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Quinn/Thief #1
Once a Thief
With a priceless collection at stake...Is everything for the taking?
It had taken centuries for Max Bannister’s family to acquire their treasures, and now he’s been asked to risk his collection as bait for a master criminal. For his own reasons, Max allows a public exhibition, and to protect the family fortune he must rely on the skills of his half brother—a world-class security expert—and his smart and savvy exhibit director, Morgan West.
But almost immediately, Morgan comes face-to-face with the mysterious Quinn, Interpol’s most wanted thief for the past decade—and a man who makes it very clear he has an eye on the Bannister collection. And if that’s not enough, Morgan begins to realize that she’s surrounded by secrets and lies, and that someone very close to Max is moving behind the scenes, intent on murder as well as robbery...someone whose ultimate plan threatens to ruin them all.
It had taken centuries for Max Bannister’s family to acquire their treasures, and now he’s been asked to risk his collection as bait for a master criminal. For his own reasons, Max allows a public exhibition, and to protect the family fortune he must rely on the skills of his half brother—a world-class security expert—and his smart and savvy exhibit director, Morgan West.
But almost immediately, Morgan comes face-to-face with the mysterious Quinn, Interpol’s most wanted thief for the past decade—and a man who makes it very clear he has an eye on the Bannister collection. And if that’s not enough, Morgan begins to realize that she’s surrounded by secrets and lies, and that someone very close to Max is moving behind the scenes, intent on murder as well as robbery...someone whose ultimate plan threatens to ruin them all.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
98 people are currently reading
1922 people want to read
About the author
Kay Hooper
108 books2,456 followersKay 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
April 11, 2012
It was okay though the description makes it sound liked it is a lot about Morgan and Quinn and while it is a bit about them I think it is really more about Storm and Wolfe (sounds like X-men but it isn't). The writing was good and it was interesting though it seems more like a set up for the next book which I suspect is actually about Morgan and Quinn.
I really liked Wolfe and Storm. They banter between them is wonderful. The relationship is a bit short do it seems a little far fetched but it was still pretty good. I wouldn't mind reading the sequel.
I really liked Wolfe and Storm. They banter between them is wonderful. The relationship is a bit short do it seems a little far fetched but it was still pretty good. I wouldn't mind reading the sequel.
February 13, 2024
Good read. Must read Always a Thief to finish to finish the story. Master thief, Quinn, comes to San Francisco to steal the Bannister collection, but gets his heart stolen instesd. Suprise, but the romance is this book is not Quinn and Morgan. Sex scenes are of the cozy variety.
June 22, 2017
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...
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...
March 15, 2019
I first discovered Kay Hooper when I was 18 years old, now it's almost 20 years later and I still love her books, she is still one of my favorite authors. I think I actually read this book before, years ago, because I was having a strangely large amount of deja vu. There are really four main characters in this book, you have Wolfe and Storm and their relationship and Morgan and Quinn and their "relationship" although the book is mostly focused on Wolfe and Storm and definitely the thieves. I am assuming more of Morgan and Quinn's story will be told in book 2, which I will definitely read. This book moves along at a really nice pace and I definitely enjoyed the dialogue between all of the characters. And I loved the little cat, Bear. I would recommend to anyone that likes romantic suspense.
March 17, 2018
I almost gave up on this story after meeting Morgan (don't hate me because I am beautiful) in the first chapter. The mystery kept me reading while the romance made me smile. The writing was good but at times gave me an eye-roll moment. I liked Quinn the thief and Bear the cat. All in all not a bad read.
August 31, 2018
Ugghhh, this book really deserves two stars; however, I liked Wolfe and Storm and their story so much, therefore that's the only reason I gave it three stars.
But, since the book ended in a cliffhanger and now I need to know how the story continues and concludes, I will have to read the second book, Always a Thief. Although, I don't know how much more of Morgan I'll be able to take (but, Quinn is okay); so, I really don't anticipate giving the next book a high star rating either...ugghhh!
But, since the book ended in a cliffhanger and now I need to know how the story continues and concludes, I will have to read the second book, Always a Thief. Although, I don't know how much more of Morgan I'll be able to take (but, Quinn is okay); so, I really don't anticipate giving the next book a high star rating either...ugghhh!
November 6, 2022
To be honest - I skimmed (a lot) so I put this in the DNF catagory
October 21, 2024
The romance in this one was aggressively not my favorite but the set up for the second volume was quite good.
Read
March 12, 2017Loved it / always looking for another in the series.
February 9, 2020
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.
Merged review:
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.
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.
Merged review:
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.
January 5, 2022
Mysterious Past...
The Bannister Collections is set to be exhibited after three decades.All hands are on deck to make it a success but...
In the beautiful city of San Francisco lies numerous collectors with one aim; to steal the collections.
Unknowing to them,there is a plot woven behind the scene; a trap, a snare.,
Oh well, I'll leave you to it.
Let the game begin meow!
The Bannister Collections is set to be exhibited after three decades.All hands are on deck to make it a success but...
In the beautiful city of San Francisco lies numerous collectors with one aim; to steal the collections.
Unknowing to them,there is a plot woven behind the scene; a trap, a snare.,
Oh well, I'll leave you to it.
Let the game begin meow!
January 7, 2009
A fun romp with some definite reaches when it comes to plausibility. A cat burglar and a museum collection chief... a match made in heaven?
April 29, 2021
The book Once Upon A Thief is a fiction written by Kay Hooper, the New York Times Bestselling Author of Whisper of Evil. Max Bannister is made to risk his family’s treasures, which had taken his family a long time to acquire, to use as bait in order to catch a master criminal, and in order to protect the family fortune, he must put his trust on his world-class security expert half brother, Wolfe Nickerson and exhibit director, Morgan West without them knowing about what the Interpol has planned. As the story progresses, it mainly focuses on the different events between Morgan West and Quinn, Interpol’s most wanted thief, but was more on Wolfe Nickerson and Storm Tremaine.
After Morgan and Quinn’s unexpected meeting that one night Quinn robbed the Mysteries Past exhibit, Morgan, weirdly, would always know about Quinn’s whereabouts or if he’s nearby, so when her gut was telling her that something bad might’ve happened to the most wanted thief, she decided to follow her instincts and look for him and was led into an old building where Quinn was held captive by the same thieves who also robbed the exhibit where they first met. Morgan and Quinn eventually got out alive since the men only left him locked him up in one of the rooms.
Storm Tremaine was hired as the Mysteries Past exhibit’s new computer technician after their security was breached, her and Wolfe had gotten close throughout the book and started dating. Later on Wolfe had found out about Storm’s secret, her working for the Interpol to help catch the most wanted thief and felt betrayed by her, but they soon made up.
After reading the description of the book, I was ready for all the mystery and suspense, but instead I was given romance, so I was only a little disappointed about that since it focused more on the development of the romantic relationship between the characters, but I think the slow build up bond between Storm and Wolfe made up for it (even though that was not what I came for) so it was fine because of how entertaining their banters were every time they see each other, so it did not disappoint me as much. And I have to say, the ending really made me curious about what will happen in the next book since this one ended in a cliffhanger. Plus, I wanted to see more of Quinn and Morgan since I have a strong feeling the second book would be about them this time after reading the ending, and because I feel like they did not make a lot of appearance in the book especially since I needed an explanation because I was confused as to how Morgan can sense when Quinn is nearby or how she can just find where Quinn is just by following her senses and also about Quinn telling Morgan that he can make himself not be found by her if he chooses to, plus the description of some scenes like this made it seem like there was something supernatural going on, same thing with Storm’s cat and Wolfe, about how he keeps saying that he feels like Storm and her cat the same person, but I feel like I am the only one who thinks that way, and so I guess that was part of the mystery of the characters.
Overall I think it was a good book and after writing this review, I think I have come to the conclusion that it was a good mix of mystery and romance. And I will recommend this book to the people who are looking for a good mix of both especially romance because I think that part of the book was written well with a mix of mystery on the side.
After Morgan and Quinn’s unexpected meeting that one night Quinn robbed the Mysteries Past exhibit, Morgan, weirdly, would always know about Quinn’s whereabouts or if he’s nearby, so when her gut was telling her that something bad might’ve happened to the most wanted thief, she decided to follow her instincts and look for him and was led into an old building where Quinn was held captive by the same thieves who also robbed the exhibit where they first met. Morgan and Quinn eventually got out alive since the men only left him locked him up in one of the rooms.
Storm Tremaine was hired as the Mysteries Past exhibit’s new computer technician after their security was breached, her and Wolfe had gotten close throughout the book and started dating. Later on Wolfe had found out about Storm’s secret, her working for the Interpol to help catch the most wanted thief and felt betrayed by her, but they soon made up.
After reading the description of the book, I was ready for all the mystery and suspense, but instead I was given romance, so I was only a little disappointed about that since it focused more on the development of the romantic relationship between the characters, but I think the slow build up bond between Storm and Wolfe made up for it (even though that was not what I came for) so it was fine because of how entertaining their banters were every time they see each other, so it did not disappoint me as much. And I have to say, the ending really made me curious about what will happen in the next book since this one ended in a cliffhanger. Plus, I wanted to see more of Quinn and Morgan since I have a strong feeling the second book would be about them this time after reading the ending, and because I feel like they did not make a lot of appearance in the book especially since I needed an explanation because I was confused as to how Morgan can sense when Quinn is nearby or how she can just find where Quinn is just by following her senses and also about Quinn telling Morgan that he can make himself not be found by her if he chooses to, plus the description of some scenes like this made it seem like there was something supernatural going on, same thing with Storm’s cat and Wolfe, about how he keeps saying that he feels like Storm and her cat the same person, but I feel like I am the only one who thinks that way, and so I guess that was part of the mystery of the characters.
Overall I think it was a good book and after writing this review, I think I have come to the conclusion that it was a good mix of mystery and romance. And I will recommend this book to the people who are looking for a good mix of both especially romance because I think that part of the book was written well with a mix of mystery on the side.
April 27, 2020
This was the perfect e-book to read during Quarantine with kids interrupting me every 3 minutes. I thought it was going to be a suspenseful heist story, but it turned out to be a romance where nothing much happened. I still enjoyed it, though, even though romance is my second least-favorite genre, and am planning on reading the sequel.
Unpolished notes while reading:
So obviously there is going to be a romance between Quinn and Morgan, but dang, insisting on calling her Morgana when she asked him not to is so disrespectful and a huge red flag for Abusive Boyfriend. Also, are broody, ill-tempered, alpha males supposed to be sexy or something? I feel like I missed the memo on that, since every single man in this book fits the description.
Morgan: busty hottie, can’t find any man who can see past her body. Falls in love with Quinn.
Quinn: mysterious, probably handsome thief
Wolfe: broody male who can’t control his temper, total player who only shags tall blondes. This guy has ABUSER written over his head in flashing neon letters. Not sure what his role is at the museum (supposedly works at the company insuring the jewels, but not sure what he does)
Storm: supposedly a double agent computer tech (but actually working for Max as we find out at the very end), contracted to install new museum security. Petite but still blonde, passive aggressive. Turns out she works for Interpol (did not see that coming).
Carla: plot moppet security guard who exists to show that other thieves =bad but Quinn =not bad
Max: “rugged good looks that would have tagged him as an American in any city of the world” (p 392. Also haha and wtf?)
Nyssa Armstrong: gorgeous blonde, one of Wolfe’s many exes. Surprise, she’s the ringleader of the other band of thieves!
Unpolished notes while reading:
So obviously there is going to be a romance between Quinn and Morgan, but dang, insisting on calling her Morgana when she asked him not to is so disrespectful and a huge red flag for Abusive Boyfriend. Also, are broody, ill-tempered, alpha males supposed to be sexy or something? I feel like I missed the memo on that, since every single man in this book fits the description.
Morgan: busty hottie, can’t find any man who can see past her body. Falls in love with Quinn.
Quinn: mysterious, probably handsome thief
Wolfe: broody male who can’t control his temper, total player who only shags tall blondes. This guy has ABUSER written over his head in flashing neon letters. Not sure what his role is at the museum (supposedly works at the company insuring the jewels, but not sure what he does)
Storm: supposedly a double agent computer tech (but actually working for Max as we find out at the very end), contracted to install new museum security. Petite but still blonde, passive aggressive. Turns out she works for Interpol (did not see that coming).
Carla: plot moppet security guard who exists to show that other thieves =bad but Quinn =not bad
Max: “rugged good looks that would have tagged him as an American in any city of the world” (p 392. Also haha and wtf?)
Nyssa Armstrong: gorgeous blonde, one of Wolfe’s many exes. Surprise, she’s the ringleader of the other band of thieves!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
Once A Thief can't seem to make up it's mind, whether it's a suspense or romance novel. The Bannister's collection of jewels and artwork is to be put on public display, as bait for an international criminal.
From a suspense viewpoint, we have an international cat burglar, a gang of criminals robbing museums and security measures being put into place to safeguard the collection.. Unfortunately the suspense doesn't build up, as the author appears to be saving most of the action for the next book in the series. Mysterious meetings and phone calls are interspersed in the plot, but it was relatively easy to figure out who the mystery person was, which meant that the great reveal was no surprise.
The romantic aspect of the novel was more interesting, but the author took two potentially strong female lead, and reduced them to caricatures.
Morgan West is the director of the Bannister collection, in charge of overseeing everything in preparation for the exhibit. She becomes a two-dimensional centrefold measurement female with an unexplained psychic link to Quinn, the international cat burglar, who has catlike green eyes. She is constantly finding herself having a strong urge to giggle when she is with Quinn.
Storm Tremaine is an expert computer technician. A diminutive blonde with long hair and big catlike green eyes (again), she obviously is highly intelligent. She is constantly accompanied by her cat Bear, who is described as a feline replica of Storm, who is so similar to her owner, that people don't notice the cat when it is perched on her shoulder.
From a suspense viewpoint, we have an international cat burglar, a gang of criminals robbing museums and security measures being put into place to safeguard the collection.. Unfortunately the suspense doesn't build up, as the author appears to be saving most of the action for the next book in the series. Mysterious meetings and phone calls are interspersed in the plot, but it was relatively easy to figure out who the mystery person was, which meant that the great reveal was no surprise.
The romantic aspect of the novel was more interesting, but the author took two potentially strong female lead, and reduced them to caricatures.
Morgan West is the director of the Bannister collection, in charge of overseeing everything in preparation for the exhibit. She becomes a two-dimensional centrefold measurement female with an unexplained psychic link to Quinn, the international cat burglar, who has catlike green eyes. She is constantly finding herself having a strong urge to giggle when she is with Quinn.
Storm Tremaine is an expert computer technician. A diminutive blonde with long hair and big catlike green eyes (again), she obviously is highly intelligent. She is constantly accompanied by her cat Bear, who is described as a feline replica of Storm, who is so similar to her owner, that people don't notice the cat when it is perched on her shoulder.
October 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 star rating rounded down
Ok all the reviews said this book was bad but like???? I enjoyed it
Yea I think the writing was a little clumsy and it was way more about Wolfe and storm than Morgan and Quinn ( thought I think there’s gonna be more of them later) . Morgan and Quinn’s connection, for lack of better word is not really explained ever?
But I still enjoyed the characters, which for me is the most important part of the book.
Wolfe and storm fell in love very quickly but I did like their story
I was WAITING for more of Morgan and Quinn. I think their encounters are really nice to read even id we don’t get too many of them. I’m hoping we’ll get more in the next book, Always a thief.
Ok all the reviews said this book was bad but like???? I enjoyed it
Yea I think the writing was a little clumsy and it was way more about Wolfe and storm than Morgan and Quinn ( thought I think there’s gonna be more of them later) . Morgan and Quinn’s connection, for lack of better word is not really explained ever?
But I still enjoyed the characters, which for me is the most important part of the book.
Wolfe and storm fell in love very quickly but I did like their story
I was WAITING for more of Morgan and Quinn. I think their encounters are really nice to read even id we don’t get too many of them. I’m hoping we’ll get more in the next book, Always a thief.
August 24, 2022
Almost like a fever dream of a book. Went by so fast and was just one turn after another. I've read many books that I cant seem to put down, but this one was just crazy to me and I loved every second. One thing that happened which was strange was the way character perspectives would switch. It took me a few chapters to realize that perspectives would switch mid-paragraph sometimes. Maybe I've never noticed this in a book before, but I'm leaning towards this being completely new to me. The reason it took so long to notice is the fact that the story seemed to transfer seamlessly from one character to the next. It was just so amazing to me; the story, the perspectives, everything.
February 9, 2018
I am so grateful that this book was recommended! I love the details involved and the mystery that is intertwined amidst the story line. It was well written and you get to know both the main characters Quinn and Morgan. Two sides of the law that are brought together through the Bannister collection. Quinn is the daring, romantic thief very reminiscent of Danny Ocean or Pierre Despereaux. The last of a dying breed of gentlemen thieves. This was a nice transition from the other genres of Romance and "Cozy" Mysteries I favor and a great addition to my "forever" shelf.
June 29, 2020
It didn't have nearly enough action as I remembered it having (when I read it 15 years ago). The slow build up of sexual tension between Quinn and Morgan was to be expected, but I thought Wolfe and Storm's relationship was too quick to really be believable. Sure, they could be sleeping together quickly, but to then be in love and trying to move in with each other within a week?
The book wasn't resolved and definitely leaves it open to continue in book 2, but I don't think I'm interested enough.
The book wasn't resolved and definitely leaves it open to continue in book 2, but I don't think I'm interested enough.
November 3, 2022
This book was definitely not what I expected. There was a point throughout the book where I couldn't figure out who the main characters was. I loved reading from Wolfe's and Storm's perspective and how they got their happy ending. I can't wait to read more about Quinn & Morgan's story because I felt like I read snippets of their story throughout the book. I loved the mysteries during this book, kept me really curious about what was going to happen. Can't wait to learn more about Quinn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2017
Don't miss this one!
Suave thief, plus Interpol agents, murderous thief gang, twisty romantic touches, and engaging characters make this an engrossing read. If you enjoy the idea of an elusive cat burglar enmeshed in a mystery as a hero, definitely puck this up and follow it with Always a Thief.
Suave thief, plus Interpol agents, murderous thief gang, twisty romantic touches, and engaging characters make this an engrossing read. If you enjoy the idea of an elusive cat burglar enmeshed in a mystery as a hero, definitely puck this up and follow it with Always a Thief.
September 29, 2019
Once a theif, was almost like the perfect mix of romance and mystery. The two hidden relationships that weren't supposed to happen, but yet were so entertaining to see roll out. Although I can definetly say the end felt a little rushed, I still enjoyed reading this over the course of about 2 or so weeks, due to my busy schedule. But I'm excited to start the sequel.
January 29, 2020
A Very Fun read
I love murder mysteries and suspense mysteries!!! The twists and turns are fun and the story line is snappy... My favorite character is Quinn. He's not what he shows to the world but he is a great character.. I'm excited to read the sequel.. I was looking for a new to me author and am enjoying Kay Hooper...
I love murder mysteries and suspense mysteries!!! The twists and turns are fun and the story line is snappy... My favorite character is Quinn. He's not what he shows to the world but he is a great character.. I'm excited to read the sequel.. I was looking for a new to me author and am enjoying Kay Hooper...
September 4, 2020
Fun premise but the page count just didn't support the plots and characters Hooper was trying to cover. Felt like half a book.
Postscript: Learned that this duology was reconstituted from four category romances published earlier. This explains a lot - like, why where are so many characters, and why Wolfe and Storm become so prominent in the middle when the blurb is all about Quinn and Morgan.
Postscript: Learned that this duology was reconstituted from four category romances published earlier. This explains a lot - like, why where are so many characters, and why Wolfe and Storm become so prominent in the middle when the blurb is all about Quinn and Morgan.
April 2, 2024
Different
A lot different from her usual books you still had light mystery and I found myself enjoying it it was a page turner as I am really into her Bishop novels good and I found myself enjoying it
A lot different from her usual books you still had light mystery and I found myself enjoying it it was a page turner as I am really into her Bishop novels good and I found myself enjoying it
August 8, 2018
The book was described as a suspense novel but it is basically a silly romance novel.
August 31, 2018
Okay read but I can tell it is dated as I read in 2018 and it was written in 2002. Will read the second in this series.
November 21, 2018
Absolutely loved
February 20, 2019
A cute little romance with some suspense...
May 7, 2019
Too much romance for me, not enough heist.
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