A Natural Resources police officer Sloan Cooper along with her partner Joel Warren, had just completed the horrific job of taking down three men who had been preying on hikers. Driving back from the Maryland mountains and stopping for gas changes Sloan’s life forever. A gunshot from a jittery thief in the robbery of the store takes her to a near-death experience bringing out her HIDDEN NATURE.

On the mend after dying on the operating room table, facing a long painful recovery, she moves into her parents’ house in Heron’s Rest.  Being dumped by a boyfriend via text while still in the hospital, hadn’t helped but she is ready to move on. But, then again, moving on just might mean finding a new man, one that means she finally has someone of her own.

Nash Littlefield was also starting over. From here on he was going to live the life he wanted not one dictated by his impossible to please family. He now has a place to live and thrive as the person he is becoming. Finding a woman who accepts him is a big plus. Before Nash knows it life has a new meaning and Sloan has him thinking about a simplified, love-filled future. When danger comes there is no way he will let her out of his sight.

As Sloan is rebuilding her strength, her boss asks her to help out and hone her mystery-solving skills. She finds herself peeling away the layers of a missing person’s case. After finding some similar cases and working to find a common link, the one that comes to light is beyond bizarre.

HIDDEN NATURE is an amazingly well-written and frightening read by author Nora Roberts. This is one of those books that pulls you in from beginning to end. The twists start at the very beginning with the introduction of Sloan, her Natural Resources partner Joel and his wife Sari and her Mama Dee. Another intriguing character includes Nash’s brother Theo, who escapes from their overbearing family to join Nash.

It is fast-paced without a lull in the action, even as readers get to know the people that populate the town and her heroine’s life. Ms. Roberts certainly knows how to build a world with people who are realistic – even the twisted crazies could make a realistic news headline.

HIDDEN NATURE is a psychological thriller with a sweet, steamy romance with many touches of warmth, and humor. As with anything by this author, HIDDEN NATURE is a do-not-miss-out read!