It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Nora Roberts book and I remember always liking them. This one was a little tough for me - the main character, Sloan, is just too perfect and has a “perfect” family. It did not seem realistic to me and I didn’t care for her. I did, however, enjoy the “thriller” part of this story - it was just plain twisted. Serial killers who prey on people who have gotten a second chance at life! So in spite of not really caring for the main character, I like her love interest and their story kept me entertained.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC.

Natural Resources officer Sloane Cooper isn't one to just sit around. While recovering from a gun shot wound that almost killed her, she's just bored. When a local woman goes missing, leaving her car in a parking lot, Sloan decides to do some investigating on her own. Scouring the internet, she discovers some similar disappearances. On the surface, the missing don't seem to have anything in common. But Sloane isn't ready to give up. As more people go missing her determination to solve this mystery grows stronger.

Sloane is a strong, confident woman, a problem solver who looks at the big picture to determine how the pieces fit. She's great at relating to people and knowing just how to make them comfortable. Taken together, they make her good at her job. And she fascinates Nash, her new boyfriend. He respects her strength, but knows just when to step in and how to talk her down when she gets too intense. The secondary cast of characters are just as well developed as the main characters. Each is an individual with their own personality. And all of them are people I'd love to party with.

Nora Roberts is a master at creating compelling plots full of suspense, a healthy dose of romance and finely crafted dialogue that never fails to capture my attention and keeps me turning pages. This story is no exception. I found the action in this story a bit more subtle, the suspense less intense than some of her recent books. Yet, I got chills every time the kidnappers discussed their underlying goal for doing what they do. The normality of their everyday jobs and the conversations they share just add to that creepy feeling.

In Hidden Nature Nora Roberts offers us a story with powerful, intriguing characters, twisted adversaries and witty, intelligent dialogue. And I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it.

I’ve been procrastinating this review for a while now. I think this is the first Nora Roberts book I didn’t wholeheartedly love. This book is not your typical Nora Roberts book. Maybe the cover should have tipped me off that it’s not a Romantic Suspense? Anymore, covers don’t always match the inside of the book, so it could have gone either way. It reads more like Psychological Thriller than a Romantic Suspense, although I was under the impression that it was a Romantic Suspense. There’s a lot of page time dedicated to the heroine and her internal struggles, and the romance feels like a side plot.

Quick summary: The heroine is a cop, she gets shot, and dies. She’s brought back, but for a hot minute there, she’s dead. So the first half of the book really is Sloan recuperating and getting back to herself, both mentally and physically. But sprinkled in between are two side characters who take up a lot of page time. Too much, in my opinion. The villains and their perspective is definitely important, however it’s too much.

During Sloan’s time recovering, she goes home, and there are setbacks along with that progress. But she is making progress. She also meets the new neighbors. Two brothers have left the Big City TM to live in the Small Town in the woods up the way from Sloan’s parents’ house. They’re restoring an old home and learning to enjoy the slow pace of their new lives.

Sloan doesn’t even meet the hero, Nash, until about halfway through the book. More time was spent developing the villains than their relationship. This book was compelling and passionless at the same time. This was the struggle I had with it. Hidden Nature was repetitive and slow. Certain parts were really dragging, and other parts were intense and interesting. I think if you want a psychological thriller/women’s fiction with romance, this book is for you. I found it tedious and interesting at the same time, but I also don’t usually enjoy women’s fiction so maybe that was my problem. Although I do think even the biggest La Nora fans will agree we got way too much of the villains in this book.

***ARC courtesy of the publisher

3 1/2

Department of Natural Resources Police Officer, Sloan Cooper, is shot when she walks into the wrong convenience store at the wrong time. During surgery, she dies but is resuscitated. The resuscitation is a changing experience for her, giving her an opportunity to rethink her life choices and take on a new opportunity when it presents itself.

As she’s recovering in her hometown, the disappearance of a woman captures her attention. When another local disappears under strange circumstances like the woman, Sloan researches and finds a pattern that seems strange but may just be the key. Someone is murdering people who have died and been resuscitated. Like her.

Okay. First things first. Sloan works as a police officer for DNR. DNR in medical terms means Do Not Resuscitate, which is exactly what the serial killers would prefer happens. Is Nora winking at us or is this a coincidence? I’m thinking the former. Anyway.

It goes without saying that I have read Nora Roberts’ books for years. For the most part, 95% say, I have found them engrossing, but Hidden Nature felt a bit lumbering to me. I think it may be because of all the renovation and decorating description. I think this would be a selling point for all of the readers who watch house renovation shows, but I’m only mildly interested in those. And during a suspense novel? Yep; nope. Not for this reader.

I also wish that there hadn’t been personalizing of the killers, that we never ventured into their pov, or spent much time with them. Doing so really didn’t help the novel but just gave me an “ick” factor. Also, I really wish there had been a significant hiccup in one of their kidnappings, like one of the victims managing to escape when they thought they’d sedated the victim enough. It would have added more of a pulse to these scenes. But, yeah, who am I to rewrite Nora Roberts? 😉

I wish we had spent more time with Sloan on her day-to-day duties. Why, yes, I do love nature more than home decorating or trying to find humanity in serial killer characters who haven’t been layered enough to warrant it. It felt like a missed opportunity especially when I suspect that most readers would be surprised to discover that Western Maryland is a lot more wild than they might have expected.

Sloan, Drea (Sloan’s sister), her parents, Joel (her police partner/then ex-partner) and Sari (his wife), and neighborhood newcomers Nash (Sloan’s love interest) and Theo (Drea’s love interest) are likeable characters and it would have been nice to spend more time with them–not talking about decorating or renovation.

All that said, you probably think I hated the novel. I didn’t. It was well-written, descriptions made you feel like you were there, and then there was a kickass climax. Yes, the thrilling ending really lifted an experience that was dangerously close to forgettable.

Who would I recommend this book for? Lovers of HGTV and home reno reality shows. Nora Roberts’ fans (of course!) but I suspect they’ve already added it to their TBRs. Readers who like serial killer mysteries.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

*Hidden Nature* combines elements of romantic suspense and psychological thriller, delivering a narrative that emphasizes both emotional depth and high-stakes tension. The story features a well-developed female protagonist whose journey encompasses both physical peril and personal healing. Although the conclusion may appear somewhat expedited, the character development and emotional resolution offer a meaningful reading experience. This novel is particularly suited to readers interested in character-driven thrillers with a strong, resilient female lead.

I am generally a no-holds-barred fan of all Ms. Roberts' work, and this is a solid representation of it. However, it didn't bring me that spark of interest that kept me up reading after bedtime, like her other material has. Maybe I've reached a saturation point for this type of her novels - brave heroine overcomes challenge only to be faced with some mystery consequence of that original experience later on in life. Regardless, I read through and enjoyed it well enough, with the vague dissatisfaction of expecting something more.

Nora Roberts starts HIDDEN NATURE by dropping us into the worst day of Sloan’s life, which is almost her last. To recover from her near-death experience, she returns to her hometown where she struggles to follow instructions not to rush it. A visit from her mentor changes her direction in more ways than one, as she delves into a mysterious disappearance and finds a way to stay close to home. At the same time, Nash and Theo Littlefield have escaped from their expected lives in New York, renovating a home and starting their handyman business. Then we have the couple that are behind the missing woman, and, as Sloan finds when digs deeper, more. It gives us more of a window into the story.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs in this one, as well as the development of both Sloan and Nash’s characters, giving us a chance to get to know them separately before they meet. Sloan’s family is fun, and I love the way they accept both Theo and Nash, and how Sloan’s former partner, Joel, and his wife are still a huge part of her family. Nash’s relationship with Theo made my heart happy every time. I enjoyed the way Sloan and Nash’s relationship developed and the way they were able to accept each other and integrate the parts of their lives, including finding those responsible for the disappearances.
The combination of found family, coming home, mystery, thrills, and romance made this another of Roberts’s books that I didn’t want to put down, flying through the pages. Toss this one in your beach bag or your suitcase but realize you may not want to stop reading once you start.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.

A series of seemingly unrelated disappearances kicks off a race against time to find the killer in this exciting murder mystery.

The story took its time to get going, but then, about halfway, the tension started to ramp up. It was nerve wracking waiting for the other shoe to drop. The villain viewpoints were eerie and became progressively more disturbing. I found the plot around the killers’ motivation super interesting and captivating.

My favourite part was the romance between Sloan and Noah. It was sweet, supportive, and sexy. The speedy relationship between their siblings made for plenty of lighthearted, charming moments in between the simmering tension. Sloan and Noah took a slower road to their happy-ever-after, but it suited them and the tone of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this crime thriller, but it did have a lot of slow moments. The construction and gardening details took attention from the main plot away too often. I can recommend this book if you like police investigations and murder with your steamy romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read Nora Roberts but I’m a regular JD Robb reader. That being said this book blew me away. It covers so many genres: mystery, suspense, thriller, and yes a little romance. This story was gripping from the beginning and kept me thoroughly engaged. The FMC Sloan had depth and honestly, I’d like to see her pop up in another story.

This was my first Nora Roberts novel ever. I really enjoyed the crime/thriller part of the book. That's what really kept me interested. However, there was way too much focus on Sloan's house remodel. I understand that was done so she could have a connection to Nash, and their relationship could blossom, but I feel like 30% of the book was the remodel.

Overall, I give it three and a half stars.

Imagine being dumped by text while you are in the hospital recovering from a life altering gun shot wound! Sloan has a long recovery ahead and has moved back with her parents to make things a little easier. Sloan may be down but she is not out. While recovering a woman disappears from the grocery store parking lot...leaving her car behind. Sloan decides that with extra time on her hands she can research similar cases. Fortunately her new love interest shares her passion for solving mysteries. Will this new case find Sloan risking her life again? Read Hidden nature by Nora Roberts and find out for yourself!

Hidden Nature is the latest book by author Nora Roberts. I often wonder how Nora can continually write such amazing stories like she does. They grab your attention right from page 1 and keep you glued to the storyline the whole way through. And she has written so many books! More than I think any author ever has. She was truly born to be a novelist! Hidden Nature centers around the life of Sloan Cooper. In the beginning of the story she is a corporal in the Natural Resources Police in Maryland. While on duty she is shot and while on the operating table she flatlines but is brought back to life by the doctors. This resurrection of life is what is the basis behind this story. Sloan goes home to Heron’s Rest to her parents house to recuperate and from there she starts her life over. She is offered a promotion to Sargent and decides to settle down and purchase a house, a cottage that is in desperate need of being renovated. I really enjoyed reading about all the home improvements and plans for the future that Sloan and the other characters had in the story. Although she’s a DEC officer (what we call them here in New York State) she takes on the role as an investigator throughout this story. There are people that are vanishing and each one of them have at one time been in need of being brought back to life after some sort of medical emergency. Sloan takes it upon herself to try and find who it is that is abducting these people and what is happening to them. As the story progresses a couple of romances come about between siblings that adds to the appeal and gives the story a little spice. But it’s thanks to Sloans strong will, intelligence and dedication to help that she’s able to bring an end to this madness and peace to the families of the missing. This was another great read by Nora and honestly I can’t think of a book of hers that I wouldn’t recommend. Every one that I’ve read so far has been great! I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section when they were giving it to the first 1000 members. I was quick to grab it up and I’m so glad I did! I’m giving this book a 5 star rating and can’t wait to read more by Nora Roberts Cory soon.

Hidden Nature introduces us the Cooper family and the Littlefield brothers in the community of Heron’s Rest.
Using parallel story telling, we see Sloan Cooper be injured in the line of duty and come home to heal. This changes the direction her life was taking.
The Littlefields have moved to town to make changes of their own.

Ms Roberts does a wonderful job of easy us into how these changes intersect and how life unfolds around everyone.

The characters are entertaining and easy to like. I found myself rooting for them as every thing started to change. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it took me a long time to read the book - that had more to do with enjoying the outside!

This book follows the story of an injured cop who searches for killers in her community. This book did not feel as traditional of a Nora Roberts book as I was expecting, but was entertaining and engaging. The main character goes through a lot of progression through the story from badass cop to injured and sidelined, back to badass cop. I enjoyed watching her navigate the challenges at each stage. The additional characters in the book, including Sloan's family and love interest were all very likeable and well developed. In places, I felt the book slowed a bit and probably could have used a bit more editing, but not to a point of concern or that it would prevent me from recommending it. As always, there is a love story embedded throughout which I thought was really well done.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for the advance reader copy and to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Sloan is an officer in Natural Resources. When injured on the job, she returns home to recover near her family. And she starts putting together a series of seemingly unconnected missing person cases, finding the link and looking for a serial killer.

This was such an engrossing thriller. To be honest, I didn't even really need a romance plot. Indeed, my favorite romance was between Sloan's younger sister and a man who just moved to the area.

There were some aspects that were grotesque, so I flipped through those pages quickly. And I don't even quite know how to summarize the content warnings (but definitely look for them or DM me).

But most of all, I was left with the reminder of just what a fantastic writer Nora Roberts is. She can draw me into any story and make me love the main characters, no matter how flawed.

4.5 stars rounded up

One thing I’m certain of is that Nora Roberts never writes the same book twice. I’m always satisfied, and I’m always rushing to find out what’s going to happen.

In Hidden Nature we follow a police officer named Sloan as she tries to find out what’s happening to multiple missing people.

I read this book in one day. Couldn’t stop. And I wasn’t disappointed. The writing is great, and the plot kept moving forward. I’ll recommend this book to anyone looking for something thrilling.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

This book had me intrigued from the very start. I love the journey and it was interesting to see who the main character could trust or could not trust throughout the book. It was suspenseful and the romance in it was good as well.

Nora Roberts is on my must-read list. One of the things I like best about her books is the glimpses into career fields that I know nothing about. I would’ve liked to have seen a little more of Sloan on the job as a Natural Resources Officer. The characters were all likable, and the bonus romance was sweet.

The bad guys are just creepy enough to make you want to know what happens next. The story keeps you engaged and provides a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Nora Roberts for the eARC.

Inquiring minds want to know: Could this be the start of a new series? If it is, count me in; Maryland Natural Resources police officer Sloan Cooper won me over from the git-go, and I warmed up to the rest of those I'd expect to be recurring characters almost as fast.

For most of the book, though, I almost felt like I was channeling another favorite series - Kate Carlisle's Shannon Hammer. Both lead females are strong women, and both are heavily involved in the construction industry (Shannon owns her own company, while Sloan's family, including her sister Drea, are in that business here in a place called Heron's Nest while Sloan focuses on the business of being a cop. I'll also say construction is a subject near and dear to my own heart after growing up with a DIY father who could build just about anything; what that means is for the most part I really enjoyed all the details about home construction and remodeling that might be a bit of a turn-off for others.

But that part aside, the plot centers on Sloan's returning to her family's home to recover from gunshot wounds when she was off-duty and unexpectedly attacked in a convenience store. As she begins to recover, she's afforded an opportunity for a promotion and relocation right where she is - an offer that takes on a whole new meaning when both she and her sister run into very intriguing - and very hunky - guys who relocated here to start a (what else!) construction business.

But duty calls as well; a young woman who's vanished under very mysterious circumstances catches her attention - and a search for similar disappearances is a great way to spend time while she's on limited duty. Soon, though, it becomes almost an obsession as several other cases turn up in three states; all vanished with no trace, no evidence and no apparent connection. Sloan, though, believes otherwise and sets out to find one while she's in the midst of kindling a new love as well as redoing a fireplace so she can kindle a fire on cold winter nights.

And so it goes, with chapters detailing progress on the building projects, Sloan's investigation and insights from a couple of very psychologically damaged people. Everything gets resolved by the end, though with no shortage of edge-of-seat action. It was a thoroughly enjoyable journey for me, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of another book by a long-time favorite author.

readers can always count on Nora Roberts for a good read. Hidden Nature has suspense, romance and mystery all rolled into an exciting read. 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.