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Fiona Bristow woont samen met drie trouwe honden in een schilderachtig huisje op een eiland voor de kust van Seattle, waar ze haar eigen hondenschool runt. Maar aan deze schijnbare idylle is een ware nachtmerrie voorafgegaan: Fiona is de enige overlevende van de Red Scarf-seriemoordenaar, die de politieagent met wie ze verloofd was, heeft doodgeschoten. De komst van Simon Doyle, een ruige, ietwat zonderlinge kunstenaar die zich geen raad weet met de onopgevoede jonge labrador die hij cadeau heeft gekregen, brengt onverwachte spanning in Fiona's kalme bestaan.
Fiona neemt de uitdaging aan om het dier te trainen, en langzaam maar zeker groeien Simon en zij naar elkaar toe, ondanks Simons algehele mensen-schuwheid. Maar dan duikt er een nieuwe seriemoordenaar op, die het werk van de Red Scarf-moordenaar lijkt te willen voltooien...
Fiona neemt de uitdaging aan om het dier te trainen, en langzaam maar zeker groeien Simon en zij naar elkaar toe, ondanks Simons algehele mensen-schuwheid. Maar dan duikt er een nieuwe seriemoordenaar op, die het werk van de Red Scarf-moordenaar lijkt te willen voltooien...
480 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2010
5237 people are currently reading
24743 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,473 books58.8k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,558 reviews
June 8, 2024
An all time favorite Nora Roberts novel of mine ♡
The Search is still, after reading all her books, and many re-reads my all-time favorite novel by this author. I read it at least once a year. And if you are a dog lover – this is a BOOK I would recommend you to read!!
I should start by mentioning that I always wanted a dog, but unfortunately it hasn’t happened yet. But every time I read this book, my desire of wanting a dog goes through the roof. Just be warned – lol!
Fiona Bristow, dog trainer extraordinaire, who survived a kidnapping years ago, finally lives a peaceful and content life on Orca island north of Seattle. She is a kick ass heroine, busy training dogs and with this I-can-do-it-myself attitude but also has a good head on her shoulders.
Simon, a grumpy, taciturn, and blunt hunk of a wood artist, and new owner of an energetic puppy, is in dire need of help – which Fiona can provide. They meet under not the best circumstances. Simon’s puppy just ate the head rest in his new truck and all he wants is HELP or one of her dogs in exchange for his misbehaving puppy!!!
When Fiona, an independent and strong female collides with Simon, socially stunted and cynical it gets quickly interesting. Even so they are different in disposition it’s surprising how well they compliment each other. And that’s mostly because both respect boundaries, and each other’s way of living. Although neither expected this kind of change in status quo, Fiona is game, whereas Simon is the one that takes a little longer to accept what’s happening.
The relationship between them starts slowly, Jaw the puppy is the glue that brings them together, but their individual personalities is what draws them closer. I love the slow burn, and love how their relationship grows with mutual interest, attraction but also moves along naturally.
The book had a whole cast of interesting secondary characters, human and canine. The search and rescue portion of the book was incredibly detailed and full of fascinating information. It’s one aspect that always stands out in a NR novel – the details and deeply researched topics.
I believe this book would be a perfect and enjoyable read for any dog-lover and owner.
The Search is still, after reading all her books, and many re-reads my all-time favorite novel by this author. I read it at least once a year. And if you are a dog lover – this is a BOOK I would recommend you to read!!
I should start by mentioning that I always wanted a dog, but unfortunately it hasn’t happened yet. But every time I read this book, my desire of wanting a dog goes through the roof. Just be warned – lol!
Fiona Bristow, dog trainer extraordinaire, who survived a kidnapping years ago, finally lives a peaceful and content life on Orca island north of Seattle. She is a kick ass heroine, busy training dogs and with this I-can-do-it-myself attitude but also has a good head on her shoulders.
Simon, a grumpy, taciturn, and blunt hunk of a wood artist, and new owner of an energetic puppy, is in dire need of help – which Fiona can provide. They meet under not the best circumstances. Simon’s puppy just ate the head rest in his new truck and all he wants is HELP or one of her dogs in exchange for his misbehaving puppy!!!
When Fiona, an independent and strong female collides with Simon, socially stunted and cynical it gets quickly interesting. Even so they are different in disposition it’s surprising how well they compliment each other. And that’s mostly because both respect boundaries, and each other’s way of living. Although neither expected this kind of change in status quo, Fiona is game, whereas Simon is the one that takes a little longer to accept what’s happening.
The relationship between them starts slowly, Jaw the puppy is the glue that brings them together, but their individual personalities is what draws them closer. I love the slow burn, and love how their relationship grows with mutual interest, attraction but also moves along naturally.
The book had a whole cast of interesting secondary characters, human and canine. The search and rescue portion of the book was incredibly detailed and full of fascinating information. It’s one aspect that always stands out in a NR novel – the details and deeply researched topics.
I believe this book would be a perfect and enjoyable read for any dog-lover and owner.
July 24, 2011
If you have a dog and want to train him/her then by all means pick up this book as this reads more like a "how to" guide. I like dogs but this was overkill. Seriously, page after page on how to train your dog and what's involved in search and rescue missions.
She gets a point for starting off the book really well but that's about it. There was no suspense and the killer storyline could have been so, so much better.
What I found to be unbelievable was the romance between Fiona and Simon. Nothing about these two made them stand out as they are so not interesting. In fact, I find it hard to believe that any woman would put up with a man like Simon who is bossy, irritating and plain rude. A total turn-off. As for Fiona, I have to agree with another reviewer that it felt like she was training Simon like she trains her dogs. I just didn't understand the attraction between the two. He even tells her that she's "not beautiful" and she still wants him. For people who can't even figure out their own feelings about one another, she (Roberts) has them conversing several times as psychologists assessing what the killer is feeling and why he's doing what he's doing, as well as acting like profilers of killers. Yeah, whatever.
As for the ending, pretty bad. It's as though after 480 pages Roberts realized she better wrap it up and she did. Badly.
I've read a few of Nora Roberts' books and some are hits and some are misses. Guess where this one belongs.
She gets a point for starting off the book really well but that's about it. There was no suspense and the killer storyline could have been so, so much better.
What I found to be unbelievable was the romance between Fiona and Simon. Nothing about these two made them stand out as they are so not interesting. In fact, I find it hard to believe that any woman would put up with a man like Simon who is bossy, irritating and plain rude. A total turn-off. As for Fiona, I have to agree with another reviewer that it felt like she was training Simon like she trains her dogs. I just didn't understand the attraction between the two. He even tells her that she's "not beautiful" and she still wants him. For people who can't even figure out their own feelings about one another, she (Roberts) has them conversing several times as psychologists assessing what the killer is feeling and why he's doing what he's doing, as well as acting like profilers of killers. Yeah, whatever.
As for the ending, pretty bad. It's as though after 480 pages Roberts realized she better wrap it up and she did. Badly.
I've read a few of Nora Roberts' books and some are hits and some are misses. Guess where this one belongs.
September 27, 2017
WOW. This is one of the BEST romantic suspense stories I’ve read this year!
I can always count on Nora Roberts to deliver an engrossing and thrilling read. In spite of my high expectations, the author still knocked me off my feet and surprised me with this brilliant story. The Search is a very well-written story with the perfect mixture of breathtaking romance and heart-pounding suspense.
I don’t want to spoil any plot details so I will try to keep this as short as possible.
After losing her fiancé to a serial killer who failed to murder her, Fiona Bristow moved to Orcas Island in order to rebuild her life. She’s become a professional dog trainer and part of Canine Search and Rescue team. She feels safe and secure with her three super smart Labs who are her best friends and protectors.
Simon Doyle is a wood artist who relocated to the island for the solitude, the stillness, and the quiet. When his mother foisted a puppy on him, he had no idea how to manage this little monster. Apparently, he was in desperate need of some help so he went to see Fiona, and this was where their paths first crossed.
Fiona has become one my favorite female characters. She’s smart, strong, and logical. Very logical. For the fact that she was the sole survivor of the Red Scarf Killer, and after all she had been through, never again would she put herself in danger or made herself an easy target. I admired Fiona for her positive attitude, her hard work, her honest mind, and her intelligence.
And Simon… I fell deeply in love with him! He’s the real imperfect hero. He’s not quite sociable; he’s solitary, messy, blunt, and cranky. But he’s a very forthright person, and everything he says comes from his heart. He never speaks much, but he really cares for Fiona. I’m a true believer in ‘Actions speak louder than words’, so Simon will always hold a special place in my heart. *Melt*
“You’re not beautiful.”
“There you go again, Mr. Romance.”
“You’re not, but you grab hold. I haven’t figured out why.”
They started off as complete strangers, and then their relationship had gradually built up. In Simon’s eyes, Fiona isn’t beautiful, not even his type. But there is something about her that draws him to her. And to Fiona, Simon isn’t what she imagined for herself and he is certainly not her perfect fantasy. But the sweetest thing is that she loves him still, despite all his flaws. And that means she loves him for who he really is! *Sigh*
“You don’t have any neuroses, which is annoying. You have quirks, which make up for it a little. But you’re mostly irritatingly stable and normal. You’re still not my type.”
“But you’re still going to bang me.”
“At every opportunity.”
She laughed, and he felt her fully relax against him. “You’re rude, socially stunted and cynical. But I intend to be available for said banging whenever possible. I’m not sure what that makes us, but it seems to be working.”
“You’re who I want to be with.”
There were many sweet moments when Simon and Fiona were together. Their lovemaking was so sensual, passionate, fiery, and exquisite, especially . I was so blown away!
“Scent’s the thing, right? How you find someone. I’ve got yours inside me. I could find you whether I wanted to or not. Whether you wanted me to or not.”
“I’m not lost.”
“I still found you.”
“What is it about you?” he repeated. “How does touching you calm me down and excite me at the same time? What is it you want from me? You never ask. Sometimes I wonder, is this a trick?” His eyes on hers, he backed her slowly toward the bed. “Just a way to pull me in? But it’s not. You’re not built that way.”
“Why would I want anything I had to trick out of you?”
“You don’t.” He lifted her, held, then laid her on the bed. “So you pull me in. And I end up being the one who’s lost.”
She framed his face with her hands. “I’ll find you.”
The suspense part took me on a non-stop thrill ride! I felt as though my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I was so terrified, yet I couldn’t stop reading!
It's been a while since I've read anything that made me completely lose track of time. I got swept up into the story and found myself having a hard time putting it down. This book is pretty long, it’s worth every single page though.
If you’re a fan of romantic suspense stories, then you shouldn’t miss out on this one!
I can always count on Nora Roberts to deliver an engrossing and thrilling read. In spite of my high expectations, the author still knocked me off my feet and surprised me with this brilliant story. The Search is a very well-written story with the perfect mixture of breathtaking romance and heart-pounding suspense.
I don’t want to spoil any plot details so I will try to keep this as short as possible.
After losing her fiancé to a serial killer who failed to murder her, Fiona Bristow moved to Orcas Island in order to rebuild her life. She’s become a professional dog trainer and part of Canine Search and Rescue team. She feels safe and secure with her three super smart Labs who are her best friends and protectors.
Simon Doyle is a wood artist who relocated to the island for the solitude, the stillness, and the quiet. When his mother foisted a puppy on him, he had no idea how to manage this little monster. Apparently, he was in desperate need of some help so he went to see Fiona, and this was where their paths first crossed.
Fiona has become one my favorite female characters. She’s smart, strong, and logical. Very logical. For the fact that she was the sole survivor of the Red Scarf Killer, and after all she had been through, never again would she put herself in danger or made herself an easy target. I admired Fiona for her positive attitude, her hard work, her honest mind, and her intelligence.
And Simon… I fell deeply in love with him! He’s the real imperfect hero. He’s not quite sociable; he’s solitary, messy, blunt, and cranky. But he’s a very forthright person, and everything he says comes from his heart. He never speaks much, but he really cares for Fiona. I’m a true believer in ‘Actions speak louder than words’, so Simon will always hold a special place in my heart. *Melt*
“You’re not beautiful.”
“There you go again, Mr. Romance.”
“You’re not, but you grab hold. I haven’t figured out why.”
They started off as complete strangers, and then their relationship had gradually built up. In Simon’s eyes, Fiona isn’t beautiful, not even his type. But there is something about her that draws him to her. And to Fiona, Simon isn’t what she imagined for herself and he is certainly not her perfect fantasy. But the sweetest thing is that she loves him still, despite all his flaws. And that means she loves him for who he really is! *Sigh*
“You don’t have any neuroses, which is annoying. You have quirks, which make up for it a little. But you’re mostly irritatingly stable and normal. You’re still not my type.”
“But you’re still going to bang me.”
“At every opportunity.”
She laughed, and he felt her fully relax against him. “You’re rude, socially stunted and cynical. But I intend to be available for said banging whenever possible. I’m not sure what that makes us, but it seems to be working.”
“You’re who I want to be with.”
There were many sweet moments when Simon and Fiona were together. Their lovemaking was so sensual, passionate, fiery, and exquisite, especially . I was so blown away!
“Scent’s the thing, right? How you find someone. I’ve got yours inside me. I could find you whether I wanted to or not. Whether you wanted me to or not.”
“I’m not lost.”
“I still found you.”
“What is it about you?” he repeated. “How does touching you calm me down and excite me at the same time? What is it you want from me? You never ask. Sometimes I wonder, is this a trick?” His eyes on hers, he backed her slowly toward the bed. “Just a way to pull me in? But it’s not. You’re not built that way.”
“Why would I want anything I had to trick out of you?”
“You don’t.” He lifted her, held, then laid her on the bed. “So you pull me in. And I end up being the one who’s lost.”
She framed his face with her hands. “I’ll find you.”
The suspense part took me on a non-stop thrill ride! I felt as though my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I was so terrified, yet I couldn’t stop reading!
It's been a while since I've read anything that made me completely lose track of time. I got swept up into the story and found myself having a hard time putting it down. This book is pretty long, it’s worth every single page though.
If you’re a fan of romantic suspense stories, then you shouldn’t miss out on this one!
October 12, 2017
You get to see photos of my doggos. They are the most awesome dogs ever. All other dogs should be ashamed and bow in their presence.
Okay, maybe they aren't exactly boundless balls of energy anymore, but this works for my book-reading lifestyle.
This is Sunny:
This is Cocoa:
This is Tinkerbelle:
This book was made for dog-lovers. Our heroine is Fiona, a dog-trainer with three Labs who are almost as awesome as my dogs. Almost. So, we get lots of dog-training advice, along with funny doggy personalities. She meets our hero, Simon, when he gets a lab puppy that he aptly names Jaws.
"Since we were here last, he’s tried or succeeded in eating a TV remote, a pillow, an entire roll of toilet paper, part of a stair tread, most of a bag of barbecue potato chips, two chairs and a mallet"....
“You should try crate-training him.”
“I got a crate. He ate the crate."......
"I think maybe he’s brain-damaged, or just psychotic.”
This all sounds about right. I lost so many shoes when my labs were pups that I tried to start a new style of wearing unmatching shoes. It didn't work.
Great. He's the only one who gets me? I feel a shame-spiral coming on...
Fiona was the survivor of a serial killer and now someone else is copycatting the killer. He intends to kill Fiona and succeed where his idol failed. But first, he's got a lot of warm-up killing to do, you know, because it would have been too easy if he had started with her. Now, she knows he's coming. (I thought serial killers were supposed to be smart killers?)
At least he will have a close shave after removing the tape.
So, we have the serial killer thing going on while Fiona and Simon are falling in love. And, it took me a while to warm-up to Simon. I like sarcasm, but I also like men who are ... oh I don't know... NICE to women. And, Simon was a total ass at first. He tells Fiona that he doesn't find her attractive, is rude as hell, and then calls her bitchy when she is freaking out over the serial killer thing. I spent the first half of the book planning his painful neutering. Because, yeah, like other idiotic men-children, he didn't want to neuter his dog. Grow the fuck up! And, grow a pair... or extract a pair. You know what I mean. Men and their testicles.. sheesh...
I don't get why you guys even like those things. They seem inconvenient. Also, apparently itchy?
Luckily, as the book went on, I started to appreciate Simon's grouchy sarcasm. I can appreciate the fact that he considered having a door-knocker made that said "Fuck off" in Irish. Personally, I don't have a mat that says Welcome on my doorstep because that would be lying.
That works.
Along with the mystery, romance, and dog training, we get times when Fiona takes her dogs to do search and rescue missions. She is part of a team of people with dogs, but she always seems to be the one who finds the lost person. I guess they don't really need all those other people at all. And, what the hell is wrong with those other dogs? Are they just a bunch of losers?
Yeah, I'll take a dozen of those too.
This book was fast paced and entertaining. Fiona is very likable and easy-going. Simon is like Oscar the Grouch. And, the dogs were the best part of the book.
Okay, maybe they aren't exactly boundless balls of energy anymore, but this works for my book-reading lifestyle.
This is Sunny:
This is Cocoa:
This is Tinkerbelle:
This book was made for dog-lovers. Our heroine is Fiona, a dog-trainer with three Labs who are almost as awesome as my dogs. Almost. So, we get lots of dog-training advice, along with funny doggy personalities. She meets our hero, Simon, when he gets a lab puppy that he aptly names Jaws.
"Since we were here last, he’s tried or succeeded in eating a TV remote, a pillow, an entire roll of toilet paper, part of a stair tread, most of a bag of barbecue potato chips, two chairs and a mallet"....
“You should try crate-training him.”
“I got a crate. He ate the crate."......
"I think maybe he’s brain-damaged, or just psychotic.”
This all sounds about right. I lost so many shoes when my labs were pups that I tried to start a new style of wearing unmatching shoes. It didn't work.
Great. He's the only one who gets me? I feel a shame-spiral coming on...
Fiona was the survivor of a serial killer and now someone else is copycatting the killer. He intends to kill Fiona and succeed where his idol failed. But first, he's got a lot of warm-up killing to do, you know, because it would have been too easy if he had started with her. Now, she knows he's coming. (I thought serial killers were supposed to be smart killers?)
At least he will have a close shave after removing the tape.
So, we have the serial killer thing going on while Fiona and Simon are falling in love. And, it took me a while to warm-up to Simon. I like sarcasm, but I also like men who are ... oh I don't know... NICE to women. And, Simon was a total ass at first. He tells Fiona that he doesn't find her attractive, is rude as hell, and then calls her bitchy when she is freaking out over the serial killer thing. I spent the first half of the book planning his painful neutering. Because, yeah, like other idiotic men-children, he didn't want to neuter his dog. Grow the fuck up! And, grow a pair... or extract a pair. You know what I mean. Men and their testicles.. sheesh...
I don't get why you guys even like those things. They seem inconvenient. Also, apparently itchy?
Luckily, as the book went on, I started to appreciate Simon's grouchy sarcasm. I can appreciate the fact that he considered having a door-knocker made that said "Fuck off" in Irish. Personally, I don't have a mat that says Welcome on my doorstep because that would be lying.
That works.
Along with the mystery, romance, and dog training, we get times when Fiona takes her dogs to do search and rescue missions. She is part of a team of people with dogs, but she always seems to be the one who finds the lost person. I guess they don't really need all those other people at all. And, what the hell is wrong with those other dogs? Are they just a bunch of losers?
Yeah, I'll take a dozen of those too.
This book was fast paced and entertaining. Fiona is very likable and easy-going. Simon is like Oscar the Grouch. And, the dogs were the best part of the book.
July 6, 2021
While living on an island off Seattle, Fiona Bristow appeared to have a perfectly good life. With a successful dog training school and a volunteer job performing canine search and rescue, Fiona found there didn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Even after the busiest of days she always looked forward to coming home and relaxing with her three faithful Labradors.
Years ago, Fiona suffered a horrible ordeal that still haunts her to this day. Living on the island was quiet and peaceful, which Fiona needed in order to rebuild her life. But it seemed this was about to change the day Simon Doyle arrives at her house wanting help with his new out of control puppy, Jaws. Puppyhood as it seems was not going well for Simon at all and he was at his wits end and was desperate for Fiona’s help.
Fiona knew straight away Jaws would be easy enough to train and handle, but Simon on the other hand, she wasn't so sure. As Fiona trains Jaws, it’s obvious to her that he is an intelligent dog and in time he will be a great dog for Simon. Then when Fiona least expects it, she finds out there is a copycat killer lurking and Fiona’s life could be in danger once again.
As a lover of animals, especially dogs, I thought I would like this book and I did. With likeable characters my favorite being Jaws just because he reminded me so much of my dog when she was a puppy (naughty of course). Nora Roberts has written an entertaining romantic suspense novel, which I really enjoyed and I’m sure anyone who is a fan of hers will enjoy this book too.
Years ago, Fiona suffered a horrible ordeal that still haunts her to this day. Living on the island was quiet and peaceful, which Fiona needed in order to rebuild her life. But it seemed this was about to change the day Simon Doyle arrives at her house wanting help with his new out of control puppy, Jaws. Puppyhood as it seems was not going well for Simon at all and he was at his wits end and was desperate for Fiona’s help.
Fiona knew straight away Jaws would be easy enough to train and handle, but Simon on the other hand, she wasn't so sure. As Fiona trains Jaws, it’s obvious to her that he is an intelligent dog and in time he will be a great dog for Simon. Then when Fiona least expects it, she finds out there is a copycat killer lurking and Fiona’s life could be in danger once again.
As a lover of animals, especially dogs, I thought I would like this book and I did. With likeable characters my favorite being Jaws just because he reminded me so much of my dog when she was a puppy (naughty of course). Nora Roberts has written an entertaining romantic suspense novel, which I really enjoyed and I’m sure anyone who is a fan of hers will enjoy this book too.
June 21, 2024
Fiona appears to have an enviable life, running a successful dog training school and volunteering for canine search and rescue. Yet, under this calm surface lies a traumatic past. Years earlier, she barely escaped from the red scarf killer, who took the lives of her fiancé and his k-9 partner.
One of the best things about dogs, to Fiona’s mind, was their absolute joy in welcoming you home, whether you’d been gone for five minutes or five days. There lay unconditional and boundless love.
Simon is a reclusive wood artist recently moved into the area. He arrives at Fiona’s doorstep with his unruly puppy, Jaws. Anyone who has raised a puppy will get a chuckle out of Simon’s frustrations.
Romantic thriller
Sexy woodworker
Dog training
Orcas Island (San Juan Islands)
Great side characters
Yes, the narrative is slightly predictable, but Nora Roberts is a master at weaving these kind of tales. There is a copycat killer, and a blossoming relationship between Simon and Fiona. I really loved the relationship between the dogs, the in-depth description of training, and the emotional connection between them all.
Somehow he’d gotten himself a dog and a woman, neither of which he’d particularly wanted. And now he couldn’t imagine his days, or his nights, without them.
Not a huge fan of Simon’s grumpy exterior and the way he initially treats Fiona. Many of their dialogues felt like a tennis match. Whipping back and forth at high speed with whit and sarcasm. I tried to picture to people having these conversations, and it felt slightly unrealistic at times.
One of the best things about dogs, to Fiona’s mind, was their absolute joy in welcoming you home, whether you’d been gone for five minutes or five days. There lay unconditional and boundless love.
Simon is a reclusive wood artist recently moved into the area. He arrives at Fiona’s doorstep with his unruly puppy, Jaws. Anyone who has raised a puppy will get a chuckle out of Simon’s frustrations.
Romantic thriller
Sexy woodworker
Dog training
Orcas Island (San Juan Islands)
Great side characters
Yes, the narrative is slightly predictable, but Nora Roberts is a master at weaving these kind of tales. There is a copycat killer, and a blossoming relationship between Simon and Fiona. I really loved the relationship between the dogs, the in-depth description of training, and the emotional connection between them all.
Somehow he’d gotten himself a dog and a woman, neither of which he’d particularly wanted. And now he couldn’t imagine his days, or his nights, without them.
Not a huge fan of Simon’s grumpy exterior and the way he initially treats Fiona. Many of their dialogues felt like a tennis match. Whipping back and forth at high speed with whit and sarcasm. I tried to picture to people having these conversations, and it felt slightly unrealistic at times.
May 3, 2016
I read the Search by Nora Roberts and this is one intense read. The characters Fiona Bristow and Simon Doyle are hilarious which helps during the tense scary parts.
Fiona is a dog trainer and works on the search and rescue canine team. Her dogs are brilliant and when Simon comes over with his unruly, ill mannered dog.
Simon is about ready to wash his hands of him until Fiona helps him teach Jaws to be a smart puppy.
It was so nice to see the dogs being trained over and above the typical obedience training.
There was a serial killer that captured Fiona when she was younger and when she escaped from him, he stalked and killed her fiance. She has not really opened her heart to anyone since.
The relationship that Fiona and Simon have made me laugh out loud on several occasions.
Simon, who I love by the way, was so unwilling to have a woman or a dog in his life. So he had both popping up all through the story.
Great writing on Nora Roberts' part. She as always, gave these two so much personality and background that you really got to know them.
One of the best Nora Roberts books I have read, and I have read a lot by her as she is one of my most favorite authors.
Her humor and her intensity are so well balanced that you feel like you have been through the gritty and grimy events with the main characters. The dogs were so on point. They almost stole the book away from Fiona and Simon.
Excellent story with a lot of intense moments and many creepy moments with a couple of serial killers.
Fiona is a dog trainer and works on the search and rescue canine team. Her dogs are brilliant and when Simon comes over with his unruly, ill mannered dog.
Simon is about ready to wash his hands of him until Fiona helps him teach Jaws to be a smart puppy.
It was so nice to see the dogs being trained over and above the typical obedience training.
There was a serial killer that captured Fiona when she was younger and when she escaped from him, he stalked and killed her fiance. She has not really opened her heart to anyone since.
The relationship that Fiona and Simon have made me laugh out loud on several occasions.
Simon, who I love by the way, was so unwilling to have a woman or a dog in his life. So he had both popping up all through the story.
Great writing on Nora Roberts' part. She as always, gave these two so much personality and background that you really got to know them.
One of the best Nora Roberts books I have read, and I have read a lot by her as she is one of my most favorite authors.
Her humor and her intensity are so well balanced that you feel like you have been through the gritty and grimy events with the main characters. The dogs were so on point. They almost stole the book away from Fiona and Simon.
Excellent story with a lot of intense moments and many creepy moments with a couple of serial killers.
October 1, 2017
My favorite characters in this book had four legs. Don't get me wrong, Fiona and Simon were great. But Newman, Peck, Bogart and little Jaws stole the show.
Fiona survived a serial killer. Now she lives on an island where she trains dogs (or as anyone who has ever trained a dog knows, trains the dog's human) Fiona also heads up a search and rescue team with the dogs. The whole thing is amazing!!
Simon is a wood carver and carpenter. He is a kind of temperamental artist and has no intention of falling in love. So when he does it is endearing. He is surprised by it and a little frightened at the feelings.
A great book! We have a serial killer and we have romance. That is all great. But did I mention the dogs? They are soooo cool!!
Fiona survived a serial killer. Now she lives on an island where she trains dogs (or as anyone who has ever trained a dog knows, trains the dog's human) Fiona also heads up a search and rescue team with the dogs. The whole thing is amazing!!
Simon is a wood carver and carpenter. He is a kind of temperamental artist and has no intention of falling in love. So when he does it is endearing. He is surprised by it and a little frightened at the feelings.
A great book! We have a serial killer and we have romance. That is all great. But did I mention the dogs? They are soooo cool!!
November 2, 2016
((((Scratch head)))) Was this a romance story or a training guide for dogs?!
I enjoyed it, but I swear this read more like a training guide for dogs with a romantic suspense story thrown in for good measure. While I do love a good Nora Roberts book, I find too many are just filled with waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much ‘filler’ content. Fortunately for me I love dogs to pieces so it wasn’t always boring stuff, but once I finished the book I realized how much of it was just filler fluff and not all that relevant to the story.
OK, now that I have that off my chest, I really did like the romance aspect of this story. The heroine Fiona Bristow was a likeable enough heroine, and her love interest Simon Doyl grew on me over time. In the end, I became a full believer in their love for each other. They took the romance slow and steady, and I loved how Simon dealt with his changing feelings. His simple bachelor life was melting away right in front of him, and he begrudgingly found himself enjoying the change.
The rest of the story centers around
The suspense part of the story was minimal and not overly gripping. We follow the new serial killer from time to time to watch his endeavors as he plots to kill Fiona, but for the most part she is busy teaching us about search and rescue techniques with her volunteer K9 unit. The ending wasn’t what I predicted, and I found I liked this ending much better so it did end on a high note for me.
Overall, I give this one 3 milk bones
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2020
5 Stars!!
In my top 3 reads from Nora, LOVED everything about this book!!
In my top 3 reads from Nora, LOVED everything about this book!!
June 5, 2016
I read Nora Roberts's books when I want to be entertained and this one certainly fit the bill! I must admit a lot of time was spent on talking about training dogs but as someone who likes dogs I found it interesting and informative.
As usual there was a feisty heroine and a hunky hero who are obviously destined to be together but that's what a romance is all about. These two were pretty funny as well which helped keep me involved. There was also some murder, mystery and danger along the way which added spice to the story.
For me it was an ideal piece of light reading to pass a few hours very pleasantly.
As usual there was a feisty heroine and a hunky hero who are obviously destined to be together but that's what a romance is all about. These two were pretty funny as well which helped keep me involved. There was also some murder, mystery and danger along the way which added spice to the story.
For me it was an ideal piece of light reading to pass a few hours very pleasantly.
July 28, 2015
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Fun and Different
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Just when you thought you were safe…
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Simon
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I really liked this one a lot. I thought it was different in a way I don’t see often. The characters weren’t cookie cutter. There was fun banter that made me laugh. I just love how the dogs were woven into the story. I liked this one a lot.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Tanya Eby does a fantastic job with the narration.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Fun and Different
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Just when you thought you were safe…
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Simon
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I really liked this one a lot. I thought it was different in a way I don’t see often. The characters weren’t cookie cutter. There was fun banter that made me laugh. I just love how the dogs were woven into the story. I liked this one a lot.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Tanya Eby does a fantastic job with the narration.
February 5, 2020
I've been getting a little worried because the past couple of Nora Roberts books haven't really tripped my trigger. But this one... was awesome.
Fiona Bristow was kidnapped almost ten years ago, the only survivor of a serial killer who would find single, athletic women, kill them and then bury them in a shallow grave in a national park. After Fiona managed to escape, the killer went back and killed her boyfriend and his K9 unit. In his memory, Fiona opened up a dog training school which does everything from simple obedience to search and rescue.
Simon Doyle is a gifted carpenter who sells his wares in Fiona's stepmother's art gallery. He has a puppy in need of some training and comes to Fiona for help. He's somewhat attracted to Fiona but not really sure if he wants it to go any further than attraction, after all, it's a small island. But then, someone starts imitating the serial murderer who went after Fiona and she is once again thrown into danger.
Some fun dog training tips. A little annoyance on my part that Simon felt like he was being "trained" but got over it pretty quickly and who does that? I read this book in a quick couple of days and loved it.
Fiona Bristow was kidnapped almost ten years ago, the only survivor of a serial killer who would find single, athletic women, kill them and then bury them in a shallow grave in a national park. After Fiona managed to escape, the killer went back and killed her boyfriend and his K9 unit. In his memory, Fiona opened up a dog training school which does everything from simple obedience to search and rescue.
Simon Doyle is a gifted carpenter who sells his wares in Fiona's stepmother's art gallery. He has a puppy in need of some training and comes to Fiona for help. He's somewhat attracted to Fiona but not really sure if he wants it to go any further than attraction, after all, it's a small island. But then, someone starts imitating the serial murderer who went after Fiona and she is once again thrown into danger.
Some fun dog training tips. A little annoyance on my part that Simon felt like he was being "trained" but got over it pretty quickly and who does that? I read this book in a quick couple of days and loved it.
April 10, 2022
¡Ojalá lo hubiera escrito yo!
Qué maravilla de historia. Qué personajes tan fantásticos. Qué trama, qué desarrollo y qué final. Qué novela tan magnífica.
No tengo más que elogios para este BEST Seller.
Insisto: ojalá lo hubiera escrito yo.
Qué maravilla de historia. Qué personajes tan fantásticos. Qué trama, qué desarrollo y qué final. Qué novela tan magnífica.
No tengo más que elogios para este BEST Seller.
Insisto: ojalá lo hubiera escrito yo.
August 15, 2012
3 Stars!! I'm still "SEARCHING" for the excitement!
Okay, so the book had it's moments, but I really expected more in the way of a thrilling read. I did like the two main characters, Fiona and Simon. Fiona was easy going, funny and a dog trainer extraordinaire! Simon was gruff, demanding, pushy...but it added to his appeal and they played well off of each other. I enjoyed the dog training aspect of the book, I love dogs, but when a book is titled The Search and the underlying plot is about a serial killer, well you would think it would be more exciting! I mean c'mon, Fiona survived a kidnapping, the tragic death of her fiance and now it looks like a copy-cat killer is seeking her out to finish the job! I expected tension, to be on edge, some angst, maybe some scary mixed in and what I got was some sexy times...that was fun...and lots of instruction on how to train your dog. Yes, it was sweet watching Simon trying to endear himself to Fiona, even though he's less than tactful. I got a kick out of all the dogs, and even enjoyed the two search and rescue missions Fiona was called out for, but I didn't get the suspense I was expecting.
I'm not a writer, but I think if Nora Roberts had started this book off writing about all the tragic events that happened to Fiona earlier in her life and then transitioned to present day, that would have made for a suspenseful read. From there bring in the dogs, Simon and the copy-cat killer. Just sayin'!
I have to give credit to the narrator Tanya Eby. She was fabulous!! I will be looking for more books that she narrates.
Thanks to my awesome friend Dorsey for the recommendation. I really enjoy NR's books, but this one was a little off for me.
Okay, so the book had it's moments, but I really expected more in the way of a thrilling read. I did like the two main characters, Fiona and Simon. Fiona was easy going, funny and a dog trainer extraordinaire! Simon was gruff, demanding, pushy...but it added to his appeal and they played well off of each other. I enjoyed the dog training aspect of the book, I love dogs, but when a book is titled The Search and the underlying plot is about a serial killer, well you would think it would be more exciting! I mean c'mon, Fiona survived a kidnapping, the tragic death of her fiance and now it looks like a copy-cat killer is seeking her out to finish the job! I expected tension, to be on edge, some angst, maybe some scary mixed in and what I got was some sexy times...that was fun...and lots of instruction on how to train your dog. Yes, it was sweet watching Simon trying to endear himself to Fiona, even though he's less than tactful. I got a kick out of all the dogs, and even enjoyed the two search and rescue missions Fiona was called out for, but I didn't get the suspense I was expecting.
I'm not a writer, but I think if Nora Roberts had started this book off writing about all the tragic events that happened to Fiona earlier in her life and then transitioned to present day, that would have made for a suspenseful read. From there bring in the dogs, Simon and the copy-cat killer. Just sayin'!
I have to give credit to the narrator Tanya Eby. She was fabulous!! I will be looking for more books that she narrates.
Thanks to my awesome friend Dorsey for the recommendation. I really enjoy NR's books, but this one was a little off for me.
April 1, 2015
Some of the reviews here are brutal, which is a mystery to me. I happen to love dogs but didn't think that was at the basis of my interest of a story about a woman dog trainer. Fiona Bristow is a survivor who has recreated herself following pretty tragic circumstances. She relocated herself to Orcas Island in Puget Sound and is devoting her life to dog obedience training and as a volunteer with the Canine Search and Rescue. Fiona also trains dogs for search and rescue.
Enter Simon, a wood artist and furniture designer who has recently moved to the island, along with a new puppy given to him by his mother. He enlists Fiona's help with his little terror, Jaws. Fiona and Simon don't have the typical romance, which makes this fun and enjoyable. He's prickly, grumpy and blunt. She's airy and attainable. They are not complete opposites but the differences make it work.
I found the dog training segments enlightening and illuminating....it told you a lot about Fiona and gave you insight as to why she's a survivor. And, a lot of the stories were just plain funny. Fiona's dogs were loving and typical of the breed. Jaws was perfect for his grumpy owner.
I'm a big fan of the In Death series by J. D. Robb so I'm less sensitive to the murders outlined in this book. The serial killer plot was suspenseful and made me nervous as I anticipated the ending. My criticism is that the end was anti climatic and could have been more exciting.
Otherwise, I found this to be a solid addition to Nora Roberts' body of work. You have to read between the seams and weave Fiona's talents into the fabric of the story.
Enter Simon, a wood artist and furniture designer who has recently moved to the island, along with a new puppy given to him by his mother. He enlists Fiona's help with his little terror, Jaws. Fiona and Simon don't have the typical romance, which makes this fun and enjoyable. He's prickly, grumpy and blunt. She's airy and attainable. They are not complete opposites but the differences make it work.
I found the dog training segments enlightening and illuminating....it told you a lot about Fiona and gave you insight as to why she's a survivor. And, a lot of the stories were just plain funny. Fiona's dogs were loving and typical of the breed. Jaws was perfect for his grumpy owner.
I'm a big fan of the In Death series by J. D. Robb so I'm less sensitive to the murders outlined in this book. The serial killer plot was suspenseful and made me nervous as I anticipated the ending. My criticism is that the end was anti climatic and could have been more exciting.
Otherwise, I found this to be a solid addition to Nora Roberts' body of work. You have to read between the seams and weave Fiona's talents into the fabric of the story.
July 8, 2020
Another typical NR! :)
Even if I liked the MCs very much, I just loved the dog-training parts and everything that had to do with dogs here! It was just perfect!!!
Also was inetersting to read the crazy parts from the killer's POV! A really sick man!!
Well worth reading!
Even if I liked the MCs very much, I just loved the dog-training parts and everything that had to do with dogs here! It was just perfect!!!
Also was inetersting to read the crazy parts from the killer's POV! A really sick man!!
Well worth reading!
May 4, 2025
Seventh reread. Third time audio. I skipped much of the murdery parts and enjoyed the nostalgia of an old favorite and the ambiance of island life.
Sixth time reading, second time audio. I didn’t manage to finish any book in February which is how I knew it was time for some comfort rereads.
Fifth time reading, first time audio.
First time the ending dragged for me.
But still a favorite.
Fourth Time - I've read this and it still manages to give me a mental vacation. Yes it's romantic suspense but it's also dogs and the magic that is Orcas Island. I have to see this gem soon. This is my favorite Nora Roberts.
Third time - read after adopting a new family member from the Animal Defense League. Dogs are love, furry unconditional love.
*audible note - the narrator had a great pace but she was just a touch gooey.
May 29, 2018
4.5 stars.
Wow. What a pleasant surprise this book was.
I enjoy it enormously.
The MC's were awesome and so were the side characters. Each and everyone of the characters had personality, which in my opinion, is a great thing as many writers fail to do that.
I liked the third person narration, and none of the chapters were boring.
The fact that there was no insta-love, but a slowly built attraction, respect and love, is a massive lesson for those who forget that looks ain't everything.
I'm so happy that I've read this one. I'm sure it won't be the last by this author.
Wow. What a pleasant surprise this book was.
I enjoy it enormously.
The MC's were awesome and so were the side characters. Each and everyone of the characters had personality, which in my opinion, is a great thing as many writers fail to do that.
I liked the third person narration, and none of the chapters were boring.
The fact that there was no insta-love, but a slowly built attraction, respect and love, is a massive lesson for those who forget that looks ain't everything.
I'm so happy that I've read this one. I'm sure it won't be the last by this author.
August 16, 2021
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the enjoyment factor alone.
I have been working at squeezing in reading time lately (trying to remodel a house...and it is keeping me seriously busy)....but I found myself picking up this book up at every free opportunity and it was truly a delight to read.
I really love me a romantic suspense and this book totally hit that mark for me.
I am also such an avid dog lover and the search and rescue angle to this story was not only written well but I thought the insight into dog behaviour was not only entertaining but also spot on...the author certainly did her research and I have to believe that she probably loves dogs as well. ❤
The romance aspect to this storyline and the banter between the leads ....just had to love that as well!!! Slightly gruff hero and sassy heroine.
This is definitely one for the rereads pile!!!
A great read from a fabulous author.👍
I have been working at squeezing in reading time lately (trying to remodel a house...and it is keeping me seriously busy)....but I found myself picking up this book up at every free opportunity and it was truly a delight to read.
I really love me a romantic suspense and this book totally hit that mark for me.
I am also such an avid dog lover and the search and rescue angle to this story was not only written well but I thought the insight into dog behaviour was not only entertaining but also spot on...the author certainly did her research and I have to believe that she probably loves dogs as well. ❤
The romance aspect to this storyline and the banter between the leads ....just had to love that as well!!! Slightly gruff hero and sassy heroine.
This is definitely one for the rereads pile!!!
A great read from a fabulous author.👍
November 18, 2015
My first Nora Roberts.... I loved it! Fiona is a great lead.
October 13, 2010
Nobody reads Nora Roberts for shocking and unexpected plots – she basically has a handful of types of books and just rewrites them over and over. The Search falls into Category 2: woman with traumatic past has overcome it to become completely self-sufficient and a little bit closed-off emotionally, meets new guy right as she falls back into danger very similar to whatever caused the trauma in her past, they fall in love while danger deepens and eventually best the foe together. I am not mocking the formula; it works. I read pretty much all of her books (I haven’t dipped my toe into the J.D. Robb waters yet), so obviously I’m okay with formulaic.
The thing is, when most things stay the same, it really makes the little details that she does change up from book-to-book stand out. For a while she added interest with her [not entirely successful] forays into paranormal romance. I think her best tactic has been to focus the book around one or both of the main characters’ jobs and fill in lots of details that way: you learn all about gardening, opening a small business, running a nature preserve, or, in this instance, woodworking and dog training. I know that some people are bothered by this didactic tactic, but like I said, she’s working from a formula here and closing in on 200 books. There has to be an angle to make the books more individual.
Another change that jumps out at you from the backdrop of Exact Same Storyline is Roberts’ shift in gendered characterizations. Her earlier books were all Alpha Male / Spunky Female (the MacGregors spring to mind, but plenty of others as well) – whether the Hero was totally marriage-minded or committed to bachelorhood, he was pretty much guaranteed to be kind of a dick about it and run roughshod over the Heroine’s feelings. She would be spunky and free-spirited but eventually cave to marrying him because really, she was only scared of commitment but now it’s okay because he’s proved that commitment can work!! Or she would have justenough spunk to say something that broke his hard heart on her way out the door when he finally is enough of a jerk to get her to leave him alone and let him live in his Man Cave uninterrupted, and he’d track her down and finally spill open his heart at her feet. So, okay, not the worst kind of Romance Gender Roles (at least I can’t remember any instances of her pulling the “Oh, you big strong Rapist, how can I resist you?” crap), but not the best either. Then she made a clear move toward a more modern take on relations between the sexes, and while similarly heavy-handed, I can’t pretend I didn’t appreciate the string of books that had the Hero saying out loud: “But women are stereotypically supposed to be like [X]; I guess it was silly of me to buy that because you are clearly like [Not X]” or the Heroine being less emotionally available but wising up to the fact that it’s not unmanly to put your feelings out there or be an artist instead of a cop or UFC fighter or whatever. Also she started peppering her books with (incidental, but not invisible) gay relationships, which was a nice little nod toward breaking up all the heteronormativity.
But this book was just weird. He spends most of it telling her he doesn’t find her attractive, while she tells him every little thing in her heart and then when they get together he charms her by calling her a slut. What? I think I can see what she was aiming for here, but there’s Third Wave and then there’s incoherent. Plus, I’m all about open and mature communication, but the level of verbal exposition of deep personal feelings here approached Twilight-esque (if Twilight had been written in complete sentences and any of the characters had a vocabulary of more than 100 words, that is). As a for instance, take this [longish] excerpt from pp. 386-87:
“Good God! I’ve been up here working my ass off to make myself feel strong, capable of dealing with whatever comes at me so I’m not hiding under the bed trembling, and you accomplish the same thing in under five minutes.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You make me feel strong, capable, even ingenious because you just see me that way. I haven’t got you wrapped around my finger, Simon—far from it. And the fact is, I wouldn’t want you there. But because there’s this little part of you that worries I do, or I could, I feel I can take on anything that comes. Anything at all. I feel strong and sexy and capable and ingenious.” She flexed her left biceps. “It’s heady. I’m drunk on it.”
“Well, that’s just great.”
“And you know what else? That you would do that—that silly thing to make a point.” She gestured toward the window. “That you could do that without feeling foolish, but feel just a little foolish because you’ve spent time out there playing with the dogs? Simon, it just disarms me.”
“For God’s sake.”
“It disarms me and delights me. So I’m disarmed, delighted, strong and sexy and capable all at the same time. And no one has ever made me feel the way you do. No one. That.” She pointed at the window again, and let out a laugh that sounded as baffled as he felt. “That right there is why, as ridiculous, as incomprehensible as it is, it’s why I’m in love with you.”
Ohhhhhhhh…kay. Seriously, that’s representative of the entire relationship, and the entire book. It’s not like that was The Big Conversation Wherein Feelings Are Revealed. That’s how every conversation went. And people should be honest about their feelings. And honesty is the best policy. But no one, and I do mean NOBODY, talks like that at all, let alone all the time. There are no quiet moments alone where the character realizes what she’s feeling, just “I, the character, am feeling very happy. But also worried. But grateful for the time we have together even if it is cut short. It’s important that I share my feelings with you because I love you and I need you to know all of my feelings at all times.” And then he responds with, and I shit you not, “You’re not even beautiful.”
Guh, whaa? Why is this emotionally unavailable woman who hasn’t been in a relationship in a decade suddenly baring her every emotion to a man she barely knows who is giving her NO ENCOURAGEMENT OR SUPPORT AT ALL? I just didn’t buy the spark. I knew they’d end up together (see above, re: Category 2), but I wasn’t rooting for them in any real sense, and I didn’t really buy the idea that they loved each other. So, this was a weird one. Oh, and it was hard to like Fiona after she heard the story of a teenage girl almost getting gang-raped and her reaction was to call the girl a wimp because she didn’t join in when the perpetrators were beaten to a pulp. Seriously, Nora? SERIOUSLY?
I do love dogs, so it was nice to read about dog training.
The thing is, when most things stay the same, it really makes the little details that she does change up from book-to-book stand out. For a while she added interest with her [not entirely successful] forays into paranormal romance. I think her best tactic has been to focus the book around one or both of the main characters’ jobs and fill in lots of details that way: you learn all about gardening, opening a small business, running a nature preserve, or, in this instance, woodworking and dog training. I know that some people are bothered by this didactic tactic, but like I said, she’s working from a formula here and closing in on 200 books. There has to be an angle to make the books more individual.
Another change that jumps out at you from the backdrop of Exact Same Storyline is Roberts’ shift in gendered characterizations. Her earlier books were all Alpha Male / Spunky Female (the MacGregors spring to mind, but plenty of others as well) – whether the Hero was totally marriage-minded or committed to bachelorhood, he was pretty much guaranteed to be kind of a dick about it and run roughshod over the Heroine’s feelings. She would be spunky and free-spirited but eventually cave to marrying him because really, she was only scared of commitment but now it’s okay because he’s proved that commitment can work!! Or she would have justenough spunk to say something that broke his hard heart on her way out the door when he finally is enough of a jerk to get her to leave him alone and let him live in his Man Cave uninterrupted, and he’d track her down and finally spill open his heart at her feet. So, okay, not the worst kind of Romance Gender Roles (at least I can’t remember any instances of her pulling the “Oh, you big strong Rapist, how can I resist you?” crap), but not the best either. Then she made a clear move toward a more modern take on relations between the sexes, and while similarly heavy-handed, I can’t pretend I didn’t appreciate the string of books that had the Hero saying out loud: “But women are stereotypically supposed to be like [X]; I guess it was silly of me to buy that because you are clearly like [Not X]” or the Heroine being less emotionally available but wising up to the fact that it’s not unmanly to put your feelings out there or be an artist instead of a cop or UFC fighter or whatever. Also she started peppering her books with (incidental, but not invisible) gay relationships, which was a nice little nod toward breaking up all the heteronormativity.
But this book was just weird. He spends most of it telling her he doesn’t find her attractive, while she tells him every little thing in her heart and then when they get together he charms her by calling her a slut. What? I think I can see what she was aiming for here, but there’s Third Wave and then there’s incoherent. Plus, I’m all about open and mature communication, but the level of verbal exposition of deep personal feelings here approached Twilight-esque (if Twilight had been written in complete sentences and any of the characters had a vocabulary of more than 100 words, that is). As a for instance, take this [longish] excerpt from pp. 386-87:
“Good God! I’ve been up here working my ass off to make myself feel strong, capable of dealing with whatever comes at me so I’m not hiding under the bed trembling, and you accomplish the same thing in under five minutes.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You make me feel strong, capable, even ingenious because you just see me that way. I haven’t got you wrapped around my finger, Simon—far from it. And the fact is, I wouldn’t want you there. But because there’s this little part of you that worries I do, or I could, I feel I can take on anything that comes. Anything at all. I feel strong and sexy and capable and ingenious.” She flexed her left biceps. “It’s heady. I’m drunk on it.”
“Well, that’s just great.”
“And you know what else? That you would do that—that silly thing to make a point.” She gestured toward the window. “That you could do that without feeling foolish, but feel just a little foolish because you’ve spent time out there playing with the dogs? Simon, it just disarms me.”
“For God’s sake.”
“It disarms me and delights me. So I’m disarmed, delighted, strong and sexy and capable all at the same time. And no one has ever made me feel the way you do. No one. That.” She pointed at the window again, and let out a laugh that sounded as baffled as he felt. “That right there is why, as ridiculous, as incomprehensible as it is, it’s why I’m in love with you.”
Ohhhhhhhh…kay. Seriously, that’s representative of the entire relationship, and the entire book. It’s not like that was The Big Conversation Wherein Feelings Are Revealed. That’s how every conversation went. And people should be honest about their feelings. And honesty is the best policy. But no one, and I do mean NOBODY, talks like that at all, let alone all the time. There are no quiet moments alone where the character realizes what she’s feeling, just “I, the character, am feeling very happy. But also worried. But grateful for the time we have together even if it is cut short. It’s important that I share my feelings with you because I love you and I need you to know all of my feelings at all times.” And then he responds with, and I shit you not, “You’re not even beautiful.”
Guh, whaa? Why is this emotionally unavailable woman who hasn’t been in a relationship in a decade suddenly baring her every emotion to a man she barely knows who is giving her NO ENCOURAGEMENT OR SUPPORT AT ALL? I just didn’t buy the spark. I knew they’d end up together (see above, re: Category 2), but I wasn’t rooting for them in any real sense, and I didn’t really buy the idea that they loved each other. So, this was a weird one. Oh, and it was hard to like Fiona after she heard the story of a teenage girl almost getting gang-raped and her reaction was to call the girl a wimp because she didn’t join in when the perpetrators were beaten to a pulp. Seriously, Nora? SERIOUSLY?
I do love dogs, so it was nice to read about dog training.
September 14, 2018
I initially thought that "The Search" was going to be a very good romantic suspense novel, but I ended up disliking the male hero so much that it ruined any enjoyment I previously had and then soured me on the book. Roberts did a lot of research it seems into Search and Rescue and dog behavior which was good. Heck, I will even throw out some kudos about the serial killer plot being woven into the story believably. However, I cannot with a male hero who calls the heroine a "cocktease", "bitch" or accuses her of "bitching" and doing his He-Man Alpha BS. The ending was even ruined by her trembling and he had to be the one coming in to save her. Bah to this book.
"The Search" is about Fiona Bristow who lives on an island near Seattle. She has three dogs and trains others and also participates in Search and Rescue on the island. She is also a survivor or a serial killer who eventually murdered her fiancee in retribution for her getting away from him. Though the serial killer is now locked up, someone out there seems hell-bent on being a copy-cat and is kidnapping and murdering young woman again. Fiona is dealing with this along with an unexpected romance with Simon Doyle who is a wood/artisan.
Fiona was wonderful I thought. If the book had been about her, her dogs, and her stepmother and best friend I would have loved it. She obviously has regrets and still thinks about how she lost her fiancee. With the recent missing women she feels guilty and angry. She's self sufficient and smart and the scenes with her and her dogs, or others were highlights. I do wish that we had more backstory about her murdered fiancee though. Maybe an earlier scene with them together or a prologue would have worked. I never did feel like he was a flesh and blood character.
Simon sucked. His puppy Jaws was cute, but he sucked. Him going around and telling Fiona how things would be, him getting angry at her and telling her she wasn't going to handle him like her dogs was disparaging and nasty. I didn't even understand why she stayed with him since he was an asshole to her too many times to count. Heck even how he proposed would have caused me to run to the hills.
I think the worst part for me was his negative reaction when she dared to clean his house. I would have told him enjoy the filth, I'm out. Roberts too many times has these alpha he-men in her romantic suspense novels and they always rub me the wrong way. What is wrong with having the man and woman in the story as equals without her having to be some helpless thing that needs to be saved.
I would have planted my foot up his ass. Seriously. He used the word "bitch" to much when talking to her. Cause a woman who is upset and not her usual bright self has a "bitch on". I kept wishing the serial killer copy cat would murder Simon.
Ha ha. Yeah, no. He's an asshole. I would have kicked him out at this point.
At this point I was just glad I had nothing breakable near me. Romantic suspense does not equal asshole hero.
She should have kicked him out of her damn house at this point.
The secondary characters were more interesting. We had two FBI agents checking in with Fiona, one who was there the last time around. Frankly it would have made more sense for her to get involved with that character than Simon.
I was curious about how Fiona's mother was still alive and sounded like a caring woman, but we got no dialogue between them. At least I can't remember any. She's really close to her stepmother which was nice to see.
The serial killer parts were disturbing and I skimmed as much as possible. Towards the end of the book it just felt endless.
I would argue the flow wasn't that great at the end of the book. All of a sudden we just go on a hunt for a serial killer and the book needed a better lift in my eyes. Everything just kind of ends.
The setting of the book takes place on Orcas Island, San Juan Islands which sounded pretty fantastic. I was just in the northwest and fell in love with Seattle and Portland. It was nice to have a better idea of the landscape and homes that would be there while reading this book.
The ending was a big raspberry. Honestly I think a stronger ending could have raised this up a star for me if we had Fiona standing tall without Simon there to show what a big strong man he is with his fists.
Definitely will say the dogs were a delight and highlight, though I can see why some people complained there was a lot of dog talk in this book and not enough romance. For me, there was not enough romance cause the hero was terrible.
"The Search" is about Fiona Bristow who lives on an island near Seattle. She has three dogs and trains others and also participates in Search and Rescue on the island. She is also a survivor or a serial killer who eventually murdered her fiancee in retribution for her getting away from him. Though the serial killer is now locked up, someone out there seems hell-bent on being a copy-cat and is kidnapping and murdering young woman again. Fiona is dealing with this along with an unexpected romance with Simon Doyle who is a wood/artisan.
Fiona was wonderful I thought. If the book had been about her, her dogs, and her stepmother and best friend I would have loved it. She obviously has regrets and still thinks about how she lost her fiancee. With the recent missing women she feels guilty and angry. She's self sufficient and smart and the scenes with her and her dogs, or others were highlights. I do wish that we had more backstory about her murdered fiancee though. Maybe an earlier scene with them together or a prologue would have worked. I never did feel like he was a flesh and blood character.
Simon sucked. His puppy Jaws was cute, but he sucked. Him going around and telling Fiona how things would be, him getting angry at her and telling her she wasn't going to handle him like her dogs was disparaging and nasty. I didn't even understand why she stayed with him since he was an asshole to her too many times to count. Heck even how he proposed would have caused me to run to the hills.
I think the worst part for me was his negative reaction when she dared to clean his house. I would have told him enjoy the filth, I'm out. Roberts too many times has these alpha he-men in her romantic suspense novels and they always rub me the wrong way. What is wrong with having the man and woman in the story as equals without her having to be some helpless thing that needs to be saved.
“You’ve got a bug up your ass today,” he said before she could speak.
“Excuse me?”
“A definite bitch on. Well, enjoy.”
He whistled for his dog, which naturally brought the whole pack."
I would have planted my foot up his ass. Seriously. He used the word "bitch" to much when talking to her. Cause a woman who is upset and not her usual bright self has a "bitch on". I kept wishing the serial killer copy cat would murder Simon.
“For me there is. And now I have soup and . . .” She peeled back the foil. “Mmmm, rosemary bread. This is exceptional. I have a stepmother who’d take the time to make it for me, a neighbor who’d bring it by even though he’d rather not, and my dogs. I’m not allowed to brood. So we’ll have dinner and conversation. But I’m not going to sleep with you after.”
“Cocktease.”
She nearly choked on the wine. “You did not just say that.”
Ha ha. Yeah, no. He's an asshole. I would have kicked him out at this point.
“I’m not fucking done. You don’t run this show. I don’t know how you worked it before with your cop, but this is now. You’re dealing with me now. You’d better think about that, and if you can’t deal with it, you let me know. We’ll leave it that we just fuck when we’re both in the mood, and move on.”
At this point I was just glad I had nothing breakable near me. Romantic suspense does not equal asshole hero.
“If you’re going to bitch, I’m going to sit down and drink my beer.”
“If I’m going to—You left here this morning pissed off and bossy. Interrupting me every five seconds. Telling me to shut up.”
“I’m about to repeat that.”
“What gives you the right to tell me what to do, what to think, what to say?”
“Not a thing.”
He tipped the beer in her direction. “And right back at you, Fiona.”
“I’m not telling you what to do. I’m giving you a choice, and I’m telling you I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior.”
His gaze fired to hers, molten gold sheathed in ice. “I’m not one of your dogs. You won’t train me.”
She should have kicked him out of her damn house at this point.
The secondary characters were more interesting. We had two FBI agents checking in with Fiona, one who was there the last time around. Frankly it would have made more sense for her to get involved with that character than Simon.
I was curious about how Fiona's mother was still alive and sounded like a caring woman, but we got no dialogue between them. At least I can't remember any. She's really close to her stepmother which was nice to see.
The serial killer parts were disturbing and I skimmed as much as possible. Towards the end of the book it just felt endless.
I would argue the flow wasn't that great at the end of the book. All of a sudden we just go on a hunt for a serial killer and the book needed a better lift in my eyes. Everything just kind of ends.
The setting of the book takes place on Orcas Island, San Juan Islands which sounded pretty fantastic. I was just in the northwest and fell in love with Seattle and Portland. It was nice to have a better idea of the landscape and homes that would be there while reading this book.
The ending was a big raspberry. Honestly I think a stronger ending could have raised this up a star for me if we had Fiona standing tall without Simon there to show what a big strong man he is with his fists.
Definitely will say the dogs were a delight and highlight, though I can see why some people complained there was a lot of dog talk in this book and not enough romance. For me, there was not enough romance cause the hero was terrible.
February 16, 2024
3 Stars
**Due to some recent time-suck events in my life, I'm not doing my typical review format**
Quick Overall Opinion:I was in the mood for a romantic suspense even though it isn't my favorite sub genre of romance. I need a good balance between the romance and suspense for it to really work. While I do think this book had a pretty good balance, I felt as though I didn't get nearly enough closure for the romantic element of the story to feel satisfied in the end. Even the suspense felt a little womp womp in the end.
I loved the setting (because I've been there and love it!), and I also enjoyed the h's occupation. It just felt like a little too much training talk. Like as if Ms. Roberts has a side passion of training dogs and couldn't help herself or something.
Otherwise, I did enjoy some parts but overall it was 3 just okay stars.
**Due to some recent time-suck events in my life, I'm not doing my typical review format**
Quick Overall Opinion:I was in the mood for a romantic suspense even though it isn't my favorite sub genre of romance. I need a good balance between the romance and suspense for it to really work. While I do think this book had a pretty good balance, I felt as though I didn't get nearly enough closure for the romantic element of the story to feel satisfied in the end. Even the suspense felt a little womp womp in the end.
I loved the setting (because I've been there and love it!), and I also enjoyed the h's occupation. It just felt like a little too much training talk. Like as if Ms. Roberts has a side passion of training dogs and couldn't help herself or something.
Otherwise, I did enjoy some parts but overall it was 3 just okay stars.
November 30, 2018
Nora Roberts is a little hit and miss with me. I've read a few and almost gagged on my own vomit...but there are a few of her books which do everything right and this is one of them.
August 1, 2015
Overall rating: 4 "Pizza Slut" stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Ow/om drama:
HEA:
My review:
Fiona was an amazing heroine. I loved her. She was sassy and spunky and tough and kick ass. I just LOVED her. She is a dog trainer and part of a search and rescue K-9 team. Years ago, she was not only the only survived victim of a serial killer, but she suffered a tremendous loss when that killer (who was uncaught at the time) decided to get retribution by stalking and killing her fiancee and his dog. :( There was nothing "poor Fee" about her though. She trained hard and was simply bad ass.
It is through her dog trainer reputation that she meets Simon. Simon's mom bought him a dog. A dog that he doesn't want, or at least he says he doesn't. I felt like Simon's brass and broody and "bothered" attitude when it came to his little puppy mirrored his relationship with Fiona perfectly. He moved to this small town because he does like his privacy and he just plain likes being alone.
Simon was the kind of man that didn't do romance. He didn't have one romantic bone in his body. He also didn't like want the bother of a relationship which would lead to a wife. He reminded me of one of those guys that had a phobia of attachment, yet he could never stay away from Fiona, even though she had a very nonchalant attitude about everything. She was so anti-girly. She was not clingy, not jealous, never tried to change him. She was very much a loner herself and thought she could take care of herself nicely. And all of those qualities are what made him fall in love with her.
I loved watching their relationship blossom. I have to admit, at first I didn't know how to take the hero's attitude, but I slowly realized that he was just plain blunt and broody LOL. He was one of those men that were rough around the edges, but could just do the nicest things. Also, their banter did make me laugh. There were quite a few humorous moments in this book lol.
It definitely has been awhile since I read a Nora Roberts book that I liked so much. This was a very steamy book too for Nora Roberts.
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Ow/om drama:
HEA:
My review:
Fiona was an amazing heroine. I loved her. She was sassy and spunky and tough and kick ass. I just LOVED her. She is a dog trainer and part of a search and rescue K-9 team. Years ago, she was not only the only survived victim of a serial killer, but she suffered a tremendous loss when that killer (who was uncaught at the time) decided to get retribution by stalking and killing her fiancee and his dog. :( There was nothing "poor Fee" about her though. She trained hard and was simply bad ass.
It is through her dog trainer reputation that she meets Simon. Simon's mom bought him a dog. A dog that he doesn't want, or at least he says he doesn't. I felt like Simon's brass and broody and "bothered" attitude when it came to his little puppy mirrored his relationship with Fiona perfectly. He moved to this small town because he does like his privacy and he just plain likes being alone.
Simon was the kind of man that didn't do romance. He didn't have one romantic bone in his body. He also didn't like want the bother of a relationship which would lead to a wife. He reminded me of one of those guys that had a phobia of attachment, yet he could never stay away from Fiona, even though she had a very nonchalant attitude about everything. She was so anti-girly. She was not clingy, not jealous, never tried to change him. She was very much a loner herself and thought she could take care of herself nicely. And all of those qualities are what made him fall in love with her.
I loved watching their relationship blossom. I have to admit, at first I didn't know how to take the hero's attitude, but I slowly realized that he was just plain blunt and broody LOL. He was one of those men that were rough around the edges, but could just do the nicest things. Also, their banter did make me laugh. There were quite a few humorous moments in this book lol.
It definitely has been awhile since I read a Nora Roberts book that I liked so much. This was a very steamy book too for Nora Roberts.
"Goddamn it," he muttered but, determined to be cagey, tried for the same happy tone in his call. "Come on, Jaws, you little bastard. Here, boy, you demon from hell."LMAO!
"Yes, I am. Move back so I can finish this. I appreciate what you're doing, Simon."Example of him being a broody bastard/his version of showing emotions LMAO
"Uh-huh."
"I do, and I know it disrupts your space, your routine, your privacy."
"Shut up."
"I just want to thank--"
"Shut up," he repeated. "You matter. That's it. I've got something to do."
She sat back on her heels when he strode out. Shut up. You matter. That's it. Honestly, she mused, coming from him that was practically a poem by Shelley.
"Well, I considered giving her q quote, but I thought 'Fuck you, bitch' didn't have any real creative zing. And it was all I could think of."Simon being protective of Fiona <3
He pulled away, walked to the window, stared out, then walked back to look down at her. "I love you."
"We're stuck now because you wheedled me into falling in love with you. So we get through whatever there is to get through." He kissed her. "With or without porn."
"If I could needlepoint, I swear I'd make that into a sampler." She kissed him back. "Come on, boys, it's time for work."
"I didn't want you because I knew damn well you'd get in my way, and you'd find a way to make me like it. Need it. And you. So, now I do. I keep what's mine, and I take care of it."
She opened the doors, danced in place. "It's just absolutely fabulous. Every detail. It's charming and fun and beautiful."
"It suits you."
December 3, 2023
Not one of my out and out favourites of NR's, but I would far rather read one of her books than most others out there today any day of the week.
Loved Simon and Fiona both. Loved the whole premise of rescue dogs, the training involved etc. I quite enjoyed all the obvious research that went into this book.
But what I love the most about Nora Roberts books is that she never changes her characters to suit her plotlines. Simon started out gruff, impatient, grumpy and a loner and he consistently stayed that way even when he reluctantly found himself in love with Fiona (and Jaws!). I loathe the way some authors change the guy so much between the beginning and the end that sometimes he becomes unrecognisable. I love alpha heroes, but I don't like how some authors wuss them down to suit their heroine. Simon's character never wusses (is that a word?) down, he stays who he is throughout the whole book and I just love it. NR is stunningly good at being able to keep her characters true to themselves.
She does the same as J D Robb with Eve and Roarke... although her characters always grow through her stories, they never lose themselves or their identity or their very human character traits.
IMHO this is what makes Nora Roberts a consistently great author, she is character driven, her characters are ppl you really could imagine meeting (not always liking tho). I think the realistic level makes the HEA that much more satisfying (at least to me). And to top it off I love the way she has of connecting her couples... they are just so entertaining and satisfying.
So having said that, why not a 5 star you may ask? Nitpicky things really... There was very little background on Simon (though he could park his slippers under my bed any ole time he wanted!). So although I loved his character, I would have liked a little bit more of a history for him. And the only other nitpicky thing (!) is I felt that Fiona was just a wee bit too together for me. I know that it worked for the book, but for me it just caused a bit of a pause in my reading to read that she was so together especially towards the end when things really should have gotten to her. But as I said, it worked for the book... I just personally like a bit more heroine angst in my books.
Solid 4.5 stars.
Loved Simon and Fiona both. Loved the whole premise of rescue dogs, the training involved etc. I quite enjoyed all the obvious research that went into this book.
But what I love the most about Nora Roberts books is that she never changes her characters to suit her plotlines. Simon started out gruff, impatient, grumpy and a loner and he consistently stayed that way even when he reluctantly found himself in love with Fiona (and Jaws!). I loathe the way some authors change the guy so much between the beginning and the end that sometimes he becomes unrecognisable. I love alpha heroes, but I don't like how some authors wuss them down to suit their heroine. Simon's character never wusses (is that a word?) down, he stays who he is throughout the whole book and I just love it. NR is stunningly good at being able to keep her characters true to themselves.
She does the same as J D Robb with Eve and Roarke... although her characters always grow through her stories, they never lose themselves or their identity or their very human character traits.
IMHO this is what makes Nora Roberts a consistently great author, she is character driven, her characters are ppl you really could imagine meeting (not always liking tho). I think the realistic level makes the HEA that much more satisfying (at least to me). And to top it off I love the way she has of connecting her couples... they are just so entertaining and satisfying.
So having said that, why not a 5 star you may ask? Nitpicky things really... There was very little background on Simon (though he could park his slippers under my bed any ole time he wanted!). So although I loved his character, I would have liked a little bit more of a history for him. And the only other nitpicky thing (!) is I felt that Fiona was just a wee bit too together for me. I know that it worked for the book, but for me it just caused a bit of a pause in my reading to read that she was so together especially towards the end when things really should have gotten to her. But as I said, it worked for the book... I just personally like a bit more heroine angst in my books.
Solid 4.5 stars.
October 30, 2021
Fiona Bristow runs a successful dog training program along with running a canine search and rescue unit with her three dogs and various volunteers. She has found peace on Orcas Island in Puget Sound after escaping from a serial killer several years ago. The Red Scarf Killer would kidnap and strangle women, burying them with a red scarf. Authorities caught the killer, George Perry, but not before he shot and killed Fiona's fiancé.
Fiona meets a desperate Simon Doyle. Simon has a puppy named Jaws who is chewing everything in sight. Fiona agrees to train Jaws and Simon in proper behavior. As Fiona and Simon become friends, they are alerted by police that there may be a copycat killer on the loose. This brings back bad memories for Fiona who doesn't want her life turned upside down again.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby. She does a fantastic job with this book. Fiona and Simon were well matched. They both were used to telling the other what they would do instead of asking. I think they both could have used classes on playing well with others. I loved the dog training and the search and rescue parts of the book. The suspense portion of the book was weak. I wish the author had used the Fiona and her dogs to search for victims of the copycat killer. I think the suspense would have been more interesting. Still, it was an entertaining book. My rating: 4 Stars.
Fiona meets a desperate Simon Doyle. Simon has a puppy named Jaws who is chewing everything in sight. Fiona agrees to train Jaws and Simon in proper behavior. As Fiona and Simon become friends, they are alerted by police that there may be a copycat killer on the loose. This brings back bad memories for Fiona who doesn't want her life turned upside down again.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby. She does a fantastic job with this book. Fiona and Simon were well matched. They both were used to telling the other what they would do instead of asking. I think they both could have used classes on playing well with others. I loved the dog training and the search and rescue parts of the book. The suspense portion of the book was weak. I wish the author had used the Fiona and her dogs to search for victims of the copycat killer. I think the suspense would have been more interesting. Still, it was an entertaining book. My rating: 4 Stars.
July 22, 2010
This was pretty disappointing for a Nora Roberts book. Usually I inhale her books the day I get them, but this one didn't hold my attention. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't engrossing. It took me a couple days of picking it up and putting it down before I finished it.
The beginning chapter was really interesting. It really helped get me in tune with what she did for her Search & Rescue job. I didn't mind all the details of the training for the search and rescue, most of it was interesting, but I didn't really enjoy so much detail spent on her job as a dog obedience trainer. It was very tedious to me. Maybe if I was a dog lover I would have more patience with it, but as it stands I found it incredibly monotonous. I was turned off by the thought of being expected to devote my entire life to my dog if I wanted them to be well behaved. *Shudder* Then we spent page after page having that belief drilled into our heads. It was just too much.
It wasn't only the details about the dog training that I found irritating, it was the dog trainer too. She held this faintly superior air that set my teeth on edge. In the beginning whenever she talked to Simon about his dog and how he was the one failing the dog she sounded really snotty and superior. Maybe all dog trainers think they're above all the regular dog owners? Then again, maybe not.
I swear, any situation that popped up seemed to be no match for the awesomeness of the behavioral specialist. This woman even outclassed all the police and FBI combined. She knew everything because she worked with dogs, and we're all exactly like dogs, you know?
Simon was a character I wish I got to know better. He was so cute and grumpy. I loved that he liked Fiona despite himself. He didn't want to get involved with anyone. He just wanted to hide out in his house and be left alone. He didn't want to have to comfort anyone and he definitely didn't want someone depending on him. It was cute watching him rush to do something sweet and then try to brush it off like it was nothing. It's too bad that there seemed to be so little focus on him. I never really felt any depth to him. The bones were there, but I never got to the meat of him.
I was tolerating Fiona and trying to ignore her irritating habits, but after she starting staying with Simon, because of an unfortunate situation, she started getting on my last nerve. Fiona is a freakishly clean and organized person. Whenever Simon stayed at her house he respected her unspoken wishes and cleaned up behind himself, even though he's a naturally messy person. When they're in his house she can't show him the same respect.
I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, who wouldn't want someone to clean their house, right? But it was a big enough deal that Simon brought it up in the beginning and told her to leave his stuff alone and not to clean anything. Why couldn't she show him the same respect that he showed her? She organized his freaking drawers! Does that not strike anyone else as crossing the line in someone else's home? Also, when his phone rang she picked it up and chatted with his mom on it. I was just flabbergasted that she didn't see any of that as pushy and crossing boundaries. She wasn't even my girlfriend and I started to feel claustrophobic thinking about living with her.
Simon and Fiona's relationship was a little odd. He kept talking about making compromises with her, but he seemed to be the only one who was doing any bending. Fiona never seemed to have to sacrifice any behavior or belief like he did. Also, he knew that she was subtly training his reactions like she would a dog. He would get ticked thinking about it and go to confront her, but somehow it would fizzle out. It really bothered me, because I could see her doing that abnormally patient dog whisperer thing. You don't treat your boyfriend like you do your dogs. There were just way too many dog similarities to Simon in this book.
Even though I did have problems with the book, mostly Fiona, I did find parts of it entertaining. The dialogue between Fiona and Simon was pretty funny. Really, Simon's internal thoughts about his dog and his relationship were pretty funny on their own. I liked Fiona's friends and I really like the glimpse at Search & Rescue.
I just wish I could have liked the book more. I also wish that Fiona didn't sound like a shrink all the time. She would start to do something foolish, but the minute someone said something to her about it being a bad idea, she would talk herself through her reaction to discover her hidden motives. What was making her act that way? Is it rational? It was really freaky! Who thinks like that?
If this is your first Nora Roberts and you didn't enjoy it, I urge you to pick another and try again. This is really not a good representation of her usual style.
The beginning chapter was really interesting. It really helped get me in tune with what she did for her Search & Rescue job. I didn't mind all the details of the training for the search and rescue, most of it was interesting, but I didn't really enjoy so much detail spent on her job as a dog obedience trainer. It was very tedious to me. Maybe if I was a dog lover I would have more patience with it, but as it stands I found it incredibly monotonous. I was turned off by the thought of being expected to devote my entire life to my dog if I wanted them to be well behaved. *Shudder* Then we spent page after page having that belief drilled into our heads. It was just too much.
It wasn't only the details about the dog training that I found irritating, it was the dog trainer too. She held this faintly superior air that set my teeth on edge. In the beginning whenever she talked to Simon about his dog and how he was the one failing the dog she sounded really snotty and superior. Maybe all dog trainers think they're above all the regular dog owners? Then again, maybe not.
I swear, any situation that popped up seemed to be no match for the awesomeness of the behavioral specialist. This woman even outclassed all the police and FBI combined. She knew everything because she worked with dogs, and we're all exactly like dogs, you know?
Simon was a character I wish I got to know better. He was so cute and grumpy. I loved that he liked Fiona despite himself. He didn't want to get involved with anyone. He just wanted to hide out in his house and be left alone. He didn't want to have to comfort anyone and he definitely didn't want someone depending on him. It was cute watching him rush to do something sweet and then try to brush it off like it was nothing. It's too bad that there seemed to be so little focus on him. I never really felt any depth to him. The bones were there, but I never got to the meat of him.
I was tolerating Fiona and trying to ignore her irritating habits, but after she starting staying with Simon, because of an unfortunate situation, she started getting on my last nerve. Fiona is a freakishly clean and organized person. Whenever Simon stayed at her house he respected her unspoken wishes and cleaned up behind himself, even though he's a naturally messy person. When they're in his house she can't show him the same respect.
I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, who wouldn't want someone to clean their house, right? But it was a big enough deal that Simon brought it up in the beginning and told her to leave his stuff alone and not to clean anything. Why couldn't she show him the same respect that he showed her? She organized his freaking drawers! Does that not strike anyone else as crossing the line in someone else's home? Also, when his phone rang she picked it up and chatted with his mom on it. I was just flabbergasted that she didn't see any of that as pushy and crossing boundaries. She wasn't even my girlfriend and I started to feel claustrophobic thinking about living with her.
Simon and Fiona's relationship was a little odd. He kept talking about making compromises with her, but he seemed to be the only one who was doing any bending. Fiona never seemed to have to sacrifice any behavior or belief like he did. Also, he knew that she was subtly training his reactions like she would a dog. He would get ticked thinking about it and go to confront her, but somehow it would fizzle out. It really bothered me, because I could see her doing that abnormally patient dog whisperer thing. You don't treat your boyfriend like you do your dogs. There were just way too many dog similarities to Simon in this book.
Even though I did have problems with the book, mostly Fiona, I did find parts of it entertaining. The dialogue between Fiona and Simon was pretty funny. Really, Simon's internal thoughts about his dog and his relationship were pretty funny on their own. I liked Fiona's friends and I really like the glimpse at Search & Rescue.
I just wish I could have liked the book more. I also wish that Fiona didn't sound like a shrink all the time. She would start to do something foolish, but the minute someone said something to her about it being a bad idea, she would talk herself through her reaction to discover her hidden motives. What was making her act that way? Is it rational? It was really freaky! Who thinks like that?
If this is your first Nora Roberts and you didn't enjoy it, I urge you to pick another and try again. This is really not a good representation of her usual style.
April 20, 2016
Another good read from Ms Roberts. I am not sure if it can really be categorised as Romantic Suspense. Less suspense than most of the "suspense" books I read. I love her heroines. Fiona was strong and independent.
Of course I loved how Simon Doyle had an Irish connection.
She watched the man get out. Tall, a lot of dark hair, scarred boots, worn jeans on long legs. Good face, she decided, sharp planes, sharp angles blurred by the shadow of stubble that said he'd been too busy or too lazy to shave that morning ...
Jaws
"You know, given my line of work, really crappy manners such as yours don't bother me."
"What is it about the way a woman's hair falls?" He speared his hands through it, locked his eyes on hers. "What is it about you?"
Of course I loved how Simon Doyle had an Irish connection.
"Actually I know how to say 'fuck off' in Irish."
As she rounded a curve she caught sight of the iridescent blur of a hummingbird zipping along a clump of red-flowering currant ...
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