Member Reviews

A little sluggish at first, but then fully kicks into the serial killer romantic suspense that I love from NR. We got close family dynamics, we got home reno porn, we got a heroine with witchy eyes - basically my comfort bingo card

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Nora Robert's latest romantic thriller is a winner. Hidden Nature starts with a bang, slows down just enough to meet the characters, then ratchets up the tension with a serial killer mystery.

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Hidden Nature began with a bang and kept the intensity going for the entire novel. For Sloan Cooper this is a story of second chances and she’s happy for the opportunity. She welcomes the chance to recover from her injuries surrounded by family. I loved the inner strength she relied on and it’s apparent where she came by it – her family.

Once Sloan is ready to go back to work she is offered a new position that she happily accepts. It will keep her close to home and now is the time for that. She also meets a new man who lives not far from her. He’s a contractor and it just happens that her family’s resort business needs a new contractor. If you’ve read a Nora Roberts novel chances are it included heavy doses of home renovation projects. I’m a fan of all that. But, the focus of the novel is Sloan making a connection with a rash of unexplained disappearances of people in a tristate area. Roberts reveals to the reader the gruesome details and POV of two serial killers and their deluded, righteous motivation. I found that very creepy. If you can get past that you will probably find Hidden Nature as hard to put down as I did. It’s a good Romantic Suspense novel.

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Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts is a romantic thriller, but not a mystery because we know who is perpetrating the crimes. Sloan Cooper, who after taking down some criminals with her partner, walks into a convenience store where a robbery is taking place and is shot, point blank in the chest. After a long hospital stay, she heads to her parents home/resort in Maryland to finish her recovery and rebuild her strength. Realizing she wants family around her, she resigns her old position and takes a position in her hometown police department. She meets Nash, a former Wall Street worker turned local contractor and develops feelings for him. But when she starts investigating the disappearances of several local women, will she be putting him, her family and everyone she knows in danger? I really enjoyed this novel, Nora Roberts has done it again, but with a little different twist than her usual novels. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

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Another reviewer could not have said it better "Spine chilling murder mystery. A tale I've never read before. Just the right amount of awful to be riveting. Great characters, even the bad ones." This book literally starts off with a bang as our h is shot, but not in the line of duty. She almost dies, but is saved and starts the long road to recovery. I really enjoyed that part of the book the most. I was actually too scared by the case she is working and the parts with the bad guys to read before bed. I'm so glad i have finally finished and it is only 7:45 pm so I can start another book. It will have to be a light-hearted one for sure! Well done, 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Nora Roberts for an advanced copy.

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I do enjoy a good romantic suspense, and while this isn't a favorite of mine I did really like it. I liked the build up, watching Sloan figure out her life, while falling for Nash, as well as watching her investigate all these missing persons that have popped up. I loved the family aspect. They are all so close and all had their own rolls in the story which I was here for. The pacing was at times a bit to slow for me which kept pulling me out of the story but man the farther I got in the more invested I became especially towards the end. All in all this is a solid read and think others will enjoy it.

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Are you ready for some of Nora Roberts' creepiest villains yet? My jaw was on the floor multiple times! Hidden Nature is an engaging romantic thriller that never lags. I love all of the family connections in the story, but Nash and Theo were my favorites with their complicated history. This is definitely one of my top picks of Roberts' standalone novels! I was worried there in the beginning that we weren't going to get our signature cokes, but she came through ;)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this arc!

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I’m a big fan of Nora Roberts books in general, more so of the crime or magick storylines. Those almost always get 5 stars from me. Romance? I can take it or leave it. I’m not a fan of spicy chapters so I never base my reviews on any of that. This one fell a little short for me because of the bad guys. Villains? Religious nut cases? You can call them all of these things.

I loved the characters of Sloan and Nash, as well as all of the extended family involved. I would move to Heron’s Rest and rent one of their cabins in a heartbeat if I could also be invited to family dinner. (And the home renovation amazement performed by all of them? HOW DID THESE THINGS HAPPEN IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME?!)

The bad guys though, they didn’t do it for me this time. Usually we get some canny criminals who come close to outsmarting the MC. These two just seemed kind of…weird. A mismatched couple that just struck me as a young man following around an older religious nut, but she was also kind of submissive at the same time. And the *SPOILER* addition of a certain substance to their meals just seemed like it was reaching too far.

I honestly was expecting this book to become a series, because the story went so far without looking like it was coming to a resolution. I was totally expected a cliffhanger and another book to come by about 93%. With that being said, I feel like the ending should have felt rushed but somehow didn’t. The book description definitely made it feel like Sloan was facing danger, but she honestly knew nothing about it until it actually happened. This was just a case she was working that suddenly went awry on her front door step. I do think it ended how it should have, I’m not sure I would have had it in me for another book of Clara and Sam.

Thanks to Nora Roberts, St Martins Press and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!

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This was a solid thriller with a hint of romance. Sloan is recovering from a gunshot wound at her family home. During this time she begins to investigate a couple of local disappearances on her own. I really liked Sloan's method of investigation. I thought it added to the way the plot was able to develop. I liked the romance sub-plot; although, I wish we got to see more of Sloan's relationship. This was fast-paced and a good book to read if you need to get out of a reading slump.

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If you've never read Nora's alter ego JD Robb, then I think this book will work for you. Unfortunately for me, Hidden Nature felt exactly like an Eve Dallas mystery book rather than the standalones I'm used to from Nora.

There was also very little romance for the main couple. It was a slow burn which is fine but I felt like we got more of the secondary romance than the primary.

I enjoyed being in the mind of the killers but again, it read like a JD Robb because this is a technique she uses in that series and for.Hidden Nature, it was front and center. Disappointed.

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts. I have only recently started reading Nora's books. This one was pretty heavy.

At this time, I don't want to ruin what or why the people start to go missing. Sometimes I feel like I just pick a book to read because it is an author I like. But sometimes I should do more research into what I am getting myself in to. This book definitely had a creepy vibe. Times I just wanted to skip by some things. I am glad I stuck through it. I will update my review more once it has been released.

I did appreciate the strong female lead character. Loved the animals in the book Tic and Mop. Kind of a cheesy romance but I enjoyed it.

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Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts is an engaging mix of romance and suspense that keeps you interested throughout. The story centers on Sloane, a tough Natural Resources Police officer, who is recovering from a serious injury while trying to solve a series of disappearances. The slow-building romance between Sloane and Nash adds an extra layer to the story, while their siblings' relationship provides a nice contrast. Roberts skillfully combines personal stories with suspense, gradually revealing how the victims are connected to Sloane. The vivid descriptions and family interactions make the book even more enjoyable. I received this book for my review, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romantic thrillers.

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Hidden Nature features two very strong individuals. They don’t overpower each other, as they complement and mesh together perfectly. They have a slow burn romance which is enjoyable to read. There is a fantastic brother relationship and fantastic sister relationship, as well as a wonderful family unit.
The bad guys – no mystery here as you know who they are and they are a very creepy couple. It didn’t seem like Nora’s writing at all to me, but the creepiness of them added to the story.
I loved the detailed descriptions. I also loved the house remodel components. Hidden Nature was a hard-to-put-down read and I recommend it.

Review will be posted on release day to various sites as well as on blog www.comfychairbooks.com

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After a life-threatening injury, Natural Resource Police Officer Sloan Cooper returns to her small Maryland hometown to recuperate. While recovering at her parent's home, Sloan's interest is piqued when a local woman goes missing. Using her downtime to research the case, she finds a pattern of similar abductions and is determined to uncover the culprit. Noah, a stockbroker-turned carpenter, is new to the small town and as his path continues to cross with Sloan's, the chance of a relationship is formed.

While I have enjoyed several titles by Roberts in the past, I unfortunately found that Hidden Nature was not the book for me. I struggled with the slower pace and the very detailed descriptions of the various property renovations and home improvements. Sloan was a likable character and I admired her strength and fortitude. The chapters from the antagonist's points of view were definitely sinister (and downright disturbing), but I found it was not enough to overcome my issues with the pacing.

Dedicated fans of Nora Roberts will likely sink right into Hidden Nature and find comfort in her familiar writing style. Readers who appreciate a focus on day to day minutiae and don't mind a slower pace will also find plenty to enjoy in Roberts' latest release.

Note: DNF @ 54%

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It's been a while since I've dug into a classic Nora Roberts story. An injured cop finds herself investigating a case of twisted killings, and even though she's unable to perform in the field, she can't help but work to solve this. Her new unofficial partner is a huge help and together, they find a way.

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If you love other Nora Roberts books, you'll love this one. She knows what she's doing. Main characters that you care about, problem that you want resolved, great setting....she never disappoints!

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I received an electronic ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.
Roberts spins a delightful romance for two couples in this suspense filled story. Readers meet Sloane, a Natural Resources Police officer, on the day she was shot when walking into a store robbery. Her critical wounds and return from death are important as the story unfolds. She returns home to recuperate and decides to move back and take a job with a branch of the local law enforcement. As this is happening, two brothers move to town to start their own business. Nash and Sloane take a slow approach to building a relationship while their siblings, Drea and Theo move faster. The romances are nice undertones for the mystery Sloane feels compelled to solve. Several unsolved disappearances - one a month, haunt her as she recovers physically and mentally from her own ordeal. Readers see the stories of Sloan and her family balanced against the serial killers, Clara and Sam. The two storylines come closer and closer until they merge and bring on the high stakes conclusion. I appreciate the Epilogue wrapping the story in a calmer manner.
The tension is slow building and keeps readers wondering until midway through when revelations start to explain how the various victims are connected and why Sloane is also targeted. The book is divided into three portions which make sense as readers dive deeper into the plot.

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I was so pleased by this intriguing mystery/love story! Nora Roberts did not disappoint in this romantic thriller. The main characters headed other family drama and relationships that flow the story line. You will love Sloan and Nash and feel the family connections. Her sister Drea and Theo was a very nice addition. Need more stories like this! Recommend.

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As usual, Nora has written a hard-to-put-down thriller with a touch of romance. Hidden Nature is aptly named given Sloan is a Natural Resource Officer (which by the way, is a real thing - I looked it up). She is a bad a$$ who doesn't let getting shot and almost dying stop her from investigating the disappearance of random people who are actually connected in a way that she is also connected. Sloan falls for the handsome financial advisor-turned handyman/builder. Something she is not prepared for at all. Especially since her sister is engaged to his brother. That's all the spoilers you get!

I can't help really wishing for a sequel!!!!!!!

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HIDDEN NATURE by Author Nora Roberts is a tantalizing blend of mystery, suspense thriller and romance. Roberts once again delivers a heartfelt story with authentic, highly relatable characters, vivid settings and immersive plot lines. Once I settled in, I couldn't put this page turner down.

Natural Resources police officer Sloan Cooper walks into a convenience store and interrupts a robbery in progress. A quick on the trigger thief leaves her fighting for her life. With a long recovery ahead of her, Sloan returns to her parent's home in Heron's Rest, the small town where she grew up. While diligently working on her rehabilitation, Sloan's interest is piqued by a missing woman's case, and she decides to work the case on her personal time. A chilling pattern soon emerges - multiple people of all genders and ages spread across three states disappeared with their vehicles left abandoned suggesting the work of a serial killer. What is the common thread among these victims? How does the killer choose them? Sloan relies on her expertise, wits, and family ties to guide her as she stalks a killer unaware of how close they may be.

Meantime, Nash Littlefield moves to Heron’s Rest from New York, leaving behind an established career while cutting final ties with his estranged parents. Having purchased an old house in need of renovation, he begins work while deciding on his future path. When his younger brother, Theo, joins him also looking for a fresh start, they form The Fix-It Brothers, a handyman business. Soon, they have enough local clients in need of their services to keep them busy, and their skills bring them into contact with Sloane and her sister, Drea, through the Cooper family's rental business. Sparks flare between Drea and Theo, and Nash is intrigued with both Sloan and the case she's investigating and offers to lend her a hand with the investigation with the added benefit of spending more time with her. As the pair pursue a killer, Nash soon realizes the woman he is coming to care about will do whatever it takes to get justice for the victims . . . including putting her life at risk again.

Author Nora Roberts excels at rendering immersive small town, family-oriented stories that draw readers in with vivid prose, complex, relatable protagonists and just the right blend of romance and suspense. Her expert skills at world building and character development are evident in HIDDEN NATURE through her detailed descriptions of community life in a typical small town with a menage of colorful characters. As is often the case, the theme of family both born and found is woven throughout with examples of a close knit, supportive family in the Coopers who welcome Nash and Theo with open arms in contrast to their estranged birth family. The increasing tension drives the pace through thrilling twists as Sloan gets closer to unmasking a killer. I appreciate the author's diligence with details while taking time to develop both suspense and romance over the course of the book as it lends an authentic feeling to the unfolding events while affording the reader an opportunity to connect with each main character. Fans of romance suspense and mysteries will enjoy this latest offer from Author Nora Roberts.

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