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Kindred: Xander's Story
Kindred
spirits are said to be individuals with the same beliefs, attitudes, and feelings. Similar souls who mutually experience an instant heart connection of love, peace, and understanding. But when that connection is threatened, can kindred souls fall deeply, dangerously in love?
Xander ~ warrior, protector, the defender of people. But the awkward, gangly teenager Xander Kindred contradicts the valor and strength of the Greek name. He covets a simple life away from the hustle and madness of the inner-city streets. The oldest of the Kindred boys, Xander denies his family’s murderous legacy until an innocent walk home from school quickly transforms Xander from a boy to a man. Forcing Xander to protect his family and territory at all cost - even if it means sacrificing his kindred soul mate, the love of his life.
*** Contains sensitive content. i.e. sexual violence, profanity
Xander ~ warrior, protector, the defender of people. But the awkward, gangly teenager Xander Kindred contradicts the valor and strength of the Greek name. He covets a simple life away from the hustle and madness of the inner-city streets. The oldest of the Kindred boys, Xander denies his family’s murderous legacy until an innocent walk home from school quickly transforms Xander from a boy to a man. Forcing Xander to protect his family and territory at all cost - even if it means sacrificing his kindred soul mate, the love of his life.
*** Contains sensitive content. i.e. sexual violence, profanity
Audible Audio
Published November 16, 2022
55 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Robbi Renee
27 books1,131 followersHey Loves! I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri (in the words of Nelly, “I’m from the Lou and I’m proud!) with incredible parents and two amazing older sisters. Born Stacey Renee, I was the baby of the bunch and always had a vivid imagination – was wise beyond my years (to grown for my own good) if you ask my mother!
My love for talking too much (ha!), journaling, daydreaming, reading & watching various genres of movies, books I went to journalism school, determined to become Oprah! After finishing my degree, I did everything but becoming a journalist. I dishonored my childhood dreams of being in some form of entertainment but found a way to use this big mouth for good in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space.
I rekindled my love for reading and writing during the 2020 pandemic where my alter ego & pen name, Robbi Renee was born. Robbi is my daddy’s nickname so my pen name pays homage to him. (Yep! I’m still a daddy’s girl!) Renee, as you can see is my middle name – Robbi Renee!
I started Love Notes by Robbi Renee as an outline to release all of the stories that live in my head. I was challenged to write and publish my first novella, French Kiss Christmas, published December 2020.
Robbi Renee draws upon personal experiences with life and love. My written works are inspired by my adoration for Black love, and stories of romance, heartache, trauma, intuition, and redemption.
Stacey/Robbi Renee enjoys her own Black family love story with her husband George and teenage son.
My love for talking too much (ha!), journaling, daydreaming, reading & watching various genres of movies, books I went to journalism school, determined to become Oprah! After finishing my degree, I did everything but becoming a journalist. I dishonored my childhood dreams of being in some form of entertainment but found a way to use this big mouth for good in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space.
I rekindled my love for reading and writing during the 2020 pandemic where my alter ego & pen name, Robbi Renee was born. Robbi is my daddy’s nickname so my pen name pays homage to him. (Yep! I’m still a daddy’s girl!) Renee, as you can see is my middle name – Robbi Renee!
I started Love Notes by Robbi Renee as an outline to release all of the stories that live in my head. I was challenged to write and publish my first novella, French Kiss Christmas, published December 2020.
Robbi Renee draws upon personal experiences with life and love. My written works are inspired by my adoration for Black love, and stories of romance, heartache, trauma, intuition, and redemption.
Stacey/Robbi Renee enjoys her own Black family love story with her husband George and teenage son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 2, 2022
Listen, I was not prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions this book took me through. When Kameel said KINDRED put her in an emotional tailspin, I should’ve left this book alone but, I’m hardheaded. What can I say?!!! Daijah and Xander are two shattered souls with an unbreakable bond. They’ve been thick as thieves and have been crushin’ on each other since she moved on the block to live with her grandmother. Life is good for the two lovebirds but, all that changes when a simple walk home turns their world upside down. Daijah and Xander experience the worst trauma imaginable for two teenagers. Their road to healing is both heart wrenching and admirable. Your heart will absolutely break for these two but, there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, their journey to HEA won’t be easy. This story explores the intricacies of shared trauma, unconditional love, heartbreak, and friendship. KINDRED was a beautifully amazing and gut wrenching read. I laughed, I cried, and I had more than a few glasses of wine to get me through all the feels it gave me. The love these characters have for one another is so palpable, it was practically jumping off the pages. You could feel the raw emotion as their story unfolded. X and Babydoll are definitely a couple you will root for. I hope this isn’t the last we hear from the Kindred family. I need the tea on Zaria and Simeon.
December 2, 2022
This story really put me in an emotional tailspin....Xander & Daija were childhood friends....there were a few inconsistencies regarding the actual age the two connected and became friends and some things left unaddressed...it was clear to every one around them that the two of them (Family & Friends) really had a bond. Xander & Daija did everything together...to include suffering trauma....10 years later, they are still dealing with some residual effects of their childhood trauma....while still trying to go on with their lives. Daija now in law school and Xander is running the legal arm of his family's business. They decide to finally become intimate to Xander's dismay (despite totally being in love with her)....because he was really secretly still dealing with his past trauma more than Daija was aware of....Xander was just the person you still want to root for in this story...but, he was a very poor communicator. Daija was the young vibrant gifted student that you would also root for, but she did upset me with some of the decisions she made....and beyond all of what I considered poor decision making, Xander still looked out for her....they have rough waters to navigate throughout the story...Ultimately, the two make it out on the other side as a strong couple. I'm excited to see which Kindred Brother's story is up next...I enjoy Robbi's writing style and I think more issues that were left dangling will be addressed in some upcoming stories. Of Course, Wesleigh & Myles were Amazing adding life to this story and these characters.
December 10, 2022
Now THIS is how you do a friends to lovers story!!! My heart broke for Xander and Daija! These two had an unbreakabke bond from their early adolescent years. Sadly the bond was strengthened through trauma. Their experience was utterly heartbreaking and difficult to get through. As the years progress and these two get older they always remain close, I mean thick as thieves but their healing journey was not an easy one. Xander beats himself up even as an adult because he feels that he failed Daija and didn’t protect her the way he should have. Daija doesn’t blame him but he is guilt ridden and when we later find out how bad things were for him during their traumatic experience you can’t help but want to wrap Xander in the biggest hug. Even as their lives took a few unexpected turns, you can’t help but want them to win. I really hate how things ended with Roman. That was tough to get through as well because he didn’t deserve that at all! I really loved the brotherhood in this book! Those boys were the definition of my brothers keeper and I’d love to see these brothers get a story in the future because I fell in love with them all.
In closing let me just say that I’m rooting for everybody black but Myles Washington…… 🗣️narrating is NOT your ministry 🥴🥴
In closing let me just say that I’m rooting for everybody black but Myles Washington…… 🗣️narrating is NOT your ministry 🥴🥴
May 18, 2023
Kindred Spirits
Listen these two were really Kindred spirits😫 They had been best friends since they were kids, and their bond was strengthened by shared trauma. Sweet Daijah and Xander lost their innocence one horrible afternoon and their lives were forever changed. Although, they survived; they carried the nightmares, scars, and memories. Ten years later Xander was unable to fully love her , because of the impact of the trauma. Although, I didn't agree with how Daijah handled the situation I can appreciate the fact that she refused to settle. She communicated what she needed, and when Xander didn't step up....she said oop what you won't do someone else will. Although, Xander fumbled Daijah I couldn't help but root for him. Even though he was borderline toxic, you could tell he truly loved her even if he wasn't ready to accept it. He was always there to support and protect her the best he could.
Okay so the storyline itself was really good. However, I struggled with the writing...the word "puss,' was used so much and it was just terrible. Also it felt like a thesaurus was used to find complex descriptive words, that just didn't fit the flow of the story to me. It almost felt a little overdone.
I would definitely read more Kindred brother stories.
Listen these two were really Kindred spirits😫 They had been best friends since they were kids, and their bond was strengthened by shared trauma. Sweet Daijah and Xander lost their innocence one horrible afternoon and their lives were forever changed. Although, they survived; they carried the nightmares, scars, and memories. Ten years later Xander was unable to fully love her , because of the impact of the trauma. Although, I didn't agree with how Daijah handled the situation I can appreciate the fact that she refused to settle. She communicated what she needed, and when Xander didn't step up....she said oop what you won't do someone else will. Although, Xander fumbled Daijah I couldn't help but root for him. Even though he was borderline toxic, you could tell he truly loved her even if he wasn't ready to accept it. He was always there to support and protect her the best he could.
Okay so the storyline itself was really good. However, I struggled with the writing...the word "puss,' was used so much and it was just terrible. Also it felt like a thesaurus was used to find complex descriptive words, that just didn't fit the flow of the story to me. It almost felt a little overdone.
I would definitely read more Kindred brother stories.
May 19, 2023
This book was heartbreakingly beautiful.
June 1, 2023
soulmates
3.5 ✨I listened to the audiobook and while I love Wesleigh, the male narrator was not the best. That being said, the story as a whole was pretty good- I believe Xander and Daijah were always meant to be. I loved the beginning and ending but the middle of the story, there seemed to be a lot of different twists that made it difficult to keep up with.
3.5 ✨I listened to the audiobook and while I love Wesleigh, the male narrator was not the best. That being said, the story as a whole was pretty good- I believe Xander and Daijah were always meant to be. I loved the beginning and ending but the middle of the story, there seemed to be a lot of different twists that made it difficult to keep up with.
August 16, 2024
This book was so good. I did not want it to end.
October 9, 2024
2nd Read 10/2024 - Audible listen
This one had me trying to hold back the waterworks. It started out a little heavy in the beginning but mellowed out after the first couple of chapters. Xander and Daijha are joined at the hip since adolescence. Their already strong bond becomes stronger after a very unfortunate and traumatic incident that they encounter together. As they help each other heal while growing into adulthood, Xander is still shouldering the blame for not being able to protect Daijha. Although they tell each other everything, he’s also holding a secret from their past close to his chest. This one was an emotional roller coaster for me. I was rooting for Daijha and Xander and even though I understand the reason behind Daijha’s choice to be with Roman, I still wanted that relationship to fail. I thought that Roman would be on some f-boy behavior but he was really a stand up guy. I feel so ashamed that I didn’t want little Reign to make it. 😔 And although their destiny kept taking detours, fate ultimately had its way. The story was so good, I won’t even complain about Myles Washington.
This one had me trying to hold back the waterworks. It started out a little heavy in the beginning but mellowed out after the first couple of chapters. Xander and Daijha are joined at the hip since adolescence. Their already strong bond becomes stronger after a very unfortunate and traumatic incident that they encounter together. As they help each other heal while growing into adulthood, Xander is still shouldering the blame for not being able to protect Daijha. Although they tell each other everything, he’s also holding a secret from their past close to his chest. This one was an emotional roller coaster for me. I was rooting for Daijha and Xander and even though I understand the reason behind Daijha’s choice to be with Roman, I still wanted that relationship to fail. I thought that Roman would be on some f-boy behavior but he was really a stand up guy. I feel so ashamed that I didn’t want little Reign to make it. 😔 And although their destiny kept taking detours, fate ultimately had its way. The story was so good, I won’t even complain about Myles Washington.
September 18, 2024
3.75⭐️ rounded up
I liked this friends to lovers story. Xander loved and adored Daijah, but their shared trauma after a violent and brutal attack as kids left more emotional scars than physical. As a result, Xander became extremely overprotective of Daijah and blamed himself and didn’t feel worthy of more than their friendship.
While I understand the trauma- Xander was still extremely annoying a majority of the book. I didn’t like the way he treated Daijah sometimes. And their continual back and forth did become draining on me😩
-1.25 ⭐️ due to some confusion with the TL (their ages and birthdays and when they fell in love, became best friends, etc) events/twists in the story, and the word “puss” I’m sorry I hated it lol
Overall this was a good story and I would recommended.
I liked this friends to lovers story. Xander loved and adored Daijah, but their shared trauma after a violent and brutal attack as kids left more emotional scars than physical. As a result, Xander became extremely overprotective of Daijah and blamed himself and didn’t feel worthy of more than their friendship.
While I understand the trauma- Xander was still extremely annoying a majority of the book. I didn’t like the way he treated Daijah sometimes. And their continual back and forth did become draining on me😩
-1.25 ⭐️ due to some confusion with the TL (their ages and birthdays and when they fell in love, became best friends, etc) events/twists in the story, and the word “puss” I’m sorry I hated it lol
Overall this was a good story and I would recommended.
May 22, 2023
Robbi Renee is really good at writing toxic characters and overlaying them with some sort of trauma so that everyone conveniently overlooks their toxicity and Xander is no exception. Baby boy needed therapy bad. ***there will be spoilers from this point on*** I honestly believe that Xander was never intending to give Daijah the relationship she desired and wouldn’t have had she never left his house and took Reign. He was fully content on the toxic ass cycle they were on and Deijah wasn’t any better. Yea, she told him what she wanted and tried to move on when he didn’t give it to her but she also kept being inappropriate with Xander even though she had Rome even so much as allowing Xander to disrespect him in his face. Rome dies and she doesn’t even cry which was messed up cause he was nothing but good to her. #justiceforrome Honestly this book could be summed up by saying to emotionally scared people playing games with each other and other people until they both get tired.
October 7, 2024
Thoughts while reading:
Dang Von.. sorry to see you going through it boo, but you gotta be there for Daeja.
Your old pedo dusted busted can’t be trusted ass - looking at that girl like that. U and your rusty ass friends.
My heart is broken for Daeja and Xander
Book too raw.. damn
Aww shit RJ/Roman/Rom - sound like some shit finna happen. Xan you fucking up. Dude, she been with ole boy 6 months!
Xander the definition of: don’t know what you go until it’s gone..
Roman why you go see X… is he dying or something??????? Guess I will soon see.
I guess he is dying— or got killed. Damn.
Roman brother should be ashamed.. talking about they gonna kill him if he don’t come up with the money and still got killed anyway.. dummy.
Guess Z back in there❤️
I loved how he loved that girl through it all.
Dang Von.. sorry to see you going through it boo, but you gotta be there for Daeja.
Your old pedo dusted busted can’t be trusted ass - looking at that girl like that. U and your rusty ass friends.
My heart is broken for Daeja and Xander
Book too raw.. damn
Aww shit RJ/Roman/Rom - sound like some shit finna happen. Xan you fucking up. Dude, she been with ole boy 6 months!
Xander the definition of: don’t know what you go until it’s gone..
Roman why you go see X… is he dying or something??????? Guess I will soon see.
I guess he is dying— or got killed. Damn.
Roman brother should be ashamed.. talking about they gonna kill him if he don’t come up with the money and still got killed anyway.. dummy.
Guess Z back in there❤️
I loved how he loved that girl through it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
3.5⭐️s - 🎧
i wish i could review with memes bc i have SO many i can use for this story 😭 i was just at six flags but this was the craziest roller coaster of the past WEEK! the way my mouth fell open so many times i could've caught a few flies. this was goodt. it felt different than any other robbi renee novel i have read. definitely a TRIGGER WARNING. ⛔️
i wish i could review with memes bc i have SO many i can use for this story 😭 i was just at six flags but this was the craziest roller coaster of the past WEEK! the way my mouth fell open so many times i could've caught a few flies. this was goodt. it felt different than any other robbi renee novel i have read. definitely a TRIGGER WARNING. ⛔️
January 15, 2022
Whew!! This was my first read from this Author and she took me on a rollercoaster ride. The beginning was difficult for me but it sets the premise of the story. Two shattered souls form an unbreakable bond and you can feel the raw emotion as their story unfolds. Xander is my new book bae. Bravo Robbi Renee!!
November 10, 2022
God bless the moon and the moon bless me
Beautifully carved and delicately crafted love story shrouded by tragedy. Yet love prevailed in ways unimaginable. The pairing of Xander and Daija was kismet yet it took eons before their true unconditional love was consummated. Daija was loved by two amazing men leaving a beautiful legacy for Reign. This author owes me nothing as she delivered on this love story. My second read by her and it will not be my last read.
Beautifully carved and delicately crafted love story shrouded by tragedy. Yet love prevailed in ways unimaginable. The pairing of Xander and Daija was kismet yet it took eons before their true unconditional love was consummated. Daija was loved by two amazing men leaving a beautiful legacy for Reign. This author owes me nothing as she delivered on this love story. My second read by her and it will not be my last read.
December 15, 2024
This is an emotionally charged friends to lovers romance. Sidenote: Books really need to come with an Emotional Rating Index. This book was so emotional.
Daijah and Xander were childhood friends who went through something horrible together. They survived physically but had a lot of emotional damage. While their friendship remained strong, their road to HEA waa so bumpy. I just wanted to give Daijah and Xander a hug. They went through so much but fought hard for each other. They earned their HEA.
Can't wait to read about the rest of the clan.
Daijah and Xander were childhood friends who went through something horrible together. They survived physically but had a lot of emotional damage. While their friendship remained strong, their road to HEA waa so bumpy. I just wanted to give Daijah and Xander a hug. They went through so much but fought hard for each other. They earned their HEA.
Can't wait to read about the rest of the clan.
November 12, 2022
Page Turner!!
This is my first book by this author and I am hooked! I cried, I laughed, & I screamed lbvs. Throughout this book the author really captures the emotions of each character during certain situations. The storyline is perfect! I wasn't sure how it was going to end because I love second chance love stories but I'm glad X and babydoll got theirs. Now I want to know more about the other f***ing kindreds 😂
This is my first book by this author and I am hooked! I cried, I laughed, & I screamed lbvs. Throughout this book the author really captures the emotions of each character during certain situations. The storyline is perfect! I wasn't sure how it was going to end because I love second chance love stories but I'm glad X and babydoll got theirs. Now I want to know more about the other f***ing kindreds 😂
February 15, 2024
I Loved it
This story was heavy but l loved their story. The way the loved on each other and was addicted to each was something. But Daijah allowed herself to live life without Xander for moment. It gave her the opportunity to have new experiences and loved that for him.
One of the many lines that hit home for me was this: “Life is too damn short to waste time not doing what you love”
This story was heavy but l loved their story. The way the loved on each other and was addicted to each was something. But Daijah allowed herself to live life without Xander for moment. It gave her the opportunity to have new experiences and loved that for him.
One of the many lines that hit home for me was this: “Life is too damn short to waste time not doing what you love”
October 11, 2024
This was a beautiful love story. Just chef kiss!! Their whole relationship just had me up in the air. I'm happy that every thing played out the way it did. Xander never said what the things were that the 3rd guy did to him but I can put two and two together and figure it out. This man was so hurt thinking he did something to her that it allowed him to reject the only thing he really wanted in life. He let Roman slid in and make a family that he'd soon would have to protect.
February 12, 2025
Kindred was an emotional roller coaster. This story of two “best friends” who meet as little kids and eventually fall in love and endure unspeakable trauma, tells a tale of how messy love can be. This isn’t a struggle love story but it is a story of people who brought others into the chaos that was their love story. Daija and X both have relationships with other people but also never let anyone fill that space in their hearts that the other filled. It is a touching, messy love story.
October 26, 2021
I'm confused still
I enjoyed the story. Really I did... Xander was book bae for sure. I felt so bad that he took so long to claim his meant-to-be-lady. Daij was his from day one. Everyone knew that as facts. Here is where I had a slight problem: some of the facts were mixed that should not have been, and once or twice I wasn't clear about the storyline. Overall, I loved this couple. Xander is new to my book bae collection. My rating of 3.85 stars is because of the unclear parts. Still a good good read.
I enjoyed the story. Really I did... Xander was book bae for sure. I felt so bad that he took so long to claim his meant-to-be-lady. Daij was his from day one. Everyone knew that as facts. Here is where I had a slight problem: some of the facts were mixed that should not have been, and once or twice I wasn't clear about the storyline. Overall, I loved this couple. Xander is new to my book bae collection. My rating of 3.85 stars is because of the unclear parts. Still a good good read.
August 13, 2023
4.5 stars This was so good; I’m becoming a huge fan of Robbi Renee! I was pulled in right away with this story and engaged the whole time. I did get frustrated with Xander and I wanted a little more out of the resolution/third act from him. Nonetheless, I did feel like these two were soul mates and I know this story will stick with me.
November 12, 2022
Read this asap!!!
Trust me from the first page to the last page this book was chefs kiss👩🏾🍳 Please read the trigger warnings first of course. This is my first time reading a book by this author, but trust and believe I already added every book she written in my TBR. Five 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️all around.
Trust me from the first page to the last page this book was chefs kiss👩🏾🍳 Please read the trigger warnings first of course. This is my first time reading a book by this author, but trust and believe I already added every book she written in my TBR. Five 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️all around.
April 8, 2022
A great friendship love story
This is a story about two friends who have experienced a traumatic experience together. They only grew closer. Their love was beautiful. The story was well written. There was a good flow and good pacing was okay. Yes, do pay attention to the trigger warnings! However, it’s a beautiful story all around. Friends lovers and more.
This is a story about two friends who have experienced a traumatic experience together. They only grew closer. Their love was beautiful. The story was well written. There was a good flow and good pacing was okay. Yes, do pay attention to the trigger warnings! However, it’s a beautiful story all around. Friends lovers and more.
June 8, 2024
All the back and forth drove me crazy. But good story overall
November 4, 2024
I felt so much from this book . These two were bonded by trauma… a trauma so deep it plagued their existence for years. I enjoyed this story. Please check the trigger warning.
January 20, 2022
Loved it 😍😍😍
Wow, what a beautiful story!! I couldn't put this book down. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Two souls forever meant to be even through tragedy.
Wow, what a beautiful story!! I couldn't put this book down. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Two souls forever meant to be even through tragedy.
October 13, 2021
Chile……..
Chile….. lemme me tell you something this book took me on a rollercoaster ride!!!! Ionnnn like dat! But I did enjoy the story being told, minus the triggers I found myself taking deep breath’s when those were discussed.
Chile….. lemme me tell you something this book took me on a rollercoaster ride!!!! Ionnnn like dat! But I did enjoy the story being told, minus the triggers I found myself taking deep breath’s when those were discussed.
April 13, 2022
First read by this author. Loved it. The bond that the two main characters had was unbreakable.
October 2, 2021
Oh you did it again!
What can I say other than this book is FIRE. Yup, uh huh you did it again. This books definitely a page turner. You will not be disappointed!!!!
What can I say other than this book is FIRE. Yup, uh huh you did it again. This books definitely a page turner. You will not be disappointed!!!!
November 3, 2023
I wanted to turn this book off in the first chapter. Chile, I didn’t think I could do it. But I’m glad I kept going. SA TRIGGER WARNING!
I was so glad Xander finally opened up so they could truly be together. All the dragging of the feet was sending me 😂😂😂😂!!!
I was so glad Xander finally opened up so they could truly be together. All the dragging of the feet was sending me 😂😂😂😂!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews