As a member of Team Dearie: Kelsey Kingley’s ARC Team on Facebook, I was blessed with an advance reader copy of The Life We Wanted (expected to be released February 2019). To say I was nervous was an understatement. I am in a group of close quarters with the author, what if I hate this book? How would I be able to write an honest review? The day arrived and in my inbox was this book. That day was only yesterday…
I finished this book in one day (honestly, around 4 hours of my day total). I could not get enough. This book was inspired by the song “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters and you will see how that intertwines throughout this story. Music is amazing and this tale uses music as a muse for the story so well.
The story is about Tabitha Clarke and Sebastian Moore. Tabitha is a successful real estate agent who just lost her parents and sister over the course of a year and gained custody of her 15 year old nephew. Sebastian Moore is a successful drummer in a band and tours around the world and has a life of one night stands. When Tabitha goes through her sister’s belongings after another fight with her nephew she discovers letters written by Sebastian and discovers he is her nephew’s father. At her wit’s end she writes to him in hopes he can help her out and get through to her nephew, Greyson.
This story is told through alternating points of view between Tabitha and Sebastian. I really liked how the story flowed this way. We were not left with any unnecessary narratives and I really appreciated that. I also appreciated the details that went in to describing each character (and I may or may not have a HUGE crush on Sebastian myself).
I would best describe this story as an edgy Hallmark tale (and in case you did not know, I LOVE Hallmark movies). There is cursing throughout this book so if that is not up your alley, don’t pick up this book. Is this book predictable? Yes. But, did it make me tear up? Did it make me yell at the characters? Yes and yes. I became attached to Tabitha and Sebastian grew on me. It truly is a wonderful romance tale that has left me wanting more.
I am in a total book hangover. I am left day dreaming about Tabitha and Sebastian (and hope that one day we will get a sequel). I know that this book is not for everyone so I won’t sugarcoat that. If you love Hallmarky things that have an edge to them, THIS IS FOR YOU. Stop what you are doing and run out to get this book. It will leave your heart full and your face smiling. So, despite the fact that I know this book isn’t for everyone, I am still giving it 5 stars. Why? Because *I* freakin’ loved it and that’s good enough for me! If you are into this genre you will understand why I gave it 5 stars after you read it (and then come back and let’s talk all about it).
Title: The Life We Wanted
Author: Kelsey Kingsley
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Release Date: Anticipated February 1, 2019
ASIN: Will update when released
Donna's Reading Chair 