Review: Nowhere but Here by Renée Carlino

3 stars for Nowhere but Here by Renée Carlino.

Nowhere but Here is a story about two lost and lonely souls who connect and find solace in each other's company.

26-year old Kate Corbin is a journalist at Chicago Crier, a Chicago newspaper and blog. One day, she is given an assignment by her editor, Jerry to conduct an exclusive interview with the well-known tech savvy prodigy Ryan Lawson aka R.J., a 30-year old bachelor who has all but disappeared from the limelight after selling off his share of the technology company he has cofounded years ago. He gains public interest once again when the winery he now owns in Napa Valley starts winning awards.

As far as Kate's her interview with R.J. goes, nothing seems out of the ordinary, but the trip to Napa Valley is truly a game-changer event for Kate's life is never the same thereafter.

The story flows well and the writing is polished. Though the plot is surprisingly predictable, the author compensates by matching it up with poignant memories from Kate on her past and her take on life such as being alone and not feeling lonely versus feeling lonely even when she is not alone.

I will say that all is quite well except where the hero is concerned. The male lead, Jamie is a character with too charming a personality to be true. Call me jaded or blasé, the too-good-to-be-true kind of Mr Nice Guy portrayed in Jamie is practically non-existent. As such, the story takes on a surreal quality with his appearance. Also, the way he worships Kate within a day or two of meeting her makes him shallow as if physical attraction is all that matters. On top of these, I find it hard to appreciate the scene where Kate plays hide-the-salami with Jamie barely four days into their acquaintance. It makes for a superficial union even though Kate keeps stressing that she is not out looking to have a fling.

Frankly, when I make the decision to read this book, I am looking very much forward to be filled with awe by both the writing and storyline. As it turns out, I am awed but sadly on the opposite end of the spectrum. For the most part, Nowhere but Here is nowhere as beautiful a story and intense as the author's debut novel Sweet Thing.

Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: 5 May 2014

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A Chicago reporter in her mid-twenties unexpectedly finds love in Napa Valley when she’s assigned to spend a week with a famously reclusive genius.

Kate Corbin has lost her spark. From the outside, her life seems charmed. She has a handsome, long-term boyfriend and a budding journalism career at a popular Chicago newspaper. But in reality, her relationship is going nowhere, and she’s quickly losing motivation for what she once believed was her dream job. When her boyfriend dumps her unceremoniously, Kate loses all hope of finding love.

With no living family and few friends, Kate confides in her boss. Trusting that the hungry, ace reporter is buried somewhere deep inside, he gives Kate the opportunity to jumpstart her career. The assignment: to interview the famously reclusive R.J. Lawson, a wealthy tech genius who disappeared years ago but recently reemerged as a Napa Valley vintner. The week takes an unexpected turn, however, when Lawson refuses to divulge any information. Desperate for a lead, Kate turns to Jamie, a vineyard hand who shows her the romance of wine country—and stirs her aching heart. But his connection to Lawson is ambiguous, and when Jamie disappears before the end of the week, Kate is left to investigate another story: the truth behind the man who stole her heart.

*Blurb from author's website*

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