Uvek lopov

Quinn/Thief #2

by Kay Hooper, Isidora Jovanović (Translator)

Novo ubistvo je uznemirilo sve koji imaju bilo kakve veze sa kolekcijom Banister. Još uvek su u jeku pripreme za veliko otvaranje izložbe u Istorijskom muzeju, a čuvena kolekcija treba da bude mamac, kome kriminalac poznat pod pseudonimom Noćna senka, neće odoleti – ni on, ali ni misteriozni provalnik Kvin. Dok policija traga za ubicom, direktorka izložbe Morgan Vest i stručnjak za bezbednost Vulf Nikerson užurbano rade na postavci, ali i zaštiti dragocenosti. Morgan je osim profesionalno, veoma privatno i emotivno upetljana u odnos sa Kvinom. Razum joj govori da ne treba da mu veruje, ali srce ne dozvoljava da posumnja u njega i njegove motive. U priči u kojoj ništa nije isto, niti onakvo kako izgleda, samo je ljubav iskrena i sve veća, čak i kada se čini nemogućom...

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Thriller, Paranormal

234 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 10, 2003

About the author

Kay Hooper (aka Kay Robbins) was born in California, in an air force base hospital since her father was stationed there at the time. The family moved back to North Carolina shortly afterward, so she was raised and went to school there.

The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.

Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.

Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.

Reviews

[Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read for the, well, reread slot of FALLinLove bingo. Sucker for vintage Hooper.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quinn/Thief
by Kay Hooper
Book #1:  Once a Thief | Goodreads | Rating: 2.5 Stars
Book #2:  Always a Thief | Goodreads | Rating: 2.5 Stars

Overall Series Average Rating: 2.5 Stars

**Official and full review originally posted at Ani's Book Abyss | Duology Review: Once a Thief, Always a Thief.

I'm going to be totally honest and say that this series caught my attention, mainly because of the book titles.  I imagined throwing a series review together like this, because it somehow felt aesthetically pleasing (see review post title above).  I suppose it also helps that Kay Hooper's an author I like, and truth, I find a lot of her earlier work more enjoyable than some of the boring drivel she's been putting out lately.

Don't get me wrong: I'm still holding out hope that the Bishop/SCU series will find its former glory.

But this review is about Quinn/Thief duology, so let's get back on track.

Unfortunately, partway through the first book, I had a niggling feeling that I was missing something--that there was a whole world of Quinn/Thief out there that might belong in a different story, or even in prior books written by Kay Hooper, connecting to this world.  So I did a search and found a four book series from Harlequin Loveswept called Men of Mysteries Past , which involved such titles pointing to the four main alpha male characters who all appear in the two books, Max Bannister, Wolfe Nickerson, Jared Chavalier, and the master thief Quinn.

There's also a very blatantly obvious connection between them that doesn't present itself until the very end of the duology; and while I hadn't really thought about it while reading the two books, it didn't strike me as surprising when revealed either.

Still, I was... a bit flummoxed and not sure how to continue this duology.  Especially since the book was dragging a whole lot to begin with anyway, what with all the characters sitting around and discussing security, and gangs of thieves, and Quinn's thieving career... with absolutely no action going on.  It reminded me of those last few trilogy arcs of the Bishop/SCU series where the characters simply spend all of the book sitting around and just... well, discussing things.

It got boring fast.

I DID do some backtracking after I finished the first book, and reread Hooper's author's note a bit more carefully, realizing that she had, indeed hinted at previously published works and her love for Quinn the master thief, thus leading to this re-imagined duology, which is supposed to center mostly around Quinn.  She admits that some of the scenes and dialogue is copy and paste, but that the majority of the two books are definitely new material with some different actions and scenes.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.  And yet I HAD to read the second book because of all the loose ends and the mysteries and the secrets yet to be resolved/revealed.  Unfortunately, I can't very well admit that all the loose ends were cleaned up.  The ending of the duology was quite open-ended, both with the criminal thriller parts and the romance parts.

It all felt unsatisfying and unfinished.  Needless to say, while the books were quite easy to read, I'm not entirely certain they were really worth the time put into them, considering how scattered and hop-scotch the progression was, and how unresolved everything felt.  And how deliberately mysterious Hooper was trying to make all the scenes seem, while making all of her characters talk and monologue way too much.


- Once a Thief -

Truthfully, there was so much going on in the first book that I really couldn't tell if Ms. Hooper had an actual direction to her story progression.  The main premise was there, though, don't get me wrong.  But I had a hard time following one character after another without wondering if details were being left out, or if I was already supposed to understand the fairly underdeveloped characters in this universe.

And truth, aside from maybe Storm Tremaine and her cat, I really had a hard time liking any of the characters.  Four broody alpha males, two feisty damsels... it's a typical dated romance, though two couples are showcased together in the first book.  And while I DID enjoy the bickering and insta-lust to immediate insta-love between Wolfe and Storm (these names!), I found the romance between Quinn and Morgan completely incredible, starting with the fact that there's a modicum of psychic hinting between the two, as well as Morgan's TSTL actions that make absolutely no sense.  Which is a big disappointment, because I had expected so much more from her.

In terms of storytelling, Once a Thief was definitely what you would call a "set-up" book.  Because nothing really happens except for a maybe last minute villain; this book read like an introductory of sorts.  Which is a lot of pages for setting up the world and the story.

I read this book for Booklikes-opoly in Summer 2017.

Roll #16: (See Also: Roll #16 Activities)

Page Count:  326
Cash Award:  +$3.00

Bank Increased to $73.00 with this read.


- Always a Thief -

To my extreme frustration, Always a Thief didn't fare as well either.  Pretty much this entire second book just continues the story line from the first, with all the same quibbles and irritating draggy-ness that I really didn't care for.

Morgan's TSTL characteristics didn't improve, despite all the narrative efforts to make her sound like an intelligent, witty, independent woman.  At least there's a scene wherein she, herself, points out just how TSTL her actions have become since she'd met Quinn, the master thief.  Of course, it still didn't stop her from continuing to rush into danger for no good reason; although, since very little negative came out of her actions, I suppose I don't know why I'm complaining.

Oh, that's right, maybe because we've still got some sort of strange psychic connection being emphasized between Quinn and Morgan that makes absolutely no sense at all.

Meanwhile, the rest of the characters are shuffled into the background.  Truth be told, I would have liked to see more on the development between Quinn and Jared, once we find out what their connection is... but the book sort of just fazed it out and made it seem insignificant in light of all the scattered activity of the main conflict, and the non-romance-romance going on between Quinn and Morgan.

Truthfully, I think I probably reset my outlook on this book after reading Once a Thief, but that still didn't keep me from feeling a twinge of disappointment that things didn't work out the way I'd been hoping.  And when I say "work out the way I'd been hoping," I mean get more exciting and less boring, as well as turn Morgan into a more sensible character who doesn't just accept all of Quinn's lies with a shrug and a "whaddya gonna do?" just because she's somehow fallen in love with him (in spite of all the lies and secrets); or who doesn't just go rushing into danger without a backup plan.

In light of this, I kind of miss having Storm and Wolfe bicker at each other.

~~~

Overall, I feel like maybe if I'd known about the previously published four book series that was the jumping board for this duology, I maybe would have given some thought to reading that one first, then maybe coming back to this duology some time later.  Instead, now that I've finished with this two-book series, I'm not entirely sure how I'd feel about going back and picking up Men of Mysteries Past and seeing if it would be more worth my time.

Another last thought... I had a fleeting moment to wonder whether or not Hooper had intended to extend this duology to a trilogy or maybe another foursome.  Though to be fair, I suppose there would  then have to be some more clever wording with the book titles, as Once a Thief, Always a Thief has a nice ring to it already.  Adding more might undermine that aesthetically pleasing review post title I still found I looked forward to presenting...

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not read Once a Thief, stop right now and get it. This book is a continuation, actually, more like turning the page and starting the next chapter. We finally get down to Quinn and Morgan, the twists of their relationship and their mysterious conection to each other. The story has you guessing until the last pages. Now, the question: Why didn't Kay finish with To Catch a Thief?

[Sheri S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugghhh! Well, this book was better than the first book, but, it was definitely ended for a third, and now there’s no third book?!?! Seeing as how this was written in 2003, it doesn’t appear that there ever will be! Just frustrating, so, actually this 3-star book is knocked down to a 2 because of that!!! But other than that, my chief complaint with the first book was how annoying Morgan was, and she was less so in this book, and the writing was slightly better in this one, so hence my feeling that this book, up until the ending, was overall a step-up from the 2-star review I gave to the first book. If there is ever to be a third book in the future, I’d have to read it in order to see how the story continues (and would hopefully, finally, CONCLUDE!!!).

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kay Hooper's books are all fabulous reads.

She writes fast-paced mysteries with a supernatural bent.

The team dynamics are perfection and the sexual tension just adds to the story.

I highly recommend these books. They are perfect for reading at the beach or for spending the day curled up in front of the fireplace.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. A good romantic story. Back twenty some years ago Kay Hooper wrote romances. Yes, romances. Two of those books she got to rewrite and they are my favorite Hooper books. They feature the cat burglar Quinn. International jewel thief. There are only two books in the series, oh how I wish it was a series.

[Emily Nixon]

i happened across this book after reading one of her previous books and had to pick it up for a mindless xmas read.

honestly theyre fast reads and pretty silly but i enjoy the plots enough despite their ridiculousness

... also got randomly spicy towards the end lol

[RACHEL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread for a group challenge (important for context ) and rating lowered from 5 to 3.

I remember this fondly as part of the stack of guilty pleasures I've kept for years through multiple moves and unhaul purges. This is a direct sequel to once a thief and reads like it.

In hindsight this book only works when read directly after the other. The plot does not hold up to scrutiny and as far as romance....

I adore Quinn and Morgan and I enjoy much of Kay Hooper's writing style but this book needed about 10 more sex scenes, they needed to have started earlier and they needed to be shockingly descriptive to make up for the everything else.

Instead there's a lot of fade to black and the near instant romance (with frustrating denial on the part of the characters) really banks on carry over chemistry / tension from the first book. Which I have not read in years.

The plot/mystery is very ambitious and over the top compared to the first book and that is definitely not a compliment. There's also a much bigger and convoluted cast that, while charming, was incredibly distracting.

It also ends on what feels like a blatant hook for a third book that I'm reasonably certain never came.

So in summary: if you read and loved Once a Thief, enjoyed the cutesy banter and Morgan in particular, if Quinn and his connections (no matter how convoluted) interest you go ahead and read away. You might have fun.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, can someone tell me if there's another novel tied into these? Cause I'm adding a groan of frustration when I say - "What the H-E-double hockey sticks!"

Now, let me start off by saying I enjoyed this one just as much as the first, if not more.

The plot thickens and gets better. I loved how it all played out. Especially between Morgan and Quinn.

The lies and manipulations were just as thick in this novel and added to the intrigue.

The action scenes well placed and played out. And I paid careful attention to Morgan, the way her mind works, the way she manages to put things together.

I thoroughly enjoyed how it all came together at the end until - and this is where my frustration came in. A twist at the end of the novel made me realize that it truly wasn't the end and dammit, now I need to find the next novel. I wonder if someone can help me with that? I'm still limited in my time with access to the internet and I'm going to have a hard time for the current moment.

But I so can't wait to read the next one. There is a next one ... I hope? Let me put it this way - there'd better be!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun caper. There's an author's note that describes this as a caper, and I had to use it, it just fits so well. This is a rather light romance adventure with a side of mystery. It's quick, with appropriately frustrating cliches, and makes a great weekend read.

It's been a while since I read the first book, but the characters and humour came back to me quick. I found myself chuckling a few times, and thoroughly enjoying myself.

[✿ nandika✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book
This book made me go crazy
I don’t even know if 4 stars is accurate but I’m going to say that.

so like I love 95% of this book.
Quinn was annoying with all the lying but then his death fake out and when we eventually got the truth I was good.

The way Morgan and Quinn’s relationship developed felt…a little out of place but at the end of the day I loved their scenes together and there were a lot more of them on this book.

And then when they caught nightshade everything was great. They could have ended it there. It would have been fine, it would have made sense and I would have been happy.

But then THAT ending happens.

To summarise it it’s basically Quinn feeling bad about maxs emerald being stolen and LEAVING MORGAN QFTER ALL THAT DEVELOPMENT to go get it.

He literally just leaves. Without saying anything. He’s gone the next morning.

This book is written like a sequel is coming which is not likely considering how long ago it was written.

Now don’t get me wrong I usually love a tragic ending but my thing was this wasn’t written for one. There is no foreshadowing and all of it happens in about one chapter.

No matter what the author says this book is marketed as a romance. The cover may be different but if you read the blurb and the book, it all seems like it’s leading you to a happily ever after.

But it feels like the author only put Quinn leaving as a spur of the moment thing. For the sake of being different, not like other romances . This one is sad.

But it also goes against everything we’ve learnt about the character.

Quinn has never been one for guilt. He’s an international jewel thief.
He’s also time and time again showed that Morgan is his priority. That he loves her. And so he leaves without saying anything?

Does not sound realistic.


Honestly despite the most botched ending I’ve ever read, the rest of the book was really good and so I’m just gonna pretend it ended with them catching nightshade( which would have made perfect sense. I’m telling you they could have just cut out that end Chapter)

[Sarah TheAromaofBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this one. It's basically the second half of a story (started in Once a Thief), and it really felt like those two books should have been one book, which would have eliminated some of the scenes where everyone just sits around talking and not doing anything. The action was much slower in this book. In the first book, we have multiple references to the mysterious, possibly-supernatural, connection between Morgan and Quinn - and it's pretty much nonexistent here, despite there being several situations where it would have come in handy. While I did like the characters, this book was just a little too directionless. Another review I read said that some of these characters were in a different series that Hooper wrote, and I wish that connection had been more explicitly made so that I could have read at least the synopses of those books first, as I often felt like I was missing important background information.

Overall, a perfectly enjoyable little duology, but the pacing is quite uneven throughout so I'm not sure I'll read them again.

[Christian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of the book to set out a thief to catch a thief, and I’m inherently drawn to those kind of scenarios. Regrettably Kay hoppers book is primarily boring, and not building any kind of tension at all. The big reveal at the end of the book was so ludicrous I decided to knock off another star from a 2 star rating.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notorious, European jewel thief, Quinn is in San Francisco where the Bannister collection is on display at a local museum and he isn't the only thief interested.

Besides the collection Quinn has another thing occupying his thoughts the museum curator, Morgan.

What will become of the collection, the museum and Morgan, read this page turner and find out! Highly recommend this book!

[Laurie Passalacqua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really my thing, was suggested to me by a fried and there's a lot more romance involved than what I'm used to. Much of the plot wasn't predictable but there are a lot of holes that could have been filled in. Wouldn't be something I'd recommend to a true suspense reader.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read. I liked the story line and that while it talked about the relationship between Morgan and Quinn that want the sole focus of the book. Overall a good story and an easy read.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!

Kay Hooper did an excellent job, again, in all areas. Character development, storyline and wonderful details! I could picture every person, every scene, every time. She's phenomenal.

[Lisa Harer de Calvo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not amazing writing, but entertaining nonetheless.

[Shirley Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAlways a Thief

Please tell me when you're gonna have another follow up book. No fair leaving Morgan and Alex at the end of this book. Please tell me there will be more.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need another book.

This book was excellent. I think there has to be one more book though. It didn't answer all the questions. We don't know who the girl was.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read but disappointed that it appears to be a soft ending with another story to tell but nothing so far t confirm this. Sucked in on this one, bummer.

[Alexandria Phillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved

[Michel Sizaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute ending

[Sharon Capps]

Another good book by Kay Hooper. It is a quick moving book that holds the attention and keeps you wondering.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than part 1

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusual to have so much romance in a mystery, but this was a fun book.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.

[Angela]

5

[Da Prince]

Read once a thief and I am dying to read the continuation

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this years ago. Ok but not great