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Robyn Carr
Contemporary Romance
Thunder Point/Book 2
Harlequin/June 25, 2013
Single dad and Thunder Point's deputy sheriff "Mac" McCain has worked hard to keep everyone safe and happy. Now he's found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they're feeling like teenagers themselves-suddenly they can't get enough of one another.
And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac's long-lost-and not missed-ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. They're wondering if their new feelings for each other can withstand the pressure...but they are not going down without a fight.
After reading the first book in the series, The Wanderer, I was looking forward to reading Mac and Gina's story and was happy I didn't have to wait too long for it. It turns out it's not just Mac and Gina but we also see Cooper and Sarah's from The Wanderer and the progression of their relationship. Both couples have obstacles to overcome and a blending of families. I wouldn't say the focus is an even split between the couples but Sara and Cooper definitely get plenty of page time. Usually, I don't like so much of the focus taken off what I consider, and what the blurb implies, is the main couple. But Carr does well in making the reader care about both couples and want to know what will happen to them.
One of my favorite romance tropes is the friends-to-lovers. Gina and Mac embody this. They know each other so well but as friends, their relationship takes on a different tone once they become lovers. There is still that base of friendship but it become even deeper as they become closer. Carr keeps that friendship going strong when Gina and Mac encounter difficulties in their romance.
The combining of the families is handled well. There is never any doubt of Mac's love and devotion to his kids. It's obvious he will do anything for them. As is Gina's devotion to her daughter. Gina's relationship with her daughter Ashley takes on a tough subject. Carr gives it enough time to unfold without overwhelming the romance. Then there's Mac's ex-wife, well, I could have done without her and didn't completely approve of how Mac handled the situation.
There are a number of coincidences and events that may have been intended to be a surprise but were fairly obvious but the overall story is well paced. The secondary characters are such an essential part of the story, adding much love, humor, wisdom and stability to Thunder Point. Another enjoyable addition for Ms. Carr's new series.
Rating: A-
Thunder Point Series ~
The Wanderer
The Newcomer
The Hero (August 27, 2013)
See, I really enjoyed this book too! I've been seeing kind of so-so reviews for it around blogland and thought I was the only one that enjoyed this one. LOL
ReplyDeleteI was kind of worried Ashley's drama would take over the story, but in the end I was really happy with the way things were going for her. I hope there's more of her in The Hero. :P
I haven't given Carr a chance with this new series. I really need to.
ReplyDeleteActually kind of hoped that the book would have focused a tad more on Mac and Gina, but I really enjoyed The Newcomer. Although gotta say, wow, so much drama! :)
ReplyDelete