A police woman is severely wounded during a gas station robbery. She moves back to her hometown to recover and begins an off duty investigation into several strange abductions. While refurbishing her new home she encounters two brothers who left NYC to become local contractors. The one helps her with her investigation to try to bring kidnappers to justice.

WOW This book was not really what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. There were parts that were a little hard to read as I am not 100% into the medical world and blood and procedures, it was limited so I was ok.

The story of a recovering law enforcement officer, finding love in an unexpected way, while recovering in her hometown. A small hometown with not much going on, but there is always something going on...... There were some missing people in the larger area and things were not adding up for her. She started asking questions to have something to do while she was trying to follow Dr's orders from her work injury. She was not really looking for love, but love found her in a way that turned her life upside down. In the process of following a case, she found herself in the middle of it. A life changing interaction.

This books has some twists and turns, was a fun read and easy listen as I did both. I would recommend this.

Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts was amazing. The story pulled me in right from the start and didn’t let go. The plot was so well thought out; layered, intense, and honestly one of the better mysteries I’ve read in a while. I loved Sloan as a character. She’s tough, resilient, and completely easy to root for.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and the narrator crushed it. I’m usually a duet narration kind of girly, but she really impressed me with how well she carried the tension, character personality, emotion, and pacing of the story. Definitely made the experience even better.

Now I feel like I need to go check out more of Nora Roberts’ books because if they’re anything like this, I’ve seriously been sleeping on her catalog.

If you’re into small-town mysteries, badass heroines, and stories that balance heart-pounding suspense with great character moments, pick this one up. You won’t regret it.

This was a very busy book with multiple story lines going at one time. I knew that they would all intersect and make sense at some point - - it just took a bit. That said, I still enjoyed the story and the way it was woven together. Ms. Roberts never fails to deliver an entertaining story, and I'm always pleased at the variety of stories that she writes.

This book revolves around main character, Sloan who gained a second chance at life and is determined not to waste it. But her goals may interfere with the goals of others and that may just put her in the crosshairs yet again. Along the way, we blend in a little romance too - - naturally.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The narration worked well for me. I always enjoy being able to rotate between an ebook and audiobook because I can stay immersed in the story that way. The character portrayal in this audio was done well. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook.

Hidden Nature is Nora Roberts' newest romantic suspense novel.
Sloan has returned to her hometown after a being involved in a shooting at a convenience store. As a natural resources officer, Sloan is no stranger to violence, but after she is shot, she will have to work hard on recovering from her injuries.
Nash is escaping from his parents expectations and opinions by opening a handyman business with is brother. However, women are going missing and Sloan is determined to find the reason for the disappearances.
I loved the relationship between Sloan and her family. They felt so warm and real. The mystery was incredibly dark, but definitely kept me very involved in the story. This book is the perfect mix of family, romance, and mystery.

This thriller is absolutely captivating! I loved following Sloan, a Natural Resources police officer, as she led the investigation. She's a strong and intelligent character you can’t help but root for. The world-building is well crafted and immersive, rich with mystery, suspense, and plenty of twists and turns. The supporting characters are great, and I especially appreciated the strong family bond woven into the story. January LaVoy’s voice is stunning — expressive, with impressive range. She did a fantastic job bringing the characters and the story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and highly recommend it!

Hidden Nature's target audience is someone who likes romance with a sprinkle of thriller. Or for someone who is starting out the thriller genre and wants to tiptoe in. For me, the romance build was too much, didn't match with the thrilling/serial killer part that it promised. The balance just wasn't there. It took to about 50% for the two sides to connect.

Even though it started out with an adrenaline rush with Sloan being shot at the gas station, the adrenaline didn't really stay there. Yes, we had to read about her recovery, but a lot of it just stayed stagnant. The occasional inserts on the serial killer storyline, which I thought was actually done characteristically well, seemed out of place. It was fun to read that, but then when it went back to Sloan, it took too long in the pacing to get back to the crimes. And by the time the two connected, I was too exhausted on the romantic parts.

I know, I know, this author is known for a certain type of genre. But it had so many missed opportunities when the serial killer storyline was actually very fun and interesting to get into. The audio narration was great in this, and gave a great voice to Sloan. I enjoyed her character for sure, but need more of the thrilling elements.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an audiobook copy. All opinions are my own.

I am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.

Sloan Cooper was shot during a visit to a random convenience store that was being robbed. She dies on the operating table, watches herself getting worked on, and decides to return to her body. It's a long road to recovery with a few minor setbacks, but her eagerness to get back on her feet and return to her job as a natural resources officer is unwavering. During her recovery time, we became acquainted with Sloan and her determination to regain self-sufficiency, her strong work ethic, and her mental resilience. She hears about a recent murder that ties into several cold cases, and the story unfolds from there.

This is my second book by Nora Roberts that I have read, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Roberts has a way of writing that draws you into the story's landscape. Beautiful attention is paid to detail in the creation of the characters and the worldbuilding. She writes in such a way that the environment is a character in the story, helping to convey the severity of the emotion of the moment.

January LaVoy was the perfect narrator for this twisty tale; she brought real emotion into Sloan's character and translated the banter between her and her love interest perfectly. Her vocal inflections were perfectly placed, assisting in painting the picture that Nora Roberts had created.
Having the ability to read this story in tandem with listening to the audio was a real treat!


The antagonist in this book gave me Stephen King's "Holly" and Brynn Weaver's "Butcher and Blackbird" vibes, which are successfully creepy!

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Nora Roberts for the advanced listeners copy of this fantastic book!

This one starts with a bang, and then becomes more of a slow burn with building suspense and romance as Sloan hunts a pair of killers. I liked the characters, especially Sloan with the resilience she shows coming back from death and returning to the line of duty. The plot is entertaining with danger lurking throughout the entire story, although the pace crawls a little at times. I think fans of romantic suspense will like this book.

Nora Roberts's Hidden Nature offers a masterfully balanced blend of suspense, romance, and the comforting familiarity Roberts fans adore. You'll quickly feel at home in the detailed small-town setting, surrounded by a warm sense of community and family.

If you opt for the audiobook, January LaVoy's narration is a highlight. She expertly brings the large, multigenerational cast to life, drawing you into the story with her nuanced portrayal of characters like the strong Sloan Cooper.

The plot centers on Sloan, an injured cop determined to recover from a gunshot wound and return to her life in eastern Maine. Roberts perfectly conveys her pain and unwavering resolve, making her an instantly relatable and admirable character. Sloan's grit extends beyond her recovery as she digs into a local murder, uncovering a chilling connection to a potential serial killer with the local police's full support.

Despite the suspense, Hidden Nature maintains a "cozy, swoon-worthy side." Life at Heron's Rest provides a charming backdrop for not one, but two delightful romances that bloom with the arrival of handsome new neighbors. These romantic threads, complete with home improvement projects and adorable puppies, seamlessly weave into the mystery, adding moments of joy and new beginnings. It's this delightful interplay of dark and light, gripping mystery and tender romance, that makes Hidden Nature such an enjoyable read.

For lovers of strong female leads, intricate plots, and heartfelt stories, Hidden Nature is the ideal romantic suspense. It's the perfect escape for a beach day or a rainy afternoon, promising an immersive experience filled with courage and characters you'll quickly come to know and love.

Many thanks to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for the opportunity to step inside another great book from Nora Roberts.

Good, suspenseful read. Why are people disappearing? What’s the connection? As usual, Roberts build up the story with intrigue and real feeling people. Is there a love story? Of course! And in the end those that are bad, get their just reward. Was lucky enough to read the story first and then listen (which is what I like to do). Roberts once again does not disappoint. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to give an honest review. Recommend this story to anyone that wants an excellent listen.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thrilling, Gritty, and Surprisingly Heartfelt

Hidden Nature delivers all the suspense, resilience, and romantic tension I’ve come to expect from Nora Roberts—but with a darker, grittier edge that lingers long after the final page. The story kicks off with a bang (literally) as Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer, is thrust into a life-altering moment that changes everything. What follows is part recovery journey, part chilling mystery, and part emotional rediscovery.

Sloan is a standout protagonist—tough, smart, and deeply human. Her journey back to strength is written with nuance, and the setting of Heron’s Rest offers a tranquil contrast to the disturbing mystery that unfolds. The missing persons case had me hooked, with Roberts expertly weaving in suspense while gradually connecting the dots across states. The budding romance felt earned, not rushed, and added warmth without distracting from the central plot.

I docked one star only because some of the investigative leaps felt a little convenient, and I would’ve liked a bit more depth to the villain’s backstory. Still, this is a gripping, fast-paced read that blends crime, character growth, and a touch of romance with trademark Roberts finesse.

Perfect for fans of small-town suspense with a strong female lead and a high-stakes mystery that keeps you guessing.

"You weren't part of the plan."
"Then adjust the plan."

Natural Resources Police Officer Sloan Cooper doesn't like changing plans and when a gunshot leaves her clinically dead for two minutes on the operating table she knows her whole world will never be the same. So begins the suspenseful Hidden Nature, by the always captivating mystery romance author Nora Roberts.

Forced to recuperate for months from her injuries, Sloan goes home to her parents small town homestead to heal. Frustrated, she begins to look into the mysterious disappearance of a woman in a supermarket parking lot. Her obsession with the case leads to other missing people, who at first seem to have nothing in common; but then the "Aha" moment comes, and with it, the realization that she may be the next abduction.

Award winning voice actress January Lavoy proves once again why she deserves all the accolades. While giving Sloan her fierce tone she also instills her vulnerability as we feel her giving into the charms of Nash, the new home improvement contractor. But she really blew me away as the wacko killers. She took the writer's twisty imagination and gave it her accented flair.

I have been reading Nora Roberts' books for decades and she never disappoints her readers...or listeners. Hidden Nature takes its time building up the tension. We know more than Sloan and the suspense comes as she unravels the mystery. Her and Nash are a slow burn well worth the wait. There's nothing hidden about this author's natural writing talent.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

This one is suspenseful and creepy in just the right way. There’s wonderful twists and turns. Don’t worry, there’s romance in it too. She never fails to deliver on that. In fact you get a two for one with this one.
I’m glad she was a Natural Resource police officer. It was unique. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a DNR officer. I love that this author always has strong female characters. Sloan Cooper is forced to take some time off of work due to an injury. She can’t seem to turn off the investigator in her though. A story on the news catches her eye. Naturally, since she has some down time she can look into it. She manages to get in the bad guy’s sights in more ways than one. She also gets to meet Nash and his brother Theo while she’s recovering. Not only do the brothers live nearby, but they become part of their found family. And more. You’ll definitely want to find out how this mystery goes.

Nora Roberts has always been one of my favorite writers. The Search is my favorite book of all times.

With that being said. This book was a a true hit. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't listening. I've alreadyade my friends add this to their TBR. The suspension, the physcopaths, the romance. Perfect balance.

This is a top read for 2025 for me.

I will be posting a goodread and Instagram post but want to take my time to give it an amazing review that will make people want to read this book because to me this deserve the best review and is an absolut mus read.

This was not what I expected.

The story is mostly a slow-burn romance between two people with difficult pasts. I liked the family dynamics, though I didn’t feel much sizzle between the couple.

The mystery was an aside to the building romance. This aspect didn’t really get going until well into the second half of the book.

The killers felt cartoonish.

And certain little things niggled at me. For instance, you can’t instantly train a puppy by commanding “sit” in an “alpha” voice. It just doesn’t work that way. Training takes time and work. A puppy doesn’t immediately know what “sit” or “down” means, simply because you present yourself as the alpha. Ugh.

Anyway…

I enjoyed aspects of the story, though it was all quite predictable.

I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the fabulous January LaVoy. This helped immensely. I’m sure I would have done a whole lot of skimming if I’d been reading instead.

*Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook download.*

Crazy is out there among us. Not your garden variety nutty, but full on mentally ill with little grasp on reality that should be locked up forever. We meet Sloan, who is a smart, seemingly type A personality who is really good at her job. While recovering from being shot and spending time back home, she’s offered a new job and jumps at it. She moves back home to be closer to her family and because she adores the potential of the new position. When random people with little in common and in varied disconnected locations disappear for no apparent reason she is determined to find the culprit(s) and bring justice to the families of the missing. Through her intellect, gut feeling and incredible research she finds the thread that connects the missing, but can she find the offenders and save the latest missing person? Great cast, well crafted suspenseful dark, twisted and gory story. Normal on the outside, insane on the inside. Terrific listen.

Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts is a suspense book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I listened to the audiobook on this one and January Lavoy did a splendid job narrating all of the characters to perfection. It was interesting knowing who the killers were from the beginning and hearing their side of the story. I loved the home renovation aspect of the book as well as the Maryland setting. Nora Robert's always crafts an amazing story with highly relatable characters.

Synopsis:
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.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced digital copy of the book.

Nora Roberts books can be a hit or a miss for me, and unfortunately, Hidden Nature was not a hit. It's difficult for me to pinpoint the parts I enjoyed in this book or even recall exactly what happened. It's a very slow read, with a slow build-up, if we could call it that. The plot didn't seem to kick in until later on in the book, which left the majority of the novel feeling like a drag. A lot of it felt very repetitive, and honestly, I did not care for Sloan much.
Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Nora Roberts for this read.

Hidden Nature is a novel that Nora Roberts does so well .. romance, family and little bit of a mystery/thriller thrown in to keep you guessing.

Police officer Sloan Cooper after being shocked back to life from a near fatal gunshot wound is recovering at home with her family. She decided that returning to her old job is not what she would like to do but remain in Heron’s Rest as the new Natural Resource police officer. She has come across a case, although out of her judication, that has caught her interest – people keep going missing.

Nash Littlefield and his brother Theo have given up their suits and New York City life to move to this quaint little town and start their own business, "The Fix It Brothers." It did not take long for their business to take off – between renovating their house, doing repair work around the Cooper rentals they also landed a renovation job on Sloan little fixer upper.

I was hooked when Roberts introduces Clara and Sam, these two were the cagey and mysterious killers. Both thinking they were doing the Lord’s work by kidnapping people killing people that were resurrected from death. Adding this little twist to this novel kept me turning pages to see when Sloan would become their target.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable novel, maybe a little creepy at time. It was well written with slow-built tension, some action a little mystery and intertwined with romance. This was a rather length novel and I did feel the ending was fast, furious and anticlimactic. 4.5 stars.

January LaVoy did an amazing job with the narration.

Thank you, Nora Roberts, MacMillian Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.