Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Review & Giveaway: The Lady Has a Past by Amanda Quick



The Lady Has a Past (Burning Cove #5) by Amanda Quick
Publication Date: May 4th 2021 by Berkley Books
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Rating: 
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
After realizing her father will never let her run the family’s shipping business and a failed engagement, Lyra Brazier is trying her hand at private investigation in Burning Cove, California. It quickly becomes apparent that Lyra has a knack for investigating as she has an uncanny way of getting people to talk to her.

Lyra’s thrown into the thick of things when her boss, Raina Kirk, proclaims she must leave town to take care of some personal business. Raina disappears and Lyra knows she must find her. Luther Pell, Raina’s powerful and mysterious gentleman friend, insists on joining in the investigation and sending Simon Cage with Lyra to the fancy spa resort Raina has reportedly ran off to.

Simon has his own special abilities, even though officially he’s an antique book dealer, he secretly works with Luther in his clandestine investigation/solution business.  Lyra and Simon pose as newlyweds and check in, noting right away things are not as they seem and Raina’s nowhere to be found.

At first Lyra and Simon knock heads and don’t get along, but they must put aside their differences to get to the bottom of Raina’s disappearance. Gradually, Simon and Lyra form a begrudging respect for each other’s talents and can’t help the irresistible pull of attraction they feel.  Dodging danger, and the intense situation they find themselves thrown into mean they have to focus on finding Raina and trying to stay alive, but they do manage to steal away for a few steamy encounters!

There’s an undercurrent of danger and I was worried for both Lyra and Raina! I appreciated that the drama and conflict in the story didn’t come from the relationship woes, but instead the mystery Lyra and Simon are trying to solve. Luther and Raina’s (side characters that have shown up in previous books) relationship features prominently, too.

The Lady Has a Past is set in the town of Burning Cove in the 1930’s, where the rich and famous come to relax and be seen. I’ve enjoyed the beautiful coastal setting and peek into the glamourous past depicted here! Danger, thrills, mystery, and romance combine for an exciting story! It was easy to breeze right through while enjoying this by-gone era. While there are some returning characters, each story in the series can be read as a standalone.

 4 Stars


Book Description:
Beauty and glamour meet deception and revenge in this electrifying novel by New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick.

Investigative apprentice Lyra Brazier, the newest resident of Burning Cove, is unsettled when her boss suddenly goes on a health retreat at an exclusive spa and disappears without another word. Lyra knows something has happened to Raina Kirk, and she is the only one who can track her down. The health spa is known for its luxurious offerings and prestigious clientele, and the wealthy, socialite background Lyra desperately wanted to leave behind is perfect for this undercover job. The agency brings in a partner and bodyguard for her, but she doesn't get the suave, pistol-packing private eye she expected.

Simon Cage is a mild-mannered antiquarian book dealer with a quiet, academic air, and Lyra can't figure out why he was chosen as her partner. But it soon becomes clear when they arrive at the spa and pose as a couple: Simon has a unique gift that allows him to detect secrets, a skill that is crucial in finding Raina.

The unlikely duo falls down a rabbit hole of twisted rumors and missing socialites, discovering that the health spa is a façade for something far darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn't the only one in grave danger—Lyra is next.

The lovely people of Berkley have provided a Hardcover Copy of The Lady Has a Past and I've decided to give it away to one lucky reader! The giveaway is open to US Residents only. Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

26 comments:

  1. What an interesting setting/time period. I don't think I've read anything set in the 1930's. So many historicals skip that era in favor of the 40's and the WW II era. So glad you enjoyed this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The whole series is set in the 1930's and yeah, I haven't seen many set in that time either. I enjoy the 1940s WWII era as well. Such a tumultuous time period! Thanks!

      Delete
  2. I love the time period, and that it is a romantic mystery. Quick's books are always so good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the fancier times, and yes, she's always entertaining! :)

      Delete
  3. I haven't read this series but I have read her newer paranormal series. I usually shy away from historical but I do like them with a mystery.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

    ReplyDelete
  4. This looks like a fascinating book.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've never read a book by this author before. I love reading mysteries and finding a fun historical one sounds amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It sounds like quite an interesting book!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful cover!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been so curious about Raina and Luther since the beginning. While I wished we could have gotten more of Luther's background (maybe in another book), I loved getting Raina's. And, this new couple was a lot of fun they way they zipped remarks back and forth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Luther's still a mystery, but it was nice to get Raina's backstory finally. Simon and Lyra did have that fun banter! Glad you enjoyed it, too, Sophia Rose!

      Delete
  9. This author always seems to write a fun book with great characters! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This sounds like a very good book. She is one of my favorite authors.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like when the drama is outside the relationship too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! I'm not down with unnecessary, unbelievable drama just for the sake of conflict.

      Delete