Review: The Final Target by Nora Roberts

 

The Final Target by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: May 26th 2026 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 432

Audio Book Length: 14hrs 59min

Narrator: January LaVoy

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Arden’s lifelong dream of becoming a published author finally comes true, but her success draws the attention of a dangerous, obsessive stalker named Dustin. After barely surviving his brutal attack, Arden is left to rebuild not just her life, but her sense of safety. She heals, she grows, and she thrives.

 

Meanwhile, Dustin stews and he focuses on revenge. His determination was chilling adding a constant thread of tension.

 

The Final Target is classic Nora Roberts, and I loved every minute. Arden could’ve shut down after the attack, but instead she chooses to live boldly. Her move to the Pacific Northwest brings new friends, a gorgeous home she pours her heart into, and a community that embraces her. She isn’t looking for love, which of course is exactly when it finds her with Gideon an ex-police detective and current wood-working genius.

 

When Dustin comes for “his woman”, the showdown kept me on the edge of my seat! Arden isn’t alone this time; she has her family, the police, and Gideon at her back. The ending was a thrill ride!

 

I alternated between the audiobook and e‑copy and can recommend both. January LaVoy’s narration was fantastic, truly the icing on the cake! 

5 Stars

Book Description:

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?

Review: The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts

 

The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy #3) by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: November 18th 2025 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 464

Audio Book Length: 15hrs 23min

Narrator: Brittany Pressley 

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen are busy living life while waiting for the remaining bride portraits to show up and trying to figure out a way to break the curse. Hester Dobbs starts escalating her attacks seeming to become more powerful, but so are the other ghosts on Sonya’s side.

 

The Seven Rings wraps up The Lost Bride Trilogy with a satisfying conclusion, but it took a while to get there. There were a lot of dinners, painting, clients, family and events and while it sounded fun, the pace suffered. I think the story would’ve benefited with some editing down and focusing, but it was a fun read. I rooted for Sonya to prevail and break the curse, not only for her sake but for the brides and other ghosts tied up by it. It was an exciting showdown and a wonderful conclusion!

 

I alternately read and listened to The Seven Rings. As with the other installments, Brittany Pressley did a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life! 

3.5 Stars

Book Description: 

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author concludes her compelling Lost Bride trilogy as two women—one dead, one alive—prepare for a terrifying final showdown…

Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house—a manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

 

Review: Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts

 

Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: May 27th 2025 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 435

Audio Book Length: 14hrs 55min

Narrator: January LaVoy

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources Officer, was shot on duty and barely survived. Having to take time off for recovery she stays with her parents back in her hometown of Heron’s Rest, Maryland where they run a vacation rental business on the picturesque lake.

 

As Sloan works toward recovery the disappearance of a young woman on Thanksgiving Day captures her attention and sticks with her. She does a little bit of armchair detecting, but it gets put on the back burner when nothing turns up. Then there’s another similar disappearance leading Sloan to look for a past pattern.

 

The villains had their POV which was more than a little disturbing and chilled me to the bone! I was on the edge knowing that Sloan fit their victim profile.

 

As this is happening, brothers, Nash and Theo Littlefield buy up a wreck of a house planning on starting their own construction business while renovating the place. Sloan and Nash end up running into each other over and over and the immediate attraction felt slowly turns into something.

 

As with most Nora Roberts’ stories, Hidden Nature was a combination of mystery, suspense, danger and romance happening in amongst an idyllic sort of life: family, friends, dinners, décor, renovations in a gorgeous setting. Heron’s Rest sounded beautiful!  I was captivated by all of it.

 

I alternately read and listened to an audio copy of Hidden Nature and recommend either version. January LaVoy’s voice is rich and pleasing, and she brought all the characters to life, male and female, each distinct with appropriate emotion.

4 Stars

Book Description:

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author presents a new novel about an injured cop who must fight to bring down a pair of twisted killers…

Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store—and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.

After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.

She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young—the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.

Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case—and she's willing to risk her life again if that's what it takes to stop the horror.

Review: The Mirror by Nora Roberts

 

The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy #2) by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: November 18th 2024 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 448

Audio Book Length: 13hrs 48min

Narrator: Brittany Pressley 

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Two hundred years ago a curse was set into motion when Hester Dobbs, a bitter, greedy witch, murdered Astrid Granville the day she wed Collin Poole at the Poole Mansion. After, Hester jumped off the cliffs to her death as she laid a curse on any future Poole bride. Since then, every Poole bride who aspired to wed and live in the manor died tragically on the day of her wedding. Hester stole the ring of every bride since, giving her more power to keep the curse going.

 

The Mirror picks up where The Inheritance (my review) left off, with Sonya MacTavish, the Poole heir, entering The Mirror and reliving the events of the past, witnessing Hester take her revenge on another bride. Hester still haunts the Poole mansion, and Sonya must find a way to break the curse.

 

The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy, a series that needs to be read in order. Sonya and her best friend, Cleo, settle into the mansion, making it their own, while enjoying life with Trey and Owen, eating, drinking, painting, working, and getting to know the community. Sounded idyllic and lovely! Not much in the way of plot movement, but it the story was engrossing. Hester continues to haunt and cause trouble, but Sonya is determined to stake her claim on the house and not let her win.

 

I’m hoping Sonya figures out a plan to defeat the evil witch and I’m eager to see how it all shakes out in the final book!

4 Stars

Book Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts continues the hauntingly spectacular Lost Bride Trilogy with book two, The Mirror.

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

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

Review: Mind Games by Nora Roberts

 

Mind Games by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: May 21st 2024 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 432

Audio Book Length: 14hrs 52min

Narrator: January LaVoy

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Twelve-year-old Thea’s parents are murdered. It’s a senseless and cruel act by a no-good, evil man, but his plans to get away are thwarted by Thea’s unusual gift. It’s heartbreaking, but thankfully she has her loving grandmother and brother. They band together and try and live a good life while remembering their loss. I adored both her brother and her grandmother, Lucy, who was a big-hearted, salt-of-the-earth kind of woman!

Unfortunately, Thea captured the killer’s attention, as they share the same psychic gift and he’s bent on vengeance.  He is a dark presence on and off throughout the story, but Thea’s gift is stronger, and she has her family and loved ones for support. I enjoyed how she fought back!

Mind Games wasn’t a fast-paced story, but it captured and held my attention from page one! I loved the world Ms. Roberts created: family, friends, animals, gardening, cooking in the small, tightknit community of Redbud Hollow. The slow-burn romance was just icing on the cake!

I alternately read and listened to an audio copy of Mind Games and recommend either version. January LaVoy is one of my favorite narrators! She has a rich, pleasing voice, and nailed the wide range of ages, male and female voices here!

5 Stars

Book Description:

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

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

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

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

 

Audiobook Review: The Inheritance by Nora Roberts

 

Inheritance (The Lost Bride Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: November 21st 2023 by Macmillan Audio

Pages: 419

Audio Book Length: 13hrs 51min

Narrator: Brittany Pressley & Nora Roberts (intro)

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Loved Inheritance! Sonya’s story grabbed me from the start, with her ruined engagement, to how she came to inherit the historic mansion on the coast of Maine. It sounded so gorgeous, with its grand library, breathtaking views of the ocean and a widow’s walk! It’d be hard to refuse even with the ghosts that seem to inhabit the place. Sonya finds out there’s a tragic history, the brides in her family have died soon after marrying. A dark presence laid a curse down long ago that needs to be broken.

 Nora Roberts weaved a captivating tale complete with characters to love and hate. Parts were spooky with unexplained happenings in the mansion, but Sonya had backup and support with her best friend, Cleo, her mother, and the hunky lawyer, Trey. They all are on board with investigating the past and eliminating any threat to the future.

The story stopped at an interesting part, and I was surprised. At first thought that maybe my copy was cut short, but then figured out it was a to-be-continued/cliffhanger sort of ending. I eagerly await the next installment!

Brittany Pressley, one of my favorite narrators, performed each character with a distinct voice, some with accents, and delivered with emotion that brought the characters to life! I completely recommend the audio version! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Inheritance is the first in The Lost Bride Trilogy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts―a tale of tragedies, loves found and lost, and a family haunted for generations.

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about―and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth―and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease―and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

Connect with Nora Roberts:

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Review: Identity by Nora Roberts

 

Identity by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: May 23rd 2023 by St. Martin's Press

Pages: 448

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Morgan Albright agrees to a date with one of her bar patrons, Luke. He’s charming and handsome, but little did she know her life would be upended after inviting him in. She’s his target, but when her best friend, Nina is home unexpectedly, she pays with her life. But not only does Morgan lose her best friend, this jerk steals all her money, and wrecking her credit. Morgan’s life plan of starting her own business, owning a home, and putting down roots are shattered.  She has no options but to head into the comfort of her mother and grandmother, the Nash women, back in Vermont. Yet, what seems to be a huge setback becomes a blessing. Being with her mother and grandmother in their beautiful home, in a gorgeous location, she starts to put down roots again. She even loves her job as head bartender at the local resort.

Unfortunately, Luke doesn’t forget about Morgan and while he continues his killing and thieving, he continues to send little reminders to Morgan that he’s not done with her.

Identity had portions of suspense, more in the beginning and end, but only interspersed in the middle when you get the POV of Luke. He was a merciless killer to be sure, getting crazier by the day!

In the middle I’d say the story is more about Morgan getting her life back, connecting with her mother and grandmother again, making an impression at work, making friends, and falling in love. I really enjoyed this part, but it was a slower pace. I liked all the details of the area, Vermont sounds beautiful! And I liked the details of gardening, making drinks, food, and home improvement. The romance with Miles was easy going, but also intense and passionate. I loved his strong protective streak, but more than that he was so very supportive of Morgan.

I liked that Morgan was proactive about being prepared for when/if Luke showed up again by getting in fighting shape and taking self-defense classes. The FBI continued to keep Morgan in the loop, and their updates upped the tension every time.

Identity was an engrossing mystery/thriller, that at times had me on the edge of my seat, but even when it wasn’t as suspenseful the tale was a page turner.

4 Stars

Book Description:

A new thriller about one man's ice-cold malice, and one woman's fight to reclaim her life.

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

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

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

Nora Roberts Part 2!

I am continuing my lurve of Nora Roberts by spotlighting her Dream Trilogy.  This series holds a special place in my heart because it was the first one I ever read from Ms. Roberts.  I was about 24 I believe and my best friend told me I just had to read this series.  I was like "eh" because at the time I was more Stephen King than romance, but boy oh boy was I glad she made me read these!  

The first book in the series Daring to Dream is my favorite.  Josh was just the guy to show me that Nora Roberts is beyond talented and I fell in lurve with this man.  I learned how I wished my husband would act (HA!) and I learned that every girl no matter her taste in books should always have a little Nora in her world!

The rest of the series is just as good as the first and I loved every relationship and character.  Nora Roberts knows how to write and I can guarantee that you will be begging for more after you finish this series.  I remember looking at every website I could find in the hopes that was one more book planned, but sadly the series ends with three.  This was okay though since it led me to other amazing books by Ms.Roberts =)

So my favorite little seashells, this means that I am going to giveaway the set Daring to Dream, Holding the Dream, and Finding the Dream to one lucky follower!  Good luck!  The covers may change since I am not sure which copies are available =)  Also if you click on the cover it will take you to Goodreads.

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Giveaway: Nora Roberts-Queen of Romance

So, you probably don't know but I, Crystal, have an obsession with Nora Roberts.  Before my Twilight phase and year of nothing but Young Adult I was glued to Ms. Roberts pages.  I have read several of her novels and I also enjoy her In Death series.  There is just something about the way she writes that totally sucks me in!  So, after reading my blog roomies (Brandi) review of her newest trilogy (Thanks Brandi!) I thought to myself  "Hey wouldn't it be cool to spotlight Nora on Waves for the next few months??!!" and so I am!  Once a month for the next few months I am going to spotlight a few of her books.  They might be one of her series' her In Death series or just a collection of books of hers that I absolutely love. Are you ready for the fun part....in addition to the spotlight we are going to giveaway the books that are discussed!  YAY!  I mean I don't know anybody who couldn't use a little Nora in her/his life =D  For this months pick I am going to highlight my all time favorite series by Ms.Roberts, her Bride Quartet series...

Being a long time fan of this author I knew a little of what I should expect when I picked up Vision in White.  After reading the first chapter I knew I was in for a whole different kind of story.  Yes this has your typical romance that, if you have read Roberts before, I have come to expect, but the main difference is the relationship between the women.  See this series is focused on 4 women who run a wedding service out of their home and their lives are very intertwined with not only each other but with their clients.  I love weddings which I know isn't surprising since I am a girl (HA!) so you give me 4 friends, a wedding business, wonderful men, and a strong bond by all and I AM SOLD!  I just can't describe the wonderful feelings I had while reading this.  I teared up many many times and I just feel that the author nailed this series.  There is not one thing that I would have wanted changed in any of the books.

The first book in this series is my all time favorite.  Mac and Carter are beyond cute and if you are a book nerd then you have to meet Carter.  Imagine this ladies tweed jacket, glasses, knows his books, and blushes  plus he is a cutie!  Sounds perfect right?    Well this is just the starting couple, you will also meet Parker, Emma, and Laurel and well I won't spoil who they end up with but you can count on very steamy moments with some hotties!  Plus again the relationship between these four women is beyond amazing and after reading this series I am seriously considering opening up my own wedding business just so I can have these kinds of friends =D

I think I have talked your ear (eyes) off so let me just leave you with the rafflecopter form that I know you will all fill out because I know you want to win all FOUR books!  Good luck!! Oh and this is open INTERNATIONALLY to anywhere The Book Depository ships!

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Review: Inn Boonsboro Trilogy by Nora Roberts

The Next Always Published November 1st 2011 by Berkley

The Last Boyfriend Published May 1st 2012 by Berkeley

The Perfect Hope Published November 6th 2012 by Berkeley

By Nora Roberts

About the books:

The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen...

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family’s construction business with an iron fist—and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn’t plan for was Avery McTavish...

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

My Thoughts:

Nora Roberts is a master of romance and beautiful settings.  She welcomes you to Boonsboro, MD - a quaint little town with it's close-knit community.  Immediately I fell in love with this place - the descriptions and details made me wish I was there!  And to find out this is a real place (renovated and operated by Nora Roberts and family).  You can visit their website at Inn Boonsboro.

And 'hello' Montgomery boys!  Three brothers working together for their family-owned and operated company.  Each has their own purpose in the business, one major one is keeping their hilarious and wonderful mother happy.  This family is close and their love for each other is heart-warming.  Not to mention each brother is rough and sexy in their own special way.

In book one we meet Claire - the widowed mother of three young boys who runs the local bookstore, Turn the Page.  Having lost her husband while he was serving his country, Claire has rebuilt her life by returning to her hometown and opening her own business.  She's content with her life, raising her children with the love and support of family and friends.  But she never thought she'd find love again until Beckett Montgomery entered the picture.  He's carried a flame for Claire since high school that has never burnt out.  And the way he is with Claire's boys just melted my heart!  Sweet and funny - this book had all of the elements of a great romance, including some suspense to keep you on your toes.

In book two - we continue with the second brother, Owen.  He's been friends with Avery McTavish, the owner of the local pizzeria and family restaurant since they were kids (in fact - he was her first 'real' boyfriend at age 8).  When Avery's mother ran out on her and her father early in her life, the Montgomery's were there for support and friendship.  Now years later, Avery and Owen are finding they have feelings and a connection that go beyond friendship.  There was a chemistry between them that sizzled on the page and I loved that they decided to take a chance on each other. I understood Avery's reservations because she was still harboring abandonment issues from what her mother did and was scared of ruining the friendship she had with Owen. But thankfully, all of that anxst and drama was short-lived. The romance these two built up was awesome and I loved every minute.  My favorite book of the trilogy!
 

And in book three - enter Ryder Montgomery.   Ryder is a man of very few words and emotions. To-the-point and no nonsense - he gets around but has never been in love or set on one woman. Until the beautiful, obsessive-compulsive, Hope Beaumont, entered the town and took over as the Innkeeper. Once he saw her, he was smitten and no matter how hard he tried to stay away from her, they were drawn to each other.  I enjoyed the build up of their relationship - the process of how they slowly fell into love with each other and just 'clicked'.

Throughout the trilogy, we're also introduced to the ghost of the Inn - Lizzy.  The Montgomery's and clan embark on a mission to find out why Lizzy haunts the Inn and the importance of her past was an added bonus to the book.

Lots of romance and sizzle, along with humor and suspense - this is a wonderful trilogy you don't want to miss!  All of you Nora Roberts fans will not be disappointed!

4 Suns