Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$3.99 with 56 percent savings
Print List Price: $9.00

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Kayla Hicks
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Anywhere Else Kindle Edition

by Kayla Hicks (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

When Leena’s long-time boyfriend walks out and her alcoholic parent forces her to leave home, she’s left with nothing but shattered dreams and a suitcase full of regrets. At rock bottom, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to fight for a life she’s never had—or give in to the darkness closing in.

In the aftermath of a brutal breakup and her mother's alcoholic tendencies, Leena finds solace in the unwavering support of her best friend, Sydney. Together, they carve out a new beginning in a shared apartment, setting the stage for Leena's journey toward healing and independence.

But when two captivating men enter her life, Leena's newfound stability is thrown into disarray. Brent, the charming risk-taker, offers passion and excitement, yet harbors secrets that challenge Leena's trust. Meanwhile, Garrett, her ex-boyfriend's steadfast friend, provides comfort and familiarity, tempting Leena with his unwavering support.

As Leena navigates the complexities of love and loyalty, she must confront her deepest fears and make a choice that will shape her future. With each path holding unforeseen consequences, Leena embarks on a quest to discover not only whom she desires, but also the person she strives to become.


"A great piece of fiction transports you to another time and place, and this book delivers on that promise."- Peter Neeves

"I found it hard to put the story down, I devoured it in one night."- Cranky TBC

"I could not stop reading until I finished in one day."- MILIN I. DUENO

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    206 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    September 24, 2021
  5. Reading age
    15 - 18 years
  6. File size
    6.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

From the Publisher

Anywhere Else

Red headed girl

Meet Leena

The girl whose life hit rock bottom but who is now ready to start her next chapter and live life to the fullest.

“What’s even the point of decaf coffee? I don’t understand why people even buy it. When you think about it, how do they even take the caffeine out of the coffee?”

Guy with white shirt and coat

Meet Garrett

Leena's ex-boyfriend's best friend and the loyal and handsome guy who could sweep her off her feet.

"You are one of the strongest people I know, and even if you don’t think you show it, everyone sees it."

Guy smirking

Meet Brent

Fate keeps bringing Leena and this wild card together and the truth is, Leena can't help but swoon for him.

"There you were looking beautiful, even with a large red bump on your forehead, all up on your soapbox about coffee.”

Girl with brown hair and freckles

Meet Sydney

Leena's best friend and the person who understands her the most.

“Leena, you can always come to my house. My mom’s no peach either but at least she works nights.”

List of things to complete from the book Anywhere Else

Garret and Leena's List

After Leena reveals to Garrett that her dismal childhood didn't allow her to experience the basics of childhood, Garrett offers to help Leena check these basics off her list.

He started coughing, taking a sip of water to wash down the food.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yeah. I just started choking when you told me you haven’t experienced some of the basic experiences of childhood.”

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09DB57TZ7
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 24, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Kayla Hicks

Kayla Hicks

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Kayla Hicks is an award winning multi genre author having been published since 2014, beginning with her young adult dystopian novel, Kale Stone: An Outliers Tale. Since then, she has expanded her repertoire to include YA fiction, superhero stories, and children's books, captivating readers of all ages.

Beyond her growing collection of works, Hicks has made numerous public appearances to connect with readers and share her stories:

- Lancaster Native Plant and Wildlife Festival – Presented her children's book Dandelion

- Lititz Public Library Indie Author Event – Showcased her full range of works

- Adamstown Elementary School's Read Across America Day – Read Dandelion to 100 students

- U-Gro Learning Center – Shared Dandelion with young readers

- The Writing Community Chat Show – Featured guest discussing her writing journey

- Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Young New Adult (17 and up)

Her work has also been recognized in Lancaster Online for The Backup Superhero and Today I'm Not Laurel. Her Young Adult book, Secrets They Never Told, was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2025 for the Young New Adult Fiction (17 and up) category.

When she’s not writing, Hicks enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter, as well as getting lost in a good book.

Reviews:

"Towards the end, during one of their times hanging, I was in tears. I'm such a sap when the right mood and words hit. This is one book that just fit at the right time and found me in the right mood. Anywhere Else is exactly what I needed and I can't recommend this one enough for those who just want something sweet and uplifting."- Bookn.All.Night for Anywhere Else

"It's a short work. In fact, if you're a fast reader like myself, you'll have this done in a couple of hours, but don't let that fool you. It's an wonderful read with interesting characters that you want to know more about as well as the world they live in and you're definitely left wanting to know what happens next!"- Steve Vimes for The Backup Superhero

"This is an incredibly powerful and moving read. From the first few pages this is emotionally charged and deals with some difficult issues for a young character. Sadi is such a strong female lead, and Parker was a brilliant bestie too. I felt for both of these characters from the off. Some surprising events and a moving outcome."- Bobs and Books Blog for Secrets They Never Told

"What a lovely colourful book. Kayla's art work pops with colour and cheer, this beautiful book, with its tale of acceptance and how everyone (every flower) is different, and is a must for all children to have on their bookshelves."- Chris Horn for Dandelion

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
31 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers praise the book's character development and find it very readable. They appreciate the storytelling, with one customer noting how it pulls readers into the narrative.

Select to learn more

Character developmentReadabilityStorytelling
3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book.

"...It is a great story and well written. The characters are believable and relatable. I found myself vested in the outcome early in the book...." Read more

"...can relate to Leena or not the world building and character development in this book are top notch...." Read more

"...Don’t get me wrong. Author Hicks develops her characters, and allows the reader to get inside a nineteen-year-old girl’s head as she deals with..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it caught their interest within the first few pages.

"...the alcoholic is difficult to do well, and in this case it is done extremely well...." Read more

"...This is a pleasant read." Read more

"The book caught my interest within the first few pages and I wanted to know more and what would happen, who would she stay with...." Read more

3 customers mention "Storytelling"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, with one review noting how it pulls readers into the narrative.

"...I found myself vested in the outcome early in the book. A great piece of fiction transports you to another time and place, and this book delivers on..." Read more

"...There is just enough romance to give the story spark and realism. This is a pleasant read." Read more

"...She pulls you into the story and you are there with them. I could not stop reading until I finished in one day. Very good read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Peter Neeves
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Anywhere Else is a YA novel. It is a great story and well written. The characters are believable and relatable. I found myself vested in the outcome early in the book. A great piece of fiction transports you to another time and place, and this book delivers on that promise. Writing about alcoholism and the impact on those close to the alcoholic is difficult to do well, and in this case it is done extremely well. It is a moving and credible story with great characters that will hold your attention through from beginning to end.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • GB
    4.0 out of 5 stars Decisions Against Great Odds
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Anywhere Else is a coming-of-age book that deals with alcoholism and decisions a young girl makes as she struggles to plan for college. There is just enough romance to give the story spark and realism. This is a pleasant read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lorelei
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this story!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I think as readers when we start a book we are hoping it will pull us into its world and make us forget whatever is around us. Anywhere Else is that book. Whether you can relate to Leena or not the world building and character development in this book are top notch. I could not put this book down and wouldn't be disappointed if the author gives us more of these characters in a sequel!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Robert G. Williscroft
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you liked Seinfeld…
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “Anywhere Else” is a young adult story that will appeal to people who enjoyed the long-running TV sitcom “Seinfeld.” This first-person tale is well-written and moves logically to its inevitable conclusion. I’m just not sure why I should have been interested.

    Don’t get me wrong. Author Hicks develops her characters, and allows the reader to get inside a nineteen-year-old girl’s head as she deals with problems life throws at her. For a young woman facing similar problems moving into adulthood, “Anywhere Else” may just supply the right encouragement. Writing style and writing quality bring this tale to 4-stars.
    Helpful
     Report
  • MILIN I. DUENO
    5.0 out of 5 stars It was so good I read in one day
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The book caught my interest within the first few pages and I wanted to know more and what would happen, who would she stay with. She pulls you into the story and you are there with them. I could not stop reading until I finished in one day. Very good read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kristi M.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Charming Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2021
    Format: Kindle
    Self-reliant Leena, a pick-up truck driving high school senior with an alcoholic mother, is the main character of this YA novel. Through this story, we see Leena navigate romantic relationships, figure out how to live on her own, and learn how to trust others. I enjoyed reading Leena’s story. She is easy to connect with and you want to see where her journey goes.

    This book relies on the classic love triangle for much of its storyline but it is well done. To me, the book was like comfort food -- it uses your favorite ingredients and satisfies your craving. It is not a life-changing book but it is charming and delivers on your expectations in a pleasing way.

    I will be reading another book by this author. In fact, I have already purchased a copy of her novella, The Back-Up Superhero.

    Thank you to the author Kayla Hicks for providing a free ARC of Anywhere Else. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Alicia Rowe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Escaping an abusive situation is hard. Especially when it's your parent.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2022
    Format: Kindle
    Leena has long had to deal with her mother's outbursts and mood swings, but when she tells her to get out of the house where she pays rent Leena begins to seek out other options. Afterall, she works two jobs, finally has her own vehicle, and just graduated high school. When she breaches the subject of moving in together with her boyfriend it backfires, but this may be a blessing in disguise. Now there are other opportunities opening around her and for once Leena is positive about her future. Can Leena get away from her mother and maybe find the right love interest?
    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. There is a lot of verbal and mental abusive in this book suffered at the hands of a parent. Unfortunately, this is something that happens all too often and I wish I could say I don't know what this is like. Women like Leena's mom are a disgrace and one of the many reasons I have not spoken to my own in almost 8 years. Moving on from toxic individuals is a freeing experience, and while the details can be stressful all the other weights that are lifted are worth it. Life becomes much better when you aren't walking on eggshells and hating everything about yourself.
    The author does a great job of capturing what it is like to live with both an alcoholic as well as an abusive parent. The book is realistic and will have you rooting for Leena as she finally begins her life. Garret was probably my favorite of the males in this book. While just friends he was a pillar of support during a difficult time. Having someone who is always there for you is a wonderful feeling and one I am lucky to have in my own best friends. While Garret was my favored male my favorite character was Sydney. While, surprisingly, not the red head in this book she was full of energy and very supportive. I hope everything works out for her with Reese.
    I don't have a single complaint about this book and hope to read more from this author in the future. Just a warning, if you have been through some of these things it will make you a bit sad at times. Hating that Leena has to go through these things while remembering what it is like to deal with them firsthand. Side note. I hope you love Betty as much as I did in this book. While mine is not the same type I love my Aurora who when I got her also had a lot of problems. But, it is part of the charm.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Penny.S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hallmark romance
    Reviewed in Germany on November 5, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It spells Hallmark tale all over, sweet, cozy, and romantic. If you’re looking for a HEA then this is for you. I do like how the author brought in realistic drama such as alcohol addiction and how it not just affects the abusers but those closest to them as well. A well written book and I look forward to many more from this author.
    Report
  • Steve Vimes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable romance!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The thing about the book that surprised me was how much I enjoyed it!

    Don't get me wrong, the books by Kayla Hicks are always great, I've read several of hers now and they are excellent, fun reads, but Anywhere Else is a romance novel and I don't read romance. Ever!

    However, after reading her Back-Up Superhero books, I gave this a try and was surprised at just how much I enjoyed it! The characters are believable, the situations they are all in worked and I found myself really hoping for Leena to find the love she wants and rooting for the one she ends up with as well!

    And now I like romance books! My whole world view has been shaken!

    Definitely a recommended read for any romance lover and well worth a shot if you want to try something different to your normal stuff!
    Report
  • Lacrima Mundi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very cute but sometimes gut-wrenching story
    Reviewed in Germany on December 3, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A well-written, very cute but sometimes gut-wrenching coming-of-age-story about friendship, love, dysfunctional families, and the challenges of living and caring about people with alcoholism.

    I very much enjoyed reading it and would love to see the story of Garret and Leena to get continued somewhen.
    Report
  • Romance Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, romantic and well written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 3, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is exactly the type of book I love! Focused on the characters and their journey as they fall in love, the depth of their emotions, thoughts and feelings.

    It is written beautifully and was a book I couldn’t put down.

    Leena is just 18 but has had a tough life at the hands of an alcoholic mother, her awful boyfriend isn’t helping matters as she gets ready for college.

    She does however have an amazing best friend and someone waiting in the wings to declare his feelings. I might have swooned a lot at Garrett!

    It was a lovely read and I am so, so glad I picked it up!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report