by Robyn Carr
Series: Thunder Point #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can't be worse than what they've left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need. As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he's not looking for anything else. Instead, he's thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point's high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he's gentle and kind...just the kind of man who could heal Devon's wounded heart. Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it...and sometimes, you find a hero.
The Hero by Robyn Carr is the third book in her Thunder Point series and for the first time, I got that sensation of coming home. The town and the people residing there are beginning to feel like family and while I still miss my beloved, Virgin River, I am now confident Thunder Point will be a wonderful replacement. Hopefully, there will be Christmas issues and all will once again be right in my universe. Three-word review: heartwarming, romantic and suspenseful.
The tale begins when we meet Devon McAllister. She is walking down a lonely stretch of highway with a backpack and her daughter Mercy. Rawley happens upon them and senses right away they are in trouble. He offers to feed them and help Devon by giving her a ride to her destination. He ends up taking them in and helping them get back on their feet. Spence Lawson and his son Austin are living in the trailer outside of Cooper’s place while he searches for a place to rent now that he has to accept the coaching job at the high school. Devon is running from something, and the townsfolk and Spencer plan to protect her from it. The tale that unfolds gives us updates on all the locals, has danger and a side of romance that was sweet.
Devon McAllister is bright, has a degree in early education and doesn’t seem like the type to be duped but that is exactly what happened. Alone after the death of her aunt and suddenly homeless, she meets a charismatic man who sweeps her off her feet and brings her to his compound. After escaping she fears for herself and her daughter, but slowly takes back her identity and begins to build a life in Thunder Point. We have known Rawley since the beginning and have accepted his quiet ways and odd behavior, so watching him transform as he helps Devon and Mercy was delightful. Spencer has had a rough time of it after the loss of his wife and watching him be caught off guard for his feelings for Devon was fun. The romance developed slowly despite the physical beginning and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. Of course, we get updates on the townsfolk, and Eric, Ashley’s Dad.
Carr creates towns that you want to pack up and move too. Thunder Point off the coast of Oregon is no exception, with its quaint streets and family attitudes. Everyone knows everyone and newcomers add to the mix. Devon’s story and those of the group, “The Followers” was interesting and at times suspenseful. The romance had heat, some tender moments and a little drama that gave us time to catch up with the local happenings. I am excited about some of the changes that are coming to Thunder Point and it looks like we will have another new resident soon. The plot can be predictable at times but it addresses daily life in a small town wonderfully and I cannot help but slip into the world and lose myself.
The Hero and the Thunder Point series are perfect for fans of small-town romances and fleshed out characters. Fans of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove will delight in this series. The Chance book four is set to release in January of 2014. Ms. Carr next year I would like a Christmas book, please!
Tina
I love Robyn Carr’s books because she gives so much insight into her character’s lives, making them believable. I like to read romance novels, because they allow me a mini vacation, imaging how other peoples lives are lived, even in fiction.
kimbacaffeinate
I love her books too Tina. Did you read the Virgin River series by her? I fell in love with the town and the characters.
Lauren
I love these small town stories, and this series sounds like a wonderful addition to my TBR pile. I don’t mind a bit of predictability if I can get sweet romance and small town charm. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Lauren, these are feel good reads
Diana Leigh
Yay! Another winner.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it was! Thanks Diana 🙂
Maida
I love small town romances! And this one sounds really adorable. I really enjoy reading the “guy helps damsel in distress” type of situations. They are not original, but they still have this distinct feeling to them, that you can’t help but love! ;p I am adding this to my tbr. I seriously like the sound of the characters, and hopefully I’ll enjoy this series too! 😀 Great review, Kim!
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I agree on the guy helps girl!
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kimba for the great review. How does this series stack up to Robyn’s beloved Virgin River Series?
This series is on my list
deb
kimbacaffeinate
As I said in my review, its coming together and I am beginning to love it as much as I did VR.
blodeuedd
I truly need to read a book by her one day
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, yes you do 🙂
Heidi
I love that this book felt like coming home. I adore small town, cozy books and this is a series and an author I need to check out. Hope you have a great weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Heidi, I have mad love for this author, and her series 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
Dani C
Totally agree with your wonderful review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet 🙂
Braine
I too adore series rooted in a small town because of the “home” vibe. Not sure if you’ve read Juliana Stone’s Bad Boys of Crystal Lake. It on the same zip code as this, I recommend you give it a try if you haven’t yet.
kimbacaffeinate
I just added them to my Amazon wishlist..thanks sweetie!
Sharlene Wegner
Oh, I have that book on deck to read, also!
aurian
Great review, another author on my wishlist for too long already.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes….you need to fix that Aurian 🙂
Sharlene Wegner
I am also a big fan of Virgin River books. I was waiting for this 3rd book in the new series before I read the other 2. I know I will love it! Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
*hugs* another Virgin River fan! What are we going to do for the holiday? I cannot believe we won’t be lighting the town tree at Jack’s. 🙁
Sharlene Wegner
True! It has become a tradition!
Olena
I haven’t had a chance to read Robyn Carr yet. You review is making me want to pick up the first book in the series and dive right in. I love reading about small town life, especially if there is romance involved and it is a series. Thanks for sharing this. I have a new series to read now 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you give them a try Olena! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Andrea
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, and really need to get on this one. Poor Spence and Austin…
I’m dying to know what’s going on with Coop and Sarah!!
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Andrea, enjoy and have a lovely weekend!
Sarah
This sounds so good. Haven’t read Robyn Carr in forever, might have to start!
kimbacaffeinate
She always gives me a feel good read 🙂 thanks Sarah!
kindlemom1
I really do love small town romances and this sounds like such a good read. Lovely review Kim!
Have a wonderful weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ali, have a great weekend too!
Sam
You always manage to convince me to pick up the books you review! I haven’t indulged in a small town romance in a long, but I really like the sound of this. Great review, Kimba. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe *evil grin*
Jennifer Bielman
I want to live in this town. I love it. The blurb really interested me. And that cover just caught my eye right away.
kimbacaffeinate
I grew up in a small town and miss it 🙁
Nick
I haven’t read one book by Robyn Carr yet. *hides head in shame*
I really need to because I adore small town romances. The couple sound like they are really good for each other and they seem like they are well-fleshed out.
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Aww, you would like these, thanks Nick and have a wonderful weekend!
Heather Coulter
I just ordered this one, I liked the Wanderer; gave it {3 Mugs}. Great Review! Heather
kimbacaffeinate
Woot! Enjoy Heather!
Jenea
Devon and Spencer sounds like are good for each other. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenea, have a lovely weekend!