The Final Target - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads:  The Final Target by Nora Roberts

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: 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?

Genre: Romance - Suspense

Why I Picked This Book:  I always enjoy Roberts' books so of course I had to pick this one up!

My Impression:  This was an entertaining read with a mix of cozy elements and some nail-biting scenes.  The basic structure of the book reminded me quite a bit of a previous book - The Obsession - something bad happens, then we have the main character making her home and getting settled, followed by some more bad stuff.  The plot is completely different and other than being in creative fields Arden and Naomi don't have anything in common.  This did make me want to reread The Obsession because I enjoyed this one so much and remember enjoying that one as well.

Arden is a likable main character who can be a bit standoffish with new people which makes a lot of sense considering her backstory.  I loved the buildup of the story and the evolving of the world Arden lives in.  The bad guy in this is super creepy in a completely believable way.  I enjoyed Gideon's character and really loved his relationship with his grandfather.  

As I would expect from Nora Roberts, this was a great read with a fantastic group of characters, a well paced plot and just compulsively readable.  I always enjoy her yearly standalone romantic suspense and this was no exception.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  This made me want to reread some of her past books I enjoyed while I wait for her next book.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy romantic suspense but still want likable main characters this is a must read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *