way on earth a man that huge would have gotten up on the top bunk of a CHILDREN'S bunk bed. And if he did, the thing would have broken. It isn't just a matter of legs sticking out of a bed when you're that size. Like I don't think ppl understand how much someone with that much muscle and bone and HEIGHT weighs lol. I say this as someone from a family where everyone's tall, everyone's thick (no, your average height, average muscle husband/boyfriend does not match the way this MMC was described), and not even the women in this family would attempt that top bunk. 🤣 I'm off topic, but basically those scenes got boring, but still sweet in the moments after ig.

"If the strongest man in the group behaves himself with the women, then it’s worth the risk."

Apocalypse advice I'd live by...

This introduction to these new characters was interesting. I found myself wanting to make connections that weren't there sometimes because I know this world, it's just not the same section of it. The first mention of a jeep had me smiling with pavlovian-induced joy before I remembered this was set in a completely different area, so it was relief to see Rachel and her future man for the short time we saw them.

I devour these post-apocalyptic romances because they're so niche (no one does them quite like Claire Kent). I'm looking forward to the new series that will come. I definitely need Micah's and Logan's stories. 

“So basically you’re saying I’m Bilbo. Pretty much useless at anything that matters but somewhat decent at sneaking around.”

Lmaoooo

[The.BlondeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great short read! 📖💥 Set in a post-world disaster setting, it pulled me in right from the start. The story is fast-paced, gripping, and had me hooked until the last page. I loved watching the relationships develop throughout the chaos – so much emotion and tension in such a short book! 💔❤️‍🔥

I seriously can’t wait to read more about the other characters in this world – there’s so much potential and I’m already attached! 😍🔥 If you’re into post-apocalyptic romance with heart, grit, and just enough spice, this one's for you!

Highly recommend – I’m ready for more! 🙌📚✨

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book this author writes. Deck is a mute hero by choice. He’s endearing and protective af. I also appreciated that he never started speaking throughout the book. He didn’t have to because Lilah taught him ASL.

It was special that his words were basically only for Lilah. Lilah’s character was very stubborn, but also morally admirable. Her weakness and helplessness was grating because there were times I wanted to tell her to put her big girl panties on and figure it out! You’re in an apocalypse, for goodness sakes. Her hard-headedness when it came to her own safety and trying to please Logan added to the emotional conflict in the story.

I’m really curious for Logan’s book. He is a very intriguing, seemingly morally gray character.

[Victoria Paige]

Ah, this hit the spot and I devoured this book. If you like Claire Kent's Kindled dystopian series, then this is a great addition. It's a standalone that's going to bridge the Kindled series to a new one. They are bingeable and easy reading. The world building isn't overwhelming and concentrates on different groups.