Riptide

Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #2

by Michelle Mankin

Rock star Ramon Martinez can have any woman he wants, and he frequently does because he can’t have her.

Karen Grayson
Surfer girl.
My band mate's wife
The one woman I can't have.
The one woman who could have my heart though I can never let her know.

Ramon Martinez
Romeo
Completely forbidden.
I wanted him back at the beginning, but he didn’t want me.
So I made the safe choice.

The wrong one.

We were once friends.
Now we’re not even that.
But we’re both back in Ocean Beach and that dangerous attraction remains.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

350 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2017

About the author

MICHELLE MANKIN is the New York Times bestselling author of over 40 romance novels.
Romance that Rocks.
Her individual books are FREE in kindleunlimited. Link to them on her author page on Amazon:
http://author.to/MyAuthorPage
BRUTAL STRENGTH trilogy
completed series
TEMPEST
a fan favorite and a completed series
FIND ME
a completed trilogy
ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES
a completed series
STORM is a #1 bestselling standalone spin-off from the Rockstars, Surf, and Second Chances series
GIRLS RANKING THE ROCK STARS (Rock F*ck Club)
a completed series
IN HIS EYES is a standalone spin-off from the RFC
ONCE UPON A ROCK STAR
4 books planned ending with The Right Song
ADDY"S ROLLERCOASTER ROMANCE
Getting it Wrong
Getting it Right
NO QUARTER
Hot Summer School Night
Breaking Her Bad
MAGIC series
a completed paranormal series

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

RIPTIDE (Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #2) by Michelle Mankin is a second chance contemporary romance that just blew me away! It is an emotional rollercoaster of a read. I loved the first book in this series and this book made me even more deeply invested in all of the characters. These books can be read as standalones, but I recommend they be read in order because there is a lot of character crossover in the scenes from the past.

Karen Grayson is a California golden girl who lives to surf and be by the Pacific Ocean, but she has been existing in an emotional limbo. She moves back home to OB to help her mom with her father and to try to find a way to move on with her life.

Ramon Martinez has returned to OB after the break-up of the Dirt Dogs to finally claim the one girl who has always held his heart. Karen and Ramon have been friends since high school, but he backed off when his friend and bandmate Dominic “Patch” claimed Karen. Ramon stayed Karen’s friend and over the years was the only person who truly understood who she really was and what she needed. He hopes to help her find her future with him.

Ms. Mankin has written a beautiful story told from the two main characters alternating points of view with flashbacks that are intertwined seamlessly with present day. This story covers everything from lust for the “bad boy”, fidelity, loyalty, friendship and love. Karen and Ramon had me in tears as well as fanning myself during the hot sex scenes. Ms. Mankin writes tragedy with empathy and leads her characters to forgiveness of others as well as themselves. I was not sure I would like a series that is based on rockers and surfers, but this author’s way with words has made me love them and want to come back for many more.

I cannot recommend this series enough!

[Lisa Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this as a ARC and am so excited for this book to be released! This book! So much relationship tension-- never before have I read a book where i wanted a couple to be together so much! Book to be released Feb 21st! full review to come!

Ripetide nearly ripped my heart out!! Wow this book! So much drama that it wretched me! From the very first encounter between Ramon and Karen you will actually feel the strong chemistry. These two are so sexy, and steamy--the connection...the sexual banter. Wow! Never before have two people been so meant to be together. You must read this book and experience the rush. This book will keep you on edge and you won't be able to put it down! 5 stars!!!!!


Sometimes the only way forward is to go back. #riptide
Rock star Ramon Martinez can have any woman he wants, and he frequently does because he can’t have her.

Karen Grayson
Surfer girl.
My band mate's wife
The one woman I can't have.
The one woman who could have my heart though I can never let her know.

Ramon Martinez
Romeo
Completely forbidden.
I wanted him back at the beginning, but he didn’t want me.
So I made the safe choice.

The wrong one.

We were once friends.
Now we’re not even that.
But we’re both back in Ocean Beach and that dangerous attraction remains.
Early release info on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WRRWNFR
Blog tour sign up http://bit.ly/RiptideEvent

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when a favorite author brings together three of your favorite things in one book? An awesome story, that's what. When I saw that Riptide had been released, I knew I had to read it as I love everything by Michelle Mankin. Rock stars - I love music when it comes to books and if I could play any instrument, I had always fancied either the drums or bass/electric guitar. Surf - again if I had been brought up by water, then I think I would have loved to be a surfer as out in the waves you have that feeling of freedom and last but not least Second Chance romances - this is what I am truly a sucker for. I do enjoy instant love romances, but nothing beats the happiness of second chance romances, those where both parties finally realize they are meant to be together despite all the obstacles that are thrown in their ways. Riptide is split into two parts, but technically it's three. Patch has died and now his widow Karen is back in their hometown working at the Surf shop, she still teaches surfing but her heart is still raw, and it pains her to be near the pier as it was their spot. Ramon Martinez had returned after taking a break from music as everything fell apart when Patch - his best friend died. Ramon had always loved Karen but had moved aside when Patch claimed her as his girl, there were moments he wanted her, but he waited. Now Patch has gone the pair can move on slowly. I had loved how the pair were finally making a go of things, and they were looking up and then OMFG out of nowhere tragedy hits. I was like WTF Nooooooooo !!! this can't be the end as they are just making things work. I was like what an evil thing to do. The book then jumps to the past where Karen first met Ramon and Patch and leads up to the day Patch died. Then the last part gives the reader the questioning of whether Ramon and Karen will finally get their HEA or are they destined to have love lost? Is this a second chance romance destined to work after all the tragic moments or will this be one of those loves where you know they are meant to be together but for some reason - they can never be.
Riptide played with my emotions especially in the middle of the book, and as my partner can confirm I was like NOOOOOOOOOO this can't be happening, the book isn't supposed to go like this LOL.
If you are like me and love your sand, surf, rock stars and second chance romances, then pick up your copy of Riptide today.
P.S - the other thing I loved about this book was the crossovers of the two record companies which we have seen in Michelle Mankin's previous book and other series.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the hardest thing we must do to move forward is to forgive ourselves for our past. To forgive those who may no longer be in our lives. To forgive those who still are. The past is a known “thing”–we know what happens there and while it may be a sad, lonely place, it’s not as scary as thinking about what the future holds. Or even the present.

This limbo is just where Karen Grayson has been existing. Barely existing. But moving back to Ocean Beach is supposed to be a way for her to move forward. And maybe start to live again. Karen’s friendship with Ramon Martinez jeopardized her happiness in the past, but maybe Ramon will help her figure out her future.

Ramon and Karen’s shared history, their connection, and their friendship could be the start of something amazing. But nothing can happen unless they both stand up to their fears and allow the present to lead them toward the future.

Riptide is a beautifully written tale of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, lust and love. A whole lot of love. I was immediately drawn into the story of Karen and Ramon—drawn immediately by their passion and fear and sadness and hope. I couldn’t keep myself from hoping that they would both come to terms with their past so that they could love in their present. I loved riding along on their journey—even though sometimes I was really pissed at one or both of them for letting their fears get in the way. But in the end, swoon that ending. My heart is happy. Very happy. ~ Missy, 5 stars isn’t high enough…

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a look at the last 15 years of three school friends Ramon, Dominic (Patch) and Karen.
Michele Mankin does a flawless job of going back and forth in time so you see exactly what happened.
Ramon & Patch were band mates in Dirty Dogs along with Linc & Ash, Karen was the beautiful Prom Queen and Valedictorian and loved by everyone, especially Patch and not so much by Ramon. You get to see the band in it's infancy acting like rock stars before they were and Karen is along every step of the way. Life in OB meant sand, surf and Dirty Dogs. When Patch and Karen take the relationship all the way to the altar everyone is thrilled, well almost everyone and when a catastrophic event changes the dynamic of not only the band, but Karen & Ramon's relationship over the years, you are front and center for the ride. I loved this book. It ranks right up there with my favorites and I see a wonderful story in the future for Ash.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can never go wrong with a rock romance by Michelle Mankin and Riptide gave me everything I’ve come to expect from her and more. What do you do when there is a girl you really like and would like to see where it goes but before you can act on it your best friend and bandmate tells you he wants her? That is the story of Ramon, Dominic and Karen. They were kids from Ocean Beach, California who loved to surf and the group of guys was on the cusp of making it big as a rock band. Even though Ramon stepped aside for his friend he never got over his feelings for Karen. Karen was sure that the sparks that she felt with Ramon were something they could act on but Ramon pulled back on anything other than friendship so then Karen then fell for Dominic. He was the more stable and sensible of the two. All the sex and drugs that came along with a rock band had now landed on the Dirt Dogs doorstep and Ramon along with the rest of the guys in the band took full advantage of it; that is everyone but Dominic. He stayed true to Karen while Ramon wasn’t afraid of hiding his sexual adventures with all the women in front of Karen. What comes from 15 years of a love triangle when friendships are involved and life happens? Dominic ends up taking a different path than the rock life with the Dirt Dogs and he has Karen along for the ride…it was just a ride that she did not sign up for. Dominic does ask Ramon to look after Karen when he leaves but Dominic had no idea the extent Ramon would go to keep his watchful eye on Karen. Will that strong chemistry between Ramon and Karen prove to be too much for either of them to deny?

This was a great rock romance that showed you the seedier side of a rock band and all the pitfalls that come with it. It also gave you one hell of a romance that made your heart break at times and wasn’t afraid to throw surprises at you once you think you had it all figured out. It also taught you how not to let words go unsaid…love is worth the risk.

This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.

[Aaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review. ***

I don't know where to start ... just mesmerizing!
Ramon and Karen's journey was incredible and so beautifully written. Raw, rough and so poignant. I was mind-blown.

Oh my … each time I read one of Michelle Mankin’s stories I know that I’m going to be overwhelmed, reading about tortured characters.

Karen, Dominic and Ramon. Well, not your usual love triangle. Two best friends in love with the same woman. One woman in love with two men.

Two get married, leaving the other behind and living larger than life, through the excesses of a rockstar, the fame, drugs, but what is enough?

From the first moment they met, Karen was immediately drawn to Ramon, the bad boy, womanizer. Dominic was the right guy, always caring for her, putting her first, the solar opposite of Ramon. What they haven’t expected is that their lives would be entwined forever.

Karen, the sweet and determined girl torn between two men. Following the choice of reason, the safer one. The one that would make her happy. At least in the beginning, when she met Dominic, she was his queen, the one he only had eyes for, in spite of the fame, women and wildness. Putting her first, caring about her. One tragic event, and the man she once knew became distant and drawn into the darkness. From a partner to a lover, her marriage shattered into pieces. Her lifesaver was Ramon, the other man in her life, her best friend. Until Dominic’s death.



Ramon, just his name meant trouble. Dangerous and sinfully sexy, with a guarded heart. Living his life fully as a rockstar, drugs, women, everything not to fall into the temptation: Karen, his best friend’s wife. Despite all his efforts, his mind and heart always running back to her. Irrevocably and unconditionally. After reaching rock bottom and losing his best friend, coming back to his hometown was the start of something new. But how finding back himself when he couldn’t save her? Throughout the years, he slowly witnessed Karen’s descent into darkness but willing to help her to find her way back. To life. To him.



The trio was a very troubling one. Even if they didn’t explore that connection and intense pull when she was married, the steam and powerful attraction was sizzling. The back and forth between these two was so palpable. Frustrating but so addictive. Michelle Mankin seems to like writing about complicated and forbidden romance, the one that can break and crush you until the moment that all you want to do is believe in second chances, utterly captivated by the main characters. It was so overwhelming, whirlwinding, intoxicating.



Ramon and Karen's journey was incredible and so beautifully written. Raw, rough and so poignant. I was mind-blown. Every heartbreak, battle was so worth it. This is the kind of story I love to read, the one that challenges you until the end. Right up my alley!

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was reading the first book in this series, I totally fell for Karen. I totally wanted her to have an HEA like her best friend did. If anybody deserved it, it was Karen! I mean she's so sweet and lovable! Just saying! I really adored this book! There were parts that drove me nuts but in the best way possible.

I can't really criticize this book too much. I adored it. It was sweet and not at all predictable. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the third one. Is it possible we will see another band mate finding an HEA? Only time shall tell! I fully recommend this book!

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Requited love!

There was just something about Ramon and his love for Karen that was so endearing. He had loved her since he was 18 and in high school. His best friend won Karen's heart however. Dominic went from rockstar to soldier after 9/11 and that was the start of the end for them. Then Dominic was killed in service and Karen lost their baby. When Ramon returns to OB for good he pursues his first love...Karen, praying she'll love him too.

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in Michelle Mankin's Rock Stars, Surfers and Second chances series, Riptide is an utterly mesmerizing read that held me completely captivated. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Outside first. Not only because it's a great love story, but it's also a good idea to immerse yourself in the world of the Dirt Dogs, a rock band made up of surfers from Ocean Beach, CA.

Riptide was one of those reading experiences that I hadn't expected. The central characters are two flawed but worthy characters, their connection complicated by her marriage to his band mate and best friend Dominic. Like Outside, Riptide unfolds over a long and complicated 15 year period when decisions are made that would forever impact who they could and would be to each other. The story unfolds in parts, present to past, and from both of their perspectives. We truly get a great 360 view of who they are and what's occurred between them. Their off and on again friendship is charged by a hunger for each other making this not only a heart felt "forbidden" romance but also a sexy and intense second chance, friends to lovers story. Mankin skillfully brings together all my favorite tropes with hot rock stars to boot.

At the opening of the story, in present time, we witness Ramon and Karen as they meet again after years dancing around and in and out of each other lives. This initial re-connection is sexy and charged with tension and it's clear from both their perspectives they know that there won't be much of a chance either will walk away unscathed. I just hoped neither would walk away period.

Mankin's writing is poetic, thoughtful, and just magical. I could feel every emotion down to my toes. Over the years Karen's feelings for Ramon left her confused, while Ramon accepts the situation of her marriage to his best friend as any good rock star might, through denial and by living the rock star life. They spend years skirting the issues and the age old attraction they share. Mistakes and assumptions and good old fashioned fear of the unknown gets in the way, making this an angst filled read. I loved every bit of it and really tried to finish it one sitting. But, the need for sleep and the heart pounding anxiety I was experiencing won out and I had to make it a two sitting read. It's an incredibly emotional journey and a book I will definitely read more than once. That's the mark of a 5++ star read and on I highly recommend!

If you've not read anything by Michelle Mankin then rectify that wrong by reading this book/series pronto. If you already know the joy of her storytelling grab this one and lose yourself and an undeniably beautiful love story.

* I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Aunt DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start. There are so many outstanding elements within this book it is hard to know where to start. Young love vs. friendship, personal love vs love of country, buried feelings vs guilt...these are just a few of the battles that you will deal with in Riptide. Michelle has an unbelievable talent to process the many feelings and the mental turmoil with Riptide. The emotional progression of the characters hits so close to real life emotions that many deal with every day. From the first chapter you knew that Ramon and Karen had some very deep emotions towards one another. You must first experience the many emotions that they have endured over many years before they can move forward and have future. The details of the past are written within an event process that is very realistic. Karen is a very strong woman who has endured tragedy more than once in her young life but there was always one rock and his name is Ramon.

I could write pages on the reasons one should read this book but I do not want to give any spoilers. Just know that you will be pulled onto the emotional rollercoaster of not only Karen and Ramon but all of the characters.

[Megadens Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was I don't even know xD It had the potential to be amazing, but for some reason to me it just fell flat. I hate writing reviews about books I didn't like, I'd rather only post reviews for books I love. I know that authors put their heart and soul into their books and just because the book isn't for me doesn't mean its not for other people. Unfortunately when you sign up for ARCs sometimes you find a book you just don't love. This was one of those for me. I felt it was set up awkwardly, too much was set in the past for having that part be the middle of the book. The writing was too detailed, I mean the description of everything was like poetry, but to go from that to some guy swearing just didn't flow right to me. The author has obvious talent, she writes beautifully, but the way this book was set up beautiful words just didn't seem right. I had a really hard time getting into this book for those reasons, and once I read all of it I was just really glad it was over. This book wasn't even bad, it was just awkward. I'm hoping others will be able to look past what I struggled with, because if you don't mind the fancy writing for a book that shouldn't be fancy then it would be a phenomenal book. I also hate books that center around the inability to communicate so it really just wasn't my cup of tea. Just because I didn't love this book doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a chance, your tastes aren't the same as mine and I hope you love this book. All books deserve to be loved!

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*
I'm a sucker for a second chance and in Riptide, the second chance allowed for Karen and Ramon was equally heartwarming and bittersweet because of all the reasons it came about.

These two - their lives together and apart filled with so many "what if's". If only Karen had waited, or chosen more wisely. If only Ramon had behaved differently or fought for what he wanted from the beginning. But maybe things happened the way they did for a reason. Both Karen and Ramon had things to learn - about themselves, about each other, and about the nature of love. I wish their path hadn't been so rocky or painful and full of loss, but it seems that was the path they were meant to take.

See, Karen married Ramon's best friend and band mate, Dominic. But things went awry when he joined the military after 9/11. Ramon was there to support her during Dominic's long absences - and yes, a case could be made that she cheated - if only emotionally - but I'd argue that Dominic cheated too - again, emotionally - with his brothers in the Marines. However, there'd always been a flame between Karen and Ramon - they just wouldn't admit it or act on it. And apparently, it was a flame that wouldn't die.

There were lots of events and years in the making of this romance. Many misunderstandings and hurt feelings. And like I said, a lot of maturing. I felt Ramon's growth more acutely than Karen's, however. The changes he made were visible even if Karen couldn't see them. Karen...in the end, she got there but her insecurities about Ramon's feelings and her desire to become what he wanted - what Dominic wanted as well - made me sad. She couldn't see her own worth and want to be loved or accept love based on that. When she arrived though, that was a thing of beauty.

There was also a lot of back and forth because neither would admit their feelings or misunderstood when feelings were mentioned. This frustrated me a little because they were friends first and foremost so I felt they should've been able to be honest with one another. But then the history they shared explained the reluctance, especially Karen's - so... They'd been though so much together, shared everything with each other, except for their true feelings.

I enjoyed the camaraderie between Simone and Karen, and Ash and Ramon. I hope that continues in the series. And I also appreciated the tough topics Mankin tackled - being a soldier's wife as well as Alzheimer's. I've not experienced military life myself but what Karen went through both with Dominic's continual re-enlistments and his long absences without his discussing his decisions or life overseas, felt very realistic. I felt her fear and hurt and understood her feelings. Dealing with a parent having Alzheimer's - the good days and the bad days - felt realistic as well.

There was a character introduced that had no resolution but I'm guessing she'll reappear in a future story. In fact, I'm counting on it and am very curious about her story as well as how it'll affect a certain former bad-boy rock star. 

Overall, I was enthralled with Karen and Ramon's story. The format, both the dual POV as well as the insertion of the past between present, worked very well. Getting to see where Karen and Ramon were currently and then seeing the progression of the friendship as well as when, how and why the feelings between them developed over the years they've known each other, added the depth and complexity that made this romance rock solid. And Mankin's prose, her description of both the physical and emotional, beautifully conveyed a story where we learn it's never too late to reach for your dream.

I had the privilege of beta reading Riptide as well as reading the final copy ARC. I enjoyed it even more the second time around. I'm voluntarily providing a review.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Mankin has done it again. She has taken my heart and knocked it around a bit. But always in the very best way because when I read the very last words of Riptide, my heart was beating soundly and very very happy!

What an adventure. Told in both Karen and Ramon's POV, this is the story of two souls, both wrecked by the loss of a husband and best friend and the journey they take into each other's arms. These two have had a mutual attraction for years, but chose to be friends. Karen and Ramon have danced around each other with lust, with hate but always underneath there is a love. One they are both so fearful to acknowledge.

We get the present, as Karen and Ramon see each other again. But what adds to this book is that we get the past. We see when our couple meet, how they both love Dominic, Ramon's bandmate in the Dirt Dogs. How Karen becomes his wife. How Ramon makes her hate him. How they become best friends. We get every damn emotion tenfold and I loved every minute!

The author painstakingly takes us on a ride that will no doubt drive you crazy more than once. To watch as the Dirt Dogs find fame but without their bassist. To see how Karen survives being a military wife. Her guilt at wanting to be home in Cali, trying her best to make life on the East Coast bearable. I adored her time as Ramon's best friend. The man looking out for his bestie's wife while he is deployed. Mankin doesn't leave any stone unturned and you get the WHOLE story, not just infrequent flashbacks.

I often wondered if Ramon and Karen, clearly meant to be, could ever find their happiness. The author does not make it easy I will tell you that. Even when it's now the present and the road is somewhat clear for them to be together, both characters have their doubts, not wanting to soil the memory of a man now gone from their lives. They play a game of push and pull and I honestly wanted to scream at both of them and often to just please say what was in their hearts.

Thankfully the very bumpy excursion that is Riptide has a satisfying conclusion and here I sit wanting more from this fantastic crew of characters. We get to catch up with the entire group, first introduced in Outside and with some still unanswered questions I'm hopeful for at least one more book.

Michelle Mankin is a go-to author for me and she has made this girl very happy once again. Surfers and rockers, what else could you possibly ask for? A total win-win without question.

5 solid stars!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Beautiful & Heartfelt Story! Outstanding Audible Listen🎧

Riptide
Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances, Book 2
By: Michelle Mankin
Narrated by: Wen Ross, Kai Kennicott
Series: Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances, Book 2

I am loving this series, Michelle Mankin created a great group of characters that are far from perfect but you can not help but fall in love with them. Her storylines are heartfelt and beautifully written, she takes you right along side the characters, she lets you not only see what they are going through but feel it too. We met Karen in the first book, Linc & Mona’s story, she is Mona’s best friend who married Dominic, the “Dirty Dogs” bassist. We only got a glimpse of these two characters in that book, all is revealed in this book, what happened to him and how Karen drifted away. We also find out Karen had feelings for Ramon too, the two always had a special bond but he was not the type of guy to settle down, he preferred to be a player. Her choice to be with Dominic pushed him away from her. A lot goes on in this book, she returns back home to OB to be near her father. Ramon has also returned, is it his time to settle down, can these two rekindle their friendship and the feelings they harbored for each other. I loved how their story played out, Michelle Mankin is a master at plotting and setting up time frames, this book starts in present day, the middle of the book goes back 15 years and the end jumps back to present day, it goes full circle. It is great seeing the other characters, everyone is still finding their footing and I am looking forward to see where it all goes next in Ashland’s story. Michelle Mankin thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride

I listened to the Audible edition, Kai Kennicott and Wenn Ross are fabulously talented narrators and voice performers. They continue to bring these characters to life, give each their own voice and personality as well attitude. I can not give them enough praise, they put a lot of heart into their storytelling you can hear it their performances. They are always a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen🎧

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author for a honest review of this book.

I really enjoyed this book. First and foremost the friendship between Ramon and Karen was something really special. It took a lot of hits and other obstacles getting in the way, but in the end, when it always mattered they were there for each other. I liked how the book started in the present, but went back and explained the past. It tied up loose ends and made since of the relationship between Karen and Dominic and the self-destruction that Ramon was in. Ramon and Karen had so much intensity and passion, I loved that they were both incapable of seeing that, acting on it, and trying to make it more at first. I enjoyed the slow build up, the looks, the little things that they both did. Karen was dealing with a lot aside from the relationship. Her feelings for Dominic, her Dad, and overcoming everything that she lost. I really enjoyed how she was trying to find herself again. Ramon had his typical playboy rocker moments, but deep down he was just a boy who liked a girl, but didn't know what to do with that because of his past issues. They were both broken in different ways, and didn't realize what they needed was one another. A good book, sweet characters. I'm glad that I read this one, you won't be disappointed.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotional pain throughout this book was on point, I was always rooting for Ramon and his surfer girl. You could see their feelings even in Linc and Simone’s book...there was so much chemistry between them and I was surprised that Patch didn’t notice in the beginning.
I felt like Patch was pretty selfish not only with the way he treated and regarded Karen but also because I think he knew how Ramon felt all along and pushed the fact that he got the girl and not Ramon. As bad as that sounds I don’t think Patch deserved Karen...she was never in the forefront with him. She was pretty much a pretty thing he placed on the shelf to take down and play with only when it was convenient for him.

Karen had more than losing her husband to get over...which I really don’t think that was what held her back from Ramon for so long...I think Karen realized early on that she had made the wrong decision in choosing Patch but she was still in love with who he was before enlisting.
Speaking of I liked how the author tied in 9/11 into this story...it was a great segue into Patch enlisting into the Marines.

I can’t wait to see where this series takes us next...especially with Ash’s obsession with Laker Girl...who I’m pretty positive is the “missing” daughter of the producer that Ramon saw about on tv.

[Amandajane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skipped book one to go to this since I like books with a love triangle. I didn't realise that Karen was a widow. I am not a fan of the dead husband/boyfriend trope and probably would have skipped it had I known. Good thing I didn't because this was a great read and I really enjoyed it.

Michelle Mankin did a nice job of mixing surf culture into the usual rockstar romance. I suck at surfing but the beach is a great place to read a book so I have always been a supportive surfer's girlfriend. So it was great to read a book that was about this lifestyle.

The romance between Karen and Ramon is slow burn over many years and jumps from the past to the present in a way that works well for the story. Ramon has commitment issues and a bad attitude about love due to the way his mother cheated on his father. Despite the fiery chemistry between Karen and Ramon, she chooses to be with his best friend and bandmate because he is the safer choice, as she feels that Ramon would just use her and dump her. With them both considering each other off limits, it allows a strong friendship to grow between them. Over the years their bond deepens and their attraction to each other grows, putting pressure on the relationship she has with her husband, as Ramon realises that she is the only woman for him.

[Heather Merriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances Series. Now we get Ramos and Karen’s story and it can be read as a standalone but I prefer to read them in order.
This book takes place over a span of 15 years and it goes back on for from present to the past. I enjoyed getting their backstory. Ramon started out as being a total jerk toward Karen and not able to show his true feelings towards her so she settles for marrying his best friend and fellow bandmate, Dominic. Then fast forward a few years and we get to see the complex friendship and attraction that forms between the two when Dominic’s away in the military. Then we enter the present and Karen’s back in Ocean Beach and dealing with what’s left of her life after the death of her husband. And Ramon is back too after the end of his band’s final tour. Their attraction for each other is very much still there too! Can Ramos and Karen finally admit to the feelings that they have for each other and maybe find happiness for once in each other? Enjoyable read and look forward to book 3 in this series. I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. Wen and Kai did a great job!
I received a credit from the author and voluntarily left my honest review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you go wrong with Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances? All three of these subjects are perfect for a romance. This particular story is one of heartache and love and truly finding that second chance. Ramon and Dominic are both in love with Karen. When Karen marries Dominic, Ramon follows the rock star life. Life changes once Dominic joins the military and as life enters it's new phase, so do Ramon and Karen. The push-pull between these two, the chemistry and the ups and downs these two went through are so easy to relate to, it's easy to get wrapped up in their pain and their love. It is a slow burn until these two finally get their second chance at finding happiness, with a lifetime of feelings and misunderstandings. Mankin will steal your heart with Ramon and Karen and have your heart surfing til the end.

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are the voices of this series, and never do they cease to amaze me with their performances. The inflection of love and pain is truly felt with each character they portray allowing the listener to experience it all.

[Laura Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite there being a bit of a gap between the release of Outside book #1 and Riptide book #2 of the Rockstars, Surf and Second Chances series, I still remember how much I loved Linc and Mona’s story in book #1, so when I was asked if I would like to read and review Riptide, I was all over it! My anticipation to read the story of Ramon and Karen was running at sky high, and I was not disappointed in the slightest!
Ramon Martinez had pretty much loved Karen from the moment he first laid eyes on her, unfortunately, so did his band brother and best friend Dominic. So being young, not ready for commitment and hoping for a career in rock music to take off, Ramon stepped to the side and let his best friend have the lady. This decision, was probably one of the worst and most regretful decisions he would ever come to make in his life! Instead, Ramon had to settle for the role of Karen’s friend.
Karen Campo has also always loved Ramon, not realising quite how consuming her love was for him in the beginning, she settled for a life with Ramon’s best friend, Dominic, who she knew would treat her like a queen, who wasn’t your typical rockstar, interested in having half naked females everywhere.
Over fifteen years of knowing each other, Ramon and Karen’s friendship has its rocky patches, but when things were good between them, the chemistry was sizzling. When Dominic enlists, he entrusts Ramon to watch over Karen for him, but when people around town start to talk and the amount of time spent together seems more important than husband and wife time, despite nothing going on, Dominic wants the friendship terminated.
Then, after the tragic death of Dominic, misunderstood words heard between Simone and Karen at the hospital leads to a three year rift between the Ramon and Karen, but when they both end up back in Ocean Beach, there is no way they will be able to avoid each other. Reunited in their love of surf, chemistry still just as hot, despite each of them not thinking the other reciprocates how they feel, Dominic and his memory still lingers, the feeling of betrayal towards him becomes a strain to them both.
After letting Karen walk off towards work after a deep conversation about how she isn’t the same Karen he once knew, Ramon is filled with a feeling of unease. Unable to ignore it, he hops in to his car and drives to the surf shop where Karen works. Upon parking, he hears a sound that will forever haunt him, a female scream. He rushes towards the sound to find Karen’s lifeless body in the middle of the road, a car nearby and a growing puddle of blood around her head. Has Ramon lost the love of his life before being able to finally tell her how he has felt for the last fifteen years?!
The plot, the writing, the characterization in Riptide is superb! It is such a rollercoaster ride full of emotions. Flipping from the point of view of Ramon to Karen, the expressive and illustrative writing style totally helps create the imagery in your head of the characters, features and the storyline as it plays out. The descriptive language brings on the feels within you and has you on tender hooks throughout the whole book. Then you reach the end, and you are left with a big gaping Ramon and Karen shaped hole because the story is done!
You definitely become enthralled in Ramon and Karen’s story in riptide. I found myself feeling conflicted a time or two early on in the book, wanting Karen to have the happiest future with her husband Dominic, then, my heart was breaking for Ramon on the sidelines and I wanted him to get his woman. I can’t imagine how it must feel, watching the woman of your dreams with your best friend, your brother from another mother, so heartbreaking. Then with Dominic’s death, both having feelings, even flirting with each other, they feel they are betraying his memory. It takes strong people/characters to get past that!
As with Outside, this story also spans over fifteen years, from when Ramon and Karen first met, to the present. We also have Linc and Mona featured in Riptide, I adored these guys in Outside. I don’t think I could pick a favourite couple out of the two.
Like the meaning of Riptide…..

 
A violent disturbance in the sea. Abrupt changes in depth. The meeting of currents
 

Ramon and Karen’s turbulent relationship of friends, not friends, wanting the other (secretly and thinking its one sided) as their lover, mistaken ideas of what the other wants,  relates to the title perfectly. Kind of a storm before the calm. Heartbreak before serenity.

[TheGeekyBlogger · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Read (from the author)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00

Quick Thoughts: This is not my normal type of read so I am going to preface this by saying that my rating is based on how it fit into my romance reading world. I think fans of Rock Star romances will really love this story (more in the 4 to 5 star range--reread worthy)--it has romance, drama, rock-n-roll, and in this case Surf. The characters run the range of emotions and their chemistry was pretty hot! So while this was bit more contemporary and rock star angsty (that is different than other angst--musicians can be a high emotion bunch) than I normally read--I am glad that I did!

Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on and keep reading

This one for me started out kinda slow. I wanted to skip over pages, but I knew if I did I'd miss something. I'm glad I held on.

Karen and Ramon's love story is a story of friendship. Of the power of love that follows as lives head in different directions. The what if's along the way. Things that were never said. Moments lost. Secrets kept.

When they do finally take that chance, risk that friendship, you'll cheer. And wonder why it took so long to begin with. With a smile on your face.

I found this author totally by chance. But now that I've read (and loved) this three book series (to date 3 books), I can honestly say, I'm a fan. And I'm looking forward to book # 4.

[Lace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I thoroughly enjoyed Outside by Michelle Mankin, the characters of Riptide

drew me in even more. I felt a very real connection with each of the characters and

with their relationships with one another. The romance between Ramone and Karen is slow

to develop--although once it does, it's obvious they've had deeper feelings than

friendship for one another from the beginning without being aware of it themselves.

Riptide has many of the angsty feelings I love to read and just as many warm fuzzy

feelings. As I can't get enough of surfers or rockstars, this one is a win win for me.

[Tracy Lundy-Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by the author for my honest review. I'm a huge Michelle Mankin fan and Riptide definitely didn't disappoint. This book was the second book in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series. I'm a sucker for a second chance romance with a best friend turned lover book and this one has it all. The storyline was spot on and had me hooked from beginning to end. The characters were all well developed with depth, emotion and lots of smoking hot chemistry. Can't wait for more in this series and more by Michelle. Go as fast as your fingers will click and pick up Riptide!!!

[Sue Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of angst. Overall a great story but I really prefer a stronger female. This story is book 2, with Outside being the first in the series. Rockstar Ramon Martinez is sexy, hot and come on, a rock star! He can have his pick of women and oh does he, but he is secretly in love with his band mates girl Karen. This is a story of their struggle to live lives independent from each other after the band breaks up, struggles with Karen & Patch’s marriage and his new military career making demands of them then tragedy happens and healing finally bring these two together. Overall a great story and HEA.

[Jdursi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.25 stars

Ohhhh Karen and Ramon broke my little heart. But they also drove me completely insane. There were multiple times I just wanted to shake some sense into these two. If you’ve read the first book, you know Karen and the Dirt Dogs lost Dominic. My heart really went out to Karen because I can only imagine that there are many real life military wives that went through the same struggles and strains marital wise that she did. While the loss of her husband is devastating, I thought the lack of Ramon’s presence hurt even more. I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book.

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions, never answers....

Unrequited love is a painful thing, two people loving the same person seems like a special kind of hell, especially if they are best friends. Such is the situation between Ramon and Dominic when they both meet and become interested in Karen. What changes occur in their childhood friendship as a result? And the band they form, the Dirt Dogs will it suffer as well? Personalities change, lives go in directions they may never have taken as a result of one life altering decision. You just never know....

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Ramon sexy rock star and total man whore had his best friend Karen who he’d been in love with since forever. The problem was that he never thought he was good enough for her so he stepped aside and let his best friend win her heart. His best friend was also in the band but he continued his friendship with Karen. His best friend left the band in joined the marines and when he died it was time for Ramon to claim Karen, his surfer girl. It’s a warm loving story and I recommend it highly.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Ramon and Karen's story spans a little more than 15 years, and it is filled with humor, heat, angst and heartbreak throughout the years. First, for those who are worried about the potential for a cheating element, I want to clarify one thing. As the story kicks off, Karen is the widow of Ramon's best friend Dominic, the man who used to be a part of Dirt Dogs in the beginning but eventually left for reasons that are revealed in the pages of this story.

Ramon meets Karen when he is just 18 and the Dirt Dogs are trying to gain some traction in the music world. She is interested in Dominic who treats her like a queen and as if she is breakable to some extent, but she is drawn to the Latino player who seems to live to find ways to either embarrass or infuriate her. She makes her decision to pursue a relationship with Dominic in the hopes she will find the same type of gentle loving relationship her parents share, and Ramon backs off to be relegated to the friendship zone. Given the crazy amount of partying and women available when the Dogs are touring, he is mostly OK with that but finds himself longing for something more with her in the moments when he lets his guard down.

The story opens in the present day with Karen back in Ocean Beach several years after Dominic's death, and Ramon is just coming back to town after finishing the band's final tour and spending some down time in Hawaii. Their attraction is off the charts, and we learn that over the years that has been a constant for them even as they became the closest of friends, hurt each other and pushed each other away, and repeated the cycle time and time again. The events leading to their final break a few years ago immediately after Dominic's death are revealed through a series of flashback chapters, but the transition from present to past to present again is well written in dual POVs so as not to jar the reader too much along the way.

Without giving away too much of the plot, suffice it to say this book has plenty of angsty, gut wrenching moments as the memories wash over both Karen and Ramon. A significant lack of clear communication doesn't help their situation either. Both have been in love with the other for far too many years without acting on it aside from one stolen kiss, and there is so much water under the bridge (or the pier on Ocean Beach as the case may be) that they may never be able to find a way to move forward if someone does not take that first step. Struggles with addiction are a reality for both characters to a certain extent at different parts of the story which gives them just one more point for them to relate to each other, but in the end it comes down to this: they have always been inevitable in the eyes of everyone around them even if they are pretty slow on the uptake about figuring it out for themselves. Ramon knows Karen better than anyone including her best friend Simone, and that knowledge along with the friendship forged over many years is the strongest foundation to build a relationship on as Karen finally begins the long and painful steps forward toward a new future beyond mourning what she has lost.

Riptide was a wonderful read that had me tearing up, getting angry and frustrated, and eventually fanning myself when Ramon finally gets to let loose and play! Ms. Mankin has written a great friends to lovers story with a second chance at romance for two people who clearly belong to each other despite the years they spend apart. It seems as though some hints for fellow bandmate Ash's future may have been dropped too, and I will be looking forward to see what comes next in this series.