What happens to you when you love someone with all of your heart, but that love has nowhere to go?Heartthrob, Cole Harkin, counted his blessings with a gorgeous wife and the couple’s excitement of a first baby on the way.Just when he thought his world was complete, Cole becomes devastated and overwhelmed when his future is ripped from under his feet. With little choice in the matter, Cole has to … little choice in the matter, Cole has to face living another life…A very different life to the one he thought he and Grace had planned.
A Single parent second chance romance following Cole’s inspirational journey through grief and loss.
‘Another Life is a beautifully constructed story of Cole Harkin trying to rebuild his life when fate deals him the best thing in his life and the cruelest blow at the same time.’
‘WARNING – must have Kleenex to read this book. From the opening pages to the very last chapter I was on an emotional roller coaster that made me ugly cry. A heart wrenching storyline and beautifully written characters make this book a masterpiece.’
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3.5 Stars
Another Life is an heartbreaking, emotional story. For me the story was all right, it was a tear jerker, but after while the grief was just too much for me. Cole is living the life, he’s got a wife he loves, and their awaiting the birth of their first child, and his band is on the last leg of their tour. What should of been the happiest day, ended up becoming his worst nightmare. This is told in Cole’s perpective. Nanny Harper is awesome with the little one, but when she started throwing herself at Cole, I wanted to shake her. What the heck girl? This guy is completely broken, grief stricken, and can hardly look after himself, let alone his baby. Why do you think he needs or wants to start something with you?
I wish we would of seen Cole deal with, and overcome his grief through-out the story. Then I would of liked to see him get a second chance at love with Harper.
Cole had lost so much and was so broken for so long. If it wasn’t for Harper, his daughter Layla wouldn’t have had someone stable. Seeing them grow closer was cute. It was a nice slow burn. Not an insta love like most. It was sweet and sad at the same time. Good book
This had to opportunity to be a fabulous story, instead it fell a bit flat. Written only from the perspective of the main character, who was difficult to connect to, the story felt like it was just going through the motions of what was expected. 3 stars equal it was ok, ok to read once but not going to make the list of books to read again.
I’ve only read a couple of books by this author and she hasn’t let me down. The author has an uncanny ability to write with an honest approach. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and although you had an idea going in…it surpassed my imagination. The attention to fine details surrounding the grieving process were phenomenal. There is no set time, right or wrong and the added pressure of being in the limelight made it considerably more tricky.
Cole was at the point in life where he had it all, well almost…his wife was a few weeks away from bringing the next generation into their arms. Unfortunately things don’t always go to plan, he’s left devastated and has to crawl back from the pits of hell. The saying “it takes a village” comes to mind. Thankfully Cole had the support of his staff, you’d be forgiven in considering them to be family members.
This is not your typical rock and roll romance book. It is so much more. What I really liked about this book was the author took a genre of a book and moved it into a whole other category of it’s own. The author touched briefly on sex, drugs, rock and roll but she moved the bar to another point on the scale when she talks about this man Cole being a man in turmoil and his journey to come back to feel human again, instead of a walking zombie pretending to get through life on a daily basis. It shows us that there is no timetable for grief. It is and individual walk for each person. There is no formula that you can follow to get through day to day. In fact some don’t get through it. What I thoroughly enjoyed ( if you can put it that way) is that we get to see that everyone no matter who you are; Rock God, mailman, Famous actor, a mom, they all go through life with all it’s ups and downs. No one gets out of this life without going through battle. I don’t think we think about that in real life. We can actually get an attitude when we hear a famous person is acting out. Their life may be hell and we feel entitled to know why. Sorry I certainly digressed. I don’t spoilers because I don’t think it’s fair to the author. Read the blurb and read the book if you like what you’ve read from that and reviews. I just tell you how it affected me. However, if I did I would tell you that the last part of the book probably affected me more than the rest of the story. I could feel every moment.
Next we have Harper, one of the heroines of this story. Yes, I said one because I feel there was more than one. However, Harper, was vital to Cole, even when he didn’t know it. There was a time when I wanted to smack her upside the side of the head, but that’s what makes the story so real. In real life we probably would act in the same manner as Harper. We all have our own timetables when we think others should be ready to move forward. We all think we know best. Life doesn’t always follow our plans. It can be a case of you can’t see the forest for the trees.
My other heroine is Layla. I loved Layla to pieces. She is truth, honesty, precocious, and totally real. It’s what I love about kids. What you see is what you get. Layla gets it! She brings light and brings her own sunshine to this story.
The other characters in the book add to the book and I could see them getting a book of their own. I have no clue if that’s even in the works but I’d read it.
I guess you could tell I really enjoyed this book. It’s not sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. It is deep, dark and hopeful…always hopeful. To the author I say, well done!
I’ve been wanting to read a book by KL Shandwick for a while now and I’m so glad I finally took the plunge. She has a repeat reader for life.
This book will pull you in and give you all the feels. KL takes you on an emotional roller coaster that you will need a box of tissues for.
KL Makes you feel like you are one of the characters in the story as you read. I love that feeling and if all her other books are like this one, I cannot wait to be sucked into her world of characters.
Forewarning. This book is heartbreaking on so many levels. Cole stole my heart in this book. He starts off the book having everything he could want out of life. Then tragedy strikes. He struggles to move on. Can Harper help him? Or will he continue his downward spiral?
Not wanting to give anything away all I will say is this is an absolute must read and you won’t be disappointed… maybe a little heartbroken and emotional but totally worth it!
Another Life is the first book I’ve read from author KL Shandwick. But I have to say that will not by my last. I have to say that when I saw the cover of this book, that’s what made me get it and read it. Let me tell you, it was worth it. This story is a definite must read. You’ll need lots of tissues!! Another Life is a captivating, uplifting and heartbreaking second chance romance story with lots of emotions and a beautiful end. NO SPOILERS!!!If your looking for your next book boyfriend, look no further, this sexy rock star, Cole Harkin is your guy!!!!!!
Another Life by K.L. Shandwick is a single parent second chance Romance. K.L. is an amazing writer and will take you through an emotional roller coaster of loss, grief, and love. I have never read a book that made me cry until now! Amazing work K.L. I can’t wait to read more from you in the future.
This is a very tragic emotional story of love, loss, and grief. Cole is a famous rock star whose wife dies just days after the birth of their daughter Layla. The book is the story of Cole’s life as he tries to deal with his grief as it takes over his whole being, how it hampers him in his relationship with Layla, his family, friends, and his job for six years. Harper has been the nanny since Layla was born and she has also been helping Cole deal with life. I didn’t feel like this was a great love story but the story of a patient loving woman and a man coming back to life, with fate putting these two together. There is a happy ending but my heart was broken several times getting to it. Very Emotional.
Wow! An overwhelming, endearing and heartbreaking story. I was hooked and invested from the start.
He looses the life he was suppose to have through an uncontrolable event that was suppose to be one of the happiest days of his life. He’s Going through the years drowning in his grief for what he lost, struggling to find his way back to the man he use to be. His sorrow and dispair is intangible.
His loved ones help keep him functioning throughout the story. A strong, loving woman hopelessly falls for him but he finds it hard to deal with his emotions and give in to what he actually feels.
There’s one very special little person that captures my heart in this.
This book is beautifully written all throughout, pulling you in and making you go through all the emotions and leaving you with a lasting impression.
The roller coaster emotions Cole goes thought after the birth of his daughter and the death of his wife. It’s an emotional read for the reader and tissues are required. It was an easy read but again an emotional one. Harper lives in the shadow of Cole’s dead wife, Grace. But in the end Harper is the light to bring Cole out of his darkness.
I had the honor of meeting K L Shandwick earlier this year so when offered the opportunity to read Another Life I didn’t hesitate.
Another Life is an emotional, raw and moving portrayal of the grief of loosing the one you love.
It’s not an easy read, Cole’s grief is incredibly intense, and at times overwhelming, but overall this is a story of love, hop and healing, and despite being incredibly emotional and angsty, this story is relatable to anyone who has loved and lost.
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Full on #uglycry alert !
I was first introduced to K.L. Shandwick’s books by a friend, but this is the first time I’ve ever sat down to review one of them. So here goes.
*sniffs*
I now know why K.L. and a certain author (who shall remain nameless) are besties *wails* They are evil geniuses *hiccups*
I likened K.L. to a mad scientist when I was reading Cole’s story. Just picture it *waves hands*, K.L. cackling (not really) while she types…
Knock wind out of reader here…
Spontaneous crying jag here…
Punch to the solar plexus here…
Squeeze heart here…
Cue more sobbing which induces hyperventilating here…
Lump in throat here…
*taps chin*
A dash of laughter here…
Goosebumps here…
Heart thumping outside body here…
And, most importantly, love, love and more love here…
Honestly though, Another Life is something special. Make no bones about it, yes, it is a hard read. I feel as if I was broken down and pieced back together as the story progressed. It’s one of those books that I’m sure I’ll still be speaking about in years to come. It’s a definite ugly cry, and you all know how much I love doing that – not! *snorts*
Every ending is the start of a new beginning, but what you do with that beginning is down to you. How do you come back from what Cole has experienced? You do it because something so precious is more important than you will ever be.
I have an overwhelming urge to eat my feelings at the moment, but I MUST stay strong! It’s either that or I need a stiff drink – no comment from the gallery please!
You know that emergency readers kit I’ve mentioned in reviews before? *nods* Yeah, the one which includes big girl panties, a box of tissues or two, and chocolate rations (insert treat of choice here). Alcohol for medicinal purposes totally optional *smirks* Well, you’ll probably need a double dose of everything – just saying! *snorts*
So, buckle up! It’s gonna be a bumpy ride but trust me (have I ever steered you wrong?), you won’t regret it. Shoo, go on. Cole is waiting.
Wow this was an emotional read! If you’ve read the blurb you know what going to happen but no idea how much you will feel while reading it. There is a lot of detail in baby Layla’s entry to the world and with it a lot of tears and heartbreak. (Pro tip: have a box of tissue handy.). Grace is lovely and she is missed beyond measure by Cole. His lost is killing him. Thank goodness for the wonderful staff in Coles home and the brilliant choice his mother makes in Layla’s nanny Harper. Harper is a constant calming force in baby Layla’s life and eventually Cole’s as well.
Bearing witness to his grief is excruciating and watching his slow transformation from hopeless heartbroken man into a man with hopes for a new normal is painful and sometimes irritating. Harper is a patient woman. I do question where were his band mates and are mother during the bulk of the book? There is a lack of music here, I imagine a front man would take comfort from music of some form, though every person’s journey is different.
Layla is delightful. She is the sunshine in a dark storm. Her delight in the small things is so refreshing. Her love is without labels or limits.
Eventually, Cole sees there may be a future for him and Harper is eager for a chance to love him. Their story is uncomfortable, hot and finally happy. HEA for the win.
3.5 stars
Be prepared with the tissues for this one. The beginning of this book just ripped my heart out. What was supposed to be one of the best days of Cole’s life turns into a nightmare. Through out this book you can feel the raw emotional pain that Cole goes through. How just just going through the motions of life is a struggle. It’s the miracle of his daughter that gives him the reason to live. You may be crying in the beginning, but watching Cole find happiness again will leave you with a smile at the end. The only thing that I would have loved would getting Harper’s point of view. I don’t know how many times through out this book I wished I could see inside her head. One of my favorite parts of the book is Cole and his daughter. Those are the precious moments that truly show us a side of Cole he thinks he lost. It’s definitively an emotional book that pulls on the heartstrings.
I LOVED this story and I know I wont forget it soon! It really touched my heart!
Another Life was my first K.L. Shandwick’s book and I loved the writing style so much, it flowed so well, that kept me glued to my kindle!
This is a very emotional and angsty story about loss, grief, friendship, hope and love.
On the day that should be one of the best days of his life, Cole is given the most heartbreaking news no one should ever receive and his world shatters.
Cole sees himself hurting and grieving putting his life on hold. Until the biggest love of all pulls him out and he starts living again.
The emotional side of this story, broke my heart. I loved Cole’s character as well as Layla’s.
I’ve cried, I laughed and I swooned. This is definitely a beautiful story that everyone should read.
After a lot of nagging from my friends (mainly Lynn) I have finally read a book by KL Shandwick and I am now kicking myself for not reading her books before now.
Soon as I started this book I was drawn in and joining the characters on their emotional journey. I wasn’t warned that tissues would be needed but they were at some points but this book also made me smile too. Such an beautiful tale of heartbreak and the journey to heal.
KL Shandwick now has a new fan and I can’t wait to see what she brings next.
I was fortunate enough to read this book as it was being written. I was wrecked with angst and then lifted with happiness. This is an amazing story that is so well written I’m actually jealous that you get to read it for the first time, I wish I could again. It’s no secret that I am a friend of this author but I also believe in not blowing smoke up her ass and being honest. I can honestly tell you that you will love this book. If you are new to KL Shandwick, she has a knack of telling a story that hooks you, captures your breath and your heart, lets you out a little before reeling you back in. A firm five stars from me.
Wow! Deep breath in, I really don’t feel my words can begin to do justice to this book let alone express just how good it is.
The depth of emotions throughout is so raw and real, the grief side of this I’ve felt myself, the loss and feeling like you walking under water or in a fog just completely consumed by the pain and not knowing how to get past it or start to feel anything else. For some it may be an easier thing to deal with or deal in a different way but for me this book mirrored so trully how I felt when I lost my mum at the tender age of 11, Ok in this a different scenario but the powerful emotions are the same.
This story is heartbreaking, be prepared with tissues because honestly you need them for pretty much the whole book though not just for the grief. It is also inspirational because as you come through the devastation and start to claw back some semblance of living it shows hope, there is a reason to start going forward and things to look forward to and enjoy. The baby Layla is such a cutie and despite her start in life and how sad that was she comes to be an amazing child, grown far beyond the actual years age she is. Harper is special, very empathetic and understanding, definitely someone you would want taking care of your child. For Cole, I saw my dad in some ways, dealing or not dealing with the pain of loss, the focus not really on things he should be doing but on just trying to lose himself in oblivion. The inspiration comes as gradually life forces its way back into focus, feelings both good and bad need to be dealt with and fear as well. This author has written a story that is real, it is down to earth gut wrenching and powerful. I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of books that are good, great and fantastic, books that have affected me and made me emotional including another by this very author, but this book is by far the best I have ever read. This story is one of those you wont forget for a while, it will stay with you. It is a story I wont forget, one I want to get in print as well as e_book and one I definitely want signed by the author, it is that special. Her experiences in an earlier career also play a part in the story, I found that also added to the realistic feel to the whole experience of reading it. I just cant convey enough how astoundingly amazing this story is, you need to read it yourself to completely understand what I mean. I am drained and uplifted at the same time, not sure how I am going to start another book because I feel lost that I finished this one, I almost feel I need to go back and read it again but I think I might save it for a time when I need to remember how it feels to read that one book so exceptional it is on a par all of its own.
I am drained and uplifted at the same time, not sure how I am going to start another book because I feel lost that I finished this one.
Heartache, raw emotion and new beginnings – 4.5 stars
On what should have been one of the happiest days of Cole’s life, his perfect world is shattered when the unthinkable happens. Returning home he is lost, a broken shadow of the man he once was, with his baby daughter Layla his only reason to get up and breathe each day and live a life that wasnt meant to be.
This beautifully written book is a story about how someone can learn to have another life, even after the darkest days, if there is someone there with enough patience, love and understanding to help them see and accept a future after such heartbreak.
The subject matter of Another Life is not only a tough one for the reader to read, but I’m sure for the author to write. To get Cole’s emotions, thoughts, fears and feelings right and especially real is difficult, but KL Shandwick has nailed it. It has been written with such sensitivity and care but is raw and brutal at the same time. There is a range of emotions from gut wrenching sadness to uplifting happiness. There was a part I couldn’t see the pages my tears were falling so hard, then the honest innocence of Layla, bringing joy and laughter as only a five year old can.
I have to be honest (without giving anything away) and say normally the subject and depth of the last 20% or so isn’t really my thing. However, KL wrote it so well, I was engrossed all the way. It was integral to Cole’s healing and ability to move freely into his future and tbh, I as a reader needed it to believe that he was going to be ok.
Sometimes when life throws something so shockingly unexpected that pushes you completely off your path, it’s tough to see a meaningful future.
Despite the support and love from family, friends and one wonderful, caring woman, the decision to start the journey back to life on a new path ultimately has to come from within. This is Cole’s journey.