Outside by Michelle Mankin

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? 

Both Simone and Lincoln grew up under an iron fist. 

Their fathers having certain expectations of them and their futures.

In Linc's case, those expectations being not very high.

Unfortunately for them, those insecurities and uncertainties that were ingrained in him are what tore them apart.

"But expectations were tricky things. They could turn on you fast enough to snap your neck."

I liked how Linc was a relateable and normal character. He's human!

 He was this big, bad, up and coming surfer turned rockstar, 

yet insecure and unsure of himself and his self worth. He was prideful and scared.

Simone was everything he ever dreamed of, but he didn't feel like he would ever measure up. And that was his downfall. 

"He told me a man's worth isn't based on his missteps but on the steps he takes to rectify them."

This was a sweet and easy going second chance romance. 

I enjoyed the way it was told in three parts; present, past, present.

Not too much of a loud rocker vibe, but more so a mellow, surfer type read with added angst! And insta-love! 

AMAZON