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Guarding Kendra: A Black Paranormal Romance
She was surviving. He was searching. Fate put them in the same city on the worst night of both their lives.
KENDRA
Fourteen months of gig work, a dead tech career, and a family I can't reach in Toronto. I was barely holding on when a Bouda shifter the size of a doorframe threw my car through a building, called me his queen, and turned my entire life inside out.
Now I'm on Wintermoon with a man who kneels every time I enter a room and a sister-in-law who thinks I should've been running a clan yesterday. Kojo would burn the world down for me if I asked, but I don't want devotion. I want the predator I saw at that gas station, and I'm going to push him until he stops kneeling and starts taking.
KOJO
Poachers took my queen, my clan, and my name. Three years of running brought me to Detroit, where I caught the scent of rain on dry earth and wild honey through a motel door and my Bouda went still for the first time since the massacre.
She is my mate. I was raised to serve her, protect her, and never take what is not offered. But Kendra does not want a servant. She wants me to break every law I was raised on, and I am running out of reasons not to.
KENDRA
Fourteen months of gig work, a dead tech career, and a family I can't reach in Toronto. I was barely holding on when a Bouda shifter the size of a doorframe threw my car through a building, called me his queen, and turned my entire life inside out.
Now I'm on Wintermoon with a man who kneels every time I enter a room and a sister-in-law who thinks I should've been running a clan yesterday. Kojo would burn the world down for me if I asked, but I don't want devotion. I want the predator I saw at that gas station, and I'm going to push him until he stops kneeling and starts taking.
KOJO
Poachers took my queen, my clan, and my name. Three years of running brought me to Detroit, where I caught the scent of rain on dry earth and wild honey through a motel door and my Bouda went still for the first time since the massacre.
She is my mate. I was raised to serve her, protect her, and never take what is not offered. But Kendra does not want a servant. She wants me to break every law I was raised on, and I am running out of reasons not to.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 9, 2026
seeing Hyenas in a whole new light
These hyenas are not you lion king goofy hyenas, they are not even thieving food stealing hyenas. These are the proud Bouda led by a matriarchal society. The men honor and revere their women, honor their ancestors, and cherish heritage.
They love, adore, fiercely protect, respect and cater to their women. The women don’t have to lift a finger, but oh don’t think they are all soft life and rotten. They are warriors, culture and history keepers, strategists, mothers, sisters and wives too. To live in such a society would be outstanding!
The way this was written gave me a sense of pride. It’s rare nowadays to see black men embrace any of this when it comes to any relationship with black women, so reading this was true escapism.
I related to Kendra on so many levels - a fall from success to just getting by, one thing after another and wondering where’s the break I can catch, feeling beat down but having no choice but to push through because no one is around to save me. Then here comes Kojo with his heartbreaking past but still holding onto his culture, traditions, and beliefs. One whiff and hope was ignited!
For Kojo, I’d be a damsel!!!
This entire story - the characters, the plot, the villains, the arc, the heartbreak, the triumph, and most importantly the love was written beautifully. It all flowed, connected, I didn’t get lost, I didn’t get bored, I was locked in! I can count on Tessa Stone to take me to Wintermoon and I don’t ever want to leave.
Excellent read!
These hyenas are not you lion king goofy hyenas, they are not even thieving food stealing hyenas. These are the proud Bouda led by a matriarchal society. The men honor and revere their women, honor their ancestors, and cherish heritage.
They love, adore, fiercely protect, respect and cater to their women. The women don’t have to lift a finger, but oh don’t think they are all soft life and rotten. They are warriors, culture and history keepers, strategists, mothers, sisters and wives too. To live in such a society would be outstanding!
The way this was written gave me a sense of pride. It’s rare nowadays to see black men embrace any of this when it comes to any relationship with black women, so reading this was true escapism.
I related to Kendra on so many levels - a fall from success to just getting by, one thing after another and wondering where’s the break I can catch, feeling beat down but having no choice but to push through because no one is around to save me. Then here comes Kojo with his heartbreaking past but still holding onto his culture, traditions, and beliefs. One whiff and hope was ignited!
For Kojo, I’d be a damsel!!!
This entire story - the characters, the plot, the villains, the arc, the heartbreak, the triumph, and most importantly the love was written beautifully. It all flowed, connected, I didn’t get lost, I didn’t get bored, I was locked in! I can count on Tessa Stone to take me to Wintermoon and I don’t ever want to leave.
Excellent read!
March 28, 2026
Kendra & Kojo 🫶🏾
Tessa really woke me back up with this one. I was beginning to start back from her very first winter moon book cause I was yearning for a strong 💪🏾 alpha shifter. I was ready to get back to winter moon.
I never thought 💭 she was going to bring the hyenas out 🙀 but she did her big one with this shifter. For his villiage to be destroyed and only him and his sister made it out 😥 is super sad.
But here comes Kendra, a workaholic trying to make ends meet and not having a clue 🕵🏾♀️ she is the daughter of winter moon and Queen of the Bouda. NO SPOILERS HERE ⚠️ read the book 📚
Tessa really woke me back up with this one. I was beginning to start back from her very first winter moon book cause I was yearning for a strong 💪🏾 alpha shifter. I was ready to get back to winter moon.
I never thought 💭 she was going to bring the hyenas out 🙀 but she did her big one with this shifter. For his villiage to be destroyed and only him and his sister made it out 😥 is super sad.
But here comes Kendra, a workaholic trying to make ends meet and not having a clue 🕵🏾♀️ she is the daughter of winter moon and Queen of the Bouda. NO SPOILERS HERE ⚠️ read the book 📚
April 23, 2026
Ok. First of all, Kojo being a damn hyena tripped me out. I’d never heard of a Bouda/hyena shifter, so I had to do some googling. Admittedly, I can be a bit “ignant” sometimes…and I kept picturing Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed (from “The Lion King”) as shifters 😂 So for my benefit and to show Tessa Stone’s hard work some respect, I had to reimagine Kojo as a werewolf whenever he shifted.
Now that that’s out the way, I liked Kendra and Kojo. Their story was a little bit different from the previous Wintermoon books that I’ve read. While the other shifters had an established community within Wintermoon, Kojo had to build his from scratch. Some traumatic stuff happened to his people and he and Zaki (his sister) were forced to start over.
Speaking of traumatic stuff happening, I would’ve been piiiiissssssed if I was Kendra during her and Kojo’s first interaction. Not only did I have to scrounge up some money to fill up my car, I just risked my life by not letting these two dudes take it from me, and you wanna toss that hoe through a store front??! Oh I would’ve been livid. Thank you for saving my life but also fuck you lol.
That aside, Kojo is a sweetie pie. A cutie patootie if you will. He grew up in a tribal community that was pretty much cut off from westernization so Kojo was a bit innocent. (I say “a bit” because ain’t nothing innocent about killing people lol.) Kojo just wanted to serve Kendra and uphold his tribal beliefs.
Kendra was very much independent and headstrong yet adaptable. She’d never heard of the Bouda but was willing to learn their way of doing things. Kendra was also very good at communicating her feelings. She and Zaki bumped heads a few times but were able to find middle ground and grew to love another.
I also liked that Kendra and Kojo also found a middle ground for how they would operate as a couple. It took a third party to help Kojo realize Kendra won’t always feel comfortable with the ways of the Bouda because she isn’t Bouda but once the realization hit, it hit.
But yeah. They were cute.
I’m ready for Zaki’s book. I was wondering why she got along so well with the lion community in this book. Her match up sounds very interesting.
Now that that’s out the way, I liked Kendra and Kojo. Their story was a little bit different from the previous Wintermoon books that I’ve read. While the other shifters had an established community within Wintermoon, Kojo had to build his from scratch. Some traumatic stuff happened to his people and he and Zaki (his sister) were forced to start over.
Speaking of traumatic stuff happening, I would’ve been piiiiissssssed if I was Kendra during her and Kojo’s first interaction. Not only did I have to scrounge up some money to fill up my car, I just risked my life by not letting these two dudes take it from me, and you wanna toss that hoe through a store front??! Oh I would’ve been livid. Thank you for saving my life but also fuck you lol.
That aside, Kojo is a sweetie pie. A cutie patootie if you will. He grew up in a tribal community that was pretty much cut off from westernization so Kojo was a bit innocent. (I say “a bit” because ain’t nothing innocent about killing people lol.) Kojo just wanted to serve Kendra and uphold his tribal beliefs.
Kendra was very much independent and headstrong yet adaptable. She’d never heard of the Bouda but was willing to learn their way of doing things. Kendra was also very good at communicating her feelings. She and Zaki bumped heads a few times but were able to find middle ground and grew to love another.
I also liked that Kendra and Kojo also found a middle ground for how they would operate as a couple. It took a third party to help Kojo realize Kendra won’t always feel comfortable with the ways of the Bouda because she isn’t Bouda but once the realization hit, it hit.
But yeah. They were cute.
I’m ready for Zaki’s book. I was wondering why she got along so well with the lion community in this book. Her match up sounds very interesting.
April 5, 2026
New Shifter Tribe loading
Technically, they’re not new, but a shifter tribe that is new to Wintermoon is introduced in this book. An ancient African shifter tribe. The storyline was really good, the characters enjoyable, and I can even see how this fits in the overarching storyline of Wintermoon. Unfortunately, I think Tessa Stone has started rushing her writing. This book was not her best written book. The excessive use of the word “and“, along with run-on sentences, became very annoying and distracting. I found myself editing the book in my head in order to enjoy the story. I hope that in her effort to build out this world and ultimately get to where she’s going (which I think is the Blackwood story), that her craft doesn’t start to suffer. It would be unfortunate to lose readers because her writing has declined.
Technically, they’re not new, but a shifter tribe that is new to Wintermoon is introduced in this book. An ancient African shifter tribe. The storyline was really good, the characters enjoyable, and I can even see how this fits in the overarching storyline of Wintermoon. Unfortunately, I think Tessa Stone has started rushing her writing. This book was not her best written book. The excessive use of the word “and“, along with run-on sentences, became very annoying and distracting. I found myself editing the book in my head in order to enjoy the story. I hope that in her effort to build out this world and ultimately get to where she’s going (which I think is the Blackwood story), that her craft doesn’t start to suffer. It would be unfortunate to lose readers because her writing has declined.
April 13, 2026
Back in Wintermoon
This was a really heartwarming story. Learning about Kojo's origins and how he lost his people truly pulled at my heartstrings. I wanted a happy ending for him more than anyone. Kendra was overworked and on her own, and she really needed Kojo in her life. Watching them slowly navigate their relationship was sweet, and I loved that despite the Bouda wanting to put her on a pedestal, she didn't want to treat Kojo as subservient. She wanted a partner, not a slave, and I hated that Zaki kept trying to persuade her otherwise.
This was a really heartwarming story. Learning about Kojo's origins and how he lost his people truly pulled at my heartstrings. I wanted a happy ending for him more than anyone. Kendra was overworked and on her own, and she really needed Kojo in her life. Watching them slowly navigate their relationship was sweet, and I loved that despite the Bouda wanting to put her on a pedestal, she didn't want to treat Kojo as subservient. She wanted a partner, not a slave, and I hated that Zaki kept trying to persuade her otherwise.
March 27, 2026
jus read all of her catalog
There isn’t a book Tessa has written that I haven’t just loved. Since taming Kane I’ve been hooked, I cannot hardly wait until October to pick up on Zaki’s adventures and returning her people home. Almost like freed African Americans returning home to a new world and home shaped to them. Awesome work Tessa please continue to express your creativity with all of the lore of Wintermoon
There isn’t a book Tessa has written that I haven’t just loved. Since taming Kane I’ve been hooked, I cannot hardly wait until October to pick up on Zaki’s adventures and returning her people home. Almost like freed African Americans returning home to a new world and home shaped to them. Awesome work Tessa please continue to express your creativity with all of the lore of Wintermoon
May 6, 2026
My Heart Is Heavy
Oh wow! I have loved every story, yet this one touched me and tears flowed. In the deepness of my soul, I felt like I was connecting with my ancestors who were taken from their homeland. I just want the Bouda to find the community that was taken from them and to settle - HOME with their people. The connection we all want, particularly those who were taken from theirs without permission. Thank you for writing this beautiful and powerful story.
Oh wow! I have loved every story, yet this one touched me and tears flowed. In the deepness of my soul, I felt like I was connecting with my ancestors who were taken from their homeland. I just want the Bouda to find the community that was taken from them and to settle - HOME with their people. The connection we all want, particularly those who were taken from theirs without permission. Thank you for writing this beautiful and powerful story.
March 24, 2026
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book—it’s definitely one of my favorites in the series. The story beautifully captures themes of loss, love, and the will to survive, making it both emotional and powerful. The characters pulled me in, and their journey felt real and meaningful. I couldn’t put it down. I’m already looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book—it’s definitely one of my favorites in the series. The story beautifully captures themes of loss, love, and the will to survive, making it both emotional and powerful. The characters pulled me in, and their journey felt real and meaningful. I couldn’t put it down. I’m already looking forward to the next book!
March 26, 2026
Amazing Read!!!!!
I was sooooo excited for Kendra and Kojo. But I’m more excited for Zaki and I’m hoping her mate is the Lion (I forgot his name). But if I’m thinking correctly they would be able to smell it on each other before she left. So I’m wondering. I can’t wait to til her book comes out so I can order them both so I can complete my collection 🥰💜🎉
I was sooooo excited for Kendra and Kojo. But I’m more excited for Zaki and I’m hoping her mate is the Lion (I forgot his name). But if I’m thinking correctly they would be able to smell it on each other before she left. So I’m wondering. I can’t wait to til her book comes out so I can order them both so I can complete my collection 🥰💜🎉
March 27, 2026
MY FAVORITE WINTERMOON SHORT
This is by far my favorite of the Wintermoon series. The way Kojo loves Kendra and how Zaki shows her strength are just reasons. The biggest is how the matriarchs are the ‘Alpha’ leaders of the pack vice the other shifters. The Black girl magic was real! Thank you Tessa for a wonderful read and I can’t wait for more.
This is by far my favorite of the Wintermoon series. The way Kojo loves Kendra and how Zaki shows her strength are just reasons. The biggest is how the matriarchs are the ‘Alpha’ leaders of the pack vice the other shifters. The Black girl magic was real! Thank you Tessa for a wonderful read and I can’t wait for more.
March 31, 2026
meet the Bouda
Loved this. The Bouda are new to wintermoon. Their clan was attacked and scattered.
We follow Kojo on his trek after the attack. With help he gets to Detroit and the adventure begins.
So awesome learning about a new species, their traditions, and the shifter within.
Already anticipating the next story
Loved this. The Bouda are new to wintermoon. Their clan was attacked and scattered.
We follow Kojo on his trek after the attack. With help he gets to Detroit and the adventure begins.
So awesome learning about a new species, their traditions, and the shifter within.
Already anticipating the next story
April 4, 2026
Kojo & Kendra
Tessa Stone does it again! Love, partnership, tradition, and cultural understanding. Kendra and Kojo must learn to mesh their cultures so that their love, their bond, and their people can rebuild. This story navigates grief and determination. It deals with what happens when stubbornness causes harm and it shows the ultimate power of love: healing.
Tessa Stone does it again! Love, partnership, tradition, and cultural understanding. Kendra and Kojo must learn to mesh their cultures so that their love, their bond, and their people can rebuild. This story navigates grief and determination. It deals with what happens when stubbornness causes harm and it shows the ultimate power of love: healing.
April 4, 2026
A must read
Another banga I must admit when first. told about a hyena shifter I wasn't too thrilled but baybee Kojo got me together real quick😂. This was such a good read I wasn't ready for it to end and I look forward to going on the journey with Zaki to find and bring their people back to WinterMoon as,well as her finding her mate. Kudos to the author well done.
Another banga I must admit when first. told about a hyena shifter I wasn't too thrilled but baybee Kojo got me together real quick😂. This was such a good read I wasn't ready for it to end and I look forward to going on the journey with Zaki to find and bring their people back to WinterMoon as,well as her finding her mate. Kudos to the author well done.
April 29, 2026
Kojo (hyena shifter 👀), African folklore, and chaos from jump!
Because why this man threw Kendra's whole car?? 😭
And now I’m over here waiting on Zaki’s story like…
Yeah.
Go get it and read... Guarding Kendra by Tessa Stone.
You will love the book and fall in love with the characters just like everything Tessa Stone writes.
Because why this man threw Kendra's whole car?? 😭
And now I’m over here waiting on Zaki’s story like…
Yeah.
Go get it and read... Guarding Kendra by Tessa Stone.
You will love the book and fall in love with the characters just like everything Tessa Stone writes.
March 26, 2026
I loved this story!
Ms. Tessa? You did that! I loved this story. It was fresh and new with a good balance of nostalgia from previous stories. I’ll definitely be turning the pages of this book again.
Ms. Tessa? You did that! I loved this story. It was fresh and new with a good balance of nostalgia from previous stories. I’ll definitely be turning the pages of this book again.
March 29, 2026
Another Head Banga
These short books needs become a full movie. It's given The UnderWorld. I normally only read at work, I started this book on Friday. I'm done, this was awesome. Please can you do a short book on Andrew and Aiden. I love Andrew, Aiden is funny but I get it.
These short books needs become a full movie. It's given The UnderWorld. I normally only read at work, I started this book on Friday. I'm done, this was awesome. Please can you do a short book on Andrew and Aiden. I love Andrew, Aiden is funny but I get it.
March 30, 2026
Wintermoon Shorts always leave you wanting more!
A great intro into a brand new breed of shifters! I have always loved how thoughtful and well written these stories are! Another 5 star read that leaves me counting down the days until the next release!
A great intro into a brand new breed of shifters! I have always loved how thoughtful and well written these stories are! Another 5 star read that leaves me counting down the days until the next release!
April 6, 2026
Good read
Enjoyed Kojo and Kendra's journey to their HEA. It took me a bit to warm up to Kendra but I got there. Im glad the 2 were able to compromise and build something new.
As always, good world building, storyline, and characters.
Enjoyed Kojo and Kendra's journey to their HEA. It took me a bit to warm up to Kendra but I got there. Im glad the 2 were able to compromise and build something new.
As always, good world building, storyline, and characters.
April 15, 2026
As always Tessa has done it again!
This book was exciting! I love Kendra I can see myself in her character the resilience, the strength. Shoot the stress and struggle too! Alemayehu is spectacular and is the reason I will look at Hyenas with more respect.
This book was exciting! I love Kendra I can see myself in her character the resilience, the strength. Shoot the stress and struggle too! Alemayehu is spectacular and is the reason I will look at Hyenas with more respect.
March 24, 2026
Absolutely amazing read! I could not put it down!
March 27, 2026
New shifters!
Love the Bouda shifters. There were a few holes and editing errors, but overall a great new addition to the series.
Love the Bouda shifters. There were a few holes and editing errors, but overall a great new addition to the series.
March 27, 2026
Deeper and relatable story then the rest. This was really good- different, I cannot wait for more.
Hyenas!!!
Hyenas!!!
March 30, 2026
TESSA!!!!!! If I could give 10 stars I would. I don’t even do reviews but this book. I love it. I love how you portrayed the “Bouda”. Chefs kiss.
March 30, 2026
I enjoyed reading about the Bouda and can't wait to read about Zaki's story
April 13, 2026
FABULOUS
This was just AWESOME!! I LOVE the Bouda for he had me ROTFL, and my sides hurt. JOB WELL DONE!! We need Zaki. ❤️
This was just AWESOME!! I LOVE the Bouda for he had me ROTFL, and my sides hurt. JOB WELL DONE!! We need Zaki. ❤️
April 28, 2026
Love the introduction of the Bouda tribe. I can get into this new shifter. Thanks Tessa!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews