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La vita che sognavamo
Un uomo senza regole. Una donna che ne ha troppe. Un incontro scritto dal destino, da quindici anni.
Sebastian Moore pensa di avere tutto. È il batterista di una star della musica, ha tutte le donne e gli amici che vuole. Non si rende neanche conto del vuoto che nulla sembra riuscire a colmare, finché una telefonata non gli dà la risposta alla domanda che non sapeva di avere.
Un figlio. Di quindici anni.
Presto, Sebastian scopre che, anche senza cambiare vita, quel figlio cambia tutto. In meglio. Questa volta, la felicità è proprio lì, a portata di mano. Se solo lei, la donna che non sapeva di volere, non continuasse ad alzare muri tra loro.
La vita di Tabitha Clarke corre su binari precisi, guidati da un concetto sopra ogni altro: non commettere gli stessi errori di sua sorella. Non è difficile, se ci si sommerge di lavoro e ci si concentra sugli affetti sicuri, importanti.
Neanche Sebastian Moore, bello come il peccato, riuscirà a farle cambiare rotta. Oh, sarebbe bello amare Sebastian. Sarebbe facile.
Ma Tabitha non può lasciare quei binari sicuri. Neanche per rincorrere un sogno.
Sebastian Moore pensa di avere tutto. È il batterista di una star della musica, ha tutte le donne e gli amici che vuole. Non si rende neanche conto del vuoto che nulla sembra riuscire a colmare, finché una telefonata non gli dà la risposta alla domanda che non sapeva di avere.
Un figlio. Di quindici anni.
Presto, Sebastian scopre che, anche senza cambiare vita, quel figlio cambia tutto. In meglio. Questa volta, la felicità è proprio lì, a portata di mano. Se solo lei, la donna che non sapeva di volere, non continuasse ad alzare muri tra loro.
La vita di Tabitha Clarke corre su binari precisi, guidati da un concetto sopra ogni altro: non commettere gli stessi errori di sua sorella. Non è difficile, se ci si sommerge di lavoro e ci si concentra sugli affetti sicuri, importanti.
Neanche Sebastian Moore, bello come il peccato, riuscirà a farle cambiare rotta. Oh, sarebbe bello amare Sebastian. Sarebbe facile.
Ma Tabitha non può lasciare quei binari sicuri. Neanche per rincorrere un sogno.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2019
897 people are currently reading
2117 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Kingsley
29 books3,133 followersWhen I was a wee lassie, I was told by my preschool teachers that I was a natural at storytelling. When I was just a little older than that, an old friend's mother said to me, "Kelsey, one day your books are going to be on the shelves at the library."
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
July 30, 2021
3 stars
I was loving this one, aside from it being a bit of a spin on the secret baby troupe (which usually doesn’t work for me), but by the 75% mark I was so fed up with the heroine… I loved the hero, but SHE DID NOT DESERVE HIM. I’m giving it 3 stars because I loved the hero, Sebastian, I loved Grayson, and there were some good parts between them specifically. The ending was great, and even though Tabitha came around at the end, I wish it would have been sooner. I did enjoy this authors writing style and I’m definitely interested in checking out more from her!
I was loving this one, aside from it being a bit of a spin on the secret baby troupe (which usually doesn’t work for me), but by the 75% mark I was so fed up with the heroine… I loved the hero, but SHE DID NOT DESERVE HIM. I’m giving it 3 stars because I loved the hero, Sebastian, I loved Grayson, and there were some good parts between them specifically. The ending was great, and even though Tabitha came around at the end, I wish it would have been sooner. I did enjoy this authors writing style and I’m definitely interested in checking out more from her!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Virginia Rose & Jeremy York
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance (rock star)
Length: 11h 41m
January 19, 2019
Wow! Just wow! The Life We Wanted was everything I hope for a book to be. Unique characters, real emotions, lighthearted moments, heartfelt connections. This is the kind of book that I wish I always read but it's like a rare gem, few and far between. This is not a rock band story however a rock drummer is a big part of this book! Sebastian Moore has it all from the outside looking in, fame, fortune, fans and yet as you get to know him as a reader, you will see that buried deep there are things that he wants but sweeps aside. Enter into his life a surprise child who is now 15. Greyson lives with his aunt Tabitha Clarke, a tightly wound realtor, after the death of his mother. Neither ever knew who Greyson's father was until Tabby came across some old letters. Her nephew is angry and sad and Tabby hopes that connecting with his father might be what he needs to help him come around. Tabby has been living a very structured life for years. Her sister was the fun one and Tabby felt it necessary that she be the responsible one. Tabby and Sebastian may seem like polar opposites but when the sparks start to fly and they both start showing their true colors, the flames will ignite! I will not give anything away other than to tell you that once you pick up The Life We Wanted you aren't going to be able to put it down! You will be so emotionally invested in these characters that if you haven't read Kelsey Kingsley's other books, you're going to want to! Sebastian was a minor character in Daises and Devin which is excellent as well but it not necessary to read prior to this though I highly recommend it. The Life We Wanted is told from dual POV so you are going to really connect with these two. Enjoy!
February 20, 2019
A captivating story filled with raw and very real emotions. A unique and truely beautiful journey that left a huge smile on my face.
April 8, 2020
Sebastian is the drummer in Devin's band. (From Daisies & Devin )
He's happy in his rock-star-single-guy life.
But he's also lonely. Now that the current tour is done, he's all alone in his house.
That's when he receives a letter from someone named Tabitha.
Telling him he's the father of 15 year old Greyson.
Tabby is Greyson's aunt. Her sister died in a car accident two months ago and now Tabitha is responsible for the moody grieving teen.
Hot Rock-Star meets uptight but very sexy Real Estate broker who used to be a fun concert goer before her flighty sister had a kid and she had to be the grown-up in that scenario.
Let the fun times begin! ☺
══════════════════
I just love #RockstarRomances!
Even though this is more of a small-town romance. A story about three people who never planned to be this new little family. But suddenly they kind of are. But also not really, at least not yet - there's a lot to overcome and fight through.
I absolutely adored Sebastian as a hero. As a rock star. As a fun and carefree guy. But then he's suddenly a dad and it's like he's finally found his place in life. It was beautiful to watch him fall for his son and vice versa.
It might sound bad... but the only thing I didn't love in that whole scenario was Tabby. She got on my nerves so much that I wanted to stop reading a few times. Especially once she decides she wants to start dating that Roman guy? WTF?! I really almost DNF right then and there. This whole Roman thing didn't need to be in this book at all. They had enough problems without that. Ugh.
I loved the story. And I kinda liked Tabby too here and there - she really tried for Grey ... but she just wasn't my kind of person.
I really adored Sebastian and Grey and the whole new family the boy got with his new dad.
It was a great rock-star-small-town-daddy-romance. Lots of music moments and daddy/son moments and chinchilla moments and band mates moments. I really liked those!
It wasn't sexy enough for my tastes :/
It took them too long to get it right - well - it took Tabitha too long - but it was still a great book!
Could've been better ... at least it was a rock star thingy - if this would've been a ... baseball romance or something else weird? It wouldn't have gotten 4.25 stars from me. I just have to love love love the hero and the heroine for a book to be my kind of book.
THE LIFE WE WANTED was an adorable, sweet, frustrating & beautiful love story.
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Sebastian - he'll be sold out in no time!
♡
♡
February 2, 2019
Oh my goodness!!! Totally in love with Sebastian! He is so patient and persistent with Tabby, and that’s exactly what she needed him to be. Best book yet by Kelsey Kingsley! I can’t wait to read more!
July 20, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story dnf @ 77%
I really can't stand Tabby, the heroine. She's judgemental, selfish and indecisive.
Story dnf @ 77%
I really can't stand Tabby, the heroine. She's judgemental, selfish and indecisive.
February 24, 2020
It turns out, I am reading this series in no particular order. I picked up The Life We Wanted because I already know I desperately want to read the follow up (The Life We Have) and it seemed like a good idea to get in on the ground floor while possible.
Plus – Kelsey Kingsley slays me.
This is something I only discovered at the end of last year, so I’m still working my way through the backlist. And what I’m finding so far is that each book is slaying me in a different way than the last. But one thing remains true: the writing is stellar. And it sometimes takes my breath away.
I mean, there were moments here. I swear I couldn’t breathe. My heart did all the fluttering and thumping and wild and crazy acrobatics – but not only because Sebastian and Tabby were in the middle of this epic love story. No, it was also because Sebastian and Greyson were in the middle of this epic love story and my heart didn’t even know how to handle it. Some of the sweetest, most breathtaking moments of this story were those where father and son learned how to be father and son and – y’all, I was wrecked.
Then there was the actual romance. I’m not going to lie – Tabby was not an easy character to love. I struggled with her a lot. I mean, part of me understood where she was coming from. But the sappy romance loving part of me didn’t really care about how true-to-life she was. I just wanted her to love Sebastian the way I loved Sebastian and I got really frustrated when she refused to do that. Tabby and I were not best friends.
And yet, I still loved her.
I still loved the push/pull between her and Sebastian.
I loved the way they fought and pushed and clawed their way to a happy ending that completely lit me up inside and made me cry all the happy tears.
This was an emotional journey – and I loved the heck out of it. I can’t wait for Greyson’s story. I can’t wait to see all the new ways Ms. Kingsley will find to work my heart over. The writing is so lovely, the storytelling is completely compelling – sometimes in a visceral way as so many scenes and feelings were tied to music and songs. It was easy to attach myself to the mood and feel the aching longing between Tabby and Sebastian. It was easy to make myself a part of the story to the point where I felt every emotion – good and bad – at a sort of bone deep level. And that’s the stuff I can’t seem to get enough of. The stuff I keep coming back for over and over again. And, in the end, that’s the stuff I can’t wait to dive back into as soon as possible! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
Plus – Kelsey Kingsley slays me.
This is something I only discovered at the end of last year, so I’m still working my way through the backlist. And what I’m finding so far is that each book is slaying me in a different way than the last. But one thing remains true: the writing is stellar. And it sometimes takes my breath away.
I mean, there were moments here. I swear I couldn’t breathe. My heart did all the fluttering and thumping and wild and crazy acrobatics – but not only because Sebastian and Tabby were in the middle of this epic love story. No, it was also because Sebastian and Greyson were in the middle of this epic love story and my heart didn’t even know how to handle it. Some of the sweetest, most breathtaking moments of this story were those where father and son learned how to be father and son and – y’all, I was wrecked.
Then there was the actual romance. I’m not going to lie – Tabby was not an easy character to love. I struggled with her a lot. I mean, part of me understood where she was coming from. But the sappy romance loving part of me didn’t really care about how true-to-life she was. I just wanted her to love Sebastian the way I loved Sebastian and I got really frustrated when she refused to do that. Tabby and I were not best friends.
And yet, I still loved her.
I still loved the push/pull between her and Sebastian.
I loved the way they fought and pushed and clawed their way to a happy ending that completely lit me up inside and made me cry all the happy tears.
This was an emotional journey – and I loved the heck out of it. I can’t wait for Greyson’s story. I can’t wait to see all the new ways Ms. Kingsley will find to work my heart over. The writing is so lovely, the storytelling is completely compelling – sometimes in a visceral way as so many scenes and feelings were tied to music and songs. It was easy to attach myself to the mood and feel the aching longing between Tabby and Sebastian. It was easy to make myself a part of the story to the point where I felt every emotion – good and bad – at a sort of bone deep level. And that’s the stuff I can’t seem to get enough of. The stuff I keep coming back for over and over again. And, in the end, that’s the stuff I can’t wait to dive back into as soon as possible! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
February 2, 2019
I read an advanced copy of this given to me by the author, but all opinions are my own.
This is Kelsey Kingsley's best book yet. I don't say this lightly as I am a fan of all of Kelsey's words. She's moved me over and over again with her stories, but this story left me breathless. This story left me with a book hangover the size of which I haven't had in a long time.
Sebastian is just the right mix of arrogance, confidence, and sensitivity. He finds himself in a position of caring for someone in a way that he secretly longed for but publicly denied ever wanting. He's a one-night kind of guy, after all.
Tabitha is recovering from so much loss that it's hard to see her way out and when Sebastian comes to help like she asked for, she's unprepared for just exactly how much he can make her world right. For the way he belongs to her in a way that she didn't want.
I don't want to give spoilers away because this book has my heart. But be prepared to have your heart handed to you by this book in a way that will make you smile and ache for more.
This is Kelsey Kingsley's best book yet. I don't say this lightly as I am a fan of all of Kelsey's words. She's moved me over and over again with her stories, but this story left me breathless. This story left me with a book hangover the size of which I haven't had in a long time.
Sebastian is just the right mix of arrogance, confidence, and sensitivity. He finds himself in a position of caring for someone in a way that he secretly longed for but publicly denied ever wanting. He's a one-night kind of guy, after all.
Tabitha is recovering from so much loss that it's hard to see her way out and when Sebastian comes to help like she asked for, she's unprepared for just exactly how much he can make her world right. For the way he belongs to her in a way that she didn't want.
I don't want to give spoilers away because this book has my heart. But be prepared to have your heart handed to you by this book in a way that will make you smile and ache for more.
Read
February 1, 2020FREE for a very limited time!
http://mybook.to/thelifewewanted
http://mybook.to/thelifewewanted
November 25, 2019
This isn't officially a series, but the stench of past romance wafted off of Devin and Kylie and they're almost certainly from Daisies & Devin, which is why I tried to read that one first. Fortunately, I came back to this one even though I was so disappointed by the other.
And the reason for this book's draw is almost entirely that cover. Yes, I am just that shallow. Fortunately, the story turned out to be just my jam and Kingsley proves to have a deft hand with her characters and I simply fell into this and never looked back. It helps that the conflict simply felt real and earned without seeming insurmountable and that I really liked how they interacted both positively and negatively.
And it doesn't hurt that Kingsley did such a great job with Sebastian's teen son, Greyson. You could feel the kid's pain and even when he was exasperating and harsh, my heart still broke for him and his struggle. Frankly, Kingsley's biggest strength is in her characterization because I sympathized with Tabitha, too, even though she was blowing it so badly with Greyson at times. Ameliorating that somewhat was the opportunity it gave Sebastian to help. I loved how earnest he was about it and how hard he tried even though he also never knew if he was succeeding or failing.
And the dynamic between them was fun, too. I mean, I liked how well they connected on the superficial level and how they started growing closer and depending on one another without hardly realizing it. And I liked how both had to work at a relationship and figure out what they really wanted only to realize how much each really wanted the other. Plus, if you're going to have a dark moment, this is how it's done without being cheap or a regression or a betrayal. Because .
The only thing dragging this to four-star territory was the weirdness with the Roman guy. He came kind of out of nowhere and I had a hard time getting a read on him and what he wanted. It was a strange fail because Kingsley otherwise does very well with her characters so having one that seemed so elusive was strange.
So this ends up a solid four stars (Roman played too large a roll for that fail not to drag the whole story down some) and I'm happy the gorgeous cover lead me to a story so engaging. I look forward to seeing if Kingsley's other work is as strong.
A note about Steamy: There are three or four explicit sex scenes, but they're also abbreviated because Kingsley doesn't linger at all. So this is barely the middle of my steam tolerance, despite how often we "went there".
And the reason for this book's draw is almost entirely that cover. Yes, I am just that shallow. Fortunately, the story turned out to be just my jam and Kingsley proves to have a deft hand with her characters and I simply fell into this and never looked back. It helps that the conflict simply felt real and earned without seeming insurmountable and that I really liked how they interacted both positively and negatively.
And it doesn't hurt that Kingsley did such a great job with Sebastian's teen son, Greyson. You could feel the kid's pain and even when he was exasperating and harsh, my heart still broke for him and his struggle. Frankly, Kingsley's biggest strength is in her characterization because I sympathized with Tabitha, too, even though she was blowing it so badly with Greyson at times. Ameliorating that somewhat was the opportunity it gave Sebastian to help. I loved how earnest he was about it and how hard he tried even though he also never knew if he was succeeding or failing.
And the dynamic between them was fun, too. I mean, I liked how well they connected on the superficial level and how they started growing closer and depending on one another without hardly realizing it. And I liked how both had to work at a relationship and figure out what they really wanted only to realize how much each really wanted the other. Plus, if you're going to have a dark moment, this is how it's done without being cheap or a regression or a betrayal. Because .
The only thing dragging this to four-star territory was the weirdness with the Roman guy. He came kind of out of nowhere and I had a hard time getting a read on him and what he wanted. It was a strange fail because Kingsley otherwise does very well with her characters so having one that seemed so elusive was strange.
So this ends up a solid four stars (Roman played too large a roll for that fail not to drag the whole story down some) and I'm happy the gorgeous cover lead me to a story so engaging. I look forward to seeing if Kingsley's other work is as strong.
A note about Steamy: There are three or four explicit sex scenes, but they're also abbreviated because Kingsley doesn't linger at all. So this is barely the middle of my steam tolerance, despite how often we "went there".
February 5, 2019
I love when the bad boy rock star takes a plummet into love -- and has to work for a happy ever after. Tabby definitely made him work for it. At times, I didn't really like her -- but then I would stop and think of what she had been through and what she had done for her sister. For a rock star romance, this one places in the upper realm. I loved the characters and Mrs. Worthington and her husband and yes, the chinchilla! Lots of fun and laughter among the angst.
Only one picky complaint: Use of "blonde" for males is just wrong! And it was in usage a ton of times, so it wasn't just a slip. Sebastian and Greyson had BLOND hair! Sebastian had his share of women with BLONDE hair!
From Merriam-Webster:
1 : of a flaxen, golden, light auburn, or pale yellowish-brown color blond hair also : having blond hair a blond man —spelled blond when used of a boy or man and often blonde when used of a girl or woman.
I know - I know -- picky, picky but it is what it is. And it bugged me a lot.
Only one picky complaint: Use of "blonde" for males is just wrong! And it was in usage a ton of times, so it wasn't just a slip. Sebastian and Greyson had BLOND hair! Sebastian had his share of women with BLONDE hair!
From Merriam-Webster:
1 : of a flaxen, golden, light auburn, or pale yellowish-brown color blond hair also : having blond hair a blond man —spelled blond when used of a boy or man and often blonde when used of a girl or woman.
I know - I know -- picky, picky but it is what it is. And it bugged me a lot.
February 16, 2019
I was kind of torn, I liked aspects of this book, and then didn't like other parts that cancelled out the good so....
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
This is a pretty predictable book, manwhore drummer meets sister of his prior one night stand who produced a child that is now 15. He doesn't remember the sister because he has slept with SOOOOO many women, RME. This was one of the main things that bothered me about the book, and took me out of fully enjoying the connection between hero and heroine which I thought could have been pretty good, it was an interesting twist on the secret baby trope, had potential to be a fresh take. It just felt like I was constantly being hit in the face with how many women he had been with, some excerpts below of what I mean, because I know lots of readers don't like this:
I won't lay here and tell you I've never been with women who knew what they were doing. Because let me tell you....I've had some incredible sex in my time.
made a lot of friends, and fucked a lot of amazing women
Honestly, no. I don't. When you've slept with as many women as I have, you stop remembering.
I mean, I've been with so many women that I don't remember any of them. Like, after a while, you stop remembering every cup of coffee you drink when you drink it every day, you know? That's how sex is for me. It's nothing, it's...coffee
I will give some credit that the above are used to mainly present you with the comparison of his meaningless flings compared to how he was falling for the heroine, and of course breaking all his rules (the typical rules of never sleeping over, never repeating women blah blah blah). I just felt it was too much. I got it, I didn't need to keep being reminded of how many women he had slept with! That just wore me down by the time I got to the end.
I did like the below excerpt though, an acknowledgement of his lifestyle not being as great as he thought it was. I don't care for manwhore heros, but I like them more when they don't revel in it, and can have some introspection that its an empty lifestyle. The dichotomy of him reveling in it, and then having the introspection just ended up being a contradiction though, because after he has the inner thoughts below, he goes back to reveling.
Never before had I faced penance for my fondness for casual sex.....but now, I sat across from a consequence-a proverbial string- of all those one-night stands
All in all if the above doesn't bother you, you will probably like the book. I liked it, it was fine, but the author needs to lighten up on all the other women talk for me to truly enjoy. I would give her another chance. I just need authors to realize a lot of us read to form connections with the hero & heroine, we don't want to hear talk about all the other people they have been with over and over.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
This is a pretty predictable book, manwhore drummer meets sister of his prior one night stand who produced a child that is now 15. He doesn't remember the sister because he has slept with SOOOOO many women, RME. This was one of the main things that bothered me about the book, and took me out of fully enjoying the connection between hero and heroine which I thought could have been pretty good, it was an interesting twist on the secret baby trope, had potential to be a fresh take. It just felt like I was constantly being hit in the face with how many women he had been with, some excerpts below of what I mean, because I know lots of readers don't like this:
I won't lay here and tell you I've never been with women who knew what they were doing. Because let me tell you....I've had some incredible sex in my time.
made a lot of friends, and fucked a lot of amazing women
Honestly, no. I don't. When you've slept with as many women as I have, you stop remembering.
I mean, I've been with so many women that I don't remember any of them. Like, after a while, you stop remembering every cup of coffee you drink when you drink it every day, you know? That's how sex is for me. It's nothing, it's...coffee
I will give some credit that the above are used to mainly present you with the comparison of his meaningless flings compared to how he was falling for the heroine, and of course breaking all his rules (the typical rules of never sleeping over, never repeating women blah blah blah). I just felt it was too much. I got it, I didn't need to keep being reminded of how many women he had slept with! That just wore me down by the time I got to the end.
I did like the below excerpt though, an acknowledgement of his lifestyle not being as great as he thought it was. I don't care for manwhore heros, but I like them more when they don't revel in it, and can have some introspection that its an empty lifestyle. The dichotomy of him reveling in it, and then having the introspection just ended up being a contradiction though, because after he has the inner thoughts below, he goes back to reveling.
Never before had I faced penance for my fondness for casual sex.....but now, I sat across from a consequence-a proverbial string- of all those one-night stands
All in all if the above doesn't bother you, you will probably like the book. I liked it, it was fine, but the author needs to lighten up on all the other women talk for me to truly enjoy. I would give her another chance. I just need authors to realize a lot of us read to form connections with the hero & heroine, we don't want to hear talk about all the other people they have been with over and over.
January 29, 2019
The Life We Wanted was simply amazing. Kelsey’s writing is equally incredible, bringing the characters to life with witty banter, unforgettable emotional, vivid scenes. I loved that the characters were flawed, which made them so very relatable! There are so many scenes I loved. Like TRULY loved and I found myself laughing so hard and at one point tearing up; from father-son bonding times to chinchilla moments (GOSH, these were so cute) to Sebastian and Tabby moments.
Simply wonderful story!
Simply wonderful story!
February 14, 2019
An incredible story of love, loss, and life never turning out the way you thought it would, The Life We Wanted by Kelsey Kingsley blew me away.
You think you have it all figured out—your career, your future, your life. Yes, it may not be what you’d hoped for, but you’re content. For Tabitha Clarke, her world is turned upside down after a horrific tragedy. She’s left to care for her 15-year-old nephew Greyson, who she loves with all her heart, but she’s lost when it comes to raising him. She was always the responsible sibling, the complete opposite of her sister who lived life on the wild side. Everything is conservative and thought out—safe. But she’s restless.
“Have you ever looked at your life and felt like you don’t know who you are anymore? Like, you look around at everything and you wonder how exactly you got there?”
Sebastian Moore is a rock god and a famous drummer (just gonna add here that I LOVE drummers, so HOT 🔥😍). He has money, fame and, to the outsider looking in, you’d think he’s on top of the world. But everything isn’t always as it seems and he’s lonely.
After Sebastian receives the news that he has a son, he’s blown away.
What follows is a story of learning to live a new normal, finding out who you really are, and appreciating what’s important. I didn’t want this story to end! Ms. Kingsley’s writing is pure magic and once you start, you’ll be glued to your kindle.
There’s romance, a bit of push and pull, and many laugh out loud moments. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that I have a new #BookBoyfriend because ohmygod, Sebastian is perfection!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Kingsley, and I can’t wait to dig into her other books. I adored the side characters as well and how music was the backdrop of their lives. Phenomenal!!!
“Sometimes bad things happen, and good things come along to balance them out. Not to like, erase the bad things, or to make you less sad that they happened or anything, but just to, you know, make them easier to deal with.”
You think you have it all figured out—your career, your future, your life. Yes, it may not be what you’d hoped for, but you’re content. For Tabitha Clarke, her world is turned upside down after a horrific tragedy. She’s left to care for her 15-year-old nephew Greyson, who she loves with all her heart, but she’s lost when it comes to raising him. She was always the responsible sibling, the complete opposite of her sister who lived life on the wild side. Everything is conservative and thought out—safe. But she’s restless.
“Have you ever looked at your life and felt like you don’t know who you are anymore? Like, you look around at everything and you wonder how exactly you got there?”
Sebastian Moore is a rock god and a famous drummer (just gonna add here that I LOVE drummers, so HOT 🔥😍). He has money, fame and, to the outsider looking in, you’d think he’s on top of the world. But everything isn’t always as it seems and he’s lonely.
After Sebastian receives the news that he has a son, he’s blown away.
What follows is a story of learning to live a new normal, finding out who you really are, and appreciating what’s important. I didn’t want this story to end! Ms. Kingsley’s writing is pure magic and once you start, you’ll be glued to your kindle.
There’s romance, a bit of push and pull, and many laugh out loud moments. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that I have a new #BookBoyfriend because ohmygod, Sebastian is perfection!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Kingsley, and I can’t wait to dig into her other books. I adored the side characters as well and how music was the backdrop of their lives. Phenomenal!!!
“Sometimes bad things happen, and good things come along to balance them out. Not to like, erase the bad things, or to make you less sad that they happened or anything, but just to, you know, make them easier to deal with.”
March 7, 2020
I got to 52% and just didn't want to go on.. I know I'm in the minority, but I just couldn't stand these characters. I mean, the child just lost his mother and found out who his father is. The aunt and new dad couldn't seem to care a bit about the boy, they just couldn't keep their hands off each other. I mean really, shouldn't he have been a bit more interested in trying to get to know and bond with his 15 year old child instead of sticking him in the basement and sleeping with his aunt the first time the child came to his house for the weekend?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
Solid 2.5 *
I wanted to like this book so much. Essentially the writing is good and I would love to read more books by this author. However, the female MC, Tabitha, is just dreadful. There is zero character development. The connection between her and Sebastian is entirely unbelievable. She talks to him and treats him like utter rubbish for 90+% of the story, without any logical reason for doing so. "Tabby" blatantly criticizes her sister for being a "whore" while freaking out when others refer to Sam as such. She claims she doesn't want to be like her sister but spends a significant portion of the story playing two men off each other and using Sebastian for sex. Don't get me started on the horrible relationship and attitude towards her nephew Greyson. There is never any acknowledgement of the awkward fact that she is hooking up with a guy who impregnated her sister, and lastly, the "witch" thing is overdone.
This book is all about Sebastian and Greyson for me. That part is a beautiful story about a found and wanted parent-child relationship. Unfortunately, Greyson has some serious emotional issues, yet the author explores all aspects surrounding his birth with a degree of sensitivity. Sebastian is an incredible parent to him. This could have easily been a 5* read for me if Tabby's "bitch factor" wasn't so extreme.
The Audible narration just highlighted the lack of connection/chemistry between Tabby and Sebastian.
I wanted to like this book so much. Essentially the writing is good and I would love to read more books by this author. However, the female MC, Tabitha, is just dreadful. There is zero character development. The connection between her and Sebastian is entirely unbelievable. She talks to him and treats him like utter rubbish for 90+% of the story, without any logical reason for doing so. "Tabby" blatantly criticizes her sister for being a "whore" while freaking out when others refer to Sam as such. She claims she doesn't want to be like her sister but spends a significant portion of the story playing two men off each other and using Sebastian for sex. Don't get me started on the horrible relationship and attitude towards her nephew Greyson. There is never any acknowledgement of the awkward fact that she is hooking up with a guy who impregnated her sister, and lastly, the "witch" thing is overdone.
This book is all about Sebastian and Greyson for me. That part is a beautiful story about a found and wanted parent-child relationship. Unfortunately, Greyson has some serious emotional issues, yet the author explores all aspects surrounding his birth with a degree of sensitivity. Sebastian is an incredible parent to him. This could have easily been a 5* read for me if Tabby's "bitch factor" wasn't so extreme.
The Audible narration just highlighted the lack of connection/chemistry between Tabby and Sebastian.
February 12, 2020
I initially liked the story but then lost it about a 1/4 through. I wasn't sure I really liked the heroine, Tabby, that much to be honest. She was judgmental, cold, bit of a snob, and at times just didn't seem like a nice person. Other than close proximity for sex and mutual love of music, it was hard for me to see these 2 MCs together.
January 22, 2019
Oh my, oh my!!!!
I am the lucky winner of an ARC of this fabulous book. Kelsey Kingsley is a new author to me and I already love her words. I got a copy of this story and the first thing I did was to put it away because I needed to read Daisies & Devin first ( You don't have to, but you should!!!). I already loved this story so much and was extremely excited to read The Life We Wanted.
And what can I say: I'm not disappointed!
Tabitha and Sebastian are amazing. I love their banter, it's so much fun and made me laugh really hard sometimes. Tabitha's past was not easy but she made a decision and she's a strong woman. I love her. Sebastian is this "what you see, is what you get" type and I really appreciate that. I love that he can't shut his mouth, it's hilarious 😂. And he's a good guy, the best. For Tabitha and for Greyson. Man, they made me cry, hard!
This story is perfect, there's everything I need in a book: an adequate hint of fun and sarcasm, a huge portion of emotions, the right amount of sexy scenes and loveable characters (all of them, I love Sebastian's family 😍, they are one of a kind).
Absolutely perfect!
I am the lucky winner of an ARC of this fabulous book. Kelsey Kingsley is a new author to me and I already love her words. I got a copy of this story and the first thing I did was to put it away because I needed to read Daisies & Devin first ( You don't have to, but you should!!!). I already loved this story so much and was extremely excited to read The Life We Wanted.
And what can I say: I'm not disappointed!
Tabitha and Sebastian are amazing. I love their banter, it's so much fun and made me laugh really hard sometimes. Tabitha's past was not easy but she made a decision and she's a strong woman. I love her. Sebastian is this "what you see, is what you get" type and I really appreciate that. I love that he can't shut his mouth, it's hilarious 😂. And he's a good guy, the best. For Tabitha and for Greyson. Man, they made me cry, hard!
This story is perfect, there's everything I need in a book: an adequate hint of fun and sarcasm, a huge portion of emotions, the right amount of sexy scenes and loveable characters (all of them, I love Sebastian's family 😍, they are one of a kind).
Absolutely perfect!
March 12, 2020
My first Kelsey Kingsley book and looking forward to more!! This author definitely captured me and gave me so much of what I look for in a story - immediate connections, fun playful banter, family, friends, smart old people, smiles and smiles, no stupid dumb girl drama, and instead a nice peace in a wonderful story!! Loved it! 4.5 stars! Even though its about a rockstar - it really did not have any band/rockstar vibe to it - it's more a family style storyline.
This is my first book by Kingsley and I didn't do my homework well - because now I read reviews and find out Sebastian(the main lead) is a character from Daisies and Devin - his band members' book. so fail on that part because I love reading in order!!! But, I don't think it's a huge deal it's not like it feels like a "series"- you just miss out on the fun connections and Devin and Kylie definitely appear a few times.
I also listened to this on Audio(through hoopla) and thought the narration was SOOOO good. I find I prefer my romance in ebook because sometimes the voices of the male or female just don't match up to the characters and their feelings/quirks - but this was dual voiced and really nailed them both!!
This is my first book by Kingsley and I didn't do my homework well - because now I read reviews and find out Sebastian(the main lead) is a character from Daisies and Devin - his band members' book. so fail on that part because I love reading in order!!! But, I don't think it's a huge deal it's not like it feels like a "series"- you just miss out on the fun connections and Devin and Kylie definitely appear a few times.
I also listened to this on Audio(through hoopla) and thought the narration was SOOOO good. I find I prefer my romance in ebook because sometimes the voices of the male or female just don't match up to the characters and their feelings/quirks - but this was dual voiced and really nailed them both!!
January 21, 2019
This book was a bit of a risk for me because I went into it completely blind – new author to me, no synopsis, and no clue as to what genre it might be. This is one of those times that it paid off in a huge way, and I’m so glad I found this author! The beautiful, poetic prose of the story had me highlighting passages left and right, and it's so full of emotion and feeling my heart was swept away on its tide.
Tabitha is a very controlled, professional real estate agent who becomes a single mother to her fifteen-year-old nephew, Greyson, after her sister dies suddenly. She stumbles across some letters in her sister’s things that reveal the identity of Greyson's father and mails a letter to Sebastian Morrison, who turns out to be Sebastian Moore, drummer for one of the most promising rock bands around. Between a buttoned-up, always in control gal whose life has clearly gone off the rails, and a long-haired, tattooed rocker, adding in a grieving teenager with an attitude and chip on his shoulder to match makes for quite eventful reading. But beneath and between the discord and uncertainty is a thread of vulnerability and hope that makes this read deep, evocative and compelling. The rules have changed for all of these characters, and they’re each doing their best to find their footing, yet somehow managing to find themselves in the process.
One of the things I love about this book is the way it highlights the impact of music on our lives. The way a special memory can be tied to a specific song, or the way the lyrics can speak to us and their story play out in our lives. Instead of song lyrics, the author gives us lyrical prose that hit straight to the heart, like “I wondered where they lived, what their house looked like, and what it must be like to have someone to come home to,” and “I couldn’t remember the last time I told my dad that I loved him, but I would always remember the first time I whispered ‘I love you, too’ to my son.” I won’t spoil the book by sharing the most amazing quote, but it hits the hardest as these characters close a chapter in their lives and look forward to the future they've created together.
If you’re not a fan of the rock star romance genre, have no fear. I'm always apprehensive I might get too much of the sex and drugs stereotype, and that absolutely is not the case here. Instead this a heartfelt, poignant story that depicts the journey through grief, the challenges of facing the unknown, the beauty of self-discovery, and the rewards of taking a chance. I fell hard for all of these characters, but especially for the long-haired, tattooed, arrogant but charming rocker lacking a verbal filter who has a huge heart but is a little lost. I adore Tabby and cheered for her as the man she thought was absolutely wrong for her plays a part in her figuring out how to break free from her self-imposed cage and find her authentic self.
Amidst the loneliness, grief, loss and uncertainty, Sebastian, Tabby and Grayson manage to find the good in things and build the life they want out of the devastating circumstances handed them. Their story is heartbreaking but humorous and sensuous but sweet, and one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever read. Take a chance and fall in love with these amazing characters. Their journey will easily enchant your mind, own your heart, imprint your soul and leave you breathless, and their story is one you'll want to return to again and again.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Tabitha is a very controlled, professional real estate agent who becomes a single mother to her fifteen-year-old nephew, Greyson, after her sister dies suddenly. She stumbles across some letters in her sister’s things that reveal the identity of Greyson's father and mails a letter to Sebastian Morrison, who turns out to be Sebastian Moore, drummer for one of the most promising rock bands around. Between a buttoned-up, always in control gal whose life has clearly gone off the rails, and a long-haired, tattooed rocker, adding in a grieving teenager with an attitude and chip on his shoulder to match makes for quite eventful reading. But beneath and between the discord and uncertainty is a thread of vulnerability and hope that makes this read deep, evocative and compelling. The rules have changed for all of these characters, and they’re each doing their best to find their footing, yet somehow managing to find themselves in the process.
One of the things I love about this book is the way it highlights the impact of music on our lives. The way a special memory can be tied to a specific song, or the way the lyrics can speak to us and their story play out in our lives. Instead of song lyrics, the author gives us lyrical prose that hit straight to the heart, like “I wondered where they lived, what their house looked like, and what it must be like to have someone to come home to,” and “I couldn’t remember the last time I told my dad that I loved him, but I would always remember the first time I whispered ‘I love you, too’ to my son.” I won’t spoil the book by sharing the most amazing quote, but it hits the hardest as these characters close a chapter in their lives and look forward to the future they've created together.
If you’re not a fan of the rock star romance genre, have no fear. I'm always apprehensive I might get too much of the sex and drugs stereotype, and that absolutely is not the case here. Instead this a heartfelt, poignant story that depicts the journey through grief, the challenges of facing the unknown, the beauty of self-discovery, and the rewards of taking a chance. I fell hard for all of these characters, but especially for the long-haired, tattooed, arrogant but charming rocker lacking a verbal filter who has a huge heart but is a little lost. I adore Tabby and cheered for her as the man she thought was absolutely wrong for her plays a part in her figuring out how to break free from her self-imposed cage and find her authentic self.
Amidst the loneliness, grief, loss and uncertainty, Sebastian, Tabby and Grayson manage to find the good in things and build the life they want out of the devastating circumstances handed them. Their story is heartbreaking but humorous and sensuous but sweet, and one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever read. Take a chance and fall in love with these amazing characters. Their journey will easily enchant your mind, own your heart, imprint your soul and leave you breathless, and their story is one you'll want to return to again and again.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
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January 31, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/31/2020)! 🎁
February 1, 2019
Where do I start? This story has my heart. It made me laugh, it made me cry (oh boy, did it ever!), it made me swoon and it made me fall in love with Sebastian and Tabitha.
The thread that weaves it’s way through this story is the song Everlong by the Foo Fighters. I’ve never read a book that makes such clever use of a songs lyrics, it’s meaning and the emotion it evokes. It’s a song that I love so it made the book even more special, but if you don’t know it, listen to it and read the lyrics. It will add an extra dimension to the book and the characters.
The premise of the story is Sebastian discovering that he has a 15 year old son, after the boy’s mother dies. Greyson’s aunt, Tabitha, reaches out to Sebastian in the hope that he will be a positive influence in his life.
Tabitha has been a stable influence in Greyson’s life, when his own mother couldn’t be. Living contrary to her own desires, she’s helped bring the boy up for 15 years and feels like she’s reached her limit.
Bringing Sebastian into their lives shows all three of them that the lives they want lie within their reach. Greyson finally gets a father figure in his life; Sebastian gets the child he always thought his mother had aborted and more importantly, he gets Tabitha, a woman who makes him feel more than any other has. Tabitha gets the person who can accept her for who she wants to be, not who she has to be.
The way Kelsey Kingsley writes makes me feel as though I’m coming home. It’s comforting, somewhere I want to spend time getting to know the characters, their lives and their stories. I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s everything.
The thread that weaves it’s way through this story is the song Everlong by the Foo Fighters. I’ve never read a book that makes such clever use of a songs lyrics, it’s meaning and the emotion it evokes. It’s a song that I love so it made the book even more special, but if you don’t know it, listen to it and read the lyrics. It will add an extra dimension to the book and the characters.
The premise of the story is Sebastian discovering that he has a 15 year old son, after the boy’s mother dies. Greyson’s aunt, Tabitha, reaches out to Sebastian in the hope that he will be a positive influence in his life.
Tabitha has been a stable influence in Greyson’s life, when his own mother couldn’t be. Living contrary to her own desires, she’s helped bring the boy up for 15 years and feels like she’s reached her limit.
Bringing Sebastian into their lives shows all three of them that the lives they want lie within their reach. Greyson finally gets a father figure in his life; Sebastian gets the child he always thought his mother had aborted and more importantly, he gets Tabitha, a woman who makes him feel more than any other has. Tabitha gets the person who can accept her for who she wants to be, not who she has to be.
The way Kelsey Kingsley writes makes me feel as though I’m coming home. It’s comforting, somewhere I want to spend time getting to know the characters, their lives and their stories. I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s everything.
February 1, 2019
4.5 Thumbelina Stars
An adjustment no child or sister should have to make. The dynamic of a relationship changing because of circumstances beyond your control. Letters that broke my heart. All this from just the first few pages of The Life We Wanted.
Tabitha Clarke comes across is a little standoff-ish and uptight. But you can’t really blame her. She’s trying to cope the best way she knows how. I can’t help but feel sorry for her. She’s always had to be the “adult.” Her laughter and carefree ways shoved into a box. Some of her decisions I didn’t really like. Watching her change and relax was refreshing.
Sebastian Moore is every bit the dreamy drummer. He may have had the typical bad boy persona, but he was more than that. He immediately made my heart race. His laid back attitude and carefree soul was everything.
The struggle between the two and as individuals, the chemistry, the push and pull was evident. Getting over those first impressions and digging through those layers, discovering their commonalities and admitting to what was more than just attraction only made their story that much more magical.
But this isn’t just about a romance. What I found just as important was the development of the relationship between Sebastian and Greyson. Finding out you’re a father or discovering you have a dad is not easily navigated but witnessing the connection and deepening respect and love for one another is incredible.
The Life We Wanted is a beautiful look at choices, mistakes that really aren’t mistakes, love and finding family when you need it. It definitely evoked emotions and left me feeling warm and giddy - a fantastic place to be after reaching the final page.
An adjustment no child or sister should have to make. The dynamic of a relationship changing because of circumstances beyond your control. Letters that broke my heart. All this from just the first few pages of The Life We Wanted.
Tabitha Clarke comes across is a little standoff-ish and uptight. But you can’t really blame her. She’s trying to cope the best way she knows how. I can’t help but feel sorry for her. She’s always had to be the “adult.” Her laughter and carefree ways shoved into a box. Some of her decisions I didn’t really like. Watching her change and relax was refreshing.
Sebastian Moore is every bit the dreamy drummer. He may have had the typical bad boy persona, but he was more than that. He immediately made my heart race. His laid back attitude and carefree soul was everything.
The struggle between the two and as individuals, the chemistry, the push and pull was evident. Getting over those first impressions and digging through those layers, discovering their commonalities and admitting to what was more than just attraction only made their story that much more magical.
But this isn’t just about a romance. What I found just as important was the development of the relationship between Sebastian and Greyson. Finding out you’re a father or discovering you have a dad is not easily navigated but witnessing the connection and deepening respect and love for one another is incredible.
The Life We Wanted is a beautiful look at choices, mistakes that really aren’t mistakes, love and finding family when you need it. It definitely evoked emotions and left me feeling warm and giddy - a fantastic place to be after reaching the final page.
March 2, 2020
Maybe I have to take some time to explain this low rating while so many people seemed to love this book.
First, I didn't get along with the two main characters. I read the whole book trying to understand Tabby's reasoning. From the beginning, she was complaining that she wasn't living the life she wanted. I still haven't fathomed what she wanted aside from wearing rock band's T-shirts, tattoos, jeans, and Converse. Is it a goal in life?
I didn't enjoy the writing, and in particular what the author chose to highlight. I understand this book is a romance, therefore focusing on the couple's feelings. Nevertheless, they met because of his son, who just lost his mother, so I expected more reactions from this situation. One may think I'm too picky, but to me, the point in romance is that as we all know there will be the Happily ever after at the end, the author should make us forget all these details. I expect to be carried through a world of emotions. Here instead, I just read until the end because of my respect to writers' work. I don't regret it as I loved the little scene in the epilogue between Greyson and his dad.
This is my second book by Kelsey Kingsley, so I think I gave her enough of my time and will try other authors from now on.
First, I didn't get along with the two main characters. I read the whole book trying to understand Tabby's reasoning. From the beginning, she was complaining that she wasn't living the life she wanted. I still haven't fathomed what she wanted aside from wearing rock band's T-shirts, tattoos, jeans, and Converse. Is it a goal in life?
I didn't enjoy the writing, and in particular what the author chose to highlight. I understand this book is a romance, therefore focusing on the couple's feelings. Nevertheless, they met because of his son, who just lost his mother, so I expected more reactions from this situation. One may think I'm too picky, but to me, the point in romance is that as we all know there will be the Happily ever after at the end, the author should make us forget all these details. I expect to be carried through a world of emotions. Here instead, I just read until the end because of my respect to writers' work. I don't regret it as I loved the little scene in the epilogue between Greyson and his dad.
This is my second book by Kelsey Kingsley, so I think I gave her enough of my time and will try other authors from now on.
January 28, 2020
If not for Tabby
I would have given this book 3.5 stars, easily. But our heroine of this story, Tabitha, is a relentless b*tch all the way though, without redemption. The hero Sebastian, and his son Grayson, are awesome and so fun that they are the only reason I was able to finish this book at all.
This is my first Kelsey Kingsley book so I'll definitely give another of her books a try, but Tabitha ruined this one for me.
I would have given this book 3.5 stars, easily. But our heroine of this story, Tabitha, is a relentless b*tch all the way though, without redemption. The hero Sebastian, and his son Grayson, are awesome and so fun that they are the only reason I was able to finish this book at all.
This is my first Kelsey Kingsley book so I'll definitely give another of her books a try, but Tabitha ruined this one for me.
January 20, 2019
Let me just say, I love Thor. Now that I have that out of my system let me try to move on to what I hope will be a good review that makes sense and makes you want to read this book.
There are so many moments in this book that I wanted to remember I started highlighting and taking notes at which parts that tugged at my heart almost as soon as I opened this book. The little details in this story will have you crying, sighing and trying to remember them all. No I am not Dr Seuss but this is a book you will want to pick up again and again. You will laugh, smile, cry, swoon and tense up. Your heart will constrict then expand.
I usually take a day or two to absorb what I read but I didn’t want to lose my momentum and my immediate reaction or those thoughts that were rambling around in my head but more important in my heart. It was that important for me to get this out. One of the best aspects of this book besides hope is understanding. By that I mean you will understand each person in this book and that is not something I think we get out of every story when we read. Usually, I become frustrated with someone for being dense, wonderingly why they act the way they do,(even though I know that’s how true life can be). However, in this story, I got each person. You could get into their soul. The author left no detail unturned. She thought of things that made me stop and think,”Wow, how did she think of that”? As they say the truth is in the details, even the little ones. There is so much I want to say but I don’t do spoilers. It’s not fair to the author. You can read the blurb and just enjoy the story. What I will say is even the language was on point (so real) and she included all different types of characters, even a quirky older person (we all have someone in our lives who’s interesting, who we know and love). This author writes from the heart. Her stories aren’t outlandish. They always make you think. These are people you know. Like I said no spoilers but there are three details that really got to me. I’m not going to go in-depth I’m just going to mention some parts I highlighted; Tabitha washing her hair thinking, Sebastian talking about his rules (made me smile in the telling) and Greyson talking to his dad. I know that’s not much but believe me again, it’s all in the details.
Don’t worry you get every feel imaginable, including the heat, really good heat. That’s only part of what makes this so good. It will bring questions to your mind about yourself. Questions like, are you living your best life and do you know what your best life is? Are you living your life for you? Do I make judgments about others without thinking it through? Do I let my preconceived ideas guide me? In addition you get the great rock and roll aspect. The musical references are phenomenal.
I could keep going on and on but I would just be redundant without saying much else because you need to read this book yourself. What I will say is that even though I’m not Dr Seuss your heart will definitely grow just by reading this book. Yes, you may think this review may be a little corny or over the top but it is the truth. By the way the cover is original and awesome!
There are so many moments in this book that I wanted to remember I started highlighting and taking notes at which parts that tugged at my heart almost as soon as I opened this book. The little details in this story will have you crying, sighing and trying to remember them all. No I am not Dr Seuss but this is a book you will want to pick up again and again. You will laugh, smile, cry, swoon and tense up. Your heart will constrict then expand.
I usually take a day or two to absorb what I read but I didn’t want to lose my momentum and my immediate reaction or those thoughts that were rambling around in my head but more important in my heart. It was that important for me to get this out. One of the best aspects of this book besides hope is understanding. By that I mean you will understand each person in this book and that is not something I think we get out of every story when we read. Usually, I become frustrated with someone for being dense, wonderingly why they act the way they do,(even though I know that’s how true life can be). However, in this story, I got each person. You could get into their soul. The author left no detail unturned. She thought of things that made me stop and think,”Wow, how did she think of that”? As they say the truth is in the details, even the little ones. There is so much I want to say but I don’t do spoilers. It’s not fair to the author. You can read the blurb and just enjoy the story. What I will say is even the language was on point (so real) and she included all different types of characters, even a quirky older person (we all have someone in our lives who’s interesting, who we know and love). This author writes from the heart. Her stories aren’t outlandish. They always make you think. These are people you know. Like I said no spoilers but there are three details that really got to me. I’m not going to go in-depth I’m just going to mention some parts I highlighted; Tabitha washing her hair thinking, Sebastian talking about his rules (made me smile in the telling) and Greyson talking to his dad. I know that’s not much but believe me again, it’s all in the details.
Don’t worry you get every feel imaginable, including the heat, really good heat. That’s only part of what makes this so good. It will bring questions to your mind about yourself. Questions like, are you living your best life and do you know what your best life is? Are you living your life for you? Do I make judgments about others without thinking it through? Do I let my preconceived ideas guide me? In addition you get the great rock and roll aspect. The musical references are phenomenal.
I could keep going on and on but I would just be redundant without saying much else because you need to read this book yourself. What I will say is that even though I’m not Dr Seuss your heart will definitely grow just by reading this book. Yes, you may think this review may be a little corny or over the top but it is the truth. By the way the cover is original and awesome!
February 1, 2019
This book has taken over my whole life and invaded every one of my thoughts.
✔Brilliant writing
✔Unforgettable Characters
✔Heart stopping and breath taking. A Real Romance.
“God, Tabby, what the fuck are you doing to me?”
“What do you mean?”
"You really are a witch.”
She giggled, “You keep saying that.”
“It’s better than the truth"
“And what’s the truth?”
“That you’re going to be the end of me.”
I'm just in awe. Kelsey knows just the right way to crack your heart so it splinters.....but man the way she puts it back together makes you never want to stop reading her words. It's a heartbreaking, emotional story about family, trust, strength, love, acceptance and change. I love it so much!
I knew I loved Sebastian from the first time I met him in Daisies & Devin. His no filter, blunt and honest personality is so sexy. He is hilarious, compassionate, talented and kind.
Tabby and her nephew Greyson are having a horrible, terrible, tragic year. Things are bleak. But when Tabby finds an old letter from Sebastian to her sister, things get......interesting. The intricacy of this story, the layers, the evolution of the characters all speak to the talent that Kelsey possess. She is earning a top spot on my favorite list of authors and in my heart. I love the depth of her stories and the perfect way she weaves her words.
"I couldn’t sleep without imagining her in my bed, or shower without imagining her long, red hair between my fingers. I felt obsessed and fucked up. Why the hell is this feeling coveted? I didn’t feel complete, or good; I felt ruined."
✔Brilliant writing
✔Unforgettable Characters
✔Heart stopping and breath taking. A Real Romance.
“God, Tabby, what the fuck are you doing to me?”
“What do you mean?”
"You really are a witch.”
She giggled, “You keep saying that.”
“It’s better than the truth"
“And what’s the truth?”
“That you’re going to be the end of me.”
I'm just in awe. Kelsey knows just the right way to crack your heart so it splinters.....but man the way she puts it back together makes you never want to stop reading her words. It's a heartbreaking, emotional story about family, trust, strength, love, acceptance and change. I love it so much!
I knew I loved Sebastian from the first time I met him in Daisies & Devin. His no filter, blunt and honest personality is so sexy. He is hilarious, compassionate, talented and kind.
Tabby and her nephew Greyson are having a horrible, terrible, tragic year. Things are bleak. But when Tabby finds an old letter from Sebastian to her sister, things get......interesting. The intricacy of this story, the layers, the evolution of the characters all speak to the talent that Kelsey possess. She is earning a top spot on my favorite list of authors and in my heart. I love the depth of her stories and the perfect way she weaves her words.
"I couldn’t sleep without imagining her in my bed, or shower without imagining her long, red hair between my fingers. I felt obsessed and fucked up. Why the hell is this feeling coveted? I didn’t feel complete, or good; I felt ruined."
January 22, 2019
This book... It's happy, sad, angry, lonely, sexy, smart, and freeing! Sebastian is a rock drummer who is completely unapologetically himself. Tabitha is a buttoned up, straight laced professional who really isn't. Greyson is a teenage boy trying to navigate through the death of his mother. Together, they are a family. The just are. The playlist for this book could almost be a character of it's own. I have never read a book that uses music so perfectly to make you a part of the story. I fell like I KNOW these people. I feel like I am these people.
Kelsey Kingsley has once again made me feel all the feels and this time, she really made me think. About my life... am I living the life I wanted?
Kelsey Kingsley has once again made me feel all the feels and this time, she really made me think. About my life... am I living the life I wanted?
February 1, 2019
Sebastian Moore, you are one swoon worthy daddy rockstar drummer in the world!!
If you are keen for your next rockstar hero, Sebastian is your man. I know this was a romance novel but every scene of this hero and his son is so beautiful and honest and pure amazing. Absolutely loved the hero’s character.
I was a little reserved when it came to Tabby. Don’t come at me for this because I get it. She had so much happening in her life that she felt like everything was uprooted and she had to re-learn how to be steady on her two feet again. She did a lot of good. But she also frustrated me to hell and back. It was her perception of the hero in the early days up til 70% ish of the book put me off. But when you have a guy like Sebastian Moore as the hero, everything will fall into place.
I enjoyed this because of how this story was told and Kelsey wrote this amazingly.
Problems, passing judgement, struggles, relationships and so many other things were explored in this novel. But you’ll want to read because of Sebastian Moore. Because of how he helped Tabby see the good in the bad. Because of Grey. Because this was a good book relaying the struggles we face and how it changes our perspective. It was Sebastian and his son that did it for me!!! Well done KK.
This was a beautiful piece of the author’s heart.
heartbooked on instagram xX
If you are keen for your next rockstar hero, Sebastian is your man. I know this was a romance novel but every scene of this hero and his son is so beautiful and honest and pure amazing. Absolutely loved the hero’s character.
I was a little reserved when it came to Tabby. Don’t come at me for this because I get it. She had so much happening in her life that she felt like everything was uprooted and she had to re-learn how to be steady on her two feet again. She did a lot of good. But she also frustrated me to hell and back. It was her perception of the hero in the early days up til 70% ish of the book put me off. But when you have a guy like Sebastian Moore as the hero, everything will fall into place.
I enjoyed this because of how this story was told and Kelsey wrote this amazingly.
Problems, passing judgement, struggles, relationships and so many other things were explored in this novel. But you’ll want to read because of Sebastian Moore. Because of how he helped Tabby see the good in the bad. Because of Grey. Because this was a good book relaying the struggles we face and how it changes our perspective. It was Sebastian and his son that did it for me!!! Well done KK.
This was a beautiful piece of the author’s heart.
heartbooked on instagram xX
February 2, 2019
I am all about rockstars in books. They are one of my favorite to read about. This book took me over. I could not put it down. It is witty and emotional. It's funny and sad. I was addicted from page one. I had so many feeling with these characters. I felt their pain and happiness. I laughed with them and got nervous with them. I wanted to skip pages just so I knew what happened bc I was in those pages with them. I know how 2 favorite rockstars. Kellan Kyle and Sebastian Moore.
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