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Kindred Spirits
It's been said that you only get three loves in your life. But who has ever been lucky enough to find three loves? It's a miracle if a person runs into one person that they can share the emotion with.
Love at first sight is a matter of perception, and for Ashland, he never really believed in the authenticity of it. Not until Kenya walked in and stole his breath away. He wasn't looking for love, never even wanted to feel love, and yet...here she was.
Kenya's attraction to Ashland was immediate and couldn't be denied, but he was by far the most complicated man she had ever come across. How do you break down the barriers of someone who won't open up? How do you begin to explain what you don't understand yourself?
Between the two of them, the idea of love seems more and more difficult to wrap their minds around, but the feelings won't go away, and their connection only gets stronger.
Will Ashland and Kenya be able to maneuver through this complicated journey, or will their fears be enough to stop them from pursuing what could be the greatest moment of their lives?
Love at first sight is a matter of perception, and for Ashland, he never really believed in the authenticity of it. Not until Kenya walked in and stole his breath away. He wasn't looking for love, never even wanted to feel love, and yet...here she was.
Kenya's attraction to Ashland was immediate and couldn't be denied, but he was by far the most complicated man she had ever come across. How do you break down the barriers of someone who won't open up? How do you begin to explain what you don't understand yourself?
Between the two of them, the idea of love seems more and more difficult to wrap their minds around, but the feelings won't go away, and their connection only gets stronger.
Will Ashland and Kenya be able to maneuver through this complicated journey, or will their fears be enough to stop them from pursuing what could be the greatest moment of their lives?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
100 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 11, 2024
Wow!!! This story touched my soul DEEP!! Like from the very beginning you felt the anguish and turmoil dripping from the pages and I couldn’t help but empathize with Ashland. He was such a tortured soul and even if we didn’t know why in the beginning, you couldn’t help but to want to rid him of his pain. I just wanted to wrap him in a hug and tell him everything was going to be ok.
Ash was a successful musician at the top of the charts and the height of his career and yet he was dying inside! Drowning himself in pills, lean, Hennessy or whatever he could get his hands on was his daily form of escape. To the outside world he was living the dream but to his brother and those close to him, they feared that he would tip over the edge at any moment.
After scratching nearly half the songs that were on his upcoming album, Ash tasks his brother, Aden, with finding him a songwriter that could put the feelings on page that he couldn’t quite communicate himself. After searching high and low for nearly a month, Aden stumbled into a quaint lounge in ATL hosting a spoken word and was captivated by this small town, confident spitfire named Kenya.
Kenya doesn’t have much in life but what she does have is hers and she’s worked hard to get it. After suffering loss after loss, she finds herself pouring her thoughts and emotions into journals through poetry. She’s always had a way with words and thanks to her mother nurturing her gift at a young age, Aden pulling her into the world of music was a no brainer.
Some may call it kindred spirits other may call it soul mates but whatever you call it, you can’t deny that when Ash and Kenya crossed paths for the first time the connection was felt in the depths of their souls! This slow burn was one I won’t soon forget! I loved everything about this book from beginning to end and it’s no wonder why Shanel is one of my favs.
Ash was a successful musician at the top of the charts and the height of his career and yet he was dying inside! Drowning himself in pills, lean, Hennessy or whatever he could get his hands on was his daily form of escape. To the outside world he was living the dream but to his brother and those close to him, they feared that he would tip over the edge at any moment.
After scratching nearly half the songs that were on his upcoming album, Ash tasks his brother, Aden, with finding him a songwriter that could put the feelings on page that he couldn’t quite communicate himself. After searching high and low for nearly a month, Aden stumbled into a quaint lounge in ATL hosting a spoken word and was captivated by this small town, confident spitfire named Kenya.
Kenya doesn’t have much in life but what she does have is hers and she’s worked hard to get it. After suffering loss after loss, she finds herself pouring her thoughts and emotions into journals through poetry. She’s always had a way with words and thanks to her mother nurturing her gift at a young age, Aden pulling her into the world of music was a no brainer.
Some may call it kindred spirits other may call it soul mates but whatever you call it, you can’t deny that when Ash and Kenya crossed paths for the first time the connection was felt in the depths of their souls! This slow burn was one I won’t soon forget! I loved everything about this book from beginning to end and it’s no wonder why Shanel is one of my favs.
October 22, 2024
Spiritual Love
Kenya had finally found a place in her life where she was good. She was working a terrible job, but it paid her bills and she was saving for her future. She had fully accepted her vitiligo skin and was no longer hiding herself. She had a small apartment that lacked hot water but it was hers. Life was good. After deciding to tap in on her love for words, for poetry her life was forever changed. This part felt a little unrealistic because that poem was not enough to say she could write songs, but nonetheless.
Aden saw something in Kenya that he knew would be good for his brother Ashland. Yes she could write, but he felt like she could give him more. He wasn't wrong. I loved Ashland's first reaction to Kenya, this man was gone immediately. Despite all of that he did everything he could to avoid their connection because he knew it would be life changing. Ashland had so many demons from his childhood. He was thrust into caring for his brother at such an early age and he coped through drugs, alcohol, and sex. You could literally feel his pain. He didn't know how to let the darkness go, and he refused to bring Kenya down along the way.
These two together were electric. You could feel the connection jumping off of the page. They were fighting it so hard. Ash was a zombie, he was always high because he didn't want to feel. Due to that he just didn't feel worthy of the connection with Kenya. Kenya saw the man he truly was, beyond the mask he wore to cope. She was in awe of him, his talent, his aura. Ash was in awe of her beauty, her spirit, her mind. They didn't know a lot about each other, but their spirits seemed familiar and that much was clear. Ash had so much work to do on himself and I was proud of him when he finally took the steps to get healthy.
I enjoyed this book, but there were a few things I wanted more of. I am so big on descriptors and I felt like I could not picture Ashland. They did such a good job describing Kenya but Ash had tons of tattoos and was fine? That wasn't enough...She was 5'8" did he tower over her? Was he dark or brown skinned? He kept his hair low, did he have waves? I just wanted more. I also found it hard to believe that no one found out who she was, they brought it up but I wanted more closure there because in the age of Internet investigation it felt like it was inevitable. The whole book they were working on his album and when it was finally done I felt like I needed a reference to at least one of the songs, idk it felt like a miss there.
Overall, definitely a solid read that will give you the feels.
Kenya had finally found a place in her life where she was good. She was working a terrible job, but it paid her bills and she was saving for her future. She had fully accepted her vitiligo skin and was no longer hiding herself. She had a small apartment that lacked hot water but it was hers. Life was good. After deciding to tap in on her love for words, for poetry her life was forever changed. This part felt a little unrealistic because that poem was not enough to say she could write songs, but nonetheless.
Aden saw something in Kenya that he knew would be good for his brother Ashland. Yes she could write, but he felt like she could give him more. He wasn't wrong. I loved Ashland's first reaction to Kenya, this man was gone immediately. Despite all of that he did everything he could to avoid their connection because he knew it would be life changing. Ashland had so many demons from his childhood. He was thrust into caring for his brother at such an early age and he coped through drugs, alcohol, and sex. You could literally feel his pain. He didn't know how to let the darkness go, and he refused to bring Kenya down along the way.
These two together were electric. You could feel the connection jumping off of the page. They were fighting it so hard. Ash was a zombie, he was always high because he didn't want to feel. Due to that he just didn't feel worthy of the connection with Kenya. Kenya saw the man he truly was, beyond the mask he wore to cope. She was in awe of him, his talent, his aura. Ash was in awe of her beauty, her spirit, her mind. They didn't know a lot about each other, but their spirits seemed familiar and that much was clear. Ash had so much work to do on himself and I was proud of him when he finally took the steps to get healthy.
I enjoyed this book, but there were a few things I wanted more of. I am so big on descriptors and I felt like I could not picture Ashland. They did such a good job describing Kenya but Ash had tons of tattoos and was fine? That wasn't enough...She was 5'8" did he tower over her? Was he dark or brown skinned? He kept his hair low, did he have waves? I just wanted more. I also found it hard to believe that no one found out who she was, they brought it up but I wanted more closure there because in the age of Internet investigation it felt like it was inevitable. The whole book they were working on his album and when it was finally done I felt like I needed a reference to at least one of the songs, idk it felt like a miss there.
Overall, definitely a solid read that will give you the feels.
August 26, 2023
Kindred Spirits came through with all the emotional feels. Kenya and Ash were an unlikely pair who, coincidentally, shared similar backgrounds. Both of them lost their parents at a young age and had to grow up rather quickly. Especially Ash because, he had a younger brother to take care of. But, he channeled that energy into music and became a popular independent R&B artist who’s preparing to release his second album. He’s also a full blown addict and alcoholic who wants no parts of rehab. His brother, Aden, tries his best to be Ash’s human shield but, there’s only so much you can do for a person who doesn’t want to help themselves. The author’s exploration of addiction was portrayed very well. I thought she did a great job of showing us how it affects family and friends to watch their loved one struggle while trying to be their savior and, oftentimes, their enabler as well. Ash’s addiction is the focal point of the storyline so, you really get to see this character at war with himself. His main goal in life is to be there for his brother and to make sure he's taken care of but, at the same time, he has a very blasé attitude about whether he lives or dies. And, poor Aden. He really was his brother’s keeper. He was the producer, the assistant, the agent, and, sometimes, the sober coach. Aden wore a lot of different hats and, a lot of the time, had to take on the role as the older brother to make sure shyt got done. Kindred Spirits was a really good read. Kenya and Ash’s love journey was definitely bumpy but, you wanna take this ride with them to see these two get to the HEA they so deserve.
August 26, 2023
Whew Shanel! You took my emotions on a ride with this one! The way this read began just felt heavy, and I knew then I was in for heartache. 💔 Kenya had a heart of gold but was dealt a bad hand in life, after the loss of her mother. She was doing the best she could to improve her situation, while continuing to become comfortable with her skin condition. Taking a chance and sharing her poem at an open mic night, changed everything.
Ashland! This man was so talented; however, he was fighting off demons, and oh so complicated! I was waiting for it to be revealed that he was abused in some way, that had him bound to poisoning his body this way. But, after learning all that he had endured during his childhood, and how he watched his father succumb to the bottle; it became clear that unfortunately he was following the same path. 😢 The bond Ashland shared with his brother Aden, was the most beautiful display of sibling love I've ever seen between brothers. They were truly their brothers' keeper in every way. Ashland felt obligated to protect, and make sure his brother was good after what they experienced in their childhood. Aden loved his brother, but was an enabler, and allowed him to push the boundaries consistently.
When Kenya met Ashland, the chemistry was instant, but it would be a long road to a happily ever after. They bonded over their shared experiences with losing their mothers. Ashland became his own worst enemy, by shutting people out, not listening to reason, and allowing his addiction to grow out of control. However, Kenya saw right through to his soul. She knew that he was a man hurting, needing love and compassion, that she planned to give him if he allowed her to.
I loved how the addiction was displayed so raw and real. It was like I could feel the despair and helplessness that Ashland was going through. Kenya knew this would be a hard road if she stuck by Ashland, but she was ready for him and all that came with him. There were many instances that I was teary while reading, as I didn't know if Ashland would just take himself outta here with the constant abuse to his body. So glad that he finally got to the point where he knew it was now or never, to get himself clean. Great read! 👍👍👍
Ashland! This man was so talented; however, he was fighting off demons, and oh so complicated! I was waiting for it to be revealed that he was abused in some way, that had him bound to poisoning his body this way. But, after learning all that he had endured during his childhood, and how he watched his father succumb to the bottle; it became clear that unfortunately he was following the same path. 😢 The bond Ashland shared with his brother Aden, was the most beautiful display of sibling love I've ever seen between brothers. They were truly their brothers' keeper in every way. Ashland felt obligated to protect, and make sure his brother was good after what they experienced in their childhood. Aden loved his brother, but was an enabler, and allowed him to push the boundaries consistently.
When Kenya met Ashland, the chemistry was instant, but it would be a long road to a happily ever after. They bonded over their shared experiences with losing their mothers. Ashland became his own worst enemy, by shutting people out, not listening to reason, and allowing his addiction to grow out of control. However, Kenya saw right through to his soul. She knew that he was a man hurting, needing love and compassion, that she planned to give him if he allowed her to.
I loved how the addiction was displayed so raw and real. It was like I could feel the despair and helplessness that Ashland was going through. Kenya knew this would be a hard road if she stuck by Ashland, but she was ready for him and all that came with him. There were many instances that I was teary while reading, as I didn't know if Ashland would just take himself outta here with the constant abuse to his body. So glad that he finally got to the point where he knew it was now or never, to get himself clean. Great read! 👍👍👍
July 30, 2023
You know a book is good when you can feel the emotions on the pages and see the scenes vividly like you’re watching a movie.
Kenya and Ashland took me through it!!! They were both fighting so many demons that even an instant connection couldn’t solve but with time and healing, all things can work out.
Ashland being an addict was breaking my heart. I just wanted more for him. I had to keep turning to page to see what would be the breaking point.
The relationship between Ashland and Aden was unmatched.
The way Meka was riding for Kenya was unmatched! I enjoyed reading about their friendship. The way Meka pushed her to live life on a whim, is the reason we have a book to begin with!
Go read this book!
Kenya and Ashland took me through it!!! They were both fighting so many demons that even an instant connection couldn’t solve but with time and healing, all things can work out.
Ashland being an addict was breaking my heart. I just wanted more for him. I had to keep turning to page to see what would be the breaking point.
The relationship between Ashland and Aden was unmatched.
The way Meka was riding for Kenya was unmatched! I enjoyed reading about their friendship. The way Meka pushed her to live life on a whim, is the reason we have a book to begin with!
Go read this book!
July 15, 2023
Emotional
My goodness, this story was highly emotional and sad in many cases. I wanted Ashland to conquer his demons. His constant use of pills and alcohol worried me to the core. Having this newly discovered person in the mix to help him write songs was brilliant. I hoped Kenya's presence and calm demeanour would work to Ashland 's benefit. His brother Aden, was always on edge for the worst case scenario. I knew things would come full circle. The author took us through the wringer a few times, but all came out freshly washed, dried and folded in the end.
My goodness, this story was highly emotional and sad in many cases. I wanted Ashland to conquer his demons. His constant use of pills and alcohol worried me to the core. Having this newly discovered person in the mix to help him write songs was brilliant. I hoped Kenya's presence and calm demeanour would work to Ashland 's benefit. His brother Aden, was always on edge for the worst case scenario. I knew things would come full circle. The author took us through the wringer a few times, but all came out freshly washed, dried and folded in the end.
February 11, 2024
Rated 5 💧💧💧💧💧
This book is rated 5 tears 💧, for all the tears that threatened to drop while I read this book. This was a torturously (in a good way) slow burn 🔥. Ashland was a tortured soul, barely surviving through the pain and trauma of his past. Taking care of his younger brother Aden is the only thing keeping him above ground and just barely hanging on.
Kenya and her cousin best friend, Meka have been through the fire. Both are just merely surviving but not really living. Kenya is presented with an opportunity of a lifetime but refuses to go unless cousin best friend tags along for the ride.
Kenya and Ashland meet and the chemistry is undeniable. As Ashland tries to drink and pill pop his past demons away, Kenya tries to avoid being totally destroyed by everything Ashland is. Fate has different plans for the two because how do you fight the inevitable?
So much time was spent on the couple surviving and navigating. I wish that we got more of them after Ashland began to heal. I wanted to see them interact without all the drinking and drugs that Ashland was dependent on.
This book is rated 5 tears 💧, for all the tears that threatened to drop while I read this book. This was a torturously (in a good way) slow burn 🔥. Ashland was a tortured soul, barely surviving through the pain and trauma of his past. Taking care of his younger brother Aden is the only thing keeping him above ground and just barely hanging on.
Kenya and her cousin best friend, Meka have been through the fire. Both are just merely surviving but not really living. Kenya is presented with an opportunity of a lifetime but refuses to go unless cousin best friend tags along for the ride.
Kenya and Ashland meet and the chemistry is undeniable. As Ashland tries to drink and pill pop his past demons away, Kenya tries to avoid being totally destroyed by everything Ashland is. Fate has different plans for the two because how do you fight the inevitable?
So much time was spent on the couple surviving and navigating. I wish that we got more of them after Ashland began to heal. I wanted to see them interact without all the drinking and drugs that Ashland was dependent on.
July 13, 2023
Ashland & Kenya
This was a good read. Kinda slow moving for me but it was still good. Ash had a lot of demons he was dealing with along with basically parenting his younger brother. As they got older and Ash was thrust into stardom Aden, his younger brother, found the roles reversed. Kenya and Meka’s friendship was a joy to see although I’m not sure if I could’ve let my friend just leave after her heart got broken.
This was a good read. Kinda slow moving for me but it was still good. Ash had a lot of demons he was dealing with along with basically parenting his younger brother. As they got older and Ash was thrust into stardom Aden, his younger brother, found the roles reversed. Kenya and Meka’s friendship was a joy to see although I’m not sure if I could’ve let my friend just leave after her heart got broken.
December 4, 2024
4.5⭐
Ya'll...I went through it with this book. I started it in October and then it got too heavy and I had to take a 2 week break from reading it.
What did this book make me feel? All the feelings. Every last one.
This is something of a slow burn and a delightful slow burn at that. A story of two damaged people healing each other and themselves.
Additional swoon for how dedicated Ashford was to his brother. Gotdamnit I'm gonna cry again.
Ya'll...I went through it with this book. I started it in October and then it got too heavy and I had to take a 2 week break from reading it.
What did this book make me feel? All the feelings. Every last one.
This is something of a slow burn and a delightful slow burn at that. A story of two damaged people healing each other and themselves.
Additional swoon for how dedicated Ashford was to his brother. Gotdamnit I'm gonna cry again.
July 15, 2023
phenomenal artist.
You are a phenomenal artist! By artist, i mean the way you write, u can see the perfect picture. I have already talk to you about my review. We have already talked about how I felt and how this book made me feel. But I needed to come in here and let everybody know like if you don’t read this, you don’t know what you are missing! This was a beautiful story, and I struggled with the story simply because I have some trauma that I’m still working through personally. I felt like I could relate to these characters, and I felt like I could relate to the trauma. Which was why I struggled, connecting with him and being OK with the way the story ended. I just felt like there’s no way that these two people can end up together when I feel like there’s still so much trauma that they have to process. However, outside of my own traumatic bonds. I realize that they are a beautiful couple and that together they will probably be mentally healthier than away from each other. I just personally struggle with clinging onto someone else for survival. I just felt like he was depending on her to be mentally safe and that to me is a scary thought. however, I do think that they probably are in a better space and they’re in a space where they can come together and be better together. Again, Shanel, you are a motherfucking artist, baby! You did that.
You are a phenomenal artist! By artist, i mean the way you write, u can see the perfect picture. I have already talk to you about my review. We have already talked about how I felt and how this book made me feel. But I needed to come in here and let everybody know like if you don’t read this, you don’t know what you are missing! This was a beautiful story, and I struggled with the story simply because I have some trauma that I’m still working through personally. I felt like I could relate to these characters, and I felt like I could relate to the trauma. Which was why I struggled, connecting with him and being OK with the way the story ended. I just felt like there’s no way that these two people can end up together when I feel like there’s still so much trauma that they have to process. However, outside of my own traumatic bonds. I realize that they are a beautiful couple and that together they will probably be mentally healthier than away from each other. I just personally struggle with clinging onto someone else for survival. I just felt like he was depending on her to be mentally safe and that to me is a scary thought. however, I do think that they probably are in a better space and they’re in a space where they can come together and be better together. Again, Shanel, you are a motherfucking artist, baby! You did that.
October 11, 2025
Loved it!!!
Now this was a great read. This was a beautiful love story, but not run off the mill. I love that you can watch the love grow in the story. It wasn't an instalove story. Y'all just read the damn book.
Now this was a great read. This was a beautiful love story, but not run off the mill. I love that you can watch the love grow in the story. It wasn't an instalove story. Y'all just read the damn book.
September 1, 2023
I knew from the opening chapter this book would break my heart! Ash was such a tortured soul and his love for his brother was truly the only thing keeping him alive. His self hate and depression was really ruining him. The addiction written was palatable it was raw and so sad. I hated that he only wanted to seek help for his brother and not for himself, but in the end he started to see value.
Although I loved this book I felt like the journey to his recovery was rushed. We spent so much time building his character as an addict and didn’t give the same time in walking us through his recovery.
Although I loved this book I felt like the journey to his recovery was rushed. We spent so much time building his character as an addict and didn’t give the same time in walking us through his recovery.
July 13, 2023
4.5 stars
July 16, 2023
Kindred
Great standalone read! Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars 💜 Ken was really too good for Ash…he was honest about that but something yoked them together. Kindred spirits indeed.
Great standalone read! Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars 💜 Ken was really too good for Ash…he was honest about that but something yoked them together. Kindred spirits indeed.
July 27, 2023
10 1010 across the board
What a beautiful heart, wrenching, emotional story. Loved it. 10 10
What a beautiful heart, wrenching, emotional story. Loved it. 10 10
November 23, 2023
This book is about healing and finding each other and there was just the way the characters struck out and stick together that made me like it. It’s a healing journey to love and I enjoyed it.
July 15, 2023
Loved this story! Ashland and Kenya both had to grow up fast at a young age. Ashland coped by getting hooked on drugs and alcohol (very realistic to what happens IRL). He didn't want to try at love bc he had lost the important ppl in his life at a young age, but their (his and Kenya's) love was going to happen regardless of his fears. Glad they got their HEA after having so much strife in their lives.
Shanel, the author, made this storyline captivating. I really loved it!
(My only issue was that there were some small editing and typographical errors.)
I hope she gives Aden and Meka a short story. I would love their backgrounds to be explored. Aden having to constantly worry about his brother's habit was a lot to deal with at 21. And, the author hinted at Meka's traumas just a little bit; enough to know there could be a story to share.
Shanel, the author, made this storyline captivating. I really loved it!
(My only issue was that there were some small editing and typographical errors.)
I hope she gives Aden and Meka a short story. I would love their backgrounds to be explored. Aden having to constantly worry about his brother's habit was a lot to deal with at 21. And, the author hinted at Meka's traumas just a little bit; enough to know there could be a story to share.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All the reviews said this will bring out the feels. They were absolutely correct.
My heart AAAAACHHHHEEEDDDDD for Ashland! Poor broken soul.
First of all, major shout out to the author for having a FMC with vitiligo. Yassss representation! And for him to have that reaction to her, to find the very thing she struggled with accepting about herself (previously) attractive. I just loved it. That alone made this a 3 star read for me.
But two of them were heartbreaking and just beautiful. I was afraid she was going to become codependent. Yet it wrapped up beautifully.
The addition of Meke and Aden. The relationship between Aden and Ash was equally codependent and unhealthy. I wish we would’ve gotten a glimpse of it becoming healthier, with Ash’s recovery. But I loved all of the love fest surrounding this group; including Vic.
Truly enjoyed this one.
All the reviews said this will bring out the feels. They were absolutely correct.
My heart AAAAACHHHHEEEDDDDD for Ashland! Poor broken soul.
First of all, major shout out to the author for having a FMC with vitiligo. Yassss representation! And for him to have that reaction to her, to find the very thing she struggled with accepting about herself (previously) attractive. I just loved it. That alone made this a 3 star read for me.
But two of them were heartbreaking and just beautiful. I was afraid she was going to become codependent. Yet it wrapped up beautifully.
The addition of Meke and Aden. The relationship between Aden and Ash was equally codependent and unhealthy. I wish we would’ve gotten a glimpse of it becoming healthier, with Ash’s recovery. But I loved all of the love fest surrounding this group; including Vic.
Truly enjoyed this one.
September 17, 2023
The road to recovery!
When Ashland met Kenya, he was on a path to self destruction and it was just a matter of time! Brother Aden had always been the reason behind his musical drive. But even brotherly love wasn't enough to shake his demons. Once she became his peace, he was finally able to admit that he had an addiction that he couldn't overcome alone. And even though this realization did not come without some serious heartache, in the end he finally got it together for himself and the people he loved! This was a rough one, but the final destination made the journey worth all the emotional turmoil! This author is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings and have you in your feelings. But that's just the mark of great storytelling!
When Ashland met Kenya, he was on a path to self destruction and it was just a matter of time! Brother Aden had always been the reason behind his musical drive. But even brotherly love wasn't enough to shake his demons. Once she became his peace, he was finally able to admit that he had an addiction that he couldn't overcome alone. And even though this realization did not come without some serious heartache, in the end he finally got it together for himself and the people he loved! This was a rough one, but the final destination made the journey worth all the emotional turmoil! This author is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings and have you in your feelings. But that's just the mark of great storytelling!
July 13, 2023
Absolutely loved this story!!!
This story captivated me from the beginning and I enjoyed delving into the lives of Kenya and Ashland.
Kenya was a sweetheart who had a difficult life after her mom passed and her insecurities about her skin condition but ultimately she was able to sort through those things and be comfortable in her own skin. Ashland was a complicated man who carried demons that caused him to cope with alcohol and drugs. Ashland and Kenya meeting was the catalyst to a great love story. I don’t want to tell too much of the story but this book is definitely worth downloading.
This story captivated me from the beginning and I enjoyed delving into the lives of Kenya and Ashland.
Kenya was a sweetheart who had a difficult life after her mom passed and her insecurities about her skin condition but ultimately she was able to sort through those things and be comfortable in her own skin. Ashland was a complicated man who carried demons that caused him to cope with alcohol and drugs. Ashland and Kenya meeting was the catalyst to a great love story. I don’t want to tell too much of the story but this book is definitely worth downloading.
July 22, 2023
Slow burn, emotional journey
Ashland and Kenya were an unlikely pair coincidentally from similar backgrounds that somehow became each other's safe haven. This author crafted an emotionally wrought story that had you hoping for the best for Ashland and Kenya even when the odds were stacked against them, the greatest were themselves. This story tackled how we face and handle grief. It is not always appealing and in some case it could be devastating. When the light finally appeared at the end of the tunnel I was emotionally drained but grateful. This was a slow burn worth reading.
Ashland and Kenya were an unlikely pair coincidentally from similar backgrounds that somehow became each other's safe haven. This author crafted an emotionally wrought story that had you hoping for the best for Ashland and Kenya even when the odds were stacked against them, the greatest were themselves. This story tackled how we face and handle grief. It is not always appealing and in some case it could be devastating. When the light finally appeared at the end of the tunnel I was emotionally drained but grateful. This was a slow burn worth reading.
July 23, 2023
Kindle seriously needs more stars
It’s never not a 5 star review when it comes to Shanel! I loved Ashland and Kenya’s story! Love truly does conquer all 🥹 And man! Aden is brother of the YEAR! I love a good group of supporting characters. Meka, Vic and Aden were as solid as they came 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 You can never fail when you have a solid team around you. These feel good HEA stories just makes you feel like you can reach out and touch love. And lord knows we need more of that lol.
Although different, it really touched me that I can see my own story within this. That’s a first for me so this is def a top 5 of mine. 🥰🥰 Thank you for being the author you are Shanel!
It’s never not a 5 star review when it comes to Shanel! I loved Ashland and Kenya’s story! Love truly does conquer all 🥹 And man! Aden is brother of the YEAR! I love a good group of supporting characters. Meka, Vic and Aden were as solid as they came 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 You can never fail when you have a solid team around you. These feel good HEA stories just makes you feel like you can reach out and touch love. And lord knows we need more of that lol.
Although different, it really touched me that I can see my own story within this. That’s a first for me so this is def a top 5 of mine. 🥰🥰 Thank you for being the author you are Shanel!
August 30, 2023
Love it!! 👍🏽
Kindred Spirits was such a delightful read. Not your average romance, but also heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. Ashland was a beautiful, talented man with a tortured soul. Where we meet him, he seems stuck in a sad pattern of self destruction. Kenya on the other hands had gone through adversity and besides a little low self esteem, her outlook on life was vastly different from Ashland’s. This is a great story that will break your heart and mend it back together.
Kindred Spirits was such a delightful read. Not your average romance, but also heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. Ashland was a beautiful, talented man with a tortured soul. Where we meet him, he seems stuck in a sad pattern of self destruction. Kenya on the other hands had gone through adversity and besides a little low self esteem, her outlook on life was vastly different from Ashland’s. This is a great story that will break your heart and mend it back together.
July 12, 2023
we goin figure it out
kindred spirits was soul food as much as these characters were broken we needed them…we live in a world that far from perfect and these characters are real..Ash was every bit of on the edge and killing himself slowly and kenya was a lost soul….the music they made together was a soundtrack of their love…i loved their rugged love…every day ain’t easy and we all fighting demons but once the right person comes along it makes our lives easy and worth living
kindred spirits was soul food as much as these characters were broken we needed them…we live in a world that far from perfect and these characters are real..Ash was every bit of on the edge and killing himself slowly and kenya was a lost soul….the music they made together was a soundtrack of their love…i loved their rugged love…every day ain’t easy and we all fighting demons but once the right person comes along it makes our lives easy and worth living
August 3, 2023
Love this
Wow! The demons that live within us. Ash was so caught up that he nearly destroyed himself. Thank goodness Aden loved his brother as much as he did. Kenya was who Ashland needed but his demons were taking over. Throughout the book you could feel how deep the demons were taking over. Aden to the rescue and life goes on. I felt the love throughout the book. Great story!
Happy Reading‼️
Wow! The demons that live within us. Ash was so caught up that he nearly destroyed himself. Thank goodness Aden loved his brother as much as he did. Kenya was who Ashland needed but his demons were taking over. Throughout the book you could feel how deep the demons were taking over. Aden to the rescue and life goes on. I felt the love throughout the book. Great story!
Happy Reading‼️
September 7, 2023
Wasn't as traumatic as I thought
This book was recommended to me by my book bestie and when she briefly described what happened in the book I got ready to be sad and traumatized when she mentioned drug abuse, but Ken and Ash's love was actually light and feel good.
So if you're looking for a love story that light with a little spice, thus is the one.
I enjoyed this story.
This book was recommended to me by my book bestie and when she briefly described what happened in the book I got ready to be sad and traumatized when she mentioned drug abuse, but Ken and Ash's love was actually light and feel good.
So if you're looking for a love story that light with a little spice, thus is the one.
I enjoyed this story.
January 13, 2026
Shanel just knows how to write a story. Kindred Spirits pulled at my heart. I could literally feel the angst and turmoil and longing and hurt and sadness with every single word I read.
There were a few things that didn't make sense to me, but also, this is fiction so I just rolled with it. It took nothing away from the story.
I hope Shanel starts writing again soon. It's been a while since she has released a story.
There were a few things that didn't make sense to me, but also, this is fiction so I just rolled with it. It took nothing away from the story.
I hope Shanel starts writing again soon. It's been a while since she has released a story.
July 26, 2023
Always a great read!
This was an amazing read! It never fails! Shanel has a way with words that truly immerses you into the world of the characters! I could not put the boom down! Another great story and great read with all the feels!! I would love a spin off with the characters and even Vic! Amazing amazing work! This is one to reread over and over!
This was an amazing read! It never fails! Shanel has a way with words that truly immerses you into the world of the characters! I could not put the boom down! Another great story and great read with all the feels!! I would love a spin off with the characters and even Vic! Amazing amazing work! This is one to reread over and over!
August 3, 2023
Beautiful Love Story
I’m so happy Ash got it together. I’m happy that he found love and I’m happy it was with Kenya. They made a great couple. This read was awesome. It was so much love in the air. Ash needed Kenya and Kenya needed Ash. Just a beautiful love story heading the right way.
I’m so happy Ash got it together. I’m happy that he found love and I’m happy it was with Kenya. They made a great couple. This read was awesome. It was so much love in the air. Ash needed Kenya and Kenya needed Ash. Just a beautiful love story heading the right way.
January 7, 2024
Good book
What was presented was good. I enjoyed it, but it was much more of a story of a functioning addict than a "love"/romance story. Just wish I knew that upfront. Ashland was definitely troubled, and Kenya was definitely a kindred spirit to him. They were a good match for each other.
What was presented was good. I enjoyed it, but it was much more of a story of a functioning addict than a "love"/romance story. Just wish I knew that upfront. Ashland was definitely troubled, and Kenya was definitely a kindred spirit to him. They were a good match for each other.
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