I Read Indie: CAPTIVATING BRIDGE by Michelle Mankin {Review/Playlist/Giveaway}

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Warren “War” Jinkins is that guy.

The bad one.

Tempest’s ex front man, an arrogant rock god.

The only thing larger than his ego is his capacity for self-destruction.

His bad attitude has cost him. His woman. His best friend. His band.

Everything.

Shaina Bentley is that girl.

The good one.

Hollywood’s pink candy-coated sweetheart.

The star of Pinky Swear, television’s top rated teen show.

She’s been practically perfect since that horrible day. But she’s starting to crack under the strain of being everything to everyone.

He’s a one man island. She’s a fragile captive soul.

Is love a current too dangerous to cross or will it be the bridge that brings them together?

*Author note: Each book in the Tempest series features a different band member and can stand alone.*

CAPTIVATING BRIDGE will be on sale at .99 for a limited time with a portion of proceeds going to: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) a leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing suicide.

“Did you really expect it to? I mean the two of you together make no sense at all. It’s like putting the Easter Bunny together with a crocodile. At first everyone’s all nervous and shit like ‘Oh, how cute. Look how they’re getting along.’ And then of course the predictable happens, the rabbit’s a reptile snack and all the kids are cryin’ ‘cause Easter ain’t comin’ next year.”
**

What started out as sort of an awkward book for me soon turned into a book I fully enjoyed. The awkward part was only for the mere fact that someone, without any kind of training, thought they could help turn around someone who is obviously depressed. Someone who is depressed themselves. Hang with me. I have conclusion I am coming to later with that.

But I did enjoy the book. Especially when Bryan and Lacey showed up. It brought that feeling of being back in one of Mankin's stories; back in the Tempest world she has so carefully crafted. Yes, up until that point, it was like I was starting a new book, with new characters I’ve never met before.

Of course I know War, I just never liked him. But with CAPTIVATING BRIDGE, we see a whole other side of him. So technically it is like we are meeting parts of him for the first time. He has cleaned up and is off the drugs, but he is in a constant state of struggle. Struggling as he grieves the loss of a mother who never showed any affection. Struggling with the loss of not only his girlfriend, but his best friend…both who betrayed him. The two people who knew him better than anyone. So as the story is evolving...I warmed up to him. He won't be one of my favorite characters, but I liked him.

**
I went up on my toes and tilting my face toward him, he knew what I wanted. He met me half way. His lips touched mine and the kiss we shared was as complex as the emotions swirling around inside of me.
I wasn’t falling in love with Warren Jinkins.
I was already there.
**

Shania's character was ok. I didn't agree with her logic of trying to take on someone with depression when she was dealing with it herself. But in the end, I see how they were actually good for each other. They were two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, even though they seemed completely different on the outside. I loved coming to that realization. See, this is the conclusion I was getting to. Mankin, turned an awkward beginning into a story that ended with me smiling at the outcome. This sort of thing can happen in real life. People have done crazier things for the people they love. Right? So I was happy how these two were able to crawl of the depths of depression and have a fighting chance at a life worth living.

I also love the fact that Mankin leaves information for the topic at hand for those who are also struggling. She is making a difference. Of course she could just write a book about depression...give us a happy ending with rainbows and butterflies...but she doesn't. She gives info for those that want to take the next step in finding the help they need. And for that I applaud her.

So there you have it. In the end I liked this book. Was it my favorite? No. But I still enjoyed it. I have a better appreciation for War. I love that he found his one true person that was meant for him. I love that this was another book that delved deep, and Mankin wasn't afraid to go there. I love that when people read this book, it will have an impact and make a difference. It has to. So, yes, I recommend another great book by Mankin and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did, if not more. 4 Stars!!

Captivating Bridge spotify playlist

3 PRIZE PACKS - enter below

FAN -Black Cat Records bumper sticker & tat, Tempest tat, all 3 ebooks

GROUPIE - all of that, plus Soul of the Rose earrings just like War's tat in CB, plus all 3 ebooks

ULTIMATE GROUPIE - all above, plus necklace like War's tat in CB, Janis Joplin sticker, GNR limited edition playing cards, plus all 3 signed paperbacks

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Michelle Mankin is the author of the Black Cat Records series of novels.

Romance with subtext.

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

For many years she worked in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn't kill her but the hours and hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.

Black Cat Records in Vancouver provides the central backdrop for all of Michelle’s current novels. 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.

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.