REVIEW: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry
Series: Thunder Road #1
Published by MIRA Ink on 26th May 2015
Pages: 400
Source: *Received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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.

Although I had to give this novel a break for a little while, I finally picked it back up and actually enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first. I really like this cover, especially the script; the colours are just beautiful.

Emily has never really known her biological father, except his visits once a year. All she knows is that he gave her up at a young age and belongs to a biker gang, the Reign of Terror. But when she has to attend her Grandmothers funeral, the last thing Emily expects is to become a target of their enemies; and spend the summer with her family that she never knew about.

The characters in this novel was what I struggled most with in the beginning, alongside the culture of the motorbike gang. Emily was an intriguing protagonist with the emotions she felt feeling very realistic, alongside some scenes being rather emotional; she really added emotion and an open perspective on the Reign of Terror. Oz was... tricky to connect with. He could be rather frustrating with his views and opinions, especially the clubs views on women which were infuriating. However, I think this is what made the personality and culture of the club feel that more real. The romance in this novel was slow and full of angst, however it added a danger and suspense to the plot.

The plot of this novel. I had to put it down half-way through for a month, and did not think I would pick it back up as it was very slow and just felt as though nothing was happening. However, once I picked it back up, I actually really enjoyed it. As most of you know, contemporary is not my favourite genre, however I keep trying, especially because I have heard so many brilliant things about McGarry's novels. The plot in the second half was dangerous, thrilling and yet emotional with some scenes being rather upsetting. It took a turn I did not expect and was pleasantly surprised by it. Not to mention the mystery surrounding Emily, it was very frustrating but intriguing and retained my interest throughout.

Therefore, I am rather intrigued to read the sequel to see where this series will go in Walk the Edge.