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I feel like I've been waiting for this book for so long! After finishing Leaving Amarillo, I was desperate to see how Dixie and Gavin's story would continue. My heart ached for both of them, as Dixie is heartbroken over Gavin's inability to commit to her and he is struggling because he doesn't want to hurt her. However, Gavin has secrets of the past and wants to try and get his life together before he feels he can truly let himself be with her.

 

As much as I was rooting for these two to get their HEA, it took me a bit to work past the anger and frustration I felt (mainly at Gavin). This book was more angst-filled than the others and it drove me a little nuts because I just wanted Gavin to stop with the act and open up to Dixie and be honest with her. She deserved that from him, especially after telling her to wait for him and giving her hope. Even after time apart and Dixie being hurt by Gavin not telling her he was back in town, they still have explosive chemistry together. They both can't deny they want the other, but Gavin still hasn't gotten his crap sorted and he knows he has to come clean to Dixie if he ever wants a shot. I was not a fan of his plan to intentionally hurt her because he feels he may never be good enough for her. Dixie has always been in his corner, ever since they were kids, so to see him treat her the way he did broke my heart for both of them. His past is an ugly one and I can't blame him for wanting to keep it from her. He has a lot of anger in him and music has always been an outlet for him. However, his friendship with Dixie and Dallas has also shaped a lot of who he is too. He is a good person and I love that his friends believed in him every step of the way.

 

One of the most surprising developments in this book was Liam. I absolutely loved the addition of this character and seeing him bond with both Dixie and Gavin floored me in the best way. I won't say much more, but he will definitely leave an impression on your heart.

 

Dixie and Gavin have not had an easy road together and it does take quite a bit of the book for them to finally get to a point where they are tackling things together. I was so happy then because I loved seeing them work as one and be able to support each other wholly.

 

Overall, I am happy with the way the story concluded, even though the emotional whiplash I felt between the two of them really messed with me. (I'm not typically an angry reader, but the back and forth just put me over the top.) This is a very raw, intense story and while parts of it are not easy to read, it is a love story through and through and we see firsthand just how messy love can be... but also how worth it.