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Jenseits des Horizonts: Roman
Eine zweite Chance zu leben und zu lieben
Sloan Cooper ist klinisch tot, als sie in letzter Minute zurück ins Leben geholt wird. Aus dem Krankenhaus entlassen, zieht sie zurück in ihre Heimat am Mirror Lake. In den atemberaubenden Bergen Marylands findet sie Frieden – und lernt Nash kennen, der in der Natur seinem alten Großstadtleben entkommen möchte. Doch dann wird die Idylle jäh gebrochen, als eine junge Frau spurlos verschwindet. Sloan und Nash versuchen herauszufinden, was dahintersteckt und stoßen bald auf eine ganze Reihe von Vermisstenfällen. Gemeinsam wollen sie die düstere Wahrheit ans Licht bringen. Doch Sloan hat sich gerade erst zurück ins Leben gekämpft und eine neue Liebe gefunden – ist sie bereit, beides erneut aufs Spiel zu setzen?
Sloan Cooper ist klinisch tot, als sie in letzter Minute zurück ins Leben geholt wird. Aus dem Krankenhaus entlassen, zieht sie zurück in ihre Heimat am Mirror Lake. In den atemberaubenden Bergen Marylands findet sie Frieden – und lernt Nash kennen, der in der Natur seinem alten Großstadtleben entkommen möchte. Doch dann wird die Idylle jäh gebrochen, als eine junge Frau spurlos verschwindet. Sloan und Nash versuchen herauszufinden, was dahintersteckt und stoßen bald auf eine ganze Reihe von Vermisstenfällen. Gemeinsam wollen sie die düstere Wahrheit ans Licht bringen. Doch Sloan hat sich gerade erst zurück ins Leben gekämpft und eine neue Liebe gefunden – ist sie bereit, beides erneut aufs Spiel zu setzen?
503 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
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About the author
Nora Roberts
1,217 books60k 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 3,070 reviews
May 21, 2025
Hidden Nature
by Nora Roberts is a robust, suspenseful, and thought-provoking romantic suspense novel featuring Natural Resources police officer Sloan Cooper. Sloan and her partner, Joel Warren, had arrested and turned over to transport three men who were preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. On their way back to Annapolis, they stop at a convenience store and Sloan walks in on a robbery in progress. With one gunshot, Sloan’s life is changed.
After being shocked back to life on the operating table multiple times, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ house in Heron’s Rest. Her boyfriend dumps her while she is still in the hospital. While Sloan is recuperating, Sloan gets interested in a case where a woman seemingly vanishes. As she searches for similar cases online, she finds them scattered across Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. She also meets a new man who shares her love of puzzles and mysteries, Nash Littlefield.
Sloan has great observations skills, loves her work, is organized, and likes to feel useful. She’s also insightful, logical, dedicated, decisive, organized, and a tenacious investigator. However, she can overthink things. Noah is good at investments and making money, but wasn’t happy doing it. Therefore, he is following his desires by buying a fix-it-upper house and starting a handyman business. She’s organized, hard-working, logical, and a planner. He’s also cautious about sharing his personal thoughts. I enjoyed the slow build of their relationship.
What an opening sentence! It grabbed my attention and continued to do so with a storyline that kept me invested in the outcome. The premise was intriguing and included a facet that isn’t common in novels. Even though readers know the antagonists and Sloan doesn’t, the story stayed engaging and suspenseful. The author does a great job with characterization. I enjoyed getting to know Sloan’s family, friends, and co-workers as well as Nash and his brother Theo. The antagonists were well-developed as well and it was chilling to get their point of view throughout the novel, including the logic they used for their actions. The romances and renovation parts of the story added depth to it as did the setting. My biggest quibble is that there were a few places where the tale’s plot felt repetitive as it related to the antagonists.
Overall, this a well-written, intriguing, and gripping novel with an action-packed show-down that has well-developed and compelling characters. I didn’t want to leave the Cooper and Littlefield families. I’m looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
St. Martin’s Press and Nora Roberts provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.
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My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
After being shocked back to life on the operating table multiple times, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ house in Heron’s Rest. Her boyfriend dumps her while she is still in the hospital. While Sloan is recuperating, Sloan gets interested in a case where a woman seemingly vanishes. As she searches for similar cases online, she finds them scattered across Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. She also meets a new man who shares her love of puzzles and mysteries, Nash Littlefield.
Sloan has great observations skills, loves her work, is organized, and likes to feel useful. She’s also insightful, logical, dedicated, decisive, organized, and a tenacious investigator. However, she can overthink things. Noah is good at investments and making money, but wasn’t happy doing it. Therefore, he is following his desires by buying a fix-it-upper house and starting a handyman business. She’s organized, hard-working, logical, and a planner. He’s also cautious about sharing his personal thoughts. I enjoyed the slow build of their relationship.
What an opening sentence! It grabbed my attention and continued to do so with a storyline that kept me invested in the outcome. The premise was intriguing and included a facet that isn’t common in novels. Even though readers know the antagonists and Sloan doesn’t, the story stayed engaging and suspenseful. The author does a great job with characterization. I enjoyed getting to know Sloan’s family, friends, and co-workers as well as Nash and his brother Theo. The antagonists were well-developed as well and it was chilling to get their point of view throughout the novel, including the logic they used for their actions. The romances and renovation parts of the story added depth to it as did the setting. My biggest quibble is that there were a few places where the tale’s plot felt repetitive as it related to the antagonists.
Overall, this a well-written, intriguing, and gripping novel with an action-packed show-down that has well-developed and compelling characters. I didn’t want to leave the Cooper and Littlefield families. I’m looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
St. Martin’s Press and Nora Roberts provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.
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My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
May 27, 2025
Hidden Nature is a gripping and thought-provoking book that encumbrances several genres- romance, mystery, thriller, etc. It's been a little bit of time since I have read a book by Nora Roberts and enjoyed dipping my toe back in the Nora Roberts pool.
Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, has been shocked back to life after being shot during a robbery in progress. She is in Heron’s Rest to recover but can't help having her interest piqued when a woman goes missing. While researching this case, she uncovered several others. She has recovering to do and a new relationship to focus on, but she can't let these disappearances go and tries her best to figure things out.
Readers are privy to who is behind the disappearances and why, it was entertaining and enjoyable watching Sloan try to figure out whodunit. Knowing whodunit, it no way hindered my enjoyment of this book. It was actually a very nice touch as readers get to see whodunit and get the rationale and thoughts behind why the victims were taken and for what purpose.
I found this book to be well written, well thought out, riveting and thought provoking. I enjoyed the detailed and vivid descriptions, the romances, the tension, the dread, and getting into the heads of various characters. I enjoyed the characters relationships with each other and their sense of family and community. Although I wanted a little more suspense and Oomph at times, I still enjoyed Hidden Nature and found it to be a worthwhile read.
3.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, has been shocked back to life after being shot during a robbery in progress. She is in Heron’s Rest to recover but can't help having her interest piqued when a woman goes missing. While researching this case, she uncovered several others. She has recovering to do and a new relationship to focus on, but she can't let these disappearances go and tries her best to figure things out.
Readers are privy to who is behind the disappearances and why, it was entertaining and enjoyable watching Sloan try to figure out whodunit. Knowing whodunit, it no way hindered my enjoyment of this book. It was actually a very nice touch as readers get to see whodunit and get the rationale and thoughts behind why the victims were taken and for what purpose.
I found this book to be well written, well thought out, riveting and thought provoking. I enjoyed the detailed and vivid descriptions, the romances, the tension, the dread, and getting into the heads of various characters. I enjoyed the characters relationships with each other and their sense of family and community. Although I wanted a little more suspense and Oomph at times, I still enjoyed Hidden Nature and found it to be a worthwhile read.
3.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 29, 2025
The story kicks off with Sloan getting shot—talk about starting with a bang! Her long road to recovery was written with care, and I loved watching her slowly rebuild her life. The scenes of her fixing up her house and finding her rhythm again were some of my favorites. There was something deeply satisfying about seeing her take control and reclaim her space, piece by piece.
Then came the twist I didn’t expect: the mysterious killer couple. I was hooked. The theory that they were killing people who had previously "died" briefly and were brought back by resuscitation? Wild—and weirdly believable in the world Nora created. Added a thrilling layer to the book, and I was constantly on edge, waiting for the moment they’d come after Sloan. You just knew it was coming.
The “loonies,” as I like to call them, added a layer of chaos and suspense. I really enjoyed that group dynamic—it was creepy and captivating. But I do wish the ending had been more drawn out. The tension built steadily for so long, then suddenly... wham, bam, and it was over. After such a slow-burn buildup, I wanted more of a climax.
That said, the happy ending left me with a smile. Nora’s writing flows effortlessly. Her stories always pull me in with just the right blend of suspense, emotional depth, and a touch of romance—not too much, just enough to add heart without overpowering the story.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this ARC!
Then came the twist I didn’t expect: the mysterious killer couple. I was hooked. The theory that they were killing people who had previously "died" briefly and were brought back by resuscitation? Wild—and weirdly believable in the world Nora created. Added a thrilling layer to the book, and I was constantly on edge, waiting for the moment they’d come after Sloan. You just knew it was coming.
The “loonies,” as I like to call them, added a layer of chaos and suspense. I really enjoyed that group dynamic—it was creepy and captivating. But I do wish the ending had been more drawn out. The tension built steadily for so long, then suddenly... wham, bam, and it was over. After such a slow-burn buildup, I wanted more of a climax.
That said, the happy ending left me with a smile. Nora’s writing flows effortlessly. Her stories always pull me in with just the right blend of suspense, emotional depth, and a touch of romance—not too much, just enough to add heart without overpowering the story.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this ARC!
May 19, 2025
the setup…
Sloan Cooper is a highly skilled and respected Maryland Natural Resources Police officer. Her world is almost shattered when she walks into a convenience store and interrupts an armed robbery. She’s gunned down, almost dying before being resuscitated in the operating room. Sloan moves back home to Heron’s Rest from her apartment in Annapolis, allowing her family to help her recuperate at their All Rest mountain resort. While on leave, she’s inexplicably drawn to a case where a young woman was abducted from a grocery store parking lot. Sloan soon finds other like disappearances in three states and sees the pattern but just might be jeopardizing her own life in her pursuit.
the heart of the story…
I expected a story that would take its time to develop and was thankfully rewarded. I loved getting to know Sloan and her family, her friends and particularly her colleagues. I’d never heard of Natural Resource Police so that was a fascinating education. And, when the Littlefield brothers, Nash & Theo, move to the town, things get even more interesting. However, it was chilling getting the point of view of the person behind the abductions, especially the reasons why.
the narration…
January LaVoy is my favorite narrator and she excelled here in her ability to make you think there are multiple performers. She’s outstanding on every single level.
the bottom line…
I am always able to quickly immerse myself in a Roberts story, never wanting it to end or leave the characters and the community. The romance between Sloan and Nash evolved naturally and slowly, fitting their natures. But it’s the nature of the abductor that is frightening, gradually building toward the exciting climax but always in the background of everything. I got all I was hoping for in this story. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Sloan Cooper is a highly skilled and respected Maryland Natural Resources Police officer. Her world is almost shattered when she walks into a convenience store and interrupts an armed robbery. She’s gunned down, almost dying before being resuscitated in the operating room. Sloan moves back home to Heron’s Rest from her apartment in Annapolis, allowing her family to help her recuperate at their All Rest mountain resort. While on leave, she’s inexplicably drawn to a case where a young woman was abducted from a grocery store parking lot. Sloan soon finds other like disappearances in three states and sees the pattern but just might be jeopardizing her own life in her pursuit.
the heart of the story…
I expected a story that would take its time to develop and was thankfully rewarded. I loved getting to know Sloan and her family, her friends and particularly her colleagues. I’d never heard of Natural Resource Police so that was a fascinating education. And, when the Littlefield brothers, Nash & Theo, move to the town, things get even more interesting. However, it was chilling getting the point of view of the person behind the abductions, especially the reasons why.
the narration…
January LaVoy is my favorite narrator and she excelled here in her ability to make you think there are multiple performers. She’s outstanding on every single level.
the bottom line…
I am always able to quickly immerse myself in a Roberts story, never wanting it to end or leave the characters and the community. The romance between Sloan and Nash evolved naturally and slowly, fitting their natures. But it’s the nature of the abductor that is frightening, gradually building toward the exciting climax but always in the background of everything. I got all I was hoping for in this story. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
June 23, 2025
Now Available! ✨📚Nora Roberts' latest novel, “Hidden Nature,” readers are taken on an exhilarating journey with main character Sloan Cooper, a determined Natural Resources police officer who has just successfully concluded a demanding operation with her partner, capturing three men who preyed on hikers in the stunning Western Maryland mountains. However, on her way home, Sloan makes a fateful stop at a convenience store, inadvertently walking into an ongoing robbery that radically alters her life. After being miraculously revived on the operating table, she faces a challenging recovery at her parents' serene home in Heron's Rest. Yet, her fierce independence and tenacity shine brighter than ever.
The introduction of her new neighbours, Nash and Theo Littlefield from New York, adds an exciting twist. As they renovate Nash’s home and launch their business, "The Fix It Brothers," Sloan discovers an unexpected ally in Nash, who shares her passion for uncovering the truth. When a woman mysteriously disappears from a supermarket parking lot, Sloan plunges into the investigation, revealing alarming patterns of abductions spanning multiple states.
Roberts masterfully captivates readers with her richly developed characters and an exhilarating plot. The characters, including the determined Sloan, her spirited sister Drea, and their supportive parents, Elsie and Dean, alongside a strong cast of supporting figures, leap to life in this expertly narrated audiobook by January Lavoy. Lavoy’s exceptional narration infuses each character's emotions and personalities with nuance and depth, making listeners feel as though they are witnessing the events unfold in real time, resulting in a truly immersive experience.
While the story is slow to start in the first 25% to establish a solid foundation, it swiftly transforms into a gripping murder mystery that keeps readers engaged. The tension is undeniable as Sloan confronts the unknown and skillfully navigates emerging threats.
Though the narrative may sometimes feel slightly unbalanced, the details of Sloan's daily life and home renovations overshadow the critical aspects of the investigation. A few more scenes showcasing her detective skills would elevate the narrative further. Additionally, while the resolution is somewhat abrupt, this may be a testament to the story's emotional depth, making it all the more impactful.
Overall, this romantic thriller is a standout offering from Roberts. It masterfully intertwines mystery, suspense, romance, and found family. The exploration of strong, independent women and their emotional resilience strikes a powerful chord. Despite some elements that could be further refined, the audiobook format amplifies the experience, making it a must-listen for fans of romantic mysteries and suspense. I highly recommend the audio format, which is now available!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not obligated to provide a review.
The introduction of her new neighbours, Nash and Theo Littlefield from New York, adds an exciting twist. As they renovate Nash’s home and launch their business, "The Fix It Brothers," Sloan discovers an unexpected ally in Nash, who shares her passion for uncovering the truth. When a woman mysteriously disappears from a supermarket parking lot, Sloan plunges into the investigation, revealing alarming patterns of abductions spanning multiple states.
Roberts masterfully captivates readers with her richly developed characters and an exhilarating plot. The characters, including the determined Sloan, her spirited sister Drea, and their supportive parents, Elsie and Dean, alongside a strong cast of supporting figures, leap to life in this expertly narrated audiobook by January Lavoy. Lavoy’s exceptional narration infuses each character's emotions and personalities with nuance and depth, making listeners feel as though they are witnessing the events unfold in real time, resulting in a truly immersive experience.
While the story is slow to start in the first 25% to establish a solid foundation, it swiftly transforms into a gripping murder mystery that keeps readers engaged. The tension is undeniable as Sloan confronts the unknown and skillfully navigates emerging threats.
Though the narrative may sometimes feel slightly unbalanced, the details of Sloan's daily life and home renovations overshadow the critical aspects of the investigation. A few more scenes showcasing her detective skills would elevate the narrative further. Additionally, while the resolution is somewhat abrupt, this may be a testament to the story's emotional depth, making it all the more impactful.
Overall, this romantic thriller is a standout offering from Roberts. It masterfully intertwines mystery, suspense, romance, and found family. The exploration of strong, independent women and their emotional resilience strikes a powerful chord. Despite some elements that could be further refined, the audiobook format amplifies the experience, making it a must-listen for fans of romantic mysteries and suspense. I highly recommend the audio format, which is now available!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not obligated to provide a review.
April 7, 2025
HIDDEN NATURE by Author Nora Roberts is a tantalizing blend of mystery, suspense thriller and romance. Roberts once again delivers a heartfelt story with authentic, highly relatable characters, vivid settings and immersive plot lines. Once I settled in, I couldn't put this page turner down.
Natural Resources police officer Sloan Cooper walks into a convenience store and interrupts a robbery in progress. A quick on the trigger thief leaves her fighting for her life. With a long recovery ahead of her, Sloan returns to her parent's home in Heron's Rest, the small town where she grew up. While diligently working on her rehabilitation, Sloan's interest is piqued by a missing woman's case, and she decides to work the case on her personal time. A chilling pattern soon emerges - multiple people of all genders and ages spread across three states disappeared with their vehicles left abandoned suggesting the work of a serial killer. What is the common thread among these victims? How does the killer choose them? Sloan relies on her expertise, wits, and family ties to guide her as she stalks a killer unaware of how close they may be.
Meantime, Nash Littlefield moves to Heron’s Rest from New York, leaving behind an established career while cutting final ties with his estranged parents. Having purchased an old house in need of renovation, he begins work while deciding on his future path. When his younger brother, Theo, joins him also looking for a fresh start, they form The Fix-It Brothers, a handyman business. Soon, they have enough local clients in need of their services to keep them busy, and their skills bring them into contact with Sloane and her sister, Drea, through the Cooper family's rental business. Sparks flare between Drea and Theo, and Nash is intrigued with both Sloan and the case she's investigating and offers to lend her a hand with the investigation with the added benefit of spending more time with her. As the pair pursue a killer, Nash soon realizes the woman he is coming to care about will do whatever it takes to get justice for the victims . . . including putting her life at risk again.
Author Nora Roberts excels at rendering immersive small town, family-oriented stories that draw readers in with vivid prose, complex, relatable protagonists and just the right blend of romance and suspense. Her expert skills at world building and character development are evident in HIDDEN NATURE through her detailed descriptions of community life in a typical small town with a menage of colorful characters. As is often the case, the theme of family both born and found is woven throughout with examples of a close knit, supportive family in the Coopers who welcome Nash and Theo with open arms in contrast to their estranged birth family. The increasing tension drives the pace through thrilling twists as Sloan gets closer to unmasking a killer. I appreciate the author's diligence with details while taking time to develop both suspense and romance over the course of the book as it lends an authentic feeling to the unfolding events while affording the reader an opportunity to connect with each main character. Fans of romance suspense and mysteries will enjoy this latest offer from Author Nora Roberts.
4.5 Stars
Many thanks to St. Martins Press & Author Nora Roberts for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. This book is scheduled for release on May 27, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Natural Resources police officer Sloan Cooper walks into a convenience store and interrupts a robbery in progress. A quick on the trigger thief leaves her fighting for her life. With a long recovery ahead of her, Sloan returns to her parent's home in Heron's Rest, the small town where she grew up. While diligently working on her rehabilitation, Sloan's interest is piqued by a missing woman's case, and she decides to work the case on her personal time. A chilling pattern soon emerges - multiple people of all genders and ages spread across three states disappeared with their vehicles left abandoned suggesting the work of a serial killer. What is the common thread among these victims? How does the killer choose them? Sloan relies on her expertise, wits, and family ties to guide her as she stalks a killer unaware of how close they may be.
Meantime, Nash Littlefield moves to Heron’s Rest from New York, leaving behind an established career while cutting final ties with his estranged parents. Having purchased an old house in need of renovation, he begins work while deciding on his future path. When his younger brother, Theo, joins him also looking for a fresh start, they form The Fix-It Brothers, a handyman business. Soon, they have enough local clients in need of their services to keep them busy, and their skills bring them into contact with Sloane and her sister, Drea, through the Cooper family's rental business. Sparks flare between Drea and Theo, and Nash is intrigued with both Sloan and the case she's investigating and offers to lend her a hand with the investigation with the added benefit of spending more time with her. As the pair pursue a killer, Nash soon realizes the woman he is coming to care about will do whatever it takes to get justice for the victims . . . including putting her life at risk again.
Author Nora Roberts excels at rendering immersive small town, family-oriented stories that draw readers in with vivid prose, complex, relatable protagonists and just the right blend of romance and suspense. Her expert skills at world building and character development are evident in HIDDEN NATURE through her detailed descriptions of community life in a typical small town with a menage of colorful characters. As is often the case, the theme of family both born and found is woven throughout with examples of a close knit, supportive family in the Coopers who welcome Nash and Theo with open arms in contrast to their estranged birth family. The increasing tension drives the pace through thrilling twists as Sloan gets closer to unmasking a killer. I appreciate the author's diligence with details while taking time to develop both suspense and romance over the course of the book as it lends an authentic feeling to the unfolding events while affording the reader an opportunity to connect with each main character. Fans of romance suspense and mysteries will enjoy this latest offer from Author Nora Roberts.
4.5 Stars
Many thanks to St. Martins Press & Author Nora Roberts for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. This book is scheduled for release on May 27, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
April 20, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
HIDDEN NATURE by Nora Roberts is an intriguing mash-up of mystery, crime thriller, investigation, and romance with a bit of HGTV like home renovation going on throughout. The setting of this story is the beautiful Maryland mountains with a main character who is not only a member of the Natural Resources Police but is a genuine lover of nature and all its varied seasons. This is a standalone novel.
Sloan Cooper grew up knowing exactly what she wanted to do with her life. While her family runs a successful year-round vacation resort in the Heron’s Rest, she has her heart set on a career with the Natural Resources Police of Maryland. After closing a successful case, she and her partner stop at a small-town convenience store. Sloan walks into a robbery in progress and is shot in the chest.
After being shocked back to life, she has a long recuperation ahead. She returns to her childhood home, but even though she cannot return to work, she is bored. When she hears about the case of a missing woman which intrigues her. She decides to do a bit of online searching on her own and soon discovers there are more missing people in the tri-state area of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia that appear to have no connections other than their disappearances.
As the investigation continues with several jurisdictions on the case, Sloan realizes what the connection is between all the missing, but it is so bazaar, others find it hard to believe, but Sloan knows she is right. When a local friend goes missing, she is determined to find him and bring him home and stop the killer or killers because she may be on their list, too.
This is another great all-around, intriguing and satisfying book by Ms. Roberts. I opened this book and could not stop. Sloan is a strong, intelligent protagonist who is put through difficult physical and mental trials and doggedly continues forward. Her family and friends are all fully developed characters that are a strong support system and interesting in their own rights. The HGTV home renovations add a unique twist to the dialogue and focus when they are not discussing or chasing down the missing. I also loved the beautifully integrated descriptions of nature and wildlife in the area. The crime thriller plotline is woven throughout the book at an ever-increasing pace. The perpetrators are seriously scary and depraved and made the hair on my arms stand-up.
I highly recommend this amazing mash-up! Ms. Roberts is one of my all-time favorite authors and I always look forward to her books.
HIDDEN NATURE by Nora Roberts is an intriguing mash-up of mystery, crime thriller, investigation, and romance with a bit of HGTV like home renovation going on throughout. The setting of this story is the beautiful Maryland mountains with a main character who is not only a member of the Natural Resources Police but is a genuine lover of nature and all its varied seasons. This is a standalone novel.
Sloan Cooper grew up knowing exactly what she wanted to do with her life. While her family runs a successful year-round vacation resort in the Heron’s Rest, she has her heart set on a career with the Natural Resources Police of Maryland. After closing a successful case, she and her partner stop at a small-town convenience store. Sloan walks into a robbery in progress and is shot in the chest.
After being shocked back to life, she has a long recuperation ahead. She returns to her childhood home, but even though she cannot return to work, she is bored. When she hears about the case of a missing woman which intrigues her. She decides to do a bit of online searching on her own and soon discovers there are more missing people in the tri-state area of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia that appear to have no connections other than their disappearances.
As the investigation continues with several jurisdictions on the case, Sloan realizes what the connection is between all the missing, but it is so bazaar, others find it hard to believe, but Sloan knows she is right. When a local friend goes missing, she is determined to find him and bring him home and stop the killer or killers because she may be on their list, too.
This is another great all-around, intriguing and satisfying book by Ms. Roberts. I opened this book and could not stop. Sloan is a strong, intelligent protagonist who is put through difficult physical and mental trials and doggedly continues forward. Her family and friends are all fully developed characters that are a strong support system and interesting in their own rights. The HGTV home renovations add a unique twist to the dialogue and focus when they are not discussing or chasing down the missing. I also loved the beautifully integrated descriptions of nature and wildlife in the area. The crime thriller plotline is woven throughout the book at an ever-increasing pace. The perpetrators are seriously scary and depraved and made the hair on my arms stand-up.
I highly recommend this amazing mash-up! Ms. Roberts is one of my all-time favorite authors and I always look forward to her books.
April 14, 2025
A little sluggish at first, but then fully kicks into the serial killer romantic suspense that I love from NR. We got close family dynamics, we got home reno porn, we got a heroine with witchy eyes - basically my comfort bingo card
May 22, 2025
I really liked it, Nora is and always will be one of my favourite authors. I'll read anything she writes. The way she writes her characters and their stories, as well as their relationships both romantic and familial, is unmatched.
This story is about Sloan, a Natural Resources police officer, who gets shot and almost dies after she walks in on a robbery. Her recovery will take time, so she goes back to her hometown with her parents and sister. While recovering, a missing person case catches her attention and by looking more into the case, she'll discover there are even more victims. With Nash, her neighbour and contractor, who is helping her work through the case, will she able to find the killers before they strike too close? All while slowly falling in love.
I absolutely loved the characters, Sloan and her family were such a delight. The way they embraced Nash and his brother Theo was amazing.
I enjoyed the suspense part, and I really liked the fact we got insight into the killers too.
The only thing I didn't liked is that the pace was really slow at times. Some things were way too detailed.
Also, the story is divided in three parts, and we only got to see Sloan and Nash meet in the second part. It didn't make any sense to drag it out that much.
Overall, still a great story. I really liked the setting. I recommend it.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Little Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an ARC.*
This story is about Sloan, a Natural Resources police officer, who gets shot and almost dies after she walks in on a robbery. Her recovery will take time, so she goes back to her hometown with her parents and sister. While recovering, a missing person case catches her attention and by looking more into the case, she'll discover there are even more victims. With Nash, her neighbour and contractor, who is helping her work through the case, will she able to find the killers before they strike too close? All while slowly falling in love.
I absolutely loved the characters, Sloan and her family were such a delight. The way they embraced Nash and his brother Theo was amazing.
I enjoyed the suspense part, and I really liked the fact we got insight into the killers too.
The only thing I didn't liked is that the pace was really slow at times. Some things were way too detailed.
Also, the story is divided in three parts, and we only got to see Sloan and Nash meet in the second part. It didn't make any sense to drag it out that much.
Overall, still a great story. I really liked the setting. I recommend it.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Little Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an ARC.*
March 23, 2025
✨ Please excuse this long, rambling, unedited , stream of consciousness review. I just needed to get my thoughts out while they're fresh 🤪
After being shot, Corporal Sloan Cooper returns home to her family and the majestic mountain town of Heron's Rest, to recover from her injuries. Missing the fulfillment of work, she begins digging into a string of local disappearances on her own time. Will Sloan be able to piece together the puzzle and stop the abductors before it's too late? With the help of a handsome, new-to-town handyman with whom she can discuss the case, Sloan soon realizes she's closer to the truth than she thinks!
⚠️ very minor spoilers below ⚠️
This is a tough one to review... Let me preface it by saying that I am one of Nora Roberts' biggest fans, and it pains me to give anything she writes less than 5 stars. I've easily read over 200 of her books and all but 2-3 have been five stars. That said, this one just didn't quite measure up to what I've come to expect from Roberts. But what makes it difficult, is it was only one of the perspectives I didn't love. Nora often writes from the perspectives of the "bad guys" and weaves it into the overall "story." And this normally works for me, but not this time. So while I LOVED Sloan and Nash's story (I mean LOVED), the "bad guy" perspective felt forced, OTT, and a little cheesy.😬 It just wasn't quite believable, and took away from the experience. That's what brought this from a 5 star down to a 4 star. Now, thankfully that was just a small portion of the book, so my experience was mostly a positive one!
What I loved: Nora is an expert world and character builder. She creates these wonderfully complex protagonists, families, friends, and communities, and just makes you fall in love with them. I was deeply invested in Sloan and the rest of the Coopers, and the Heron's Rest town and community. I always love her detailed descriptions of settings and events, as it draws an image in my mind unlike anything I've experienced with other authors. Nora's books are like movies in my mind, and I love that! The romance was slow burn but I adored it! I also loved the house remodel and decor components here. despite my criticisms, I was sad when I finished this as I wanted to spend more time with these characters. I'm grateful to SMP for my gifted copies.
Despite being the tiniest bit let down by this one, I'm still so glad I read it! I've been reading Nora for decades and hope to continue reading her work for the rest of my life. She's my comfort author, and her books are so nostalgic.💜 I eagerly await the next book she puts out into the world.
📌 Available May 27th!
After being shot, Corporal Sloan Cooper returns home to her family and the majestic mountain town of Heron's Rest, to recover from her injuries. Missing the fulfillment of work, she begins digging into a string of local disappearances on her own time. Will Sloan be able to piece together the puzzle and stop the abductors before it's too late? With the help of a handsome, new-to-town handyman with whom she can discuss the case, Sloan soon realizes she's closer to the truth than she thinks!
⚠️ very minor spoilers below ⚠️
This is a tough one to review... Let me preface it by saying that I am one of Nora Roberts' biggest fans, and it pains me to give anything she writes less than 5 stars. I've easily read over 200 of her books and all but 2-3 have been five stars. That said, this one just didn't quite measure up to what I've come to expect from Roberts. But what makes it difficult, is it was only one of the perspectives I didn't love. Nora often writes from the perspectives of the "bad guys" and weaves it into the overall "story." And this normally works for me, but not this time. So while I LOVED Sloan and Nash's story (I mean LOVED), the "bad guy" perspective felt forced, OTT, and a little cheesy.😬 It just wasn't quite believable, and took away from the experience. That's what brought this from a 5 star down to a 4 star. Now, thankfully that was just a small portion of the book, so my experience was mostly a positive one!
What I loved: Nora is an expert world and character builder. She creates these wonderfully complex protagonists, families, friends, and communities, and just makes you fall in love with them. I was deeply invested in Sloan and the rest of the Coopers, and the Heron's Rest town and community. I always love her detailed descriptions of settings and events, as it draws an image in my mind unlike anything I've experienced with other authors. Nora's books are like movies in my mind, and I love that! The romance was slow burn but I adored it! I also loved the house remodel and decor components here. despite my criticisms, I was sad when I finished this as I wanted to spend more time with these characters. I'm grateful to SMP for my gifted copies.
Despite being the tiniest bit let down by this one, I'm still so glad I read it! I've been reading Nora for decades and hope to continue reading her work for the rest of my life. She's my comfort author, and her books are so nostalgic.💜 I eagerly await the next book she puts out into the world.
📌 Available May 27th!
May 26, 2025
Please not that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Wow. I got nothing. This was pretty awful. I don't even know what the point of this one was. It was so lackluster. Things happen, serial killers run about Maryland, and then more things happen. The book ends. I honestly wish that Roberts would just write a straight up thriller and ditch the romance. You can see her heart is not in it much anymore. Her latest romantic suspense novels have felt drab.
"Hidden Nature" follows Sloan Cooper. She's a Natural Resources police officer (and no I am not looking that up) working in Maryland. Sloan and her partner pull over and then the next thing she knows, she's shot, interrupting a store robbery. Sloan though has a near death experience, comes back to life, and has to figure out what is next for her. She becomes engrossed with a missing woman's case and starts to work it. The romantic counterpart to Sloan is Nash Littlefield. Nash moves from New York to Maryland and decides to start a handyman business with his brother Theo. FYI, Sloan has a sister named Drea. There is a younger brother named Theo. You know where this is going right? The book follows Sloan as she works the case and deals with the non-existent sparks she has with Nash.
Honestly, this was boring. So much boring. Sloan is barely developed, Nash was not developed at all. Drea and Theo were a waste of time and plot.
The bad guy(s) in this one were just a mess and a half. The reasoning behind the kidnapping and murders made zero sense and that's that. Also, as someone else pointed out, Roberts spent more time developing the bad guy(s) then the actual heroine and hero.
The plot was barely there. And the flow was awful. We followed the book through all four seasons I think and it felt like I experienced it. The book just drags.
I think it's been a bit since Roberts has set a book in Maryland, but honestly everything felt very drab. I don't know. There was no spark in this book at all.
The ending was a shrug.
The book eventually ended. I got to move onto another book.
Wow. I got nothing. This was pretty awful. I don't even know what the point of this one was. It was so lackluster. Things happen, serial killers run about Maryland, and then more things happen. The book ends. I honestly wish that Roberts would just write a straight up thriller and ditch the romance. You can see her heart is not in it much anymore. Her latest romantic suspense novels have felt drab.
"Hidden Nature" follows Sloan Cooper. She's a Natural Resources police officer (and no I am not looking that up) working in Maryland. Sloan and her partner pull over and then the next thing she knows, she's shot, interrupting a store robbery. Sloan though has a near death experience, comes back to life, and has to figure out what is next for her. She becomes engrossed with a missing woman's case and starts to work it. The romantic counterpart to Sloan is Nash Littlefield. Nash moves from New York to Maryland and decides to start a handyman business with his brother Theo. FYI, Sloan has a sister named Drea. There is a younger brother named Theo. You know where this is going right? The book follows Sloan as she works the case and deals with the non-existent sparks she has with Nash.
Honestly, this was boring. So much boring. Sloan is barely developed, Nash was not developed at all. Drea and Theo were a waste of time and plot.
The bad guy(s) in this one were just a mess and a half. The reasoning behind the kidnapping and murders made zero sense and that's that. Also, as someone else pointed out, Roberts spent more time developing the bad guy(s) then the actual heroine and hero.
The plot was barely there. And the flow was awful. We followed the book through all four seasons I think and it felt like I experienced it. The book just drags.
I think it's been a bit since Roberts has set a book in Maryland, but honestly everything felt very drab. I don't know. There was no spark in this book at all.
The ending was a shrug.
The book eventually ended. I got to move onto another book.
March 5, 2025
I usually love Nora Roberts books. This one wasn’t it for me. It was so slow. It didn’t start really getting good till about 60% in. It was such a slow paced book. I struggled getting through this book and almost didn’t finish it.
The characters were interesting. I just think the first half could have been edited down.
The characters were interesting. I just think the first half could have been edited down.
June 9, 2025
The novel unfolds seamlessly!
The story begins when Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, and her partner close their latest case. They stop for gas and a drink. When Sloan opens the minimarket door, she senses something is wrong. The man at the counter suddenly turns and shoots her twice.
Sloan survives, but her recovery at Heron’s Rest is slow. While still recuperating, a woman goes missing around Thanksgiving. She left her home mid-cooking, searching for butter, but never returned. Her car was found outside the store with no trace of her.
After the shooting, Sloan decides to make life changes and begins renovations on her new home. This is where she meets Nash Littlefield, a newcomer to town who has started a contracting business with his brother, Theo.
Nash and Sloan connect instantly, and soon she’s sharing her ideas with him. Sloan can’t let go of the woman’s disappearance; she’s now certain more people have been abducted in the past year, and they may share a common link. If she’s right, this connection could make Sloan a target.
Hidden Nature was compelling from start to finish. Nora Roberts crafts vivid, well-rounded characters, including the unhinged ones. The story blends suspense, romance, and a stunning setting, brought to life flawlessly by January LaVoy’s narration.
I’m hoping Nora Roberts brings Sloan back for a sequel.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The story begins when Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, and her partner close their latest case. They stop for gas and a drink. When Sloan opens the minimarket door, she senses something is wrong. The man at the counter suddenly turns and shoots her twice.
Sloan survives, but her recovery at Heron’s Rest is slow. While still recuperating, a woman goes missing around Thanksgiving. She left her home mid-cooking, searching for butter, but never returned. Her car was found outside the store with no trace of her.
After the shooting, Sloan decides to make life changes and begins renovations on her new home. This is where she meets Nash Littlefield, a newcomer to town who has started a contracting business with his brother, Theo.
Nash and Sloan connect instantly, and soon she’s sharing her ideas with him. Sloan can’t let go of the woman’s disappearance; she’s now certain more people have been abducted in the past year, and they may share a common link. If she’s right, this connection could make Sloan a target.
Hidden Nature was compelling from start to finish. Nora Roberts crafts vivid, well-rounded characters, including the unhinged ones. The story blends suspense, romance, and a stunning setting, brought to life flawlessly by January LaVoy’s narration.
I’m hoping Nora Roberts brings Sloan back for a sequel.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
June 7, 2025
Unfortunately, this book felt too slow and boring. The main couple barely interacted, and there was no chemistry. After getting through over 40%, I’ve decided to DNF.
June 19, 2025
Thank god that’s over. There were so many useless details in this book!! It was so tedious listening to every single design choice they made while remodeling the house and it had nothing to do with the storyline. They bring up the red fireplace 700 times and guess what it never matters. You find out the “who” and the “why” REALLY early and then it just plays out exactly like you’d expect…. So predictable. Why include the fact that the fixit brothers parents had sued them at some point if their background NEVERRR MATTEREDDDD. What a waste of time. Oh my god why include that the painting apprentice had never done such a big painting job and then going on a bowling date if it had nothing to do with anything!?!?!!?!,!?! I am so mad about the time that I just wasted hahahahhaa
May 27, 2025
Let me just say, if you came here expecting a fast-paced thriller about a cop-turned-reluctant detective hunting down a pair of bizarre, religiously obsessed serial killers—surprise! You’ve actually checked into This Old House: Trauma Edition.
The book kicks off with a bang—literally—Sloan Cooper, our heroine, gets shot during a convenience store robbery. Exciting! She suffers a life-altering injury and moves home to recover. And then… nothing happens. For ten chapters. TEN. We get her riveting food and exercise diary, her feelings about neutral tones, and the ongoing drama of whether she’ll go with granite or quartz. (Spoiler: neither was thrilling.)
At some point, the book remembered it was supposed to be a thriller and gave us a string of disappearances across three states, but even that plotline got cozy under a throw blanket of subplots about Sloan and the Fix-It Bros renovating their homes like they were auditioning for Fixer Upper: Small Town Homicide Edition.
Now, about the killers. When they finally launch onto the page like a bad church camp skit gone rogue, they’re not terrifying—they’re just bizarrely boring. They spout religious nonsense—somewhere between cringey and unintentionally hilarious. But mostly they just blend into the background like beige walls.
Is Sloan hot on the trail? Kind of! But not before she and the charmingly bland new love interest compare cabinet finishes, shiplap patterns, and reclaimed wood options for their respective fixer-uppers. Honestly, I learned more about open floor plans and backsplash tiling than I did about actual serial killers.
What would’ve made this book better? Adding some of the recipes at the end, especially Sloan’s “Kickasserole.”
The book kicks off with a bang—literally—Sloan Cooper, our heroine, gets shot during a convenience store robbery. Exciting! She suffers a life-altering injury and moves home to recover. And then… nothing happens. For ten chapters. TEN. We get her riveting food and exercise diary, her feelings about neutral tones, and the ongoing drama of whether she’ll go with granite or quartz. (Spoiler: neither was thrilling.)
At some point, the book remembered it was supposed to be a thriller and gave us a string of disappearances across three states, but even that plotline got cozy under a throw blanket of subplots about Sloan and the Fix-It Bros renovating their homes like they were auditioning for Fixer Upper: Small Town Homicide Edition.
Now, about the killers. When they finally launch onto the page like a bad church camp skit gone rogue, they’re not terrifying—they’re just bizarrely boring. They spout religious nonsense—somewhere between cringey and unintentionally hilarious. But mostly they just blend into the background like beige walls.
Is Sloan hot on the trail? Kind of! But not before she and the charmingly bland new love interest compare cabinet finishes, shiplap patterns, and reclaimed wood options for their respective fixer-uppers. Honestly, I learned more about open floor plans and backsplash tiling than I did about actual serial killers.
What would’ve made this book better? Adding some of the recipes at the end, especially Sloan’s “Kickasserole.”
December 31, 2024
Sloan Cooper is a corporal with Maryland’s natural resources police. When she and a colleague stop at a convenience store, their timing is terrible, because the store is being robbed. Sloan is shot and almost dies, or maybe does die for a few minutes before being revived. Her family takes care of her during her recovery where she meets the town’s newest residents, Theo and Nash Littlefield, who have relocated from NY to rehab an old house and start a contracting business. There’s another story going on--a couple who are serial killers on a mission: to record the stories of anyone who has had a near death experience and then send them on to the great beyond. I’m a Nora Roberts fan and I liked the Cooper and Littlefield plotline, but REALLY disliked the serial killer story. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
August 6, 2025
Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts fast paced and completely sucked me in. The terms of endearment with the protagonists really got on my nerves. “Hon, baby, doll”…puke.
June 8, 2025
How does Nora Roberts do it? She has written well over 250 books and with her latest, Hidden Nature, Roberts shows that she hasn't lost her knack for writing engrossing page turning fiction. Sloan Cooper is a natural resource police officer who had a near death experience after she was killed on duty. Sloan goes back to recover at Heron's Rest with her famly's support. Nash Littlefield along with his brother, Theo, arrive in town ready in order to leave their complicated pasts behind. Sloan and Nash meet and eventually fall in love, but in the background lies a twisted couple who will eventually target Sloan on their dark mission of mercy. Roberts has created a strong resouceful heroine, a complex hero who's her perfect match. Their scenes together shows Roberts mastery of creating believable chemistry between two people whom the reader knows are right for each other even before they realize it themselves. The villians in this book are two of the most frightining that Roberts has created especially with their devotion to each other while carrying out their muderous mission. So how does Roberts do it? As one of her long-time readers, my guess is that she isn't afraid to take chances. She certainly did that with her last year with her excellent, Mind Games, where she added elements of horror and with her latest she adds elements of the supernatual into the story. She pushes bravely pushes boundries without sacrificing her gift for storytelling.
Nora Roberts is in top-form with her latest release.
Here's to the next 250 to come 🥂
Nora Roberts is in top-form with her latest release.
Here's to the next 250 to come 🥂
July 15, 2025
NR made us watch paint dry. Literally🤦♀️
The amount of remodelling, renovation, and decoration talk in this book was obscene . If I had to put it in order of frequency, there was:
1. Renovation themes
2. Family time
3. Investigation theories
4. Sloan's recuperation time
5. Romance subplot
Oh, and the hero and heroine haven't even met up until 35%🤷🏼♀️
The amount of remodelling, renovation, and decoration talk in this book was obscene . If I had to put it in order of frequency, there was:
1. Renovation themes
2. Family time
3. Investigation theories
4. Sloan's recuperation time
5. Romance subplot
Oh, and the hero and heroine haven't even met up until 35%🤷🏼♀️
March 31, 2025
There are so many qualities in this author’s writing pattern that the reader has come to love, recognize, and expect. Detailed settings and descriptions. Amazing characters that feel like someone you know and love.
This book has all of those qualities, characteristics, and more. Written slightly differently than we normally see from Roberts, this is a police procedural in many ways with the expected and unexpected twists.
The main character is a police officer. Sloan is investigating mysterious happenings in her town while recovering from a near-death injury. What’s interesting about this story is that we know who the perpetrators are, how they work, and what they’re doing. We see the parallel lines and we just have to wait for the main event.
To balance that out, we’re also enjoying a double romance. The family ties are beautiful and the way Roberts blends everyone together as a family is natural and supportive. Perfectly matched, fun, witty humor and beautiful people bring in the light to balance the dark.
While the pacing is good, the author uses short, choppy sentences, which seem abrupt in many places, but also show the way that the main character and her love interest are beautifully matched. They have the same thought processes and balance each other beautifully. It also ramps up the anticipation for the suspense as the murder mystery accelerates.
The ending is explosive but quick. After the slow burn ramping up, it seemed a tad anti-climactic, but the epilogue wraps it up nicely. Hidden Nature brings it all together for an awesome read!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/hidden-natur...
This book has all of those qualities, characteristics, and more. Written slightly differently than we normally see from Roberts, this is a police procedural in many ways with the expected and unexpected twists.
The main character is a police officer. Sloan is investigating mysterious happenings in her town while recovering from a near-death injury. What’s interesting about this story is that we know who the perpetrators are, how they work, and what they’re doing. We see the parallel lines and we just have to wait for the main event.
To balance that out, we’re also enjoying a double romance. The family ties are beautiful and the way Roberts blends everyone together as a family is natural and supportive. Perfectly matched, fun, witty humor and beautiful people bring in the light to balance the dark.
While the pacing is good, the author uses short, choppy sentences, which seem abrupt in many places, but also show the way that the main character and her love interest are beautifully matched. They have the same thought processes and balance each other beautifully. It also ramps up the anticipation for the suspense as the murder mystery accelerates.
The ending is explosive but quick. After the slow burn ramping up, it seemed a tad anti-climactic, but the epilogue wraps it up nicely. Hidden Nature brings it all together for an awesome read!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/hidden-natur...
June 6, 2025
3.5 stars for the latest from Ms Roberts. I'm not going to round up, not even for nostalgia's sake.
A few thoughts:
The romances were flat. Nice people matching up, but no spark.
The author spent too much time in the baddies' POV for my taste. Though she did manage to give them a motive I hadn't encountered before, so points to her for that.
I'm a fan of home renovation shows, but there was just too much detail about all the different projects. Way too much. And nothing ever seemed to go wrong with these projects, which is totally unrealistic.
Roberts has always excelled at depicting family dynamics and this book was no exception.
All the police procedural stuff held my interest.
All in all, it was okay. I galloped right through it because I needed to know what happened next with the mystery. Now, having read it I doubt I will reread it.
A few thoughts:
The romances were flat. Nice people matching up, but no spark.
The author spent too much time in the baddies' POV for my taste. Though she did manage to give them a motive I hadn't encountered before, so points to her for that.
I'm a fan of home renovation shows, but there was just too much detail about all the different projects. Way too much. And nothing ever seemed to go wrong with these projects, which is totally unrealistic.
Roberts has always excelled at depicting family dynamics and this book was no exception.
All the police procedural stuff held my interest.
All in all, it was okay. I galloped right through it because I needed to know what happened next with the mystery. Now, having read it I doubt I will reread it.
May 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
I think the moral of this story is that Nora is no longer for me 😣
I have been pretty consistently reading her recent releases, and to say I've been struggling with them would be an understatement.
Romance is definitely taking a back seat in her recent books, which I can handle, but I don't think the main storyline is taking over enough for the romance to take such a back seat. The couple here doesn't meet until about 40% of the way into it, so there isn't a lot of time for that relationship to develop. And of course they love each other by the end. HOW?
The beginning of this draaaaagged. I got swindled with this beginning; there wasn't a full third of the book with the FMC being a child, and it jumped right into some action, but then almost nothing happens for 30%. Just long, drawn out scenes of her recovering. At the very least, NR could have used that time to develop the romance of the book, because nothing was happening with the mystery except a couple of chapters from the antagonists' POV, which I could take or leave.
And I think I've finally figured out one of the reasons I just am not jiving with the writing in her newer books. The dialogue is narrative. There is a very recognizable structure to how these characters talk, and it flows very much link internal dialogue and narratives. So even when there is dialogue, I don't feel like we're getting a break from the paragraphs of information being provided.
But I feel like in some ways this one had very clear improvement from Mind Games, so I'm reluctant to throw in the towel because there is every possibility that the writing improves for me.
I guess we shall see...
I think the moral of this story is that Nora is no longer for me 😣
I have been pretty consistently reading her recent releases, and to say I've been struggling with them would be an understatement.
Romance is definitely taking a back seat in her recent books, which I can handle, but I don't think the main storyline is taking over enough for the romance to take such a back seat. The couple here doesn't meet until about 40% of the way into it, so there isn't a lot of time for that relationship to develop. And of course they love each other by the end. HOW?
The beginning of this draaaaagged. I got swindled with this beginning; there wasn't a full third of the book with the FMC being a child, and it jumped right into some action, but then almost nothing happens for 30%. Just long, drawn out scenes of her recovering. At the very least, NR could have used that time to develop the romance of the book, because nothing was happening with the mystery except a couple of chapters from the antagonists' POV, which I could take or leave.
And I think I've finally figured out one of the reasons I just am not jiving with the writing in her newer books. The dialogue is narrative. There is a very recognizable structure to how these characters talk, and it flows very much link internal dialogue and narratives. So even when there is dialogue, I don't feel like we're getting a break from the paragraphs of information being provided.
But I feel like in some ways this one had very clear improvement from Mind Games, so I'm reluctant to throw in the towel because there is every possibility that the writing improves for me.
I guess we shall see...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
I’ve found Nora books to be so hit and miss for me, which fair, she has published hundreds of books at this point so they’re not all going to hit and be amazing. But I had just finished Come Sundown by her (a backlist title) and I absolutely loved it, so then jumping into this new upcoming release was a massive disappointment.
I honestly was so uninterested in the characters in this one and the slice of life moments we get in the beginning of this story. I had to check the blurb multiple times cause I was wondering if I was reading the right book or when the plot would kick in. It was such a bore and so slow. I don’t think the plot kicks in until like 60% in at least. I’ve seen other reviewers say this reads more like books pub’d in her penname JD Robb, which I haven’t read but maybe I don’t want to now either. 😅 Oh well, it won’t deter me from picking up other Nora titles cause like I mentioned she’s such a hit and miss author for me in general, so this was one that just didn’t work for me.
I received an audio ALC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
I honestly was so uninterested in the characters in this one and the slice of life moments we get in the beginning of this story. I had to check the blurb multiple times cause I was wondering if I was reading the right book or when the plot would kick in. It was such a bore and so slow. I don’t think the plot kicks in until like 60% in at least. I’ve seen other reviewers say this reads more like books pub’d in her penname JD Robb, which I haven’t read but maybe I don’t want to now either. 😅 Oh well, it won’t deter me from picking up other Nora titles cause like I mentioned she’s such a hit and miss author for me in general, so this was one that just didn’t work for me.
I received an audio ALC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
May 31, 2025
Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts
Romantic suspense mixed with police procedural.
Nash Littlefield moves to Maryland to start a rehab business. He’s not interested in following the path his parents tried to push him down. His younger brother soon joins him and they start Fix-It Brothers for home remodeling and household repairs. Both men soon meet the Cooper sisters and fall hard.
Sloan Cooper is recovering from getting shot during her job as a Natural Resources police officer in Heron’s Rest, Maryland. She can’t leave the investigative habit behind even while on medical leave. When a local woman goes missing, leaving behind her car, Sloan starts asking questions and doing research. She finds several similar cases and knows there is a killer near by. Nash helps Sloan with her house remodel, while also listening and helping her work through the mystery and connections of the missing.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by January LaVoy who does a fantastic job of keeping the reader on the edge of the seat. The performance is wonderfully rich with Sloan’s exhaustion, her determination and her puzzle-solving mind, all clearly felt as the story progresses. There are distinct voices for the main characters, including the killer. It was chilling to hear the killer and Sloan talking together when they first met!
I did listen at and above 1.5 to more closely match my reading and conversational speed.
Thrilling and suspenseful. The audiobook bumped this from 4 to 4.5.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
Romantic suspense mixed with police procedural.
Nash Littlefield moves to Maryland to start a rehab business. He’s not interested in following the path his parents tried to push him down. His younger brother soon joins him and they start Fix-It Brothers for home remodeling and household repairs. Both men soon meet the Cooper sisters and fall hard.
Sloan Cooper is recovering from getting shot during her job as a Natural Resources police officer in Heron’s Rest, Maryland. She can’t leave the investigative habit behind even while on medical leave. When a local woman goes missing, leaving behind her car, Sloan starts asking questions and doing research. She finds several similar cases and knows there is a killer near by. Nash helps Sloan with her house remodel, while also listening and helping her work through the mystery and connections of the missing.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by January LaVoy who does a fantastic job of keeping the reader on the edge of the seat. The performance is wonderfully rich with Sloan’s exhaustion, her determination and her puzzle-solving mind, all clearly felt as the story progresses. There are distinct voices for the main characters, including the killer. It was chilling to hear the killer and Sloan talking together when they first met!
I did listen at and above 1.5 to more closely match my reading and conversational speed.
Thrilling and suspenseful. The audiobook bumped this from 4 to 4.5.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
May 18, 2025
After loving Nora Roberts' gripping standalone novels Identity and Legacy, I had high hopes for Hidden Nature. Unfortunately, this book was a letdown. It starts as a promising crime thriller but quickly pivots into a Hallmark-movie-style romance. Even past the 40% mark, the story felt flat and failed to recapture the suspense I expected.
Compared to her other standalones, Hidden Nature was boring and not worth finishing. One star DNF.
I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
Compared to her other standalones, Hidden Nature was boring and not worth finishing. One star DNF.
I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
May 25, 2025
Nora Roberts writes some great books that appeal to many. This one is both a romance and a mystery. I always enjoy picking up one of her books and getting lost in it.
Description:
Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store—and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.
After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.
She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young—the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.
Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case—and she's willing to risk her life again if that's what it takes to stop the horror.
My Thoughts:
This story took off quickly when Sloan was shot just walking into a convenience store after taking down some criminals. While she was recovering at her parents' home she got pulled into investigating a series of seemingly unrelated disappearances. She was investigating on her own online, but when she was suspicious they were related she started alerting authorities in the various areas the disappearances had occurred. Several more related cases turn up, but this is a tough investigation to tie together with no obvious motive. Still, Sloan is persistent and keeps at it.
I immediately liked Sloan as a character - she is tough, determined, and relatable. Besides the mystery of the missing persons, there are two sweet romances happening that are fun. Then there is a new opportunity that comes up for Sloan. I liked Sloan's supportive family and the warm, comfortable environment in the home of her parents. I also liked the job as a Natural Resources police officer - it seemed like a different type of police with some unique, appropriate goals. The plot moved quickly and kept me absorbed. I would recommend this book to any of my friends who enjoy a good mystery.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store—and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.
After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.
She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young—the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.
Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case—and she's willing to risk her life again if that's what it takes to stop the horror.
My Thoughts:
This story took off quickly when Sloan was shot just walking into a convenience store after taking down some criminals. While she was recovering at her parents' home she got pulled into investigating a series of seemingly unrelated disappearances. She was investigating on her own online, but when she was suspicious they were related she started alerting authorities in the various areas the disappearances had occurred. Several more related cases turn up, but this is a tough investigation to tie together with no obvious motive. Still, Sloan is persistent and keeps at it.
I immediately liked Sloan as a character - she is tough, determined, and relatable. Besides the mystery of the missing persons, there are two sweet romances happening that are fun. Then there is a new opportunity that comes up for Sloan. I liked Sloan's supportive family and the warm, comfortable environment in the home of her parents. I also liked the job as a Natural Resources police officer - it seemed like a different type of police with some unique, appropriate goals. The plot moved quickly and kept me absorbed. I would recommend this book to any of my friends who enjoy a good mystery.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
May 24, 2025
Nora's latest has a fierce, determined heroine, a handsome hero charting his own course, wonderful family all around and a nasty, evil duo for the baddies. Quite an ensemble for this new romantic suspense. Lots to like, Sloan's struggle to overcome her shooting, the supportive family and I loved Nash and Sloan, even if, again, the romance was a little more than PG-13. Hot, sizzling, it wasn't. I long for one of Nora's older alpha-jerks. At least they had personality and could light up the page.
But there were several things not to like at all. Nora is a fan of disjointed sentences and colloquial phrases that I'm sure some twentysomething reads and goes huh? Then there is the suspense/mystery. Gripping and edge of your seat, not even close. The baddies get a lot of page space and being inside their heads was not a place I wanted to be. Not all religious people are insane. Not much to the mystery and the suspense ending was so quick it left me wondering why I read a 448-page book for that. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
But there were several things not to like at all. Nora is a fan of disjointed sentences and colloquial phrases that I'm sure some twentysomething reads and goes huh? Then there is the suspense/mystery. Gripping and edge of your seat, not even close. The baddies get a lot of page space and being inside their heads was not a place I wanted to be. Not all religious people are insane. Not much to the mystery and the suspense ending was so quick it left me wondering why I read a 448-page book for that. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
June 9, 2025
(4.5 stars)
Nobody does romantic suspense like Nora Roberts does. She has a knack for creating lovable characters, terrific relationships, AND believable villains. It’s a potent combination.
In Hidden Nature, we have a female police officer with the Maryland Natural Resources Police (a real organization, BTW, so I learned something), Sloan Cooper. When she gets shot on the job, she returns home to rural western Maryland to recuperate, with her family’s help. We also have two brothers from New York City, who decide to move there and start a contracting business, giving up their parent-influenced previous careers, which they never really liked. So you have the setup for romance there. There was a lot of home renovation talk but it didn’t overwhelm the plot. And there are adorable dogs too. The descriptions of the landscape made me yearn to visit the area.
The villains are appropriately creepy and it was terrific to get parts of the book told from their perspective. I don’t want to say more about them.
I mainly listened to the audiobook version since January LaVoy is one of my favorite narrators, and it did not disappoint. I was amazed at all the different voices she did throughout the book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Nobody does romantic suspense like Nora Roberts does. She has a knack for creating lovable characters, terrific relationships, AND believable villains. It’s a potent combination.
In Hidden Nature, we have a female police officer with the Maryland Natural Resources Police (a real organization, BTW, so I learned something), Sloan Cooper. When she gets shot on the job, she returns home to rural western Maryland to recuperate, with her family’s help. We also have two brothers from New York City, who decide to move there and start a contracting business, giving up their parent-influenced previous careers, which they never really liked. So you have the setup for romance there. There was a lot of home renovation talk but it didn’t overwhelm the plot. And there are adorable dogs too. The descriptions of the landscape made me yearn to visit the area.
The villains are appropriately creepy and it was terrific to get parts of the book told from their perspective. I don’t want to say more about them.
I mainly listened to the audiobook version since January LaVoy is one of my favorite narrators, and it did not disappoint. I was amazed at all the different voices she did throughout the book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2025
Pacing is a pretty significant issue with this one.
This book is engaging, interesting, even. But it's slow-moving. There's a LARGE part of the front of his book reserved JUST for Sloan's recovery. And then, after she DOES recover, there's a LOT of talk of home renovation.
While it's not wholly boring, it is very, very slow. If I didn't enjoy Nora Roberts' books so much, I don't know if I'd have stuck with it, in all honesty.
It's a lot of day-in-the-life sort of stuff that I think could have been trimmed out to get to the point faster. It was good to build the relationships with Sloan's family and eventually the love interest, but I don't think we needed quite so much of it. And after Sloan meets Nash, their conversations mostly consist of her investigative work surrounding mysterious disappearances or his home reno business. And the amount of times she walks into a room and goes "Wow! Oh Wow! This is amazing!" 🙄🙄
If we'd cut...HALF of this stuff out, this could easily have been a 5 star read for me. I simply didn't need to know EVERYTHING Nash did to her house of his. If I wanted to hear intricate details about home renovations, I'd watch HGTV. We could easily have lost 100-150 pages and not lost ANYTHING important from the story.
All of that hum-drum stuff is obviously interspersed with other POVs. But even those POVs were a little more involved than I cared about - I really, REALLY didn't need to know how many times and how often the villains boned each other. That was gross.
Sloan's investigation work is intriguing, but it takes ENTIRELY too long for her and the villains to cross paths. It happens for the first time at 75%. And it takes until 95% for the villains to make their move. The story literally doesn't hit its climax until the last chapter, 3% away from the back of the novel.
Nora's writing is usually gripping for me. It's usually so immersive. But for some reason, this one dragged waaaaay more than it needed to. I wouldn't be surprised to see a LOT of DNFs for this one. The pay off is very quick, and you have to wait almost until the very last paragraph to get it.
This book is engaging, interesting, even. But it's slow-moving. There's a LARGE part of the front of his book reserved JUST for Sloan's recovery. And then, after she DOES recover, there's a LOT of talk of home renovation.
While it's not wholly boring, it is very, very slow. If I didn't enjoy Nora Roberts' books so much, I don't know if I'd have stuck with it, in all honesty.
It's a lot of day-in-the-life sort of stuff that I think could have been trimmed out to get to the point faster. It was good to build the relationships with Sloan's family and eventually the love interest, but I don't think we needed quite so much of it. And after Sloan meets Nash, their conversations mostly consist of her investigative work surrounding mysterious disappearances or his home reno business. And the amount of times she walks into a room and goes "Wow! Oh Wow! This is amazing!" 🙄🙄
If we'd cut...HALF of this stuff out, this could easily have been a 5 star read for me. I simply didn't need to know EVERYTHING Nash did to her house of his. If I wanted to hear intricate details about home renovations, I'd watch HGTV. We could easily have lost 100-150 pages and not lost ANYTHING important from the story.
All of that hum-drum stuff is obviously interspersed with other POVs. But even those POVs were a little more involved than I cared about - I really, REALLY didn't need to know how many times and how often the villains boned each other. That was gross.
Sloan's investigation work is intriguing, but it takes ENTIRELY too long for her and the villains to cross paths. It happens for the first time at 75%. And it takes until 95% for the villains to make their move. The story literally doesn't hit its climax until the last chapter, 3% away from the back of the novel.
Nora's writing is usually gripping for me. It's usually so immersive. But for some reason, this one dragged waaaaay more than it needed to. I wouldn't be surprised to see a LOT of DNFs for this one. The pay off is very quick, and you have to wait almost until the very last paragraph to get it.
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