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The Final Target
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 2614 hours, 27 minutes
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?
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?
Audiobook
Expected publication May 26, 2026
93 people are currently reading
27318 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,228 books60.4k 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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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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
February 19, 2026
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😂
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😂
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
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.*
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
February 1, 2026
4.5 stars. RTC. Thank you so much to Nora Roberts, SMP, and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for my review.
If you're a lower of romantic suspense, then Nora Roberts (or JD Robb, who is also Nora Roberts) has to be on your must read list). I'm a huge fan of hers, and her new releases are at the top of my tbr. The Final Target is one of my favorite new releases from Nora Roberts in a while. After reading the blurb, I was really intrigued by the plot of this one. And maybe I skimmed the blurb a bit, but the Final Target wasn't what I expected, but also was 100% in alignment with blurb. And what I mean by that is that I thought it was going to be like a single white female type of thing, with the burgeoning writer becoming obsessed with the seasoned author. And yes, there was a burgeoning writer obsessed with a new author, but it was so much more than that. And the bad guy was even creepier. As with a lot of Nora's other new releases, we get the POV from the bad guy, which I honestly always appreciate. Also as is the case with a lot of Nora's other releases, the book has multiple parts, where the first part sort of sets the stage, and the second part involves the FMC meeting what will become her love interest (which is often accompanied by a change in local). In this case, the FMC moves to a small town, and the case of secondary characters really has a lot to do with my love for this one. The Final Target has a great plot, great secondary characters, interesting family dynamics, fast-paced, creepy bad guy, a romance, and an amazing dog companion. Honestly, all of that is exactly why I read romantic suspense. I highly recommend this one, especially for fans of Nora's work.
If you're a lower of romantic suspense, then Nora Roberts (or JD Robb, who is also Nora Roberts) has to be on your must read list). I'm a huge fan of hers, and her new releases are at the top of my tbr. The Final Target is one of my favorite new releases from Nora Roberts in a while. After reading the blurb, I was really intrigued by the plot of this one. And maybe I skimmed the blurb a bit, but the Final Target wasn't what I expected, but also was 100% in alignment with blurb. And what I mean by that is that I thought it was going to be like a single white female type of thing, with the burgeoning writer becoming obsessed with the seasoned author. And yes, there was a burgeoning writer obsessed with a new author, but it was so much more than that. And the bad guy was even creepier. As with a lot of Nora's other new releases, we get the POV from the bad guy, which I honestly always appreciate. Also as is the case with a lot of Nora's other releases, the book has multiple parts, where the first part sort of sets the stage, and the second part involves the FMC meeting what will become her love interest (which is often accompanied by a change in local). In this case, the FMC moves to a small town, and the case of secondary characters really has a lot to do with my love for this one. The Final Target has a great plot, great secondary characters, interesting family dynamics, fast-paced, creepy bad guy, a romance, and an amazing dog companion. Honestly, all of that is exactly why I read romantic suspense. I highly recommend this one, especially for fans of Nora's work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really loved The Final Target. It completely pulled me in and I felt tense the whole time. The suspense was so well done, and the villain genuinely made me angry....which honestly just shows how well written it was.
What really stood out to me though were the characters. I didn’t want their story to end. I would’ve happily stayed in their world longer, even just reading about their everyday lives. That’s when I know a book really worked for me.
Another solid standalone from Nora that reminded me why I keep picking up her books.
Five stars from me. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read and review
What really stood out to me though were the characters. I didn’t want their story to end. I would’ve happily stayed in their world longer, even just reading about their everyday lives. That’s when I know a book really worked for me.
Another solid standalone from Nora that reminded me why I keep picking up her books.
Five stars from me. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read and review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
A big shoutout to St. Martin’s Press Group for an advance reader copy of this book!
This book is a really good thriller. It definitely made my skin crawl whenever it changed perspectives.
This was such an interesting read. Throughout the book, we follow the story of a survivor of violence and assault. We watch her grow as a character and make the changes necessary to move on from this traumatic event and we get to see how it affects her life. The book also provides the sociopathic perspective of the abuser which was a pretty terrifying thing to read.
Overall, i enjoyed the book but there were some parts that i thought were unnecessary or not realistic. The author goes into detail at a lot of things that i don’t think the audience would care much for. We go through the main character’s daily life and it goes into so much detail into the things she does that it can get boring at times. It was also not too realistic as to how one of the characters got reinstated at their job. Other than those critiques, the book had a pretty good ending and was a good story throughout.
This book is a really good thriller. It definitely made my skin crawl whenever it changed perspectives.
This was such an interesting read. Throughout the book, we follow the story of a survivor of violence and assault. We watch her grow as a character and make the changes necessary to move on from this traumatic event and we get to see how it affects her life. The book also provides the sociopathic perspective of the abuser which was a pretty terrifying thing to read.
Overall, i enjoyed the book but there were some parts that i thought were unnecessary or not realistic. The author goes into detail at a lot of things that i don’t think the audience would care much for. We go through the main character’s daily life and it goes into so much detail into the things she does that it can get boring at times. It was also not too realistic as to how one of the characters got reinstated at their job. Other than those critiques, the book had a pretty good ending and was a good story throughout.
February 22, 2026
Review to come soon.
March 2, 2026
Book was good, a little slow in parts, and the ending happened fast.
March 3, 2026
"You need to lock them, lock them. Just let me in. And not a victim, Arden. A survivor."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel had me on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter. I felt constant anxiety for the main character, which makes this an even more amazing book. The tension builds steadily throughout the story, and the unpredictability kept me going as I was anxious for Arden and her safety.
Fast-paced, suspenseful, and difficult to put down, this is a book I would absolutely recommend. It’s definitely going on my favorites list.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for this ARC.
Fast-paced, suspenseful, and difficult to put down, this is a book I would absolutely recommend. It’s definitely going on my favorites list.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for this ARC.
December 23, 2025
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. Her 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. Her 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.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The Final Target by Nora Roberts is another best seller book! This book has something for everyone. The Final Target includes: mystery, romance, thriller, fiction which will keep you trying to figure out the final outcome. The character development is exceptional, which is true of all of Nora Roberts books. The main characters are Arden, an author and Dustin, an aspiring writer. Dustin has been released from a psychiatric hospital and his motives are questionable. There are so many twists and turns that will keep you reading for hours! Again, this is another good book from Nora Roberts! I highly recommend reading this book! I received an advanced copy from Goodreads!
March 4, 2026
The Final Target almost feels like two books in one: part fast-paced thriller, part romance with a lot of heart. It’s marketed as romantic suspense, but the first half reads like a psychological obsession thriller and then shifts into romantic suspense with Nora Roberts’ signature rich character development on full display. Romance readers will love all the tropes—friends-to-lovers, protective hero, second chances, and found family—that are seamlessly woven into the story.
The story follows Arden Bowie, a debut author whose life is upended when a seemingly charming fan, Dustin, turns obsessive, culminating in a violent assault that shatters her sense of safety. Determined to reclaim her life, Arden moves to a small Oregon town near her family, where she begins to rebuild. There, she meets Gideon Riley, a former LAPD detective turned woodworker, who becomes both a trusted friend and potential love interest. But the danger from her past isn’t gone and soon resurfaces in terrifying ways.
The story is utterly addictive, told through multiple POVs—primarily Arden, but also Dustin, Gideon, and briefly a few others—giving insight into different angles of the plot. Arden is a strong, compelling protagonist with the past trauma of losing her parents. Her transformation from vulnerable survivor to confident, empowered woman is the main emotional arc, and readers will find her bravery so inspiring. The villain, Dustin, is utterly despicable—his evil acts and chilling nonchalance mark him as a true narcissist and psychopath! Meanwhile, Gideon is a swoon-worthy, “golden retriever” hero who’s protective, steady, and completely supportive of Arden. Their romance is a slow burn, organically evolving from friendship into love, and feels believable through Roberts’ richly detailed dialogue and scenes. Arden’s close bond with her cousins and aunt and uncle gives a heartfelt found-family element to the story that’s heartwarming.
Roberts’ thrillers are often longer than typical suspense novels because of her immersive, descriptive writing style, and The Final Target is no exception! The pacing is a real roller coaster: the first half is edge-of-your-seat and reads like a pure thriller. When Arden moves to Oregon, the story slows into rich character and relationship development, almost feeling like a different book—but fans of emotional depth will love it! In the final chapters, the tension rises again with twists and a high-stakes climax that may feel predictable but are still entertaining. The ending delivers justice that will leave readers smiling and satisfied!
Overall, The Final Target is a standout, genre-bending romantic suspense that perfectly showcases Nora Roberts’ signature richly detailed and emotionally charged storytelling. If you’re new to her thrillers, this is a fantastic place to start—and for longtime fans, it’s an absolute must-read!
The story follows Arden Bowie, a debut author whose life is upended when a seemingly charming fan, Dustin, turns obsessive, culminating in a violent assault that shatters her sense of safety. Determined to reclaim her life, Arden moves to a small Oregon town near her family, where she begins to rebuild. There, she meets Gideon Riley, a former LAPD detective turned woodworker, who becomes both a trusted friend and potential love interest. But the danger from her past isn’t gone and soon resurfaces in terrifying ways.
The story is utterly addictive, told through multiple POVs—primarily Arden, but also Dustin, Gideon, and briefly a few others—giving insight into different angles of the plot. Arden is a strong, compelling protagonist with the past trauma of losing her parents. Her transformation from vulnerable survivor to confident, empowered woman is the main emotional arc, and readers will find her bravery so inspiring. The villain, Dustin, is utterly despicable—his evil acts and chilling nonchalance mark him as a true narcissist and psychopath! Meanwhile, Gideon is a swoon-worthy, “golden retriever” hero who’s protective, steady, and completely supportive of Arden. Their romance is a slow burn, organically evolving from friendship into love, and feels believable through Roberts’ richly detailed dialogue and scenes. Arden’s close bond with her cousins and aunt and uncle gives a heartfelt found-family element to the story that’s heartwarming.
Roberts’ thrillers are often longer than typical suspense novels because of her immersive, descriptive writing style, and The Final Target is no exception! The pacing is a real roller coaster: the first half is edge-of-your-seat and reads like a pure thriller. When Arden moves to Oregon, the story slows into rich character and relationship development, almost feeling like a different book—but fans of emotional depth will love it! In the final chapters, the tension rises again with twists and a high-stakes climax that may feel predictable but are still entertaining. The ending delivers justice that will leave readers smiling and satisfied!
Overall, The Final Target is a standout, genre-bending romantic suspense that perfectly showcases Nora Roberts’ signature richly detailed and emotionally charged storytelling. If you’re new to her thrillers, this is a fantastic place to start—and for longtime fans, it’s an absolute must-read!
February 18, 2026
It's been a while since a thriller truly got under my skin, but The Final Target by Nora Roberts absolutely did it.
What starts as every author's dream slowly twists into something dark, obsessive, and deeply unsettling. Watching Arden's world shrink after the attack — the fear, the locked doors, the constant tension — was chilling in the most realistic way. Dustin is the kind of villain that lingers: calm, convinced, and terrifying in the way he truly believes he's the hero of his own story. That psychological element made this feel less like fiction and more like a nightmare that could happen to anyone.
The romance is just as strong as the suspense. The banter feels genuine, the attraction isn't forced, and Roberts has a way of writing capable, independent characters who still allow themselves to fall in love without losing who they are. Atmospheric, suspenseful, and completely satisfying — this is Nora Roberts at her thriller best.
Get this book on your to-read list. It just gets better as it goes.
Thank you to #NoraRoberts, #NetGalley, and #StMartinsPress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
What starts as every author's dream slowly twists into something dark, obsessive, and deeply unsettling. Watching Arden's world shrink after the attack — the fear, the locked doors, the constant tension — was chilling in the most realistic way. Dustin is the kind of villain that lingers: calm, convinced, and terrifying in the way he truly believes he's the hero of his own story. That psychological element made this feel less like fiction and more like a nightmare that could happen to anyone.
The romance is just as strong as the suspense. The banter feels genuine, the attraction isn't forced, and Roberts has a way of writing capable, independent characters who still allow themselves to fall in love without losing who they are. Atmospheric, suspenseful, and completely satisfying — this is Nora Roberts at her thriller best.
Get this book on your to-read list. It just gets better as it goes.
Thank you to #NoraRoberts, #NetGalley, and #StMartinsPress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC of The Final Target by Nora Roberts
🎤 Narrated by January LaVoy
🗓 Release Date: May 26, 2026
📚 Thriller/Romantic Suspense
~~
I LOVE Nora Roberts and January LaVoy! I could listen to January LaVoy all day.
I was so excited about this book. The thriller/suspense aspect was great! Arden's a great FMC and I felt like she was exceptionally strong and brave despite dealing with a crazed stalker.
I also really liked all of the family scenes in this book. They were very heartwarming and Arden was surrounded by a wonderful family.
The romance was a little "meh" to me. Gideon was protective of Arden, but they didn't seem to have much chemistry. There was no pining and their interactions were very forced.
Overall, I thought this was classic Nora. I enjoyed the plot and I thought it was a great audiobook. If you enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers, I do recommend The Final Target. 🙂
🎤 Narrated by January LaVoy
🗓 Release Date: May 26, 2026
📚 Thriller/Romantic Suspense
~~
I LOVE Nora Roberts and January LaVoy! I could listen to January LaVoy all day.
I was so excited about this book. The thriller/suspense aspect was great! Arden's a great FMC and I felt like she was exceptionally strong and brave despite dealing with a crazed stalker.
I also really liked all of the family scenes in this book. They were very heartwarming and Arden was surrounded by a wonderful family.
The romance was a little "meh" to me. Gideon was protective of Arden, but they didn't seem to have much chemistry. There was no pining and their interactions were very forced.
Overall, I thought this was classic Nora. I enjoyed the plot and I thought it was a great audiobook. If you enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers, I do recommend The Final Target. 🙂
February 26, 2026
This story starts with a stressful stalker incident. The next third is all about the victim moving and furnishing her new home far away from the incident. Really, a lot of pages devoted to shopping, selecting new doorknobs and paint colors, and ordering custom bookcases from a hot guy. I enjoyed it, but it was a completely different tone. Then, of course, the stalker learns her whereabouts and comes after her for a tense, action-packed finale. It's a thriller with a romance novel intermission.
Good audiobook narration. I was especially pleased that, in writing the book, the author had the detectives take the initial stalker incident seriously. Too many novels stereotype the police as lazy, racist, or corrupt when that is the exception.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheFinalTarget for review purposes. Publication date: 26 May 2026.
Good audiobook narration. I was especially pleased that, in writing the book, the author had the detectives take the initial stalker incident seriously. Too many novels stereotype the police as lazy, racist, or corrupt when that is the exception.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheFinalTarget for review purposes. Publication date: 26 May 2026.
February 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ARC of this book!
This was such a gripping thriller! I loved getting to learn about all of these characters connected to Arden. Nora Roberts did a fantastic job developing side characters as well as main characters throughout this book. There were parts that were more predictable than others, but I loved the journey to the end! Arden was an easy character to relate to throughout her traumatic experiences. As an Oregonian, I loved the descriptions of the landscapes and the weather. This was so well done!
January LaVoy does such a great job narrating thrillers! 🎧
This was such a gripping thriller! I loved getting to learn about all of these characters connected to Arden. Nora Roberts did a fantastic job developing side characters as well as main characters throughout this book. There were parts that were more predictable than others, but I loved the journey to the end! Arden was an easy character to relate to throughout her traumatic experiences. As an Oregonian, I loved the descriptions of the landscapes and the weather. This was so well done!
January LaVoy does such a great job narrating thrillers! 🎧
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