The Collector by Nora Roberts

October 20th, 2014 Kimberly Review 80 Comments

20th Oct
The Collector by Nora Roberts
The Collector
by Nora Roberts
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

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. . . .

I adore Nora Roberts novels from her books filled with paranormal woo-woo to her romantic suspense and everything in-between. Honestly, I think I have read every one of her books since I was a teen. While they are not always, my favorite books I can whole-heartedly claim I enjoyed them all. The Collector for me was exceptional, with its interesting, quirky heroine to the suspense-filled tale that had me flipping the pages and losing track of reality.

Five Reasons to Grab a chocolate flavored coffee and nestle down with The Collector:

1. Lila Emerson- House sitter extraordinaire, young adult-paranormal writer and female MacGyver. I adored Lila and found her lifestyle fascinating. If my husband ever passes before me, I have decided I want to be a house sitter and go all over the world taking care of family pets, plants and homes for the wealthy. Have laptop will travel. Lila was quirky, quick-witted and for a petite little thing she is a total kick-ass.

2. Artist Austin Archer is a worthy hero. While his father is alive, he is the unspoken head of the family to a misfit group of siblings and extended family. He is a very talented artist and the descriptions alone of his work made me want to own them. Ash is an enterprising person, a problem solver and protects those in his circle.

3. The romance – We get two, Lila’s and a second chance romance for her best friend and a yummy baker who could bake scones for me any day. The relationship built slowly, with moments of heat, laughter and compromises that made me giggle, swoon and I genuinely want them to find their happy.

4. The murder mystery and quest were intense and took us from the city to Florence. Rare Russian antiques, history, and ruthless collectors made for some intense scenes. Roberts is superb at creating a believable story, and the flow was beautifully paced and balanced between the romances.

5. The villains- Roberts’ villain is powerful and employs ruthless agents to broker his deals and handle the dirty work that includes murder, bloody interrogations and unlimited wealth at their disposal. Jai is a ruthless, bloodthirsty agent, and her methods are chilling making her role in the story as important as our hero and heroine.

The Collector was an intense romantic suspense that encompassed all the elements that I have come to love in this genre. It is an excellent addition to Roberts collection and one that stands out among the others.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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80 Responses to “The Collector by Nora Roberts”

  1. Kim

    Great review! I love love love Nora Roberts, and I’ve been saving The Collector for awhile now. (Mostly because the premise didn’t interest me as much as the Dark Witch trilogy.) Now that I’m done with the trilogy, I’ll probs be picking this up soon. Your review totally pumped up my excitement for the book! So yay!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Kim I had so much fun reading the Dark Witch trilogy and devoured Finn’s story. My review is slated for Mid-December. Now is the time to dust this one off and read it..she has a new release in January..squee. *yeah I might be a fan*

  2. Lorna

    I am a fan of her J.D.Robb books in particular, but read a lot of her others as well-not as many as you I am sure 🙂 And I agree, she sure does write a lot of books! Thanks for the great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love her J.D, Robb’ series and I am actually behind. I lost track of the last book I read in the series and need to go skim a few to figure it out..LOL

  3. Lark

    You’ve listed pretty much everything that had me enjoying this book, too! I loved Lila (female MacGyver – great description!), and I liked Ash despite his dictorial tendencies (which did irritate me.) And yes, I loved that second-chance side romance, too. My review goes up on the 27th!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah sometimes he gave me the twitchy eye..but overall I adored it

  5. PurpleBook

    I read some of her books long time ago and enjoyed them. I’ll definitely give this one try, thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I love Robb too, although I am behind. I lost track of where I was and need to thumb through a few to see where I am. *headdesk*

  7. Ginny

    I’m just like you. I think I’ve read all of Nora’s books and have never disliked one of them. Well….except for Divine Evil that one was a little to graphic and gave me the jeebie heebies with is satanic cults and sacrifices. I read some mixed reviews on The Collector so I keep putting off reading it. Now that I know you enjoyed it I will move it up on my tbr list. I do love my Nora books.

  8. Melliane

    It’s been a while since I read a Roberts book but I really liked the ones I tried and I have like 40 books to read or 30 in my TBR pile, so I have some lol.

  10. A Belle's Tales

    It’s been so long since I read a Nora Roberts book, but I am definitely in the mood for some romantic suspense. This is going straight on my wish list, my friend! Thank you for sharing this awesome review!

  11. Bea

    You enjoyed it more than I did. Archer got on my nerves with how controlling he was and the police weren’t terribly believable. I enjoyed the book overall but not a favorite for me.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe, hmm Archer didn’t bother me then again I am not easily controlled. LOL

  12. Braine Talk Supe

    Gosh Nora Roberts has been writing FOREVER and it’s so awesome that she’s still writing these relevant novels. Amazeballs! I’ve only read her Circle something trilogy and loved it, I want to try her witch thing-y series next and of course this.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      She is one of the authors where you know you will slip right into the story 🙂 I’ve read almost all of her works

  14. Genesis Reyes

    Nora Roberts is the first Adult author I read about in my early teens (first series was In The Garden series). I enjoyed her stories. I have read a lot of them and still have a lot more to go. Her paranormal stories are once I always look forward to as well as the suspense stories. She really knows how to keep my on edge while reading.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Me too Genesis. I borrowed them from my Mom’s bookshelf. I have read almost everything she has written in her name. I am behind on Dobbs books. I too like her paranormal ones the best.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have been saying that for years, thanks to a podcast I listen to with Kat Richardson (author of the Greywalker series) She said her books were mysteries with a little paranormal woo-woo and I just loved it.

  17. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Do we need a reason for chocolate flavored coffee? 🙂

    Darn! I have a few books by her on my tbr and I need to get to them. Looks like you may have put another one on my wishlist. I love a “good” villain!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      She was one of the first adult authors I read, along with King.

  19. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I really loved The Collector, too! Lila’s lifestyle does sound so appealing…no worries about having to “purge” her stuff…LOL. Something I have been working on at my home. When you live somewhere a few years, there is a tendency to collect things.

    Love a good romantic suspense, and nobody does it better than Nora.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The only thing I would worry about is my library..but then I guess I would have my Nook..and I would trade a library to read in Paris. 🙂

  20. Lily B

    BAH I have not yet read any book by Nora Roberts >:( I know I know.. but every time I sit down with one something else comes up lol that being said. Lila sounds like she has an exciting life 😀

  22. Stephanie Faris

    I’m envious of Nora Roberts’ success. I’m convinced I’m as prolific as she is, just apparently not as talented, since I can’t get anyone to publish that much from me!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      She does have a way about her. The thing I love is that she writes in different genres and I am a very eclectic reader. I envy her and Jayne Anne Krentz whose books I devour like crack.

  24. Anna G

    Great review! Hmm, I’ve never read a Nora Roberts book, but I’ve really been meaning to.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Anna. I have authors like that on a list too like Stephanie Perkins and recently Ilona Andrews (which I finally read and love).

      • Anna G

        Ohh! Ilona Andrews is one of my favorites! She’s so unique, and I just love her sarcasm and wit. 🙂

  25. Asheley (

    HII!! You know, I’ve just completed my first series by Nora Roberts – the Boonsboro Inn Trilogy! I loved it. I listened to the audiobooks (read by MacLeod Andrews, which honestly was the reason I picked up the books) and followed along with the print copies. I have to admit that I LOVED THESE STORIES. The romances were so fun and the little paranormal weave that was tied in made it really neat! I’ve considered reading more Nora Roberts, but she has so many books that it is a little overwhelming – I need to examine her backlist to see where to begin. But yeah, I’m new to this author and definitely intend to read more. Thanks for sharing this one! I hadn’t seen it out and about yet.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I loved the Boonsboro trilogy. I love when Nora weaves in a little paranormal woo-woo. Her trilogies are by far my favorites.

  26. Kay

    Why haven’t I read this yet? lol I too love me some Nora Roberts even if her books due tend to read as formulaic after a while. Either way, I’m glad this one was good. I usually like her romantic suspense the best. I can’t wait for Blood Magick to come out next week. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have Blood Magick pre-ordered and cannot wait. As for formulaic, I see it but like my favorite music it feels good and comfortable. I always know I will enjoy it.

  28. Lupdilup

    I never had much luck with Nora Robert’s books until I listened to The Witness, I LOVED that one, and I think this is going to be another winner for me too.
    Thanks for the great review, I don’t think I’d would have taken a closer look at this one without your review, and might have missed a great listen.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have heard her audios are excellent. These are nice since they are standalone. 🙂

  29. Debbie Haupt

    Love Nora, love second chance romances and always love your posts. Thanks Kimba this one is a definite MUST READ for me now!

  30. Nick

    This sounds like a lot of fun, Kim and I looove that the main character is a kick-ass girl who writes YA paranormal books! I already love her and the romance from your review. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Nick. I enjoy her books immensely and this had so many elements to love

  31. Carmel

    I always get a little thrill whenever an author includes a bookish element in their story, and a YA paranormal writer protagonist certainly fits the bill. I do so love Roberts’ murder mysteries, and her villains never disappoint. And, I’m with you Kimberly, world-travelling house sitter widow for the win!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do the same Carmel, and would love her job. You could read all the time in beautiful places.

  32. Donna C

    I must admit I’ve never read anything by Roberts. I have always thought her books would not appeal to me (I have no idea where I got that from), but this sounds fantastic! I too would love to house sit 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Her standalone suspense is good. I love that she writes so many different genres.

  33. Sarah

    Another Nora Roberts book? WOOHOO! When I first got into adult romance books (long before I probably should have), she was the first author I turned to. I’ve probably read all of her books, and I’m always on the look out for more! Thanks for reviewing this one, I didn’t know it was out. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Sarah. I think she has another coming out very soon.

  34. Jan

    This does sound good, Kimba! The house sitting aspect is intriguing, too. Good review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I want that job Jan. I could read, stroll around new areas, sip coffee in Paris, San Francisco etc.

  35. kindlemom1

    For some reason while I love her romances, her paranormal romances are always my favorite. I think I have this, I need to read it!

  37. Kathryn

    I loved this one too, when I saw that you had a review of it coming out, I was interested to see how you saw it. Yes I think house sitting would have its advantages and you could get to see many parts of the world close up. Kick-ass review!

    • Christy

      Some of your review didn’t transfer over to GR. It only shows the 5 reasons, minus your intro and ending.

      • kimbacaffeinate

        That is correct. I leave out parts on Goodreads. Thanks though. With the UBB plugin you choose what posts there. It can be totally different.