Book Review: The Collector by Nora Roberts

The Collector
Author: Nora Roberts
Publication: Putnam Adult; First Edition first Printing edition (April 15, 2014)

Description: From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a novel of a woman who needs nothing, a man who sees everything, and the web of deceit, greed, and danger that brings them together—and could tear them apart . . .

When professional house-sitter Lila Emerson witnesses a murder/suicide from her current apartment-sitting job, life as she knows it takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, the woman with no permanent ties finds herself almost wishing for one. . . .

Artist Ashton Archer knows his brother isn't capable of violence—against himself or others. He recruits Lila, the only eyewitness, to help him uncover what happened. Ash longs to paint her as intensely as he hungers to touch her. But their investigation draws them into a rarified circle where priceless antiques are bought, sold, gambled away, and stolen, where what you possess is who you are, and where what you desire becomes a deadly obsession. . .

My Thoughts: THE COLLECTOR was an excellent, heart-pounding romantic suspense title. House-sitter and YA author Lila Emerson has a habit of watching people and telling herself stories about their lives. One evening, while watching the apartment building across the street, she witnesses a murder. Being a good citizen, she calls the police and reports what she saw and tells what she has seen in that window in the past.

She didn't see the killer but she tells the police all about the man she has seen in the window in the past. That man is the brother of Ashton Archer. The brother is also found dead in the apartment. Ash is sure that his brother didn't harm his girlfriend and recruits Lila to help him prove it.

Ash is an artist who is also part of a very wealthy and powerful family. He is the one the family turns to when a problem needs solving. He is decisive and managing which rubs wrong against Lila who is used to be the one doing the managing in her own independent, gypsy lifestyle.

The story works its way into the world of art and those who collect it. Ash's brother got his hands on a Faberge egg and got himself killed for it. Now, Ash has the egg and is determined to find and punish the ones who killed his brother. Meanwhile, the collector and his henchwoman assassin are trying to find the egg too and are more than willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

The relationship between Ash and Lila is one of two independent adults forging a relationship through compromise. Ash, being decisive, is the first to know that Lila is the woman he wants for life. Lila is less willing to jump into a relationship. She is more the type who wants a plan and a guarantee. Both characters are wonderfully drawn and likable people. Both also have best friends who happen to have been married to each other in the past and who are now forging their own relationship.

I loved this combination of romance and suspense. Nora Roberts has another hit!

Favorite Quote:

"Fictional people are people, too, otherwise why would we care what happens to them?"

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: The Collector by Nora Roberts

Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This week I am spotlighting The Collector by Nora Roberts. This one has been on my TBR pile for a while. Here is the description:

From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a novel of a woman who needs nothing, a man who sees everything, and the web of deceit, greed, and danger that brings them together—and could tear them apart . . .

When professional house-sitter Lila Emerson witnesses a murder/suicide from her current apartment-sitting job, life as she knows it takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, the woman with no permanent ties finds herself almost wishing for one. . . .

Artist Ashton Archer knows his brother isn’t capable of violence—against himself or others. He recruits Lila, the only eyewitness, to help him uncover what happened. Ash longs to paint her as intensely as he hungers to touch her. But their investigation draws them into a rarified circle where priceless antiques are bought, sold, gambled away, and stolen, where what you possess is who you are, and where what you desire becomes a deadly obsession. . .

Beginning:

She thought they'd never leave. Clients, especially new ones, tended to fuss and delay, revolving on the same loop of instructions, contacts, comments before finally heading out the door.

Friday 56:

She wondered if it would be slightly less awkward if he was pudgy and bald or twenty years older. Or anything that didn't hit every single one of her yum buttons.

Book Review: Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts

Shadow Spell
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy (Book 2)
Publication: Berkley (March 25, 2014)

Description: With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…

A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.

Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.

Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves…

My Thoughts: SHADOW SPELL is the middle book in the Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy and suffers from some middle book problems. Clearly, the ancient enemy can't be defeated, or what would be left for the final book? I did like the plotting and planning and spell work that was done in preparation for their next battle with Cabhan though.

The romance between Connor and Meara seemed to be inevitable. After all, they'd loved each other as friends since they were small children. It did take Meara being the focus of Cabhan in this story to make both of them realize that it was a lifetime love. Connor, because of his family background, was more open to love than Meara was.

The heart of the story, for me, was the relationship among the six main characters. Friendship, love, and support are characteristics of a Nora Roberts book and were amply evidenced in this story. I will be eager to read the next book because I want to know how they manage to defeat Cabhan and am eager to find out how Branna and Fin work out their considerable differences.

Favorite Quote:

"All it takes is a bit of tending, a stir, more fuel, and it'll burn day and night and night and day, give you light and warmth."

"You could forget to stir it, or run out of fuel."

Laughing, he nuzzled her neck. "Then you'd be careless, and shame on you for it. Love needs tending, is what I'm saying. It's some work to keep the light and the warmth, but why would you want to be cold in the dark?"

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Teaser Tuesday: Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:

When Connor woke earlier than he liked, he hadn't expected to meet an ancestor, or the greatest enemy of his blood. He certainly hadn't anticipated starting his day with an explosion of magicks that had all but knocked him off his feet.

But, in the main, he liked the unexpected.

This week my teaser comes from a book that has been on my TBR pile for a while. Shadow Spell: Book Two of the Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy by Nora Roberts. Here is the description:

With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…

A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.

Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.

Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves…

WoW: The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This is where we can post our links and see what books others are waiting for. It spotlights upcoming releases.

I can't wait for The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. This third and final book of the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy will be released on November 6. My copy has already been pre-ordered.

Here is the description:

A new novel of starting over and star-crossed love.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces you to the Montgomery brothers—Beckett, Ryder, and Owen—as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown.

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be—except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome—and embarrassing—appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him…

I love Nora Roberts' romances and can't wait to read this one.

Book Review: The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

The Last Boyfriend
Author: Nora Roberts
Publication: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (May 1, 2012)


Description: A new novel of a shared past, a fresh start, and a lifetime of love.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces you to the Montgomery brothers—Beckett, Ryder, and Owen—as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown.

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family’s construction business with an iron fist—and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn’t plan for was Avery McTavish...

Avery’s popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation—and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery’s thoughts. But the attraction she’s feeling for him now is far from innocent.

As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen’s hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected—and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last…

My Thoughts: This was another heart-warming romance from a master of the genre. Owen Montgomery and Avery McTavish have been friends since they were children. In fact, he was her first boyfriend since she told him they were going to get married when they grew up when she was only six. But over the years, while they had a solid friendship, there were no romantic sparks. 


While Avery is a wonderful friend, she has some issues about her ability to sustain a lasting relationship. After all, her mother abandoned her and her father to run off with another man when Avery was only thirteen. Avery is afraid that she might be like her faithless and selfish mother. Owen is the product of a strong and loving marriage who has always had the security of knowing that he was loved by both of his parents. 


Their personalities are rather different too. Avery can be impulsive and is a bit of a free spirit as evidenced by her ever changing hair color. Owen is an organized and sometimes anal list maker. He is the one who keeps everyone on schedule and handles the details for the family business he runs with his mother and two brothers.

When they suddenly start to see each other romantically both have to readjust their thinking. Neither one of them wants to mess up their friendship. It was great to see them fall in love and watch them work out their relationship.

Relationships are why I read Nora Roberts. She is such a wonderful writer of strong, loving families and caring, supportive friends. I would love to be a part of the great family circles she creates where all of the people love each other. The brothers tease and pick at each other but there is no question that they will do anything for each other. Their strong relationship with their mother is also amazing. And the friendship between Avery, Hope and Clare is a model for a perfect friendship.

I recommend this story for anyone who wants a feel-good romance. This is book two in a trilogy. You should look for THE NEXT ALWAYS to catch up and be watching for THE PERFECT HOPE to finish up the trilogy next November.

Favorite Quote:

The heat from the stove flushed pink in her cheeks, and amusement sparkled the blue of her eyes.

It occurred to him he'd seen her like this before, right here in his kitchen, lending a hand with a party, laughing with one or both of his brothers.

But he hadn't seen her exactly like this, as a woman he wanted. As a woman who wanted him.

Had that one kiss, unplanned, impulsive, really changed the tone and direction of who and what they were to each other? Or had there always been something there, just waiting for that switch to flip?

I bought this one because I love Nora. You can buy your copy here.

Teaser Tuesday: The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teaser comes from The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts. This is the second book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy which tells the story of the three Montgomery brothers - Beckett, Ryder, and Owen -- finding love while restoring an old bed-and-breakfast in their small town.


This episode concentrates on Owen and his budding relationship with Avery McTavish. They have know each other all of their lives. In fact, Avery proposed to him when she was six.

Teaser:

"They were engaged." Grinning now, Clare toasted Avery.

"What?" Hope's dark chocolate eyes rounded in shock. "When? Why didn't I know this? This is huge."

"We were kids. I think I was five--almost six. Our fathers were tight, so we had a lot of activities together. I had a crush on him."

"So she proposed to him--or more she announced they were going to get married when they grew up."

"Aw, that's so cute."

I just love Nora's books. No one writes strong loving families as well as she does. And, I love the way she writes friendships too.