Monday, May 18, 2015

Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Title: Nowhere But Here
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Book One in the Thunder Road Series
Published By: Harlequin Teen (May 26, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 5 Stars!


Book Description:
An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both. 

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down. 

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.






After reading several of McGarry's book this spring I have come to the conclusion that McGarry can do no wrong.

Her books are full of characters that are easy to love, easy to care for, and more importantly, easy to relate to. While you might not be going through anything the characters are, you still can't help but feel for them, connect with them, and understand them. They have a way of burrowing deep underneath your skin and staying there. Always present in your thoughts and ones you won't soon forget.

She stole our hearts first with Noah and Echo and continued to do so over the course of her first series Pushing The Limits, and her new series, Thunder Road, is toeing the line of taking over and claiming our hearts, minds, and souls with Emily and Oz and the whole Reign of Terror family. 

Once again she created engaging characters with hearts of gold that are far from perfect but still very much human and real in every way imaginable. Good to the core and so endearing it is hard not to get caught up in their world. In their struggles, triumphs, heartaches, and heartfelt moments. 

A truly un-putdownable read that even at almost five hundred pages, wasn't nearly long enough. 

McGarry once again shows us that she knows how to write and write them well with memorable characters, a fast moving plot, and life lessons that affect us all, this was another wonderful read from tMcGarry and proves to me again, why this author needs to be on everyone's auto-buy list. 




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

51 comments:

  1. I'm glad she's starting a new series, I really want something new, but not too different, if that makes sense. I didn't know you were such a huge fan, Ali, but I'm glad. I've had my ups and downs with her book, but the quality is always great. I can't wait to read this. It's on my list for the weekend.

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    1. I haven't read them all but the ones I have, I have loved!

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  2. I do feel protective of her characters when I read her books. Crash Into You is still unread and rotting in my kindle. I just can't handle the angst anymore lol. How is it here?

    Looks like this is another winner

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    1. There is angst, all the way around from both sides but the club part of it was so fascinating that it more than made up for it.

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  3. I'm glad you loved this one! I loved it too. Of course, it's a McGarry book so I was pretty sure I would. She has a way of making me fall in love with her characters :D

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    1. She does have a way of making you love them doesn't she?

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  4. I still haven't read anything by McGarry but I do hear many good things. I like the sound of her characters. That's great this new series is off to a wonderful start for you!

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    1. She is a wonderful writer. I hope you are able to try something of her's sometimes and that you love it when you do. ::D

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  5. I wasn't much of a fan of McGarry, but for some odd reason, I'm excited to read this one. I'm glad you loved it, Ali!

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    1. I think the biker aspect is what makes it so much more fun that the other series.

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  6. I really enjoyed this book too, Ali, so I'm glad you loved it so much. I loved the relationships in the book and Oz! *SWOON*
    The only thing I personally thought needed to be worked out was the motorcycle club stuff. I got a little confused there towards the end. Still loved Oz and Emily together so much and McGarry's writing was stronger than ever!
    Great review! :)

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    1. Her writing definitely makes this series for sure.
      I do hope we get more of the bike stuff in the next read.

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  7. I completely agree Ali, Katie can do no wrong for me either. Her books always blow me away and I have no doubt this book will do the exact same thing. I've been delaying it simply because I'm so excited and I don't want it to be over! So glad you loved it:)

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    1. That is so funny Jenny because I find myself doing that with books too. :P

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  8. So glad you loved this. It is on my wishlist, but I am trying to get through other things right now. I do love her romance books though.

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  9. Oooh, your review has me itching to pick this book up -NOW! I'm still new to Katie McGarry, but you have me once again convinced I need to pick-up one of her books soon. Oz and Emily sound like a wonderful couple I need to meet!!
    Lovely review, Ali :)

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    1. Oh gosh, if you haven't tried her you so need to Kim, her writing is fabulous and all her characters are amazing.

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  10. I have yet to read McGarry but she sure seems well loved!

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    1. Oh I hope you try her some day, she does have a pretty big following!

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  11. I just read an interview with her on Supernatural Snark and I'm really curious. I haven't read her before, but I like the idea of a story in this setting. I love your review, too, but you already know that :P

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    1. Thanks Ramona, she is a great author! Hopefully you can try her sometime soon and like her just as much as I do. :D

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  12. I don't know why I haven't picked up this author since PTL. I keep meaning too, but it gets away from me. This new series sounds terrific.

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  13. Wow 5 stars Kindlemom. I love the selection Harlequin teen provides. Great review and I love the cover

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  14. Reading this now and absolutely loving it. Definitely a 5 star read. Great review.

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  15. I am a huge Katie McGarry fan but I was a little wary about this because I'm not a fan of motorcycle clubs - I ended up enjoying it though :-) I completely agree with you about her characters!

    A great review! Sharon - Obsession with Books

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    1. I'm really not either, or at least I wasn't until reading this. Now, well I still don't know for sure but I did love this so that's saying something at least. :D

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  16. Ali you're killing me ;)! What a fabulous review! More and more books I must add ;)

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  17. I need to try this author again! I started to read her other books after Pushing the Limits but it felt too heavy for my tastes. But this one sounds really enticing... plus if you couldn't put it down with its humongous 500 pages, that's saying something!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. It really was fabulous! Still heavy on the drama but also has a very different feel from her other series.

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  18. I need to read this book as soon as possibly! Being able to really connect to the characters and their imperfections -- goodness, I need this one. Hopefully its sheer size won't intimidate me, though. ;) Fantastic review!

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    1. You know it surprisingly went by really quickly!

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  19. I remember reading wonderful reviews about this author but I haven't tried a book by the author so I know I need to do that one day! Glad it's another win!

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    1. You definitely need to try this author Melliane, it not this then her Pushing the Limit series.

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  20. So you loved it, right? :P I did like it, but it was my least favorite of her books. I just want Abby's book already!

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    1. LOL! It's coming isn't it? I was thinking she was going to release it after this maybe? I know I saw something about it somewhere recently.
      Sorry this wasn't your favorite. In all fairness, I haven't read all the others so...you know. ;)

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  21. Yay! So happy to hear you loved this! I have my copy and I'm hoping to find time for it this weekend. I agree, Katie is totally an auto buy author. Great review!

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  22. I heard so much about this author. I might give this one a try. Great review, Kindlemom. :)

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  23. Such a glowing review!! I'm definitely looking forward to this one :D

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  24. I've heard so many great things about this book! Glad you liked it! :)

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  25. I introduced my students to her books and now I can't keep them on my shelves! They keep asking when this book comes out. So, yeah, definitely preordered it and I'm just as excited as they are!

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    1. I'm so happy to hear that! They are all going to love this one!

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  26. I still have yet to try this author. Glad you loved this! :D

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