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Road Kings #3
Rhythm
The only person more damaged than I am is Axel de Vries, the drummer for the Road Kings. He’s a rock star, my new neighbor, and a blond god with tattoos. The eye candy from my window is crazy.
But he’s just pulled himself out of addiction, and I’ve just escaped a devastating relationship. We’re both too scarred to handle getting involved. So we make an We’re just friends.
Axel is good at the friends thing—too good. He’d be the best friend I ever had, except that suddenly I’m accompanying him on tour to keep him sober. And the more time I spend with him, the less I want friendship.
I’m keeping him clean. He’s keeping me sane. We’re saying no to temptation. But what would happen—just once—if both of us said yes?
But he’s just pulled himself out of addiction, and I’ve just escaped a devastating relationship. We’re both too scarred to handle getting involved. So we make an We’re just friends.
Axel is good at the friends thing—too good. He’d be the best friend I ever had, except that suddenly I’m accompanying him on tour to keep him sober. And the more time I spend with him, the less I want friendship.
I’m keeping him clean. He’s keeping me sane. We’re saying no to temptation. But what would happen—just once—if both of us said yes?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
184 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 5, 2023
This time I listened to the book on audio and loved it just as much this time. What really struck me is how good of friends they are to each other.
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I think I’ve pretty much run out of superlatives so this review is stripped down this time.
This is the third book in the Road King series and is another solid and well earned five star read. This book focuses on Axel, the drummer of Road Kings and Brit, his neighbour, good friend and sobriety coach while the band is on tour. We’ve met them in the previous two books but now we get the story of their relationship. Axel is a recovering drug addict and Brit is just out of a very toxic relationship and while their is incredible chemistry between them, Brit is very damaged and not nearly ready for a relationship with Axel is very understanding and patient with Brit. He’s ready to wait as long as it takes or even not be the one she turns to when she’s ready even though that would devastate him. But he puts what she needs first. He’s the best kind of hero.
Brit’s self confidence has been utterly destroyed. She’s afraid of her feelings for Axel, thinking this gorgeous, amazing rock star can’t really want someone as broken as she is so she friend zones him while the lust and love she feels for him grows.
I love how open and raw Axel is with Brit. He’s an amazing character. I also truly appreciate the strong bond of friendship between all the member of the Road Kings. They’ve all had shitty upbringings and they’ve become their own close knit family. It gives this series an added depth and layer. And I also love how they are all so accepting with the growing list of girlfriends and they are all very closely knit.
The ongoing mystery of their backer is solved and I love it. And it’s also very well done how much of these books overlap and are on the same timeline, each from a different perspective. Kudos to Ms. Kriss on this. I think it’s best to read this series in order. These books are all available on KU so it won’t cost anything to read them if you have KU. I think most of her books are on KU though I bought them. They are high on my reread list of books and I like the security of having my favourite books available at all times in case a need to reread comes over me.
This book gets the strongest of recommendations from me. I think Duet noses this one out by just a hair but Rhythm still gets 5 well earned stars.
×^×^×^×^×^×^×^×^×^
I think I’ve pretty much run out of superlatives so this review is stripped down this time.
This is the third book in the Road King series and is another solid and well earned five star read. This book focuses on Axel, the drummer of Road Kings and Brit, his neighbour, good friend and sobriety coach while the band is on tour. We’ve met them in the previous two books but now we get the story of their relationship. Axel is a recovering drug addict and Brit is just out of a very toxic relationship and while their is incredible chemistry between them, Brit is very damaged and not nearly ready for a relationship with Axel is very understanding and patient with Brit. He’s ready to wait as long as it takes or even not be the one she turns to when she’s ready even though that would devastate him. But he puts what she needs first. He’s the best kind of hero.
Brit’s self confidence has been utterly destroyed. She’s afraid of her feelings for Axel, thinking this gorgeous, amazing rock star can’t really want someone as broken as she is so she friend zones him while the lust and love she feels for him grows.
I love how open and raw Axel is with Brit. He’s an amazing character. I also truly appreciate the strong bond of friendship between all the member of the Road Kings. They’ve all had shitty upbringings and they’ve become their own close knit family. It gives this series an added depth and layer. And I also love how they are all so accepting with the growing list of girlfriends and they are all very closely knit.
The ongoing mystery of their backer is solved and I love it. And it’s also very well done how much of these books overlap and are on the same timeline, each from a different perspective. Kudos to Ms. Kriss on this. I think it’s best to read this series in order. These books are all available on KU so it won’t cost anything to read them if you have KU. I think most of her books are on KU though I bought them. They are high on my reread list of books and I like the security of having my favourite books available at all times in case a need to reread comes over me.
This book gets the strongest of recommendations from me. I think Duet noses this one out by just a hair but Rhythm still gets 5 well earned stars.
June 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This book had a great hero, a drug addict in recovery. The heroine becomes his friend and and then he asks her to come with him on the rock band’s reunion tour to help him stay on the wagon. He was a lovely guy but she was blah. Boring and I didn’t understand why he was with her. I am not a fan of this heroine type generally (recently split with asshole ex, down on her luck, low self esteem) and I wasn’t a fan here. What did he see in her? I enjoyed some of the stuff from the band's tour and the inter-band tensions and camaraderie. I do like the heroine of the next book and so I read on.
This book had a great hero, a drug addict in recovery. The heroine becomes his friend and and then he asks her to come with him on the rock band’s reunion tour to help him stay on the wagon. He was a lovely guy but she was blah. Boring and I didn’t understand why he was with her. I am not a fan of this heroine type generally (recently split with asshole ex, down on her luck, low self esteem) and I wasn’t a fan here. What did he see in her? I enjoyed some of the stuff from the band's tour and the inter-band tensions and camaraderie. I do like the heroine of the next book and so I read on.
December 3, 2022
3.5 stars ✿
❛All I wanted was this woman, right here. I wanted her to look at me like I mattered. I wanted her to put her arms around my neck and tell me she believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wanted her to make me believe she was here, just here. For me.❜
i can't believe i have to wait until spring 2023 for stone and sienna's book.
❛All I wanted was this woman, right here. I wanted her to look at me like I mattered. I wanted her to put her arms around my neck and tell me she believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wanted her to make me believe she was here, just here. For me.❜
i can't believe i have to wait until spring 2023 for stone and sienna's book.
December 4, 2022
She's done it again
What is it about drummers' books in Rockstar romance series. Axel makes such a big impression in the first two books of The Road Kings series by Ms. Kriss that you think you know what direction this book will take before even starting to read; but Julie surprises the reader with a back story for Brit that is so heartbreaking Axel has big obstacles to climb over to make it all work for Brit. This one I found deeply atmospheric; maybe because Axel is so much more in his head and trying to be more attuned to his emotions than I was expecting for this former addict. This is a slow moving but deeply romantic story of two damaged souls wanting to be together and desperately trying to do the work on themselves to make that happen. That's always been what I find sexiest in a man, the willingness to do the work to keep love going every day. It's the committed energy to love Brit the way she needs to be loved that overwelmed me here. I hope it does it for you too!
What is it about drummers' books in Rockstar romance series. Axel makes such a big impression in the first two books of The Road Kings series by Ms. Kriss that you think you know what direction this book will take before even starting to read; but Julie surprises the reader with a back story for Brit that is so heartbreaking Axel has big obstacles to climb over to make it all work for Brit. This one I found deeply atmospheric; maybe because Axel is so much more in his head and trying to be more attuned to his emotions than I was expecting for this former addict. This is a slow moving but deeply romantic story of two damaged souls wanting to be together and desperately trying to do the work on themselves to make that happen. That's always been what I find sexiest in a man, the willingness to do the work to keep love going every day. It's the committed energy to love Brit the way she needs to be loved that overwelmed me here. I hope it does it for you too!
November 18, 2022
Rhythm is the 3rd book in the Road Kings series, and I was so stoked to get an ARC. It is my favorite Road Kings book, which shocks me to say, because I didn’t think anything could top Duet (book 1, Denver and Callie’s story), but there you go.
Rhythm is the story of Axel, the band’s drummer, and Brit, the woman who appears in Duet and Riff (book 2) as Axel’s sober companion – or ‘babysitter’ – on the tour. Axel is a recovering addict, and his issues and history are largely revealed, through the eyes of his bandmates, in the first two books of the series. But it’s not just Axel who’s struggling—Brit has her own trauma, both childhood and recent, that she’s working through as well. The first half of the book takes place before the tour that makes up the bulk of book 1 and 2, and while it’s a little strange (the events of all the books overlap somewhat), it also feels necessary to the story. We need Brit and Axel’s backstory, their history, what brings them to the point of friction and feeling they’re in when we first meet them in Duet.
With such weighty themes as trauma and addiction, I worried the story would feel heavy, but it doesn’t—quite the opposite, really. Yeah, there are hard moments—really hard moments—and I don't think the story shies away from the harsh realities of addiction or trauma, but at the core of it this is a story about hope, and hard work, and the beauty of embracing life.
Rhythm is a soft and tender friends to lovers slow burn with unrequited love and pining—my God, the pining! And when I say slow burn I mean very slow burn—the first kiss doesn’t happen until Chapter 11, and then after that there’s not another kiss until Chapter 20!—but the payoff is oh so steamy, and oh so worth it. Seeing these two damaged but valiant people find their way to each other after dragging themselves out of their respective gutters and doing the hard, hard work of self-reflection and self-improvement was wonderful and lovely and I'm not ashamed to say I did a lot of sighing. Add in the frequent laughs and the camaraderie of the band (which is one of my favorite things about the series) and the Sweatpants of Satan (trust me!) and what you have is a five star delight.
CW for Rhythm: addiction (off the page), recovery, emotional abuse, both intimate partner and parental (off the page), disordered eating (discussion of and dealing with), body image issues, internalized fat phobia, childhood diet trauma (occurred in the past but discussed on page)
Rhythm is the story of Axel, the band’s drummer, and Brit, the woman who appears in Duet and Riff (book 2) as Axel’s sober companion – or ‘babysitter’ – on the tour. Axel is a recovering addict, and his issues and history are largely revealed, through the eyes of his bandmates, in the first two books of the series. But it’s not just Axel who’s struggling—Brit has her own trauma, both childhood and recent, that she’s working through as well. The first half of the book takes place before the tour that makes up the bulk of book 1 and 2, and while it’s a little strange (the events of all the books overlap somewhat), it also feels necessary to the story. We need Brit and Axel’s backstory, their history, what brings them to the point of friction and feeling they’re in when we first meet them in Duet.
With such weighty themes as trauma and addiction, I worried the story would feel heavy, but it doesn’t—quite the opposite, really. Yeah, there are hard moments—really hard moments—and I don't think the story shies away from the harsh realities of addiction or trauma, but at the core of it this is a story about hope, and hard work, and the beauty of embracing life.
Rhythm is a soft and tender friends to lovers slow burn with unrequited love and pining—my God, the pining! And when I say slow burn I mean very slow burn—the first kiss doesn’t happen until Chapter 11, and then after that there’s not another kiss until Chapter 20!—but the payoff is oh so steamy, and oh so worth it. Seeing these two damaged but valiant people find their way to each other after dragging themselves out of their respective gutters and doing the hard, hard work of self-reflection and self-improvement was wonderful and lovely and I'm not ashamed to say I did a lot of sighing. Add in the frequent laughs and the camaraderie of the band (which is one of my favorite things about the series) and the Sweatpants of Satan (trust me!) and what you have is a five star delight.
CW for Rhythm: addiction (off the page), recovery, emotional abuse, both intimate partner and parental (off the page), disordered eating (discussion of and dealing with), body image issues, internalized fat phobia, childhood diet trauma (occurred in the past but discussed on page)
November 30, 2022
✔Contemporary
✔Rockstar romance
✔Music
✔Drummer
✔A sullen, damaged/jaded hero who is trying to stay sober
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy heroine who escaped a devastating relationship
✔Neighbors to friends to lovers
✔Slow burn
✔Pining
✔Laugh out loud moments
✔Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔Heartfelt /swoony
✔Page turner
✔Fast paced
✔Intense and funny
✔Beautiful love story
Rhythm is the third book in Road Kings series by Julie Kriss. It’s a must 5 star read and such a delight. A refreshing, new look at the heavy topics yet skillfully intertwined and told. A slow burn book I didn’t know I needed. A forbidden romance full of pining and close friendship. The writing is powerful, riveting, engaging and invigorating. The characters are amazing, raw, real, dealing with real life problems, feelings, demons, lack of self-esteem and judgment. This book evokes every single emotion.
Rhythm tells a story of Axel, the band drummer, and Brit who is Axel’s sober companion – or ‘babysitter’ – on the tour. They are such a great characters and so amazing together. I really loved how their relationship developed. Axel and Brit have such a sweet friendship. They will steal your heart from the moment they meet and through a backstory of the previous two books. Axel and Brit need to overcome a lot of insecurities, emotional baggage, past and own demons. I loved how vulnerable and patient Axel was when it came to Brit. They are heartachingly beautiful, a bit angsty, quirky, flirty, captivating, intense and deliciously romantic. They have an instant, great connection, chemistry and beautiful build up. They started with an easy yet tenuous friendship which slowly turned into something more. I love how both Axel and Brit are flawed, loyal and complex characters. These two made me smile, laugh, swoon, cry and experience a lot of feelings along the way. Their love started healing them both. Their transformation and development is incredible.
It's so sexy, so dreamy, very slow burn and so romantic. I inhaled the pages and didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend it.
✔Rockstar romance
✔Music
✔Drummer
✔A sullen, damaged/jaded hero who is trying to stay sober
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy heroine who escaped a devastating relationship
✔Neighbors to friends to lovers
✔Slow burn
✔Pining
✔Laugh out loud moments
✔Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔Heartfelt /swoony
✔Page turner
✔Fast paced
✔Intense and funny
✔Beautiful love story
Rhythm is the third book in Road Kings series by Julie Kriss. It’s a must 5 star read and such a delight. A refreshing, new look at the heavy topics yet skillfully intertwined and told. A slow burn book I didn’t know I needed. A forbidden romance full of pining and close friendship. The writing is powerful, riveting, engaging and invigorating. The characters are amazing, raw, real, dealing with real life problems, feelings, demons, lack of self-esteem and judgment. This book evokes every single emotion.
Rhythm tells a story of Axel, the band drummer, and Brit who is Axel’s sober companion – or ‘babysitter’ – on the tour. They are such a great characters and so amazing together. I really loved how their relationship developed. Axel and Brit have such a sweet friendship. They will steal your heart from the moment they meet and through a backstory of the previous two books. Axel and Brit need to overcome a lot of insecurities, emotional baggage, past and own demons. I loved how vulnerable and patient Axel was when it came to Brit. They are heartachingly beautiful, a bit angsty, quirky, flirty, captivating, intense and deliciously romantic. They have an instant, great connection, chemistry and beautiful build up. They started with an easy yet tenuous friendship which slowly turned into something more. I love how both Axel and Brit are flawed, loyal and complex characters. These two made me smile, laugh, swoon, cry and experience a lot of feelings along the way. Their love started healing them both. Their transformation and development is incredible.
It's so sexy, so dreamy, very slow burn and so romantic. I inhaled the pages and didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend it.
May 14, 2024
UPDATED 2024: I blitzed through this reread. I adore Axel...and as a rule I don't dig drummers. I did want to shake Brit OFTEN, but once she starts taking care of Axel and the boys she turns around for me.
I love friends to lovers ❤️
This whole series is amazing.
It never feels like there is drama for drama's sake. Everything feels REAL and EARNED. That is something that I've been missing in a lot of books recently.
And even though they are rock stars, they just seem like good men with a strange job.
I love Axel and how much work he's put in on himself. He is so supportive of Brit. They are so good for each other and have a real friendship above everything else.
So well written, and the audiobook readers were perfection.
I love friends to lovers ❤️
This whole series is amazing.
It never feels like there is drama for drama's sake. Everything feels REAL and EARNED. That is something that I've been missing in a lot of books recently.
And even though they are rock stars, they just seem like good men with a strange job.
I love Axel and how much work he's put in on himself. He is so supportive of Brit. They are so good for each other and have a real friendship above everything else.
So well written, and the audiobook readers were perfection.
December 6, 2022
I loved this book! Julie Kriss is a brilliant author, she not only gave us a beautiful love story but she also adds other elements to the story that give more depth and interest, and make the story that more human, relevant and interesting. This whole story kept me riveted the whole time and dying to know how Axel and Brit’s story developed.
Brit arrived at her great-aunt Ellen’s house broken and broke. In LA, she was a hairdresser to the stars but her abusive ex-boyfriend broke her spirit and her self-esteem. He also kicked her out of town and kept the business and money. She’s now a hermit, spends most of her time in bed and sleeping. Then one day she saw this beautiful man, dressed in evil grey sweatpants, bent over in his car searching for something and it was like a religious experience. Her aunt, who is old but not blind, also came and shared in the adoration of a splendid butt.
Alex is the drummer of the Road Kings, the rock group that has been disbanded for five years. When they broke up, he was strung up in drugs and booze and he went into rehab and started a very tortuous route towards recovery. His current life is very boring, co-owner of a coffee house, no parties, no women, early in the morning to run, early in the night to sleep, regular visits to a therapist and to AA and NA.
When they meet there’s an electric current in the air, but he recognizes a broken spirit because he’s been there. I loved how careful and considerate he was with Brit. He was attracted but kept his distance and offered friendship. Slowly and carefully, he brought Brit out of her hibernation and brought her to the land of the living. The story was slow burn which made perfect sense and I loved the slow move from friendship to love.
I loved this story and all the psychology that went into it. Axel had travelled the route of being broken, so he sorta steered Brit, but always kept his distance, always careful, always considerate. I loved Brit and felt for her. Her spirit was completely broken and needed a lot of repair! Brit’s aunt Ellen is a wonderful character full of sass and vinegar and a ton of love and respect for Brit and Axel. I loved all her interventions in the story, especially when she talked about Brit’s mom: “beautiful and stupid”, wow!
The story of the four Road Kings happens simultaneously, so when Axel brings Brit with him to the band tour, we revisit some of the events, and some of their antics. There was a streaking incident and the glitter event was priceless. In this story, I got to enjoy Stone’s grumpiness and I’m giddy that he’s the next one to get his story.
Completely entertaining, lovely with strong emotions, a superb slow burn and a beautiful friends to lovers development that I completely devoured and enjoyed. Home run!
Brit arrived at her great-aunt Ellen’s house broken and broke. In LA, she was a hairdresser to the stars but her abusive ex-boyfriend broke her spirit and her self-esteem. He also kicked her out of town and kept the business and money. She’s now a hermit, spends most of her time in bed and sleeping. Then one day she saw this beautiful man, dressed in evil grey sweatpants, bent over in his car searching for something and it was like a religious experience. Her aunt, who is old but not blind, also came and shared in the adoration of a splendid butt.
Alex is the drummer of the Road Kings, the rock group that has been disbanded for five years. When they broke up, he was strung up in drugs and booze and he went into rehab and started a very tortuous route towards recovery. His current life is very boring, co-owner of a coffee house, no parties, no women, early in the morning to run, early in the night to sleep, regular visits to a therapist and to AA and NA.
When they meet there’s an electric current in the air, but he recognizes a broken spirit because he’s been there. I loved how careful and considerate he was with Brit. He was attracted but kept his distance and offered friendship. Slowly and carefully, he brought Brit out of her hibernation and brought her to the land of the living. The story was slow burn which made perfect sense and I loved the slow move from friendship to love.
I loved this story and all the psychology that went into it. Axel had travelled the route of being broken, so he sorta steered Brit, but always kept his distance, always careful, always considerate. I loved Brit and felt for her. Her spirit was completely broken and needed a lot of repair! Brit’s aunt Ellen is a wonderful character full of sass and vinegar and a ton of love and respect for Brit and Axel. I loved all her interventions in the story, especially when she talked about Brit’s mom: “beautiful and stupid”, wow!
The story of the four Road Kings happens simultaneously, so when Axel brings Brit with him to the band tour, we revisit some of the events, and some of their antics. There was a streaking incident and the glitter event was priceless. In this story, I got to enjoy Stone’s grumpiness and I’m giddy that he’s the next one to get his story.
Completely entertaining, lovely with strong emotions, a superb slow burn and a beautiful friends to lovers development that I completely devoured and enjoyed. Home run!
December 4, 2022
Axel & Brit
I love this series and look forward to the next release. I liked Axel & Brit but I thought their book was slow moving, which explains the 4/5. Even though this story happened along with the first two books, there wasn’t a huge amount of repetition of the events and the different perspectives kept it from being monotonous. If you liked Duet and Riff, you will like this one, too. Julie Kriss writes the best book boyfriends and Axel didn’t disappoint, although Denver is my personal favorite! I would love to see/hear more from him and Callie!
I love this series and look forward to the next release. I liked Axel & Brit but I thought their book was slow moving, which explains the 4/5. Even though this story happened along with the first two books, there wasn’t a huge amount of repetition of the events and the different perspectives kept it from being monotonous. If you liked Duet and Riff, you will like this one, too. Julie Kriss writes the best book boyfriends and Axel didn’t disappoint, although Denver is my personal favorite! I would love to see/hear more from him and Callie!
December 12, 2022
Another Great Book
I love this book just as much as I love the last two books in the series. The characters are real with real problems and real solutions or not solutions. The best thing about it is that they are adults having adult conversations and communicating. In a world full of romance novels, where the biggest problem between the two leads is a lack of communication, it’s refreshing define books that are in about a lack of communication.
I love this book just as much as I love the last two books in the series. The characters are real with real problems and real solutions or not solutions. The best thing about it is that they are adults having adult conversations and communicating. In a world full of romance novels, where the biggest problem between the two leads is a lack of communication, it’s refreshing define books that are in about a lack of communication.
December 13, 2022
This book is the perfect mix of slow burn and friends to lovers. The pace is perfect, not drawn out and not rushed. Brit is definitely a heroine I rooted for as she grew throughout the book--she became more independent and also took a chance with Axel, which is a delicate balance for one character in a romance novel.
November 23, 2022
Another amazing book featuring my new favorite band! The Road Kings have been on break for a long 5 years. Each of them going their own way. Axel has spent that time working on himself. I’ve wondered about him since book 1. I’m completely head over heals for the sexy drummer. He an All around great guy. He spends his time co-owning/running a coffee shop and looking out for his elderly neighbor. Brit comes to Portland to stay with her Aunt after losing her job and home. She’s also fleeing from a terrible relationship. She’s struggling to know herself again. Brit’s insecurities have her questioning why anyone would want her, and Axel feels like he’s never going to be able to offer anyone anything. They strike up a friendship and begin to heal each other.loved how patient and vulnerable Axel was when it came to Brit. He’s perfect boyfriend material!!
December 5, 2022
The Drummer and His Neighbor- His Tour Babysitter #unrequitedlove
Julie Kris’s Rhythm, book 3 of Road Kings series is a rockstar masterpiece! Her Road Kings series are some of the best rockstar reads available! As a connoisseur of rockstar books, not too many make the mark. Julie Kriss ‘ books are exceptional in writing, character depth and always a down right good story I couldn’t wait to read and didn’t want the book to end. I am excited for the next book even if I have to wait several months for it to come out!
Julie Kris’s Rhythm, book 3 of Road Kings series is a rockstar masterpiece! Her Road Kings series are some of the best rockstar reads available! As a connoisseur of rockstar books, not too many make the mark. Julie Kriss ‘ books are exceptional in writing, character depth and always a down right good story I couldn’t wait to read and didn’t want the book to end. I am excited for the next book even if I have to wait several months for it to come out!
April 22, 2023
Moving and lovely
4.5 stars
Brit is definitely one of my favourite characters. I found Axel just a little too perfect, but he complemented Brit well.
The story had me hooked, the emotions, as usual with Julie Kriss, real and beautiful and heart wrenching.
A great addition to an awesome series.
Standalone. 1st person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
4.5 stars
Brit is definitely one of my favourite characters. I found Axel just a little too perfect, but he complemented Brit well.
The story had me hooked, the emotions, as usual with Julie Kriss, real and beautiful and heart wrenching.
A great addition to an awesome series.
Standalone. 1st person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
May 3, 2025
Rhythm gives us the beautifully raw and emotional story of Axel and Brit—two people trying to rebuild their lives after surviving their own personal hells. Axel, the Road Kings’ drummer, is fighting for his sobriety, while Brit is learning to heal after escaping a toxic, damaging relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really makes this story shine is their deep friendship and emotional connection.
Axel is one of the best kinds of heroes—patient, selfless, and fiercely protective. He never pressures Brit and is willing to wait, even if it breaks his heart. Brit’s struggle with self-worth feels heartbreakingly real, and her slow journey toward trusting herself and Axel is both painful and beautiful to watch.
I loved how honest and open Axel was, and how their relationship unfolded so naturally. The Road Kings’ bond as a found family adds even more heart to the story, and it’s always satisfying to see how they rally around each other and the women coming into their lives.
The overarching mystery with their secret backer wraps up perfectly, and I loved how the overlapping timelines from each book give the whole series a layered, interconnected feel. Rhythm is a gorgeous friends-to-lovers romance packed with emotional healing, sizzling tension, and so much heart.
Axel is one of the best kinds of heroes—patient, selfless, and fiercely protective. He never pressures Brit and is willing to wait, even if it breaks his heart. Brit’s struggle with self-worth feels heartbreakingly real, and her slow journey toward trusting herself and Axel is both painful and beautiful to watch.
I loved how honest and open Axel was, and how their relationship unfolded so naturally. The Road Kings’ bond as a found family adds even more heart to the story, and it’s always satisfying to see how they rally around each other and the women coming into their lives.
The overarching mystery with their secret backer wraps up perfectly, and I loved how the overlapping timelines from each book give the whole series a layered, interconnected feel. Rhythm is a gorgeous friends-to-lovers romance packed with emotional healing, sizzling tension, and so much heart.
November 21, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. This is the third book in the Road Kings series and I absolutely loved it! I am a big fan of Julie Kriss' work so was very excited for this book. This book follows Axel, the drummer for the band, and Brit, his designated baby sober babysitter.
Axel was an addict last time they went on tour and is now clean. However a new tour could derail all that he has worked for. So he asks his bestie, Brit, to be is sober babysitter on this tour. This is a very complicated ask. When Brit and Axel first met, Brit was in a really bad place. Out of a horrible and emotional abusive relationship where she lost her job, her home, everything. She is instantly attracted to Axel and he her but he knows she is not ready for anything. So they become besties and he is the reason she is able to start functions again in the real world. So when the two go on tour together, things get complicated as their feelings start to become more and more evident.
I love the back story for both Brit and Axel; I loved getting to know their characters. Plus how can you not love a hot Nordic drummer?
Overall a great book. Fast read, emotional, funny and romantic. Definitely recommend.
Axel was an addict last time they went on tour and is now clean. However a new tour could derail all that he has worked for. So he asks his bestie, Brit, to be is sober babysitter on this tour. This is a very complicated ask. When Brit and Axel first met, Brit was in a really bad place. Out of a horrible and emotional abusive relationship where she lost her job, her home, everything. She is instantly attracted to Axel and he her but he knows she is not ready for anything. So they become besties and he is the reason she is able to start functions again in the real world. So when the two go on tour together, things get complicated as their feelings start to become more and more evident.
I love the back story for both Brit and Axel; I loved getting to know their characters. Plus how can you not love a hot Nordic drummer?
Overall a great book. Fast read, emotional, funny and romantic. Definitely recommend.
February 18, 2025
1. The whole premise of Brit going on tour with the band was so flimsy.
a. If this mysterious guy that was paying for the tour insisted on a sober companion to keep Axel from using, he wouldn’t let Axel choose his own because he could easily choose someone that he could influence.
b. Brit didn’t even spend much time with Axel. She travelled on a separate bus which made ZERO sense and Axel told her that she wasn’t needed when he was at sound check or onstage.
c. She didn’t even go to any of the shows; isn’t that where Axel admitted he would have been most likely to get high?
d. Even when they stayed in hotels, she had a separate room.
2. It was such a disappointment that we didn’t get to see the confrontation between Brit and her ex; I was really looking forward to that.
The book is a standalone but some plot points continue into the series.
a. If this mysterious guy that was paying for the tour insisted on a sober companion to keep Axel from using, he wouldn’t let Axel choose his own because he could easily choose someone that he could influence.
b. Brit didn’t even spend much time with Axel. She travelled on a separate bus which made ZERO sense and Axel told her that she wasn’t needed when he was at sound check or onstage.
c. She didn’t even go to any of the shows; isn’t that where Axel admitted he would have been most likely to get high?
d. Even when they stayed in hotels, she had a separate room.
2. It was such a disappointment that we didn’t get to see the confrontation between Brit and her ex; I was really looking forward to that.
The book is a standalone but some plot points continue into the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2023
Every woman wishes she had an Axel ❤️
Damaged. Axel, with his recovery. Brit, from a lifetime of belittling. She’s at the point that she let her lover/business partner take everything from her, just so she could get away. She is so damaged, she’s traumatized.
And Axel sees it. He sees her.
This is a slow burn. It’s like trying to coax a wounded animal out of hiding so you can heal its scabs.
I thought the story was beautiful. And we get to see much more of the other Road Kings here too.
They are moving up in the world. And on their own terms. Like the rockstars they are.
Very much looking forward to Stone’s book. Such a grumpy and grouchy guy. But he has a heart in there somewhere.
Damaged. Axel, with his recovery. Brit, from a lifetime of belittling. She’s at the point that she let her lover/business partner take everything from her, just so she could get away. She is so damaged, she’s traumatized.
And Axel sees it. He sees her.
This is a slow burn. It’s like trying to coax a wounded animal out of hiding so you can heal its scabs.
I thought the story was beautiful. And we get to see much more of the other Road Kings here too.
They are moving up in the world. And on their own terms. Like the rockstars they are.
Very much looking forward to Stone’s book. Such a grumpy and grouchy guy. But he has a heart in there somewhere.
September 12, 2023
We are back on the road with the amazing characters from the road Kings series. Rhythm is the third book in this series, and we are up front and center with All that is Axel de Vries, the drummer.
Axel and Brit were emotional real and a work in progress. Brit has just come out of a bad relationship and the last thing that she needs is a sexy as sin drummer as her new neighbor. The fans may have placed him on a rock god pedestal, but he is just a man with problems and troubles. He is fresh out of rehab, neither one needs a new relationship but when he needs a friend to keep him in check on the road Brit may be his gal. Such a great story and I just love Julie's way with words! I loved watching this couple grow, heal and move forward.
~~Michele McMullen~~
Axel and Brit were emotional real and a work in progress. Brit has just come out of a bad relationship and the last thing that she needs is a sexy as sin drummer as her new neighbor. The fans may have placed him on a rock god pedestal, but he is just a man with problems and troubles. He is fresh out of rehab, neither one needs a new relationship but when he needs a friend to keep him in check on the road Brit may be his gal. Such a great story and I just love Julie's way with words! I loved watching this couple grow, heal and move forward.
~~Michele McMullen~~
October 6, 2025
I enjoyed Rhythm and the relationship between Axel and Brit. I liked how they were friends and attracted to each other. I also liked where they were on their respective paths, how they gave each other space when needed, and when they came together for support. I like how Axel, Brit, and the other characters seem to be stereotypes, but make choices that are different than what a conventional romance would. The timeline overlaps with Duet and Riff, but the book can be read alone. I like how the series is developing and how the Road Kings are enhancing their futures that reflect who they are.
November 30, 2022
I seriously could not be more obsessed with this series! Axel and Brit are so much of everything. They’re sweet and swoony, tormented and intense and it’s absolute perfection.
‘I’d never felt like this with any woman, this close, this crazy for her, like I never wanted to stop.’
This book, the band and the characters will live rent free in my head and I’m not upset about it. It’s an experience and a feeling and Julie Kriss has captured both so completely. I cannot recommend this series enough!
‘I’d never felt like this with any woman, this close, this crazy for her, like I never wanted to stop.’
This book, the band and the characters will live rent free in my head and I’m not upset about it. It’s an experience and a feeling and Julie Kriss has captured both so completely. I cannot recommend this series enough!
December 1, 2022
Love love love it
Great book and in love with Axel . He is a delight to know. My kind of man except for the attitude of his youth, but you understand it a bit. Just harsh to cut off everyone. Brit drove me nuts and didn't really like her much. So glad you brought the band together I hate band breakups. Can't wait on Stone's story.
Great book and in love with Axel . He is a delight to know. My kind of man except for the attitude of his youth, but you understand it a bit. Just harsh to cut off everyone. Brit drove me nuts and didn't really like her much. So glad you brought the band together I hate band breakups. Can't wait on Stone's story.
July 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I am really enjoying this series. The writing, story and characters are all so engaging. The story of the band is just that bit different, so it's not the same formula you see in most books.
This is my fave so far.
Axel just got to me, his struggle just felt so real. I loved how he wanted to do the work on himself to be better for Brit. It is slow moving but it felt right
I am really enjoying this series. The writing, story and characters are all so engaging. The story of the band is just that bit different, so it's not the same formula you see in most books.
This is my fave so far.
Axel just got to me, his struggle just felt so real. I loved how he wanted to do the work on himself to be better for Brit. It is slow moving but it felt right
July 21, 2024
Another great story!
Brit is awesome. I had reservations about Axel, but he grew on me in this book. Their story is heartbreaking, and the trials and tribulations are completely relatable. I wish there was more background about Brit's relationship with Pierre... just to hate him a little more!
Great story!
Brit is awesome. I had reservations about Axel, but he grew on me in this book. Their story is heartbreaking, and the trials and tribulations are completely relatable. I wish there was more background about Brit's relationship with Pierre... just to hate him a little more!
Great story!
December 6, 2022
her aunt's neighbor is a former addict rockstar. she left her successful salon in la to escape her boyfriend. he is now a coffee shop owner but is going back on the road after 5 years. can he do it with her
December 14, 2022
This is the first book I read in the Road Kings series and I can't wait to go back and start at the beginning. This story was an absolute delight to read! The way Axel and Brit took care of and looked out for one another was so tender and lovely.
July 19, 2024
Cute
Nice and interesting story. I love the guys. I am glad the band isn't breaking up. I hate to read books that do that. I really liked the romance. Axel is quite a character. I can't wait to read the next.
Nice and interesting story. I love the guys. I am glad the band isn't breaking up. I hate to read books that do that. I really liked the romance. Axel is quite a character. I can't wait to read the next.
December 1, 2022
Love this series and the Road Kings! Julie Kriss does such a great job of making a rock and roll band real and relatable. Definitely a must-read!
January 9, 2023
Excellent story about the third member of the Road Kings. I really love the whole series and can't wait until the next book comes out!
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