Captivating Bridge

Tempest #4

by Michelle Mankin

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.*

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Music, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Fiction

342 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2014

About the author

MICHELLE MANKIN is the New York Times bestselling author of over 40 romance novels.
Romance that Rocks.
Her individual books are FREE in kindleunlimited. Link to them on her author page on Amazon:
http://author.to/MyAuthorPage
BRUTAL STRENGTH trilogy
completed series
TEMPEST
a fan favorite and a completed series
FIND ME
a completed trilogy
ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES
a completed series
STORM is a #1 bestselling standalone spin-off from the Rockstars, Surf, and Second Chances series
GIRLS RANKING THE ROCK STARS (Rock F*ck Club)
a completed series
IN HIS EYES is a standalone spin-off from the RFC
ONCE UPON A ROCK STAR
4 books planned ending with The Right Song
ADDY"S ROLLERCOASTER ROMANCE
Getting it Wrong
Getting it Right
NO QUARTER
Hot Summer School Night
Breaking Her Bad
MAGIC series
a completed paranormal series

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

To explain how Michelle is able to captivate a reader, I have to tell you a funny story while reading this....

I was in the doctor's office waiting for my turn and I was reading this book on my phone....now to set the scene...imagine a waiting room full of patients over the age of 70 and it's packed....

So I'm reading....and it gets to a spot where War does something really awful and I mutter (thinking to myself) "You fucker....how could you do that?" ----- I was seething so I looked up and every pair of eyes were trained on me with that gramma and granda look of disdain. The lady sitting next to me gets up and moves to another chair while shaking her head.

So, I blush and try to play it off by explaining to everyone that I read books for a living and this author writes so fabulous that I just lost myself in the reading fantasy land.

One of the ladies looks at me and says, "Well honey how about we try to tone down on the f-bombs you were dropping?"

I just lowered my head back to my book and muttered...."Sorry"

God's honest truth....I FUCKING loved this book!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an ARC of the third installment in the Tempest series, giving me the chance to read it before its release. This is War's story, his voice. I could feel the intensity coming off the pages ..... full review to come.

In this book War will unveil himself to you. War is a complex character, he definitely has a heart, to hurt as bad as he does, that means he has to care first, he hides behind a facade of not caring to protect himself, it's his armor, his shied.
Shania seems all sweet, cute, made of cotton candy sweet fluff..but there is more to her, she hides behind all the teen pink fluff to protect herself. In reality she is very strong and pretty confident.
They both have a lot in common..she sees it first..they both want to fix each other. They are both hurting, both feel some deep rooted pain.
War and Shania are each walking around with half a heart but together make a whole.
Shania's family keep her locked away, War keeps himself locked away. Can these two complex characters bridge their hearts together? Read this book and experience the intensity! For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com Here is the buy link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KGFB0IK

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Bridge broke my heart into a thousand pieces, and it even did it more than once! War... so lost and sad and lonely, and Shania, equally lost, but strong and full of love. The two of them together could have either completely tanked or become stronger than a diamond!

This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 Stars**

Dammit, War. Your story was every bit as captivating as I thought it would be. I wasn't sure if there really were any redeeming qualities in you. Shaina found them all. You had me worrying you were going to ruin it all - in typical War fashion. Thankfully you pulled your head out before it was too late.

***
War - we know all about Warren Jinkins. The hell he's lived through, the trouble he's made. But he's deeper than that. The attitude he projects, the image he conveys are all part of his hiding what he really feels. The day he's wondering if it's all worth it - if he should just give it all up - is the day he meets Shaina Bentley.

Shaina has trouble of her own - invisible scars that run deep. She's living her life in order to please everyone else - keep her parents happy and together - and she's tired.

"It was a lot of pressure being the key to everyone else's happiness." -Shaina, Loc 193, eARC

She's ready to move beyond the image she's created, finally be the grownup she is rather than pretending to be the little girl her parents and fans see her as. She's just unsure she has the strength to do it. And as she's contemplating these heady things, she meets Warren Jinkins - on a bridge.

The emotions evoked as I watched these two broken souls building a bridge toward one another were stormy. War and Shaina have been to the same dark places and understood one another in a way no one else could. Their bridge building wasn't pretty or smooth - nothing with War ever is. But I loved the way in which they reached one another. Shaina made War realize he was worthy of someone's love...

"When she looked at me that way she made me feel as if I were somehow the best thing that had ever happened to her.
No one had ever looked at me that way." -War, Loc 2224, eARC

...taught him what love really is. And he was right when he said

"I definitely got the better deal in this partnership." -War, Loc 5221, eARC

War filled in all the cracks in Shaina's soul. He gave her strength to finally live her life for herself. Together they really are stronger.

The love they built also helped War to see the error of his ways in regards to Tempest as well. And as much as I was feeling about all that was happening between he and Shaina, it was the interactions between he and Bryan that were powerful. The change in War - his emotional growth and the maturity he showed was heartwarming.

One of the things I admire in Mankin's writing is her bringing awareness to social issues and mental health issues. Captivating Bridge addresses depression and suicide prevention in a touching way.

War's story was an incredible one. He and Shaina came so far. I look forward to seeing them again as Tempest's story continues. I'm not sure whose story is next but I'm kinda hoping it's Dizzy's.

[Shaina Salisbury-abbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet until release. As I have been blessed to be part of the backstage pass holders of the Tempest concerts seeing this come to fruition has been an experience. I fell in love with gritty world of faerietale and real life that Michelle wrapped together so intricately. But this book proved the most provacative. Emotions on a merry go round. Painted ponies of live, anger, sadness, hope, remorse and enlightenment ride up and down in a captivating circle. A bridge to start it, a brigde between world, a bridge between dark and light, one to cross over and none left to burn. In the end, you may finally have the answers to the questions, not only for Warren but those you've been asking yourself. Michelle Mankin is love.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Bridge was simply amazing. From start to finish I didn't want to put it down but with Michelle Mankin's books, that's kind of a given at this point.

What a great storyline. Truth be told, I didn't care much for War Jinkins. The fact that he let Lace get so messed up in Irrestible Refrain (Book 1 in the Tempest series). I never thought he deserved her but there was always something about him that intrigued me. I wanted to know what made him be the man he had become. He had such loving friends and he acted like such an ass on more than one occasion. I thought for sure he was past any kind of real redemption.

But along comes Shaina. Who would ever have thought that his bad boy rocker could even remotely be both attracted to and fall hard for a teen sensation. But he did. And it's all because Michelle Mankin can consistently craft a storyline that feels real. Never contrived. She continually write characters that seem to fly off the pages of my Kindle and settle right into my heart.

Not caring that War has is sorry ass fired, I was happy that Justin Jones was now lead of Tempest. But then the author gives us more of War's back story as well as his softer side. The side that is within each one of us. We're shown he could let go of the pain and in the meantime also comfort another person who has more than her share to unburden.

For two people who seemingly should not be together, their chemistry, passion and love was off the charts. I loved that even though Shaina seemed to be fragile, she really wasn't. She was strong and she was caring. You can feel each of their emotions right along with them.

And then, of course, the intense sex between them was smokin' hot! And not even just that. The frequent touches, the stares across the room. All amazing and simply beautiful. Adding in the wonderful Alex...probably the best friend ever. Shaina is so lucky to have him and he proves that he is more than a pretty face. The man is a true surprise at times. I was also happy that the other members of Tempest all make appearances throughout this book and make the story complete.

Put this all together and what do you get? A kick ass incredible book that I absolutely adored. Every page. Every emotion. Every tear. Even scenes that were hard to read. Worth every minute.

I've said it before about Michelle Mankin and I'll happily say it again: her writing has grown by leaps and bounds. I am just so freaking thrilled I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the ride.

A huge 5++++ stars from me.

[Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Loved Loved - My favorite Michelle Mankin book yet! Make sure to add to your to be read list!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book concentrates on War's story at a point where is is adrift from the band and his friends.
It makes for a real page turner of a book. War comes across as a complete ass on occasion but his vulnerability shines through in this book. I loved the contrast between the characters, light and darkness but not everything is as it seems. The story is heart breaking in parts and the tenderness between the characters (in the most part) makes it a great read.

[Samantha Kurtz of Sammy's Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 for Tempest!

TITLE~ Captivating Bridge (Tempest #3)
AUTHOR~ Michelle Mankin
GENRE~ New Adult-Romance-Music
PUBLISHED~ Expected publication: June 19th 2014 by Michelle Mankin
PURCHASED/COST~ ARC for review
MY RATING~ 5/5


MY THOUGHTS~

I was provided with an arc of this book for review.

I loved this third book in the Tempest series! I really couldn't put it down. It has angst, intensity, and tenderness all woven into one incredible ride. I will try to keep this short so as not to reveal any spoilers, but wow, it's hard! There is so much that can be said!

The author, Michelle Mankin, rocked yet another novel right out of the park! She is very thorough in her writing and gives her characters such awesome realistic depth.

If you have had or known/have known anyone with depression and realize what it's like, you will love how depression is incorporated in this book and conquered. The author portrayed the signs, symptoms and progress in her characters flawlessly. Way to raise awareness Michelle Mankin!! Great job!

I can't wait for more Tempest! I want it NOW!! I wasn't sure before starting this book that I would like War's story at all, no matter how well written I knew it would be, because War was a butt in both previous books. I couldn't have been more wrong, because now, it may be my new favorite in the series!

1-Click this bad boy ASAP!!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!

What girl didn't dream of living in the rock n' roll world? Especially with the bad boy lead singer of the band? Count me in as one of those girls with the posters hanging all over my room! This book let me live those dreams without leaving my world as a Momma here in Iowa. Michelle created some amazing characters that sucked me into their world. Love, sadness, despair, hate, triumph....real life emotions in this fairy tale world. My only question after reading all of the Tempest books is which rock god do I want for my own? War was able to make a name for himself in this one......

[Michelle Mankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KGFB0IK

[SandraBarg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such A Great Series!

This book was darker than the last and it was awesome! This one had a great love story,each book in this series has a completely different love story for each character. I love the characters, the writing is great, and the books just fly when you are reading them! This has been a great investment!

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book!!! Thank you Michelle for letting me read it before release!! This can be read as a standalone, I read this having not read the other books in this series. This book has one of those scenes I could read over and over again. Just perfection. *sigh*

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guest Reviewers – Rachel M and Sian

Rachel M: 4.5 Stars
Sian – 4 Stars

We were so honoured to be asked by Michelle Mankin to beta read this book prior to release. Neither of us had read this author’s work before. Being ‘reading order’ junkies, we were worried about going straight into this series at the third book. But this book stood alone well; the fact that neither of us had read book one or two from this series didn’t detract from our enjoyment whatsoever.

So, Warren ‘War’ Jinkins is the moody, bad boy rock-star who is on the edge – literally. Fate leads him to meet Shaina Bentley, a Hollywood, good girl princess. It’s fair to say neither of them are enjoying life. Can this really work?

“Give me twenty-four hours. Please. I promise I’ll prove to you that your life matters.”

Sian: War and Shaina were fab characters and I felt a connection with both of them, which is often not the case for me. The story is told through alternating points of view, which can be a bit hit and miss with me, but with each character going through their own turmoil throughout this book, I feel the alternating points of view were crucial. The supporting characters also were fab, in particular Alex; Shaina’s best friend. Everyone needs a best friend like Alex. He was loyal, strong, fierce, and funny too – perfection!

Rach: War intrigued me from the get go, that opening scene completely sucked me in and I wanted to know exactly what made him tick. Shaina started out for me being a little too everything, too sweet, too trusting, too naïve, you soon come to realise that there’s a backbone of steel there and she’s got just as much as War going on in that pretty little head of hers. I love alternating POV’s, being able to read exactly what each character is thinking and feeling adds so much more to the story. Alex, oh Alex, how I adore thee, he was just wonderful, Shaina was indeed very lucky to have a friend like him.

“You shouldn’t be looking at me like that, Sweetness. You’ve got no fuckin’ clue about a guy like me. I’d lay it out for you, but I don’t think that’s necessary. I think you’re smart enough to figure it out”

Sian: Every once in a while in a book you’ll come across one of ‘those’ scenes or moments, where you know you will re-read that particular bit a thousand times, this book had one of ‘those’ moments for me. As soon as I finished reading, I went back to read that scene again….and I have done again, and again, even weeks later. It was just perfection, and captured the mood of the book magnificently at that time. It gave me goose bumps, and I know you shed a tear at that point didn’t you, Rachel?

Rach: Oh that scene, yup, I cried. I can feel myself welling up a bit here just thinking about it. It was an absolutely beautiful and tender moment, and one I too have been back and reread, I heard “that” song on the radio the other day and I listened with a huge smile on my face thinking of War and Shaina. In the nicest possible way…you’re a bit of a tough nut to crack Sian so when something gives you the warm and fuzzies it says quite a lot J

“Every day feels like a struggle, and I don’t have the energy to fight anymore. I just don’t know how much longer I can keep holding back the darkness.”

Sian: The twist that this book took led me by surprise, and it’s not one that I have seen often, and made for a refreshing change. This book was certainly a rollercoaster of emotions. From loving War one minute to strongly questioning him the next…there was one particular bit when…gah!! Then there was his filthy mouth!!

“I want to shove that sexy skirt over your hips and fuck you over the couch or on the couch. Since I’m feeling generous, I’ll let you choose.”

There were a few ‘kindle throwing’ moments – which I thrive on in a story…Rachel is not a huge fan of these, but those moments in the book didn’t bother you too much, did they Rach?

Rach: Not in the slightest Sian, I’m not great with loads of angst, I’m a pure sweet romance girl at heart and though there were a few moments of “Gah, what is he doing?” and “Quick pass the bubble wrap, the kindle’s gonna get it” I didn’t struggle with any aspects of the story.

“I can’t take it back. I wish to God that I could. It’s all I think about. You’re all I think about. But all I can do is tell you how sorry I am.”

The twist was excellent, sometimes you get an idea of where a story is going, I thought I knew but whoa, I was completely thrown with what happened. It was nice to see that War’s friends had his back too, no matter what he thought.

Sian: All in all I loved this book. Michelle Mankin’s writing was flawless. From the very first page I was drawn in, and I felt the pain of these characters. I loved the journey both War and Shainia both went through, and I look forward to reading more from this series.

Rach: I thoroughly enjoyed War and Shaina’s story and I’ll definitely be adding Michelle to my automatic one click authors J

**ARC provided to Sian and Rachel personally by the author in exchange for an honest review **

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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!!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book in this series and by this author. Overall, I was underwhelmed. Significant chunks of the book were spent in some pretty complex thought segments by both War and Shaina instead of action and it just didn't appeal to me that much. Perhaps reading the earlier books would have helped me better understand the dynamic of the band which was also lost on me. Both characters referenced being in love with each other 2 weeks after spending 48 hours together which seemed completely out of the blue. Had hoped this series might more closely resemble Olivia Cunning's Sinners but it was nowhere near similar to it.

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I mentioned in my review of Irresistible Refrain that I wasn't too fond of War. You would think by now that I would know better than to say stupid things like that because he pretty well broke me in this one.

This book is not going to be for everyone. It may be my favorite so far, but it is very dark in places. In my opinion that just makes the light so much sweeter. There is definitely a gritty realism to the darker parts, and I know many read to escape that. Heck, I do that too at times. But there is an inexplicable emotional turbulent appeal to those books that can take you into the darker depths of your reality but bring you back out in a beautiful place. This is one of those for me.

It's funny; I honestly wasn't sure that I would like this one, but War intrigued me, and I have loved the books in the series that came before this one. As I started reading I cringed at a troupe that tends to grate on me, but it wasn't long before I had forgotten all about that. Shaina is not your usual heroine, and Ms. Mankin's handling of said pet peeve was far better than most.

Bridge brings all the feels - from the lowest low to the highest high. And anger - it got my ire up in more than one place, directed at more than one character. Disgust also played a part. I have rarely wanted to hop in a book and slap a character as much as I did a couple in here. To me, that is the mark of a truly great book. It is easy to rain praise on books that follow a predictable course but I truly admire any story that can make me confront ugly truths in myself. But, I digress...there are stunningly beautiful moments as well, and strength of character and unconditional love when not truly deserved but cannot be denied. Amazing character growth that I was so absorbed in I actually have to include pride in the myriad of emotions it brought out.

As much as I am kicking myself for letting this series sit on my Kindle for far too long, I am thoroughly enjoying binging on the full series. I can't wait for more.

[Charity(brazenlybookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥4/5
Angst: 🖤🖤🖤🖤4/5

"When she looked at me that way she made me feel as if I were somehow the best thing that had ever happened to her. No one had ever looked at me that way."

I needed War's story to continue. He was a god amongst gods in the rock world. He felt himself slip, understood the inevitable fall that gripped him, spread his arms wide let go. Losing everything he had and everything he thought he ever wanted.
The tiny cracks that had begun to form across his soul were cracked wide open and he became a lost mess bleeding out with every step.
Shaina is leaving her own trail and she is desperately trying to mend herself deep within her secrets.
The two are on a collision course. Not even realizing that the half hearts they carry are capable of becoming whole with each other.
Once you've hit rock bottom, it is easy to sit there forever and rot. Climbing back into the light is hard, but the renewal of the soul is worth all the pain it takes to get there.
A must read in correct order to understand circumstances.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will fully admit that in the first two books I hated Warren...he made it hard to like him in this book in the beginning. There are things that you don't understand about War until you read this book...for instance his capability for love is so large and his asshole attitude is a mask that he wears well. Shaina was able to see through that mask because she wears a similar mask herself.

There were moments in this book where you want to strangle War, but in the same instant you feel bad for him because he feels he has to protect himself from getting hurt so he destroys the good in his life.
I was glad to see that War made amends with the band, even if they never get back together as the original band. War made peace with them and himself and that's all you can really ask for.

I was skeptical about this book because of my feelings for War, but I ended up really liking this book even though I'm not a huge fan of insta-love.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta be honest. I HATED the leading guy. Like, really really hated him
He was so selfish, and cavemanish and just wrong. Ya know, a wee Neanderthal is good in spouts but this dude was NASTY!
However, I suppose it's true, there is at least one person in the world that completes us and makes us want to be better.
For me it was my children, and a guy, made that possible...(to HAVE children lol), so there is someone for everyone .
I liked this story.
There were some errors but nothing to get too hung up about.
Good job doll.


ADDED NOTE

I have to wonder why the author isn't on this site yet but I strongly request it.
It will get them tons of fans...
www.ffadultsonly.com
It's not an adult site. It'sn author fan club

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS MY FAVOURITE BOOK OF THIS SERIES - so far, of course.

I just loved the way Warren and Shaina were for there each other - there were some rough spots, some awful hurtful stuff, some truly loving awesome forgiveable stuff too. The characters that round out the storyline are amazing.

For those who have given this most wonderful series a read from the beginning, you will love the journey this one takes you on; the characters we re-visit; the loss War has had to deal with and the light and understanding Shaina helps him see, the freedom from her parents War helps her get after a tragedy she has been dealt earlier in her life.

You just never know whats up the road, or who will be there to help you, when needed.

[Patti Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is the former front man for Tempest; he left the band at the same time he lost his best friend Bryan and girlfriend Lace feeling utterly betrayed. War is a complex one- comes from much of nothing and trusts only a few; the few really having been Bryan and Lace.
What you should understand by now (having gotten this far in the series) is that War manipulating and self serving.

While in a bad way he meets Shaina. They have a rocky start, but eventually they fall for one another and while doing so War sees how he mistreated those who he cared about in the past and works to right his wrongs. A good conclusion for him. Although, he wanted back in Tempest, there was no real mention of Justin (new front man) and if this may still be on the table.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was awesome and I couldn’t stop reading well into the wee hours. I loved War in Southside High, how could you not. He was tough, rough and had a smart mouth with attitude but he was also handsome, sexy and protective of those he cared about. This vision of sweetness in pink stole his heart when he was ready to just let go and their journey to discover how much they loved each other was breathtaking. I love that she got him and his friends back together and they were just so happy. I’m a sucker for a happy ending and this one didn’t disappoint. I think the next story in the series is Diz Lowell and I can’t wait. I highly recommend this book.

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved War and Shaina!

I had no idea I would end up loving the arrogant man from Tempest! War rubbed me the wrong way...made my anger flare up! But he definitely redeemed himself although not until later in the book. Shaina and War met on a bridge, the bridge each of them had contemplated jumping off of. They saved each other that day and not only the physical aspect but the psychological one too. Their impetuous relationship at the beginning morphed into much more and love blossomed. The change in War fascinated his previous band members as they begin to repair their friendships.

All in all, a very satisfying read!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy War finally got his happy ending.. Out of all the boys he is my favorite... Even though he had a lot of growing up to do I feel like everybody still put all the blame on him for everything that went wrong around them when they played apart in the drama too especially Bryan and Lacey. I really hate when people do wrong to you then want you to forgive them when they want and that's what Bryan and Lacey did...Not only is that what they did but they tried to do it at his mother's funeral.. Both of them are still selfish.. I really hate that Shania went the whole let's be reckless route but at the same time I understand it.. I didn't like how she dismissed War for her father.. She pretty much told him in that moment that he was disposable just like everybody else in his life then her father put that story out(I know that wasn't her fault but still) I was hoping he would use that to change but I understand him acting out because of it at the same time...I just wish he didn't do what he did to Shania to get back at her.. Shania should have never been trying to fix someone else when she was depressed herself.. In the end I'm glad they worked it out and War got somebody that was just for him

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

War redeems himself

Warren Jinkins is a tough character to like but then some people are tough to like let alone love. He feels unloved. He is alone in the world. Thru his own doings, he has lost his woman, friends and band. He has nothing to live for.
Shaina Bentley, a golden girl, appears to have it all but she carries a lot of hurt. What happens when 2 people ready to end their lives meet on the same bridge? A few laughs and a really good story is the answer.
Michelle Mankin took a character I really disliked and made him human. She did a great job on this book. Excellent second chance for War.

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to adore a book where it show's a bada** teddy bear side. I love a story that shows that not only can War be a jerk, but he can be a real softie. Then there's the sugar and spice that's Shaina who complements him perfectly. It was awesome listening to Kai and Wen weave this Captivating story through the air (see what I did there lol). Through the ups and downs of this book Kai, Wen and Michelle wove an awesome tale and together they made something truly worth listening to.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Bridge was another great read by Michelle Mankin. This is book three in the Tempest series. Warren "War" is the ex front man of Tempest who is the epitome of a bad guy. His attitude has cost him everything in his life and he isn't looking for much when Shaina walks into his life. Shaina has always been the good girl that she portrays on her teen show. I absolutely loved reading Shaina and War's story and can't wait to read more of this series.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

War and Shania was a great read. I really enjoyed this vook. It had alot of Rollercoaster rides for me. My heart went out for war and everything tjat he had went through bit in the end I think Shania and War really u balanced each other out. Cant wait for the next in the series.

[Kelly Yekel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

My God, War, despite his self protective one man attitude was a complete babe. Though I might not have been keen of his self sabotage and reckless behavior. I adored him the most. I couldn't help getting choked up throughout the entire story. Great job!