“You have too many rules.”“And you don’t have enough.”Sebastian Moore thought he had it all.A drumming gig with one of the world’s biggest up-and-coming stars. The looks and charm to get him any woman he laid his eyes on. All the friends he could ever ask for.But something was always missing.That is, until he receives a letter, telling him that he’s a father to a fifteen-year-old boy.Now, with … he’s a father to a fifteen-year-old boy.
Now, with the addition of his son, a love interest he never expected, and a whole new set of responsibilities, Sebastian finds himself happier than he’s ever been.
But old habits die hard, and when life finally gives him everything he wanted, he’ll have to find a way to keep his past from ruining the present.
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Rate: 4,2/ 5 stars
Sebastian, oh drummer boy you kind of stole my heart. I felt so much for you and you had me tearing up left and right. I didn’t think I’d enjoy this book as much as I loved Daisies & Devin, but I gotta say that I definitely did. Sebastian surprised me in the best way possible and I completely fell in love with him while watching him fall in love with his son and the love of his life. I loved those moments where he was just so happy and emotional about his interactions with his kid. It was so sweet.
Now Tabby…I didn’t like her very much. She tried to be a good person but some of her thoughts and then actions were just a big no no and extremely disappointing. At one point I actually thought Seb deserved better. It was all super sweet and hot until she started mistreating Sebastian and I hated it. Seeing him hurt and emotional completely did me in, every single time.
But the story was much more than Tabby and Seb’s romance and thank god for that. It was about letting go and accepting who you are and letting yourself be you despite what others might think, it was about family and being there for one another. I loved the family vibe in this book, Seb and Greyson were the best together, I loved their growing bond. This book would be worth a read for that reason alone.
I’m happy to have had a little more of Kylie and Devin too. They were adorable and I missed them. The Life We Wanted continues to show how amazing Kelsey’s writing is and how her stories are so much more than just simple stories, they are life lessons interwined in a fictional word of angst and love that will reel you in from the get go.
This book will give you ALL the feels! It’s funny at times and its also emotional at times. The author writes this story in a way so that you feel everything that the characters feel.
In The Life We Wanted, drummer Sebastian finds out he had a 15 year old son, Greyson. Tabitha, Greyson’s aunt, recently had her life turned upside down.
Sebastian has no filter while Tabitha is the exact opposite and these two clash quite frequently – until they don’t.
Usually, when there is a child involved, they seem to disappear in the story. However, in The Life We Wanted, this didn’t happen. Greyson’s story stays strong throughout the book and was as important as Tabitha’s and Sebastian’s.
I loved the banter between Sebastian and Tabitha. They also have these raw, more personal moments that make this story special.
I also enjoyed the camaraderie between Sebastian and his band mates. Their group texts were hilarious!
I can relate to Tabitha with hope she has her “public” appearance and attitude vs her after hours more true appearance and attitude. If there is anything I would take from this book and use, it’s this, be unapologetically you. Living your life for others will only hurt you in the process.
This is by far the best book Kelsey has written and I loved all of her other books immensely. Her characters and story development grip you from the beginning and leave you unknowing if you want to laugh, cry, throw something or love harder and deeper than you ever thought you could. I found myself wishing I could hug Greyson and offer him comfort, laugh and swoon at Sebastian’s antics and depth of love and shake Tabitha and make her realize what’s being offered right in front of her. Music is the universal language for any situation and it is thread beautifully throughout this story. I felt every emotion that every character did which is a true testament to Kelsey Kingsley’s amazing storytelling. As usual I cannot wait to reread this book and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!
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 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!
This book was so much more than just a story. Kelsey Kingsley has such a way with words that once you finish this book you may ask yourself “Am I living the life I want?” Such wonderful characters that you can easily lose yourself in the pages of this book, lose track of time, forget to eat, and stay up all night just to finish. I highly recommend this one! All the stars
Holy hotness was this story fantastic. I love Kelsey’s writing and this book did not disappoint. The storyline and charismatic characters had me turning the pages, never wanting the story to end. I love music and the way she incorporates song lyrics into her characters lives is brilliant and flawless. If you love music, romance and hot rockers then this book is must read.
Everytime I read a book by Kelsey Kingsley, I think this is my favorite book she has written. Her new book is no exception! This is a fabulous book! It us about love, loss, life and the choices we feel we are forced to make. Tabitha has experienced too much loss this year and is trying to raise her 15 year old nephew by herself. It is hard and she feels like she is failing. When she finds letters from Greyson’s dad, she contacts him hoping for help. She has no idea who he is. Sebastian has no idea he has son. So he goes to try and help. He thinks Tabitha is too uptight, she thinks is is a man child. Can these two people raise Grey together? Can Tabitha be her true self or will she be the person she thinks she has to be to raise Grey. You will love the flirty banter. Kelsey Kingsley had a way of pulling you into the lives of her characters. You feel their joy, their happiness, their pain. You will laugh, cry and cheer them on. Once you read one of Kelsey Kingsley’s books you will want to devour them all. This is a stay up all night and read kind of book!
You know when you read a book and a secondary character stands out? Well, that was Sebastian for me. After first meeting him in Daisies and Devin, I wanted to know more. So, it goes without saying I was excited when Kelsey decided to give him his own book.
Sebastian is fun, confident, sexy and a drummer in a band, and everybody loves the drummer, right? Tabitha is straight a straight laced, slightly, uptight rule follower, or is she?
The chemistry between the two is evident from their very first meet, even if they deny it, and watching them find their way to each other is a perfect mix of heart break, hilarity and hotness.
Kelsey, once again, impresses with her unique style of writing and ability to create original characters and story lines. I’m not normally a romance reader, but this author has me hooked.
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.
If you love swoony rockstars, then this book is for you! I have to say that I will never listen to Everlong by the Foo Fighters again the same way after reading this book. BEST. SONG. EVER. Sebastian Moore is the charming bad boy drummer in this story, and I fell for him HARD!
When Sebastian finds out that he has a 15-year-old son, whose mother has passed away, his entire life as he knows it changes. But – this single rockstar dad takes it all in stride. He’s so cool as a dad that I kind of wish I was Grayson…although I’d much rather play Tabby in this story. 😉 But oh Tabby….she is the Aunt to Grayson, and this once-upon-a-time-rocker-girl who scared herself out of a carefree life was a bit uptight about a few things. Ok…a lot of things. She made me want to scream quite a few times; but when she let her guard and hair down, it was beautiful. These moments were fleeting though and I only wished we saw more of them.
I loved how Sebastian was so real and raw with Tabby. I loved that he saw through her BS and looked deeper. I loved that he brought out the playful and “younger” girl in her, and that he challenged her. I just loved him period. He made this book for me. His carefree personality was contagious, and the way he bonded with Grayson was both nerve-wracking and wonderful to watch unfold. He was definitely caught under Tabby’s “spell” and to watch his character develop from a man who thought all he wanted was a physical relationship to one who wanted everything was amazing. They were the perfect Yin/Yang couple – she tamed him and he pulled her wild side out of her.
Although Sebastian had me swooning and sighing for most of the book – Tabby’s character reminded me that life is too short to not be living how you truly want and deserve to. Go to the concert. Get the tattoo. Wear the converse instead of heels. And drink the beer. This book will have you booking tickets to see the Foo Fighters and hoping that Sebastian will be the opening act. *Sigh* If you’re looking for your next rockstar romance boyfriend, then you need this book! Well done once again K. Kingsley!
The Life We Wanted by Kelsey Kingsley is an endearing, emotional, small-town contemporary romance told in dual POV. It’s not necessary to read Daisies & Devin first as this book is a standalone, although doing so only enhances the story when previous characters appear.
After losing her sister to a car accident, Tabitha has been responsible for her grieving 15-year-old nephew, Greyson, and having a difficult time of it. When she finds some letters revealing the identity of Grayson’s father, she reaches out to him asking for help having no idea that the Sebastian Morrison of the letters is actually Sebastian Moore, drummer for famous rock bank, Devin O’Leary.
When Sebastian learns he has a son, he immediately steps up to help, wanting to get to know Greyson and be a father to him. Doubtful that a rocker could be a positive example for her nephew, Tabitha tentatively allows Sebastian into their lives. Together they face the challenges that come along with growing, changing, truly finding oneself, and becoming a family.
I absolutely loved Tabby, Sebastian and Greyson’s story! All the characters were so genuine, loveable and relatable. I knew from the moment chapter one had me in tears, that this story would be a very special one. I wasn’t at all disappointed.
As a fan who has enjoyed all of Kelsy Kingsley’s previous books, I truly believe that this is her best one so far. Funny, poignant, sweet, moving, and inspiring. This book is full of so much heart and has completely captured mine!
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
An exceptional book by a talented author who deserves all the praise she gets, and more.
“The Life We Wanted” is as insightful as it is funny, romantic as it is devastating, heart-warming as it is frustrating.
Kelsey writes with a poetic flair, creating characters we want to be friends with and situations that we can relate to. This is a magnificent story about a guy and a girl and a pair of red shoes, and it will not disappoint.
4.5 Heartwarming Stars!
I freakin’ loved Sebastian’s personality!!!
I got a whole lot of “feels” from this one. Kelsey did a great job balancing heart-breaking and humor, making it easy to get invested in the characters. I liked that Sebastian stayed true to himself throughout this book. I loved the “secret” side of Tabitha and was happy to watch her evolve. Greyson made me cry at times; he truly was a great kid that had a lot to deal with and handled it well considering.
This is my new favorite book from Kelsey, so all I can say is read this one!
Tabitha and her nephew, 15 year old Greyson, have both become orphans in a matter of a few short months. Tabitha’s elderly parents died within a few months of each other and her sister Sam (Greyson’s Mom) was killed in a car accident a few months later. When Tabitha finds letters in Sam’s belongings that identify Greyson’s father she contacts him. Can these strangers find their way to being family?
This story was heartbreaking with all the loss Tabitha and Greyson had suffered. Sebastian had suffered loss as well just in a different way.
This was my first Kelsey Kingsley book and so glad I found this author. She took such a horrible situation full of sadness and helped the characters find their way to a happier place. Loved the characters. It was fun to watch Tabitha and Sebastian banter with each other. Loved this rock star playboy turned Dad! Looking forward to reading more by this author.
My first book by Kelsey Kingsley and it was pretty much love from the beginning. The characters are layered so that you really feel like you are getting to know real people. There is tons of wit, sarcasm and emotion, but what it boils down to is: two people trying to do the right thing for a person that they love, even if it means making sacrifices or finding yourself in the process. I’m a big fan of rock music and there were tons of references to music that I love, so that was just an added bonus.
Reviewed by: Lauren L.
I won a free ARC of this book. After reading it, I feel compelled to write a review.
The story is an in-depth escape. You feel for the characters. You want to strangle them sometimes, while other times you cheer them on. Ms. Kingsley has done an excellent job at grabbing your attention and keeping you riveted the whole time. The best part of the story is that it is so realistic. It’s something that could truly happen and probably has. The book encompasses compassion, anger, regret, indecision, happiness and joy. I highly recommend this book, especially if you want a book with all the “feels” and a true HEA.
I was extremely lucky to win an arc from this author. It is my first read by her and it certainly will not be my last.
I was struck immediately at Kelsey Kingsley’s wonderful storytelling. Her words are so eloquent and beautiful and made my heart melt. For me, this was a perfect story. It has everything I love in a book; a more than adequate mix of fun and sarcasm, a whole lot of emotions, the right amount of sexy scenes and memorable and loveable characters.
The Life We Wanted is a true masterpiece and easily one of my top reads. This is a story that I will definitely be re-reading again and again. Swoony, beautiful and pure magic and has all the ingredients you could possibly want in a romance. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Another great book & I love the main characters! All 3 of them are so realistic and the dynamics between them are so believable and honest.
It’s a funny, sexy story with a lot of heart and great songs to boot. Greyson is a typical 15yr old trying to adjust to losing his mom and try as she might Tabitha just can’t seem to fill those shoes – she’s busy being the responsible adult her sister never was, At her wits end and afraid for Greyson she reaches out to the boys father who never knew he had a son. Sebastian is a musician who was beginning to question if he was really happy with life on the road and not having anyone to come home to and anchor to. The 2 bond in a way that Tabby can’t and that starts everyone thinking about what they really want out of life.
I love that Sebastian is always true to who he is and what he is and doesn’t try to pretend to be anything but himself. Meanwhile Tabby has always hidden who she is and the more she’s around Sebastian the more she learns to accept who she was meant to be.
Great story & great characters who are so just so real!
Wow. I don’t have the right words to fully describe how good this book was. I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed reading more about the characters and their back stories and loved seeing how their futures developed. It was perfection. I hope we get more from them.
The Life We Wanted is the first book by Kelsey Kingsley that I have read and OMG I loved this story! She did an amazing job bringing us well developed, memorable characters in a book that is well written and had me turning those pages, hoping that Sebastian and Tabitha would find their way to their happily ever after without screwing it up too much.
Tabitha has been thrown into the role of mother for her nephew after the tragic death of his mother. She has been struggling as they both grieve her loss but when she discovers who Greyson dad is she reaches out to him. Sebastian never knew that he had a son and when they meet he will do anything to build a relationship with him. He is realizing that he not only wants to have his son in his life but Greyson’s aunt as well. Tabitha and Sebastian definitely have chemistry but will that be enough to bring them all together as a family.