The Nomads

by Brianna North

Nick and Noelle have the kind of adventurous life others dream of. They live full time on the road in their converted van, spending their days travelling the U.S. and waking up in new locations every week. Noelle, a successful New York Times bestselling author, dropped out of college to pursue this, and she can’t believe how lucky she’s gotten.

When they meet Cole and Jasmine, another fellow nomad couple, at a bar in Utah, they connect instantly, forming a bond over their similar lifestyles. Nick and Noelle imagine they’ll never speak to them again, but when they run into the same couple a few days later in Colorado, they share a laugh over the coincidence. Until they see them in the next town…and the next…and the next. Suddenly, strange things start happening to Nick and Noelle that are difficult to ignore, from the continuous vandalization of their van to the creepy noises outside at night. It’s obvious that Cole and Jasmine are stalking them. But why?

As the seemingly harmless pranks turn into a cat-and-mouse game of survival, Noelle must confront the terrible secrets she’s kept hidden for years, or risk losing everything.

211 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2025

About the author

Brianna North grew up in a small town in the Sudbury district where she began her writing journey as a child, drawing inspiration from the nature of Northern Ontario. Her short stories have been featured in anthologies by Polar Expressions Publishing and the Poetry Institute of Canada & Young Writers. She graduated from the public relations program at Cambrian College and works as a marketing manager. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading a book or playing with her cat, Cooper.

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ | First of all, I absolutely loved that the FMC in the story was a thriller author, and that the book discussed her fictional writings as well. Birthday girl sounded so good. I wanted to read it for real lol. I definitely yelled at Noelle many times in this story, some of the secrets she was keeping from Nick was detrimental to their safety. Although neither of them always made the best decision, I was definitely rooting for them, and hoping that they escape the dangers that were lurking as they continue their journey on their road trip. Cole and Jasmine made my browse raise up upon their first introduction in the story. How many coincidences can one believe in before they realize that there are ulterior motives? Noelle was so desperate for a friend, that she ignored all the red flags!

This story was very well written, and kept my attention from start to finish. This cat & mouse game that Nick and Noel found themselves in heighten my anxiety to new levels. I will absolutely be reading more from this author!

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh this was brilliant! Road trip. Thriller author. Stalking vibes. Yes please!

I love reading thrillers where the MC is an author. Bonus points for thriller author. 👌

I admit it ... I guessed who the stalker was early on and why they were after her ... but I still loved reading this story and getting into the nitty gritty of the plot. I was anxious turning the pages.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy stalker thrillers. With I'd read this sooner!

[Melanie Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEVER write reviews on here but for this one I will!! Amazing read! Read in a day! Amazing author. Amazingly fun thriller read! Cat and mouse games, stalker thriller, and a road trip gone wrong? Count me in. Will be buying this and her other books!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick and Noelle live in their van. It's the ideal set up. Nick works in marketing. Noelle achieved the writing game young. When they meet Jasmine and Cole one day, it's all fun and games. Then they move on. And there's Jasmine and Cole again. What are the chances? And then they move on... And, well you guessed right? Who's at the next destination?

Feeling as if they're being stalked, getting scary text messages, their careers on the line, and actual physical incidents like vandalism... They're both scared. Who's after them? And why?

Brianna is so good at writing thrillers. I genuinely got really sucked into this and could feel the tension and stress every time Noelle noticed the same people turning up on the scene. The text messages are frightening and leave you wondering what an earth Noelle must have done to upset someone. Especially as she's so young and has known Nick so long. What can he not know about her really?! I fully appreciated her downward spiral as it went nuts online about her - and I was desperate for answers!

Genuinely wasn't expecting the ending! I'd be so intrigued to sit in a book club for this one and see the overall opinions on what people thought about it all. Hard to go further into that without spoiling it so go read this one!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was selected to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The synopsis sounded interesting…but I hadn’t read anything by this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how awesome this book is, how well written it is, and how much I enjoyed the author’s writing. She tells this story in such a unique way. You really can’t guess what’s going to happen, which, in my opinion, is the mark of a truly good thriller. I love it when a book keeps me guessing until the very end. Her characters are well developed. The reader cares about each of them by the end. It feels realistic; you can imagine each scene actually taking place. I appreciate that her writing isn’t gory or inappropriate, as some thrillers can be. I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait to check out more books by this wonderful author!

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a thrilling read with an amazing plot. I read it in a single day because I couldn’t stop reading. Nick and Noelle are traveling in a camper van and documenting it online. They meet another couple but when they keep bumping into them everywhere they go it seems really suspicious. Things take a crazy turn and I seriously was on the edge of my seat. The plot is soooooo well written that it’s easy to understand and follow but there’s still suspense and mystery on every page. I was so paranoid and didn’t know who to trust. Loved the van life/ travel setting too because it really set a unique vibe.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maresha Braswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story pulled me right into a world of survival, loyalty, and betrayal. Noelle and Nick had quite the adventure being nomads, and the fact that they kept running into the same couple at every stop added a layer of mystery and tension that I loved. It felt like fate or something darker was always just one step ahead of them.The way Brianna North weaves suspense had me holding my breath through so many scenes. The Nomads’ journey wasn’t just physical it was emotional, testing trust, love, and the limits of human endurance.If you enjoy gritty storytelling, complex characters, and that feeling of “what would I do if it were me,” this book is definitely worth the read.

[Trina 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I must say, I love the authors writing style! So easy to read and it pulls you right in. Her character development is spot on and lends to such a fun and suspense filled reading adventure! Makes me second guess traveling across the States in an RV!

I enjoyed the nomad lifestyle portrayed with beautiful descriptions of actual parks and travel destinations. Not to mention the thrilling and mysterious anticipation built up throughout! And what an ending! This is a must read!

Thank you so much Brianna for allowing me to read an ARC!

[Mary (thrillerbook.nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars (rounded up)

This stalker, cat and mouse storyline kept me intrigued the whole time. I kept wanting to pick up the book and keep reading. I loved that the fmc was a bestselling thriller writer. I loved the atmosphere of the book, both from a traveling/scenic point of view but also the tension building, unrelenting stalking. The only downside for me was that I guessed the twist. I would have rated it the full 4 stars otherwise. It was still a really enjoyable read, regardless.

[Josh Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle and Nick and nomads living the van life, traveling and seeing America. At a young age she’s a New York Times best selling author. Along their journeys, they meet another nomad couple (Cole and Jasmine) they seem nice enough, but can looks be deceiving? After running into them in other states and things start happening to their van, Noelle wants to know why. I thought I had it figured but alas I was wrong!! This was my first book by Brianna and won’t be my last! I enjoyed her writing style and it really had me on edge the last few chapters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Tee Lundrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down !

It was full of twists and turns and had me guessing the whole way through. Not onky that but I want to read the books the author in this story wrote !

[Alyssa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this upcoming thriller (publishing August 30th) and it completely pulled me in. From the first chapter, the suspense was gripping, and I never saw the ending coming. The author did a fantastic job raising the stakes with each twist, and the van-life/national park setting added such a unique and vivid backdrop to the story.

Fast-paced, atmospheric, and full of surprises—this is a thriller I’ll be recommending to anyone looking for a binge-worthy read. Definitely one to check out when it releases!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: August 30th
Genre: Mystery Thriller

Noelle Emerson and her boyfriend Nick are living the dream, life on the road, endless new places, and freedom at every turn. When they meet another traveling couple, Jasmine and Cole, it feels like a friendly coincidence. But then… they run into them again. And again. And again.

At first, it’s harmless. Just chance. But soon, you start asking yourself the same question Noelle and Nick are asking, are they following us?

This story starts off with a slow burn, letting you settle into the nomadic lifestyle before pulling you headfirst into suspicion, tension, and twists within twists. By the halfway point, I couldn’t put it down. I read chapter after chapter because I had to know the truth.

What I loved most, beyond the addictive suspense, is how this book makes you rethink relationships. It almost makes it hard to trust people. The very ones you believe are 100% in your corner… might not be. And that realization sticks with you long after the last page.

Who will enjoy this book:
• Mystery & thriller lovers who live for plot twists.
• Fans of slow-burn suspense that escalates into high tension.
• Travel & adventure readers who love an on-the-road setting.
• Readers who enjoy unsettling “something’s not right” vibes.
• Fans of Lisa Jewell, Megan Miranda, Ruth Ware, and B.A. Paris.

✨ Thank you Brianna North, for the ARC! This was such a wild ride, and I’m still thinking about it. I’m adding my review voluntarily.
📅 Mark your calendars for August 30th,you will not be disappointed.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:


🔪: Stalker Thriller
🚐: Traveling the World ( gone wrong)
🤫: Secrets from the Past
📚: Bestselling Author writing her next book

Triggers: mention of sucide, guns, death


📖: The Nomads
Author: Brianna North
📈: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:5
Release Date: August 30, 2025

Summary:

Nick and Noelle are living the life everyone could imagine. Nick works remotely while being able to travel across the world with his gf, Noelle, whole is a best selling author. She is currently working on her next novel while being able to see the world. During one of their stops they meet other nomads named Cole and Jasmine at a bar in Utah. They wish them luck on their travels and move on to their next destination but then they continue to run into them at their next few states they stop. Once things start happening to their van they start questioning who and what is doing this. Things continue to escalate Noelle confronts Jasmine. But is it Jasmine and Cole? Or is there someone else attacking them?



I did receive this as an ARC. Thank you Brianna North for this opportunity.


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[N.S. Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first appeared on my blog - https://nsfordwriter.com - on 7th September 2025.

This was the first psychological thriller I'd read in a while and I finished it in 24 hours! I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

The story is narrated by Noelle, a young author of bestselling thrillers, who is travelling around the US with her partner Nick. They are both lucky to work remotely and visit brilliant locations in their van. However, they keep running into another couple who also live in a van, and it doesn't seem like a coincidence. Then the threatening messages appear and their van is damaged. Someone knows something that Noelle did and will make her pay for it, with her reputation, or even her life...

I liked that the novel was a little different to others in the genre. Not only that, there were some important messages about authorship. I did guess the main perpetrator early on, but I think I've a knack for this. There was a final twist at the end, which I always want in a thriller. The details generally seemed realistic, but I think 21 is an unusual age for a bestselling author - stranger things have happened in publishing though.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers and want one that's out of the ordinary, I'd recommend it.

[Emlynn McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thriller author Noelle is living in a van and promoting her newest novel while touring the American desert Southwest with significant other, Nick, who works remotely in marketing. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it would be if Noelle and Nick weren’t being stalked. Stalker novels are having a moment, and I’d previously read and enjoyed another book by author Brianna North, so when I saw she’d published The Nomads, I hopped aboard to find out what all the fuss is about. Turns out I enjoyed the ride. The setting is absolutely gorgeous, and having visited most places in the book, I can attest to the accuracy of author North's descriptions. She also does a good job of building tension and excels at conveying realistic emotions. Any woman who has ever been in a situation remotely similar to Noelle’s will understand the main character’s frustration—not to mention her vacillating self-doubt—when others initially question whether she has reason to be afraid. Of course, by the time everyone, including the police, takes Noelle and Nick’s problem seriously, the situation is already too far out of hand to end “happily ever after.” I don’t want to be a spoiler, so I will just say the very last page is great. Definitely didn’t see that twist coming!

[Sandy & the Munchkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nomads by Brianna North 🚐

From the outside it looks like a dream: seeing the world and working where and when you want - total freedom! But in Brianna North’s The Nomads, that freedom twists into paranoia, secrets, and a dangerous game where trust is the most fragile thing of all.

I went in thinking I’d be able to predict the twists… and while I did suspect the right person, the journey there was way more gripping than I expected. Brianna North layers the suspense so well that even when you think you know, you still want to keep turning the pages just to see how it unravels.

I’ll admit, I didn’t always connect with the main character. She felt frustrating at times, almost too wrapped up in herself. But in a way, that made the story sharper, because you’re never sure if you should trust her - or anyone at all.

If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps the tension high and makes you second-guess every choice, this is one to add to your list when it releases on August 30th.

💬 “The road stretched endless, but nowhere felt safe anymore.”

Big Thanks to Brianna North, for letting me read her book in advance. It was fun and I couldn't put it down!

[LitWithBritt27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nomads pulled me in from the very first page. The prologue is an immediate hook, setting an uneasy tone that only intensifies as the story unfolds.

This was my first time reading a stalker-focused thriller, and it absolutely delivered on tension. The pacing kept me engaged, with each chapter heightening that sense of unease. I found myself constantly theorizing about the characters’ motives. While I did manage to guess one twist, it was more from throwing out random possibilities than from the plot being predictable.

The novel balances a strong whodunit mystery with psychological tension, and the isolated, on-the-road setting amplifies the feeling of being trapped in a dangerous game. It’s a compelling, anxiety-inducing read that made me want to explore more books in this subgenre. The Nomads offers suspense, atmosphere, and just enough unpredictability to keep readers invested until the final page.

Thank you to Brianna North for an early copy of this book, but as always, all thoughts are my own.

[Joanne Ranzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nomads is my first Brianna North book and certainly not my last. Noelle, a young best-selling author, and her partner Nick are living their dream of traveling to different cities in their van and experiencing life off the beaten track.

While celebrating Noelle's second novel reaching the Best Sellers list, they meet another young couple, Jasmine and Cole, also living the van life. The four of them have a good time and say goodbye, with Noelle and Nick thinking they'll never see them again. But they run into them again, more than once, to the point where they suspect they're being followed. A series of increasingly disturbing events follow.

Brianna North has created a finely crafted thriller, setting a pace where the suspense builds gradually, keeping us attentive and impatient to discover what happens next. Her writing is fluid and vivid, especially while describing the landscapes and emotions of the protagonists.
I received an ARC from the author, which I discovered with pleasure. This is my voluntary review of the book.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how smoothly the story unfolds, gradually pulling you deeper into the mystery. Briana North expertly builds hold-your-breath tension that keeps you turning the pages. And of course, a good thriller wouldn’t be complete without a final twist that leaves you eager for a sequel

The premise: Noelle, has just become a NYT bestselling author, and her longtime boyfriend Nick set out to travel the US in their van, chasing the freedom of a digital nomad life. It’s all picture-perfect until an overly friendly couple they meet on the road keeps turning up. Then the “bad luck” starts—vandalism, break-ins, and a terrifying night that flips their dream trip into a nightmare. From there, the tension only builds. You’ll be trying to guess the ending, the who is doing this, and the why.

This road-trip with a side of paranoia and a punchy twist is well worth adding to your TBR.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am sharing my thoughts voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely appreciative for the opportunity to read "The Nomads" as an ARC reader and now that it has been officially released today, I am excited to share my review! 📖😊

The prologue alone hooked me in! This book introduces a young writer who has been named a New York Times bestselling author. She decides to go out for the evening with her boyfriend to celebrate this achievement. While at the bar, they meet another couple who enjoys traveling on the road just as much as they do, but their random run-ins with them moving forward don't seem so random after all.

I found myself literally gasping from shock with what was happening and definitely caught myself saying out loud "this is so wild" and "no way" several times. If you know you know! Such a great and easy read that everyone should get their hands on! The author has a way of keeping her readers engaged until literally the very last sentence of the book. Looking forward to reading her other books and adding "The Nomads" to my physical book collection.✨

Thank you for the wild ride!

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nomads by Brianna North is a thrilling, ride that hooked me from the start. I was so lucky to receive a copy from the author herself! It's out today!

Nick and Noelle, a couple living full-time on the road in their converted van, meet fellow nomads Cole and Jasmine in Utah. What seems like a simple encounter soon spirals into something much darker as the two couples keep crossing paths, and strange events, like vandalized vans and creepy noises at night, begin to escalate. As the pranks grow more dangerous, Noelle must confront long-buried secrets from her past or risk losing everything.

North masterfully builds tension and balances suspense with emotional depth. The chemistry between the characters is compelling, and the twists, though predictable at times (exept for the ending!), make for an exciting read.

4,5/5⭐️

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ebook was kindly gifted to me by the author, and I was hooked almost immediately. From the very first chapters, the suspense had my heart racing and kept me second-guessing every single character.

The emotional whiplash was real in this one — the main character goes from terrified, to hopeful, to furious, to completely shattered, and I definitely felt all of it right along with her. It was an easy, fast-paced read that pulled me along quickly, even when things started to feel a little far-fetched.

I did end up calling the twist, but that didn’t stop it from being an engaging ride. And that final cliffhanger? I actually really liked it — it left things feeling tense and unresolved in a way that really fit the story.

[Jeffrey S. Kuehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nomads by Brianna North
Received as an arc from the author.
Noelle just found out her recent book is number one on The NY Times best seller list so her and her boyfriend decide to travel to celebrate in their van.
They meet a nice enough but weird couple. Who are travel van nomads as well.
Oddly enough run into them a couple times despite different travel plans.
But more eerie is major vandalism done to their van and a nightly shaking of van.
Are they being followed and if so why?
As they continue their business and personal social media are hacked. Threatening texts and internet posts have them scared. Someone is trying to damage them both.
Road trip from hell continues.
4⭐️

[VeroniCanRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅ For Fans of:
- suspense
- addicting plots
- van life
- stalkers
- secrets
- southwest USA
- writers writing about writers

✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Literally read this book in less than 24 hours, it was so addicting and a solid 4.5 stars from me!

Not only do you have the interesting elements I’d travel and being digital nomads, but the addition of the writer and the questions, the theories, and suspecting everybody!!

I also loved the ending and the main character’s growth even though it’s not the easiest thing.

And that last page? 🤐 No comment, but well worth the read!

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy! As always, my reviews are voluntary, my own, and honest!

[Kim Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a journey reading this book was. When Nick and Noelle, a new York Times best selling author, keep bumping into Cole and Jasmine on their travels around National parks and their RV gets vandalised, they become suspicious. Especially Noelle who has been getting threatening messages about exposing an old secret and ruining her career.
They try to confront them with no luck, then come the twists as they try their best to find out what's going on. I saw one bit coming but the ending took me by surprise. You really have to read this one. I don't want to give anything away. I would definitely read more from Brianna North.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to be real honest, because I haven’t seen many reviews that are ARC and they’re all Jude ranting and raving. I was so disappointed in this book. The beginning caught me and I was hooked, and then it’s chapter 10 and it’s dragging. So then it’s chapter 18, and still, dragging. I ended up hoping chapters until I got to the climax and even then I was disappointed. It’s well written, which is why I gave it an extra star. It’s too slow, I prefer more action in my thrillers.

[Dani Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars because this book seemed to drag on for me. The plot was great. I wished it had more action or thrill, I guess. The writing style, however, I would give 5 stars if I could rate it separately. Straightforward, easy to read. I enjoyed the banter between the characters, and I learned about some new travel spots from this book. I’d recommend it as a quick read.

[Casandra Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been a while since I came across a thriller I couldn’t guess- but The Nomads had me guessing, and then guessing again. Some of the FMCs inner dialogue did irk me slightly but the plot, support characters, etc all had a strong build throughout the story. Will definitely be checking out more of the authors stories!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nomads is the perfect book to keep you guessing of what could possibly happen next, every chapter is filled with something new that keeps you on your toes throughout the whole book!

Thank you to Brianna North for giving me the opportunity to read my first ARC!

Solid 4 stars!