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Once Upon a Time #1
Golden Threads
Dear Reader,
As most of you probably know by now, I began my career writing series, or category, romance. I am very proud of my roots in romance, and consider myself lucky to have served a solid writing apprenticeship in a genre that allowed me to combine various elements in pursuit of a good story.
As most of you probably know by now, I began my career writing series, or category, romance. I am very proud of my roots in romance, and consider myself lucky to have served a solid writing apprenticeship in a genre that allowed me to combine various elements in pursuit of a good story.
Because love stories can be told against the backdrop of history or within the framework of mystery, suspense, fantasy, paranormal, and even horror plots, I was able to exercise those writing muscles over time, undoubtedly leading to the suspense/thriller novels I’m writing today. Romance is no longer the central focus of what I write, but it remains at the heart of all my work.
So I give you here a romantic story with an edge of suspense, first published in 1989. Lara Callahan has come to the small town of Pinewood to start over–and to hide. Devon Shane has come looking for answers. When the wary woman and mysterious man take roles in a community theater production, they risk far more than the judgment of an audience. They risk their very lives.
Because both of them have secrets. Both are living a lie. And both know the first rule of survival is Tell no one. It’s a rule they’ll have to break.
Kay Hooper
From the Hardcover edition.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1989
31 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Kay Hooper
97 books2,448 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 50 reviews
February 22, 2018
Dopade mi u ruku ovo kiosk izdanje američke autorke B/C klase, osrednjeg prevoda i kriminalne lekture (najblaže rečeno, bez elementarnog poznavanja pravopisa)... Postaje iritantna činjenica da izdavači kiosk izdanja čitaocima nude petparačke ljubavne vikend romane u formi knjiga... Postoje toliko drugih, boljih i kvalitetnijih autora ljubavnih romana (koji nemaju više od 300 strana) koji bi se mogli objavljivati u kiosk izdanjima... O bukvalnim iritantnim prevodima na koricama moglo bi se pričati danima... od onoga "najprodavanija autorka bestseler liste Njujork tajmsa" (što najčešće piše) ... Gospodo izdavači kiosk izdanja, ne može svaka autorka biti najprodavanija... i nisu vam čitaoci veverice, ne vređajte im inteligenciju... I koliko god da su kiosk izdanja jeftina, čitaoci zaslužuju za svoje pare korektan prevod i lekturu (s poznavanjem pravopisa)... U poslednje vreme sve češće kod izdavača nailazim na to grešku... u dijalozima pišu Vi, Vam, Vas (potpuno pogrešno... veliko slovo u persiranju koristi se samo u zvaničnoj, službenoj administrativnoj prepisci, nikako u književnim tekstovima... to, nažalost, registrujem u poslednje vreme čak i u Laguninim izdanjima)... nedavno sam u jednom kiosk izdanju naletela na fusnotu prevodioca koji objašnjava ko su Duran Duran i Roxy Music... :(
September 18, 2016
Golden Threads is the first in her "Once Upon a Time" series. Each book has a mysterious match maker who manages to get the right boy with the right girl. There is usually a bit of trouble along the way. Re-reading Golden Threads reminded me of why I like older romances. They are sometimes a bit cheesy, but usually they are just plain fun.
The romance in this one is really fast. I'm talking a week. But I didn't mind. There is also a mystery as well. Lara is in witness protection, but someone may have found her. Devon seems to be someone she can trust, but who should she listen to, her head or her heart? I say trust the cat, Ching. I do recommend this early one. Keep an eye out for it in November!
The romance in this one is really fast. I'm talking a week. But I didn't mind. There is also a mystery as well. Lara is in witness protection, but someone may have found her. Devon seems to be someone she can trust, but who should she listen to, her head or her heart? I say trust the cat, Ching. I do recommend this early one. Keep an eye out for it in November!
October 14, 2016
Special thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What initially drew me to this book was the author, Kay Hooper. I love her Bishop series so I wanted to read something else that she's done as well. This story is about Lara Mason, who is in federal witness protection that decides on a whim, to try out for a community production of Rapunzel - and she lands the lead. Devon Shane, is an undercover FBI agent who lands the male lead in this same production. Their goal is to capture the people responsible for Lara's dad's murder and to expose the secrets he had died trying to reveal.
I gave this book 3 stars though it's more like 3 1/2. I tried to keep in mind that this is a novella type book, there just still wasn't the time to develop a deep personal relationship properly. I feel the attempts to tie the fairy tale to the current situation was just TOO much. I was also flabbergasted that for someone who is in witness protection, she A) got to continue to use her first name, which was somewhat unique in and of itself B) that she fell in love so quickly and so easily when she should be rather leery of everyone that appears in her life C) that she was so damn trusting. I don't know, maybe it's just me....I'm all for things that may seem unbelievable to others (after all, I really LOVE her Bishop books) this story just seemed too contrived for my taste. I'm all queued up for the 2nd installment in this series, so I'm hopeful that will be better.
What initially drew me to this book was the author, Kay Hooper. I love her Bishop series so I wanted to read something else that she's done as well. This story is about Lara Mason, who is in federal witness protection that decides on a whim, to try out for a community production of Rapunzel - and she lands the lead. Devon Shane, is an undercover FBI agent who lands the male lead in this same production. Their goal is to capture the people responsible for Lara's dad's murder and to expose the secrets he had died trying to reveal.
I gave this book 3 stars though it's more like 3 1/2. I tried to keep in mind that this is a novella type book, there just still wasn't the time to develop a deep personal relationship properly. I feel the attempts to tie the fairy tale to the current situation was just TOO much. I was also flabbergasted that for someone who is in witness protection, she A) got to continue to use her first name, which was somewhat unique in and of itself B) that she fell in love so quickly and so easily when she should be rather leery of everyone that appears in her life C) that she was so damn trusting. I don't know, maybe it's just me....I'm all for things that may seem unbelievable to others (after all, I really LOVE her Bishop books) this story just seemed too contrived for my taste. I'm all queued up for the 2nd installment in this series, so I'm hopeful that will be better.
November 29, 2016
FINAL DECISION: A nice read, this story is a short category romance that means that the emotional story is somewhat rushed as the emphasis is on the plot of the book. The characters are nice and I enjoyed the book overall.
THE STORY: Lara Mason is trying to overcome her isolation by joining a local production of Rapunzel (the adult version). In truth, Lara is in the FBI witness program after the death of her father. Her attraction to the male lead of the play, Devon Shane is complicated to what might be attempts on her life.
OPINION: This book is enjoyable but it is not realistic. Like the fairy tale it is imitating, readers must just suspend their judgment and go with the story. Things happen too fast (insta-love) and there is so much that doesn't make sense in the real world (would the FBI really allow Lara to operate so far outside their protection?). But the story is fun and the characters (including a really amazing cat) are good enough to make this book worth my time to read.
Nothing is deep in this story but it is an intriguing and entertaining effort without the angst and drama of more realistic stories. I read this book years ago when it was first published and there is still something amazing about Hooper's writing. She has gone on to write much more complicated romantic suspense and you can certainly see glimpses of that great talent in these early efforts.
I'm going to admit that I've read the other books in this series as well and my favorite book of the lot is THE MATCHMAKER which reveals the story of the (you might guess) matchmaker of these couples.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a reprint of a Loveswept category romance that was published in the late 1980s.
CONNECTED BOOKS: GOLDEN THREADS is the first book in the loosely connected Once Upon a Time series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Lara Mason is trying to overcome her isolation by joining a local production of Rapunzel (the adult version). In truth, Lara is in the FBI witness program after the death of her father. Her attraction to the male lead of the play, Devon Shane is complicated to what might be attempts on her life.
OPINION: This book is enjoyable but it is not realistic. Like the fairy tale it is imitating, readers must just suspend their judgment and go with the story. Things happen too fast (insta-love) and there is so much that doesn't make sense in the real world (would the FBI really allow Lara to operate so far outside their protection?). But the story is fun and the characters (including a really amazing cat) are good enough to make this book worth my time to read.
Nothing is deep in this story but it is an intriguing and entertaining effort without the angst and drama of more realistic stories. I read this book years ago when it was first published and there is still something amazing about Hooper's writing. She has gone on to write much more complicated romantic suspense and you can certainly see glimpses of that great talent in these early efforts.
I'm going to admit that I've read the other books in this series as well and my favorite book of the lot is THE MATCHMAKER which reveals the story of the (you might guess) matchmaker of these couples.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a reprint of a Loveswept category romance that was published in the late 1980s.
CONNECTED BOOKS: GOLDEN THREADS is the first book in the loosely connected Once Upon a Time series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
November 28, 2016
This is a reissue of a story published years ago. It's been slightly updated but the core of the story remains the same. During a local production of Rapunzel, Lara Mason and Devon Shane meet. There is a bit of insta-love here but in this story it works. Lara is currently in witness protection so obviously she has secrets no one can know. Devon is an FBI agent who was sent in to find out if Lara is the one guilty of leaking information about her case. Never being able to trust anyone it's not easy for Lara but she feels a connection to Devon and decides to really let him in. Is this a mistake or the best decision of her life??
I enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
I enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
May 13, 2019
After the death of her father
Lara Mason goes into hiding in a strange town with a new identity, she tired of feeling like she is imprisoned by fate, she longsto escape the painful memory of her father's murder and by Playing Rapunzel in a local production would she hope distract her, she hoped-until broodingly sensual Devon Shane was chose as her prince in the play...and few close call would be accidents Devon cast himself as her bodyguard when. When she discovers who he really is and tells him she is tired of running and she is standing her ground. Can Devon keep her safe as things heat up.
Lara Mason goes into hiding in a strange town with a new identity, she tired of feeling like she is imprisoned by fate, she longsto escape the painful memory of her father's murder and by Playing Rapunzel in a local production would she hope distract her, she hoped-until broodingly sensual Devon Shane was chose as her prince in the play...and few close call would be accidents Devon cast himself as her bodyguard when. When she discovers who he really is and tells him she is tired of running and she is standing her ground. Can Devon keep her safe as things heat up.
December 2, 2017
3.5 Sterne
Leider nicht ganz so gut wie die anderen Bücher der Autorin.
Trotz sympathischer Protaganisten entwickelt sich die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Lara und Devon einfach viel zu schnell. Zuerst misstraut sie ihm und dann geht alles irgendwie hoppel la hopp. Und auch die Krimi Geschichte kam viel zu kurz. Der einzige Lichtblick war Ching. Er hatte eine wunderbare Persönlichkeit. Ich wünschte meine Katzen wären genauso.
Obwohl dem Buch etwas mehr Tiefe fehlt, einige fragen offen blieben und sich vieles zu schnell entwickelte, kann man das Buch gut für zwischendurch lesen.
Leider nicht ganz so gut wie die anderen Bücher der Autorin.
Trotz sympathischer Protaganisten entwickelt sich die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Lara und Devon einfach viel zu schnell. Zuerst misstraut sie ihm und dann geht alles irgendwie hoppel la hopp. Und auch die Krimi Geschichte kam viel zu kurz. Der einzige Lichtblick war Ching. Er hatte eine wunderbare Persönlichkeit. Ich wünschte meine Katzen wären genauso.
Obwohl dem Buch etwas mehr Tiefe fehlt, einige fragen offen blieben und sich vieles zu schnell entwickelte, kann man das Buch gut für zwischendurch lesen.
October 12, 2023
The writing was good for the most part, and the story moved along pretty well. I for one do not care for suspense/mystery books...I've read them before & just don't like them. I was somewhat surprised that this book turned out to be a suspense/mystery book....there was nothing on the book cover, or on the library website that indicated the genre was suspense/mystery. Because it was only 240 pages, I kept reading. I will say, and maybe the main reason for continuing the book, the cat made it everything for me. Loved the cat!!!
May 8, 2017
Classic Kay Hooper
Loved this poignant love story about two people, who no fault of their own, lost each other, and had to fight to get back to each other. Especially liked the fact that instead of being bitter about their time apart, they valued the changes in each other. Lots of great dialogue, as well as introspection by both characters. The best part was at the end, the heroine had beaten her fears herself, without waiting on the hero.
Loved this poignant love story about two people, who no fault of their own, lost each other, and had to fight to get back to each other. Especially liked the fact that instead of being bitter about their time apart, they valued the changes in each other. Lots of great dialogue, as well as introspection by both characters. The best part was at the end, the heroine had beaten her fears herself, without waiting on the hero.
May 13, 2022
Forced proximity; witness protection; FBI agent; cartel; magical elements
Rapunzel reimagined. Lara is in wit-sec after her father is killed by a cartel. He had important info that no one can find.
Devon is an undercover agent sent to watch Lara by trying out for the play she’s in.
For a book written in 1989, it holds up pretty well. Some of the terminology is a bit cringey but overall it’s a good story.
Rapunzel reimagined. Lara is in wit-sec after her father is killed by a cartel. He had important info that no one can find.
Devon is an undercover agent sent to watch Lara by trying out for the play she’s in.
For a book written in 1989, it holds up pretty well. Some of the terminology is a bit cringey but overall it’s a good story.
November 17, 2016
I read both Golden Threads and the Glass Shoe back to back. They are cute, modern adaptations of the fairy tale classics of Rapunzel and Cinderella. If you are looking for a fun, quick read, I would recommend these books.
August 26, 2018
A very strange slightly supernatural romance novel that has a very peculiar cat in it. I enjoyed the book but the ending with one character was really strange and I did not 100% get it but I enjoyed the book.
November 15, 2017
A waste of time.
December 13, 2017
I just love it when fairy tales come to life and, with a modern twist, have a satisfying ending. Such is this one and, romantic that I am, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
March 31, 2018
Dosadno.
Likovi mi se ne sviđaju, kao ni njihova romansa.
Takođe, misterija nije nista posebno.
Likovi mi se ne sviđaju, kao ni njihova romansa.
Takođe, misterija nije nista posebno.
November 11, 2021
Very slow and tedious. Quite boring. Very predictable.
Read
November 17, 2023Meh.
February 3, 2025
First of all, I didn’t like the sex scenes at all . They were unexpected… and too much! Then there was so much back and forth. Not a great book.
March 3, 2017
I have read others of Kay Hooper and liked the mystery and intrigue, but this book lacked either of those things. I struggled just to finish it and at one point almost said UGH, forget it! Not a series I will continue.
February 5, 2009
I have a confession.
I love to read romance novels. I know, I know, most consider them to be wastes of time with fluffy plots, predictable villains, damsels in distress and bad subplots. But I can’t get enough of them. After reading a good, hard book (Currently I’m taking a break from The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters…man what an unnecessarily wordy book!) there’s nothing more I enjoy than delving into a romance novel.
I’ve had a good run with hard books lately: The Measure of a Man, I Am Not Myself These Days, The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters. So it was about time I delved back into a romance novel. It’s been a while. The last real romance novel I’ve read (I’m not counting books that have romance elements in them, but books billed as romance novels) was Angel’s Fall by Nora Roberts. I needed to dip my toes into the romance pool again.
This time around, I’m reading Golden Threads by Kay Hooper. I’m 50 pages in and what a wonderful read! The set up of the story is a parallel of Rapunzel: What would happen if a woman was isolated, through no fault of her own? What would happen if there was a threat she could not see but knew was out there?
Lara Callahan has come to the small town of Pine Valley to start over and to hide from a past that won’t let her go. Devon Shane has come looking for answers. When the two land the lead roles in the community production of Rapunzel, sparks fly and secrets are unraveled. Who is after Lara? What secrets does Devon hide behind his steely gaze?
Thus far, I have to tell you, I’m having a blast. The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters will take centre stage after this book, so I’m having a grand old time being entertained with a great story, wonderful characters and lots of mystery.
Pick it up and read it. I’m going to hunt down anything by Kay Hooper after Golden Threads. She’s certainly got my attention.
I love to read romance novels. I know, I know, most consider them to be wastes of time with fluffy plots, predictable villains, damsels in distress and bad subplots. But I can’t get enough of them. After reading a good, hard book (Currently I’m taking a break from The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters…man what an unnecessarily wordy book!) there’s nothing more I enjoy than delving into a romance novel.
I’ve had a good run with hard books lately: The Measure of a Man, I Am Not Myself These Days, The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters. So it was about time I delved back into a romance novel. It’s been a while. The last real romance novel I’ve read (I’m not counting books that have romance elements in them, but books billed as romance novels) was Angel’s Fall by Nora Roberts. I needed to dip my toes into the romance pool again.
This time around, I’m reading Golden Threads by Kay Hooper. I’m 50 pages in and what a wonderful read! The set up of the story is a parallel of Rapunzel: What would happen if a woman was isolated, through no fault of her own? What would happen if there was a threat she could not see but knew was out there?
Lara Callahan has come to the small town of Pine Valley to start over and to hide from a past that won’t let her go. Devon Shane has come looking for answers. When the two land the lead roles in the community production of Rapunzel, sparks fly and secrets are unraveled. Who is after Lara? What secrets does Devon hide behind his steely gaze?
Thus far, I have to tell you, I’m having a blast. The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters will take centre stage after this book, so I’m having a grand old time being entertained with a great story, wonderful characters and lots of mystery.
Pick it up and read it. I’m going to hunt down anything by Kay Hooper after Golden Threads. She’s certainly got my attention.
April 1, 2012
3.5/5 (C+)
Lara Mason isn't really Lara Mason... A year ago, her father got murdered while he was investigating an organization that was stealing plans and information of some governmental projects and so, for the past year, she's been part of the Witness Protection program and has hiding in this little town. However, she's been feeling jailed up and so have decided to participate into the town theater production of Rapunzel. At the same time, appears Devon, a new stranger in town who gets the Prince role and some incidents have been happening to Lara (almost being hit by a car, her house being broken in, etc.)... Turns out more information and plans have been disappearing and two groups are after Lara: the bad guys and the FBI because Lara's father had some important proofs that are still hidden and figure that Lara would know where it is...
I actually quite enjoyed the book... However, it is quite out-dated ^^; My big issue with this book was that Devon and Lara got together too fast, but aside from that, it was nice. Two major things that I liked? The reappearance of Cyrus Fortune, who is the main character of The Matchmaker and Ching, Lara's cat. I have to say, I'm not an animal lover (not dog or cat or any other animals), but especially not cat cos I don't find them as affectionated as dogs... Anyway, I don't love the real version, but I do enjoy their antics in books... but that's usually dogs. I mean, cat don't usually do much, even in books. Kay Hooper's cats are different and so I really liked Lara's cat, Ching. I guess, it's mostly because he didn't act like a cat.
So would I recommend this book? I'd say if you're a fan of Kay Hooper and you've never read this book, go ahead... if you're not, well you can skip as it is not earth shattering... a nice romance novels, but there's probably newer books that you'd like to read :P
Lara Mason isn't really Lara Mason... A year ago, her father got murdered while he was investigating an organization that was stealing plans and information of some governmental projects and so, for the past year, she's been part of the Witness Protection program and has hiding in this little town. However, she's been feeling jailed up and so have decided to participate into the town theater production of Rapunzel. At the same time, appears Devon, a new stranger in town who gets the Prince role and some incidents have been happening to Lara (almost being hit by a car, her house being broken in, etc.)... Turns out more information and plans have been disappearing and two groups are after Lara: the bad guys and the FBI because Lara's father had some important proofs that are still hidden and figure that Lara would know where it is...
I actually quite enjoyed the book... However, it is quite out-dated ^^; My big issue with this book was that Devon and Lara got together too fast, but aside from that, it was nice. Two major things that I liked? The reappearance of Cyrus Fortune, who is the main character of The Matchmaker and Ching, Lara's cat. I have to say, I'm not an animal lover (not dog or cat or any other animals), but especially not cat cos I don't find them as affectionated as dogs... Anyway, I don't love the real version, but I do enjoy their antics in books... but that's usually dogs. I mean, cat don't usually do much, even in books. Kay Hooper's cats are different and so I really liked Lara's cat, Ching. I guess, it's mostly because he didn't act like a cat.
So would I recommend this book? I'd say if you're a fan of Kay Hooper and you've never read this book, go ahead... if you're not, well you can skip as it is not earth shattering... a nice romance novels, but there's probably newer books that you'd like to read :P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
Good story, some romance but not over the top or offensive to many, I'd guess. I enjoyed it.
Update May 2023:
Just finished a re-read of this book; I have no memory of having read it before (or listened, in this case). Also! Didn't have any sense of deja vu as I listened this time. It was short and took me only today to finish it. I had a real laugh-out-loud moment when I got here and saw what I wrote back in March, because it was exactly what I was planning to say today! And also the 4-star rating!
I will say that I'm not much of a romance novel aficionado in general, but I was okay with the amount of heavy breathing and such in this book. Honestly, it adds only the titillation effect here and I know that's a huge draw for lots of people, and if I had to choose between this style and the gratuitous brains-and-blood-on-the-wall shootout style of writing I would choose romance and heavy breathing every time. Not my favorite, but I certainly don't hate it ... Just clearing that up, though I'm pretty sure no one really cares.
Anyway, not a bad book. There's a cat in it who is integral to the story, which also is a component many enjoy, including me. You'll want to be prepared to suspend belief regarding this particular cat though. Just a suggestion, but you do you.
Again, like last time, I enjoyed it.
Update May 2023:
Just finished a re-read of this book; I have no memory of having read it before (or listened, in this case). Also! Didn't have any sense of deja vu as I listened this time. It was short and took me only today to finish it. I had a real laugh-out-loud moment when I got here and saw what I wrote back in March, because it was exactly what I was planning to say today! And also the 4-star rating!
I will say that I'm not much of a romance novel aficionado in general, but I was okay with the amount of heavy breathing and such in this book. Honestly, it adds only the titillation effect here and I know that's a huge draw for lots of people, and if I had to choose between this style and the gratuitous brains-and-blood-on-the-wall shootout style of writing I would choose romance and heavy breathing every time. Not my favorite, but I certainly don't hate it ... Just clearing that up, though I'm pretty sure no one really cares.
Anyway, not a bad book. There's a cat in it who is integral to the story, which also is a component many enjoy, including me. You'll want to be prepared to suspend belief regarding this particular cat though. Just a suggestion, but you do you.
Again, like last time, I enjoyed it.
September 15, 2016
Audition for the lead in a community theater production of Rapunzel? Sounds like a good idea to Lara Mason. Rapunzel was imprisoned in a tower and Lara's been in her own kind of prison. Under witness protection, she's got a different name than her own. is placed in a different city thanher own, and just wants to be a normal, happy woman and do normal, happy things.. Just like the play's namesake.
Devon Shane agrees to play Prince Charming, but it's an act. He's real life role as an FBI agent charged with finding out if Lara has betrayed the feds who put her in protection is starting to conflict with his pretend role of Charming.
Surrounded by people she's afraid to trust with her secret, she finally decides Devon really is her very own Prince Charming, and lets him in...to her problem and her heart.
Golden Threads is a reissue from Kay Hooper and although it's been updated, some of the language reads a little outdated. Aside from that, though, the plot is sound, the mystery surrounding Lara and her secret is a good one, and the love story between the two characters feels real as it develops.
Kay Hooper is a favorite author of mine and I was happy to read this reissue as a Netgallery sneak peak for an honest review.
You won't be disappointed-- fairy tales do come true.
Devon Shane agrees to play Prince Charming, but it's an act. He's real life role as an FBI agent charged with finding out if Lara has betrayed the feds who put her in protection is starting to conflict with his pretend role of Charming.
Surrounded by people she's afraid to trust with her secret, she finally decides Devon really is her very own Prince Charming, and lets him in...to her problem and her heart.
Golden Threads is a reissue from Kay Hooper and although it's been updated, some of the language reads a little outdated. Aside from that, though, the plot is sound, the mystery surrounding Lara and her secret is a good one, and the love story between the two characters feels real as it develops.
Kay Hooper is a favorite author of mine and I was happy to read this reissue as a Netgallery sneak peak for an honest review.
You won't be disappointed-- fairy tales do come true.
November 6, 2016
Ok so this is a take on the Rapunzel fairy tale.
Lara decides to try out for the community play to get out of her complicated life. And meets new people including Devon. Lara's past comes back to wreck havoc on her again and Devon comes to the rescue. Despite what could've been a deal breaker for some, Lara and Devon find their way to happiness.
No fairy tale here, nor is there anything magical, supernatural in is story. Just a simple, light romance between two people who weren't expecting anything. Though Devon's voice had me thinking... And Lara needs to be more. Or maybe I just need to read more scenes where they fall in love. I feel like I missed some parts of their story.
The bad guy was a twist I didn't see. Though I was hoping it be Luke, him to be a total psychopath and evil. Just like any fairy tale. What we got is also kind of a fairy tale but lacks the evilness of character. Bad guy needs to be badder. What's the point otherwise?
Lara decides to try out for the community play to get out of her complicated life. And meets new people including Devon. Lara's past comes back to wreck havoc on her again and Devon comes to the rescue. Despite what could've been a deal breaker for some, Lara and Devon find their way to happiness.
No fairy tale here, nor is there anything magical, supernatural in is story. Just a simple, light romance between two people who weren't expecting anything. Though Devon's voice had me thinking... And Lara needs to be more. Or maybe I just need to read more scenes where they fall in love. I feel like I missed some parts of their story.
The bad guy was a twist I didn't see. Though I was hoping it be Luke, him to be a total psychopath and evil. Just like any fairy tale. What we got is also kind of a fairy tale but lacks the evilness of character. Bad guy needs to be badder. What's the point otherwise?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2009
ok... it's Rapunzel with a modern day twist. The gist is...thre is a woman in the witness protection program that has been placed in a very small community. She is so tired of staying in her apartment that she, after seeing an ad in the newspaper, joins a community theater group and gets the lead part in an adult version of Rapunzel. Meanwhile an FBI agent is sent to try and crack the mystry of what she doesn't realize that she knows about the night of her father's murder. 2 people living mysterious lives make for this story.
The book is short... thank goodness.......there is so much passion that it almost gets boring enough to skip over. I cna't believe I just wrote that. :) Luckily, the actual story line is interesting enough that I did not skip the entire book.
The book is short... thank goodness.......there is so much passion that it almost gets boring enough to skip over. I cna't believe I just wrote that. :) Luckily, the actual story line is interesting enough that I did not skip the entire book.
December 14, 2016
This is Book 1 in the "Once Upon a Time" Series and a reissue of a story published many years ago. Although it has been updated the main story remained the same.
During a local production of Rapunzel, Lara Mason and Devon Shane meet. The first time they see each other they fall in love. Lara is part of a witness protection program so there are many things she needs to hide from Devon. Devon also has secrets on his own. He is an FBI agent sent in to find out if Lara is leaking information about her case.
The characters are well done and the story is very entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher
During a local production of Rapunzel, Lara Mason and Devon Shane meet. The first time they see each other they fall in love. Lara is part of a witness protection program so there are many things she needs to hide from Devon. Devon also has secrets on his own. He is an FBI agent sent in to find out if Lara is leaking information about her case.
The characters are well done and the story is very entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher
August 6, 2009
Taking it's theme from Rapunzel and having the production of a play as the core of the story. Lara Callahan is trying to escape her past and finds herself in Pinewood, there's a lot of secrets and questions and they have to learn to trust each other if they're going to get anywhere.
The story was pretty predictable, however Ching, her siamese, was the best fun in the whole story and made it worth the read.
The story was pretty predictable, however Ching, her siamese, was the best fun in the whole story and made it worth the read.
December 1, 2016
This is part of the Once Upon A time Series. Lara just wants a break from hiding and meets her prince in a community play with Devon, who is working undercover. They must come together to overcome the people chasing her to find their happy ever after . Modern tale of Rapunzel that I enjoyed revisiting. The original book was from Loveswept line and have it on the keeper shelf with all of this Author's books.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
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