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The Lost Library
Her past has caught up with her. Again.
Cali Lebeau has been aiding hackers with her cryptology skills to track an apparent terrorist organization. When they discover what she’s been doing, they target her. Asher Cross, billionaire recluse, insists on aiding her, though she doesn’t understand why.
Asher Cross has secrets. He must help Cali, keep her alive, but he cannot let her understand his past or his motivations—in order to protect her.
They discover that the terrorist organization is searching for the Golden Library of Moscow, which was first assembled by Ivan the Great and had grown over time to include the oldest and most valuable texts in the world, including missing masterpieces. They believe the library holds black magic and the secret to everlasting life. It was stolen from them by Cali’s ancestor, and Cali holds a clue to its location handed down by her mother. In order to free herself and Asher, Cali must race against the terrorists, find the library, and share it with the world.
Will they be able to solve the mystery surrounding the Lost Library or risk losing their lives?
Cali Lebeau has been aiding hackers with her cryptology skills to track an apparent terrorist organization. When they discover what she’s been doing, they target her. Asher Cross, billionaire recluse, insists on aiding her, though she doesn’t understand why.
Asher Cross has secrets. He must help Cali, keep her alive, but he cannot let her understand his past or his motivations—in order to protect her.
They discover that the terrorist organization is searching for the Golden Library of Moscow, which was first assembled by Ivan the Great and had grown over time to include the oldest and most valuable texts in the world, including missing masterpieces. They believe the library holds black magic and the secret to everlasting life. It was stolen from them by Cali’s ancestor, and Cali holds a clue to its location handed down by her mother. In order to free herself and Asher, Cali must race against the terrorists, find the library, and share it with the world.
Will they be able to solve the mystery surrounding the Lost Library or risk losing their lives?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Koslin
5 books408 followersMelissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Jacksonville, Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 5, 2024
Melissa Koslin skillfully crafts a deep character driven romantic mystery that kept me up reading far into the night.
I loved the depth of emotion that both Cali and Asher had from beginning to end.
Asher - the "beast" that most people were afraid of or obsessed with. He thinks he doesn't deserve love and forgiveness because of his past.
Cali - the beauty who can decipher cryptic messages and is on the run from men who want to own her. She doesn't let anyone get too close to her for their own safety.
Romantic tension off the charts. Heart pumping action. Beautiful depictions of true faith in the Living God.
Absolutely loved and recommend!
I loved the depth of emotion that both Cali and Asher had from beginning to end.
Asher - the "beast" that most people were afraid of or obsessed with. He thinks he doesn't deserve love and forgiveness because of his past.
Cali - the beauty who can decipher cryptic messages and is on the run from men who want to own her. She doesn't let anyone get too close to her for their own safety.
Romantic tension off the charts. Heart pumping action. Beautiful depictions of true faith in the Living God.
Absolutely loved and recommend!
September 3, 2024
You all have to check out Melissa Koslin's newest book. I stayed up late last night to finish it because it was so good! I love how the author adds such exciting action mixed with romance in her books. I couldn't put it down. And I cried so hard reading one scene, it's really hard to get me to cry. I felt this story was extra special with the faith in the story, you'll just have to read it to find out. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to read, all thoughts are my own.
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to read, all thoughts are my own.
September 27, 2024
When the name Melissa Koslin is listed on a book, I automatically want to read it. I didn't bother reading the blurb so imagine my surprise to find out this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, romantic suspense style! This book had me enthralled as the heroine and hero worked to find the Lost Library and find each other. And the way Koslin weaves in God in the suspenseful moments is masterful and had me almost praying for their characters, forgetting they're very much fictional. Melissa Koslin remains an auto-read author for me.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
September 30, 2024
You guys! The Lost Library was such a fun book to read! There are layers upon layers of secrets, and author Melissa Koslin does a fabulous job of revealing them one at a time until we MUST know how it all turns out. It’s got marvelous vibes of Beauty & the Beast and films like The Librarian, Indiana Jones, Sneakers and National Treasure, so if you are a fan of any of those stories you’re going to love this book too!
Cali has secrets and they’re starting to catch up with her. I really enjoyed watching her story unfold as Koslin feeds us nuggets of Cali’s past throughout this plot. Each new layer made her either more sympathetic or more intriguing, depending on the nature of the information we’re given. And it’s all building up to a stunning last few chapters that I absolutely LOVED. Her boss Asher has secrets too and they haunt both his dreams and his mirror. His reputation as “The Beast” may be warranted in some ways, but most of that has been self-protection until now … and if you’re like me, there’s something super swoony about a recluse hero that lowers his walls to protect the heroine. In that case, you’re going to love the stubbornly taciturn Asher as much as I did, even if we do agree with Cali that his very selective speech can be very exasperating lol.
As Cali and Asher run for their lives across the eastern United States, the stakes keep getting higher and staying ahead of this story’s villains gets more intense for them – and for readers. Who IS after them? A man from Cali’s past? Terrorists? A conspiracy group? All of the above? And at first that’s the main focus of the plot, but the author is weaving a much larger story, too, involving a lost Library that would be the envy of all bookworms everywhere… and IT’S REAL (maybe)! The more I learned about it, the more invested I became in the story (though I already was glued to the page) and – confession – the more I wanted to be the one to find it. In fact… if you ever see me somewhere (you’ll have to read the book to find out where) and I appear to be looking for secret passages, just leave me be. I’m in my happy place haha.
Bottom Line: The Lost Library by Melissa Koslin is a suspense-filled adventure with a sweet romance (and suppressed feelings that fuel delightful can’t-hold-it-back-anymore sparks on occasion = my favorite kind of sparks), a clear Gospel message, and a library to make the dreams of bibliophiles and historians come true. Asher makes the perfect brooding, roaring (when someone tries to hurt Cali) Beast archetype, though there’s much more to him than that, and his protective instincts and care for Cali made my heart melt. Cali was also a pleasure to get to know on these pages, as well as her Gray Hat friends and other supporting characters we meet along the way. I was greatly invested in how everything would turn out for ‘the good guys’ in this story, and it held my interest from beginning to end. A perfect reading choice for fans of Beauty and the Beast or National Treasure!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Cali has secrets and they’re starting to catch up with her. I really enjoyed watching her story unfold as Koslin feeds us nuggets of Cali’s past throughout this plot. Each new layer made her either more sympathetic or more intriguing, depending on the nature of the information we’re given. And it’s all building up to a stunning last few chapters that I absolutely LOVED. Her boss Asher has secrets too and they haunt both his dreams and his mirror. His reputation as “The Beast” may be warranted in some ways, but most of that has been self-protection until now … and if you’re like me, there’s something super swoony about a recluse hero that lowers his walls to protect the heroine. In that case, you’re going to love the stubbornly taciturn Asher as much as I did, even if we do agree with Cali that his very selective speech can be very exasperating lol.
As Cali and Asher run for their lives across the eastern United States, the stakes keep getting higher and staying ahead of this story’s villains gets more intense for them – and for readers. Who IS after them? A man from Cali’s past? Terrorists? A conspiracy group? All of the above? And at first that’s the main focus of the plot, but the author is weaving a much larger story, too, involving a lost Library that would be the envy of all bookworms everywhere… and IT’S REAL (maybe)! The more I learned about it, the more invested I became in the story (though I already was glued to the page) and – confession – the more I wanted to be the one to find it. In fact… if you ever see me somewhere (you’ll have to read the book to find out where) and I appear to be looking for secret passages, just leave me be. I’m in my happy place haha.
Bottom Line: The Lost Library by Melissa Koslin is a suspense-filled adventure with a sweet romance (and suppressed feelings that fuel delightful can’t-hold-it-back-anymore sparks on occasion = my favorite kind of sparks), a clear Gospel message, and a library to make the dreams of bibliophiles and historians come true. Asher makes the perfect brooding, roaring (when someone tries to hurt Cali) Beast archetype, though there’s much more to him than that, and his protective instincts and care for Cali made my heart melt. Cali was also a pleasure to get to know on these pages, as well as her Gray Hat friends and other supporting characters we meet along the way. I was greatly invested in how everything would turn out for ‘the good guys’ in this story, and it held my interest from beginning to end. A perfect reading choice for fans of Beauty and the Beast or National Treasure!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 29, 2024
A book with a nod to Beauty and the Beast and a Lost Library? Yes please! I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic adventure with a broody hero and a genius prodigy for a heroine.
November 17, 2025
Speechless… the beauty and the beast concept was beautiful!!! Melissa Koslin is currently my favourite author! Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!!
The romance was very minimal and absolutely so sweet! The ending made me so happy!!! Can’t wait to add this book to my collection!!!
The romance was very minimal and absolutely so sweet! The ending made me so happy!!! Can’t wait to add this book to my collection!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
I am so thankful for the opportunity to give my honest review in exchange for a copy of this book. Melissa Koslin's new Christian fiction novel, The Lost Library will take you on a spellbinding adventure.
The book follows both Cali, a hacker and Asher, Cali’s boss and billionaire. When Cali discovers a terrorist group trying to find the lost library, she must accept help and protection from her boss when her past and present collide.
I could not put this book down and recommend it to anyone who loves clean Christian romance, adventure and amazing writing. This book is perfect for fans of the movie National Treasure and unexpected twists.
The book follows both Cali, a hacker and Asher, Cali’s boss and billionaire. When Cali discovers a terrorist group trying to find the lost library, she must accept help and protection from her boss when her past and present collide.
I could not put this book down and recommend it to anyone who loves clean Christian romance, adventure and amazing writing. This book is perfect for fans of the movie National Treasure and unexpected twists.
February 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I LOVE Melissa’s writing. I love her characters, the way she paces her stories and her overall writing style. This book started out great- I was captivated with the characters and intrigued with the storyline. Unfortunately, the whole “hunting for hidden treasure” style plot just isn’t my thing. It began to feel almost fantastical/speculative at times. Gave me National Treasure vibes. I think this was just a personal issue, because I really enjoyed the other aspects of the story. I also felt that some of the
religious aspects /conversion experiences were too easily tied up. It felt forced in some ways . Even though this wasn’t a favorite, I look forward to reading more by Melissa because I truly love her writing.
religious aspects /conversion experiences were too easily tied up. It felt forced in some ways . Even though this wasn’t a favorite, I look forward to reading more by Melissa because I truly love her writing.
May 12, 2025
Wow!! My first mystery romance, and my first Melissa Koslin. It did NOT disappoint!! I really enjoyed this book and it kept me hooked from the very beginning! And the Beauty and the Beast inspired bits weaved in was really neat!!
May 23, 2025
It’s a struggle to find clean, compelling mystery/thrillers, and this one was solid. Loved reading in the Author’s Note that the Lost Library is likely real, many have searched for it or claim to have evidence of its existence.
September 27, 2024
I think Melissa Koslin has become one of my favorite authors. Such a fun ride. Did not expect where this book was going at first. Each chapter end was a page turner and kept me up way past my bedtime. 🙂
February 12, 2025
I want to preface this review by saying that this book was someone’s ‘brainchild’ and it takes a tremendous amount of talent and dedication to write a book. That being said…this was a no for me.
****POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD****
Again, this book was not for me but it could definitely work for someone else!
I am not sure if it was the author’s writing style or what but maybe modern romance is not for me. Give me Jane Austen any day! The ‘I don’t want you hurt by being with me but I have to be around you to protect you’ theme was annoying at the beginning. By 50% in, it actually upset me. Also…how and why do the MC and Asher love each other? Like…what led to that? Genuine question lol because to me it seemed like Asher saved the MC a few times and then she loved him….😐 I’m confuzzled (confused + puzzled). Unless she likes grumpy, guilt ridden, emotionally unavailable men who are prone to violence…in that case, seek help.
Also, Asher’s own guilt caused him to have a skewed perception and THAT theme made me angry 😡 like…we are 80% through this book and there’s barely any character growth for him. “She thinks I’m a beast” SHE LITERALLY SAID THE EXACT OPPOSITE OUT OF HER OWN MOUTH
Then at the end, Asher doesn’t explain why he loved the MC…or maybe he did and I just didn’t get it? Literally nothing led up to that ever possibly happening. I liken this to Rose and Finn in Star Wars The Last Jedi…that kiss came literally out of nowhere lol Asher and the MC barely interacted prior to having to run for their lives. He said “I saw you with a black eye” and had to protect you 😐 this is called “white knight syndrome”. Seek help.
What have we learned so far? Proximity romance is not for me.
Okay so…the repeated (emphasis on REPEATED) themes of this book were survivors guilt, more guilt, ‘the MC is sooooo smart’, ‘Asher is beast’. I really needed this book to do more ‘show don’t tell’. In fact, stop telling me because I’m over it lol. MC is “smart”, has been attacked multiple times, knows it’s not good to be seen in public, but still takes a walk into town and is confused when people recognize the CELEBRITY WITH HER and beats her!?!? If she’s smart, she’s gotta make smart choices. The whole book had everyone aboard the guilt train and they were confused as to why the other person won’t stop feeling guilty 🙃
Some of the wording felt…odd to me, like they used dialogue that normal people wouldn’t say in real life. It seemed really stilted at times.
At 50% in this book, we still hadn’t gotten to the point of this book which was The Actual Lost Library. Everything happens at the end of the book (mostly starting at 64%). I only kept reading (after a long hiatus) because this is a Christian fiction book and I wanted to support the author.
*Sigh* in conclusion, I’m not a modern romance girlie. I came for the fiction and was bludgeoned by the romance. I will chalk this L up to me not doing enough research on this book prior to reading it. ALL THIS BEING SAID (or…possibly yelled…?) I would recommend this to someone who likes romance (this story may not be the best display of it), a little action, and ‘National Treasure’ type of mystery. The Christian themes were good also and I would recommend this to someone who even isn’t a Christian because who cares, anyone can enjoy any book if they so choose.
TW: confusing romance, violence, (make you wait for it) mystery, survivor’s guilt, brief mention of war activities, and brief mention of suicide
****POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD****
Again, this book was not for me but it could definitely work for someone else!
I am not sure if it was the author’s writing style or what but maybe modern romance is not for me. Give me Jane Austen any day! The ‘I don’t want you hurt by being with me but I have to be around you to protect you’ theme was annoying at the beginning. By 50% in, it actually upset me. Also…how and why do the MC and Asher love each other? Like…what led to that? Genuine question lol because to me it seemed like Asher saved the MC a few times and then she loved him….😐 I’m confuzzled (confused + puzzled). Unless she likes grumpy, guilt ridden, emotionally unavailable men who are prone to violence…in that case, seek help.
Also, Asher’s own guilt caused him to have a skewed perception and THAT theme made me angry 😡 like…we are 80% through this book and there’s barely any character growth for him. “She thinks I’m a beast” SHE LITERALLY SAID THE EXACT OPPOSITE OUT OF HER OWN MOUTH
Then at the end, Asher doesn’t explain why he loved the MC…or maybe he did and I just didn’t get it? Literally nothing led up to that ever possibly happening. I liken this to Rose and Finn in Star Wars The Last Jedi…that kiss came literally out of nowhere lol Asher and the MC barely interacted prior to having to run for their lives. He said “I saw you with a black eye” and had to protect you 😐 this is called “white knight syndrome”. Seek help.
What have we learned so far? Proximity romance is not for me.
Okay so…the repeated (emphasis on REPEATED) themes of this book were survivors guilt, more guilt, ‘the MC is sooooo smart’, ‘Asher is beast’. I really needed this book to do more ‘show don’t tell’. In fact, stop telling me because I’m over it lol. MC is “smart”, has been attacked multiple times, knows it’s not good to be seen in public, but still takes a walk into town and is confused when people recognize the CELEBRITY WITH HER and beats her!?!? If she’s smart, she’s gotta make smart choices. The whole book had everyone aboard the guilt train and they were confused as to why the other person won’t stop feeling guilty 🙃
Some of the wording felt…odd to me, like they used dialogue that normal people wouldn’t say in real life. It seemed really stilted at times.
At 50% in this book, we still hadn’t gotten to the point of this book which was The Actual Lost Library. Everything happens at the end of the book (mostly starting at 64%). I only kept reading (after a long hiatus) because this is a Christian fiction book and I wanted to support the author.
*Sigh* in conclusion, I’m not a modern romance girlie. I came for the fiction and was bludgeoned by the romance. I will chalk this L up to me not doing enough research on this book prior to reading it. ALL THIS BEING SAID (or…possibly yelled…?) I would recommend this to someone who likes romance (this story may not be the best display of it), a little action, and ‘National Treasure’ type of mystery. The Christian themes were good also and I would recommend this to someone who even isn’t a Christian because who cares, anyone can enjoy any book if they so choose.
TW: confusing romance, violence, (make you wait for it) mystery, survivor’s guilt, brief mention of war activities, and brief mention of suicide
March 31, 2025
Melissa Koslin has outdone it again, delivering cutting-edge suspense that keeps you hooked from the very first sentence. The Lost Library wastes no time plunging readers into a thrilling ride filled with mystery, danger, and secrets too powerful to stay hidden.
Cali has spent her life running from a past that refuses to release its grip. Working as an accountant, her job seems straightforward—until it’s anything but. Her employer, the enigmatic Asher Cross, is a man shrouded in secrecy, exuding both an irresistible allure and a chilling intensity.
When Cali helps a group of hackers uncover a hidden mystery, her search for answers leads her down a treacherous path. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes—until she finds herself marked by those who would do anything to keep their secrets buried.
Asher isn’t just caught up in Cali’s battle—he’s adamant about protecting her. Determined and unwavering, he steps in without hesitation, standing between her and the powerful forces that would rather see her silenced. Together, they go on the run, moving from hideout to hideout, racing against time as danger closes in. Cryptic messages and an ominous sense of peril all swirl around The Lost Library, an entity that holds secrets far more dangerous than Cali ever imagined. But as she gets closer to the truth, the question remains: will she be allowed to live once she uncovers the answers? Or is she just another disposable pawn in a high-stakes game?
Koslin masterfully crafts a story dripping with tension and suspense, weaving a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The ticking clock, the high-stakes mystery, and the electrifying chemistry between the characters make The Lost Library an unputdownable read. If you're looking for a thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final heart-pounding moment, this is it.
Wow, what a ride!
Cali has spent her life running from a past that refuses to release its grip. Working as an accountant, her job seems straightforward—until it’s anything but. Her employer, the enigmatic Asher Cross, is a man shrouded in secrecy, exuding both an irresistible allure and a chilling intensity.
When Cali helps a group of hackers uncover a hidden mystery, her search for answers leads her down a treacherous path. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes—until she finds herself marked by those who would do anything to keep their secrets buried.
Asher isn’t just caught up in Cali’s battle—he’s adamant about protecting her. Determined and unwavering, he steps in without hesitation, standing between her and the powerful forces that would rather see her silenced. Together, they go on the run, moving from hideout to hideout, racing against time as danger closes in. Cryptic messages and an ominous sense of peril all swirl around The Lost Library, an entity that holds secrets far more dangerous than Cali ever imagined. But as she gets closer to the truth, the question remains: will she be allowed to live once she uncovers the answers? Or is she just another disposable pawn in a high-stakes game?
Koslin masterfully crafts a story dripping with tension and suspense, weaving a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The ticking clock, the high-stakes mystery, and the electrifying chemistry between the characters make The Lost Library an unputdownable read. If you're looking for a thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final heart-pounding moment, this is it.
Wow, what a ride!
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars
"Do you know why I am hiding?"
After a strange encounter with her employer, Calli Lebeau excepted the fact that Asher Cross had done her a great favor . . . . . . . at least for the moment he had rescued her from a fate that she had spent a tremendous amount of time and effort trying to avoid. Having him show up when she needed him the most seemed more than a simple coincidence, but trying to get information from the tight-lipped, reclusive billionaire was practically impossible. He acted like he cared; the question was why?
Asher Cross knew a great deal more about Calli than he could reveal, her resume not included her cryptology skills and fluency in multiple languages. Unseen forces had motivated him to make sure she was protected, but now that his intentions had come to light, he and Calli began a somewhat awkward dance between employee/employer and protectee/protector. When a discreet but powerful organization believes that Calli may know the whereabouts of The Golden Library of Moscow, a cryptic reservoir of ancient documents, the plot becomes extremely murky along with their feelings for one another.
"In the house built, History doth dwell."
A mesmerizing series of unforeseen events, crafted by an author who designs tragic, flawed, fearless, (and even a bit frustrating at times) heroes and heroines . . . .with an authenticity that is rarely matched.
"Do you know why I am hiding?"
After a strange encounter with her employer, Calli Lebeau excepted the fact that Asher Cross had done her a great favor . . . . . . . at least for the moment he had rescued her from a fate that she had spent a tremendous amount of time and effort trying to avoid. Having him show up when she needed him the most seemed more than a simple coincidence, but trying to get information from the tight-lipped, reclusive billionaire was practically impossible. He acted like he cared; the question was why?
Asher Cross knew a great deal more about Calli than he could reveal, her resume not included her cryptology skills and fluency in multiple languages. Unseen forces had motivated him to make sure she was protected, but now that his intentions had come to light, he and Calli began a somewhat awkward dance between employee/employer and protectee/protector. When a discreet but powerful organization believes that Calli may know the whereabouts of The Golden Library of Moscow, a cryptic reservoir of ancient documents, the plot becomes extremely murky along with their feelings for one another.
"In the house built, History doth dwell."
A mesmerizing series of unforeseen events, crafted by an author who designs tragic, flawed, fearless, (and even a bit frustrating at times) heroes and heroines . . . .with an authenticity that is rarely matched.
April 27, 2025
A fun and different read that readers will greatly enjoy.
Cali Lebeau has been working hard to keep her past behind her, but no matter how hard she tries it keeps catching up with her. Helping hackers to stop terrorist, Cali has found herself in the crosshairs. She has been working for billionaire Asher Cross and tries to keep her head down. But when she winds up in the crosshairs, he helps her no matter how much she tries to tell him not to. She doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt because of her. Asher and Cali find themselves in the midst of a terror organization looking for a lost library full of hidden treasures. Cali’s ancestors are connected to the library and now Cali might be the only able to find it and the treasures it holds.
The Lost Library didn’t start the way I expected, and it sure didn’t end as I expected either, but in a good way. I enjoyed the storyline and the uniqueness of it compared to many books I read. I thought the story was well planned and the characters fun to read about. Cali was a strong female protagonist and she kept trying to do the best she could to help others and keep herself alive in the process. Readers will enjoy the dive into the mystery of the library and how Cali gets herself caught up in it all.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Cali Lebeau has been working hard to keep her past behind her, but no matter how hard she tries it keeps catching up with her. Helping hackers to stop terrorist, Cali has found herself in the crosshairs. She has been working for billionaire Asher Cross and tries to keep her head down. But when she winds up in the crosshairs, he helps her no matter how much she tries to tell him not to. She doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt because of her. Asher and Cali find themselves in the midst of a terror organization looking for a lost library full of hidden treasures. Cali’s ancestors are connected to the library and now Cali might be the only able to find it and the treasures it holds.
The Lost Library didn’t start the way I expected, and it sure didn’t end as I expected either, but in a good way. I enjoyed the storyline and the uniqueness of it compared to many books I read. I thought the story was well planned and the characters fun to read about. Cali was a strong female protagonist and she kept trying to do the best she could to help others and keep herself alive in the process. Readers will enjoy the dive into the mystery of the library and how Cali gets herself caught up in it all.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
October 1, 2024
WOW! I was eagerly awaiting this new novel by Melissa Koslin and it did not disappoint! Cali Lebeau, a low-level bookkeeper, does her job and keeps her head down. Yes, she has secrets but doesn't everyone? One day she's called to the top floor and assigned to work on a new project - the unanswered question is why? Asher Cross - billionaire, ex-football player, ex-military, loner - runs a successful company as a tight ship. Nicknamed The Beast - looks and personality have earned him this moniker - he shadows Cali. When she's approached by a mobster who is bent on her destruction, he steps in and provides protection. Suddenly they are off on a wild ride of suspense, danger and intrigue. Who's bent on destroying Cali and now Asher and how does a centuries-old lost library fit into all of it? Can Cali coax Asher into trusting her enough to open up? Can Asher convince Cali that without his protection and finances she doesn't have a chance? A master at weaving intrigue, developing characters, and leaving you on the edge of your seat - Melissa Koslin has hit a home run with her latest novel. A must-read for 2024!
January 26, 2025
May contain spoilers.
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With all the twists and turns, this was a fun read. The beginning was fantastic and a quick page-turner as you get sucked into the mystery of Asher and Cali. The characters were all flawed, which I love, as some authors paint people as ethically and morally perfect- not real-life or authentic. Your heart goes out to both of the leads as their history unfolds.
This was a really good mystery thriller, but I still have questions- how long has Asher known about Cali? He said he’s been in love with her for years but how long has she been at the company? Did he know about her before she was employed there? It didn’t sound like it but his devotion and almost obsession with her and her safety goes beyond what someone with PTSD and a revenge killing in their history, IMO.
With all of that being said, I picked this book up after reading another one from this author and completing it in about 2 days (which is quick for a working mama of elementary aged boys). I’ll definitely be hunting down Melissa Koslin’s other titles!
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With all the twists and turns, this was a fun read. The beginning was fantastic and a quick page-turner as you get sucked into the mystery of Asher and Cali. The characters were all flawed, which I love, as some authors paint people as ethically and morally perfect- not real-life or authentic. Your heart goes out to both of the leads as their history unfolds.
This was a really good mystery thriller, but I still have questions- how long has Asher known about Cali? He said he’s been in love with her for years but how long has she been at the company? Did he know about her before she was employed there? It didn’t sound like it but his devotion and almost obsession with her and her safety goes beyond what someone with PTSD and a revenge killing in their history, IMO.
With all of that being said, I picked this book up after reading another one from this author and completing it in about 2 days (which is quick for a working mama of elementary aged boys). I’ll definitely be hunting down Melissa Koslin’s other titles!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2024
Going in I didn’t know this was a Christian thriller. I liked the beginning and the mysterious Mr. Cross. Cali’s mysterious past and hacking friends were an interesting combination. I even liked the fact that she prayed. Unfortunately for me, the characters failed to develop. Cali’s life goal was to not get anyone hurt, so made choices that put her at risk and therefore drew others into danger. Asher Cross (who apparently had loved Cali for years?) only wanted to protect her, wasn’t afraid to hurt or kill people who threatened her, and had billions of dollars to spend on her safety. I finished the book but didn’t really like the second half. I applaud the author for trying to include faith aspects in Cali’s character) however the explanation of salvation and conversion of other characters felt very awkward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
At first I felt like I got thrown in the deep end of the story. My head was spinning and I had no idea what was going on. I also was wondering how the heck a library had anything to do with what was going on.
Things do start to clear up as you dive into the book but you also get more questions with every answer. It’s a wild ride for sure and such a cool premise. I love when people take unsolved historical myths and legends and make something plausible for an answer. And it included one of the sites on my bucket list which was fun! If/when I ever go there I’ll be thinking of this for sure :)
This is a fun, action-packed read with some great characters and some deeper themes to get you thinking as well.
Things do start to clear up as you dive into the book but you also get more questions with every answer. It’s a wild ride for sure and such a cool premise. I love when people take unsolved historical myths and legends and make something plausible for an answer. And it included one of the sites on my bucket list which was fun! If/when I ever go there I’ll be thinking of this for sure :)
This is a fun, action-packed read with some great characters and some deeper themes to get you thinking as well.
September 25, 2025
I loved this book!!! This book was written for all the beauty and the beast fans who loved the library. I loved the redemption. I loved the way that Christ shone through at the moment that He did. I loved every single character, especially Calli and Asher. The book I didn't know I needed to read. So glad it's a part of my personal library.
Melissa Koslin does a phenomenal job at giving the MMC a complex back story that is also touching. I have read two books by this author, both 5 stars she definitely keeps you turning the pages and burning the midnight oil.
Melissa Koslin does a phenomenal job at giving the MMC a complex back story that is also touching. I have read two books by this author, both 5 stars she definitely keeps you turning the pages and burning the midnight oil.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
This is about a 4.75. Almost a 5 but not quite. The main characters spent too much time trying to protect each other or keep each other at a distance. I would have preferred they got over that sooner so we could have seen their romance develop more. Other than that, I loved this story. It moved along, had some plot twists, and kept my attention. I definitely plan to read more by this author.
November 10, 2024
The Lost Library was a fantastic book. The twists and turns throughout the story kept you hooked until the last page. There was so much intertwining I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I love the way Melissa combines suspense, romance, and God into her books. Another great read from Melissa Koslin.
April 30, 2025
I love her writing. This story had sone holes in it for me, but I still enjoyed it enough. There was enough adventure and the characters were likable. There could have been more to the romance to make it more believable and more detail to connect the main parts of the mystery/plot and make it flow better. Still an enjoyable read, though
September 10, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down! I love Melissa’s characters and how their lives are far from “normal”. Enjoy reading her books because they are different than any other Christian romantic suspense I read.
September 21, 2024
This was such a fantastic read! I loved it so much! I didn’t want it to end! Now I want to go back and read her other books again. I will most definitely be reading this book again in the future. It was fantastic.
January 3, 2025
4.5, solid read! I like the simple, straight to the point writing style! This is kinda like a modern, Christian, Beauty & The Beast inspired book! Very interesting plot that kept me reading! Would recommend.
September 23, 2024
3 stars
They agree to just be friends, and then he proposes at the end. Not my favorite Melissa koslin book but the story plot was realy good.
They agree to just be friends, and then he proposes at the end. Not my favorite Melissa koslin book but the story plot was realy good.
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October 9, 2024Dnf due to a lack of interest. I got very far, so I’m giving myself credit. The writing was mediocre and while there was always something happening, I didn’t really care.
October 15, 2024
Who doesn't love references to a lost library and Beauty & the Beast? That was all the premise I needed to dive right in!
October 19, 2024
I enjoyed this story that blends strong elements of Beauty and the Beast with a National Treasure type hunt for the Lost Library of Ivan the Terrible. A really engaging read.
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