Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry Series: Thunder Road #1
Genres: Death & Dying, General, Love & Romance, Motorcycles, Social Issues, Transportation, Young Adult
Published by Harlequin Publication Date: June 1st 2015
Pages: 304
Also in this series: Walk the Edge
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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 into 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.
Katie McGarry is one of the best YA writers out there. I have adored all of her books especially Pushing the Limits. Every time I pick up a new book by her, I worry that I will be disappointed. When I saw this new series involved a motorcycle club, I knew I had to read it. I am a big fan of MC books including the ones that show graphic and violent acts. I couldn’t wait to see how Katie spinned a MC book from a teenager/young adult point of view.
After a few pages, I was hooked. Couldn’t put it down. Couldn’t wait to get more of all the characters in this book. This book shows how even though you think you are making a good decision in regards to your family sometimes it isn’t the best decision for everyone involve and you have to live with the consequences. Work it out. No matter how painful. I felt a little like this was West Side Story mixed with a toned down version of Sons of Anarchy.
Emily is a sheltered, sweet, 17 year old who has a simple life with great parents. The only hitch is that she has an adopted father and a biological father Eli that she knows nothing about but has seen on a rare occasion. She knows he is in a Reign of Terror but very little else. Her mother told her that Eli left them when he found out she was pregnant. Unfortunately, that isn’t the truth. Her biological grandmother’s funeral ends up turning everything Emily knows on its head.
While in Kentucky (her mom and Eli’s home town), Emily is put into danger by a rival MC and Eli asks 18 year old Oz to watch after her. Oz is everything that Emily shouldn’t be attracted to but she can’t help herself. As they spend more time together, she learns that all her initial thoughts on Oz, Eli and MCs may not be accurate and she opens up to the idea of loving a family she never knew she had. And the secrets that her parents have been keeping are unraveling all around her.
This is a clean MC book. The club does not engage in criminal activity but is a brotherhood and family. They are about respect and integrity. All things that Oz has wanted his entire life. His father is in the club. Eli and his family are not just families but his family as well. He knows stepping over the line with Emily could cost him everything. Can he stay away?
This book is written in dual POV and I loved bouncing between Emily and Oz. They brought out the best in each other. Scenes were full of romance and sassy, bickering banter. They both know they are a ticking time bomb. The question is when will the bomb be lit and go off. It was fun to read it as it unfolded. This is an innocent, passionate love story and sometimes it is nice to step away from adult contemporary romances and enjoy young adult.
This book is almost 500 pages and it was so well written that it didn’t feel long or drawn out. I was swept up in this story and I loved the secondary characters as much as Emily and Oz. I can’t wait for the rest of the series because their is so much story left to tell. The climax of Emily and Oz’s story was just right. It took my breath and had me turning the pages faster and faster. I reached the end and was sad. I wanted another book. I even wanted a cliff hanger so that we could come back to Emily and Oz. This was a fantastic read. Can’t wait for more.
