The Chance

January 20, 2014
Carr’s fourth contemporary set in Thunder Point, Ore. (after The Hero), is enjoyable and heartfelt. FBI agent Laine Carrington nearly died during a deep undercover stint at an Oregon cult commune. She returns to the area to reclaim part of the life she nearly lost—and to escape the East Coast, where her hypercritical father criticizes her every move. Auto body shop owner Eric Gentry is also a recent addition to the tiny beachside town of Thunder Point. His baggage includes a stint in prison and a daughter he didn’t know he had until recently, but the fed and the felon immediately form a close bond. Then Laine’s father drops shocking news into the middle of the relationship, leaving the lovers floundering. As usual, Carr delves into the lives of others in town, laying the groundwork for future books. This cozy read satisfies.

February 15, 2014

When FBI field agent Laine Carrington decides to spend a year in scenic Thunder Point, OR, recovering from a gunshot wound she got during an undercover operation, all she hopes for is peace and quiet as she heals and rethinks her future. Falling in love with ex-con classic car restorer and body shop owner Eric Gentry is certainly not in her plans. But love strikes where least expected, and although the couple's feelings are real and an abundance of familiar Thunder Point townsfolk cheer them on, the gap between the pair is wide; bridging it will take all the trust, understanding, and courage they can find. VERDICT A pair of emotionally fragile protagonists make their relationship work in an engaging romance that is sexy, funny, and intensely touching. Carr (The Hero), noted for her strong community-based series, lives in the Las Vegas area.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2014
Carr (The Hero, 2013) returns to Thunder Point with the story of Eric Gentry, the ex-con who moved to town to be a father to his 17-year-old daughter, Ashley, whom he only recently discovered. He now owns Lucky's, the gas station, and is building up his business restoring classic cars. Laine Carrington, the FBI agent who was shot while taking down a commune compound, is on leave. She's moved to Thunder Point to recuperate far from her disapproving physician father. The two newcomers are powerfully drawn to each other. Meanwhile, one of Eric's former employees, Al, shows up and befriends Justin Russell, 17, who is working at Lucky's and hiding a big secret. Ray Anne, the sexy senior real estate agent, finds romance, while readers will recognize many of the good folks in Carr's small Oregon town from previous titles in the series as they make cameo appearances. Everything in Carr's tried-and-true formula rings true in this emotionally satisfying story. Responsible, self-sufficient, independent adults discover love; smart, responsible teens take on big challenges; and friends come through for each other.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)