Hideaway by Nora Roberts / A family saga set against the gorgeous California Coast

Hideaway by Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts‘ annual standalone novels are by far my most favorite of all. Each year, her standalone book is the one I’m looking forward the most, besides her JD Robb novels. And this year, the story was set almost in my backyard so to speak – in the gorgeous Big Sur area, in Northern California.

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Caitlyn Sullivan, a daughter of Hollywood royalty, was already a star at ten, but still 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.

Despite her glamorous background, Cate was a shrewd, scrappy survivor, and she managed to escape her abductors. Dillon Cooper was shocked to find the bruised and terrified girl huddled in his ranch house kitchen—but when the teenager and his family heard her story they provided refuge and comfort, reuniting her with her loved ones.

Cate’s ordeal, though, was far from over. First came the discovery of a betrayal that would send someone she’d trusted to prison. Then there were years away in Ireland, sheltered and protected but with restlessness growing in her soul. Then, finally, she returned to Los Angeles, hoping 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…

Hideaway by Nora Roberts

MY THOUGHTS

Hideaway feels very much like a family saga in the first half, and a romance novel in the second half, with minor romantic suspense elements.

DILLON WAS MY KIND OF HERO

SWOON!! Dillon was down to earth, kind, hard-working, protective and someone who wanted to take care of his woman but knew when to let go and step back. There was this amazing balance between Dillon and Cate. A give and take. Support, understanding, love, but also friendship. The whole enchilada. On top of that Dillon had the most amazing relationship with the two other women in his life, every time he called them his ladies I swooned.

AND I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THE SULLIVANS

Big families, like the Sullivan’s enchant me. The entire Sullivan clan (minus ONE) was charming, charismatic, and loving, so very loving. They stole my heart with their level of support, love and understanding and most of all the willingness to let people be themselves, and love them for who they were.

The book was filled with amazing characters, and amazing friendships. It was filled to the brim with laughter, banter, and dialogues that made me smile. My heart was full of love for the Sullivans and everyone they called family.

BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING MISSING…

Although there was no doubt about the couples feelings towards each other, I needed more time with them. Slow but steady their relationship built to a palpable crescendo. But compared to some of the author’s other books, the couple didn’t spend as much time together as I would have liked. And I think that’s mainly because the story focused on the Sullivan family, and Cate’s personal journey.

But all in all, this novel was a solid performance by the author. Captivating, especially the part about the career Cate eventually settled on, it couldn’t have been more fitting. Heartwarming, thanks to the many amazing relationships. And charming – my heart belongs to the Sullivan men.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

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Hideaway by Nora Roberts