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Talented Amateur
As a child, Peel Primm was obsessed with spy movies and shows—even renaming herself after the illustrious Mrs. Emma Peel from her favorite TV show, The Avengers. But dreams of becoming a spy when she grew up hardly seemed realistic. So instead, Peel chooses the somewhat less exciting life of a librarian in suburban Denver.
While innocently searching for information on a new branch in her family tree, Peel makes an ill-fated call to a library in Mexico. Soon Peel’s world is turned upside down.
Within days, Peel is beaten, abducted, and smuggled into Mexico where she is the unwilling guest of drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez. To survive she must befriend Gutierrez’s American associate, Anna, and convince her to help Peel solve a decades-old mystery. Soon Anna is struggling with a different kind of captivity—trying to balance the safety of her family with her growing attraction to Peel.
Looks like Peel’s childhood dream might be coming true after all.
While innocently searching for information on a new branch in her family tree, Peel makes an ill-fated call to a library in Mexico. Soon Peel’s world is turned upside down.
Within days, Peel is beaten, abducted, and smuggled into Mexico where she is the unwilling guest of drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez. To survive she must befriend Gutierrez’s American associate, Anna, and convince her to help Peel solve a decades-old mystery. Soon Anna is struggling with a different kind of captivity—trying to balance the safety of her family with her growing attraction to Peel.
Looks like Peel’s childhood dream might be coming true after all.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Maryn Scott
6 books6 followersMaryn Scott grew up in Minnesota where she learned to hate the cold, eat hot dishes, and disparage the Vikings. At eighteen she fled the north to attend college at the University of Wyoming. There she learned she hates the wind but loves women. She now resides in Colorado where the climate is perfect and so is her partner. After a career in the classroom, she’s thrilled to spend her retirement writing and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 11, 2021
3.25 Stars. This was a solid debut book. I thought the story was okay. It felt pretty good for a debut but the story premise was not really in my wheel house. While spies and adventure-romances are something I’m always up to read about, I don’t care for gangs or cartel storylines. It’s just not for me so while I wanted to like this more than I did, it never completely clicked for me. I could see other readers, who don’t mind the premise, liking this much more than I did so your mileage may vary.
The premise of the story, (and I’m not giving anything away that is not in the blurb) is about a woman named Peel, who always wanted to be a spy but became a librarian instead. One day Peel is kidnapped and taken to a drug lords’ house in Mexico. What is going on and can Peel find a way home?
Due to the premise, and the fact the Peel always wanted to be a spy, plus the name of the book Talented Amateur, I really thought this was going to be a book all about Peel fighting, scheming, whatever, for her safety. I have to say I was a little confused by all those signs but that it really wasn’t about that. In fact, Peel was much more of a passive character then I expected. Instead, most of the story involves around another character, Anna, and I don’t think that choice really worked for me. This turned into the Anna show and I felt like Peel was an afterthought. We even had flashbacks to better understand Anna. Some seemed important enough about her history, but then we also flashbacked to the first time she had sex in college. There was no real point for this flashback, but to add in another sex scene. And let’s be honest, it’s not preferable to add in sex scenes that are not with the potential love interest unless they are really important to the story, which this wasn’t. And again, we get all this about Anna but I know nothing about Peel but that she wanted to be a spy and has one friend.
I want to be vague here but there is a small 30 year old mystery that the characters have to figure out. I don’t know if it was me but I found this part of the story to be a little convoluted. It just seemed like a bit much and then when things were wrapping up, everything tied together a little too neatly for what I expected.
I did find that the chemistry, teasing, and overall banter that the two mains had was pretty fun to read and that the sex scenes were decent. Again, I found it a little hard to get completely swept up in the romance. I just felt like I didn’t really know Peel enough to know if she was possibly falling in love or just going through too much trauma.
In the end, this was not a book for me but I still had no trouble reading it. It didn’t fit with my tastes but there was an entertainment factor here. I could absolutely see other readers having more enjoyment and just fun with the story then I did. If you are looking for an action romance, this story might be for you.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
The premise of the story, (and I’m not giving anything away that is not in the blurb) is about a woman named Peel, who always wanted to be a spy but became a librarian instead. One day Peel is kidnapped and taken to a drug lords’ house in Mexico. What is going on and can Peel find a way home?
Due to the premise, and the fact the Peel always wanted to be a spy, plus the name of the book Talented Amateur, I really thought this was going to be a book all about Peel fighting, scheming, whatever, for her safety. I have to say I was a little confused by all those signs but that it really wasn’t about that. In fact, Peel was much more of a passive character then I expected. Instead, most of the story involves around another character, Anna, and I don’t think that choice really worked for me. This turned into the Anna show and I felt like Peel was an afterthought. We even had flashbacks to better understand Anna. Some seemed important enough about her history, but then we also flashbacked to the first time she had sex in college. There was no real point for this flashback, but to add in another sex scene. And let’s be honest, it’s not preferable to add in sex scenes that are not with the potential love interest unless they are really important to the story, which this wasn’t. And again, we get all this about Anna but I know nothing about Peel but that she wanted to be a spy and has one friend.
I want to be vague here but there is a small 30 year old mystery that the characters have to figure out. I don’t know if it was me but I found this part of the story to be a little convoluted. It just seemed like a bit much and then when things were wrapping up, everything tied together a little too neatly for what I expected.
I did find that the chemistry, teasing, and overall banter that the two mains had was pretty fun to read and that the sex scenes were decent. Again, I found it a little hard to get completely swept up in the romance. I just felt like I didn’t really know Peel enough to know if she was possibly falling in love or just going through too much trauma.
In the end, this was not a book for me but I still had no trouble reading it. It didn’t fit with my tastes but there was an entertainment factor here. I could absolutely see other readers having more enjoyment and just fun with the story then I did. If you are looking for an action romance, this story might be for you.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
August 25, 2021
Almost 3 Stars
It was ok, I'm not really 'into' storylines where it's based around gang-related plots and I did find it was a bit slow in parts of the story and this did put me off.
Peel Primm is obsessed with spy movies and TV shows, she even renamed herself after the illustrious Mrs. Emma Peel from one of her favorite shows, The Avengers. Her dreams of becoming a spy when she grew up hardly seemed realistic, Instead, she chooses the somewhat less exciting life of a librarian in suburban Denver.
While she was searching for information on a new branch in her family tree, she decided on an ill-fated call to a library in Mexico. Her work is suddenly turned upside down.
Within days she is beaten, abducted, and taken into Mexico where she is the unwilling guest of a drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez., To survive, she must befriend an American associate, Anna, and try to convince her to help her solve a decades-old mystery.
Anna is struggling with a different kind of captivity, trying to balance the safety of her own family members with her growing attraction to peel.
I didn't take to Peel's character, there is just something about her i didnt like, I take to her. And I found Anna's character a bit far-fetched. I'm afraid this book wasn't for me, but if you are into spies/gang-related books then I think this one might be for you.
I was given a Arc for a honest review.
It was ok, I'm not really 'into' storylines where it's based around gang-related plots and I did find it was a bit slow in parts of the story and this did put me off.
Peel Primm is obsessed with spy movies and TV shows, she even renamed herself after the illustrious Mrs. Emma Peel from one of her favorite shows, The Avengers. Her dreams of becoming a spy when she grew up hardly seemed realistic, Instead, she chooses the somewhat less exciting life of a librarian in suburban Denver.
While she was searching for information on a new branch in her family tree, she decided on an ill-fated call to a library in Mexico. Her work is suddenly turned upside down.
Within days she is beaten, abducted, and taken into Mexico where she is the unwilling guest of a drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez., To survive, she must befriend an American associate, Anna, and try to convince her to help her solve a decades-old mystery.
Anna is struggling with a different kind of captivity, trying to balance the safety of her own family members with her growing attraction to peel.
I didn't take to Peel's character, there is just something about her i didnt like, I take to her. And I found Anna's character a bit far-fetched. I'm afraid this book wasn't for me, but if you are into spies/gang-related books then I think this one might be for you.
I was given a Arc for a honest review.
August 17, 2021
There are these books out there that I really struggle with writing a review about, this is one of them.
Given the title and the blurb I was expecting this book to be about Peel (awful name) and how she finds herself suddenly abducted by a cartel and scheming her way to survive. Peel always wanted to be a spy, but she never became one, instead, she's a librarian. You could argue she ended up on the other side of the excitement spectrum, that is of course until she finds herself in the hands of the cartel. Although she had all these ambitions or rather fantasies, she never really lives up to a cool character that shows even the inkling of being a spy. Anna on the other hand just screams spy, she's savvy, pays attention, and is smart. I actually feel like this book is more about Anna than it is about Peel, making Peel one of the mains feels rather forced at some points.
This book also has the dread flashbacks, although I wouldn't necessarily call them that, maybe more along the lines of memories or reminiscing in one's mind. They serve a certain purpose, I didn't mind them much, but I did think the few that were there were too lengthy. Some acts performed by a cartel leader or member are described somewhat graphically, I didn't mind it much and it doesn't happen a lot either.
I actually like Anna's character, I would have been happy if this was a book about her and Rosita (the older housekeeper), not in a romantic way but in badass women dealing with a cartel way. Peel is just such a nobody or maybe wallflower is a better word. Either word doesn't really fit, but she isn't what I expected and hoped for. I don't understand the romance in this book, all I could connect with was the cartel storyline with the mystery, but it wasn't the most interesting mystery/ crime book. I struggle to decide how many stars I'd give this, 3.25 sounds like a pretty decend amount to me.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Given the title and the blurb I was expecting this book to be about Peel (awful name) and how she finds herself suddenly abducted by a cartel and scheming her way to survive. Peel always wanted to be a spy, but she never became one, instead, she's a librarian. You could argue she ended up on the other side of the excitement spectrum, that is of course until she finds herself in the hands of the cartel. Although she had all these ambitions or rather fantasies, she never really lives up to a cool character that shows even the inkling of being a spy. Anna on the other hand just screams spy, she's savvy, pays attention, and is smart. I actually feel like this book is more about Anna than it is about Peel, making Peel one of the mains feels rather forced at some points.
This book also has the dread flashbacks, although I wouldn't necessarily call them that, maybe more along the lines of memories or reminiscing in one's mind. They serve a certain purpose, I didn't mind them much, but I did think the few that were there were too lengthy. Some acts performed by a cartel leader or member are described somewhat graphically, I didn't mind it much and it doesn't happen a lot either.
I actually like Anna's character, I would have been happy if this was a book about her and Rosita (the older housekeeper), not in a romantic way but in badass women dealing with a cartel way. Peel is just such a nobody or maybe wallflower is a better word. Either word doesn't really fit, but she isn't what I expected and hoped for. I don't understand the romance in this book, all I could connect with was the cartel storyline with the mystery, but it wasn't the most interesting mystery/ crime book. I struggle to decide how many stars I'd give this, 3.25 sounds like a pretty decend amount to me.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
August 14, 2021
Talented Amateur is an exciting debut novel by Maryn Scott filled with Mexican cartels, kidnappings, family revenge and romance. The storyline is well composed with a number of twists and turns to keep you guessing on what will happen next. I could not put this book down and read it in one very late night sitting.
Peel Primm always wanted to be a spy like Emma Peel of the Avengers. For the younger generation, The Avengers was a wildly popular British black and white television show which ran from 1961 to 1969. Peel Primm never did end up becoming a spy. Instead she became a librarian. Yes, from one end of the excitement spectrum to the opposite end. This definitely tickled my irony funny bone.
Peel is all alone in the world until one day she finds a birth certificate for her late grandfather who was adopted into the family. Being a natural researcher Peel finds out her grandfather spent time in Mexico. Looking for any family connections to herself she makes a phone call to a local library in Mexico. This is when Peel falls down the rabbit hole. At this point you will have to read the book to find out the rest.
I found the story was very solid in its composition. I did not have to suspend any beliefs in order to accept what was happening on the page. The writing was smooth and flowing. The dialogue between the two main characters was witty and droll and very amusing at times. It offset the tension very nicely.
I am eager to see what Scott’s next novel will be like as she has set a high bar for herself. Talented Amateur is an engaging novel which I highly recommend.
I was given a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
Peel Primm always wanted to be a spy like Emma Peel of the Avengers. For the younger generation, The Avengers was a wildly popular British black and white television show which ran from 1961 to 1969. Peel Primm never did end up becoming a spy. Instead she became a librarian. Yes, from one end of the excitement spectrum to the opposite end. This definitely tickled my irony funny bone.
Peel is all alone in the world until one day she finds a birth certificate for her late grandfather who was adopted into the family. Being a natural researcher Peel finds out her grandfather spent time in Mexico. Looking for any family connections to herself she makes a phone call to a local library in Mexico. This is when Peel falls down the rabbit hole. At this point you will have to read the book to find out the rest.
I found the story was very solid in its composition. I did not have to suspend any beliefs in order to accept what was happening on the page. The writing was smooth and flowing. The dialogue between the two main characters was witty and droll and very amusing at times. It offset the tension very nicely.
I am eager to see what Scott’s next novel will be like as she has set a high bar for herself. Talented Amateur is an engaging novel which I highly recommend.
I was given a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
May 21, 2022
I was drawn more to the relationships between all the characters. Peel finding family in Rosita and her relationship with Anna. I would've given this five stars but the story itself, although quite brutal... was lacking that satisfaction when the good guys get the bad guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Peel always wanted to be a spy growing up but knowing it’s easier said and done became a librarian instead. She decides to look into her father family line that’s leads to Mexico when she calls the library there she doesn’t realize what about to happen to her.
Peel becomes the guest of drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez while there she is watch by a American woman named Anna who has secrets of her own. Peel use every smarts she has to keep herself alive while she learns that she related to a rival family who been in feud with the drug lord and decides to solve the mystery of what happened years ago all the while battling her feelings for Anna.
This was a good mystery. I always wanted to look into my geology to see where I came from.
Peel always wanted to be a spy growing up but knowing it’s easier said and done became a librarian instead. She decides to look into her father family line that’s leads to Mexico when she calls the library there she doesn’t realize what about to happen to her.
Peel becomes the guest of drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez while there she is watch by a American woman named Anna who has secrets of her own. Peel use every smarts she has to keep herself alive while she learns that she related to a rival family who been in feud with the drug lord and decides to solve the mystery of what happened years ago all the while battling her feelings for Anna.
This was a good mystery. I always wanted to look into my geology to see where I came from.
August 26, 2021
Talented Amateur by Maryn Scott is an intriguing mystery and suspense story with a dash of romance added in. It is also a good solid debut novel.
The story revolves around Peel Primm, a librarian who always wanted to be a spy like her favorite television character Emma Peel from “The Avengers”. However, she was never prepared to be kidnapped out of the blue by a Mexican drug lord. She was also not prepared to be attracted to Anna, the drug lord’s assistant.
The mystery in the story is a good one with lots of twists and turns. I was really expecting Peel to be the true shero, but in the end, Anna seemed to take that position with Peel more as a sidekick and a damsel-in-distress. I don’t see that as a problem. The story works out just fine with these two characters as they are. It’s just not what I expected because of the blurb.
We get to know Anna’s history through several flashbacks in the story. I’ve never been a big fan of flashbacks, but I know they are sometimes important to help the plot. Most of the ones in this book did help us understand Anna better, but one or two of them could have been left out without harming the overall story.
It’s easy to see the chemistry between Anna and Peel, and the romance is a good break from the action and mystery. I really liked Anna as a person. Sometimes Peel seemed really young and naïve…more than I expected her to be, so it took a bit longer to connect with her.
I did enjoy this novel. It is a fine mystery and romance, and a good beginning for the author. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
The story revolves around Peel Primm, a librarian who always wanted to be a spy like her favorite television character Emma Peel from “The Avengers”. However, she was never prepared to be kidnapped out of the blue by a Mexican drug lord. She was also not prepared to be attracted to Anna, the drug lord’s assistant.
The mystery in the story is a good one with lots of twists and turns. I was really expecting Peel to be the true shero, but in the end, Anna seemed to take that position with Peel more as a sidekick and a damsel-in-distress. I don’t see that as a problem. The story works out just fine with these two characters as they are. It’s just not what I expected because of the blurb.
We get to know Anna’s history through several flashbacks in the story. I’ve never been a big fan of flashbacks, but I know they are sometimes important to help the plot. Most of the ones in this book did help us understand Anna better, but one or two of them could have been left out without harming the overall story.
It’s easy to see the chemistry between Anna and Peel, and the romance is a good break from the action and mystery. I really liked Anna as a person. Sometimes Peel seemed really young and naïve…more than I expected her to be, so it took a bit longer to connect with her.
I did enjoy this novel. It is a fine mystery and romance, and a good beginning for the author. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it as the blurb came across a little far-fetched for me but after the first few chapters I was completely hooked. I really liked both Peel and Anna as characters for completely different reasons. I found Peel very sweet and sensitive, which was Anna's complete opposite. Anna was tough, but rightfully so after her background and her current work environment. For me, Anna's character was a winning aspect to this novel and I loved the way the author developed her slowly throughout the story. By the end of it I was completely in awe of her.
I really loved the drug cartel storyline too. It didn't overtake the story, but moreso gave it a really good plot to base the romance on.
I can't fault the writing in this, as I really loved the pace and the way the story was unfolded. An excellent debut and I'm looking forward to reading Scott's next book in the next few weeks.
I really loved the drug cartel storyline too. It didn't overtake the story, but moreso gave it a really good plot to base the romance on.
I can't fault the writing in this, as I really loved the pace and the way the story was unfolded. An excellent debut and I'm looking forward to reading Scott's next book in the next few weeks.
October 19, 2022
What a great read this book by Ms Scott turned out to be. Anna was in Mexico for one thing only, trying to keep her parents and young brother safe from the ‘Disciples’ , a mafia gang that ran their operations in Chicago. They managed to stay clear of the gang, that’s until her brother, not knowing how to get the money required to help with his parents medical issues. Anna had studied accounting while in college so she offered to work for the gang, to at least buy time for her to get her parents to a safe location. But she became someone who showed how to plan how to get guns into Mexico. From there Anna was sent to Mexico to set up the operations. It was there that she met Sébastien Gutierrez, the head of the gang in Mexico.
Peel Primm was always into anything relating to being a spy but when she was through college she worked at the local library. Having lost both parents a few years apart she inherited the family home. While digging through some old pictures she learned the name of her grandfather and decided to research to see if she might have some family she hadn’t met. One inquiring was contacting a library in and it’s there that the same gang that Anna worked for first saw her name. Kidnapped and taken to Mexico she was told she had two weeks to solve a mystery pertaining to events that happened years earlier.
I believe this is the first book by Ms Scott and boy did she ever hit a home run. Great characters and an interesting plot with lots of action. When I first picked up this book I really didn’t want to set it aside. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
Peel Primm was always into anything relating to being a spy but when she was through college she worked at the local library. Having lost both parents a few years apart she inherited the family home. While digging through some old pictures she learned the name of her grandfather and decided to research to see if she might have some family she hadn’t met. One inquiring was contacting a library in and it’s there that the same gang that Anna worked for first saw her name. Kidnapped and taken to Mexico she was told she had two weeks to solve a mystery pertaining to events that happened years earlier.
I believe this is the first book by Ms Scott and boy did she ever hit a home run. Great characters and an interesting plot with lots of action. When I first picked up this book I really didn’t want to set it aside. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
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February 14, 2022There were some elements of the book that I enjoyed, but overall, there's too many leaps of faith, illogical chains of events and wtf moments that made this a really hard one to get through.
I enjoyed the first part of the book that introduces Peel and her life as a librarian. As mundane and plain as her life seems, there's the possibility of more - and her story to the Anime club of how she wanted to be a spy and ended up with a degree if Library Sciences is a great set up. Unfortunately, once she was abducted and ended up in Mexico, the potential and interest that I had in her character didn't materialize. Peel was a passive character with little to no agency - everything was done to her, she really didn't do much in the way of solving the mystery and I kind of regretted that she didn't get to prove to herself that should could have been a spy.
The backstory and Sebastian's plan to use Peel to flush out his enemy seemed a bit to contrived and convoluted at times. It made me have to suspend a bit too much of my belief and I never quite bought into the premise. The pacing felt uneven with inordinate amounts of time on on inaction and then leapfrogging through when something was actually happening or needed to be done.
I enjoyed the first part of the book that introduces Peel and her life as a librarian. As mundane and plain as her life seems, there's the possibility of more - and her story to the Anime club of how she wanted to be a spy and ended up with a degree if Library Sciences is a great set up. Unfortunately, once she was abducted and ended up in Mexico, the potential and interest that I had in her character didn't materialize. Peel was a passive character with little to no agency - everything was done to her, she really didn't do much in the way of solving the mystery and I kind of regretted that she didn't get to prove to herself that should could have been a spy.
The backstory and Sebastian's plan to use Peel to flush out his enemy seemed a bit to contrived and convoluted at times. It made me have to suspend a bit too much of my belief and I never quite bought into the premise. The pacing felt uneven with inordinate amounts of time on on inaction and then leapfrogging through when something was actually happening or needed to be done.
April 5, 2022
Great, high suspense read. I'd call this a light thriller - action and some murder but not over-the-top. Regular person dropped into mystery and ever-present danger of drug cartel mega-boss. Peel Primm must make friends, stay on her guard and just hope for the best if she wants to survive!
Peel Primm is a librarian from Denver who is just doing some family genealogy research. After a call to a Mexican library to look for traces of a long-lost relative, Peel is kidnapped and taken across the border to the home of drug kingpin, Sebastien Gutierrez. There she finds herself the unwilling pawn in a desperate game of revenge with an unlikely ally in Anna, the mysterious woman who seems both Gutierrez's right hand and a prisoner herself.
**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Peel Primm is a librarian from Denver who is just doing some family genealogy research. After a call to a Mexican library to look for traces of a long-lost relative, Peel is kidnapped and taken across the border to the home of drug kingpin, Sebastien Gutierrez. There she finds herself the unwilling pawn in a desperate game of revenge with an unlikely ally in Anna, the mysterious woman who seems both Gutierrez's right hand and a prisoner herself.
**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
August 2, 2021
Interesting mystery thriller. Peel Primm always wanted to be a spy. Instead she works as a librarian in the Denver suburbs. While researching geology on her father's line she makes a phone call to a library in Mexico. Peel is abducted, beaten and left trapped as the guest of drug lord Sebastien Gutierrez. Anna, an American, seemingly works for the drug lord and finds she is charged with keeping an eye on Peel. She knows how disposable woman are in the culture and doesn't want to put her life in danger by getting too close. Peel learns she is related to a rival family and is tasked with solving a 30 year old mystery. Anna seems willing to help as long as it doesn't risk her own family still living in the USA.
I like Peel and how she keeps her wits about her. She looks for opprotunities to surviving even if it means trusting the mysterious Anna. As someone who enjoys genealogy I thought digging into a family tree was a fun set up for a mystery. The drug lords are brutal and some actions are described graphically. I had a lot of guesses about Anna and was happy with the ending.
For anyone who enjoys spies or government agency mysteries with a side of romance. The characters are good and work together well. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
I like Peel and how she keeps her wits about her. She looks for opprotunities to surviving even if it means trusting the mysterious Anna. As someone who enjoys genealogy I thought digging into a family tree was a fun set up for a mystery. The drug lords are brutal and some actions are described graphically. I had a lot of guesses about Anna and was happy with the ending.
For anyone who enjoys spies or government agency mysteries with a side of romance. The characters are good and work together well. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
3.25 Stars. This a solid debut, with some debut author issues that pop up from time to time. None of the issues in this book really annoyed me, and I did find it engaging to the point that I basically read most of it in one sitting (before passing out because it was so late). The only thing that gave me real pause was the romance between Peel and Anna kind of went from flirting to full on 'I might be in love with you' in a snap of your fingers. It also tries to get gritty but I don't feel like it quite got there, even though I appreciate the occasional chills of talking with a 'cultured' villain. Sebastian is undeniably cruel and chilling, but his politeness and innuendos just makes him so chilling almost every time he's in a scene. But almost every other time during Peel's capture, it didn't feel like there's that edge. I understand that it can't be relentlessly horrific the whole time, but the lighter moments feel like they forget where Peel is and what happened to her.
There's a lot to like with this book, and I enjoyed Anna and Peel, even they don't stray too far from their archetypes. Anna is - to Peel - the mysterious but kind capture who seems to also not be in the cartel voluntarily. Peel herself is the smart but overwhelmed damsel in distress. I don't hate that Peel doesn't have a ton of agency in her capture, since it is so extreme, and I like that she is being smart about when and where she presses for information. She knows she could be killed on a whim, even if the paper thin excuse to kidnap her is bad, so she still looks for allies and takes most of Anna's advice seriously. It just doesn't quite get there for me with some of the connections they feel, and the attraction between them feels like it blew up too fast for me. The author tries to go with the 'end an argument with making out and sex' trope but there's no real examining of feelings after that, so it feels like some of the feelings at the end of the book are forced. That's how I read it, but I might have missed some things.
This was an entertaining read that tries to balance the grittiness of the storyline with some lightness but doesn't always quite get there. The leads are likable with some fun chemistry, but the movement through their relationship felt forced. It isn't going to blow a lot of people away, but it will be fun.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There's a lot to like with this book, and I enjoyed Anna and Peel, even they don't stray too far from their archetypes. Anna is - to Peel - the mysterious but kind capture who seems to also not be in the cartel voluntarily. Peel herself is the smart but overwhelmed damsel in distress. I don't hate that Peel doesn't have a ton of agency in her capture, since it is so extreme, and I like that she is being smart about when and where she presses for information. She knows she could be killed on a whim, even if the paper thin excuse to kidnap her is bad, so she still looks for allies and takes most of Anna's advice seriously. It just doesn't quite get there for me with some of the connections they feel, and the attraction between them feels like it blew up too fast for me. The author tries to go with the 'end an argument with making out and sex' trope but there's no real examining of feelings after that, so it feels like some of the feelings at the end of the book are forced. That's how I read it, but I might have missed some things.
This was an entertaining read that tries to balance the grittiness of the storyline with some lightness but doesn't always quite get there. The leads are likable with some fun chemistry, but the movement through their relationship felt forced. It isn't going to blow a lot of people away, but it will be fun.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2021
I finished “Talented Amateur” two weeks ago and the characters are STILL with me! Your book is so well written; filled with intrigue, suspense, beautiful character descriptions and development. I had such a difficult time putting it down so I could sleep, hence a couple of very late nights to finish. It was thrilling and so much so that I could not guess the ending.
The only other Lesbian fiction I have read was “Ruby Fruit Jungle” and “Six of One” by Rita Mae Brown (okay, so I’m old 😆) “Talented Amateur” far surpasses those two novels.
Congratulations on your success!!! HURRY UP and get your next book published!
The only other Lesbian fiction I have read was “Ruby Fruit Jungle” and “Six of One” by Rita Mae Brown (okay, so I’m old 😆) “Talented Amateur” far surpasses those two novels.
Congratulations on your success!!! HURRY UP and get your next book published!
September 27, 2021
This was an ok read. I didn't really connect with it as much as I was hoping to in a way I can't really describe... I guess the style was just not for me. Even now after reading it, I just can't really think of anything to say about it or the characters. Like I said, ok, but not great.
October 2, 2021
Peel Prim grew up being obsessed with spy movies and shows. Now a librarian, her spy dreams and living a life of danger and adventure are long forgotten. That is until Peel makes a call to a library in Mexico asking for some information about someone in her family tree. Peel's life is turn upside down when she is beaten, kidnaped and wakes up in the house of a drug lord somewhere in Mexico. Her only chance of keeping herself alive and leave this nightmare behind is in the hands of Anna, an American associated of the drug lord. But when lines blurred and their lives are at stake, someone might not only lose their heart but also their life.
This book was unexpectedly great! It started a bit slow but oh boy, did it pick up pace and keep you on the edge of your seat.
This was a great story all around. Sure there was romance and it was great, sweet, sexy. But also, the whole story and mystery that involved the drug lord and Peel's ancestry was just too good. The book was balanced, very well written and it kept you attention all the way until the very last page. Both characters, Anna and Peel, were very strong independent women, and it was a joy to find out about their lives, their strengths and weaknesses. The secondary characters were also interesting and added to story, added context and layers.
It was definitely a joy to read this book. It delivered on adventure, action, intrigue, mystery and romance.
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was unexpectedly great! It started a bit slow but oh boy, did it pick up pace and keep you on the edge of your seat.
This was a great story all around. Sure there was romance and it was great, sweet, sexy. But also, the whole story and mystery that involved the drug lord and Peel's ancestry was just too good. The book was balanced, very well written and it kept you attention all the way until the very last page. Both characters, Anna and Peel, were very strong independent women, and it was a joy to find out about their lives, their strengths and weaknesses. The secondary characters were also interesting and added to story, added context and layers.
It was definitely a joy to read this book. It delivered on adventure, action, intrigue, mystery and romance.
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2021
This is a strong debut from Maryn Scott. I found the mystery compelling in two ways-The tension of how the characters would deal with and solve their immediate circumstances, and with the overall mystery they were trying to solve. I was initially confused about the family tree at but things became clearer as the book went on. I appreciated the gradual shift in the characters relationships and the confusion each experienced trying to balance risk/danger with truth/integrity. I thought the writing painted a vivid picture throughout the book. I also see potential for a story exclusively about the HS students as Ms. Scott seems to really grasp that age group. I look forward to the next book by this author
March 4, 2022
An interesting read. One that I wanted to like more than I did. The premise held a lot of promise but didn't quiet execute it. Peel, a librarian that wanted to become a spy so much that she changed her name to Peel, after the character in the old Avengers TV show. I liked Peel but she became a side character to Anna's story. While I liked Anna, it was weird that she took up so much time in the story when the premise was around Peel. I also wished Peel was more like her namesake and had more agency in the story.
All in all, not a bad read but Anna taking over the story from Peel, keeps it from its full potential.
All in all, not a bad read but Anna taking over the story from Peel, keeps it from its full potential.
August 25, 2021
A definite page turner. Interesting story with lots of plot twists.
January 22, 2023
Great.
I really enjoyed Talented Amateur. Just enough intrigue and mystery to keep you guessing. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
I really enjoyed Talented Amateur. Just enough intrigue and mystery to keep you guessing. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
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