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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I’m not typically a fan of M/M romance, but Kelsey Kingsley is a favorite author of mine, and I’ve been loving this series from her. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed in any way, shape or form. This was a beautiful book. Full of emotion, humor, depth and just absolute joy.
As with all books by Kelsey Kingsley, you get wonderful character growth and development, you feel their emotions and heartache, and you are immersed in the development of the relationship. Greyson and Zach are a very special couple.
The Life We Have is my second read by Kelsey Kingsley. If you remember, she’s my first, and right now only, 6 star read of the year, with Warrior Blue, which released in January. I was excited to get my hands on this new book. The Life We Have revolves around Grey, the son of a famous drummer trying to pave his own way, and his drum tech, ten years his senior, Zach. Two things I love in a book, M/M, and an age gap? Perfect!
In the beginning, the chemistry between the two hero’s is slow to click, but I am finding this is what I enjoy most about Kelsey’s writing. The story stands on its own, so there’s no need to crash these two people into bed instantly. You get to witness the two of them falling for each other. Grey, though, man, he just broke my heart. He was searching for himself, not wanting to be his father’s shadow but also needing that support from his father as well. He’s relatable because he’s trying to find his way on his own for the first time, and it brought back a similar feeling when I was off to college and leaving home for the first time. Zach, on the other hand, being older, is more established. Though he does have a whole barrel full of demons in his past, I loved his old soul and how he settles Grey. It is obvious how the two men complement one another.
Through the romance, there are a lot of tough situations, hard emotions, and feels for days. When I finished, I just sat and hugged my kindle to my chest, as crazy as that sounds, and smiled. I had a feeling of contentment when it was over, and I knew Kelsey had gotten Grey and Zach’s story perfect
Greyson gets a job as a drummer for a band where he meets Zach who is his drum tech. There is a ten year difference between but they have a lot in common like bands and gaming. Things on tour get tough for Greyson because his two band mates don’t like him. He becomes closer to Zach and feeling start to blossom. Life has some twist and turns that both Greyson and Zach. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Great book
This is my third book by Kelsey Kingsley and I’m really enjoying them.
We first met Greyson in The Life We Wanted and we get a lot of his background there. But it’s story picks up six years later. He has become very close to Sebastian, his father, but his life is still not what her wanted. After some failed auditions he finally signs with a heavy metal band and goes in a short tour. But again his band mates are not all welcoming and he soon realizes he is not a good fit in many ways. The biggest being they are into dinking, drugs and partying and he is just turning 21 and has never really drank or tried any recreational drugs. Oh and he is fat but has never told anyone let alone kisses another man. One night of peer pressure from his band mates almost ends disastrously but luckily Zach, his new friend and drum tech, manages to keep him safe. Their friendship only grows from there and it turns into something so much more. Zach comes with his own baggage as well, like being a recovering addict. They are opposites in some ways (like financially) but similar in others. Their family relationships are not perfect and are definitely tested throughout the story but they are strong and ultimately the family bonds are unbreakable. That was honestly one of my favorite parts of the storyline. It’s a “closed door” romance so no steamy scenes but I still fell for Zach and Greyson and adored them both.
This was my first M/M read, and to be honest, I didn’t know that was what it was until I think chapter 3, but by then I was committed. I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to get into the romance aspect of the story, but it was very tastefully done and the love Zach and Greyson found in each other was evident. I really liked Zach and Greyson. Both characters are relatable, kind-hearted, and trying to make a life for themselves. Family was a strong theme throughout and I loved how even through the ups and downs they were all there for each other. Zach and his family were the ultimate definitions of love and sacrifice for family. Greyson and his family, while unconventional, were there for each other ultimately. This entire story was really well done, and I found myself crying several times, overcome with the emotions Zach and Greyson were experiencing. If you have not read any of the series, some major themes in this book are music, drugs, dealing with recovery, trust, family, coming out. and of course my favorite, love.
I read some M/M romance books, but honestly, they never blew mind. But this one was really special.
The characters and their backgrounds are absolutely relatable, you feel the pain and the anger, the confusion and the need for acceptance and love. I love the world building in Kelsey’s books, the family values, their loyalty and their endless love and support for each other. Even in hard times. Kelsey Kingsleys writing is powerful and beautiful. Every word she writes gets to me, right to the heart.
This is not a typical (like the stories I know) M/M story, I can’t explain it, you have to read it.
As an avid Kelsey Kingsley fan, I have been anticipating the release of this book. After meeting Greyson in The Live We Wanted, I couldn’t wait to read about a grown-up Greyson. I’ve read a few MM books and thought I knew what was coming. I was so wrong.
Greyson wants to follow in his father’s footsteps….sort of. He wants to be a drummer in a big rock band. And he has the talent. But he also has a secret that not even his dad knows.
Zach is hired as Greyson’s drum tech and they hit it off immediately. Zach is older and wants to be the one to show Greyson how to navigate this new rock star life. And the life that they want together.
This isn’t your typical MM romance. It goes deep and focuses on so much more than the physical part of the relationship.
You are definitely going to want to binge read this one. It’s worth it.
Gorgeous
I think I have lost the ability to think straight at the moment or write a decent review for this Magnificent book…..My heart is still somewhere inbetween the pages of this book with Greyson and Zach..
I honestly haven’t read many MM stories,but this one Wow is a must read especially if you love this trope, it is such a Beautifully constructed Romance between two characters who have their struggles but find a connection that is hard to let go of.
I absolutely love Greyson and Zach and I guarantee you will fall in love with them too and their tale of acceptance and love,there is a tonne of emotions and as always Kelsey always writes real and raw realistic stories that people can relate too .
I Loved this book so much,Exquisite and exhilarating I highly recommend it.
Kingsley’s writing is consistently masterful for many reasons, and in The Life We Have, she showcased her ability to draw likable main characters without making them too perfect. The leads (and even the important side characters) are recognizably human; they are flawed and occasionally weak, which makes them so compelling to read about.
Another thing the author does so well is the expression of physical affection. Her sex scenes are poetic rather than graphic, allowing the characters to build their connection through the physical without distracting from the story with detailed anatomy descriptions.
Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended.
I have been anxiously waiting for this book since I learned Kelsey Kingsley would write it. I was not disappointed – I loved it!! I would highly recommend this and any other book written by this talented lady.
Some of the characters are old favourites and it is nice to see them in this story. The main characters are developed nicely. They have complicated backstories that help to make them feel like real people with real struggles. I have loved Greyson’s character since The Life We Wanted. I think Zach is his perfect counterpart.
Happy reading!
I have to admit that MM genre are not really my type of books BUT I have to say Zach and Greyson love story, was beautiful. It was very emotional and a few surprises that was eye opener. I’m glad that I read this book, it’s beautiful and well written. I didn’t stop until I read to the end and I can’t wait to read their bonus epilogue
Oh. my. gosh.
Where do I even start? I don’t even know a way to express to you all the things this book just did to my heart. It fluttered. It sped out of control. It bruised. It ached. It swooned. It did all the things, and it’s so happy right now even as it grieves the ending of this amazing story.
It was so good.
No, you don’t understand. It was SO good.
I’ve had a complicated relationship with M/M stories over the last couple of years. It is so important to me that the emotional component of the story take precedence over the sexual attraction component of the story and, Lord almighty, Kelsey Kingsley delivered. The balance between heartfelt emotion and sizzling physical chemistry was my kind of perfection. I was wholly attached to these two completely lovable characters and I cheered them on the entire way. I adored them.
It maybe helped that I already loved Greyson a little bit from The Life We Wanted. I went into this book already attached to him and his complicated emotions. But honestly, if I were forced to choose a favorite here, I think it would have to be Zach. Because – oof.
That. Guy.
Strong. Steadfast. Sensitive. Sexy.
I loved how his wisdom and life experience anchored Greyson, but I also loved how he didn’t make a big deal out of it or let their age gap complicate things. He was perfection. I can’t tell you how many times I spent with my hand over my heart reading his thoughts and dialogue. These two together were everything my heart could have asked for, and I was over the moon crazy about their romance.
That said, if you are familiar with Kelsey Kingsley’s work, you’ll know it’s always about more than the romance. There’s a bigger love story – or maybe a couple other love stories – at play here and it wrecked my heart. The family dynamic – both for Greyson and for Zach – was heart-wrenching and beautiful at the same time. The depth that this added to the story just took it to the next level for me. These relationships were so important, and the way they were handled with such raw honesty and emotion. I mean, it was just fantastic. It hurt sometimes. But it was so worth it.
Honestly, I didn’t want this story to end. In fact, I hope that maybe it hasn’t. I can’t get enough of these characters, the way they are so smartly and relatably written, or the storytelling that enchants, compels, and leaves me feeling so freaking satisfied in the end. Every. Single. Time. This should be a no brainer y’all. Read this book!
Zach and Greyson are emotional hangovers for my literary brain.
How Kelsey has developed Greyson into the freakin’ amazing young man he has become since The Life We Wanted is phenomenal.
Zach and his addiction demons was exceptionally well written and to think you didn’t scrimp with the suffering of addiction by giving us the passing of Natalynne (I would have preferred it to be Dax), but Natalynne was the perfect choice to add to Greyson’s growth & development.
Absolutely five star worthy
Greyson has struggled to find his place in the world. After losing his mom and his Aunt Tab finding his Dad life got a lot easier but he still felt lost. Greyson meets Zach when they tour together. Zach is older but they find an easy friendship. Can Greyson get out of his own way to find happiness?
I love Kelsey Kingsley’s words. She knows how to give us all the feels. Greyson has had it rough for part of his young life and Zach has dealt with his own trauma’s. I absolutely LOVED Zach! He is the ultimate good guy and will truly do anything for those he loves. If you want to take your emotions on a ride grab Greyson’s story you won’t be sorry. Can’t wait for whatever Kelsey writes next!
Greyson was raised by his single mom until she tragically died when he was 15. He was then raised by his Aunt Tabs. Tabs found Greyson’s dad and brought him into Greyson’s life. His father is non other than Sebastian Moore, famous drummer and one of Greyson’s idols. Though they have a rocky start they end up having a pretty great relationship except for the fact that Greyson is afraid to tell his dad and aunt that he is gay. While on tour with for the very first time with his band he meets Zach, his drummer technician. Zach takes him under his wings and guides him through tour life and life in general. Turns out the drummer tech that is 10 years older than Greyson is exactly what he needed to feel complete.
I am having a hard time formulating a review for this one. I am in absolute awe of this book. I love Greyson and Zach and their love. It was absolutely beautiful. Greyson’s struggle with telling his family about his sexuality was heartbreakingly real. I felt his struggle and his desire to just want to be accepted and loved but the fear absolute fear of that not happening if he reveals who he is. My heart ached for him. And then there is Zach who has his own issues but since he is older he has already worked them out and he is there for Greyson at the time when he needs him most. His heart and loyalty are extraordinary. Both of these men come from different worlds with different struggles but are both exactly what the other needed to find their true happiness. They are both there to help, guide, support and love one another. I said it before but I will say it again, I am in awe of this book and I don’t have the right words to portray just how amazing their love is. By far my favorite book by Kelsey and hands down my favorite read of the year so far.
With everything crazy going on in the world I was looking for an escape. This book did exactly that. Zach and Greyson pulled me from my own world and spun me right into theirs. Their story of one of power and love.I felt their struggle in my heart as well as their love. Amazing! I read this book in one day (because I completely ignored my life and refused to put the book down!) and instantly had a hangover when I was finished. Kelsey Kingsley, you are a queen!
I am such a fan of Kelsey Kingsley. She never fails to make me feel every emotion thorough her words. I always look forward to reading her books and this book is no exception. And the fact that this book is about Sebastian Moore’s son made me so eager to read it. The Life We Have is so beautifully written and I absolutely loved it.
I loved how The Life We Have unfolded. I loved the immediate connection and the eventual romance between Greyson and Zach, and at the heart of if was a true friendship first and foremost. I am just in awe of this book. I love Greyson and Zach and their love together. It was absolutely beautiful. There are so many wonderful themes packed into this story. Part coming of age and a journey of self-discovery, and part overcoming difficulties and unconditional acceptance. All of which were exquisitely handled and with skill and grace. And I especially loved Greyson and Sebastian’s relationship too. Their powerful father-son bond was so touching and the dynamic between the two reaches a deeper level.
Rich in deep emotion, The Life We Have is another book that evokes so many raw feelings and emotions that you can’t help but be apart of the story. It is an exceptional and heartfelt story. I was already fully invested in these characters from Kelsey’s previous books and was so thrilled for Greyson to get his story told and to get his chance at love. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for every reader.
This is totally going to be one of my top five favorite reads this year – and probably my favorite Kelsey Kingsley book (and I’ve loved them all). This story is just so beautifully written; I could feel the angst, the love, the regret, and all the other emotions and feelings as I was reading. I absolutely LOVE Zach and Greyson, love that we have Greyson’s story, and love that we get a more complete picture of his life and his journey to self-discovery, happiness, and love. It’s more than I was expecting, and man is it good. I would give it more than five stars if I could.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. I thought the other stories in this series were good – and they absolutely are – but this one blew me out of the water. Absolutely a must-read.
I am such a fan of Kelsey and her story telling! When life hits a bump in Kelsey’s writing road, she plows right through and you would never know it! Loved that Grayson got the story he deserved! Such a good story.
Even though Grayson and Sebastian have this unique father /son dynamic, you can see how much Grayson wants his dads approval in all things. Zach was the perfect match for Grayson and he fit in their dynamic perfectly!
I loved how tastefully written the gay storyline was written. So many stories get bypassed because of gay sex, which I find confusing, you should know ahead of time, but the story is too good to be bypassed. loved this one.
Zach was such a great character. I think he may bw one of my new favorites in the softy department!
I have been waiting impatiently for Greyson’s story and Kelsey Kingsley did not disappoint!
These characters are so real and so relevant that I felt like I knew them. I could feel the emotions on every page.
I found myself unable to leave the book for long. It’s the kind of story that you think about even when you aren’t actively reading.
It was fun to see characters from past books pop into this story, especially Sebastian. I didn’t think Kelsey could make me love him more than I already did, but I was wrong.