The premise and the potential was there, but ultimately read as a string of sex scenes tied together with little plot. The characters weren’t sympathetic . The characters and their connection felt flat.
Could use a good edit.

A deal...

A necessary deal for 23 yo Chloe, who has been sheltered by her grandfather, living in the wild for 8 years after a global impact that ended "civilization" as we know it. She's suddenly left all alone in the world after her grandfather is shot. Conveniently, Jimmy saves her and takes her with him to his little outpost. With only a few women, Chloe takes up with Jimmy. He's older, strong and good at survival. Chloe is pretty matter of fact in her need for survival.
Recommend.

It's so funny that this post-apocalyptic book series is such a comfort read for me since these characters have to contend with violent raiders, a lack of medical care, and lots of body odor! But I love these books, and Homestead is no exception.

This one had one of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience! When Chloe and her grandfather encounter raiders and he unfortunately doesn't make it out alive, Chloe goes with Jimmy to his settlement. She's ready to work hard and make a space for herself among these strangers, and eventually Jimmy offers to take her to his place. He has a small farm that he hasn't been able to keep up with since his wife passed away, and he propositions Chloe, a hardworking woman (who he also thinks is real pretty). From there, feelings develop! These two kind and competent people try desperately not to hurt each other but both are hiding feelings that were outside of their agreement. Can they make this relationship last?

Claire Kent does it again!

I was so excited to get an ARC from this series - I have read multiple of the other stories and always enjoyed it!

This was a pretty quick read that offers a glimpse of a “doomsday” world where people have to start over and learn how to survive.

I love how this series shows so many people and locations and how everyone is adapting to the new world (so many dangers everywhere!!)

Chloe grew up treated like a princess, and when her grandpa died she had NO way to take care of herself. She won the lottery when Jimmy offered for her to be his lady.

They had a very fast physical relationship, but a slow emotional one but the end was oh so sweet and I enjoyed watching them grow!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This Kindled series has been fantastic, and Homestead is very much in keeping in that vein - Kent has created an interconnected world, and within that world created stand-alone love stories set in the context of a post-impact society. It's been rewarding for the series completist reader to follow side characters and get a feel for what's going on in what's left of civilization. As we might think, disaster brings out the best in some people and the very worst in others. Kent's characters navigate this reality while dealing with changing roles in a more survival-mode world, where there is safety in community and numbers, especially for women (and we've seen in previous books of the series what women have had to do to keep themselves and their community safe).

I've appreciated the high bar degree of difficulty Kent has set herself with these books - each has a different take on a relationship dynamic. One thing the books have had in common until Homestead was that the FMCs all had a community where they belonged and would protect them, either in a partner, a relative, or a literal community where they are an integral and valued member.

In Homestead Chloe has nothing. She's been with her grandfather in a remote cabin since impact, just the two of them since she was a teen. Her grandfather kept her safe and alive, but kept her in the cosseted role of grandchild, and she literally has no survival skills. She thinks "I've never been on my own. I've always had someone to take care of me." and "occasionally I can't help but wish he expected just a little more out of me." Like the FMC in Princess, another who was in lengthy safe isolation after impact, Chloe is initially developmentally static at the age she was at impact, and undergoes a LOT of change and development.

As the book opens Chloe's grandfather is killed, and she is rescued by Jimmy, part of a farming community. Chloe realizes fast she's the outsider and living on the farm only by the grace of Jimmy's parents, and will have to make herself agreeable and hardworking to stay. She cloaks herself in this persona, underlaid by the constant fear and panic of what will happen if she lets the persona slip and is ever exhausted or angry. Jimmy proposes a partnership: she works the inside chores and keeps him happy, she is provided for and protected -she gladly seizes that extra bit of security and the chance to make a home. Because Kent writes this series in first person FMC POV, the reader really feels the low-key terror and constant self-monitoring Chloe does everyday, always making sure her face doesn't reflect her true emotions when she's exhausted, that Jimmy is pleased with her, and that her feelings are crammed down deep. This section of the book reminded me so much of the middle section of Kent's excellent book Hold, a woman with no power trying to stay in favor. Because she is so focused on presenting what she thinks she wants Jimmy to see (and because he is the proto-Kent hero, shut down and non-communicative yet secretly absolutely head over heels for his lady), she can't see him clearly at all. It's a testament to Kent's writing that the reader can see what Chloe can't. Jimmy says he doesn't want Chloe to do anything intimate she doesn't feel like doing, or he knows something is bothering her, and she hears Hide Your Problems Better, Fake It More. Even when she senses more in their relationship, she has to stay safe, she assumes the least and dares not hope "I'm going to be happy with what I have." And under it all, unrelentingly, the terror of what would happen if he changed his mind about their relationship: "But you've got way more power in it than I do. This is your home. Your community. Your people. If this doesn't work, who do you think is going to get kicked out into the cold?" Would a reader have wanted them to be just a *skoosh* more communicative? Yes. But when in the history of romance have two people in a transactional relationship or marriage of convenience ever easily and openly communicated when they wanted more? An Inciting Incident leads to clarity, and by the end we see Chloe in a community, surrounded by love and support.

Also! This book sets up the long awaited Return of the Mack (sorry) and his book, the finale of the series.

i enjoyed this. it was different than what i was expecting in that it felt like there was more of a focus on smaller (ish) conflicts than the large overarching conflict. that wasnt a bad thing, because it showed us how the couple dealt with problems that came up, but it did have the side effect of the book dragging sometimes between the resolution of one conflict and the beginning of another. there was miscommunication, but it was understandable. there was also a lot more sex in this book than i was expecting, which isnt a bad or good thing. its just an observation. i liked these characters and their relationship, and i didnt mind an event in the third act that i usually wouldnt like. it led to some good communication. i was glad that jimmy saw chloe as an equal by the end because i was afraid he would be too sexist.

cws: blood, gun violence, pregnancy, vomiting, child death, grief, death of a family member, misogyny, sexual content, sexual assault

Recommended on YouTube by Jenn from The Book Refuge. This is such a good book!! I have only read one other book by this author, and it was good, but this one brings the swooning. If I am ever in a post-apocalyptic world, I hope I find a Jimmy. Chloe was also a great character. She wasn't annoying in her ignorance, even for being naive about the world. I loved the setup; the transactional relationship was a good place for this to start, and I love where it ended! Read this!
I look forward to reading more in this series!

This was my first book by this author. I first saw this on a YouTube video that a someone was talking about upcoming books. The blurb really got me because even though it was kind of dystopian it really reminded me more of like the Wild West or pioneer days. I enjoyed that it was quick moving and the pacing was steady. It definitely reminded me of arranged marriage one would make in the 1800s. The communication the main characters had was impeccable. No third act breakup. Would highly recommend. 4.5 ⭐️

Claire Kent continues to write engaging and gripping sexy romances. This is best read as part of the series but could work as standalone.

Whilst I loved the idea of the story, I feel there was a disconnect between reality and in an ideal situation, the latter being more the books pace. After a world changing event, I won't ruin it for you, the main protagonist lives underground with her pepper grandfather until the day arrives that he's no longer there. She's more pampered than you would expect someone to be in a postapocolyptic world. I feel the author was trying to hit a sweet space between new world but modern sensibilities with old western marriage of convenience buy misses the mark by being too fast in places and not stopping to soak in the moment.

Loved this book, had to get that out there first! Intense tale of the aftermath if a comet, sending things back into pioneer times, no technology or medicine, living off the land, and of course those that take advantage. In the midst of hard times, two people find each other, and the adventure really begins.

Headlines:
Relationship of convenience
Uncertainty
Trust

This series is such a comfort-series for me and Homestead didn't disappoint. Chloe was previously sheltered from the dangers of this post-apocalyptic world in the nine years since impact until her protection was lost. This loss was actually the making of her and it was interesting seeing her learn how to work and pull her weight in this new life.

Jimmy had saved Chloe and proposed this relationship of convenience. This story was somewhat predictable and no less enjoyable for it. Is some of this series formulaic? Yes. Do I love it even so? Yes. Jimmy was not a sharer and I could really feel the aches as Chloe repeatedly tried to tamp down her feelings of frustation, tiredness and strain as she tried to be a good partner. The plot direction that brought all these feelings finally to the surface was such good reading. There were moments of adrenaline and then moments of feelings exposed; I was here for it all.

We keep seeing Mack on and off in this series and I am in need of his story more than ever after Homestead. Please keep writing these stories, Claire Kent, I am here for them all.

Thank you to the author for a review copy through netgalley.

“Homestead” is a dystopian, marriage of convenience story. Jimmy and Chloe are not a love match to start off. The two come together out of necessity and loneliness. After an asteroid collision, life is much different and much more difficult. Hard work is what it takes to survive. Chloe has lost the only family she has and is left alone when Jimmy enters her life, at the exact moment she needs him most. What starts out as a marriage of convenience evolves into so much more. Life is difficult now but these two work together, rely on each other and are so much better for it. What started out as a completely unromantic agreement turned into the sweetest love.

I read this book in one sitting. It’s the first I’ve read out of the series, so it can definitely be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this one so much that I’ll definitely go back to the beginning and read the others in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review.

I have been waiting for this installment in the Claire Kent’s series and I was graciously gifted an ARC of Homestead for which I’m extremely thankful!

This is a romance set in a dystopian future of earth. This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.

It’s been 9 years since an asteroid hit earth and people are trying to recover in this new apocalyptic world. Chloe and Jimmy entered into an arrangement of sorts. Jimmy would offer her protection and give her a home while she helped him out in all that needed doing in and around the house. So similar to an arranged marriage. They were both frustrating at times at the lack of communication, but I loved how they both quietly loved each other and cared for each other so much!

Definitely another fantastic book by Claire Kent! Highly recommend the whole series!

I was so pleased to have been granted this eARC by NetGalley and the publisher, as I've been reading this series since the beginning. So thank you to them.

It's nine years since an asteroid exploded on earth and the author has introduced a couple from a farming community, living some distance away from the other characters in previous books. Basic premise is, that an asteroid pretty much destroyed earth as we know it and survivors are starting from nothing - a bit like like the homesteaders did in the past. There are bands of bandits/raiders hiding out all over, so life isn't safe. So, be prepared for some action involving guns and a couple of really uncomfortable scenes re bad guys.

Chloe has been rescued by Jimmy in the first chapter, and out of gratitude she eventually agrees to move in with him. (There's drama that leads up to this event) - no spoilers. I feel this author writes normal people and hardship situations really well. The book is written from the heroine's point of view only and the author always does an excellent job of alerting readers as to the possible thoughts and feelings of the hero and other characters. The writing moves the story along well and there's always something happening. There are lots of steamy romance scenes with heaps of of detail, but they are nicely written.and heavily based in reality.

I read this book in one setting and loved it. There are a couple crossover characters from previous books that appear towards the end and the author is obviously setting up another story - which is excellent! You could read this book as a standalone, as it's quite easy to catch on to the whole apocalypse story. However, your reading experience will be so much enhanced if you start the series from the beginning which started a short while after impact. For me, this story is a solid four stars. (PS - This author also writes under the name Noelle Adams)

📣 post apocalyptic romance with a partnership of convenience

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s one of your Monday numbers? Some of mine are: 6 hours at work, 1 bed that I actually made this morning, 3 kids to wake up soon, & 1 fireplace that I really want to paint if my husband agrees to the change.

In the post-asteroid-collision world of Claire Kent’s Kindled series, people who probably wouldn’t have been paired before the end of life as they knew it find each other in the direst, loneliest of circumstances & fall in love.

In Homestead, Chloe’s recently lost her sole surviving family member, her grandfather, & is taken in by a newly discovered community. She makes an arrangement with Jimmy, the man who rescued her, to be partners.

Over a period of time, Chloe & Jimmy’s relationship turns into something more as they battle the myriad of external threats facing the life they’ve made for themselves.

The chemistry between these leads is satisfyingly developed, as are Chloe’s feelings of vulnerability. She’s very aware of her tenuous place in this community & the benefits of being in a relationship with Jimmy, something that adds poignancy to her story but that also made me unable to fully relax into the partnership they are building. Chloe’s feelings regarding the power imbalance are eventually brought to light, but I wish they’d been explored earlier.

With that being said, I’m a big fan of this series in general. There’s something about each book & the overarching themes that captivate, & something very hopeful about people chasing survival & finding love & happiness in the midst of it all, that I really love.

4 ⭐️. Out 05/17.

CWs are numerous & include: murder, violence, attempted sexual assault, references to loss of loved ones, etc.

[ID: Jess holds the ebook in front of a yellow, orange, green, & pink painted mural. Mural is painted by Kim Radford & in Sweetwater, TN.]

• Post apocalyptic
• Survival Romance
• Partnership of convenience
• Quiet + gruff widower hero
• Strong fmc in need of help
• Small farm life
• Age gap (approx 10 years)
💕 Chloe + Jimmy

Last Light by Claire Kent is one of my favourite reads of this year. The connected Kindled series has been on my radar for a long time, and when I saw this 7th instalment was readable as a standalone, I jumped at the chance to read it early.

(This post-apocalyptic series takes place after a global catastrophe - when the Earth was hit by an asteroid.)

I really enjoyed Chloe and Jimmy's story and how it progressed. Jimmy is a hard-working man of few words, and Chloe is such a strong fmc, trying to survive after losing everything she's known.

One of the things I loved about this one (and Last Light) is the slower, stripped back feel where we follow the couple trying to survive this new world which can feel dark and gritty but so very hopeful as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

C.W: Death of a loved one, attempted SA, kidnapping, gun violence.

This wasn’t my favorite in the series, but I love this series so much and it’s always a joy to return to this post apocalyptic world!

I think all of these have had a western romance vibe to them just because they fall into the same vein of “rugged, quiet working man meets down on her luck woman/woman in a patriarchal society” that’s really prevalent in westerns. And I really love that about this series. This one has more of a mail order bride feel, just without the actual mail order part lol

She accidentally lands on the border of his community while being chased through “The Wild” (aka the heavily forested South) after He shoots her pursuer/her grandpa’s murderer . I mean, quid pro quo may not be your cuppa, but as soon as Jimmy was like “I could really use a woman to help shoulder the burden and in return, I’ll keep you safe and taken care of” I was like YUSSSSSSS GIMME GIMME. Because A. How is that power imbalance going to play out (will she fall in love or not?) and B. it’s an interesting look at how romance unfolds under the most extreme of circumstances.

And Jimmy IS a good man! He does try to make Chloe happy. And Chloe IS happy. But how equal can the relationship be if one is in a position of power over the other (even if you’re not wielding that power?).

But also….Kent doesn’t write flowery, poetic passages because these are regular people trying to survive in extraordinary, and often bleak, circumstances. However, that’s kind of what I love about it? Jimmy isn’t the most ripped man alive. Chloe isn’t some Michone, sword wielding badass. No one is getting married and driving sports cars and going on vacations. But they are carving out a little pocket of happiness by creating a life that’s safe and it’s with this person they love. That’s what I love the most about this series.

I do think this is my least favorite in the series because even for a series that hinges on these two people in love not being able to express their feelings well, Chloe and Jimmy danced around talking it out a lot more than I wanted them to.

So 3.5 ⭐️

CW: attempted assault of FMC (not be MMC, saved by MMC before it could happen), farm life, minor wounds, pregnancy, accidental killing of a child due to a grenade (non-graphic, talked about afterward, not by either MC), kidnapping of MCs by bad guys, shotgun wound/bleeding

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced reader copy.

Book 7 of the Kindled series, but can be read as a standalone. I love a good dystopian read, and Claire Kent creates some exceptional and believable dystopian stories. Homestead follows Chloe and Jimmy as they form a partnership to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

The world in Homestead sucked me in because it's just so relatable, like I can truly envision that things would play out similarly in a real-life scenario. However, I was left a little shocked that Chloe and Jimmy's partnership began so abruptly. I would have loved to see more of a build up of their relationship, or even just the slightest amount of communication, before they agreed to work together.

Overall, it's a wonderfully entertaining, quick read that is perfect for those that enjoy post-apocalyptic stories and steamy romances. You'll be hooked and want to devour all of Claire Kent's books before you know it.

Let me start by saying I love this series. I read and enjoyed the first three books Haven, Princess and Embers. This is book seven but can easily be read as a standalone (although I fully intend to go back and catch up on the one’s I’ve missed).

Anyway back to Homestead.
It’s another great read. I loved the characters. Jimmy is a good man but he’s gruff and comes across as a little surly. Chloe was fourteen when her prepper grandpa saved her. He’s been her life for the last nine years. He had a good setup in his cabin. Solar generator, powered lights, plumbing so they could shower and flush the toilet. When her life goes to hell the world she’s faced with is much harder than anything she’s known.

Jimmy offers her a chance of a life.

I really enjoyed the relationship between these two. Normally I’d be complaining about the sex to story ratio. I generally don’t like the sex to overpower the book. But somehow I don’t mind it here. Don’t ask me why?

But I loved this one.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.