Thea Fox shares a mind reading ability similar to her Appalachian Grammie. At her young age, Thea hasn't quite mastered how to manipulate it, but it does give her insight to the worst night of her life when her parents are murdered. While the killer is behind bars thanks to Thea, he is also able to see back into Thea's mind. For years, this continues on, the two of them pushing into each other's brain and seeing what the other is up to. This plot is more suspense rather than romance, although there is a love interest for Thea introduced later.

As far as emotions go, this one pulls different strings starting with gruesome tragedy and the grief afterwards. Thea keeps her world small and simple because her ability hinders her from trusting people in an intimate relationship. She feels more connected to the world on her farmland and in her office, working on a computer game evolved from a fantasy in her mind. She's steadily rebuilt her life after the loss of her parents by staying close to her grandmother and brother, as well as her childhood best friend.

I was definitely fascinated and entertained by the actual mind games between Thea and her parents' murderer. Even though he is not leaving prison, he still wreaks havoc where he is at and in Thea's mind, which leaves her imprisoned in certain ways, too. Ultimately, it's a test of wills and which of them can outsmart the other to finally end this connection between them. For Thea, it's a matter of justice, freedom and not letting this perpetrator take yet another thing away from her. If she wants to live out the life she always dreamed of after meeting the man of her dreams, she needs to succeed. I was obviously advocating for Thea and loving the life she's carved out for herself with all the hope that she could continue to thrive, but without the burden of her parents' killer continuing to have a hold over her. The ending was certainly creative and satisfying regarding karma. My only comment is that sometimes the dialogue in Nora Roberts' books is hard to follow with regards to keeping track of which character is the one talking and this happens quite often.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse―because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them―and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…
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There is almost nothing I anticipate more than a standalone suspense novel from Nora Roberts, and this year's offering did not disappoint. The story captured me immediately, and I found myself invested in the lives of these characters from the very beginning. The descriptive writing brought me right to the setting of Appalachian Kentucky, and I found myself going there in my mind and living the timeline of the events along with Thea and her family. I loved the exploration of Thea's otherworldly abilities and their passage down her female lineage, and I felt they were wound masterfully throughout the story. There was a romantic element to the story, as can be expected in a NR book, but it was not the main event...instead it complemented the rest of the storyline. I was sad to say goodbye to the residents of Red Bud when I came to the end of this book, and I am so glad that I had an opportunity to get an early look at this one. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Nora Roberts and her writing style!

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. Awwww this was such a cute story. I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. It was just so easy to get into these characters lives and you just can't help but fall in love with them. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.

With a setting like this in the beautiful Appalachian hills of Kentucky readers this book is a winner. It is a step back in time. The characters are pure Appalachian, even though the crimes against the children are urban. A grandmother takes in the orphaned grandchildren in her home in Kentucky. Their parents are the victims of a man who set out to kill them, a man whose mind is full of hatred, jealousy, and evil. One of the children has the "gift". She grows up to become an accomplished author and her destiny is the story that is being told. Her gift is challenged by the evil that killed her parents and threatens her, the Appalachian lifestyle she has chosen, and her beloved family and friends in Kentucky and beyond. Nora Roberts weaves a beautiful tale as her characters grow into their heritage and find love, grow families, and dwell in the peaceful hills and valleys of their Kentucky ancestry. Thanks to #NetGalley#MindGames#NoraRoberts for the opportunity to be an early objective reader of this book.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this and I'm surprised that unfortunately this is a DNF for me. I normally enjoy everything I've read by Nora/JD but I made it about a quarter of the way through this and it just didn't connect to me. I felt like I was thrown into everything with the gift and it just felt confusing.

I will preface this with the fact that I am not typically someone who likes intense, suspenseful books. However, I enjoy a good murdery, mystery, Nora Roberts type suspense. I was a little leery about this at first as it’s not what I gravitate to but Nora Roberts is nothing if not a solid Author!

This book was quite an adventure from the get go. I laid in bed reading until 4am because I just could not put it down without knowing what happened. It was twisted and scary, thrilling and satisfying. I was sad for Thea as if she was my close personal friend and genuinely shocked by the ending!

Another great book by Nora Roberts. One that will grab your attention in the first few pages and have you putting off things that need to be done.

This one starts with Thea and Rem being dropped off at their Grammie’s house for 2 weeks in Kentucky, as they do every summer. Thea, only 12 years old, has a very special gift and she is awoken by a nightmare as tragedy unfolds at her house involving her mother and father.

In the story, we watch Thea grow up and her gift get stronger. A gift that is passed down to the women in her lineage. Lucy, her grandmother, teaches her how to control it and how to deal with it. We also see how the gift is tied to the murderer who killed her parents. And how she uses it against him.

A great story of love, tragedy, with some betrayal, friendships, and revenge. Can’t wait to get my hands on another Nora Roberts book.

Mind Games by Nora Roberts
This story starts out when the parents ae delivering their children to their grandmother on the farm in KY for a few weeks. Love all the chores they get to do and it's not hard work at all. Thea and Rem love being outside. Parents go back to the city in VA and because of a man who's not right in his head and kills them. The girl and her grandmothers had seen the scene as if they were in the killer's mind.
So tragic and frightening for me because I can see this happening in todays world. Haunting and chilled reading it.
As life goes on for the kids living with grandma Lucy they learn many things. Love how Thea is able to help the cops commit the man and his other killings, brining closure to those who lose their loved ones.
Kids get educated and they become adults before you know it. Rem still beta tests Thea's games. She is able to perfect them for the public and she also uses them fto get back at the killer, who is still in her head at times. She's got a plan how to deal with him once and for all. Like that she has others that come into her life with fun times. Ty misunderstands her and he can't trust her any longer and jumps to the wrong conclusions. It over for them and you wonder if they can ever get back together. They were good for ne another. NEVER seen the ending happening as it did. WOW.
Excellent read.
Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I believe that of all of Nora Roberts' books this one is a top favorite. The story touches your heart from page one and continues until the end of the book. It is a book of tragedy, heartbreak, evil deeds but also love, family, sharing and justice.

Thea has a special gift that allows her to see things through the eyes of other people. This gift that enables her to help people, but it can also be heartbreaking. As a child she sees an evil man break into their home and murder her parents while she is staying with her grandmother.
After the tragedy, Thea and her brother live with her grandmother in the hills of Red Bud Hollow. There they find a special place to grow, mature, and heal. A close bond is formed, and the strong family support they need is there. Thea finds that the gift that she has is a family trait and that her grandmother has it also. Her grandmother guides and helps Thea learn to use the gift that she has been given.
But the evil man also has the special gift of seeing, and he continues to torment Thea in her mind. But Thea is strong, and she is fighting back.
The question is, who will win the game of the minds.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Mind Games
by Nora Roberts
Pub Date4: May 21, 2024
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.
What I did like:
All of Nora's novels have great storylines and they're so easy for me to read. All of her main characters are always likeable and you always find yourself rooting for them. Thea and Ty were no different.
Things that just didn't work for me:
I don't think Nora's more recent novels can be primarily described as romance anymore. They're not the focal point at all, which is not a bad thing, but her novels have always been romance driven with another overarcing storyline.
Background information and going through events in the MC's past is understandable, but it really takes away from the current timeline's growth and feeling connected to the characters during that time.
I'm just not liking her most current releases as much. "Ghost writer"??
3 stars

Nora Rober's new book Mind Games was a "mind game" of its own. The story starts normally, as two precious children go to spend the summer in the mountains with their grandmother. It quickly takes a dark turn as the children's parents are murdered.

Little Thea and her grandmother both witness the murders, in their mind. The mountain women have the same type of mysterious mind power, even though Thea is new to the skill. The kids will now permanently live in Redbud Hollow, and they grow up with a life completely different than the one they left. Grammie makes sure to take care of everything.

The story traces the life of the kids and the killer, who was also blessed (or cursed) with the same mind powers as the women. He uses his power for the worse; for evil. A mystery, a romance, and story of family and resilience; Roberts knocked it out of the park!

Thea and her younger brother Rem are spending their annul two week June visit with their Grammie
in Redbud Hollow. Thea, who shares the gift of sight with Grammie, witnesses
her parents being murdered in their home back in Virginia. Thea is able to supply the police
with information leading to the capture of the killer who also has the gift. As Thea learns to protect
herself and keep the killer out of her mind, he still manages to get in. With the help of family, Thea
and Rem have the support needed to move forward. While Thea does help the police when called
upon, her name is never mentioned. Thea needs to find a way to keep the killer out of her head
permanently.
Resilient heroine, strong family and friend support . Another great read from Nora Roberts.
#MindGames #NetGalley

I have been a fan of Nora Roberts books since I was very young. Probably way too young to be reading her early books. That being said I see a difference between her older books and her newer books. Her style has changed, there is more of a paranormal aspect to her stories and less of a romantic direction. I'm not at all saying that I find this to be a bad thing. In fact I am happy to find that her writing style has changed and shown growth and new direction. I will always love the Nora Roberts romance novels that I grew up reading, but I have a new appreciation for her newer books as well.
Thea has a very unique gift. One that shouldn't be advertised to the world, one that most wouldn't believe. One that even her mother didn't want her to use, even though her mother had the same gift she never put it to use and didn't expected her daughter to do the same. Thea's gift would eventually put her in the forefront of her parents murder. I loved how much Thea's family supported her. This story was very family oriented from the very beginning. Thea would need all the support she could get.
This book was emotional rollercoaster, thrilling, funny, sad, happy, and unexpected. I enjoyed everything about it. The writing style may have changed but, Nora can still tell quite a story.

Another Nora Roberts hit with a very different topic that will have you invested immediately. Enter the lives of children Thea and REM, and their grandmother Lucy. The town of Redbud Hollow makes for a perfect setting for this exciting novel. One terrifying event turns all their lives upside down., and leaves Thea to discover a life long psychic ability which allows her to see events and to read peoples minds - good and evil. A very engaging story that will send you into a “Mind Game”, you’ll have a hard time forgetting. The ending was perfectly written with emotions galore. Don’t Miss this one!
Thank you to Netgalley, The Author Nora Roberts and The Publisher St. Martin’s Press for allowing me this great reading experience for my honest review.

Just wow! This book was (no pun intended) mind blowing! So much heart ache and sadness at first but that’s how wonderful Nora Roberts writes. She draws you in and just gets swept away.
The characters were phenomenal! I loved their grandmother! She is spunky and determined and full of love, just what a grandmother should be! Our FMM was outstanding! Though she went through so much and how she witnessed everything was scary and amazing. She had to over come so much and with her grandma’s help she was able to. I about died when her love interest showed up and his little boy! My heart melted! It was definitely my favorite read of this new year and I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy! Nora you did again!! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this and write this review.

Mind Games, the newest standalone novel from Nora Roberts, is yet another out of the park homerun! I am a sucker for a good romance with a little bit of mystery thrown in and this book didn’t disappoint. In this story, our main character Thea has a unique gift, which has been a blessing but also is dark and terrifying. What I love about this book is that Thea’s past to present was outlined which is a nice diversion from the traditional romance novel. Is there a love component to Mind Games? You bet there is! As only Roberts can, this book is masterfully written with deep relationships and bonds between characters, building stories within the story.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another amazing book by Nora, once again you get pulled into the story of a family with their share of secrets. Great read, will be recommending to anyone who wants something new to read this summer/fall. I also feel this would be great for a book club read!

Mind Games may be my favorite Nora Roberts novel ever. I love the characters, the paranormal twist, and the setting, all create a great world that just draws you into the story. Every year Lucy and REM travel to the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky to spend time with their grandmother Thea. Touched with a psychic gift, Thea witnesses first hand when her parents are murdered in Virginia and helps capture the killer. The murder begins the psychic battle with the killer that follows Thea into adulthood. The killer tries to slip into Thea’s mind as her life progresses from child to successful video game designer. When Thea’s famous childhood crush moves to town, she begins building towards an HEA that is threatened by her gift and the link to the killer. Suspenseful but sweet, the story is the right mix of paranormal romance and thriller to make for a memorable read for the to be read again shelf. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a free review copy from NetGalley.

As an avid reader of Ms Roberts, I’m all ways worried that her next book will be the one where her writing slides, the characters are flat, the story is dull.
That’s not the case with this current read! One of her modern murder mysteries with a supernatural twist, Mind Games kept me up all night because I couldn’t put it down! Another winner!

What an interesting plot for a story. I loved watching Thea grow throughout the story. She never gives excuses for what is going on around her, or for what happened to her. Instead, she takes everything she has, and she challenges herself to develop it and grow as a person. She truly is the epitome of someone who takes life and makes it work for her. This book will entrap you and take you on an interesting journey where those with the sight can either choose to use it for good or evil. Nora Roberts weaves a stunning tale that readers will fall in love with.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.