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Oscar night.
Rock star legend, Ashland Keys should be on top of the world, but the blond blue-eyed SoCal surfer is disillusioned with fame, done with drugs, bored with the groupies and sick of all the fake f*ckery.
A rising star, Fanny Bay is nominated for best original song in the same category as the Dirt Dogs band, but the novel redhead with the corkscrew curls and the slight Canadian accent would prefer to chart a course with a different destination.
Hollywood is not for her.
He’s full of regrets, darkness and secrets.
She’s full of hope and light and has mysteries of her own.
He’s her reserved hero.
She’s his gypsy rose.
He’s water. She’s fire. Together, they don’t make sense.
But he’s what she’s always wanted, and she just might be everything he needs.
Rock star legend, Ashland Keys should be on top of the world, but the blond blue-eyed SoCal surfer is disillusioned with fame, done with drugs, bored with the groupies and sick of all the fake f*ckery.
A rising star, Fanny Bay is nominated for best original song in the same category as the Dirt Dogs band, but the novel redhead with the corkscrew curls and the slight Canadian accent would prefer to chart a course with a different destination.
Hollywood is not for her.
He’s full of regrets, darkness and secrets.
She’s full of hope and light and has mysteries of her own.
He’s her reserved hero.
She’s his gypsy rose.
He’s water. She’s fire. Together, they don’t make sense.
But he’s what she’s always wanted, and she just might be everything he needs.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2018
86 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Mankin
65 books1,280 followersMICHELLE 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
July 2, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
WOW! I am once again blown away by the emotions and realism of this series. Ms. Mankin consistently makes me feel all the highs and lows of a second chance romance. I am completely invested in all of the H/h’s HEA journeys. I recommend you read this series in order for the maximum investment in all of the characters.
OCEANSIDE (Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #3) by Michelle Mankin is a contemporary romance that deals with an emotional second chance love story and true-to-life sexual and health issues that are written with empathy and truth.
Ashland “Ash” Keys, the drummer for the Dirt Dogs is done. He is done with the rock star lifestyle, the touring, the drugs and the groupie sex. He and his cousin start their own recording label in OB. His life is solitary and full of regrets. He has to be in control and he holds his secrets close. Only his closest friends are let in and then not all the way.
Fanny Bay has always been a fan of the Dirt Dogs, but especially the beautiful, blonde haired drummer. They meet briefly, are captivated by each other, but are on two different life paths.
They come together two years later, by chance after Fanny is viciously attacked. Both have so many secrets and trust issues. Fanny’s light and hope to Ash’s darkness and regrets. Can these two learn to trust each other enough to become whole as one, or are some things too hard to overcome and not meant to be?
Rockers, surfers, sex, drugs, abuse, regrets, healing and love are all covered in these books, but this one has an additional health issue that is handled with empathy and facts by this author. Sexual orientation is also covered with an openness I have not found often in other romances. I was emotionally involved throughout this story and it is worth every angst ridden moment right up to the surprise in the epilogue.
This is a great series that I highly recommend. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
WOW! I am once again blown away by the emotions and realism of this series. Ms. Mankin consistently makes me feel all the highs and lows of a second chance romance. I am completely invested in all of the H/h’s HEA journeys. I recommend you read this series in order for the maximum investment in all of the characters.
OCEANSIDE (Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #3) by Michelle Mankin is a contemporary romance that deals with an emotional second chance love story and true-to-life sexual and health issues that are written with empathy and truth.
Ashland “Ash” Keys, the drummer for the Dirt Dogs is done. He is done with the rock star lifestyle, the touring, the drugs and the groupie sex. He and his cousin start their own recording label in OB. His life is solitary and full of regrets. He has to be in control and he holds his secrets close. Only his closest friends are let in and then not all the way.
Fanny Bay has always been a fan of the Dirt Dogs, but especially the beautiful, blonde haired drummer. They meet briefly, are captivated by each other, but are on two different life paths.
They come together two years later, by chance after Fanny is viciously attacked. Both have so many secrets and trust issues. Fanny’s light and hope to Ash’s darkness and regrets. Can these two learn to trust each other enough to become whole as one, or are some things too hard to overcome and not meant to be?
Rockers, surfers, sex, drugs, abuse, regrets, healing and love are all covered in these books, but this one has an additional health issue that is handled with empathy and facts by this author. Sexual orientation is also covered with an openness I have not found often in other romances. I was emotionally involved throughout this story and it is worth every angst ridden moment right up to the surprise in the epilogue.
This is a great series that I highly recommend. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
April 11, 2018
a rockstar surfer...
a young singer rising...
He's water, she's fire...
and they are each other's path...
When Fanny meets her idol and crush, Ashland Keys the drummer of Dirty dogs, a band she s been following since her teen years, it's ideal and sweet and a bit awkward, like when a fan meets his star...after a brief conversation, a mutual praise for one another's work, and an obvious attraction...they part with an agreement to meet up a week later at a local cafe in Ocean Beach California...
HE's ALL she WANTED, but SHE just might be ALL he NEEDED...
Two years later...
Ashland is retired from actively playing and is running his own record label alongside his cousin Lincoln. He's retreated from an active social life due to the diagnosis, as a result of irresponsible lifestyle of drug abuse and unprotected sex, that ultimately changed his life...
His surrounded by his friends, only and is ultimately disengaged from any emotional relationship due to his condition, cause honestly it would be quite difficult to find a person who would commit to such circumstances and adapt to the strict and careful regime...
Fanny, her life is changed completely since that Oscar night, when she was a bright star rising, now she's in hiding from her corrupted, malicious stepfather, trying to keep her younger sister safe...
From rich and easy life, she's ended up, picking up through garbage for leftovers and cans to find the necessary money...it's hard, but as long as they are away from him, she'll do whatever it takes to keep her sister safe...
Their path's cross again...she never forgot Ash...and she never got the answer why he never showed up at that cafe...
And now, she's holding a secret, and so is he...the mutual trust issues, problems and secrets will push them both to acknowledge them and deal....
Well, I can't say that this was a bad story, it wasn't. Far from it. BUT It just didn't work for me. I had no expectations, whatsoever, and it had nothing to do with the "contorversial" heavy subject concerning the health condition...but, for me, it was the lack of the connection - I didn't really connect with the characters nor did I feel the re-connection they had which sped up to 'romantic' interest inspite the almost impossible odds...it was a bit rushed in that segment and the plot was also unraveled too fast disregarding the certain points and issues that were left without detailed or clear explanation of which I thought would have circled the whole puzzling pieces of the story...
Relase date: April 10, 2018
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
a young singer rising...
He's water, she's fire...
and they are each other's path...
When Fanny meets her idol and crush, Ashland Keys the drummer of Dirty dogs, a band she s been following since her teen years, it's ideal and sweet and a bit awkward, like when a fan meets his star...after a brief conversation, a mutual praise for one another's work, and an obvious attraction...they part with an agreement to meet up a week later at a local cafe in Ocean Beach California...
HE's ALL she WANTED, but SHE just might be ALL he NEEDED...
Two years later...
Ashland is retired from actively playing and is running his own record label alongside his cousin Lincoln. He's retreated from an active social life due to the diagnosis, as a result of irresponsible lifestyle of drug abuse and unprotected sex, that ultimately changed his life...
His surrounded by his friends, only and is ultimately disengaged from any emotional relationship due to his condition, cause honestly it would be quite difficult to find a person who would commit to such circumstances and adapt to the strict and careful regime...
Fanny, her life is changed completely since that Oscar night, when she was a bright star rising, now she's in hiding from her corrupted, malicious stepfather, trying to keep her younger sister safe...
From rich and easy life, she's ended up, picking up through garbage for leftovers and cans to find the necessary money...it's hard, but as long as they are away from him, she'll do whatever it takes to keep her sister safe...
Their path's cross again...she never forgot Ash...and she never got the answer why he never showed up at that cafe...
And now, she's holding a secret, and so is he...the mutual trust issues, problems and secrets will push them both to acknowledge them and deal....
Well, I can't say that this was a bad story, it wasn't. Far from it. BUT It just didn't work for me. I had no expectations, whatsoever, and it had nothing to do with the "contorversial" heavy subject concerning the health condition...but, for me, it was the lack of the connection - I didn't really connect with the characters nor did I feel the re-connection they had which sped up to 'romantic' interest inspite the almost impossible odds...it was a bit rushed in that segment and the plot was also unraveled too fast disregarding the certain points and issues that were left without detailed or clear explanation of which I thought would have circled the whole puzzling pieces of the story...
Relase date: April 10, 2018
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
October 9, 2018
Oceanside is a standalone in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. It is in presale on all retailers. Where there is light and love there is a way. Hang Ten. April 10.
Oceanside by Michelle Mankin will take you to Ocean Beach California where you will experience heart stopping emotions, lots of drama, suspense, secrets, and steamy love scenes. The writing in this book is so good and so detailed that it plays out like a real movie and yet reads like a poem because it has the most beautiful symbolism.
Meet Ashland Keys-Ash, he will unveil himself layer by layer-he is like an onion. Ash is super protective and hiding away from his problems.
Meet Fanny she is super cute, sweet- she will steal your heart, and she is running from problems of her own. When these two unite there is such a connection, they are so similar in so many ways. The characters are so real and relatable.
This is a beautiful story of what happens when you open your heart-- you find true loyalty, friendship and love. 5 big surf stars!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0799TMQ4X/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id13...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ocea...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ocea...
🏄♂️ ♪🎤❥•´* 🏄♂️ ♪🎤❥•´*
Oceanside by Michelle Mankin will take you to Ocean Beach California where you will experience heart stopping emotions, lots of drama, suspense, secrets, and steamy love scenes. The writing in this book is so good and so detailed that it plays out like a real movie and yet reads like a poem because it has the most beautiful symbolism.
Meet Ashland Keys-Ash, he will unveil himself layer by layer-he is like an onion. Ash is super protective and hiding away from his problems.
Meet Fanny she is super cute, sweet- she will steal your heart, and she is running from problems of her own. When these two unite there is such a connection, they are so similar in so many ways. The characters are so real and relatable.
This is a beautiful story of what happens when you open your heart-- you find true loyalty, friendship and love. 5 big surf stars!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0799TMQ4X/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id13...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ocea...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ocea...
🏄♂️ ♪🎤❥•´* 🏄♂️ ♪🎤❥•´*
April 13, 2018
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Oceanside brings real problems, real heartache, and real relationships to the surface. Because of the way these subjects were treated, I was totally immersed in the story, as it made the characters very real to me.
Story:
Oceanside starts with a flashback, which brings Ash and Fanny's first meeting to the reader's attention. It was a great first meeting - who else has met someone at the Oscar's just before they both were to perform? This happened in 2012, but the main action happens in 2015, after Fanny's life has completely changed. No longer in the spotlight, she wants a more quiet life. A life where she can make her own decisions. Where she can do what she loves. Up until a fateful night when she made the choice to save her little sister and hide rather than doing much at all.
Ash was supposed to meet Fanny in the past - only he never showed up. He had a good reason, unknown to Fanny. However, after Fanny helped her sister to run away from their abusive step-father, Ash is close by. And Fanny does not want a second meeting with him at this point.
Oceanside is the third book in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I think some readers might appreciate the interactions between the characters more by reading the whole series. To get Ash's backstory. To understand the dynamics with his friends from the band. And to fully get all he has had to give up.
As I said in my introduction, there are a lot of tough issues in Oceanside, abuse by a person who should protect. A serious illness, and how it was dealt with. And I loved the flair Mankin used to bring these subjects up without making light of them - and at the same time without making the overall story too heavy on the heart. If you haven't read this series yet, you should! There are hot rock stars. But they are so much more than that. Mankin has brought them back to humanity, with their trials and tribulations, they seemed so very real.
Characters:
Fanny is such a loyal person! To herself, first of all, but also to her sister. And to people she cares about. She is also strong enough to take on anything at all to protect her sister and make sure she stays safe.
Ash was pretty recluse in Oceanside. Especially at the beginning of the story, he didn't interact much with his friends. But it was because he didn't want to be a burden to anyone - not because he didn't love them anymore.
Writing style :
Oceanside is written in first person point of view, past tense, with parts from either Fanny's or Ash' perspective. There are enough dialogues for the reader to get to know the other characters well enough to care about them all.
Feels :
Mankin broke my heart more than once with this story! And it was a beautiful story, even with all those feels that made my eyes fill, and my breath catch on a sob. Of course, there were also moments where I smiled, felt giddy, or laughed as well.
Sun bright against the back of my eyelids, I gave up trying to sleep any longer and rolled out of bed. I looked - no, loved - the view of the water.
Moments later, I left the recycling center with a wad of bills and coins jingling in my pocket. Yet, my heart ached.
Oceanside brings real problems, real heartache, and real relationships to the surface. Because of the way these subjects were treated, I was totally immersed in the story, as it made the characters very real to me.
Story:
Oceanside starts with a flashback, which brings Ash and Fanny's first meeting to the reader's attention. It was a great first meeting - who else has met someone at the Oscar's just before they both were to perform? This happened in 2012, but the main action happens in 2015, after Fanny's life has completely changed. No longer in the spotlight, she wants a more quiet life. A life where she can make her own decisions. Where she can do what she loves. Up until a fateful night when she made the choice to save her little sister and hide rather than doing much at all.
Ash was supposed to meet Fanny in the past - only he never showed up. He had a good reason, unknown to Fanny. However, after Fanny helped her sister to run away from their abusive step-father, Ash is close by. And Fanny does not want a second meeting with him at this point.
Oceanside is the third book in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I think some readers might appreciate the interactions between the characters more by reading the whole series. To get Ash's backstory. To understand the dynamics with his friends from the band. And to fully get all he has had to give up.
As I said in my introduction, there are a lot of tough issues in Oceanside, abuse by a person who should protect. A serious illness, and how it was dealt with. And I loved the flair Mankin used to bring these subjects up without making light of them - and at the same time without making the overall story too heavy on the heart. If you haven't read this series yet, you should! There are hot rock stars. But they are so much more than that. Mankin has brought them back to humanity, with their trials and tribulations, they seemed so very real.
Characters:
Fanny is such a loyal person! To herself, first of all, but also to her sister. And to people she cares about. She is also strong enough to take on anything at all to protect her sister and make sure she stays safe.
Ash was pretty recluse in Oceanside. Especially at the beginning of the story, he didn't interact much with his friends. But it was because he didn't want to be a burden to anyone - not because he didn't love them anymore.
Writing style :
Oceanside is written in first person point of view, past tense, with parts from either Fanny's or Ash' perspective. There are enough dialogues for the reader to get to know the other characters well enough to care about them all.
Feels :
Mankin broke my heart more than once with this story! And it was a beautiful story, even with all those feels that made my eyes fill, and my breath catch on a sob. Of course, there were also moments where I smiled, felt giddy, or laughed as well.
Sun bright against the back of my eyelids, I gave up trying to sleep any longer and rolled out of bed. I looked - no, loved - the view of the water.
Moments later, I left the recycling center with a wad of bills and coins jingling in my pocket. Yet, my heart ached.
March 14, 2018
Oceanside excerpt
From the Prologue
Oscar night
Ashland
“Ash,” I corrected. “My friends call me Ash.” My voice sounded gruff from the weight of the things I wanted to explore further with her. Things that I wouldn’t, couldn’t pursue. Bad timing to meet someone who so intrigued me if the test turned out the way I feared. And even if it didn’t, she was too young, too innocent. Not at all right for someone like me.
“Ash,” she repeated, my name sliding so easily between those recently wetted ruby red lips of hers. I imagined them wrapped around my shaft and knew I wouldn’t have turned her down if she had offered to do to me the things the groupie had. My cock was certainly interested in her. It didn’t care about timing or right and wrong. It was all about action.
“I’m sorry you got drawn into my mess,” she continued. “I think that under different circumstances we might have been friends. It’s difficult to find many of those in our profession. Genuine ones, I mean. But I think it’s better if we just go ahead and say goodbye right now.”
“How so?” The lust thundering through me made it difficult to focus, but I did get that she was giving me the brush off. And even though wisdom dictated that I take the hint—it was the logical thing to do after all given our differences—the alpha male in me said, ‘Fuck logic.’
“Because my stepfather wasn’t kidding around. He means what he says. You don’t want to be on his bad side. I don’t want you to be on his bad side. And that’s where you would end up if he thought you were a friend of mine.”
“Someone who steps in front of him when he’s twisting your arm and hurting you, you mean?”
Her eyes wide, she nodded.
“Well, fuck that bullshit.” My gaze grazed the red welt on her arm. “He’s the one who should be worried about getting on my bad side.”
She smiled at my vehement response and smiling she was more than just cute. She was a wrecking ball to my resolve, Prettier in person than in any of the videos I had seen of her and so enticing in that little yellow halter top with the tempting bow dangling between her shoulder blades. I imagined untying it and taking those pins out of her hair. What would those glorious red curls feel like around my…. No… I reined those thoughts back and settled for tracing her subtle curves with my gaze instead. No sex. Not with her. Not with anyone. Not for a while. Potentially not ever. I wouldn’t put anyone at risk if there was even a chance they would get infected. Ironic to be sure. Divine justice for my own irresponsible behavior over the years.
The familiar icy dread returning, I had to remind myself that no diagnosis had actually been made. I had momentarily forgotten my apprehension in her presence. That song of hers was so fucking full of hope it had me expecting a miracle. And that hope sprang from within her. She was the source. No wonder her star had risen so fast. Just a handful of minutes with her was all it had taken for me to realize it.
“I…I wasn’t expecting to run into you tonight.” Her eyes twinkled like stars emerging in the sky as the sun relinquished its hold on the day. “I had hoped to, sure, you know, since I love…your music so much.” A few more spirally crimson curls shivered free of their pins as her hands fluttered in front of her chest. “It’s just now that I’ve actually met you for real.” She gave me that utterly beguiling look. “I’ll never be able to look at your picture the same way again.”
“No reason to settle for a photograph, Fanny. You have your things to do tonight, and I’ve got mine. But afterward, there are a lot of parties. I’m sure we can manage to bump into each other again. Maybe talk some more.” Unwise, Ashland. But yet doing the ‘whoever and whatever the fuck I wanted’ rock star entitlement thing was a hard habit to crush. I might not be able to take this where I wanted with her spread out on the sheets beneath me, but I wasn’t ready for whatever the hell this was to end yet, either. So shouldn’t I leave myself an opening? A contingency plan? I had been walking around like a zombie. But what if the diagnosis wasn’t what I feared? What if I received favorable news? What then? Who then? As I continued to stare into those starlit eyes of hers, I felt something shift and lock into place that was startlingly certain. Her. If I had a future on the other side of this, I wanted that future to include her.
“There is a reason.” She shook her head. “Samuel Lesowski. My stepfather. You two didn’t exactly hit it off.”
“You’re an adult. He doesn’t have to know everything you do, does he?”
“No.” Her face brightening, she shook her head excitedly and more curls escaped.
“What do you say then? How about this? You be just you and I’ll be just me. A girl from Beverly Hills and a guy from the beach. None of the other stuff. It’s not important. I’ve got a hurdle I have to clear next week, but afterward I can come back to LA. We could meet somewhere.”
“I don’t know.” She captured and wrapped one of her curls around her finger while blinking uncertainly at me through the thick fringe of her crimson lashes.
“There’s a coffeehouse,” I plowed over her reservations. “The Cosmic Cup in Manhattan Beach. It’s by the water. Quiet. Close enough to where you live, but a fair enough distance from the bullshit of LA. How about Wednesday at ten o’clock?”
“But…”
“But nothing. You wrote that song, ‘Tomorrow Today’, right? Make every moment count. I believe that. We can’t control time, but who says we can’t manipulate it. We bumped into each other tonight for a reason. Don’t you think we owe ourselves a chance to find out what that reason is?”
<*img src="
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Oceanside is a standalone novel within the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. It is not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy the story.
Hang Ten. April 10. Preorder links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0799TMQ4X/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id13...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ocea...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ocea...
From the Prologue
Oscar night
Ashland
“Ash,” I corrected. “My friends call me Ash.” My voice sounded gruff from the weight of the things I wanted to explore further with her. Things that I wouldn’t, couldn’t pursue. Bad timing to meet someone who so intrigued me if the test turned out the way I feared. And even if it didn’t, she was too young, too innocent. Not at all right for someone like me.
“Ash,” she repeated, my name sliding so easily between those recently wetted ruby red lips of hers. I imagined them wrapped around my shaft and knew I wouldn’t have turned her down if she had offered to do to me the things the groupie had. My cock was certainly interested in her. It didn’t care about timing or right and wrong. It was all about action.
“I’m sorry you got drawn into my mess,” she continued. “I think that under different circumstances we might have been friends. It’s difficult to find many of those in our profession. Genuine ones, I mean. But I think it’s better if we just go ahead and say goodbye right now.”
“How so?” The lust thundering through me made it difficult to focus, but I did get that she was giving me the brush off. And even though wisdom dictated that I take the hint—it was the logical thing to do after all given our differences—the alpha male in me said, ‘Fuck logic.’
“Because my stepfather wasn’t kidding around. He means what he says. You don’t want to be on his bad side. I don’t want you to be on his bad side. And that’s where you would end up if he thought you were a friend of mine.”
“Someone who steps in front of him when he’s twisting your arm and hurting you, you mean?”
Her eyes wide, she nodded.
“Well, fuck that bullshit.” My gaze grazed the red welt on her arm. “He’s the one who should be worried about getting on my bad side.”
She smiled at my vehement response and smiling she was more than just cute. She was a wrecking ball to my resolve, Prettier in person than in any of the videos I had seen of her and so enticing in that little yellow halter top with the tempting bow dangling between her shoulder blades. I imagined untying it and taking those pins out of her hair. What would those glorious red curls feel like around my…. No… I reined those thoughts back and settled for tracing her subtle curves with my gaze instead. No sex. Not with her. Not with anyone. Not for a while. Potentially not ever. I wouldn’t put anyone at risk if there was even a chance they would get infected. Ironic to be sure. Divine justice for my own irresponsible behavior over the years.
The familiar icy dread returning, I had to remind myself that no diagnosis had actually been made. I had momentarily forgotten my apprehension in her presence. That song of hers was so fucking full of hope it had me expecting a miracle. And that hope sprang from within her. She was the source. No wonder her star had risen so fast. Just a handful of minutes with her was all it had taken for me to realize it.
“I…I wasn’t expecting to run into you tonight.” Her eyes twinkled like stars emerging in the sky as the sun relinquished its hold on the day. “I had hoped to, sure, you know, since I love…your music so much.” A few more spirally crimson curls shivered free of their pins as her hands fluttered in front of her chest. “It’s just now that I’ve actually met you for real.” She gave me that utterly beguiling look. “I’ll never be able to look at your picture the same way again.”
“No reason to settle for a photograph, Fanny. You have your things to do tonight, and I’ve got mine. But afterward, there are a lot of parties. I’m sure we can manage to bump into each other again. Maybe talk some more.” Unwise, Ashland. But yet doing the ‘whoever and whatever the fuck I wanted’ rock star entitlement thing was a hard habit to crush. I might not be able to take this where I wanted with her spread out on the sheets beneath me, but I wasn’t ready for whatever the hell this was to end yet, either. So shouldn’t I leave myself an opening? A contingency plan? I had been walking around like a zombie. But what if the diagnosis wasn’t what I feared? What if I received favorable news? What then? Who then? As I continued to stare into those starlit eyes of hers, I felt something shift and lock into place that was startlingly certain. Her. If I had a future on the other side of this, I wanted that future to include her.
“There is a reason.” She shook her head. “Samuel Lesowski. My stepfather. You two didn’t exactly hit it off.”
“You’re an adult. He doesn’t have to know everything you do, does he?”
“No.” Her face brightening, she shook her head excitedly and more curls escaped.
“What do you say then? How about this? You be just you and I’ll be just me. A girl from Beverly Hills and a guy from the beach. None of the other stuff. It’s not important. I’ve got a hurdle I have to clear next week, but afterward I can come back to LA. We could meet somewhere.”
“I don’t know.” She captured and wrapped one of her curls around her finger while blinking uncertainly at me through the thick fringe of her crimson lashes.
“There’s a coffeehouse,” I plowed over her reservations. “The Cosmic Cup in Manhattan Beach. It’s by the water. Quiet. Close enough to where you live, but a fair enough distance from the bullshit of LA. How about Wednesday at ten o’clock?”
“But…”
“But nothing. You wrote that song, ‘Tomorrow Today’, right? Make every moment count. I believe that. We can’t control time, but who says we can’t manipulate it. We bumped into each other tonight for a reason. Don’t you think we owe ourselves a chance to find out what that reason is?”
<*img src="
" width="40" height="100" alt="description"*/*>Oceanside is a standalone novel within the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. It is not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy the story.
Hang Ten. April 10. Preorder links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0799TMQ4X/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id13...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ocea...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ocea...
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July 5, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/5/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Oscar night.
Rock star legend, Ashland Keys should be on top of the world, but the blond blue-eyed SoCal surfer is disillusioned with fame, done with drugs, bored with the groupies and sick of all the fake f*ckery.
A rising star, Fanny Bay is nominated for best original song in the same category as the Dirt Dogs band, but the novel redhead with the corkscrew curls and the slight Canadian accent would prefer to chart a course with a different destination.
Hollywood is not for her.
He’s full of regrets, darkness and secrets.
She’s full of hope and light and has mysteries of her own.
He’s her reserved hero.
She’s his gypsy rose.
He’s water. She’s fire. Together, they don’t make sense.
But he’s what she’s always wanted, and she just might be everything he needs.
Blurb:
Oscar night.
Rock star legend, Ashland Keys should be on top of the world, but the blond blue-eyed SoCal surfer is disillusioned with fame, done with drugs, bored with the groupies and sick of all the fake f*ckery.
A rising star, Fanny Bay is nominated for best original song in the same category as the Dirt Dogs band, but the novel redhead with the corkscrew curls and the slight Canadian accent would prefer to chart a course with a different destination.
Hollywood is not for her.
He’s full of regrets, darkness and secrets.
She’s full of hope and light and has mysteries of her own.
He’s her reserved hero.
She’s his gypsy rose.
He’s water. She’s fire. Together, they don’t make sense.
But he’s what she’s always wanted, and she just might be everything he needs.
April 7, 2018
**Note: I received an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.**
Michelle Mankin is a new-to-me author. I’ve never read any of her other books. Oceanside was recommended as a stand-alone but, after reading this story, I feel it was an injustice and the overall reaction and understanding might have been better for me by sticking to my general rule of “reading in sequence.”
That being said, the sounds of the surf blending with rock-n-roll is a mix I find hard to turn my back on. Add to that a second chance romance between two opposites and I am totally attracted by this combination.
Ashland Keys and Fanny Bay (a name I don’t find particularly appealing for our heroine), met in a brief but unforgettable encounter three years ago, but circumstances led to departure before anything further happened between them. Now Fanny once again, along with her sister, shows up in Ash’s life, and with their arrival, a secondary storyline that also includes an edge of suspense. Ash and Fanny each have their own demons to conquer. But they are strong and accomplished individuals that readers will cheer onward. In a slow burning romance that is both heartbreaking and joyful, readers will find an enticingly tender, moving and poignant story of connection and love – with a twist – where the romance and passion burn hot.
I feel like I’ve missed out on getting acquainted from the get-go with the Dirt Dogs and the rest of the crew, and those need-to-know details surrounding the characters from previous books. I need need to know how they came to be the tight-knit crew they are. Otherwise, I’m left puzzled and bewildered and full of so many questions. There are also issues regarding Ash’s present circumstances that seem to be absent as well. Ash is that enigma that demands details. His Laker Girl could probably lend a little more info about herself. And, without those extras, I just feel cheated. And it is definitely the shove I need to return to the beginning.
There’s a lot going on in this story -- another reason why I felt a little left behind. Along with the growing relationship between Ash and Fanny, there are a lot of characters from past and present who converge on scene to raise havoc and add to the craziness that kept the pages turning. A good dose of intense and complex angst runs throughout necessitated by the obstacles this couple faces. Nothing is over-the-top or frivolous. The story never feels rushed but flows freely and at a well-paced clip.
To write is to have courage. Courage to explore - to expose - to be examined. And Michelle Mankin earns praise for a character-driven story that tackles the uncomfortable subject of HIV transmission and sexual responsibility. You won’t find this often in romance novels. The nature of Ash’s illness alone gives this plot a deeply emotional sense and optimistic boost as well as time for reflection.
A sweet but hard-won victory over time and circumstance for a second chance at love. Unexpected and surprising, emotional and sensual. An Epilogue full of hope, love, promise and strength – and a much deserved happily-ever-after for Ash and Fanny.
Michelle Mankin is a new-to-me author. I’ve never read any of her other books. Oceanside was recommended as a stand-alone but, after reading this story, I feel it was an injustice and the overall reaction and understanding might have been better for me by sticking to my general rule of “reading in sequence.”
That being said, the sounds of the surf blending with rock-n-roll is a mix I find hard to turn my back on. Add to that a second chance romance between two opposites and I am totally attracted by this combination.
Ashland Keys and Fanny Bay (a name I don’t find particularly appealing for our heroine), met in a brief but unforgettable encounter three years ago, but circumstances led to departure before anything further happened between them. Now Fanny once again, along with her sister, shows up in Ash’s life, and with their arrival, a secondary storyline that also includes an edge of suspense. Ash and Fanny each have their own demons to conquer. But they are strong and accomplished individuals that readers will cheer onward. In a slow burning romance that is both heartbreaking and joyful, readers will find an enticingly tender, moving and poignant story of connection and love – with a twist – where the romance and passion burn hot.
I feel like I’ve missed out on getting acquainted from the get-go with the Dirt Dogs and the rest of the crew, and those need-to-know details surrounding the characters from previous books. I need need to know how they came to be the tight-knit crew they are. Otherwise, I’m left puzzled and bewildered and full of so many questions. There are also issues regarding Ash’s present circumstances that seem to be absent as well. Ash is that enigma that demands details. His Laker Girl could probably lend a little more info about herself. And, without those extras, I just feel cheated. And it is definitely the shove I need to return to the beginning.
There’s a lot going on in this story -- another reason why I felt a little left behind. Along with the growing relationship between Ash and Fanny, there are a lot of characters from past and present who converge on scene to raise havoc and add to the craziness that kept the pages turning. A good dose of intense and complex angst runs throughout necessitated by the obstacles this couple faces. Nothing is over-the-top or frivolous. The story never feels rushed but flows freely and at a well-paced clip.
To write is to have courage. Courage to explore - to expose - to be examined. And Michelle Mankin earns praise for a character-driven story that tackles the uncomfortable subject of HIV transmission and sexual responsibility. You won’t find this often in romance novels. The nature of Ash’s illness alone gives this plot a deeply emotional sense and optimistic boost as well as time for reflection.
A sweet but hard-won victory over time and circumstance for a second chance at love. Unexpected and surprising, emotional and sensual. An Epilogue full of hope, love, promise and strength – and a much deserved happily-ever-after for Ash and Fanny.
March 17, 2019
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3 stars
This was an emotional rock star, age gap, and second chance romance. I hadn't read or listened to the previous 2 books and will admit to being a bit confused at first by all the different characters and their extensive histories. Fans of the series will enjoy the appearances and updates on the previous couples though. There was a lot to keep track of at first, but once things got going and focused more on Ash and Fanny, I definitely got more invested in the story. Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross were fantastic as usual and really added a lot of depth and emotion. They helped capture all the vulnerability, heartache, and fear that our characters experience.
Mankin tackled some very serious subjects in this romance and I really applaud how realistic and honest she was with Ash's diagnosis and how it would affect and limit Ash and Fanny's future. I also liked how the author addressed the idea of love and sexuality. Ash's explanation to Fanny about falling in love with someone's soul (regardless of whether they are male or female) was really beautiful. I do wish Ash wouldn't have referred to Fanny as 'little one' so much though. It felt more icky than cute to me. The book did feel a little long at times, which caused it to lose some of its momentum and direction, but overall, I enjoyed this slow burn romance. The epilogue (which is included in the ebook) was really sweet and set the stage for the next 2 books in the series.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3 stars
This was an emotional rock star, age gap, and second chance romance. I hadn't read or listened to the previous 2 books and will admit to being a bit confused at first by all the different characters and their extensive histories. Fans of the series will enjoy the appearances and updates on the previous couples though. There was a lot to keep track of at first, but once things got going and focused more on Ash and Fanny, I definitely got more invested in the story. Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross were fantastic as usual and really added a lot of depth and emotion. They helped capture all the vulnerability, heartache, and fear that our characters experience.
Mankin tackled some very serious subjects in this romance and I really applaud how realistic and honest she was with Ash's diagnosis and how it would affect and limit Ash and Fanny's future. I also liked how the author addressed the idea of love and sexuality. Ash's explanation to Fanny about falling in love with someone's soul (regardless of whether they are male or female) was really beautiful. I do wish Ash wouldn't have referred to Fanny as 'little one' so much though. It felt more icky than cute to me. The book did feel a little long at times, which caused it to lose some of its momentum and direction, but overall, I enjoyed this slow burn romance. The epilogue (which is included in the ebook) was really sweet and set the stage for the next 2 books in the series.
April 4, 2018
***4 ‘Hopeful Possibility’ Stars***
What a ride this book was!
There is so much going on it kinda made my head spin. There is obviously the romance between Ashland and Fanny, then there are the issues Ash and Fanny have going on outside of that (though to be honest they do merge, but still) and then there are the various relationships Ash has with the people in his life and how they all converge and become involved in the crazy that Ash and Fanny are involved in. In a lot of ways it was exhausting emotionally, and even mentally trying to keep up and yet the feels were potent and I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
I really liked Fanny and while e she could be impetuous, she still had a plan. That plan may have been simply getting from point A to point B and not really thinking beyond that, but her heart was always in the right place. Strong, resilient and once she called you hers, she was all in.
Ashland. This man is complex. On one hand he will go to the ends of the Earth for those he claims as his. On the other, he keeps a large portion of himself locked away from those same people. He craves control and has a way of gaining it without you being aware of it ~ at least if you aren’t paying attention. I liked him a lot, but the need to Gibbs smack him while giving him a big a hug was strong.
The funny thing about Fanny and Ash’s journey to their HEA was that while there was a lot of push/pull going on between them, for many reasons, the angsty-ness never reached OTT level for me. It was there, and I had a few growly moments with both of them, but overall I really enjoyed watching them become more because from their first meeting the connection, the pull between them was real and they ended up being exactly what the other never knew they wanted, or needed.
Confession time ~ this is only the second book by the author I’ve read and the first book was Rock F*ck Club, so I went into this one blind. I did have the opportunity to at least read the first two in the series, which I was very grateful for, but at the time there just wasn’t any time. Do I feel as I should have read them? Yes and no. The ties the bind Ash to his friends are complex and there were some undercurrents that I’d have understood better if I had read the first two. But I have to admit that I liked going in blind and meeting Ash for the first time (sort of) and learning about him in the here and now. But, I loved the Dirt Dogs and their women and will do my best to meet them properly by reading the first two books *crossing toes it happens before the next decade*
I really enjoyed Oceanside. There is a lot going on and the author does tackle some heavy issues, which I found quite refreshing, and thought she did it with respect and compassion. So, if you love rock star romances with well written characters then this is a must read for you!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
What a ride this book was!
There is so much going on it kinda made my head spin. There is obviously the romance between Ashland and Fanny, then there are the issues Ash and Fanny have going on outside of that (though to be honest they do merge, but still) and then there are the various relationships Ash has with the people in his life and how they all converge and become involved in the crazy that Ash and Fanny are involved in. In a lot of ways it was exhausting emotionally, and even mentally trying to keep up and yet the feels were potent and I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
I really liked Fanny and while e she could be impetuous, she still had a plan. That plan may have been simply getting from point A to point B and not really thinking beyond that, but her heart was always in the right place. Strong, resilient and once she called you hers, she was all in.
Ashland. This man is complex. On one hand he will go to the ends of the Earth for those he claims as his. On the other, he keeps a large portion of himself locked away from those same people. He craves control and has a way of gaining it without you being aware of it ~ at least if you aren’t paying attention. I liked him a lot, but the need to Gibbs smack him while giving him a big a hug was strong.
The funny thing about Fanny and Ash’s journey to their HEA was that while there was a lot of push/pull going on between them, for many reasons, the angsty-ness never reached OTT level for me. It was there, and I had a few growly moments with both of them, but overall I really enjoyed watching them become more because from their first meeting the connection, the pull between them was real and they ended up being exactly what the other never knew they wanted, or needed.
Confession time ~ this is only the second book by the author I’ve read and the first book was Rock F*ck Club, so I went into this one blind. I did have the opportunity to at least read the first two in the series, which I was very grateful for, but at the time there just wasn’t any time. Do I feel as I should have read them? Yes and no. The ties the bind Ash to his friends are complex and there were some undercurrents that I’d have understood better if I had read the first two. But I have to admit that I liked going in blind and meeting Ash for the first time (sort of) and learning about him in the here and now. But, I loved the Dirt Dogs and their women and will do my best to meet them properly by reading the first two books *crossing toes it happens before the next decade*
I really enjoyed Oceanside. There is a lot going on and the author does tackle some heavy issues, which I found quite refreshing, and thought she did it with respect and compassion. So, if you love rock star romances with well written characters then this is a must read for you!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 11, 2018
I loved this book and it’s a complete standalone that you can follow perfectly without reading the prior ones. This is one of my favorite books by Michelle Mankin and I found it unique, engaging and had so much going on that I couldn’t put it down.
Fanny and Ash are both battling demons that make it very hard for them to allow anyone in their life. Things were much simpler the first time these two met even though is was brief but when they meet again it’s anything but easy but seeing Ash’s protective side made me love him all the more and Fanny is one of strongest and likeable heroines I’ve read in a long time!! I don’t want to give any spoilers cause you should go in this with as little details as possible in order to truly enjoy it.
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Fanny and Ash are both battling demons that make it very hard for them to allow anyone in their life. Things were much simpler the first time these two met even though is was brief but when they meet again it’s anything but easy but seeing Ash’s protective side made me love him all the more and Fanny is one of strongest and likeable heroines I’ve read in a long time!! I don’t want to give any spoilers cause you should go in this with as little details as possible in order to truly enjoy it.
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
April 12, 2018
I was given ARC for honest review - 4.5 stars for sure!!
This is the third book in the series & could be read alone as I haven't read the first two.
I connected with this book straight away, Ashland & Franny's connection had me hooked.
Ashland is the drummer of Dirty Dogs & Franny is a huge fan but meant him when they where both performing at the Oscars as they where both nominated for their songs.
There where a few things I don't normally like to read but this book they didn't bug me like they normally should which told me I was convince these two were soul mates but is why I gave it 4.5 stars.
Michelle Mankin now has a new fan as I connected with her writing straight away
This is the third book in the series & could be read alone as I haven't read the first two.
I connected with this book straight away, Ashland & Franny's connection had me hooked.
Ashland is the drummer of Dirty Dogs & Franny is a huge fan but meant him when they where both performing at the Oscars as they where both nominated for their songs.
There where a few things I don't normally like to read but this book they didn't bug me like they normally should which told me I was convince these two were soul mates but is why I gave it 4.5 stars.
Michelle Mankin now has a new fan as I connected with her writing straight away
April 6, 2018
Kudos to an author that is not afraid to touch on a subject that hasn’t been mentioned much in a long time. I was so glad to finally get my hands on Ash’s story and wasn’t let down one bit. The night of meeting Fanny Bay backstage at an awards show Ash was about to receive the biggest and most challenging news he was ever going to face. Fanny Bay was a pretty and very talented singer who just happened to be up against the Dirty Dogs for an award. She was a huge fan of the Dirt Dogs even though she was a talent in her own right. Ash wasn’t the only one at a crossroads because Fanny Bay was reassessing her life as well. Since they had this connection Ash asked Fanny Bay to meet him at a coffee shop. There was one little problem though…Fanny Bay showed but Ash couldn’t even be reached on his phone after she left a few texts to see if she had the time and place right.
A couple of years later life had changed drastically for these two and Fanny Bay had never forgotten about Ash only now she was running from so much; including Ash. After Ash received his life altering news the Dirt Dogs retired and Ash and Linc are now running a label together. At this point in his life Ash was cut off from the entertainment world as much as he could be and kept his friends and family at arm’s length.
Would Ash ever be able to track the down the homeless Lakers Girl or would Fanny Bay and her sister, Hollie make it across the border before anyone recognized either of them? A lot was on the line for everyone and secrets would come out and lives would be changed.
I received this book as an ARC for a freely given and honest review.
A couple of years later life had changed drastically for these two and Fanny Bay had never forgotten about Ash only now she was running from so much; including Ash. After Ash received his life altering news the Dirt Dogs retired and Ash and Linc are now running a label together. At this point in his life Ash was cut off from the entertainment world as much as he could be and kept his friends and family at arm’s length.
Would Ash ever be able to track the down the homeless Lakers Girl or would Fanny Bay and her sister, Hollie make it across the border before anyone recognized either of them? A lot was on the line for everyone and secrets would come out and lives would be changed.
I received this book as an ARC for a freely given and honest review.
April 4, 2018
Awhile ago I was asked if I would be interested in reading an arc of this, I said sure. Why not. Maybe I'll find another favorite author.
To be honest, before that e-mail, I'd never heard of Michelle Mankin. I have been deprived. But no more.
In preparation for reading this I one clicked Outside. Loved it. Then I one clicked again for Riptide. I haven't read that yet. But if Outside and now Oceanside are any indication, I'm sure I'll love that too.
That is just one of the many reason this series is a great one. You can read one or all and still follow the storyline.
And Oceanside's storyline is a bit different. It deals with a subject matter that's not wildly popular in any genre. Or at least in my opinion. Maybe it should be.
It's beautifully written with plenty of thought provoking moments. And it gives you insight into the way the "hero" Ashland or Ash lives his life. The same can be said for the "heroine" Fanny. Sometimes fame isn't what it's cracked up to be.
At times you'll want to strangle them. Both of them! Then, you'll wanna sit in a corner and hold them close. Their love story is funny and warm. Joyful and heartbreaking all at the same time. It's the kind of book, however fictional it is that will make you stop and think, what would you do. How far would you go to protect yourself. Your family. Your friends. And your heart.
My ONLY criticism about this series is that the next book isn't out yet. Yes I'm that greedy! I can only hope to get another arc invite for that story too. But either way, it's a one click for me!
To be honest, before that e-mail, I'd never heard of Michelle Mankin. I have been deprived. But no more.
In preparation for reading this I one clicked Outside. Loved it. Then I one clicked again for Riptide. I haven't read that yet. But if Outside and now Oceanside are any indication, I'm sure I'll love that too.
That is just one of the many reason this series is a great one. You can read one or all and still follow the storyline.
And Oceanside's storyline is a bit different. It deals with a subject matter that's not wildly popular in any genre. Or at least in my opinion. Maybe it should be.
It's beautifully written with plenty of thought provoking moments. And it gives you insight into the way the "hero" Ashland or Ash lives his life. The same can be said for the "heroine" Fanny. Sometimes fame isn't what it's cracked up to be.
At times you'll want to strangle them. Both of them! Then, you'll wanna sit in a corner and hold them close. Their love story is funny and warm. Joyful and heartbreaking all at the same time. It's the kind of book, however fictional it is that will make you stop and think, what would you do. How far would you go to protect yourself. Your family. Your friends. And your heart.
My ONLY criticism about this series is that the next book isn't out yet. Yes I'm that greedy! I can only hope to get another arc invite for that story too. But either way, it's a one click for me!
April 4, 2018
First off no matter what you think of this book you have to give kudos to Michelle Mankin for daring to take on a subject that can be very difficult for some at best and uncomfortable for others, while writing about it with compassion. With that being said I highly recommend reading the other books in this series to enhance the understanding of some of the revelations that come out about Ash, I think it would do him an injustice if the entire picture isn't understood. At the core of the story is a chance encounter years ago that came at the worst possible time between Ash and Fanny Bay and while this is considered a Second Chance book - I look at it as a second chance at a life for both characters and not a "second chance romance". Fanny could never forget Ash but her circumstances are soo different from when they first met, she's trying hard not to play the "what if" game. In fact she does everything she can to avoid him and this started in the previous book. Ash has been an enigma for me and to finally see him try to reach his full potential at the life he deserves is rewarding. His band mates and their significant others as well as Hollie, Fanny's sister have major roles in the book, so again for total enjoyment, start at the beginning if you can.
June 23, 2019
Love this series
Ash and Fanny grabbed my heart and squeezed emotional broken heart stopping love story
Ash and Fanny grabbed my heart and squeezed emotional broken heart stopping love story
April 11, 2018
With Oceanside Michelle Mankins' takes us back to OB and brings us the story of Dirt Dogs drummer Ashland Keys. Last we saw him, in Rock F*ck Club, he was being the quintessential bad boy of rock-n-roll. But with Ash there is so much more to him than meets the eye, it's just a matter of him recognizing and feeling worthy. In the case of Ash, his one time run in with a young songwriter Fanny Way will turn his life upside down and right side up.
Michelle seems to have a great amount of this world mapped out and a character who might appear to be just a footnote often shows up in a surprising way. Because it's so much fun when it's revealed, I don't dare insinuate hows Fanny Way makes her way into Ash's life but theirs is a love story that will be tested before it's really begun. Fanny brings out the Alpha in Ash and also gives him reason to believe in more. He'll never have a "normal" life is he's a Dirt Dog, but it can be quite extraordinary.
Told in alternating voices, Ash reflects on all that he has and just what's missing. He gets the opportunity to be more than remarkable in a manner he ever expects. Michelle writes complicated characters always, but Ash may be one of the most enigmatic of them all. We first got to know him in Riptide, and for a bit I couldn't decide if he was a good guy or not but I held out hope and he came through. He surprised me and in him Fanny May finds a hero. In Fanny May's voice we find an incredibly resilient young women whose not a afraid to take chances and she doesn't let disappointment weigh her down. She calls Ash on his garbage and takes him to task.
Michelle certainly has a vision of the rock star life and conveys this clearly through the life and times of the Dirt Dogs. I absolutely love escaping to the world she creates. There's something that's both heartwarming and at times naughty (really fun and naughty) making for and all consuming reads. 5 stars and recommendation!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Michelle seems to have a great amount of this world mapped out and a character who might appear to be just a footnote often shows up in a surprising way. Because it's so much fun when it's revealed, I don't dare insinuate hows Fanny Way makes her way into Ash's life but theirs is a love story that will be tested before it's really begun. Fanny brings out the Alpha in Ash and also gives him reason to believe in more. He'll never have a "normal" life is he's a Dirt Dog, but it can be quite extraordinary.
Told in alternating voices, Ash reflects on all that he has and just what's missing. He gets the opportunity to be more than remarkable in a manner he ever expects. Michelle writes complicated characters always, but Ash may be one of the most enigmatic of them all. We first got to know him in Riptide, and for a bit I couldn't decide if he was a good guy or not but I held out hope and he came through. He surprised me and in him Fanny May finds a hero. In Fanny May's voice we find an incredibly resilient young women whose not a afraid to take chances and she doesn't let disappointment weigh her down. She calls Ash on his garbage and takes him to task.
Michelle certainly has a vision of the rock star life and conveys this clearly through the life and times of the Dirt Dogs. I absolutely love escaping to the world she creates. There's something that's both heartwarming and at times naughty (really fun and naughty) making for and all consuming reads. 5 stars and recommendation!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
April 10, 2018
3.5 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10,2018
Oscar night.
Rock star legend, Ashland Keys should be on top of the world, but the blond blue-eyed SoCal surfer is disillusioned with fame, done with drugs, bored with the groupies and sick of all the fake f*ckery.
A rising star, Fanny Bay is nominated for best original song in the same category as the Dirt Dogs band, but the novel redhead with the corkscrew curls and the slight Canadian accent would prefer to chart a course with a different destination.
Hollywood is not for her.
He’s full of regrets, darkness and secrets.
She’s full of hope and light and has mysteries of her own.
He’s her reserved hero.
She’s his gypsy rose.
He’s water. She’s fire. Together, they don’t make sense.
But he’s what she’s always wanted, and she just might be everything he needs.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--OCEANSIDE is the third instalment in Michelle Mankin’s contemporary adult ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES erotic, romance series focusing on the rock group Dirt Dogs. This is drummer, and former lead singer Ashland Keys, and singer Fanny Bay Lesowski’s story line. OCEANSIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but saying that there is quite a bit of missing background information between the members of the band that would benefit from reading the series in order.
NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ash and Fanny) OCEANSIDE follows the second chance relationship between Dirt Dogs’ drummer Ashland Keys, and singer Fanny Bay. Four years earlier, Fanny met her idol at the Academy Awards, rock star Ashland Keys, as both were nominated for Oscars. A promise to meet later never came to fruition, and in the ensuing time life changed for both Fanny and Ash. Fast forward to present day wherein Ash is no longer playing music but struggling to move on from a devastating blow, while Academy Award winner Fanny Bay, finds herself on the run, with her younger sister, in the hopes of protecting what’s left of the life they once knew. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Fanny and Ash, and the potential fall-out as Ash’s secret is revealed, and Fanny struggles to overcome the disaster that has become her life.
Fanny Bay and her younger sister Hollie are on the run. Homeless and battling illness and a local gang, Fanny and Hollie would find solace and help from an unlikely source-Fanny’s childhood idol, rock star Ashland Keys. Ashland knows struggle, battling a life-altering disease that changed the course of his rock star career, a career that would, once again, blossom with the love of a woman battling her own demons.
The relationship between Fanny and Ash is one of ‘second chances’ of sorts. Having met but never truly bonding, Fanny and Ash’s rekindling relationship remains hidden in the hopes of protecting our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense but I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word, I feel isn’t necessary in a romance story.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the member of the band: Linc and Simone (Outside #2), Ramon and Karen (Riptide #2), as well as Diesel El; Fanny’s sister Hollie; their representative Maximillian Cash, as well as several members of a local street gang, and Renee, a groupie who wants something more from Ash then he is willing to give.
OCEANSIDE is a well-written, detailed story line with complex characters who are battling not only the paparazzi but illness, betrayal, stardom and loss. I struggled with the ‘homeless’ aspect of the story-there should have been many other avenues to safety and protection; and the conflict resolution was little more than a blip. I wanted satisfactory details as to the who, what, how and why of how Fanny and Hollie were completely freed from the evil that permeated their lives. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is heavy and heart breaking; the characters are broken, colorful and strong.
Copy supplied for review
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10,2018
Oscar night.
Rock star legend, Ashland Keys should be on top of the world, but the blond blue-eyed SoCal surfer is disillusioned with fame, done with drugs, bored with the groupies and sick of all the fake f*ckery.
A rising star, Fanny Bay is nominated for best original song in the same category as the Dirt Dogs band, but the novel redhead with the corkscrew curls and the slight Canadian accent would prefer to chart a course with a different destination.
Hollywood is not for her.
He’s full of regrets, darkness and secrets.
She’s full of hope and light and has mysteries of her own.
He’s her reserved hero.
She’s his gypsy rose.
He’s water. She’s fire. Together, they don’t make sense.
But he’s what she’s always wanted, and she just might be everything he needs.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--OCEANSIDE is the third instalment in Michelle Mankin’s contemporary adult ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES erotic, romance series focusing on the rock group Dirt Dogs. This is drummer, and former lead singer Ashland Keys, and singer Fanny Bay Lesowski’s story line. OCEANSIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but saying that there is quite a bit of missing background information between the members of the band that would benefit from reading the series in order.
NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ash and Fanny) OCEANSIDE follows the second chance relationship between Dirt Dogs’ drummer Ashland Keys, and singer Fanny Bay. Four years earlier, Fanny met her idol at the Academy Awards, rock star Ashland Keys, as both were nominated for Oscars. A promise to meet later never came to fruition, and in the ensuing time life changed for both Fanny and Ash. Fast forward to present day wherein Ash is no longer playing music but struggling to move on from a devastating blow, while Academy Award winner Fanny Bay, finds herself on the run, with her younger sister, in the hopes of protecting what’s left of the life they once knew. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Fanny and Ash, and the potential fall-out as Ash’s secret is revealed, and Fanny struggles to overcome the disaster that has become her life.
Fanny Bay and her younger sister Hollie are on the run. Homeless and battling illness and a local gang, Fanny and Hollie would find solace and help from an unlikely source-Fanny’s childhood idol, rock star Ashland Keys. Ashland knows struggle, battling a life-altering disease that changed the course of his rock star career, a career that would, once again, blossom with the love of a woman battling her own demons.
The relationship between Fanny and Ash is one of ‘second chances’ of sorts. Having met but never truly bonding, Fanny and Ash’s rekindling relationship remains hidden in the hopes of protecting our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense but I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word, I feel isn’t necessary in a romance story.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the member of the band: Linc and Simone (Outside #2), Ramon and Karen (Riptide #2), as well as Diesel El; Fanny’s sister Hollie; their representative Maximillian Cash, as well as several members of a local street gang, and Renee, a groupie who wants something more from Ash then he is willing to give.
OCEANSIDE is a well-written, detailed story line with complex characters who are battling not only the paparazzi but illness, betrayal, stardom and loss. I struggled with the ‘homeless’ aspect of the story-there should have been many other avenues to safety and protection; and the conflict resolution was little more than a blip. I wanted satisfactory details as to the who, what, how and why of how Fanny and Hollie were completely freed from the evil that permeated their lives. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is heavy and heart breaking; the characters are broken, colorful and strong.
Copy supplied for review
April 10, 2018
*4.5 Stars*
Omigosh did I love Oceanside! This whole series has been fabulous - the backstories, the romance, the friendships. But Oceanside...it's unique. Ash, the drummer for the now-retired Dirt Dogs, isn't your everyday hero. And Fanny is not your conventional heroine. They're from different worlds and they're opposites for sure...him dark, her light. But their story was captivating.
Highlights:
*Gripping
I was immediately pulled into the story despite it having been a year since I read the last installment.
*Character Development
Character development is a strength of Mankin's and she showed her prowess here. Ash is such a complex guy with all his rules and boundaries. I could feel his inflexibility and I understood the why's of his rules and his actions in regards to Fanny. Fanny was so mature for her age. She'd lived through quite a lot and even if I didn't agree with all her decisions, they all came from her heart and her desire to do right by those she loved.
*Chemistry
The chemistry between Fanny and Ash was palpable but there was also just that something there that pulled them toward one another.
*Secondary Characters
I, of course, loved spending time with Linc & Simone, and Karen & Ramone, who I met in the previous installments but I also adored a new character, Hollie. Mankin created a strong cast of characters to inhabit this series and the addition of Hollie only added to the depth of this story.
*Suspense
A big part of the plot was suspenseful and kept me turning the pages wondering if and when things would go south for Fanny.
*Reason Behind Ash's Behavior
I'm being vague here on purpose but know that Mankin did a tremendous in conveying how Ash felt about this and how he dealt with it.
*Shakespeare
Being a fan of Shakespeare myself, I loved how Mankin wove in meaningful and relevant quotes.
You can read Oceanside without having read Outside or Riptide but why deprive yourself of meeting all these characters and getting their stories in order? I'm not sure if Oceanside is the end of the road for this series but I do feel confident in saying we haven't seen the last of these characters. And I, for one, am thrilled with the prospect. But this was a great way to wrap up the series with the original Dirt Dogs members. I hope you'll give them all a try.
Omigosh did I love Oceanside! This whole series has been fabulous - the backstories, the romance, the friendships. But Oceanside...it's unique. Ash, the drummer for the now-retired Dirt Dogs, isn't your everyday hero. And Fanny is not your conventional heroine. They're from different worlds and they're opposites for sure...him dark, her light. But their story was captivating.
Highlights:
*Gripping
I was immediately pulled into the story despite it having been a year since I read the last installment.
*Character Development
Character development is a strength of Mankin's and she showed her prowess here. Ash is such a complex guy with all his rules and boundaries. I could feel his inflexibility and I understood the why's of his rules and his actions in regards to Fanny. Fanny was so mature for her age. She'd lived through quite a lot and even if I didn't agree with all her decisions, they all came from her heart and her desire to do right by those she loved.
*Chemistry
The chemistry between Fanny and Ash was palpable but there was also just that something there that pulled them toward one another.
*Secondary Characters
I, of course, loved spending time with Linc & Simone, and Karen & Ramone, who I met in the previous installments but I also adored a new character, Hollie. Mankin created a strong cast of characters to inhabit this series and the addition of Hollie only added to the depth of this story.
*Suspense
A big part of the plot was suspenseful and kept me turning the pages wondering if and when things would go south for Fanny.
*Reason Behind Ash's Behavior
I'm being vague here on purpose but know that Mankin did a tremendous in conveying how Ash felt about this and how he dealt with it.
*Shakespeare
Being a fan of Shakespeare myself, I loved how Mankin wove in meaningful and relevant quotes.
You can read Oceanside without having read Outside or Riptide but why deprive yourself of meeting all these characters and getting their stories in order? I'm not sure if Oceanside is the end of the road for this series but I do feel confident in saying we haven't seen the last of these characters. And I, for one, am thrilled with the prospect. But this was a great way to wrap up the series with the original Dirt Dogs members. I hope you'll give them all a try.
April 10, 2018
When Fanny Bay Lesowski has a brief encounter with a musician whose music speaks to her, music which helped her through many hard times in her life, her life is guaranteed to never be the same again. But, their promising exchange didn't last, and eventually she moved on with her life.
Ashland Keys was waiting on some life altering news, and although Fanny touched something within him that no one ever had, his life is derailed soon after. He would have loved to be there for her, but someone like him would only bring her rising star crashing down to the ground.
Years later, under much different circumstances, Fanny and Ashland meet again, and this time he is going to protect her with his everything he can...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fanny Bay has fallen into a difficult situation. Living as far under the radar as possible, she and her underage sister are hiding from one very despicable and far reaching adversary, their stepfather. Garnering attention from Ashland and his friends, she tries to avoid them all as much as possible, but the more she runs from Ashland, the more he can't seem to let her go...
Ashland has retired from his band, sex, and most things in life. Preferring to keep to himself, his isolation is only partly due to his HIV diagnosis and the many regrets he has from his past. When Fanny re-enters his life, she is someone who understands him on a level that no one in his life ever has. Determined to save her from herself, and every single one of her foes, this time is different. This time he isn't disappearing.
This book was such an amazing read. Delving into the real struggle of a man who is living with HIV and his desire to keep everyone at a distance as a result. Ashland and Fanny have a slow burn, modern romance for the ages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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Ashland Keys was waiting on some life altering news, and although Fanny touched something within him that no one ever had, his life is derailed soon after. He would have loved to be there for her, but someone like him would only bring her rising star crashing down to the ground.
Years later, under much different circumstances, Fanny and Ashland meet again, and this time he is going to protect her with his everything he can...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fanny Bay has fallen into a difficult situation. Living as far under the radar as possible, she and her underage sister are hiding from one very despicable and far reaching adversary, their stepfather. Garnering attention from Ashland and his friends, she tries to avoid them all as much as possible, but the more she runs from Ashland, the more he can't seem to let her go...
Ashland has retired from his band, sex, and most things in life. Preferring to keep to himself, his isolation is only partly due to his HIV diagnosis and the many regrets he has from his past. When Fanny re-enters his life, she is someone who understands him on a level that no one in his life ever has. Determined to save her from herself, and every single one of her foes, this time is different. This time he isn't disappearing.
This book was such an amazing read. Delving into the real struggle of a man who is living with HIV and his desire to keep everyone at a distance as a result. Ashland and Fanny have a slow burn, modern romance for the ages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
https://nightbirdnovels.com/2018/04/1...
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
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April 8, 2018
Book 3 in Michelle Mankin's Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances ended up being anything but a typical contemporary romance in any way, well except for the fact that it's a romance. Ash is the drummer for Dirty Dogs, a famous rock group. Fanny is a singer songwriter that meets her idol Ash at the Oscars. They are both nominated in the same category. A short and very important meeting for them both. When he stands her up for a date a few days later, Fanny's heart is almost broken. When the two meet again, it's in a very unique way, to say the least.
Speaking of unique, there was quite a few things about this story that fits that criteria. Both meetings of the main characters were pretty different and both of the characters back stories were as well. The story touches on some really hard subjects, things that might be slightly uncomfortable for some readers. However, they are subjects relevant to life today and even to recent headlines. The reason for him standing her up was unique as well.
I really loved Fanny's character. She's like a breath of fresh air in this story. She's the good. Ash has always been the bad boy of rock and believe me, he totally earned that nickname. Now retired from the band, he is almost a hermit with thick walls around him-and I am not talking about real walls. He has never been in a real relationship and Fanny knocks him for a loop. But there are significant problems to overcome in this story, more so than most books I have read.
At times while reading this, I could not put it down as it was so good. It kept me turning pages almost non-stop. There is a couple of loose ends I am still curious about, but thankfully, there will be a fourth book. I saw where someone says this is a standalone, but I think it was much better for me having read book one. I still have book two in my to-be-read pile and I am kicking myself for not reading it before now. That being said, I do think it's possible to start with this book, although you may be a little lost at times-but not too bad.
This is a story for ages 18+only, and I highly recommend it to romance readers. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 4.25 stars!
Speaking of unique, there was quite a few things about this story that fits that criteria. Both meetings of the main characters were pretty different and both of the characters back stories were as well. The story touches on some really hard subjects, things that might be slightly uncomfortable for some readers. However, they are subjects relevant to life today and even to recent headlines. The reason for him standing her up was unique as well.
I really loved Fanny's character. She's like a breath of fresh air in this story. She's the good. Ash has always been the bad boy of rock and believe me, he totally earned that nickname. Now retired from the band, he is almost a hermit with thick walls around him-and I am not talking about real walls. He has never been in a real relationship and Fanny knocks him for a loop. But there are significant problems to overcome in this story, more so than most books I have read.
At times while reading this, I could not put it down as it was so good. It kept me turning pages almost non-stop. There is a couple of loose ends I am still curious about, but thankfully, there will be a fourth book. I saw where someone says this is a standalone, but I think it was much better for me having read book one. I still have book two in my to-be-read pile and I am kicking myself for not reading it before now. That being said, I do think it's possible to start with this book, although you may be a little lost at times-but not too bad.
This is a story for ages 18+only, and I highly recommend it to romance readers. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 4.25 stars!
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April 12, 2018I'm not sure how to rate Oceanside by Michelle Mankin. I've got some hot and cold feelings about it, overall.
While this can be read as a standalone, which I did. I WISH I had taken the time to read the first two books in the series first. There were some tidbits here and there that I had to assume alluded to situations that happened previously to this book. They threw me off and I'd have to pause and think 'did I miss something', but then I'd realize it was probably a detail from a book I hadn't read. This is purely a personal issue, I usually always start at the start because of this. Again, I wish I had here but none of the details missed were detrimental to the story of this book.
Another issue I had was that all the characters are really wordy. I LOVE dialogue, I do, I hate pages and pages of inner monologues. But, the dialogue has to make sense to me and at times...the conversations just felt off.
But - there is something so, so special about this book. Ashland's situation is not something I've read before in contemporary romance and I have IMMENSE respect for Mankin tackling this. I can't tell you how much I loved reading how he struggled with it and, eventually, how this couple found a way past it. It's not just a one dimensional problem, it's layered with other situations not often written about. But again, part of that situation made me wish I'd read the first book of the series!
So, I may not know where my silly star rating stands, but I do know that I'm so glad I picked this book up. Flaws or no, I enjoyed the story, the struggle, the taboo.
While this can be read as a standalone, which I did. I WISH I had taken the time to read the first two books in the series first. There were some tidbits here and there that I had to assume alluded to situations that happened previously to this book. They threw me off and I'd have to pause and think 'did I miss something', but then I'd realize it was probably a detail from a book I hadn't read. This is purely a personal issue, I usually always start at the start because of this. Again, I wish I had here but none of the details missed were detrimental to the story of this book.
Another issue I had was that all the characters are really wordy. I LOVE dialogue, I do, I hate pages and pages of inner monologues. But, the dialogue has to make sense to me and at times...the conversations just felt off.
But - there is something so, so special about this book. Ashland's situation is not something I've read before in contemporary romance and I have IMMENSE respect for Mankin tackling this. I can't tell you how much I loved reading how he struggled with it and, eventually, how this couple found a way past it. It's not just a one dimensional problem, it's layered with other situations not often written about. But again, part of that situation made me wish I'd read the first book of the series!
So, I may not know where my silly star rating stands, but I do know that I'm so glad I picked this book up. Flaws or no, I enjoyed the story, the struggle, the taboo.
April 11, 2018
I’ve been trying to wrestle my thoughts to put down in a review for a few hours now. And I still don’t really know where to start with my review of Oceanside as I know whatever I write will not do justice to how amazing this story of life, despair, hope, and love truly is.
I guess I’ll start with Ashland—Ash to his friends. Ash is moving through life. Moving, not living. Sure, he has a very successful business, the love of his family and friends, and his solitude. But he’s really not living, not loving and embracing life. He’s seemingly happy in his controlled environment. Until Fanny.
Fanny doesn’t even realize the effect she has on Ash the first time they met. She was a rising star who decided to make her own way out of the limelight. Until she’s forced back into the chaos.
Ash and Fanny somehow found their paths crossing again, and this time they weren’t letting Fate take their chance away again. Ash and Fanny brought out the best in each other—their truths are revealed and their lives forever woven together.
There’s so much love to be had between them, but so much fear and an uncertainty too. But they’re living, finally. Finally living—and giving love a chance. And that’s really the most beautiful aspect of this touching, thought-provoking story. That Ash and Fanny aren’t letting fear win—love is. ~ Missy, 5 stars
I guess I’ll start with Ashland—Ash to his friends. Ash is moving through life. Moving, not living. Sure, he has a very successful business, the love of his family and friends, and his solitude. But he’s really not living, not loving and embracing life. He’s seemingly happy in his controlled environment. Until Fanny.
Fanny doesn’t even realize the effect she has on Ash the first time they met. She was a rising star who decided to make her own way out of the limelight. Until she’s forced back into the chaos.
Ash and Fanny somehow found their paths crossing again, and this time they weren’t letting Fate take their chance away again. Ash and Fanny brought out the best in each other—their truths are revealed and their lives forever woven together.
There’s so much love to be had between them, but so much fear and an uncertainty too. But they’re living, finally. Finally living—and giving love a chance. And that’s really the most beautiful aspect of this touching, thought-provoking story. That Ash and Fanny aren’t letting fear win—love is. ~ Missy, 5 stars
April 7, 2018
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
I have been reading books written by the incredibly talented Michelle Mankin ever since 2012 when I discovered her Brutal Strength series, which I have probably re-read over about ten times since. She is the kind of author that never disappoints with her captivating writing style that will hook readers in from start to finish.
Oceanside is the third book in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. Although this story is considered a standalone I can't help but recommend checking out the first two books in the series first because they are all amazing reads and sheds some light on to Fanny and Ash's backstory. This is an intense story and it will certainly engulf your heart as the characters battle some truly heart wrenching obstacles to find happiness.
Since I do not want to give anything away about this book, I will leave you with this...I absolutely adored this story and cannot wait to see what is next in store for Michelle Mankin!
I have been reading books written by the incredibly talented Michelle Mankin ever since 2012 when I discovered her Brutal Strength series, which I have probably re-read over about ten times since. She is the kind of author that never disappoints with her captivating writing style that will hook readers in from start to finish.
Oceanside is the third book in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. Although this story is considered a standalone I can't help but recommend checking out the first two books in the series first because they are all amazing reads and sheds some light on to Fanny and Ash's backstory. This is an intense story and it will certainly engulf your heart as the characters battle some truly heart wrenching obstacles to find happiness.
Since I do not want to give anything away about this book, I will leave you with this...I absolutely adored this story and cannot wait to see what is next in store for Michelle Mankin!
April 9, 2018
Oceanside is book three in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. It can be read as a standalone but if you read the previous ones you'll recognize some of the characters. I'm a huge fan of Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. I couldn't wait to read this one and then when it hit my kindle, I was worried it won't stand up to the huge exceptions I built up in my head. I had no need to worry, it was as great as I expected. Ashland and Fanny are amazing characters. Their story pulled me in and I was able to read it in one day. Fanny and Ash had a brief encounter with each other then they went separate ways. It wasn't their time then. Now there paths cross again. Fanny needs help and Ash is right there to assist. Fanny is running from things and Ash is hiding things from her. They are both complex characters. They both have walls built up but slowly each other are taking the walls down. This one is a definite must read.
July 10, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I absolutely loved this book! On a side note the audio is awesome! It is the best audio I have heard in a long time! Loved the interactions, voices, and sound effects in the audio. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a complete standalone.
Michelle's writing is so detailed you feel you are part of Fanny's and Ashland's story. Ashland is a world renowned rockstar and also Fanny, a rising musicians, business owner, idol. Ashland and Fanny's paths crossed earlier in life and then they cross again when their situations are complete different. I loved how they both helped each other out of the situations they were in. In the story I felt Fanny stole my heart she was so sweet but fierce in her protection of her sister. I loved the connection between Ashland and Fanny. I loved all the emotions the story evoked.
I absolutely loved this book! On a side note the audio is awesome! It is the best audio I have heard in a long time! Loved the interactions, voices, and sound effects in the audio. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a complete standalone.
Michelle's writing is so detailed you feel you are part of Fanny's and Ashland's story. Ashland is a world renowned rockstar and also Fanny, a rising musicians, business owner, idol. Ashland and Fanny's paths crossed earlier in life and then they cross again when their situations are complete different. I loved how they both helped each other out of the situations they were in. In the story I felt Fanny stole my heart she was so sweet but fierce in her protection of her sister. I loved the connection between Ashland and Fanny. I loved all the emotions the story evoked.
April 16, 2018
4 1/2 stars
Fanny and Ashland meet when they are both at a crossroads in their lives, fast forward 2 years later and they are running into each other. Ashland finds Fanny when she need help more then anything to get through life. Fanny helps Ashland out of his self imposed exile that has his friends knowing that she is the one. Music can bring together and their songs of the heart will find each other.
Mankin wrote an emotionally charged story that tackles issues in our modern society that needs to be addressed. Her character development of the Dirty Dogs band is fantastic and makes the story flow. I can't wait to find out who Mankin has for Diesel.
Fanny and Ashland meet when they are both at a crossroads in their lives, fast forward 2 years later and they are running into each other. Ashland finds Fanny when she need help more then anything to get through life. Fanny helps Ashland out of his self imposed exile that has his friends knowing that she is the one. Music can bring together and their songs of the heart will find each other.
Mankin wrote an emotionally charged story that tackles issues in our modern society that needs to be addressed. Her character development of the Dirty Dogs band is fantastic and makes the story flow. I can't wait to find out who Mankin has for Diesel.
April 10, 2018
What a nice little surprise to find a new Rock Star Author!!Love Love Loved this book!!
Ash and Fanny both meet each other while they are at different junctures in their careers/lives. Fanny is a rising star and Ash is on the Eve of his biggest nightmare. “Wrong time” to meet but they have feelings for each other.
This story was a great beach read. Loved the group of friends that surrounded Ash and Fanny I their support for their relationship. This is the 3rd book of the series but could definitely be read as a stand alone. Although you’ll want to read the rest!!
Ash and Fanny both meet each other while they are at different junctures in their careers/lives. Fanny is a rising star and Ash is on the Eve of his biggest nightmare. “Wrong time” to meet but they have feelings for each other.
This story was a great beach read. Loved the group of friends that surrounded Ash and Fanny I their support for their relationship. This is the 3rd book of the series but could definitely be read as a stand alone. Although you’ll want to read the rest!!
April 10, 2018
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
The story of Ashland & Fanny Bay is one of a kind.
Just when you think it'll be a regular love story, there are lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Their relationship evolves into something much more than expected and the story is wonderfully written. The next book can't come soon enough!
This is the first book I've read by Michelle Mankin & I gotta say, I'm glad I did because she is now one of my favorites.
The story of Ashland & Fanny Bay is one of a kind.
Just when you think it'll be a regular love story, there are lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Their relationship evolves into something much more than expected and the story is wonderfully written. The next book can't come soon enough!
This is the first book I've read by Michelle Mankin & I gotta say, I'm glad I did because she is now one of my favorites.
July 5, 2019
Surfs Up!!! 🏄
Dang Michelle Mankin.... You sure pulled out the "FEELS" with Oceanside!
One minute I was laughing, one minute I was heartbroken, one minute I was happy/swoony and the next I would have tears in my eyes!! So much angst but heck yeah..that's just how I LOVE my books!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
And to top it off...a Surfer and a Rocker!!! YES PLEASE!!
Can't wait to read High Tide!!- ⚓
Fantastic book girlie..can't believe I waited so long to read!
Dang Michelle Mankin.... You sure pulled out the "FEELS" with Oceanside!
One minute I was laughing, one minute I was heartbroken, one minute I was happy/swoony and the next I would have tears in my eyes!! So much angst but heck yeah..that's just how I LOVE my books!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
And to top it off...a Surfer and a Rocker!!! YES PLEASE!!
Can't wait to read High Tide!!- ⚓
Fantastic book girlie..can't believe I waited so long to read!
April 16, 2018
I read an ARC copy of this.
I really enjoyed this book. at first I wasn't sure. It was deeper than I originally thought. However, I thought that even though they both had messed up lives I felt that they were perfect for each other. I was really happy that they were together.
I really enjoyed this book. at first I wasn't sure. It was deeper than I originally thought. However, I thought that even though they both had messed up lives I felt that they were perfect for each other. I was really happy that they were together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews