I enjoyed this book very much, lots of action, a really light, fun read. Not much romance, for me it was more about friends with benefits than lovers, but I was ok with that. Four and a half stars. ( )

The Lady Has a Past by Amanda Quick
Burning Cove #5. Historical romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the continuing series that has elements in common, as well as a couple of characters and locations.
Inexperienced investigator Lyra Brazier is teamed up with Simon Cage to find out what happened to her boss. They pose as a married couple at an exclusive hotel and spa where there seems to be a list of missing socialites.

Danger and intrigue and a gut instinct moves this story to the killer.
Hearing about the luxury spa treatments of the time was horrifying for me and I don’t blame the heroine for turning down an overall wax cocoon. Yikes. ( )

The Lady Has a Past
4 Stars

Series note: The heroine is the younger sister of the heroine in the previous installment. Nevertheless, there is no connection between the plots, and the book can be read as a standalone.

Newly minted private investigator Lyra Brazier is eager to begin her career. However, she never expected her first case to involve a search for her missing employer, Raina Kirk. As Lyra and her reluctant partner, Simon Cage, follow the clues, they soon realize that there is more to Raina's disappearance at a luxurious spa than meets the eye. Who would want to kidnap Raina and why?

Despite the formulaic elements, such as the reluctant partnership (ala Lake and March) between an independent heroine and a damaged hero with a "unique gift," Quick still manages a surprise or two.

Unlike Vivian and Nick, whose relationship felt forced, Simon and Lyra's are a delight. The opposites-attract romance between the spunky, inquisitive and loquacious Lyra and the quieter, more straight-laced Simon is endearing and their bickering is hilarious at times.

The kidnapping plot takes some time to develop, but Quick cleverly plants a number of red herrings and allows the tension to build. There are several truly intense moments, and the twist at the end is excellent.

Overall, this is definitely one of the best books in the series and I look forward to reading the next one. ( )

I'm such of fan of Burning Cove and one of the nice things about this book is we get to revisit both of the couples from the series. Not only do we get Lyra & Simon's story, but we get to see Raina & Luther's relationship develop as well. The book moves at a good pace and the story is interesting. This one was a lot of fun. ( )

I'm glad to be back in Burning Cove, and it was great to see Raina and Luther's relationship expanding. I also enjoy the small paranormal aspects some of the characters in this series possess. This particular book kit all the usual high notes, but I have to admit I started to lose track of characters. Haven't we seen Simon before? Wasn't he involved with someone else? Why does Lyra's story sound so familiar? Oh, that's right, we've met her sister previously... It got a little muddy for me and my terrible memory. Really enjoyed it, despite that.

Advanced Readers copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )