Format Read: hardcover
Source: library
Release Date: April 15, 2014
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Blurb from goodreads:
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. . . .
Bea's Thoughts:
I've been a fan of Nora Roberts for years. I love her blend of romance and mystery, her strong women and believable men. She's not in my budget these days but that's what the library is for. :) This book also appealed because I occasionally do house-sitting, though none have been as fancy as the houses Lila stays in.
Lila is a a novelist and a professional house-sitter with no permanent home. She's used to traveling around a lot as a she was an military brat and she enjoys roaming. She's proud, resourceful, independent, stubborn, and a wee bit controlling. As is Ash. Ash is a successful painter, comes from a wealthy and complicated family, is used to getting his own way, is controlling, used to being in charge of his extended family, and he likes to take care of people he cares about. That is difficult for Lila to accept and they butt heads numerous times. While I liked Ash, his controlling tendencies and his unwillingness to bend were irritating. Lila did the majority of the bending and he got his way most of the time. That didn't sit well with me. I also found I'm getting a bit tired of her stories almost always having a rich character. I want more stories with ordinary people. She's certainly talented enough to come up with engaging premises and interesting characters who are not rich or powerful; she's done it before.
Also troublesome was how accommodating the police were and that they would be careless about letting the witness to the murder-suicide and the brother of the murderer meet they way they did and the villainess was not especially bright. I loved reading about the Faberge` eggs and her descriptions of Italy had me practically drooling. I so want to go visit.
Despite my complaints, I enjoyed this book. I liked Lila and Ash, despite their faults, and loved the family interactions, the peeks into house-sitting, the adorable dog Earl Grey, the slow building romance, the snarky humor, the vivid descriptions of Ash's paintings, the secondary characters, etc. While parts of the story were predictable, it held my attention and kept me reading to find out more. I knew there'd be a happy ending and I knew the villains wouldn't go quietly but I wanted to see how Roberts did it. Roberts' knack for description really shone in this book and compensated for some of the shortcomings in plausibility and characterizaion. "The Collector" is good, solid romantic suspense.
I'm a fan of Nora Roberts, but haven't read this book yet. I've got so many of her series waiting for me and can't wait to read them. Very helpful review!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it was helpful. :)
DeleteIt's been a very long time since I've read Nora Roberts. I used to love her books, but just kind of got away from them when I started reviewing and reading more of the cozy mystery genre than anything else. This sounds good, though. I will check and see if I can get it from my library.
ReplyDeleteI read her in spurts; she's a comfort food read for me.
DeleteI just got this one from the library and am looking forward to it. I like the twist on Rear Window and the whole professional house sitter. Like you said Roberts is comfort food reading but I've found her last couple of books have been just a little shy of making the favorites list. Sounds like this one misses that mark a little too but Roberts is always a fun read! Thanks for the review! Now I'm definitely looking forward to reading it though I'll be prepared to suspend belief a few times!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Rear Window but from what I know of it, the book is inspired by and not based on. I enjoyed this one but it's not one of my faves by her.
DeleteNora's books always sound good to me but I can never get into them. I don't know why. I think maybe because I found the JD Robb ones first and expect the same voice almost? Gotta break myself of that because dang you and like 4 other bloggers I follow all love em.
ReplyDeleteThis one actually had a very strong In Death feel to it, especially the relationship between Lila and Ash.
DeleteI liked this book as well. I know that a Nora Roberts book is going to have a happy ending and the dialogue is always fabulous. Lila may have been the one doing more bending, but I liked the fact that when push came to shove, Lila saved herself. What did you think of the secondary romance, her friend and his friend reconnecting after all those years?
ReplyDeleteYes, I loved that Lila saved herself. She can take care of herself, thank you. :) The secondary romance was cute and more important, I actually believed it. Most second chance romances as fake to me but this one I believed.
DeleteNora Roberts can be hit-or-miss for me, but this is one I plan to read. I do know what you mean about the rich characters, though, and I'm a little wary of the controlling-guy thing. Still, I'm looking forward to it; Roberts is almost always entertaining. But I'll be waiting a loooong while: as of today I am still only 128 in line at the library (which has 28 copies. Yeah. It'll be a while.)
ReplyDeleteYowch, that's a long wait. I enjoyed this one, it just isn't going to be a favorite.
DeleteI have this one on Sparky and can't wait to dive in. The man's controlling nature would irritate me, too, but it sounds like the book has enough going for it for me to overlook the irritation...LOL.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I am anxious to start this, not thrilled about Ash, but at least I have been warned and can prepare to eye roll..LOL
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Nora Roberts for a long time. The last time was memorable though : a ghost taking hold of people's body so that a man was experiencing a dead woman giving birth ! Hilarious ! I should give her another try, sometime :)
ReplyDelete