Release date: May 26, 2026
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Narrator: January LaVoy
Synopsis:
A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire―and rage―in the gripping new thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.
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?
Review:
Nora Roberts continues to prove exactly why she’s considered a legend in with The Final Target. The combination of her polished storytelling and January LaVoy’s phenomenal narration made this audiobook impossible to stop listening to. January brought so much life and emotional depth to Arden, capturing everything from her dry humor and intelligence to her fear, resilience, and vulnerability after the trauma she experiences. Together, Roberts and LaVoy are such a powerhouse duo, and hearing them team up again felt like a masterclass in storytelling and performance.
What really worked for me was how character driven the story felt despite the constant tension simmering underneath the surface. Arden was exactly the kind of heroine I love following, she’s smart, sharp, witty, and endlessly compelling. I also loved that she’s an author because the behind the scenes glimpses into her writing process and career were fascinating to me as a reader. Roberts makes Arden feel incredibly grounded and real, which only heightens the suspense once Dustin’s obsession spirals into something deeply disturbing. Getting inside his head was genuinely chilling at times; he’s unhinged in the most unsettling way, and the psychological elements added such an eerie layer to the story.
The suspense itself is tense, creepy, and dangerous throughout, but the romance balances everything beautifully. Gideon brought warmth and steadiness to Arden’s life without overshadowing her own growth and healing journey. Between the strong character work, gripping suspense, unsettling villain, and immersive narration, this ended up being another fantastic read from one of the absolute queens of the genre.
Overall rating: 5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 