The Search

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 rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare...

Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of the Red Scarf serial killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. But 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, however, is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and in-tensely private artist, known for the exquisite furniture he creates from wood. 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 his hormones.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and 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...

Having finished reading The Search by Nora Roberts I couldn't resist doing my happy dance. After reading her last couple of romantic suspense I didn't have high expectations on this one. But boy was I ever surprised! I loved it!

The setting was spectacular. There's something about the Pacific Northwest that has an appealing quality for me. Throw in a island, a few dogs and someone that is handy with his hands and I'm a goner. Ok, the heroine, Fiona wasn't bad either. Courageous, outspoken and independent. What's not to love? Fiona and Simon's relationship was unique, it was a nice change to "the normal" relationship portrayal that I've been reading lately. But the scene stealer's were the dogs, they were wonderful and entertaining. lol

Even the killer, excuse me... killers were both very interesting in a creepy sort of way. Their reasoning and thought process had me gripping the sides of the couch and at times even taking brakes from reading.

The Search by Nora Roberts (4.5/5) Romantic Suspense; Published: Putnam Adult (7/2010); Books 2011 (12);