Release Day Review ~ Riptide ~ Michelle Mankin (@MichelleMankin)

Riptide by Michelle Mankin
Rock Stars, Surf, and Second Chances #2
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily provided a review. I also purchased my own copy.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
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.

**PSA: Outside, the first book in this series, is currently FREE. And Riptide is ONLY $0.99**

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.

Author Interview & Giveaway ~ Michelle Mankin ~ Outside

Outside, the latest release from Michelle Mankin, released on the 19th. If you missed my review, you can check it out here. Today, I'm sharing my interview with Michelle as well as a couple of teasers from the book. Oh, and I'm also giving away an ebook copy of Outside. ;) Enjoy!

Hey Michelle! Thanks for letting me get inside your head for Outside. :) 

You said these were some of your favorite characters and I could feel your love for them as you told their story. Was there a specific inspiration for Mona and Linc?

As a couple together I love them the most of any I have written so far. My female narrator for my audio books inspired Simone. She sings and she has a beautifully strong steady spirit like Simone.

Can you tell us about your research? 

I watched copious amounts of youtube videos and surf competitions, wrote the rough draft, then flew to Ocean Beach, went up and down the coast to map out the band's footsteps then took a surf lesson. My surf instructor and I really bonded. And yes I have a new passion. Surfing. It is a very spiritual thing.

I adored your surfing lingo and surfing metaphors that were interspersed throughout the story. Did you do research on surfing and then write the story OR did you have the skeleton of the story and then do research to fill it in?

The Outside term I had from the beginning. The word is interspersed throughout the novel. Here let me show you. 

Outside, she drew in a deep breath of air. “I love this time of day. The salt from the ocean smells so good. I don’t know how you stay away.”

But if I was going to venture outside my comfort zone was he the guy I wanted to take a chance on?

Once outside the gate, I hooked a sharp right my feet automatically leading in the direction my heart wanted to go.

 “Come outside and talk to me a minute.” His voice was deep and tempting. “I want to ask you something.” The warmth of his breath tickled against my skin making me shiver.

I took her hand after we stepped outside into the humid air. The steady churn of the ocean was our music now.

“When two girlfriends close ranks that usually puts us guys on the outside.”

I couldn’t protect her when she was in there and I was outside.

Leave the rest of the world and their expectations outside.

All metaphors for their relationship that he summarizes... 

... You were like the perfect wave but instead of turning around and swimming toward you with all I had in me I went the opposite way, the wrong way.”

I really liked the way you presented Mona and Linc's story. Was there a particular reason you chose to use the Present-Past-Present, as well as Dual POV format?

I wanted to have the mystery of what broke these two people up who have such obvious chemistry carry you threw the story... as one reviewer said reading with her hand over her eyes knowing the bad is coming...

Music plays a big role in your creative process and your books. Since Mona and Linc's musical styles differ, I was wondering if there is any specific music that served as inspiration or helped you get into your creative place for writing their story.

My audio team is writing the music right now. Kai Kennicott is bluesy ...Wen Ross is the rocker.

The music I listened to while writing is on spotify.

After combining music and surfing, I'm curious as to whether the ocean now speaks to you in the same way music does.

The ocean has always spoke to me. They say the throne room of God is surrounded by a crystal sea. That's where I will be snorkeling with underwater speakers playing rock music.

Chulo...I would be remiss if I didn't mention him. ;) He has so much personality and he's adorable! What made you decide to include him in this story? And what does his name mean?

I have been waiting for a place to fit him in. He and Simone are a natural fit. Chulo is slang for cute in Spanish.

What's next from this series?

Riptide

Patch and Karen

Present Past Present

Present where Outside left off, Past beginning where Simone left the band

More surf, more Ash, Ramone, more ocean beach. more Chulo!!!

Thanks again for taking time for this!

Happy to. You ask great questions. You just reminded me that I love this story. 

***About the Book***

Outside
Rock Star, Surf, and Second Chances #1
Release Date: July 19, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

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?

***Teaser***

The walls vibrated as soon as the spotlights hit them. Feet stomped. Fans yelled. Some even stood on their chairs. Camera lights clicked on and so did Lincoln. Brightly. He strode to the center of the stage. Confident. Compelling. Controlled. A cosmic force.

He plucked the mic from the stand, glared at the audience daring them to come along with him or get the hell out of the way, before he and the guys launched into a cover of 'Satisfaction' that kicked ass as righteously as the original.

It went uphill from there. Ramon on guitar flashing his flirt. Ash slamming sexy on his drums. Patch firm and steady on bass. And Linc my gorgeous warrior with depths of worth that he still failed to recognize eclipsing them all. The Dirt Dogs might still be a bit rough around the edges but they were undeniably on the ascent. What had started out as something to occupy their time when the surf wasn't up had transformed into a magical melange of Pacific saltwater, California sun and hard rocking in your face attitude.

The best-selling author of the Black Cat Records series of novels.

Romance with subtext.

Reimagining classic stories with sexy rock stars and thought provoking issues.

Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and Love Resolution are a Brutal Strength centered trilogy, combining the plot underpinnings of Shakespeare with the drama, excitement, and indisputable sexiness of the rock 'n roll industry.

Things take a bit of an edgier, once upon a time turn with the Tempest series. These pierced, tatted, and troubled Seattle rockers are young and on the cusp of making it big, but with serious obstacles to overcome that may prevent them from ever getting there.

Rock stars, myths, and legends collide with paranormal romance in a totally mesmerizing way in the Magic series.
Catch the perfect wave with irresistible surfers in the Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series.

When Michelle is not prowling the streets of her Texas town listening to her rock music much too loud, she is putting her daydreams down on paper or traveling the world with her family and friends, sometimes for real, and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | TSU | Newsletter

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Release Day Review ~ Outside ~ Michelle Mankin

Outside
Rock Star, Surf, and Second Chances #1
Release Date: July 19, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased my own copy on Kindle.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

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?

This may be my favorite from Mankin yet! She said she loved these characters and it shows in her writing. I love them, too.

The way Simone "Mona" and Linc's story is told plays well. It's told in three parts, Present, Past, and Present, and in dual POV. And the way Mankin presents Mona and Linc's backstory was clever. We meet Mona after 15 years have passed following the end of her ill-fated relationship with Linc. She's made a nice life for herself but there's something missing. When Linc shows up on Ocean Beach again, Mona's isn't sure she's ready or even willing to listen to anything he has to say. She'd thought she'd put that part of her life behind her. When we meet Linc, he's grown up. Seeing the difference between his younger self and the man he's become was startling. He's always been a determined man, doing everything in his power to win what he wants. And he's determined to win back the love he stupidly threw away.

Reminiscing over photos of that summer, we learn the story of the summer they fell in love. We see the connection these two forge - it's a powerful love. Their relationship was intense and although they were young when they found one another, their love grew organically and I felt it. The Past section also conveyed the very different people Mona and Linc were that summer and that made the contrast with who they are now that much more stark. Their childhoods affected them both significantly and it showed in their personality and actions. 

Back in the Present, Mona and Linc have to determine if their love is a love that, despite the tempestuous waters they've navigated, will endure. Watching as these two find one another again, grabbing onto the second chance they've been given was awe-inspiring. I happen to believe that things happen for a reason so I like thinking that Mona and Linc had to endure some trials and tribulations to get to a place where they really appreciated what they have.

I adore Mankin's style. Her use of many definitions of 'outside' is clever. I appreciated her surfing metaphors. The fact that Mona and Linc are older characters was also a plus. Add all that with the delivery of a second chance love story with rock stars and surfers and you get an incredibly poignant read!