Homeport was a joy to read. The characters seemed to just jump out of the pages and into my imagination. The storyline was rich and fun without seeming over the top. ( )

I'd forgotten how much I like this book. Gotta love those gentlemen thieves--art thief in this case. Ever since I had a conversation a while back about the appeal or not of outlaw heroes, I've been trying to figure this one out. I certainly wouldn't want one IRL, appealing as they are to read about. I'm a terribly law-abiding citizen. It's the bad-boy appeal, of course, but it's more than that. I think what really grabs me about these heroes is their absolute confidence in their ability to sneak in and out of secured areas, and the intelligence it takes them to do so. They're also, without exception, non-violent. They're not thugs. And while they're not complete Robin Hoods--they don't steal ONLY to give to the poor (though many of them do contribute heavily to charity to assuage their consciences), neither do they steal from anyone who can't afford it, or isn't insured. Sure, that would end up making everyone else's insurance rates increase, but this is fiction--I don't
have to worry about it.

Okay, now that I've defended why I like Ryan Boldari, on to the rest of the story.

I love the way Ryan acts toward Miranda. He wants something from her, but then he meets her and feels protective toward her, sympathetic of her problems, but not condescending, and not letting the problems be an obstacle. That's another reason why I like Ryan Boldari so much--he's supportive but trusts that Miranda can solve her own emotional problems--he just supports her, doesn't try to fix her.

And it's a good thing Ryan is so great, because boy, did I HATE a lot of other people in this book. Especially Miranda's mother. Too bad we didn't get to see what they ended up doing with the Dark Lady, but I'll bet Ryan ensures "mom" ends up eating her share of crow.

I was just reading something about "write what you know." Well, I'm pretty sure Nora doesn't know how to authenticate &/or restore artwork, or how to cast bronzes, but boy, is she good at making you think she does. Maybe an expert would find flaws, but for the average reader, she writes with such authority that I believe. Some authors you can tell that they researched something. They'll have lots & lots of details, and it doesn't come out as if the author knows what she's talking about--it comes out as "darn it, I did all this research, & by Jove, you're going to read it." Nora's a definite expert at appearing to be an expert.

Hmmm. Haven't said much about Miranda. I wouldn't have reacted to her mother the way she did--especially at the beginning. Taking the chastisement for being "late" and not countering with her mugging. But then, she's grown up with this all her life. She's been made to feel ALL HER LIFE that she doesn't matter. And so her reaction is spot-on. Excellent characterization, IMO.

And Andrew & Annie. Very sweet romance. Andrew was again, excellent characterization. Alcoholic, feels like a failure, and then the growing self-awareness. I could so relate to Annie when she arrived at the gala and felt so out of place, like her clothes were all wrong and she didn't fit in.

So. Bottom line: fabulous story. One of my favorites. ( )

This was your run-of-the-mill Nora Roberts romantic suspense. The science behind the authentication of the art made for an interesting backdrop. The one thing that fell flat for me was the use of Maine as the setting. Instead of embracing the things that makes Maine what it is... the down-homeness, the comfort, the simpleness... she creates a cosmopolitan setting that doesn’t exist in Maine, even in the largest city. As a Maine native, that just rubbed me the wrong way. Otherwise, everything you want in a Nora Roberts book is there — the chemistry between the lead characters, the danger, the intrigue, and the happy ending. ( )