Review: Big and Passionate
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 22, 2014
Renee Carlino's Sweet Thing was a wonderful surprise for me in 2013. That sweeping story of a young woman finding her way and the man who waited for her all along is a story I will never forget. When I learned Carlino was set to release a new novel, my choice to take another journey with her characters was an absolute no-brainer. Spoiler alert: I really enjoyed Nowhere But Here.Kate Corbin is in a rut. She's stuck in place with a job she no longer finds inspiring, a boyfriend who's barely significant, she's lost since the passing of the woman who helped raise her after her mother's death. Kate feels completely alone in the world, and truly believes she'll never be able to rely on anyone else. A chance at a career-changing story of a reclusive genius and the vineyard he owns is the impetus that begins to bring Kate out of her rut. Jamie, a charming and mysterious man who works at the vineyard, makes Kate fly. He shows her beauty and kindness, passion and belief that love is there for her taking.Jamie is an utterly charming, kind, mysterious man. I didn't really want to go into comparing Jamie to Sweet Thing's Will Ryan (!!!). but cant help myself. I really adored Jamie for the same reasons Will is one of my favorite characters ever. It's that charm! And the boyish intensity. That staggering capacity for love these man carry. I love it. There's no doubt Carlino has a talent for writing fantastic, lovable men. It's also very obvious there's more going on with Jamie than it appears. I formed an opinion on that right way, was positive I was on the right track with him. Was I right? I was, and that's okay. This big secret made a lot of sense, held my attention, and helped bring necessary tension to the story.In the beginning, had a bit of a struggle feeling Nowhere But Here out. I did feel that the connection between Jamie and Kate wasn't given the time to develop in a way that sold it to me right away. Don't get me wrong, it was romantic, but felt somewhat rushed for me. But... once that initial rush and passion is given a chance to settle, when the fantasy of Kate's escape from her life blends with the realities of their lives, the relationship is given the chance it needs to become stronger and that is what sold me on Jamie and Kate. It also doesn't hurt that Jamie is the sweetest, most patient and understanding guy ever.Oh! You know who I was surprised to see in Nowhere But Here? WILL RYAN! I was very pleasantly surprised to get a little bit of crossover from Sweet Thing's Will and Mia. It did good things for my heart.Nowhere But Here has a very understated, thoughtful tone. It's a foodie and wine lover's dream. A story for those looking for a whirlwind romance and a love story that's bigger than both Kate and Jamie. This is a story that has continued to stay on my mind, and my appreciation has continued to grow. Like Sweet Thing, I could feel Renee Carlino's passion for her characters and their story in every word. It's a wonderful feeling when you find an author who can translate that passion into an experience for readers.Favorite Quotes"I live on the property.""Here?" I motioned around the room."No, I live in..." He laughed a little before speaking again. "I live in the barn.""You live in the barn?" My eyes went wide."It's a really nice barn, okay?" he said in a low voice. There was something about the way he said it that made my fingers tingle, like he was promising me something--and invitation perhaps.He laughed. "Well, there is one thing I know...""What's that, smart guy?"He put his hands on my hips again and I let him, even though I knew it was crossing the line. It felt so good, like being enveloped in warmth and security.His mouth turned up into a knowing smile, and then he said, almost wistfully, "Just being your friend is going to be hard, but I'll try. It's just that...I like you. You're witty and sweet, and you happen to be the most infinitely beautiful woman I've ever met."