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Larger Than Life
From New York Times bestselling author Kay Hooper comes a novel of romantic intrigue about a pop music sensation with an unforgettable voice—and a secret past she keeps hidden even from the man she loves.
What makes Saber Duncan sing with such passion? Her sensual voice moves women to tears and makes men want to go out and slay dragons to get close to her. Yet a few years ago this budding superstar was just another lightweight pop diva. So what changed? As her would-be biographer Travis Foxx embarks on a quest to uncover the painful secret in Saber’s past, a mutual attraction intensifies. But he finds himself blocked at every turn by the walls she has thrown up to guard herself from outsiders. On a visit to her friend’s Arizona hideaway for some much-needed R&R, Saber finds her carefully constructed defenses crumbling as bonds of trust begin to form between her and headstrong, persistent Travis. But will the arrival of a mysterious man from Saber’s former life wreck the new one they hope to build together? Sometimes starting over means revealing everything about your past. Visit
What makes Saber Duncan sing with such passion? Her sensual voice moves women to tears and makes men want to go out and slay dragons to get close to her. Yet a few years ago this budding superstar was just another lightweight pop diva. So what changed? As her would-be biographer Travis Foxx embarks on a quest to uncover the painful secret in Saber’s past, a mutual attraction intensifies. But he finds himself blocked at every turn by the walls she has thrown up to guard herself from outsiders. On a visit to her friend’s Arizona hideaway for some much-needed R&R, Saber finds her carefully constructed defenses crumbling as bonds of trust begin to form between her and headstrong, persistent Travis. But will the arrival of a mysterious man from Saber’s former life wreck the new one they hope to build together? Sometimes starting over means revealing everything about your past. Visit
183 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
17 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Kay Hooper
107 books2,451 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 13, 2013
A sweet and romantic love story...not the usual type of book I have read by this author...but nevertheless, enjoyable.
I did like the heroine- she had some tragic things happen in her life and I was hoping that she would eventually find happiness with someone special....which of course she does.
I did like the heroine- she had some tragic things happen in her life and I was hoping that she would eventually find happiness with someone special....which of course she does.
May 24, 2021
Really liked this one the H and h are strong characters and she in particular has overcome adversity and come out stronger for it.
He comes off as a bit stalkerish at first and he is very lucky that the h gives him a shot. I liked her story and her backbone and the faith she shows in the H at the end. Wouldn't mind reading more by this author.
h is smothered by super duper rich dad and ends up in a plane crash injured and presumed dead. She has a large scar on her leg from the crash as she rescued herself and discovered she liked surviving. Cue some travelling and a reinvention of herself that makes her super successful. Dad is less than pleased at her independence but is a good guy really and loves her a lot.
He comes off as a bit stalkerish at first and he is very lucky that the h gives him a shot. I liked her story and her backbone and the faith she shows in the H at the end. Wouldn't mind reading more by this author.
h is smothered by super duper rich dad and ends up in a plane crash injured and presumed dead. She has a large scar on her leg from the crash as she rescued herself and discovered she liked surviving. Cue some travelling and a reinvention of herself that makes her super successful. Dad is less than pleased at her independence but is a good guy really and loves her a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2014
Too mushy for my liking.
March 28, 2025
This book has its place in the world. It would be good for someone in the mood for a simple no-conflict, instant love book. Not what I wanted. 2.5 stars.
I bought this book almost 20 years ago bc I was a fan of Kay Hooper... However, I was never able to pick it up and read it until today. Easy read, finished it in a few hours. Cheesy 80s romance novel, which is fine, but there was no real conflict or peak, which means there wasn't much of a resolution. When details were revealed, it was like, "Oh." Lackluster, unsatisfying for me. Maybe I'm desensitized from enjoying this type of novel due to reading heavily climactic content. I tried to put myself in the mindset of a teenager or woman (maybe a housewife?) reading it in the 80s, but it still fell flat for me. I'm also used to reading Kay Hooper's romantic suspense or romantic thrillers, so I was waiting for something to happen since the tagline of the novel says "A new love, born in the shadow of her darkest secret..." on the book cover, and the cover also credits Hooper as "New York Times Bestselling Author of Blood Sins," so I thought it would've been similar to other books I'd read by her. I was disappointed, especially since I've read other 80s works of this author. It just wasn't my cup of tea. It didn't help that there was instant love (and super-fast love proclamations), and the story took place over a matter of less than 2 weeks. Additionally, there was no real character/relationship development or depth in their conversations. The female main character didn't tell the male main character about herself throughout most of the book bc she was famous and he was a writer who wanted her story. I can't remember one conversation where they got to know each other well enough to love the other. He just started saying "I love you" out of the blue multiple times, even though the characters are strangers. Also, the female main character's first name was Saber, which was an interesting choice.
I bought this book almost 20 years ago bc I was a fan of Kay Hooper... However, I was never able to pick it up and read it until today. Easy read, finished it in a few hours. Cheesy 80s romance novel, which is fine, but there was no real conflict or peak, which means there wasn't much of a resolution. When details were revealed, it was like, "Oh." Lackluster, unsatisfying for me. Maybe I'm desensitized from enjoying this type of novel due to reading heavily climactic content. I tried to put myself in the mindset of a teenager or woman (maybe a housewife?) reading it in the 80s, but it still fell flat for me. I'm also used to reading Kay Hooper's romantic suspense or romantic thrillers, so I was waiting for something to happen since the tagline of the novel says "A new love, born in the shadow of her darkest secret..." on the book cover, and the cover also credits Hooper as "New York Times Bestselling Author of Blood Sins," so I thought it would've been similar to other books I'd read by her. I was disappointed, especially since I've read other 80s works of this author. It just wasn't my cup of tea. It didn't help that there was instant love (and super-fast love proclamations), and the story took place over a matter of less than 2 weeks. Additionally, there was no real character/relationship development or depth in their conversations. The female main character didn't tell the male main character about herself throughout most of the book bc she was famous and he was a writer who wanted her story. I can't remember one conversation where they got to know each other well enough to love the other. He just started saying "I love you" out of the blue multiple times, even though the characters are strangers. Also, the female main character's first name was Saber, which was an interesting choice.
August 9, 2018
Absolutely fantastic!!!!
Such a fantastic read!
It has from curious, to intense, but always in a gentle way.
I didn't figure out the father until 3/4 through the book.
Reccommendation? (1-10) 20!!!
Such a fantastic read!
It has from curious, to intense, but always in a gentle way.
I didn't figure out the father until 3/4 through the book.
Reccommendation? (1-10) 20!!!
July 4, 2019
Really not good. It moved very fast at the beginning. Would not recommend.
August 25, 2021
Easy read- scandalous at the end
July 2, 2025
I don't know where Kay comes up with the dragonslyers for these women of mystery in her books.
December 9, 2011
"From New York Times bestselling author Kay Hooper comes a novel of romantic intrigue about a pop music sensation with an unforgettable voice—and a secret past she keeps hidden even from the man she loves.
What makes Saber Duncan sing with such passion? Her sensual voice moves women to tears and makes men want to go out and slay dragons to get close to her. Yet a few years ago this budding superstar was just another lightweight pop diva. So what changed? As her would-be biographer Travis Foxx embarks on a quest to uncover the painful secret in Saber’s past, a mutual attraction intensifies. But he finds himself blocked at every turn by the walls she has thrown up to guard herself from outsiders. On a visit to her friend’s Arizona hideaway for some much-needed R&R, Saber finds her carefully constructed defenses crumbling as bonds of trust begin to form between her and headstrong, persistent Travis. But will the arrival of a mysterious man from Saber’s former life wreck the new one they hope to build together? Sometimes starting over means revealing everything about your past. "
I enjoy anything Kay Hooper writes. This book is one of her earlier works, but even here she provides the reader with the opportunity to explore, with her, the intricacies of a person's being. As often happens in romance novels, the female character, Saber, is more complex and mysterious then her love interest, Travis. The secrecy of her past is the driving motivation in this story, but the reader is left to wonder if the secrecy is a smokescreen to keep Travis at a distance.
I enjoyed this book as a distraction rather than a challenge.
What makes Saber Duncan sing with such passion? Her sensual voice moves women to tears and makes men want to go out and slay dragons to get close to her. Yet a few years ago this budding superstar was just another lightweight pop diva. So what changed? As her would-be biographer Travis Foxx embarks on a quest to uncover the painful secret in Saber’s past, a mutual attraction intensifies. But he finds himself blocked at every turn by the walls she has thrown up to guard herself from outsiders. On a visit to her friend’s Arizona hideaway for some much-needed R&R, Saber finds her carefully constructed defenses crumbling as bonds of trust begin to form between her and headstrong, persistent Travis. But will the arrival of a mysterious man from Saber’s former life wreck the new one they hope to build together? Sometimes starting over means revealing everything about your past. "
I enjoy anything Kay Hooper writes. This book is one of her earlier works, but even here she provides the reader with the opportunity to explore, with her, the intricacies of a person's being. As often happens in romance novels, the female character, Saber, is more complex and mysterious then her love interest, Travis. The secrecy of her past is the driving motivation in this story, but the reader is left to wonder if the secrecy is a smokescreen to keep Travis at a distance.
I enjoyed this book as a distraction rather than a challenge.
November 7, 2016
If Kay Hooper is a best selling author then there are a lot of people out there with really bad taste. This must be one of the worst books I've ever read. Had i picked up the print version i would have dropped it in the nearest waste basket after the first chapter. Unfortunately, I'd picked up the audiobook performed by Cassandra Campbell. Unlike Ms Hooper, Ms Campbell is remarkably talented. In her sultry tones, even this drivel sounded sexy. So I was able to endure the tortuous dialog for three whole chapters before surrendering.
The heroine, Sabre, and her beau Travis are so implausible as to be comical. If you miss the fact that Sabre has "silvery grey eyes" don't worry, that description will be repeated a dozen more times. The same for Travis "deep green" eyes. Sabre's singing voice is apparently so mesmerizing that every male audience member is inspired to "slay dragons". Seriously?
I don't know anything about Kay Hooper but judging from her prodigious output she seems to be pouring out this dreck at an alarming rate. Heaven help us - what a waste of trees.
The heroine, Sabre, and her beau Travis are so implausible as to be comical. If you miss the fact that Sabre has "silvery grey eyes" don't worry, that description will be repeated a dozen more times. The same for Travis "deep green" eyes. Sabre's singing voice is apparently so mesmerizing that every male audience member is inspired to "slay dragons". Seriously?
I don't know anything about Kay Hooper but judging from her prodigious output she seems to be pouring out this dreck at an alarming rate. Heaven help us - what a waste of trees.
November 28, 2011
Ok, in my defense, this was not the cover on the CD case. It had trees and talked about mystery. I fast forwarded through all the heavy breathing and probably graphic ick and it was entertaining. There was a bit of mystery, but you didn't have to think too hard. If I hadn't been in the car traveling to American Fork, I probably would have changed books.
May 27, 2014
One of Kay Hooper's earlier Loveswept romances, reissued.
A wonderful love story with all the beautiful characters and love themes she is known for. It is the perfect book to read after reading something very intense and complicated. I have many more of her early books and love to read one on a rainy day. They make me feel warm and content.
A wonderful love story with all the beautiful characters and love themes she is known for. It is the perfect book to read after reading something very intense and complicated. I have many more of her early books and love to read one on a rainy day. They make me feel warm and content.
April 4, 2012
Sugary sweet. The endearments are typically over the top, in line with the time that this was written, but were very distracting. Especially as I read this via audiobook and the narrator seemed to stress them in the dialogue between the characters. Liked the way the plot developed.
June 8, 2015
after the first chapter, I realized this must be an earlier work -- it had an undeveloped/underdeveloped quality to it -- it's a very quick lazy afternoon read ...
A bit insipid -- the great secret was not really a mystery after all
A bit insipid -- the great secret was not really a mystery after all
Read
January 5, 2010good
October 31, 2010
I would say it was a lame book but it was the perfect fit for a Sunday morning I couldn't pull myself out of bed. It took less than 3 hrs. to read so I didn't waste much time.
Read
July 31, 2011This book isn't like her FBI novels at all, or like many of her earlier works. Its a step away from a classic smut book, but all and all its an okay read. <3 Kay Hooper
December 7, 2011
I know this book is 25 years old, but really? As I was reading it I kept thinking of ways the author could have made it interesting. Definitely, Lite Romance.
February 22, 2012
sappy and contrived content but the story line should have made for a good read...
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June 28, 2018Travis Foxx's breath caught as Saber Duncan mesmerized her audience, her voice smoldering with passion and filled an odd, defiant yearning that stripped her heart naked. Could she possibly be the same girl whose records two years earlier had left him untouched, unimpressed? She had disappeared for a year and returned a fascinating, enigmatic woman whose mysterious odyssey seemed to have taken her from a fragile flower to part jungle cat, part siren. Filled with an obsession to know her secrets, to penetrate the veils she'd wrapped around her life, Travis pushed onward down a trail that seemed to have no end. Was he chasing a dream that even he could never name?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews