What if everything a sheltered girl’s mother kept her from are the very things that could make her happy?
My life is a carousel. I work at the local amusement park. I study even though it’s summer. And I wonder why my mom doesn’t love me. Then I wake up the next day and do it all again.
The comforts of my merry-go-round world are left behind and I take a ride on the tallest roller coaster. … ride on the tallest roller coaster. Because of him. The private-school bad boy who storms into my life, stealing my first kiss and making my mind wander to impossible possibilities. But I know better than to get involved. There’s no way a popular musician like Stone Maverick Avery could ever like a yawntastic girl like me. Even if he did, my mom would put an end to it in a heartbeat.
Tragedy turns my life upside down, and secrets my mom’s hidden from me come to light, pushing me to question everything I’ve ever believed. For some reason, Stone is with me every step of the way. Is it possible there’s more to him than designer sunglasses and a rock star attitude? Looks like I’m about to find out.
My name is Kelsey. And this is my life.
★★★★★
My Life as Kelsey is a laughable coming of age about firsts, family, and finding your place in the world of growing up. Read it today!
“If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, laughable but also kicks you in your feels kinda read, this book is for you.” Goodreads Reviewer
Victoria Anders’ satisfying debut novel is a laugh-out-loud, emotional, real, intense, and passionate read; it’s a positive story of finding your place in the world of growing up.
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My Life as Kelsey was such a worthwhile read. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, laughable but also kicks you in your feels kinda read, this book is for you.
I related with the MC quite often, I mean, I guess I was a teenage girl at one point. The author, Victoria Anders, does such a beautiful job crafting this story & it is thoroughly enjoyable. There are many plot twists, and the pacing was definitely adding to my not being able to put the book down.
My heart ached for the characters, not just the MC Kelsey, but her family, and boyfran.
The only real critique I could add is that perhaps the side characters could have used some more attention, I was definitely interested in the motives of some of their actions (like Stones wtf reveal). But, none of that took away from the overall enjoyment of the story.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This book was a very easy read, I finished it in one night and loved the plotline.
Kelsey’s mental health should have been properly explored and help received but I suppose this supports the fact that everyone finds help in their own way.
I think my main issue with this book was the fact that I struggled to connect with the characters.
This is the 1st book in a new series, and this is a great introduction. Stone and Kelsey’s story is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout. This is a well written story which has angst, emotion, twists, and is a fast paced, humorous and entertaining read. I recommend for all.
I’m a bit torn about writing a review for this book.
Did I like it? Yes. It was a sweet, quick, easy read with enough drama and action to keep my attention but was missing something. I’m just not sure what that something is.
I did like the trip it gave me down memory lane- what it was like for me as a teenager, the social battles, the boys, the pressure of making sure I got good grades.
A solid 3.5 stars
A quick and fairly enjoyable read. I did find that it was a bit quick on some places, that parts of the story were rushed or details missing but I’m thinking perhaps they are explained in the books that follow?
Either way, Kelsey is a likeable character and her chemistry with reformed bad boy Stone is cute. Off again on again happened way more then I expected and I had to go back pages to figure out what was happening once or twice. The journal that was introduced I feel could have had a far bigger impact but it just kind of went nowhere. Adam was by far my favourite character. Hilarious, down to earth, just an awesome guy, he added a nice touch to the story.
Even though I felt there were parts missing or glossed over, I still rate it 4 stars as I found myself smiling in parts and enjoyed it anyway.
This book reminded me of the pressures and struggles of being a teenager. It’s emotional and real. It’s intense and passionate. It’s confusing and heartbreaking. I enjoyed the character of Kelsey. She was strong, smart, witty, intuitive and practical. I enjoyed reading her story, watching her grow and finally being able to admit that love is a risk worth fighting for. The pacing and flow of the story were done very well and the continuity of the writing style helped move the plot along. I would like to see a sequel with the characters in college. Overall I give My Life as Kelsey 3 stars (4 and 5 stars are very rare from me). I think a few more chapters could have given a fuller experience to Kelsey’s life, maybe something twisty and complicated, or if Kelsey had a deep, dark secret of her own.
This is a riveting story of a young girl struggles to get a hold of life after the death of her mother. She is given preconceived ideas of men from her mother that has Kelsey second guessing herself. When she has a talk with her grandmother and moves in with her father, she has an ah ha moment. But will she be able to put aside everything she has experienced under her mother to change her outlook? This YA story will grab you right from the start.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the first scene, I thought Kelsey was already a very likable person. With her being a teenager, and how she treats the kids at her job. When Stone was first introduced, with his mocking smiles and giving Kelsey nicknames, I didn’t think he would stick around long and wouldn’t be a main character. But he showed that he cared and really grew on me.
I was very shocked with the events about her mother. *SPOILER* From reading the preview, I expected Kelsey to find a boy, and her mom not approve, which is why I was so shocked when she died in a car crash. I loved the connection that grew between Adam and Kelsey. The honest between them and how they were able to bond so quickly after just meeting. Adam ended up being my favorite character. He got both Kelsey and Stone through difficult times, and has shown he is a great father, and a great teacher.
This book surprised me, when I thought it was going to go one way, it went the other. Even thought it was a quick and cute read, it kept me on my toes. I wasn’t expecting the book to end on that note, but i’m glad it did. I small little happily ever after going to college near each other, and the gift for her dad, marking her spot in his family. Kelsey’s monotony life grew to be very interesting and a very fun read.
My Life as Kelsey is a quick and easy read and Kelsey is a likable character. I suspect she has a bit of PTSD from what I consider abuse from her mother. Raised to think that men are evil she isn’t allowed to date. She isn’t allowed to have a life outside of schoolwork and her mother pushes her hard. Upon her mother’s death, her grandmother tells her that her mother had no reason for hating men. When she learns of her father and goes to live with him, we find out that what her grandmother had said is true, Adam is a good man.
We follow Kelsey from her life working at an amusement park, to moving in with her father, and her experience with dating. She’s having a hard time trusting her boyfriend Stone because of the years her mother brainwashed her into thinking men only wanted one thing and then they would leave. It’s making for a bumpy first relationship, but Stone is a good guy. He might have had a rough past, but he sticks with Kelsey, he’s caring, understanding, and patient. The only thing I’m left unsure of is why her mother put Kelsey through such hell.
I review and edit a ton of books and it’s rare that a first, Indie published book is so well edited. I found one spelling mistake, and the rest was absolutely flawless. The cover is what drew me into this book, and from the start, I was hooked. Anders has done a superb job in her premier book. She’s definitely an author to watch for, and I for one am anxious for the next book.
Excellent book about starting over and discovering who you really want to be. I love how Kelsey was able to start fresh and that her new life provides her with opportunities and friends that her previous one did not. Adam and Stone are both amazing and I enjoy them with Kelsey
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sixteen year old Kelsey lives with her Mom and grandmother on the poor side of town. Doing well academically, she is still burdened with a Mom who insists boys are bad and refuses to discuss who her father was. It isn’t until her Mom dies in a car accident that Kelsey learns the truth about her mother and has a chance at a somewhat normal life. But will she take it?
This well-written novel brought me straight back to my teenage years, angst and all. Though Kelsey’s Mom is borderline abusive, it is clear that she loves her daughter deeply, but unfortunately, her own pain has washed over on her daughter. It is a tight story that resonates the immaturity and over emotionality that every teenager goes through as they try to deal with peer pressure, first love, and the future. Adding in the death of a parent and you have enough organic conflict (internal and external) to almost overwhelm the reader and the character without it becoming a soap opera. Well done.
This book gave me exactly what it promised and more. Strap in and enjoy the roller coaster journey of the emotions of a girl. Ups and downs. Twists and turns. Heart-stopping emotions. You will not be able to put it down until you’re done. It kept me spell bound, and I was compelled to keep reading.
It’s fast-paced and engaging. I felt Kelsey’s emotions and understood her state-of-mind throughout her journey of loss and love. Tears were spilt . . . tears of joy, tears of heartache, tears of sadness, tears of pure happiness. Stone stole my heart and kept me captive, and Adam gets the award for Father of the Year.
I’m not too far gone from my teen years. This book took me right back there. It’s angsty and snarky. And Kelsey deals with real problems. It’s not light and fluffy. It’s real and raw.
Read My Life as Kelsey. I promise, you’ll be hooked. I can’t wait for Noah’s story, now that I know why he was staring at Kelsey’s Nirvana tee.