Southside High

Tempest #1

by Michelle Mankin

My best friend and I want the same girl. But Lace Lowell is mine. She was mine first. She’ll be mine forever. Sure, she was his friend when they were kids, long before I ever met her. But that’s in the past. This is now. I’m Warren Jinkins. War. My name is my battle cry. I take what I want. I don’t ask, and I want her.

I’m in love with two men. Bryan Jackson is the guitarist in our band, and War is the lead singer. They’re sexy bad boys, the most dangerous guys in our school. All the girls at Southside High want them. But loving two guys is a problem—especially when those two guys also love each other.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, High School, Music, New Adult, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

352 pages, ebook

First published August 23, 2020

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

[Pisces · Rating 1 out of 5]

downloaded it without bothering to look up
BIG MISTAKE


Spoilers ahead🚦

The main idea is :

Lace (the heroine) apparently has this big childhood crush on Bry (hero1) who though returns this feelings, cannot act upon it. Because SUPRISE SUPRISE he owe this big time to his bestbud War (hero2). So Like a man, he steps aside his feeling and instead watch them getting it on !!




War was my fav, he was enagmatic and really upfront about his intentions which I really love and admire in a man. So imagine my suprise, when the author made him do the ultimate 90° bend, making him completely out of proportion.

One year later
He started coming off like a douche who wanted to control lace rather than have a mutal relationship, basically owe her like Bry, to a point where she couldn't have an independent lifestyle.





Bry where to start with thou ?

Ladies, Do you like your man to never fight for you, but go whoring around ?
Cos he did that and he will get his girl nonetheless


... this guy was just plain spineless. He just completely failed to gain my soft spot. I just hated how he would choose War over lace every f*cking times.
Whenever i felt like: okay now he should fight for her, he wouldn't.... he just wouldn't step the f* up and ladies and gentleman he is the strong candidate for being the "hero".

Personally I hate guys like him. He seemed more like a pathetic beta to me.


Me trying to bridge the gap between Bry and lace's relationship be like:


Lace, idk where to even begin with this one. she is like any typical love-triangle heroine. ping pong.
Funny, because I have no problem with ping pongs, I have read my fair share of them and I loved them regardless but this one just failed to suck me in.



I could not handle her pinning for man who only knows how to hides behind a shadow. Or the fact that she is in a relationship where war seems more like a villain than a hero.
I know if she doesn't end up with War ( 95%sure) he will get his own story and he will be just fine there. He won't have to be this manipulative or controlling bastard and his love for lace will be just shown as another infatuation but moving on phrase . And like any other shit his character will shine through. But out here, he has to be one who has a stick stuck up his ass for Bry to shine.

[Michelle Mankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockstar enemies-to-lovers romance.
Southside is a full length prequel to Irresistible Refrain and the completed Tempest Rock Star Series.
✦Text ROCK BOOK to 33777 for a release alert to your phone. (US only)
✦Sign up to my newsletter for an exclusive teaser reveal.
✦Bloggers sign up at Give Me Books PR: https://bit.ly/SouthsideHighEVENTS
✦Link to all my books now in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Manki...

✦I had so much fun going back to the high school where it all began for the rock band Tempest sooooo excited to share this story with you✦

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lace Lowell has a huge problem that most girls could only dream of. She's in a new school and already caught in the middle of 2 gorgeous guys who have been through a lot together- best friends. One secretly adores her and the other wants to own her, but his unending quest for their bands fame might break all the rules and her heart in the process.

They rule the hallways of Southside High and their friendship is strong but, so is Lace's attraction to both of them. She and her brother have only each other now that her addict mother lost custody to their uncle, which is why they're here now, but as he always reminds them, his generously is only temporary and so is their home.

There are only so many ways to get out of the hellhole that is Southside and her brother is pinning his hopes on their band. Lace has a beautiful voice and talent on the keyboards but, also has her eye on a backup plan, one that involves hard work, good grades and a hopefully, a full scholarship to college.

The clashing of wills, differing visions for the future and huge personalities are a lethal combination she can't seem to get around. Lace is in a constant battle of wants within herself- The lead singer who dreams only for himself or the caring guitarist who stands in the shadows, watching and wanting her in silence behind him. What will she do when betrayal comes at her in the worst way possible?

Michelle Mankin's new prequel to her Tempest series is an off the charts angsty, gritty explosion of high school drama in a ruthless environment. It will test your patience and possibly break your heart a little. Witnessing how it all begins for the band, aptly named Tempest, is raw, eye opening and addictive. I couldn't put it down.

This one ends in a jaw dropping cliffhanger, so it's time to get what I want- the answers to what will happen next for these characters and their band. Next book please!

An advanced copy of this book was generously provided and this has been my honest review of it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come...

Text ROCK BOOK to 33777 for a cover reveal and a release alert

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an epic introduction to the Tempest World of sexy bad-boy rock stars and the women who tame them. This steamy love-triangle thoroughly satisfied my angst-loving heart, and I lapped it up! #TeamBryan forever.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest Arising!!

What a fantastic book that takes us to the very beginning of the rock band Tempest!! Southside High was made of different clicks/gangs that ruled the school so when newcomer Lace started there she made a lasting impression on so many including bad boy War who ran most of the school. To her surprise was her best friend to her and her brother, Dizzy, Bryan who happened to be War’s right hand man and someone who was more like a brother to War. Upon seeing Bryan again she was sent back to the great memories that they had but now that they had grown up she seen so much more to the guy who was now more like a man. Bryan felt their connections as well. The only problem was that War always got what he wanted and that happened to be Lace.

The band was formed first by War as vocalist, Bryan as lead guitar, Dizzy as rhythm guitar and Lace on keyboards and backup vocals. They sounded great together and eventually added in Sage on bass and King on drums laying down the ground work for the band they all felt could take them to the big times. Every one of these people had a family or upbringing that would make you cry and the need to succeed was like no other. So when the record labels approached them they only wanted the guys (shirtless) and absolutely no Lace. Would Lace be betrayed by all the guys and left to deal on her own in her crappy home life?

The triangle between War, Lace and Bryan was off the charts. Chemistry was felt by all but who would win out if any of them? Believe me the ending will have you turning the next page to see the big shocker only to see that it’s continued in Irresistible Refrain!!

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was one hella-fun read. Southside High is the story of the start of the band Tempest, from Michelle Mankins The Complete Tempest Rock Star Series, books 1-6, a series I haven't had the chance to read yet. But now it awaits on my Kindle. I really do need the "rest of the story", because rarely have I started a book and immediately disliked the supposed hero (Warren Jinkins). And the boy did nothing to change my mind and for some reason, that simply made this a FUN read.

The story focuses on sixteen year old Lace Lowell, her brothers Dizzy, childhood friend and contender for Lace's heart, Bryan Jackson. And yes, War. The story is primarily told from the perspectives of War and Lace, as the two quickly become bandmates and a couple. We learn Lace is torn by her deep attraction to Bryan, and vice versa, making for the love triangle that leaves Lace's heart and her already downtrodden life in tatters.

I love a good love triangle and usually I wax and wane a bit between the two love interest, but in this case, I could never find myself liking War. Once in a while it's great to have an irredeemable character, someone to hate on, and War made that easy. I mean, he kind of tries, but ultimately he fails, and it is pretty epic. He creates a situation that puts a wall between the Lace and all she knows of trust and love goes up in flames. Oddly, I'm giddy about Lace extracting revenge :-)

4 stars and recommendation!!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/16/2021)! 🎁

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pages: 296
My rating: 3.5
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Lace, Bryan, War
SC: Dizzy, King, Sager, Chase

This is a rockstar series, which starts when the MCs are in Highschool but #1 in the series is already a na.

The young adults meet again in Highschool. Lace and her Dizzy have moved back to Southside Seattle and reconnect with an old friend Brian of them, get to know his friends too and other people from their school. War and Lace become an item but Lace is actually also into Brian. They form a band. And the story is about their live in a poor part of the city, their family troubles and the rise of the band.

At the beginning I did not feel the stuff they have going on. But when Lace and Dizzy meet up with the others I started to like ist and read the book pretty quickly This prequel ends on a bad cliffhanger, but luckily I bought the other books of this series, when there was a good deal on amazon. There are a lot of things the teenagers deal with.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one!! I was just going read a chapter or two before bed but it pulled me in and I didn't want to put it down. I finally finished at 1am. Southside High is a rough high school but friendships are formed there. Lace and her brother Dizzy start there and they meet up with Bryan who they knew when they were younger. Warren (War) has been through a lot and he's now at Southside high. Lace has a crush on Bryan but War has claimed her as his. The relationship between War and Lace has its ups and downs. War is not always a nice guy. Where War is hot and cold and demanding, Byran is usually sweet and nice where Lace is concerned. Lace is nice but she a little lost sometimes. Lace, Bryan, and War along with King and Sager form a band, Tempest The ending is crazy and I got up this morning and started reading Irresistible Refrain because I have to see what happens to War, Lacey, and Bryan.

[Cali Gal’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY... I just finished this book. What just happened? I am blown away by this story. I loved every delicious dark word of it. It is high school, it is abandoned teens, it is the before their rockstar world. Eek. SO FLIPPING GOOD.

Truthfully I am a complete dork. Even though I was told it was a prequel or whatever, I didn’t understand. Eye roll, I know, I am a loser. Yikes. I need to pay attention to the small details. Actually in this case, I am kinda glad I didn’t. THIS STORY IS AWESOME ON ITS OWN.

Lace, War, and Bryan have a crazy high school tale to tell. It was NOT what I was expecting. Now I know I am repeating myself but it is so true. It such a rough world these characters are living in. They are working so hard to make it out. My momma heart breaks for all of them and I want to kick some booty. Most of the adults in this story are POS’s. Just sayin’

Ugh I need to reread Tempest Series. Wink. This story is five angsty star worthy. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lace is turn between two men. War who bulldozed his way into her life. She couldn't deny the instant chemistry they have together but War and his angry streak is in constant battle with her love for him and her love for someone else. Bryan is her childhood friend who she has always had feelings for. Now they are a little older those feelings have become more. Which makes the band dynamic a little strained. Every member of the band has reason why they want to get out of their current state but when negotiating starts it may be the one thing that finally breaks the band a part of brings them together. Which in turn may bring to conclusion the man that Lace will finally choose The man who loves with heart of the man who loves with intensity. Or is their a third option that none of them can come back from.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wondered what War was like as a teenager, wellll have I got good news for you!
Absolutely love the fact the author has went back to the “early years”. We get to see the beginning of a love story and a band. Not sure what part I loved more. Seeing War ( one of my favs) as a teenager or meeting a young group that would rise to the top. Fictional characters maybe, but they came alive to me!

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m definitely a ball of emotions after this read!

Love is a battlefield and for the Temptest crew it’s never been something they’ve known! Trying to navigate life is hard enough but add in plans for the future and a love triangle that will break someone in the end and you have yourself an angsty start to what I’m sure is a mind blowing series!

I have yet to read the Temptest books and now I need them all! The prequel is just the start and I am already a hot mess!

Is it too early to say team Bryan? I love War my gosh he’s the epitome of sexy but he also has a lot to learn! Our lovely heroine Lace needs to find her place in the world she just needs to find the strength to be who she needs to be!

[Janee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read Irresistible Refrain. So this book makes me want reread it. Lace, War, and Bryan are starting their tortured love affair.

I did tear up for the story that I know that follows.

[Myndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entering the world of Southside High for the first time was quite an experience. I loved how diverse the characters were and how complex. All of the characters are beautifully flawed in some way or another, which makes them so much more real to the reader and more relatable as well.

Lace is a girl who's had bad things happen in her past, but is determined to rise above and make something of herself, no matter how difficult. I found her resonating with me the most. Partly because she is female and so am I, but also because in spite of everything in hers and my childhood, we were determined to make things better. There's also something so tragic about the way she looks at herself. Even though she's strong and determined, in the majority of the book she's very down on herself and doesn't see what everyone else sees in her.

Bryan is my favorite of the two main guys. You know that he's made mistakes, but you also see that he's got a very good heart and that he's protective and loyal to those close to him. I like that there is a shared history between him and Lace as well. I'm a sucker for those childhood friends who grow up and notice each other in a whole new light.

War could be a nice guy if he wanted, but he is my least favorite main character. He's controlling and doesn't see anything outside his little view of the world and what's best for everyone around him. He doesn't notice when others are hurting, and when he does, he doesn't seem to care. At the beginning I really wanted to like him, because he seemed loyal too and a product of his circumstances, but as the book went on, I disliked him more and more.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am eager and anxious to read the next volume in the story. I recommend this book to fans of Siobhan Davis, or any other complex contemporary romance writer. Or if you're a fan of rock star romance, or love triangles.

*I was surprised and blessed with an advanced copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.*

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! If you’ve already read the Tempest books, you think you known the backstory, the beginning, but you don’t know the half of it until you read this prequel. So much gets explained about War and Lace and Bryan as you read the original Tempest story that you think you can see it all playing out...until you read “Southside High” and all the OTHER pieces fall into place. I felt like I finally REALLY got to see the dynamic between these three unfold. I also felt like the rest of the boys’ stories had some common roots now too. My favorite part is finding out just how damn tough Lace really is while also seeing that the truth about the triangle was there from the very beginning.

If you haven’t read the Tempest books, I actually DON’T recommend reading “Southside High” until you’ve read (at least) “Irresistible Refrain” to enjoy both parts of the story the best.

I was a bit worried about some changes Michelle made to the backstory when she added this prequel, but the changes really are minor in the overall story arc and don’t detract from the other books at all. I would say they are hardly noticeable to the majority of readers (aside from the change in the name of the school they attend).

As with all her stories, Michelle builds great dialogue and internal monologue that stays true to the characters and the story while building the readers interest and understanding. This is another page turner that fits nicely into the interconnected Black Cat Records world.

Highly recommend and loved this addition to the series! ❤️

[Comfy Couch Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle is an awesome writer who is able to transform her reader into another world and into the life of her characters. She has done it again in this is a rare opportunity to see the formation of a band that is destined to be huge across the world. It's a realistic and gritty story of how the band members manage to deal with their lives and dysfunctional upbringings, and why their only way to survive is to get out of the Southside. Reading Southside High was tough because Michelle paints such a realistic picture of life in an environment where it is survival of the fittest and not even school is safe as gangs and drugs are a normal way of life.

War, lead singer, mean, arrogant, self centred and a heartbreaker who will let nothing get in his way including the girl he loves. Bryan, War's best friend who sits back and watches him hurt Lace time and time again and obviously has hidden depths to be explored in the future.

Lace who has so far lived a life that no one would wish for, abandoned by her mother, given a place to live by an uncle who cannot wait to get her out of his house, her only ally is her brother. She craves love and a happy future and is struggling loving two guys at the same time both of whom are giving nothing back to her. Just a few of the cast of characters whose stories I look forward to reading in the future.

I am not usually a fan of high school romances but I am so glad that I read this one, as it really set the stage for what promises to be an explosive rocker series.

[Elizette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was really good read and I stated it right away it base on a love triangle between Lace Lowell and Warren Jinkins know as war and Bryan Jackson. The story is told by Lace and Warren. Lace has a pass that was not so pretty and still isn’t but her and her brother Dizzy have started a new school in which they bump into a old friend they grew up with name Bryan. Lace not only has feels for him and can’t wait to see him she wonders if he will feel the same, but Warren saw her and the story begins. Warren has a hard life and feels like no one cares and truth be told I do not like him as much as I tried this character was just not for me but I keep wanting to see if I get proved wrong and nope didn’t happen. However I love to read and see what happens and what lace has up her sleeve.

Bryan is my favorite and I just so much wish for him to be the one but thing get crazy and Bryan also steps back and I wish I could just push him forward. Bryan life was easy either but he is the most caring.

I was giving this book for my honest review and this is it. I hope you get it and enjoy who knows who your favorite might be.

[Catherine Mckinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader I am going to spill the “T” on Southside High, which I have finished. You will be taken inside War, Lace and Bryan and learn much more about why they made the decisions they did. You learned some of it it Irresistible Refrain, but now Michelle takes us much deeper inside War and what motivates him. You will see why Bryan and Lace always loved him, even when his actions could perceived to be only narcissistic and cruel. The danger of reading Southside High is you need to accept the fact the you will not be able to stop yourself from immediately re-reading Irresistible Refrain and the 2 new amazing bonus epilogues, which is a gateway to continue the rest of the Tempest box set. Worth every minute. So get comfy and start the journey August 27. Mary Timmons/Michelle knows a good character. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved that Mankin went back with these characters to how they all began and showed us their pasts. It makes me want to go back and devour the whole Tempest series again. It was so very heartbreaking the turmoil Bryan and Lace endured, all because they let friendships be placed before love.

I got an even deeper look into who War was before we really, truly met him in CAPTIVATING BRIDGE. I am still not 100% sold on him because I have only seen him as a selfish person, but seeing him “before” helped in some ways.

SOUTHSIDE HIGH was fantastic and had me eagerly flipping the digital pages. I loved every bit of it. Such a great read!! 5 Stars!!

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nasty betrayal.

I do not like War...arrogant, possessive, narcissistic. He is the type of man out for himself and will bulldoze anyone in his way. Bryan, a childhood friend, is in love with Lace but acquiesces to War and keeps it to himself. Then to complete the trifecta, we have Lace. She is a mature girl on the verge of womanhood caught between her feelings for both men. Completing the cast of characters we have the very likeable brother, Dizzy, and Chad, friend and confidant to Lace. They all have diverse backgrounds with sad pasts. They all have mothers they love to hate.

Good start to this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 ½ H.S. Angst stars! The Prequel to the Tempest Rockstar series. Can be read as stand-alone but ending will have you wanting to read Irresistible Refrain (book 1 in the Tempest Rockstar series) immediately. Full length told in multiple POV with no HEA. This love triangle will rip your heart to shreds! They are high school students growing up in a bad neighborhood with little to no family support just looking for a way out of Southside. There is plenty of drama & angst as Lace is just 15-17 years old and Bryan & Warren just two years older. I love how the writing just draws you into the story and it is so hard to put down once you start reading!

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lace's story is fantastic, I couldn't put it down! Southside High is intriguing and a place I would love to visit if I could, as it started it all for one of my favorite books the Tempest Rockstar Series. Bryan and War, I love them both in their own way. I can't wait to get the next int the series, this love triangle is going to be killing me slowly. Brilliant 5 stars!

[Elyn Sulger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle never disappoints her readers. Southside High goes back in time, laying the foundation and details of establishing the band Tempest. Focusing on Lace, War and Bryan, highschool, rough times growing up, wanting to make it out intact chasing their dreams, I now have more insight into the characters. Mix that with friendship, love, triangles, trouble, steam, angst, hope and disappointment, and you have a great story. I loved this book! I too will be re-reading the Tempest series. Enjoy.

[Jenn Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very beginning of the rock band, Tempest. War and Bryan are best friends, like brothers (the I would die for you type). Both are from the rough Southside of town where everyone grows up but they never leave. Lace know all about Southside and the school that she has to transfer into with her bro, Diz. An uncle that despises them but has guardianship makes it known that they are out on their "tails" as soon as they finish school. All is fine until Lace finds out that her childhood best friend is also attending Southside and that he and his best friend are smoking hot.
An ultimate love triangle that will make you wanting more of the bad boys of Tempest and definitely gives you the beginning that you didn't know you needed for the series.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Kindle Copy for Review

Once again Michelle Mankin gives us an enemies-to-lovers romance with bad boy rocker angst set in high school.

For fans of her Tempest series, this will be a must read as it brings together how the band started and the early conflicts that made them who they became. It will bring to light in a whole new way as we watch their early days before fame.\
A prequel to be read as we wait for more in this series.

[Anny hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Received and ARC copy for an honest review.

Wow I just finish reading this book, and have to say that I love it. Love the characters, have to say that this book had me seating at the edge of my seat. I am going to keep this short and sweet cause I don't want to give anything away.

This story tell us the beginning of how Lace Lowell, Warren (A.K.A.) War Jinkins and Bryan Jackson met each other. But Lace and her Brother already knew Bryan, And Bryan and War where already best friends. It also tells you the love for the music they have.

After Lace mother lost custody of her and her brother to her uncle they end up moving to Southside high. Lets just said that Lace first day of school was not really good, she had to find out the rules of the hall way and how it was always good not to get caught by yourself after the bell ring. that they her brother let her know that Bryan goes to the same school.

that's when they decided to through a party at their house that's when she saw War for the second time. What they where not expecting was for their life to change.

This book is full of drama you never know what to expect every time you turn the page. I really love and enjoy reading this book, I cant really keep saying more cause I don't want to give anything away and you will not be dissapointed.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love
War Bryan and Lace
Intense emotional broken
Ready for more

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle, you are a goddess for giving us this book. Even though I knew the backstory for Tempest it was amazing to read the entire story. What really made War, Bryan, Dizzy, King, Sager and ofcourse Lace who they became.