Mundie Moms

Friday, June 19, 2015

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry | Book Review



By: Katie McGarry
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Released On: 5/26/15
Series: Thunder Road
Source: arc/book from publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound


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. 


A riveting, gritty story about love, finding yourself, and looking past the surface appearances. Katie McGarry has once again created a story with characters whom you can't help but like, despite them getting under your skin at one time or another. 

Katie McGarry is no stranger to writing gritty, realistic teen fiction. I loved her Pushing the Limits series, and I have to say, while that's still my favorite series, this is definitely a book that holds it's own. Nowhere But Here is another example of the talent McGarry has when it comes to bringing characters together whom you'd least except to see together. Oz and Emily are a couple you wouldn't except to see together, but these two are a match made in Katie McGarry YA heaven. McGarry does such a great job at setting their stories up, and weaving them together in such away that had me frustrated, laughing, pulled at my heart strings, and had me hoping that things would work out between them. Let's just say, Oz will be making a few favorite 2015 book boyfriend lists.

McGarry knows how to hook her readers with her head strong characters, sizzling character chemistry, and all the in between. There's all that and more with Oz and Emily. Trust me, with the Reign of Terror motorcycle club involved, there is a lot of in-between. When it comes to Oz, and Emily, these two were raised on opposite sides of the track so to speak, but these two have far more in common than you'd think. I loved how McGarry allowed me to see their true love for each other. This is one of those love stories I can see happening in real life. It's a once you know, you know, with these two. Trust me, there's a lot going against them, but it only makes them stronger in what they over come. I loved what they offer each other as the story goes on. 

In getting to know Oz and Emily individually, as well reading about them together, McGarry allows her readers to get to know all the other characters who make up this story. Her characters are so vividly written, they just come alive on the pages, and feel like they're more than just characters I'm reading about on a printed page. Can I just say, my favorite secondary character, well really she's the heart of the story, was on my favorite character to get to know. You'll know why when you read this story. I loved that even though some of the characters are seen as a little (or a lot) rough around the edges, there's a lot more to them than their looks. There's a lot of heart, loyalty, and family ties that make up the heart of this story. The storyline is crafted so tightly, and realistically. Not that I know how the inner workings of a motorcycle club work, but I definitely felt like I got how it works, at least with the Reign of Terror club. I'm looking forward to reading more about each of the characters, and getting to know them as their own stories continue with the rest of The Thunder Road series. 

True to McGarry's writing style, she once again writes a book that is about love, and all the different forms it comes in. Which is much like real life. Love isn't always so cut and dry, nor is it always easy. Sometimes you have to fight for it, and sacrifice a lot for it, which many of the characters in this story are familiar with. At the heart of this story is a love story that goes beyond just Oz and Emily. The love in Nowhere But Here isn't just about romance (trust me, you'll be swooning or fanning yourself a few times while reading this book), it's about making choices, always having each other's backs, and sometimes it involves betrayal. The family dynamic is this story is heartbreaking, and enduring. I loved all the elements that make up Oz and Emily's families. You can read more about the book's love story via my Nowhere But Here blog tour post from Katie McGarry, here 

Now, there were a few of the things I did have some issues with. However, they were things that had they been left out of the story or written any differently, most likely wouldn't have made the story's setting feel as realistic as it did. You can't have a gritty, realistic story, and leave specific characteristics to the setting, and the life style of the characters out, and make readers feel it's believable. I get that, but I still wasn't a fan of those certain things. Having said that, I also have to say, that one of the things I loved about this book was something that was absent from this book, and for a reason. I'm remaining vague on this, so it doesn't spoil anything. When you read this book you'll know what I'm talking about. I loved Emily for being that girl, and I loved Oz for respecting her for it.  

I think Oz may be my favorite Katie McGarry guy to date! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, which is Razor's story. 

*There is a lot of swearing (a lot of the f-word), sensual scenes, and some violence.

4 stars - I Enjoyed It

Shadowhunters TV Series: Episode 2 Wraps Up & Pictures From The Set



Happy Friday Shadowhunters! Check out some of the most recent tweets, and pictures from the Shadowhunters TV set, which just finished wrapping up episode 2! 








We got our first look at Pangborn! Actor Curtis Morgan is ready for action. This picture was taken from the set yesterday (via Rian (@RIMAC7 on Instagram)), with the caption, "Shooting with the always well dressed @curmor last night. You might not want to mess with Curtis Morgan...aka #pangborn! #shadowhunterstv #tmi #shadowhunteractor #valentinesoilder #goofingaroundonset"


Waterstones Shares a New Lady Midnight Synopsis With Their Pre-order Page



Cassandra Clare fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Lady Midnight, which will be out March of 2016. Waterstones shared a new synopsis for Lady Midnight, with their pre-order page which is now up on their site. Check it out the interesting synopsis below:


Glitz, glamours and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare's Dark Artifices series, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. It's been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses. Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across LA, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn't lead her in treacherous directions...Making things even more complicated, Julian's brother Mark - who was captured by the faeries five years ago - has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind and they need the Shadowhunters' help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn't recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 9781471116612
You can pre-order the book from Waterstones here. Please note this store is located in the UK, and the price listed there doesn't reflect the US cost. I'm not sure what the price difference will be if you live states side or else where in the world. 

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