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Librarian and the Spy Escapade #1
The Librarian and the Spy
A librarian’s journey from the checkout desk to fast cars, stolen treasures, and international intrigue / with an introduction by suave, handsome “insurance” agent James Lockwood.
Adventure-hungry Quinn Ellington’s job solving mundane mysteries for library patrons entangles her in a mission to decode the whereabouts of a weapons cache from a priceless work of art before arms dealers beat her to it. Her adventure is filled with twists, turns, and a budding romance. Transcontinental pursuit, daring rescues, and intense covert flirting follow.
1. Spies—attractive. 2. London—criminal networks. 3. London—Harry Potter references. 4. Libraries—secrets of. 5. Best friends—nosy.
I. Ellington, Quinn.
Adventure-hungry Quinn Ellington’s job solving mundane mysteries for library patrons entangles her in a mission to decode the whereabouts of a weapons cache from a priceless work of art before arms dealers beat her to it. Her adventure is filled with twists, turns, and a budding romance. Transcontinental pursuit, daring rescues, and intense covert flirting follow.
1. Spies—attractive. 2. London—criminal networks. 3. London—Harry Potter references. 4. Libraries—secrets of. 5. Best friends—nosy.
I. Ellington, Quinn.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 25, 2017
50 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mann
3 books81 followersSusan Mann was born in Modesto, California and is living the dream in Boulder, Colorado. She received her BA in History from UCLA and her Masters in Library Science from San Jose State University. Over the years, she's worked in public, academic, and special libraries. She loves books, libraries, dogs, and sports. And In-N-Out Burger.
She and her husband, Ken, have one college-aged daughter, Sarah, and a golden retriever named Lucy.
She and her husband, Ken, have one college-aged daughter, Sarah, and a golden retriever named Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 23, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
I have just read an absolutely charming and entertaining start to a new series called The Librarian and the Spy (Librarian and the Spy Escapade #1) by Susan Mann. Not only did I love all of the characters, I learned many things I never knew about reference librarians and their jobs. This book had me laughing out loud and turning the pages as fast as possible as the mystery and suspense took off.
Quinn Ellington is a reference librarian who loves her job solving questions for her library patrons, but she also longs to travel and experience adventures like her favorite spy thriller heroes introduced to her by her grandfather. She hates all the stereotypes of librarians because she grew up as a military brat with a Marine father who taught her to shot and three older brothers that she has always completed with.
On an ordinary day at work, insurance agent James Lockwood comes up to the desk and asks Quinn for her help researching some pieces from a private collection. Quinn can’t believe her luck because not only is James gorgeous, but he has a British accent to die for. As Quinn becomes more involved in helping James, she realizes that all this research is not simply for insurance purposes and James has not been completely truthful with her. He is not British and he is not an insurance agent.
As Quinn and James work together to solve an important puzzle to stop an international arms dealer from acquiring nuclear material, Quinn’s intelligence and abilities become a major asset. She is very capable of thinking on her feet and James becomes even more impressed.
Their cover and flirting as a married couple leads to real feelings that they try to control until the end of their mission. This story has a lot of witty banter, flirting and a steady buildup of their chemistry to a relationship. No sex until the end and it is behind closed doors when it does happen. Even when the plot has been resolved, there is a great twist at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book and I was very happy to see that it is a proposed series and not a standalone. I was impressed by the fact that this is Ms. Mann’s first book. A fast paced plot, interesting facts, and entertaining characters make this worth the read. I am looking forward to James and Quinn’s next outing!
Thanks very much to Kensington Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I am looking forward to many more books in this series.
I have just read an absolutely charming and entertaining start to a new series called The Librarian and the Spy (Librarian and the Spy Escapade #1) by Susan Mann. Not only did I love all of the characters, I learned many things I never knew about reference librarians and their jobs. This book had me laughing out loud and turning the pages as fast as possible as the mystery and suspense took off.
Quinn Ellington is a reference librarian who loves her job solving questions for her library patrons, but she also longs to travel and experience adventures like her favorite spy thriller heroes introduced to her by her grandfather. She hates all the stereotypes of librarians because she grew up as a military brat with a Marine father who taught her to shot and three older brothers that she has always completed with.
On an ordinary day at work, insurance agent James Lockwood comes up to the desk and asks Quinn for her help researching some pieces from a private collection. Quinn can’t believe her luck because not only is James gorgeous, but he has a British accent to die for. As Quinn becomes more involved in helping James, she realizes that all this research is not simply for insurance purposes and James has not been completely truthful with her. He is not British and he is not an insurance agent.
As Quinn and James work together to solve an important puzzle to stop an international arms dealer from acquiring nuclear material, Quinn’s intelligence and abilities become a major asset. She is very capable of thinking on her feet and James becomes even more impressed.
Their cover and flirting as a married couple leads to real feelings that they try to control until the end of their mission. This story has a lot of witty banter, flirting and a steady buildup of their chemistry to a relationship. No sex until the end and it is behind closed doors when it does happen. Even when the plot has been resolved, there is a great twist at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book and I was very happy to see that it is a proposed series and not a standalone. I was impressed by the fact that this is Ms. Mann’s first book. A fast paced plot, interesting facts, and entertaining characters make this worth the read. I am looking forward to James and Quinn’s next outing!
Thanks very much to Kensington Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I am looking forward to many more books in this series.
September 26, 2018
3.5 stars. The Librarian and the Spy is complete fluff, but the most delicious kind. It's an enjoyable adventure romance that's not too deep, but who cares? Being a reference librarian who gets entangled with a sexy spy who needs her powers of research to solve his case sounds like every bookish girl's dream. Recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a fun adventurous fantasy.
*Used for PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge prompt "A book that involves a bookstore or library"
*Used for PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge prompt "A book that involves a bookstore or library"
March 21, 2020
2.5 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
The Librarian and the Spy is a cute story with a fun premise that didn’t quite meet its potential. It’s a book I desperately wanted to like, mostly because author Susan Mann includes enough detail about Quinn’s job as a librarian to delight my bibliophile self. But while there’s a wonderful amount of trivia in this story, the actual plot dragged, the romance was missing spark, and the characters never came alive on the page. It took me a long time to get into this story, mostly because the plot took some time to find its footing. And while Quinn and James are certainly likeable, they never felt three-dimensional to me. Their romance is sweet, but again, was missing something. I felt a lot of the romance was a case of tell rather than show, which could have been part of the problem. As for the action, there was no real sense of danger or excitement when it came to the espionage work, and overall I was just left wanting more.
The Librarian and the Spy isn’t a bad book, only disappointing in that it could have been so much better had the characters and the world come to life. It had the potential to do so, for Ms. Mann’s writing definitely shines in any scene involving research. I absolutely loved those bits because I could feel Quinn’s excitement come through the page and I loved the way her mind worked. There’s also a fun twist at the end of the story that left me smiling and feeling optimistic about Quinn’s future. So while The Librarian and the Spy wasn’t quite my cup of tea, there is enough potential to the series that I’d like to read A Covert Affair.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Librarian and the Spy is a cute story with a fun premise that didn’t quite meet its potential. It’s a book I desperately wanted to like, mostly because author Susan Mann includes enough detail about Quinn’s job as a librarian to delight my bibliophile self. But while there’s a wonderful amount of trivia in this story, the actual plot dragged, the romance was missing spark, and the characters never came alive on the page. It took me a long time to get into this story, mostly because the plot took some time to find its footing. And while Quinn and James are certainly likeable, they never felt three-dimensional to me. Their romance is sweet, but again, was missing something. I felt a lot of the romance was a case of tell rather than show, which could have been part of the problem. As for the action, there was no real sense of danger or excitement when it came to the espionage work, and overall I was just left wanting more.
The Librarian and the Spy isn’t a bad book, only disappointing in that it could have been so much better had the characters and the world come to life. It had the potential to do so, for Ms. Mann’s writing definitely shines in any scene involving research. I absolutely loved those bits because I could feel Quinn’s excitement come through the page and I loved the way her mind worked. There’s also a fun twist at the end of the story that left me smiling and feeling optimistic about Quinn’s future. So while The Librarian and the Spy wasn’t quite my cup of tea, there is enough potential to the series that I’d like to read A Covert Affair.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 16, 2017
This was a cute, unexpectedly sweet romance that is 100% wish fulfillment for me. it's my DREAM to have a handsome British spy waltz into my life, flirt a bit and then become so impressed by my mad research skills he embroils me in an international mission. I wrote this in my dream journal when I was TEN.
That said, this being a light hearted romance, the stakes never reach a point of "shit got real" for which I'm glad. Quinn is just enough of my idealized version of the perfect adult that I didn't want her to be in serious harm's way. James meanwhile is alternately charming as hell and a few shades too mysterious, but honestly I'll forgive him anything, the man knows how to set aside ego and be impressed and supportive.
Another adventure awaits the duo and if the last line of this books and short excerpt for next is any indication it'll be just as much fun.
That said, this being a light hearted romance, the stakes never reach a point of "shit got real" for which I'm glad. Quinn is just enough of my idealized version of the perfect adult that I didn't want her to be in serious harm's way. James meanwhile is alternately charming as hell and a few shades too mysterious, but honestly I'll forgive him anything, the man knows how to set aside ego and be impressed and supportive.
Another adventure awaits the duo and if the last line of this books and short excerpt for next is any indication it'll be just as much fun.
July 28, 2017
After much snickering I picked this up for a summer read. Apparently I shouldn't have snickered because this "modern romance" was basically a Fiction novel. Written by an actual librarian, it's full of great library language. An enjoyable read!
October 6, 2017
The Librarian and the Spy was fast-paced and full of humor with wonderfully charming characters and I really enjoyed it!
Quinn Ellington spends her days solving mysteries for her library patrons and her nights reading spy novels. When a handsome British insurance agent arrives at the library requesting Quinn’s help, she’s happy to assist in any way she can. After Quinn stumbles upon information she shouldn’t have she’s kidnapped by James who reveals he’s actually an American spy. Quinn in then pulled into a mission to locate a hidden weapons cache before an arms dealer beats them to it. Soon, Quinn and James are off to London to locate James’ missing colleague and search for the hidden weapons while their newfound romance is put to the test during shootouts, car chases and a hidden trail through London.
Quinn is a librarian who loves every aspect of her job from dealing with patrons to researching to cataloging. She’s longed for adventure her entire life and she certainly finds it on the mission with James. Outside of her job, Quinn has a great relationship with her family. As her family has a military background, she knows how to use firearms and is reasonably trained in hand to hand combat. I loved that Quinn wasn’t helpless and was perfectly capable of saving herself.
When Quinn and James first meet, there’s a lot of cute banter and flirting right away as the two are clearly attracted to one another. Initially, James underestimates Quinn’s abilities and doesn’t see how her skills as a librarian will be helpful on the mission. I enjoyed watching Quinn prove him wrong time and again and demonstrating that despite their differing approaches, her skills are just as valuable as his. As to the physical side of their relationship, this book is more on the clean side and it sticks to a few kisses on page and one sex scene off page. I like my romances more of the steamier/explicit side, so the lack of that is really my only complaint regarding the romance.
Most of the action in this book happens in the last five or so chapters, so it’s not an action-packed read but there was just enough to keep things interesting. Prior to the final showdown with the arms dealers, there’s the search for the weapons cache and James’ missing colleague. It was basically like a mini scavenger hunt with some puzzles thrown in for good measure and was so much fun. There are a lot of clues that only a librarian or bibliophile would get and I loved watching Quinn puzzle everything out while James was a bit clueless.
The Librarian and the Spy ended up being a really fun read and I’m glad I picked it up. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the mood for a sweet romance with a bit of adventure.
Quinn Ellington spends her days solving mysteries for her library patrons and her nights reading spy novels. When a handsome British insurance agent arrives at the library requesting Quinn’s help, she’s happy to assist in any way she can. After Quinn stumbles upon information she shouldn’t have she’s kidnapped by James who reveals he’s actually an American spy. Quinn in then pulled into a mission to locate a hidden weapons cache before an arms dealer beats them to it. Soon, Quinn and James are off to London to locate James’ missing colleague and search for the hidden weapons while their newfound romance is put to the test during shootouts, car chases and a hidden trail through London.
Quinn is a librarian who loves every aspect of her job from dealing with patrons to researching to cataloging. She’s longed for adventure her entire life and she certainly finds it on the mission with James. Outside of her job, Quinn has a great relationship with her family. As her family has a military background, she knows how to use firearms and is reasonably trained in hand to hand combat. I loved that Quinn wasn’t helpless and was perfectly capable of saving herself.
When Quinn and James first meet, there’s a lot of cute banter and flirting right away as the two are clearly attracted to one another. Initially, James underestimates Quinn’s abilities and doesn’t see how her skills as a librarian will be helpful on the mission. I enjoyed watching Quinn prove him wrong time and again and demonstrating that despite their differing approaches, her skills are just as valuable as his. As to the physical side of their relationship, this book is more on the clean side and it sticks to a few kisses on page and one sex scene off page. I like my romances more of the steamier/explicit side, so the lack of that is really my only complaint regarding the romance.
Most of the action in this book happens in the last five or so chapters, so it’s not an action-packed read but there was just enough to keep things interesting. Prior to the final showdown with the arms dealers, there’s the search for the weapons cache and James’ missing colleague. It was basically like a mini scavenger hunt with some puzzles thrown in for good measure and was so much fun. There are a lot of clues that only a librarian or bibliophile would get and I loved watching Quinn puzzle everything out while James was a bit clueless.
The Librarian and the Spy ended up being a really fun read and I’m glad I picked it up. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the mood for a sweet romance with a bit of adventure.
December 5, 2017
This is a case of judging a book by its title. Not the cover. The cover is terrible (I don’t know who those people are and what they are wearing. Clearly they are from a different book altogether.). But that title… I’m a librarian who is quite fond of romance books so I pretty much had to read it right away upon encountering it. And I discovered what is basically a Hallmark Channel movie in print form. It is a fizzy concoction of romance, adventure, librarianship, over the top stakes and outright fun. As a bonus, there’s even a cabin in the snow where our librarian and spy must hole up. This is light, escapist fiction that totally stretches the boundaries of reality from time to time, but really who cares. The world is a hot mess, but all is just fine while you’re reading this book. Reading the sequel in 3, 2, 1…
November 8, 2017
Just a fun romp all the way around. A few moments had me rolling my eyes, but overall, it kept me grinning and flipping pages. Both the plot and the romance were done well (I like smart characters who communicate like grownups and make competent decisions, and both held their own). Can't wait to read more from this author since a blurb in the back looks like more installments of Quinn and James's adventures will be forthcoming.
And finally, as a librarian, I really appreciated that the cover is blissfully free of glasses and buns or stern shushing faces.
And finally, as a librarian, I really appreciated that the cover is blissfully free of glasses and buns or stern shushing faces.
June 18, 2023
Quinn is the youngest (and only girl) in a large family. She is a reference librarian and loves her job. When James comes in one day, he enlists her help researching old historical pieces of jewelry. She believes him to be an insurance adjuster.....but as the book title tells you, he is really a spy.
I enjoyed reading about the behind the scenes goings on with what a librarian does. I really wanted to like this and from the description, this sounded like it was right up my alley. But I was so bored. I had such a hard time getting into this book. I didn't really connect with Quinn or James or really get their romance. If I wasn't reading this with a Bingo square in mind, I would have probably DNF'd this.
I am using this for the Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo Librarian (well, duh!) square.
I enjoyed reading about the behind the scenes goings on with what a librarian does. I really wanted to like this and from the description, this sounded like it was right up my alley. But I was so bored. I had such a hard time getting into this book. I didn't really connect with Quinn or James or really get their romance. If I wasn't reading this with a Bingo square in mind, I would have probably DNF'd this.
I am using this for the Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo Librarian (well, duh!) square.
March 4, 2019
I recently picked up the third book in this series and enjoyed it so much that I went and bought books one and two. This is a super fun book with great characters and a smart, fast-moving plot. I greatly enjoyed the romance and how the librarian heroine applies her knowledge and intelligence to aiding the dashing CIA spy.
My one complaint is that, after a long build-up, the ultimate bedding was glossed. Not exactly closed door, but it might as well have been. This is totally a me-thing and I know a lot of people won't mind, but I really wanted more there. That said, it barely impinged on my overall enjoyment and I immediately went on to book 2.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and flirty read!
My one complaint is that, after a long build-up, the ultimate bedding was glossed. Not exactly closed door, but it might as well have been. This is totally a me-thing and I know a lot of people won't mind, but I really wanted more there. That said, it barely impinged on my overall enjoyment and I immediately went on to book 2.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and flirty read!
December 13, 2017
VERY fun, with lots of my favorite tropes and Mysteries Solved Via Library Science.
February 24, 2018
Finally, a librarian that I could relate to! Very well done. Enjoyed the many references to various aspects of my profession. :D
September 23, 2018
Wow!!! This book was amazing!! When I started it a week ago I was on page 135 by the end of the day!! I can’t wait to find the others and read them!!
August 14, 2017
Excelent! Very much recommended.
April 9, 2017
4.5 Stars
Being a librarian doesn't offer Quinn Ellington the kind of adventure she's hungry to experience. However, the moment James Lockwood walks into the library where she works and asks for her assistance, life for her gets very exciting and adventurous. Can she help James uncover the vital information he's looking for and hopefully achieve happy ever after?
What a highly entertaining, fast-paced read Ms. Mann has penned in this book, which kept me smiling throughout and left me wanting more because of how it ends. I loved the way this story started from the heroine's point-of-view and how she's remembering what her Grandfather said a librarian is a lot like. Is it true? How will she ever know if her Grandfather is right? However, it was the moment that the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that I absolutely loved, because the heroine is in her element with helping him. She's enthusiastic, wicked smart and I liked how determined she is to help James, because what he's wanting information on sounds very intriguing and had me wanting to discover more about why the hero wants the research done.
Both the main characters totally charmed me with their back stories, their growing relationship and the challenges they face. The action within this story doesn't happen until the last seven or so chapters, but there are a couple of really good plot twists that made this story a real page turner, especially the one where James is going to need to use all his charm to entice the heroine to listen to why he did what he does to her. Will he win Quinn over? Moreover, there were some really good light-hearted moments between these two that had me smiling every time these two conversed.
Quinn is a fantastic heroine with the way she handles everything thrown at her, and I loved how she continually surprised James. She's a librarian, so why does she have skills that she wouldn't need in such a field? While James, he's suave, tenacious, and I liked how protective he is of the heroine, even though it's palpable she doesn't need as much protecting as he believes. He has some tough decisions to make. Does he tell Quinn who he really is? Will he allow her to do something that she volunteers for, knowing how dangerous things could get?
Overall, Ms. Mann delivered a superb read in this book, which provided plenty of chemistry between the characters, yet only went into a small amount of detail when it came to the intimate moments that were over rather quickly. At least Quinn enjoyed herself. The way this story ended had me on the edge-of-my-seat when it came to the danger the hero and heroine face. Will they succeed in what they're doing? However, it was right at the end where things got really interesting. Will Quinn accept James's offer? What family secrets will she learn? I would recommend The Librarian and the Spy by Susan Mann, if you enjoy contemporary romance with a dash of suspense, or stories that end with a cliffhanger.
May 3, 2020
I'd say this is more 2.5 than a plain 2. The thing that dragged it down for me is that it felt a little over the top. As someone who works in a library, Quinn comes off as Super Librarian and so I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes. This is definitely a book where you have to suspend belief, which is not what I usually experience when reading romance or even romantic suspense. I think my expectations were simply different than what this book provided.
July 9, 2017
I thought a fellow librarian recommended this to me, but no one would have, with the rampant library stereotypes and lack of sizzle between the main characters. Take away those issues, and the book is a gentle charmer that will appeal to research-loving romance readers who don't want a lot of detail.
August 2, 2017
This is a satirical romance spy book - the perfect piece of summer fluff. It doesn't take itself seriously (except for librarianship!), it's very mild in regards to sex, violence and language. It's the first in a new series and leaves on quite the interesting cliffhanger!
Read
May 1, 2017This book was hilarious. I can't wait for the next one. I'm not even being biased because I'm a librarian dreaming of being a spy.
April 23, 2017
The moment James Lockwood walks into Quinn Ellington's library, she's a goner! He comes in asking for her help and from there things get super exciting for Quinn! Living as a librarian doesn't rank high on the adventure seeking job's list, but Quinn has an eye for research and quirky trivia facts, so she absolutely loves the library! James starts working side by side with Quinn to research artifacts for insurance, James claims. Little does Quinn know, James is really a spy and undercover trying to get to the bottom of a mystery.
Before we know it, Quinn is marked and James has to come clean in order to protect her. She's embroiled in the "op" and living a fast and crazy dream!
Susan Mann has written a highly entertaining, fast-paced read in The Librarian and the Spy! I loved how their work relationship started and progressed to friends and progressed on from there! Both characters were quite likeable! Quinn was so enthusiastic about the library and what it offers! She's top-notch, quick to remember things, and very determined to help James any way she can. She's also enamored with the suave James!
James is quite the spy and instantly taken with Quinn, but he has a job to do. His cover as a British insurance agent has Quinn wrapped around his finger. Quinn surprises James left and right and he's quite startled about that. He also becomes very protective of her. Especially when she joins him on the op and has the potential to be hurt-it was really sweet and endearing!
The book was so well written that I was immersed in the story in no time and read continuously! I had to see what was going to happen!! Plus Quinn and James chemistry was heating up! I love the story that was crafted, but he only thing I would have liked would've been a bit more spiciness to the story! I don't necessarily mind a clean read, but I like them just a little bit dirty at least! That being said, I highly recommend this book! I loved it and I look forward to further adventures of my favorite librarian and spy duo!!
5 Stars/1 Flame
This book was gifted to me for an honest review. The review and rating are solely my own opinions.
Before we know it, Quinn is marked and James has to come clean in order to protect her. She's embroiled in the "op" and living a fast and crazy dream!
Susan Mann has written a highly entertaining, fast-paced read in The Librarian and the Spy! I loved how their work relationship started and progressed to friends and progressed on from there! Both characters were quite likeable! Quinn was so enthusiastic about the library and what it offers! She's top-notch, quick to remember things, and very determined to help James any way she can. She's also enamored with the suave James!
James is quite the spy and instantly taken with Quinn, but he has a job to do. His cover as a British insurance agent has Quinn wrapped around his finger. Quinn surprises James left and right and he's quite startled about that. He also becomes very protective of her. Especially when she joins him on the op and has the potential to be hurt-it was really sweet and endearing!
The book was so well written that I was immersed in the story in no time and read continuously! I had to see what was going to happen!! Plus Quinn and James chemistry was heating up! I love the story that was crafted, but he only thing I would have liked would've been a bit more spiciness to the story! I don't necessarily mind a clean read, but I like them just a little bit dirty at least! That being said, I highly recommend this book! I loved it and I look forward to further adventures of my favorite librarian and spy duo!!
5 Stars/1 Flame
This book was gifted to me for an honest review. The review and rating are solely my own opinions.
December 3, 2018
Quinn Ellington can't believe her luck when an attractive British insurance agent comes up to the reference desk at the library where she works, and commissions her help on a long-term research project. Quinn is glad to have an excuse to interact less with her overbearing boss for a few weeks, and even more glad to get to know the enigmatic James Lockwood. The two continue to get closer as they conduct their research, and things seem to be going great when James finally asks Quinn out on a date. Things get a bit messy, though, when the date ends with Quinn's apartment being broken into and James shooting her in the back with a tranquilizer dart. And her week only gets weirder from there.
This book was adorable, sweet, and a great quick read. The characters were easy to root for, and by giving James and Quinn a mystery to solve together, the author made the love story much stronger. I also loved that although the book is a romance novel, just as much attention was paid to the puzzle they were trying to solve as to the development of their relationship; it didn't feel like two attractive people were just being attractive together, it felt like the beginning of a relationship, albeit in abnormal circumstances. The plot was entertaining, and I enjoyed that so much of it hinged on niche librarian skills.
This book would appeal to those looking for a sweet romance that includes a decent mystery along with it. The story has some sex in it, but is definitely fade-to-black, and is more of a slow burn in that respect than a lot of romance novels. Most of the story takes place in Los Angeles, specifically in the Santa Monica area, and the details are accurate enough to appeal to anyone who lives there or likes reading books set in the city. The story also includes a lot of details about being a reference librarian, and I was delighted to read the author bio and find out that she was a librarian herself.
This book was adorable, sweet, and a great quick read. The characters were easy to root for, and by giving James and Quinn a mystery to solve together, the author made the love story much stronger. I also loved that although the book is a romance novel, just as much attention was paid to the puzzle they were trying to solve as to the development of their relationship; it didn't feel like two attractive people were just being attractive together, it felt like the beginning of a relationship, albeit in abnormal circumstances. The plot was entertaining, and I enjoyed that so much of it hinged on niche librarian skills.
This book would appeal to those looking for a sweet romance that includes a decent mystery along with it. The story has some sex in it, but is definitely fade-to-black, and is more of a slow burn in that respect than a lot of romance novels. Most of the story takes place in Los Angeles, specifically in the Santa Monica area, and the details are accurate enough to appeal to anyone who lives there or likes reading books set in the city. The story also includes a lot of details about being a reference librarian, and I was delighted to read the author bio and find out that she was a librarian herself.
April 6, 2022
Title: The Librarian and the Spy
Author: Susan Mann
Format: ebook
Genre: Romantic suspense
Standalone yes ish
Part of a Series: Librarian/Spy Escapades book 1
POV: Quinn
Steam Level: some but not much
4/5
The Librarian and the Spy is cute. The story itself is a complete story but the last chapter opens it up for more books in this series. Quinn is a librarian who loves reading spy novels. The youngest of six, with five older brothers and Marine father, Quinn can take care of herself. When a handsome man comes into the library she works at and asks for her help in figuring out the value of an artifact, she's drawn into a world of intrigue and suspense. I kind of figured out the big reveal at the very end early on but then forgot about it since it wasn't relevant to the story, just the larger world. Overall this was a fun and easy read that kept my interest.
I received this book for free from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Author: Susan Mann
Format: ebook
Genre: Romantic suspense
Standalone yes ish
Part of a Series: Librarian/Spy Escapades book 1
POV: Quinn
Steam Level: some but not much
4/5
The Librarian and the Spy is cute. The story itself is a complete story but the last chapter opens it up for more books in this series. Quinn is a librarian who loves reading spy novels. The youngest of six, with five older brothers and Marine father, Quinn can take care of herself. When a handsome man comes into the library she works at and asks for her help in figuring out the value of an artifact, she's drawn into a world of intrigue and suspense. I kind of figured out the big reveal at the very end early on but then forgot about it since it wasn't relevant to the story, just the larger world. Overall this was a fun and easy read that kept my interest.
I received this book for free from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 14, 2017
3.5
A kickass female librarian, a suave British spy, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter references galore, a London backdrop, CIA ops, weapons dealers, fast cars, and cute romance. I mean, what's not to like?
Certainly a fun summer read. Sometimes a girl just needs some wish-fufilment fluff :)
A kickass female librarian, a suave British spy, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter references galore, a London backdrop, CIA ops, weapons dealers, fast cars, and cute romance. I mean, what's not to like?
Certainly a fun summer read. Sometimes a girl just needs some wish-fufilment fluff :)
April 27, 2018
Mini-review: Okay, so five stars might be an overstatement, but this was a very fun read as a librarian. A spy thriller based on clues hidden in ISBN numbers and MARC codes? Solving a case via reference interview and research? Sign me up! And, I mean, it was nice to actually read a semi-realistic description of a librarian's job and skill set. I would definitely recc this to most of the librarians I know.
November 9, 2018
Highly recommend! Awesome adventure/spy novel. Loved the entire set-up and protagonists. This is a breath of fresh air on contemporary romance. I've already bought book two, and can't wait to read more about Quinn and James.
August 16, 2017
review to follow
December 5, 2017
Very cute!
July 14, 2018
Not nearly enough sex for my preferences in a romance but a really fun story. I very much enjoyed this.
November 6, 2019
This book was absolutely ridiculous and SUPER FUN. If you want a light enjoyable read, this is for you!
November 17, 2020
Couldn’t get interested in this at all.
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