Erfüllte Träume in Thunder Point

Thunder Point #9

by Robyn Carr, Barbara Minden (Translator)

Lin Su hat ihren vierzehnjährigen Sohn allein großgezogen und kümmert sich aufopferungsvoll um ihre Patienten. Sie hat alles unter Kontrolle - und das soll auch so bleiben. Doch ihr Sohn wird langsam flügge und entwickelt seinen eigenen Kopf. Als dann noch der neue attraktive Nachbar vor der Tür steht, spürt Lin Su, dass ein neues Kapitel in ihrem Leben beginnen könnte. Allerdings müsste sie dafür bereit sein, sich zu öffnen und sich bei jemandem fallen zu lassen …

»Diese Serie ist wohl ihre beste.«
Romantic Times Book Reviews

»Robyn Carr ist eine bemerkenswerte Geschichtenerzählerin.«
The Library Journal

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Adult

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2015

About the author

Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.

Reviews

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robyn Carr is an excellent storyteller. No question. But in this story, it took until about the 80% point on my kindle for the hero and heroine to kiss. That's a looonnnng time to wait for a little romance. Which was too bad, because the hero (pro triathlete Blake Smiley) was a swoony-worthy kind of hero. He deserved some action!

So...Blake wasn't really described this way, but this is how I saw him...



The over-protective single mother heroine ( Lin Su, Winnie's private duty nurse)? She was okay, had some decent qualities, but she was not my favorite heroine. She had some serious baggage. Too stubborn, too controlling, too proud, and she had a lost-her-mind moment near the end that nearly wrecked her romance. God, what was she thinking? Lucky for her that Blake was a patient,understanding guy, is all I can say.

Lin Su......




I liked her little teenage son Charlie. Charlie had some medical issues growing up and Lin Su had trouble letting him out of her over protective sight. (Which was understandable, but...) If only mom would learn to loosen those apron strings a bit. Luckily Charlie and Blake became best buds. Loved their relationship.

Robyn Carr seems to have done her homework about triathletes (swimming, bicycling, marathon running). Wow, very grueling. I enjoyed learning about all that they go through, so the book was always interesting. But I felt the romance got a little shortchanged, and the book did end a bit abruptly.

I'm still waiting for her to somehow connect Thunder Point and Virgin River. Can't somebody from Virgin River come on down to Thunder Point to visit someone? C'mon, Jack and Mel! Can't you visit Cooper?

4 stars

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via Netgalley

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single mother Lin Su Simmons is the home care nurse for Winnie Banks, Grace Headly's wealthy mother who is suffering from ALS. Her 14-year old son, Charlie, is a great kid but underdeveloped because of his asthma condition. When triathlon athlete Blake Smiley moves next door to Winnie, he and Charlie quickly form a wonderful relationship. Though Lin Su is also attracted, she's challenged by this man who wants her to ease up control of her son to let him develop and get stronger.

Family is a strong theme in this story, one that provides challenges to Amerasian Lin Su who was adopted at age three. She's estranged from her adopted family, unclear about her biological mother and has no contact with her son's father. I completely understood Lin Su's overprotective nature when it came to her son's health as his issues were scary and real. Her reluctance to let go was a combination of a need for control and motherly instincts (which were dead on most of the time).

What was tougher to understand was Lin Su's dogged stubbornness in understanding the difference between generosity and charity. She struggled financially and lived in a dangerous neighborhood, which made her resistance in allowing others who considered her family or friend just maddening. It was also hard to connect to her burgeoning relationship with Blake because she just wasn't that friendly or nice. Charlie was the glue as he was just a wonderful teen with an infectious personality. I'm not sure there would have been a Lin Su and Blake without him.

I think this is the last book in this series as many of the other Thunder Point characters either have an appearance here or summary updates provided. I liked this story even though the romance was tepid. The strength of the other aspects made this an enjoyable reading experience. I've loved this series and the spirit of community present in every story was a foundation in this one. 3.5 stars

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this....Not the writing as Ms Carr was up to her usual excellent standard but the story. It took soooo long for the couple to admit feelings and proceed and there wasn't very much romance, I just didn't feel any connection between the pair! A majority of the story was spent with other characters which don't get me wrong the updates was good as I was pleased to 'see' them again but it was just too much.....Felt more like it should be classified as a standard chick lit and not a romance.

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robyn Carr is one of my favorite writers in this genre and this series is one of my favorites. This book fell short of her normal excellence. In fact, this was my least favorite Thunder Point installment because Lin Su made it hard to truly enjoy her perseverance and tenacity. The characters make this series so engrossing and Lin Su made me want to shake her a bit.
Lin Su:
Lin Su was definitely a survivor and hard worker, but she took the "Lone ranger" thing to the next level. Life had dealt her some blows and she found herself a single mother estranged from her adopted family. She found a job as a home health care nurse for Winnie (Grace's mom) and it was a good situation for Lin Suh and her young son Charlie. Charlie has respiratory problems similar to asthma which causes problem breathing when he overexerts himself. Lin Su became over protective out of fear. Also, I suspect, Charlie is the only one she has, so fear of losing him made her so controlling.

When Winnie rents out one of her condos to a famous Triathlete Blake Smiley, young Charlie finds a hero and champion.
Blake Smiley:
Blake had to overcome much to become the best in his sport, and he begins mentoring charlie much to Lin Su's dismay. Lin Su resented Charlie listening anyone else but slowly she loosened the reins of Charlie enough to see him blossom under Blake's guidance.

Also, Blake began showing romantic interest in Lin Su, but she tried o shut him down gracefully. After all, with her work helping Winnie deal with the effects of her ALS, and her son, she doesn't have time for love.
Can Lin Su learn to let someone else into their lives after the betrayals she faced in her past?

She is my least favorite heroine in the series and they are my least favorite couple. Blake was everything I love in a hero. He was handsome, ahtletic, hard working, sexy, smart, generous and loved mentoring the disadvantaged. I kept thinking "girl, you need to snatch that up!" Blake was a really great guy and frankly speaking, I didn't see why he had to have Lin Suh since she was prickly. I supposed he had to conquer the challenge. I didn't feel the chemistry at all. I actually liked them better as individuals because they are both hard working and self sacrificing. I like Blake in Charlie's life, but the romance with Lin Su was undercooked and lacked that hotness that I am used to in this series.

*Special Thanks to Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley for the e-arc given in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finish to a wonderful series!

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wildest Dreams is the ninth book in the Thunder Point series and I honestly don't know why I'm so up and down with this series. This book is about Lin Su and Blake. Blake is a triathlete (if you don't know what it is, don't worry there's lots of info in the book) and Lin Su is an overprotective kind of annoying mom.

First off, I'm all for letting relationships build and drawing out anticipation, but the characters took a really long time to get together in this one. Definitely over half the book, which is crazy to me. The other issue I had was Lin Su herself. She really just bothered me. She was so overprotective of Charley that it just bordered on annoying. I'd be pissed if she were my mom!

What I did like was seeing the town and all the characters. It really seems like the town itself is a character in all of the books and I found that more enjoyable then the "relationship" between Blake and Lin Su.

I don't know.. something about this series just bothers me. I've attempted to give it up a few times in the past, but this really might be it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.

[ShoSho · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was rushed while the book itself was very slow.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake Smiley, a professional triathlete, has decided to call Thunder Point home. His new neighbor Winnie Banks, has a daytime nurse who intrigues Blake. Lin Su Simmons has had a rough life, but has done very well for herself and her son by becoming a nurse, even though they still struggle financially. She's done everything herself and resents help that is offered that she sees as interference. Blake has to show her that he can be the man she and her son Charlie need.

The Thunder Point Series has a hold on my heart, and I love each new book. While I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and loved Blake, this was probably my least favorite of the series to date. I found Lin Sue frustrating at times. I understood where some of her feelings came from, but she took so long to get past them! I loved the relationship that developed between Charlie and Blake. Charlie has been an intriguing character in the last few books, and I enjoy him! I felt that the ending on this one was a bit rushed. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thunder Point #9 Wildest Dreams
4🌟

[Maja (The Nocturnal Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robyn Carr has been writing romances for as long as some of us have been alive. On the one side, it’s a scary thought, but on the other, it’s kind of relaxing to sink into one of her books, knowing full well that I’m in very capable hands. I always find her romances comforting because the conflicts, such as they are, rarely feel like cheap romance tropes. Her portrayal of small town life may be a bit idealized, but her characters are always warm and welcoming.

Wildest Dreams is the 9th book in her Thunder Point series. I have to admit I’ve missed a few along the way, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this one. I enjoyed revisiting old friends, spending some time with Iris, Seth and others and learning how some secondary couples fared.

The thing about series like Thunder Point is this: readers get so comfortable with the setting and familiar with their surrounding that they enjoy just spending time there, even if nothing is really happening. Once they reach that point, authors can allow themselves all kinds of things, even mostly plotless books, and still have loyal fans. Wildest Dreams feels very much like one of those books. It’s not a conventional romance since it takes ages for Blake and Lin Su to even kiss. It doesn’t have any kind of mystery or other type of plot. It just goes back and forth between several characters, allowing us to peek into their everyday lives. That might sound like a bad thing, but it’s really not – not for someone who feels happy and comfortable in Thunder Point. And let’s face it – when you keep up with a series for no less than 9 books, it’s because you like what you find there each and every time.

Mostly, my problem with Wildest Dreams was that I disliked Lin Su intensely. I couldn’t understand what Blake saw in her and why he would even consider getting involved with someone so hardheaded and controlling. I pitied her teenage son constantly and just waited for him to rebel far more than he actually did. I can’t really say much more about them, not for fear of spoiling – there isn’t much to spoil – but because there simply isn’t much to say. Wildest Dreams is a pleasant book, but it’s my least favorite of the nine.

As usual, I would have enjoyed it far less without Therese Plummer’s fantastic narration. She is a goddess among women, a queen among audio narrators with her calming voice and her excellent voice characterization. If you choose to read this series (and you should because those first few books are really fantastic), I’d definitely go with the audio.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have read the series then you met Lin Su and her son, Charlie in the earlier book. Lin Su is Winnie’s nurse as she deals with her ALS. Lin Su is a struggling parent who has raised Charlie on her own. It wasn't easy for her dealing with his asthma and putting herself through nursing school but she take pride in providing a good home. In Wildest Dreams, Lin Su has to learn to set aside her pride and loosen the parental aprons. Townsfolk and newcomer Blake Smiley may just help her do that.

Lin Su is proud, stubborn and overprotective. I understood some of where she was coming from and Carr does an excellent job of giving us her story but she is not an easy character to warm up too. She is not awful or neglectful but between her need to keep things private and her smothering parenting I struggled to connect with her.

Blake Smiley was yum, yum, yummy. He is a triathlete and I loved the attention to detail Carr provided about his training. She also weaved asthma and Charlie’s health issue into the story. Blake is easy-going, confident and the man has patience particularly with Lin Su.

Sadly, the romance took a complete backseat in Wildest Dream. The first kiss didn't even occur until the second half of the story. Even though I liked Blake, I was more excited about Charlie finding his own piece of happy. The romance wrapped up in a few sentences on the last page of the book…nope no toes curling or swoons here.

Wildest Dreams did give us wonderful updates and allowed us to spend time with Winnie and Maliki. We hear about all of the couples, and spend time with Grace as she looks for help at her Florist shop. We even witness see some bickering from others. As far as I know this is the last novel and it certainly read like one, but she did introduce a colorful character name Ronaldo. So maybe we will revisit, unless the Sullivan’s Crossing books her new series ties into this one.

While Wildest Dream was far from a favorite, I love Carr, and enjoyed my time spent in Thunder Point. I am very excited for her new series Sullivan’s Crossing series, coming in 2016.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Thunder Point, a small town with a real big kick! Carr brings romance and the trials of living to life in a big way. Her descriptions invite readers to the Oregon coast. The interwoven stories that make up this novel allowed me to get even closer to characters we’ve previously met while falling in love with new ones. I loved the look at an Iron Man from the competitor’s side. Carr makes it approachable while still showing the intensity and stress of it.

I love the way that Carr develops people. Their true selves really shine through. The different yet similarly hopeless pasts of the main characters that they rise above, in epically different manners, added a sense of convergence to the tale. Lin Su’s personality definitely made her stand out even more. Charlie’s increased presence in the tale was also a big hit with me. I loved seeing him come into his own. I found the complexity of Blake’s character so endearing. There was just so much more to him than meets the eye. I loved it.

Carr has definitely created a winner with this one. This novel will definitely become a staple in my library, being read & re-read time and time again. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to all those who enjoy small town romance.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will admit I gave up on this book. Way too long to develop, and the heroine was not at all likeable to me. Kinda getting the feeling that this series has run its course. I loved the soap opera feel of Thunder Point in the first 2-3 books, but this got stale fast and now it's almost like pulling teeth to get through this book. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it didn't, and the story lost me, sadly. I also couldn't get past Lin Su and her super-rigid character. There was no spark there to make me root for her and I even felt sorry at times that a darling like Blake is gonna end up with her... Yes, that's how tedious it got in there. I suppose they do connect by the end but I couldn't slog through, not with all the (better!) books waiting for me out there.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed all of the Virgin River books and many of the Thunder Point novels, I was very excited to receive a copy of this book for review. However, I'm not sure what happened in this book as I just couldn't finish it. I couldn't find myself caring about the characters and at over 50% of the book, the main characters had barely any interaction with one another. It was almost as though this book was simply meant to give us an update on all of the other residents of Thunder Point.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable series. (The "Virgin River" series still stands out as my favorite so far.) I was somewhat surprised with the ending of this last book as it was quite abrupt and happened very quickly.

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
Wildest Dreams is the ninth and latest installment in Robyn Carr's Thunder Point series. As with the previous book of the series, I thought it had some weaknesses, so I didn't find it to be one of Ms. Carr's best. The heroine irritated me at times and the romance, IMHO, was somewhat weak, but as I said in my last review, the strength of these books lie in their atmosphere and sense of place. I've become rather enamored of this little beach-front community, and I've been caught up in the lives of the residents of the town in much the same way I would a favorite soap opera. It's always nice to visit and catch up on all the gossip, so to speak. I enjoyed finding out what was going on around town and in many of the other characters' lives. I also liked the sense of family, even when some of the family members aren't related by blood, so in the end, I couldn't mark it down more than one star despite my misgivings about certain parts of the story.

Blake is a champion triathlete, who competes for the Iron Man title during the course of the story. I've never been a huge fan of sports romance, but anyone who is, is certain to be a fan of Blake if only for his rippling muscles and trim gorgeous physique.:-) Even though the Iron Man competition is pretty crazy, I have a certain degree of respect for anyone who is disciplined enough to be a serious triathlete. I admired Blake for that reason alone, but even more so because he pulled himself up out of an impoverished childhood to become what he is today. He couldn't have done it without the help of coaches and mentors along the way, something that he fully acknowledges, so now he's using his celebrity to give back to the community, starting programs to help other kids like himself. He offers his knowledge and expertise, free of charge, to help Charlie build up his body and overcome his asthma and health problems. He also becomes a great friend to his new neighbors in Thunder Point, quickly earning their trust and admiration. I liked how Blake went after the thugs to get back Lin Su's box of treasures, even though to anyone but her it would seem like a bunch of junk. It proved him to be a gallant protector, who cared about her feelings. I also liked that Blake was more of a relationship kind of guy and that when he was with his trainer, Gretchen, he wasn't playing it fast and loose like she was. He actually wanted them to be something more than casual friends with benefits, but she didn't until now. It was great that he immediately put her in her place when she said she was ready to be exclusive and let her know in no uncertain terms that she'd missed that boat, because he was now interested in Lin Su. Blake had a lot of patience in dealing with Lin Su. He not only waited a long time for her to warm up to the idea a romantic relationship with him, but he also showed a lot of tolerance for her difficult, stubborn personality.

Because of her being so difficult and stubborn, I had a hard time warming up to Lin Su. I fully understood how hard her life had been as a single mother. After being adopted as a toddler, she had a pretty privileged upbringing with a well-to-do family, who then turned their backs on her when she got pregnant out of wedlock and the father deserted her. For a long time, she lived hand to mouth just trying to make enough money to feed Charlie and keep a roof over their heads, however meager that roof might have been. When the story opens, they're still living in a dumpy trailer park in a dangerous area of town. Despite my sympathy for Lin Su's situation and understanding that it's not easy to accept handouts, there are times when I felt like she was proud almost to the point of being foolhardy. Even though Blake was offering her a safe place to stay, she initially refuses to leave their trailer even after it was broken into and Charlie was chased through the neighborhood by thugs trying to rob him, which led to an overnight stay in the hospital for a severe asthma attack. If the same thing had happened to me, I think I'd have graciously accepted Blake's offer. I also understood how worried she was about Charlie's medical problems, but she's controlling to the point of almost smothering the poor kid. She eventually lets go enough to allow him to work out under Blake's careful monitoring, but then we see her telling her son lies about his background, which I didn't fully understand. Lin Su was such a closed-off character, it was difficult for me to get where she was coming from. I understood that she was deeply hurt by Charlie's father, but he was just a kid at the time too and that was fourteen years ago. It seemed like it was way past time for her to let go of the past and move on. I also understood that she'd been focused on taking care of her ailing son and providing for him, but Blake was right there, available and extremely interested, yet she wouldn't even entertain the idea of dating him for a very long time. Then she goes and breaks up with him just because he didn't tell her that Charlie was secretly searching for their family, which seemed like a complete overreaction. Overall, Lin Su was an admirable mother for providing for Charlie like she has and she's a great nurse to Winnie, but she has major issues with control and keeps herself at arms length from nearly everyone in the story, including Blake.

I really felt like the romance between Blake and Lin Su was pretty weak. Other than them sharing a mutual physical attraction, which isn't even that strong, and Blake coming to Lin Su's rescue following the break-in, not much of a romantic nature occurs for a very long time. They feel more like just friends and not necessarily close friends either. Therefore, his brotherly kiss on the forehead and gentle touch of her arm, which is the only physical contact they share until 2/3 of the way into the book, kind of felt like it came from out of nowhere. They don't kiss or hug or even share much anything of a personal nature about themselves with one another, which would have made me believe in their budding romance, until over 240 pages into the book. Part of the problem for me is that despite being told that they're attracted to one another, there's precious little description of the other's attributes that they find attractive. Lin Su considers Blake's sexy physique once or twice, but I don't recall him thinking much of anything about her except that she kind of irritated him a little and that she was overprotective of Charlie. By contrast, when his trainer, Gretchen, comes to town, he immediately describes her sexy body in his introspections, even though it later becomes clear that he's no longer interested in her as a lover anymore. This really bothered me, because up to that point I don't recall him ever thinking about Lin Su in that way, so at least for a brief time, it felt like he was more attracted to Gretchen than Lin Su. Another part of the problem was that on the rare occasions Blake and Lin Su actually do think about each other, it's only when the other one isn't around rather than in the moment, when it would've had greater impact on building the romantic connection. They don't really long for each other much when the other one isn't around either. I really hate to say it about a seasoned author like Robyn Carr, but Blake and Lin Su's attraction was definitely a case of telling not showing. For most of the story, they simply felt like friends who kind of liked each other. When they started getting a little closer, it was better, but when Lin Su broke up with Blake over something that was such an overreaction, I couldn't help feeling like they didn't have much to start with. Then she does a one-eighty a few days later. All of this took place in the last few pages of the book and none of it contained the depth of insight needed for me to understand it. So ultimately, I'm glad Blake and Lin Su got their happy ending, but I just wasn't really feeling the connection between them for most of the story.

Where I felt Wildest Dreams excelled was in it's secondary character relationships. I loved Charlie. He's very smart and mature for his age, and I think he handled his mom's freak-outs quite well. He's obviously the type of kid for whom a little encouragement goes a long way. He just needed a little more freedom to explore his own interests and the things that were meaningful to him outside of his mom's influence. We get some more of Winnie and her family. She's a character who has slowly grown on me. In this book, her disease progresses a little more and she has to come to terms with additional limitations, but not before she insists on making a trip to Hawaii with Mikhail, Lin Su, and Charlie to see first-hand Blake's performance in the Iron Man triathlon. The three pregnant friends, Grace, Iris, and Payton, all give birth. Seth's parents, Norm and Gwen, finally reach a breaking point in their forty+ year marriage that stirs up a bit of trouble for Iris and Seth. Troy is there in the background, looking out for Grace and Winnie and helping with Charlie's training. And Grace hires a new assistant for her flower shop. As is typical for Robyn Carr's books, there's a lot going on in between the main couple's scenes that helps to build the town as a whole.

Even though Wildest Dreams didn't make it to my Robyn Carr favorites list, it was a generally enjoyable comfort read. I don't know if this is it for Thunder Point or not. In some ways, it felt like this was a wrap-up book. The author tied up a lot of loose ends and didn't really leave anything this time that made me think, Oh, I can't wait to find out more of what happens with this character or situation. In fact, there were no new characters introduced who seemed to be viable candidates for hero or heroine in future books of the series, so I'm not sure where things will go from here. I also saw in Ms. Carr's last email letter that she has an upcoming new series. If this is the end of Thunder Point, then I suppose I can live with that. The way things wrapped up, I can see the residents of this little beach-side town continuing on with their lives there indefinitely, and like I said before, there wasn't really anything left hanging. However, if Ms. Carr chooses to write more, I'll certainly be there to read them.

Note: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Hero is an Ironman Triathlete. Heroine is single mother, Ameri-Asian, who works as a home health nurse. Lin-Su’s patient is Winnie, a retired star figure skater.
Read closely the first half of the book but skip read to the end.
Themes: family, overcoming poverty, ALS, fitness
Setting: Oregon Pacific coast
(My paperback copy is falling apart so will have to trash this one.)

[Lynn Cahoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

2015 - I'm wondering when book 10 will arrive. Please?

[The Literacy Advocate · Rating 4 out of 5]

STRONG HERO PROPELS THIS LATEST THUNDER POINT ENTRY
(Please see series reading order at end of review)

WILDEST DREAMS is the story of Lin Su Simmons, the nurse-caretaker of Grace's mom, Winnie. To best appreciate this story, I recommend that the series be read in order, especially in light of the developing plotlines of all the secondary characters. Lin Su's charming son Charlie features prominently in this story, as he befriends new next-door neighbor Blake Smiley, an Ironman professional competitive athlete. Blake's immediate attraction to Lin Su is supported by the fact that he is ready to settle down and find "the one," and is even happy to find his "one plus son," but he is impeded by a tremendous amount of baggage carried by Lin Su. She's got serious insecurities regarding her ability to trust, to love then lose others, and huge roadblocks regarding her son's health and activities, her own history, and the conditions of her employment. Lin Su rationalizes her fears and insecurities in order to allow her to isolate herself and her son...and she lies, to others and to herself, about her family history and her past with Charlie's father. Although I sympathized with Lin Su, I did not like her nearly as much as I have appreciated all of Carr's other Thunder Point heroines, and this detracted from the story for me.

Conversely, Blake is a terrific hero, and the best parts of the story for me were those dealing with Blake's character development as he works toward reaching his professional goals, closing old chapters of his romantic past, and gently and with great care, developing a relationship with Lin Su.

Charlie's struggle to gain some independence was a high point in WILDEST DREAMS, and gave the story its most funny and touching moments.

I have read the comments of a number of other reviewers who were discouraged by the length of time it took the H/h to get together and share even a first kiss. I consider myself a patient reader if the payoff was worth it, so I accepted the author's pacing. I must say, however, that the ending was a great letdown for me. I've read all of Miss Carr's series, and she does end some books far more abruptly than others. I enjoy a complete ending, or an epilogue, but I am more than willing to accept a cliffhanger as well. This ending, however, was none of those things. Unfortunately, after a rushed and somewhat difficult to believe final event at the very end of the story, we are given the most abrupt, two-sentence HEA which I can ever remember reading. I literally checked and rechecked my Kindle, thinking my "next page" touchscreen location was faulty. When I verified that I was at the final location number point of the book, I was truly shocked. This is the first Robyn Carr book which I have been tempted to rate at less than a 4; the last scene of the book and the unfinished, awkward feeling to the ending are the cause. The hero's charm, the interesting and educational value of the author's writing regarding Blake's athletic career, and the humor and pathos of Charlie's scenes allowed me to rate this story at 4 stars. I'm hoping for a return to form and a stronger story as I await the next Thunder Point novel.

Until then, if you have not read Miss Carr's (earlier) Virgin River series, then I recommend that you run, not walk, to get the first novel in the series, also titled Virgin River. For me, it is Miss Carr's finest novel. I still long for a visit back to that special place, and hope that one day Miss Carr will spend some with those wonderful characters again.

THUNDER POINT SERIES READING ORDER (this series is best read in order):
1. The Wanderer - retired Army pilot (Hank) Cooper & pilot Sara Dupre
2. The Newcomer -- Deputy Sheriff Mac McCain & waitress Gina James
3. The Hero -- coach Spencer Lawson & single mom Devon McAllister
4. The Chance -- auto mechanic Eric Gentry & FBI agent Laine Carrington
5. The Promise -- Dr. Scott Grant & PA Peyton Lacoumette
6. The Homecoming -- Deputy Sheriff Seth Sileski & HS guidance counselor Iris McKinley
7. One Wish -- HS teacher Troy Headly & florist Grace Dillon
8. A New Hope -– Ginger Dysart (Ray Anne’s ‘niece”) & Matt Lacoumette
9. Wildest Dreams -- triathelete Blake Smiley and Lin Su Simmons (Winnie’s caregiver)

**I received a complimentary e-copy of A NEW HOPE from MIRA in exchange for my honest review.**

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lin Su and her son Charlie have been drawn into the Thunder Point crew, well ever since Lin Su took on the care of Winnie’s battle with ALS.

Blake is a professional tri-athlete who moves next door to Winne. He and Charlie instantly hit it off, but Lin Su is extremely leery of Blake. When Blake’s actions puts Charlies asthma condition at risk, Lin Su flips her lid only to have a battle of wills develop between Blake and Lin Su.

Charlie also decides to delve deep into his mother’s past which draws out scars that Lin Su doesn’t want to acknowledge.

I am a huge Robyn Carr fan. I’ve read all her published books and that is saying something because there are a lot.

That being said, Wildest Dreams is probably my least favorite of all her books so far. I mean I liked it but Lin Su completely rubbed me just WRONG! The saving grace was Charlie. I did really like Charlie and his plight to become more than what life hands him. I thought Blake did over step his bounds with how he interacted with Charlie against Lin Su’s will. But ultimately, I just couldn’t get past Lin Su’s personality. I would still recommend Wildest Dreams to any Robyn Carr fan, especially if you are a loyal follower of the Thunder Point series. But the normal Carr coming home connection to the characters that I always love was inhibited by the abrasive Lin Su.

I received this ARC copy of Wildest Dreams from Harlequin - MIRA in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 25, 2015.

My Rating: 3 Stars

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lin Su ist alleinerziehende Mutter eines 14-jährigen Jungen. Außerdem ist sie Krankenschwester und betreut eine an ALS leidende Patientin. Blake ist Sportler durch und durch. Lin Su und Blake werden Nachbarn und freunden sich auch langsam miteinander an. Sie entwickeln Gefühle füreinander, doch kann Lin Su sich auf ihn wirklich einlassen?

Mein Leseeindruck:

Im Großen und Ganzen hat mir der Roman recht gut gefallen. Die Geschichte könnte sehr gefühlvoll sein von der ganzen Thematik her, aber so ganz kamen die Emotionen bei mir leider nicht an. Vielleicht lag das an der Protagonistin Lin Su, mit der ich nicht wirklich warm wurde. Aber eigentlich habe ich bei allen Figuren ein bisschen die Tiefe vermisst. Es kann aber auch gut sein, dass ich zu einigen der Charaktere keinen Zugang gefunden habe, weil ich die Vorgängerbände der "Thunder Point" -Reihe nicht gelesen habe.

Mir hatten die Protagonisten in diesem Buch alle eine etwas zu dramatische Vergangenheit, so dass es auf mich nicht mehr glaubhaft wirkte. Hier wäre etwas weniger mehr gewesen.

Trotz dieser Kritikpunkte ist es aber durchaus eine lesenswerte Geschichte, die vom Alltag ablenken kann.

[Misty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a disappointing end to this series. I didn't like Lin Su at all, but I adored Blake and Charlie. I didn't really see how Lin Su and Blake had a relationship with each other. The pacing of them getting together was slow and non existent and then all of a sudden they are a couple and having sex with each other. The ending was rushed. I think the plot about Lin Su's family could have been thrown into the book earlier and could have been a bigger focal point for the story. It would have been nice to have an update about all of the couples that were involved in this series besides the three couples that were going to have babies.

[Rea Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the last book in the Thunder Point series, I was really nervous to read it because the last two books have been so so bad. But! This one was pretty good, it wasn't perfect but I liked the main characters and how their story unfolded.

The romance felt like a subplot though and we spent a lot of time wrapping up loose ends with other characters but I actually enjoyed how it was all handled.

Carr's writing is good but continues to annoy me to death - a lot of info dumping happens in huge chunks, especially when it comes to character dialogue. I've learned to live with it but it drives me crazy.

Anyways, I think these books are more chick-lit than anything else. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing end to the series.

[Delta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Christi Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
Nine books into this series and I've read every single one and in just about every book, I have the same complaint...I don't want to see all the sporadic, random points of view from every person in the town.

And because I complain about that every time, I guess I either need to get over it or stop reading the series, because that's simply the way Robyn Carr has chosen to write this series.

At this point, I will say that when we go into one of those 'other' pov's, I simply start skimming...because you know what, I don't really care about the stress between Gwen and Norm caused by their surprise cruise. That doesn't affect the main characters...at all...and thus, I DO NOT CARE. Ugh. I could even overlook it if that side-story had ANYthing to do with the main story, but I can't even think of a time when they even interacted in the story. It's just the random points of view and tidbits about the characters from Thunder Point that are seemingly just thrown into the stories at random...every single book. Please stop with that... These books would be so much better without those random POV's.

But this book was 'mainly' about Blake and Lin Su. Overall, I enjoyed their story. It worked for me that they both had such harsh backgrounds even though it doesn't seem like it on the surface.

I loved that Blake recognized that fact first. I adored Blake. He's a world-champion tri-athlete and I found him so alpha and sexy. I love the way that he connects with Charlie, Lin Su's 14 yo son. His work with underprivileged kids was fantastic. I also loved the detail that went into his races and training and simply the experience into his mind during a race. Bravo to Robyn Carr for those details.

I had a harder time with Lin Su. She's a tough, rigid woman. She's had to be to survive what she has, and I understood that, but she never ever relaxed...not even during the tender moments with Blake. As a result, i had a really hard time connecting with her. She should have only been 32 years old in the story, but she was written so that she came across as a 65 yo bitter woman. She felt so old and unforgiving in the story and I really couldn't deal with her actions at the end with Blake. She's just so...rigid.

So again...another mixed review for a Thunder Point book. I want to enjoy this series. I like the set-up and the town. And for the most part, I really enjoy the characters. But there's just something... It may be time for me to step back and spend my time reading something else.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Karsyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed review to come. Received from NetGalley for my honest review.

Sure wish we could rate parts of books. Thunder Point is a great town with great people. Thunder Point as a whole would rate 5 stars from me.

Lin Su was just not a character I could get behind. She had a rough life, booo freaking hooo. I disliked her, a lot, but that was just a personal preference. She's only the 2nd Robyn Carr character that I haven't liked (the first being Sonja from Four Friends which was my only DNF of Carr's books).

The book on a whole, was a good one, I just disliked the female MC, almost to the point of hating her.

The end was way too abrupt. Looking forward to the next one, always good to be in Thunder Point, I just didn't like this one as much.



Finished ~ Wildest Dreams (Thunder Point 09) by Robyn Carr
Completed 05/20/15
4 of 5 stars for story
384 page Kindle book

I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Back to Thunder Point and though I really enjoyed the base story of this book, I was really put off by the female main character.

This is my own personal hangups and no one should look badly at the book as a whole, unless you perhaps have the same hangups as me ~ which is not being able to stand controlling mother's.

Lin Su is a single mother who works as an in home nurse. She is VERY controlling of her son, Charlie, very overprotective and just an overall not a good mother. She's not a horrible person, but she does have a very big chip on her shoulder and just is toooo much.

On the other hand, her love interest is Blake and he's awesome. He's a athlete who has come to Thunder Point for a good place to lay low in between his races. He bonds with Charlie right away and agrees with Charlie that Lin Su is too protective and she's hindering her son, rather than helping him. He even says how she's behaving is crazy once, which was bold but true. He sticks with his interest in her though, and like all Thunder Point books, the book has it's happy ending as Lin Su changes (though I don't understand how or why after 30+ years) and everyone lives HEA.

Seeing back into Thunder Point was my favorite part as a lot was going on in town. As always, looking forward to the next one.

Setting = A+
Plot = B
Conflict = B
Characters
~ Lin Su = D
~ Blake = A+
~ Charlie = B
~ rest of Thunder Point = A
Theme = A

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that it took me longer than most of Robyn's books to finish this book... But not because I was not enjoying the book, it was because I did not want the story to end. Most people had a few issues with this book getting to the more romantic part of the story, but I loved the build up to the romance between Blake and Lin Su.

This story called for more background for us to understand where these characters were coming from to get where they were meant to be.
Lin Su has raised Charlie all on her own and when Blake, who is a world famous a Triathlete, comes into the picture she realizes that her relationship with her son, who has health issue most of his life, is going to be going through changes she does not like and wants to hold on to him more than ever. Blake makes them both see that there is more to their little family than just the two of them. Charlie is starting to question things about his mother's family. He wants to know more about where and who he came from. Why his mother holds on to this information. Will it cause major problems in their lives? Will it cause mother and son to grow apart or become even closer together? Will Blake be able to breach Lin Su's defences against trust and betrayal? Will love be enough to bring these three people to good place, where they become a family? All of these questions will be answer through the pages of this wonderful book as we get to know more about the inhabitants of Thunder Point.

It was a wonderful book from start to finish. We see how Grace, Iris and Peyton, who are all pregnant at the same time, are faring with their pregnancies. And we catch up with Winnie, Grace’s mother, who is struggling with her ALS, and her lifelong friend Mikhail, who will not leave her side. We catch up with a lot of the inhabitants of Thunder Point and that is just what loyal readers want in Robyn Carr’s books… to catch up with old friends. Fair warning, have some tissues at the ready. But then readers of Robyn’s books know that already….

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you say "control issues"...

I'm a huge fan of author Robyn Carr. I've read all of her standalone books and I've read her different series books. (I want to live either in Virgin River or in Thunder Point.)

WILDEST DREAMS is the 9th book in the Thunder Point series. Author Carr has a definite talent in creating locales that show up in your dreams - and characters that might be your next door neighbors. They are easy to relate to. They have issues. They have dreams.

Blake Smiley is an Ironman, a triathlete, who just had a house built in Thunder Point. There he gets to know Charlie, a 14 year-old who has health issues and an overprotective mother. I liked the details in the book about triathlons - interesting.

Charlie's mom is Lin Su Simmons, a nurse who is working next door to Blake, taking care of Winnie, who has Lou Gehrig's disease. And she thinks Blake is pretty darn handsome.

I do have to write that Lin Su was one of my least favorite characters in Carr's books, very controlling and rather unlikable. And there were parts of the romance in the story that came across as forced and rushed.

Also, the ending was too abrupt. Usually each of Carr's books in her series almost standalone but this one has one heck of a cliffhanger.

But, even with its drawbacks, it was fun visiting Thunder Point again. We revisited characters from the other eight books in the series and we were able to catch up on their lives.

So, the book is worth reading. It's just not the best book in the series.

NOTE: I received this book from MIRA Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as this book was about a romance it was about so much more. I love how Lin Su and Charlie have become family to Winnie, Grace, Troy and Mikhail. Charlie's love for live seems to make him a favorite with all the adults. With Winnie's health so precarious, her good days seem so great, giving everyone, the reading included have so much hope. I loved how they all were there for each other. When Lin Su and Charlie ran into trouble Winnie didn't want another nurse, but would wait for her friend. Lin Su helped Grace in the shop, Troy helped Charlie with a big project in his life and Mikhail was always around to lend a hand.

Blake really fit in good with his neighbors and with the community at large. It was fun to see his and Lin Su's attraction. Both went in with preconceived notions that proved wrong. I also really liked the friendship that Blake and Charlie had. That really came into play when Charlie needed an ally when Lin Su blew up at what he was searching for.

I liked how this one ended, loved that Blake and Lin Su are giving things a chance, that Lin Su and Charlie have some new family connections to explore, that Grace is starting a new chapter and she found a good helper for her shop. The only thing that gives me pause is the shape Winnie is in. You know things aren't going to end good for her. I fully expect the end to be ugly for the reader, lots of tears falling on the pages.