ARC Review: The Final Target by Nora Roberts

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?

Only Nora Roberts could write about murder, and it be a comfort read for me. Now I don't want you thinking it's the murder part that's a comfort for me. It's the writing and how Roberts introduces us to her characters and brings them to life. I also feel part of the story with her books. She can take a 400+ pages and make you feel like you've only just sat down and started it. I love when my authors can do that. 

Characters are what she does so well, may they be the hero, heroine or supporting cast. You want to know about them, and you worry that something will happen bad to the ones you come to enjoy. She's even good and giving such personalities to her killer(s) that you even want to know more or at least understand why. 

Speaking of great characters, The Final Target had so many good one. Arden's family is so wonderful. They support her and love her unconditionally. You'll also love Gideon's family too. These two really lucked out on having good, loving families. The families helped make this story so good. It was all about families. Ones that give love and support and others that try to make up for what their child isn't getting. 

Because you already know who the bad guy is this is kind of like a Columbo type story. It's all about the ride and how and why they are doing what they are doing. Along with that you have a story of falling in love and finding new friends and enjoying the life you are lucky enough to have. As always, I look forward to what book comes next. 

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