Honestly I think this installment in this series clinches it for me: I'm officially done reading Burning Cove.

The hero and heroine are pretty cringy; I found him annoying and her boring. The plot wasn't very interesting, and the whole book was pretty forgettable.

Two stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Amanda Quick did not disappoint her readers with this novel. I follow her to get her lastest novel.. I highly recommend this novel of the 1930's.

Another great mix of paranormal fantasy, suspense and romance from Amanda Quick. The author brings the 1920s setting to vibrant life with plenty of action and steamy scenes.

I was not able to get in to the storyline of this one. If in the future I attempt to read this again I will update my feedback!

You need to read or have read all of Jayne Ann Krentz books in order to catch all the eggs that drop through her books this one no exception. Lyra and Simon are oil and water. Fire and ice which makes them perfect for each other. The mystery is soild and Burning Cove is on fire. I can't wait for the next one.

Amanda Quick is an amazing writer! This book was amazing! She usually starts off slow but in this book she had me invested to the story from page one!

Actually, all of the ladies in this book have a past-even if the main character is a virgin going in. On Lyra’s third day as an apprentice investigator, she is forced to use a golf club to hit a man who is attacking her, after drawing his attention from his potential victim-his wife. She’s not sure she wants to continue as a PI, but her fate is sealed when her boss, Raina, takes off unexpectedly, and she realizes she has to help Raina’s lover, Luther Pell, find her. Also helping their cause is Simon, who brings a paranormal ability to the investigation.



At first Lyra and Simon rub each other wrong, but their fascination with each other grows. But can they develop a relationship before Raina or Lyra is killed?



While this featured some intrigue, it fell more into a routine book by this author. She can be innovative, but she can also fall into a rut-the smart woman searching for her place in the world, while helping a socially awkward man come to terms with society. But in spite of that, for anyone looking for a 1930s murder mystery, this will be a must read.

Loved this historical by Amanda Quick. It is part of the Burning Cove series and features Lyra Brazier who is trying to find her employer who has disappeared at a health spa. Simon Cage, a antiquarian book dealer, is assigned to be her bodyguard. Simon has a secret talent and together they find much more then they every expected while searching for Lyra's missing employer. Highly recommended.

This is book 5 in the Burning Cove series and it's my favorite so far. Lyra Brazier is a new investigator for Raina's agency and when Raina goes missing, Lyra and Simon Cage join forces to find her. A little of the psychic vibe is present and lots of secrets. This series is always a good mystery with a strong romance attached. Re-occuring characters give a thread of connection between the books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Quick is a talented writer and has interesting characters. This book was just too much of a slow burn for me. It is also part of a series and not one that you could easily pick up mid series like I did when I was sent this ARC. I was totally lost. I hope to revisit this when I have read the others in the series.

Lyra Brazier has been bitterly disappointed recently, by her cheating fiancé, and by her own father. All of Lyra’s hard work to make herself an invaluable asset to her father’s company has been for naught. He refuses to ever turn the company over to her. So, needing a fresh start, Lyra travels to Burning Cove, California – a small town known to be the go-to destination for Hollywood stars and powerful people. Using her gift of persuasion, Lyra convinces Raina Kirk to hire her as an investigator for her agency. Lyra’s first assignment, which should have been a walk in the park, turns out to be a disaster, with her being involved in a death, possibly a murder.

Simon Cage is officially an antique books dealer, but he also handles investigations on the side. His latest assignment has left him longing for a few days of rest and relaxation, and if he’s really lucky, the company of an exciting woman. Simon has decided to spend that time at Burning Cove, as that’s where he has to report in to his last client, Luther Pell, who is a high-powered man and club owner there. Upon his arrival, it’s discovered that Raina, who is Luther’s lover, has left town under mysterious circumstances and may be in danger. Simon immediately takes on the task of finding her, but Lyra is insistent on being part of the investigation for her new boss. The trail leads them to a swanky spa, where they pose as newlyweds.

Simon and Lyra are initially a bit adversarial toward each other, especially on Lyra’s part. Simon is quite taken by her beauty, and soon comes to see that her easy charm and persuasiveness to others is a genuine asset to the investigation. Lyra is also clever enough to see that Simon has a special ability, one that he insists is only intuition, but she knows is much more. As they get to know each other a little better, Lyra definitely begins to warm to Simon. I love one particular instance when a somewhat stunned Simon comes out and asks Lyra, “Are we flirting?”

THE LADY HAS A PAST actually has two romances happening along with the mystery. Simon and Lyra quickly become lovers, and their relationship is intense. I was actually more touched by the alliance between Raina and Luther, which has been ongoing for a while. They have shared intimate moments, yet have never spoken of love, or even spent a full night together, as they both suffer nightmares from their pasts. Once Raina is in danger, it seems that all of Luther’s hesitation is gone, as he’ll do anything to rescue the woman he knows that he loves. I love that all four of these people are accepting and forgiving of the others’ pasts, and support and help each other to heal. As always, Amanda Quick includes a mystery, as well as another twist to keep things interesting. THE LADY HAS A PAST stands on its own, though some of the characters have appeared previously in books in the BURNING COVE series. My favorite thing about a book by Amanda Quick (in any of her incarnations) is how the love interests are either misfits, or injured, yet somehow are perfect to the other. The book flowed along at a great pace, and had me reading it all in one sitting. I recommend it for fans of this author, as well as those who enjoy a well written and enjoyable romantic suspense novel.

Another great book by Amanda Quick in the Burning Cove series, Love the 1930's setting and enjoyed how the author brought past characters of the series into this book. Lyra Brazier and Simon Cage pose as newlyweds to solve the mysterious disappearance of Lyra's boss. Well-written with intriguing characters this mystery/romance does not disappoint. But then I don't think I've read a book by this author that I didn't like.

Having abandoned the conventional obligations of an heiress, Lyra Brazier is forging her own path as a burgeoning private investigator in the resort community of Burning Cove, California. Wearily seeking respite, and perhaps a casual entanglement, antiquarian book dealer Simon Cage has also newly arrived in town. The two converge over the seeming disappearance of Lyra’s boss Raina Kirk. Lyra can’t shake the suspicion Raina’s in trouble, and Simon concurs. The pair’s initial investigation leads them to the exclusive and fashionable Labyrinth Springs Hotel and Spa. Posing as newlyweds, Simon and Lyra begin to untangle a web of deception and danger lurking beneath the glam facade of the renowned resort.

Set in 1930s California, Burning Cove is a charming series where thrilling suspense meets steamy romance. Quick’s characters are clever and likable. She writes empowered female characters, infusing them with intelligence, resourcefulness, and fierce independence. Though this is a period series, contemporary readers will appreciate the feminist sensibility underlining the story. The romantic and intellectual chemistry between Raina and Simon is immediate and deliciously readable. Plus, Simon has a supernatural sensory gift of sorts, which satisfied my paranormal proclivities. The story is intriguing and kept me guessing. This is my second foray into the series, and I loved this installment just as much as my first read, Close Up (Burning Cove #4).

After encountering Luther Pell and Raina Kirk from the beginning of the Burning Cove series, I was semi disappointed they hadn’t gotten their own story yet and seemed to be relegated to fascinating side characters as new characters were introduced. Not that I didn’t love these new stories and characters supremely well. Imagine my excitement when this one introduced a new pair, but the heart of the story was the mystery of Raina’s past and so there were two couples working on the new case and the case was Raina’s disappearance.

The Lady Has a Past is the fifth in a series that can easily be read standalone or even jump in and start out of order though, yes, there is a flowing development of characters and background themes through the series.

So, yes! Raina was already something of a dark horse, even though she is a tough lady detective in the middle of things going on around Burning Cove and she is in a relationship of sorts with an even darker horse in night club owner, former spy and associate to the mob, Luther Pell. I’ve enjoyed this pair throughout the series and always wanted more. This story delivers on Raina’s past while Luther continues to be something of an enigma. Perhaps that isn’t a bad thing because I’ll still be eager to seek what comes next for him.

The story begins with the introduction of Lyra Brazier, the sister of the heroine in book four, who has decided to apprentice as a detective under Raina. Lyra is on her first assignment- a soft ball job to deliver news to a client about her husband when she walks in on a domestic- husband is trying to throttle wife in the pool and Lyra has to think quick before becoming his new victim.

But, just after this initiation to detective work, Lyra’s boss, Raina, gets some news that has her rushing out of town and disappearing. Luther is beside himself and that is never good, but he wisely brings in one of his contracted investigators, Simon Cage, who is more than he seems, to partner with the rookie detective, Lyra.

I enjoyed this one because the sparks really fly between the seasoned, skilled, but jaded Simon and the newbie, but highly intuitive, Lyra. He has the know-how, but she is willing to learn even if it grates on her to admit it to Simon and she wants to establish that she has something to bring to the team, too. Lyra can get anyone to talk to her and taciturn Simon has more methodical methods of work. They rub each other wrong, but still click and the attraction is crackling between them. Meanwhile, there are glimpses of Raina’s situation and she is certain her past has caught up with her.

The 1930’s glamorous world of the series shifts from Old Hollywood to a hotel and health spa out on the desert that caters to the wealthy and glamorous. The backdrop is there, but takes a backseat to the clandestine goings on at the spa, the investigation, and Simon and Lyra.

The mystery centered around Raina’s disappearance which they can’t just investigate in the open because it might get her hurt so there is a cloak and dagger aspect to the affair. But, like past books in the series, there are some twists and some intense moments mixed with a spicy romance.

All in all, it was another hit. I’ve come to anticipate each installment and find myself relaxing into these historical mysteries blended with an equally strong dose of romance. The author paints a good picture of the time and her characters fit it well. Definitely a series I can recommend to others.

The intrigues in Burning Cove continue, this time with the disappearance of Raina Kirk, lady private investigator. It's left to her apprentice investigator, Lyra Brazier, and Simon Cage, the enigmatic associate of Luther Pell, to follow the trail that has been left behind. What I enjoyed about this book is that in brought in all of the characters from the previous five Burning Cove books, and that it tied up some loose ends that had been lingering in the background of the series as a whole. Lyra and Simon's adventure in engaging in and of itself, but having the other characters from the series come back to the stage to help save Raina was very satisfying.

The Lady has a Past is the 5th book in the Burning Cove series. Lyra is the new person in town and has just a started training to be a private investigator when her boss, Raina ups and leaves. Being a brand new investigator, Simon is brought in to help her. As they work together, they find that their skills complement each and brings them still closer.

This was probably my favorite of the Burning Cove books. The book was fast paced and fun. I do not think this is the best book by Amanda Quick but still was an enjoyable read. A predictable story but still enjoyable.

Three stars for being a good solid read. Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Amanda Quick for the free book. This was an honest review.

I loved this book! The mystery surrounding Raina, the personality of Lyra, the paranormal skills of Simon., more about Pell. I love the time period she is using for these stories. All this made it interesting and engaging. The story wasn't as straightforward as it seemed it would be. There were twists that I didn't expect. Lyra is a hoot, a favorite character. The back story wasn't all in the first chapter, it was spread throughout the book, which made it more interesting and exciting to read. She did revisit the couples from the other books and how they were coming along./HEA. I love all the characters of Burning Cove! I love her writing style, smooth. Everything keeps you in the story, doesn't pull you out and make you aware of the outside/errors, etc. Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krenz is an automatic buy.

Amanda Quick gives us The Lady has a Past in which Burning Cove shelters ladies and gentlemen with a hidden painful past. Lyra Brazair, new investigative agent, has survived her first case, by braining a maniac with a golf iron. Her employer Raina has disappeared and Lyra seeks her with the help of new arrival Simon Cage, a dangerous man with psychic powers. Their hunting field is a luxury spa with traps at every turn. Enjoy.

Review: This is the 5th book of the Burning Cove series. While characters from the previous books overlap, you don’t have to be caught up (or have read any of the other books in the series) in order to enjoy this one!

Lyra Brazier is attempting to forge a new path in life when her father refuses to allow her to help run the family business, so she signs on as an investigator’s apprentice. When Lyra’s boss Raina Kirk goes missing, just a day after her first assignment (that ends in a murder), she is forced to be more than just an apprentice. Raina Kirk’s lover, Luther Pell, insists that his investigative specialist, Simon Cage, could help find Rain. With the reluctant help of Simon Cage, a book dealer by trade, they travel to an exclusive spa and pose as honeymooners. Their chemistry is undeniable and is well-crafted throughout the story, despite their personality differences. Simon’s special ability with detecting secrets is essential and works well with Lyra’s ability to get people to open up and talk with her.

The dual romances between Simon and Lyra, plus Raina and Luther, are interwoven throughout the book. The visit to the exclusive spa turns out to be more than they bargained for, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and engaged.

Note: I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is my own.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

I am a huge fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, who writes as Amanda Quick, when she writes historical romance.

Lyra has had a pretty rough time so she does what we all would do… She becomes a PI. When her boss goes missing Lyra knows she needs to use her powers of investigation to find her. Raina’s friend asks/tells Lyra that she will be working with Simon. But Lyra can’t figure out why he is adamant that Simon work with her.

There is a lot going on in this story but Krantz/Quick has a way of writing so you are not overwhelmed but still stay involved in the story.

The characters are very well written and the background characters are well formed as well. Some have returned from previous books in the series.

Another great read from a wonderful author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.