When is a gift also a curse? Follow Thea Fox as she develops and hones the unusual inherited traits that run through many women of the green Kentucky hill country. This beloved family line is suddenly ripped apart by unthinkable tragedy. Two siblings grapple with memories cut short by a malicious man with the ability to harass them at will. Thea struggles to find a way to honor her heritage, her loved ones, and herself. She is locked in battle with a madman and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her future. Intricate and intense...I highly recommend this one!

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Mind Games for my unbiased evaluation.  5 stars

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy!

Nora's writing range is honestly just amazing, and "Mind Games" is the perfect title for this book. This spans pretty widely across genres, and even gets into the paranormal, which is an element I really enjoy. This was definitely less romance than her previous books, and spent quite a bit of time in her childhood, which I sometimes struggle with. Overall, I think this book is unique and can work for a really wide range of readers!

Thea has inherited the gift from her mother, her grandmother, great-grandmother, and so on down the line. One night she wakens in the middle of the night from a dream that revealed to her that her parents had been brutally murdered. She uses her gift to contact the killer, only to find that she's forged a connection that she cannot control- and he can use that connection to get to her. Can she keep him out? Break the connection and go on to live the happily-ever-after she deserves?

I had somewhat low expectations for this book because I was disappointed with Inheritance and felt like (still feel like) Roberts used a ghost writer. But this book, oh no, it's Roberts all the way. Suspense, slow burning romance, lovely setting that is perfect apart from the evil lurking in the darkness, and in the end (no spoiler here) the perfect fairy tale ending.

Mind Games is a book no Nora Roberts fan should miss. Though the story didn't progress the way I expected and it leaned more heavily toward the supernatural than I usually like, I enjoyed the voice in which it was written and the super sweet romance underscored by sparks of brutal suspense.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I want to thank St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Mind Games by Nora Roberts. I had previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Identity. This new book did not disappoint!
“But when it came down to it, it would be her mind against his.”
I always thought psychics were fake but Thea sure proved me wrong! She has the ability to see what is happening when she is hundreds of miles away. Her gift can be wonderful or a curse.
Most of the book takes place in a rural town in Kentucky. The characters are wonderful loving people.
And of course this is written by Nora Roberts so you know something happens! And it does!
Can success at creating video games bring down the monster who is always lurking in her mind?
It’s a book that is hard to put down.
Mind Games is scheduled for publication 2/21/2024.

This author could tell a story about the phone book and I would probably read it. She has a magical gift of storytelling that is like no other.

This book was so subtle with the way the story slowly changes and becomes more charged the further you dive into the pages. I love the small-town, down-home atmosphere that captivates your senses. The relationship’s developed and the culture of the Appalachians is strong in this one.

Mind Games is a story about unique gifts and growing up “different” than the others. It gives us strong family connections, amazing friendships, and doing for others.

It also brings horrible crimes and evil to shatter the peacefulness. It is about doing the right thing, control, and righteous payback which brings us to a fabulous, sweet ending!

Roberts is the Queen of her own mind games that she weaves into her stories to grab our attention. This story is twisted in many ways, but the satisfaction you find at the end makes it all worthwhile!

Nora Roberts has done it again! Thea Fox is 12 and her brother Rem 10. Both are spending some vacation time with Grammie Lucy at her Appalachian farm when a man breaks into her parent’s home and brutally murders both. What he doesn’t know is that Thea, like her grandmother, is psychic. Telling a reader more would only lead to spoilers and this story is just too well done to spoil. Fans already know what to expect. New readers will understand in the first chapters. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC for an honest review.

Another 5 star book from a 5 star author. Nora Roberts writes up enchantingly complex stories that pull you in. You just can’t put down until you finish. It’s stand alone, but it could easily become a series of books about the other characters because it’s so well developed. Fingers crossed that it does become a series.

Thea, is the daughter of a rich father, estranged from his family, and a mother from an Appalachian family. Due to a tragedy, she and her brother grow up with their grandmother. This tragedy activates her psychic abilities, which continue through her adult life, and a link to a killer. It’s so much more than just a suspense, or romance. Nora Roberts develops these wonderful characters and relationships.


Thank you to NetGalley and publisher St. Martins Press for an ARC of Mind Games

Like every summer before, twelve year old Thea Fox is looking forward to spending two weeks at her grandmother's farm. But this year, while Thea and her brother are safe in Kentucky, her parents are murdered in their home in Virginia. Thea's special gift of "sight" allowed her to see her parents' murderer as he walks through her house in Virginia and she helps the police track him down, and ultimately sends him to prison for life. Thea settles into her new life in Kentucky, but her link to the murderer continues to haunt her as she gets older. While she wants to move on, the killer wants to get revenge for being caught. This battle continues to escalate as Thea tries to settle into a normal life.

This was an enjoyable read. The author does a wonderful job painting the beautiful setting. Makes me want to go visit Kentucky. The characters were lovable and kind (except for the bad guy). Overall, Nora Roberts delivers another good standalone book.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

Mind Games by Nora Roberts is a stand-alone novel I already knew I would love going in.
What I Loved
Setting-Oh my goodness ! Nora Raoberts picked the perfect backdrop for this story. The surroundings sucked me right in ; likely this was somewhat influenced for me as a reader by the fact I live near the Appalachian Mountains.
Characters and Dialogue- I loved how each of the characters was built up and found it particularly easy to get into everyone's mind in terms of their motivations. The Dialogue felt natural and flowed easily.
What didn't work for me
Uniqueness- Something within this work just felt a little too similar to a few of her more recent titles and it was to an uncomfy degree.
Who I would recommend this work for
-Anyone who already loves Nora Roberts
-Readers burnt out on series that just need a complete narrative in one volume
-Anyone who particularly enjoyed the title Divine Evil by the same author

Whenever I need a break from twisty books, I tend to gravitate towards a standalone by Nora Roberts. They are always satisfying with true love winning over all, a happy ending, and characters with such interesting careers. Usually they are based completely with real life things, though this one has a bit of a supernatural twist in the form of Thea's gift, and the killer, Riggs other natural wicked poison mind. You have their interactions as the main bad thing in this book, being that Riggs sadistically killed Thea and Rem's parents but was tracked down by Thea and given a life sentence in prison. But he can't forget that Thea put him in their and wants to end her existence one way or another.

The other part of the book is Thea and Rem living with Lucy, their Grammie, in the Appalachians after their parents death. It is a charming life with dogs, cows, chickens, and the making of soaps and lotions and candles. And if that isn't interesting enough, Thea becomes a game maker/programmer with games I would love to play. And the love interest is a rock musician with an adorable little boy. There are such sweet moments in between the struggle with Riggs that I always find myself smiling or even chuckling at certain scenes.

So if you want a feel good story with a bit of supernatural and a happy ending with true love. then this book is for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book to read and review.

Good story overall. I think it was a little different for me compared to other works of hers that I've read. But I still enjoyed this story overall and will recommend it to all those that I know that enjoy Nora Roberts.

I really enjoyed this book. I likes the characters and the storyline. I liked watching Thea and her brother grow up. I loved that Thea chose a male dominated career and that she was successful with it. Grammie is basically who I want to be when I grow up. She's a really cool character. I love that Ty is a single dad with an adorable little boy. I love seeing men portrayed in this way instead of always being the deadbeat dad that took off.
That being said, one thing I didn't care for as much was the ending. I felt it was too abrupt and it really needed an epilog. I finished the book and thought "but what happened after that??" Did they get married? Did they have a daughter? Did she have the gift too? What happened to her brother and the girl he was seeing? Heck, what did Grammie have to say when they got home? I want more! I'm not ready to say goodbye yet. Stand-alones can be tough. I needed an epilog. Just saying. But overall it was a great read and I would recommend it. Well done!

I did not anticipate the direction this book would take, thinking at first it was going to be a light fun read. But to my surprise (and a good one) it delved from albeit pretty sad at first into a creepy suspenseful story. How unique to explore the power of the mind, how thoughts can transcend and transform. After a tragic event in Thea's life, it forever defines her forever and haunts her. However, with the help of her grandmother, she learns to overcome and take control of her life (and her mind) and show just how strong she is. Given a gift, she shows how special she is and that she will triumph in the end. Creative in this plot line, I found it mesmerizing. Roberts continues to surprise me with her range of storytelling and has become one of my favorite authors. Many thanks to #netgalley #mindgames #noraroberts for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Ohhh what to say about this one. Let me start off by saying I am a huge Nora Roberts fan; she is the reason I started reading and I will honestly probably read everything she releases, my feelings on her recent novels aside.

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.

This was also a somewhat different direction from Nora's usual novel, and I did like that part. She does suspense and emotions very well, and the beginning of this book was a punch to the gut. She doesn't usually give us an up close view of what tragedies shaped the main characters, so being a part of Thea's parents murders was highly emotional and effective.

What I didn't like:
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. In this book, you don't even know who the MMC is until 46%. 46%! He was literally never on the page until then, so how are they supposed to organically grow in a romantic relationship with only half the book? And Ty doesn't even find out about the MAIN issue of the book until like 90%. No way to build a foundation imo.

Somewhat related, all of Nora's new novels now have the first THIRD of the book covering the FMC's childhood. For me, this is WAY too much. 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.

On top of all this, Nora's latest FMC's seem like the exact same person. They all have a very distinct way of speaking, and it's very unrealistic and maybe a little longwinded. It tends to take me out of the story because I'm constantly reacting to the dialogue and wondering who talks like this.

Overall, this book was entertaining, but I've been having all these same issues with her current novels. And I'm pretty sure she has to have a ghostwriter at this point. Would explain way her structure seemed to change and why I'm not jiving as much with her new releases.

In Nora Roberts' "Mind Games," readers are captivated by the journey of Thea, a young woman with the extraordinary ability to see events.. From her childhood to her young adulthood, Thea grapples with the challenges of possessing this unique gift. The story takes a thrilling turn when she witnesses the murder of her parents and fearlessly identifies the culprit to the police. Skeptical at first, the authorities eventually recognize the truth in Thea's words. The gripping narrative explores the complex connection between Thea and her adversary, who shares her ability and invades her thoughts throughout her life. This eerie element adds a layer of suspense and mystery to the plot. Roberts' writing transports readers into Thea's world, where they experience the heartwarming moments of family love and the chilling encounters with danger. The portrayal of the family's deep affection for one another serves as a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil Thea faces. The book's ability to seamlessly blend romance and thriller elements keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Thea's quest for justice and her fight against an unseen enemy create a compelling narrative that leaves readers yearning for more. The ending of the novel offers a sense of closure while leaving room for further exploration. Thea's ongoing involvement with the police hints at the possibility of future adventures, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series. Overall, "Mind Games" by Nora Roberts is a captivating read that blends romance, suspense, and family dynamics. With its well-developed characters and intriguing plot, the book promises an enthralling experience for readers from start to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Nora Roberts is a "one click" author for me. I will always buy her new books! As usual this one was fantastic! I really enjoy her writing style. She was one of the first authors I picked up as a young adult.

4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC of Mind Games!

Another solid read from Nora Roberts.

Twelve year old Thea is enjoying a summer break at her Grammie's in KY with her little brother Rem, when she is woken from a nightmare. She's just watched her parents be murdered by Ray Riggs. Thea was unaware of her gift before this night but her vision allows police to find Ray and put him behind bars.

We follow Thea as she grows up but will she ever be free of her connection to Riggs?

Well I wavered on this one. Honestly this is a 2.5 star read. I just rounded up to 3 stars for Goodreads.

"Mind Games" follows young Thea Fox who along with her brother, are dropped off for the annual vacation at their grandmother's home in Appalachia. Thea though while staying "sees" a man who ends up breaking into her parents home and murders them. Due to Thea, the man is arrested and jailed. But Thea realizes this man has the same "gift" that she does and through the decades she does what she can to stop him.

Look. I don't know guys. This was just not good. I think because though I love how Roberts takes her time setting up her stories. This one went on forever. I got tired of reading about Thea and what she saw. Thea, her brother, and even the grandmother are not that interesting to spend time with. I think a lot of things kept getting glossed over that I had to tell myself to be quiet about (such as if only women have the gift in Thea's family, why did [redacted] have it as well? Did anyone else in his family? It just seemed like a random thing to toss in so he could keep popping up like a bad penny).

The other characters don't really work for me outside of the love interest's child. And of course Thea's dog. I just felt very bored because reading about someone having mental fights with someone is not an interesting book.

And since it took til almost the 50 percent mark for the love interest to show up, this whole book barely got the "romantic suspense" designation in my opinion.

The ending was just kind of a mess. Sorry. I get there was supposedly a whole games aspect to it, but it just didn't work and I kind of went...okay then.

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

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Nora Roberts is always a feature on my most anticipated reads of the year list. Mind Games is her newest romantic suspense and this time, she goes for a sprinkle of paranormal. The story follows Thea, a young girl with a strange gift. One night, she dreams of her parents being murdered and knows that it is not just a dream. When she wakes up, she helps put the murderer behind bars, but their story is far from over.

This wasn’t my favorite Nora, but it was still a solid read! The romance doesn’t begin until much later in the story, so I recommend going in expecting more of a family saga vs. a traditional romantic suspense. I loved the paranormal aspect and the villain was top notch. Another hit from Nora Roberts.

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

Mind Completely Blown!

Nora Roberts just left me SPEECHLESS!

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of Mind Games!

Mind Games is absolutely outstanding! I was on pins and needles throughout the entire book!

This book has it all! Love, suspense, family, mystery, angst, heat and a touch of paranormal!

I love the way Nora Robert’s tells a story. Character development is superb! Giving us a brilliant story! BRILLIANT!!!

This book is in my top 5 reads for 2024! A masterpiece that kept me engaged the entire time!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read for 2024!

If I could give more than 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I would!