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Tempest #5

Relentless Rhythm

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The one she really wants is out of reach. The one he really needs is already taken.

Dizzy Lowell, rhythm man for the rising rock band Tempest is a wizard on the guitar and a wonder with women. But the hookup specialist hides his emotional scars beneath his suave exterior. He never lets anyone truly touch him.

April Reynolds, the confident bartender of the Diamond Mine, knows her way around a cocktail, but Dizzy has her all mixed up. She knows what’s safe. She’s tired of settling, though. It would be so easy to fall under his spell. Except for that ring around her finger.

Two searching souls separated by a thin metal band. Some dreams are dangerous. Some secrets shouldn’t be shared. Sometimes what we wish for most can never be.

254 pages, ebook

First published October 9, 2014

53 people are currently reading
717 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Mankin

65 books1,280 followers
MICHELLE MANKIN is the New York Times bestselling author of over 40 romance novels.
Romance that Rocks.
Her individual books are FREE in kindleunlimited. Link to them on her author page on Amazon:
http://author.to/MyAuthorPage
BRUTAL STRENGTH trilogy
completed series
TEMPEST
a fan favorite and a completed series
FIND ME
a completed trilogy
ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES
a completed series
STORM is a #1 bestselling standalone spin-off from the Rockstars, Surf, and Second Chances series
GIRLS RANKING THE ROCK STARS (Rock F*ck Club)
a completed series
IN HIS EYES is a standalone spin-off from the RFC
ONCE UPON A ROCK STAR
4 books planned ending with The Right Song
ADDY"S ROLLERCOASTER ROMANCE
Getting it Wrong
Getting it Right
NO QUARTER
Hot Summer School Night
Breaking Her Bad
MAGIC series
a completed paranormal series


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5 stars
158 (49%)
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112 (35%)
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42 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,801 reviews344 followers
May 13, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Relentless Rhythm is the darkest and saddest story in the Tempest series by far! Dizzy amazed me, and April had an inner strength as well my heart swelled for these two characters, and Mankin frankly outdid herself.

Review - (un)Conventional Bookviews

In the earlier stories about rock band Tempest, Dizzy was mostly in the background, seen with different girls, but never the same girl twice. In Relentless Rhythm, it seemed he had finally set his eyes on a woman, but of course, it was a woman he couldn't have. As Dizzy's past unfolded, I was so sad for him, it was so heartbreaking. And he still seemed so calm and controlled on the surface, never really caring about much, doing his thing, playing his drums, and hooking up with groupies when he felt like it. Until he met April, and just couldn't stay away from her. Even if she was not giving him any vibes saying she was open for anything with with him.

April, too, had a really hard life, married to a man who saw her as a possession he could push around in any way he wanted, scaring her, hurting her, and basically making her life a nightmare. In a strange way, though, Dizzy and April managed to give each other hope, and that is something that I found both compelling and beautiful! Especially because that hope managed to help them make small steps towards changing their lives for the better, daring to look forward with optimism for the first time in many years.

Written in first person point of view, past tense, Relentless Rhythm has chapters both from Dizzy's and April's perspective, and they were amazing characters to follow. I loved that even with all the bad things they had been through, their hearts were still open, just not to everybody. And the way their relationship grew from acquaintances to something more over the span of the story made me dizzy with hope for them. To me, this is the best of the Tempest stories, even if I have enjoyed the others as well. Mankin knows her rock stars, and she made them human and relatable in a way that doesn't always happen.

Fave Quotes - (un)Conventional Bookviews

My knee bounced anxiously, out of sync with the light pattern on the dance floor behind me. I tried not to focus on how late she was or how panicked my reflection looked between flashes in the mirror that framed the bar. The heavy bass rhythm of the digitally remixed cover of Brutal Strength's 'Brothers' was starting to drive me crazy, my nerves stretched tighter than the E string on my Gibson SG.

I finished filling a couple of tumblers with ice before looking up. The blue haired imp was fanning her cute heart shaped face with tatted hands that spelled out her nickname in fanciful script above her knuckles.

My shoulders hit the wall. The sudden impact caused me to bite my tongue. I tasted the tang of my own blood. But fear overrode the sharp flash of pain. I squirmed in his grip trying to break free while inwardly chastising myself for my lack of situational awareness.
Profile Image for Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms.
1,478 reviews156 followers
October 9, 2014
**4.5 Stars**

Does it say something about me that I love a story with two broken main characters? Broken but not unfixable - that's what I like. Relentless Rhythm delivered in spades. I'd been waiting for Dizzy's story and it was well worth the wait.

Dizzy Lowell is a player extraordinaire. He never makes it past a quick rendezvous in the most conveniently accessible location - bathroom stall, alley, wherever will do. We know about his childhood as he's Lace's brother. We know his mom was a crack head but in this story, we learn the extent of the abuse he suffered as a kid. And his suffering left him feeling unworthy of love and affection. When he lays eyes on April, something shifts. And as he spends more time with her, he starts to suspect April is hiding something as he alternately sees her strong side and her vulnerable side. Even more importantly, this time spent with April has Dizzy hoping that maybe he's not completely broken. However, they have a slight barrier to their progressing past friendship - April's wedding band.

April Reynolds is a bartender at The Mine. She's been watching Dizzy since he first set foot in the bar. She's seen enough to know he's a player but she can't seem to resist watching him. When Dizzy turns his attention and observant eye on her, she does her best to pull away. After all, she is married and to a dangerous man. But she can't deny the pull between them. Plus, the more time she spends getting to know him, the more she realizes there's a kind and caring man hidden beneath the rock star persona.

The relationship between Dizzy and April was a slow-burn. This made sense, as April is married, but it also made for a beautiful courtship. I liked seeing this tender side to Dizzy and April had me pulling for her - she deserved some dream fulfillment.

I really like the overarching plot that ties all these stories together. It adds another layer to the complexity as well as adding suspense. I also enjoy how Mankin weaves music into the story - it is about a rock band after all - so I appreciate the lyrics woven in, the concert scenes, etc. And I've mentioned in previous reviews that each book has its own element for social awareness. Relentless Rhythm's is abuse.

The culmination of events was a little predictable yet still suspenseful. I'd figured out parts of what happened but was still shocked by others. Also, I enjoyed the part Sager and King played in it. Getting more time with these two was enlightening and fun. I like them so well I'll be happy no matter who gets the next book. I'm eager to learn more about the rest of Tempest and to see the bigger story's resolution.

**I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for JC82.
161 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2014
5 *I love this Rhythm Man* Stars

Sigh…every time I read a new Tempest Series book I fall in love with one of the members of the band, therefore cheating on the previous love of my life from the band LOL. This is no exception. I fell completely head over heels for Dizzy Lowell, he is the sexiest Rhythm Man you will ever meet.

Dizzy Lowell is not a relationship person, dealing with some very deep emotional scars from his past he cringes at the slightest touch from a woman. Always engaging in meaningless unfeeling sex with random hookups he has never really wanted more. Until he sets his eyes upon April. A bartender at the club Mine, she is unlike all others. Strong, desirable and no-nonsense, Dizzy can’t escape the lure of her. But there is one little problem in the way in the shape of a small band on April’s beautiful finger. As Dizzy is drawn more and more to April he starts to realize, April isn’t as strong as she appears and is hiding some secrets of her own. Secrets that put her life and well-being at risk, a risk that Dizzy is no longer going to allow. April needs saving and Dizzy is determined to be the one doing the rescuing.

This book was intense. Mankin has a unique ability of making her characters come to life. These characters become your family or your best friend, so much so that every emotion portrayed in the story becomes your own. There were moments when I cringed in fear and disgust from what April had to endure. I felt everything, her hatred, her shame, her terror and her anxiety. Throughout the book I felt like I was walking on eggshells too just as she did. There were times when I wanted to cry with her and times I wanted her to be strong in face of her abuser. But there were also tender moments where I felt the love and passion she had for Dizzy, the desire to be free and live her dream life. A life that she deserved.

And Dizzy well he was just as compelling in this book. We never really got too much of him in the previous Tempest books and I am glad because he shines in this story. He is the ultimate protector and devoted lover in Relentless Rhythm. His flirtatious banter will have you blushing and giddy and his skills in the bedroom will have you weak in the knees just from reading. Dizzy’s vulnerability makes him even more amazing in this story, his life has been hard and despite what has happened to him he has always remained true and dedicated to his sister, his friends and now April. His past is utterly heartbreaking but his survival is nothing short of admirable. Both Dizzy and April are such resilient characters in this book and all you can do is root for their happy ending one that will allow them to flourish in the love they can both provide each other, a love they both desperately need.

I love this series, it holds a special place in my heart. There are so many rocker type series out there but I can’t think of any that delve so deep into the human psyche like Mankin’s. The stories of these characters are raw and powerful. The obstacles they have to overcome are daunting and their desire to survive and rise above their past is amazing. Mankin is an excellent storyteller with a tenacity to write gripping stories that will break your heart, explore your compassion for others and make you fall in love every time.
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
October 15, 2016
So Dizzy's story was much more eventful that the previous ones in this series. April comes with plenty of baggage and Dizzy is willing to help relieve her of it all and support/comfort her as well.

His protector gene is in full mode here. He's always been the calm, levelheaded bandmate...but when it comes to April, it all goes out the window. He switches to beast mode and is will to take down anyone for her. And she needs that. Not only is she married, but that marriage isn't what it's all cracked up to be.

Luckily they have enough short yet meaningful moments that allow them to get to know each other on a level that neither expected. We know from the previous books that Dizzy was NOT into the relationship thing. Now we know why, but April is the one to blow all that out of the way. She's a great, loving and understanding person and just what he needed to let all of that go. And Dizzy is what she needs to move forward and strive for the life she had always envisioned.

This was a great story and had plenty of drama and suspense to keep you on your toes.

PS. I still have to note that additional editing is very much needed in the first 4 of this series. Also, when did Dizzy become British? Not once in the first 3 books did he ever use the term "bloody h3ll" but here it's his most used phrase. So much so that he comes off British and that was quite confusing to me. It was an aspect of his personality that I didn't get from before.
Profile Image for Sian.
80 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2014
**RELEASES 9th OCTOBER**

I was lucky enough to read this book last weekend. I had been looking forward to reading Dizzy's story since finishing Captivating Bridge (Tempest #3) earlier this year. This series follows members of the rock band Tempest (I haven't read the first two books in this series - I jumped in at book 3 as each book can be read as a standalone). Relentless Rhythm tells the story of Tempest's rhythm guitarist Dizzy, and April who is the bartender from The Mine. Both Dizzy and April have been damaged from their pasts, but you completely root for them from the start. Initially, Dizzy is your typical rock star 'can't keep it his pants' player...and April is in an unhappy, and quite frankly, disturbing marriage...it also doesn't help that April's best friend Mel, has a huge crush on Dizzy ....both of them have secrets that slowly unravel...with some twists, turns and broken hearts along the way.

The tag line reads, "The one she really wants is out of reach. The one he really wants is already taken."

Well, wasn't this book just a rollercoaster of emotions. I swooned, I was angry....I was frustrated, then I swooned some more, then got a WHOLE LOT ANGRY again....and in the end I needed a lay down!! Michelle Mankin sure does know how to put you through the wringer....my heart broke for April & Dizzy on numerous occasions.

I just love Michelle's writing, she totally sweeps you up into the story and I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting. The story is told from alternating POV's, and your heart is in your mouth from the off!!

If you love a bit of angst, a bit of heart break, some rock stars thrown in and some hot action then this book is for you!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I certainly liked some characters better than others (Michelle you know who I'm talking out!!!). I look forward to reading more in this series!

4 rockin stars!

Favourite Quote: "It's love that binds people together in the way that really matters. Like you and your step father. Like us. I don't want you to be scared. I don't want to take your breath away. I want to give it to you. I want to be the reason you breathe, and the reason you finally breathe easily."
Profile Image for Lisa.
167 reviews19 followers
September 22, 2018
I was so lucky and thrilled to read this as an ARC. ARC received for an honest review. This book is the 4th in the Tempest series and it blow you away!
This book is about forbidden love, about wanting something that is out of your reach. From the moment they meet, Dizzy sees thru the tough exterior front that April hides behind & he is intrigued by what is she hiding.
Dizzy recognized in April what he experienced himself, and he wants to protect her, be there for her, and he can't fix the past but he definitely wants to fix her future.
They both understand pain and both deserve a better future, but will that future be together? The metal band that she wears is that only barrier for the forbidden passion that they feel. The relationships in this book are the common thread in all of Mankin's books, she creates characters that you simply love and feel real emotions for them right from the start. This book will really make you wonder what happens when you marry the wrong person? What do you do when you feel trapped in marriage? April & Dizzy both deserve a better future and as you read this book you will be hoping for a breakthrough to their happiness.
For more indie author reviews go to: Myindieauthorfix.com
Buy link: comhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MTWGT5C


http://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Rhyt... 99 cents oct.23 - 24
Profile Image for Frankie Ness.
1,692 reviews96 followers
June 27, 2024
This is not my favorite Tempest novel. I love the intriguing premise of Dizzy falling in love with a married woman and I was interested on how Michelle Mankin is going to wing this thing. Suffice to say that I disagree with how the MCs handled their situation on so many levels. April yes your marriage is a bust and your hubby is an asshole but why stoop down his level?! Also I cant help but notice the convenient excuses and scenes that popped up here and there in order for the story to get to a certain point.

SPOILER ALERT!!! Like the very dramatic scene with April's BFF Melissa towards the end? Heck she basically gave April & Sissy's thing the green light on a previous convo so WTF girl?! If you've read RR you know what I'm talking about.

To be fair, Mankin is an effective writer, in some cases I would DNF the story but for some reason I want to know how this shitstorm is going to right itself. And like with her other novels, I love the lyrical poem include in this novel. I always say in every Tempest book that comes out, I WISH these songs materialize into actual music so we can have the pleasure of experiencing the stories in a different outlet.

So would I recommend this book? Sure why not but proceed with caution and brace yourself for some pretty interesting things. As for me, I have to mull over my feelings some more, I'll leave this undated for now.
Profile Image for Ruby McDemon.
824 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2018
I love how this book tied so much together in this series. IT twas a real joy getting to listen to Kai and Wen act out Dizzy and April's story. The emotions and drama throughout this book made for a really incredible read. I love when authors can write a book that deals with so much everyday life and it doesn't come off as heavy, but it comes off as a must have more. With everything that was reviled and plotted out in this book I can't wait for the sparks and awesomeness to come in the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings.
280 reviews34 followers
September 25, 2014
Pre-Order Now: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xQpof7 Releases October 9th!

Have you met the boys from Tempest yet? If not, what are you waiting for?!? I love this band and their leading ladies. I just LOVE this author's writing and her storylines.

While I think you are cheating yourself if you do not start with the beginning of this series and read them in order, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

Full review to come. Go one-click this one and add it to your to read list!
Profile Image for Angel.
1,188 reviews14 followers
December 11, 2020
never judge a book by its cover. that is what I've always heard All of my life and normally I do not. Normally I just move on past the cover and read the story.
However, I was extremely disappointed in the cover of this book. The reason being for the first time in a very long time, I was distracted by the cover. In all the Tempest books the author drones on about dizzy's hair. Calling it chocolate and kahlua. or cookies and creamor chocolate and cream. Dark and light. However for the first time, in a while, the cover actually distracted me. Dizzy is one of my favorite characters in the series, so the fact that he is not properly represented on his cover of his own book, is very disappointing.
I enjoyed the book itself, the story was rocking. However, I'm disappointed, and it lost one star, because he was not correctly represented. I was really looking forward to that.
Profile Image for Maddy Matos.
947 reviews10 followers
September 7, 2020
I don’t usually like too much reality with my romance but this author worked it so perfectly it wasn’t hard to take. Dizzy is a gorgeous rockstar and his childhood is what nightmares are made of but he’s a beautiful and gifted musician and when he falls in love it even outshined War’s love story. Dizzy knew pain and he could see it in Alice and at first he wanted to save her but the more time he was with her the more he knew he loved her and he couldn’t let her go or forget her. I loved this story and gave it five stars, something I don’t give lightly. I recommend this book highly. Can’t wait to get started on Sager’s story.
Profile Image for Dolores &#x1f49c; .
1,164 reviews16 followers
September 1, 2020
Oh Wow here it's Dizzy Lowell & April's turn to tell their story.
Though we heard the start of his & Lace's lives in Southside. And we've seen that he can't keep his eyes off Barmaid April.
We do start off slowly their connections, but it's NOT until things heat up & open up between them, where Dizzy sees that April is an abusee by her domineering older husband James whom we slightly met in Captivating Bridge & we learn so much more about him towards the end of the book.
Though April has more nastiness by the man whose meant to care for her.
Ups & Downs
493 reviews
March 6, 2025
Tough One

The nature of this book is a bit hard to handle but that is the reality some people face.
I have loved the Dizzy character and knew there was more to him. He is complex with a tough backstory.
April, a bartender, has had Fizzy's eye for some time. Her life us a total mess and that is what makes this story a tough one.
Michelle Mankin takes you out of your comfort zone. Her stories can make you uncomfortable. That is what makes her a fantastic author.
This is a captivating series.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
April 17, 2019
Relentless Rhythm was a great read by Michelle Mankin. This is book four in the Tempest series and follows Dizzy and April. Dizzy is Tempest's rhythm man who hides his scars. April is a strong bartender who has a big secret. Her marriage isn't as good as it seems to everyone else. But there is something about Dizzy that mixes her up and pulls her in. I absolutely loved reading Dizzy and April's story.
Profile Image for Caryn.
2,393 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2021
LOVED IT!

I really loved Dizzy’s story. It was so different than I expected. I never suspected what happened to Dizzy in his childhood but there were a lot of hints to pick up on. He didn’t suspect April’s situation and she certainly didn’t know about Dizzy’s. April broke down all of his barriers especially the physical ones. What a dangerous piece of work James was too. He was scary as hell. Karma served him well.

Great book!
Profile Image for Leigh Goldian.
300 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2021
Deeper than just romance

Is this a romance novel? Yes. But it goes way deeper than that. Each book in this series addresses real problems that people face in everyday life. This one addressed abuse (both emotional and physical) and hit me hard. If you can’t deal with rough stuff, these may not be the romance novels for you. But if you can, they’re wonderful and I definitely recommend them.
Profile Image for Tammy.
962 reviews9 followers
October 25, 2021
This was also a really good read, I just knew someone would snag that hawt guitarist.

The story of Dizzy and April was so deep - their backstories were so heartbreaking. They melted the ice around each others hearts and set out on an epic journey of love and honesty to the ones around them; there were some casualties along the way, but understandable.

You just can't not root for this couple!


Profile Image for Kelly Yekel.
717 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2020
This boom was really a wow factor of endurance!

So much drama unfolded in this book, that hooked me. Nobody deserves the shitty hands they're dealt in life. And everyone deals so differently. That's why I loved these characters so much. Their strength and love prevailed in the end.
2,164 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2021
Wow. The topics covered in this rockstar series. Here we have physical spousal abuse and sexual abuse.
We figure out why Dizzy has always been the way he is — the hookup king.
We meet April, who becomes the object of Dizzy’s obsession. There’s betrayal by friends. And then, there’s the true meaning of family.
Profile Image for Patti Williams.
263 reviews
July 10, 2022
I was looking forward to Dizzy’s story and it wasn’t a disappointment! April put up a good front and no one knew of the crap she was dealing with at home. Dizzy falls hard and unexpectedly for her, having no real clue what he’s getting himself into. I’m glad Dizzy gets his hea. Things for the Tempest family continue to get better!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,795 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2021
Good

This book was so good. This series has been awesome! I really like Dizzy and April. Mel got on my nerves.
2,497 reviews
books-boxed-sets
July 25, 2021
In boxed set - "The Complete Tempest Rock Star Series, books 1-6"
2,730 reviews22 followers
December 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved getting to know Dizzy more. His story is heartbreaking as I suspected. April at times was a bit frustrating but I did like them together.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,631 reviews419 followers
October 9, 2014
Review by Lisa Kane

This is the fourth book in the Tempest series. Dizzy Lowell is the rhythm guitarist for the band and is Lace's brother. (her heartbreaking story and her reconnection with Bryan Jackson was told in Irresistible Refrain) He is a manwhore, a player of women. His shared childhood with Lace is one of nightmares with his crackwhore mother and her freak pimps. He may be a god on the guitar, but he thinks he is garbage and unworthy of anything more than groupies and skanks. Love is for other people, he believes in music.


April Reynolds tends the bar at The Diamond Mine. She is sunshine on the outside but hides the ugly truth of her home life from everyone else. Especially her mom and her little brothers. Her mom has enough to contend with; her husband is seriously ill and she has her hands full. April is married to an older man, James and he is truly the devil incarnate. He is quick to ignite and gets off on giving her pain, whether it be from rough sex or batting her around. She is suffocating, but life rarely throws your a life raft, and she doesn't think one will be showing up in her life any time soon.


When Dizzy gets to know April at the bar, he is attracted to her, and something about him draws her in, but this can only lead to bad things. Dizzy throws gasoline on the fire and tantalizes "Kitten" as he calls her, at every turn,


"You look at me and imagine what it would be like to kiss me. I look at those perfect lips of yours and know the only improvement I could make is to stick my tongue between them and taste you."


April is so sick of her life with James that just for once she wants to throw caution to the wind.


I was going to get what I wanted for a change. Just this one little thing. "Kiss me. Please." I tilted my head back, peering directly into his gleaming eyes through my lowered lids. "I wanna know if the rumors I've heard about you are true."


This starts a dangerous game that includes deceiving those closest to them, including April's best friend Mel. Who can be trusted and how can James not find out what is going on? Meanwhile, James' illegal business is attracting the attention of some heavy hitters who can retaliate against him and those around him. April's life is falling apart but she is helpless to stop the spiraling. Dizzy finds himself under her spell, but can't stop the abuse he suspects her husband subjects her to.


"I know what's under that scarf, Kitten." "It's not what you think." He hands fluttered up as if to cover the bruises that were already well concealed.



Dizzy tries to understand why April stays with James.


"Why do you stay with him?" I laid it all out there. "You don't love him, and you're obviously afraid of him. How does that even work?"

"Don't." She tried to run away, but I framed her delicate face so she couldn't. Her cheeks turned pink and her eyes got even brighter. "I don't want to talk about him. Please. I don't even want to think about him." Her impassioned tone and her expression revealed her desperation. "Just for one night. I want to pretend he doesn't even exist. To pretend I'm a woman a guy like you might be interested in."



But James is not as clueless about them as they want to believe and he plants a seed of doubt in April about Dizzy. She shuts down the two of them, and Dizzy is left out in the cold. As much as he wants to move on, to go back to the way his life was before April, he can't. She is part of his soul and he wants her back.


What happens when James finds out his suspicions are true? What fallout will there be and can Dizzy and April ever have a future together?


"You've never been interested in that before, James."

"You're right. I haven't." His fingers dug into my knee so hard I gasped. "Didn't have a reason to doubt you before, though, did I? The guys say Lowell's been around. Do I need to remind you what happens if I catch you two together?"




As with all the books in this series, there is an element of danger and plenty of steam! These two are tortured souls-Dizzy is held captive to his past and April to her present. But both want a future and they want it together. This one is another great read!



Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,269 reviews58 followers
October 8, 2014
This latest in the Tempest series was absolutely incredible. I have loved every one of Michelle Mankin's books in her Black Cat collection and Relentless Rhythm did not disappoint!!!

This is Dizzy Lowell's story. The sexy, rhythm guitarist for Tempest. The love 'em and leave 'em guy who doesn't keep a woman for more than 15 minutes. Who only has love for his sister Lace and for his band, when they aren't knee-deep in drama. But this man, who harbors secrets that makes him not want to get close to any one woman, can't seem to get a beautiful brown-haired beauty, out of his mind. And that scares him. April Reynolds is married and very off limits. Yet there is something in the way she carries herself, the way she reacts to others, especially while bartending at the band's hangout, the Mine, that has Dizzy very interested in knowing April more. He senses a hurt deep inside her. One that he knows all too well. And our Rhythm Man will stop at nothing and no one to get closer to the woman who could rock his world to it's core, possibly destroying both of them in the process.

This is not your usual rock and roll story. Dizzy and April have an almost desperate love. They both fill the void for each other that is missing from their lives. But April is married to a very controlling and cruel man who will not let go of his prized possession all that easily. What follows is a harrowing and exciting journey that pulls out all the stops. There are explosive, passionate scenes, combined with painful memories, and tender moments. Just when you think our couple has it all figured out, someone throws another wrench in their desire to be together. The way the author gives enough attention to supporting characters to make the story that much more riveting is a gift. There are other tangents, other dramas unfolding within one book and it is all seamlessly joined together beautifully.

Many members of the Black Cat family are present and I always love seeing what some of my favorites are up to and how much they all rely on each other for both support and continuing conflict! You know more will be coming in this series and the way Michelle Mankin sets it up so that you are clamoring for more is total brilliance.

I loved this story. The author has a unique way of taking some bad ass boys of Rock and showing their tender sides without ever making them feel less than the men that they are.

Dizzy and April's bumpy road is filled with adventure, passion, steam, betrayal, small victories and mostly love. You will quickly fall for both the writer's words and these characters just like I did.

A huge 5 stars for another gem in this great series.
Profile Image for Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today.
723 reviews28 followers
October 19, 2014
I have loved every single book in this series and this one, by far, it's my favorite.
Dizzy Lowell had an incredible sad and horrible childhood, he lived through some things that no child should be exposed to or go through. But he went through them protecting his only sister and at the end becoming a survivor, with the emotional scars to prove his ordeal. He taught himself to play the guitar becoming an extraordinary player.
Due to the nature of his past his never been into relationships or becoming emotionally attached to any woman. His ideas start changing when he meets April Reynolds, the bartender where him and his friends from Tempest hang out on their free time.
April seems well put together, to have a "normal" life, and to be in a "loving" marriage, but nothing could be farther from reality. She's still trying to get over a heartbreaking loss that almost destroyed her, tied up to an abusive man who blames her for said loss and tries to manipulate her every step of the way.
No one knows the truth, no one knows the reality of her situation, until one day Dizzy discovers the bruises hiding underneath a scarf. The attraction he has for her pulls him to her and makes him want to be the one to know her better and save her from the hell she's been living.
Can two broken souls help each other heal or would they be each other's downfall?
This story is full of twist and turns, some that the reader doesn't even see coming, aside from that, the roller coaster of emotions that we go through is intense.
The two main characters are utterly broken souls, each for different reasons, yet so similar. Their lives entwined at a point where they both need it the most, and although the road for them is a very rocky one, it's beautiful to see how each other grow and realizes that there is so much more beyond what they're norm has been.
The book deals with some serious subject matters but the author does a good job of portraying them in a very respectful way. This is a series about a rock band and although we do see glimpses of that life, I love that the author focuses on the members lives as individuals and human beings than as the stage persona.
Another incredible book on this series. I really can't wait to see who and what's coming next.
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,302 reviews30 followers
February 14, 2017
This story gets intense when we find out what's been happening with April & her husband, I never liked him from the start I might add. Dizzy is a rocker with such a caring heart and can't keep his thoughts to himself when it comes to April. I love seeing the kind of man Dizzy is and how he never backs down from a challenge. I just want to scream at April to stop fighting for somethings and fight like hell for others. Their story is one you'll never forget. I enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,979 reviews91 followers
October 20, 2014
I was extremely excited to get Dizzy's story. He is one of the guys of Tempest that I have always had a soft spot for. And I must tell you that his story did not disappoint. We've seen bits and pieces of him and his past before, but this time we get the real deal. We readers get to experience him like never before. Even with his past and the pain and hurt that he has endured…he is one of those guys I will always think back fondly on. Absolutely adored him.

I really, really liked April. And I got to say that I am not a huge fan of cheating but for situations like the one April has found herself in, I am actually ok with it. Once you read you will understand. Her home life is beyond a nightmare and the man that she is married to doesn't deserve her. So yeah, in the end I was ok with her decisions she made throughout the book. She is a sweetheart of a person and truly cares for her loved ones. I hurt when she did, I smiled when she did. I just liked her so much. The perfect girl for our boy Dizzy.

Other than that little tidbit of info, (I know some people hate to be surprised there is cheating in a book) I don't want to go much more into the story because I would hate to spoil it for you. Just know I loved it so much and I think you will too. It is very suspenseful towards the end. The kind that has you sitting on the edge of your seat. Mankin has once again written a book that made me feel! Looking forward to more books in this series and anything else Mankin wants to write.

5 Couldn’t Get Enough Of This Book Stars!
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