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Surviving Josiah
She wanted a love story, but she got a monster who treats violence like a love language.
Josiah
They call me a madman, a liability, a mistake made two centuries ago in a Louisiana swamp. And they aren’t wrong. I’ve spent my immortality reading self-help books and embracing the chaos in my head just to feel something other than the memories of my past. But the moment I saw Layla, the noise stopped. She is vanilla and sugarcane, the only light in my endless dark, and for the first time since 1823, my dead heart is beating. I don’t care if she’s afraid. I don’t care if I have to break every rule of the coven to keep her. I will build her a throne on the ashes of her enemies, because she is mine—and I never share.
Layla
I’ve always been the good girl—the librarian who follows the rules, keeps her head down, and tries to hold it together while my life falls apart. But after losing my job and my sister in the same breath, I’m done playing nice. Then I met Josiah. He’s terrifying, unhinged, and looks at me with a hunger that should send me running in the opposite direction. But instead of fear, I feel a pull I can’t explain. He’s dangerous, lethal, and dragging me into a world of blood and magic I never asked for, but for the first time in my life, I don't want to run. I want to see just how dark his love can get.
⚠️ Content
This novel explores very dark themes. Please read the full Content Warnings page at the beginning of the book before proceeding to ensure this story is right for you.
Josiah
They call me a madman, a liability, a mistake made two centuries ago in a Louisiana swamp. And they aren’t wrong. I’ve spent my immortality reading self-help books and embracing the chaos in my head just to feel something other than the memories of my past. But the moment I saw Layla, the noise stopped. She is vanilla and sugarcane, the only light in my endless dark, and for the first time since 1823, my dead heart is beating. I don’t care if she’s afraid. I don’t care if I have to break every rule of the coven to keep her. I will build her a throne on the ashes of her enemies, because she is mine—and I never share.
Layla
I’ve always been the good girl—the librarian who follows the rules, keeps her head down, and tries to hold it together while my life falls apart. But after losing my job and my sister in the same breath, I’m done playing nice. Then I met Josiah. He’s terrifying, unhinged, and looks at me with a hunger that should send me running in the opposite direction. But instead of fear, I feel a pull I can’t explain. He’s dangerous, lethal, and dragging me into a world of blood and magic I never asked for, but for the first time in my life, I don't want to run. I want to see just how dark his love can get.
⚠️ Content
This novel explores very dark themes. Please read the full Content Warnings page at the beginning of the book before proceeding to ensure this story is right for you.
656 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
136 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 11, 2026
Did it have to be that long?
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy all Tessa Stone paranormal romance books, including this one. But I kept falling asleep like it was not holding my interest after three hundred and something pages. Some of the scenes seem repetitive and if that scene did not have to be in the book. I liked the way he found her, that was cute. Layla was starting to get on my nerve’s cause she acted as if she needed that friend of hers and knew how she was (a hoe) and then she still called the girl her friend after she knew what she did and Josiah killed her. There was never a character built on the sister and Layla until towards the end when lay was talking about their childhood.
King Amir seemed as if he couldn’t stand Josiah. Seems like every vampire in there just tolerated him 🥴 I don’t know 🤷🏾♀️ maybe because this book was over 300 pages I feel like it was so drawn out and I was getting annoyed. But I hope her other books are not like that. And have more of a character built.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy all Tessa Stone paranormal romance books, including this one. But I kept falling asleep like it was not holding my interest after three hundred and something pages. Some of the scenes seem repetitive and if that scene did not have to be in the book. I liked the way he found her, that was cute. Layla was starting to get on my nerve’s cause she acted as if she needed that friend of hers and knew how she was (a hoe) and then she still called the girl her friend after she knew what she did and Josiah killed her. There was never a character built on the sister and Layla until towards the end when lay was talking about their childhood.
King Amir seemed as if he couldn’t stand Josiah. Seems like every vampire in there just tolerated him 🥴 I don’t know 🤷🏾♀️ maybe because this book was over 300 pages I feel like it was so drawn out and I was getting annoyed. But I hope her other books are not like that. And have more of a character built.
December 26, 2025
4.5 stars
I'm sure I'm in the minority but I like Josiah better as a supporting character. In his own story I dont like him much. King Amir's words come to mind when I think of Jo, 'you can't keep using your madness as an excuse for your behavior '. This was my thought even before I read these words. Jo wallowed in his sadness and madness and as such behaved terribly. You can't complain that you're not accepted by others when you actively act in a way that pushes people away.
And I dont really like Layla. She too wallowed and let herself be swallowed by sadness and probably depression that led her to her dark side.
Saying this, the two are great for each other and belong together. I actually enjoyed their journey to their HEA, no matter how steeped in darkness. Despite everything, Layla's presence and love helped stabilize Jo. And Jo gave Layla the love and dedication she never experienced from anyone. Although they went through some things, their love and dedication to each other helps them power through.
Jo and Layla will have you going through some emotions, joy and sadness, laughter and tears, and anything in between. You'll even be taking a minute to dwell on the insights from Jo's book.
I especially enjoyed reading how Tessa got Layla and Jo to accept and live with their past.
It's a long read but definitely worth reading and in the end I like Jo and Layla a little more.
I'm sure I'm in the minority but I like Josiah better as a supporting character. In his own story I dont like him much. King Amir's words come to mind when I think of Jo, 'you can't keep using your madness as an excuse for your behavior '. This was my thought even before I read these words. Jo wallowed in his sadness and madness and as such behaved terribly. You can't complain that you're not accepted by others when you actively act in a way that pushes people away.
And I dont really like Layla. She too wallowed and let herself be swallowed by sadness and probably depression that led her to her dark side.
Saying this, the two are great for each other and belong together. I actually enjoyed their journey to their HEA, no matter how steeped in darkness. Despite everything, Layla's presence and love helped stabilize Jo. And Jo gave Layla the love and dedication she never experienced from anyone. Although they went through some things, their love and dedication to each other helps them power through.
Jo and Layla will have you going through some emotions, joy and sadness, laughter and tears, and anything in between. You'll even be taking a minute to dwell on the insights from Jo's book.
I especially enjoyed reading how Tessa got Layla and Jo to accept and live with their past.
It's a long read but definitely worth reading and in the end I like Jo and Layla a little more.
December 22, 2025
It's amazing how everybody besides Josiah, Layla and maybe two other characters sucked in this book. I've noticed a theme with Tessa's writing. When she's writing about a wintermoon supernatural in their own book, they're likeable but when it comes to writing them in a different supernatural's book then they're unbearable. I hated how damn near everybody in Wintermoon was extremely judgemental of Josiah. Yes, he was crazy but instead of them trying to get to know him for real to understand why he was that way, they just judged him, used him and isolated him.
I never read Damon's book but I didn't like Selene, his mate in this. She was very judgemental and unlikeable, Damon acted pussy, Amir was also very unlikeable in this. I was very disappointed in him. Again, very few of the supernaturals in this book were ok. Everybody else sucked balls. Josiah was the best character in this book, I really liked him and didn't see anything wrong with his actions because I understood them and he wasn't wrong for doing them. Layla was cool, she annoyed me at times but I did like how she got Josiah and was also disgusted by how he was treated. Layla and Josiah were really a match made in hell. They were crazy together but it made sense. I wish they did leave Wintermoon in the end because that place was trash in this book.
Overall, the book was a really good read.
I never read Damon's book but I didn't like Selene, his mate in this. She was very judgemental and unlikeable, Damon acted pussy, Amir was also very unlikeable in this. I was very disappointed in him. Again, very few of the supernaturals in this book were ok. Everybody else sucked balls. Josiah was the best character in this book, I really liked him and didn't see anything wrong with his actions because I understood them and he wasn't wrong for doing them. Layla was cool, she annoyed me at times but I did like how she got Josiah and was also disgusted by how he was treated. Layla and Josiah were really a match made in hell. They were crazy together but it made sense. I wish they did leave Wintermoon in the end because that place was trash in this book.
Overall, the book was a really good read.
February 1, 2026
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book officially: January 31st, 2026, 4:48 a.m.
I managed to make it to page 324 out of 648 pages, exactly halfway through and…sigh. I was hooked at the beginning, and the story held so much promise, but it simply didn’t give what it should have gave.
For one, it didn’t take me long to get SICK of Tessa saying “blurring with vampire speed” to describe how Josiah and other vamps moved in the world.
If you read this book, count how many times she uses this phrase. Tessa used it to the point where if I were to take a shot every time I read “blurring with vampire speed” or “blur” or anything referring to “vampire strength,” I would be DEAD from ALCOHOL POISONING! I was so annoyed! Like, she SERIOUSLY couldn’t think of ANY OTHER way to describe these vampire abilities?!
Another thing that bothered me was how much the characters sounded like NARRATORS instead of individual people with their own voices, feelings, textures, and layers. Does that make sense? I feel like she really shouldn’t have written these books from her character’s first-person point of view if she was still going to describe and explain things like a narrator. Limited third-person narrator voice would have been better.
The inconsistencies of the characters felt like they all were simply versions of each other instead being their own person. I think that flat, same narrative voice from the first-person point of view of each character throughout the story is what contributes to the way it reads. Also, even though I haven’t read any of the other books, within this one book, the characters don’t stay true to the traits and personalities that they’re giving readers the impression of having, if that makes sense. I say within this one book because of the fact that I didn’t read any of the other books to see if these characters are really like this by design or inconsistent writing, so I can stand to be corrected, if need be.
SPOILERS AHEAD, with notes from my Reading Journal that I wrote as I read:
Josiah being so freaky and overly sexual towards Layla (who he doesn’t know like that, by the way), rubs me the wrong way for quite a few reasons. It’s only been a few days since she moved to Wintermoon after being identified as his fated mate), then this adds to my discomfort ESPECIALLY since in the very beginning of this book, Josiah is a slave in Louisiana working the fields. The slave master calls Josiah to the house to work because he has to go away for some business or whatever, and so the MISTRESS Vivian (the slave master’s wife) would always sneak and rape Josiah. And then everything that happens with him, the slavemaster, and his newborn baby happened, I just—NO. So, sex has always been weaponized against him. He only knew trauma with sex. He even said so himself. He’s never been with any other woman, he never viewed sex as anything but a tool, so for this “mating bond” to suddenly awaken this insatiable, kinky side to him after all that trauma is crazy to me. A mating bond should NOT override very real traumas like that, in my honest opinion.
We don't really get a chance to get into Josiah's mind and see how he became this way. From Josiah’s chapters, and even the scene where Josiah and Layla are on that “deal dinner date,” things are kind of being explained clinically through Josiah, like a narrator instead of a character. He's explaining how he went mad. From 1823 to modern day now it’s like, what were you doing for 200 years? I, as the reader, don't really get to see that. It's just, all of a sudden, you find your mate, and then you just want to fxxx her, bite her, and keep her. Like, what the helly??
We also don’t get to really see Layla process any of her emotions and traumas either (at least, up to where I read, anyway).
I feel so BAD because I gave this book a good 10 days, even after putting it down, pausing, shaking my head, etc. I tried to get through it, because this is work by a fellow Black woman, a fellow Black author. I found her when an ad for this book on Instagram gathered me ALL THE WAY up because Josiah was fine as fxxx, you hear me?? FINE! Tessa even used AI to animate him and other characters, and I thought that was 🔥🔥🔥, but again, the writing overall just didn't live up to the expectations/online impressions.
See, I have a thing for vampires. I love vampires—BLACK ones specifically— so, this is very disappointing for me. Don’t get it twisted though! I really try to be easy and fair with my critiques because I'm a writer too, and I don't want to drag anybody’s work just because (unless I TRULY have a valid reason to do so), but these are some fair points I'm bringing up, real concerns. I wanted more from this book. I didn't get it.
Another thing that doesn't make sense here is the age difference. So I didn't realize at first that he was, so YOUNG. Sure, he's 200 years old as far as being a vampire, but realistically he's only 18 (I know the book says 19, but if he was born in 1805 and died/got turned in 1823, then that makes him 18). I was like, “You are a CHILD.” As soon as I realized how young he was, it was an INSTANT turn off. So Layla is 28, he's 18—because you know when someone gets bitten by a vampire, they die/stop aging/ they just stay the age that they are. That took me all the waaaaaay out of the story. I need grown folks, and Josiah is a child. Sorry.
I also didn’t like how the author would say the same thing over and over in a bunch of different ways. For example, when Josiah kept emphasizing how seeing King Amir bend to Queen Anora's will awakened envy and admiration in him, and how one day Layla would command him, too. Then he kept noting feelings being stirred up inside of him that he didn’t understand...but he literally had explained what he was feeling a page before that. Not to mention, his explanations about the mating bond throughout. 🤦🏾♀️
Something else that pulled me out of the story a bit was what I call the “pain and power logic.” How can Josiah be this powerful, 200-year-old vampire who basically feels next to NOTHING when mysterious MAGIC bullets coated in some weird blue substance shoot into his axx, but then he manages to fall all down when Layla, a weaker human woman, stabs him with a BUTTER KNIFE and kicks him in the balls?! I would think that it’d be something he’d laugh at unflinchingly and think it was adorable (he thinks this anyway, but the fact that he felt LAYLA’S physical attacks more than a SUPERNATURAL attack is wild to me). This ruined the suspension of disbelief for me in the worst way!
Next, the overall tone of the book was inconsistent/too jarring/doing too much. What do I mean? I read the disclaimers at the beginning of the book and that’s fine, but the way she crams trauma, darkness, eroticism, comedy all into one scene/beat?? It reads as messy and an attempt to jam as many tropes and moods into here as possible. I didn’t like that at all; it gave me repeated emotional whiplash while I was reading.
The truth is, the concept of Wintermoon, the mating bonds, and the storylines are CREATIVE, and that’s why I was willing to hold on and keep reading. I really wanted to read ALL the books in the Wintermoon universe, but I just couldn’t get past too many things that stuck out like sore thumbs.
But you know what? Outside of that, I can tell that this series has some great lore and fascinating layers. I guess it’s just a case of “Everything ain't for everybody…
I managed to make it to page 324 out of 648 pages, exactly halfway through and…sigh. I was hooked at the beginning, and the story held so much promise, but it simply didn’t give what it should have gave.
For one, it didn’t take me long to get SICK of Tessa saying “blurring with vampire speed” to describe how Josiah and other vamps moved in the world.
If you read this book, count how many times she uses this phrase. Tessa used it to the point where if I were to take a shot every time I read “blurring with vampire speed” or “blur” or anything referring to “vampire strength,” I would be DEAD from ALCOHOL POISONING! I was so annoyed! Like, she SERIOUSLY couldn’t think of ANY OTHER way to describe these vampire abilities?!
Another thing that bothered me was how much the characters sounded like NARRATORS instead of individual people with their own voices, feelings, textures, and layers. Does that make sense? I feel like she really shouldn’t have written these books from her character’s first-person point of view if she was still going to describe and explain things like a narrator. Limited third-person narrator voice would have been better.
The inconsistencies of the characters felt like they all were simply versions of each other instead being their own person. I think that flat, same narrative voice from the first-person point of view of each character throughout the story is what contributes to the way it reads. Also, even though I haven’t read any of the other books, within this one book, the characters don’t stay true to the traits and personalities that they’re giving readers the impression of having, if that makes sense. I say within this one book because of the fact that I didn’t read any of the other books to see if these characters are really like this by design or inconsistent writing, so I can stand to be corrected, if need be.
SPOILERS AHEAD, with notes from my Reading Journal that I wrote as I read:
Josiah being so freaky and overly sexual towards Layla (who he doesn’t know like that, by the way), rubs me the wrong way for quite a few reasons. It’s only been a few days since she moved to Wintermoon after being identified as his fated mate), then this adds to my discomfort ESPECIALLY since in the very beginning of this book, Josiah is a slave in Louisiana working the fields. The slave master calls Josiah to the house to work because he has to go away for some business or whatever, and so the MISTRESS Vivian (the slave master’s wife) would always sneak and rape Josiah. And then everything that happens with him, the slavemaster, and his newborn baby happened, I just—NO. So, sex has always been weaponized against him. He only knew trauma with sex. He even said so himself. He’s never been with any other woman, he never viewed sex as anything but a tool, so for this “mating bond” to suddenly awaken this insatiable, kinky side to him after all that trauma is crazy to me. A mating bond should NOT override very real traumas like that, in my honest opinion.
We don't really get a chance to get into Josiah's mind and see how he became this way. From Josiah’s chapters, and even the scene where Josiah and Layla are on that “deal dinner date,” things are kind of being explained clinically through Josiah, like a narrator instead of a character. He's explaining how he went mad. From 1823 to modern day now it’s like, what were you doing for 200 years? I, as the reader, don't really get to see that. It's just, all of a sudden, you find your mate, and then you just want to fxxx her, bite her, and keep her. Like, what the helly??
We also don’t get to really see Layla process any of her emotions and traumas either (at least, up to where I read, anyway).
I feel so BAD because I gave this book a good 10 days, even after putting it down, pausing, shaking my head, etc. I tried to get through it, because this is work by a fellow Black woman, a fellow Black author. I found her when an ad for this book on Instagram gathered me ALL THE WAY up because Josiah was fine as fxxx, you hear me?? FINE! Tessa even used AI to animate him and other characters, and I thought that was 🔥🔥🔥, but again, the writing overall just didn't live up to the expectations/online impressions.
See, I have a thing for vampires. I love vampires—BLACK ones specifically— so, this is very disappointing for me. Don’t get it twisted though! I really try to be easy and fair with my critiques because I'm a writer too, and I don't want to drag anybody’s work just because (unless I TRULY have a valid reason to do so), but these are some fair points I'm bringing up, real concerns. I wanted more from this book. I didn't get it.
Another thing that doesn't make sense here is the age difference. So I didn't realize at first that he was, so YOUNG. Sure, he's 200 years old as far as being a vampire, but realistically he's only 18 (I know the book says 19, but if he was born in 1805 and died/got turned in 1823, then that makes him 18). I was like, “You are a CHILD.” As soon as I realized how young he was, it was an INSTANT turn off. So Layla is 28, he's 18—because you know when someone gets bitten by a vampire, they die/stop aging/ they just stay the age that they are. That took me all the waaaaaay out of the story. I need grown folks, and Josiah is a child. Sorry.
I also didn’t like how the author would say the same thing over and over in a bunch of different ways. For example, when Josiah kept emphasizing how seeing King Amir bend to Queen Anora's will awakened envy and admiration in him, and how one day Layla would command him, too. Then he kept noting feelings being stirred up inside of him that he didn’t understand...but he literally had explained what he was feeling a page before that. Not to mention, his explanations about the mating bond throughout. 🤦🏾♀️
Something else that pulled me out of the story a bit was what I call the “pain and power logic.” How can Josiah be this powerful, 200-year-old vampire who basically feels next to NOTHING when mysterious MAGIC bullets coated in some weird blue substance shoot into his axx, but then he manages to fall all down when Layla, a weaker human woman, stabs him with a BUTTER KNIFE and kicks him in the balls?! I would think that it’d be something he’d laugh at unflinchingly and think it was adorable (he thinks this anyway, but the fact that he felt LAYLA’S physical attacks more than a SUPERNATURAL attack is wild to me). This ruined the suspension of disbelief for me in the worst way!
Next, the overall tone of the book was inconsistent/too jarring/doing too much. What do I mean? I read the disclaimers at the beginning of the book and that’s fine, but the way she crams trauma, darkness, eroticism, comedy all into one scene/beat?? It reads as messy and an attempt to jam as many tropes and moods into here as possible. I didn’t like that at all; it gave me repeated emotional whiplash while I was reading.
The truth is, the concept of Wintermoon, the mating bonds, and the storylines are CREATIVE, and that’s why I was willing to hold on and keep reading. I really wanted to read ALL the books in the Wintermoon universe, but I just couldn’t get past too many things that stuck out like sore thumbs.
But you know what? Outside of that, I can tell that this series has some great lore and fascinating layers. I guess it’s just a case of “Everything ain't for everybody…
December 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
There is something about the vampire tales that just doesn't hit the same as the other shifter books. I've felt like they have all been a bit lack luster. The last two have been the best of the 4 books for sure. I like how they have been more proactive in dealing with Brookstone and Blackburn. They now went underground but maybe this way they can keep their fighting away from the public eye. I really hated how Josiah's behavior negatively affected Wintermoon. He didn't care if what he did made it more difficult for others in Detroit who still are not in Wintermoon.
I liked that Josiah found someone who is kind of crazy like him. I always hated how Anora was one of the few in Wintermoon with darkness. I love characters who have darkness and still work at being decent people. I didn't like how all of a sudden he did a 180 and was the reasonable one and Layla become the unhinged one. Its like the author flipped a switch and Josiah became someone else, it happened suddenly and I felt like we didn't see him do the work to heal. He got power, decide to rescue Layla and bam he was no longer crazy. I felt that needed to be more gradual.
I was really hoping that Layla would end up being a librarian at the Academy, I been saying this for a while. I want to see the vampires get more integrated with Wintermoon and not just be stuck in the Royal Island. We have seen some progress with Nicole being the therapist. In this book we see Josiah becoming a deputy and helping the community.
I would also like to see more of the master coven, we barely know anyone and we are 4 book in and we haven't really been introduced to many of them. All we keep seeing is Amir killing off traitors, which is great but shouldn't more of them have found mates by now. I can see how that will be impossible if they can't leave the Royal Island.
I liked the ending where he found a teen boy and looks like they will mentor him. I have so many questions about this, who turned him? Will he look like a 16 year old forever? Are Josiah and Layla mentally ready to raise a teenager? Will he be going to the academy? Will this be the beginning of integrations of vampires into Wintermoon?
The whole scene of the Blackwood coven meeting was hilarious, they always bickering and fighting. I can't wait for their books and to see how they work together. I been saying for so many books we have yet to see what became of all the witches who were in the Witching Glen when they got rid of the black magic. I still feel like we haven't seen anything from this come up. That was like a million books ago, we got some reference but nothing concrete.
I wish we got to see more of Alexis is limbo, I remember what Carla promising to make her pay for what she did once she got there.
Overall - The main things that I consistently bring up in my last few reviews of this series are:
1. Vampires integrating more with Wintermoon, introduction to master coven and how Amir is dealing with them.
2. Blackwood coven - we need to see more of this, we get glimpses but nothing concrete yet
3. Witches in the Witching Glen, we been left high and dry for ages
4. Next generation - how are they changing Wintermoon for the better and integrating more people. I always wondered why the packs don't adopt the some of the kids in the Academy. Don't they need to be around their own shifter species to learn about their culture. I've always thought it was sad how they seem to only prioritize biological offspring. They don't really think about all the children in need just down the road at the Academy. They live at the school most of the time, so it would be weekends and breaks. They pride themselves on community but lack that part for the children, at least in my eyes.
There is something about the vampire tales that just doesn't hit the same as the other shifter books. I've felt like they have all been a bit lack luster. The last two have been the best of the 4 books for sure. I like how they have been more proactive in dealing with Brookstone and Blackburn. They now went underground but maybe this way they can keep their fighting away from the public eye. I really hated how Josiah's behavior negatively affected Wintermoon. He didn't care if what he did made it more difficult for others in Detroit who still are not in Wintermoon.
I liked that Josiah found someone who is kind of crazy like him. I always hated how Anora was one of the few in Wintermoon with darkness. I love characters who have darkness and still work at being decent people. I didn't like how all of a sudden he did a 180 and was the reasonable one and Layla become the unhinged one. Its like the author flipped a switch and Josiah became someone else, it happened suddenly and I felt like we didn't see him do the work to heal. He got power, decide to rescue Layla and bam he was no longer crazy. I felt that needed to be more gradual.
I was really hoping that Layla would end up being a librarian at the Academy, I been saying this for a while. I want to see the vampires get more integrated with Wintermoon and not just be stuck in the Royal Island. We have seen some progress with Nicole being the therapist. In this book we see Josiah becoming a deputy and helping the community.
I would also like to see more of the master coven, we barely know anyone and we are 4 book in and we haven't really been introduced to many of them. All we keep seeing is Amir killing off traitors, which is great but shouldn't more of them have found mates by now. I can see how that will be impossible if they can't leave the Royal Island.
I liked the ending where he found a teen boy and looks like they will mentor him. I have so many questions about this, who turned him? Will he look like a 16 year old forever? Are Josiah and Layla mentally ready to raise a teenager? Will he be going to the academy? Will this be the beginning of integrations of vampires into Wintermoon?
The whole scene of the Blackwood coven meeting was hilarious, they always bickering and fighting. I can't wait for their books and to see how they work together. I been saying for so many books we have yet to see what became of all the witches who were in the Witching Glen when they got rid of the black magic. I still feel like we haven't seen anything from this come up. That was like a million books ago, we got some reference but nothing concrete.
I wish we got to see more of Alexis is limbo, I remember what Carla promising to make her pay for what she did once she got there.
Overall - The main things that I consistently bring up in my last few reviews of this series are:
1. Vampires integrating more with Wintermoon, introduction to master coven and how Amir is dealing with them.
2. Blackwood coven - we need to see more of this, we get glimpses but nothing concrete yet
3. Witches in the Witching Glen, we been left high and dry for ages
4. Next generation - how are they changing Wintermoon for the better and integrating more people. I always wondered why the packs don't adopt the some of the kids in the Academy. Don't they need to be around their own shifter species to learn about their culture. I've always thought it was sad how they seem to only prioritize biological offspring. They don't really think about all the children in need just down the road at the Academy. They live at the school most of the time, so it would be weekends and breaks. They pride themselves on community but lack that part for the children, at least in my eyes.
December 20, 2025
Dark, Emotional, and Unforgettable
Josiah is a deeply misunderstood character, shaped by brutal trauma, loss, and grief. Before becoming a vampire, he endured horrors that no one should survive, leaving him emotionally hollow and convinced he would never have a fated mate. Because he walks through the world with nothing to lose, others label him as “crazy,” when in reality he is simply surviving.
Layla enters his life carrying her own grief and pain, and their connection is instant, intense, and fated—though neither of them understands it at first. Their love is tested again and again by manipulation, betrayal, false accusations, and devastating loss. From wrongful arrests to supernatural enemies, from death that refuses to rest to impossible choices made in love, this story never lets up.
The emotional weight of this book is heavy, but so is the beauty of watching two broken souls fight their way back to each other. Josiah and Layla’s journey is raw, heartbreaking, and ultimately about healing, even when the scars never fade.
If you love dark paranormal romance with complex characters, intense emotions, and a story that lingers long after the last page, this book is absolutely worth the read. And just when you think it’s over you realize their story is only beginning.
Josiah is a deeply misunderstood character, shaped by brutal trauma, loss, and grief. Before becoming a vampire, he endured horrors that no one should survive, leaving him emotionally hollow and convinced he would never have a fated mate. Because he walks through the world with nothing to lose, others label him as “crazy,” when in reality he is simply surviving.
Layla enters his life carrying her own grief and pain, and their connection is instant, intense, and fated—though neither of them understands it at first. Their love is tested again and again by manipulation, betrayal, false accusations, and devastating loss. From wrongful arrests to supernatural enemies, from death that refuses to rest to impossible choices made in love, this story never lets up.
The emotional weight of this book is heavy, but so is the beauty of watching two broken souls fight their way back to each other. Josiah and Layla’s journey is raw, heartbreaking, and ultimately about healing, even when the scars never fade.
If you love dark paranormal romance with complex characters, intense emotions, and a story that lingers long after the last page, this book is absolutely worth the read. And just when you think it’s over you realize their story is only beginning.
Did not finish
January 20, 2026DNF at 23%
Read to me by Alexa
I am not going to give this my usual 1⭐️ for DNF’s because there is actually nothing wrong with this book. It just wasn’t for me. And while I really. WANTED to like it because it features black, main characters, and a grown woman as the main love interest who is actually curvy and likes to eat. It just wasn’t my kind of dark romance. And that’s OK. It doesn’t make it a bad book.
I think you would like this, if you want a morally gray, MMC that will burn the world for you. But is a marshmallow for you and for you alone. That’s not the kind of MMC I’m into personally. If the MMC is going to be morally gray… I want him morally gray in all aspects of his life, including with the FMC. It’s possible that that’s how their dynamic would have worked out if I would have read longer. But so far his interactions with the FMC are reading like a lifetime movie. Complete with romantic walks in the park and dancing in the rain. I personally can’t do it.
But I do think this dark paranormal romance does have a place and it’s filling a much needed void in the genre. It just didn’t scratch my particular itch.
Read to me by Alexa
I am not going to give this my usual 1⭐️ for DNF’s because there is actually nothing wrong with this book. It just wasn’t for me. And while I really. WANTED to like it because it features black, main characters, and a grown woman as the main love interest who is actually curvy and likes to eat. It just wasn’t my kind of dark romance. And that’s OK. It doesn’t make it a bad book.
I think you would like this, if you want a morally gray, MMC that will burn the world for you. But is a marshmallow for you and for you alone. That’s not the kind of MMC I’m into personally. If the MMC is going to be morally gray… I want him morally gray in all aspects of his life, including with the FMC. It’s possible that that’s how their dynamic would have worked out if I would have read longer. But so far his interactions with the FMC are reading like a lifetime movie. Complete with romantic walks in the park and dancing in the rain. I personally can’t do it.
But I do think this dark paranormal romance does have a place and it’s filling a much needed void in the genre. It just didn’t scratch my particular itch.
January 20, 2026
Crazy Joe and Lunatic Layla
This was a very good book. I really like Josiah's character, even when I don’t agree with his actions. He’s just so complex and nuanced, not existing in black or white. I love how Tessa actually gave the humans more perspective in this book. Because Josiah and Layla are both wreaking havoc, hurting plenty of innocent people in the process, but humans aren't supposed to form some sort of bias against supernaturals? Even within his own coven -- yes, we know Josiah likes to project his own trauma, as a form of detachment -- however, the things he said to Damon were cruel. You want to be included, and people like Bobby shun him a lot, but your actions aren't doing you any favors.
I’m actually glad that he and Layla both got the help that they needed, because there were several times throughout the story that I thought that he and his mate would have to be put down if they continued to act so recklessly. The story is very long, though, and maybe a chapter or two could've been shaved off, but I overall enjoyed this.
Ready for the Blackwoods. 4.25 ⭐️
This was a very good book. I really like Josiah's character, even when I don’t agree with his actions. He’s just so complex and nuanced, not existing in black or white. I love how Tessa actually gave the humans more perspective in this book. Because Josiah and Layla are both wreaking havoc, hurting plenty of innocent people in the process, but humans aren't supposed to form some sort of bias against supernaturals? Even within his own coven -- yes, we know Josiah likes to project his own trauma, as a form of detachment -- however, the things he said to Damon were cruel. You want to be included, and people like Bobby shun him a lot, but your actions aren't doing you any favors.
I’m actually glad that he and Layla both got the help that they needed, because there were several times throughout the story that I thought that he and his mate would have to be put down if they continued to act so recklessly. The story is very long, though, and maybe a chapter or two could've been shaved off, but I overall enjoyed this.
Ready for the Blackwoods. 4.25 ⭐️
March 13, 2026
Absolutely intense
This book....... had so much history and truth. This is the one book by far, as far as I can remember, made me cry so much. The depth of the background of Josiah was so heartbroken. I have so much love for him. I felt everything he went through. I felt the disdain and the judgemental side comments. I felt it all. The loss. The grief. It spoke so much to me. Given my own pain, suffering, and grief that I am still dealing with. He is certainly a character. I would highly get upset when he's being mistreated. I know firsthand what that's like. To feel unworthy or unwelcome by your own just because you're a little weird. You're a little different.
His mate fitted him perfectly. I also resonate with her in a way too. Always the good girl. Trying to live a simple life following rules to the best of tour ability. Only to still have things and people take and take and take. Until you have dang near nothing to give. My cup stayed empty from constantly being poured and not having anything that poured back into mine.
It was just so...... everything. I highly recommend this book. But be prepared to be emotional.
This book....... had so much history and truth. This is the one book by far, as far as I can remember, made me cry so much. The depth of the background of Josiah was so heartbroken. I have so much love for him. I felt everything he went through. I felt the disdain and the judgemental side comments. I felt it all. The loss. The grief. It spoke so much to me. Given my own pain, suffering, and grief that I am still dealing with. He is certainly a character. I would highly get upset when he's being mistreated. I know firsthand what that's like. To feel unworthy or unwelcome by your own just because you're a little weird. You're a little different.
His mate fitted him perfectly. I also resonate with her in a way too. Always the good girl. Trying to live a simple life following rules to the best of tour ability. Only to still have things and people take and take and take. Until you have dang near nothing to give. My cup stayed empty from constantly being poured and not having anything that poured back into mine.
It was just so...... everything. I highly recommend this book. But be prepared to be emotional.
December 24, 2025
Rebirth
Josiah is my new favorite character in this series..I didn't have one before his story but his is mine now for so many different reasons. He endured so much pain. They way everyone called him crazy Jo and treated him differently without fully knowing the reason behind him acting the way he did was cruel and wrong to me.. Especially Amir, that pissed me off because how dare he judge him when he knew what he endured, went thru for him to be like that! Layla was such a saving grace and I rooted for Josiah because he too deserved his HEA! I cried, I laughed out loud and I couldn't put the book down! Josiah was a LOT to deal with BUT once you got to know him he is the most deserving and lovable Vampire! I cannot wait to see what's in store for the rest of Wintermoon and the Supernaturals there, I wanna know what happens with this new young vampire "Joseph" and how he gets along with Josiah! Great Story Tessa Stone! I cannot wait for the next Installment!
Josiah is my new favorite character in this series..I didn't have one before his story but his is mine now for so many different reasons. He endured so much pain. They way everyone called him crazy Jo and treated him differently without fully knowing the reason behind him acting the way he did was cruel and wrong to me.. Especially Amir, that pissed me off because how dare he judge him when he knew what he endured, went thru for him to be like that! Layla was such a saving grace and I rooted for Josiah because he too deserved his HEA! I cried, I laughed out loud and I couldn't put the book down! Josiah was a LOT to deal with BUT once you got to know him he is the most deserving and lovable Vampire! I cannot wait to see what's in store for the rest of Wintermoon and the Supernaturals there, I wanna know what happens with this new young vampire "Joseph" and how he gets along with Josiah! Great Story Tessa Stone! I cannot wait for the next Installment!
December 21, 2025
Jo and his Beautiful Layla
I cannot even begin to write how amazing this story is! Tessa Stone magically weaves history, love, grief, and family together in a raw, real way. Josiah, or Crazy Jo, has always been an enthralling character and we are drawn to him much as Layla is as she sees past his pain. I am so happy he meets Layla. It is refreshing to see a couple that really sees each other. They have so many reasons to crumble under their pain. Instead, they cause chaos (fires, destruction, death) and through that, they find genuine love, a place to belong, and healing.
Layla is a force and Josiah needs someone who can stand on her own and then some. They bring out the best and worst of each other but above all they are just what the other needs.
Josiah has always been one of my fave characters from Wintermoon and his journey to healing is beautiful.
I cannot even begin to write how amazing this story is! Tessa Stone magically weaves history, love, grief, and family together in a raw, real way. Josiah, or Crazy Jo, has always been an enthralling character and we are drawn to him much as Layla is as she sees past his pain. I am so happy he meets Layla. It is refreshing to see a couple that really sees each other. They have so many reasons to crumble under their pain. Instead, they cause chaos (fires, destruction, death) and through that, they find genuine love, a place to belong, and healing.
Layla is a force and Josiah needs someone who can stand on her own and then some. They bring out the best and worst of each other but above all they are just what the other needs.
Josiah has always been one of my fave characters from Wintermoon and his journey to healing is beautiful.
December 21, 2025
It is very fitting that the name Josiah means God has healed…
Josiah was an unpredictable yet charming psychopath, luxuriating in his own madness, and Layla was his perfect match. In Wintermoon, Fate continues to reinforce that there is indeed a lid for every pot. This couple and their remarkable love story was something truly special, birthed in grief and torment, evolving to acceptance and fortitude. This is a spectacular romance, but in addition to that, this book is a historical reflection, a social commentary (or a warning), an examination of the stages of grief, and to a certain extent, a self-help manual (Tessa, we really need you to put out a comprehensive list of Josiah’s Healthy Habits). However, at the end of the day, this was a love story about 2 broken people who were healed and redeemed by the transformative power of love.
Josiah was an unpredictable yet charming psychopath, luxuriating in his own madness, and Layla was his perfect match. In Wintermoon, Fate continues to reinforce that there is indeed a lid for every pot. This couple and their remarkable love story was something truly special, birthed in grief and torment, evolving to acceptance and fortitude. This is a spectacular romance, but in addition to that, this book is a historical reflection, a social commentary (or a warning), an examination of the stages of grief, and to a certain extent, a self-help manual (Tessa, we really need you to put out a comprehensive list of Josiah’s Healthy Habits). However, at the end of the day, this was a love story about 2 broken people who were healed and redeemed by the transformative power of love.
December 22, 2025
Jo and Layla
Omg…The. Best. Book. This author has written to date! Layla’s reaction to Jo’s story is EXACTLY what I thought when we were introduced to Jo in previous books, I NEVER understood how melanated supernaturals never had empathy for Jo(ESPECIALLY Black Panther Bobby! Fred Hampton would have had empathy just saying…)
Jo is my favorite character and Jo and Layla give off Gomez and Morticia Addams vibes.
This book has it all and you need to read it right now, wherever you are reading in the Wintermoon universe- skip ahead and read this one next! I’m not giving any spoilers so this review is short but only bc this book is TOO GOOD to give anything away u just need to read it for yourself. I’m ready to Meet the Blackwoods!
Also- READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU BEGIN….
Omg…The. Best. Book. This author has written to date! Layla’s reaction to Jo’s story is EXACTLY what I thought when we were introduced to Jo in previous books, I NEVER understood how melanated supernaturals never had empathy for Jo(ESPECIALLY Black Panther Bobby! Fred Hampton would have had empathy just saying…)
Jo is my favorite character and Jo and Layla give off Gomez and Morticia Addams vibes.
This book has it all and you need to read it right now, wherever you are reading in the Wintermoon universe- skip ahead and read this one next! I’m not giving any spoilers so this review is short but only bc this book is TOO GOOD to give anything away u just need to read it for yourself. I’m ready to Meet the Blackwoods!
Also- READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU BEGIN….
December 22, 2025
I don’t often have to sit with a book after before I can fully wrap my head around it. These characters have so much depth. Layla and Josiah on the surface seem just a little… (a lot) off but they are truly onions. I laughed and cried at least every 3 chapters.
You can’t go into this expecting the sweetness and romance from the shifter books. This is a gritty, dark romance and needs to be understood as that. There’s an HEA, but it’s not a quick come by.
I read my first Tessa Stone book in January and closing December with this one feels right. It’s my favorite by far. Every moment had a reason. Every single word meant something. Tessa’s writing is truly remarkable.
You can’t go into this expecting the sweetness and romance from the shifter books. This is a gritty, dark romance and needs to be understood as that. There’s an HEA, but it’s not a quick come by.
I read my first Tessa Stone book in January and closing December with this one feels right. It’s my favorite by far. Every moment had a reason. Every single word meant something. Tessa’s writing is truly remarkable.
January 20, 2026
Infinite Love and Release
This book was the best one of the series because it deals with true unblemished limitless love and acceptance. As I read this story all I kept thinking was how I wish every black woman could lavish in the love given to and for her by the brother of her dreams. I also was blown away by the way Layla accepted him for who and what he was once she calmed down and recognized the gift she was given. All in all it’s an exquisite love story that saddened me when it ended.
This book was the best one of the series because it deals with true unblemished limitless love and acceptance. As I read this story all I kept thinking was how I wish every black woman could lavish in the love given to and for her by the brother of her dreams. I also was blown away by the way Layla accepted him for who and what he was once she calmed down and recognized the gift she was given. All in all it’s an exquisite love story that saddened me when it ended.
February 11, 2026
There is light at the end
This was a little hard to get through. Not because of the writing, but because of the pain and the grief. I could feel the pain from both characters and at times I almost lost hope because sometimes darkness is overwhelming. I was so delighted that she gave the characters the growth they needed and shown what healing can look like at the end. I needed every dark moment because when I stood in the light with these characters, I cherished the moment too. Oh yeah I always enjoy how they save the world too with some hunching. lol
This was a little hard to get through. Not because of the writing, but because of the pain and the grief. I could feel the pain from both characters and at times I almost lost hope because sometimes darkness is overwhelming. I was so delighted that she gave the characters the growth they needed and shown what healing can look like at the end. I needed every dark moment because when I stood in the light with these characters, I cherished the moment too. Oh yeah I always enjoy how they save the world too with some hunching. lol
December 26, 2025
Completely Satisfying❤
Whew, what a journey this was with Josiah and Layla they went through so many tribes and tribulations for their happiness. It was nice to.see.the growth of Josiah and him finally being accepted as as valuable part of Wintermoon and not just a tolerated and feared. I'm glad their story will continue. Kudos to the author what a fitting way to close the year, looking forward to next year's adventures. Peace and blessings
Whew, what a journey this was with Josiah and Layla they went through so many tribes and tribulations for their happiness. It was nice to.see.the growth of Josiah and him finally being accepted as as valuable part of Wintermoon and not just a tolerated and feared. I'm glad their story will continue. Kudos to the author what a fitting way to close the year, looking forward to next year's adventures. Peace and blessings
January 2, 2026
Whew is all I can say on this one
This one by far is the most traumatic story out of all of the Wintermoon series. I thought Amir and his niece and Mayor Tiffany went through some things but Josiah definitely beats them all with his story. There were times where I was annoyed with him while also understanding and having sympathy for him. He and his beautiful Layla are definitely a match made like no one else!!
This one by far is the most traumatic story out of all of the Wintermoon series. I thought Amir and his niece and Mayor Tiffany went through some things but Josiah definitely beats them all with his story. There were times where I was annoyed with him while also understanding and having sympathy for him. He and his beautiful Layla are definitely a match made like no one else!!
January 3, 2026
Absolutely amazing.
Tessa Stone is a phenomenal author. Her books evoke such feeling and Surviving Josiah is a masterpiece. It’s emotional, romantic, horrific and visceral. Josiah was an amazing MMC and I loved how he accepted his own insanity but refused to let Layla endure it. And I also loved how Layla had a darkness all her own, separate from Josiah. She wasn’t a perfect person either and she also wasn’t a weak and needy damsel in distress. Bravo, Tessa!
Tessa Stone is a phenomenal author. Her books evoke such feeling and Surviving Josiah is a masterpiece. It’s emotional, romantic, horrific and visceral. Josiah was an amazing MMC and I loved how he accepted his own insanity but refused to let Layla endure it. And I also loved how Layla had a darkness all her own, separate from Josiah. She wasn’t a perfect person either and she also wasn’t a weak and needy damsel in distress. Bravo, Tessa!
January 15, 2026
Loving a hurt man
Together Kayla and Josiah make a great and destructive team. Their grief brings them totally together as one , once they both face the trauma of their past. They let go being destructive and begin to be constructed. They live and learn that life offers many challenges, but it is how you view them and decide what route to take that makes them better. This was a great love story.
Together Kayla and Josiah make a great and destructive team. Their grief brings them totally together as one , once they both face the trauma of their past. They let go being destructive and begin to be constructed. They live and learn that life offers many challenges, but it is how you view them and decide what route to take that makes them better. This was a great love story.
March 1, 2026
Beautifully Written
I don’t have many except that this was wonderfully written story about finding love and healing after pain and grief. Reading Josiah’s and Layla’s story brought tears and anger to my eyes but watching them grow and work through their grief and come out on the other side was nothing short of amazing!! This might just be my favorite book in this series/world!!
I don’t have many except that this was wonderfully written story about finding love and healing after pain and grief. Reading Josiah’s and Layla’s story brought tears and anger to my eyes but watching them grow and work through their grief and come out on the other side was nothing short of amazing!! This might just be my favorite book in this series/world!!
December 19, 2025
Historical pain with Supernatural resilience
Surviving Josiah is about reclamation: of body, of voice, of the right to be loved. The author gives space for grief and anger, but also healing. The way he fell in love for the first time, was so heartwarming. The best read so far. You will not be disappointed. You will feel every emotion.
Surviving Josiah is about reclamation: of body, of voice, of the right to be loved. The author gives space for grief and anger, but also healing. The way he fell in love for the first time, was so heartwarming. The best read so far. You will not be disappointed. You will feel every emotion.
December 20, 2025
beautiful and dark
I have been waiting for this story. Crazy Jo! Beautiful complex, I cried for both him and Layla. Passion, tears, and love. Beautifully written! This author knows how to pull raw, emotions and very lifelike feelings. I can’t wait for what’s next! Please read! You won’t be disappointed.
I have been waiting for this story. Crazy Jo! Beautiful complex, I cried for both him and Layla. Passion, tears, and love. Beautifully written! This author knows how to pull raw, emotions and very lifelike feelings. I can’t wait for what’s next! Please read! You won’t be disappointed.
December 21, 2025
I love you too Jo!!
I identify in some way shape or form with all these books that’s why the characters resonate and I keep coming back for me. This one touched me on a deeper level. The desire to be seen, chosen and loved just for who you are as you are right now. Not perfect not even whole just as you are. It was beautifully written and Josiah is now my favorite hybrid.
I identify in some way shape or form with all these books that’s why the characters resonate and I keep coming back for me. This one touched me on a deeper level. The desire to be seen, chosen and loved just for who you are as you are right now. Not perfect not even whole just as you are. It was beautifully written and Josiah is now my favorite hybrid.
December 28, 2025
Teeeears!
This book exhausted me in the best way. The jealousy and hatred of Layla's so-called bestie is a representative sample FASHO. Josiah's story had me carrying the despair of his AND my ancestors parental anguish. BUT Josiah and AMIR. That shit was epic and hilarious..and a long time coming. Listen, Josiah had me at the first mention of there even BEING a Crazy Jo. Tessa has developed and revealed her characters beautifully raw so I'm happy she waited to reveal Jo and the Blackwood witches. I cannot WAIT for the last one. King Jo?
This book exhausted me in the best way. The jealousy and hatred of Layla's so-called bestie is a representative sample FASHO. Josiah's story had me carrying the despair of his AND my ancestors parental anguish. BUT Josiah and AMIR. That shit was epic and hilarious..and a long time coming. Listen, Josiah had me at the first mention of there even BEING a Crazy Jo. Tessa has developed and revealed her characters beautifully raw so I'm happy she waited to reveal Jo and the Blackwood witches. I cannot WAIT for the last one. King Jo?
December 29, 2025
Pain Can Be Healed
Josiah had two hundred years of pain that turned to darkness that no one could heal! With everything pushing Layla’s towards darkness she was going down the same path as Josiah. When they came together they had to learn to navigate that pain! They finally do! I highly recommend this book! Id recommend Wesleigh Siobhan and Winston James to do the audio book!
Josiah had two hundred years of pain that turned to darkness that no one could heal! With everything pushing Layla’s towards darkness she was going down the same path as Josiah. When they came together they had to learn to navigate that pain! They finally do! I highly recommend this book! Id recommend Wesleigh Siobhan and Winston James to do the audio book!
December 30, 2025
Loved Crazy Jo
This book was breathing in the most beautiful yet crazy way. Layla irked my nerves a good bit I was ready to jump in the book like here Jo take me dammit but I will say I’m proud of Josiah and those that took a step back and realized how they were treating him and corrected their behavior…Amir…Loved the book 🌻
This book was breathing in the most beautiful yet crazy way. Layla irked my nerves a good bit I was ready to jump in the book like here Jo take me dammit but I will say I’m proud of Josiah and those that took a step back and realized how they were treating him and corrected their behavior…Amir…Loved the book 🌻
January 30, 2026
Crazy Jo meets his Mate
An exciting non stop book four
Josiah and Layla both perfect for each other
The only issue with the book for Me was the amount of killing in the story
I felt it was OTT more than the previous books
Tessa is a master at building worlds and creating characters
I have read several of her books and will continue to do so
An exciting non stop book four
Josiah and Layla both perfect for each other
The only issue with the book for Me was the amount of killing in the story
I felt it was OTT more than the previous books
Tessa is a master at building worlds and creating characters
I have read several of her books and will continue to do so
February 4, 2026
I have no words!!
Out of all the books, if you only read this one, you won’t do yourself a disservice! Ms. Stone did her BIGGEST one yet with this book. My goodness it gives everything - forgiveness, second and third chances, unconditional love, pain, grief, healing - the list is long. Please read and let me know your thoughts. Hugs
Out of all the books, if you only read this one, you won’t do yourself a disservice! Ms. Stone did her BIGGEST one yet with this book. My goodness it gives everything - forgiveness, second and third chances, unconditional love, pain, grief, healing - the list is long. Please read and let me know your thoughts. Hugs
December 22, 2025
Best read of the winter moon series
This story made me laugh, mad and cry so many emotions . Life is so full of ups and downs, love death and finding your way back to your own normal self, everybody won’t like it but as long as you have love you have it all.
This story made me laugh, mad and cry so many emotions . Life is so full of ups and downs, love death and finding your way back to your own normal self, everybody won’t like it but as long as you have love you have it all.
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