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 … 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.
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This is my first rock star book that I’ve read and what a concert! It was a great, steamy read.
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!
Fanny is an up and coming singer and song writer. She gets the chance to meet an idol of hers. Then her life takes a spiral downwards. She is flung into a life she didn’t think would be something she’d ever have to deal with. Now she and her little sister are on the run from her step-father. Fanny is trying to make a go of it, when a street gang swoops in and makes her realize she doesn’t have the first clue of street life. It’s also the turning point in her story and life. She reconnects with the band member, Ash. Does he remember her? Will he rat them out?
Ash never forgot the fiery girl that won him over years ago. That was before, that’s in the past. He needs to focus on the future and what’s going on right now. His lost Laker’s Girl is in his apartment, scared and hurt. He will protect her and her sister. Something about Laker’s Girl reminds him of someone else. Time passes, she heals and he realizes who she is. A lost chance back for a second time. Could this work? Would she accept him for all that he is and isn’t? Or will his past ruin their future? Only time will tell.
This was a good book, good story. I really enjoyed it. There were inconsistencies in the story. Like near the end, the apartment is swarmed with media even a helicopter, yet they still go to the roof. Maybe I misread where the paparazzi left and they were alone. The reconnection of romance between Fanny and Ash didn’t work for me. It seemed rushed and forced almost. The ending I wanted more details, more of a HEA.
I love this story! Such great character development and storyline! This is a standalone with no cliffhangers.
4.5 stars
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.
The writing is gorgeous, and I felt so much for the characters and wanted them to succeed in everything they set out to do!
With flair, Mankin managed to bring some tough subjects up without making light of them – and at the same time without making the overall story too heavy on the heart