THE SEARCH BY NORA ROBERTS
The Search is still my all-time favorite novel by this author. Actually one of my most favorite romance – period! I read it at least once a year. And if you are a dog lover – this is a BOOK I would recommend you to read!!
SYNOPSIS
To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life: a quaint house on an island off Seattle’s coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescue. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare.
Several years ago, she was the only survivor of a serial killer — a madman who stalked and abducted young women, strangled them, and left them buried with a red scarf on their bodies. As authorities were closing in on the Red Scarf Killer, he shot and killed Fiona’s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.
On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. Yet all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He’s the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon’s house, and he’s at his wit’s end.
To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can’t handle. Simon is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he’s a rugged and intensely private artist, known for creating exquisite furniture. Simon never wanted a puppy, and he most definitely doesn’t want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to the laws of attraction.
As Fiona embarks on training Jaws and as Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona’s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands.
THE SEARCH BY NORA ROBERTS
MY THOUGHTS
I should start by mentioning that I always wanted a dog, but unfortunately it hasn’t happened yet. But every time I read this book, my desire of wanting a dog goes through the roof. Just be warned – lol!
IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT I FELL IN LOVE WITH FIONA AND SIMON.
Fiona Bristow, dog trainer extraordinaire, who survived a kidnapping years ago, finally lives a peaceful and content life on Orca island north of Seattle. She is a kick ass heroine, busy training dogs and an I-can-do-it-myself attitude.
Simon, a grumpy, taciturn, and blunt hunk of a wood artist, and new owner of an energetic puppy, is in dire need of help – which Fiona can provide. They meet under not the best circumstances. Simon’s puppy just ate the head rest in his new truck and all he wants is HELP or one of her dogs in exchange for his misbehaving puppy.
When Fiona, an independent and strong female collides with Simon, socially stunted and cynical, it gets interesting quickly. Even so they are different in disposition it’s surprising how well they compliment each other. And that’s mostly because both respect boundaries, and each other’s way of living. Although neither expected this kind of change in status quo, Fiona is game, whereas Simon is the one who takes a little longer to accept what’s happening.
The relationship between them starts slowly, Jaw the puppy is the glue that brings them together, but their individual personalities is what draws them closer. I love the slow burn, and love how their relationship grows with mutual interest, attraction but also moves along naturally.
The book had a whole cast of interesting secondary characters, human and canine. The search and rescue portion of the book was incredibly detailed and full of fascinating information. It’s one aspect that always stands out in a NR novel – the details and deeply researched topics.
I believe this book would be a perfect and enjoyable read for any dog-lover and owner.
| last thoughts |
And if you haven’t realized it yet, it’s Fiona, Simon and the pups that make me come back again and again. I laugh, smile, and chuckle. In short, this book makes me happy!
MY RATING:
Goodreads • Amazon • Author’s Website
Have you read any of these books yet?
THE SEARCH BY NORA ROBERTS
It’s definitely a good book for dog lovers. I loved this story too! Fiona and Simon are one of my favorite book couples ❤️
Awwww you can’t imagine what it means to find someone that loves this book as much as I did 😁
I listened to The Search and really enjoyed it. I also loved Shelter in Place 🙂
so happy you had a good time with it, I must admit I never listened to any of her audiobooks, and have no idea if they are well narrated. Shelter in Place was one of my recent favorites too. And last year’s Under Currents 😊
Depends on the narrator of course, some better than others. I enjoyed Undercurrents too 🙂
absolutely, for me a narrator can make or break an audiobook
They definitely can.
I used to read Nora Roberts’ books all the time. I really should get back to her. And who doesn’t love a book with a puppy?!
Her standalone books have always been on top of my tbr, even more than her trilogies. And of course her JD Robb books ♥︎
This is one of my NR favorites for all the reasons you state. Excellent review, Corina💜
Oh that makes me happy :D, I love her books but this one has a special spot in my heart. ♥︎
Then I have to read it
Oh, Shalini, it will make you smile🥰
I got it Jonetta… I rarely never get your recommendations, unless it is extremely expensive then I place it in my wishlist and snap it when price goes down a bit
Yay💜 I so hope you love it, Shalini.
I am sure I will. I love her books. But didn’t like the new one Hideaway
I am gonna get this book. Thank you
I hope you’ll LOVE it 😀
I love seeing what books are peoples favourites to go back to over and over again. this sounds great, Corina!
It’s interesting to see what books people really LOVE, books that are worthy for a re-read. We all have so many different interests, tastes, and books that tickle us differently, but a re-read says it all. 😀
I really liked you review thanks for the review, gonna read this book soon
Nora Roberts is so amazing!! I LOVE her earlier books, but haven’t read her newer books in a few years now!
I think I’ve read all of her books over the last 15 years, but there are some I don’t remember at all, others like this one I re-read again and again. If you ever want to pick up some of her more recent books, try Shelter in Place (2018), SO GOOD and timely. And I really enjoyed Under Currents (2019). I think The Search is from 2010, clearly I had time to re-read it multiple times over the years 😀
I think I’ve read almost all of her books prior to 2010. A lot of them I’ve re-read too! I’ll check the ones out that you listed 💗
Maybe once back home Corina you’ll get your dog? And honestly that makes me want to read her books!
I hope so, dog or cat, it would make for a great coming home present 😆
And I think you would enjoy this book, it has so many dogs in it, dog training, search & rescue dogs, dogs going to the vet – oh boy, I laugh about that scene every single times. Dogs that eat head rest, dogs that throw up in bed because they got into the dog food, dogs that roll in dead birds 😆, dogs that hate to be washed. You can see why it’s my favorites 😍
Aww, I love Simon and Jaws! 🙂
Those two are so ADORABLE!!!