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Rhythm & Blu

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I fell in love with a boy whose laughter was the soundtrack of my heart. And I played it on repeat until life’s streetlights flickered on and stole him away.

Riot Blu.
Top 40 fuckboi.
Paparazzi player.
Trashy reality TV trainwreck.

But once upon a time, he was the boy next door.

Once upon a time, he was every note in every song on every mix tape he had ever made for me.

Now he’s back. A lot more arrogant. A little more tortured. And more gorgeous than any memory I held dear could do justice.

I know no good can come from being anywhere near him. But Seattle is only so big, and if I’m going to get the exclusive of my career, I have to swallow my pride, take that dreaded walk down memory lane and agree to his terms.
Move in with him.
Immerse myself in his life—the life he left me to build.
And try not to fall back in love with the man who ripped my world in two.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2018

155 people are currently reading
656 people want to read

About the author

S.L. Jennings

26 books4,612 followers
S.L. Jennings is a proud military wife to her high school sweetheart, a mom of 3 rowdy boys, and a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. When she’s not obsessing over book boyfriends, you can find her hanging out with a few epic fictional loves at independent bookstores, or sipping a Bloody Mary at her favorite brunch haunt in Spokane, Washington. She’s a self-proclaimed food snob, makeup junkie and lover of all things shiny, sparkly and kitschy.

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5 stars
205 (38%)
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164 (30%)
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112 (21%)
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34 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews727 followers
October 1, 2018
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***

since the very ARC came in a nick of a publishing time, I didn't really have the time to speed it up, so i'm taking it slow *wink*

S.L. Jennings is one of my fave authors in a fantasy genre but she's proven to be a master magic worker in contemporary romance as well, and this sounds pretty damn good by the blurb alone....

BUT

Unfortunately, I found no reasoning for the main characters' actions that don't go beyond cliché-ed formula of 'boy leaves girl in pursuit of fame and fortune as it's his destiny and she stays alone with a huge secret to bear...fast forward ten years, she's filled with anger and resentment over him leaving her and he's still lingering on that "real feeling" he had with her, inspite all the heights of fame, drugs, sex...it's the real music and art that he's trying to hold on to and to find it all again with the girl he left behind' kinda second chance love story...

And I am known for having a hard time giving a second chance at all...

here, non of the 'reasons' these characters provided as explanations to justify their stupid and rash behavior had made me 'believe' in their sincerity and therefore, I can only stay aprehensive of my huge respect for SL Jennings' writing as it is superb as usual and there's no mistake of her talent in doing so, yet this very story lacked in originality and consistency of actions that would/should, in any other case, evoke simpathy and empathy for mentioned participants...but sadly, it's not the case here as I pointed out in earlier lines, and extra drama filled with angst and unsaid secrets in prolonging the plot do not substitute a good storytelling.

And as always, this is my opinion alone and will probably not agree with the general opinion as it's not supposed to in the first place. So, you should make your own decision in contributing and partaking in this venture as such.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,931 reviews395 followers
September 29, 2018
You don’t have to play the villain in order to save someone.

Second chance romance with a popular musician hero, Riot, and a music loving journalist heroine, Rox. He left her when they were just teens. Broke her heart and in her opinion sold out, but she’s keeping a secret from him. One she thought she’d never tell, because she thought she’d never see him again. But now he’s back and in her town, and he’s her next story!

I enjoyed this story. It’s an angsty second chance. There is another man and another woman, but only one of them causes some drama for the couple. I’d venture to say this one is slow burn. There is a lot of tension, and honestly at some points I didn’t know where the story would actually end up going. I wasn’t 100% until the very end.

All in all a great read, and if the author decides to do more I hope that Kaz and his pretty face get a book. Maybe with a certain sassy bestie who doesn’t consider him her type.
Profile Image for Alla.
1,039 reviews50 followers
October 12, 2018
Really, really good even though it got a bit predictable towards the end and I had a strong feeling that it would play out like it did.
Overall I really liked it and had a hard time putting it down today until I managed to finish it.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,632 reviews419 followers
October 1, 2018
Review by Lisa Kane

The moment I read the blurb I couldn't wait get my hands on this book. But once I started reading the story, I found myself getting angrier with each page.

Rox is a good person, but man she is a doormat. When Rox and Riot were kids they had dreams of a life together. But Riot had a chance for fame and he grabbed it, never looking back. Rox's life was changing too, but she wasn't prepared for what was happening. So she did what she thought she needed to do, with the choices Riot left her.

Not even a couple of years laters Rox went to one of Riot's shows and waited for him to get an autograph. Some way of a connection between them. Surely he would talk to her, find out about her life. Nope, he didn't even recognize her...Are you kidding me?

But now it's the present and Rox is forced to move in with Riot for the story of the century. Only Riot is still playing games and putting himself first. Let's just say crap is going to hit the fan, Rox is going to pay the price..because of Riot and his stupid actions once again.

I just could not move past my feelings for Riot. He is not the stuff my dreams of a book boyfriend are made up from-he's selfish and spoiled and he greedily took his chance at fame and willingly paid the price for it by leaving Rox in the dust. Fast forward ten years and he's still no better.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,110 reviews554 followers
September 30, 2018
Unfortunately the rhythm was off and Blu didn't send me into screams of adoration either. Frankly, I thought he was a royal jerk for three-fourths of the book. And Rox, why ya gotta be such a doormat? With a name like yours, I expected more! I just didn't connect on any level with this rock star romance. Dani, the chef was pretty much my favorite character with her breakfast burritos!

And there were missing words right and left throughout the book. Nope, not a happy reader at the end. A positive is that I was able to chalk it up to a bad pick on Kindle Unlimited's monthly fee.
Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,454 reviews569 followers
dnf
November 7, 2018
DNF at 45%
I absolutely adore S.L. Jennings. I have read almost every book by her (except for the Dark Light series which I SO need to get back to) and have loved every single book I've read.
Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. For some reason, I couldn't get into the story or into the characters. I hated how Rox was walked all over by Riot and his easy way to get "into character" with his people and Poppy bothered me. Nothing really seemed genuine and almost too forced. The blurb for this one sounded really good but I was underwhelmed. :(
Profile Image for Deborah.
36 reviews15 followers
September 29, 2018
Got to chapter 18 and honestly it was sheer determination that got me that far not the writing.

The thing that has really annoyed me is I think this book could have been amazing! As soon as I seen the blurb I knew I NEEDED to read this book, sadly it doesn't hold up.

I cannot accept how weak Rox is, like guy leaves her 12 years ago with no explanation and they day they're reconnected she moves in with him? Then they're fucking around when though riots got a girlfriend who's in the same apartment as them!?!

Hard pass. And by that I mean pass the vodka cause I'm planning on drinking until I've no recollection of this.....except Kaz. He's the only good thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,513 reviews61 followers
September 29, 2018
This was just the story I needed today. Binged in one session this book had me smiling so hard one minute and tearing up the next. It's a fantastic take on the rock star romance and I adored Riot and his Rox. First loves are hard to forget and second chances are rare. Add in fantastic secondary characters and music references that made my heart happy and you've got a kick ass read.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Camila Matuella.
582 reviews
October 2, 2018
Eu não senti a conexão entre os personagens, parecia que eles tinham zero química, além da mocinha cair em todos os clichês possíveis e imagináveis.
Blu foi um mocinho sem muito carisma também.


:(
Profile Image for Imani Blake (Enamored Reads).
308 reviews113 followers
October 8, 2018
“‘I’d been searching for inspiration. I found her.’”

What a whirlwind! GAH! This book was SO much more than I was expecting it to be. But to sum it up in two words? Stunningly nostalgic! It was the best blast from the past any 90s baby could hope and dream of! Rhythm and Blu was EVERYTHING!

This is one of those books you could easily connect to the characters! You have Riot who is so unapologetically captivating! Like he even had ME sucked into his undeniable charm. Rox didn’t stand a chance. She definitely held her own and I loved her role of bringing Riot back to who he really is.

Their love story nothing but epic. It gave me butterflies the way they need each other. SL Jennings always EXCEEDS my expectations where contemporary romance goes. I love the 90s spin she put on this one! This was my first read by her and it won’t be my last!
Profile Image for Tanaka K.
898 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2018
S.L. Jennings is one of my favourite paranormal and fantasy authors. Her genius writing and creativity created one of the best paranormal reads I have ever read. I decided to read one of her contemporary romances. She already blew my mind and showed she is capable of writing amazing paranormal romances. When I read the blurb, I was absolutely pulled in. The blurb absolutely made me swoon. I was truly excited to read Rhythm & Blu.

but....

I failed to connect with the characters in Rhythm & Blu. I craving more development in the plot and characters. I truly felt it was rushed, to be honest. The writing was absolutely brilliant. S.L. Jennings just brings you into her world and makes you fall in love with her words. I fell in love with words. They echoed with sweetness and mixed with a second chance love. Heart Warming. Rhythm & Blu is a second chance romance filled with love, drama and music. Although the storyline left me underwhelmed, it truly held my attention from the beginning to the end.

This is purely my honest opinion. ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Melinda.
517 reviews
September 29, 2018
Ok read

Meh, I’m not a fan of love triangles and unfortunately this was one however it was bareable only because it was obvious who the HEA would be with. But still cheating and desperation was involved.
Profile Image for Annie.
1,715 reviews26 followers
September 30, 2018
One of the first tropes I read in mass was rockstar romances, and while this isn’t *technically* that, it’s pretty close and it’s also by an author I always enjoy. Rhythm & Blu is a second chance romance between high school sweethearts who reconnect after twelve years apart. There’s definitely a fair amount of angst in this book, as well as a “sort of” love triangle that plays out, so I’d wager there will be plenty of readers who aren’t crazy about it. However, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I liked the characters, found the chemistry palpable, thought the story was fairly believable, and enjoyed the smoldering, sexy scenes. However, it was the music that stole the book for me. The author’s commitment to weaving the importance of music to Riot and Rox throughout the novel was perfect. I loved all the little tidbits about current music as well as the music these two grew up on. And the links to a 90s R&B playlist sprinkled within the narrative was sweet icing. If you’re a fan of music, especially if you listened to the music of the 90s, I can’t imagine you won’t like this one.

From a character and romance standpoint, Rhythm & Blu was well-developed. I didn’t love how much overlap there was with other love interests for both main characters, but it did lend a certain honesty to the story- especially considering their circumstances and ages- and some of the details that came out later made those moments a little more palatable in hindsight. Rox herself was an interesting character, strong in many ways, but anxious and easily reserved in others. Though I love the brash heroines, I also like seeing characters who are studies in contrast and I found Rox likable overall. Riot was a little harder to flush out. The book is told entirely from Rox’s point-of-view save for the epilogue, and while I got to know a lot about Riot through Rox’s eyes, I didn’t quite understand him or his motivations for the bulk of the story and wouldn’t have minded a little more from his character. That said, their connection was always palpable. It never felt entirely lust-fueled, but rather the emotional bond and history was always present below the surface creating a tension that kept me invested in the book cover to cover. Though I’m sure Rhythm & Blu won’t be the book for everyone, if you don’t mind some angst and enjoy rock/music romances, this title is definitely worth trying out.

*eARC received via author's PA. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
Profile Image for Cyndi Becker.
1,385 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2018
Leave it to SL Jennings to make me question what I wanted for the heroine. I was so captivated by this unique Rock star, First love, Second chance romance that I inhaled it in one sitting. Rox is a smart young woman who is offered the chance of a lifetime; make her career by writing a story of music IT man, Riot Blu, while he works on his comeback. Riot being her first love, Riot being the man that walked away without a word or explanation, and Riot being the Rock star that Rox now has to live with to get her story. But will Rox be sacrificing her pride and heart and is it worth it?

I felt a bit of emotional whiplash as I hoped Riot's intentions were good. It was hard to get a bead on Riot and his methodology certainly made me question him. Riot's life includes a pretentious girlfriend and a few tight knit friends, but mostly his life is a show. The circus includes a lot of hanger on-ers and one man who is a very recent acquaintance to Rox and her bestie. But Rox is out of her element as she observes and rightly judges the people Riot has surrounded himself with:

"It’s just the audacity of these women … of all these people. They literally have the world at their feet and care very little about destroying such valuable items to front and floss for a few likes on social media. In their world, popularity equates value. If you’re not making a scene, then you’re simply not seen."

How could she not see Riot as a sell out? And Riot knows it and I wondered what his game is. There are points I sincerely wanted Rox to walk away as I felt Riot's redemption an uphill battle. But things start to shift, slightly, and then Rox gets a dose of what it's like to be the center or Riot's world, which about breaks her (and me). God my heart bled for this girl, for the past and all that she endured, how she is targeting by Riot's obnoxious and very evil gf, Poppy.

I really enjoyed this story and SL Jennings writing and storytelling in exquisite. Jennings includes a playlist which goes along with the story and the "feels". I would love to see more of this couple and perhaps some of the crew. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
Profile Image for Helen M.A.
227 reviews22 followers
October 3, 2018
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!
So many emotions, but the biggest thing was the constant smile on my face. This story, Riot and Rox, took me on quite a ride. It had me laughing and laughing and swooning, and it even brought tears to my eyes.

Rox has a mouth on her, but her best friend Haze? I NEED a Haze in my life. These two girls continuous banter was Comedy Central worthy.
.
“Seriously, the girl is so starved for attention, I’m afraid she may gnaw off Riot’s arm. Which would probably be the only decent meal she’s had in years. Like, come on. Try a biscuit, bitch.”
.
Those two, I could read an entire book of just them having pointless conversations. Almost stealing the show.

But, then comes in Riot Blu. Everything turns to background noise once that man takes the scene.
The relationship between Roxy and Riot was such a delicious slow burn and a hidden secret that might destroy them forever.
A first love that was completely shattered with no hope for a future. Twelve years apart and a first look again has them both struggling to keep hidden feelings at bay. A million obstacles between them and an entire social media world against them.
I want to talk all about these two, but I’ll end up sounding like a gossiping grandma and give the entire plot away.
Just know, these two had such sexual chemistry that nearly burned my kindle away. Riot and his delicious swagger with a hidden good big hidden within that had me constantly drooling. And the love these two shared over 90’s RnB music had me take several trips down memory lane.
I loved everything about this book! Open it up and let your body feel the rhythm and groove to the love and music.
Profile Image for Heather South.
759 reviews
September 30, 2018
This little gem was hiding in my documents file on my Kindle. I didn't even realize I had it until I was downloading another book. Yay!

I am a HUGE fan of rockstar romance and I'm also a HUGE fan of SL Jennings books!

Not only did I love the two main characters, but I also adored the secondary characters, well except for Poppy and Ms. Jennings knows all of my feelings for Poppy, she is the second coming of the bunny rabbit boiler that is Fatal Attraction.

This was a very well written book. I was just going to read a chapter or two before bed. And before I knew it I was 72% in and I wasn't putting it down until I was done.

The only thing that would have made this a 5 star was if we had gotten Riot's POV too. Like his reasoning behind each and every situation.

I loved that Grip was mentioned in this book! GAH I love Grip!!! The playlist took me way back to my high school days! I may or may not have had to pull out the old yearbooks to get a little sentimental.

Great book, very well written! I really hope Haze and Kaz get a book, not together, that would be weird. lol..Haze is way too much for Kaz to handle.


Profile Image for Cristina Bon V.
121 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2018
Give me MORE!

Dude! I love S.L. Jennings. Love her work. I was so excited about this book because I knew I was going to get a playlist with 90’s R&B. Oh how I miss the good music!
The story of Riot and Rox was absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I hated Poppy from the get-go and I’m sure you all will too!
Look, I’m not good at reviews. All I know to tell you is I enjoyed this from page 1 and I want more! Maybe Haze’s story? Now I’m going to go listen to my 90’s R&B playlist I created while reading this book!
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,325 reviews148 followers
October 3, 2018
another must read

Loved this book so much , cannot wait to get it on paperback to re-read all over again. I've only read a few of this authors books and I've lived them all I think I need to finish reading them all .
Profile Image for MaRanda.
413 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2018
Slow burn... and angst

I'm struggling with what to say that won't spoil the whole thing!

I wanted to review this the day it came out, but with life happening... I'm a little behind by a few days.

What can I say? Blu... oh Blu... this second chance romance was definitely an angst filled slow burn and I don't normally like that, but like ALWAYS, SL Jennings knocked this one out of the park, or arena, or concert stage? ;) I digress, this book was nothing short of fantastic and I LOVED IT!
Profile Image for Elisa.
76 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2018
** 4 STARS!! **

This was my first S.L. Jennings book.
The cover and the blurb immediately catched my attention, so I HAD to give it a try. Plus, thrown in a world famous, gorgeous pop star and his long time best friend and first love, and you'll have all my attention!

Rox and Riot were friends since they were children, when Riot moved in the house next door. They grew up together, they fell in love with each other, writing and singing songs together and loving the same music. But Rox always knew Riot was meant to become a star.
And that's when he leaves her behind, change his life and becomes famous, and completely forget about her. Or so she thinks.

Twelve years passed, and Rox is now working as a journalist for The Seattle Tea, when her boss assign her to the biggest story of all time: having a glimpse of Riot Blu's life, with an interview where he's supposed to show the real him.
Rox can't believe herself and her fate when she finds out she's gonna spend the next weeks in Riot's house in Seattle, with cameras everywhere like they're filming a reality show about his life, with a room all for herself and having to deal with Poppy, Riot's model girlfriend.

But does Riot really forget about her? Is she making a fool of herself again, believing what they had when they were younger was meant to stay forever?
The book begins slowly, but it immediately hooked my attention. It was never boring, and I honestly loved how the old flame between them started to spark again when the right time came.
The story flew by quickly, I enjoyed every character, especially Rox and Haze, her best friend. She's super cool, kind, crazy and always there to support her, plus in the end she does something for Rox that she'll never forget.
I liked the fact that the author didn't focus just on Riot and Rox, but developed the side characters, too so you get to know them a bit better, like Poppy, Kaz, DeeDee and so on...

This is a story you'll really enjoy, and another thing that I ABSOLUTELY loved is that the author used character's names from other authors book, and the fact she threw in songs titles in the chapters. You just had to click on it and get a way better reading experience! As a music fan, I really really liked it!

What else can I say? This book had everything: best friends to lovers, secrets, lies, passion, feelings, music and taught me that you should never give up things you really believe in.
Eventually, they always know how to reach out to you and dreams can come true.

So, if you're searching for a book that at the end will leave you with a huge smile on your face, read this one and you won't be disappointed. For sure my first by Jennings, but not the last.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
October 14, 2018
5 Angsty stars

"I fell in love with a boy who's laughter was the soundtrack of my heart. And I still play it on repeat".



Wow this book! A second chance romance, a teenage to adult love story, Rock-star romance, tick, tick tick went my box's and I was absolutely gripped.

RHYTHM *& BLU is the story of Rox and Riot Blu which begins with Roxy who is a writer being told by her boss that he has a big story for her and it could be big for her career. Rox is excited about the prospect until she is told who she has to get the exclusive interview with, the one and only famous rock-star Riot Blu, Rox's first love who left her behind for stardom and the boy now a man she still hasn't gotten over.

When Rox goes to interview Riot she then discover's this isn't just an interview but she has to live with him in his huge house, and there's even her own bedroom prepared and ready. Rox is to tell the story of the real Riot Blu his daily lifestyle, the man behind the fame.

Now this part of the plot isn't one I haven't come across before were a writer or blogger has to spend time with or go on tour with her ex or a man she has feelings for but that was the only familiarity it had to any other book I have read.

Rox is determined to still hate on Riot and be there to get her job done which isn't hard at times when old feelings start to surface, Riot has a girlfriend, a stunning model girlfriend who often tried to climb him like a tree in her presence.

Crank up the Angst meter right there, Poppy was one hell of a BITCH!!

In summary, I loved that it had my heart thumping in my chest, yes the characters had me wanting to scream at them from time to time and I definitely wanted to punch Poppy but at the end of it all I got exactly what I wanted and that was a well deserved hea for two people who were never meant to be apart in the first place.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

AVAILABLE IN KU. TOLD IN FIRST PERSON.

R̳H̳Y̳T̳H̳M̳ ̳& ̳B̳L̳U̳
Amazon: http://bit.ly/RhythmAndBlu
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/RhythmAndBlu_UK
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/RhythmAndBlu_AUS
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/RhythmAndBlu_CA

http://www.bbbfsizzlereads-bestbookbo...
Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,757 reviews143 followers
October 1, 2018
4.5
Rhythm and Blu is the newest second chance romance by the talented SL Jennings. I'm a huge fan of hers and she can truly write any genre! Rhythm and Blu is a musically epic romance about two souls who fell in love with each other while falling in love with lyrics, beats and sounds only to meet again years later and find that time hasn't lessened their feelings. But nothing worth it is ever easy. Riot left to pursue his dreams, but he left behind the love of his life, Rox. Now he's back and Rox is thrilled and terrified to be in his presence again while trying to write the biggest story of her career. Riot only lets a few people see the real him and he relaxes around Rox. He wants to go back to his roots, remember why he fell in love with music and he needs Rox to help him. Rox never really moved on, but she has been living. The blasts from the past are almost too much to take, but being with Riot again sets her body on fire. Can Riot and Rox rekindle their love without losing themselves again? I enjoyed this story. Riot and Rox both needed to be slapped upside the head a few times, but their feeling for each other were crazy strong. The music. Oh, the music is fantastic. I loved the links so I could listen along with them and my husband saved the playlist and we listened to it together reminiscing over our youth and love for music. I also screamed when I read about Grip. I love me some Grip (If you haven't met him yet, go do that. Kennedy Ryan, Grip). I also adored the secondary characters and I'm not gonna lie, I almost wanted Rox and Kaz to end up together so I'm hoping we get Kaz's story! Riot isn't my favorite hero of hers, but this story is really fantastic. It's also told in Rox's POV and I think that's maybe why I felt like I was missing that part that made me fall in love with him. Overall, I felt the love and the pain, teared up, laughed and felt nostalgic. I could tell that SL Jennings' love for music was poured into every word of this story.

He gives me that sexy crooked grin and I shift my eyes.
Not today, Satan.

Roxanne Lee, I may be the star. But, baby, you shine brighter than all the rest.
Profile Image for Sofia Almiroudis.
375 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2018
What do you do when the one person that you thought you would never see again is the one person who can change your career, your future? Riot broke Rox's heart when he left her behind 12 years ago. Riot was Rox's firsts, her best friend, the love of her life. Now she can't stand hearing his name, never mind having to face him. So when her editor tells her the biggest break of her career is writing a piece on Riot Blu, well damn Rox is swept with overwhelming emotions. Setting aside her pride, Rox sets forth to get in and out of the interview and knock the piece out of the park. However, Riot has other plans for Roxy and what she thought would be an in and out deal turns out to be so much more.

Riot Blu has always been a star, but recently he has hit rock bottom. His reality t.v. show went to sh**s thanks to his bad boy rocker boy image. He needs to clean up his act, so when he's approached for his life to be documented in an article, he agrees. What a surprise it is when Roxy happens to be the journalist writing the piece, or is it? Riot doesn't show his true self to many, but with Roxy he always has. The more time they spend together, the more of the old Riot is revealed. Roxy is torn between with how Riot portrays himself to the public and what he shows her behind closed doors. Can Riot and Roxy get back to where they were 12 years ago? Will they get their second chance in love?

I felt like I was going through an emotional whip lash in Rhythm & Blu. Riot was all over the place with his emotions and feelings for Roxy. Poor Roxy didn't know half of the time if she was coming and going, trying to fit in a world of lies, secrets and deceit. When Riot finally shared why his career destructed I was in awe of his dedication, love and strength for the ones he loves. While Riot redeemed himself, Roxy finally found her voice and strength to live the life she always wanted. Well done S.L. Jennings! Happy to see how two people's love for music long ago bonded them and brought them together again at the end.
Profile Image for The Book Trollop.
482 reviews33 followers
October 1, 2018
3.5 stars

This book.... this book was quite a fucking experience...

Everything from the hyperlinks to the characters transported me back to the age of angst. Every single song reminded me of my teenage years and I think listening to the songs while reading really hit me in the damn guts.

Also, the situation that Rox went through in this book was like looking at the carbon copy of my own life when I was 16, except for the pregnancy. Being totally in love with a guy and basically letting him walk all over me. He took and took and took and then when I finally had enough, he realized what an amazing thing he had but I was DONE. I was done seeing him love all over his girlfriends and then come to me and tell me i was important to him and the GFs weren’t shit to him that i was what mattered to his heart but he’d still choose THEM over m, every single time. It broke me over and over again and this is where in the book I couldn’t take!!

I wanted Rox to make Riot beg, plead, grovel and worship at her feet. All he had to do was say I love you and she was like “ok”... no!!!! Not cool!! He didn’t redeem himself in my eyes. The whole “if I can’t have you, no one else can” was the same BS I went through. Ugh. TRIGGERED!!!

If the whole Poppy situation was left out, I would have been happier but I’m not the author and I don’t make executive decisions like that.

Even though I was severely triggered, I still really loved this experience. I loved the whole vibe. The best friend was seriously the carbon copy of my bestie growing up. She’s still my platonic lesbian lover. My ride or die. Made me miss her something fierce.

So while I go vagina deep into my 90s R&B playlist, I would like to say that if you love real R&B, the kind that makes your soul explode from pleasure and sets your heart on fire, then you need to make sure you click those links on the Kindle!! Also, listen and read. It gives so much more... feeling...

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Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,391 reviews47 followers
September 28, 2018
S.L. Jennings is hands down one of my all-time favorite authors and this book only proves to show just how incredible her stories are and how much emotion she can evoke with her beautiful words.

Rox and Riot are everything you could ever possibly want and more. They are raw and real, they are friends, lovers, they are each other’s everything.

Rox is such a strong, badass women. She stays true to herself and doesn’t put on a show for others. She is the real deal. But just like everyone else in this world she is not without insecurities and mistakes. But she owns them, she fights for those she loves even at the cost of her own happiness. I’m in awe of Rox because despite the horrible things that happened to her and the things she’s had to experience, she has taken those lessons and they have only made her a stronger, more passionate woman.

And Riot...my god if that man doesn’t make you feel every emotion under the sun. Riot, Riot, Riot. Yes, he’s made mistakes, no doubt about that. But when push comes to shove he knows Rox is his lifeline, his rhythm. With Rox he is the down to earth, humble, simplistic man he wants to be. Making music, painting the truth and vulnerability with his lyrics.

Together Rox and Riot are a force. They are the beat that makes you sway your hips and bob your head; they are the lyrics that make you laugh, cry, smile; they are the words that move you to your core. That no matter when you’re feeling down or on top of the world, their love, their passion knows no bounds.

A beautiful, moving story that gave me all of the feels.

A HUGE 5 stars!

Profile Image for Casey.
230 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2018
I’ve been a fan of SL Jennings for years. She writes several different genres and I’ve enjoyed each one. However, similar to Ink and Lies, when she gets into a certain head space magic happens and the result is Rhythm and Blu.

“You relive those butterflies, those sweaty palms and the exhilaration of falling in love. Music is memories.” This quote begins to define Riot and Rox’s path, but as a reader it resonates. It takes you to a time, maybe homecoming or prom when a song is seared with a memory. Music does define much of our lives and this book makes you remember.

Riot is living the dream. He’s rich and famous, he has followers and friends. Partying hard and laying down tracks harder. In other words he’s a sellout.

Rox had a dream, and when it fell apart she had to forge a new path. Suddenly, that path intersects with her past. Riot.

You begin to wonder how Rox can stand to be around the fake, sycophantic world that Riot surrounds himself with, when suddenly you get glimpses of who Riot may actually be. Underneath all of the false glamour is the boy and the dream they had laying next to each other sharing headphones, listening to music shape and define them.

Some books take pivotal moment and allows them to drag too long for “angst or buildup”, SL Jennings gets it right. The timing is perfect. I think it takes a lot if creative restraint not to try to get a few more feelings from readers or a few more words in a novel. This author gives you the EXACT amount of buildup, the EXACT amount of angst to keep loving these characters.

Casey Allen~~Between the Screens Book Blog
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