This was my first Claire Kent read and, while I didn’t love it, I do think she’s a talented writer. I just don’t think her sci-fi romance is for me. I will say that the sex scenes are great, the pacing is spot on, and I was interested enough to finish. But the worldbuilding is really lacking.

This is for sure a desolate setting, probably worse than any other book I’ve read with a prison planet setting. It’s interesting and unique in it’s “top dog takes all” approach. But I found myself wanting MORE. More background, more characterization, more worldbuilding. I’m still not very sure how humans came to be in space, what the Coalition is, or why some humans have special powers. It’s sci-fi erotica so some might say that there doesn’t have to be intricate worldbuilding. And that is true, I guess. But there were enough little threads left dangling that I was pretty confused and had several questions.

Now I know this is a series, but a first in series should still be able to stand on its own. Especially if the following books aren’t based around the same couple. Hold really doesn’t.

I have started CK’s post-apocalyptic series and I’m having a great time with it! I just don’t think this series is for me!

CW: prison incarceration, violence, SA (attempted and threatened), unequal power dynamics, sex in return for protection, exhibitionism