Four Stars
Nora Roberts is one of the best storytellers in the business, and HIDEAWAY is a prime example. This book was fascinating because it, in many ways, defied a genre. If I had to label it, I would call it a women’s fiction with strong romance and suspense elements. The book focused on the life and development of Caitlyn Sullivan after a terrible and formative event in her tenth year of life.
I think if you go into this book expecting high romance, or even high suspense for the majority of the book, you’ll be disappointed. Normally, that would have disappointed me. But Nora Roberts is the queen for a reason y’all. I was fascinated by the many chapters in Cate’s life and the ways her family supported her through each hurdle. The subtle tension of simmering resentment is weaved well through the book adding depth to our heroine’s often idyllic life.
The descriptions are lush and reading about the very privileged and talented Sullivan family felt like an indulgence in the best way. I was transported to California, Ireland, and New York as the years went on and the Caitlyn’s life unfolded. This book is the perfect escape read for summer. If you’re like me, and the rest of the world, and can’t travel, allow Nora Roberts to take you on trip with her words.
I did want the romance to have more page time. I enjoyed Dillion and Caitlyn together, and I did believe their relatively easy love story, but I wanted more. We barely get a hint of the hero and heroine together as a romantic couple until about 2/3 of the book is over. And while Dillion showed hints of being the awesomely protective Roberts hero I knew he is, the mystery wrapped up quickly and he didn’t really shine the way I wanted him to.
Overall though, I sat down and read this book in one glorious day. I am a newer Nora Roberts fan, but I can see why she has legions of devoted readers. I can’t wait to dive further into her backlist!
**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**
Romance Reader 