After the untimely death of his single mother, Greyson found himself orphaned at fifteen. That is, until the discovery of his father, Sebastian – a world renown drummer in a famous rock band. Overnight, Greyson’s world had been turned upside down, taking him from rags to riches. And now, six years later, Greyson’s only goal is to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Except, while his father is a … father is a reformed ladies’ man, Greyson is gay. And that’s a secret he’s not ready to let go of.
But he never planned on meeting Zach.
How can he keep the man he loves without disappointing the man he admires?
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The Life We Have
Kelsey Kingsley
5 ++++ Stars
What an amazing excellent true love story!! This is very well written. Didn’t want the book to end!! Love the characters as they felt as if they were alive and here. Quite a few emotions flowing through the book.
“Because, even while the guy drove me crazy sometimes, I knew how lucky I was to have him in my life, and beneath all of my anger, I loved him. I really, really did.”
Terrific read!! Very highly recommend!!
4.5 Grey Stars….
This was well written story that just drew me in. The characters were so down-to-earth, so real and the flow was not forced. I like the natural feeling of Greyson’s journey, it was not all Rock Star dreams, sex & drugs – it was exploring life and love on his terms, getting over past hurts and moving forward while being true to himself. I loved seeing this side of Sebastian, he truly is an amazing dad. I loved Zack and his need to eat, add his Pizza making skills and I was sold-out on him. He did not have an easy road, but he owned his mistakes and did his best for his family. I wanted him to find his happiness ~ I think Kelsey did a great job of doing that. I have to say that I enjoyed the fact that this story focused on the relationship and not the sex – it really made a huge difference for me!
At first I wasn’t sure I would like this story as much as others, but I fell in love halfway through and really enjoyed it. In fact there were parts that were so emotional I found tears rolling down my cheeks and I had to put my kindle down to take come breaths. Greyson and Zach certainly had some hurdles but what they found together will get them through anything life throws at them. The author really knows how to write a story that sucks you in and makes you feel so much. One read you don’t want to miss.
Grayson Clarke-Morrison, has not always had an easy life.
Orphaned at 15, he didn’t know who is dad was until his aunt discovered, it just so happens to be his idol. Sebastian Moore, drummer in his favorite band.
For Sebastian, his son was his biggest surprise of his life and the best happy ending to his journey of struggles.
He wants nothing more than to prove himself to his dad, so he gets a gig that really isn’t the right fit for him. All they want to do is party and be drunk and high all the time.
Zach Marino, is his drum technician. He’s older and has a sorted past that he thankfully has cleaned up and he wants to keep it that way.
As feelings develop between them, Grayson struggles with telling his family.
The struggle is real for him, as he navigates through his life.
This is Grayson and Zack’s story. These two are both broken souls who are perfect together and heal each other. This is a beautifully written story which is an emotional roller coaster with realistic characters and plot. This is one of those stories that I just had to devour as soon as it hit my kindle. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all readers.
I loved everything about this book! I love continuations of series/families. I loved the characters. I feel like I KNOW Zach’s family just from reading Kelsey’s words. So well written
Beautifully told coming of age rockstar romance! Greyson & Zach have both experienced more than their fair share of heartache and struggle, but when these two damaged souls come together, it makes my heart so happy!
*I reviewed an ARC, but also purchased a copy because I love & support this author! My opinion is honest and left voluntarily.*
I’ve read books by this author before and she really knows how to make you feel emotions thorough the words she writes. I always look forward to reading her books and this book is beautifully written and I absolutely loved it.
Greyson has had thing’s very tough, however after the death of his mum he goes to stay with his father and Greyson’s life had completely flipped in a very short space of time and now he also has big dreams like his father. He likes to keep himself to himself and the only thing is, is that Greyson has a secret – yep he’s gay and desperately doesn’t want his father knowing.
Zach is older than Greyson and has lived more and he has also been on a journey in his life and it took him to get to the place he is no happy.
(NO SPOILERS).
This book has all your emotions all over the place, this book is about discovery, hope, strength and acceptance and alot of love.
This author has written the characters in this book so good it’s as if you actually know them for real and I really feel for them especially Greyson. Greyson wants to keep his father happy and he doesn’t want to disappoint him.
This book is a very powerful emotional journey and will have the readers desperate to find out more and you won’t be able to put it down.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is expected to be released 10th April 2020
Admittedly, I’m not big on MM romances, but this gifted wordsmith is one I’ve learned to trust with my romantic heart. And Sebastian Moore’s son, all grown up? That was something I absolutely could not pass up, and this story really delivers.
Greyson is just turning twenty one and he takes a job as a drummer for a second-rate band’s next tour. He has nothing in common with his three band members who occupy their free time with drinking and drugs. None of this bodes well for Greyson’s challenges in controlling his anger, but he finds a friend in Zach, his drum tech, a man ten years his senior.
There are so many wonderful themes packed into this story. Part coming of age and finding one’s true self, and part overcoming difficulties and unconditional acceptance. All of it handled beautifully, as is the relationship between Greyson and Zach, which only increases my respect for their story’s creator. Intimate details are just beyond PG and serve to highlight the emotional component of the relationship, and every part is authentic and exquisite.
Rich with deep emotion and full of food for thought, this is an exceptional, heartfelt story that you won’t want to pass up. If this might be your first foray into the MM romance genre, you can read this one with confidence, knowing that it does not disappoint.
After I finished reading The Life We Have around 2 a.m. this morning, I laid awake for quite some time because neither my heart nor my head wanted to leave a “little shit-hole town called, uh . . . Hog Hill” and Greyson and Zach.
I loved Greyson’s story of self-discovery—him finding his way in the world and his place in it and within his family. He’s not had an easy time of it at all. Not growing up with a whirling dervish of a mother and finding out only after her death his father is none other than Sebastian Moore, a man he idolized growing up for his drumming skills.
Now six years later, Greyson’s trying to make it in the music business. He’s bound and determined to succeed without his father’s help or inside track. He wants to succeed on his own merit.
When he lands a gig as the drummer in a metal band, Greyson can’t wait to hit the road, to live the life of a musician and experience all the highs and lows his dad did. But things are quite a bit different from the “family” feeling Greyson always felt when he traveled with his dad and his band. Things are quite so friendly in this new gig. Pretty much the only happy part with the band is the budding friendship Greyson has found with Zach, his drum tech.
Until their friendship moves onto something more. Something more like romance and love. Something Greyson never thought he’d find at this point in his life. Especially since he’s never told anyone that he’s gay.
So now Greyson’s path into adulthood includes not only finding his place in the music industry, but also navigating a world where there’s intolerance and homophobia. And to top it all off there’s his family to deal with too. There’s a worry that once his dad and his aunt find out he’s gay, that they’re going to be disappointed in the man he’s become.
“. . . but in that moment, I felt that, in our own right, we’re all phoenixes. We all rise from the ashes of our lies, our secrets, our destinies, and there, we find freedom.”
I loved how The Life We Have unfolded. Loved the romance between Greyson and Zach, and that the heart of if was a true friendship first and foremost. Loved that they connected immediately, that they trusted both their hearts and their heads. And I loved that any issues that came up between them were due to outside influences—especially when they were navigating through family troubles and history.
And I loved Greyson and Sebastian’s relationship too. Their powerful father-son bond that though it bent a bit, didn’t break. And the same with Zach and his own father, Vincent. They’d struggled to understand each other, to trust and move beyond past issues. But they never really gave up trying, and they always loved each other even when they really didn’t like each other.
The Life We Have by Kelsey Kingsley is a contemporary, m/m, age gap, workplace, rocker romance told in first person, dual POV. If you’ve read The Life We Wanted then you’ve already met Greyson, our main character. Although it’s not necessary to read The Life We Wanted first as this book is a standalone, doing so provides valuable insight into Greyson’s background. Having read all of Kelsey Kingsley’s books, I can confidently say that you can’t go wrong with any of them but my favorite to date is The Life We Wanted, so it was great to reunite with these characters in The Life We Have.
When we met Greyson in the Life We Wanted, he was fifteen years old. He’s now on the verge of turning twenty-one. Greyson has dropped out of college to pursue a career as a drummer like his famous rockstar father. He hasn’t gotten a gig yet, he hasn’t told anyone that he’s gay, and he’s full of pent up anger and frustration. When he finally gets a job as the drummer for a touring metal band, he meets Zach, a thirty-year-old drum tech who works at his father’s pizzeria when he’s not on tour. They form a fast friendship that develops into an intimate relationship. But how long will Zach be content with being a secret part of Greyson’s life? What will happen when Greyson finally comes out to his family? Read the book to find out.
I really enjoyed Greyson and Zach’s story. As characters, they were well-developed, believable, and likeable. They were well-matched as a couple and truly complemented each other as they worked to overcome the various obstacles they encountered. The story explores identity, self-discovery, acceptance, addiction/recovery, friendship, family, and love. Written with sensitivity and finesse, it’s a heartfelt, emotional, recommended read.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
You can fully expect your heart to be put through the wringer with this poignant, powerful and truly beautiful romance. Greyson is such a terrific character. You can meet him, his dad Sebastian and his Aunt Tabitha in the book: The Life We Wanted. His struggles and his fears make him totally relatable and endearing. Zach was incredibly likable and he has his own baggage and fears that he brings to the table. These two were just perfect for each other and my heart both ached and soared for them and with them. If you are a fan of emotional and very reality based romances this book and the other books by this author should hold plenty of appeal for you. I am electing to post a forthright review.
Another gorgeously written bit of wonder by Kelsey Kingsley.
What I loved
1. A realistic view of being young. Sos sure yet unsure, angry and guilty over it, wanting to be close to family yet finding your own path, owning your stuff.
2. An honest portrayal of homophobia, drug use and it’s many consequences, how difficult forgiveness can be, and real love in all its forms.
3. Author’s writing that appear deceptively simple and clear, but hold so much emotion and depth.
4. Revisiting some of my favorite characters from previous books, especially Sebastian.
5. A realistic HEA that makes total sense for Grey and Zach.
6. Sweetness amongst the pain.
What I didn’t love
1. I just wanted this book to be longer, and I hope we get Vinnie’s story soon. I want to stay in this world.
As usual, Kingsley writes with a brilliant balance of serious content and smooshy goodness. Releasing a book that hits on shame, homophobia, self-worth, reckoning with our pasts, and drug use during a pandemic could be difficult. This book is exactly what I needed during my time at home. It’s so full of hope and acceptance, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Kelsey Kingsley has become one of my go to authors. When I hear she has a book coming I can’t wait for it to arrive. Sometimes you wait for an book , you build it up and your mind and it just doesn’t live up to what you had in for your mind. This is not that book, not only does it live up to what I pictured, it soared past anything I could imagine. I have been all into the stories about this band since Devin and Daisies. We met Grayson in The Life We Wanted when we found out he was Sebastian Moore’s son. This story is set six years later when Grayson is ready to follow his dream of being a drummer. He wants to do it on his own merit and not ride on the coat tails of famous father. We see the not so glitzy life of a band that he joins,and Grayson ‘s journey to finally find himself. This book has all the feels. I think I went through every emotion possible while reading this and it left me wanting more. Do not miss this