It is easy to see why Nora Roberts has been a mainstay in the literary world for so long. Her books captivate readers with such ease and "Hidden Nature" is no different.

When your main character, Sloan, gets shot in the first few pages, readers will know that they are in for a treat. I was fascinated by Sloan and her inability to rest in the aftermath of her shooting. When she stumbles across a case of a missing woman, things take quite the interesting turn. Sloan discovers murders with an interesting link; one that just may put herself in danger if she isn't careful.

I loved the world that Nora Roberts created and am grateful to St. Martin's Press for selecting me for this ARC.

🪚🪚🪚🪚/5

This story kicks off right in the middle of the action. I was hooked from the beginning. I admit, it did slow down a bit during Sloan’s recovery, but it does start to pick up again and it’s filled with action, police detective skills, romance, and puppy moments.

I liked Sloan, she was practical and not whimsical. Very blunt, to the point, takes no prisoners. It was fun to spend time with a character like that, while watching how her brain works and how she was able to put pieces together for a case she wasn’t even assigned too but just couldn’t let go.

I enjoyed the side characters. They made the story filled with more layers and enjoyment that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. And I loved all the moments between Sloan and them.

I was intrigued by the killers. There was something intriguing about them while also completely disturbing. So I found the chapters with their POVs quite fascinating, albeit disconcerting and disgusting.

I wish there was more romance in this one however. It’s prevalent for two side characters and between Sloan and Nash. However, it was definitely a subplot and nothing more. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I definitely would’ve enjoyed this story more if it was more of a focus.

Overall though, this book has a little bit of everything for everyone and it was enjoyable if you make it through the slow recovery chapters.

I love Nora Roberts. She has a very set way of writing books and Hidden Nature was no different. Her books are fun to read.

I liked us starting out with a bang (literally) with Sloan getting shot- it started us out with action and drama. It introduced the cast and foreshadowed parts of the rest of the book, which was great. I didn't really realize that Natural Resources officers were a thing. I really liked Sloan's family and how close they were and the vacation resort (cabins?) that they own in Heron's Rest. I also really liked Nash and Theo- super cute.

The mystery/murder part being interspersed within chapters and how they grabbed people and why they grabbed people was so interesting- especially because they were able to do it so well that no one really would have caught them had Sloan not been injured and sidelined.

Overall, even though elements of this book were predictable and followed the same format as the rest of the Nora Roberts books, I enjoyed it and it was a fun read for sure.

I love Nora Roberts and I love her books however i just can't bring myself to keep reading this book. Nothing about the story line is pulling me in and i find it hard to continue reading it. Unfortunately for me this is a DNF.

The premise in the psychological thriller was good, but it moved too slow and I kept losing interest. Props to people who do this for real to find serial killers and to figure out the motive. I also thought the romance aspect between Sloan and Nash was so slow whereas Theo and Drea moved full speed ahead.

What a read! Mystery, thriller and romance all in one, a true Nora Roberts novel.
After being shot Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, is forced to slow down and moved in with her parents along a wonderful and beautiful lake in the small town she grew up in. But being shot doesn't slow down Sloan's brain. When she comes across a missing women's case she starts to dig and follow her gut. A pattern emerges but yet no real common thread.

Meanwhile, Nash Littlefield leaves NYC to Heron's Rest after being tired of the career he did not care for. He decided to not only work on a house he purchased but also start a reno service/handyman business with his younger brother, Theo. They become The Fix-It Brothers. Nash sees Sloan one winter night and cannot stop thinking about her, even tho he doesn't know anything about her.

I really loved how golden retriever Nash and Theo were, just two very sweet and adorable guys!

Together Sloan and Nash are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to solving the case.

While it took a very long time for the suspense part of this to really happen, I still really enjoyed this one.

Nora Roberts is such a good writer and her characters just live and breathe.

I wanted to move in with the MC's family and just be a part of that dynamic.

As for our crime, it was odd and compelling and definitely kept my interest.

A solid read!

Nora Roberts delivers a haunting romantic thriller with Hidden Nature. After surviving a shooting, Sloan Cooper returns home to recover—only to find herself pulled into a chilling string of disappearances. With emotional depth, a slow-burning romance, and a tense finale, Roberts weaves suspense and heart into this atmospheric read. It is a compelling story about resilience, healing, and the darkness that hides in plain sight.

This was a slow burn of a read for me, and I enjoyed the character development and the cozy atmosphere.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC!

Norah just never misses. This book was great, kept me engrossed from the first page to the last. Highly recommend if you are a fan of her work.

Sandy M’s review of Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts
Romantic Suspense published by St. Martin’s Press 27 May 25

I always enjoy Nora Roberts’ characters and plots. They’re charming and intriguing, then suspenseful and romantic. This time around all of that is there as anticipated – and then some – but it’s the villains that very nearly steal the show.


Only because they are the most the most evil I think I’ve ever read. Sloan, our heroine, has no idea what awaits her as she investigates missing persons cases, once she’s home after suffering a near fatal injury while on duty. Her convalescence is slow, but she makes a comeback when doctors resuscitate her while on the operating table. Moving back home to heal, she decides to stay with her family and work as a Natural Resources officer. Amid the off-duty investigating, she meets Nash, the older brother in a new local business, The Fix-It Brothers, and that slow build-up to romance Ms. Roberts does so very well begins. Nash and his younger sibling are starting a new life, away from a horrible upbringing. It’s almost fortuitous Nash and Sloan come together after such happenings in their lives

Now those villains. They believe themselves to be anointed to help folks they stalk go to their eternal home. But, believe me, when you read exactly how they believe and what they do to get to their own eventual reward, it’s unbelievable. But they are written to perfection, and you can only hope Sloan and Nash survive when they cross paths with these psychos.

I also enjoyed the secondary romance between Sloan’s sister and Nash’s brother, who is the first to jump on the romance train with no hesitation whatsoever. More really can’t be said without giving too much away, because you definitely have to read all the evilness for yourself. Thank goodness for the lovely romances that counterbalance all that. If you’re a fan – even if you’re not – of Nora Roberts and haven’t started this one yet, don’t delay any longer before digging in.

Grade: A

Excellent story. I was completely invested in the characters. Very normal. Definitely held my interest and attention.

Another great romantic suspense by Nora Roberts. Sloan is a Natural Resource officer who is shot during a gas station robbery. She “dies “ during surgery and has an out of body experience. You get to watch her struggle with her recovery and rebuild her life. As she is recovering she starts investigating a missing person. As she builds the case and moves back to her home town she meets Nash a New Yorker who has left his life behind and is changing careers and also starting his life over. This book is emotional and suspenseful as she tries to find a serial killer.

I enjoyed this book from Nora Roberts. Although I sometimes find Roberts’ main characters too perfect, I still get hooked. The premise of this was intriguing and I was hooked from the very beginning. Another hit from one of my favorite authors.

The perfect thriller for readers who enjoy a serial killer mystery! Nora Roberts has done it again with Hidden Nature! I loved the dark setting of the story and felt totally engrossed. The main character is very likeable, which I personally prefer, especially in this genre. The multiple POV gave a lot of depth to the story as well. Fast paced and hard to put down, Hidden Nature is perfect for thriller buffs! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending this ARC my way. I'll be looking out for more titles from Nora Roberts!

Nora Roberts knows what she’s doing so as long as you like disturbing serial killer reads, you’re going to love this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was engrossed in this story and didn’t want to put it down. The characters were likable and the mystery was well done. We get multiple perspectives and the killer’s got on my nerves a bit. Not enough that it affected my enjoyment of the story. January LaVoy's narration was excellent and enhanced the story. She is one of my favorite narrators so I could not pass up listening to this when I discovered she is the narrator. If you’ve read Nora Robert’s mysteries or JD Robb, you’ll enjoy this one. If you’ve haven’t and you enjoy mystery/romance, check this out!

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.
I have loved every single one of Nora Roberts' books so far and this one is no exception! I enjoyed the suspense and getting to know the protagonist. The storyline was built up well and kept me interested and engaged. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.
If this is the beginning of a new series, I cannot wait to read more!

I loved how strong and resilient Sloan is and the connection between her and Nash couldn't be more perfect. The only things that could have made her story better would have been if she had been the one to save Terry herself and a bigger face off between Sloan and Clara.

When I compare this book to Nora’s annual romantic suspense novels of years past, this comes up way short. The book drags in the beginning. It’s crazy to me that our two leads don’t even meet until almost halfway through the book! The secondary romance got more attention than the primary. Given the rushed nature, I really didn’t buy in to their romance or feel any chemistry between Sloan and Nash.

As for the mystery, it took so long for Sloan and the police to catch on there were serial killers on the loose, it felt like reading two different books in one. Stories did not flow together as you would expect in a NR book.

Overall, not my favorite and I wished more time had been spent on characters and storyline development rather than home renovation ideas and descriptions.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Nora Robert's. This book had .me guessing to the end..the storyline and characters as usual were amazing