Legacy

A Novel

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Pub Date May 25 2021 | Archive Date Jun 08 2021

Description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents Legacy, a new novel of a mother and a daughter, of ambition and romance, and of a traumatic past reawakened by a terrifying threat…

Adrian Rizzo was seven when she met her father for the first time. That was the day he nearly killed her—before her mother, Lina, stepped in.

Soon after, Adrian was dropped off at her grandparents’ house in Maryland, where she spent a long summer drinking lemonade, playing with dogs, making a new best friend—and developing the stirrings of a crush on her friend’s ten-year-old brother. Lina, meanwhile, traveled the country promoting her fitness brand and turning it into a billion-dollar business. There was no point in dwelling on the past.

A decade later, Adrian has created her own line of yoga and workout videos, following in Lina’s footsteps but intent on maintaining creative control. And she’s just as cool-headed and ambitious as her mother. They aren’t close, but they’re cordial—as long as neither crosses the other.

But while Lina dismisses the death threats that Adrian starts getting as a routine part of her daughter’s growing celebrity, Adrian can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Year after year, they keep arriving—the postmarks changing, but the menacing tone the same. They continue after she returns to Maryland and becomes reacquainted with Raylan, her childhood crush, all grown up and as gorgeously green-eyed as ever. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents Legacy, a new novel of a mother and a daughter, of ambition and romance, and of a traumatic past reawakened by a terrifying threat…

Adrian...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781250272935
PRICE $28.99 (USD)
PAGES 400

Average rating from 555 members


Featured Reviews

Nora Roberts can write. That said this was a good novel, it had everything strong women, romance, mystery, thriller. I can't seem to get enough of her books

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Legacy by Nora Roberts I believe is the best one yet! It will be a book I will reread again and again. Romance, suspense, and danger keep you reading and even wanting more by the end. I highly recommend to any and everyone who loves Nora Roberts or has never read her before.

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Joy, tears, terror! Legacy has it all and I LOVED it.

I love wrapping myself up in the friendships in any Nora Roberts's book and Legacy brings that depth and warmth in spades! Adrian is a strong, independent woman; she could manage anything alone but adversity is more easily face with the support of friends and that cycle of support brings a beautiful reality to the novel.

One of the parts I loved was when Raylan's later conversations with Lorelei; the beauty of true love shone through. The other side of that coin was when we could see into the flat and soulless mind of the serial killer. The emptiness contrasting with the warmth Adrian and her friends shared created a starkness that built throughout that part of the books.

#NetGalley #Legacy #NoraRoberts #St.Martin'sPress

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As most of the story is more about family and friendship than it is a suspenseful thriller, this book will appeal to Nora's contemporary romance fans as well as romantic suspense readers. Lots of cute moments and emotional moments, and a large cast of intriguing characters. I read this in one sitting.

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What a good read! I loved this book - the author built a rich and detailed world with engaging characters. Her dialogue rang true and the story’s pacing was perfect. I recommend the book for mature teens and up, only caveat is that the book contains physical violence and lightly written romantic scenes.

I’m not a fan of reviews that regurgitate what you can obtain better from the author’s blurb, and I don’t like reviews with spoilers; you won’t get either here. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Legacy is another fun read from Nora Roberts. The emotional connection throughout the story is so strong. As always I got invested in the characters felt along with them as they experienced love, loss, and fear. The mystery was light and not super surprising but overall the read was good. I always love the depth and complexity of the characters and the world building that Nora Roberts is so great at.

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Oh, oh wow! What a crazy amazing rollercoaster!
I swear Nora Roberts gift of writing is truly special. I loved this story and all the characters.
I loved seeing Adrian Rizzo grow and thrive in all the chapters. Seeing her as a child and grow into a beautiful young lady was great and that's not a easy feat. Her connection with Raylan and their friendship always have me the happy feels. Nora Roberts is the only writer I cry with. When I got to the certain parts that just wrecked me, I just cried and cried. My poor husband had no idea what was happening 🤣. Anyway with a wonderful collection of characters like Teesha and Monroe and all the Scooby gang I enjoyed this tale so much! I didn't know how Nora was going to add the villian but once again she knocked it out of the park! Well done! I can't wait to reread this when it comes out for release!

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Trigger warnings for this book: domestic violence, drug/alcohol abuse, and a school shooting.

I’ve always loved Nora Roberts and this one did not disappoint! It features a multitude of characters from various POVs. It was a little slow in the beginning but definitely picked up! IMO, it’s more thriller than romance, but there is a HEA. The characters are mostly likable, while some will make you go “What the Hell?!?”. My favorite characters are the dogs and how they saved the day.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

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I have always loved Nora Roberts and this book reminded me why! Let’s start at the beginning though... she caught my attention right off and that’s very important to me. Adrian is easy to like and you feel for her from the start. My only complaint is the years of skipping forward in the book but I can understand why, we had to get to traveler’s creek! The relationship with Rylan was a beautiful slow burn and the fact that they grow together is just the cherry on top! This book has it all, love, intrigue, scandal, mystery and a happy ending!!

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I was hooked from the beginning! The story is not only about romantic love but family and community love. It also includes a killer with an obsession with Adrian. I would describe the story more but I’m afraid I would say too much. I will say this, you will absolutely love this book. I highly recommend reading it.

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I love love love this book. You just can’t go wrong with a Nora book. The characters were so easy to relate to and very likable and the mystery kept you guessing till the end. I highly highly recommend this book

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Multi POV Mystery Thriller with plenty of suspense and a romantic HEA. A stalker-then-serial-killer mystery, with some twists, but truly at it's heart it's a story about family. Fast-paced at the right times, that's tempered with heartwarming and even a couple of tearjerker scenes (at least for me), and had me sighing at the lovely ending. 'Legacy' should definitely make your summer must read list.

4.5 stars

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This book was fantastic! Loved the characters and their development throughout the book. So many twists and turns. Kept me interested and wanting to know what happens next. Will definitely suggest this book to others!

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***Received ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for Review***

THIS BOOK.
It hooked me right away. I loved the way she introduced the characters, following Adrian from her childhood into her adulthood. We really got to know her, and the supporting characters, including her love interest, Rayland. (Who might be one of my favorite male characters she's ever written.) And I loved how their love unfolded slowly over the book- not so much a slow burn, given some of the circumstances, but definitely a friendship turned into love, which is always beautiful to read.

There was a lot of tragedy in this book- as a warning, there is a segment of about 30 pages where I probably cried more than I have cried reading a book in awhile, which is a testament to her writing and her ability to make me actually care about the supporting characters just as much as the main characters.

The mystery with the killer was also really well done, and slowly unfolded in the book (very much like some of her In Death novels- sometimes you know the killer right away, but they don't reveal themselves until much later). I kind of figured out who it was anyway, but I still enjoyed how it all unfolded.

The best thing about this book as the love between all the main and supporting characters. It was watching how Adrian and her mom Lina's relationship develop over time. It was the friendships and heartache and heartbreak and parties and everything in between. It was the life breathed into this book, even where there was death. Legacy was the perfect title for this book, and Nora only continues to get better.

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I enjoyed reading this book. Loved the characters and premise of the story. Would recommend to everyone. I have always enjoyed Nora Roberts books.

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Nora Roberts is the queen of characters. She makes you love them, hate them, feel their pain, their love, she makes you pay of their family. I always feel like I could go visit wherever they are and sit down and have a drink with them.

This story was no different. Adrian feels so much and loved so much. All the characters being such life to the story. And as always, the story had romance, mystery, great, love, family, friends, energy and enthusiasm.

I loved it.

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Another great read from Nora Robert’s. Legacy spans the life of Adrian Rizzo and the different events that lead her into making different choices. There is suspense, romance, dogs and fully fleshed out characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Legacy. It is a classic Nora Robert’s stand-alone that is worth the read.

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This is the first book I have ever read by Nora Roberts and I was utterly gripped from the first page. The consistent tension throughout and the disturbing psychological overtones were not easy. I wanted to get through the book to avoid the deep emotional stress. The relationships in 'Legacy' were absolutely touching and helped counterbalance the stress. Ultimately this book was a story about the power of love and it will not soon leave me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Any Nora Roberts fan will love this book. It has a little bit of everything (keep the tissues handy). What a great story about family and friends (and dogs) that you can count on. Add in a little suspense.... I enjoyed this book very much. I would have liked a short epilogue at the end. I won't give away any spoilers, but when others read it, I think they will know what I mean.

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Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press Group for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 stars

Nora Roberts never lets me down with her romantic suspense stories. I look forward to reading them each year and attempt to slowly enjoy them, however, they are impossible to put down. Her newest, Legacy, is another great addition to her forever long list of books, featuring excellent characters, a sweet romance, and HOME. RENOVATIONS.

Legacy tells the story of Adrian Rizzo, the daughter of a fitness guru and a rising star herself in the fitness world. When Adrian was 7 years old, her biological father attacked her and nearly killed her before she was saved by her mom. The story follows Adrian from childhood to adulthood as she struggles to understand her ambitious mother, makes a career of her own, and, eventually, falls in love. All while dealing with a creepy stalker who sends her ominous poems every year. Of course, it is a Nora book, so there are also dogs...and HOME RENOVATIONS.

Legacy is lighter on the mystery and romance than a typical Nora book, with more attention paid to developing the family relationships. I loved this just as much because each character is interesting and multi-faceted. The love interest, Rylan, is adorable and creates comic books (and has two sweet kids). I found Adrian and her mom, Lina’s, relationship to be my favorite storyline, as they are both very similar and very different. Lina is a complicated character and is not the most maternal, so I enjoyed reading how their relationship changes over time.

Overall, Legacy is another solid mystery from the queen Nora Roberts and is full of charming characters, creepy mysteries, and lovable dogs.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Full review to be posted closer to release date.

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I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review

Legacy from Nora Roberts leads us through Adrian Rizzo life from when her father tried to kill her at seven and how that made her into the person she was to become. This story is intricate and spellbinding, I love a good story where I get lost in someone's life. There is a lot good feeling moments and quite a few suspenseful moments that carry you throughout the book. I really liked Adrian and all the people that surrounded her and I was sad when the story was over.

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I'm always in awe when an author can get me so wrapped up in a character's life that I forget they're fiction.

I finished this gem of a story a few days ago and I've found myself constantly thinking about them. They're next steps in life, if they would like to go to this event, what their plans are. Then I remember it was just a book and I already finished reading it.

I love how Roberts builds the story throughout the character's lives and shows you what has happened to make them who they are today.

My only disappointment with this book was that as soon as the villain was defeated the book ended. I wish there was more to what happened afterward, how their lives changed or settled. Basically, I just didn't want it to end.

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I really loved this book. Adrian was a great heroine. She was strong, independent, and smart. I also really loved Raylan. This book took a circuitous route to get to the romance and I really loved that. The mystery, the setting, the whole ensemble were perfect.

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I have probably always been a fan of Nora Roberts. Not just as herself, but also her JD Robb alter ego. The books she writes, the words just leap off the page and entwine you in the story until you become a part of it and this book was no different. I loved how time passed, from Adrian as a young child being attacked by a father she’d never met, to a teenager in high school, going against her moms wishes and staying home to go to school (what teenager does that?!?) and hooking up with the nerd squad and ending up as lifelong friends with them. Then we have Adrian the successful businesswoman, who takes after her mom in some respects but who is also clearly her own woman, and who manages to fall in love with the perfect man.
From start to finish this was a fantastic read and there is nothing better than a Nora Roberts tearjerker when I want a good book to read. This is another book that I will read more than once, and will file it along with my other favorites (especially her older trilogies like the The Three Sisters Island and The Key series). Definitely a must read, this one is a true page turner!

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The Legacy by Nora Roberts is one of those books that you wish would never end. If you are a long time reader of Nora Roberts you will recognize her love and respect for friendships, families and communities. All intertwined in to one of her best stories yet.

Lina and Adrian Rizzo, A mother and daughter, who are more alike then they realize. Both ambitious, headstrong and extremely goal oriented., Separately, and together, building a health and nutrition empire.

With just enough murder, and mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat. You will not be disappointed. I guarantee it!

Sit back, Read and Enjoy!

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When I see a Nora Roberts title on the shelf at a bookstore, without any hesitation, I know I'll enjoy the book. Legacy was no different.
In true Roberts fashion, this story provided a rollercoaster of emotions and really tugged at my heartstrings! Whew.

Legacy is divided into three parts. One being Adrian's backstory and her growing up, which moved pretty quickly. Parts two and three provide more depth into Adrian's story as an adult and it felt like the pacing was a bit slower once the story settled into adult Adrian. There's even a look into the eyes of the crazed killer! Definitely some suspense and thrill from this story and just enough romance to keep the warm and fuzzy feelings Roberts is so good at providing!


Thank you St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the e-arc to read and review!

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Nora Roberts is by no means a novice. She has written amazing stories and all very good.

This book, Legacy is no exception. It is very well written with well-crafted characters and a believable storyline.

she weaves a story that captivates. Job well done!

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This was the first Nora Roberts book I have ever read, but definitely not the last!

I'm not going to give a synopsis of the story. I will leave that to others. What I will say is the characters were well written and relatable. I enjoyed the friendships that endured through the years.

There was a little mystery and a little romance so this book will appeal to readers of either genre. I highly recommend this book.

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Nora Roberts is a masterful story teller. The settings played out before my eyes in remarkable detail. The characters, full of depth and complexity, are hard to turn away from. The story follows the life of Adrian Rizzo from a child through adulthood. Her strength, compassion and fierce determination is inspirational. The vivid characters and remarkably clever, page-gripping plot, made this a fast paced read that I had trouble putting down. Norah weaves family dynamics, friendship, real life challenges, murder, romance, and an awesome cast of characters into a tale that just won’t quit. I loved every minute of it!

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Nora Roberts truly is the Mistress of contemporary women’s fiction. Her latest standalone novel, LEGACY, is aptly named. Adrian Rizzo grows up with a legacy of lies, murder, and revenge all which change the trajectory of her life.

Like all Roberts novels, this one has loving families, for-life friends, intrigue, murder, celebrity stalking, and, of course, romance.

The illegitimate daughter of a yoga maven and a disturbed English professor, Adrian’s biological father tries to kill her and her mother when Adrian is just seven years old. Mother and daughter survive, but Adrian’s life is forever changed. Sent to live with her grandparents to keep her out of the limelight, Adrian grows to a snarky teen with a plan. That plan: to be her own woman. While still in high school she starts on that plan and meets her best friends for life along the way.

The mystery part of this novel involves a celebrity stalker who has been sending Adrian sick poems from the time she becomes famous. How Adrian deals with this individual fills the second half of the book. Along the way she reconnects with childhood friends, becomes even more famous, and starts to heal the broken relationship she has with her mother., all while building her brand an taking care of her grandfather.

The book is long, but there isn’t a word or scene that’s not perfect for the storytelling.

I was lucky enough to read an arc of this novel prior to publication, so thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s press. It was truly an honor to read such a fabulous story.

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Oh my God, was this an amazing book. It was a serious page turner, and Ms. Roberts has created another masterpiece. I fell for Adrian and Raylan, and the rest of the crew that made up this tale. I’ve been a long time reader of Nora Roberts, and if she keeps putting out books like this, I’ll never stop. Absolutely awesome! I did receive an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown/ Piatkus for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much! She does such a fantastic job of mixing romance with mystery. I got so drawn into the characters and their lives that I hated any time I had to put the book down. This book brings out all the feels with the deaths of many characters, each of which create a turning point for either our hero or our heroine but brought out a lot of snot and tears in this reader.

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This is a well done book by Nora Roberts, she is an author that I can always rely on for a great read. She is able to combine romance and mystery into one which isn't an easy feat. She takes her readers into a world only she can create and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters were fantastic and unique in their own ways. While reading, I was constantly trying to formulate the ending in my thoughts. When I feel like I finally had it solidified there was a twist that had me second guessing. I truly appreciate an author that can combine a romance with a mystery and do it well, given that they are two polar genres, but again Nora knows exactly what she's doing. She has perfected her writing craft and this is a prime example of the depth of her writing skills.

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And she does it again! Nora Roberts hits it outta the park. Nobody writes family, extended family, and closeness like Ms Roberts. I loved this story, loved all the characters, the locale, the food, the kids, the dogs. Going to go read it again. Right now. 10 Gold stars

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In the words of Adrian and Rayman, this book checked EVERY one of my boxes - small town, community, family, children friendships, community, second chances, romance and mystery.(not necessarily in that order).

I also love the fact that the story builds over a long time frame, as does the romance.

There was laughter and there were tears, and once I started it, I could not put it down until I was finished. Now I can't wait to read it again.

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This is a wonderful read. I have loved Nora Roberts for years, and this book is a perfect example of why. You get all the emotions : true love, humor, friendship, fear, loss, grief, a really evil big bad - everything you want in a book. Its cliché to say "i laughed and I cried" but I absolutely did. I cheered when the big bad got his due, and sighed when love was found.

As always there are a stellar cast of supporting characters. This is where I believe Ms. Roberts shines and puts herself at the top of her field. Her supporting characters are fleshed out with real lives, loves, triumphs, and tragedies. I end up worrying about and cheering for them as much as the main characters.

I love this book, and highly recommend you read it. It is a wonderful story and a demonstration of an author as the master of her craft.

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I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

I’ve heard of Nora Roberts before but this is the first book of hers that I’ve read and I absolutely loved it! I expected a romantic suspense novel but it was so much more than that I’m not really sure how I would class it. The first half had very little suspense but I loved the way that it built up the characters and spanned over a period of time so that you could see them all grow. It really made you root not just for the main characters but also the minor characters as well and it really set it up for the more action packed second half. Adrian was slightly too preachy about the merits of diet and exercise but there was something so likeable about her that I didn’t really care and the dogs just stole the show in the book for me, definitely my two favourite characters! I can’t wait to start getting into some of Nora Roberts previous books now.

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Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. This book follows Adrian across almost 3 decades. This book is broken down into three parts and each one of them is interesting to read. You will meet several people along the way who become Adrian's core people. You will laugh and cry while reading this book. The book is very emotional, well written with a mystery to solve.

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I absolutely loved this book. It was classic Nora Roberts at her finest. I finished it in one sitting and thought it was very well done.

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The book deals with it all, family issues, love, death, intrigue and ambition. Roberts once again kept me fully engaged from start to finish.

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This is not a typical Nora Robert's book. It is a hybrid thriller/romance book and it has been really enjoyable to read.
Although the villain is fairly obvious, what I found particularly interesting was the build up. You as the reader get to experience the highs and lows of the main character.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters in this story. They really helped shape and add more depth to the story. Their engagement really helped heighten the anticipation.

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One thing I know about Nora Roberts books... I’m gonna love the characters. Yes, maybe we’ve had a few too many “childhood trauma comes back to haunt heroine” books from her, but those heroines? Strong, amazing and relatable. The heroes? Real and solid. The plots are always so well paced to keep me turning pages. I read a lot and reading a Nora book is like putting on my most comfortable set of jammies on a Friday night. I can snuggle in and lose myself in a book.

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Nora Roberts has really done it with this one. Legacy had the romance and a little thrilling mystery. I couldn’t put this down. I loved Adrian and her striking character. It’s been awhile since I read a Nora Roberts book and this one just has it all. A strong successful woman being stalked yearly with weird poems. I think this reignited my love for Nora Roberts books.

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I’ve been a fan of Nora Roberts for years now so it’s not surprising I jumped at a chance to preview her new spring title. I was not disappointed. I’m not quite sure how she does it but she seems to just get better with every book. I think this might, perhaps, be her best standalone title ever. I was seriously blown away by it. It gave me all the feels and that, for me in this new pandemic driven world, is no small feat. I have been seriously depressed since 2021 started, with the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, family deaths, and life in general. I’m constantly reading but it’s like mindlessly eating popcorn. I can’t really remember anything about the book after it’s finished. That is definitely not the case with Legacy. It made me FEEL. I laughed. I cried. I felt joy and hope and the strength of family love, of the ongoing bonds of friendship, of love blossoming after loss. I felt sorrow as beloved family members and loved ones passed away, in both natural and unnatural ways.

The book spans years and, through those years, relationships of many kinds are built, refined, changed. We come to know the characters in this story thoroughly and deeply. They became real to me and I think that’s one of the greatest gifts a writer can bestow and give to a reader - characters that you want to know and spend time with in real life, places that you want to visit and inhabit. I want to go to Travelers Creek and eat at Rizzo’s. I want to wander the streets and wave to the people I know through this book. I want to read Raylan’s graphic novels (and I’m not a graphic novel type of girl) and listen to the songs Monroe has written. I want to cuddle the many babies who have been born along the way. It was a book I didn’t want to end, which is the best type of book that there is. I have to give this one my highest recommendation. These characters, this story, will remain with me. It will be one I pull out to read again when I need a lift, a visit with old and dear friends. Thanks for a great read, Nora. You rock.

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I loved how time passed, from Adrian as a young child being attacked by a father she’d never met, to a teenager in high school. It shows that even if you can afford to go to a private school does not mean you are always going to be popular. But Adrian was very smart and knew what she wanted to do with her future, so she became friends with the nerd squad and ending up as lifelong friends and business partners with them.
Then we have Adrian the successful businesswoman, who takes after her mom in some respects but who is also clearly her own woman. Adrian and her mom had a strange relationship but managed to find a way to make it work.
I loved the way it showed that family is important and showed the close relationship between her and grandparents. It also showed how important her grandparents were to the community and how loved they were.
I loved the way it showed Raylan an Adrian slowly entering into a relationship after he has suffered a major loss. It showed how their friendship slowly evolved into a relationship.

From start to finish this was a fantastic read and there is nothing better than a Nora Roberts tearjerker when I want a good book to read. Definitely a must read, this one is a true page turner!

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I don’t think I’ve ever not liked a book by this author but her ability to whip out five star books like it’s nothing is really amazing. The author caught my eye, cover was cute, and after reading the blurb I gave it a read.

What did I like? Well this book had all the feels and what an emotional roller coaster ride. Laughter to tears and back again. Amazing ability to create a town full of imaginary people and just make you love everyone in it. There’s even a dog couple... wow!

Would I recommend or buy? Yes to both! I’d love a copy for my shelf! There’s really something in this book for everyone. Suspense, mystery, romance and as you get to the end you’ll realize how aptly named this book is. Five stars! I look forward to more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!

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Legacy by Nora Roberts is an outstanding romantic drama with undercurrents of suspense. It has a wonderful storyline that keeps you guessing from page one. The book opens with a dramatic scene of violence. Adrian Rizzo is just a young girl when she survives a horrific attack by her father. This leads to her forging strong bonds with her grandparents that will shape her character and drive connection throughout her life.

Adrian is not ever satisfied with accepting the norms, she pushes herself and those around her to their limits. She has created a world that you will want to revisit again and again. Her loving nature causes her to make choices that bless many lives. While she is very successful financially, you learn that her true strength is in her disciplined work ethic. For Adrian it is the emotional connections that matter more than other extrinsic factors. You fill fall in love with the secondary characters, especially the children. Nora Roberts has created another masterpiece that has it all!

This book spans multiple decades and you are given glimpses of flashbacks of Adrian’s life and those around her to truly bring their stories to life. As mentioned, the book also has mysterious elements of danger woven through that keep you on the edge of your seat. This book will grip you and leave you hoping that Adrian will escape the tragic fate foreshadowed.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

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Another great contemporary romance from Nora Roberts, with a little suspense thrown in. As always with Nora Roberts, you dive into the story, and the characters become your friends and family.

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One of the reasons I love Nora Roberts' books is that I am constantly amazed by her character development. That's true here. The book begins when Adrian is seven years old, and we read scenes throughout her transition to adulthood. I love seeing the history that makes the character into who they become and creates the foundation for the choices the character makes. Adrian's motto is to stay fierce, and she does that as a strong woman.

Over time, we get to know not only Adrian, but also her mom Lina, and her core friends Maya, Teesha, Hector, and Loren. The bonds of friendship are so close, especially with Teesha.

The plot has a great mix of family, friends, and suspense. There's amazing Italian food balanced with a focus on fitness and nutrition that I found motivating. And there's even a great dog love story! This is a romance and so much more.

TW: murder, school shooting, abusive relationships

4.5/5

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I haven't read much Nora Roberts (under that name), although I've read quite a bit of her "In Death" series, so I was excited and kind of wondering what to expect when netgalley gave me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
The story spans a lot of years - from Adrian's childhood to her life as an adult, and I loved all the parts. She is a strong character with strong opinions and a great desire to succeed. I loved her grandparents, her dog, and her friends - and I loved watching all of their lives unfold. I think this was a lot more a story of family and community than the description reads - there is some suspense (after all, she has a stalker), but the friendships were more important.
Added bonus, it made me want to exercise :)

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I enjoyed this romantic suspense story. It was a story of complicated relationships between generations. Lina, Adrian's career driven mother has never been there for Adrian since she was always traveling. Lina also left her hometown and her family. Adrian persevered, since she had the love and attention of her grandparents. Adrian decided early on that she would make something of herself like her mother did but would do it on her own. Adrian gathered up some friends in her new high school to shoot workout videos like her mother did only with her own twist. Her videos became very popular. After her videos received so much attention online she started receiving threatening poems in the mail from an unknown sender. Throughout the years she received one a year and then they started coming more regular and were even more threatening. She confided in a old friend about the poems. Who is doing this to her and why I was touched by the relationship Adrian had with her grandparents and enjoyed the way the love story unfolded. I would highly recommend this book.

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I’m always excited when I get the newest book from a favorite author. Legacy by Nora Roberts did not disappoint. Adrian Rizzo was raised by a single mom whose ambition and creation of her fitness empire overshadowed her relationship with her daughter. After a violent incident with her father, their relationship is estranged further. In high school, Adrian makes a move that propels her career. Raylan is the boy whose mom works for Adrian’s grandparents. He is a comic book author (which I found fascinating). Of course, he and Adrian get together. And they both have big, wonderful dogs, who also become romantically involved and it’s just so sweet. Adrian is surrounded by a group of people who love her, protect her and uplift her. Adrian also has an enemy who is determined to destroy her.

Nora Roberts writes fantastic romantic thrillers. She balances the romance with the thriller so well! If I had one negative to this story it would be that she gave away the suspect way too soon! I would have liked more suspense.

Overall, if you are a Nora Roberts fan, this is a good book. If you’ve never read Nora Roberts, this is a good place to start. I enjoyed Legacy!

Thank you to #netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced e-copy of #legacy!

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Adrian Rizzo was seven years old the day her father barged into her home and nearly killed her, her mother, and her caretaker. This was the first time she had ever laid eyes on her father. After the incident, Adrian went from the hustle and bustle of life in New York to a sleepy town in Maryland to spend time with her grandparents. She had the time of her life.

While in high school, Adrian decides to follow in her mother's footsteps and take a crack at publishing her workout and yoga routines. Like her mother, she's an instant success. Adrian seems to have fans wherever she goes, but year after year she continues to receive disturbing poems from an unknown sender. At first they would come once a year, but now the poems are escalating and Adrian is receiving multiple poems a year. Are the poems just meant to frighten her, or is there something more at play? Adrian fears one of these days that "the poet" will act on his/her promises.

I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts and she's done it again with Legacy. She has a great way of combining suspense, romance, family dynamics, and relationships all into a nice package. If you're a fan of Nora Roberts, you'll definitely want to check out Legacy!

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Nora Roberts absolutely never disappoints, and this new novel has it all - romance, suspense, very appealing settings, and multiple characters, all of whom leave an impression and contribute to the plot. Adrian and Raylan's story takes its time, but this long journey is well worth taking. No one does romance or relationships between friends and family better. Highly recommended.

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Note: I received a copy of this from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy Nora Roberts' standalone books and this one was no different. I was instantly engrossed in the story and easily related to the characters. I actually wish I could join Adrian's streaming workouts, dine at Rizzo's and snuggle up with Sadie.

Raylan's loss was heartbreaking and it hit a nerve, having had my employer endure the loss of employees due to an active shooter situation. Also, who wouldn't want to star in their own graphic novel?

I found Adrian's relationships with her mom, and her friends very believable and relatable.

This was a story that I hated putting down and couldn't wait to pick it back up. The only thing I disliked was not having enough time to read it straight through and taking too long to read it.

Since this was an ARC of the book, I overlooked a number of grammatical errors that I am sure will be fixed before it goes to final print.

Another great stand alone from Nora.

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