REVIEW:
What else can I say about this series, except that I LOVE it?? I mean, Casey Quinn has nailed it when it comes to country stars, and Dixie and Gavin are certainly the hottest duo on the scene!!
These two have already been through so much, and now they have to learn how to forgive each other and find their way back. Back to not only the love and history that they share, but to the music that originally helped to bring them all together, and make them a smashing success. Their struggle is truly one of heartache and loss, but also one of redemption and love.
When I met Liam, I fell even harder for this story, and especially for Gavin. Maybe it was that I basically saw a piece of him in Liam, that young misguided boy who desperately wanted someone to love him, and finally make him feel safe in his world- even if only for a moment. So, to see the interaction that he had with Liam, to see the way he connected so strongly to that boy- it melted my heart. I knew he would eventually be a phenomenal father to a child one day, even if it wasn't his own. ;)
The conclusion to the series, while sad that it is the end, is also so beautiful, because you see how each character has come full circle. You see how each one of these guys, and gal, that we came to know has grown and matured and made their own unique place in the world. Not only are they Leaving Amarillo, but they are Dixie, they are Gavin and they are Dallas. They are country music, heart and soul.
Synopsis:
Fighting for redemption . . .
I've lived most of my life in darkness, beneath the shadows of secrets and addictions. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt the only girl I'd ever loved—the one who brought me into the light. In my entire life I'd made one promise—a promise I'd intended to keep. I've broken that promise and now I have to live with the fallout. Dixie Lark hates me, and I have to tell her that I love her. I also have to tell her a truth that might destroy us forever.
Can she love me, even if she can't forgive me?
Learning to move on . . .
Gavin Garrison broke his promise to my brother and he broke my heart in the process.I may never love anyone the way I've loved him, but at least I won't spend my life wondering "what if." We had our one night and he walked away. I'm beginning to move on, but my brother's wedding and a battle of the bands are about to throw us together again.
Our band is getting a second chance, but I don't know if I can give him one. How do you hand your heart back to the person who set it on fire once already?
Missing Dixie buy links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo
PLAYLIST EMBED CODE: <iframesrc="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3A1282638722%3Aplaylist%3A0mamS1CynR6kmTZ3I3U2Tj" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
PLAYLIST URL LINK: https://open.spotify.com/user/1282638722/playlist/0mamS1CynR6kmTZ3I3U2Tj
EXCERPTS
Except #1 : The constant heaviness I carry in my heart lightens a little. I am happy for Dallas and Robyn. I’m excited to be a part of their big day and literally ecstatic about becoming an aunt to my future nephew. But . . . something about the anticipation of it all, the impending burden of necessary smiles and laughter in the midst of my complete and utter devastation about having to face Gavin Garrison for the first time in months . . . It’s like getting the worst news of your life on the brightest, sunniest, clearest day of the year.
I’m a walking, talking, living, breathing storm cloud waiting to burst and rain on everyone else’s parade.
But I won’t. Because I can’t.
I had my chance. My one night. And even a little more than that. “Wait for me, Bluebird,” he’d said.
Apparently I should’ve asked for the specific details of just how long he intended to make me wait.
I had my chance. My one night. And even a little more than that. “Wait for me, Bluebird,” he’d said.
Apparently I should’ve asked for the specific details of just how long he intended to make me wait.
Except #2 : I lost a lot of time focusing on the pain and the past. But when I stopped letting it consume me, I found myself in the same place where I always find myself. In music.
When I stopped moping and feeling sorry for myself, I made some changes in my life. I’ve found happiness and joy in giving piano and violin lessons to underprivileged local kids and it’s been such a successful program that I had to get a business license and name it. Over the Rainbow is my passion project and I’ve formed friend- ships with many of the parents of the kiddos I teach. Maybe it’s not performing onstage or coming to life beneath the lights, but I love it just the same.
If there is anything I’ve learned about gifts, like the gift of being able to play an instrument, it’s that they should be shared with the world one way or another. I also learned a valuable lesson from my grandparents that it took traveling around the country living their dream to fully comprehend. They didn’t get to live their dream but it didn’t mean they weren’t happy. Together they lived a full, satisfied life and they had plenty of love leftover to give to the two orphans they ended up raising. Life doesn’t always turn out how you expect and sometimes parts of you get broken along the way, but there is always hope and even broken pieces can be rebuilt into something beautiful. My heart is a piece of mosaic art at this point.
Standing there, staring at myself in the glass, I vow to focus on the music, on grabbing hold of what joy I have in my life and not letting go.
Most important? I vow never again to hand my heart over to Gavin Garrison.
At least not until he hands me his first.
Except #3 : “Missed you at rehearsal dinner,” I text to his number. “Hope everything is okay.”
We do two more walk-throughs, me with my invisible Gavin, before heading into a formal dining room for dinner.
I check my phone several times, finding exactly what I expect to time and time again.
No new messages.
This past year, traveling on my own, meeting new people, coming home, and establishing a life for myself—one that didn’t include my brother or Gavin or the band—it hasn’t been easy but it has made me a stronger, more independent version of myself. I have grieved the loss of my grandfather, met new people, seen things I never thought I would, started a successful music instruction business, and moved on from the pain of knowing Gavin didn’t want me the way I wanted him. All of this I’ve done alone. No overprotective brother giving orders or watching my every move, no broody drummer distracting me at every turn, and no one to answer to except myself.
I didn’t reach out to him, even when I knew he was home. Because one thing I decided over these last few months is that I did the reach- ing in Austin. It’s his turn. He has to decide if he can do this—us, me and him, the band, all of it—for real this time, not with only half his heart.
Except #4 : When Dixie finishes, she takes her place across the altar and I can’t tear my stare from her. Her sapphire eyes shine like diamonds with the promise of tears.
I wish I could give you this.
Right as I’m about to look away, her gaze collides with mine. My heart swells in my chest. I have so much to say and no words to say it.
I’m sorry.
I’m trying.
I love you.
She doesn’t even flinch at the turmoil I know is probably apparent on my face. She just gives me a confident smile and a knowing look as if to say, One day.
I’m trying.
I love you.
She doesn’t even flinch at the turmoil I know is probably apparent on my face. She just gives me a confident smile and a knowing look as if to say, One day.
One day that will be us. A future.
A forever.
A forever.
I fucking hope so.
I just have no clue how we’ll ever manage to get there.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caisey Quinn lives in Nashville, Tennessee and is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series and several other New Adult Romance titles. Her Neon Dreams series about a country rock crossover band paying their dues in life and in love on their rocky road to fame is now available from Avon/William Morrow.
Connect with Caisey:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCaiseyQuinn
Twitter: @caiseyquinn
Website: http://www.caiseyquinnwrites.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/CaiseyQuinn
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