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Neon Dreams #1
Leaving Amarillo
Nashville meets New Adult in Neon Dreams, a dramatic, sexy series from bestselling author Caisey Quinn, about a country band’s rocky road to fame—and the ambition, dreams, and love of the people who make the music.
Dixie Lark hasn’t had it easy. She lost her parents in an accident when she was young and grew up in a ramshackle house on a dirt road in Amarillo with her ailing grandparents and overprotective older brother. Thanks to her grandfather, Dixie learned to play a mean fiddle, inspired by the sounds of the greats—Johnny and June, Waylon, and Hank. Her grandfather’s fiddle changed Dixie’s life forever, giving her an outlet for the turmoil of her broken heart and inspiring a daring dream.
Ten years later, Dixie and her brother, Dallas, are creating the music they love and chasing fame with their hot band, Leaving Amarillo. But Dixie isn’t enjoying the ride. All she can think about is Gavin, the band’s tattooed, tortured drummer who she’s loved since they were kids. She knows he feels the connection between them, but he refuses see her as more than his best friend’s little sister.
Convinced that one night with Gavin will get him out of her system, Dixie devises a plan. She doesn’t know that her brother has forbidden Gavin from making a move on her-a promise he swore he’d always keep . . . a promise that once broken will unexpectedly change the future for Dixie, Gavin and the band.
Dixie Lark hasn’t had it easy. She lost her parents in an accident when she was young and grew up in a ramshackle house on a dirt road in Amarillo with her ailing grandparents and overprotective older brother. Thanks to her grandfather, Dixie learned to play a mean fiddle, inspired by the sounds of the greats—Johnny and June, Waylon, and Hank. Her grandfather’s fiddle changed Dixie’s life forever, giving her an outlet for the turmoil of her broken heart and inspiring a daring dream.
Ten years later, Dixie and her brother, Dallas, are creating the music they love and chasing fame with their hot band, Leaving Amarillo. But Dixie isn’t enjoying the ride. All she can think about is Gavin, the band’s tattooed, tortured drummer who she’s loved since they were kids. She knows he feels the connection between them, but he refuses see her as more than his best friend’s little sister.
Convinced that one night with Gavin will get him out of her system, Dixie devises a plan. She doesn’t know that her brother has forbidden Gavin from making a move on her-a promise he swore he’d always keep . . . a promise that once broken will unexpectedly change the future for Dixie, Gavin and the band.
352 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2015
About the author
Caisey Quinn
45 books1,949 followersCaisey Quinn is the bestselling author of more than 15 full-length romance novels, including the traditionally published Neon Dreams and Nashville's Finest series. She lives in a small town in Alabama with her two children.
After two years of self-publishing, her first traditional deal came from Avon/William Morrow (HarperCollins) and was a significant 3-book deal for the Neon Dreams series. She continues to publish independently as well as traditionally.
Caisey is a huge fan of her fellow romance authors and enjoys reading, trying new recipes from Pinterest, and pushing herself to run long distances without passing out. You can find her online as @CaiseyQuinn and www.caiseyquinn.com.
She is represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary agency.
Her latest indie novels, Hot for Her, Hot for Teacher, and The Naughty List are available in Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2n5EgVf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/29zT2jR
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2vqtFbh
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2OyXwHn
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2Ove6Ih
Join Caisey's Crew on Facebook to keep up with the latest book news! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CQsRo...
After two years of self-publishing, her first traditional deal came from Avon/William Morrow (HarperCollins) and was a significant 3-book deal for the Neon Dreams series. She continues to publish independently as well as traditionally.
Caisey is a huge fan of her fellow romance authors and enjoys reading, trying new recipes from Pinterest, and pushing herself to run long distances without passing out. You can find her online as @CaiseyQuinn and www.caiseyquinn.com.
She is represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary agency.
Her latest indie novels, Hot for Her, Hot for Teacher, and The Naughty List are available in Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2n5EgVf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/29zT2jR
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2vqtFbh
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2OyXwHn
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2Ove6Ih
Join Caisey's Crew on Facebook to keep up with the latest book news! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CQsRo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
March 13, 2015
3.5 Stars
Leaving Amarillo is the story of Dallas, Dixie and Gavin. Dallas and Dixie are brother and sister, and were raised by their grandparents after their parents died. Gavin is their childhood friend whose mother neglected him. From the moment Dixie saw the poor, hungry boy he has been in her heart. Now the trio is the band Leaving Amarillo.
The is told from Dixie’s POV and we immediately see that despite Dixie’s young age she is the heart of the band. She is compassionate towards both Gavin and Dallas. She is protective of them and wants the best for them both, but her feelings for Gavin run a little deeper. She has been in love with Gavin for as long as she can remember.
Gavin is brooding, independent and self deprecating. He doesn’t feel like he deserves good things, he just wants to be a good friend to Dallas and help watch out for Dixie. He is attracted to her and would love the chance to be with her, but he also thinks she deserves so much more than him so he will never pursue her. That is until Dixie asks him for just one night.
Gavin is used to be on his own, taking care of himself, but Dixie is definitely his weakness so how can he tell her no. Gavin really struggles with this decision since Dallas has reminded him multiple times he isn’t good enough for his baby sister. But Gavin has wanted Dixie for years and now she is offering herself to him, how is supposed to turn down the girl of his dreams.
The majority of the story is told over one week while they are at a music festival in Austin. Throughout the week we get to see the couple battle with their desires and feelings, and I loved this part of the story. Bother’s best friend books are my absolute favorite, I love all aspects of them! This book had plenty of the sneaking around, hot stolen moments and lots of feels.
I really loved Gavin, he is the damaged guy from the wrong side of the tracks, just my favorite type of hero. I love how he wanted to be what Dixie deserved and he wanted to preserve his friendship with Dallas. I didn’t love Dixie as much, she is young and I could definitely feel it. She is only nineteen and her maturity level was right there at nineteen, this isn't a bad thing just not my cuppa tea…I am getting old.
I also didn’t love the lack of dialogue in the story. A lot of the conversations were paraphrased in the beginning. I feel like reading dialogue allows me to know the characters more, especially when we are only getting one POV. The beginning felt slow to me in the beginning, whether it was my frustration with the build up or the paraphrased conversations I am not sure. After things got moving I really enjoyed the story and when it ended I definitely wanted more.
Their story is definitely not over and there is so much more to come for the band. The next book in the series is about Dallas and I can’t wait to see where things go for him.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Leaving Amarillo is the story of Dallas, Dixie and Gavin. Dallas and Dixie are brother and sister, and were raised by their grandparents after their parents died. Gavin is their childhood friend whose mother neglected him. From the moment Dixie saw the poor, hungry boy he has been in her heart. Now the trio is the band Leaving Amarillo.
'Gavin Garrison, our drummer and my brother’s best friend, was the first boy I’d ever had a crush on.’
The is told from Dixie’s POV and we immediately see that despite Dixie’s young age she is the heart of the band. She is compassionate towards both Gavin and Dallas. She is protective of them and wants the best for them both, but her feelings for Gavin run a little deeper. She has been in love with Gavin for as long as she can remember.
Gavin is brooding, independent and self deprecating. He doesn’t feel like he deserves good things, he just wants to be a good friend to Dallas and help watch out for Dixie. He is attracted to her and would love the chance to be with her, but he also thinks she deserves so much more than him so he will never pursue her. That is until Dixie asks him for just one night.
Gavin is used to be on his own, taking care of himself, but Dixie is definitely his weakness so how can he tell her no. Gavin really struggles with this decision since Dallas has reminded him multiple times he isn’t good enough for his baby sister. But Gavin has wanted Dixie for years and now she is offering herself to him, how is supposed to turn down the girl of his dreams.
"If ever touched you, ever let myself so much as lay a hand on you, I might not be able to stop."
The majority of the story is told over one week while they are at a music festival in Austin. Throughout the week we get to see the couple battle with their desires and feelings, and I loved this part of the story. Bother’s best friend books are my absolute favorite, I love all aspects of them! This book had plenty of the sneaking around, hot stolen moments and lots of feels.
I really loved Gavin, he is the damaged guy from the wrong side of the tracks, just my favorite type of hero. I love how he wanted to be what Dixie deserved and he wanted to preserve his friendship with Dallas. I didn’t love Dixie as much, she is young and I could definitely feel it. She is only nineteen and her maturity level was right there at nineteen, this isn't a bad thing just not my cuppa tea…I am getting old.
I also didn’t love the lack of dialogue in the story. A lot of the conversations were paraphrased in the beginning. I feel like reading dialogue allows me to know the characters more, especially when we are only getting one POV. The beginning felt slow to me in the beginning, whether it was my frustration with the build up or the paraphrased conversations I am not sure. After things got moving I really enjoyed the story and when it ended I definitely wanted more.
Their story is definitely not over and there is so much more to come for the band. The next book in the series is about Dallas and I can’t wait to see where things go for him.
"You set me on fire, Gavin.” I whisper. “I’m nothing but ashes now."
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2015
3 neon dreams stars!
I was expecting, based on the blurb, an angsty unrequited romance between Gavin Garrison and Dixie Lark. Well, I did get the romance but there's also other stuff pertaining to the struggles their band, Leaving Amarillo, endures as they try to make it big in the country music scene.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book very much. It's part romance, part coming of age story. Dixie Lark has been in love with Gavin since she was a little girl. Gavin is her older brother Dallas' best friend. Gavin made a pact with Dallas to never touch Dixie which became the source of angst for Dixie especially since Gavin seems to return her feelings. But Gavin's promise and his past family life stops him from pursuing a future with Dixie.
I liked Dixie. She's a country girl by heart. She and Dallas lost their parents and they grew up poor but she never let it got to her. She was optimistic and hopeful. I loved her loyalty to Dallas, to Gavin and her devotion to her grandparents. Gavin, on the other hand, frustrated me. His hot and cold attitude became tedious after a while.
Another thing that I wasn't crazy about was the fact that I didn't really get a resolution to their story in this book. It ended with Gavin going home and trying to fix his life before pursuing Dixie and from the look of things, we won't have a conclusion until the third book because guess what? Their time apart from each drove an even bigger wedge between them.
Kudos to Caisey Quinn, though, for making me feel invested with Gavin and Dixie, and Leaving Amarillo. I want to see them find their HEA and I want them to achieve their dreams so bad. I also enjoyed the music business aspect in the book and in the series as a whole. I feel like the author gave us a realistic picture of the country music business with its rampant misogyny and sexism and favoritism. It's all very fascinating to me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I just wished I had gotten more romance even without the conclusion yet. But I am invested and I'll definitely be continuing the series.
I was expecting, based on the blurb, an angsty unrequited romance between Gavin Garrison and Dixie Lark. Well, I did get the romance but there's also other stuff pertaining to the struggles their band, Leaving Amarillo, endures as they try to make it big in the country music scene.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book very much. It's part romance, part coming of age story. Dixie Lark has been in love with Gavin since she was a little girl. Gavin is her older brother Dallas' best friend. Gavin made a pact with Dallas to never touch Dixie which became the source of angst for Dixie especially since Gavin seems to return her feelings. But Gavin's promise and his past family life stops him from pursuing a future with Dixie.
I liked Dixie. She's a country girl by heart. She and Dallas lost their parents and they grew up poor but she never let it got to her. She was optimistic and hopeful. I loved her loyalty to Dallas, to Gavin and her devotion to her grandparents. Gavin, on the other hand, frustrated me. His hot and cold attitude became tedious after a while.
Another thing that I wasn't crazy about was the fact that I didn't really get a resolution to their story in this book. It ended with Gavin going home and trying to fix his life before pursuing Dixie and from the look of things, we won't have a conclusion until the third book because guess what? Their time apart from each drove an even bigger wedge between them.
Kudos to Caisey Quinn, though, for making me feel invested with Gavin and Dixie, and Leaving Amarillo. I want to see them find their HEA and I want them to achieve their dreams so bad. I also enjoyed the music business aspect in the book and in the series as a whole. I feel like the author gave us a realistic picture of the country music business with its rampant misogyny and sexism and favoritism. It's all very fascinating to me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I just wished I had gotten more romance even without the conclusion yet. But I am invested and I'll definitely be continuing the series.
April 8, 2015
4 I-Want-To-Go-To-Austin-Texas Stars
Leaving Amarillo is book one of the Neon Dreams series.
This is my third Caisey Quinn book. I really love Caisey, I think she’s classy, sweet and very adorable. She was the VERY FIRST author to give me an ARC. **GASP** that was a very long time ago, but I will never forget her.
Her first series I read was Girl on Tour, so it’s only natural that I’m going back to a musical band theme, but this time its folkish-indie rock, which is something I love.
Dixie plays the fiddle in her band. Her band has her brother, Dallas and her best friend from childhood, Gavin. The three of them are inseparable and they only have one thing in mind.
To get signed by a major label
The beginning starts with a prologue. I hate prologues that have foreshadowing. This is a pet peeve of mine, but this one wasn’t so bad. I didn’t get that much of a glimpse, but I kind of wished I skipped that part.
The band plays in Austin, which is something I love reading. I live in Texas, so I appreciate all the references.
Dixie and Gavin have this crazy chemistry. Gavin wants Dixie and Dixie wants Gavin, but years earlier Gavin promised Dallas that Gavin wouldn’t touch Dixie. I know. This is the angst. Caisey Quinn is known for very angsty reads. I’m trying hard to like angst, but it’s hard for me to get into a book when I want to pull my hair out and slap the characters around.
I understand why Dallas made Gavin promise. If Gavin and Dixie get together, it might mess up the dynamics and it could cause tension in the band. However, because Gavin and Dixie can’t really do anything together, it’s causing a lot of tension and problems. Since tensions are high Dixie is willing to accept anything, even a little bit, she just wants to be loved.
Dixie is a complicated Heroine, she has baggage, issues and she’s in love with someone that she can’t be with. She also loves her brother and she’s willing to put EVERYONE first. I kind of hated but loved her for it. As much as she frustrated me, I loved how caring she is. I loved how much she put Dallas first, as much as HE frustrated me too.
The band is kind of taking off, but everything comes with a price. So with the Dixie and Gavin issue, there’s the band issue and then Dallas maybe finding out about Gavin and Dixie issue.
There are a lot of issues.
A lot of the characters frustrated me. This created a lot of tension, angst and hair pulling on my part. I know readers will gobble this up.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Preorder - > AMAZON
, March 17
Leaving Amarillo is book one of the Neon Dreams series.
This is my third Caisey Quinn book. I really love Caisey, I think she’s classy, sweet and very adorable. She was the VERY FIRST author to give me an ARC. **GASP** that was a very long time ago, but I will never forget her.
Her first series I read was Girl on Tour, so it’s only natural that I’m going back to a musical band theme, but this time its folkish-indie rock, which is something I love.
Dixie plays the fiddle in her band. Her band has her brother, Dallas and her best friend from childhood, Gavin. The three of them are inseparable and they only have one thing in mind.
To get signed by a major label
The beginning starts with a prologue. I hate prologues that have foreshadowing. This is a pet peeve of mine, but this one wasn’t so bad. I didn’t get that much of a glimpse, but I kind of wished I skipped that part.
The band plays in Austin, which is something I love reading. I live in Texas, so I appreciate all the references.
Dixie and Gavin have this crazy chemistry. Gavin wants Dixie and Dixie wants Gavin, but years earlier Gavin promised Dallas that Gavin wouldn’t touch Dixie. I know. This is the angst. Caisey Quinn is known for very angsty reads. I’m trying hard to like angst, but it’s hard for me to get into a book when I want to pull my hair out and slap the characters around.
I understand why Dallas made Gavin promise. If Gavin and Dixie get together, it might mess up the dynamics and it could cause tension in the band. However, because Gavin and Dixie can’t really do anything together, it’s causing a lot of tension and problems. Since tensions are high Dixie is willing to accept anything, even a little bit, she just wants to be loved.
Dixie is a complicated Heroine, she has baggage, issues and she’s in love with someone that she can’t be with. She also loves her brother and she’s willing to put EVERYONE first. I kind of hated but loved her for it. As much as she frustrated me, I loved how caring she is. I loved how much she put Dallas first, as much as HE frustrated me too.
The band is kind of taking off, but everything comes with a price. So with the Dixie and Gavin issue, there’s the band issue and then Dallas maybe finding out about Gavin and Dixie issue.
There are a lot of issues.
A lot of the characters frustrated me. This created a lot of tension, angst and hair pulling on my part. I know readers will gobble this up.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
January 4, 2015
498 Bluebird Stars
HOLY SHIT. This is one amazing read. If you think 498 is an excessive amount of stars…you are wrong. It is the exact right amount of stars for this book. The writing is spot on. The characters breathe off the page. The emotions suck you in to the story and hold you there.
Dandelions didn’t get to choose where they grew and neither did I.
It’s no secret I am a fan of Caisey Quinn. Her writing is lyrical. She can make those 26 letters do things that just don’t do for most people. She writes songs in the form of novels.
I feel the weight of time passing, slipping through my fingers faster than I can hold on to it.
Dixie and Dallas are brother and sister. They have been raised by their grandparents since their parents died 10 years ago. They met Gavin on the day of their parents’ funeral. From that day on the three of them were inseparable. But this is not the story of how they were always there for each other. It’s the story of how they needed to let each other go.
Dixie has left her fancy music school to come home to Amarillo to take care of her ailing grandfather. She’s fine with leaving school. She loves playing music but not necessarily studying music.
I need so very little to exist. Air. Water. Oz. Music. And for my heart to just beat. Just keep beating.
Gavin is a drummer in the band that he, Dallas and Dixie are in. He had it hard growing up. Dallas and Dixie and their family were the only family he had. He owes them a lot. Including his respect for Dallas’s sister.
The boy lives like he’s trying to express-lane his own funeral sometimes.
Gavin and Dixie are circling each other. Now that Dixie is home and the band is traveling together, they are having to deal with their feelings or lack of feelings. Dealing is not something Gavin wants to do. He has been Mr One Night Stand Drummer. Does he want something different?
Maybe Gavin is content floating along in the river of denial, but I’m drowning in it.
All three of them want the best for the other two. They don’t know how to live without each other. Dixie is not ok with the status quo, but is pushing going to stretch them or break them? Is the band ready to break out and take them new places? Are they ready to change the dynamic they've had for 10 years? Can Dallas see Dixie as an adult and not his little sister? The music business is tough...can they trust anyone other than each other? Does love mean letting go, stepping back or stepping up?
Love isn't just about the good. It's fortified by the bad.
There is so much great writing her. I made so many highlights. Ms Quinn knows The South and Country Music.
I’m lace and daisies and a fiddle on my grandparent’s back porch. Dirt roads and dandelions…
I loved this book. It has drama, some seriously hot scenes and off the chart emotional connections. It is the first in a new series. You will want then next one now. Like NOW. This isn’t a cliffhanger, but like many of Ms Quinn’s books, she leaves you ready to track her down and read over her shoulder to get the rest of the story. Don’t worry Ms Quinn, you won’t even know I’m there. Just keep typing.
HOLY SHIT. This is one amazing read. If you think 498 is an excessive amount of stars…you are wrong. It is the exact right amount of stars for this book. The writing is spot on. The characters breathe off the page. The emotions suck you in to the story and hold you there.
Dandelions didn’t get to choose where they grew and neither did I.
It’s no secret I am a fan of Caisey Quinn. Her writing is lyrical. She can make those 26 letters do things that just don’t do for most people. She writes songs in the form of novels.
I feel the weight of time passing, slipping through my fingers faster than I can hold on to it.
Dixie and Dallas are brother and sister. They have been raised by their grandparents since their parents died 10 years ago. They met Gavin on the day of their parents’ funeral. From that day on the three of them were inseparable. But this is not the story of how they were always there for each other. It’s the story of how they needed to let each other go.
Dixie has left her fancy music school to come home to Amarillo to take care of her ailing grandfather. She’s fine with leaving school. She loves playing music but not necessarily studying music.
I need so very little to exist. Air. Water. Oz. Music. And for my heart to just beat. Just keep beating.
Gavin is a drummer in the band that he, Dallas and Dixie are in. He had it hard growing up. Dallas and Dixie and their family were the only family he had. He owes them a lot. Including his respect for Dallas’s sister.
The boy lives like he’s trying to express-lane his own funeral sometimes.
Gavin and Dixie are circling each other. Now that Dixie is home and the band is traveling together, they are having to deal with their feelings or lack of feelings. Dealing is not something Gavin wants to do. He has been Mr One Night Stand Drummer. Does he want something different?
Maybe Gavin is content floating along in the river of denial, but I’m drowning in it.
All three of them want the best for the other two. They don’t know how to live without each other. Dixie is not ok with the status quo, but is pushing going to stretch them or break them? Is the band ready to break out and take them new places? Are they ready to change the dynamic they've had for 10 years? Can Dallas see Dixie as an adult and not his little sister? The music business is tough...can they trust anyone other than each other? Does love mean letting go, stepping back or stepping up?
Love isn't just about the good. It's fortified by the bad.
There is so much great writing her. I made so many highlights. Ms Quinn knows The South and Country Music.
I’m lace and daisies and a fiddle on my grandparent’s back porch. Dirt roads and dandelions…
I loved this book. It has drama, some seriously hot scenes and off the chart emotional connections. It is the first in a new series. You will want then next one now. Like NOW. This isn’t a cliffhanger, but like many of Ms Quinn’s books, she leaves you ready to track her down and read over her shoulder to get the rest of the story. Don’t worry Ms Quinn, you won’t even know I’m there. Just keep typing.
July 30, 2014
Who wants to read this?!
Oh wait, I have! It's fantastic! Longer to review to come!
Oh wait, I have! It's fantastic! Longer to review to come!
February 12, 2018
“Love isn't just about the good. It's fortified by the bad.”
I love a book that comes with a playlist <3
I love a book that comes with a playlist <3
March 13, 2015
I am in love with Dixie. Caisey Quinn has the most amazing way of making me fall deeply in love with her leading ladies. Kylie Ryan's has been my all time favorite since I first read Girl with Guitar. But now, now I am jumping on the Dixie Lark band wagon.
SHE IS FIERCE.
SHE IS STRONG.
SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS AND SHE GOES FOR IT.
SHE IS TALENTED.
I love CQ's writing style. She never has a problem with the flow or the character development. It is always flawless. Her stories are original and refreshing. I feel like my mind is wrapped inside a country music musical and I never want to leave.
I wish that I could hear the music CQ writes on the radio. The melody is in my head, I just wish I knew if it was the same as what is inside CQ's head.
Dallas. OH Dallas. You are a bad boy with a heart of gold. I love you and I want to have your babies. SIGH. Dallas makes me sigh and swoon. SIGH SIGH SIGH. Their story just started and I can't wait to see where it ends.
This book is SEXY as hell. GOOD LORD. The steamy bits melted my panties right off my ass. With every book CQ writes, the steam keeps getting off the charts hot.
I am PROUD to be CQ UBER FAN for life.!!!!!!!!
EEKKKERRRSSSS. UMMMMMMM
CQ wrote, there for I MUST READ IT.
Caisey Quinn has done it again. Her talent shines bright in this one, folks. It's got it all. Hot country singers, steamy sexy times, brotherly love and a hero that needs to be cuddled by yours truly.
I can't wait for this book to hit the market. I love me some Kylie Ryans, but this book, well it just might have bumped her down a notch. SHHHH don't tell
I love the way that Caisey writes her stories. They flow like music on paper. I wish I could put the words to music and listen to them on repeat. Her books become like my favorite soundtrack.
She is and will always be a drop everything author. #mermaiddancingforlife
SHE IS FIERCE.
SHE IS STRONG.
SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS AND SHE GOES FOR IT.
SHE IS TALENTED.
I love CQ's writing style. She never has a problem with the flow or the character development. It is always flawless. Her stories are original and refreshing. I feel like my mind is wrapped inside a country music musical and I never want to leave.
I wish that I could hear the music CQ writes on the radio. The melody is in my head, I just wish I knew if it was the same as what is inside CQ's head.
Dallas. OH Dallas. You are a bad boy with a heart of gold. I love you and I want to have your babies. SIGH. Dallas makes me sigh and swoon. SIGH SIGH SIGH. Their story just started and I can't wait to see where it ends.
This book is SEXY as hell. GOOD LORD. The steamy bits melted my panties right off my ass. With every book CQ writes, the steam keeps getting off the charts hot.
I am PROUD to be CQ UBER FAN for life.!!!!!!!!
EEKKKERRRSSSS. UMMMMMMM
CQ wrote, there for I MUST READ IT.
Caisey Quinn has done it again. Her talent shines bright in this one, folks. It's got it all. Hot country singers, steamy sexy times, brotherly love and a hero that needs to be cuddled by yours truly.
I can't wait for this book to hit the market. I love me some Kylie Ryans, but this book, well it just might have bumped her down a notch. SHHHH don't tell
I love the way that Caisey writes her stories. They flow like music on paper. I wish I could put the words to music and listen to them on repeat. Her books become like my favorite soundtrack.
She is and will always be a drop everything author. #mermaiddancingforlife
June 12, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love rock star stories and stories where the characters have a past connection. I got both of those things in this book.
This is my first book by author Caisey Quinn so I had no idea what to expect. I definitely didn’t expect this book to both make me laugh and cry. The only thing that kept me from full out bawling was the fact that my dog demanded to go outside just as the really sad part happened, allowing me to put the book down and regroup before going back to it.
I loved the relationship that the author created between Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. They were so close and really cared about each other. I knew from the blurb that they’d known each other since they were all kids. I also knew that Dixie had a huge crush on Gavin. So obviously her crush is going to be found out. But I didn’t expect the way it happened. It was refreshing though. Sure, Dixie had verbal vomit and everything just came spilling out but she didn’t run from it after that. She forced the issue and forced the conversation no matter how fast Gavin tried to run. I can totally respect that.
I definitely loved the back and forth build up between Gavin and Dixie. The tension between them was delicious. Gavin fought valiantly to stay away but…he couldn’t. I kept expecting Dallas to accidentally find out about Gavin and Dixie, causing a huge fight and the group to break up, so I was pleasantly surprised at how he finally found it. And his reaction was nice, not over the top and irritating.
I really hate that Dallas doesn’t know how horrible Mandy is. I wish he wasn’t so blinded by her promises. What she did to Dixie was inexcusable. And it really pissed me off when Dixie tried to warn him what she had learned about Mandy and he dismissed her info. And then Mandy pulled exactly what Dixie was warned about. My heart broke for Dixie. Speaking of heart breaking…I felt so bad for Dixie and Dallas. They’d lost so much and I hated that Mandy took one more thing from them.
The biggest surprise to me was the ending. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger but the story is definitely not over. It was left in a place where the immediate issues were addressed. There definitely was no HEA. This were remarkably different at the end than they were in the beginning.
I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens with these characters.
This is my first book by author Caisey Quinn so I had no idea what to expect. I definitely didn’t expect this book to both make me laugh and cry. The only thing that kept me from full out bawling was the fact that my dog demanded to go outside just as the really sad part happened, allowing me to put the book down and regroup before going back to it.
I loved the relationship that the author created between Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. They were so close and really cared about each other. I knew from the blurb that they’d known each other since they were all kids. I also knew that Dixie had a huge crush on Gavin. So obviously her crush is going to be found out. But I didn’t expect the way it happened. It was refreshing though. Sure, Dixie had verbal vomit and everything just came spilling out but she didn’t run from it after that. She forced the issue and forced the conversation no matter how fast Gavin tried to run. I can totally respect that.
I definitely loved the back and forth build up between Gavin and Dixie. The tension between them was delicious. Gavin fought valiantly to stay away but…he couldn’t. I kept expecting Dallas to accidentally find out about Gavin and Dixie, causing a huge fight and the group to break up, so I was pleasantly surprised at how he finally found it. And his reaction was nice, not over the top and irritating.
I really hate that Dallas doesn’t know how horrible Mandy is. I wish he wasn’t so blinded by her promises. What she did to Dixie was inexcusable. And it really pissed me off when Dixie tried to warn him what she had learned about Mandy and he dismissed her info. And then Mandy pulled exactly what Dixie was warned about. My heart broke for Dixie. Speaking of heart breaking…I felt so bad for Dixie and Dallas. They’d lost so much and I hated that Mandy took one more thing from them.
The biggest surprise to me was the ending. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger but the story is definitely not over. It was left in a place where the immediate issues were addressed. There definitely was no HEA. This were remarkably different at the end than they were in the beginning.
I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens with these characters.
October 23, 2015
I have a confession to make. Leaving Amarillo by Caisey Quinn is the first book that I have read from this author. I know I have her other previous books sitting on my kindle and need to get on them stat because after reading Leaving Amarillo, Ms. Quinn has managed this city girl to fall in love with country music and her writing.
If we really think about it, music has the power to heal, touch us, and link our hearts. With it's simple beat, tune, and lyrics, music has a divine way of bringing beauty into our lives whether we see it or not. And for some the lyrics to a song feels as they were written just for you. And in Caisey Quinn's Leaving Amarillo, Ms. Quinn has managed to not only capture our attention in this beautiful tale of family, love, friendship, music, and life but she has also manage to strum and play the beats of our hearts. In this palpable and tangible book, Ms. Quinn took music and friendship to another level where emotions are left raw and life choices are made.
"We've always had something. A connection. But the older we get, the more complicated it becomes."
In all honesty, I don't want to spoil the book for the readers since Leaving Amarillo is journey of choices good and bad. These choices whether we want to admit it or not affects the outcome and the people that surrounds our lives. So what is this book about? Well all I can tell you three lives intersect, three lives are at a crossroad, and three choices are made. And what does all three have in common: music and friendship. In this book, Caisey explores the raw and yet vulnerable side of a band trying to get a music deal. In one week, lives will forever changed and be impacted. Hearts will soar, love will ignite, music will be made, and heartbreak will forever shape their lives.
Leaving Amarillo was one of those reads that had my emotions all over the place in the middle half of the book because as much as I wanted to be frustrated with these characters, I understood them because what unites them and what tears them apart is the pure raw emotion of love. LOVE. Four letters. L-O-V-E. This word is simple to define but hard to explain because it such a complex emotion and action. It is true when they say love isn't complicated, people are. Because in Leaving Amarillo, love, music, friendship and family are all bundled together as Dallas, Dixie, and Gavin are forever entangled into each other's lives.
Though this book ends unresolved, I will just say that I loved it because the journey of life and happiness is not an easy feat. Leaving Amarillo was just a reminder of the many bumps and choices we have to make for ourselves. And so I look forward to reading what's in store for the trio as they embark on their own path and leave Amarillo.
"You have me, Bluebird. You've always had me."
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Caisey Quinn
March 30, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love rock star stories and stories where the characters have a past connection. I got both of those things in this book.
This is my first book by author Caisey Quinn so I had no idea what to expect. I definitely didn’t expect this book to both make me laugh and cry. The only thing that kept me from full out bawling was the fact that my dog demanded to go outside just as the really sad part happened, allowing me to put the book down and regroup before going back to it.
I loved the relationship that the author created between Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. They were so close and really cared about each other. I knew from the blurb that they’d known each other since they were all kids. I also knew that Dixie had a huge crush on Gavin. So obviously her crush is going to be found out. But I didn’t expect the way it happened. It was refreshing though. Sure, Dixie had verbal vomit and everything just came spilling out but she didn’t run from it after that. She forced the issue and forced the conversation no matter how fast Gavin tried to run. I can totally respect that.
I definitely loved the back and forth build up between Gavin and Dixie. The tension between them was delicious. Gavin fought valiantly to stay away but…he couldn’t. I kept expecting Dallas to accidentally find out about Gavin and Dixie, causing a huge fight and the group to break up, so I was pleasantly surprised at how he finally found it. And his reaction was nice, not over the top and irritating.
I really hate that Dallas doesn’t know how horrible Mandy is. I wish he wasn’t so blinded by her promises. What she did to Dixie was inexcusable. And it really pissed me off when Dixie tried to warn him what she had learned about Mandy and he dismissed her info. And then Mandy pulled exactly what Dixie was warned about. My heart broke for Dixie. Speaking of heart breaking…I felt so bad for Dixie and Dallas. They’d lost so much and I hated that Mandy took one more thing from them.
The biggest surprise to me was the ending. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger but the story is definitely not over. It was left in a place where the immediate issues were addressed. There definitely was no HEA. Things were remarkably different at the end than they were in the beginning.
I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens with these characters.
This is my first book by author Caisey Quinn so I had no idea what to expect. I definitely didn’t expect this book to both make me laugh and cry. The only thing that kept me from full out bawling was the fact that my dog demanded to go outside just as the really sad part happened, allowing me to put the book down and regroup before going back to it.
I loved the relationship that the author created between Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. They were so close and really cared about each other. I knew from the blurb that they’d known each other since they were all kids. I also knew that Dixie had a huge crush on Gavin. So obviously her crush is going to be found out. But I didn’t expect the way it happened. It was refreshing though. Sure, Dixie had verbal vomit and everything just came spilling out but she didn’t run from it after that. She forced the issue and forced the conversation no matter how fast Gavin tried to run. I can totally respect that.
I definitely loved the back and forth build up between Gavin and Dixie. The tension between them was delicious. Gavin fought valiantly to stay away but…he couldn’t. I kept expecting Dallas to accidentally find out about Gavin and Dixie, causing a huge fight and the group to break up, so I was pleasantly surprised at how he finally found it. And his reaction was nice, not over the top and irritating.
I really hate that Dallas doesn’t know how horrible Mandy is. I wish he wasn’t so blinded by her promises. What she did to Dixie was inexcusable. And it really pissed me off when Dixie tried to warn him what she had learned about Mandy and he dismissed her info. And then Mandy pulled exactly what Dixie was warned about. My heart broke for Dixie. Speaking of heart breaking…I felt so bad for Dixie and Dallas. They’d lost so much and I hated that Mandy took one more thing from them.
The biggest surprise to me was the ending. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger but the story is definitely not over. It was left in a place where the immediate issues were addressed. There definitely was no HEA. Things were remarkably different at the end than they were in the beginning.
I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens with these characters.
January 18, 2015
Leaving Amarillo was yet another great book by the amazing Caisey Quinn. Lord knows I love her books and this one wasn't an exception. I thought it was a beautiful story and, though it took me a little while to get really into, it really did something to me.
This book centers on Dixie Leigh Lark, a ninteen-year-old fiddle player, together with her brother Dallas and his best friend Gavin, in Leaving Amarillo, a country band that's on the rise. Dixie has been in love with Gavin ever since they were kids and finally has the nerve to tell him how she feels. There's a lot of dancing around each other but eventually Gavin gives in to his feelings also. It's there when things get complicated. Enter a new manager who may or may not have the best interests of the band in mind and a secret that Gavin is hiding and you have one hell of a dramatic and electrifying book!
The characters were all pretty intriguing in their own way. I loved Dixie for her nerve to finally tell Gavin how she felt and I can tell how much she loves him and her family. Gavin was simply breathtaking. I simply fell in love with him. Thank you very much for yet another book boyfriend, Ms. Quinn! Dallas was a whole different story. I'm not sure yet what I think of him. I couldn't really read him yet. I hope to learn more about him in the next book. But I thought the three of them together was pretty dynamic.
I can't ever say anything negative about the way the author writes her books. Sometimes the writing was so beautiful that it choked me up. Seriously, I don't need anything more than that. And the ending was pretty sudden. I'm not sure if it's just me but wow... where will things go from here? I gotta know!
Overall, Leaving Amarillo was a book that snuck up on me. The first 30 to 40% of the book I was thinking it was an okay story but it was then when things started picking up and where I had trouble putting the book down - I just wanted to keep on reading. It was beautiful, steamy, dramatic and just a story that I loved.
This book centers on Dixie Leigh Lark, a ninteen-year-old fiddle player, together with her brother Dallas and his best friend Gavin, in Leaving Amarillo, a country band that's on the rise. Dixie has been in love with Gavin ever since they were kids and finally has the nerve to tell him how she feels. There's a lot of dancing around each other but eventually Gavin gives in to his feelings also. It's there when things get complicated. Enter a new manager who may or may not have the best interests of the band in mind and a secret that Gavin is hiding and you have one hell of a dramatic and electrifying book!
The characters were all pretty intriguing in their own way. I loved Dixie for her nerve to finally tell Gavin how she felt and I can tell how much she loves him and her family. Gavin was simply breathtaking. I simply fell in love with him. Thank you very much for yet another book boyfriend, Ms. Quinn! Dallas was a whole different story. I'm not sure yet what I think of him. I couldn't really read him yet. I hope to learn more about him in the next book. But I thought the three of them together was pretty dynamic.
I can't ever say anything negative about the way the author writes her books. Sometimes the writing was so beautiful that it choked me up. Seriously, I don't need anything more than that. And the ending was pretty sudden. I'm not sure if it's just me but wow... where will things go from here? I gotta know!
Overall, Leaving Amarillo was a book that snuck up on me. The first 30 to 40% of the book I was thinking it was an okay story but it was then when things started picking up and where I had trouble putting the book down - I just wanted to keep on reading. It was beautiful, steamy, dramatic and just a story that I loved.
December 5, 2015
"It's dangerous to love, to allow yourself to be loved. But I dared to fly too close to the flames and I've decided it's better to burn--to have that all-consuming powerful kind of love that scars you for life even if it only lasts a little while, than to play safe forever"
It's books like this that remind me of why I love to read. This is not just a book. This is an experience. This book is not just about romance and love and friendship. It's also about the music...
"It's times like this, times when I'm on, giving it my all as the bow dances across the strings like it has a mind of its own, that I feel like I can fly."
Leaving Amarillo follows the story of Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. Dixie has been broken ever since her parents passed away. Thanks to her grandfather, she learned to find a way to express her broken heart-playing the fiddle...10 years later, Dixie and her older brother Dallas are following their dreams of playing music. But this journey isn't exactly easy for Dixie. Dixie is harboring some non-friendly feelings toward their drummer Gavin. She's been in love with him since they were kids. The only thing that stands in their way, is a promise that Gavin made to Dallas as a young kid. Somehow, Dixie is able to get Gavin to agree to spend one night with her. One night to get each other out of their systems. Lines will be crossed and promises will be broken....Will Dixie's heart still be in tact when this is all over??
Wow! Just wow! I was hooked on Leaving Amarillo from the very first page. I seriously devoured this book in half a day. It was that good. This is one book that I did not want to put down. I loved the idea behind the story and I love, love when an author includes music in their stories. The music is not just music. It becomes it's own character.
"Music is an experience. It's alive. untamable. You can try to plan it out, pin it down and bend it to your will, but it can't really be done."
Speaking of characters...I was hooked on them from the very first page. Dallas and Dixie suffered loss at a very young age and all they had was each other. I loved how protective Dallas was over Dixie and how he was always looking out for her and taking care of her. When they met Gavin, they sort of just took him in and made him part of their family. The three of them have their own baggage, but share one amazing bond.
One of the things I love most about Caisey Quinn books is that she puts her heart and soul into her books. You feel the characters emotions so strongly, it's as if you are living this story with them.
Gavin and Dixie...What can I say? Their chemistry was scorching, off the charts and certainly undeniable. Poor Gavin tried desperately to be the good guy and keep a promise that he made to Dallas. But, some promises were meant to be broken. I loved the push and pull of their relationship. I understood their struggles and was rooting for them every step of the way.
"For one night, I held fire. And then a few nights ago, fire held me, too. I thought it would destroy me, being that close to him. In some ways it did. But as I take a long, lonely walk down memory lane, I realize the fire Gavin and I created has fueled me as well. I will wait for him. Feels like I've been waiting on him most of my life. But I will not put off living for another second."
Leaving Amarillo was a fantastic ride. It will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. I love, loved the angst of this story. It was so palpable, I felt like I could reach out and touch it. And the ending......Not really a cliffhanger per say, but it definitely has you asking questions and wondering what's next for our beloved characters. There is so much that is unresolved and I can't wait to get those answers.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*Quotes taken from ARC and may slightly differ from completed copy*
You can also see my review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
It's books like this that remind me of why I love to read. This is not just a book. This is an experience. This book is not just about romance and love and friendship. It's also about the music...
"It's times like this, times when I'm on, giving it my all as the bow dances across the strings like it has a mind of its own, that I feel like I can fly."
Leaving Amarillo follows the story of Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. Dixie has been broken ever since her parents passed away. Thanks to her grandfather, she learned to find a way to express her broken heart-playing the fiddle...10 years later, Dixie and her older brother Dallas are following their dreams of playing music. But this journey isn't exactly easy for Dixie. Dixie is harboring some non-friendly feelings toward their drummer Gavin. She's been in love with him since they were kids. The only thing that stands in their way, is a promise that Gavin made to Dallas as a young kid. Somehow, Dixie is able to get Gavin to agree to spend one night with her. One night to get each other out of their systems. Lines will be crossed and promises will be broken....Will Dixie's heart still be in tact when this is all over??
Wow! Just wow! I was hooked on Leaving Amarillo from the very first page. I seriously devoured this book in half a day. It was that good. This is one book that I did not want to put down. I loved the idea behind the story and I love, love when an author includes music in their stories. The music is not just music. It becomes it's own character.
"Music is an experience. It's alive. untamable. You can try to plan it out, pin it down and bend it to your will, but it can't really be done."
Speaking of characters...I was hooked on them from the very first page. Dallas and Dixie suffered loss at a very young age and all they had was each other. I loved how protective Dallas was over Dixie and how he was always looking out for her and taking care of her. When they met Gavin, they sort of just took him in and made him part of their family. The three of them have their own baggage, but share one amazing bond.
One of the things I love most about Caisey Quinn books is that she puts her heart and soul into her books. You feel the characters emotions so strongly, it's as if you are living this story with them.
Gavin and Dixie...What can I say? Their chemistry was scorching, off the charts and certainly undeniable. Poor Gavin tried desperately to be the good guy and keep a promise that he made to Dallas. But, some promises were meant to be broken. I loved the push and pull of their relationship. I understood their struggles and was rooting for them every step of the way.
"For one night, I held fire. And then a few nights ago, fire held me, too. I thought it would destroy me, being that close to him. In some ways it did. But as I take a long, lonely walk down memory lane, I realize the fire Gavin and I created has fueled me as well. I will wait for him. Feels like I've been waiting on him most of my life. But I will not put off living for another second."
Leaving Amarillo was a fantastic ride. It will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. I love, loved the angst of this story. It was so palpable, I felt like I could reach out and touch it. And the ending......Not really a cliffhanger per say, but it definitely has you asking questions and wondering what's next for our beloved characters. There is so much that is unresolved and I can't wait to get those answers.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*Quotes taken from ARC and may slightly differ from completed copy*
You can also see my review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
March 19, 2015
3.75 - 4*
Po takýchto knihách vždy ľutujem, že nemám staršieho brata, ktorý by mal starších kamarátov. :D :D :D
PS. Segra, ak toto čítaš, nemyslím to vážne... mám ťa rada! ♥ (*cough* aj keď nie si starší brat *cough* ;) :D)
Po takýchto knihách vždy ľutujem, že nemám staršieho brata, ktorý by mal starších kamarátov. :D :D :D
PS. Segra, ak toto čítaš, nemyslím to vážne... mám ťa rada! ♥ (*cough* aj keď nie si starší brat *cough* ;) :D)
March 31, 2015
What. I have to wait (for second book). How is that even fair.
I
I
March 8, 2016
Une belle romance NA hot et avec de l'émotion. Pauvre Dixie, j'ai eu beaucoup de compassion pour elle, au moins elle a le courage d'avouer ses sentiments!
J'ai limite envie de lire le troisième tome maintenant pour savoir la fin ^^
Mon seul regret est qu'on ne voit pas assez d'Austin.
J'ai limite envie de lire le troisième tome maintenant pour savoir la fin ^^
Mon seul regret est qu'on ne voit pas assez d'Austin.
March 17, 2015
Read more reviews at What Danielle Did Next
Can I get a cold beer? Or better yet, just give me the ice bucket to dump over my head, because gosh darn it, I need to cool down! LEAVING AMARILLO proves yet again, Caisey Quinn's immeasurable talent to create characters that will grab hold of your heart and take you along on their journey filled with laughter, tears and oh so hot hijinks, hence the need for the ice bucket!
LEAVING AMARILLO is an exhilarating look at life on the road for three young southern musicians as they follow their dreams to the big times, learning along the way that the blinding bright lights may promise all that glitters but fame comes at a cost and love and happiness might just be that price that needs to be paid.
At age nineteen, Dixie has left behind a prestigious music scholarship to rejoin the band, she and her brother Dallas and childhood friend Gavin formed after the siblings came to stay with their grandparents, newly orphaned and lost in grief. Bestowed with the gift of music, Dixie and Dallas find a purpose through endless music lessons on the porch of their rundown, backcountry house, guided by their Papa and Grandma. Dixie with her fiddle, Gavin on drums and Dallas with guitar, combines country with music strains as diverse as RnB and mainstream pop to create a fresh fusion sound that soon catches the attentions of the crowds and the music biz. The chance to play a music festival in Austin could be life changing as long as they keep it together and give it their all. However a record deal and her name in lights isn’t the only thing keeping Dixie up at night.
Harbouring a crush on Gavin that has slowly grown to love over the years, Dixie can no longer keep quiet however Gavin, whose life has never been picture perfect, and desperate to hold onto the only family and stability he's ever known, is determined to keep his promise to Dallas and stay away from his little sister. Thrown together in close quarters, as the music flows and fire ignites in their souls, they soon realise that fame isn't the only dream worth fighting for. A one night, no strings proposal sounds like the perfect way to dampen down the passion and get it out of their systems once and for all. One night will change everything – will it be a love ballad or a country song of heartbreak?
Quinn knows how to write the female MCs I simply adore and Dixie was no different. Fierce and passionate, yet with a kindness and compassion that belies her young age, I sympathised with her from the first pages. Strong and hard working, the love she has for her family and her willingness to sacrifice her happiness to ensure theirs was admirable. Her love of music was clear to see and her innate understanding of the fiddle, was a true partnership that went beyond notes and chords and allowed her to pour every unspoken feeling of tenderness and intimacy she had for Gavin into her music. Gavin was a favourite from the beginning, he may appear to be the walking definition of swagger and a lady-killer but beyond that lays a heart of gold and it’s clear he would do anything for Dallas and Dixie. His back-story was simply heartbreaking and I wanted nothing more than for him to grab hold of the happiness he deserves and never let go. The chemistry between Gavin and Dixie was breathtaking and their scenes together sizzled hotter than a fourth of July barbecue. Caisey Quinn knows how to write her smut but boy did she take it to the next level. That ice bucket will come in handy either to dunk your head or just to sit in depending on what part of the book you’re at! And crack a window because they’re sure to fog up too! Dallas was a character that took me longer to warm up to and to be honest that’s probably because I was so caught up in Dixie and Gavin’s trysts that I didn’t pay much attention but I’m looking forward to learning more about him in the next book.
The pace never falters in this book from the moment it gets its hooks in you, providing a story with plenty of drama, sex, fun and heartbreak.
From the stomping beat of honky tonk to the soulful strains of bluegrass, every note that’s played in the pages of this book accosts your senses and pulls you into the electric atmosphere described and leaves your ears ringing long after you close the book. From Dixie’s raw emotional fiddle playing, to the twang of Dallas’ guitar and the rhythmic drumming from Gavin, it’s stunning how Caisey Quinn puts you right there in the crowd, whooping and hollering and aching for this young trio to succeed. Just like in her previous music infused novels, LEAVING AMARILLO takes you on a rip roaring musical adventure that will leave you breathless.
Full of southern charm, you’ll gladly follow this trio’s journey from the quiet life beside dirt roads with crickets chirping, to the pounding beat and neon lights of the biggest stages in Texas. A story of sacrifice, love, family and following your dreams, LEAVING AMARILLO is a hit that will catch your attention and stay with you long after its finished; filled with drama, a steamy and emotional read that will leave you begging for the next book, like, NOW!!
Can I get a cold beer? Or better yet, just give me the ice bucket to dump over my head, because gosh darn it, I need to cool down! LEAVING AMARILLO proves yet again, Caisey Quinn's immeasurable talent to create characters that will grab hold of your heart and take you along on their journey filled with laughter, tears and oh so hot hijinks, hence the need for the ice bucket!
LEAVING AMARILLO is an exhilarating look at life on the road for three young southern musicians as they follow their dreams to the big times, learning along the way that the blinding bright lights may promise all that glitters but fame comes at a cost and love and happiness might just be that price that needs to be paid.
At age nineteen, Dixie has left behind a prestigious music scholarship to rejoin the band, she and her brother Dallas and childhood friend Gavin formed after the siblings came to stay with their grandparents, newly orphaned and lost in grief. Bestowed with the gift of music, Dixie and Dallas find a purpose through endless music lessons on the porch of their rundown, backcountry house, guided by their Papa and Grandma. Dixie with her fiddle, Gavin on drums and Dallas with guitar, combines country with music strains as diverse as RnB and mainstream pop to create a fresh fusion sound that soon catches the attentions of the crowds and the music biz. The chance to play a music festival in Austin could be life changing as long as they keep it together and give it their all. However a record deal and her name in lights isn’t the only thing keeping Dixie up at night.
Harbouring a crush on Gavin that has slowly grown to love over the years, Dixie can no longer keep quiet however Gavin, whose life has never been picture perfect, and desperate to hold onto the only family and stability he's ever known, is determined to keep his promise to Dallas and stay away from his little sister. Thrown together in close quarters, as the music flows and fire ignites in their souls, they soon realise that fame isn't the only dream worth fighting for. A one night, no strings proposal sounds like the perfect way to dampen down the passion and get it out of their systems once and for all. One night will change everything – will it be a love ballad or a country song of heartbreak?
Quinn knows how to write the female MCs I simply adore and Dixie was no different. Fierce and passionate, yet with a kindness and compassion that belies her young age, I sympathised with her from the first pages. Strong and hard working, the love she has for her family and her willingness to sacrifice her happiness to ensure theirs was admirable. Her love of music was clear to see and her innate understanding of the fiddle, was a true partnership that went beyond notes and chords and allowed her to pour every unspoken feeling of tenderness and intimacy she had for Gavin into her music. Gavin was a favourite from the beginning, he may appear to be the walking definition of swagger and a lady-killer but beyond that lays a heart of gold and it’s clear he would do anything for Dallas and Dixie. His back-story was simply heartbreaking and I wanted nothing more than for him to grab hold of the happiness he deserves and never let go. The chemistry between Gavin and Dixie was breathtaking and their scenes together sizzled hotter than a fourth of July barbecue. Caisey Quinn knows how to write her smut but boy did she take it to the next level. That ice bucket will come in handy either to dunk your head or just to sit in depending on what part of the book you’re at! And crack a window because they’re sure to fog up too! Dallas was a character that took me longer to warm up to and to be honest that’s probably because I was so caught up in Dixie and Gavin’s trysts that I didn’t pay much attention but I’m looking forward to learning more about him in the next book.
The pace never falters in this book from the moment it gets its hooks in you, providing a story with plenty of drama, sex, fun and heartbreak.
From the stomping beat of honky tonk to the soulful strains of bluegrass, every note that’s played in the pages of this book accosts your senses and pulls you into the electric atmosphere described and leaves your ears ringing long after you close the book. From Dixie’s raw emotional fiddle playing, to the twang of Dallas’ guitar and the rhythmic drumming from Gavin, it’s stunning how Caisey Quinn puts you right there in the crowd, whooping and hollering and aching for this young trio to succeed. Just like in her previous music infused novels, LEAVING AMARILLO takes you on a rip roaring musical adventure that will leave you breathless.
Full of southern charm, you’ll gladly follow this trio’s journey from the quiet life beside dirt roads with crickets chirping, to the pounding beat and neon lights of the biggest stages in Texas. A story of sacrifice, love, family and following your dreams, LEAVING AMARILLO is a hit that will catch your attention and stay with you long after its finished; filled with drama, a steamy and emotional read that will leave you begging for the next book, like, NOW!!
September 16, 2016
review in english coming soon
Il ritmo del mio cuore è stata una bella sorpresa che davvero non mi aspettavo, prima di iniziare con la lettura. Devo infatti confessare di aver rimandato continuamente il momento di prendere in mano questo romanzo perchè temevo quello che avrei trovato... ovvero il solito romanzo New Adult con un po' di musica buttata lì per differenziarlo -senza veramente riuscirci- dal calderone di tutti gli altri NA che ormai spopolano gli scaffali delle librerie italiane e d'oltre oceano.
Bene, come dicevo questo primo romanzo della trilogia Neon Dreams mi ha sorpreso piacevolmente. Non tanto perchè sia veramente diverso da altri romanzi del sottogenere ma perchè i personaggi sono caratterizzati in un modo da renderli coinvolgenti per il lettore. Sopratutto per quanto riguarda Dixie, la protagonista, con cui si crea un legame diretto.
Come potete leggere dalla trama, Il ritmo del mio cuore ha tre personaggi principali. Oltre a Dixie c'è suo fratello maggiore, Dallas, e il loro migliore amico d'infanzia, Gavin. Ma anche se i tre hanno eguale importanza nella storia questo primo romanzo è decisamente di Dixie. Il secondo, Loving Dallas, come potete intuire sarà incentrato su Dallas e il terzo, Missing Dixie, recupererà la coppia Dixie e Gavin.
Il ritmo del mio cuore è quindi la storia di tre ragazzi dal passato difficile. Dixie e Dallas avendo perso i genitori molto giovani e Gavin con una madre dipendente dalla droga che entra ed esce dal carcere come se fosse un centro commerciale. Tutti e tre trovano una famiglia l'uno nell'altro ed un amicizia di quelle che durano per tutta la vita. Per Dixie, però, l'amicizia con Gavin è sempre stata legata a qualcosa di più, e ora che non è più una bambina non intende nascondere quello che prova. Ma la strada verso la realizzazione del suo desiderio è segnata da alcuni problemi. Primo fra tutti suo fratello Dallas e poi lo stesso Gavin. L'uno perchè porta il termine "istinto protettivo" ad un livello mai visto da sorella vivente e l'altro perchè non vuole rischiare l'unica famiglia che ha mai avuto.
Il nuovo tour che stanno per intraprendere -i tre hanno creato un gruppo musicale, i Leaving Amarillo- sembra a Dixie un ottimo terreno su cui tentare di esaudire tutti i propri desideri: evitare di tornare a scuola di musica classica per fare, invece, la musica che più ama, quella che la lega alle persone più importanti nella sua vita, e far ammettere a Gavin che anche lui tiene a lei non come una sorella ma come qualcosa di decisamente più importante.
Dixie parte, a inizio storia, molto sicura di ciò che vuole e convinta di sapere come ottenerlo ma il tempo passato per strada e negli alberghi, dove i tre dovranno convivere a stretto contatto nella stessa camera, metterà a dura prova le sue convinzioni. Se da un lato la carriera del gruppo sembra imboccare una svolta decisiva, lo stress delle aspettative e vecchie insicurezze metteranno i bastoni fra le ruote a questo agognato happy ending. Problemi a casa seguiranno i tre nella loro avventura per lasaciare Amarillo e Dixie si troverà di fronte a scelte difficili che la porteranno ad un finale non finale, una storia aperta che continuerà sicuramente in Missing Dixie.
http://azurestrawberry.altervista.org...
Il ritmo del mio cuore è stata una bella sorpresa che davvero non mi aspettavo, prima di iniziare con la lettura. Devo infatti confessare di aver rimandato continuamente il momento di prendere in mano questo romanzo perchè temevo quello che avrei trovato... ovvero il solito romanzo New Adult con un po' di musica buttata lì per differenziarlo -senza veramente riuscirci- dal calderone di tutti gli altri NA che ormai spopolano gli scaffali delle librerie italiane e d'oltre oceano.
Bene, come dicevo questo primo romanzo della trilogia Neon Dreams mi ha sorpreso piacevolmente. Non tanto perchè sia veramente diverso da altri romanzi del sottogenere ma perchè i personaggi sono caratterizzati in un modo da renderli coinvolgenti per il lettore. Sopratutto per quanto riguarda Dixie, la protagonista, con cui si crea un legame diretto.
Come potete leggere dalla trama, Il ritmo del mio cuore ha tre personaggi principali. Oltre a Dixie c'è suo fratello maggiore, Dallas, e il loro migliore amico d'infanzia, Gavin. Ma anche se i tre hanno eguale importanza nella storia questo primo romanzo è decisamente di Dixie. Il secondo, Loving Dallas, come potete intuire sarà incentrato su Dallas e il terzo, Missing Dixie, recupererà la coppia Dixie e Gavin.
Il ritmo del mio cuore è quindi la storia di tre ragazzi dal passato difficile. Dixie e Dallas avendo perso i genitori molto giovani e Gavin con una madre dipendente dalla droga che entra ed esce dal carcere come se fosse un centro commerciale. Tutti e tre trovano una famiglia l'uno nell'altro ed un amicizia di quelle che durano per tutta la vita. Per Dixie, però, l'amicizia con Gavin è sempre stata legata a qualcosa di più, e ora che non è più una bambina non intende nascondere quello che prova. Ma la strada verso la realizzazione del suo desiderio è segnata da alcuni problemi. Primo fra tutti suo fratello Dallas e poi lo stesso Gavin. L'uno perchè porta il termine "istinto protettivo" ad un livello mai visto da sorella vivente e l'altro perchè non vuole rischiare l'unica famiglia che ha mai avuto.
Il nuovo tour che stanno per intraprendere -i tre hanno creato un gruppo musicale, i Leaving Amarillo- sembra a Dixie un ottimo terreno su cui tentare di esaudire tutti i propri desideri: evitare di tornare a scuola di musica classica per fare, invece, la musica che più ama, quella che la lega alle persone più importanti nella sua vita, e far ammettere a Gavin che anche lui tiene a lei non come una sorella ma come qualcosa di decisamente più importante.
Dixie parte, a inizio storia, molto sicura di ciò che vuole e convinta di sapere come ottenerlo ma il tempo passato per strada e negli alberghi, dove i tre dovranno convivere a stretto contatto nella stessa camera, metterà a dura prova le sue convinzioni. Se da un lato la carriera del gruppo sembra imboccare una svolta decisiva, lo stress delle aspettative e vecchie insicurezze metteranno i bastoni fra le ruote a questo agognato happy ending. Problemi a casa seguiranno i tre nella loro avventura per lasaciare Amarillo e Dixie si troverà di fronte a scelte difficili che la porteranno ad un finale non finale, una storia aperta che continuerà sicuramente in Missing Dixie.
http://azurestrawberry.altervista.org...
March 10, 2015
A feisty heroine, a beautifully flawed hero and a deeply intense 'forbidden' romance. Leaving Amarillo is a novel that will set your senses on fire!
REVIEW:
The story:
Dixie Lark and her brother Dallas have been friends with Gavin since childhood. And now touring as a band they are closer than ever. But Dixie has always felt more than simple friendship towards Gavin and believes he feels the attraction too. But despite this he's never made a move because of the promise he made her bother, that he'd never go there with her. Dixie knows touring will mean spending 24/7 with him and she's going after what she wants!
I must admit, 'older-brother's-best-friend' tropes are one of my all time favourites! The whole protective older brother forbidding he's friend and warning him off her, is always a winner. This book does end somewhat up in the air, which has left me begging Ms Q for the next book, Dallas's story!!
The characters:
Dixie is a feisty little character and I loved that she knew what she wanted and went after it. She's extremely selfless and will do anything to make her brother's dream of stardom come true, even if that means denying her own wishes.
Gavin is a rough and beautifully flawed character. He's hiding secrets about a dark period he went through while Dixie was at college. He seems ashamed and feels undeserving of Dixie's love, which for me made him all the more worthy *sigh* He's loyal, so much so that he's willing to break his own heart trying to keep a promise to his best friend Dallas - a promise Dallas had no right to ask for.
Dallas is a bit of mysterious character to me. He's extremely determined to make it in the music industry and very dedicated to his work. It's quite an intense character and I can't wait to see more of him in his own book to see the real Dallas.
The romance:
It was really refreshing to see the girl going after the guy for a change. Dixie puts herself out there by confronting Gavin about the obvious attraction between them and refuses to let him hide behind her brother's warning. The chemistry between them is super hot and it's clear that they both have feelings beyond lust and sexual attraction. They both care about the other and will do anything to see each other happy. And once these two finally give in to their feeling…WOWZAR do things get HOT!!
The Writing:
I'm a huge fan of Caisy's books and I personally feel this is her best work yet. The characters are all really well developed with strong backstories, which created dynamic relationships between all three main characters.
FINAL WORD:
A feisty heroine, a beautifully flawed hero and a deeply intense 'forbidden' romance. Leaving Amarillo is a novel that will set your senses on fire!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / several descriptive sex scenes
Violence: mild
Language: medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: medium / references to drug use & dealing
More reviews at The Reading Realm
___________________________________________
2014
I was lucky enough to beta read this little beauty and it did not disappoint!! I personally think it's Caisey's best book yet!
Full review to come closer to publishing date
REVIEW:
The story:
Dixie Lark and her brother Dallas have been friends with Gavin since childhood. And now touring as a band they are closer than ever. But Dixie has always felt more than simple friendship towards Gavin and believes he feels the attraction too. But despite this he's never made a move because of the promise he made her bother, that he'd never go there with her. Dixie knows touring will mean spending 24/7 with him and she's going after what she wants!
I must admit, 'older-brother's-best-friend' tropes are one of my all time favourites! The whole protective older brother forbidding he's friend and warning him off her, is always a winner. This book does end somewhat up in the air, which has left me begging Ms Q for the next book, Dallas's story!!
The characters:
Dixie is a feisty little character and I loved that she knew what she wanted and went after it. She's extremely selfless and will do anything to make her brother's dream of stardom come true, even if that means denying her own wishes.
Gavin is a rough and beautifully flawed character. He's hiding secrets about a dark period he went through while Dixie was at college. He seems ashamed and feels undeserving of Dixie's love, which for me made him all the more worthy *sigh* He's loyal, so much so that he's willing to break his own heart trying to keep a promise to his best friend Dallas - a promise Dallas had no right to ask for.
Dallas is a bit of mysterious character to me. He's extremely determined to make it in the music industry and very dedicated to his work. It's quite an intense character and I can't wait to see more of him in his own book to see the real Dallas.
The romance:
It was really refreshing to see the girl going after the guy for a change. Dixie puts herself out there by confronting Gavin about the obvious attraction between them and refuses to let him hide behind her brother's warning. The chemistry between them is super hot and it's clear that they both have feelings beyond lust and sexual attraction. They both care about the other and will do anything to see each other happy. And once these two finally give in to their feeling…WOWZAR do things get HOT!!
The Writing:
I'm a huge fan of Caisy's books and I personally feel this is her best work yet. The characters are all really well developed with strong backstories, which created dynamic relationships between all three main characters.
FINAL WORD:
A feisty heroine, a beautifully flawed hero and a deeply intense 'forbidden' romance. Leaving Amarillo is a novel that will set your senses on fire!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / several descriptive sex scenes
Violence: mild
Language: medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: medium / references to drug use & dealing
More reviews at The Reading Realm
___________________________________________
2014
I was lucky enough to beta read this little beauty and it did not disappoint!! I personally think it's Caisey's best book yet!
Full review to come closer to publishing date
July 4, 2016
4.5 stars per il finale in sospeso!!! >.<
La mia recensione sul blog http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Se amate i romance con protagonisti dei musicisti, ecco un'altra lettura che consiglio assolutamente!
Nell'arco dell'ultimo mese è il secondo che ho letto (il primo è stato The Bad Boy di Samantha Towle) e che mi ha trascinata in un turbinio di emozioni. Li classifico quindi entrambi tra le mie letture preferite del periodo.
Situazioni differenti e personaggi diversi, ovviamente, ma con la stessa costante: la passione per la musica. I Leaving Amarillo non sono una band famosa, ma un gruppo country che sta cercando di farsi notare e avere l'occasione di diventare qualcosa di più di una semplice band che fa serate nei locali.
Attraverso il punto di vista di Dixie, unica narratrice di questo primo romanzo della serie new adult Neon Dreams, scopriamo non solo i fatti che accadono nel presente, ma anche come si è formata questa band e quali difficoltà questi ragazzi abbiano dovuto affrontare nel loro passato. I membri sono tre e sono legatissimi tra loro: Dixie, che ha 19 anni ed è una violinista, Dallas, il fratello maggiore di Dixie nonché voce e chitarrista del gruppo, e infine c'è il batterista Gavin, migliore amico di Dallas e membro onorario della loro famiglia visto che sono cresciuti insieme da quando erano ragazzini.
“Il ritmo del mio cuore” ce li fa conoscere tutti e tre, ma è su Dixie e Gavin che sono puntati i riflettori. I due giovani provano l'uno per l'altro un interesse che va al di là di una semplice amicizia, e questa tensione sessuale tra i due è un elemento costante nella lettura. Inutile dirlo, si fa il tifo all'istante per loro due, anche perché è chiaro che non sia solo questione di bramosia ma anche di un sentimento forte e unico nel suo genere, quello che si po' provare per una persona soltanto. Perché questi due non stanno insieme? Semplice, Dallas è ultra protettivo con la sorellina Dixie che ha dovuto accudire fin dalla morte dei loro genitori e che considera assolutamente off-limits per il sexy e play boy batterista Gavin. Inoltre, come se non bastasse, Gavin ha dei segreti ed è convinto di non essere una persona all'altezza di Dixie.
"Voglio che mi tocchi. Prendimi, fammi tua, perché, lo sai, sono già tua. Ti voglio, voglio tutto di te. Il bene, il male, quel lato oscuro che tieni segreto e che non mostri a nessun altro. Voglio essere quella con cui passi le notti, quella con cui ti svegli, il centro di ogni tuo pensiero."
La scrittura di Caisey Quinn è accattivante, moderna, mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine della sua storia dalla quale è stato difficile staccarmi fino alla conclusione.
Oltre alla parte romantica troviamo i retroscena tipici del mondo musicale, dei festival e delle vicissitudini delle band emergenti, inoltre l'autrice ci tiene ben in sospeso con alcuni misteri riguardanti i suoi protagonisti.
Se amate i romance new adult consiglio caldamente questa lettura da batticuore a cui avrei dato 5 stelline piene se non mi avesse lasciato così in sospeso nel finale! Oltretutto, il prossimo romanzo avrà Dallas come protagonista, quindi per sapere come si svilupperanno le cose tra Dixie e Gavin dovremo aspettare il terzo libro! Argh! Spero che le uscite siano piuttosto ravvicinate perché devo sapere come va a finire tra quei due!
La mia recensione sul blog http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Se amate i romance con protagonisti dei musicisti, ecco un'altra lettura che consiglio assolutamente!
Nell'arco dell'ultimo mese è il secondo che ho letto (il primo è stato The Bad Boy di Samantha Towle) e che mi ha trascinata in un turbinio di emozioni. Li classifico quindi entrambi tra le mie letture preferite del periodo.
Situazioni differenti e personaggi diversi, ovviamente, ma con la stessa costante: la passione per la musica. I Leaving Amarillo non sono una band famosa, ma un gruppo country che sta cercando di farsi notare e avere l'occasione di diventare qualcosa di più di una semplice band che fa serate nei locali.
Attraverso il punto di vista di Dixie, unica narratrice di questo primo romanzo della serie new adult Neon Dreams, scopriamo non solo i fatti che accadono nel presente, ma anche come si è formata questa band e quali difficoltà questi ragazzi abbiano dovuto affrontare nel loro passato. I membri sono tre e sono legatissimi tra loro: Dixie, che ha 19 anni ed è una violinista, Dallas, il fratello maggiore di Dixie nonché voce e chitarrista del gruppo, e infine c'è il batterista Gavin, migliore amico di Dallas e membro onorario della loro famiglia visto che sono cresciuti insieme da quando erano ragazzini.
“Il ritmo del mio cuore” ce li fa conoscere tutti e tre, ma è su Dixie e Gavin che sono puntati i riflettori. I due giovani provano l'uno per l'altro un interesse che va al di là di una semplice amicizia, e questa tensione sessuale tra i due è un elemento costante nella lettura. Inutile dirlo, si fa il tifo all'istante per loro due, anche perché è chiaro che non sia solo questione di bramosia ma anche di un sentimento forte e unico nel suo genere, quello che si po' provare per una persona soltanto. Perché questi due non stanno insieme? Semplice, Dallas è ultra protettivo con la sorellina Dixie che ha dovuto accudire fin dalla morte dei loro genitori e che considera assolutamente off-limits per il sexy e play boy batterista Gavin. Inoltre, come se non bastasse, Gavin ha dei segreti ed è convinto di non essere una persona all'altezza di Dixie.
"Voglio che mi tocchi. Prendimi, fammi tua, perché, lo sai, sono già tua. Ti voglio, voglio tutto di te. Il bene, il male, quel lato oscuro che tieni segreto e che non mostri a nessun altro. Voglio essere quella con cui passi le notti, quella con cui ti svegli, il centro di ogni tuo pensiero."
La scrittura di Caisey Quinn è accattivante, moderna, mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine della sua storia dalla quale è stato difficile staccarmi fino alla conclusione.
Oltre alla parte romantica troviamo i retroscena tipici del mondo musicale, dei festival e delle vicissitudini delle band emergenti, inoltre l'autrice ci tiene ben in sospeso con alcuni misteri riguardanti i suoi protagonisti.
Se amate i romance new adult consiglio caldamente questa lettura da batticuore a cui avrei dato 5 stelline piene se non mi avesse lasciato così in sospeso nel finale! Oltretutto, il prossimo romanzo avrà Dallas come protagonista, quindi per sapere come si svilupperanno le cose tra Dixie e Gavin dovremo aspettare il terzo libro! Argh! Spero che le uscite siano piuttosto ravvicinate perché devo sapere come va a finire tra quei due!
August 4, 2014
Can Caisey Quinn write a bad book??? I think the answer is definitely, NO!!! Full review coming soon!
February 6, 2016
Why oh why did I wait to read this!!!! I love caisey Quinn and her heroines are AMAZING. I can't wait to see what happens next!!! Ahhhh
March 26, 2015
I fell in love with Caisey Quinn two years ago when I opened Girl with Guitar (the Kylie Ryans series) and was instantly addicted. If you follow me on this blog (or anywhere else), you know my love of Caisey Quinn and her writing, so getting my hands on Leaving Amarillo was like my birthday coming 6 months early! I have a big soft spot for Kylie Ryans (from Girl with Guitar) but I have to say I think Dixie Lark is my new favorite character! I don't have the words for how much I loved Dixie and her fiddle but I will try, because Leaving Amarillo is a book you MUST read!
Caisey Quinn makes everything she writes seem so real, from being a struggling musician to a young girl who just can't take the wanting any longer and lays out what she wants from the boy she has loved for years. I was fascinated from the first chapter and I was addicted. I was sneaking in reading Leaving Amarillo in the carpool lanes, while waiting for dinner to cook, while my kids were doing homework; if I had a free minute my eyes were gobbling this story up! Then at 80% I stopped reading. Follow me here for a minute... Have you ever read a book so good that you were afraid for it to end? You are watching the percent left get smaller and you just know that there is no way all that you need from this story is going to get done? I had this moment and I stopped reading for 3 days because I didn't want to be done with these characters. I knew going in this was a series, and knowing Caisey, I knew there would be questions left to be answered for the next installment, but with this book it was like saying goodbye to friends. (Yes. I am a big dork). However, I got over myself and devoured the last 20% and cried, had my heart broken and my spirits lifted. Damn, this was an excellent start to a series! Caisey Quinn is magical; her lyrics and creativity are simply amazing.
While Dixie stole the show, the characters in this book were so rich and layered. Gavin! Ugh. I just want to hug Gavin and mother him to death. Gavin is a character I can't wait to get more from, I loved how he was loyal and struggled with what he really wanted and what he craved because of a promise. Caisey Quinn does such a excellent job creating characters that are bent (not broken) angsty, and slightly tortured. Her characters come off as genuine, real and people you could actually run across in real life. I loved the cast of Leaving Amarillo, and while I can't wait to get to know Dallas (Dixie's brother) better in book 2, I really need to check in with my girl Dixie too.
Leaving Amarillo is brilliant. The plot was different that what you expect from a "band/rocker" book and the writing is phenomenal. Caisey Quinn knows how to pull on your heartstrings, heat up your Kindle, make you wish you had musical talent and effortlessly has you fall in love with this cast of characters. If you have never read Caisey Quinn then you are in for such a treat! (and after you devour Leaving Amarillo, I HIGHLY suggest the Kylie Ryan books too). Fans of Caisey Quinn, you know you are getting a good book when you pick this up but, Leaving Amarillo is special. There is just something about Dixie Lark that will stay with me until the next book and probably longer, this story resonates inside you. Basically, Caisey Quinn nailed it!
Stop whatever you are reading/doing and go 1-click Leaving Amarillo. You are going to love Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. Leaving Amarillo is one of the BEST books I have read this year, I promise you won't be disappointed!
Caisey Quinn makes everything she writes seem so real, from being a struggling musician to a young girl who just can't take the wanting any longer and lays out what she wants from the boy she has loved for years. I was fascinated from the first chapter and I was addicted. I was sneaking in reading Leaving Amarillo in the carpool lanes, while waiting for dinner to cook, while my kids were doing homework; if I had a free minute my eyes were gobbling this story up! Then at 80% I stopped reading. Follow me here for a minute... Have you ever read a book so good that you were afraid for it to end? You are watching the percent left get smaller and you just know that there is no way all that you need from this story is going to get done? I had this moment and I stopped reading for 3 days because I didn't want to be done with these characters. I knew going in this was a series, and knowing Caisey, I knew there would be questions left to be answered for the next installment, but with this book it was like saying goodbye to friends. (Yes. I am a big dork). However, I got over myself and devoured the last 20% and cried, had my heart broken and my spirits lifted. Damn, this was an excellent start to a series! Caisey Quinn is magical; her lyrics and creativity are simply amazing.
While Dixie stole the show, the characters in this book were so rich and layered. Gavin! Ugh. I just want to hug Gavin and mother him to death. Gavin is a character I can't wait to get more from, I loved how he was loyal and struggled with what he really wanted and what he craved because of a promise. Caisey Quinn does such a excellent job creating characters that are bent (not broken) angsty, and slightly tortured. Her characters come off as genuine, real and people you could actually run across in real life. I loved the cast of Leaving Amarillo, and while I can't wait to get to know Dallas (Dixie's brother) better in book 2, I really need to check in with my girl Dixie too.
Leaving Amarillo is brilliant. The plot was different that what you expect from a "band/rocker" book and the writing is phenomenal. Caisey Quinn knows how to pull on your heartstrings, heat up your Kindle, make you wish you had musical talent and effortlessly has you fall in love with this cast of characters. If you have never read Caisey Quinn then you are in for such a treat! (and after you devour Leaving Amarillo, I HIGHLY suggest the Kylie Ryan books too). Fans of Caisey Quinn, you know you are getting a good book when you pick this up but, Leaving Amarillo is special. There is just something about Dixie Lark that will stay with me until the next book and probably longer, this story resonates inside you. Basically, Caisey Quinn nailed it!
Stop whatever you are reading/doing and go 1-click Leaving Amarillo. You are going to love Dixie, Gavin and Dallas. Leaving Amarillo is one of the BEST books I have read this year, I promise you won't be disappointed!
June 29, 2016
RECENSIONE COMPLETA SUL BLOG:
http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
Dopo aver letto “Il ritmo del mio cuore” – primo romanzo della seria Neon Dreams – di Caisey Quinn io sono senza fiato, completamente senza parole perché questa storia mi è entrata dentro con prepotenza e si è scavata un posticino speciale nel mio cuore e nella mia anima. Quando l’ho iniziato ero convintissima che si trattasse di un libro leggerino, una storia che parla di rockstar – e chi mi segue sa bene quanto amo i libri che hanno come protagonisti questi scatenati animali da palcoscenico – e quindi sì, mi aspettavo una storia appassionante ed ero certa che il libro mi avrebbe conquistata, ma non in questo modo. Non credevo di trovarmi davanti ad un romanzo capace di farmi provare un immenso caleidoscopio di emozioni.
Vi chiedo scusa se questa mia recensione sarà incomprensibile e delirante, sono perfettamente consapevole che avrei dovuto pazientare un pochino prima di scriverla, avrei dovuto aspettare e metabolizzare le miriadi di sensazioni che questa storia mi ha fatto provare, ma non potevo più aspettare. Io dovevo parlarvene, e dovevo farlo subito. Quindi eccomi qui, a distanza di un giorno dalla lettura con ancora delle farfalle giganti, della dimensione di pterodattili impazziti, che mi volano frenetici nello stomaco per quella che è stata la storia di Dixie e Gavin.
La storia di Dixie Leigh Lark ha inizio parecchio tempo fa, e non è nemmeno un gran inizio, perché tutto comincia dieci anni fa quando un terribile incidente d’auto le ha strappato entrambi i genitori. Da allora lei e suo fratello – Dallas – sono stati cresciuto dai nonni.
Proprio il giorno del funerale, quando la piccola Dixie aveva solo dieci anni, nella sua vita e in quella di suo fratello è entrato Gavin Garrison – un ragazzino mingherlino, in disordine e con tutti i capelli arruffati e con alle spalle una situazione famigliare drammatica.
Da allora loro tre: Dixie, Dallas e Gavin sono inseparabili. La roccia l’uno dell’altro, uniti contro il mondo e sempre pronti a supportarsi a vicenda anche quando le cose si complicano e si fanno davvero difficili.
Oggi Dixie ha diciannove anni e suona il violino nei Living Amarillo – la band country che lei e i ragazzi hanno fondato insieme con Dallas che è la voce e chitarrista del gruppo e Gavin il super sexy batterista.
I Living Amarillo stanno iniziando a farsi conoscere nel panorama musicale country, i loro concerti hanno un buon seguito e grazie ad una agente che li ha presi sotto la sua ala protettiva partecipano a diverse serate. Apparentemente le cose stanno andando alla grande, il gruppo vola vele spiegate verso il successo, ma in realtà le complicazioni sono parecchie, soprattutto nel cuore di Dixie che batte come un forsennato ogni volta che Gavin è a distanza ravvicinata, o che la guarda con i suoi profondi occhi in tempesta o che accidentalmente la sfiora... CONTINUA SUL BLOG http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
Amare è pericoloso, lasciarsi amare è pericoloso. Io ho osato avvicinarmi troppo alle fiamme, ho deciso che è meglio bruciarsi, ritrovarsi con le cicatrici di un amore che ti consuma e ti riduce in cenere, piuttosto che non rischiare.
Vi chiedo scusa se questa mia recensione sarà incomprensibile e delirante, sono perfettamente consapevole che avrei dovuto pazientare un pochino prima di scriverla, avrei dovuto aspettare e metabolizzare le miriadi di sensazioni che questa storia mi ha fatto provare, ma non potevo più aspettare. Io dovevo parlarvene, e dovevo farlo subito. Quindi eccomi qui, a distanza di un giorno dalla lettura con ancora delle farfalle giganti, della dimensione di pterodattili impazziti, che mi volano frenetici nello stomaco per quella che è stata la storia di Dixie e Gavin.
La storia di Dixie Leigh Lark ha inizio parecchio tempo fa, e non è nemmeno un gran inizio, perché tutto comincia dieci anni fa quando un terribile incidente d’auto le ha strappato entrambi i genitori. Da allora lei e suo fratello – Dallas – sono stati cresciuto dai nonni.
Proprio il giorno del funerale, quando la piccola Dixie aveva solo dieci anni, nella sua vita e in quella di suo fratello è entrato Gavin Garrison – un ragazzino mingherlino, in disordine e con tutti i capelli arruffati e con alle spalle una situazione famigliare drammatica.
Da allora loro tre: Dixie, Dallas e Gavin sono inseparabili. La roccia l’uno dell’altro, uniti contro il mondo e sempre pronti a supportarsi a vicenda anche quando le cose si complicano e si fanno davvero difficili.
Oggi Dixie ha diciannove anni e suona il violino nei Living Amarillo – la band country che lei e i ragazzi hanno fondato insieme con Dallas che è la voce e chitarrista del gruppo e Gavin il super sexy batterista.
I Living Amarillo stanno iniziando a farsi conoscere nel panorama musicale country, i loro concerti hanno un buon seguito e grazie ad una agente che li ha presi sotto la sua ala protettiva partecipano a diverse serate. Apparentemente le cose stanno andando alla grande, il gruppo vola vele spiegate verso il successo, ma in realtà le complicazioni sono parecchie, soprattutto nel cuore di Dixie che batte come un forsennato ogni volta che Gavin è a distanza ravvicinata, o che la guarda con i suoi profondi occhi in tempesta o che accidentalmente la sfiora... CONTINUA SUL BLOG http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
April 18, 2015
*****4.5 stars****
One of the things that I love about Casey Quinn’s writing is that we can always count on a strong heroine who is beautiful on the inside and out. Dixie Lark is no exception, with her snarky attitude and determination that are just shy of irresistible for her long-time crush/love Gavin. She’s been in love with this man since he was just a boy, but it’s something she’s kept inside to fester and burn a hole in her heart. As much as that sucked, she was okay with not having the one man she always wanted; that is, until she found herself spending a lot more up close and personal time with him as they tried to make it big with their band.
Dixie, her brother Dallas, and Gavin were hell bent on making their band Leaving Amarillo a household name, and I loved that it was just the three of them chasing this wild dream. Gavin was already like a member of the family, so they were like this well-oiled machine tearing through and trying to wow the right people. And when they got their shot, they went for it. Which, of course, meant Dixie was traveling with her brother and Gavin, which just meant potential for all kinds of drama! Dallas was the typical overprotective brother, trying to keep Gavin away from his ‘baby’ sister, but there was just no stopping Dixie from getting what she wanted when she decided enough was enough. She was this sweet little fiddle-playing, small town girl, but she had stars in her eyes and her Gavin in her heart.
I loved diving back into the world of the music industry through Quinn’s eyes, it’s like my happy place! And to have the delectable Gavin who doth protest too much and his Bluebird-turned-temptress Dixie for this sweet and sexy romance tale was just awesome! They start out at a slow boil in their chemistry, but as the story went on it skyrocketed into a fiery inferno of passion that I was completely swept away by. With an ending that leaves us guessing and hoping, I will be very anxiously awaiting the next book in this new addicting series!
Quotes:
There are a lot of different types of laughs in this world. Contagious ones, high-pitched ones, annoyingly out-of-control ones. But Gavin Garrison’s laugh is low and deep, and so seldom heard that it slides into the cracks in my heart, filling them with the melodic sound like a habit-forming narcotic I can’t get enough of. ~p. 34
“I want you to touch me. To take me, to own and possess me like you already do. I want you—all of you. The good, the bad, and the secret darkness inside that you never show anyone else. I want to be the one you spend your nights with, the one you wake up with, and the one you can’t stop thinking about.”
Everything about him suddenly seems harder. His eyes, his jaw, the set of his shoulders. “You’re playing with fire, little Bluebird.” ~p. 45
“Just your scent is making me insane. I want to beat on my chest, open the window, and tell every motherfucker in hearing distance that this is mine. That you’re mine.” ~p. 178
Find this and more of my reviews at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
One of the things that I love about Casey Quinn’s writing is that we can always count on a strong heroine who is beautiful on the inside and out. Dixie Lark is no exception, with her snarky attitude and determination that are just shy of irresistible for her long-time crush/love Gavin. She’s been in love with this man since he was just a boy, but it’s something she’s kept inside to fester and burn a hole in her heart. As much as that sucked, she was okay with not having the one man she always wanted; that is, until she found herself spending a lot more up close and personal time with him as they tried to make it big with their band.
Dixie, her brother Dallas, and Gavin were hell bent on making their band Leaving Amarillo a household name, and I loved that it was just the three of them chasing this wild dream. Gavin was already like a member of the family, so they were like this well-oiled machine tearing through and trying to wow the right people. And when they got their shot, they went for it. Which, of course, meant Dixie was traveling with her brother and Gavin, which just meant potential for all kinds of drama! Dallas was the typical overprotective brother, trying to keep Gavin away from his ‘baby’ sister, but there was just no stopping Dixie from getting what she wanted when she decided enough was enough. She was this sweet little fiddle-playing, small town girl, but she had stars in her eyes and her Gavin in her heart.
I loved diving back into the world of the music industry through Quinn’s eyes, it’s like my happy place! And to have the delectable Gavin who doth protest too much and his Bluebird-turned-temptress Dixie for this sweet and sexy romance tale was just awesome! They start out at a slow boil in their chemistry, but as the story went on it skyrocketed into a fiery inferno of passion that I was completely swept away by. With an ending that leaves us guessing and hoping, I will be very anxiously awaiting the next book in this new addicting series!
Quotes:
There are a lot of different types of laughs in this world. Contagious ones, high-pitched ones, annoyingly out-of-control ones. But Gavin Garrison’s laugh is low and deep, and so seldom heard that it slides into the cracks in my heart, filling them with the melodic sound like a habit-forming narcotic I can’t get enough of. ~p. 34
“I want you to touch me. To take me, to own and possess me like you already do. I want you—all of you. The good, the bad, and the secret darkness inside that you never show anyone else. I want to be the one you spend your nights with, the one you wake up with, and the one you can’t stop thinking about.”
Everything about him suddenly seems harder. His eyes, his jaw, the set of his shoulders. “You’re playing with fire, little Bluebird.” ~p. 45
“Just your scent is making me insane. I want to beat on my chest, open the window, and tell every motherfucker in hearing distance that this is mine. That you’re mine.” ~p. 178
Find this and more of my reviews at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
August 12, 2016
I absolutely love rock star romances and have been gobbling up any book of that genre that I can get my hands on. A few people have recommended Leaving Amarillo and said that I would love it, so I decided to pick it up and give it a chance. AND I LOVED IT. SO MUCH.
After her parents died, Dixie and her older brother, Dallas, grew up with her grandparents, living a meager life together. When they meet Gavin, a kid who had it even rougher than them, the three of them become best friends. As they get older, they create a band called Leaving Amarillo and are chasing their dream to make it big. Dixie has loved Gavin since they were young, but Dallas has made it clear that Gavin cannot touch her. Dixie has decided it's time to put herself first, but will Gavin put his relationship with the man who is basically his brother to give into the intense connection he's never had with another girl before?
First off, the reason why I really loved this book is because Dixie, our main character, was actually in the band. Dixie played the fiddle and we got to see her in her element and really feeling the music and connecting with her bandmates up on stage. That created a very intense connection with Gavin that was even stronger than it was off the stage. And what an intense connection that was! This connection has been building for YEARS and I was cheering on Dixie every step of the way she decided to finally go after what she wanted with Gavin.
Gavin definitely sealed the deal for me in this book. I absolutely loved his character and the little glimpses we got into his past that explained why he was the way he was now. He was so loyal to Dallas, which made it that much harder for him to admit that he felt anything for Dixie. While Dallas was annoying for getting in the way of Gavin and Dixie being together, I still really admired how much he loved Dixie and how much he loved music. I am excited to read his story in the next book!
As far as rock star romances go, Leaving Amarillo has moved into the category of one of my favorites. We got a girl who was actually in the band and was finally taking the risk and going after the guy she wanted. Gavin is totally my newest book crush and I just want him and Dixie to be happy! If you want a book with a relationship that will have you BEGGING for them to finally give into their attraction, you have to read Leaving Amarillo.
After her parents died, Dixie and her older brother, Dallas, grew up with her grandparents, living a meager life together. When they meet Gavin, a kid who had it even rougher than them, the three of them become best friends. As they get older, they create a band called Leaving Amarillo and are chasing their dream to make it big. Dixie has loved Gavin since they were young, but Dallas has made it clear that Gavin cannot touch her. Dixie has decided it's time to put herself first, but will Gavin put his relationship with the man who is basically his brother to give into the intense connection he's never had with another girl before?
First off, the reason why I really loved this book is because Dixie, our main character, was actually in the band. Dixie played the fiddle and we got to see her in her element and really feeling the music and connecting with her bandmates up on stage. That created a very intense connection with Gavin that was even stronger than it was off the stage. And what an intense connection that was! This connection has been building for YEARS and I was cheering on Dixie every step of the way she decided to finally go after what she wanted with Gavin.
Gavin definitely sealed the deal for me in this book. I absolutely loved his character and the little glimpses we got into his past that explained why he was the way he was now. He was so loyal to Dallas, which made it that much harder for him to admit that he felt anything for Dixie. While Dallas was annoying for getting in the way of Gavin and Dixie being together, I still really admired how much he loved Dixie and how much he loved music. I am excited to read his story in the next book!
As far as rock star romances go, Leaving Amarillo has moved into the category of one of my favorites. We got a girl who was actually in the band and was finally taking the risk and going after the guy she wanted. Gavin is totally my newest book crush and I just want him and Dixie to be happy! If you want a book with a relationship that will have you BEGGING for them to finally give into their attraction, you have to read Leaving Amarillo.
June 16, 2016
Mais quelle jolie découverte que ce livre !! En fait c'est bien simple, j'ai quasiment tout aimé : l'ambiance, les personnages, l'histoire d'amour bien sûr, mais pas que ...
Ce premier tome pose les bases d'une série qui a tout pour me plaire : une histoire où l'amour et l'amitié sont étroitement mêlés, un univers musical omniprésent, de beaux personnages ...
La narration est à la première personne, assurée par Dixie, joueuse de fiddle (une sorte de violon) au sein d'un groupe country rock composé de deux autres membres : Dallas, le frère de l'héroine, et Gavin, leur meilleur ami à tous les deux depuis dix ans. Tous les trois partagent un passé commun, en grandissant ils ont eu l'habitude de se serrer les coudes et d'être toujours là les uns pour les autres. Dans ce livre, ils sont à un tournant de leur vie, et le moment est venu de faire des choix, tant professionnels que personnels. On pourrait ajouter un quatrième personnage, la musique, tant celle-ci imprègne le récit. La musique c'est le ciment qui soude leur amitié à tous les trois, c'est aussi une échappatoire, un garde-fou, une raison de vivre ...
La romance a un petit goût de défi, de tristesse et a ce petit côté fataliste et désespéré qui m'a tout simplement conquise. J'ai craqué pour ce couple, si jeune mais déjà marqué par les épreuves de la vie. Leur histoire est déchirante, ils sont à fleur de peau l'un comme l'autre
J'avoue que je ne m'attendais pas à être touchée comme cela, mais il y a indéniablement une belle alchimie dans ce livre, et la très grande qualité de la traduction française mérite d'être soulignée (et pourtant, le récit est en partie au présent, ce qui est habituellement un deal breaker pour moi, hors là, j'ai tellement été enveloppée par la bulle douce-amère qu'est ce livre que je n'y ai plus fait attention).
Très jolie réussite donc, c'est même un petit coup de cœur, que ce soit au niveau de la romance, des personnages ou de certaines scènes qui sont vraiment très belles ...
C'est sans hésiter que je me rue sur le deuxième tome !
Ce premier tome pose les bases d'une série qui a tout pour me plaire : une histoire où l'amour et l'amitié sont étroitement mêlés, un univers musical omniprésent, de beaux personnages ...
La narration est à la première personne, assurée par Dixie, joueuse de fiddle (une sorte de violon) au sein d'un groupe country rock composé de deux autres membres : Dallas, le frère de l'héroine, et Gavin, leur meilleur ami à tous les deux depuis dix ans. Tous les trois partagent un passé commun, en grandissant ils ont eu l'habitude de se serrer les coudes et d'être toujours là les uns pour les autres. Dans ce livre, ils sont à un tournant de leur vie, et le moment est venu de faire des choix, tant professionnels que personnels. On pourrait ajouter un quatrième personnage, la musique, tant celle-ci imprègne le récit. La musique c'est le ciment qui soude leur amitié à tous les trois, c'est aussi une échappatoire, un garde-fou, une raison de vivre ...
La romance a un petit goût de défi, de tristesse et a ce petit côté fataliste et désespéré qui m'a tout simplement conquise. J'ai craqué pour ce couple, si jeune mais déjà marqué par les épreuves de la vie. Leur histoire est déchirante, ils sont à fleur de peau l'un comme l'autre
J'avoue que je ne m'attendais pas à être touchée comme cela, mais il y a indéniablement une belle alchimie dans ce livre, et la très grande qualité de la traduction française mérite d'être soulignée (et pourtant, le récit est en partie au présent, ce qui est habituellement un deal breaker pour moi, hors là, j'ai tellement été enveloppée par la bulle douce-amère qu'est ce livre que je n'y ai plus fait attention).
Très jolie réussite donc, c'est même un petit coup de cœur, que ce soit au niveau de la romance, des personnages ou de certaines scènes qui sont vraiment très belles ...
C'est sans hésiter que je me rue sur le deuxième tome !
February 18, 2016
5/5 Stars
Won this book from a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway!
Summary:
This book follows Dixie, her brother Dallas and Gavin(their childhood friend). This trio makes up a killer band named Leaving Amarillo. They have always had a rough life. Gavin never had much of a family, other than Dix and Dallas. Dixie and her brother lose their parents really young then have to live with their grandparents, who are incredibly supportive of their dream of pursuing music. They play a lot of small gigs, but then they get a chance to be in a huge music festival. How far will the band have to go to live their dream?
Dislikes:
Never really had any dislikes but I will say there are sex scenes, so if you are NOT okay with that, then avoid this book.
Likes:
I loved all the characters. I felt like I grew up with them my whole life. The writing was well done, not overly wordy. Caisey really knows how to pull a reader into the emotions of a book. The plot was simple yet well executed.
Overall:
I went into this book a little apprehensive but boy am I glad I gave this a go. This book was not what I expected, it was so much more. I cannot wait to continue on with this series.
Won this book from a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway!
Summary:
This book follows Dixie, her brother Dallas and Gavin(their childhood friend). This trio makes up a killer band named Leaving Amarillo. They have always had a rough life. Gavin never had much of a family, other than Dix and Dallas. Dixie and her brother lose their parents really young then have to live with their grandparents, who are incredibly supportive of their dream of pursuing music. They play a lot of small gigs, but then they get a chance to be in a huge music festival. How far will the band have to go to live their dream?
Dislikes:
Never really had any dislikes but I will say there are sex scenes, so if you are NOT okay with that, then avoid this book.
Likes:
I loved all the characters. I felt like I grew up with them my whole life. The writing was well done, not overly wordy. Caisey really knows how to pull a reader into the emotions of a book. The plot was simple yet well executed.
Overall:
I went into this book a little apprehensive but boy am I glad I gave this a go. This book was not what I expected, it was so much more. I cannot wait to continue on with this series.
January 26, 2015
Let me tell you, I ah-dored this book. Yeah, it was angsty. Which is why I loved it so much. I love the push-pull-tug at your heart strings kind of stories. And this was definitely one of those. The whole wanting but not being able to have thing makes me a happy girl and this is another one that I really, really didn't want to end. Once it did, though, I have to say I wasn't happy. I'm thrilled there will be more books, but I'm not thrilled we didn't get the answers to Gavin's story in this one. I'm crossing my fingers for a novella or something that will explain everything before we get to Dallas and Robyn's story in book number two.
November 18, 2014
I was given the privilege of reading Leaving Amarillo before it's release. And a privilege it was. I cannot tell you how much I love this story and the characters. The depth of emotion is dynamic. Dixie, Gavin, and Dallas are characters who will live in your heart long after you finish the book. I can't wait for readers to meet them! Ms. Quinn has woven a memorable story with integrity and heart. And she's made a new fan!
March 23, 2015
CQ's writing is lyrical. She's a favorite author,and I love going on those road trips with her. Always a sure thing for lots of entertainment, excitement and fun ride. Oh yeah, the romance isn't too shabby either. And her characters always take hold of my heart and make me love'em! Didn't particularly like being left on the cliffy -- but I'll be ready for the next installment come May!
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