The Search is still my all-time favorite novel by this author. 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!!

---

The Search – Nora Roberts

The Search 
by Nora Roberts

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 – 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 with this I-can-do-it-myself attitude but also has a good head on her shoulders.

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 quickly interesting. 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 that 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.

---

5 stars

FIND THIS BOOK ON GOODREADS AND AMAZON

The Search – Nora Roberts