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The Life I Never Asked For

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We were never supposed to be. Life threw a curveball at me, wrecking everything in it’s wake.

I had it all, and in a single moment it was ripped away from me.

I lost everything. I lost myself.

Picking up the broken pieces of my life hasn’t been easy. Starting over is the hardest part.

I didn’t ask for this life, but I’m going to make the most of it for them.

Unknown Binding

Published October 16, 2018

18 people are currently reading
180 people want to read

About the author

Kira Adams

22 books637 followers
Krista Pakseresht has always been a dreamer, from the first time she opened her eyes. Creating worlds through words is one thing she is truly talented at. She specializes in Young adult/New adult romance, horror, action, fantasy, and non-fiction under the pen name Kira Adams.

She is the author of the Infinite Love series, the Foundation series, the Darkness Falls series, and the Looking Glass series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,637 reviews11k followers
November 20, 2018
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MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

THE LIFE I NEVER ASKED FOR: A full length, standalone romance novel by new to me author Kira Adams. This has flashbacks to the past to the present.

We're first introduced to thirty-one year old Tobin as she faces one of the most debilitating days of her life, saying goodbye to her husband of fifteen years and daughter making her a widow and leaving her alone, the sole survivor.

This is the beginning of the rest of my life. A life I never asked for, nor wanted. A life I need to figure out how to maneuver.

It's an emotional rollercoaster as we're given front row seats as she calls her husbands cell phone numerous times as the days go by just to hear his voice, one last time, the tears pour down your face as the emotions take over you. I could feel the pain she was going through as though it were my own.

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Kiefer and Tobin's first initial meeting didn't go down to well, she'd heard about his trip to fame and fortune on utube, during her husband's younger years they were as close as ever, later on in life the two had drifted apart.
But Kiefer stepped up to the plate even though he was initially coerced into it and was the shoulder Tobin needed to lean on in her time of grief, their's was a slow burn and I'm so glad the author took that road with these two, because it made it that much more real.

Reasons why I one clicked this:
1: The cover!! It's so beautiful!!
2: I sneaky peaked at reviews and tags one after the other say it's an emotional read and I so need one of those kind of reads!!
3: New to me author

Once in a while you should take the plunge of one clicking an unknown author to you because now and then you’ll find a five star gem like this book.
I went in with no preconceived expectations, never expecting to love it as much as I did. This won’t be for everyone as it does touch on a delicate, sensitive subject matter concerning life after death, and survivor guilt, an extremely emotional, all consuming read, this was done so beautifully, so sensitively, I read this in one sitting, there is absolutely nothing I would change about this book.

* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *

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Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews239 followers
November 5, 2018
★ 2 STARS ★

▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬

Este é o primeiro contato que tenho com o trabalho desta autora. E infelizmente este livro não funcionou para mim.

O livro começou bem e prendeu a minha atenção, estava gostando de como a história foi se desenrolando. Porém, a partir de certo ponto não consegui mais me envolver com o enredo e nem com os personagens.

Achei que a história correu demais, tive a impressão de receber apenas pequenos resumos de como a personagem estava seguindo em frente e não como ela estava realmente vivenciando os momentos, que ao meu ver, mereciam mais destaque e elaboração já que esse era o propósito do livro.

Faltou profundidade e sentimento, não senti emoção alguma principalmente nas partes que eram mais emotivas. Não sei, devido ao ritmo que a trama seguiu e as rápidas passagens de tempo, tudo pareceu superficial demais, os personagens sem carisma, sem química e para ser honesta não me convenceram em nada.

A narrativa é em primeira pessoa, no POV da Tobin e em diversas partes se tornou repetitiva e cansativa demais. Creio que este foi o maior problema pra mim neste livro.
Enfim, não foi uma leitura tão prazerosa quanto eu esperava e certamente não proporcionou as emoções que eu imaginava e buscava sentir. Tinha potencial mas não o alcançou.
Profile Image for Jovana (NovelOnMyMind).
240 reviews207 followers
June 8, 2021
I often struggle with romances because in many of them I cannot really feel the chemistry and the connection between the protagonists. But in many ways, this one was right up my alley.

I liked both Tobin and Kiefer, and I liked them together. The things I didn’t like about them made them feel more human, so that was great as well.

I finished this book much faster than I expected. It was so easy to sink into the story. I will probably reread it at some point (which I can’t say for most books I read), and I already started checking out this author’s other work.

All in all, I’m really glad I read it.

You can find my full review on my book review blog NovelOnMyMind.

Thank you to the #NetGalley and to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Life I Never Asked For by Kira Adams in exchange for an honest review.

❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
Profile Image for Michelle.
733 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2021
Oh, my poor heart! I spent half of this book in tears. Ugly crying for this poor character's unfortunate family tragedy. It was awful, heart breaking. Then the other half I watched as she came alive again slowly, with help from a man who would ultimately become her new life interest. The feelings that came with that, The conflict, the happiness, the guilt, the beautiful and the ugly were all laid bare.

My only issue would be the handling of the woman who caused the deaths with her actions with her car. Even in the trial it was obvious the woman was mentally suffering for her to do what she did, and I think she would have been better off locked up in a high security mental facility where she could be getting help and ensure she doesn't try to kill herself or anyone else again. She is definitely a danger to herself and others. Jail won't change that.

Mental health was briefly touched on for one sentence when it said Tobin would do talk shows, but that was it. I just believe it was not quite right.

But other than that I thought things were beautifully handled and written and loved it. #netgalley #Thelifeineveraskedfor
Profile Image for Casey.
2,650 reviews47 followers
December 30, 2018
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick

The Life I Never Asked for is the first book I’ve read by Kira Adams, and it is a standalone story. I will admit that the blurb is what drew me in. This one was a bit on the forbidden side and I knew I had to read it. I had mixed feelings about the story, but I would read more from Kira Adams in the future and I think a lot of readers will really like this book.

After losing everything, Tobin is left to pick up the pieces of her life and figure out where she goes for the future. She never expects for Keifer to happen, and if her life had gone as planned he wouldn’t have. But now that she is where she is, she begins to embrace the future she never saw coming.

I liked Tobin and Keifer. They were great characters. Tobin was very strong and I really felt for her. Both Tobin and Keifer were well written and had depth. I felt the connection and chemistry between them and it was natural and believable. They had me from the start and I was interested to see how things would work out for them. I will admit I didn’t entirely get Keifer’s attitude towards Tobin at first, though luckily that didn’t last long. Tobin’s bias towards Keifer was more understandable, but I was glad to see that shift quickly as well as she got to know the real him.

The part where my mixed feelings comes in though, is that while I liked the characters I felt like things were a bit flat here. Going through everything Tobin did, I am hesitant to say that they had things easy here, but there really was no conflict or obstacles for them to overcome. Once they got over themselves (which was pretty early on), things seemed to be mostly smooth sailing. Their emotions did create a bit of resistance towards them having a future together, but it didn’t last long and they easily got past that. Their one big fear about how others would see their relationship was also no big deal and it just felt a bit on the unrealistic side. As much as I enjoyed the relationship between these two and the characters themselves, the story didn’t quite work as well as I would have liked. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the story and I think readers will like the book. It was emotional and I think readers will be invested in Tobin and Keifer, but I just wanted more. I will look for more from Kira Adams in the future as I enjoyed her writing style.

**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
October 8, 2018
Warning... this book is incredibly emotional and moving. Tobin is incredibly strong but her emotions and pain bleed through the pages. The whole story is so graphically detailed (In a good way; not dirty or bloody!) that I felt I had an incredible Bond with each of the characters.

I loved Kiefer. How he stepped in to help Tobin in her time of need was moving and heart-warning. I liked how the story also goes back to Tobin’s previous life with Finn and Easton... my god, my hurt is still hurting and I have to keep telling myself that it was just a story. But is it? I imagine this happens to people around the time, far more than we know about so this book rings true on so many levels.

I’ve always loved Kira Adams’ writing style and the way she brings forward her stories and characters but this one really tops all of her work. This is my favourite book from this author. Her writing is gaining more and more strength with each book.

Bring on more reads from Kira Adams. I think I’ll forever be this authors fan.
Profile Image for Clara Atkinson.
1,183 reviews56 followers
November 26, 2018
The Life I Never Asked For By Kira Adams

This was my first book by Kira and it won't be my last. This story was emotionally raw,gutwrenching, heartbreaking yet beautiful at the same time. Tobin had a beautiful family then in a blink of an eye it was all taken away from her. Her journey was a hard one full of pain and self discovery. At times my heart truly hurt and I felt as if I was the one living through her pain and grief. You can feel her struggle with survivors guilt ,anger and even guilt that she's falling in love again. The story was so well written you truly feel as if you were there. I loved the end and the message about organ donation. ♥️
Profile Image for Tammy Feeney .
160 reviews8 followers
May 26, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of The Life I Never asked for.
This is the first book I’ve read by Kira Adam’s and I really love the style she writes in. Her characters are realistic and I really enjoyed the story
Profile Image for Lindsey Kramer.
Author 1 book40 followers
October 19, 2018
This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. I felt absolutely everything. I loved this book and I really hope other readers will as well. I can’t wait to discover more from Kira Adams.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
708 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2021
I think I SOBBED in almost every chapter of this book. Tobin suffered a horrific loss and I felt it in every word read and every page turned. Her healing and recentering and finding the new normal for her was so real and heartfelt. A great read and I highly recommend reading it!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,416 reviews274 followers
November 25, 2018
4.5 Stars
Tobin Price is 31 years old when she loses her husband Finn, daughter Easton and her unborn baby in a car accident. Now she is struggling with going on and what she is going to do with her life. After the funeral Tobin decides she is going to travel as that is something that Finn would have wanted her to do.
Keifer Jacks is Tobin’s cousin and a you-tube star for the crazy stunts he pulls all over the world. He and Tobin are like oil and water but he knows that he needs to be there for her for Finn’s sake.
As Keifer pushes Tobin to experience new things and live life will she be able to find the happiness she deserves? Will Tobin let herself live and love again?
This was a beautiful story on living again after loss and the struggles and guilt that are associated with it.
My heart broke for Tobin with everything that she had to endure with the accident and then with the trial after that. I was glad she got up the courage to make a decision to travel but I really didn’t want her to go alone.
At the beginning I thought Keifer was a jerk but gradually you got to see another side of him. I loved how he took Tobin to New York but I was a little mad at him in Thailand for introducing us to Kieu.
I understood why Tobin made the one decision when they were back home as she was struggling with her emotions. I loved Tobin’s conversation with Finn’s mom, Grace, who gave her the reassurance she needed with moving on.
I was freaking a little near the end but I was glad that Angels were on Tobin’s side!
Such a great book and meeting the Organ recipients at the end was such a great touch! - By Rebecca
Profile Image for Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review).
811 reviews47 followers
October 12, 2018
Ever since Kira Adams started to publish little snippets of this story, I knew I needed to read it. I could feel the angst in those little teasers, but I couldn't imagine the whole amazing story it ended to be, until I've read it.

This book is on TOP of my 2018 favorite books so far!

Extremely emotional and truly heartbreaking, The Life I Never Asked For, is about how to move on in life after everything crumble at your feet.

Tobin showed to be a very strong woman. After everything she went through, all the pain, all the fears, she takes a step further to start living again. Keifer storms into her life like a hurricane. Without knowing he helps her to overcome all the pain, creating new memories... for both of them.
Between the past and the present, we are gifted with Tobin's life. A life she cherished. Good and bad memories that built the strong woman she is today.

One of the things that makes a book become a favorite of mine is the way the author uses the words to bring the whole picture to the reader; emotions, feels, smells, places... I can say that I was taken away in this story like I was living it myself! This is, for me, what makes it an excellent book and a TOP favorite!

* WARNING * This is a true "tearjerker" kind of story, so grab your Kleenex, a good wine and indulge in this book for a few hours. You wont regret it!
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book47 followers
June 6, 2021
I have to admit that this book wasn't entirely what I was expecting. Tobin has lost everything, her husband and daughter were killed in a car accident and now she is struggling to find her way in life without them. This book is in some way two love stores, the story of her first love with husband Finn and then with her growing feelings for Keifer.
When we first meet him Keifer is awful to her, I know that this is part of his character story as he and Tobin find their way to one another. Even so, the way that he speaks to a woman who has not only lost her husband but also her five-year-old daughter is inexcusable and I struggled to warm to him.
This is a gripping read and I wanted to know what was going to happen. Having said that, there were times where I didn't really feel much of a connection to the characters. What Tobin is faced with is horrendous, but I felt like a spectator at times, rather than being dragged into the story which was a shame. I'm not entirely sure why that was.
This was a good read, but not a great read for me. I've given it four stars, but it's possibly closer to a 3 1/2 for me. I think some people would absolutely love this book though and think me a little harsh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 17, 2018
The Life I Never Asked For is the story of Tobin, after her life was derailed from one moment in time. And I'm not going to give more away, except for my feelings. This story was heartbreaking, before it got better, and I don't mean a little eye leakage here or there, but full on flooding from my eyes. The details of this talented author, had me physically feeling all of Tobin's sorrow like it was my own. So seriously, a lot came off very realistically in the telling of her story, as it's about the aftermath, with glimpses in the past throughout. It's really hard for me to write this review, because I don't want to ruin it because going in blind is best, so yeah, I know it's coming off cryptic. I ran the gambit of emotions, as I really believe that I experienced everything under the sun during Tobin's journey. Now here's the part that I hate, but remember, this is ONLY MY OPINION! I felt like some parts were a bit too rushed for the topic, so that's what kept me from the perfect rating. I LOVE Kira Adams' writing style, and am always excited to read more by her. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
750 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2018
This story was really hard on the soul. After doing some looking, it seems that this is Kira Adams' wheelhouse and as much as I was a fan of this story, I don't know that I could turn to another like it right away. This theme is heavy and hard to read at times.

As a wife and mother, the situation that Tobin finds herself is the absolute worst kind of unimaginable nightmare possible. The survivor's guilt and anger is just palpable. The way the writer set up the chapters so that there were peeks into the past, into her family before the tragedy was very well done. It was great that Tobin had a wide ranging support system both in her family and in her husband's to get through and start to live again. My main questions linger in the character of Kiefer, and I may never get any resolution. He's an interesting character, and lots of his more questionable characteristics are alluded to but never resolved.

If you need something that hits you in the feels and moves you toward the light, this is a good choice!
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,153 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2018
This was a beautiful story on living again after loss and the struggles and guilt that are associated with it.

My heart broke for Tobin with everything that she had to endure with the accident and then with the trial after that. I was glad she got up the courage to make a decision to travel but I really didn’t want her to go alone.

At the beginning I thought Keifer was a jerk but gradually you got to see another side of him. I loved how he took Tobin to New York but I was a little mad at him in Thailand for introducing us to Kieu.

I understood why Tobin made the one decision when they were back home as she was struggling with her emotions. I loved Tobin’s conversation with Finn’s mom, Grace, who gave her the reassurance she needed with moving on.

I was freaking a little near the end but I was glad that Angels were on Tobin’s side!

Such a great book and meeting the Organ recipients at the end was such a great touch!
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2020
Kira Adams is a new author for me. Get the tissues ready. It is a powerful and at times fickle. You will go through the journey with this character and author as she navigates even the most mundane issues of life and living. It will press you and then stretch you. You will not walk away from this unhindered. The emotions that Kira has engaged us with make me feel as if something has attributed to this story in real life. She has beautifully written a wonderful and engaging story that could be anyone. It is strong yet complete in a way that will have the reader looking for more. I hope to see more from this author especially if she continues to write any book like this one. The flow of the story was a bit jagged but nothing that the reader can not overcome. It is emotional and fierce. So gather your wits it will be a journey that you will not come out on the other side the same. I could relate with this character. This book will and is one of the most powerful books I have read this year.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
564 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2018
This story by Author Kira Adams is emotional and moving . The story is about Tobin who is a incredibly strong ,but her emotions and pain really bleeds through the pages of this book while you are reading it. Kira Adams really gets graphic in her details ,and that's in a good way.( I don't mean dirty and or even bloody ). And as you read you start to develop a bond with the characters .There 's something special Kiefer and how he stepped into help Tobin in her time of need. It was very moving and heartwarming. The way the author took us back in Tobin's previous life with Finn and Easton ill make your heat hurt ,and ever after you finish the story your heart will still hurt for her. The characters strong and had bonded great together ,it was like they were real. Once you this story by Author Kira Adams you will want more of her books . So enjoy
Profile Image for Cindy Mathis.
209 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2018
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Kira Adams writes “real life.” I’ve been a fan from my very first read, but she has really raised the bar with The Life I Never asked for. In my opinion, this is her best book yet. Ms. Adam’s ability to start a story from the lowest time in her character’s life and slowly, but thoroughly, rebuild their strength, their ability to overcome whatever obstacle they run across and come out better on the back side is her trademark. This story of heartbreak, grief and redemption proves that she’s at the top of her game.
Profile Image for MyDogAteMyBookReview.
212 reviews46 followers
May 29, 2021
Wow.

I read this book because Kira asked me to and I’m so glad she did. This is my first book of hers but it definitely won’t be my last.

Sometimes you want to read a book that feels like a soul cleanser. One that’s an emotional, heart wrenching journey to a new happily ever after.

Tobin loses her husband and child, it nearly destroys her. She picks up the shattered pieces, one by one.

Her & Kiefer don’t have an easy journey or an easy love. I believe you never love the same way twice but you do love again.

Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
October 16, 2018
This phenomenal story is an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. This is a beautifully written story, which is truly heartbreaking, humorous, and dealing with moving forward in life when everything you know crumbles, as well as dealing with loss, healing, and love. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page tuner, and I cannot wait to read more of this talented authors’ work, which I highly recommend for all readers! Brilliant work Kira!!
812 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2020
It's impossible to not be wrapped up immediately in this book. Once the story begins to unfold, it's fast and keeps your wanting to know more.

The Life I Never Asked For is an intense, gripping and enthralling love story, with a lot of twists and turns that you can't begin to imagine. It's full of unconditional love based on letting go of one's insecurities and having faith. It is about believing in love and life, a life that has broken their hearts and souls but that themselves can mend, and subsequently heal each other.

You will not regret this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
388 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2018
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This novel by Kira Adams is very emotional and heartbreaking. This novel is about Tobin and how her life derailed. She has been through alot but, she is such a strong independent woman. Kiefer eventually comes into her life and helps pick up the rest of the broken pieces in her life. It's a beautiful story.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
Read
April 11, 2021
Wow

This story is incredibly emotional and heartwarming as well as heartbreaking. It shows the strength needed in order to carry on after some totally devastating and that love really can help repair and offer a different path. It's beautifully written but make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
Profile Image for Laura Prindable.
1,357 reviews
August 1, 2021
I received this book, The Life i Never Asked For by Kira Adams for an honest review. Although it seems that everyone else was reduced to tears and I was not, I really enjoyed this story anyway (yes I like to ugly cry with books). The story is solid and believable and I would highly recommend it!
383 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2018
This was such an emotional read for so many reasons, but the most important one for me was the fact that it showed me that there is life after tragedy. How much can a human take? A lot!!! Life brings you down, you shove right back and make the best of what you’re left with. 100% recommend ❤️
Profile Image for Rachel Barron.
53 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2018
Beautiful

This was a beautiful story. Not your usual love story. It’s about moving on and learning to find happiness when you have lost everything. Warning you’ll need your tissues!
Profile Image for Tracy Trixy.
629 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2018
Wonderful story that’s very emotional! (You have been warned)
Brilliantly written book that explores what happens after an absolute tragedy.... and how you would go about picking up the pieces.
Wonderful characters from a very talented author!
Definitely would recommend a read :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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