Best Nora Roberts Books: 28 Must Read Titles

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 225 novels with a career spanning over 40 years. With so many books to choose from it can be hard to know where to begin! Hopefully we can get you off to a good start with some of the following picks. So check this listing of the best Nora Roberts books!

You can also check out our list of Nora Roberts new releases for 2022.

Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]

Best Nora Roberts Books

Hideaway – Nora Roberts

Caitlyn Sullivan is nine years old when a game of Hide and Seek at a family party changes her life forever. She has been running away from her trauma, but if she wants to thrive she must return home to face her past.

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The Next Always

Book 1 in the The Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy.

The historic hotel in BoonsBoro has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother… and they are uncovering secrets from the hotel’s past. In The Next Always, Beckett is the architect of the family, but there’s another project that he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been in love with since fifteen.

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Northern Lights

As a Baltimore cop, Nate Burke watched his partner die on the street—and the guilt still haunts him. He accepted the job as Chief of Police in a tiny, remote Alaskan town with the hopes of starting over. An unexpected affair with pilot Meg Galloway warms his nights. But other things in Lunacy are heating up. Nate suspects the killer in an unsolved murder still walks the snowy streets. His investigation will unearth the secrets and suspicions that lurk beneath the placid surface, as well as bring out the big-city survival instincts that made him a cop in the first place.

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Legacy

Adrian Rizzo was seven when she met her father for the first time. That was the day he nearly killed her—before her mother, Lina, stepped in. Soon after, Adrian was dropped off at her grandparents’ house in Maryland, where she spent a long summer.

A decade later Lina dismisses the death threats that Adrian starts getting as a routine part of her daughter’s growing celebrity. Year after year, they keep arriving—the postmarks changing, but the menacing tone the same. They continue after she returns to Maryland and becomes reacquainted with Raylan, her childhood crush, all grown up and as gorgeously green-eyed as ever. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…

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Jewels Of The Sun

Book 1 in the The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy

Aiden Gallagher returns home after a few years of traveling at the same time that Jude Murray flees America for Ireland. Upon meeting, Jude stirs his blood and he shares the legends of the lands with her and they begin a passionate relationship.

“Roberts, a storytelling wizard, is at her best here, creating a fantastic setting for the continuing romantic tales of the Gallaghers.”Publishers Weekly

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Born In Fire

Book 1 in the Irish Born Trilogy

Passions are about to flare for the Concannon sisters.

Margaret Mary is an opinionated glass artist with a violent temper, but when she sees Rogan Sweeney, a gallery owner, he vows to help build her career. But every time she looks at Rogan, all she can think about is her attraction to him.

Best Nora Roberts Books

Vision In White

Book 1 in the Bride Quartet Series

In the midst of battling bridezillas, wedding photographer Mackensie Elliot trips into the brides brother, Carter Maguire.  Mac sees Carter as the perfect distraction from her work and has what she expects to be a one-time thing. What started off as a fling, may become more.

“Thoroughly charming…a compelling celebration of the power of friendship and love.”—Booklist

Best Nora Roberts Books

Blue Dahlia

Book 1 in The Garden Trilogy

Undeniably Sexy.

In attempt to find a new beginning, Stella Rothchild starts work in  the garden nursery at Harper House where she meets the unforgettable Logan Kitridge. Will Logan’s love be able to fix Stella?

“Roberts, the queen of romance, launches a new trilogy with a captivating tale in which her considerable talents at creating richly compelling characters and witty, spellbinding stories come into full bloom in a paranormal-tinged romance.”—Booklist

Best Nora Roberts Books

Dance Upon The Air

Book 1 in The Three Sisters Trilogy

After seeking refuge from her abusive ex on Three Sisters  Islands, Nell Channing leads a simple life as a cook at the local bookstore café. That is until she meets Zack Todd, the island sheriff, who   threatens to cause her to slip up about why she’s really there.  Will the town really be the fresh start she’s looking for?

“It’s probably witchcraft that Roberts can turn out so many books and still create something that’s sexy and charming, but in this tale, it’s evident that she hasn’t lost her fairy touch.”—Publishers Weekly

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Sea Swept

Book 1 in the Chesapeake Bay Saga

After living a carefree life Cameron Quinn is called home to take care of his adopted younger brother, Seth, a troublesome lad, much like Cameron in his younger days.

The brothers battle to get along until a tough but beautiful social worker named Anna becomes involved. She alone has the power to bring the Quinns together – or tear them apart . . .

“A book that just drips with guyness…Sea Swept proves that Nora Roberts is very good at writing true-to-life male characters.”—All About Romance

nora roberts the awakening

The Awakening

Book 1 of the The Dragon Heart Legacy

When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars. Now with her newfound fortune she travels to Ireland. Here, she will begin to understand where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny…

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The Liar

This is a standalone title.

Secrets. Lies. Hidden Identities.

Shelby Foxworth is running from the secrets of her past but instead runs into Griff Lott. She didn’t  think she could fall in love  again after her husband’s untimely death, but Griff inches into her heart day-by-day.

“Superlative writing and character development with plenty of down-hme Tennessee charm. Riveting.”—Library Journal

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Dark Witch

The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy Book 1

Cowboy. Pirate. Wild tribal horseman.

Everything Iona Sheehan has ever dreamt about all wrapped up in one single man; Boyle McGrath. This tale is full of magic, love, and a promise of hope.

“Magical, romantic, compelling and appealing—Roberts at her best.”—Kirkus Reviews

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Taming Natasha

Book 1 in the Stanislaski series

Composer Spencer Kimball and his young daughter are new to town. It’s a small community, and in such close quarters beauty is hard to miss — and when he sets eyes on Natasha Stanislaski, he’s thunderstruck by the intensity of his attraction. The former ballet dancer turned toy shop owner has a fiery temperament that draws Spencer like a moth to the flame.

However, he isn’t sure if Natasha would be interested in a single father. Sensing a hidden wound, Spencer and his little girl join forces to find a way into Natasha’s closely guarded heart. He’ll do whatever it takes to tame Natasha’s fears…and show her how to love.

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Blood Magick

Book 3 in the The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy

Branna thought she found love once with Finbar, but their bond is forbidden. The love they share threatens the world in which they live in. They say love conquers all, but can love save Branna and Fin?

“There is a kind of poetry to the writing in this Nora Roberts story…[that] captures your imagination and finds a home in your heart.”–“Fresh Fiction

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Sacred Sins

Book 1 of 2 in The Sacred Sins Series

With a serial killer on the loose Dr. Tess Court, one of the capital’s most successful psychiatrists, wants nothing to do with the case—until the police convince her to lend a hand. The lead investigator of the case Ben Paris doesn’t have much time for psychiatrists but the forces of animal magnetism and a shared desire to catch the demented criminal known as “The Priest” inexorably erode the walls they’ve built.

Tess has all the spunk and determination of a typical Roberts heroine with a great wardrobe and elegant tastes to boot. Though the killer’s motivations remain somewhat simple, he is convincingly creepy, and this thriller will satisfy loyal fans and new readers alike. –Nancy R.E. O’Brien

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Captivated

The Donovan Legacy Book 1

His interest in her was purely professional…or so he told himself. Nash Kirkland had sought out Morgana Donovan, self-proclaimed witch, to help him research his latest screenplay. The hardheaded skeptic didn’t believe for a minute she was what she professed to be, but Nash somehow found himself falling under her bewitching spell. Nash had never trusted his feelings. How could he be sure the irresistible passion he felt was real and not just some conjurer’s trick? 

Captivated can be read as a spellbinding standalone novel. It is also the first book in The Donovan Legacy, which features cousins Morgana, Sebastian, Anastasia and Liam.

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Second Nature

Book 1 in the Celebrity Magazine Series

For celebrity magazine reporter Lee Radcliffe getting an interview with the reclusive horror writer Hunter Brown has become a personal quest.

Digging into private lives is her business, but now Hunter has turned the tables. He will only give the interview if Lee agrees to go on a camping trip. Lee knows that it will take more than just good interviewing skills to get her an exclusive one-on-one. But after spending some time alone with the seductively mysterious author, Lee discovers the only thing she wants exclusively is Hunter.

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Blood Brothers

Book 1 in the Sign of Seven Trilogy

Every seven years, Caleb Hawkins’ home town succumbs to a terrible curse. Terrible, unspeakable crimes take place – a collective madness that has given Hawkins Hollow the reputation of a village possessed.

It’s this modern-day legend that draws reporter Quinn Black to the town. Caleb has agreed to talk to her. But the seventh year has come around once more, and both Caleb and Quinn have already seen the danger signs.

“The eternal struggle against evil plays out in the launch book of Roberts’ new trilogy, The Sign of Seven. As in previous series, three couples over the course of three books must face their darkest fears. This is creepy and eerie fun!”—RT Book Reviews 

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Untamed

A standalone book

Imagine discovering passion for the very first time . . . with your exasperating and irresistible boss. 

Glamorous lion tamer Jovilette Wilder knows all about taming wild beasts, but she might have met her match with Keane Prescott. When Keane inherits the circus unexpectedly from his estranged father, he soon comes to blows with Jo, who is as fierce as a lioness when cornered.

Yet behind Jo’s sharp temper is a soft heart, yearning to be tamed by true love. Can Keane convince her he’s not a threat, but her one chance for real happiness ?

best nora roberts books

Summer Desserts

Book 1 of 2 in the Great Chefs series

When love-resistant dessert chef Summer Lyndon develops a taste for her delectable boss, Blake Cocharan, her legendary willpower is put to the ultimate test. 

Decadent dessert designer Summer Lyndon is celebrated around the world for sharing her creations with the wealthy and celebrity sets. So she is intrigued when Blake Cocharan—a respected chef renowned for his cordon bleu—taps her to spend the summer in the restaurant of his luxury Philadelphia hotel to give his menu a makeover. Taking a break from her travels will be just as challenging at developing delectable cuisines, but Summer never expected working so closely with Blake would mean losing her heart to him.

best nora roberts books

Hot Rocks

A standalone book

Antiques dealer Laine Tavish is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. At least, that’s what everyone in the small town of Angel’s Gap, Maryland, thinks. They have no idea that she used to be Elaine O’Hara, the daughter of a notorious con man…

Laine’s past catches up with her when one of Big Jack’s associates turns up in her shop with a cryptic warning and is then run down in the street. Now the next target of a ruthless killer, Laine teams up with sexy PI Max Gannon to find out who’s chasing her, and why. The anwer lies in a hidden fortune that will change Laine’s life forever…

“A perfect marriage of sensuality and suspense…A true master of her craft, Roberts has penned an exceptional tale.”—Publishers Weekly

best nora roberts books

Night Shift

Book 1 in the Night Tales Series

Late-night radio DJ Cilla O’Roarke loves the night. She also knows how to take care of herself – and never lets down her guard. But when a caller to the station leaves a series of increasingly sinister threats, Cilla is forced to accept police protection – despite huge misgivings.

It doesn’t help that Detective Boyd Fletcher has been assigned her full-time bodyguard. Okay, so he’s handsome and capable, but he’s also absolutely infuriating – and determined to watch over Cilla every second of the day and night. And all the while, a killer waits in the darkness…

best nora roberts books

Lawless

Book 1 in the Jack’s History Series

In Nora Roberts’ novel Loving Jack, author Jackie ‘Jack’ MacNamara finds love while writing a historical romance set in Arizona in the late 1800s. This is her story…

Half-Apache Jake Redman is as untamed as the rugged land he calls home. Living by his own code, the gunslinger has little tolerance for rules and regulations – especially the kind that Sarah Conway lives by. Her talents for entertaining and social niceties have little worth in the Old West. But the Eastern beauty has the heart of a pioneer under her ladylike demeanour. It’s a combination that could prove lethal to Jake…

best nora roberts books

Daring To Dream

Book 1 in the Dream Trilogy

Raised together, Kate, Margo, and Laura are as close as real sisters, despite their differing backgrounds. Margo has achieved fame and success far away from home, but her world comes crashing down when the man she thought she loved loses all her money and involves her in an international scandal.

Devastated and broke, Margo has no choice but to return home to try to rebuild her life. Laura’s older brother, Josh, has been in love with Margo for years. He’s always disapproved of her lifestyle, but her unexpected return heats up the long dormant passion between them. But is Margo just on the rebound, or could she really be falling for Josh?

“Daring to Dream is a trademark Nora Roberts book—well-written, entertaining, sexy and full of witty dialogue.”—The Romance Reader

nora roberts books 2022: nightwork

Nightwork

Standalone Title

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces an unforgettable thief in a new novel of suspense, greed, love, and survival…

Harry Booth started stealing at nine to keep a roof over his ailing mother’s head, slipping into luxurious, empty homes at night to find things he could trade for cash. When his mother finally succumbed to cancer, he left Chicago but kept up his nightwork. He dons new identities and stays careful, observant, and distant. But he can’t help letting his guard down when he meets Miranda Emerson.

Coming In 2023!

Here are all the books that Nora Roberts will be releasing in 2023:

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Identity

Release Date: May 23 2023

The Sunday Times bestselling author’s terrifying new thriller about one man’s ice-cold malice, and one woman’s quest to reclaim her life.

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighbourhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan’s job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party–attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who’d been chatting her up at the bar–her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. “Luke” is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn’t his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan’s nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother’s home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn’t flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn’t forgotten the one who got away.

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Inheritance

Release Date: November 21 2023

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease—and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

Honorable Mention:

best nora roberts books

Naked In Death – JD Robb

Book 1 in the In Death series

We couldn’t end this list without including a mention to the In Death series written by Nora Roberts under the pen name JD Robb.  The first book in the series introduces us to New York Police Detective Eve Dallas and Roarke, the dashing businessman with a shadowy past who finds Dallas enormously intriguing.  And as try as hard as she might Eve will find it difficult to resist the irresistible Roarke’s persistent advances.

“Eve, Roarke and the rest of the cast will enchant you, and the murder plots will enthrall you.”—The State (Columbia, S.C.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered Nora Roberts best book?

There are so many to choose from but the following books are considered to be some of Nora Roberts best books:

  1. Vision In White
  2. Blue Dahlia
  3. Dance Upon The Air
  4. Black Hills
  5. Jewels of The Sun
  6. Hideaway
  7. Born In Fire
  8. Dark Witch
  9. Legacy
  10. Night Shift

What Nora Roberts book should I read first?

The following are good entry points for Nora Roberts books to read first:

  1. Black Hills (Standalone)
  2. Year One (Book 1 Year One Series)
  3. The Awakening (Book 1 Dragon Heart Legacy)
  4. Vision In White (Book 1 The Bride Quartet)
  5. Hideaway (Standalone)
  6. Legacy (Standalone)
  7. The Next Always (Book 1 The Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy)
  8. Midnight Bayou (Standalone)
  9. Blue Dahlia (Book 1 The Garden Trilogy)
  10. Dark Witch (Book 1 The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy)

Are all Nora Roberts books the same?

No! Nora Roberts explores a lot of different genres in all of her books. She may have been dubbed the Queen of Romance, but she can do a lot more than just that. Nora Roberts books can also have mystery and thriller elements. With the Year One series she has also dipped into a post-apocalyptic genre and her newest series, The Dragon Heart Legacy is fantasy romance.

What author should I read if I like Nora Roberts?

If you like to read Nora Roberts then the following are authors that you should also like:

  1. J.D. Robb
  2. Sandra Brown
  3. Debbie Macomber
  4. Catherine Coulter
  5. Linda Howard
  6. Susan Mallery
  7. Mary Higgins Clark
  8. Heather Graham
  9. Janet Evanovich
  10. Barbara Delinsky
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