I won an ARC as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

This was not my favorite Nora Roberts book, I think she has written many other better books, but it was still entertaining and kept me engaged in the story. One of my issues was that there was so much character build up in the beginning (which was great) but the ending seemed...abrupt. The climax happened about 2 or 3 pages before the end; it was almost as if she came up to a deadline and just had to finish it. There isn't a whole lot of closure with some of the characters either. There is some, but not a lot, of romance. Most of the plot is about the issues stemming from the childhood kidnapping and the romance part is almost an afterthought it felt like. ( )

DNF ( )

Hideaway
4.5 Stars

Written in the classic Nora Roberts style reminiscent of some of her earlier works, such as Public Secrets and River's End, Hideaway focuses on the development of the heroine from childhood into adulthood. Caitlyn Sullivan, the scion of a famous acting dynasty, is a very appealing heroine who overcomes the myriad of obstacles in her path with intelligence, strength, and resilience. One small issue is that young Cate sometimes comes across as far more mature than her age would suggest.

The romance is satisfying and anyone who has read a Nora book will immediately recognize the hero - solid, stalwart, loyal and sexy as all get out. That said, there could have been a bit more sizzle and spice to their relationship.

In terms of the suspense plot, the mystery element is minor as the identity of the villains is revealed early on and the action revolves around the lives of the victims as they adapt to the circumstances. Again one minor issue is that Charlotte got off much to lightly and it is a shame the Aiden never received is own HEA.

In sum, Nora's writing is captivating from the start and this is an immensely enjoyable book recommended for fans and newbies alike.

( )

FROM AMAZON: Caitlyn Sullivan had come from a long line of Hollywood royalty, stretching back to her Irish immigrant great-grandfather. At nine, she was already a star—yet still an innocent child who loved to play hide and seek with her cousins at the family home in Big Sur. It was during one of those games that she disappeared.

Some may have considered her a pampered princess, but Cate was in fact a smart, scrappy fighter, and she managed to escape her abductors. Dillon Cooper was shocked to find the bloodied, exhausted girl huddled in his house—but when the teenager and his family heard her story they provided refuge, reuniting her with her loved ones.

Cate’s ordeal, though, was far from over. First came the discovery of a shocking betrayal that would send someone she’d trusted to prison. Then there were years spent away in western Ireland, peaceful and protected but with restlessness growing in her soul.

Finally, she would return to Los Angeles, gathering the courage to act again and get past the trauma that had derailed her life. What she didn’t yet know was that two seeds had been planted that long-ago night—one of a great love, and one of a terrible vengeance… ( )

This isn't either romance or suspense, so if you are looking for that you will be disappointed (like a lot of reviews). What it is is a sprawling family drama with a young woman's journey at the center, a style that was all the rage in the 70s and 80s. It reminded me of Judith Krantz 's work, especially Princess Daisy. And when thinking of it in that structure, I really enjoyed it. I loved the two families at the center, supportive and loving. Cate's journey was one I enjoyed going on. It's a big book that was worth my time. ( )