ARC Review: The Promise

The Promise
Robyn Carr
Contemporary Romance
Thunder Point/Book 5
Harlequin MIRA/June 24, 2014

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She's already been burned by a man with kids, and she's come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she's used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She's willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn't enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

Come on back to Thunder Point, Oregon.  It's a beautiful place, I want to live there!  Like Carr's Virgin River series, the setting is also a vibrant character. What make up the town are the people, those welcoming, giving souls who almost seem too good to be true.  For Doctor Scott Grant, Thunder Point is the perfect place for his little family.  For Peyton Lacoumette, a break from the city is what she needs for her

Peyton could work at a larger, more prestigious practice but small town life is calling to her.  She finds she needs the friendly, comforting feel of Thunder Point.  After the mess she left behind in Portland, Peyton is happy to find a temporary home until she decides what and where she wants her life to go.  Peyton is a woman who is easy to like.  She knows what she wants, she's not perfect but is learning from her mistakes and is mature in her professional life and personal life.

Dr. Grant is the beloved local doctor with a heart of gold.  Too good to be true?  It certainly seems like it but he's also human and not perfect which is what made him come out of that god-like persona and into the world of mere mortals.  He's friendly, hard working and easy to relate to.  A great guy for Peyton, if only she can get past the similarities to her ex.

Scott Grant is almost too good to be true.  I could totally see how Peyton would want to back away from him not only because on the surface he seems like he has the same issues Peyton's ex had, but after getting burned it's not surprising Peyton is leery of any relationship with another doctor.

We do get to catch up with the residents of Thunder Point which is always something to look forward to.  I think that's the appeal of a small town romance series.  You not only get to meet new characters but have the chance to catch up with some old favorites.  This can take away page time from the main couple which can cause their romance to feel less than fully developed.

Overall, a solid addition to the Thunder Point series.

Rating: B+

Thunder Point Series ~

The Wanderer
The Newcomer
The Hero
The Chance
The Promise
The Homecoming (August 26, 2014)