The Final Target by Nora Roberts

The Final Target

Book Summary

A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

My Thoughts

The Final Target by Nora Roberts is a tense, emotional thriller that held my attention from beginning to end. It is a well-written story with strong characters, steady pacing, and an especially effective villain. The multiple points of view add depth, and I liked how suspense, obsession, and family drama are woven throughout the story. The relationships felt genuine, which gave the book added emotional weight. The assault is graphic and may be upsetting for some readers, but the story is ultimately about hope, healing, and reclaiming independence. There is also romance, and Gideon brings warmth and calm to the darker parts of the novel. The unexpected twists and satisfying ending made this a suspenseful, compelling read.

The Final Target can be purchased from Amazon (it is also available from other major booksellers including Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo, Target, Waterstone's).  Nora Roberts has published many wonderful books since her first publication, Irish Thoroughbred in 1981.  I have been reading her books since I was twelve (young adult fiction did not exist when I was kid), and I look forward to each new release.  You can find her other novels here.  On Thursday, May 28, I am featuring Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed. It is the third book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series.   Hope today treats you kindly. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

I had to share this with you!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This is my philosophy!  

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

 The Mirror

Book Summary

When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

My Thoughts

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy.  You do need to read The Inheritance before beginning The Mirror.  The Mirror picks up where The Inheritance left off.   I have been reading Nora Roberts’ book since I was a teenager (I read her first book when I was twelve), and The Mirror felt like it was written by a different individual.  The story focuses more on food than it does on the curse and evil entity in the house.  I know how to cook a pot roast.  I do not need the process described step by step (this is not a cookbook).  Sonia and Cleo plan meals, shop for the ingredients, cook meals and desserts, create a garden, work, paint, and plan a party.  Of course, they spend time with the gentlemen in their lives, Trey and Owen. Let us not forget the pets.  The pets need to be fed, let in and out, and bathed (I find it amusing that the cat is named Pyewacket). 

The story moves at a snail’s pace plus there are repetitive details.  If something happens to Sonia, she needs to tell Cleo, and then Owen, and so forth.  There is no action (the dogs did more than the people).  The plot does not move forward (not a bit in the four hundred and fifty some pages).  I know that if I lived in a haunted manor with an evil squatter on the third floor, I would be searching for answers (not planning a party).  The story lacked suspense, chemistry, and eeriness (I was never freaked out by the banging doors and such).  The Mirror seemed an unnecessary addition to the trilogy (I bet the story could have been told in one book).  The writing is out of character for Nora Roberts.  It is a shame that the book does not live up to its intriguing premise.  I am hoping the action and suspense will appear in the final book of the trilogy (fingers crossed) as well as the long-awaited answers.

 The Mirror is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  The first book in The Lost Bride Trilogy is The Inheritance.  If you follow Nora Roberts on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  I do want to say that while The Mirror was a disappointment to me, I do suggest you download a sample to judge it for yourself.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return after Thanksgiving.  My mother is feeling under the weather and needs a little extra care right now.  I need to work on my plans for my front yard Christmas display.  I believe I have more inflatables than will fit in the space.  I do not want a crowded space.  I am fortunate that my neighbor is letting me use her yard as well (that's were Santa's rock band is going).  Presents is my theme this year.  I have Santa flinging gifts with a sling shot across the yard where they will be piled up, but the Grinch is trying to make off with them.  There will be a cute display in between.  I will share pictures when I have it all in place.  I hope that you have a jovial day! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Mind Games by Nora Roberts

 Mind Games

Book Summary

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse—because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them—and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

My Thoughts

Mind Games by Nora Roberts has a unique concept.  I have been reading Nora Roberts since I was a tween, when the author published her first book.  As with all of the author’s stories, I found Mind Games to be easy to read.  The main characters are likeable (for the most part).  The first third of the book was spent on Thea’s childhood.  I understand providing background on the main characters, but this was a bit much (and it was a tad boring).  I liked the paranormal premise, but it was tame.  It could have been so much more.    I wanted Thea to embrace her gift, hone it, and use it to help others.  The love interest does not show up until the halfway point which is unusual for a romance. The ending was a letdown.  I understood the video game aspect, but it was unexciting.   My favorite character was Thea’s dog. Mind Games felt like it was written by another author.  

Mind Games releases on May 21 and it can be preordered from Amazon*. If you are on the fence about a book, I suggest downloading a sample (despite what they say, you cannot  judge a book by its cover).  Nora Roberts has The Mirror coming out on November 19.  The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy.  Thank you for dropping in today. Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche.  I need to dust and sweep today (my least favorite chore is ironing--I have summer tops that must be ironed--steaming does not get out the wrinkles).  The cats lose hair faster than I can clean it up (and they are short hair cats).  My cats are sister's whom I have raised since birth.  They just turned fourteen (at Easter).  They are complete opposites (just like my sister and I).  I am currently reading The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma which is A Classy 1950s Mystery and it will publish on June 15.  I hope that you have a tranquil day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Identity by Nora Roberts

 Identity

Book Summary

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author's terrifying new thriller about one man's ice-cold malice, and one woman's fight to reclaim her life.

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan's job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who'd been chatting her up at the bar—her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. "Luke" is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn't his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan's nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother's home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn't flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn't forgotten the one who got away.

My Thoughts

Identity by Nora Roberts is an intriguing story.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I was quickly drawn into Morgan Albright’s story.  I felt bad for her.  She let herself relax and enjoy an evening with a date.  Morgan quickly came to regret it.  I liked Morgan’s mother and grandmother.  Three generations of Albright woman living in one home.  Morgan’s mother and grandmother were strong, supportive women.  There is plenty of drama to keep readers intrigued.  I like that the author included chapters from the killer’s point of view.  It gave the reader insights into his sick mind.  I liked the Jameson family and their establishment.  They take care of their employees which inspires employee loyalty.  

The romance was a slow burn which suited this story.  Morgan is not the type to rush into romance, especially after being hurt by Gavin.  Miles and Morgan are perfect for each other.  Of course, they cannot have their happily ever after until Gavin is caught.  Gavin is intent on getting the woman who got away.  The author combined intrigue, drama, suspense, and romance into one engaging story.  I can tell the author did her research.  I am amazed how much personal information on an individual a nefarious person can amass and then the havoc they can create out of a person’s life.  I did feel the story was a touch long (448 pages) plus there was repetition of key details along with a substantial amount of foul language (it was not needed).  The ending will leave the reader smiling.  Identity is a captivating tale with charming criminal, a murdered roommate, a purloined identity, coming home, the perfect position, a killer clue, and a shocking showdown.

Identity is available from Amazon*.  You can find Nora Roberts' other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It is the eleventh book in the delightful The Matchmaker of Huckleberry Hill series.  I can always count on hours of entertainment when I pick up a book in this series.  I hope that you have a satisfying day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Becoming by Nora Roberts

 The Becoming

Book Summary 

The world of magick and the world of man have long been estranged from one another. But some can walk between the two--including Breen Siobhan Kelly. She has just returned to Talamh, with her friend, Marco, who's dazzled and disoriented by this realm--a place filled with dragons and faeries and mermaids (but no WiFi, to his chagrin). In Talamh, Breen is not the ordinary young schoolteacher he knew her as. Here she is learning to embrace the powers of her true identity. Marco is welcomed kindly by her people--and by Keegan, leader of the Fey. Keegan has trained Breen as a warrior, and his yearning for her has grown along with his admiration of her strength and skills.

But one member of Breen's bloodline is not there to embrace her. Her grandfather, the outcast god Odran, plots to destroy Talamh--and now all must unite to defeat his dark forces. There will be losses and sorrows, betrayal and bloodshed. But through it, Breen Siobhan Kelly will take the next step on the journey to becoming all that she was born to be. 

My Thoughts 

The Becoming by Nora Roberts is the second novel in The Dragon Heart Legacy series.  While The Becoming can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Awakening first.  I have read all of Nora Roberts’ novels, and, by far, this is my favorite series.  I opened The Becoming and I was immediately engaged.  I did not want to stop reading (but my dog was quite insistent that I cook his dinner as well as mu mother).  I have gotten down the fine art of cooking and doing dishes while reading (I have a holder in the kitchen to keep my e-reader safe).  Nora Roberts gave us a beautifully crafted tale with unique, developed characters, a special world, and mysterious magic.  I felt like I was pulled into the story.  I was there with Marco and Bollocks watching Breen train, seeing the Capital for the first time, and learning to cook with Marg.  I love the world of Talamh with the fae, dragons, the wise, and so many others.  The story just flowed from one chapter to the next.  There are some love scenes that bring the heat that will delight romance lovers, but there is one scene I wish had not been included.  It was too graphic and violent for my tastes.  I admit that I was put off by the amount of foul language.  I wish the characters had used creative swear words instead.  Breen is a dynamic character.  She has come a long way since her days of dying her gorgeous fiery red hair brown and wearing all beige.  Breen has come into her own.  Her magic is progressing quickly, her writing is going swimmingly, and she has Marco with her as well as Bollocks and her Gran.  Breen is a smart, determined woman who manages any obstacle in her path.  I love the relationships in this series.  Family and friendships are at the heart of the story.  Keegan cares for Breen, but he knows that the evil must be defeated before he can explore their relationship.  The ending left me eager for the next tale in The Dragon Heart Legacy.  The Becoming is a story of magic, love, heart, hope, and adventure.  You will go on an emotional roller coaster reading this action-packed fantasy.  The Becoming is a spellbinding story with daring dragons, a gamboling Bollocks, a giving grandmother, a feisty friend, a stalwart taoiseach, and a courageous key.  

Are you ready to read The Becoming?  The Becoming is available from Amazon*.  The audiobook version is wonderful as well.  I enjoyed listening to the story while walking my dog (made me wish he wanted to go on a longer walk).  The first book in The Dragon Heart Legacy is The Awakening (kindle version currently on sale for $2.99 on Amazon--I do not know when the sale when end).  You can find Nora Roberts other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Christmas with the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker releases tomorrow and I am going to share my thoughts about it then.  It is the 2nd novel in The Cornish Girls series.    I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Legacy by Nora Roberts

 Legacy by Nora Roberts

Book Summary

Adrian Rizzo was seven when she met her father for the first time. That was the day he nearly killed her—before her mother, Lina, stepped in.

Soon after, Adrian was dropped off at her grandparents’ house in Maryland, where she spent a long summer drinking lemonade, playing with dogs, making a new best friend—and developing the stirrings of a crush on her friend’s ten-year-old brother. Lina, meanwhile, traveled the country promoting her fitness brand and turning it into a billion-dollar business. There was no point in dwelling on the past.

A decade later, Adrian has created her own line of yoga and workout videos, following in Lina’s footsteps but intent on maintaining creative control. And she’s just as cool-headed and ambitious as her mother. They aren’t close, but they’re cordial—as long as neither crosses the other.

But while Lina dismisses the death threats that Adrian starts getting as a routine part of her daughter’s growing celebrity, Adrian can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Year after year, they keep arriving—the postmarks changing, but the menacing tone the same. They continue after she returns to Maryland and becomes reacquainted with Raylan, her childhood crush, all grown up and as gorgeously green-eyed as ever. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…

My Thoughts

Legacy by Nora Roberts is a novel involving Lina and Adrian Rizzo.  When Adrian is seven years old, she meets her father for the first time when he arrives at their home angry and drunk.  He ends up injuring Adrian, Lina, and Lina’s friend, Mimi before his death.  This violence jump starts Legacy.    I thought Legacy was contained good writing with relatable characters.  I liked the mystery portion of the story.  While it is easy to identify the guilty party, it gave the story more depth and interest.  I did feel that Legacy was more women’s fiction than romantic suspense, mystery, or thriller.  The story centers around the relationship between Lina and her daughter, Adrian.  Lina is a woman lacking in maternal instinct.  She does, though, have great business acumen which propels her to create an empire.  Lina’s life and actions shape Adrian’s life (her goals and relationships).  There are some great secondary characters.  I loved Adrian’s grandparents.  They were such sweet, loving people who lived in a charming town.  I also liked Adrian’s “nerdy” friends:  Hector, Teesha, and Loren.  Adrian and her friends developed a special friendship that evolved into so much more.  I did feel the story was too long with 435 pages.  The story became bogged down in places with too many details. I enjoy descriptive writing, but I felt this went a bit overboard.  The story could have easily been edited down.  I was turned off by the foul language (there is so much of it).  Even a ten year old uses foul language.  Nora Roberts, at one time, never used this type of language in her stories.  I did feel the story lacked suspense (for a romantic suspense).  While Legacy had some good parts, I felt this story missed the mark.  This will not, though, keep from reading this author’s books especially since I have been reading them since I was a teenager. I appreciated the ending which nicely wrapped up the story.   Legacy is a interesting tale with yoga poses, ominous poems, fine friends, a motivated mother, gracious grandparents, nutritious noshes, and an alarming menace.  

Legacy can be purchased from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  Becoming by Nora Roberts releases November 23.  It is the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy.  I am eager to read this story.  Thank you for joining me today.  I do appreciate it.  Tomorrow I am reviewing Post Mortem by Tonya Kappes.  It is the 6th A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Awakening by Nora Roberts

The Awakening by Nora Roberts

Book Summary

When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars.

This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home. Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny… 

My Thoughts

The Awakening by Nora Roberts is a captivating novel.  I was immediately drawn into this tale and I did not want to put it down. The Awakening is the first installment in The Dragon Heart Legacy series.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters and a complex plot.  Breen Kelly learns her mother has hidden a vast sum of money from her.  Breen is surprised to learn that her father who disappeared many years ago has been sending her money.  This money will allow Breen to make changes to her life such as quitting her teaching position.  Her roommate and best friend, Marco Olsen suggests she do something that she has always dreamed of doing.  Breen has always wanted to visit Ireland.  She rents a cottage for the summer in Connemara where she begins to dream of a magical place with red dragons.  Breen is in for the adventure of her life.  The Awakening is a magical tale.  I like that the author took the time to establish the characters, storyline, and setting.  Her vivid word imagery brought the scenery alive for me.  We get to meet Keegan and Breen’s loving grandmother along with a cast of enchanting folks and creatures.  There is good versus evil and a bad woman who is intent on causing conflict.  I liked seeing Breen come out of her shell and blossom.  Of course, The Awakening ends with a cliffhanger.  We must now wait a year for the next tale in The Dragon Heart Legacy series.  If you have never wanted to visit Ireland before, you will after reading this book.  You can tell that the author did her research. I enjoyed the whimsy and humor in the story.  Marco is a delight and I frequently laughed after reading his dialogue.  My favorite phrase from The Awakening is, “Girl, take it from an old queen.  Be who you are and the heck (I changed this word) with the rest.”  The Awakening is a magical tale that will keep you riveted until the very last word.  

The Awakening is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers (Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo, Google Play, Chapter's, Waterstone's).  The next book in The Dragon Heart Legacy series will be out in November 2021.  The final book releases in November 2022.  I used the publisher's summary of The Awakening today to give you an idea at the full scope of the novel (it is a hard book to describe).  You can find Nora Roberts other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I heading out to run a few errands.  I can now find some places locally without the aid of the navigation app on my phone (post office, drug store, and grocery store--the basics).  Can you imagine if we still had to rely on paper maps? I am signing off for Christmas.  I need some time to rest and get things done for the my new abode.  I will be back soon on December 29 with my review of a new release.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season.  Our holiday may look a little different this year, but it can still be joyful.  I hope that you get some wonderful new books for Christmas (or an Amazon gift card so you can buy them).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.