Hollie Lesowski is a beautiful young actress locked in a legal battle with one of the most powerful and feared directors in Hollywood, a man who betrayed and hurt her, a man she mistakenly believed was her father.Maximillian Cash is her bodyguard, a blond, blue-eyed giant sworn to protect her. Gentle despite his imposing presence, he seems to be just right for her. But can she trust him with her … with her deepest secrets?
Diesel Le is a rock star in her sister’s band. Devastatingly sexy and annoyingly arrogant, the former pro surfer from Hawaii delights in driving her and everyone else crazy. So, why does she have to continually remind herself to stay away from him?
Two uniquely handsome men tempt her. Both want to make her their own. But one is her employee, and the other is a confirmed player.
Will she be swept away by temptation?
High Tide and Island Side is a heart-twisting, gut-churning, page-turning, coming-of-age duet. It is a triangular second-chance love story with two compelling alpha males but no cheating. Romantic and suspenseful, it sparkles with the glitz of Hollywood, sizzles with the tropical heat of Hawaii, and steals your breath at times, but it will also make your spirit soar.
Don’t miss High Tide and Island Side by New York Times bestselling author Michelle Mankin, the highly anticipated two-part conclusion to the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series.
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“Where there’s friction, there’s fire.”
Well, damn. I’m struck speechless as I sit here trying to find my words to share with you how this story made me feel. I’ve been very excited to dig into Hollie’s history and get a taste of her life behind the scenes and in front of the camera. I’d already met both Max and Diesel, and I wouldn’t kick either out of bed. So, the possibilities were endless and thrilling to anticipate.
After being with Hollie and her sister, Fanny, as they struggled to survive on the streets after running from their stepfather I felt close to them. We kinda bonded in my mind, ya know? I felt so bad for them after what they suffered and wanted them both to find love and happiness. Hollie is only eighteen years old with so much life ahead of her and so much pain not quite behind her yet. Before that could happen she would have to deal with the devil and face her fears. Fortunately, she has Max to support and protect her. He makes her feel safe and cherished. He makes her want him. Max wants her to let him in. He wants her everything. But, he has secrets of his own.
Diesel is an arrogant manwhore. But, I don’t think he lies about the skills he brags about. Am I the only one that wants to find out if he’s as good as he claims to be? The chemistry between him and Hollie is intense. They rub each other the right way. Though, that’s not something that she intends to explore. His reputation precedes him and she’s not looking to be a notch on his bedpost. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel the heat of his stare or the promise of satisfaction if she gave in to the lust he doesn’t bother to hide.
High Tide made me consider and feel things I wasn’t expecting. I started with deep feelings of rage toward the asshole stepfather and it only got worse as the story progressed. I became suspicious of everyone, especially when the paparazzi were involved and every detail found a way to the media. When said asshole has so much money and power, can anyone be trusted?
The deeper I get into this story the more I find myself in danger of needing a tinfoil hat to keep my secrets safe. Just kidding, but really, the suspense is addictive in the best of ways. I’m really enjoying this duet and can’t wait to get my hands on Island Side. The line forms here…
Oh Holy Hell….just kill me now Michelle Mankin…
*stomps foot*
I can’t even write a review cuz I’m a bit pissy LMAO
5 “You Effed with my Heartstrings” STARS!!!
Amazing book girlie!!
***4 Stars***
Seriously?!?!?
THAT’s where things are left at??
UGH…
Well, at least the conclusion is just around the corner, but still…
Anyways…moving on.
So, with this being a duet I’m going to keep this one uber-vague (#sorrynotsorry) because so much happens, and doesn’t happen, that if I do my typical review I will probably slip and spoil something and I don’t want to do that…Hollie, Max and Diesel. These three gave me a run for my money. I loved them, I rolled my eyes at them, I hurt for them and there were moments (more than one) where I wanted to Gibbs smack them, but they all had me wanting more. They are all complex, vulnerable and real.
As for the whole triangular second chance romance thing…I did the whole scratching of the head thing when I first read that, but now it makes sense and considering everything that happens in High Tide with Hollie, Max and Diesel, I can guarantee you that Island Side is going to be one hell of a ride.
I must give props to the author for taking this story in the direction she has. She tackles some pretty heavy issues, so yes, there are triggers, and yet, things get angsty (I’ll let you decide how much for yourself) but everything that happens works. There were some things that didn’t make me happy, but they all made sense within the context of the story. As for the secondary cast of characters…there are some newbies I ended up liking and a few I’d like to gut with a rusty spoon and I enjoyed catching up with the Dirt Dogs crew and cannot wait to hang out with them all in the conclusion to Hollie’s story and the series!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
When I want books that will keep me on my toes and turning those pages, I go for a Michelle book. She never takes the easy path for her characters and that makes a great read for me.
Since meeting Hollie in Oceanside, I’ve been anxiously waiting for her full story to be told. And, whoa, High Tide sure is a doozy.
Hollie is a young woman in the middle of the fight of her life to gain her independence, her autonomy, and her freedom from the man who she thought was her father.
Now battling the court of public opinion and hordes of paparazzi, Hollie’s safety is in jeopardy. Hiring Maxmillian Cash is both brilliant and Hollie’s biggest mistake. Cash’s job is to protect her from harm at all costs, but what about her heart?
As Hollie and Cash lay the foundation of something more, will they succeed in truly finding their happily ever after?
I’m seriously still reeling from finishing High Tide–waffling between loving and hating the story. Loving it because Hollie and Cash just seemed so real. So in tune with each other. But man, I hated their secrets and lies of omission. Their communication and lack thereof. Their inability to really express their true feelings. And that ending.
THAT. ENDING.
I need Island Side as soon as possible.
Talk about a bit of an emotional roller coaster, this one takes on a bit of one. So glad to be getting the full story about Hollie. After reading all the other stories in this series, I was so hoping to get more on her. This story pulls at your heartstrings & you can’t help but feel bad & pull for Hollie to succeed. All she wants to do is be a great actress but constantly gets torn down by her evil step father. Falling for her bodyguard Max but also having feelings fir Diesel, I wouldn’t mind that dilemma at all. I am pulling for Deisel though, there was always something I felt is off with Max. This is book 1 of 2 and is will not disappoint you but there is a cliff hanger. Loved this story and can’t wait for the continuation so I can see the ending. After reading part one, I am hoping Hollie gets the happiness she so deserves.
I … I … am speechless! My mind is spinning and I am trying to find the words. (Clears my throat) This book is so NOT what I thought it was gonna be. It has a bit of a slow build, unraveling details needed to know all. Then it turns into a fast moving train, rapidly increasing its speed. Holy Hell, hang on is all I have to say. It has all kinds of crazy.
Beautiful actress, nummy bodyguard, and sexy rockstar are all part of this telling. Ugh you experience the challenges of the actress life style, beautiful bond of sisterhood, and some dark days after abuse and sexual assault. SO INTENSE. Thank goodness you also get front row seats to some steamy interactions. Wink. SEEXXX-Y! Ummm plan for a nemesis like no other. I would so love to hurt that dude and I am not kidding. Lets pray for some karma to kick booty. (Evil laugh)
I didn’t realize going in that this story is a two parter and truthfully I am glad. The end of this book is everything! Amazing five star read! EEEEKKKKK! I need therapy now. (Sobbing) I also need book two RIGHT NOW! Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
Michelle Mankin has outdone herself with this gut wrenching, angsty start to Hollie’s turmultous story!
This read evokes all the FEELS! This author’s impeccably written words had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I need more – I am dying for the conclussion to this turbulent story.
Hollie is a young actress and her entire world has been turned upside down. She is in a legal battle with her stepfather and abuser. She has lived through so much already and yet is still strong enough to fight this ugly, brutal fight against someone who is out to ruin her life and career. Someone who was supposed to love her and nurture her but is choosing to use his power for evil. Her bodyguard Max is a source of strength but also a huge temptation physically and romantically. The angst and build up between these two is wicked. Their attraction and pull in the midst of Hollie’s legal storm is everything.
However, secrets threaten it all. I need the conclusion to this duet like my next breath. I have to know what happens next. Gah the wait is sweet torture!
We now get Hollie’s story, her life as a Hollywood celebrity isn’t going as perfect as you might think, she is lonely and now she is facing something with her family that makes her feel like she needs to push everyone out of her life. She finds herself with a bodyguard, Maximillian Cash, now she is falling for him. Her sister Fanny is not letting her off the hook that easy so she asks the Dirt Dogs for help and now she finds herself facing Diesel as well. I so need the next one, that ending has me on such a book hangover I need it as soon as possible. Amazing 5 stars!
Seriously, that ending killed me! And it almost killed my kindle too because it got launched across the room. (Don’t judge me) Hollie’s story is such an emotional whirlwind..you feel for her and you root for her as she navigates through the battlefield that is her life right now as she tries to rebuild her career. So she hires Max to protect her..and their chemistry is AHMAZING! He seems like the safe obvious choice but Max has secrets. So many twists and turns ya’ll! And then there’s Diesel Le bad boy and band mate to Hollie’s sister…she tries to avoid him but sometimes you just can’t help who you connect with….Who will she choose?
All the feels with High Tide! Seriously, the book hangover is real right now! And I cannot wait for book two in this duet!!
Now what am going to do! Please hurry with the next part! This was so intense and emotionally captivating! My emotions are all over the place right now.
Awesome Read!!!
What can I say? Michelle Mankin hit another one out of the park. This is Holly’s story and what a story it is. You would think her world would be perfect having a loving mother, a step father who is one of the top in the movie industry, and a sister who is her best friend. That is comes to a screeching halt when her mom dies, her step father tries to molest her and her sister takes her on the run.
Holly has filed suit against her step father which could be a career ending move for her but she just HAS to let others know and be aware of him. Her sister is living her with hot rocker boyfriend but Holly wants to go back home to get her career going on her own. Oh, and the bodyguard is super protective, super-hot, and super in to her. Max wants Holly but she’s young and has so much on her plate. Once Holly knows Max mirrors her feelings its game on…except Max has secrets of his own. Then we add in the hot bass player from Dirt Dogs who may be a manwhore but has this hot connection with Holly which Holly tries to steer clear of knowing Diesel’s reputation.
There is so much happening in this story that you can’t stop turning page after page all the while trying to figure out who is actually on Holly’s side. I can’t wait to see what comes next!!
Michelle Mankin clearly gave her all in High Tide. Getting Hollie’s story at last after meeting her in Oceanside, I’m not sure I was ready for what would transpire. This emotionally-charged journey is full of the angst I devour happily. And with Mankin as my guide, I was fully immersed in the well-written and exceptional story right from the start.
Oh my goodness, what Hollie goes through in this book is at times unbelievable. She is beyond selfless and full of love that is just waiting to be shared. The devil that is her stepfather Samuel, made me want to reach into my Kindle and hug Hollie and keep him far away from her. The way she handles herself at such a young age had me in awe more than once. And even though she might push away those who will stand by her no matter what, she still adores them with everything she has. She is truly a one of a kind.
With her stoic bodyguard in Max by her side, this young actress could have it all. She’s such a bright light and I was certain Max would keep her out of the dark for good. Their chemistry is electric and I was thrilled Hollie found a first true love in the blonde god.
But Mankin drops more than one bombshell as this riveting tale continues and I held my breath at what might happen next. Add to the mix the bad boy rocker that is Diesel Le and my heart along with Hollie’s got one helluva workout!
This story has only just begun and with this being a duet, I can only pray Island Time will be here sooner rather than later!!
Michelle Mankin once again gave me the kind of story I crave in this wonderfully told coming of age book. It is a solid 5 star read all the way and is sure to be at the top of this year’s summer obsessions.
I recieved this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review
Oh heck we thought OCEAN SIDE, was pretty deep & emotional, it’s nothing compared to HIGH TIDE.
Here we’re jumping a while ahead where Hollie is becoming more of an older actor for the older audience.
And she’s needing to have security since she’s taking Her ‘Father’ to court. And she thought her security Maximallinum is her saviour & is behind her & the feelings they have for each other are true…
But the tears & truth comes out just before the end & it seems that she won’t be able to talk /confront him about the truth. Including what she has to tell him.
Another fantastic episode from Rock Star, Surf & Second Chances.
Can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next in ISLAND SIDE….
An all consuming read that draws you in from the first word till the last. Hollie goes through a lot and Max is there to protect and love her. Their story is beautiful and heartfelt. It will pull on all your heartstrings and break your heart also. Can’t wait to read the next book in this duet.
High tide is part one of a duet and ends in a cliffhanger. The story continues in Island Side.
4.5 stars
As I got to the last page of the final chapter, my first thought was- now what the heck am I supposed to do with THAT?? At least the second half of the story is only a little over a week away!!
Hollie was first introduced in Fanny and Ash’s story. As this book opens, she is a few days away from her 18th birthday and she is trying to find a way to cope with the traumatic events that sent her into hiding with Fanny. The world has now heard the story of her assault at the hands of her stepfather, but the rich and powerful industry mogul is not going to go down without a fight. He will intimidate and ruthlessly attack anyone who dares to cross him or speak out against him, and he believes he can get away with it.
Hollie is a study in contradictions. On one hand, she is the child actress who is more worldly than she should be at her age. On the other hand, she is still very young and inexperienced in other ways compared to normal teens. At the end of the day, all she has ever wanted was someone to love her for her, almost to the point of desperation at times. When bodyguard Maximilian Cash comes into her life, he seems almost too good to be true.
Max is former military and a few years older than Hollie with an intensity that melts her when he turns those blue eyes her way. He is the steady comfort she needs in the turmoil surrounding her, but there are darker moments too. She realizes through her father’s taunts and actions that someone in her inner circle is betraying her, and it is a really small circle leaving few options. Max becomes possessive, almost too controlling at times, and he has his own demons to fight as hints of concerning behavior seem to be just beneath the surface at times.
The one man who sets her on fire with just a look and simultaneously infuriates her is Diesel Le. Over 6 ft of hot Polynesian surfer/ rock god, he doesn’t have a filter and doesn’t hold back with her- in any way. His brutal honesty angers her at times but at others, it’s just what she needs and the smug SOB knows it. Then occasionally he also shows her glimmers of the man behind the walls he has built over the years, and she realizes they are not all that different.
No matter which way she turns, she is presented with more difficult, heartbreaking and confusing choices. She is a bit naive and believes she can keep those she loves safe by pushing them away to protect them from her stepfather. Her self-imposed isolation fuels her self- doubt, and her views of twisted love from her childhood creep in to make her question everything.
Then we get to that last chapter and Oh mama it’s a doozy! I can’t imagine the angst level will drop in Island Side, but I need that puppy right NOW!
I am so glad I found this series. I enjoy each new book more than the last. The audiobooks are some of the best. I cannot wait to get my hands on the audio of this one down the road. I am so sad to be saying goodbye to the OB crew but am dying to see how Hollie’s story is going to end.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED???? High Tide left me on a high book hangover. I could not believe how this story had me in turmoil and loving all the drama!!! I was expecting your beach love type of story, WRONG! I should have known better when I read a book by Michelle Mankin. She will make a story twist and turn. You will get fully invested with these character. Your jaw will drop to the ground at the end. Plus, I am torn with how I want the story to turn out. Its not fair! I loved the build of the story. I need to, no, HAVE TO recommend this book. These series have me in a tizzy! I LOVE IT <3
I absolutely loved this book and with the way it ended I can’t wait till the next part of the duet comes out cause I need it in my life immediately!! Hollie is so sweet and strong for being so young (17 at the start of the book) but yet her youth still shines through at certain points in the book and it’s obvious she needs a helping hand along the journey she’s on against her stepfather, enter Max who she hires as her bodyguard and the sparks are there instantly but he isn’t a fan of crossing and lines especially one who is 17 until she turns 18 lol but all he really wants to do is keep her safe from all the chaos surrounding her.
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
This book picks up shortly after Oceanside.
Hollie needs to deal with the fallout her accusations aganst her stepfather have brought her.
She is drawn to Max, who is her bodyguard.
She suddenly sees a side to Diesel, her sister’s boyfriend’s band mate, that she never saw before. Is there more to him than his manwhore ways?
This is a story of coming of age, a love triangle, and other actions that I saw coming, but won’t spoil for the reader.
It does have a great cliffhanger and we will hve to wait for the next book to see how the story ends.