Officer Sloan Cooper and her partner pull in at a convenience store and interrupt an armed robbery in progress. After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ house in Heron’s Rest. While she is recovering, bored and missing her job, she discovers a string of missing men and women, spread across three states. She can't see an immediate connection, but her gut tells her to keep looking. And when the abductions continue, her gut proves her correct. 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.

This is my new favorite thriller by this author. It kept me engrossed from the very first chapter. The story is told in alternating viewpoints between Sloan and killers. As you find out more of the killers' motives, and as Sloan's investigation ramps up, she winds up in their crosshairs. Sloan made an excellent female protaganist, and I really liked the budding romance she had going on with Nash. January LaVoy did an excellent job narrating the book and making it come to life. If you love a good thriller, then you will definitely want to add this to the top of your TBR pile!

As a longtime Nora Roberts fan, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of her latest book—it’s been years since I last read one of hers, and I was excited to dive back in.

Overall, the book delivered a solid thriller that kept me engaged and eager to find out how it would all unfold. That said, there were a few drawbacks that stood out. At times, the story felt a bit drawn out, with details that didn’t seem necessary—like a mention of a haircut that didn’t add anything to the plot.

I also found the tonal shifts a bit jarring; it would jump from a romantic scene straight into a murder, which disrupted the flow and made it feel disjointed at times.

Still, the characters were likable, and despite the pacing issues, I genuinely enjoyed the read.
Rating: 3.75/5
Release Date: May 27, 2025

This was my first Nora Roberts book, and it was definitely average for me. I found the beginning really dragged on for quite a while, probably the first half. The second half of the book definitely picked up and I found myself enjoying it more. The narrator is definitely what kept me going since I eyeball read the first half!

I will say I was disappointed there was no crazy twist, and I didn't particularly like the villain's POV, but overall it was a decent mystery/thriller/splash of romance.

Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, barely survives a convenience store robbery gone sideways after wrapping up a major case in the Maryland mountains. One panicked gunshot later, she’s clinging to life—only to be shocked back on the operating table. Now, with a long road of recovery ahead, she heads back to her hometown of Heron’s Rest to heal at her parents’ quiet home.

But Sloan isn’t one to sit still for long. As she regains strength, she’s pulled into a strange case involving missing people and strange happenings she just can’t explain. Something’s off—and she can’t ignore it. With the help of a capable new love interest who’s not only good with tools but also with uncovering the truth, Sloan is determined to get answers.

January was a wonderful narrator & added greatly to the story!

A solid mix of suspense, second chances, and small-town charm, this story delivers a slow burn mystery with heart. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

This started out a bit slow, but picked up quick enough. There were some interesting family dynamics & you wondered how it would all pan out. Fairly good listen, would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hidden Nature
By: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Pub Date: 5/27/25

Another fabulous stand alone for Spring ‘25 from the Queen herself! A little romance, mystery and small town makes for the perfect read.
After being nearly killed in a gas station Sloan Cooper makes the decision to return to her small hometown and work for the local DNR but when people begin disappearing she can’t let her former life as an investigator go to waste. When a new disappearance comes her way too she jumps in with both feet on finding out what’s happening.
Roberts' stand alone always comes with the same feel to them but I still enjoy them every year!

This was such an addicting read! I connected with Sloan right away. She’s such a relatable and likable character. The dynamic between her, her partner, and his wife was unexpectedly adorable! I was hooked from the very first page and had no idea how everything would unfold, but the story came together beautifully. The Coopers are the kind of warm, supportive family everyone wishes they had, and I loved every scene they were in. I also adored the Fix It brothers. Both were completely adorable and smitten. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and I’m hoping for more Sloan Cooper books. The narrator, January LaVoy, was excellent. She brought each character to life, especially Sloan, using tone and inflection in a way that made me feel completely immersed in the story. So good!!

THANK YOU Macmillan Audio! I was SO excited to get this one on audio!
AMAZING narration!

This is the perfect blend of mystery and hallmark small town romance.

There are times the "hallmark" gets a little toooo cutesey but overall it's a good offset to the mystery of the story (AND the narrator bringing those characters' emotions to life was very special throughout this novel).

The narrator, January LaVoy, is a favorite of mine. This story is a perfect example of her range. This was PACKED with emotions. I could feel the frustration from Sloan as she healed, I could feel the closeness among the Coopers; I could feel the love, sadness, joy among the characters throughout. Seriously, the narration of this was AMAZING. Even Clara's voice is supremely unsettling, it gives allllll the creepy vibes.....whenever she says "doll"....... ~~shivers~~ If you're an audiobook listener: 100% recommend reading this one on audio!

The mystery unfolds throughout the book but once Sloan picks up the threads it really picks up pace. The characters are very well-written in this story and easy to feel for. I couldn't read this fast enough to see how the story would play out (it's pretty easy to guess where it is going and how it'll work out but that didn't take away from the journey of getting to the climax). This is going on "favorite books" list! I loved it!

I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts, and Hidden Nature did not disappoint! We meet Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources Police Officer, who just solved a difficult case in which men were preying on hikers in the Western MD mountains. Riding high, she and her partner make a rest stop and she is shot during a robbery-in-progress. She required defibrillation and the reader gets to "see" what her near-death experience was like. After being unceremoniously dumped by a "meh" boyfriend who couldn't even care to visit her in the hospital, she returned to her parents' home in Heron's rest for a long recovery. While she is resting in between physical therapy and bored, people start disappearing from parking lots: Sloane starts to look into it.

Sloane's parents get a new neighbor in Nash Littlefield, who escaped a career in New York and overbearing parents to start a remodeling business. He is impressed by the woman who is clearly recovering from an injury, even from afar.

I absolutely could not put this book down. Sloan was an amazing FMC - she was smart, resourceful, and showed so much resilience during her recuperation. Nash was a great MMC - he respected Sloan for myriad reasons, not the least of which were her strength and brains.

The multiple POVs was really fun, especially getting into the minds of the serial killers. As such, because there were so many characters, I especially want to recognize January LaVoy. Her pacing, diction, various accents and pitches allowed the listener to know exactly who was speaking or thinking. Truly excellent work.

As someone who lives relatively close to the Western MD border, it was really cool to hear a lot of local spots, including hospitals! Mystery and a romance that didn't seem forced? Perfection! Hidden Nature was another win by Nora Roberts!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to hear this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I got this audio book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. National Resources Officer Sloan gets shot during a robbery, not while on duty, but just stopping at a convenience store. She has surgery and has been brought back to life. It started out great but I lost interest about 1/2 way through. This Nora Roberts book was not a favorite but I am sure others will love it. It just wasn't for me.

Nora fans will love her newest release, "Hidden Nature" for it's reliable themes of home improvement projects, lovable dogs, and extra creepy villains. I listened to the audio book and thought the narrator did an excellent job differentiating between characters. I sometimes have a hard time keeping up with audiobooks with multiple POVs, but this narration was excellent and I had no problems. Suspenseful, romantic, and reliably entertaining, I can't wait to buy a physical copy to add to my ever growing Nora Roberts collection.

Y’all! I am such a Nora Roberts fan and was so excited to be given this ALC via NetGalley! I was not disappointed! This is classic Nora Roberts!
Sloan is a strong female with an awesome job and family, and a survivor. After being shot she moves back home and meets the new guy, Nash. A new job, a new guy and a mystery to solve is an awesome story line.
January LaVoy did an excellent job narrating.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️
#beccasbookbites
I received an alc and voluntarily leave this honest review.

Always love a Nora Roberts book, and this was no different. The "bad" people in the book were a little tiresome, and I found myself skipping over those parts, but I like the other aspects.

Such a well-plotted romantic suspense story by Nora Roberts. To me, she has gone back to her roots a little. It is original, and the mystery slowly unfolds. Audio is also great and very enjoyable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)

Hidden Nature is a slow-burn suspense novel that showcases Nora Roberts' strengths in world-building, character development, and creating emotionally resonant communities. While the pacing felt slow for me at times, making it a bit challenging to stay fully engaged early on, the depth of the characters and the gradual layering of tension made the journey worthwhile.

Roberts crafts wonderfully complex protagonists, families, friends, and communities that feel real and relatable. The romance featuring the charming neighbour adds a lightness and humour that beautifully balances the darker, more chilling aspects of the plot. The serial killer couple, particularly the female antagonist, left a strong impression, unhinged and deeply unsettling in a way that heightens the stakes without veering into caricature.

A special mention must go to the exceptional narration by February Lavoy. Her dynamic range, distinct character voices, and emotional delivery brought the story vividly to life. Lavoy's performance enhanced the tension, humour, and emotional beats throughout, and her narration is a major reason I chose to round my rating up to four stars.

For readers who appreciate a slow-building suspense novel rich in character and atmosphere — and an outstanding audiobook experience — Hidden Nature is a rewarding listen.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC. This is my honest review.

I am always so impressed with all the different genres that Roberts writes. This is a romantic suspense set in a small town with Sloan who is back home to heal from an injury. While she is there, there is a case of a local woman missing and is intrigued by it and tries to help the local police solve it. At the same time, Nash and Theo moves to town and starts a small business.

Despite knowing who the killers are and their motivation, it was interesting to see their perspective. I think knowing this, the story does become predictable.

I enjoyed the slow burn romance of Sloan and Nash. They were focused on Sloan's home renovations and slowly getting to know each other better. I appreciate that Nash didn't try to be alpha and was impressed with Sloan's independence and strength.

January LaVoy is a phenomenal narrator. She did so many different voices to distinguish between the characters.

Thank you @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for a copy of the book.

This book is everything that you have come to expect in a Nora Roberts' stand alone book. It has murder, suspense, mystery and romance all in one package. Some of the topics in this book are disturbing but it shows that there are all kinds of people in this world. It was a quick listen and the narrator did an amazing job. It was exactly what I was looking for when I pick up a Nora Roberts book. You will not be disappointed.

This book did a great job of coming full circle to wrap up the story. I felt very satisfied in the way that it ended. Sloan is a great main character and grows a lot throughout the course of the book. I found the antagonists of this book annoying and whiny. I hoped for things to go south for them. Overall very well written and the plot is engaging.

Nora Roberts delivers another gripping and emotionally resonant thriller with Hidden Nature. From the very first chapter, Sloan Cooper proves to be a fierce and relatable heroine—resilient, determined, and unwilling to back down even after a life-altering injury. The mystery unfolds at a perfect pace, blending suspense, romance, and small-town charm in Heron’s Rest. With well-drawn characters and a chilling, multi-state disappearance case, this story keeps engaged. A must-read for fans of strong female leads and atmospheric suspense.

Thank you Nora Roberts, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This played in my mind like an episode of Criminal Minds, but w/ more Romance!! 🤍 I was soooo here for it. It does have a bit of a start, but it does pick up!! We get both the FMC & the SKs POVs, so it wasn’t much of a who done it? situation, but more of a HELPPPP- THE 🔪 IS ESCAPING, SOMEBODY STOP HIMMMM/Her Sarah Paulson moment lmfaoo. I love that the MCs name is Nash too ‘cause 🥰 So you already know I was LOCKED IN.
Overall, this was a fun women’s fiction/suspense read, if you love crime tv like Criminal Minds or Law & Order, definitely give this a read!! 🫶🏽
The narrators also did a wonderful job, I was captivated. We were either building/designing a house or solving mysteries 🤣🤍