The chemistry between the two main characters is strong and believable. The author paces their reconciliation well and wisely does not drag out the misunderstandings between them. Still both have misgivings, but Derek is patient and has learned from his mistakes. Caroline is also wary, with good reason. However, I found her momentary lapse near the end of the novel unsettling.
Secondary characters offer support to the main characters without getting in the way.
It is good to revisit Ian and Zoe Roberts, Grace and Harry Duval and Jason and Leah Duval. Caroline is a feisty heroine who is a perfect sidekick for Zoe and her daughter, Savannah. That is good because this is as much a continuation of Zoe and Ian's story as it is Caroline and Derek's. And, while Everything to Gain is a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading False Impressions first since the author uses this novel to tie up a few of the loose ends in the earlier novel. Marilyn Tyner has created an interesting story about two everyday people.