Finding Rhythm

author-review contemporary-romance drama

Anyone that knows me is aware of my love for the Rock Star genre and ever since I first read Playing At Love in the Rogue Series, Lara Ward Cosio has cemented her place as one of my all time favorite auto buy authors. Ms Ward-Cosio has the superpower of writing about a fictional band that you would swear is real, oh and speaking of REAL - Finding Rhythm is as real as it gets. What sets her apart is her willingness to tell the story as her characters dictate regardless of what anyone thinks or may have an issue with. but guess what - if you can't see beyond your hang up, you are missing out on a beautifully written book about a man's journey to discover himself.
Martin Whelan, the bassist for the Rogues was always in the background - always, and had no problem with it. He was the stable one,the not as attractive one, the quiet one and often the butt of gags and jokes at the amusement of his band mates, practically invisible,as the front man Gavin McManus (Tangled Up In You-Rogues Book 1) and Conor Quinn (Playing At Love Rogues Book 2) made a second career out of tabloid headlines. You see Martin was married to his high school sweetheart since he was 19, became a father for the first time at 21 and has been able to avoid all the excesses of the rock star life with the guidance of his wife Celia. In fact Martin doesn't consider himself a rock star, he is just a musician.
All of this is about to change as Martin suddenly realizes he's been missing out of things he didn't know he was missing, which includes recognizing his own self-worth to his band mates and his family and even love. Along with this journey comes the realization that what you thought your life should be, was sometimes not what it's meant to be.
Reading about Martin's awakening can be funny, sad, sweet, heartbreaking and most of all recognizable as life happens and even in books, the journey is not always pretty but the outcome can be real.
So catch up with Gavin, Sophie, Conor, Fee, Shay and Jessica as they help Martin realize his happiness starts with himself.
Thank you Lara for taking the chance on Martin and for this gift - Can't wait to see what is in store next.

Dianne

6,815 reviews630 followers

November 4, 2017

Even rock stars are human and Lara Ward Cosio’s FINDING RHYTHM underscores this in spades, from the private moments that an eager public will devour with salacious glee to the consequences of trying to live a lie.

Ms. Cosio doesn’t pretty up her stories, she brings to life, warts and all and we are witness to the highs and lows of a successful rock band on and off the stage. Martin has always been the quiet one, the solid sound who stayed in the background, behind the glitz his more flamboyant band members shined in. Then again, that may have been why Martin finally broke his marriage vow, because he was that dependable, predictable guy who let everyone else run his life, including his often critical, yet efficient wife. Maybe Martin, right or wrong finally felt important, capable and desired as a man.

Martin will embark on a painful and often lonely and confusing journey to finding himself and what happiness really is. He will discover that he can love his children with all his heart, but in spite of his fame with the band, he is entitled to feel good about himself…and maybe he went about things the wrong way, but just maybe he needed to color outside of the lines and discover that there was more to life than acceptance of other people’s rules.

Well, color me shocked! Color me appalled with Martin! Then color me hurting for him and wishing him the life he needs, just as his friends and bandmates are doing as they find new joys, rekindle friendships and deal with life. Everyone wants/needs to feel important or special and Martin resembled a human doormat far too often.

FINDING RHYTHM is an emotionally jarring tale of one man’s journey for real happiness and Lara Ward Cosio has held nothing back in telling a raw and jagged tale that may be written as a fictitious story, but is very real, very human and will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster where life can be as distorted as a fun house mirror without the fun. Her writing style is bold, her gift for creating atmosphere and timing each event perfectly reads like reality, flawed, but ultimately worth the journey!

I am voluntarily reviewing this copy!

Series: Rogue Series - Book 4
Publisher: Rogue Publications (October 24, 2017)
Publication Date: October 24, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 297 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

SandraBarg

314 reviews4 followers

September 28, 2017

Lara's books are so hard to review because I never feel as though I can do them justice, but...here goes. I loved Martin's story. It was so true to life, how people can grow apart. If one person grows and another stays stagnant, how do you stay together? The guilt you feel when you have made a family and been together for a long time, but needing more, can eat you alive. This book is so true to life, I was mesmerized! It is a love story with all the true gritty, messy, heartbreaking parts of life. This is a story of love between friends that become your family, as Lara does so well, bringing all of her characters from the Rogue series in to the story to help Martin on his journey, to give you that sense of seeing old friends, and catching up on their lives. The writing makes you feel as if you are right there with them, going through it together. I'm sure many people will fall in love with, and better yet, be able to relate to Martin. This was a fantastic story, and I hope we will see more of The Rogue's in the future. I highly recommend this book, The entire series!

Jamie Ellis

1,131 reviews15 followers

September 28, 2017

"It's Come to This"
First off I have loved this series from the beginning but I think Martin is my favorite. I can relate a little with the circumstances he finds himself in. Where you let day to day life of being married and letting others dictate what your going to do, whom you spend your time with, ummmm and "sigh" unfortunately even the sexual frustration especiallly after 29 yrs of being with the same person but shhhh...that's on the down low. Poor Martin is even sometimes the joke of the group atleast from what I'm reading and have read from the past books in the series. Let's just say he's understated for a better word and sadly true. I loved that he finally got a push to work on his appearance, I mean whom doesn't love a tattooed, pierced and ripped RockStar?? This girl loves them "swoon". I am so glad he got to come out of his shell and he started to stand up for himself and found himself in the process.

Lara Ward Cosio did an amazing job with this story and series. I hope she's not actually done writing it because I think we need another wedding in the works and maybe some kind of reunion of the characters and the children. I loved the fact we get bits and pieces of each character in all of her books, and up to date of what's going on in their lives in each book. The focus might be on character of the story but you still get them all. The RockStar world isn't all fun and games either and she writes about some tough issues in this one that she brings such realism to it that your swept into it and feel every emotion each person is going through and that's an amazing feat for a writer to install in their books and for a reader to experience and she does it brilliantly. She definitely paints an awesome picture for you to follow but just with words.....amazing.

If you haven't read "Tangled Up In You" book 1, "Playing At Love" book 2, "Hitting That Sweet Spot" book 3 you really should before reading this one. "Finding Rhythm" is the 4th book and should be read in order just to get the perfect picture and effect of the series and it's completion. So please check this amazing series out and the RockStar's of the band "Rogue".

I received an ARC for this honest review and I hope I've done this series and author justice.

Thank you Jamie Nibarger Ellis

Doris

3,556 reviews138 followers

October 6, 2017

This is a phenomenal series that brings bass player and family man, Martin to the forefront. If you were like me you were totally surprised how Martin was the “good” family man that did not partake in the wild parties and the groupies. Martin was denying himself all the came with being a successful rock star because he knew of no other way at that time. He married his high school sweetheart at 19 just as the band was taking off. He became the father of three boys that he loved with all his heart but it was the judgmental and rigid Celia that did not give Martin the backing and love that a marriage partner needs to. His “just getting through life” spilled over into his band as well. He was allowing the rest of the guys in the band to be the leaders and let him be the brunt of their jokes as well. That is until Danny Boy’s keeper, Ashley, joined the tour and she began to point out that he was someone who didn’t even like himself very well. Ashley was there to whip Martin in to shape that would give him a rock hard body along with piercings and tattoos. This was so far out of line for Martin but he was beginning to see what he was denying himself for way to long just to keep status quo.

Martin was denying himself any kind of true happiness and love which was out there waiting for him until Ashley opened his eyes to that as well. Martin knew his marriage was over but there was no way he’d ever be over raising his boys. He was realizing that he could be happy in life if he just stood up and took the reins on his own life. Martin went crazy at first when he found his freedom but it was learning how to reel things back in that showed him the life he deserved. He began being more vocal and noticeable with his band but with all of this he still hadn’t found that person who was able to love him and cherish him as he deserved…until?

Lara Ward Cosio has given us a rock romance series that makes these men seem multidimensional. We are given the hard driving life of a rock star and their journey from young men starting to get a taste of the good life to becoming the adults they are now with having significant others and children. This is a series that has tackled difficult subjects as well from addiction, to depression, to fidelity and leaves you wanting only more from the men of Rogue.

arc rock-star-romance

Caryn

2,384 reviews3 followers

This book did not surprise me in that it was, indeed, a five star read like I knew we would receive from Lara Ward Cosio!

This story, although Martin's, caught us up with the rest of the guys and gals we have come to love. There were many issues covered in this story...suicide, mental illness, addiction, and reluctance to leave a loveless relationship for "the sake of the kids". I could expound endlessly on what there is to love about this book! Suffice it to say that you'll NEVER regret reading this series if you love rock stars. Lovable, screwed up characters....sounds like real people to me.

I am so glad we had Martin's story. He was always the quiet guy in the background and now we know he was the strong guy too.

Thanks Lara! For the rest of you....BUY, READ, LOVE!

Roxs Reads

818 reviews1 follower

Martin was the quiet good boy who followed the rules and did everything he was told - until his eyes were opened.

I loved Martin's story. I've always felt he deserved so much more and now he has it. Martin was always in the shadows of the front band members. He did his thing, kept his nose clean, and always went home to his devoted wife. When his wife starts to see unwelcome changes in Martin's character, she becomes suspicious, unreceptive and unsupportive.

Martin struggles with what to do, he loves his boys and loves his wife, but is it enough? Can he sacrifice the inner part of himself that is bursting to come out.

Finding Rhythm is the fourth book in the Rogue series - the story of Martin's journey to find himself. He does some crazy stuff on that journey and it is an amazing ride. All of the rogue boys make an appearance in this one and we get to see the group back in action as a band and as friends, friends who now have a new path to follow. I loved finding out how everyone else is doing and all the new developments in their lives.

Lara has done an amazing job with Finding Rhythm. Martin is now one of my favorites.

BlueBug

893 reviews2 followers

October 11, 2018

I couldn't put this one down until I finished it in the wee hours of the morning. There were so many of the "typical" expectations from Martin because he'd married while young, and he didn't know any better than the life he'd had with his wife, Celia. He's always been the butt of jokes and had people putting him down, from his bandmates to his wife. And he's never been much for working out like the rest of the band, so he's a bit out of shape. That is until he meets the woman who is supposed to be helping Danny Boy stay clean. She shows him the man underneath the man who has been at the bottom of the totem pole. When all of the changes start having an affect on his marriage and his public image, he begins drawing the scrutiny of the tabloids as the rest of the band before him. We are left wondering if he will cave and go back to the life he worked so hard and went through so much trouble to overcome or if he will finally find the kind of happiness he didn't realized he'd been longing for.

I felt so sorry for Martin when his story began. It was tough watching him hang in the shadows of everyone around him. And when he stepped out into the light, he had no idea how to handle it and ended up tripping over himself. It was tough to watch but growing experiences are never easy.

It was fun catching up on the other members of the band and seeing what kind of mayhem Martin could get himself into. This was one of those stories you can see coming, know it's going to wreck, and you can't help watching it anyway. I knew it was going to be difficult from the first time he caught a medicine ball, but it was amazing to see him push through all of it. This one brought tears to my eyes and made me chuckle.

I'm glad I had the chance to read this series. It was full of teenage angst, growing pains, hard truths and moving forward. I really enjoyed it. And I look forward to finding out how Danny Boy fares in the next book.

Angela

7,875 reviews117 followers

5 Stars

Finding Rhythm is the fourth book in the Rogue Series by Lara Ward Cosio. This is my first read from this author- how have I not discovered her before now??? I love a good Rockstar romance- and this story really didn’t disappoint. It is a little different from some of the other Rockstar romances- it is a raw, gritty, ‘warts-and-all’ journey of discovery. It isn’t a glamourized, glossy or ‘fluffy’ take on a rock star story. I am impressed by Ms. Ward Cosio’s ability to write complex, realistic and believable characters. She drew me into the story, telling a tale with a lot of depth and taking me on quite an emotional ride.
Martin Whelan is the bass player for Rogue. He is the quiet, laid-back and dependable member to the group. He has always taken a backseat to his band mates and their wilder ways. He seems to have quite an enviable life- married quite young, to his high school sweetheart- and soon after children became a part of the picture too, three sons who mean the world to him. But things aren’t quite as ideal as it appears, Martin feels like something is missing, like he’s stuck, feeling lonely and unappreciated. He has been in denial for quite some time. Circumstances have him questioning where his life is headed and what really matters to him.
We follow him on this journey of discovery- where Martin rediscovers himself, his passion, talent, friendships and happiness. He refuses to be a doormat any longer, and this isn’t a smooth transition, he goes through quite a lot along the way, it was heartbreaking, sweet, funny and emotional- and I was riveted to every word.
I will definitely be reading the other books in the series now, too. I am looking forward to seeing what Ms. Ward Cosio has in store for us next!

Thank you, Ms. Ward Cosio!

Nicole Swan

5 reviews

Find sexy HOT rhythm with Martin's story!!!

Lara writes unforgettable, amazing steamy rock star romance! I have been tingling with sweet anticipation for the story of Martin, the underdog of the band, the one who's been hiding in the back of the light of the other flashy, dynamic characters ... The bass player for Rogue loves deeply, he gives with all that he is, and all he is becoming, this rocker is HOT! HOT! HOT! I loved Martin's story of discovery, how he comes to own his sensual power, talent and light and finds someone who loves him the way this beautiful character deserves. Well done to the talented Lara again for an exquisitely satisfying instalment to a five star rock star romance series. As I love with all of Lara's books, you get to catch up with some of your other fave rockers and their loves and dramas, which adds to the rich tapestry of the irresistible world she creates. Lara writes the SEXIEST, swoon inducing rock stars because they are so beautiful in their brokenness, and courage to dig deep to deal with the ugly of the reality of being ... well, despite the rock star status, human. Lara doesn't shy away from some difficult themes in this book, and all are sensitively and thoughtfully treated. I love a book that makes me smile, I love a book that makes me sweat (Lara's sultry intimate sexy scenes nail it again for me ... ), and I love a book that reads as deliciously smooth as silk. A one-click author for me who treats her readers like they are VI f*&king P with her five star, steamy, addictive word movies!

Debi

1,126 reviews6 followers

Finding Rhythm (Rogue Rockstar Book 4) By Lara Ward Cosio

5 Stars

This is my 1st book by this author and it figures it’s book 4 of the series. I absolutely loved this book, I’m sad I didn’t read the first three but that’s easily solved. I just have to know all the back stories on all these characters and how they all got to where they are in this book.

I loved how this book was primarily about Martin but it kept changing POV’s to keep the other characters all front and center. There is so much going on in all their lives and I loved following all of them.

Martin had me feeling every emotion possible, and the confusing part is that even when I was so mad at him I wanted to slap him I still found a way to understand everything he was doing and feeling. The one thing I admired about him while he was going through the process of finding himself or his midlife crisis or whatever it was he never once wavered in his role as a dad. This book has given me a new favorite character to hate, I won’t even give the name in this review, read the book I promise you will know who it is.

I loved this book, it flowed perfectly and I hated when it was over. The author kept my attention through every word on every page and I can not wait to go back and read the first three and I’m truly hoping there will be a number 5 in this series, there’s still at least 1 person left that I’d love to see get their own book, I think it would be a favorite as well.

Many many thanks to this author for an amazingly brilliant story that felt so real!

Kim Shofner

181 reviews1 follower

This is my first book to read of this series. I'm so going back to read the others especially if they're like this one! I have laughed, I've cried, I've wanted to beat characters but most of all I've fallen in love with them. I loved watching Marty grow into himself as a man. With so many people dragging him in different directions he needed to learn how to say no and be himself. I liked how the author brought the other bandmates into the story too. I feel like I'm missing some pieces to the puzzle but I'll make up for that when I go back and read from the beginning.

Terri (N.J.)

922 reviews47 followers

October 6, 2020

Finding Rhythm is the 4th book in the Rogue series. This is Martins book and I was glad because we didn’t get as much of him in previous books. He had his issues like everyone else in the band so it was not short on drama. I loved him with Lainey!! They are perfect for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the guys of Rogue. These stories were well written and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed reading them all.

Lara Cosio

Author 14 books223 followers

Read

April 17, 2020

Image may contain: one or more people, people playing musical instruments, guitar and text

Laura Furuta

2,047 reviews28 followers

Finding Rhythm (Rogue Rockstar Series Book 4)
By: Lara Ward Cosio
5 out of 5 stars

The story Finding Rhythm (Rogue Rockstar Series Book 4) by Lara Ward Cosio is a contemporary romance book. This is a wonderful book that I loved reading. It is the next story in a series that I have loved since I read the first book. This story drew me in and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. I love that Martin now has his own book. He is the bass player for the rock band Rogue. He is a character that always seemed to be in the background compared to his bandmates. While their lives and romances were very public his was very different. He was content with his wife who set the boundaries for his life and his three children who he adores. Then he starts a friendship with someone who was touring with the band and things began to change. He starts to question where his life is going and how he was living it. He also finds himself wondering just where he really stands with the other members of the band and his place in it. He has a conflict within him now that he struggles to resolve. Martin then begins a journey to resolve that conflict and to decide what path his life is going to take. Where will this journey lead him? Martin’s journey has a lot of ups and downs to it and is very emotional. He now finds himself in the tabloids just like his bandmates did. I love that fact that whatever happened in Martin’s life his love for his children and the need to be there for them is always a priority to him. I love when an author has a series and brings the characters from the previous books into the current one. I love how I get to catch up on what has been going on in their lives. It is like visiting with friends. Most of the other characters in this book are Martin’s bandmates and friends. They are there for Martin and offer their help and advice. I have loved every story that I have read by this author. She creates wonderful stories with amazing characters. I can’t wait to read what she writes next. This book does include mature subject matter and I would recommend it for those 18 years of age or older.

Bobbi Wagner

4,960 reviews59 followers

Tracy Antonelli Manderson

Finding Rhythm (Rogue Rockstar Series Book 4) by Lara Ward Cosio is the fourth book in her Rogue Rockstar series. This series can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest you read this series from the beginning. You will get more from this story by reading from the beginning. This series just keeps getting better and better with every installment this author writes. One of my favorite things when I read a series is how we get to see what has happened to characters in previous books. This author has done that in this one and more. I enjoy her writing style and how she can pull me in to the music world from the first word. Her attention to details make me feel as if I am right there with the characters and feeling what they do. Her creative characters are connectable, lovable and true to life. They will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions from anger to compassion to laughter. In this installment you have the story of Martin. Martin is the bass player for Rogue. He has always been in the background but has been happy there. He married his high school sweetheart at the age of 19 and has been with her all this time. What happens when he starts realizing that he might be missing something from his life? He starts questioning his self worth to the band, his family and his wife. He goes on a journey of discovery that sometimes what you think your life should be isn't always what was meant to be. I enjoyed his character. I felt bad for him at times because it was like he really was just lost in his life. I enjoyed how we get to see his journey of self discovery from start to finish. Will he realize what he has been searching for has been right in front of his face the whole time? Will he take a stand and stand up for himself? The secondary characters in this story as just as enjoyable the first time I read about them as they were in this story. You will love them! I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what Martin's story is.

Dawn Daughenbaugh

2,063 reviews19 followers

November 4, 2017

5 Star

Finding Rhythm (Rogue Rockstar Series Book 4)

By Lara Ward Cosio

Finding Rhythm (Rogue Rockstar Series Book 4) By Lara Ward Cosio is the fourth book in the Rogue Rockstar Series. This is a contemporary romance book and I literally couldn't put it down once I started reading. I loved this book as I've enjoyed every book in this series.so far.I really like the authors style of writing and her ability to grab your attention from the beginning to the end. The story flows and the characters are amazing. I was super excited to see Martin was getting his own book.Martin is the Bass player for the band Rogue,he's always just been in the background when compared to the other band mates. Martin's live is so much different than his bandmates,he was very content with his ,she set boundaries fir not only him but their three children whom Martin just adores.A friendship begins between him and someone who was touring with the band and changes start happening ,he finds himself questioning where's his life going and the way he's been living it.He finds himself also wondering just where exactly does he stand with the other members of the band and what his place is..He now finds himself struggling and trying to resolve it..Martin the sets out on a journey to figure out what path his life is going to take and to hopefully resolve the conflict he's having. This journey of Martin's has a few ups and downs and at times was very emotional. Now he finds himself in the dang tabloids just like his bandmates. The one thing that never changed no matter what his life brought was the love for his children and the need to be there for them is and always will be top priority. .I love that we get to see what's happening in the lives of other characters from the previous books in the series.I must say Martin's has been my favorite but I've enjoyed every book. I highly recommend not only this book but the entire series. I'm sure you will love it as much as I have.I look forward to reading more from this author.

679 reviews5 followers

Finding Rhythm (Rogue Series #4) by Lara Ward Cosio
5 out of 5 star
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend you read the whole series…..
I simply love this series Finding Rhythm is the fourth book in the Rogue Series by Ms. Cosio. The characters are well written and well developed that made me mad but also laugh at times. We also get to see our favorite couples and what there up too. We have a few twist and terns but in a good way.
Martin Whelan has always been a “middle of the road” guy, content with his lot in life and liked to stay in the background. Granted, his lot was a fortuitous one. As bass player for Rogue, the world-famous Irish rock band, he’d gladly ridden the coattails of his more passionate and inspired band-mates. He was proficient and dependable at his part in the band, and that was enough for all concerned.
Martin married at a young age going from his mother’s arms to his wife’s arms he settled into married life and quickly became the father to three boys he loved more than anything in the world. His wife, Celia, ran their lives with both precision and restraint, and Martin took comfort in the boundaries she set. It was a welcome counterbalance to the reckless lives his band-mates led.
Everything was good until his wife Celia found the text messages. Now he is on a journey that will lead to epic highs and lows. Together with help from his band-mates, he’ll forge ahead to finally find his rhythm.
But what will he have to sacrifice to get it? Will Celia take him back or will they divorce? Can they move forward in the decisions and sacrifices they have made.
You will have to read this amazing book/series…
By
Tracy

Liz

1,327 reviews19 followers

The real and raw happily ever after…
This is the first novel that I have read by Lara Ward Cosio and the first in this series. I would say I wish I had read more of the series prior to reading this one, mostly because this was so well written and it was obvious there was several backstories that I was missing out on.
This book shared the story of Martin Whelan. He is a bass player for his band, but more importantly for the purpose for this book I felt, he is a husband and father that has lost his way. At 32 he is lost and feeling like he is experiencing a midlife crisis and has no identity. For years he has relied on so many others including his wife to tell him what to do and how to do it, including how to live that he has forgotten how to do the simplest of tasks and enjoy them on his own. It isn’t until a new tour with his band sends a new trainer named Ashely along to help keep him in line, that things start to change for him. After a bit of hesitation and whining she breaks through the surface of Martin and starts to bring out the guy hiding underneath. Soon there is a new look; a new body, new haircut, new tattoos, new piercings, a Rockstar that was waiting to be unleashed. Surely this will cause waves at home in any marriage let alone one that is a dictatorship. What happens next is a real and raw portrayal of life. I love how the author kept things realistic. Life isn’t always a fairytale. Sometimes it takes a little heartbreak and struggle to get to our happily ever after and I really enjoyed that part of it. I would be very interested in going back to read more of this series. Well done!

Katie

2,260 reviews15 followers

Finding Rhythm
By Lara Ward Cosio
5 stars

I absolutely love this series and I was so excited to read Martin’s story – it was not what I was expecting at all! Wow – I’m still a little shocked but in a good way. Although the books is primarily his story we also get chapters from the rest of the band too which is fantastic, I loved catching up on them and seeing their stories continue. As always with this authors books they are such an emotional read and Finding Rhythm was no exception. She brings something special to her characters by keeping them real and showing that they have problems that we can all empathise with. I will admit at the beginning of the story I really felt for Celia but my opinion certainly changed the deeper in the story I went. Martin has always been the good one in the band doing everything he should so I loved seeing him emerge as an individual in this story. Gavin, Connor and Shay (to some extent) seem to have found their place in the band but Martin never did – until this story. I think he has become one of my favourites. I might not agree with everything that he did but I did feel for him and once he began to open up about everything I could see how he felt like he had no other choice really. I loved his relationship with Shay and how they were there for each other.
This series is firmly remaining one of my favourites and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with! She is a very talented author and her books are an absolute pleasure to read.

5-star

Naomi Valkyrie

Author 24 books152 followers

November 5, 2017

Finding Rhythm is the fourth book in the Rogue Rockstar series. It can be read as a standalone.

This story follows the lives of members of the band Rogue as they navigate stardom and trying to balance it with their family lives. Finding Rhythm is mainly focused on Martin (Marty) and his evolution as a person.

Marty has always been in the background, even on stage during performances he does nothing to stand out. He’s living a life of routine, both professionally and personally. His marriage of 10 years is predictable and comfortable. He thinks he’s happy, until he meets Ashley. Ashley starts engaging him in activities he had no interest in before, like working out. She helps him get in shape and then it turns into something more personal. When he gets caught with his pants down, literally, the tabloids have a field day with it and suddenly Marty finds his world turned upside down.

Even though he isn’t going to pursue a relationship with Ashley, he recognizes that she has opened his eyes to just how unhappy he really has been in his marriage. His wife has a lot of expectations and she has no desire to be physical on a regular basis. He realizes that he’s been stunted and barely living.

The book follows his path through dealing with his transformation into a person who is willing to take control of his life and finally make his own choices, even if some of them turn out to be colossal mistakes. The one thing Marty knows is not a mistake is the interest he has taken in a new woman, Lainey. Now, if only he can get her to see that…

I enjoyed this book. I’ll probably pick up the others in the series.

Michelle Austin

2,830 reviews44 followers

Title:Finding Rhythm
Author:Lara Ward Cosio
Series: Rogue Series #4

Finding Rhythm was a great 5 star read.

This was a very interesting look into Martin's life and his marital issues with Celia. He is struggling with what he has with Ashley. He didn’t sleep with her, but when Celia saw the texts it was enough for her to ask Martin to leave for awhile.

Martin finds himself flying to the states to stay with Shay and be closer to Ashley. He is also reflecting on his marriage with Celia, are they really over? There is something about Ashley that has awaken him into someone new, into that bad boy rocker with piercings and tattoos.

Is Martin having a midlife crisis? Will he keep out of the tabloids while he figures things out?

Martin really turned into what I consider a bad boy rocker but yet tried to keep a stable home for his boys. He was struggling with the media attention considering he never had to deal with that before, and boy did he ever make the headlines. He ends up finding what he was looking for with Lainey and gets his HEA, for now. Martin felt like everything was coming together at this point in his life, like he was fully living. And he was certain it would only get better.

All the secondary characters were great, I really liked how supportive all the band members were of each other. There was one scene that Shay had me LOL so much, what a good friend to go with Martin. Lara Ward Cosio does a great job of pulling you right in and this series is great, love me some rocker bad boys.

itsy-bitsy-book-bits

Maura

2,171 reviews6 followers

Natalie Weston Book Club Gone Wrong

Finding Rhythm is book 4 in the Rogue Series by Laura Ward Cosio. The series tells the stories of the band members from Rogue and this installment features the bassist, Martin. I did not look at the cover before beginning this book and in my head I saw him as Krist Novoselic of Nirvana. Yet, when he was talking to his wife he began to morph into a more middle aged man who was awkward and quiet and who just allowed his wife to brow beat him. It’s weird, because I never really got a good grasp of who he was until around ¾ of the way through the book. The way Laura Ward Cosio writes had me changing my view of him back and forth frequently. She is a terrific author and writes very detailed images.

Martin goes through a bit of a mid-life crisis at the age of 32 and I think we could all relate to him in one way or another. When we finally “become” adult enough to realize we don’t want what we thought we did, it can be very scary. I’m very glad when he finally found his Rhythm to be who he wanted to be.

This book was also an enjoyable way to catch up with the other guys from Rogue and see how their ladies are doing. It’s always nice to see band families grow and change and stick together. I’m sure there are still more stories to be told if the author wanted to continue on this journey.

This book can absolutely be read as a stand-alone but if you like multiple POV’s from different band members as the lead, read the whole series.

79 reviews8 followers

I might be a rockstar romance junkie, I might be a little biased but this author has a way of telling a story that sets her apart from other authors. Her depiction of their day to day life and the way she sets up each scene has you living the story right along with her characters. In my opinion Martin was hard story to tell. He's been with the same woman forever. Has children and is a world famous rock star. While everyone else was out having a good time Martin was always in the background being the devoted husband and father. Even when he was clearly unhappy. I was glad to finally see Martin get his story even though it was difficult. Real life happens even in books and that's another reason I like this authors writing. She's not afraid to address the day to day complications that go into living life. Things aren't always pretty, everything isn't always tied up with a neat bow. In each of the books in this series she has stayed true to the saying life happens most of the time it's great but you have to take the good with the bad. Again in this book as she has done with the others we get a little bit of each character and how they are moving on and growing. All in all this is definitely a 5 star must read series.

Kerry Baker

3,071 reviews33 followers

Finding Rhythm by Lara Ward Cosio is the fourth book in the Rogue Rockstar series. Although I would always recommend reading a series in order, even on stand-alones, to really capture the full backstory, it wasn’t a requirement for this book. I found that I could enjoy the story of the two characters in this book without feeling like I missed out on too much. Although after reading this I will certainly be going back to read the rest.

I loved how misled I felt from having read the blurb of this book and it took me completely by surprise. Martin is the living family man that adores his kids and is desperately trying to hold on to the life he has always had.
When Ashley comes along he finds his perception slowly changing and his eye being opened to new possibilities.

I cannot describe the hope that I felt by reading these two characters. Their story was so heartfelt that it drew me in and kept me turning the pages right to the end. The story was completely different to what I was expecting and this was the best surprise I could have had and definitely made me fall in love with this book even more. I am excited to read the others in the series and anything else this author has to offer!

Candida Furbush

826 reviews11 followers

Finding Rhythm (A Rogue Rockstar Series book 4) by Lara Ward Cosio, is nothing short of amazing!!! I have read the previous books in this series and I absolutely loved each and every one of them!!!!
Martin is in all of the previous books but I felt like I still didn't know him well , until now. I found that what I thought of his character wasn't the whole story. Martin and his wife Celia have been together for a very long time and have 3 children together, but sometimes from an outsider's perspective everything seems great, is it as great as it seems? As you read their story you will feel all of the emotional ups and downs. The band mates are also a very close knit group and do their best to be there for each other through the good and the bad. You can read this book as a standalone, but I suggest reading them all so that you have a better backstory of each band member and their struggles and successes. This story has all the feels you're looking for in a good story!!! I laughed I cried, and even found myself a bit surprised. I can't express my love of this series, or do justice to the author because she is really an amazing story teller!! I highly recommend reading this book, and the previous ones if you haven't already done so. I would give it more then 5 stars if I could!!!

Ashleigh

499 reviews22 followers

Finding Rhythm by Lara Ward Cisco is the fourth installment in her Rogue Rockstar Series and all I can say is HOT HOT HOT!! I loved this book and wasn’t able to put it down until I had finished it all in one sitting. I first have to say that to really enjoy this book you should read the other books in this series, otherwise the dynamics of the band Rogue may not come across the way it is meant to with Martin’s story. Martin has to be my favorite of the entire band as he just goes with the flow and is in the band for the music and not all the other entrapments that come with being an international music sensation. In the other books, Martin is more of the background guy and it wasn’t until this book that you really get to see him shine, which makes the tattooed, pierced and ripped rockstar even hotter! Before picking up this series, I had loved rockstar genre books, but Lara Ward Cosio really cemented my love for them. The way that she is able to make the band Rogue seem so real (like I would be hearing them on the radio while writing this review) and the characters so relatable made for the best reading experience. I love this book and can’t wait to see if there are more books in this series, or to check out anything else that Cosio has written.

2017

Nicole

385 reviews1 follower

Finding Rhythm ( Rogue Rockstar Series Book 4 )
By Lara Ward Cosio
5/5 Stars

Finding Rhythm is the fourth book in the Rogue Rockstar Series by Lara Ward Cosio. It has all the elements of a great book! You’ll laugh, cry, get angry… heck you may even want throw something.It’s a beautifully written story, about self discovery and finding your own happiness!!
I love this series!! I LOVE all The Rogue men!! I can see and hear them in my head!! I don’t know what it is about man with an accent! But I find it extremely sexy!!
I highly suggest reading the books in their proper order. Just to get a much better understanding of the characters. And the events leading up to this book. You will not regret it! You’ll love them, just as much as I do!!!
Martin Whelan is the bass guitar player for Rogue. He is settled and content with his wife and young three boys. His life is predictable and ordinary.
But along the way, he is on a journey to self discovery. He wants to find his own happiness. He is learning as he goes, lots of highs and lows.
You must read this book to see the crazy journey Martin takes you on! It’s an amazing story, with unforgettable characters! I can’t wait to see what Lara has in store for us next!!

Martha

209 reviews4 followers