Beacon is the 8th standalone book in Claire Kent’s post apocalyptic romance series, a series I’ve loved so much! This was the much-anticipated second chance story for series regulars, Mack and Anna, a couple who have been on-and-off with their no-strings attached relationship for years.

It is Year 10 after Impact—an event where a large asteroid crashed into Europe, decimating the entire continent, destabilizing infrastructure and governments around the globe, and sending the world into a descending spiral of chaos, violence, and deprivation. Life has been gritty, rough, and dangerous for those just trying to survive, but things are finally starting to look more and more hopeful. Anna sets out at the beginning of this story to find Mack. He took off to the Wilds six months ago and hasn’t been seen since.

This one took me a bit to get into, I wasn’t as invested in this story like I have been for others in the series…which is wild to think I’ve been reading this series for 2 years now. Mack and Anna still have feelings for one another, he’s always wanted more from her but never pushed for more and both kind of never expressed their feelings and emotions fully. Anna had an abusive marriage in the past that affected her relationship with Mack in the beginning. They very quickly jump right back into their no-strings attached relationship, but now they’re finally on the same page and talking more as they’re holed up in the cabin together in the wilds. A lot of the same back and forth issues of them not sure where the other stands, feeling pulled to each other physically, and getting into dangerous situations. I still liked this one, I just didn’t love it. But I’d read anything in this series, I just love this world created and seeing updates on all the past couples and characters (very much “where are they now” moments).

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

This is the first book I've read by Claire Kent. I honestly picked this up by accident. I confused a couple of authors and because of that, I wasn't looking for it or missing it as a book I wanted to read. I finally came back to NetGalley to see what I needed to finish and found the book sitting there. YIKES! I resent it to myself and dug in. OMGosh! I didn't want to put it down. I also want to pick up the previous books in the series. It worked as a standalone, but I'm positive I'd have been more invested if I'd read from the beginning. I'm not an Apocalyptic trope reader, so this storyline is new to me. I absolutely loved the characters. My heart strings were pulled. The trials and relationships drew me in. I am so glad I read this. I'll be watching for more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.

3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book. Beacon is Anna and Mack's long awaited book. I had been looking forward to their story as they've had a history in this series. I won't give away too much of their story, but I wasn't disappointed. I liked Anna and Mack and thought they were good together. This book had an interesting story, lots of spicy times and some sweet moments. This was not an easy, light read, but had lots of emotion. I enjoyed the couple's HEA and found it believable. I liked this book a good bit more than the last book and I hope the series continues.

I am obsessed with this series and am very sad it has come to an end! I love the post apocalyptic world this author has built and each story has been so unique. This wasn’t my favourite in the series but that could largely be due to second chance romance not being my favourite trope. It also wasn’t the direction I saw these characters story going as it had been built up so much in the other books. I did enjoy reading about past characters and think Claire wrapped up the series well. Looking forward to seeing what she does next! Such a unique story teller.

Beacon is book 8 and the final book in the Kindled series. I have been a huge fan of this series since the beginning and couldn't wait to finally get Mack and Anna's story. Mack has been the backbone of so many in the communities but after a tragic event he goes off to be alone. Anna is Mack's on again off again lover. Two years prior she found out Mack wanted more than she was willing to give and broke it off with him. Breaking up with Mack was the hardest thing she has ever had to do because she loves him, but a previous toxic relationship shaped her thoughts. Mack has been living in a cabin in The Wild for 6 months and those that love him including Anna feel it's time for him to come home. Their first encounter was heartbreaking, Mack is no longer the man he used to be, and his treatment of Anna was hard for her to deal with. It doesn't take long for these two to start up their intimate relationship and it happens a whole lot. I loved their chemistry and connection. Now, while I loved this book, I did find myself frustrated at times and wishing they would just have a conversation. I enjoyed seeing some of my favorite characters and I loved Mack and Anna's HEA.

I can't believe this series is over, but I think closing out the Kindled series with Mack and Anna was the perfect way to finish out one of my favorite series. I loved Last Light, and I have loved every book in the Kindled series. I was highly anticipating Mack and Anna's book because they were teased throughout the series.

Mack is one of my favorite Claire Kent heroes, and it was so hard to see how much he was struggling in the beginning of the book. Throughout the series, he has been one of the most positive rays of sunshine, especially compared to the usual grumpy Claire Kent heroes. He was responsible for saving so many of our favorite characters, and he built connections with each of the communities. He is dealing with the trauma from the events in the previous book and has gone to live away from the communities in a cabin deep in the wild. Anna is worried about him and makes the dangerous trek into the wild to try to get him to some back with her. Mack is not in a good place when Anna finds him, and he tries to push her away. She has to be really patient and try to get through to the Mack she loved.

Mack and Anna have had a complicated relationship, but they both really love each other. They had a friends with benefits relationship till Mack wanted more, and Anna was not ready at that time. A couple of years have passed, and Anna definitely wants more, but Mack may not be ready when he is in such a dark place.

I loved this book, and these two characters were perfect for each other. I wasn't expecting to get this emotional, but Mack just holds a special place in my heart. I also appreciated seeing a lot of the characters from the series, especially Travis and Layne from Last Light.

This series will forever be one of my favorite post-apocalyptic series, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC.

End of the road?

Say it isn't so! This the last book in the post apocalyptic series (after the asteroid decimated earth). It's now ten years later. Anna is now 33, she was the scaredy cat, but now she calmly kills two men, as she treks through The Wild to find Mack. Mack was her no strings FWB. He's older and has now been gone for six months and Anna is there to bring him back. Only, he has no intention of going back.

It was nice to check in with the other couples in this world. Not really ready to leave this world cuz its been fun in a The Last of Us or Walking Dead (without the zombies for both) kind of way.
Recommend.

4.75🌟!

I’m heartbroken that this is the last book in the series even though I hope the author continue it.

It’s finally my favourite Mack’s turn for HEA and what a story it was. There is healing, self discovery, selfless love and service, passion, action and everything in between. In every book Mack amazed me with how big his heart was and it’s beautiful to read how they all kinda ganged up when he needed them.
Anna was strong and resilient character and perfect for Mack. They both needed time and I loved how everything tied up in the end.

Not gonna lie, I’ll definitely miss these wonderful and resilient people.

—Apocalypse Romance.
—Second Chance, Forced proximity.
—TW, could be read as standalone and recommended.
—KU

I've enjoyed this series so much, and here we are at the end with Mack and Anna. They've been our on-and-off again couple throughout the series. Now we find them two years broken up after Anna realized he wanted the type of relationship that she couldn't give him at that time. Anna hears that Mack has gone off the grid and resolves to bring him back out of his shell. She arrives at his lonesome cabin, and he is the opposite of his usual generous, sweet and funny self.

Seeing Mack so lost was tough, but I loved reading how Anna and he came back together stronger than ever. I also enjoyed the updates on all of the other couples as we wrap up this series. Excited to see what Claire Kent writes next!

TW: threat of SA against heroine, violence, death (not of main characters)

Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Claire Kent for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m so incredibly sad knowing this series is at an end. Even knowing there’s a spin-off about The Wild coming, I’m going to miss this crew. But what a perfect ending to a series I love so much!

Mack and Anna. Anna and Mack. We’ve seen them over the course of 9 books (including the prequel with Layne and Travis, my beloveds). And it’s been a constant push pull situation where two people that clearly love each other just can’t get their timing right. This was a bit of a different direction than I thought we’d go, but in the best possible way.

Mack is such a *strong* character. Emotionally and physically, he’s been the one to hold the metaphorical fort down for all these apocalyptic couples and communities. But he’s broken. An apocalyptic world is harsh and Kent doesn’t shy away from that with Mack. For someone that takes such pride in his identity as a peacemaker and protector, the accidental death of a child while fighting bad guys has left him ravaged. And maybe if this wasn’t post apocalyptic, he’d have found therapy. But he doesn’t have that luxury. He has Anna. And Anna is going to drag him back into the light even if if’s at the risk of her own heart because long ago he did the same for her.

This was just a perfect conclusion. Less action filled than I expected from this couple but I think it worked even better that way. It’s about a mutual exchange of caretaking and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with the one person that understands you. Mack and Anna’s time in the cabin is rife with angst due to some good ole Claire Kent miscommunication and the uncertainty of what the other wants. They’ve been in different places emotionally the majority of their relationship (which we’ve seen throughout the series). But finally, Mack and Anna have forged a hard won path to a HEA. And I’m a little teary eyed at saying goodbye to them and the rest of the Halbrook/New Haven crew.

📣 she goes on a rescue mission to bring him back from his emotional & mental crisis

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

📖 what’s a word that begins with one of the letters in October that describes your first day so far? I’m going with E for excited—I feel that fall crispness in the air & I’m looking forward to going to a fall festival this weekend!

It’s hard to describe why I like Claire Kent’s post apocalyptic romance series so much. The world the characters inhabit is so brutal but somehow, against the odds, they find love & joy & the other wonderful things that sustain them.

(Not to mention the 🔥.)

In Beacon, one-time friends with benefits Anna & Mack are reunited thanks to Anna’s efforts to rescue Mack from his self-imposed isolation.

Mack was once the heart of so much. But after a tragedy, he’s retreated to the woods. Anna goes to rescue him, despite his major unwillingness to return to what remains of the outside world.

Like I said, this world is violent & there are lots of content warnings. But this series is also so great, with resourceful, strong characters who are challenged in new ways after their world collapses. The romances the MCs find are pretty much always unexpected but no less special & fulfilling 💓.

4.5 ⭐️. Out 10/11.

[ID: Jess holds the ebook in front of an orange wreath.]

Beacon is the 8th and final book in the Kindled series by Claire Kent, taking place years after a global catastrophe hit earth.

Since the events in the previous book, Mack has retreated to a cabin deep in the forest, traumatised from the years of constant survival. Anna's determined to bring him back to their group and rebuild their connection, which she still yearns for.

Seeing Mack, a man who everyone depended on throughout the series, finally reach breaking point, and him clawing his way out of that with Anna's steadfast love was super emotional to read. These characters needed to heal from their pasts and learn to communicate their emotions with each other. The journey to their HEA wasn't totally straightforward, but that made it feel all the more real!

The cameos we got of the other couples in this series and the community they've built was also so lovely to see! 🥺

I'm so sad this is the last book in this series, but it was the perfect story to end on! I'm excited to see what Claire Kent writes next in this universe!

A love story in post apocalyptic world, set in America. Emotionally it is a love story similar to one like we have in the world we live in today. The difference being people living like before a civilized society was as we know it today, it is a world where there's strength in numbers, everyone is fighting for survival in a lawless world and killing others is the norm.

Not a story that wowed me even when the love story part was fairly equal in sex and emotional talks.

“𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓-𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜.,. 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑦 𝑖'𝑚 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑠ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒. 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑠.”

Beacon is the 8th and final book in Claire Kent’s Kindled series, a post-apocalyptic romance set after "The Impact," a global catastrophe that destroys civilization. Survivors navigate love, danger, and emotional struggles while rebuilding their lives in a harsh, collapsed world. Beacon beautifully captures the complexities of Mack and Anna's relationship, which has been building up over the course of the series.

After a devastating encounter with rebels in the previous book Homestead, Mack has withdrawn into isolation, retreating deep into the forest. Anna, who had previously pushed him away, is now determined to bring him back not only for the community but also to rebuild the connection she realizes she still longs for.

The author deftly crafted each with their own arcs that reflect the broader themes of healing, hope, and redemption. Anna’s growth was notable; she evolved from a place of fear into one of empowerment as she navigated her feelings for Mack and confronted her past. Mack, in contrast, embodies the internal struggles of a man burdened by his past failures while yearning to move forward. His isolation in the forest mirrors his ongoing struggle with guilt and self-reproach. He longs to protect Anna but feels unworthy of her love after his own emotional fallout.

One of the most satisfying elements of Beacon is the way it integrates characters from the previous books in the series. The cameos added a fun touch that brought back fond memories of the journey throughout the series. It added a layer of closure, as though all the pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place. The pacing is solid, with moments of angst and suspense woven in between the quieter, more intimate moments. It doesn’t feel rush, allowing for a natural progression of emotions while keeping the stakes high.

While saying goodbye to the world and its characters is surely sad, Beacon gives them a lovely send-off. The balance between romance, survival, and emotional growth was masterfully done, and it left me with a sense of fulfillment. Anyhow, I'm excited to see what the author writes next. She’s proven herself to be an expert at weaving together intense emotional stakes with the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world, and I’m sure whatever she creates next will be equally captivating.

Thanks to author Claire Kent and netgalley for granting early access to this book. Please note that this review is based solely on my personal thoughts and opinions.

This books wasn’t my vibe i Dnfed it at 25% percent. I didn’t really connect with the characters. Maybe I’ll come back to it in the future and if it sounds intriguing please give it a try but yeah not for me.

Beacon is everything I could have hoped for and more.
This is the final book in the Kindled series and follows Mack and Anna. Readers following this series know how long we've waited for their second chance, but I'm just so glad Claire saved the best for last.

Their chemistry was off the charts. I was giddy reading all their scenes together. I didn't want it to end.
I would say this book has more depth than any of the others in this series. These characters needed to heal from past trauma and to communicate with one another. And they did, I loved that both faced hard truths head-on and didn't shy away from being real with one another. The character growth alongside their developing romance was perfect. Every scene was written beautifully and even though it is spicy, every scene was so raw and emotional.
I also loved the cameos on the previous couples, their kids, and where they are now.
I'm so sad this series has come to an end but I hope there's a possibility for a spin-off with some new characters because I cannot let go of this world Kent has created.

If you love post-apocalyptic/survival romance, I recommend picking up this book and series, you won't regret it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Claire Kent for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book 8 in the Kindled series (the final book in this series, but there will be a spin-off series)

We've seen them in all (or almost all) books in this series. Mack and Anna's story is here!!! And it's beautiful!

This story starts off with Anna heading into The Wild to find the cabin that Mack is holed up in. (If you want to know why, then read Homestead). Mack has changed from who he was before due to events from Homestead. Anna wants to help her old friend, and ex in any way she can. From here starts an achingly bewitching second-chance romance.

Now, I have to say that second-chance romances in general are not my favorite. But this was Mack and Anna for crying out loud! I knew Ms. Kent would knock another one out of the park, and she did. And I think I picked up on some interesting character(s) that showed up that would be fun if they are part of the future spin-off series. I'm crossing my fingers, but obviously, no spoilers here! I was honored with an ARC via NetGalley, however, as a HUGE fan of survival romances, especially Ms. Kent's I have already ordered both the paperback and hardback of this book- I mean I had to complete my collection, right?!. :)

If you love survival/post-apocalyptic romances, then this book (and series) is a MUST read. Even if you just love fantastically romantic stories then you won't go wrong with anything written by Claire Kent.

I’m one part sad this series is over, one part glad we finally get Mack and Anna’s story!

We’ve seen these two as excellent side characters throughout the series, and it’s finally their turn to shine. A decade after impact, Mack has reached his breaking point. He’s been the strong one, the one everyone can depend on, the one who helps everyone, but now he just needs some time to himself. Anna gets tired of waiting for him and seeks him out in the Wild.

It’s a forced proximity romance and it’s also a second chance romance, they’ve got some hurt and past traumas that are explored. They’ve also got a lot of passion between them and boy did they get passionate all over that cabin. I’m not sure I’ve ever read such a high banging to plot ratio! The whole series has been spicy so this is not a shock but dang.

I really enjoyed returning to this world.and getting to visit with past couples as well! Overall it was a very enjoyable and very spicy apocalyptic romance!

Read if you like: survival, post apocalyptic romance, violence, death, he saves her, she saves him, grumpy x sunshine, close proximity, sacrifice, gun fight, some angst, trauma, character development and relationship development

Beacon is the highly anticipated final book in the Kindled series (but can be read as a standalone). It was the perfect story to tie the series off 🥹

Mack and Anna have had an on and off, no strings attached relationship for years. After he retreats into the dangerous forest to live alone, Anna decides to find him to bring him back home.

This was a more emotional story, filled with character growth, trauma, acceptance, hurt and hard truths. We got more depth in this book than any other in the series, because of this, it became my favourite book by far. Their relationship development was so beautifully written, it was so healthy to see their dynamic become more balanced. I was just obsessed with the way they love and care for each other. That emotional but somehow sensual massage scene?? Oh my I was going 🥹🥵😭😫🔥

Also I loved getting glimpses of all the other couples and seeing their kids and where they’re all at 🥰

Thank you Claire Kent for such a wonderful ending. I am so attached to this series and highly recommend everyone to give it a go.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op and Claire Kent for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The final book in the Kindled series, Beacon is worth the wait and a suitable series close for die hard fans of the series. Something about these books just draws the reader in, they’re highly addictive, and I enjoyed the look at Anna and Mack, who is especially beloved in the series. First and most important for any new readers, I highly recommend you start at book one if you have the option. While you can read this as a standalone the book resonates a bit more if you read through all the stories and especially if you understand what led Mack to isolate himself in the woods.

For all others, this book looks at what has happened to Mack when Anna retreats into the woods to find him. The couple get together with the expected conflicts that run rampant in the post Apocalyptic world. I won’t disclose more but you’ll get a chance to see how all the characters are doing ten years post impact, and I think you’ll be happy with the series close!