Long Way Home: 3 (Thunder Road)

Ever since Walk the Edge, I now seek Katie McGarry for addictive reads and fierce teen romances. This is the third book (hopefully not the last) in her Thunder Road series- think small town America, decaying diners and rival biker gangs. It's necessary to read the earlier books as many events and characters are continued into this installment.We follow the journey of Violet and Chevy, integral characters since the first book. They were childhood friends turned sweethearts, turned tense exes. After the death of her father, who was a member of 'The Terror' biker gang, Violet has had enough of the club who had been her home and family. Despite their vow to protect her, she wants nothing to do with them, their rules and way of life. The only problem is Chevy, her first love. He is devoted to the club, they mean family to him. A place where he belongs. And to prevent him from choosing between her and The Terror, Violet breaks it off with him, severing both their hearts.The book opens with a chance meeting on an open road, which quickly turns into chaos when they are kidnapped by rival gang 'The Riot' and a plunged into a dangerous war between the two clubs. Mysteries of the past, secrets and betrayal spill out like heavy streams. Violet and Chevy try to navigate between these troubles whilst trying to control the flood of their own feelings for each other, which the author conveys so powerfully.Violet and Chevy were not initially my favourite characters in the series, but McGarry encouraged my deep attachment to them. Her writing is punchy, honest and to the point. When a couple is confused about each other, it usually becomes tiring. This didn't happen here. Passion pulsated out of each character's thoughts and dialogue whether they were arguing or otherwise... Their relationship was continuous building, rather than a back-and-forth game.This is the most dramatic book of the series, with a measured dose of danger and violence. The book also covers the sexist foundations of the club, which Violet challenges fiercely. Despite the club's best intentions, Violet opens their eyes to double standards and unequal treatment. It is suggested that with her influence, Razor, Oz and Chevy are encouraged to become the new generation of the club, with a new set of rules. I think more could have been explored in this area as it transformed the book from a simple trouble-rescue plot to one about progression and change.

A couldn't wait long to read Long way home after finishing Walk the Edge, i just needed to stay in this world for a little longer!I was hoping we were going to get a story of Violette and Chevy after they had such conflict in the other two books, and boy we weren't let down. The storyline of Long way home put me right on the edge, but Katie McGarry wrote it in such a perfect way. I didn't think it was possible to love characters as much as you could love real people, but these books definitely prove that wrong.Violette and Chevy's story is something to divulge yourself into, but don't expect to be pulled out of it anytime soon!Enjoy your long way home!

Good reading

Violet's dad was a member of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club and he paid with his life for it. In Violet's world women are often treated as loyal subjects, the men protect them, they take the decisions and the women have to obey. When she and Chevy are being abducted on her eighteenth birthday Violet's nightmares come true. She can get out, but won't be left alone. She's being put under a lot of pressure and instead of giving in she decides to stand up for herself. While being held by the enemy Violet and Chevy learn a lot about their past. Is what they've been told actually the truth?Violet is the love of Chevy's life, but they are no longer a couple. Violet doesn't want him to be like the other Reign of Terror members and has given Chevy a choice. So far he hasn't made a decision, which means he can't call her his girlfriend anymore. Chevy knows Violet is hiding something and he wants nothing more than to keep her safe, but will he be capable of doing so? And when Violet is ready to tell someone her secrets who will she turn to? A person can be a prisoner in many different ways and it's up to Violet, with or without Chevy's help, to find a solution and regain freedom.Long Way Home is an impressive story about motorcycle gangs, betrayal, secrets, family ties, friendship and true love. Violet is strong, independent and honest. She says what she thinks, she can stand up for herself and she has a fiery personality. She's fabulous and I loved her courage and dedication. She fights for the people she loves and she isn't afraid to take risks to protect them. Chevy is kindhearted and chivalrous. He wants Violet to be happy and he wants nothing more than to be by her side every single day. He's caring and sweet, but he also has a blind spot. That's why he and Violet have plenty of meaningful discussions, which were interesting to read. They have a beautiful deep connection, but they have to work through a lot of problems as well. I loved the way Katie McGarry writes about this wonderful unique couple.Reign of Terror is a complicated network. For both Violet and Chevy the men in this club are family. They keep having conflicted feelings and I couldn't put the book down before I found out the truth. There are many surprising twists and turns, which is something I enjoyed very much. Long Way Home is filled with action, power struggles, heated discussions and intense relationships. Katie McGarry perfectly understands emotions and their consequences. Because of this the story progresses naturally. While there's a lot going on it never becomes too much. She's always in control of the moves and decisions her characters are making, which is quite a skill as her story is fast-paced and filled with adrenaline at the same time. She merges these two parts in a brilliant way. Long Way Home is an amazing original and gripping story. I loved the characters, the suspense, the complexity of the connections between people and the abundance of love. I highly recommend this fantastic book.