StarAngel's Reviews

Book – Outside

Author – Michelle Mankin

Publication Date – July 19, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Stand Alone (but would love books for the other band members)
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

When handsome California surf god Lincoln Savage suddenly rolls into Ocean Beach like a rogue wave, shy beauty Simone Bianchi’s foundation is shaken. No longer under the thumb of her domineering father, she’s made a simple quiet life for herself and her fluffy fourteen pound Havanese pup running a surf shop in her hometown of OB. Long ago she gave up her dreams for a future with Linc.

But now the notorious lead singer of the Dirt Dogs has returned, and Simone is reluctant to admit that she’s still vulnerable to his killer dimpled smile and easy charm. She finds that although she’s stowed away the mementos, it hasn’t been as easy to erase the memories of their epic summer love.

It seems he hasn’t forgotten, either.

Is the recording contract he’s offering merely a pretense?

Or does he have something more in mind?

Does he really believe that they can just pick up where they left off, despite all the bad luck and heartache?

And is she willing to risk everything again for one last chance at love?

My Thoughts - Story
I can’t even express the full emotions this book brought out in me. As always, Ms. Mankin’s writing is flawless – she has the ability to keep the words flowing smoothly where you aren’t stumbling over what is happening in the story --- I can definitely compare this to a big screen movie playing in my subconscious with all the details perfected.

And the characters? Perfecto – The development is spot on and yes, you will be pissed at them. They make bad mistakes and because this book spans 15 years, the first chance of romance Linc and Simone have is a whirlwind and still very immature and childish. Their insecurities get in the way of building a lasting love.

But do they really forget that love?  That is where Ms. Mankin has the ability to flip-flop this story from the past to the present and give these characters a second chance.

Beautiful – cute – heartbreaking and soul searching! You will fall in love with the secondary characters and want to read more about them by the time you are done with this one!

Definitely a perfect book to read on the beach while watching the rip roaring hotties on their surfboards.

Re-Cap
Linc and Simone had a beautiful love affair with too many obstacles that keep getting in the way of them being together. Simone’s father is domineering while her mother is emotionally non-existent. They fight to make a go of it – sneaking around but everything changes once Linc and his band gets an opportunity to go on the road. Their relationship gets strained and Simone must make a radical decision that could cost her the love of her life.

Span over a decade and Linc is back in town to do a “last show” with his band. But Linc has other things on his mind. He wants Simone and will stop at nothing to win her back.

Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Hopeless romantics who love a roller coaster ride of emotions