By: Renee Carlino
Published: May 5, 2014 (eBOOK) & JULY 8, 2014 (Paperback)
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 320
Pages: 320
A jaded Chicago reporter in her twenties unexpectedly finds love in Napa Valley when she’s assigned to spend a week with a famously reclusive genius in this rich and deeply satisfying contemporary romance by the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing. Kate Corbin has lost her spark. A year ago, she had a handsome boyfriend and a budding career as a reporter at a popular Chicago newspaper. But after the woman who raised her passed away, leaving her lost and alone, she fell into a rut—and never got out. Now she’s stuck writing fluff pieces about lipstick and wine, and feeling trapped in a relationship that’s going nowhere. Trusting that the hungry, ace reporter is buried somewhere deep inside, Kate’s boss and mentor gives her the opportunity to jump-start her career. The assignment: spend a week interviewing R. J. Lawson, a famously reclusive tech genius who disappeared years ago but recently reemerged as the owner of a well-respected Napa Valley winery. Kate jumps at the chance, but the trip begins in disaster, both personally and professionally. After alienating R.J., her only saving grace is Jamie, a charming vineyard hand who shows her the beauty of wine country—and stirs her aching heart. It doesn’t take long for Kate and Jamie to fall hard, and for Kate to rethink her life in the city. But the week ends with a heartbreaking journey back to Chicago that sends Kate reeling, wondering what went wrong in those four perfect days.
My Thoughts:
Nowhere But Here, by Renee Carlino, is a beautiful and sensual romance. I have read Ms. Carlino's Sweet Thing Series, and fell head over heels in love with her writing style, and storytelling ability. When I heard about Nowhere But Here, I wanted to read it, because Ms. Carlino has a gift with words. She is an amazing author, and I want to read anything that she writes. I was very impressed by Nowhere But Here. It was a completely different and distinct work, but was just as amazing as her Sweet Thing Series.
Kate (Katy) is a newspaper reporter for the special interest section of the Chicago Crier, who has lost her spark. She lost her mother to Breast Cancer, when she was just eight years old. After her mother died, she went to live with Rose, her mother's best friend, who became like a second mother to her. Katy has now lost Rose (to an infection after a gallbladder surgery) the only family she has ever had, and is in a deep depression. She doesn't know who her father is, has no other family, and a shallow relationship based purely on sexual gratification with an apathetic boyfriend. Her only friends are her Editor, Jerry and coworker, Beth. Jerry decides to help Katy by giving her the opportunity to interview, R.J. Lawson, a successful and wealthy technological genius, and owner of a prestigious winery in the Napa Valley. Mr. Lawson is a recluse, and has finally agreed, after much persistence from Jerry, to be interviewed for the newspaper.
When Katy arrives at the Napa Valley Winery and Bed and Breakfast, her life takes a complete turn for the better. She meets R.J. Lawson, who is a complete disappointment. He hits on Katy repeatedly, and isn't cooperative. Lucky for Katy, she also meets Jamie, a ruggedly handsome, hardworking gentleman, who has a passion for the vineyard and life. Jamie is a jack of all trades, and does whatever is necessary to ensure the success of the winery. He has diabetes and has to consistently check his blood sugar levels and act accordingly. He gives Katy the adventure of her life when he wines and dines her, takes her sailing, and teaches her about the vineyard.
I adored Jamie. He was very down to earth, humble, and a true gentleman. The relationship that developed between Jamie and Katy was absolutely beautiful. It stared off with attraction, sexual chemistry, and friendship. Katy and Jamie got to know the essence of each other, and it was amazing to watch the transformation in Katy take place. She became happier, more free, fun, self-assured, and hopeful. I also loved the secondary characters in the story. Jerry was like a father figure for Katy, and he offered her great advice and support. I enjoyed Katy's friendships with Beth, and eventually with everyone that worked on the winery. We even get a few mentions about Will Ryan, Mia Kelly, and their little family, as well as a surprise visit! I was so excited to hear about and catch up with two of my favorite fictional characters. The plot of the story started off slowly, but then it picked up the pace in the middle, and flew at the end! Ms. Carlino really took the time necessary to develop the characters and plot. After reading, Nowhere But Here, I am sure that anything Ms. Carlino writes will be excellent in every way!
My Rating:
I give Nowhere But Here, by Renee Carlino, 4.5 Romantic, Genuine, Sexy, Hopeful, and "What Real Love Should Be Like, Filled Stars! Read this story for an unforgettable romance that will take you to the exquisite setting of the Napa Valley, and in to the arms of every woman's dream man!
My Favorite Quotes:
"I felt like we had grown together like a couple of trees planted too closely together, our branches mingling so that we didn't know whose limbs belonged to whom." (eARC, Loc. 2010)
~Katy
"I knew in five fu**ing minutes that I had to know you, that I needed you in my life. I've never felt that way about anyone, ever. Whatever happens will be up to you, but I'll be a different man if I can't have you. I will never breathe as deeply as I did when I was with you. I'll never see the range of color on a perfectly cloudless sky. I will never smell anything as sweet as you or hear a voice that fills my heart up as much as yours does." (eARC, Loc. 2714)
~Jamie
"I can't imagine that what I'm feeling for you isn't because of some kind of infinite power over our souls. You were the light coming toward me as I stood in the darkness." (eARC, Loc. 2750)
~Jamie
Purchase Links:
Order the paperback
Amazon | B&N | Books-a-million | IndieBound
Order the eBOOK
Amazon | B&N | Books-a-million
About Renee Carlino:
Renee Carlino lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog, June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. To learn more, visit ReneeCarlino.com.
I keep hearing so many good things about this book. I haven't read the author before but I love the idea of a sensual romance.
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