Outside

Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #1

By: Michelle Mankin

Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross

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, 14-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?

©2015 Michelle Mankin (P)2015 Michelle Mankin

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 Beautiful & Heartfelt

Wow, this is such a beautiful and heartfelt story. Michelle Mankin has a wonderful writing style, she grabbed my attention right from the start and held to the end. I adored the characters she created, they were realistic and easily relatable. Both Simone “Mona” and Lincoln “Linc” were far from perfect each having their own issues and struggles in life. But they were so good together and for each other. Sadly life and their own insecurities got in their way and Linc went and screwed it all up breaking Mona’s heart. Fifteen years later Linc returns to OB and tries to make amends with Mona, whom he still loves. After all that time can she forgive him and give him another chance? I was happy that Linc finally came to his senses, sure did take him long enough to wise up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I loved the way the time frame was plotted, starting with the now, the past in the middle and ending in the now. It is like a glimpse into the whole picture that goes full circle. Thank you Michelle Mankin for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.

I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the mega talented Kai Kennicott and Wenn Ross. They bring these characters to life, give each their own voice and personality. They did a great job projecting the emotions of the characters, as well as the drama of the story into their performance. I just loved the ending and that magnificent duet, consider me wowed! This dynamic duo are always a pleasure to listen to, they are amazing storytellers who’s performance enhances a great story another level. Thank you for another great listen🎧

Enjoyable Summer Read

This was a 3.5 star read for me. It had a descent storyline that I enjoyed but nothing spectacular.
This story starts out in present tense and then switches to the past. It tells about Simone and Lincoln's Summer of love that starts when he is just a surfer. When he gets hurt on his board he turns toward being lead singer in the band The Dirt Dogs. Between Simone's abusive relationship with her father, Linc's rise to stardom and his lingering thoughts that he's not good enough for Simone things ultimately end badly.
Fast forward 15 years and Linc is back with a pretense of recording a song of a duet they once sang together. She could definitely use the money because things aren't running as smoothly as they once were at her surf shop. And there's no denying the intense chemistry they still have for each other. But can she trust him not to hurt her again?
I would definitely check out more by this author. I listened to the audible version and the narrators did an awesome job!!

Second chances.

Overall Outside was good but I'm not a fan of flashbacks. Two people damaged from their previous & current life experiences along with stresses of starting high pressure careers and finding themselves is the story line. With many years separating them, it was a good second chance happily ever after. The narrators are two of my favorite and this was a first time for this author, which I will look for again.

So many emotions

I loved how you got pretty much the whole story. It was cool how it started out in the present and then flashed back and started at the beginning. Lincoln and Simone's story is a it of a roller coaster, but I loved how it showed that true love is worth and must be fought for even if it's years later. Kai and Wen did an amazing hob with this story and really helped the emotions breathe into our world.

Hot, Gut-wrenching, Heartstring Pulling Romance!!!

What made the experience of listening to Outside the most enjoyable?

The beautiful writing combined with the amazing narration made this book one of my favorites.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outside?

I absolutely loved the song at the end of the book. It had me crying.

What does Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kai and Wen are the best narrators I have ever listened to. They have truly spoiled me on other narrators. No one can compare to their amazing and beautiful storytelling. They bring so much emotion to the story it's hard not to feel like you're a part of the story yourself.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A second chance at love.

Any additional comments?

I can't say how much I love Michelle Mankin's books. Her writing is beautifully lyrical and Kai and Wen's narration fits perfectly with this story. A match made in heaven.