nowhere but here | blackplume

“Sometimes people create a world that gives them power. Sometimes people create a world to find friends with similar interest. To me, motorcycle clubs are a rougher man’s sci-fi convention.”

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.

Book Links: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Goodreads | National Book Store

Personal Thoughts:

When I pick up Nowhere But Here, I wasn’t aware that the story is centered in a motorcycle club. I just know that I have to read it because it was written by Katie McGarry whose previous works I enjoyed reading. Normally, this type of story won’t piqued my interest but if anyone can pull this kind of story, I know it is Katie. I saw it happen in Crash into You and in here she did it again.

“The only way to break free is to understand the past so you don’t continue to follow in their footsteps.”

One of the things that I like about Katie McGarry is the way she weaved her characters. Most of her characters (if not all) that I’ve encountered are well-fleshed out, memorable, and root-able. Even her side characters and bad guys are worth reading. They are all well written – portrayed with depth, emotions, realistic background and compelling story. Emily and Oz are no exception. Like with other Katie’s characters these latest addition to Katie’s contemporary worlds are both well written.

Emily though not easily like-able character is strong and brave. Her journey to self-discovery is an emotional road that readers will surely walk as they read Emily’s story. Oz is the caring guy. I like that he isn’t ashamed to show his soft side. He owned it and so proud of it.

Emily’s biological father surprise me. For someone who is basically leading the tough guys of bikers Eli has a soft heart, especially when it comes to his daughter Emily. All the things he did for Emily will surely melts tough hearts.

Another interesting character is Emily’s grandmother, Olivia. She’s feisty and strong in-spite of her health condition. I love how she value her family.

Isaiah’s dad, James was mentioned too in the story too. When the word “James” first pop up as the name of stuffed toy elephant it automatically remind me of Isaiah’s dad, so when the connection between Emily’s dad and James was revealed it is a much welcome connection.

“Our fears are what stifle us and we’re only scared of what we don’t understand.”

The depiction of motorcycle club in the story is both educational and believable. Katie McGarry seems did a very good job with her research, showing us the in and outs of the bikers’ subculture. It’s like she’s been part of them – people who lives and breath motorcycles and speeds, and who value integrity and family among others.

“Because I’m a part of a family and I’ve been entrusted with a secret that I swore I wouldn’t tell. You accuse me of having no integrity, but integrity doesn’t mean breaking promise. It means keeping it.”

Katie McGarry once again deliver a well written novel. Having read all books from her Pushing the Limits series and her novellas, I feel like this is a natural progression for Katie. Her style though not so much different from her previous books shows level of growth. It’s simple and precise but capable of tugging readers emotions. She really knows how to create drama and throw romance that will make readers feel. In here, she tied up the mystery, romance and family drama into one huge compelling story. There are lots of things that is happening but never feel too much to read. Instead I feel like the more I read the more I want to know more what will happen. I’m literally on the edge of my seat. And the best part, I was surprised with some of the revelations in the story. I really like how Katie plot Nowhere But Here.

With its fast and interesting plot lines, engaging and easily like-able characters, and well research story line Nowhere But Here is another must read novel from Katie McGarry. She is really a talented writer who never fail to deliver memorable, entertaining and riveting stories.

— * This review is based on an eBook I received courtesy of the publisher, Harlequin (UK) Limited via NetGalley.