Quick Thoughts: The Collector by Nora Roberts

The Collector

by Nora Roberts

April 15, 2014

483 pages

Goodreads Summary:

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. . . . 

Review

Deciding to buddy read with a friend prompted me to finally pick up The Collector. It features an interesting story with easy dialogues and likable characters.

What I Liked:

- the character names (especially Lila, Ashton, Kaylee and Rylee)

- learning a bit of Russian history

- Lila made me laugh out loud with her handiness

- Ashton's paintings sound beautiful

- the enticing (sexual) tension between Lila and Ashton

- supportive and trustworthy friends

- the side story with Julie and Luke was touching

- the mystery was intriguing and not too complicated

- the sketchy yet present familial bonds

The Not So Much:

- the relationship progressed way fast

- the easy and hasty resolution

- the whole timeline moved very quickly making it a bit unbelievable

"Sometimes tying yourself to someone else's life, managing those details together, is the answer. It's another kind of adventure." (p. 303)

"...Tendencies  toward risk taking aren't necessarily reckless. And tendencies to take care of details aren't necessarily controlling." (p. 319)

"A man can own with ignorance, but can't possess without knowledge." (p. 449)