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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Nobody writes rockstars like Michelle Mankin! I was lucky enough to read this one early, and it packs a heavy punch, weaving the MCs Fanny and Ashland through some pretty serious stuff (I don’t want to give too much away). It’s a good cry–and you’ll cry. Have the tissues. But you will fall hard, too, and you will clutch your fist and breathe out a “yes” when things go just as they should. It makes the rough bumps along the way so very worth it, and if you’re like me, you love to feel every bit of a story — the good and the bad. I’ll be thinking about these two for a while now.
I loved this story! Fanny Bay and Ashland are two great characters to fall in love with! In her third book of the series, Oceanside, Michelle Mankin has created a wonderful story through a hard look at a serious topic. Ashland Keys and Fanny Bay, two characters living with pasts that haunt them, are well developed and complicated. Readers treated to their journey with huge bumps and hurdles to overcome in order to be together. The lives they choose will never be easy but through determination and love, along with extended family support, the musicians find a way to come to terms with each others’ problems in order to find their HEA. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone but read them all because they are excellent rockstar romances to fall in love with.
Surfs Up!!!
Dang Michelle Mankin…. You sure pulled out the “FEELS” with Oceanside!
One minute I was laughing, one minute I was heartbroken, one minute I was happy/swoony and the next I would have tears in my eyes!! So much angst but heck yeah..that’s just how I LOVE my books!!
And to top it off…a Surfer and a Rocker!!! YES PLEASE!!
Can’t wait to read High Tide!!-
Fantastic book girlie..can’t believe I waited so long to read!
“He had it all going on and all he had going on had me going.”
Yeah, those that follow my reviews know I have a thing for rock stars. Well, okay, maybe it’s more of an addiction. I can’t get enough, but I don’t want intervention, I just need more rock star romance. Fortunately, I’ve discovered the word wizardry of Michelle Mankin, aka my dealer.
Oceanside took me on a very emotional journey. I connected with Fanny immediately and when her life exploded and the undertow took her down I was right there with her, mentally pushing her toward the surface. Of course, I was hoping that Ash would be right there to rescue her. Not that he’d proven himself to me or anything, he’d done more of the opposite to tell you the truth. But I’m eternally optimistic, at least in the romance novel department. He is the least likely hero, broken to bits and barely holding on himself. Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll had taken its toll on his life and he has a jaded outlook.
I was giving Ash mental pep talks along the way, encouraging him to see beyond himself and the darkness he’s been living in. There’s nothing like someone else’s problems to make yours not so distracting, right? Well, let me tell you, Fanny was extremely distracting in more ways than one. As hard as he fought to not be attracted to her she was pushing back in the opposite direction. She’d been a fan for years, staring at his poster on her teenage bedroom wall. Not of the whole band, but of him, the Dirt Dogs drummer, Ashland Keys.
I really really really loved the music side of things. Especially the beautiful lyrics the author penned that touched me so deeply. I felt the words and could hear the songs in my mind. And don’t get me started on the support characters, there are too many good things to say about them to fit on the page. The friendship, support, and witty banter was incredible and it just makes me more excited to move on to the next books in the series that will be releasing soon, High Tide and Island Side. Once you’ve read this one you’ll be right there with me. The line forms here…
Oceanside by Michelle Mankin will take you to Ocean Beach California where you will experience heart stopping emotions, lots of drama, suspense, secrets, and steamy love scenes. The writing in this book is so good and so detailed that it plays out like a real movie and yet reads like a poem because it has the most beautiful symbolism.
Meet Ashland Keys-Ash, he will unveil himself layer by layer-he is like an onion. Ash is super protective and hiding away from his problems.
Meet Fanny she is super cute, sweet- she will steal your heart, and she is running from problems of her own. When these two unite there is such a connection, they are so similar in so many ways. The characters are so real and relatable.
This is a beautiful story of what happens when you open your heart– you find true loyalty, friendship and love. 5 big surf stars!
A second chance romance about a reclusive rock star and a singer in trouble and on the run. I highly recommend Oceanside to all fans of rock star romance.
I never heard of this bestselling author but now that I have, I’ll be reading more of her. Great characters that make you want to root for them.
4.5 stars
“Love is the most powerful compelling wave you’ve ever seen.” I needed to explain this to him in terms he could understand. “It’s knowing even as you take that wave that you’ll never completely master it. It’s using all the skill and life experience you have, but it’s also letting go because you know there’s no other choice for you and no better ride to bring you home to the perfect shore.” – Ash
Move over Karen and Ramon, Ash and Fanny are my new favorite couple of this series! I do love a slightly broken alpha man, and Ashland Keys is all of that in one heart-melting and swoony package. Fanny is free-spirited with a light that calls to him, but the first time they meet the timing couldn’t be more wrong. He is a rock god with an adoring fan base, but he is also poised to drop into a depression and spiral out of control as he awaits life changing news. She has been thrust into the spotlight courtesy of a hit song and her movie mogul stepfather’s influence, but it couldn’t be further from what she actually wants. She is stuck between a rock and a hard place as Ash gets a glimpse of what a nasty piece of work her stepdad can be, but once all the chips fall, they don’t end up seeing each other again.
Fast forward a few years and both their lives have changed dramatically. Ash received a health diagnosis that rocked his world and caused him to completely change his life. He has closed himself off emotionally and spends most of his time in his penthouse suite or office hiding from the world. His friends and bandmates jokingly call him Quasimodo, but they are not too far off in their teasing. He is in love with a person he cannot have, and when that is added to his health situation, he finds it easier to protect himself and those he loves by distancing himself as he takes caution to the extreme.
Fanny made some small steps in freeing herself from the influence of her stepfather, but when he becomes a threat to her soon-to-be 18 year old sister Hollie, she has to take drastic steps to remove Hollie from the danger after receiving a panicked phone call in the middle of the night. Now homeless and living minute-to-minute as she desperately tries to find a way to disappear to where he cannot find her, Fanny finds herself living in a hiding spot near Ocean Beach’s pier- and right under the nose of Ash, Karen and friends. After an assault leaves her battered and nearly unrecognizable, Ash finds Fanny and Hollie and comes to the rescue. There is something familiar about the woman he and his friends call Lakers girl but thanks to her injuries he doesn’t put two and two together right away. Fanny, who tells him her name is Frances, isn’t forthcoming with information either in an attempt to keep Hollie’s recognizable face off the radar, but once he makes the connection he is both stunned and conflicted. He knows he acted like a jerk all those years ago and he is thrilled to have a second chance to get to know her, but at the same time he believes she would be better off without him in her life thanks to the self-imposed limitations he places on all his relationships.
These two wounded hearts still feel that amazing pull to one another, but their circumstances may get in the way again. The connection flares even more brightly between them as they spend time in close proximity, but Fanny’s need to protect her sister at all costs is still her primary concern. Ash has closed off his feelings for so long that he doesn’t handle their interactions with any sort of finesse at all, and he mucks it up more often than not when it comes to telling her how he feels or why he is so hesitant to share parts of his life.
Fanny has the ability to see through his BS and straight into the heart of him, so when his walls go back up and he reverts to defensive mode she is not afraid to call him on it. He tries to only dole out little bits of himself to her, but she is unwilling to settle for less than every part of him and she lets him know it in no uncertain terms. Just when it seems like the stars may finally align for them, the media gets wind of her location and the frenzy surrounding Hollie’s disappearance lands on their doorstep.
Ash knows how to make some grand romantic gestures when the occasion calls for it, and his friends are only too happy to help as they finally see the man they knew and loved before his diagnosis re-emerging thanks to Fanny. Her free spirit and genuine goodness are exactly the counterpart that Ash needs to be his perfect match, and he is everything she ever hoped for and dreamed about. I loved taking the journey with these two characters and read this book in one sitting! Getting reacquainted with the rest of the Dirt Dogs crew was a nice trip down memory lane too, so now their bassist Diesel is the last man standing in the band. Based on his manwhore ways and current outlook on love, I cannot wait to see how hard he goes down when he meets his other half!
This book is so good, but I have to say, that it was a danger to my health, because once I started reading it, I did not want to stop. I had several nights in a row that I got only a couple hours of sleep, because of this book. This is the third book in the series, but you do not have to have read the first two to enjoy this one. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the others, because they are so good, you will want to read them too. Ashland, who was the drummer for the Dirt Dogs Band, is now living a life very different than he had when he met Fanny a few years ago, and so is she, when they meet again. Michelle Mankin did some outstanding writing in this book. It is a very emotional read, with lots of twists and turns. It will grab you from the beginning, and will not let you go, even after you have read the last page. It was also great getting an update on the other Dogs. I voluntarily reviewed this advance copy, and I consider this book and this series a must read.
I have been waiting for this book for weeks now…I think I went through and read 10+ books while waiting for this book right here! Since we found out in Riptide that Ash was HIV positive I have been absolutely on pins and needles waiting to read this book.
HIV is a subject that isn’t approached in books (especially in romance novels) most people believe it’s a death sentence but the fact is it’s not anymore. I loved that Ash has a very real illness that had to be included in this plot because it made the fall even more emotional to read…what would a person do if placed in that situation? Would they have made the same choices that Ash made?
Then Fanny…she is an amazing character and perfect for Ash! These two from the very first meeting that they had you just knew…you could see it from the beginning that these two were destined to be together. They just needed to find their way to one another. I must say I was expecting more drama from Renee and Tristan than what was there…especially Renee, she gave up quickly for someone who claimed to love Ash like she said she did.
I know Hollie’s book is next but I’m intrigued by Diesel…I have a feeling he will pop up in Hollie’s book I’m just not sure in what capacity he will be in but I cannot wait to read it!
Advanced copy received from the author for an honest review
3.5 stars–OCEANSIDE is the third instalment in Michelle Mankin’s contemporary adult ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES erotic, romance series focusing on the rock group Dirt Dogs. This is drummer, and former lead singer Ashland Keys, and singer Fanny Bay Lesowski’s story line. OCEANSIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but saying that there is quite a bit of missing background information between the members of the band that would benefit from reading the series in order.
NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ash and Fanny) OCEANSIDE follows the second chance relationship between Dirt Dogs’ drummer Ashland Keys, and singer Fanny Bay. Four years earlier, Fanny met her idol at the Academy Awards, rock star Ashland Keys, as both were nominated for Oscars. A promise to meet later never came to fruition, and in the ensuing time life changed for both Fanny and Ash. Fast forward to present day wherein Ash is no longer playing music but struggling to move on from a devastating blow, while Academy Award winner Fanny Bay, finds herself on the run, with her younger sister, in the hopes of protecting what’s left of the life they once knew. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Fanny and Ash, and the potential fall-out as Ash’s secret is revealed, and Fanny struggles to overcome the disaster that has become her life.
Fanny Bay and her younger sister Hollie are on the run. Homeless and battling illness and a local gang, Fanny and Hollie would find solace and help from an unlikely source-Fanny’s childhood idol, rock star Ashland Keys. Ashland knows struggle, battling a life-altering disease that changed the course of his rock star career, a career that would, once again, blossom with the love of a woman battling her own demons.
The relationship between Fanny and Ash is one of ‘second chances’ of sorts. Having met but never truly bonding, Fanny and Ash’s rekindling relationship remains hidden in the hopes of protecting our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense but I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word, I feel isn’t necessary in a romance story.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the member of the band: Linc and Simone (Outside #2), Ramon and Karen (Riptide #2), as well as Diesel El; Fanny’s sister Hollie; their representative Maximillian Cash, as well as several members of a local street gang, and Renee, a groupie who wants something more from Ash then he is willing to give.
OCEANSIDE is a well-written, detailed story line with complex characters who are battling not only the paparazzi but illness, betrayal, stardom and loss. I struggled with the ‘homeless’ aspect of the story-there should have been many other avenues to safety and protection; and the conflict resolution was little more than a blip. I wanted satisfactory details as to the who, what, how and why of how Fanny and Hollie were completely freed from the evil that permeated their lives. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is heavy and heart breaking; the characters are broken, colorful and strong.
Oceanside is book three in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. It can be read as a standalone but if you read the previous ones you’ll recognize some of the characters. I’m a huge fan of Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. I couldn’t wait to read this one and then when it hit my kindle, I was worried it won’t stand up to the huge exceptions I built up in my head. I had no need to worry, it was as great as I expected. Ashland and Fanny are amazing characters. Their story pulled me in and I was able to read it in one day. Fanny and Ash had a brief encounter with each other then they went separate ways. It wasn’t their time then. Now there paths cross again. Fanny needs help and Ash is right there to assist. Fanny is running from things and Ash is hiding things from her. They are both complex characters. They both have walls built up but slowly each other are taking the walls down. This one is a definite must read.
“…I am a sum of my parts and a product of my past. You know all the truth of it now. That kiss was the only untainted part of me I had left to give you.” ~ Ash
Loved Oceanside from the first word till the last. I did not want Ash and Fanny to end. The love that the share for each other and their friends is beautiful. Cannot wait to read Hollie’s story.
Oceanside is a book that will have your heart in your throat, have you holding your breath, your mind in a spin and your anxiety levels careering out of control. Ash and Fanny’s story is an intricate one that is so complex but at the same time so simple. Their story is about second chances, trust and a love so deep you will feel it in your soul. Oceanside will give you peace and harmony like watching the ocean but at times it will give you the adrenaline rush that a surfer experiences as he maneuvers his board on that perfect wave. These characters and their story will dig deep under your skin like your feet in the sand as you sit on the beach. This book will capture your heart and soul and inspire you to never give up on real love. Ash and Fanny may have had my mind and heart racing to decipher their true story but the journey was well worth the ride for this absolute ten star read.
***4 ‘Hopeful Possibility’ Stars***
What a ride this book was!
There is so much going on it kinda made my head spin. There is obviously the romance between Ashland and Fanny, then there are the issues Ash and Fanny have going on outside of that (though to be honest they do merge, but still) and then there are the various relationships Ash has with the people in his life and how they all converge and become involved in the crazy that Ash and Fanny are involved in. In a lot of ways it was exhausting emotionally, and even mentally trying to keep up and yet the feels were potent and I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
I really liked Fanny and while e she could be impetuous, she still had a plan. That plan may have been simply getting from point A to point B and not really thinking beyond that, but her heart was always in the right place. Strong, resilient and once she called you hers, she was all in.
Ashland. This man is complex. On one hand he will go to the ends of the Earth for those he claims as his. On the other, he keeps a large portion of himself locked away from those same people. He craves control and has a way of gaining it without you being aware of it ~ at least if you aren’t paying attention. I liked him a lot, but the need to Gibbs smack him while giving him a big a hug was strong.
The funny thing about Fanny and Ash’s journey to their HEA was that while there was a lot of push/pull going on between them, for many reasons, the angsty-ness never reached OTT level for me. It was there, and I had a few growly moments with both of them, but overall I really enjoyed watching them become more because from their first meeting the connection, the pull between them was real and they ended up being exactly what the other never knew they wanted, or needed.
Confession time ~ this is only the second book by the author I’ve read and the first book was Rock F*ck Club, so I went into this one blind. I did have the opportunity to at least read the first two in the series, which I was very grateful for, but at the time there just wasn’t any time. Do I feel as I should have read them? Yes and no. The ties the bind Ash to his friends are complex and there were some undercurrents that I’d have understood better if I had read the first two. But I have to admit that I liked going in blind and meeting Ash for the first time (sort of) and learning about him in the here and now. But, I loved the Dirt Dogs and their women and will do my best to meet them properly by reading the first two books *crossing toes it happens before the next decade*
I really enjoyed Oceanside. There is a lot going on and the author does tackle some heavy issues, which I found quite refreshing, and thought she did it with respect and compassion. So, if you love rock star romances with well written characters then this is a must read for you!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Received an ARC for an honest review.
Normally I try to stay away from books that are emotional or might make me cry. This book did both. I also wanted to reach into the book and smack a few people too. Ash has some very series things going on his life many consequences he has to deal with. I’m glad this book touched on those but at the same time eeekkkk!! Ash seems very grounded after he stepped out of the lime light. He seems like he is too cautious as well. Fanny was very good for him to me she seems very responsible but very much a dreamer. I was really worried about this HEA for a bit. But thanks to the author I felt better about it and seems like she did a lot of research on the diseases as well. After finishing the book I sat back and thought about it. I had to set the book down a few times to emotionally digest what was happening. But in the end I was glad I read this book and hope others enjoy it as well even though I cried a little bit I would recommend some tissues to go along with the story.
I have been waiting for Ash’s book since OUTSIDE. I was intrigued to see how he handled his diagnosis and the effect on his bandmates. I loved Fanny Bay and was shocked at her connection to the rest of the series. Ash’s disease and his relationship with Fanny made me curious and I thought the author handled it beautifully. It did make me brush up on my knowledge. I was so happy to learn Hollie and Diesel will finish out this series. #BringIt
I was asked to read this arc for an honest review. This was the first time I read anything by Michelle hoping to find a new author, I loved it & I did. These are 2 characters that have issues in life that are brought together for a second chance. I was not expecting the issue that Ash had. It was like real life & how they dealt with the issue. I commend Michelle for having a character with it as this was a first time seeing this in a book. I love how dedicated & loyal each of them are to their family & friends. I am definitely going back to read the first 2 books of this series. Thanks for giving me a chance to read & discover a new author.
Great story about a musician who falls in love with a young girl. He has to fight his love
for her and deal with the fact he is HIV positive. Heartwarming as he has some amazing friends who standby him through it all.
I love all the surf rocker series, but this one is so touching and beautiful it holds a place in my heart. MM has the talent to write these wonderfully executed novels of love set in specific places that she knows personally. OB is our happy place. Ash and Fanny will draw you in and plan on a long night, you won’t put this one down!! Can’t wait for the next installment of this series.