After a life-threatening injury, Natural Resource Police Officer Sloan Cooper returns to her small Maryland hometown to recuperate. While recovering at her parent's home, Sloan's interest is piqued when a local woman goes missing. Using her downtime to research the case, she finds a pattern of similar abductions and is determined to uncover the culprit. Noah, a stockbroker-turned carpenter, is new to the small town and as his path continues to cross with Sloan's, the chance of a relationship is formed.

While I have enjoyed several titles by Roberts in the past, I unfortunately found that Hidden Nature was not the book for me. I struggled with the slower pace and the very detailed descriptions of the various property renovations and home improvements. Sloan was a likable character and I admired her strength and fortitude. The chapters from the antagonist's points of view were definitely sinister (and downright disturbing), but I found it was not enough to overcome my issues with the pacing.

Dedicated fans of Nora Roberts will likely sink right into Hidden Nature and find comfort in her familiar writing style. Readers who appreciate a focus on day to day minutiae and don't mind a slower pace will also find plenty to enjoy in Roberts' latest release.

Note: DNF @ 54%

It's been a while since I've dug into a classic Nora Roberts story. An injured cop finds herself investigating a case of twisted killings, and even though she's unable to perform in the field, she can't help but work to solve this. Her new unofficial partner is a huge help and together, they find a way.

If you love other Nora Roberts books, you'll love this one. She knows what she's doing. Main characters that you care about, problem that you want resolved, great setting....she never disappoints!

I received an electronic ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.
Roberts spins a delightful romance for two couples in this suspense filled story. Readers meet Sloane, a Natural Resources Police officer, on the day she was shot when walking into a store robbery. Her critical wounds and return from death are important as the story unfolds. She returns home to recuperate and decides to move back and take a job with a branch of the local law enforcement. As this is happening, two brothers move to town to start their own business. Nash and Sloane take a slow approach to building a relationship while their siblings, Drea and Theo move faster. The romances are nice undertones for the mystery Sloane feels compelled to solve. Several unsolved disappearances - one a month, haunt her as she recovers physically and mentally from her own ordeal. Readers see the stories of Sloan and her family balanced against the serial killers, Clara and Sam. The two storylines come closer and closer until they merge and bring on the high stakes conclusion. I appreciate the Epilogue wrapping the story in a calmer manner.
The tension is slow building and keeps readers wondering until midway through when revelations start to explain how the various victims are connected and why Sloane is also targeted. The book is divided into three portions which make sense as readers dive deeper into the plot.

I was so pleased by this intriguing mystery/love story! Nora Roberts did not disappoint in this romantic thriller. The main characters headed other family drama and relationships that flow the story line. You will love Sloan and Nash and feel the family connections. Her sister Drea and Theo was a very nice addition. Need more stories like this! Recommend.

As usual, Nora has written a hard-to-put-down thriller with a touch of romance. Hidden Nature is aptly named given Sloan is a Natural Resource Officer (which by the way, is a real thing - I looked it up). She is a bad a$$ who doesn't let getting shot and almost dying stop her from investigating the disappearance of random people who are actually connected in a way that she is also connected. Sloan falls for the handsome financial advisor-turned handyman/builder. Something she is not prepared for at all. Especially since her sister is engaged to his brother. That's all the spoilers you get!

I can't help really wishing for a sequel!!!!!!!

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.

I have been reading Queen Nora Roberts for many years. Her standalones and trilogies are always incredible. This is easily my new favorite standalone. Five stars for this outstanding read!

Sloan Cooper is a Natural Resources police officer. She loves her family and her job. A stop at convenience store changes her life when she is shot and has to be brought back on the table.

Sloan returns home to recover with her family. She has a long road ahead of her, and a very supportive family. She decides to make some big changes in her life.

While she is recovering, she hears about a local woman who has disappeared without trace. Trying to keep her mind busy as she recovers, Sloan decides to do some digging.

I have so much to say about the perpetrators in this story. From the first read of them, I was so uneasy and creeped out by them. They might be the most frightening ones this author has written. I mean that as a compliment. They just made me so uneasy.

As always, the romance part of the story was incredible. I loved Nash and his brother Theo. The Coopers were amazing as well. This story had all of the hallmarks of a great Nora Roberts’s romantic suspense read.

Also, I always like how the author brings in dreams and visions to her story. That element adds so much to the story for me.

I love this author’s books on audio! January LaVoy does another incredible job of voicing all of the characters in the story, and her narration is incredible!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read/listen early. This one releases on May 27th - preorder it now. This one is fantastic!

I received an advance copy of "Hidden Nature" by Nora Roberts from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This standalone novel features the familiar elements of a Nora Roberts story: a strong female lead, family dynamics, small-town romance, and a mystery, with a hint of police procedural.

I enjoyed Sloan, the main character, who returns to her family home to recover from a shooting. The close-knit family dynamics were well portrayed, but the villains felt a bit overdone, with their excessive affection for one another. While it may not be my favorite Roberts novel, it was still enjoyable. I would rate it 3.5 stars.

Loved this book--and loved Sloan and her family. The concept behind "the bad guy" was a new one---loved Nora Roberts doing something completely unique.

Nora Roberts delivers once again. This time she sets her novel in Western Maryland (where fun fact, she owned a B&B and May still). Sloan is a police officer w the Natural Resources Police based out of Annapolis. While in Western Maryland, she and her partner Joel stop at a gas station, and she interrupts a robbery, getting shot in the process. This sets up the narrative for the rest of the novel. While recuperating after being treated she stays w her close knit family. Along the way she meets the Littlefield brothers and gets involved w a suspected serial killer. The story unwinds at a good clip, ratcheting up the tension to its explosive conclusion. Recommended for all public libraries.

This is another fabulous read from Nora Roberts. It has the right amount of detail to hook you from the start and keep your interest throughout the entire book. Thank you to #Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC.

Hidden Nature is another great romantic suspense novel by Nora Roberts. I loved Sloan, the main character! I really enjoyed how this story developed. There is a lot going on in this book but it was easy to follow. Nora Roberts is a very gifted author.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my review copy of this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

Story: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Narration: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Nora Roberts is back with one of my favorite romantic suspense books of her. Hidden Nature is about Sloan, a Natural Resources officer recovering from a gunshot wound. She moves back home and stumbles upon a mystery and a new love.

I loved this story. The villains are extra unsettling and added a lot to the story. I also enjoyed the home renovation descriptions. Always a highlight with a Nora book. The romance is great and the characters are lovable. Another hit.

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

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A good read from Ms. Roberts although I found some parts of this one a bit dark.

Sloan Cooper, the main character of this one, is a National Resources police officer. The book starts with Sloan and her partner on their way home from an assignment and Sloan is shot at a convenience store. Sloan dies in surgery but they are able to revive her. Sloan goes home to Heron's Rest to recover. While she's there she is offered a job in the area which she decides to take. There are several other sides stories going on in this one including Sloan's slow building romance with her neighbor Nash Littlefield. Another ongoing story line involves Clara and Sam who (they feel) are fulfilling a "mission" and helping others to return to the place they should be but were taken from by human intervention. Read this one to find out more about Clara and Sam's "mission", how it ultimately involves Sloan and watch the relationship develop between Sloan and Nash. Book coming in May 2025.

I always enjoy Nora Roberts Romantic Thriller/Suspense books, so this one was an obvious read for me. She does follow a similar formula every time, but that's okay for me! This one took me a bit longer than normal to read, because the serial killers part kept making me anxious so I would put the book down. Lol. I wish we could have seen a bit more of the romance between the two main characters. I feel like there romance was lacking a bit in this one - the side romance was better than the one between the main characters!

Thank you #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another fun and intriguing read by one of my all time favorite authors. The romance feels a little transactional, professional. Not a lot of chemistry there. The character development, found family, suspense, atmosphere--all wonderful. Sloane is a likable character. She's smart, driven, and places value on the truly important things. The killers in this were very disturbed and I felt so bad for the victims. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

Such a pleasure to read a novel by Nora Robert’s. Her female heroines are strong, her descriptions of surroundings, characters and even flowers make you feel you are there, and there is always a charming pet to fall in love with. The opening few sentences in the first chapter totally shocked me, couldn’t put the book down after reading them.

Sloan Cooper works as an officer for the NRC (Natural Resources Police.) she lives and work in Annapolis, MD. Surviving a near death shooting has her heading home to Heron’s Rest and her family for recovery and rehab. Her parents own All the Rest, family rental cabins, offering hiking, water sports and beautiful surroundings.

New to Heron’s Rest are brothers Nash and Theo Littlefield, both high profile business men from NYC who decided they would rather build and repair homes, so Fix it Brothers of Heron’s Rest is launched.

The banter, small town life and the slow growing friendship to love is so enjoyable. But, evil lurks! Sloan is working hard on her recovery when an abduction/disappearance comes to her attention and won’t let go. So she launches her own investigation, which continues to haunt her. Slowly but surely she discovers more victims, and the evil that is behind them.

In the process of reviewing this book, I have read it twice, and can’t wait for the audio book to be released. I easily rate this book 5 Stars. Wish I could give it more.

Nora Roberts never fails to deliver an exciting and fast paced book. There is a lot of action and suspense. Sloan is a strong and likable character. With the exception of the serial killers, all the characters are great. The story flows and keeps the attention of the reader. It’s a well thought out and written book. I highly recommend it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Every year, I look forward to Nora Roberts' new stand-alone romantic suspense novel, and this one did not disappoint me. Sloan is strong and fierce, yet still un-apologetically female, and Nash turns out to be the perfect partner for her in life and in solving the mystery. I also loved learning anout each of their professions as the book progressed. Along the way, of course, there are plenty of moments of danger and excitement, and a nasty bad guy(s) for her to come up against. One of my favorite things about this genre is knowing that the good guys will prevail and the main character will get her/his happily ever after. It allows me, as the reader, to sink into the story without wondering if the ending will be a happy one. Nora Roberts does this exceptionally well and I can always trust my reading time to her. 4.5 stars