"The Obsession" by Nora Roberts

By now it should be clear that I salivate every time Miz Roberts publishes a new book.  I find her writing style relaxing and her attention to detail and characters hit all the right buttons to transport me to my happy place.  So when she releases her new stand alone novel I stalked the library until I could get my hands on a copy.

Summary:  Naomi wakes one stormy night before her birthday to see her father walking into the woods.  To find some relief from the oppressive summer heat - and maybe sneak a peek at her birthday present - Naomi follows her father into the woods.  After waiting for her father to leave the hidden cellar in the ground, she opens the doors hoping to see a new bike or puppy only to find a horror so unspeakable she can't breathe.  Instead of her hoped for birthday gift, she sees a woman bound and bleeding.  And proof that there had been more before her.  Naomi is faced with a choice that will tear her family apart and impact her future for years to come.

My Thoughts:  I love Miz Roberts and this book was satisfying on so many levels its hard for me to put my thoughts into words.

Nora Roberts' books are epic, her fans legion and with the mastery of her craft comes the ability to touch on topics that may be taboo, or at least left seen as risky, in the traditional romance industry.  And Nora takes those chances and runs with them.

For example, "The Obsession" focuses heavily on Naomi's life growing up as the daughter of a serial killer.  We spend time with Naomi as a child and teenager, learning how her father's legacy and media aftermath lead to trust issues and a brokenness that play a part in making Naomi who she is.  Someone who moves around a lot, trusts a little and can't quite find her place in the world.  Normally the focus of romance is on, well, the romance, but Roberts take's the story beyond the expected in a way that works and adds to the depth of the main character.

Despite her legacy, Naomi has a lot going for her.  She has a solid brother, fabulous Uncles that love her unconditionally (and big points to Miz Roberts for giving Naomi gay uncles) and a job as a freelance photographer that allows her to travel, be her own boss, and follow her passions.  She finds a run-down house that calls to her heart and decides to take a chance to set down roots as she rehabs the property.  (And let me tell you....rehabbing houses is Tami catnip.  I could read about that and nothing else and be happy.)  While working on the house, Naomi finds a place to set down her roots and starts to find love with local hottie mechanic Xander.  Naomi begins to define herself and her future outside of her past, a huge theme in Robert's books.

And then a copy cat serial killer appears and it all goes to hell in a deliciously creepy and terrifying way.

Rating:  This one will go into my Nora Roberts regular rotation.  It was that good.

Reviewed By:  Tami

Also Read by this Author:  I've read almost all of Roberts' catalog, which you can find at her website.  You can check my other reviews on Robert's books by searching for Nora Roberts in the quick search on the right hand side of the page, or by clicking individual links here:  Shadow Spell   |   Dark Witch   |   Thankless in Death   |   Concealed in Death  |  The Collector  |  Blood Magick  |  Blue Dahilia  |  The Liar  |  Dance Upon the Air

Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts

I didn't always read only Nora Roberts...but it sure seems like it now.  Ever since my son was born last August, I've been drawn to books that are quick reads, are easy to pick up and put down (repeatedly) and have happy endings.  So Ms. Roberts is a natural choice.  I'm sure the variety of books I read will pick up some day, when I spend less time changing diapers and more time on myself.

Image via Barnes & Noble

Summary:  Stella is a single mother of two active and adorable boys.  After the tragic and unexpected death of her husband, she finds herself at a loss and looking for a fresh start.  She decides to move back home to Tennessee and sets up an interview to manage a local garden center, In the Garden.  The interview with the owner, the formidable Rosalind Harper, goes well and soon Stella finds herself and her two boys moving into Rosalind's estate, Harper House.  Stella jumps head first into her job and soon finds herself pitted against In the Garden's hunky and grumpy landscape designer.  Soon Stella finds herself not only learning a new job in a new city, but working on a decades old murder mystery and falling in love.

My Thoughts:  I would like this book for the throwback 2004 references alone, but there's more to like about this book than Britney references and early 2000s slang.  (Although they are glorious.)

What I liked most about this story, and what I feel is a running theme throughout Robert's work, is the the sense of contentedness about the characters.  The main characters like their jobs, love their families and are just overall happy with life.

Of course, they never start out that way.  Blue Dahlia in particular starts out with an average woman (finally!) just trying to keep it together after a horrible tragedy.  She has bills and kids and struggles a bit trying to figure out the best and right thing to do for her family.  I can relate to that, and think many other people can as well.  The reader roots for Stella, so when the hunky and grumpy Logan peaks Stella's romantic interest, you root for her.  And you know Stella can handle Logan, because hello, she can handle her job and her kids and still have time to take her dog Parker out on a walk.

Of course, then Stella finds her dream job to which she is passionate and well suited, with an awesome and understanding  boss, gets to live in an (albeit haunted) awesomely historical and grand house with a great commute, reliable child care and someone to cook all her meals, all the while falling desperately in love with a big ole' hunk of man with a steady paycheck and his own place.  And if you're like me, you feel a tiny bit irritated that Stella has great skin, a collection of designer shoes and doesn't have to sit in rush hour.

But maybe that's just me.

Rating:  This was a good book, and a perfect read for spring time.  It got me excited about yard work for a good hour, until I realized how much I dislike bugs and dirt.

Also Read By:  I've read almost all of Robert's catalog, which you can find at her website.  You can check my other reviews on Robert's books by searching for Nora Roberts in the quick search on the right hand side of the page, or by clicking individual links here:  Shadow Spell   |   Dark Witch   |   Thankless in Death   |   Concealed in Death  |  The Collector  |  Blood Magick

Reviewed By:  Tami