What do you think?
Rate this book
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?: A Novel
Daniel and Casey were an unlikely couple back in high school when they came together to write music for a school event. Struggling against their differences, they dated during college, but their relationship never seemed quite right. Yet despite their personal conflict, as songwriters they had undeniable chemistry—and several hit songs. Eventually they went their own ways, both trying to make it in the music world and find true love.
Years later, both Daniel and Casey are at rock bottom, still trying to find success. But when they connect again as old friends, they realize that what they needed was right in front of them all along: each other.
From Thompson Square, a married twosome who knows a little something about what it’s like to overcome years of struggle in the music business and find love, Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? is a charming and humorous love story about coming of age, knowing where you belong, and finding the perfect person to share life with.
Years later, both Daniel and Casey are at rock bottom, still trying to find success. But when they connect again as old friends, they realize that what they needed was right in front of them all along: each other.
From Thompson Square, a married twosome who knows a little something about what it’s like to overcome years of struggle in the music business and find love, Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? is a charming and humorous love story about coming of age, knowing where you belong, and finding the perfect person to share life with.
- GenresChristian FictionRomance
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 30, 2013
There comes a point when everybody has to grow up and realize the dream isn't going to happen. When the silence and the dim light of the room aren't just a snapshot of your evening, but of your life. When the music doesn't matter anymore and the words are no longer there. When you realize the world isn't listening and maybe never listened to begin with.
Daniel and Casey met in high school. With a bumping start, they got together for a math assignment, that combined their true passion, Casey for writing and Daniel for music. So they become friends and later an unlikely couple. When they're together, magic happens, words and melody flew between them, and songs are written.
And well, the story goes between present and past...showing us how their relationship grew and how their choices molded their present.
Because personal conflicts, their differences or even what both wish for their lives, they can't deny what they have when they're together...
Even if life was constantly kept them apart and breaking them down, they only need each other.
So this story have 2 elements that i LOVE :
1) a couple that even if they aren't together through the years, you know they're perfect for each other and meant to be. And you're rooting for them all the way!
2) MUSIC!!! The music is one of the main character in the book, we feel Daniel's love for music and how it's so intrinsically together with their story...
We get in this journey with this two, feel all the angst, the love, the hope...and smiling through it all.
"I want to stand for something in a world where 'something' means very little. I want to find love that resembles the songs and poems written about it. I want to wake up and wonder what I'm going to do and now how I'm going to help some machine become bigger. I want my words to count and mean something. I want to tell some beautiful stories."
***ARC kindly provided via netgalley in exchange of a honest review****
February 3, 2016
"It's music, the thing that drives this world and makes soulless people like you even try to feel. It's the backdrop of our lives and the soundtrack of our hearts."
I really enjoyed this book! I found it to be genuine and relevant and inspiring.
"The first album is one of those Adele wannabes who have suddenly sprouted up on the scene. I'm suspicious and skeptical, but then it only takes two songs until I'm sold. You can't overproduce passion and you can't fake something from the soul. This young lady is heartbroken and singing from a place very few of us can get to in life.
It gives me goose bumps."
The craziest and most amazing thing about it is the way that pretty much every sentence - every line and thought - would make an incredible lyric for a song...
"A song is just another way to speak the truth. Lyrics are just another form of therapy."
Every chapter in the Past was entitled with a song title... I love that! I also love that the Present chapters were not entitled that way...
"That's the beauty of music.
The stories of every pop or country song ever sung are potential and promise. The potential of finding that special someone. The promise that tomorrow will no longer be as lonely as today. The songs lift you up and make you brave as you go out into the dark night in search of love and belonging. Then the songs comfort you as you come back home alone and tired.
I want to believe in a simple melody complex enough to move the masses. I want to strive for a simple chorus memorable enough to be sung in the stadiums. A love song that makes up for those long nights and those lost days. A lovely song filling in the grays with blues and making the melancholy go away."
I'll admit it... I didn't like Casey, and I'm not sorry either, but I guess she finally figured it out...
"Just like that, she wasn't hiding anymore. She was in the middle of the field. She had the ball again and she was starting to move toward the goal line.
But what's a touchdown look like?
Casey didn't want to answer that, not yet. She simply wanted an easy and carefree first down. That would be it.
The men in her life would've been so proud of her for thinking in football-talk."
I'm now completely inspired to write a song, and even somewhat confident that I actually could!
I really enjoyed this book! I found it to be genuine and relevant and inspiring.
"The first album is one of those Adele wannabes who have suddenly sprouted up on the scene. I'm suspicious and skeptical, but then it only takes two songs until I'm sold. You can't overproduce passion and you can't fake something from the soul. This young lady is heartbroken and singing from a place very few of us can get to in life.
It gives me goose bumps."
The craziest and most amazing thing about it is the way that pretty much every sentence - every line and thought - would make an incredible lyric for a song...
"A song is just another way to speak the truth. Lyrics are just another form of therapy."
Every chapter in the Past was entitled with a song title... I love that! I also love that the Present chapters were not entitled that way...
"That's the beauty of music.
The stories of every pop or country song ever sung are potential and promise. The potential of finding that special someone. The promise that tomorrow will no longer be as lonely as today. The songs lift you up and make you brave as you go out into the dark night in search of love and belonging. Then the songs comfort you as you come back home alone and tired.
I want to believe in a simple melody complex enough to move the masses. I want to strive for a simple chorus memorable enough to be sung in the stadiums. A love song that makes up for those long nights and those lost days. A lovely song filling in the grays with blues and making the melancholy go away."
I'll admit it... I didn't like Casey, and I'm not sorry either, but I guess she finally figured it out...
"Just like that, she wasn't hiding anymore. She was in the middle of the field. She had the ball again and she was starting to move toward the goal line.
But what's a touchdown look like?
Casey didn't want to answer that, not yet. She simply wanted an easy and carefree first down. That would be it.
The men in her life would've been so proud of her for thinking in football-talk."
I'm now completely inspired to write a song, and even somewhat confident that I actually could!
May 25, 2016
This book is about two high school sweethearts who fall apart and go different ways. Casey goes off and gets married which ends up failing on her. Daniel on the other hand never gave up on Casey and his dream of being a musician even when it kept failing him. After being fired from his job at Dandee Donuts Daniel gets back in touch with Casey and they end up getting back together. This story is amazing and I highly suggest it to all country fans and romance fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2013
I know the story is based upon the hit song by Thompson Square, but the name that got to me to pick up this book is Travis Thrasher. Regardless of genre -- and Thrasher has written in several, including suspense, romance, and drama -- I know I'm going to enjoy the story when his name is on the cover.
The story isn't really anything new: Boy notices girl, girl ignores boy, boy and girl realize they have something in common and become friends, they separate and live different lives, but in the end they get back together. It's in the details that the story becomes something special, and that's where Travis Thrasher excels. His ability to strike a chord within the reader is evident through insight and humor, as is evidenced in the following passages from the book:
"Thirty-five years old and so incomplete, like a record collection missing all the B's, like the Beatles and the Bee Gees and the Beach Boys.
"What a travesty that would B." (page 176)
------------------------------------------------------
and this conversation between Daniel and Casey:
Daniel starts the conversation, "You love me for the dreams in my heart."
"I love you for having dreams to begin with."
"I thought it was for my rock-hard abs."
"Well, yes, I love your sense of humor, too," Casey said. (page 151)
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? is a fun summer read with likeable characters, humor, heartbreak, and joy. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The story isn't really anything new: Boy notices girl, girl ignores boy, boy and girl realize they have something in common and become friends, they separate and live different lives, but in the end they get back together. It's in the details that the story becomes something special, and that's where Travis Thrasher excels. His ability to strike a chord within the reader is evident through insight and humor, as is evidenced in the following passages from the book:
"Thirty-five years old and so incomplete, like a record collection missing all the B's, like the Beatles and the Bee Gees and the Beach Boys.
"What a travesty that would B." (page 176)
------------------------------------------------------
and this conversation between Daniel and Casey:
Daniel starts the conversation, "You love me for the dreams in my heart."
"I love you for having dreams to begin with."
"I thought it was for my rock-hard abs."
"Well, yes, I love your sense of humor, too," Casey said. (page 151)
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? is a fun summer read with likeable characters, humor, heartbreak, and joy. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
April 26, 2013
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? By Thompson Square and Travis Thrasher
Let this be a lesson to all you song writers out there, if you can write a hit song does not necessarily mean that you can write a good book; case in point Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? by Thompson Square and Travis Thrasher. I love the Thompson Square song and thought that this book would be brilliant. I was so wrong. This book was all over the place past one minute present the next, I could not keep up with all the time changes. The editing was not good and the timing was just off. The plot has potential but seem to be stuck in the mud with the wheels turning and going no where.
This review is also posted at www.bsreviewers.blogspot.com
Let this be a lesson to all you song writers out there, if you can write a hit song does not necessarily mean that you can write a good book; case in point Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? by Thompson Square and Travis Thrasher. I love the Thompson Square song and thought that this book would be brilliant. I was so wrong. This book was all over the place past one minute present the next, I could not keep up with all the time changes. The editing was not good and the timing was just off. The plot has potential but seem to be stuck in the mud with the wheels turning and going no where.
This review is also posted at www.bsreviewers.blogspot.com
September 25, 2018
Despite a lot of the negative reviews I was reading, I actually liked this book! It's not a fast paced book but more of a slow and building love story. It's predictable, but in a feel good and pleasant sort of way. I also have a strong appreciate for what the authors did with the titles of each "chapter". And despite it being confusing at first, I did like the story jumping from past to present throughout.
The only thing I'm left wondering is how much of this story is truth and how much is made up? Is this really Thompson Square's journey?!
The only thing I'm left wondering is how much of this story is truth and how much is made up? Is this really Thompson Square's journey?!
June 18, 2018
The storyline in a nutshell: boy meets girl in high school, girl marries wrong guy (gets a divorce), boy and girl reconnect & marry.
The book had a lot of potential. I didn't care for the organization of the book -how the chapters alternated between past and present tense. Last but not least, the ending was predictable early on.
The book had a lot of potential. I didn't care for the organization of the book -how the chapters alternated between past and present tense. Last but not least, the ending was predictable early on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
I enjoy this book, but i also had problems with the book got to be my thoughts together for a full review on my blog
February 5, 2021
This book had my emotions all over the place. I loved it! I am curious as to how much of it is actually the story of Kiefer and Shawna.
June 18, 2013
Kat's Review
I want to start this review by pointing out the cover- it's beautiful. It reminds me of being a teenager and climbing out my bedroom window to the roof over the garage and hanging out with my next- door neighbour Andre, who would throw rocks at my window to get my attention. I'm a sucker for a good book cover, and this one drew me in. I'm also a music fanatic, and hung out with the kids in rock bands back in high school, so the synopsis also caught my attention. I went into this one with high expectations.
The book follows the story of Daniel and Casey, from when they meet in high school until their mid-thirties. The story jumps from past to present and everywhere in between, and from Casey's to Daniel's perspective. I didn't mind that too much, but if you like your stories linear, this one might drive you nuts. Daniel is the rocker musician, whose dream is to become a rock star, while Casey is a country girl at heart. When they are thrown together at school for an extra-curricular project, they write a song together, thus beginning the magic of their shared song writing.
There are a few things that I had a hard time overlooking in this book. Casey and Daniel are in high school in the mid-90's, but there are some cultural references that are a bit out of place. At one point there is a reference to one of their teachers writing lyrics to a Lady Gaga song, which doesn't make sense for the time period. Also, I found both characters to be likeable as teens, but much less likeable as adults. Certainly some of that is due to the hardships both face over the years, but some of it I can't account for. There are a lot of references to how old they are, and to be honest I almost felt as though they were characters in their mid to late forties in the present.
However, the storyline is a love story, and does portray some of the realistic aspects of becoming an adult. The difficulties Casey and Daniel faced while trying to maintain a long distance relationship in college, the realization that your life isn't working out the way you hoped it would, relationships that last longer than they should out of a sense of obligation- all these are problems faced by real people. I liked the music references, and rooted for Casey and Daniel to make it in the end.
Rating: Worth a Look
I think the book could have been stronger, or perhaps more tightly written and a bit shorter, but overall there is a good story here. It's a bit of a nostalgic trip through time if you were a high school student in the 90s. There are also several country music references that will be enjoyable to fans of the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley & the publisher in return for an honest review.
I want to start this review by pointing out the cover- it's beautiful. It reminds me of being a teenager and climbing out my bedroom window to the roof over the garage and hanging out with my next- door neighbour Andre, who would throw rocks at my window to get my attention. I'm a sucker for a good book cover, and this one drew me in. I'm also a music fanatic, and hung out with the kids in rock bands back in high school, so the synopsis also caught my attention. I went into this one with high expectations.
The book follows the story of Daniel and Casey, from when they meet in high school until their mid-thirties. The story jumps from past to present and everywhere in between, and from Casey's to Daniel's perspective. I didn't mind that too much, but if you like your stories linear, this one might drive you nuts. Daniel is the rocker musician, whose dream is to become a rock star, while Casey is a country girl at heart. When they are thrown together at school for an extra-curricular project, they write a song together, thus beginning the magic of their shared song writing.
There are a few things that I had a hard time overlooking in this book. Casey and Daniel are in high school in the mid-90's, but there are some cultural references that are a bit out of place. At one point there is a reference to one of their teachers writing lyrics to a Lady Gaga song, which doesn't make sense for the time period. Also, I found both characters to be likeable as teens, but much less likeable as adults. Certainly some of that is due to the hardships both face over the years, but some of it I can't account for. There are a lot of references to how old they are, and to be honest I almost felt as though they were characters in their mid to late forties in the present.
However, the storyline is a love story, and does portray some of the realistic aspects of becoming an adult. The difficulties Casey and Daniel faced while trying to maintain a long distance relationship in college, the realization that your life isn't working out the way you hoped it would, relationships that last longer than they should out of a sense of obligation- all these are problems faced by real people. I liked the music references, and rooted for Casey and Daniel to make it in the end.
Rating: Worth a Look
I think the book could have been stronger, or perhaps more tightly written and a bit shorter, but overall there is a good story here. It's a bit of a nostalgic trip through time if you were a high school student in the 90s. There are also several country music references that will be enjoyable to fans of the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley & the publisher in return for an honest review.
March 31, 2013
ARC was provided by Howard Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Hmm, I think this book had great promise but sputtered out due to lackluster execution. Casey and Daniel grew up in the same town but didn't become involved with each other until their senior year of high school. Due to distance and life's obstacles, the pair have never been able to pursue a stable consistent relationship. The one constant in their lives has been music. Daniel plays music and creates songs and Casey pens lyrics. During their tumultuous friendship/relationship, they've managed to write a few songs together. After becoming disillusioned with love in failed relationships, they realize that they belong together. In fact, they can't make music without each other. They are two wayward half notes trying to find their way back to each other.
Where to begin?! First and foremost: there is A LOT of typos and examples of poor editing. Distracted me from really connecting to the story. Also, with the bouncing back and forth between past and present, really have to pay attention to details. For example, in one of the flashback scenes taking place in 1995-1996, Casey and Daniel discuss how one of their teachers was “just doing [making up lyrics] to Lady Gaga.” Hmm, Lady Gaga was alive, let alone popular, in the mid-1990s? Wowzers. I could tell this book was written by rookies which really detracted from the reading experience.
The story seemed to be redundant and just….stuck. Over and over there are metaphors, lyrics and mentions of “when one has to realize that a dream isn’t going to happen.” I grew frustrated with Casey's inability to just follow her gut instincts and pick Daniel. She had a backbone in every aspect of her life except her relationships. That was perplexing. And I grew even more frustrated with Daniel's downward spiral into self-pity because of his failed high school love. It seemed like if he had devoted his complete attention and time to becoming an artist instead of wasting it on chasing Casey and wallowing, he might have had a shot.
Daniel and Casey seemed frozen in the maturation process after high school.
As a reader, I couldn't relate to the main characters and had to skip some sections to make it to the end of the book. The flashbacks were confusing and distracted from the flow of the book instead of enhancing the characters' relationship. I think with some reworking, more character development and the firm hand of an editor, this could be a decent read. As-is, this reads more as an extreme rough draft with a lot of potential.
Where to begin?! First and foremost: there is A LOT of typos and examples of poor editing. Distracted me from really connecting to the story. Also, with the bouncing back and forth between past and present, really have to pay attention to details. For example, in one of the flashback scenes taking place in 1995-1996, Casey and Daniel discuss how one of their teachers was “just doing [making up lyrics] to Lady Gaga.” Hmm, Lady Gaga was alive, let alone popular, in the mid-1990s? Wowzers. I could tell this book was written by rookies which really detracted from the reading experience.
The story seemed to be redundant and just….stuck. Over and over there are metaphors, lyrics and mentions of “when one has to realize that a dream isn’t going to happen.” I grew frustrated with Casey's inability to just follow her gut instincts and pick Daniel. She had a backbone in every aspect of her life except her relationships. That was perplexing. And I grew even more frustrated with Daniel's downward spiral into self-pity because of his failed high school love. It seemed like if he had devoted his complete attention and time to becoming an artist instead of wasting it on chasing Casey and wallowing, he might have had a shot.
Daniel and Casey seemed frozen in the maturation process after high school.
As a reader, I couldn't relate to the main characters and had to skip some sections to make it to the end of the book. The flashbacks were confusing and distracted from the flow of the book instead of enhancing the characters' relationship. I think with some reworking, more character development and the firm hand of an editor, this could be a decent read. As-is, this reads more as an extreme rough draft with a lot of potential.
April 7, 2013
As a country music fan, I was immediately intrigued by a novel based off of the hit song "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" Thompson Square and Travis Thrasher collaborate to bring the catchy hit song to life. The song "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" is catchy and uptempo, but the novel offers more depth and drama with the classic elements of a country song: love and heartbreak.
Daniel and Casey's love story takes a long and winding road to fruition. After their initial high school and college relationship, Daniel and Casey's path diverge but continue to intersect through music. Their bond is undeniable, but their choices pull them apart for years and lead them to heartache. Daniel's dependence on Casey becomes heartbreaking midway the novel. Present day finds him in his mid-thirties with mostly unfulfilled dreams; dreams that he doesn't believe he can achieve without Casey. It is sad to watch Daniel stall his life while Casey moves on, even though satisfaction remains elusive for her as well. At times, I had difficulty connecting to either character. The last few chapters switched to first-person perspective, which I enjoyed more than the third person. The plot relies heavily on the emotional journeys of Daniel and Casey. As a reader, emotions resonate with me more when told in first-person.
Thompson Square lends an authentic country and creative flair to the novel, with unique chapter titles and verses of original songs to begin certain chapters. I enjoyed the beginning and ending portions of "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" The novel comes full circle in a sweet closing scene, and wraps up nicely in the epilogue clearly inspired by verses of the song. The next time I hear "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" on the radio, I will listen to it with a backstory that makes it more than just a catchy tune.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Daniel and Casey's love story takes a long and winding road to fruition. After their initial high school and college relationship, Daniel and Casey's path diverge but continue to intersect through music. Their bond is undeniable, but their choices pull them apart for years and lead them to heartache. Daniel's dependence on Casey becomes heartbreaking midway the novel. Present day finds him in his mid-thirties with mostly unfulfilled dreams; dreams that he doesn't believe he can achieve without Casey. It is sad to watch Daniel stall his life while Casey moves on, even though satisfaction remains elusive for her as well. At times, I had difficulty connecting to either character. The last few chapters switched to first-person perspective, which I enjoyed more than the third person. The plot relies heavily on the emotional journeys of Daniel and Casey. As a reader, emotions resonate with me more when told in first-person.
Thompson Square lends an authentic country and creative flair to the novel, with unique chapter titles and verses of original songs to begin certain chapters. I enjoyed the beginning and ending portions of "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" The novel comes full circle in a sweet closing scene, and wraps up nicely in the epilogue clearly inspired by verses of the song. The next time I hear "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" on the radio, I will listen to it with a backstory that makes it more than just a catchy tune.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 19, 2013
In all of the time that I’ve been reading Travis Thrasher’s work, he’s always shown an exceptional insight when it comes to the human heart. We’ve all felt the whirlwind of emotions at some point or another in our lives. The talent that Travis has is that he can make other people feel it. Characters leap from the page and too soon we’re wondering if somewhere, somehow, we’ve actually met these people. The dialogue is witty and fun but not always perfect. (C’mon – you know you get tired of those novels where everyone always says the right thing all the time, right? It’s just not real life!) This makes it easier for me to follow and enjoy because I can cringe right along with the characters when they make their mistakes.
This book felt almost like a time traveling romance as we bounced back and forth within Casey and Daniel’s timeline. The way it was crafted there were moments we could see where they ended up but we needed to read further to find out how they got there. Or we experienced a mistake they made but didn’t realize the fallout from that mistake until chapters later. I found this to be a refreshing take on the story and made it much more fun than a typical chronological romance. I loved bouncing back and forth with the characters and wandering through their history helped made the ending much more satisfying.
Once again, another one out of the ballpark for Travis Thrasher. (Reminds me – have you read Home Run yet? You should!) I cannot wait to dive into his next venture either. Thank you, Travis, for providing hours of escapism in the form of beautiful storytelling.
This book felt almost like a time traveling romance as we bounced back and forth within Casey and Daniel’s timeline. The way it was crafted there were moments we could see where they ended up but we needed to read further to find out how they got there. Or we experienced a mistake they made but didn’t realize the fallout from that mistake until chapters later. I found this to be a refreshing take on the story and made it much more fun than a typical chronological romance. I loved bouncing back and forth with the characters and wandering through their history helped made the ending much more satisfying.
Once again, another one out of the ballpark for Travis Thrasher. (Reminds me – have you read Home Run yet? You should!) I cannot wait to dive into his next venture either. Thank you, Travis, for providing hours of escapism in the form of beautiful storytelling.
June 7, 2013
A tale of love lost and rekindled, based on the hit Country song of the same title.
When I found out that Travis Thrasher was working with Thompson Squaure to write Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? I just knew that I had to read it! Not only do I absolutely adore the song, but everything I have read by Mr. Thrasher has been amazing. So I had high expectations for this book, and it didn't let me down! I dove right into the story intrigued by the story and how the title would tie into the story. I loved the way that the story moved and shifted back and forth from the past to the present day, and from first person, to third person point of view. Usually both of those things drive me crazy, but with this story it worked, and I loved it.
I sped through this book, turning the pages steadily. I loved the way that Casey and Daniel connected and from the outside they were an unexpected couple, and how the book told their story through the years.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book from beginning to finish, it caught my attention from the very beginning. I definitely hope that Mr. Thrasher writes more books based on Country songs in the future!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I found out that Travis Thrasher was working with Thompson Squaure to write Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? I just knew that I had to read it! Not only do I absolutely adore the song, but everything I have read by Mr. Thrasher has been amazing. So I had high expectations for this book, and it didn't let me down! I dove right into the story intrigued by the story and how the title would tie into the story. I loved the way that the story moved and shifted back and forth from the past to the present day, and from first person, to third person point of view. Usually both of those things drive me crazy, but with this story it worked, and I loved it.
I sped through this book, turning the pages steadily. I loved the way that Casey and Daniel connected and from the outside they were an unexpected couple, and how the book told their story through the years.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book from beginning to finish, it caught my attention from the very beginning. I definitely hope that Mr. Thrasher writes more books based on Country songs in the future!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 1, 2013
Really 2 1/2 stars.
What I Liked . . .
Being a huge Country Music fan, and I know the song. Plus I enjoy Travis Thrasher's writing I was not going to let the change to read it slip by.
Danny is not doing well in Calculus, his father threatens to take away his guitar if he fails. So, to bring up his grade in Calculus he writes a song, the lyrics don't work, so his teacher suggests that Casey help him with the lyrics. And the budding romance begins . . .
Sadly, that is about where my enjoyment for this book ends.
What I Didn't Like . . .
Sadly I didn't enjoy this book at all which is hard for me to say. I don't like saying I didn't enjoy a book. This book was all over the place in timing, which was confusing, and there was a character Blake that there was no clarification as to who he was. He comes in at the beginning and shows up periodically throughout the book talking to Casey, I kept wanting to say "Who are you?"
Would I recommend this book . . .
That's a hard question to answer. I hate to say no on a book, but in this case, I am going to have to say No I can't recommend this book. Just because you are a great Country Music group doesn't mean you can write a book. Stick to singing guys!
What I Liked . . .
Being a huge Country Music fan, and I know the song. Plus I enjoy Travis Thrasher's writing I was not going to let the change to read it slip by.
Danny is not doing well in Calculus, his father threatens to take away his guitar if he fails. So, to bring up his grade in Calculus he writes a song, the lyrics don't work, so his teacher suggests that Casey help him with the lyrics. And the budding romance begins . . .
Sadly, that is about where my enjoyment for this book ends.
What I Didn't Like . . .
Sadly I didn't enjoy this book at all which is hard for me to say. I don't like saying I didn't enjoy a book. This book was all over the place in timing, which was confusing, and there was a character Blake that there was no clarification as to who he was. He comes in at the beginning and shows up periodically throughout the book talking to Casey, I kept wanting to say "Who are you?"
Would I recommend this book . . .
That's a hard question to answer. I hate to say no on a book, but in this case, I am going to have to say No I can't recommend this book. Just because you are a great Country Music group doesn't mean you can write a book. Stick to singing guys!
June 30, 2013
Are You Gonna Kiss Me is the story of Casey and Daniel. It reminded me a little bit of the story called One Day. The one they made into a movie starring Anne Hathaway. One Day is a book I should love but honestly I don't. At all! It was a drawn out story and annoying told in alternate voices.
Are You Gonna Kiss Me is very similar except they meet in High School not college and it's set in the States not England. It's the story of how they write songs together' grow apart and (I am guessing) get back together in the end. I stopped reading at page 150, skimmed through another 13 pages before giving up. I thought the music aspect would make this story more enjoyable for me but it was just one more thing to slog through.
The constant back and forth, the numerous family members and friends, the many songs and artists listed caused the story to falter instead of flow. On top of that you have a heroine who seems weak and unsure of herself through half of the book, not someone I was rooting for or wanted to get to know.
Again I will say I did not finish reading this book and it could have gotten a lot better. I am not wasting any more time reading stories I don't enjoy when there are so many books out there. But fans of One Day may enjoy it.
Are You Gonna Kiss Me is very similar except they meet in High School not college and it's set in the States not England. It's the story of how they write songs together' grow apart and (I am guessing) get back together in the end. I stopped reading at page 150, skimmed through another 13 pages before giving up. I thought the music aspect would make this story more enjoyable for me but it was just one more thing to slog through.
The constant back and forth, the numerous family members and friends, the many songs and artists listed caused the story to falter instead of flow. On top of that you have a heroine who seems weak and unsure of herself through half of the book, not someone I was rooting for or wanted to get to know.
Again I will say I did not finish reading this book and it could have gotten a lot better. I am not wasting any more time reading stories I don't enjoy when there are so many books out there. But fans of One Day may enjoy it.
July 24, 2013
Date: 6/1/13
Title: Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not
Author: Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher
ISBN 13: 978-1-4516-9845-9
Pages: 367
Publisher: Howard Books
Cover: Hardcover
Rating: 4 Stars
I really didn't think I'd like this book at first, but as I did, I began to enjoy it. The love story,
sometimes temulchous relationship between Casey and Daniel crosses several in between failed relationships as Casey struggles to find herself and what and who she wants in life. Daniel is a dreamer who wants to be musician is stuck in limbo trying to love Casey as she looks for love in all the wrong places, and trying to catch a break writing the next great rock hit.
More doubt comes when Daniel decides to ask another woman to marry him,not knowing that the marriage between his true love and her husband would be coming to an end. It seems that the stars just aren't aligned for Daniel and Casey.
I think this book is even safe your YA readers. It is clean and holds a message that as adults we try to do what we think is best. We will make mistakes regardless, we just need to hope and pray that we eventually get it, and before its too late.
Title: Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not
Author: Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher
ISBN 13: 978-1-4516-9845-9
Pages: 367
Publisher: Howard Books
Cover: Hardcover
Rating: 4 Stars
I really didn't think I'd like this book at first, but as I did, I began to enjoy it. The love story,
sometimes temulchous relationship between Casey and Daniel crosses several in between failed relationships as Casey struggles to find herself and what and who she wants in life. Daniel is a dreamer who wants to be musician is stuck in limbo trying to love Casey as she looks for love in all the wrong places, and trying to catch a break writing the next great rock hit.
More doubt comes when Daniel decides to ask another woman to marry him,not knowing that the marriage between his true love and her husband would be coming to an end. It seems that the stars just aren't aligned for Daniel and Casey.
I think this book is even safe your YA readers. It is clean and holds a message that as adults we try to do what we think is best. We will make mistakes regardless, we just need to hope and pray that we eventually get it, and before its too late.
July 24, 2013
Date: 6/1/13
Title: Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not
Author: Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher
ISBN 13: 978-1-4516-9845-9
Pages: 367
Publisher: Howard Books
Cover: Hardcover
Rating: 4 Stars
I really didn't think I'd like this book at first, but as I did, I began to enjoy it. The love story,
sometimes temulchous relationship between Casey and Daniel crosses several in between failed relationships as Casey struggles to find herself and what and who she wants in life. Daniel is a dreamer who wants to be musician is stuck in limbo trying to love Casey as she looks for love in all the wrong places, and trying to catch a break writing the next great rock hit.
More doubt comes when Daniel decides to ask another woman to marry him,not knowing that the marriage between his true love and her husband would be coming to an end. It seems that the stars just aren't aligned for Daniel and Casey.
I think this book is even safe your YA readers. It is clean and holds a message that as adults we try to do what we think is best. We will make mistakes regardless, we just need to hope and pray that we eventually get it, and before its too late.
Title: Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not
Author: Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher
ISBN 13: 978-1-4516-9845-9
Pages: 367
Publisher: Howard Books
Cover: Hardcover
Rating: 4 Stars
I really didn't think I'd like this book at first, but as I did, I began to enjoy it. The love story,
sometimes temulchous relationship between Casey and Daniel crosses several in between failed relationships as Casey struggles to find herself and what and who she wants in life. Daniel is a dreamer who wants to be musician is stuck in limbo trying to love Casey as she looks for love in all the wrong places, and trying to catch a break writing the next great rock hit.
More doubt comes when Daniel decides to ask another woman to marry him,not knowing that the marriage between his true love and her husband would be coming to an end. It seems that the stars just aren't aligned for Daniel and Casey.
I think this book is even safe your YA readers. It is clean and holds a message that as adults we try to do what we think is best. We will make mistakes regardless, we just need to hope and pray that we eventually get it, and before its too late.
June 21, 2013
What an adorable novel. I admit, I'm not a huge fan of this song but I'm a sucker for cute love stories so I decided to give this book a try. I'm glad I did. It's cute and predictable but it's still a good read. You're not quite sure how things are going to happen to get to the end product. Daniel and Casey are such a cute couple and I was cheering for them to get back together throughout the whole novel. It was fun to read about a relationship that felt true to life. I liked that when Casey was angry with Daniel, she stayed angry. She didn't just give in whenever he apologized to her for hurting her. And poor Daniel just couldn't seem to catch a break. His career was going south, he had a few failed relationships and his father's health is going downhill. Both of them are at rock bottom and they both want to reach other to each other and just don't know how.
This is a cute story of a couple so obviously meant to be together and the roads they have to take to get there in the end.
This is a cute story of a couple so obviously meant to be together and the roads they have to take to get there in the end.
May 20, 2013
Are you Gonna Kiss Me or Not by Thompson Square is an interesting read. I found the flash backs and changes in point of view a little confusing at first. After I became accustomed to the authors writing style the story was much easier to read. The entire time I read this book I could not get that particular song out of my head. I didn’t know many of the lyrics, so I ended up going to YouTube just so I could listen to it. Aside from my obsession with linking the song to the book, I found this story a very good read.
December 26, 2013
This is a romance story, but someone pressed the pause button.
People who like country music will probably like this novel. A few things made it less than perfect for me. There were some parts that were repetitive, I though. Also, there is little mention of God and going to church. There is lots of beer drinking and mentions of swearing. Granted, every novel doesn't have to be "Christian," but this novel is under the Christian imprint of Simon & Schuster so you would think there would be at least something Christian about it. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1ecerq5.
People who like country music will probably like this novel. A few things made it less than perfect for me. There were some parts that were repetitive, I though. Also, there is little mention of God and going to church. There is lots of beer drinking and mentions of swearing. Granted, every novel doesn't have to be "Christian," but this novel is under the Christian imprint of Simon & Schuster so you would think there would be at least something Christian about it. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1ecerq5.
October 3, 2013
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not is a sweet love story with a wonderful HEA.
Very little drama, definitely no angst, just two people fighting to be happy.
Warning: This book jumps from past day to present day with almost each chapter which is a little annoying to keep bouncing back and forth - but in the end I can see why it was written this way. Personally I prefer a smoother timeline, but this one worked.
Very little drama, definitely no angst, just two people fighting to be happy.
Warning: This book jumps from past day to present day with almost each chapter which is a little annoying to keep bouncing back and forth - but in the end I can see why it was written this way. Personally I prefer a smoother timeline, but this one worked.
June 4, 2013
When I saw that Travis Thrasher was involved with this book, I was excited to review it. I enjoy his books and really expected to like this one, however, I could not get into. I tried several times to pick this up and finish reading it and just could not connect with this story. It was all over the place for me as a reader, and went back and forth so much that I quickly lost interest. I was disappointed that this was not what I expected.
August 8, 2013
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? is a sweet story about the paths we take in life and the ones we don’t. About two people who meet time and again but the timing is wrong and they just can’t connect. Based on married music duo Thompson Square’s hit song, they’ve turned it into an interesting book, one full of angst and emotion and dreams and second chances. - Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...
January 14, 2016
This was a quick read and a sweet love story, which really turns out to be more than just a love story. The characters are very real and likeable. Their internal dialogue about how to deal with a life that didn't go as planned added depth I didn't expect when I initially started this book. I was pleasantly surprised by this little gem!
July 3, 2013
I'm not really sure what to think about this book. There is lots of potential and lots of emotion but it wasn't used to its advantage. Even though it was a book about an adult love story, it felt very prepubescent.
May 19, 2017
I do like the song, but I didn't care for the back and forth between present and past and the two main characters.
I decided I would rather just keep the song in my mind, and not this story behind it. Didn't finish
I decided I would rather just keep the song in my mind, and not this story behind it. Didn't finish
February 18, 2014
I feel awful reviewing this because the book really did have so much potential. It jumped way to much from distant past, to present, to not so distant past that it was too confusing to follow and 100% enjoy. I will say that the epilogue was cute though.
January 7, 2015
Amazing read! I purchased this book because I'm a huge fan of Thompson Square. The book is connected to their "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?" song, yet I feel that even a non-country music fan could enjoy this novel. Highly recommended!
May 9, 2016
I liked the way this book was structured with the view points of Daniel and Casey, as well as the contrast between the past and present. The only thing I wish was different was where the book leaves off, it left me wanting to know more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews