Leaving Amarillo by Caisey Quinn

Leaving Amarillo by Caisey Quinn
Release Date - March 17, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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.

My hit or miss relationship with New Adult novels is well documented. I had been looking for something more from them that just wasn't there. Leaving Amarillo grabbed my attention through it's musical ties, but won me over with it's charm, character and attention to plot over sexytimes. It easily became one of the top New Adult novels I've ever read.

Music is the heart of this novel, in so many ways. It breathes through Dixie and the story itself. It's a thrumming pulse of the story and there is good reason that this novel is being compared to the television show Nashville. It's a unputdownable look at the life of a band and one that takes you along for the drama filled, passionate ride.

Dixie is a good balance between the 'good girl' and the 'bad girl' tropes. She ends up seeming very genuine, flawed and real. She is someone who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. She stands up for what she wants, and what she believes in. She makes her own choices while still weighing the impact of others. Her passion for music is engrained in her so deeply that it feels like she couldn't breathe without it. Caisey Quinn lets her heroine make mistakes and stumble while keeping her relatable.

Gavin's introduction is rather steamy. From the moment he tells her that those 'pretty boys' she's been messing obviously don't know what they are doing to every aching, agonizing moment in between he lights up the pages. He's a bad boy who, shockingly, never treats his love interest without anything other than respect. It was refreshing to see in a novel of this genre. Gavin has his issues, and those issues are going to hurt Dixie, but Gavin is never anything but honest with her. He doesn't manipulate her, or use her for his benefit. His struggle with honouring his best friend's request and his attraction to Dixie created a delicious tension and allowed Dixie to be the peruser in a sense. This novel only begins to unravel Gavin's dark and destructive secrets and I can only hope that after this storm that he and Dixie will be making beautiful music together.

The romance is sexy and there are plenty of sections that blaze with the chemistry between Gavin and Dixie. Part of the allure is the will-they-won't-they nature of their relationship. You are breathless waiting to see if they'll give into the attraction that is between them. The tension is electric, and the sparks that finally fly are brighter than any stage lights. My favourite element is the way that Caisey Quinn balances the sexytimes with substance and plot. This novel is not just racing to the next sex scene. It has a dramatic plot, and character development. These characters are why you end up caring about the rest and that is because this novel manages to be both sexy and well written.

Fans of the New Adult genre, particularly those who love music, will not want to miss this sexy behind the scenes look at a country band on the rise. It's a novel whose focus is on the characters, and a solid start to a new series. One that left me eager to follow the rest Leaving Amarillo's journey to becoming country superstars.

Cover Reveal for Unholy Blue

Today I get to help reveal the cover for Unholy Blue by Darby Kaye. It's the sequel to The Stag Lord and seems like a must read for adult urban fantasy fans!

Here is the synopsis for the book (spoilers if you haven't read the first book!).

Strong and Rare and Irish.

That’s how Shay Doyle likes her whiskey. And men. As Healer to a clan of immortal Celtic warriors living in modern-day Colorado, she has been gifted with such a man: Bannerman “Bann” Boru. The only problem is keeping the stubborn warrior alive. For Fate seems to have it in for Bann, and his son, Cor, descendants of the kings of Ireland, and recipient of an ancient grudge from the mad god, Cernunnos.

But, with a bit o’ luck, Shay, Bann, and the rest of the Doyle clan—along with the aid of a legendary huntsman known as the Black Hand—might just suss out how to kill a shapeshifter that refuses to stay dead, prevent clan warfare, and make a choice that could change their lives.

If they don’t lose them first.

And here is the cover.....

Be sure to add it to your Goodreads account and be sure to check out the first book. Release is schedule for sometime in December.

Praise for THE STAG LORD:

“A passionate story with a strong romance…Darby Kaye’s Tuatha Dé Danann shouldn’t be missed.” -- M.D. Waters, author of Archetype and Prototype

“A refreshing glimpse into the world of Celtic mythology and tradition…and give us heroes we want to root for—and reasons to keep turning the pages.”
            -- Walter H. Hunt, author of the Dark Wing Universe and Elements of Mind

“Delightful tale filled with action, mystery, and romance.” -- Rabid Reads

“…highly recommend for fans of urban fantasy who are looking for brilliant characters to fall head-over-heels for.” -- A Belle’s Tales

Darby Karchut is an award-winning author, dreamer, and compulsive dawn greeter. She's been known to run in blizzards and bike in lightning storms. When not dodging death by Colorado, Darby is busy writing urban fantasy for tweens, teens, and adults. Visit her at www.darbykarchut.com

The Burnt Bones Cover Reveal

Today I am helping to reveal the cover of the fourth novel in the Adventures of Finn MacCullen series by Darby Karchut!

Before revealing the intriguing cover, here is a little bit about the book (spoilers, obviously, if you haven't read the other books).

Just when Finn MacCullen thought fate couldn’t kick him any harder after the events of the Festival of the Hunt, it does. Now, he must overcome a series of nearly impossible trials to prove his worth as an apprentice, or lose his place at his master Gideon’s side.

But, Finn and Gideon, and their friends, are determined to boot fate right back. They’re going to do whatever it takes to succeed, including teaming up with a sorceress and a certain teen angel.

However, Finn’s life has as many twists as a Celtic knot, and master and apprentice find themselves in their ancestral homeland of Ireland with only their wits—and a fair bit of the Black Hand’s charm—to protect them from the vengeful Celtic goddess known as the Scáthach.

In this heart-stopping finale of the award-winning series, it’s going to take every scrap of Finn’s Irish luck and pluck to save himself, and his master, from death. Or worse.

This seems like a fun middle grade, especially if you have young readers!

And now here is the cover....

Be sure to add it on Goodreads, and check out the rest of the books in the series if you haven't already.

Darby Karchut is an award-winning author, dreamer, and compulsive dawn greeter. She's been known to run in blizzards and bike in lightning storms. When not dodging death by Colorado, Darby is busy writing urban fantasy for tweens, teens, and adults. Visit her at www.darbykarchut.com

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
Release Date - March 10, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping story about two sisters inexorably altered by a terrible accident.

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

Vanishing Girls is more than what you might expect at first glance. It is both a look at the bonds that tie sisters together and an exploration on how girls can disappear and the various ways they can vanish. A novel filled with secrets, half truths, and lies.

Fans of Lauren Oliver's prose will be delighted to hear that her writing is just as sharp and lyrical as ever. It's one of the stand out elements of this story and used effectively to create a strong tone and atmosphere. Her writing is what makes you want to continue turning the pages, as there is an effortlessness to the way she spins the story and captivates.

The novel weaves together various storylines involving different girls who have vanished. Some are mentioned in passing, others are centre stage with the spotlighting shining on them. The novel focuses more on the people left behind for the sake of the mystery. While this element works, and is intriguing, I felt it it made the story itself not as developed as it could have been. The various storylines do weave together wonderfully to create a cohesive story, even when they do not directly impact each other. They mystery itself, and it's outcome, are not new and this is a story that's been told before. Lauren Oliver adeptly puts her own spin on it, and even if you see all the twists coming, it's still an enjoyable journey to the finish line.

This novel works better in the character department, than in the other areas. They are well crafted and arresting. They immediately grab your attention. The bonds of friendship, romance, and family between them read as honest and true. It's the other side of the story that didn't quite work for me as well. The mystery, sadly, didn't quite come together for me. It's one that I am sure others will enjoy, but it did not pull me in, or mesmerize me the way I wanted it to. As a result, I found it didn't hold up as well when examined. I appreciated the way it was crafted and written however, which still allowed me to enjoy the story. A writer with less skill may not have pulled it off quite as well as Lauren does.

The aspect of the story that Lauren Oliver truly gets pitch perfect is the sisterly bond between Dara and Nick. Their relationship seemed effortless and nuanced. The bond between siblings is one that is an unusual mix. You torment each other mercilessly and yet you'd defend each other until the end. It's a mix of love, anger, support, competition, loyalty and trust. Lauren Oliver captures all of this in her characters. The minor (and sometimes major) flights, the complete and utter willingness to do anything to protect the other person, and the ache of becoming distant from them. This is a novel that isn't about the mystery or the sides stories. This is a novel about the bonds of sisterhood and in that aspect Lauren has succeeded.

This was a novel that delighted me in some aspects, and left me indifferent in others, but in the end was an enjoyable read. Those looking for Lauren Oliver's trademark writing, and compelling characters will certainly finish the novel satisfied. However, those looking for the other elements promised in the synopsis may not feel the same despite the creepy nature of the secrets that unravel. 

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

My mailbox was AMAZING this week. Amazing beyond words. We're talking freak out at the mailbox levels of awesome.

First up I received a copy of this lovely! It made me squeal at the mailbox because I've been looking forward to this since it was first announced.

Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett (goodreads)

This cover is even more stunning in person. I love the black ribbon inside it too. A huge thank you to Kim Liggett for the chance to read this.

The second was a huge package that honestly brightened my day.

First in the package was this very exciting book! As you can see I've already read it and loved it. Review will be posted release week along with other surprises.

Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

The package also included this amazing assortment of swag!

These bookmarks are amazing! The crown swag is also pretty amazing. I love the note card and note book!

Lastly, the package also included something that reflected my love of wine (Dawn also loves it, and we've bonded over our shared love).

These are cute little wine charms! The initials A and H and a little crown. I love them! A huge thank you to Dawn Ius for this! I loved all of it.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Extremely small Weekly Obsessions post this week.

BOOKS

Cover for Winter by Marissa Meyer (Goodreads)

I've been waiting for Winter since it was announced that it was Snow White inspired. I couldn't wait to see what the cover would look like and had a feeling that it was going to be my favourite out of all the novels. The cover is STUNNING! I love it (and it is my favourite). The brief tease that was in the Fairest novel has made me sure that Jacin and Winter are my favourite couple from this series. All signs to this also being my favourite book! Can it be November already?!

MOVIE/TV

Cinderella (live action movie)

A magical, delightful adaptation that is so very like the classic cartoon while making it all it's own. The visual elements were stunning and the casting was perfect. Lily James is goodness and light as Cinderella, and Richard Madden is entirely swoon worthy as Kit (aka Prince Charming). If you're a fan of Disney, or Cinderella in general, this is one you won't want to miss.

L.A. Crime (pilot) casting

Taissa Farmiga and Ed Westwick have both been cast in this intriguing sounding show. While it is only in pilot stages, I hope it'll get a series pick up. It's a crime show and the first season is supposed to revolve around the hunt for a couple who are Bonnie and Clyde-esque serial killers. While I am not sure who Taissa Farmiga will be playing, Ed Westwick is said to play the "Clyde" part of the Bonnie and Clyde inspired couple. I am excited to (hopefully) watch it this fall.

What are you obsessed with this week?

TV Talk With Kelly - Bates Motel Season 3, Episode 1

You may recall that Kelly and I 'recapped' Bates Motel season two on my blog. We loved doing it so much we are going to do it again for season three. You can expect these to be up on Fridays for the most part (unless we're delayed).

This isn't really a recap, more just our reactions as we watch the show. There is totally going to be SPOILERS so maybe don't read until you've watched the episode. If you haven't watched it our notes may not make a whole lot of sense anyway but still SPOILERS!

My notes are marked by this colour and Kelly's have her initials by them and are in blue.

Bates Motel - Season 3 - Episode 1 - A Death In The Family

Um...waking up in bed with your mom and snuggling at Norman’s age is….VERY AWKWARD.

KH: SO CREEPY. LIKE A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

Oh! Dylan just caught them and totally just turns and walks out. Haha. He’s basically like “I can’t even”.

KH: His reaction is priceless. Like, "Nope."

‘Don’t you think it’s weird?’ Oh, Dylan. Of course it is. Norma’s ‘It happens all the time’ is not helping their case to make it seem more normal. As Dylan says, Norman is 18 now.

KH: I know! Like, this is a thing we do! Oh, well, sure. Everyone snuggles with their parents. In bed. 

I do like that Dylan and Norma are talking though. It’s nice.

Awww. Poor Norma. Her mom just died. I don’t think we know much about her mom, right? I wonder what relationship they had. Norma isn’t interested in anything she is to get in the will, so I am guessing not good.

KH: clearly bad. Poor Norma; her life is so bad. 

Norman really doesn’t want to go to school. Killing your teacher might have that impact on you.

KH: He wants nothing to do with any of it. 

‘Oh, by the way, my mother died’. This family. I swear.

OMG MY GOD. I am laughing so hard right now. Norma legit just pulled him out of the car. Like he is a child instead of 18 years old. 

KH: That should totally help his popularity at school...

So Norman is having hallucinations of Miss Watson now? A little PTSD, perhaps? That seems like the wrong word, but close to it, I guess.

KH: ...or that'll do it. 

My question after this scene...why is she not getting him help? Why is Norman not in therapy?! He clearly needs it. 

kH: I know! We are running out of time to save Norman. 

Oh, so a new hot woman is checking in. Norman seems very eager to help. Very eager. Norma is like “Um, no”.

KH: oh, he's totally going to kill her, right?

So Dylan does not want to be boss anymore? He and Romero are still ‘working’ together. Awww, all Dylan wants is a small pot growing business to help people with medical issues, and a farm of his own.  I worry for Dylan all the time because he’s not in the movie, AND he puts himself in danger.

KH: such small dreams. Oh, Dylan. 

KH: I love how Norman's all, I WILL FIX YOUR LIGHT.

‘You and your mom seem kind of close” Hahaha. Lady, you have no idea. Norman, your dad didn’t just die. You killed him.

kH: hello, dramatic irony. 

Norman tends to over share, non? So this girl is a call girl of some sort, obviously. 

KH: yeah. I love how flustered Norman gets and how...courtly, I guess. But yeah, sure now he'll kill her. 

*side note unrelated to anything - Dylan is hot*

Oh, this douche again. I won’t be sad if Dylan shoots him. I am glad Dylan is telling him to leave. I don’t trust this guy, at all.

KH: I wish Dylan had just shot him. 

So Norma’s answer is to home school Norman? THAT is her plan? THAT is how she deals with Norman’s issues. *sigh* I know that this stuff has to happen for us to get to Psycho, BUT why, Norma? Oh, and he gets to be hotel manager. One step closer…..

kH: worst idea EVER. 

Um...AWKWARD. This entire thing. She kicks him out of the bed (‘in my bed’...’on my bed’). They are really upping the awkward level between Norman and mother (which obviously HAS to happen, I get it). I love that we know what is going to happen, and yet still want it to be different.

KH: soooooo creepy. 

‘Nothing more important than making sure you get out of town’ You tell him, Dylan. GET.THE.HECK.OUT.

Um...Does this guy really think that Norma and he had special bond or connection? He is talking about how they didn’t have anyone but each other. You are her brother and she says you raped her. Dylan is your son because you raped her. She sees it very differently.

KH: preach. It was not an epic love story. He raped her. 

Romero doesn’t take kindly to be questioned and threatened.  He is kind of a bad ass. 

KH: I love him.

Another side note - I know that Norma has a boyfriend when Norman kills her right? Do we know the boyfriend’s name? I cannot remember and am too lazy to Google right now.

KH: we do not. 

Hi, Emma! YAY! I love her. She’s the best. 

KH: EMMA! 

Oh no. :( Emma! :(

KH: oh. :(

She really does look like Rachel Leigh Cook. 

KH: she really does.

‘You were the only reason I liked school anyways’ Sigh, Norman. I wish you were not creepy so I could ship you with Emma. Did he just ask her out?! OMG! HE DID! It’s really too bad I can’t ship this.

KH: I do. I think is evidence of a fundamental flaw in me. 

Another nice Norma and Dylan scene. Their relationship really has evolved from season one, huh

KH: so much! 

KH: oh, Norma. Norma and her mom's ribbon. 

Norman being creepy. I am willing to be money this lady winds up dead. Loving the little nods to Psycho with her being in the shower though. *shivers* 

NORMA JUST CAUGHT HIM! Now I am laughing because of her reaction. I know I shouldn’t laugh. She’s all “IT’S NOT NORMAL”. You don’t say, Norma. What gave you the first clue?

KH: creepy but no less normal than sleeping with your mom. 

I love that this show can make me shiver, laugh, and my heart ache in rapid succession. I feel bad for Norma now. Her mom died and it’s finally hitting her. And it immediately goes back to being awkward. Did he just call her silly woman?! Haha.

KH: I think we discussed this but I think this show is so much better than it has any right to be. 

So Caleb is going to hang around? Ugh.

KH: I hope Norman kills him, too.

Aww. Norma and Emma are going to home school together and date and be cute (minus creepy Norman being creepy). Oh, Emma. Norman and Bradley never dated. 

Oh, room 7 needs a thermostat, does it Norman? How convenient. He is jumping at the chance to be alone with this woman and Emma is RIGHT there. He seems very interested in her job, too.

KH: right? Is that what the kids call it?

Okay, so Norman drove this woman somewhere and came back with her car by himself? Do we want to place bets on her being dead and her body appearing soon? The question is - did Norman do it? Or are we just supposed to think he did? *need the second episode now*