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The Final Target
A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire―and rage―in the gripping new 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?
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?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,264 books61k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 903 reviews
May 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this, it was the perfect balance of a low-stakes romance with a suspense plot that works perfectly with the story without overpowering it!!
Arden is an up-and-coming author that finds herself as the target of a stalker. Dustin seems harmless at first, but he starts showing up everywhere and the bad feeling she has about him turns to be real when he assaults her.. Instead of going to jail, he's put into a mental facility for five years.. When the date of his release starts creeping in, Arden decides it's time for a change. She moves to Oregon, buys her forever home, meets Gideon and starts living her life fully, but Dustin's obsession is still there, worse then before, and danger is coming...
Arden was a survivor, she fought so hard not to let what happened to her control her life, I feel like her trauma was very well represented. She was strong and organised and knew what she wanted, I loved seeing her thrive and make a new home. Her bond with her family was incredibly special, they were her rock.
Gideon was a man of few words, but he was always honest, supportive and he understood Arden so well. He and Joe were such an amazing duo, I adored them!!
Arden's and Gideon's romance was honestly so comforting, they fit into each other's life perfectly. I do feel we needed more emotional depth, but I still loved them together.
The suspense part was very well done. Nora's books follow a certain formula and I think that formula works great. The tension never leaves, but it's more in the background in the second part. We get to see Arden living her life, while still being aware of the danger that never went away. Having Dustin's POV was a perfect inclusion, seeing into the mind of a person that destroyed her life and the way he escalated brought more dimension into the story.
The secondary characters are what made this a compelling story though, that sense of family, the closeness, the support. It's one of the reasons why I love her books so much, she knows how to write those bonds, with both family and friends.
Nora Roberts was the author that brought the love of reading back into my life again and I'll always be her biggest fan!! I'll never stop recommending her books, they have a place in my heart and while they might not always be perfect, they are special.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an ARC.*
I really enjoyed this, it was the perfect balance of a low-stakes romance with a suspense plot that works perfectly with the story without overpowering it!!
Arden is an up-and-coming author that finds herself as the target of a stalker. Dustin seems harmless at first, but he starts showing up everywhere and the bad feeling she has about him turns to be real when he assaults her.. Instead of going to jail, he's put into a mental facility for five years.. When the date of his release starts creeping in, Arden decides it's time for a change. She moves to Oregon, buys her forever home, meets Gideon and starts living her life fully, but Dustin's obsession is still there, worse then before, and danger is coming...
Arden was a survivor, she fought so hard not to let what happened to her control her life, I feel like her trauma was very well represented. She was strong and organised and knew what she wanted, I loved seeing her thrive and make a new home. Her bond with her family was incredibly special, they were her rock.
Gideon was a man of few words, but he was always honest, supportive and he understood Arden so well. He and Joe were such an amazing duo, I adored them!!
Arden's and Gideon's romance was honestly so comforting, they fit into each other's life perfectly. I do feel we needed more emotional depth, but I still loved them together.
The suspense part was very well done. Nora's books follow a certain formula and I think that formula works great. The tension never leaves, but it's more in the background in the second part. We get to see Arden living her life, while still being aware of the danger that never went away. Having Dustin's POV was a perfect inclusion, seeing into the mind of a person that destroyed her life and the way he escalated brought more dimension into the story.
The secondary characters are what made this a compelling story though, that sense of family, the closeness, the support. It's one of the reasons why I love her books so much, she knows how to write those bonds, with both family and friends.
Nora Roberts was the author that brought the love of reading back into my life again and I'll always be her biggest fan!! I'll never stop recommending her books, they have a place in my heart and while they might not always be perfect, they are special.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an ARC.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of The Final Target by Nora Roberts
🌟4.5
If you're looking for a great thriller, you're going to want to stop here!
At first I was really torn. Nora Roberts has been an author I've been wanting to read more of. Preferably without it being a series, and bonus if it's a thriller. So OBVIOUSLY when I first saw this I was so excited! However, id be lying if I said I didn't grow slightly hesitant after reading the synopsis. I'm personally on the cusp of needing a break from the "stalked author" theme. Not knowing when my next chance would come I decided to trust my gut. Thank God I did because this was phenomenal! I really appreciated how different it was from your typical stalker novel. I liked that our FMC actually got to have a life and the focal point wasn't her being intensely psycho stalked. It's definitely there but remains more in the background. If anything this pushed me away from the cusp and increased my appetite for more psycho stalking! lol Bravo Nora Roberts, bravo 👏🏼. If I wasn't a regular reader before, I definitely am now!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
🌟4.5
If you're looking for a great thriller, you're going to want to stop here!
At first I was really torn. Nora Roberts has been an author I've been wanting to read more of. Preferably without it being a series, and bonus if it's a thriller. So OBVIOUSLY when I first saw this I was so excited! However, id be lying if I said I didn't grow slightly hesitant after reading the synopsis. I'm personally on the cusp of needing a break from the "stalked author" theme. Not knowing when my next chance would come I decided to trust my gut. Thank God I did because this was phenomenal! I really appreciated how different it was from your typical stalker novel. I liked that our FMC actually got to have a life and the focal point wasn't her being intensely psycho stalked. It's definitely there but remains more in the background. If anything this pushed me away from the cusp and increased my appetite for more psycho stalking! lol Bravo Nora Roberts, bravo 👏🏼. If I wasn't a regular reader before, I definitely am now!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Happy Publication Day!
A tense, emotionally grounded thriller that explores themes of obsession, trauma, and resilience.
Arden Bowie’s rise as a debut author takes a dark turn when a seemingly non-threatening fan attends her book signing and becomes obsessed. What starts as uncomfortable and annoying quickly escalates into a terrifying situation, with fallout that feels alarmingly realistic.
I appreciated how Roberts takes her time illustrating the psychological toll of stalking and violence. Arden’s experiences of fear, isolation, and her gradual rebuilding of confidence felt authentic. Her move to Oregon to be closer to her cousin Zooey and the development of her friendship with Gideon brought a natural warmth and balance to the story without overshadowing the suspense.
This gripping, character-driven thriller combines heart, strength, and just enough romance to soften the edges. "The Final Target" is a well-paced and engaging read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story unfolds quickly without feeling rushed, effectively blending suspense and emotion in a way that made it hard to put down. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics woven throughout the plot; the relationships felt genuine and added real depth to the story.
Listening to the audiobook enhanced the experience, as hearing Dustin’s delusional, horrifying, and misogynistic viewpoints made the story even more unsettling. I felt a rush of anger because of how realistic his character was. I’ve never been so disgusted by a protagonist before—he’s a monster, and I couldn't wait to see how Nora Roberts would deal with him. I was thrilled by the ending; never have I wanted someone to get their just desserts so badly. When I read the reference to “The Hatchback of Destiny,” I couldn’t stop laughing! 😀
"The Final Target" has quickly become one of my favourite Nora Roberts books. I couldn’t get enough of it—I started reading on Sunday evening and finished by 5:00 a.m. on Monday. When my husband discovered I was starting a Nora Roberts ARC, he suggested I go to my reading nook while he took care of the dogs and chores. He even brought me a cup of coffee and some of my homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. He knows me well! 🥰 🍪☕
This book evoked a whirlwind of emotions. I can’t even count how many times I smiled, teared up, or felt my blood boil with rage. The well-drawn characters and the engaging atmosphere will capture you and refuse to let go, even after you turn the last page. Expected publication date: May 26, 2026. I highly recommend both formats.
January LaVoy delivered a captivating narration that truly brought the diverse characters to life. Her incredible talent allowed her to embody characters of various ages and genders, making each one feel unique and authentic. The depth of her performance was nothing short of amazing!
Thank you, NetGalley, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kejana Ayala from the marketing team at St. Martin's Press for sending me a widget with an advance reader copy (ARC) of the highly anticipated romantic thriller, The Final Target by Nora Roberts. I am excited to pair it with an advanced listener's copy (ALC) for an engaging and immersive reading experience! Roberts consistently delivers compelling characters and masterful storytelling, skillfully weaving together immersive, atmospheric settings, emotional depth, suspense, and strong, independent female characters.
A tense, emotionally grounded thriller that explores themes of obsession, trauma, and resilience.
Arden Bowie’s rise as a debut author takes a dark turn when a seemingly non-threatening fan attends her book signing and becomes obsessed. What starts as uncomfortable and annoying quickly escalates into a terrifying situation, with fallout that feels alarmingly realistic.
I appreciated how Roberts takes her time illustrating the psychological toll of stalking and violence. Arden’s experiences of fear, isolation, and her gradual rebuilding of confidence felt authentic. Her move to Oregon to be closer to her cousin Zooey and the development of her friendship with Gideon brought a natural warmth and balance to the story without overshadowing the suspense.
This gripping, character-driven thriller combines heart, strength, and just enough romance to soften the edges. "The Final Target" is a well-paced and engaging read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story unfolds quickly without feeling rushed, effectively blending suspense and emotion in a way that made it hard to put down. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics woven throughout the plot; the relationships felt genuine and added real depth to the story.
Listening to the audiobook enhanced the experience, as hearing Dustin’s delusional, horrifying, and misogynistic viewpoints made the story even more unsettling. I felt a rush of anger because of how realistic his character was. I’ve never been so disgusted by a protagonist before—he’s a monster, and I couldn't wait to see how Nora Roberts would deal with him. I was thrilled by the ending; never have I wanted someone to get their just desserts so badly. When I read the reference to “The Hatchback of Destiny,” I couldn’t stop laughing! 😀
"The Final Target" has quickly become one of my favourite Nora Roberts books. I couldn’t get enough of it—I started reading on Sunday evening and finished by 5:00 a.m. on Monday. When my husband discovered I was starting a Nora Roberts ARC, he suggested I go to my reading nook while he took care of the dogs and chores. He even brought me a cup of coffee and some of my homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. He knows me well! 🥰 🍪☕
This book evoked a whirlwind of emotions. I can’t even count how many times I smiled, teared up, or felt my blood boil with rage. The well-drawn characters and the engaging atmosphere will capture you and refuse to let go, even after you turn the last page. Expected publication date: May 26, 2026. I highly recommend both formats.
January LaVoy delivered a captivating narration that truly brought the diverse characters to life. Her incredible talent allowed her to embody characters of various ages and genders, making each one feel unique and authentic. The depth of her performance was nothing short of amazing!
Thank you, NetGalley, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kejana Ayala from the marketing team at St. Martin's Press for sending me a widget with an advance reader copy (ARC) of the highly anticipated romantic thriller, The Final Target by Nora Roberts. I am excited to pair it with an advanced listener's copy (ALC) for an engaging and immersive reading experience! Roberts consistently delivers compelling characters and masterful storytelling, skillfully weaving together immersive, atmospheric settings, emotional depth, suspense, and strong, independent female characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A young author becomes the object of a fan's desire and rage, eventually surviving a traumatic attack while hoping for a safe and a fresh start.
The Final Target is a romantic thriller/suspense novel with multiple POVs, shoching twists and very disturbing but binge-worthy stalker/psychopath villain chapters.
It’s been a while since I've read a Nora Roberts novel and WOW it was good!
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author, Nora Roberts for an early copy.
Publication date: May 26, 2026
The Final Target is a romantic thriller/suspense novel with multiple POVs, shoching twists and very disturbing but binge-worthy stalker/psychopath villain chapters.
It’s been a while since I've read a Nora Roberts novel and WOW it was good!
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author, Nora Roberts for an early copy.
Publication date: May 26, 2026
May 27, 2026
You can never go wrong with Nora Roberts! She always delivers a well written book. The Final Target had some suspense and romance all wrapped up in one. This book started out fast and strong from the gate which kept me really engrossed and turning the pages. I really loved the characters; they were all well developed and all had great backgrounds and particular skills that made them interesting. Only thing I didn't love is I felt the middle had a lot of extra fluff in it and the book could have been better if it was about 100 pages less. Overall, a really enjoyable read.
Thank you, Net Galley, and St. Martin's Press, for a copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you, Net Galley, and St. Martin's Press, for a copy in return for my honest review.
May 26, 2026
🥳🥳🥳Happy Publication Day!!🥳🥳🥳 (one of my favorite authors btw!!!
9.5/10 : 4.75⭐️‘s.
Thoughts immediately after finishing:
I loved these characters. I am so sad the book is over. The only thing that prevented this from being a full 5⭐️’s is that I would have loved an epilogue or some such thing. I wanted a little bit more.
other thoughts:
In recent reviews I have stated that I could have done with (sorry Marilyn if you read this, I know you don’t like this word) an abridged version of some of the books because they were so wordy, long winded etc. This book, bring on all of the words and be more long winded because I ADORED these characters. They are the kind of characters that I want to know. Want to have real people like them in my life. I didn’t want their story to end. I would have happily listened (January LaVoy did another outstanding job as narrator, she is so fantastic) to another 14 hours of the day to day lives of these characters. Even if nothing spectacular or eventful occurs, I would enjoy it.
If you loved Undercurrents and Hideaway (two of my favorites) by Nora Roberts, definitely definitely definitely add The Final Target to your reading/listening list.
Read the summary provided for a synopsis of this book, since I didn’t exactly provide that.
I could go on and on about how much I loved the characters. But you may as well just read or listen to the book and love them yourself! I feel a bit cliche saying this, but I think this is a must read/listen for fans of Nora Roberts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the alc of this book. All thoughts are my own.
And Ms. Roberts, if you would for some crazy reason see this, feel free to write another book with these characters, nothing fancy, I don’t need anything exciting, just their day to day lives because they are so fabulous. Also, you gave me a huge case of house envy! And sandwich envy. Holy buckets of broccoli they sounded delicious!
Rating and thoughts posted: 2/19/26
Expected publication date: May 26, 2026
Side note added a few minutes later: I did not adore Dustin. Just want to be clear on that😂
Reposted for publication date: 5/26/26
9.5/10 : 4.75⭐️‘s.
Thoughts immediately after finishing:
I loved these characters. I am so sad the book is over. The only thing that prevented this from being a full 5⭐️’s is that I would have loved an epilogue or some such thing. I wanted a little bit more.
other thoughts:
In recent reviews I have stated that I could have done with (sorry Marilyn if you read this, I know you don’t like this word) an abridged version of some of the books because they were so wordy, long winded etc. This book, bring on all of the words and be more long winded because I ADORED these characters. They are the kind of characters that I want to know. Want to have real people like them in my life. I didn’t want their story to end. I would have happily listened (January LaVoy did another outstanding job as narrator, she is so fantastic) to another 14 hours of the day to day lives of these characters. Even if nothing spectacular or eventful occurs, I would enjoy it.
If you loved Undercurrents and Hideaway (two of my favorites) by Nora Roberts, definitely definitely definitely add The Final Target to your reading/listening list.
Read the summary provided for a synopsis of this book, since I didn’t exactly provide that.
I could go on and on about how much I loved the characters. But you may as well just read or listen to the book and love them yourself! I feel a bit cliche saying this, but I think this is a must read/listen for fans of Nora Roberts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the alc of this book. All thoughts are my own.
And Ms. Roberts, if you would for some crazy reason see this, feel free to write another book with these characters, nothing fancy, I don’t need anything exciting, just their day to day lives because they are so fabulous. Also, you gave me a huge case of house envy! And sandwich envy. Holy buckets of broccoli they sounded delicious!
Rating and thoughts posted: 2/19/26
Expected publication date: May 26, 2026
Side note added a few minutes later: I did not adore Dustin. Just want to be clear on that😂
Reposted for publication date: 5/26/26
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As so often with books by Nora Roberts, it was a one-sitting read for me. I picked a day with no plans or interruptions and devoured it from morning to afternoon. Her standalones are usually my favourites. There’s a formula, but it works for me. In a sea of mediocrity and disappointments, I appreciate knowing I can pick up a Nora Roberts book and trust it to deliver something enjoyable.
The Final Target didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t destined to become one of my all-time favourites, but it absolutely entertained. I often wish her couples had more time on the page together; I really enjoy watching relationships breathe and develop. I understand the pacing choices, but it meant I had to be patient.
At its heart it was a story about family, support, love, and a bit of angst — themes I always gravitate toward. As I already mentioned I would have liked a touch more couple time to deepen the emotional connection, and that’s what I found myself missing. Still, it delivered exactly what I hoped for: an enjoyable, satisfying escape.
I deeply appreciate what Nora Roberts continues to create. Her books may follow a recognisable rhythm, but that rhythm feels comforting and dependable to me in a world where so much reading ends up disappointing.
___________________________________
Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Final Target didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t destined to become one of my all-time favourites, but it absolutely entertained. I often wish her couples had more time on the page together; I really enjoy watching relationships breathe and develop. I understand the pacing choices, but it meant I had to be patient.
At its heart it was a story about family, support, love, and a bit of angst — themes I always gravitate toward. As I already mentioned I would have liked a touch more couple time to deepen the emotional connection, and that’s what I found myself missing. Still, it delivered exactly what I hoped for: an enjoyable, satisfying escape.
I deeply appreciate what Nora Roberts continues to create. Her books may follow a recognisable rhythm, but that rhythm feels comforting and dependable to me in a world where so much reading ends up disappointing.
___________________________________
Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Final Target by Nora Roberts
went into this really excited since it’s my first book by Nora Roberts, and I was honestly pulled in right away. The writing is strong and easy to get into, and I was definitely interested in where the story was going.
That said, I ended up DNFing at 13.7%.
I knew going in that there was an assault mentioned in the description, but I wasn’t expecting it to be as graphic as it was. That’s just something I personally can’t handle in books, so I made the decision to stop reading.
This is absolutely a personal preference and not a reflection of the quality of the writing. From what I read, it’s well written and I can see why a lot of people are enjoying it.
Since I didn’t read enough to fully rate it fairly, I’m going with 4 stars based on the current average at the time I picked it up.
If you’re okay with heavier and more explicit content, this will probably work really well for you. It just wasn’t the right fit for me.
PUBLISH DATE: May 26, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Final Target
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
NARRATOR: January LaVoy
PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio
FORMAT: audiobook
DURATION: 14 Hours, 59 Minutes, 49 Seconds
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
went into this really excited since it’s my first book by Nora Roberts, and I was honestly pulled in right away. The writing is strong and easy to get into, and I was definitely interested in where the story was going.
That said, I ended up DNFing at 13.7%.
I knew going in that there was an assault mentioned in the description, but I wasn’t expecting it to be as graphic as it was. That’s just something I personally can’t handle in books, so I made the decision to stop reading.
This is absolutely a personal preference and not a reflection of the quality of the writing. From what I read, it’s well written and I can see why a lot of people are enjoying it.
Since I didn’t read enough to fully rate it fairly, I’m going with 4 stars based on the current average at the time I picked it up.
If you’re okay with heavier and more explicit content, this will probably work really well for you. It just wasn’t the right fit for me.
PUBLISH DATE: May 26, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Final Target
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
NARRATOR: January LaVoy
PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio
FORMAT: audiobook
DURATION: 14 Hours, 59 Minutes, 49 Seconds
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 26, 2026
The Final Target by Nora Roberts swept me into a taut, psychologically charged thriller about how the cost of creativity and personal safety can be impossibly high. Arden Bowie, a young author whose introversion and love of solitude shape her life, finds herself stalked by a fan whose praise quickly curdles into obsession and violence after her debut novel events. Shaken and assaulted, Arden retreats to a tiny Oregon town to rebuild her world, finding unexpected friendship and steadiness with ex‑LAPD detective Gideon, even as the man who once threatened her quietly festers with delusion and rage, convinced she exists to serve him.
What struck me most was how this story isn’t just about danger, but about reclaiming autonomy, carving out safety, and finding hope after trauma. Arden’s journey from fear to fragile strength felt truly human, and Gideon’s steady presence brought warmth and grounding. The suspense was steady and unsettling without overpowering the emotional heart of the book, though parts read familiar if you know romantic suspense tropes well.
Rating: 4 out of 5, because its blend of character depth, quiet resilience, and taut thriller tension left me thinking long after the last page.
What struck me most was how this story isn’t just about danger, but about reclaiming autonomy, carving out safety, and finding hope after trauma. Arden’s journey from fear to fragile strength felt truly human, and Gideon’s steady presence brought warmth and grounding. The suspense was steady and unsettling without overpowering the emotional heart of the book, though parts read familiar if you know romantic suspense tropes well.
Rating: 4 out of 5, because its blend of character depth, quiet resilience, and taut thriller tension left me thinking long after the last page.
May 26, 2026
3.5 stars - The suspense element of this one was not for me because of how much on page SA there was. That's never something I enjoy in a mystery/thriller/suspense, but especially when there's also a strong romantic happening in parallel. Aside from that, the family and friend dynamic was what I love from NR, so that helped me get through the elements that were not to my taste. The romantic dynamic reminded me of The Search - surly hero, hyper competent heroine with lots of dogs. Not a favorite of mine, but if you have more bandwidth for the trope set, it's a solid version of a La Nora standalone romantic suspense.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This. Book. That. Villain. I. Can't. Even.
I'm not sure the last time I was so disgusted, so enraged by a villain before. Probably not since Umbridge in the Harry Potter series have I wanted someone so badly, to get what was coming to them.
This book brought out so many emotions. I can't even tell you the number of times I smiled, teared up, and, yes, was seriously pissed off.
The characters, the settings, all of it, will grab you and refuse to let go. This is by far one of my most favorite Nora books yet. I just couldn't get enough, and yet, I had to pause and take breaks too because...the emotions were all over the place. Fabulously done!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I'm not sure the last time I was so disgusted, so enraged by a villain before. Probably not since Umbridge in the Harry Potter series have I wanted someone so badly, to get what was coming to them.
This book brought out so many emotions. I can't even tell you the number of times I smiled, teared up, and, yes, was seriously pissed off.
The characters, the settings, all of it, will grab you and refuse to let go. This is by far one of my most favorite Nora books yet. I just couldn't get enough, and yet, I had to pause and take breaks too because...the emotions were all over the place. Fabulously done!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 7, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Arden Bowie is a debut author who catches the attention of Dustin, an aspiring writer. He sees her at her first book signing. And the second book signing. Also the third book signing. His interest is much more sinister than it initially appears, and Arden must learn to live with her newfound fears and trauma.
I really wanted to like this book. The crazed fan is something that many celebrities/influencers have to be wary of, and it's interesting to explore parasocial relationships, delusion, etc.
The beginning was interesting! I loved Arden and her circle of support. Dustin was just the right amount of creepy for a thriller. But around 30% in, I became very bored. Descriptions of doorknobs, choosing paint colors, and decorating just kept coming. It felt more like a Hallmark movie than a thriller during the middle half of the book.
Due to this, the thrill was abruptly halted, and I never got the momentum back. I skimmed a few chapters before skipping whole pages and eventually whole chapters to make it to the end. I also found Dustin as a character to go from interesting to a caricature of the most misogynistic man alive.
Overall, The Final Target started off as an interesting thriller but lost steam around a quarter of the way through.
Arden Bowie is a debut author who catches the attention of Dustin, an aspiring writer. He sees her at her first book signing. And the second book signing. Also the third book signing. His interest is much more sinister than it initially appears, and Arden must learn to live with her newfound fears and trauma.
I really wanted to like this book. The crazed fan is something that many celebrities/influencers have to be wary of, and it's interesting to explore parasocial relationships, delusion, etc.
The beginning was interesting! I loved Arden and her circle of support. Dustin was just the right amount of creepy for a thriller. But around 30% in, I became very bored. Descriptions of doorknobs, choosing paint colors, and decorating just kept coming. It felt more like a Hallmark movie than a thriller during the middle half of the book.
Due to this, the thrill was abruptly halted, and I never got the momentum back. I skimmed a few chapters before skipping whole pages and eventually whole chapters to make it to the end. I also found Dustin as a character to go from interesting to a caricature of the most misogynistic man alive.
Overall, The Final Target started off as an interesting thriller but lost steam around a quarter of the way through.
September 25, 2025
A little predictable but oh, what a wonderful journey to get to the end. Beautifully descriptive places, people and relationships. In depth character development of not just the main characters but all their families and friends and even the protagonist. I enjoyed the characters, plot, and the mystery.
Thanks to Edelweiss, the publisher, and the author for the ARC.
Thanks to Edelweiss, the publisher, and the author for the ARC.
May 20, 2026
Nora Roberts continues to prove exactly why she’s considered a legend in with The Final Target. The combination of her polished storytelling and January LaVoy’s phenomenal narration made this audiobook impossible to stop listening to. January brought so much life and emotional depth to Arden, capturing everything from her dry humor and intelligence to her fear, resilience, and vulnerability after the trauma she experiences. Together, Roberts and LaVoy are such a powerhouse duo, and hearing them team up again felt like a masterclass in storytelling and performance.
What really worked for me was how character driven the story felt despite the constant tension simmering underneath the surface. Arden was exactly the kind of heroine I love following, she’s smart, sharp, witty, and endlessly compelling. I also loved that she’s an author because the behind the scenes glimpses into her writing process and career were fascinating to me as a reader. Roberts makes Arden feel incredibly grounded and real, which only heightens the suspense once Dustin’s obsession spirals into something deeply disturbing. Getting inside his head was genuinely chilling at times; he’s unhinged in the most unsettling way, and the psychological elements added such an eerie layer to the story.
The suspense itself is tense, creepy, and dangerous throughout, but the romance balances everything beautifully. Gideon brought warmth and steadiness to Arden’s life without overshadowing her own growth and healing journey. Between the strong character work, gripping suspense, unsettling villain, and immersive narration, this ended up being another fantastic read from one of the absolute queens of the genre.
February 15, 2026
Actual rating 3.75/5.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I have read several Nora romantic suspense novels, so I knew what to expect with the structure of the story. I am also aware that Nora loves some renovation and so do I. I do have some complaints but mostly it was a positive experience.
I loved our cast of characters, especially Arden and her family. Their dynamic was such a pleasure to read and made me all warm and fuzzy. I love how close knit they were and always enjoyed when they were on the page. I also loved her neighbors, especially the humor Jamie added, and the baking element from his husband Nick. Oh, and Joe? Bless him, I loved him so. Arden’s love interest was fine but I didn’t love the way his speech was written. It felt choppy and I often had to reread sentences because I missed what was said.
The suspense element was good, the bad guy was truly the worst. Being in his head was interesting but also frustrating. Whew I hated him so much. I do think towards the end, the plot was being stretched a bit, but I was still very invested to see how the story unfolded.
Now back to the love interest. Sadly, it was the least favorite part of this story. They had some cute moments but again with how she wrote his dialogue, I couldn’t really enjoy it. He was so unromantic and I just found that so disappointing because this is a ROMANTIC suspense. Like home girl has been through enough, she deserves romance!
Anyway, I had a good time. Sure, some of this could’ve been trimmed, and I wish she had written the love interest differently, but still a mostly enjoyable read.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I have read several Nora romantic suspense novels, so I knew what to expect with the structure of the story. I am also aware that Nora loves some renovation and so do I. I do have some complaints but mostly it was a positive experience.
I loved our cast of characters, especially Arden and her family. Their dynamic was such a pleasure to read and made me all warm and fuzzy. I love how close knit they were and always enjoyed when they were on the page. I also loved her neighbors, especially the humor Jamie added, and the baking element from his husband Nick. Oh, and Joe? Bless him, I loved him so. Arden’s love interest was fine but I didn’t love the way his speech was written. It felt choppy and I often had to reread sentences because I missed what was said.
The suspense element was good, the bad guy was truly the worst. Being in his head was interesting but also frustrating. Whew I hated him so much. I do think towards the end, the plot was being stretched a bit, but I was still very invested to see how the story unfolded.
Now back to the love interest. Sadly, it was the least favorite part of this story. They had some cute moments but again with how she wrote his dialogue, I couldn’t really enjoy it. He was so unromantic and I just found that so disappointing because this is a ROMANTIC suspense. Like home girl has been through enough, she deserves romance!
Anyway, I had a good time. Sure, some of this could’ve been trimmed, and I wish she had written the love interest differently, but still a mostly enjoyable read.
March 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It has been too long since I’ve read a Nora Roberts and this one just might be my new favorite. A thriller full of emotion, suspense, and obsession.
When author, Arden Bowie, wrote her debut book, she didn’t expect that fame to come with a stalker. Dustin claimed to be an aspiring author who wanted her advice, but it was quickly apparent that wasn’t why he was so interested in her. She had become his obsession.
I did guess where the story was going to go but that make it any less enjoyable. It was just so good I literally could not stop listening to it! 4.5 stars rounded up.
Trigger warning: sexual assault
It has been too long since I’ve read a Nora Roberts and this one just might be my new favorite. A thriller full of emotion, suspense, and obsession.
When author, Arden Bowie, wrote her debut book, she didn’t expect that fame to come with a stalker. Dustin claimed to be an aspiring author who wanted her advice, but it was quickly apparent that wasn’t why he was so interested in her. She had become his obsession.
I did guess where the story was going to go but that make it any less enjoyable. It was just so good I literally could not stop listening to it! 4.5 stars rounded up.
Trigger warning: sexual assault
May 22, 2026
Honestly, if I could give this 10 stars, I would🙇🏽♀️
The Final Target 🎧completely consumed me from start to finish, this audiobook experience was truly incredible and immersive. Nora Roberts absolutely reminded me why she’s such an iconic storyteller. I was a huge fan back in my romance-reading era, but this felt like watching her effortlessly blend everything she does best into one gripping story.
*************************************************************
A young debut author finds herself trapped in a terrifying nightmare after a seemingly harmless fan becomes dangerously obsessed with her. What starts as flattering attention quickly spirals into manipulation, fear, and violence, leaving Arden emotionally shattered and struggling to reclaim her sense of safety. After trying to rebuild her life in a quiet Oregon town, she realizes the man who nearly destroyed her is still consumed by his obsession and he’s not ready to let her go.
*************************************************************
At one point I was fully locked into a psychological thriller… then suddenly I was emotionally invested in the romance… and then BAM…right back into the suspense and tension again. The balance should not have worked this well, but somehow she made it feel seamless and addictive.
And let me tell you…January LaVoy 👏🏽deserves all the flowers because she did an amazing job narrating this story. She truly brought the characters and emotions to life in a way that made the suspense feel even more intense and the emotional moments hit even harder. Her performance added so much depth and atmosphere to the overall experience.
My only real qualm was that what happened to Arden was retold a few too many times throughout the story. While I understand why it mattered to the plot and her healing journey, I personally felt like the reader already understood the weight of what happened to her early on. Revisiting it repeatedly started to feel emotionally exhausting and a little retraumatizing as the reader.
That said, this was still such an incredibly well-written, dark, twisted, emotionally layered, suspenseful read. The characters felt real, the tension stayed steady, and Nora Roberts once again proved why she’s such a powerhouse storyteller. This was SO good!!! And believe me, I won’t be walking nope, I’ll be running to the store to happily purchase my physical copy to add to my library once this drops🤩🤩
#botm
⚠️Please check content warnings beforehand because some themes are heavy⚠️
Anticipated publish date: May 26, 2026
A massive thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
The Final Target 🎧completely consumed me from start to finish, this audiobook experience was truly incredible and immersive. Nora Roberts absolutely reminded me why she’s such an iconic storyteller. I was a huge fan back in my romance-reading era, but this felt like watching her effortlessly blend everything she does best into one gripping story.
*************************************************************
A young debut author finds herself trapped in a terrifying nightmare after a seemingly harmless fan becomes dangerously obsessed with her. What starts as flattering attention quickly spirals into manipulation, fear, and violence, leaving Arden emotionally shattered and struggling to reclaim her sense of safety. After trying to rebuild her life in a quiet Oregon town, she realizes the man who nearly destroyed her is still consumed by his obsession and he’s not ready to let her go.
*************************************************************
At one point I was fully locked into a psychological thriller… then suddenly I was emotionally invested in the romance… and then BAM…right back into the suspense and tension again. The balance should not have worked this well, but somehow she made it feel seamless and addictive.
And let me tell you…January LaVoy 👏🏽deserves all the flowers because she did an amazing job narrating this story. She truly brought the characters and emotions to life in a way that made the suspense feel even more intense and the emotional moments hit even harder. Her performance added so much depth and atmosphere to the overall experience.
My only real qualm was that what happened to Arden was retold a few too many times throughout the story. While I understand why it mattered to the plot and her healing journey, I personally felt like the reader already understood the weight of what happened to her early on. Revisiting it repeatedly started to feel emotionally exhausting and a little retraumatizing as the reader.
That said, this was still such an incredibly well-written, dark, twisted, emotionally layered, suspenseful read. The characters felt real, the tension stayed steady, and Nora Roberts once again proved why she’s such a powerhouse storyteller. This was SO good!!! And believe me, I won’t be walking nope, I’ll be running to the store to happily purchase my physical copy to add to my library once this drops🤩🤩
#botm
⚠️Please check content warnings beforehand because some themes are heavy⚠️
Anticipated publish date: May 26, 2026
A massive thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
May 14, 2026
The Final Target by Nora Roberts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arden is a new successful author when she meets Dustin who wants advice writing. She makes a major mistake by ignoring her warning bells. He ends up with a short sentence due to a wealthy family and Arden is left to pick up the pieces.
I love a stalker thriller and this was no exception. The stalker in this case was truly terrifying because he was absolutely insane and out of touch, which almost seemed a bit unrealistic but it was entertaining. The book is pretty long and some of the conversations were probably longer than they needed to be, but it would get right back into the action. I loved the sub plot of a little romance and was happy with how Arden didn’t necessarily need to be saved as she could protect herself.
“Something in him is missing, or turned wrong, but he’s not sane.”
Read this if you like:
-Stalker thrillers
-Mental health thrillers
-Insane, wealthy misogynistic characters
-Light romance sub plots
The Final Target comes out 5/26.
Arden is a new successful author when she meets Dustin who wants advice writing. She makes a major mistake by ignoring her warning bells. He ends up with a short sentence due to a wealthy family and Arden is left to pick up the pieces.
I love a stalker thriller and this was no exception. The stalker in this case was truly terrifying because he was absolutely insane and out of touch, which almost seemed a bit unrealistic but it was entertaining. The book is pretty long and some of the conversations were probably longer than they needed to be, but it would get right back into the action. I loved the sub plot of a little romance and was happy with how Arden didn’t necessarily need to be saved as she could protect herself.
“Something in him is missing, or turned wrong, but he’s not sane.”
Read this if you like:
-Stalker thrillers
-Mental health thrillers
-Insane, wealthy misogynistic characters
-Light romance sub plots
The Final Target comes out 5/26.
May 26, 2026
The Final Target by Nora Roberts
Contemporary thriller with romance.
Arden Bowie has a stalker.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by January LaVoy. The performance is gripping as the tension rises and we hear the terror and anger. There are specific voices for the main characters as well as several secondary. The recoding is clean and easily followed. The timing is incredible with high and lows that kept me listening.
A little bit terrifying. There is only so much preventative planning that can be done and then it’s a waiting game.
Intense and engrossing.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Contemporary thriller with romance.
Arden Bowie has a stalker.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by January LaVoy. The performance is gripping as the tension rises and we hear the terror and anger. There are specific voices for the main characters as well as several secondary. The recoding is clean and easily followed. The timing is incredible with high and lows that kept me listening.
A little bit terrifying. There is only so much preventative planning that can be done and then it’s a waiting game.
Intense and engrossing.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
December 23, 2025
Does Nora Roberts continue to be my favorite comfort read author? Yes, and this book will be one of my favorites when stacked with her others. Does it have flavors I’m familiar with in her work? It does, and clearly I like what I’m reading. Loved these characters, loved the tension throughout the book, loved the dialogue and love all the dogs in the book. Perfect read for the holidays and even though I’ve finished it and it won’t come out until May I look forward to reading it again. If you liked Mind Games, Night Work, The Liar or Whiskey Beach this is another of her greats!
May 23, 2026
✨BOOK REVIEW✨ALC🎧
🗓️ May 26, 2026 | @macmillan.audio
🎧 14 hrs 59 min | 🗣️ January LaVoy
🔍 Thriller | Romantic Psychological Suspense
✌️ VIBE CHECK ✌️
👤 Creepy Stalker
✍️ Writer FMC
😳 Tension on point
🗣️ 6 star narration
❣️ Slow burn romance
🫖 THE TEA
What happens when a fan’s admiration turns into a deadly obsession?
👈 if you want more 🫖
💭 MY THOUGHTS
This was my very first Nora Roberts book, and what a certified banger💥to start with! My mom was always a huge fan, so I finally decided to dive in and see what all the fuss was about. Wow, I was completely blown away and didn’t see it coming. The structure of this book kept me totally hooked, where the first half gives pure psychological popcorn thriller and the second half transitions into addictive romantic psychological suspense.
Arden is a fantastic lead, and I loved her supporting cast as well. It is very character-driven. At 15 hours, I was initially worried since I usually prefer a shorter book, but the pacing made it fly by like no time had passed. I’m sold! Nora Roberts has a new fan in me.
🎧 WHY THE AUDIO HITS
Two words: January LaVoy. She is an absolute powerhouse. Her ability to bounce between Arden’s vulnerability, Dustin’s genuinely unsettling, creepy demeanor, and a 3-year-old had me double-checking the credits again to make sure it was just her. Give this woman a raise because she completely elevated the entire experience! 👏 Do the audio if you can.
⭐ FINAL VERDICT | 4.5🌟
Nora Roberts came to play and completely delivered. She should give a masterclass on creepy stalker tension and always make sure that January delivers the goods! 🗣️
Mom definitely knew what she was talking about. This was an absolute ride from start to finish!
Thank you to @macmillan.audio and Nora Robert for this gifted audio. This is my honest review.
It’s a yes for me! 🖤
DeAnn | @deannsreadingriot
#TheFinalTarget #NoraRoberts #JanuaryLaVoy #Bookstagram #AudiobookReview
🗓️ May 26, 2026 | @macmillan.audio
🎧 14 hrs 59 min | 🗣️ January LaVoy
🔍 Thriller | Romantic Psychological Suspense
✌️ VIBE CHECK ✌️
👤 Creepy Stalker
✍️ Writer FMC
😳 Tension on point
🗣️ 6 star narration
❣️ Slow burn romance
🫖 THE TEA
What happens when a fan’s admiration turns into a deadly obsession?
👈 if you want more 🫖
💭 MY THOUGHTS
This was my very first Nora Roberts book, and what a certified banger💥to start with! My mom was always a huge fan, so I finally decided to dive in and see what all the fuss was about. Wow, I was completely blown away and didn’t see it coming. The structure of this book kept me totally hooked, where the first half gives pure psychological popcorn thriller and the second half transitions into addictive romantic psychological suspense.
Arden is a fantastic lead, and I loved her supporting cast as well. It is very character-driven. At 15 hours, I was initially worried since I usually prefer a shorter book, but the pacing made it fly by like no time had passed. I’m sold! Nora Roberts has a new fan in me.
🎧 WHY THE AUDIO HITS
Two words: January LaVoy. She is an absolute powerhouse. Her ability to bounce between Arden’s vulnerability, Dustin’s genuinely unsettling, creepy demeanor, and a 3-year-old had me double-checking the credits again to make sure it was just her. Give this woman a raise because she completely elevated the entire experience! 👏 Do the audio if you can.
⭐ FINAL VERDICT | 4.5🌟
Nora Roberts came to play and completely delivered. She should give a masterclass on creepy stalker tension and always make sure that January delivers the goods! 🗣️
Mom definitely knew what she was talking about. This was an absolute ride from start to finish!
Thank you to @macmillan.audio and Nora Robert for this gifted audio. This is my honest review.
It’s a yes for me! 🖤
DeAnn | @deannsreadingriot
#TheFinalTarget #NoraRoberts #JanuaryLaVoy #Bookstagram #AudiobookReview
May 26, 2026
4.5 stars
Arden Bowie is a debut novelist and is excited for her first tour to promote her new book. At one of the book signings, Dustin, a man around her age, says he's an aspiring author who would love to get tips from her. She tries brushing him off but he keeps appearing at various events along her book tour. Things escalate and Arden's life is forever changed. Will she be able to get a fresh start in rural Oregon or will the shadow of her stalker follow her there?
I've read several romantic suspense novels by Nora Roberts, but I think this one has an interesting format. The beginning is very intense as the behavior of Arden's "fan" becomes more dangerous. The story shows how time, therapy, and the support of her family, Arden is able to survive and even thrive as an author. When she decides on a fresh start in Oregon, close to where her best friend lives and away from Ohio and bad memories, the pace of the book slows down. The story includes details of Arden enjoying the little things like decorating her new house and bigger things like making friends and embarking on a new romance. Gideon has just moved back to Oregon after leaving his job as a detective in Los Angeles behind. He and Arden slowly get to know each other and it actually took me a while to feel the chemistry between the two of them.
When it looks like Arden's troubles may be starting again, the pace of the book picks up and things get intense. Most of the book is narrated by Arden, but there are also chapters from Dustin's point-of-view that show just how disturbed he is and what he's planning.Although Arden went through a horrible ordeal at the beginning of the story, this book's dramatic and satisfying ending shows that she is a strong, resourceful survivor.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Arden Bowie is a debut novelist and is excited for her first tour to promote her new book. At one of the book signings, Dustin, a man around her age, says he's an aspiring author who would love to get tips from her. She tries brushing him off but he keeps appearing at various events along her book tour. Things escalate and Arden's life is forever changed. Will she be able to get a fresh start in rural Oregon or will the shadow of her stalker follow her there?
I've read several romantic suspense novels by Nora Roberts, but I think this one has an interesting format. The beginning is very intense as the behavior of Arden's "fan" becomes more dangerous. The story shows how time, therapy, and the support of her family, Arden is able to survive and even thrive as an author. When she decides on a fresh start in Oregon, close to where her best friend lives and away from Ohio and bad memories, the pace of the book slows down. The story includes details of Arden enjoying the little things like decorating her new house and bigger things like making friends and embarking on a new romance. Gideon has just moved back to Oregon after leaving his job as a detective in Los Angeles behind. He and Arden slowly get to know each other and it actually took me a while to feel the chemistry between the two of them.
When it looks like Arden's troubles may be starting again, the pace of the book picks up and things get intense. Most of the book is narrated by Arden, but there are also chapters from Dustin's point-of-view that show just how disturbed he is and what he's planning.Although Arden went through a horrible ordeal at the beginning of the story, this book's dramatic and satisfying ending shows that she is a strong, resourceful survivor.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don’t care how many Nora Roberts books I read, or whether they’re rooted in reality, the supernatural, or somewhere in the future, I will always love her stories. This one instantly gave me Identity vibes, a book that lives rent-free in my brain and heart (like most of hers 🤭).
Arden Bowie is a debut author whose success attracts the wrong kind of attention. What starts as an eager fan quickly turns into something far more dangerous. When Arden uproots her life and moves halfway across the country to start over, she hopes distance will finally give her peace. Instead, she finds herself crossing paths with Gideon, an ex-cop who may be her safest place… if she lets him in. But when the past refuses to stay buried, the question isn’t just who Arden can trust but who will truly protect her.
🖤 Thank you to NetGalley, Nora Roberts, and St. Martin’s Press for the amazing opportunity to read this early.
✨ Full review coming closer to publication date (May 26, 2026)!
Arden Bowie is a debut author whose success attracts the wrong kind of attention. What starts as an eager fan quickly turns into something far more dangerous. When Arden uproots her life and moves halfway across the country to start over, she hopes distance will finally give her peace. Instead, she finds herself crossing paths with Gideon, an ex-cop who may be her safest place… if she lets him in. But when the past refuses to stay buried, the question isn’t just who Arden can trust but who will truly protect her.
🖤 Thank you to NetGalley, Nora Roberts, and St. Martin’s Press for the amazing opportunity to read this early.
✨ Full review coming closer to publication date (May 26, 2026)!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first Nora Roberts book and honestly I really enjoyed it. It actually made me want to pick up more of her books, which says a lot.
She definitely takes her time with the story, but I liked that. The character development felt solid and the tension builds slowly throughout. Once the suspense starts weaving in, it keeps you interested.
I would recommend checking trigger warnings before starting because there are some heavier topics.
And January LaVoy as the narrator? I loved her. She has a way of delivering the story that makes it easy to stay engaged. She’s become one of my go to narrators.
Overall, this was a really good first Nora Roberts experience for me.
Thank you Netgalley for my alc for an honest review!
She definitely takes her time with the story, but I liked that. The character development felt solid and the tension builds slowly throughout. Once the suspense starts weaving in, it keeps you interested.
I would recommend checking trigger warnings before starting because there are some heavier topics.
And January LaVoy as the narrator? I loved her. She has a way of delivering the story that makes it easy to stay engaged. She’s become one of my go to narrators.
Overall, this was a really good first Nora Roberts experience for me.
Thank you Netgalley for my alc for an honest review!
December 10, 2025
WOW!! Talk about edge of your seat!! Nora has done it again, a mystery/ romance/ thriller. This book kept me up past my usual bedtime many nights. The characters are well developed and I felt like they were my good friends by the time I had finished it. I will miss them! I also need to visit the PNW. I’m not going to go to in depth with details so just take my word for it and get this book! But be prepared for some late nights!!! I was gifted an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 10, 2026
THE FINAL TARGET was an excellent psychological thriller! Which also happens to be my favorite genre. Major creepy stalker vibes in this one. It kept me engaged the whole time and the suspense was kept high! The character development was outstanding and I was rooting for Arden. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down!
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors, so of course I jumped on this ARC right away.
This book has all the ingredients for a great thriller romance: stalking, suspense and a slow building love story.
The story starts strong. We meet Arden, a debut author, and Dustin, who at first seems like just another fan… until he is not. What follows is honestly quite terrifying, and that whole setup really pulled me in.
After that, the story shifts as Arden tries to rebuild her life in a small town, where she meets Gideon. I really liked how their relationship developed. It wasn’t rushed and there was a lot of patience and understanding between them. Gideon especially stood out; he gave her space, didn’t push and let things grow naturally.
At the same time, we also follow Dustin (I liked that we get both perspectives). Watching him manipulate his way through the system and spiral further was… unsettling, to say the least.
Now… pacing. (Is pacing in the room with us?!?)
The book starts off strong, but around the 30% mark it slows down quite a bit. There’s a lot of focus on daily life, settling into the new house, routines, and while I get that it’s part of Arden’s healing process, it does take away from the tension.
That said, I think this is also very much Nora Roberts’ style (I had the same pacing issues in other books too), so I wasn’t completely surprised.
The ending, though? Very satisfying. I’m really glad Arden got the final say.
Overall, a well written thriller romance with strong character work, even if the pacing dips in the middle.
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
This book has all the ingredients for a great thriller romance: stalking, suspense and a slow building love story.
The story starts strong. We meet Arden, a debut author, and Dustin, who at first seems like just another fan… until he is not. What follows is honestly quite terrifying, and that whole setup really pulled me in.
After that, the story shifts as Arden tries to rebuild her life in a small town, where she meets Gideon. I really liked how their relationship developed. It wasn’t rushed and there was a lot of patience and understanding between them. Gideon especially stood out; he gave her space, didn’t push and let things grow naturally.
At the same time, we also follow Dustin (I liked that we get both perspectives). Watching him manipulate his way through the system and spiral further was… unsettling, to say the least.
Now… pacing. (Is pacing in the room with us?!?)
The book starts off strong, but around the 30% mark it slows down quite a bit. There’s a lot of focus on daily life, settling into the new house, routines, and while I get that it’s part of Arden’s healing process, it does take away from the tension.
That said, I think this is also very much Nora Roberts’ style (I had the same pacing issues in other books too), so I wasn’t completely surprised.
The ending, though? Very satisfying. I’m really glad Arden got the final say.
Overall, a well written thriller romance with strong character work, even if the pacing dips in the middle.
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
February 10, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)
I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller by Nora Roberts. One of my favorite aspects was getting chapters from the villain’s POV—there’s something oddly compelling about being inside his head… even when that head belongs to a homicidal sociopath. The story is packed with side characters, many of whom I genuinely liked, and the character development overall was strong.
The romance, unfortunately, didn’t fully work for me. I wanted to love it, but Gideon just didn’t quite do it for me. His feelings for Arden felt reluctant and inconsistent—he repeatedly insisted she wasn’t his type, only for that to suddenly change without enough buildup. Because of that, the romantic arc felt a bit forced.
The pacing could have been tighter in places, but the ending, while predictable, was still satisfying. Overall, a solid and enjoyable read, especially for fans of suspense, even if the romance didn’t quite land for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley
I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller by Nora Roberts. One of my favorite aspects was getting chapters from the villain’s POV—there’s something oddly compelling about being inside his head… even when that head belongs to a homicidal sociopath. The story is packed with side characters, many of whom I genuinely liked, and the character development overall was strong.
The romance, unfortunately, didn’t fully work for me. I wanted to love it, but Gideon just didn’t quite do it for me. His feelings for Arden felt reluctant and inconsistent—he repeatedly insisted she wasn’t his type, only for that to suddenly change without enough buildup. Because of that, the romantic arc felt a bit forced.
The pacing could have been tighter in places, but the ending, while predictable, was still satisfying. Overall, a solid and enjoyable read, especially for fans of suspense, even if the romance didn’t quite land for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Final Target by Nora Roberts is a suspenseful, character-driven thriller that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
The story follows Arden as she finds herself trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with her stalker, Dustin. Roberts does an excellent job building tension throughout the novel, showing not only the external danger Arden faces but also the emotional toll of being constantly watched and pursued. The dynamic between Arden and Dustin is chilling, and the psychological elements add depth to the suspense.
As always, Roberts’ writing is polished and engaging. The pacing is steady, with enough twists and heightened moments to keep you wanting to read just one more chapter. I especially appreciated how vividly the characters were drawn — Arden feels strong yet vulnerable, making her journey compelling and realistic.
Overall, this was a well-written, gripping read that blends suspense and emotion seamlessly. A solid four-star thriller that will definitely keep you turning the pages!
The story follows Arden as she finds herself trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with her stalker, Dustin. Roberts does an excellent job building tension throughout the novel, showing not only the external danger Arden faces but also the emotional toll of being constantly watched and pursued. The dynamic between Arden and Dustin is chilling, and the psychological elements add depth to the suspense.
As always, Roberts’ writing is polished and engaging. The pacing is steady, with enough twists and heightened moments to keep you wanting to read just one more chapter. I especially appreciated how vividly the characters were drawn — Arden feels strong yet vulnerable, making her journey compelling and realistic.
Overall, this was a well-written, gripping read that blends suspense and emotion seamlessly. A solid four-star thriller that will definitely keep you turning the pages!
February 14, 2026
Omg this book was so good !! I definitely will need a shelf trophy of this one since I read this originally on my kindle. I absolutely love Nora and always have. First time I’ve read one of her books for about 2 years and so happy to have dived back into her work. FREAKING AMAZING!
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