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The Final Target
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jul 26A 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?
Hardcover
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,269 books61.3k 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 1,658 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.
June 2, 2026
★ ★ ★1/2
This is a thriller through and through.
I forgot romantic suspense/thriller is a genre. I haven't read a Nora Roberts novel since I was 14, so picking this up felt a little like coming home. And what a homecoming it was. I can’t wait to read more.
Arden Bowie is a debut author whose life is turned upside down when an overly eager fan becomes dangerously obsessed with her. It starts with a few awkward encounters at book events, then a chat over coffee done as a fan service, until things get more sinister. With the help of his rich mother, Dustin is sentenced to five years in a psychiatric facility, where he begins quietly biding his time. Meanwhile, Arden tries to rebuild her life and move forward.
This is a very straightforward story. You know where it's heading. You know who the villain is, and you can probably predict how it will all end. But that's not really the point. The joy of this book is in the journey. And what a ride it was.
Roberts puts us inside both the victim's and the stalker's minds, allowing us to experience the story from opposing POVs. It’s immersive, gripping, and exactly what you need to bring you back down to earth after one too many stalker romances 💀 I felt Arden’s emotions like they were my own. Her dread as she lived with the knowledge that every day that passed was one day closer to Dustin being free again. Her uncertainty as she tries to return to a sense of normalcy.
Being inside Dustin's head, on the other hand, was downright nauseating. The way he thought about Arden, and women in general, made my skin crawl. His entitlement, his delusions, the things he wanted to do to her and the way he justified his actions to himself sent chills down my spine. It’s horrifying that a person can build an entire fantasy around someone else, and then become enraged when reality refuses to cooperate.
For me, what makes Dustin so scary is that he isn't some criminal mastermind. He's terrifying because he feels plausible. He's just an ordinary guy you could pass on the street without a second thought.
An interesting aspect of the novel for me was Dustin’s relationship with his mother. I felt so so sorry for her.
❝ The sinking sensation in her heart, in her belly stayed with her when she left. She hadn’t just failed as a mother, she thought.
She’d raised a monster. ❞
She acknowledges the role she played in shaping the man Dustin became, and even though I don't completely agree with the idea that parents are always responsible for how kids turn out, in this case, I understood the guilt she carried. The book doesn't excuse his actions, but it does explore the complicated reality of loving someone who has become monstrous and wondering if there was something you could have done differently.
As usual, I didn’t care for the romantic aspect of the novel. I don’t know why I’m like this with thrillers 🙈 I’m not even sure I loved romantic thrillers when I was a teenager, but I do remember always enjoying Roberts’ storytelling.
This story isn’t just about surviving a stalker. It’s also about recovery, rebuilding, and learning how to reclaim a life after trauma. The only issue I have with the book is its length. It was just a little too long for me.
I might come back and add more thoughts later, right now I'm still basking in my reading afterglow.
This is a thriller through and through.
I forgot romantic suspense/thriller is a genre. I haven't read a Nora Roberts novel since I was 14, so picking this up felt a little like coming home. And what a homecoming it was. I can’t wait to read more.
Arden Bowie is a debut author whose life is turned upside down when an overly eager fan becomes dangerously obsessed with her. It starts with a few awkward encounters at book events, then a chat over coffee done as a fan service, until things get more sinister. With the help of his rich mother, Dustin is sentenced to five years in a psychiatric facility, where he begins quietly biding his time. Meanwhile, Arden tries to rebuild her life and move forward.
This is a very straightforward story. You know where it's heading. You know who the villain is, and you can probably predict how it will all end. But that's not really the point. The joy of this book is in the journey. And what a ride it was.
Roberts puts us inside both the victim's and the stalker's minds, allowing us to experience the story from opposing POVs. It’s immersive, gripping, and exactly what you need to bring you back down to earth after one too many stalker romances 💀 I felt Arden’s emotions like they were my own. Her dread as she lived with the knowledge that every day that passed was one day closer to Dustin being free again. Her uncertainty as she tries to return to a sense of normalcy.
Being inside Dustin's head, on the other hand, was downright nauseating. The way he thought about Arden, and women in general, made my skin crawl. His entitlement, his delusions, the things he wanted to do to her and the way he justified his actions to himself sent chills down my spine. It’s horrifying that a person can build an entire fantasy around someone else, and then become enraged when reality refuses to cooperate.
For me, what makes Dustin so scary is that he isn't some criminal mastermind. He's terrifying because he feels plausible. He's just an ordinary guy you could pass on the street without a second thought.
An interesting aspect of the novel for me was Dustin’s relationship with his mother. I felt so so sorry for her.
❝ The sinking sensation in her heart, in her belly stayed with her when she left. She hadn’t just failed as a mother, she thought.
She’d raised a monster. ❞
She acknowledges the role she played in shaping the man Dustin became, and even though I don't completely agree with the idea that parents are always responsible for how kids turn out, in this case, I understood the guilt she carried. The book doesn't excuse his actions, but it does explore the complicated reality of loving someone who has become monstrous and wondering if there was something you could have done differently.
As usual, I didn’t care for the romantic aspect of the novel. I don’t know why I’m like this with thrillers 🙈 I’m not even sure I loved romantic thrillers when I was a teenager, but I do remember always enjoying Roberts’ storytelling.
This story isn’t just about surviving a stalker. It’s also about recovery, rebuilding, and learning how to reclaim a life after trauma. The only issue I have with the book is its length. It was just a little too long for me.
I might come back and add more thoughts later, right now I'm still basking in my reading afterglow.
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.
June 10, 2026
"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."
A crazed fan shows up at Arden Bowie’s book signing. He appears to be a legit fan with a copy of her novel in hand. He continued to show up at every book signing. Arden reassures herself he is okay but should have listened to her own intuition when she took him up on coffee...a horrible mistake…
Now he is serving 5 years in a psychological ward but the more he is in custody the madder he gets still seeking revenge when he gets out...then he is out...I can't tell you how much this book keeps you on edge. I was terrified for Arden she had suffered enough.
Arden has moved away to Oregon and befriends Gideon who was a former LAPD detective. She is suffering from fear and finds herself wanting to be in isolation. I felt all of this. What a delusional and twisted person Dustin is.
I hope you have this one on your radar to read this summer because it is highly recommended! Nora Roberts was one of my favorite authors in my younger years of reading and I forgot how talented she is!!
A crazed fan shows up at Arden Bowie’s book signing. He appears to be a legit fan with a copy of her novel in hand. He continued to show up at every book signing. Arden reassures herself he is okay but should have listened to her own intuition when she took him up on coffee...a horrible mistake…
Now he is serving 5 years in a psychological ward but the more he is in custody the madder he gets still seeking revenge when he gets out...then he is out...I can't tell you how much this book keeps you on edge. I was terrified for Arden she had suffered enough.
Arden has moved away to Oregon and befriends Gideon who was a former LAPD detective. She is suffering from fear and finds herself wanting to be in isolation. I felt all of this. What a delusional and twisted person Dustin is.
I hope you have this one on your radar to read this summer because it is highly recommended! Nora Roberts was one of my favorite authors in my younger years of reading and I forgot how talented she is!!
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.
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
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.
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.
June 12, 2026
The Final Target is a tense, unsettling thriller built around obsession, control, and survival. The story follows Arden, a debut author whose life is turned upside down when a seemingly chance encounter with a stranger develops into something far more sinister. Before long, the unwanted attention escalates into a terrifying stalking campaign that completely upends her life and sense of security.
Dustin is the kind of antagonist who really gets under your skin — a toxic mix of saviour complex, twisted obsession, and relentless entitlement. What makes him so unsettling is that he genuinely believes he's justified. He can go from seemingly normal to frighteningly volatile in an instant, making it easy to understand why Arden doesn't fully grasp the danger until it's too late. Manipulative, patronising, and incapable of taking responsibility, he often comes across as a spoilt child throwing a tantrum when he doesn't get his own way. Even his relationship with his mother hints at a deeper cycle of dysfunction.
Arden, by contrast, is incredibly easy to root for. Even though I don’t usually gravitate towards romance, I found myself wanting her to have that new beginning and peace she’s trying to build. She feels very human, and her fear after everything is believable. Even when Dustin is incarcerated, there’s a lingering sense that she is never truly safe, and that threat doesn’t disappear — it just changes shape.
That underlying sense of dread is one of the strongest elements of the audiobook. Even during the feel-good moments, when things finally seem to be looking up for Arden, you're always aware that something could go wrong at any time. You're constantly waiting for Dustin to reappear and take revenge, and you can almost feel his rage festering in the background as he becomes more consumed by the idea of getting Arden back.
One structural choice I wasn't sure about at first was how abruptly the story switches between Arden's current actions and Dustin's perspective within the same chapter. By the end, though, I thought it was really effective. It creates this uncomfortable feeling that he's always right behind her, and you never quite get that breathing room between POVs because his presence is constantly hanging over everything she does.
As a first-time reader of Nora Roberts, this was a solid introduction to her writing, although even with the audiobook, it felt longer than what I’m used to. At around 15 hours, it has a cinematic feel, but at times it also feels like a lot to sit with, especially given how graphic and intense some of Dustin’s behaviour and language is. There were moments where I genuinely felt drained just listening to him spiral.
Uncomfortable, tense, and often infuriating, The Final Target is a gripping read that lingers long after it ends.
Dustin is the kind of antagonist who really gets under your skin — a toxic mix of saviour complex, twisted obsession, and relentless entitlement. What makes him so unsettling is that he genuinely believes he's justified. He can go from seemingly normal to frighteningly volatile in an instant, making it easy to understand why Arden doesn't fully grasp the danger until it's too late. Manipulative, patronising, and incapable of taking responsibility, he often comes across as a spoilt child throwing a tantrum when he doesn't get his own way. Even his relationship with his mother hints at a deeper cycle of dysfunction.
Arden, by contrast, is incredibly easy to root for. Even though I don’t usually gravitate towards romance, I found myself wanting her to have that new beginning and peace she’s trying to build. She feels very human, and her fear after everything is believable. Even when Dustin is incarcerated, there’s a lingering sense that she is never truly safe, and that threat doesn’t disappear — it just changes shape.
That underlying sense of dread is one of the strongest elements of the audiobook. Even during the feel-good moments, when things finally seem to be looking up for Arden, you're always aware that something could go wrong at any time. You're constantly waiting for Dustin to reappear and take revenge, and you can almost feel his rage festering in the background as he becomes more consumed by the idea of getting Arden back.
One structural choice I wasn't sure about at first was how abruptly the story switches between Arden's current actions and Dustin's perspective within the same chapter. By the end, though, I thought it was really effective. It creates this uncomfortable feeling that he's always right behind her, and you never quite get that breathing room between POVs because his presence is constantly hanging over everything she does.
As a first-time reader of Nora Roberts, this was a solid introduction to her writing, although even with the audiobook, it felt longer than what I’m used to. At around 15 hours, it has a cinematic feel, but at times it also feels like a lot to sit with, especially given how graphic and intense some of Dustin’s behaviour and language is. There were moments where I genuinely felt drained just listening to him spiral.
Uncomfortable, tense, and often infuriating, The Final Target is a gripping read that lingers long after it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This blends romance, suspense, and a psychological edge as the story follows a woman pulled into a high-stakes situation involving danger, secrets, and a connection that quickly becomes central to everything.
I had so much fun with this. It was genuinely hard to stop listening, and I ended up finishing it in basically one sitting, which says a lot. It’s fast-paced, engaging, and just really well-balanced between the suspense and character dynamics.
The tension keeps building in a way that actually feels exciting without being overwhelming, and the romance element adds just enough warmth without taking over the story. It’s very readable, very bingeable, very good. (😅)
Ran to Libby and grabbed a few more Nora Roberts audios for the summer after this one 🥰
Loved it. Highly recommend. Audio is so good. January Lavoy 👩🍳💋
✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
This blends romance, suspense, and a psychological edge as the story follows a woman pulled into a high-stakes situation involving danger, secrets, and a connection that quickly becomes central to everything.
I had so much fun with this. It was genuinely hard to stop listening, and I ended up finishing it in basically one sitting, which says a lot. It’s fast-paced, engaging, and just really well-balanced between the suspense and character dynamics.
The tension keeps building in a way that actually feels exciting without being overwhelming, and the romance element adds just enough warmth without taking over the story. It’s very readable, very bingeable, very good. (😅)
Ran to Libby and grabbed a few more Nora Roberts audios for the summer after this one 🥰
Loved it. Highly recommend. Audio is so good. January Lavoy 👩🍳💋
✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
June 3, 2026
Dammit Nora!!! How do you keep doing this??? The storyteller master has done it again!! Just read it! I can’t talk right now, still trying to catch my breath.
Thank you so very much! Bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Outstanding!
Thank you so very much! Bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Outstanding!
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
June 11, 2026
4⭐️
Kind of slow for my liking. But. Very addictive. 🤭🤭🤭.
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** My firs Nora Roberts book!!! 🫣🫣🫣!!!
Kind of slow for my liking. But. Very addictive. 🤭🤭🤭.
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** My firs Nora Roberts book!!! 🫣🫣🫣!!!
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.
May 28, 2026
Story 3 stars. Narration 5 stars
I usually love this author’s books although, I didn’t read her old romances from years ago. This book actually started out good and creepy with Dustin stalking Arden. Arden is a new author and is just starting bookstore signings when Dustin pretends to be a writer wanting her to talk to him about writing. She is pleasant but firm and says no. Then he starts showing up wherever she goes. It escalates and she is badly hurt while he goes away for five years. Arden begins a new life thousands of miles away from there. Buys a new home in a small town and proceeds to spend about a fourth of the book describing every piece of furniture and even door knobs that she buys. Every color she goes through to pick for paint for most of the rooms. Everything she has in her fridge to make sandwiches from. Menu’s for dinner parties. Picking out various outfits she’s going to wear. Not even kidding. It was a really long listen. And I got bored. I did enjoy her new romance with Gideon, an ex-homicide detective from LA, who works at his grandfathers hardware store. It was very predictable once her stalker is released. I didn’t hate the listen(the narrator was awesome)but I was more than ready to be done. I was on hold at the library for a really long time so this was just not what I was expecting. There is a wonderful dog as a side character so that was a plus.
I usually love this author’s books although, I didn’t read her old romances from years ago. This book actually started out good and creepy with Dustin stalking Arden. Arden is a new author and is just starting bookstore signings when Dustin pretends to be a writer wanting her to talk to him about writing. She is pleasant but firm and says no. Then he starts showing up wherever she goes. It escalates and she is badly hurt while he goes away for five years. Arden begins a new life thousands of miles away from there. Buys a new home in a small town and proceeds to spend about a fourth of the book describing every piece of furniture and even door knobs that she buys. Every color she goes through to pick for paint for most of the rooms. Everything she has in her fridge to make sandwiches from. Menu’s for dinner parties. Picking out various outfits she’s going to wear. Not even kidding. It was a really long listen. And I got bored. I did enjoy her new romance with Gideon, an ex-homicide detective from LA, who works at his grandfathers hardware store. It was very predictable once her stalker is released. I didn’t hate the listen(the narrator was awesome)but I was more than ready to be done. I was on hold at the library for a really long time so this was just not what I was expecting. There is a wonderful dog as a side character so that was a plus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
May 27, 2026
From the very start, there’s a Sword of Damocles hanging over our heroine, Arden. Yet she proves to be resilient, resourceful, and ultimately triumphant. Her journey—navigating the aftermath of her assault, dealing with the scrutiny that comes with her fame as an author, and finally finding her place while defeating the evil shadowing her life—is quite the ride. You can always count on Nora Roberts for a happy ending, but in this book, she really makes her characters earn it.
January Lavoy, the narrator on the audio version, is amazing. She brings heart to Arden, and she really brings out the psycho in Dustin, who switches emotions on a dime. She delivered an award-winning performance in this one.
Arden Bowie is so excited! She has had her first book published and this is her first book signing. When a fan shows up and praises her book, she is grateful. Then he shows up at another book signing and Arden is getting bad vibes about him but agrees to have coffee with him. Then he shows up at her home and assaults her.
Dustin claims to be an aspiring author and shows up at Arden's book signings, but he isn't looking for advice on being an author, he wants something much more sinister. To say that Dustin is delusional is an understatement - He is Bat Shit Crazy. Even after being sentenced to five years in a mental facility, he still thinks Arden wants to serve him and when he is released, he will find her and make her submit.
Recovery from this traumatic ordeal hasn't been easy for Arden and she decides a total change in her life is in order. She moves to a small town in Oregon near her cousin and is content decorating her new home and garden, meeting new people, writing and sharing her life with Zorro, her golden retriever. Life is good and meeting the handsome Gideon, a former LAPD detective now a local woodworker, is the icing on her wonderful new life. But in the back of her mind Arden knows the clock is ticking for Dustin's release. She has moved and made herself hard to find, but Dustin is wealthy and money can buy a lot.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
January Lavoy, the narrator on the audio version, is amazing. She brings heart to Arden, and she really brings out the psycho in Dustin, who switches emotions on a dime. She delivered an award-winning performance in this one.
Arden Bowie is so excited! She has had her first book published and this is her first book signing. When a fan shows up and praises her book, she is grateful. Then he shows up at another book signing and Arden is getting bad vibes about him but agrees to have coffee with him. Then he shows up at her home and assaults her.
Dustin claims to be an aspiring author and shows up at Arden's book signings, but he isn't looking for advice on being an author, he wants something much more sinister. To say that Dustin is delusional is an understatement - He is Bat Shit Crazy. Even after being sentenced to five years in a mental facility, he still thinks Arden wants to serve him and when he is released, he will find her and make her submit.
Recovery from this traumatic ordeal hasn't been easy for Arden and she decides a total change in her life is in order. She moves to a small town in Oregon near her cousin and is content decorating her new home and garden, meeting new people, writing and sharing her life with Zorro, her golden retriever. Life is good and meeting the handsome Gideon, a former LAPD detective now a local woodworker, is the icing on her wonderful new life. But in the back of her mind Arden knows the clock is ticking for Dustin's release. She has moved and made herself hard to find, but Dustin is wealthy and money can buy a lot.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
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.*
May 31, 2026
Why do I keep trying to read Nora Roberts? I haven't liked her work for at least a decade. It has to be pure habit, maybe some FOMO. Got a quarter into this and lost patience. The amount of unnecessary description and inner monologue is absolutely infuriating. So many words, so little accomplished. Swear to god fifty pages could be cut, easy. Haven't even met the love interest yet. He'll be either in law enforcement/security or carpentry.
Roberts's writing style isn't just dripping sentiment, it's drowning in it, the characters unbelievably emotional and personable. Her sentences aren't just fragmented, they're shattered to the point it's hard to follow. And she seems to refuse to mix exposition and dialogue in the same paragraph, which seemed weird to me. It didn't feel natural for her characters to low-key monologue like that.
For all her feminism, she continues to place importance on females wearing makeup and looking stylish and presentable; it's so irritating. And I'm tired of her redheaded, recessive-gened female leads. I'm shocked that Irish ancestry wasn't mentioned in the quarter I read, though perhaps I missed it while I was skimming. I guarantee it's in the book somewhere.
And of course the lead doesn't have to worry about money, because god forbid any economic barriers add layers to the narrative. Apartment continues to retraumatize you? Miss the BFF who moved away? Good thing you have the means, in only your mid-twenties, to buy a new house twice inside four years! PTSD making it hard to leave the house? Good thing that part-time minimum wage retail job was just a hobby! Also, whew, good thing you have zero trouble focusing despite the PTSD and anxiety, or your other part-time job as a novelist would come to a screeching halt. Not that it would matter if it did, because rich! If your character's going to struggle with mental illness, let it actually be a struggle.
The villain is a one dimensional stereotype, and I didn't appreciate being in his head.
Roberts just recycles the same plot and characters, the same story, over and over. Recycles names, too; I know there's been a Boone or two in previous novels. It's a fricken scam.
Sigh.
Note to self: No more Nora Roberts.
Roberts's writing style isn't just dripping sentiment, it's drowning in it, the characters unbelievably emotional and personable. Her sentences aren't just fragmented, they're shattered to the point it's hard to follow. And she seems to refuse to mix exposition and dialogue in the same paragraph, which seemed weird to me. It didn't feel natural for her characters to low-key monologue like that.
For all her feminism, she continues to place importance on females wearing makeup and looking stylish and presentable; it's so irritating. And I'm tired of her redheaded, recessive-gened female leads. I'm shocked that Irish ancestry wasn't mentioned in the quarter I read, though perhaps I missed it while I was skimming. I guarantee it's in the book somewhere.
And of course the lead doesn't have to worry about money, because god forbid any economic barriers add layers to the narrative. Apartment continues to retraumatize you? Miss the BFF who moved away? Good thing you have the means, in only your mid-twenties, to buy a new house twice inside four years! PTSD making it hard to leave the house? Good thing that part-time minimum wage retail job was just a hobby! Also, whew, good thing you have zero trouble focusing despite the PTSD and anxiety, or your other part-time job as a novelist would come to a screeching halt. Not that it would matter if it did, because rich! If your character's going to struggle with mental illness, let it actually be a struggle.
The villain is a one dimensional stereotype, and I didn't appreciate being in his head.
Roberts just recycles the same plot and characters, the same story, over and over. Recycles names, too; I know there's been a Boone or two in previous novels. It's a fricken scam.
Sigh.
Note to self: No more Nora Roberts.
June 11, 2026
You don’t read Nora Roberts’ books because you want something subtle, at least I don’t, but they are pretty reliably entertaining.
This is a romantic thriller where the good guys are all very much perfect and the bad guy perfectly unhinged (if not that smart).
I was happy to drop into the characters lives as they unfolded beautifully and with dreamlike perfection (excepting the stalker issue, but into every life a little rain must fall, right?). But since I was, just knowing that the bad guy would be making the attempt to destroy it all actually made the book extremely stressful the closer that ultimate conflict drew.
Anyways, greatly entertaining if you want an uncomplicated read that delivers the feels of chilling thrills and glowing happiness in equal measure, however unrealistic.
This is a romantic thriller where the good guys are all very much perfect and the bad guy perfectly unhinged (if not that smart).
I was happy to drop into the characters lives as they unfolded beautifully and with dreamlike perfection (excepting the stalker issue, but into every life a little rain must fall, right?). But since I was, just knowing that the bad guy would be making the attempt to destroy it all actually made the book extremely stressful the closer that ultimate conflict drew.
Anyways, greatly entertaining if you want an uncomplicated read that delivers the feels of chilling thrills and glowing happiness in equal measure, however unrealistic.
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.
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.
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 21, 2026
This was my first and last Nora Roberts book. We get very few details about the main character doing a podcast for her new book, but plenty of details about her sexual assault (twice) and plenty of time to hear his inner dialogue. NO THANK YOU!
I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
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.
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