Topher I’d never imagined I would find someone who completed me, just to lose her. I’d never imagined the love I felt could be overshadowed by the deepest depression I’d ever lived through. Two years had passed since she touched my life, since she was taken from me. I was afraid to let anyone else close, afraid to lose them like I lost her, and then Destiny crashed into my life. She was nothing like Ciera, and that’s what attracted me. The more she pushed me away, the more I wanted her. I knew I was playing with fire, but I liked the burn.
Destiny He was so unexpected, nothing like the guys I would normally go for, but he was persistent. He saw the ugliness inside of me, and he accepted it; he nurtured it. I’d been looking out for me for so long that, when he came into the picture, I couldn’t accept it. It was too good to be true. He was too good to be true, too good for someone like me. But when shit hit the fan, Topher was there by my side, holding me up. He didn’t run away when things got tough, and that meant the world to me. I wasn’t Ciera; I didn’t want to be her. I just wanted a chance to show him the love I knew he deserved.
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.
This was an interesting story, as we found out what happened to Topher after Ciera’s death. I really didn’t expect him to get caught up in illegal drugs though!
I liked both Topher and Destiny in this book, although Destiny could be a little brash. She also seemed to think she could go up against drug dealers on her own, which was maybe a little naïve.
The storyline in this was about Topher and Destiny meeting, and Topher realising that he actually liked her, in a way he hadn’t liked anyone since Ciera. We also got a storyline about Destiny getting mixed up with the family drug dealing business, and finding it hard to get back out of it.
The ending to this was okay, and it was nice that Topher and Destiny could get a happy ending after everything that happened.
I felt quite sorry for Topher again in this one, he was obviously still dealing with a lot of grief for Ciera. Destiny was an okay character, but I didn't like her as much as Ciera, and I didn't like her and Topher's relationship as much either.
This was an okay read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as Learning to Live. The romance just wasn't as good for me, and the story didn't hook me as much.
Overall, Okay read, but not as good as the first one.
Before her. I was empty inside. I was lost. I was settling. I had no idea of the potential I had inside of me.
After her. I was whole. I was happy. I was in love. She made me better.
I never imagined I would find someone who completed me, just to lose her. I never imagined the love I felt could be overshadowed by the deepest depression I've ever lived through.
It's been two years since she touched my life. Since she was taken from me. I don't know that I'll ever experience an ounce of the love she made me feel. I hope I'm wrong.
My name is Topher, and this is my story.
I'll start my review with the line I borrowed from this book.
"It feels like someone is digging their fingernails into my chest and ripping out my heart out all over again."
That's how I felt after reading Topher and Ciera's story in Learning to Live. Since I'm one of those lucky few to be given a copy of this book, I readily dig Life After. Who wouldn't right?After experiencing a heartbreak for Topher, we all wanted for him to have his HEA no matter how we want it to be Ciera but unfortunately couldn't. So read, I did.
The story is straightforward. Started two years after Ciera's death.Topher in college still a jock but was lost since her first love was taken from him. Then whoop! Entered Destiny, a sassy, fearless and tough Hispanic woman - a total oppposite of Ciera.
“You’re not even my type. I like buff, gangster type of guys. So why do I feel such a strong connection to you? Why can I never stop thinking about you?” she asks.
I run my hand over her hair, resting it on the back of her neck. “You’re not my type either. A bad-mouthed, tough, girl? But the same parts of you that I’ve never been attracted to, are the same parts about you that I like.
But then, opposite do really attracts. No matter how much Topher wanted not to chase Destiny, he still made an effort. Because he knows how much deeply he cared for her. Just when everything seems in line, came Destiny's past that tested how strong their love for each other is.
“Falling in love is like riding a roller coaster. There is exciteme nt at every twist and turn, but there are unexpected drops and big hills to climb. No one ever said love was supposed to be easy.
Overall, I love the story. I love how it is beautifully written, how unique the characters are and where the plot is going. I'm a little bit frustrated though, maybe because I want some more in the drug and Destiny's past storyline and maybe a little bit also of how their love story progresses. But then it was good. I am contented that finally they found their HEA.
“I loved someone once, and I didn’t go to the ends of the earth for her. I’ve regretted it every day since she’s been gone. This is the only way I can ever make it up to her, by loving you as I should have loved her.
Kudos to you Ms. Kira Adams. I would forever love to read and review more of your works.
"I knew if we got together we would be destructible..."
*****5 'Life After' tragedy STARS*****
***Highly recommended to read book one, Learning To Live first.***
The follow up to Learning To Live, Life After depicts Topher's life after Ciera's death. Finally finding someone that "makes (him) feel alive again," and causes him to not have "thought(s) of Ciera every second of everyday." The characters chemistry and connection is intense. The push and pull of feelings added to the drama that unfolds is highly gripping! Topher will make you swoon and sigh; Destiny will have you wanting to slap the snot out of her!! The drama these to find themselves in will have you on the edge of your seat!! Destiny is the total opposite of Ciera which only draws Topher in more. Like anyone else, this "tough girl" has a past; when it comes back to haunt her, will Topher become collateral damage? "Falling in love is like riding a roller coaster." Will Topher and Destiny jump on the ride?
I have received an ARC copy of this amazing book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Ciera and Topher's story. They were the type of couple you wanted to love and dreamed of happy ending for them, but you knew it's not bound to happen.
During their story I cried so hard and I really hated Kira for writing such an emotional story. I hated how she ended the story and loved her at the same time for making me feel so many emotions. After reading the first part I felt grateful that I have full life in front of me. And to be honest I stopped taking life as granted.
But this book...
In here we meet again Topher. He is lost, broken and don't know what he can do with his life. Ciera promised him that it will get easier but every single time he feels a bit more lost and misses her even more. There is only one thing Topher wants in his life. And it's to share with Ciera anything that happens in his life. But he is not able to do that. When he is loosing hope that he will be happy again, he meets Destiny. Snarky, sassy, strong and independent girl, who lost everything and everyone in her life. She seems tough and is not letting anyone in, until she meets Topher. Broken guy who has lived through enough in his short life.
Both of them are looking for happiness in life, but both of them are feeling guilty when happiness finally finds them.
I am glad Kira decided to continue Topher's story. In the whole series he was the only one that I felt story was not complete.
It's another beautiful story, there is more angst and danger here, but nonetheless beautiful story.
I recieved this book from the author in trade for a a honest review. I just finished and let me just say, wow! I feel in love with Topher a while back and was sad to see him go thru such a heartache. Thats where this book starts, with him still not living his life. Bam! Destiny enters and all hell breaks loose! His world is turned upside down and nothing she does makes sense.But He is taking an interest, starting to live again and feeling a connection again. Destiny is the total opposite of Ciera and danger seems to follow her! Topher thinks hes gonna protect her , ha! This girl has spunk, she dresses strange and talks boldly. she can take care of herself, well so she says, As the danger gets more intense and your wondering whats around the corner, you realize your hooked, you must find out whats gonna happen to destiny, and how is Topher goi ng to cope with the guilt of falling for someone else! Another great read from Kira Adams! The characters have deep rooted feelings about their beliefs. They have several obstacles to overcome, hers a bit more life threatening, before they can truely devote to their relationship. In the end they are able to follow thier own personal dreams , cause of the love that they found within each other. Thank you Kira for giving Topher his happy ending. Even though he had to get beat up alot to get it!
ARC given by author in exchange for honest review.
Topher and Ciera's story in "Learning to Live" broke my heart. It was such a beautiful story, but I still cried ugly tears. So I was really hoping I'd get a real HEA with "Life After."
Two years have past since Ciera died and Topher is in college playing football with NFL scouts looking at him. Topher still talks to Ciera at night, like one prays to God. He also meets with Ciera's friend monthly at her headstone. The wisdom learned from the love of his life, the young woman who changed his life, has given him amazing strength and character.
"I missed you today. I got in a fight at a bar . . . I met a crazy girl today. She was fearless, and tough, and unlike anyone I've ever met . . . I love you Ciera Grace."
Not only is Destiny in Topher's Earth Science class, they meet again at another bar, then unexpectedly when Topher is visiting Ciera's headstone and Destiny both her parents graves. This short hispanic girl with glossy, long black hair and dyed teal tips is quite a spitfire, but in this moment the tough girl's guard is down, as she sheds tears. Topher pursues her and she pushes him away, putting up walls to guard her heart.
Destiny's "life before" is about to catch up with her. She worked for her Uncle Jose selling drugs before infiltrating their rivals. That nearly cost her her life. She fell for Julian, the son of their rival and when he found out, he tortured her and almost killed her . . . before inexplicably letting her go. So when Julian finds her again, he tells her she must pay the money Jose owes them by bringing in new business, or " . . . you become the payment."
As much as Destiny needs and wants Topher in her life, it would put him in danger. Julian would only use him to get at her. She's got to keep Topher away, brush him off for his own good, but Topher is persistent.
My Favorite Quotes:
Destiny says to Topher, "Falling in love makes someone vulnerable. It makes them weak. It makes them . . ."
To that Topher replies, "Falling in love is like riding a roller coaster. There is excitement at every twist and turn, but there are unexpected drops and big hills to climb. No one ever said love was supposed to be easy."
Destiny stares back at me, her mouth agape. "You're going to be my epic love, aren't you? The one that people write about?"
I nod. "That sounds like just the role for me."
How's that for a Book Boyfriend? Yes, in the end I did get my HEA. I never would have guessed this ending though. There were so many surprises; very pleasant surprises at that. Kind of like how Topher describes love. Kira does an outstanding job with this story. She's a writer I'm fast learning is a quick 1-click with everything she publishes.
Ok...forgive me but I'm still kind of reeling from that ending. That was about as far from what I was expecting when I picked this book up than I can imagine. I'm left with a some mixed feelings, quite honestly. And I think it was mostly Destiny that was doing the mixing. Even after that whole story, I still don't know what to think about her. I knew she was going to be rough around the edges, but apparently on a whole different level than I was anticipating.
I had a hard time picturing this being the girl for Topher. Topher who has already walked through hell and back. I get he was kind of a jerk in the beginning of the first book, Learning to Live, but he was also a spoiled teenage boy, who started maturing and mending his jerky ways. I felt like he was somehow atoning for those sins in this book by so fully involving himself with Destiny and her many troubles, and that bummed me out a little.
On the flip side of all that, I was really happy to see Topher still the sweet guy that we left him as in Learning to Live. It was nice to see how much he learned from his harsh experiences. I loved that he still maintained relationships with his father and his partner, and also Ciera's family. I was grateful for those glimpses of them, to know that they were carrying on and starting to flourish even. I felt like that brought a sense of closure to Ciera's story that I didn't even know I needed.
As much as I was not impressed by Destiny, I also pitied her. I felt sorry for the life that she never really got a chance to enjoy, and the childhood that she lost. Hers was a sad story, and one that you don't recover from overnight. So in that sense, I understood why she was the way she was. It was just hard for me to really see what Topher was seeing. I could see that he felt he failed Ciera in certain ways but I do believe that he might have been overcompensating for that in his relationship with Destiny.
I can also say with damn near 100% certainty that the last few chapters will surprise the hell out of you. That's not always the easiest task to pull off, so hats off to you Adams! The bottom line is, if you read and loved Learning to Live, like I did, than Life After is an absolute must read. You have to see how Topher's tale turns out, because you truly never could have guessed!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“The worst part about it is that if she wasn’t so stubborn and closed off, we might actually be good for one another.”
Life After is Topher’s story…his life after he lost his first love Ciera in Learning to Live. He’s still a rich kid & a jock, but loving & losing Ciera helped him become a better person. It’s been a couple of years and he becomes strangely fascinated by a young woman attending college with him. She’s very different – both from him and from Ciera – and that may be part of her appeal.
“You’re not my type either. A bad-mouthed, tough, girl? But the same parts of you that I’ve never been attracted to, are the same parts about you that I like.”
Destiny doesn’t know what to think of this rich white guy who keeps chasing after her…and yet she can’t keep away from him either. She knows they’re totally wrong for each other; she grew up in her drug dealer uncle’s home – this guy has no idea what the real world is like. And she has no desire to be let down again.
Topher & Destiny end up being perfect for each other. They help each other learn to trust again, to love again. They face many challenges to their relationship and to their very lives…and they learn to face those challenges together.
This book works as a standalone if you haven’t read the earlier books in this series because there are enough flashbacks for both Topher & Destiny for the reader to understand why they both try so hard to resist falling in love.
*Thank you to the author for a free advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.*
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
After Topher lost the love of his life in Learning to Live I couldn't imagine what his future would be like. I didn't think it would be possible for Kira to bring a character into Topher's life after Ciera that I would like.
But then there was Destiny. She was a 5'2 Latino chick with a huge attitude who also happened to be in really deep with the biggest drug lords in the area. When Topher first saw her she pulled him in...she wasn't his "type" and he wasn't hers but that didn't seem to matter. The way he made her feel scared her and she pushed him away. Destiny didn't realize he would just keep pushing.
I like Destiny's hard exterior, but I love the girl inside that she only lets Topher see. In their short time together they live through situations that most people can't even imagine and they always seem to come out stronger.
I am so happy the Topher found Destiny and will have a chance at a happy ending.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review **
I absolutely loved this book! Kira done such a great job writing this book.. I couldn't put it down.. My heart broke for Topher then he met Destiny...I wasn't sure about her at first.. but Kira showed us that she was worth loving like Ciera was.. Topher and Destiny are great together.. They are what some called water and gasoline but I think Destiny is the match that ignites Topher's fuel. You get a hot, explosive combination that is nothing but great! This author is going to go far! Her characters and writing get you so involved in the story that before you know it, you have read the whole book and still craving for more!
I am Big fan of this Series and Characters. After ending of Learning to Live I always Wanted Topher to get his Happy Ever After. He needed someone who will make his heart beat again and Destiny is the Perfect girl for him. She makes him feel alive and everything seems perfect But Destiny's life is not so perfect. She is running from her dangerous Past. One could destroy both Topher and Destiny's Life.
Kira Adams is one of the Finest Author I have known and I Love her Writing and Stories. I Would Recommend everybody to Please purchase and read the amazing books written by Very Talented Author Kira Adams <3
Topher's story after losing Ciera, starts out great. I was lost a couple of times where Destiny is concerned. For such a tuff little lady, she seemed just a touch wishy washy. One thing I didn't like was, she said, "Ciera took, took, took and didn't give back." Topher did not stand up for her and say what she gave him and many others. He didn't say what he did to her and why he gave gave gave. All in all an Action packed story of a young woman with the wrong people and pulling an innocent in, even unintentionally, it will effect his life tremendously for both the good and the bad. I will continue to Read Kira Adams, I am intrigued.
The love of you life dies and you think you can't go on, When out of nowhere you meet someone the complete opposite of her and you can't get her out of your head. Everywhere you go she showed up. Than you find yourself falling for her. There really is life after the one you love dies. An amazing second love story. Has all the feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Topher's first love story was so incredibly beautiful that his second love was going to be hard to follow. Destiny is dangerous and independent and that has Topher's head spinning. This is not as good as the first and will have you thinking why her. This story definitely isn't dull and is a bit darker.
I was given this book for my honest review.I was very impressed with story,and how all of kiras book have kept me on the edge of my seat,and keep you just keep,wanting more.
So, when I started this book, all the feelings from the first book came rushing back full force. It's going to be hard to review this with out spoiling book one but the description does that so I should be ok.
Topher had slowly moved on from Cieras death , but you can still see how much it hurt him, but you also see him move on and fall in love with someone perfect for him.
Destiny was so different the the heroine from the first book! She was hard and rough, not soft and sweet. That being said, o loved that about her! I didn't want her to be like Ciera. Where Ciera was pure, Destiny was tarnished and that made her not only appealing to Topher but also me as a reader. I felt that I needed to know what her past was.
I loved the plot. Pretty much what you see in the description is what you get; but it also has some darker stuff (drug family's). It was very addictive and I think the author did an amazing job.
Overall, I didn't think I was going to like the new heroine in this book because I loved the first women that Tooher loved, so much, but I did. The author had us falling right along with the hero and she did amazing!!! I can't wait to see what's to come! 5 stars #2OCCJD
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series, and Topher is still a college jock, who is broken, lost, depressed, and grieving, and 2-years later he is still adjusting to life without Ciera in it. Topher is fascinated and drawn to Destiny who is tough, sassy, and independent, and she is the total opposite to Ciera, but she has a past. There is a push and pull between Topher and Destiny, and he is there for her when her past comes back to haunt her. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, and is intense, with drama, emotions, love, and is an entertaining and all-consuming read which had me hooked throughout this thrilling and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Topher has gone through a lot after Ciera's death, but now it's been two years & he's at college. Destiny is a girl with a family who doesn't think the law applies to them, and she's trying to get away from it by going to college. I'm not one to put the heroine down because I'm a firm believer in #GIRLPOWER, but there was just something about Destiny that I wasn't a fan of, probably because she was mean to Topher quite a bit while he would do anything for her. She also seemed to only go to him when she needed help so it felt like she was using him as well but that's just me. Of course since her family was in the drug business on a big level, she's not about to get away scot free & may or may not have gotten Topher caught up in it, so will he left standing in the aftermath?! Well you'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
As this powerful series continues there is simply no denying the level of raw emotions and heartache that flow throughout. This book continues Topher's story. While this is a standalone read (as is book 1), I recommend reading these books in order. I just think it deepens the story and will also give you a much more up-close and personal connection to Topher. I'm not going to lie, these two books have been a challenge for me emotionally at times. These are not rainbows and kittens reads. There is a harsh reality to the stories and the characters that may not appeal to ever reader, so keep that in mind before you choose to read them. This is my frank, freely posted review.
This was another solid offering from this author! Topher is still reeling from the loss of Ciera and is just going through the motions. Destiny has secrets that doesn't allow her to be close to anyone. They meet in college and sparks fly. Their journey is a slow burn with a lot of push and pull to even become friends. I really enjoyed reading their emotional story. I hope we get more from them.
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and was really looking forward to reading this, the next stage in Topher's story. But this book wasn't nearly as good as the first sadly, and it didn't grab me the way the first book did.
This is a story on life after the one you love dies. Topher's girlfriend dies and he tries so hard not to fall in love again. Destiny is head-strong and an excellent match for Topher. A story that is full of angsty, rawness, and emotions lies ahead. The drama was very good in this one.
This is topher story. He is still getting over cierra. He meets a new lady n she is full of spunk. She is so awesome. She has issues in the past and it was so good. It is excellent. I loved the book
Topher took it hard after Ciera died and didn’t think that he would be able to move on, till he met Destiny, she had walls up that he wanted to break through. Destiny although hurt in the past, she’s scared because Tropher makes her feel safe. When Destiny’s past comes to her present she turns to Tropher. Destiny tries to explain to Tropher that it’s not safe and he lets her know that he wants it to work but she keeps rejecting him. Things start to get dangerous for Destiny and even though she pushed Tropher away she again turns to him, only she admits that when good things happen that she runs, and she done running from him, if she does he needs to catch her, she wants to try with him. Destiny tells Tropher that falling in love leaves you vulnerable, while Tropher says it’s like a roller coaster. Finally everything catches up with them, they both get their happily ever after but not how they thought.
This book was so good I low-key finished it in one day. 😳 Topher and Destiny's story was dark, raw, and very emotional, but incredible at the same time. They went through so, so much over the course of a book that felt just a little too short. Watching them, especially Topher, get the ending they deserved was so worth it. This was a great addition to the series, and I'm super excited to see what happens in book 3! ❤️
I wasn’t too keen on the first book in this series, but this one was different. I liked watching Topher and Destiny as their relationship blossomed out and she kept pushing back. Destiny doesn’t do relationships well and Topher’s last one broke him. Getting over Ciera has been a difficult thing for him and Destiny is the complete opposite of her. She’s hard and has done some unsavory things, but Topher is there for her. He doesn’t scare easily, which is a good thing since their relationship is dangerous to his health. It was overall a good read.
After reading the first book 'Learning to live', I bought this book to carry on the story.
Topher is in college playing football and is trying to move on from Ciera and is struggling to do so until he meets Destiny. Destiny is nothing like Ciera and has a dangerous streak and past that entwines Topher into the dangerous world that she is desperate to escape from.
The story is a good and written well. Though I just felt that it lacked the emotions that were present in the first book and was a bit weak in places. Other than that, it was what I would call a safe read, and I will continue to read further into the series (My forever is the next book).