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Burning Cove #3
Tightrope
An unconventional woman and a man shrouded in mystery walk a tightrope of desire as they race against a killer to find a machine that could change the world.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn moved to Burning Cove to reinvent herself, but things are not going well. After spending her entire inheritance on a mansion with the intention of turning it into a bed-and-breakfast, she learns too late that the villa is said to be cursed. When the first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered by his robot invention during a sold-out demonstration, rumors circulate that the curse is real.
In the chaotic aftermath of the spectacle, Amalie watches as a stranger from the audience disappears behind the curtain. When Matthias Jones reappears, he is slipping a gun into a concealed holster. It looks like the gossip that is swirling around him is true—Matthias evidently does have connections to the criminal underworld.
Matthias is on the trail of a groundbreaking prototype cipher machine. He suspects that Pickwell stole the device and planned to sell it. But now Pickwell is dead and the machine has vanished. When Matthias’s investigation leads him to Amalie’s front door, the attraction between them is intense, but she knows it is also dangerous. Amalie and Matthias must decide if they can trust each other and the passion that binds them, because time is running out.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn moved to Burning Cove to reinvent herself, but things are not going well. After spending her entire inheritance on a mansion with the intention of turning it into a bed-and-breakfast, she learns too late that the villa is said to be cursed. When the first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered by his robot invention during a sold-out demonstration, rumors circulate that the curse is real.
In the chaotic aftermath of the spectacle, Amalie watches as a stranger from the audience disappears behind the curtain. When Matthias Jones reappears, he is slipping a gun into a concealed holster. It looks like the gossip that is swirling around him is true—Matthias evidently does have connections to the criminal underworld.
Matthias is on the trail of a groundbreaking prototype cipher machine. He suspects that Pickwell stole the device and planned to sell it. But now Pickwell is dead and the machine has vanished. When Matthias’s investigation leads him to Amalie’s front door, the attraction between them is intense, but she knows it is also dangerous. Amalie and Matthias must decide if they can trust each other and the passion that binds them, because time is running out.
309 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
1209 people are currently reading
4724 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
94 books5,504 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 708 reviews
August 6, 2019
Another enchanting tale from the Burning Cove series!!! I loved it from start to finish. This series just keeps getting better and better with great characters like Amalie and Matthias and a storyline that has suspense and romance, it can't go wrong. Amalie is smart and witty and a great heroine,while matthias is a strong male full of quite sensually and perfect hero qualities. And their chemistry is great and their moments full of passion and slow burning heat. And I loved the cover!!! So beautiful !
I love how she has added some more from older books like the mention of clockwork machines and also the fact that matthias is a jones!!! And has special talents like most in his family. I have read every book by Amanda Quick from the beginning,and after all these years she's still one of my all time favorite writers!! Until next time luv's💖💋
I love how she has added some more from older books like the mention of clockwork machines and also the fact that matthias is a jones!!! And has special talents like most in his family. I have read every book by Amanda Quick from the beginning,and after all these years she's still one of my all time favorite writers!! Until next time luv's💖💋
March 19, 2019
This is the third book in the Burning Cove series and while some characters from previous books are part of this story, you could read this as a standalone novel. However, I think the first book is the best in the series so I recommend starting with that one.
Amalie Vaughn had a brush with death during her days as a trapeze artist so she moved to Burning Cove where she purchased a bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, her first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered and given someone else died there not too long ago, most people think the place is cursed. Matthias Jones is investigating the murder but Amalie is not so sure she can trust him and he feels the same way about her. Burning Cove might seem like just a small resort town for Hollywood stars but it sure does see its fair share of danger, but thankfully love seems to be in the air as well.
While I definitely like the whole 1930s nearby L.A. type setting, my interest is starting to wane with this series. This wasn't a bad book, and I did like the plot more in this one than I did with the second book, but there was nothing here that made it even remotely special. This was a quick read but at the end of the day, I think I would rather seek out the next very good or awesome read rather than continue with a series that is just okay. On a side note, I do love the cover for this one, and think it is by far the best out of the three books.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
Amalie Vaughn had a brush with death during her days as a trapeze artist so she moved to Burning Cove where she purchased a bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, her first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered and given someone else died there not too long ago, most people think the place is cursed. Matthias Jones is investigating the murder but Amalie is not so sure she can trust him and he feels the same way about her. Burning Cove might seem like just a small resort town for Hollywood stars but it sure does see its fair share of danger, but thankfully love seems to be in the air as well.
While I definitely like the whole 1930s nearby L.A. type setting, my interest is starting to wane with this series. This wasn't a bad book, and I did like the plot more in this one than I did with the second book, but there was nothing here that made it even remotely special. This was a quick read but at the end of the day, I think I would rather seek out the next very good or awesome read rather than continue with a series that is just okay. On a side note, I do love the cover for this one, and think it is by far the best out of the three books.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
May 9, 2023
Tightrope by Amanda Quick
Burning Cove series #3. Historical romantic mystery / suspense. Late 1930’s. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for background appreciation.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn moved to Burning Cove after buying a bed and breakfast to revamp. But her very first guest is murdered by his robot invention. He’s not killed at the B&B, but it’s enough to have the rumors of the placed being cursed spreading quickly. Matthias Jones believes the guest had stolen a prototype machine and was trying to sell it when he was killed. Matthias and Amelie join forces to investigate.
The book opens with Amalie being forced to climb up to the tightrope platform and jump to her death. Obviously she triumphs since this book is her HEA, but the next event is an inventor being killed in front of a live audience by his robot! In the 1930’s! Endless to say, this story is full of intrigue, lies, and threats. And a bit of romance as Amalie and Matthias uncover clues and backstory. Another strong heroine that is not going to sit on the sidelines. A couple of other characters cross from book to book.
Love the cover. And the story.
Burning Cove series #3. Historical romantic mystery / suspense. Late 1930’s. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for background appreciation.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn moved to Burning Cove after buying a bed and breakfast to revamp. But her very first guest is murdered by his robot invention. He’s not killed at the B&B, but it’s enough to have the rumors of the placed being cursed spreading quickly. Matthias Jones believes the guest had stolen a prototype machine and was trying to sell it when he was killed. Matthias and Amelie join forces to investigate.
The book opens with Amalie being forced to climb up to the tightrope platform and jump to her death. Obviously she triumphs since this book is her HEA, but the next event is an inventor being killed in front of a live audience by his robot! In the 1930’s! Endless to say, this story is full of intrigue, lies, and threats. And a bit of romance as Amalie and Matthias uncover clues and backstory. Another strong heroine that is not going to sit on the sidelines. A couple of other characters cross from book to book.
Love the cover. And the story.
May 20, 2019
Tightrope is the third book in the Burning Cove series. While I’ve read the first book, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, also, I think Tightrope can be read as a standalone.
Amalie Vaughn is a former trapeze artist. Her move to Burning Cove is for a fresh start. She spends her inheritance on a mansion with the plan to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast; however, she finds out the mansion is cursed.
In fact, her very first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered by his robot invention while onlookers are watching, which further makes the the curse seem real.
Amalie then sees a stranger from the audience slip behind the curtain, and then reappear, placing a gun into a holster on himself. The man’s name is Matthias.
Matthias is investigating Pickwell, believing he stole a cipher machine, which has now vanished. Matthias ends up at Amalie’s front door, and the two are instantly attracted to each other. They have to decide if they can trust each other enough to work together.
Overall, this was a quick, immersive read. The setting was just plain fun and picturesque in a coastal California town in the 1930s. I felt the tension as the suspense built, and I had to keep reading until the clever resolution. Amalie was a phenomenal main character, and I loved her story!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Amalie Vaughn is a former trapeze artist. Her move to Burning Cove is for a fresh start. She spends her inheritance on a mansion with the plan to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast; however, she finds out the mansion is cursed.
In fact, her very first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered by his robot invention while onlookers are watching, which further makes the the curse seem real.
Amalie then sees a stranger from the audience slip behind the curtain, and then reappear, placing a gun into a holster on himself. The man’s name is Matthias.
Matthias is investigating Pickwell, believing he stole a cipher machine, which has now vanished. Matthias ends up at Amalie’s front door, and the two are instantly attracted to each other. They have to decide if they can trust each other enough to work together.
Overall, this was a quick, immersive read. The setting was just plain fun and picturesque in a coastal California town in the 1930s. I felt the tension as the suspense built, and I had to keep reading until the clever resolution. Amalie was a phenomenal main character, and I loved her story!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
August 9, 2019
My internal dialogue throughout:
Me: "Wow, this dialogue is bad."
Also me: "But the cover is so pretty!"
Me: "And these characters randomly display outbursts of emotion that come from nowhere."
Also me: "But the cover."
Me: "This has the writing quality of a really, really bad Christian romance novel."
Also me: "Look at how the necklace drapes down her back...."
Me: "And when is this supposed to be set anyway? There is no historical vibe at all. Robots? The Great War? Mob connections?"
Also me: "The dress makes me think 1920s."
Me: "References to the Great Depression make me think the 30s. But the opening was so awkward! I'm all for jumping into the action but what is going on?"
Also me: "Her hair is lovely."
Me: "Insta love."
Also me: "Cover love."
Me: "WHY DOES THE VILLAIN HAVE A POV. Now we know who it is."
Also me: "Lovely cover..."
Me: "That was one of the worst sex scenes I've ever skimmed. And I've skimmed some bad ones."
Also me: "But the cover is so pretty!!"
Me: "Why does this book even need sex scenes?! These people just met."
Also me: "Finish for the cover."
And so I did. I finished because I fell in love with the cover. But nothing else about this book drew me in. Though NOTHING on my copy even hinted that this fell third in a series, it is pretty obvious the reader should know/have some affection for the other characters in Burning Cove. But the other characters come across one dimensional and awkward. They sometimes get POVs and it doesn't fit at all.
For a novel selling itself as a "romantic suspense," Tightrope does all it can to make things not suspenseful. Oh, sure, it comes across creepy at times. But when the villains have POVs and the characters lack ANY buildup in their emotions, it is hard to feel any concern whatsoever. Plus, it becomes fairly evident early on that the heroine can take care of herself. I'm all for strong females but her "abilities" make it hard to feel like she's ever truly in danger. She doesn't even react fearfully to scary situations. (And if she does, it really comes out of nowhere.)
What a disappointment!
Me: "Wow, this dialogue is bad."
Also me: "But the cover is so pretty!"
Me: "And these characters randomly display outbursts of emotion that come from nowhere."
Also me: "But the cover."
Me: "This has the writing quality of a really, really bad Christian romance novel."
Also me: "Look at how the necklace drapes down her back...."
Me: "And when is this supposed to be set anyway? There is no historical vibe at all. Robots? The Great War? Mob connections?"
Also me: "The dress makes me think 1920s."
Me: "References to the Great Depression make me think the 30s. But the opening was so awkward! I'm all for jumping into the action but what is going on?"
Also me: "Her hair is lovely."
Me: "Insta love."
Also me: "Cover love."
Me: "WHY DOES THE VILLAIN HAVE A POV. Now we know who it is."
Also me: "Lovely cover..."
Me: "That was one of the worst sex scenes I've ever skimmed. And I've skimmed some bad ones."
Also me: "But the cover is so pretty!!"
Me: "Why does this book even need sex scenes?! These people just met."
Also me: "Finish for the cover."
And so I did. I finished because I fell in love with the cover. But nothing else about this book drew me in. Though NOTHING on my copy even hinted that this fell third in a series, it is pretty obvious the reader should know/have some affection for the other characters in Burning Cove. But the other characters come across one dimensional and awkward. They sometimes get POVs and it doesn't fit at all.
For a novel selling itself as a "romantic suspense," Tightrope does all it can to make things not suspenseful. Oh, sure, it comes across creepy at times. But when the villains have POVs and the characters lack ANY buildup in their emotions, it is hard to feel any concern whatsoever. Plus, it becomes fairly evident early on that the heroine can take care of herself. I'm all for strong females but her "abilities" make it hard to feel like she's ever truly in danger. She doesn't even react fearfully to scary situations. (And if she does, it really comes out of nowhere.)
What a disappointment!
May 7, 2019
Amalie came from a family of flying trapeze artists but quit the profession when a crazed man almost took her life. An exciting opening to a thrilling story! Deranged murderers, spies, espionage, non-stop action and romance makes this tale difficult to put down!
Amalie now resides in Burning Cove after buying a beautiful mansion with the intension of using it as a glamourous inn to house the rich and famous who’d like to get away. She got the mansion for a song, not before finding out about the rumors that it’s supposedly cursed. Her first guest, a famed inventor, is murdered, fueling the speculation. Enter Matthias Jones a man supposedly connected to the mob asking a lot of questions, and not giving a lot of answers. Amalie is damned if the inventor’s murder is going to put her out of business and inserts herself into Matthias’ investigations.
Amalie and Matthias dodge danger at every turn, and the intensity quickly bonds them making the attraction they’ve felt from the start ignite, turning into a fierce passion! I loved their chemistry and was happy that almost none of the conflict or drama came from their developing romance.
Loved the setting of Burning Cove, a fictional California coastal town set in the 1930s. A picturesque getaway for the rich and famous. The winding seaside cliffs overlooking the gorgeous Pacific Ocean reminds me of Big Sur, Monterey or Carmel, but with a bit more old-Hollywood glitz. This is the third installment in the Burning Cove series, but each can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. While Amalie and Matthias’ romance wrapped up nicely there was a little discovery that hinted there’s more to come, but maybe focused on another couple? I look forward to it!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Amalie now resides in Burning Cove after buying a beautiful mansion with the intension of using it as a glamourous inn to house the rich and famous who’d like to get away. She got the mansion for a song, not before finding out about the rumors that it’s supposedly cursed. Her first guest, a famed inventor, is murdered, fueling the speculation. Enter Matthias Jones a man supposedly connected to the mob asking a lot of questions, and not giving a lot of answers. Amalie is damned if the inventor’s murder is going to put her out of business and inserts herself into Matthias’ investigations.
Amalie and Matthias dodge danger at every turn, and the intensity quickly bonds them making the attraction they’ve felt from the start ignite, turning into a fierce passion! I loved their chemistry and was happy that almost none of the conflict or drama came from their developing romance.
Loved the setting of Burning Cove, a fictional California coastal town set in the 1930s. A picturesque getaway for the rich and famous. The winding seaside cliffs overlooking the gorgeous Pacific Ocean reminds me of Big Sur, Monterey or Carmel, but with a bit more old-Hollywood glitz. This is the third installment in the Burning Cove series, but each can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. While Amalie and Matthias’ romance wrapped up nicely there was a little discovery that hinted there’s more to come, but maybe focused on another couple? I look forward to it!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2020
With a series like this it’s always good to start at the beginning. The story plays during the 1930s in Hollywood/California, but the location reminded me more of Northern California with it’s winding coastal roads and picturesque small towns. Although all three books can be read as a standalone, it helps to start the series at the beginning.
Most books by this author are built on a trusted formula that guarantees an action packed story, with multiple murders, strong female heroines and alpha hero’s who are subsequently falling madly in love with said heroine. What I love about AQ heroes is that they always see the heroine as equal. They are never threatened by their independence, and strong willed nature. My kind of alphas.
So, all in all the author delivered exactly what was promised.
Tightrope was an engaging and action packed suspense romance in a very unique setting. The old Hollywood gangster vibe offered a fresh take on a historical suspense novel. And the author always manages to add something exotic to the story. In this case the heroine is a former trapeze artist.
The twists and turns were exceptionally well done. And the multiple plots kept me engaged and made this an overall enjoyable and quick read.
I must mention that the cover is just divine!!
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
Most books by this author are built on a trusted formula that guarantees an action packed story, with multiple murders, strong female heroines and alpha hero’s who are subsequently falling madly in love with said heroine. What I love about AQ heroes is that they always see the heroine as equal. They are never threatened by their independence, and strong willed nature. My kind of alphas.
So, all in all the author delivered exactly what was promised.
Tightrope was an engaging and action packed suspense romance in a very unique setting. The old Hollywood gangster vibe offered a fresh take on a historical suspense novel. And the author always manages to add something exotic to the story. In this case the heroine is a former trapeze artist.
The twists and turns were exceptionally well done. And the multiple plots kept me engaged and made this an overall enjoyable and quick read.
I must mention that the cover is just divine!!
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
September 21, 2019
This is third in a series, but you don't really need to read the others first. I recommend that you do for two reasons. First, Luther and Raina play a larger role in this one than they have in the others and it's nice having their full history. Second, the other books are a bit better, I think, and you might as well start with the best. Also this one features a tie into Quick's Arcane Society series because Mattias is one of the infamous Joneses (and it's pretty clear that he's one of the Joneses).
Okay, let me just say that while the other covers have been pretty good, this one is outstanding! I love it as a representation of Amalie and there's even a scene in the story it could easily be a representation of.
So. There are a couple factors that kept me from enjoying this as much as the others. For Matthias, I didn't like that Quick pulled in psychic talents by giving him the ability to detect verbal lies. At least this one isn't about psychic talents like the Arcane Society stories are, but I was enjoying this series as a straight-up actiony/mystery thing separate from those. Now I'm going to have to be wary in future novels that we'll have more woowoo intruding at odd moments.
For Amalie, I didn't like the whole "psychotic killer who liked to see trapeze artists fall to their deaths" angle. It stuck around way too long and viewpoints from creepy psychos bug me on a character-building level. I mean, if you can't bother coming up with better motivation than "doing bad stuff gives a tingle" then I don't feel obliged to take it seriously as a character/person. Yeah, some very small subset of humanity has this mental damage. But I don't care to have them as viewpoints in my stories.
So this has shakier plot elements and Matthias's "talent" bugged me just a little. But the rest of what I've come to expect from this series was all present. I liked the main couple. I loved them becoming a team. And I liked the side characters around them more than a little, too. Also, the plot hung together even through a couple really excellent twists, some of which escaped me entirely. Also, I kind of love that Amalie . I love strong women and Amalie delivered on every level.
So this ends up a four-star read, but a solid four stars I think. I enjoyed it immensely and the things that bugged me didn't intrude on me too much (though they easily could have if I had been in a worse mood).
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes, though neither one is terribly long. So this is still in the lower end of my steam tolerance. Plus, bonus, I kind of like how they played out and that Quick didn't get creative with the bendy-circus-people thing that someone with less fortitude might have done.
Okay, let me just say that while the other covers have been pretty good, this one is outstanding! I love it as a representation of Amalie and there's even a scene in the story it could easily be a representation of.
So. There are a couple factors that kept me from enjoying this as much as the others. For Matthias, I didn't like that Quick pulled in psychic talents by giving him the ability to detect verbal lies. At least this one isn't about psychic talents like the Arcane Society stories are, but I was enjoying this series as a straight-up actiony/mystery thing separate from those. Now I'm going to have to be wary in future novels that we'll have more woowoo intruding at odd moments.
For Amalie, I didn't like the whole "psychotic killer who liked to see trapeze artists fall to their deaths" angle. It stuck around way too long and viewpoints from creepy psychos bug me on a character-building level. I mean, if you can't bother coming up with better motivation than "doing bad stuff gives a tingle" then I don't feel obliged to take it seriously as a character/person. Yeah, some very small subset of humanity has this mental damage. But I don't care to have them as viewpoints in my stories.
So this has shakier plot elements and Matthias's "talent" bugged me just a little. But the rest of what I've come to expect from this series was all present. I liked the main couple. I loved them becoming a team. And I liked the side characters around them more than a little, too. Also, the plot hung together even through a couple really excellent twists, some of which escaped me entirely. Also, I kind of love that Amalie . I love strong women and Amalie delivered on every level.
So this ends up a four-star read, but a solid four stars I think. I enjoyed it immensely and the things that bugged me didn't intrude on me too much (though they easily could have if I had been in a worse mood).
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes, though neither one is terribly long. So this is still in the lower end of my steam tolerance. Plus, bonus, I kind of like how they played out and that Quick didn't get creative with the bendy-circus-people thing that someone with less fortitude might have done.
April 19, 2019
2.5 stars -- This book had a lot of promise: a genuinely engaging main female lead, a great premise, and a really fun setting (I was really into the overall vibe of this book... it felt very 20s/30s madcap romcom, which I was into). That said, structurally, this book is very messy. The first 2 scenes are literally 2 totally different murder scenes, seemingly unconnected (you see what happens eventually, but its a jarring experience) and then you barrel head first into the solving the second murder. There's not enough set up for you to get your orientation into the world, and I felt like the book never fully regained its pacing from there, at least for me. I also was iffy on the male lead.
That said-- I would try again with this author. The non-plot elements worked really well for me, so I'm thinking if I find the right plot to connect with on her, I would really like something else from her. I've got the first 2 books in this series, so I'm going to go back and start from there
That said-- I would try again with this author. The non-plot elements worked really well for me, so I'm thinking if I find the right plot to connect with on her, I would really like something else from her. I've got the first 2 books in this series, so I'm going to go back and start from there
May 2, 2019
We meet Amalie Vaughn an ex-trapeze artist who has recently bought the hotel where Madame Zolanda met her timely demise. One of her guests is murdered. Not a good way to begin a business. It also brings Matthias Jones a consultant for Luther’s firm to investigate. Rumors link Luther to some unsavory friends and business practices. Matthias comes from an unusually family tree, and fans of the Arcane Society series will recognize it.
Amalie and Matthias were enjoyable characters. Their back and forth banter, mutual respect and acceptance provided a nice romance against the incredibly busy happens of Burning Cove. We see Luther and Raina from Vanishing Games and even get a little time with, Oliver and Irene, our first couple in the series.
Dr. Norman Pickwell is murdered on stage by an unlikely suspect, Amalie’s past is closer than she thinks and an aging film star all added to a suspenseful plot with plenty of action and an ending that completely took me by surprise.
While at times it felt like there was a lot going on, it did help to build suspense and kept me from guessing the person responsible for Pickwell’s murder. It was all rather clever. Bravo Quick (Krentz)! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Amalie and Matthias were enjoyable characters. Their back and forth banter, mutual respect and acceptance provided a nice romance against the incredibly busy happens of Burning Cove. We see Luther and Raina from Vanishing Games and even get a little time with, Oliver and Irene, our first couple in the series.
Dr. Norman Pickwell is murdered on stage by an unlikely suspect, Amalie’s past is closer than she thinks and an aging film star all added to a suspenseful plot with plenty of action and an ending that completely took me by surprise.
While at times it felt like there was a lot going on, it did help to build suspense and kept me from guessing the person responsible for Pickwell’s murder. It was all rather clever. Bravo Quick (Krentz)! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 5, 2019
Amelia was a trapeziest flying through the air without a net. The flying princess the best of the best until her life is threatened and the trauma keeps from soaring. But as new murders appear and sends her business into a haze she needs to figure out how to save her inn and stay alive.
She teams up with some detectives to try and solve the case.
Fun. I liked how we got to see every part of the investigation. We are kept in the loop. I also liked that it wasnt a love story it stayed focused on her career and the crime in front of them with some romance and humor thrown in.
Side note. I have a friend named Amelia and her doctor is Matthias. Chester, oliver and clarence are all names of my pets. I thought that was funny so it was hard not to picture dr Matthias and Amelia as the characters, which got strange closer to the end.
She teams up with some detectives to try and solve the case.
Fun. I liked how we got to see every part of the investigation. We are kept in the loop. I also liked that it wasnt a love story it stayed focused on her career and the crime in front of them with some romance and humor thrown in.
Side note. I have a friend named Amelia and her doctor is Matthias. Chester, oliver and clarence are all names of my pets. I thought that was funny so it was hard not to picture dr Matthias and Amelia as the characters, which got strange closer to the end.
May 9, 2019
This was so much fun. I am really enjoying this author's foray into 1930s California/Hollywood.
We have another gal looking to start a new chapter in her life, a rumored haunted house, a murderous robot and cutting edge espionage equipment. Oh yeah, and a good romance too.
I will say that one of the baddies took me by surprise. I was so caught up in the double-crosses and triple crosses that I wasn't really keeping track of all the clues. It also looks like we may have a direct sequel coming up as several important threads were left dangling at the end.
Long time readers will probably be amused with the hero's family history. I know I was. Very cleverly done.
I am looking forward to my next visit to Burning Cove.
We have another gal looking to start a new chapter in her life, a rumored haunted house, a murderous robot and cutting edge espionage equipment. Oh yeah, and a good romance too.
I will say that one of the baddies took me by surprise. I was so caught up in the double-crosses and triple crosses that I wasn't really keeping track of all the clues. It also looks like we may have a direct sequel coming up as several important threads were left dangling at the end.
Long time readers will probably be amused with the hero's family history. I know I was. Very cleverly done.
I am looking forward to my next visit to Burning Cove.
April 23, 2019
4.5 stars
Once again Amanda Quick delivers a keep you on the edge of your seat mystery, seasoned with an intriguing romance.
Set in the 1930s, the book evokes a film noir feel, complete with a circus family, murder, spies, and the underworld.
After surviving an attempt at murder that left her attacker dead on the circus floor, Amalie Vaugn left the circus where she had spent her life as a trapeze artist. She has opened a bed and breakfast in a fashionable sea side town with the help of her aunt and is struggling to build a clientele in spite of the fact that the prior owner committed suicide in the building.
When she and her aunt witness a murder at a theatre exhibit, she comes to the attention of Matthias Jones, a mysterious man rumored to have ties to the mob. He is actually working for the government, seeking a cypher machine that has been stolen, and moves into Amalie’s inn to see if he can find more clues to the machine.
But Matthias has a secret-he can tell whenever someone is lying to him. He knows everyone lies, but what is important is why. And what Amalie doesn’t know is that someone still wants her dead.
Can the two of them manage to solve their respective mysteries and develop a relationship?
This was a most enjoyable read. Both Amalie and Matthias are likeable characters and the suspense builds both in their mysteries and in their relationship. A great addition to the author’s body of work.
February 15, 2022
3.4 stars
May 2, 2019
A former circus star buys a home with a dark history and turn it into a B&B just in time for their first guest to be killed on stage during his robot demonstration. But, that is not the end of the bizarre happenings at the Hidden Cove B&B when everyone seems to be looking for something the dead inventor hid before his final act.
Tightrope is the third of the Burning Cove series set in the 1930's bringing back to life a nostalgia for Old Hollywood, gangster and spy movies and a tip to the horror films of the era in this latest standalone installment.
I read Tightrope out of order and had no trouble slipping right into this story that begins with a 'heart-in-your-throat' scene and segways into yet another stunning scene though not as thrilling. I was engrossed from the beginning and read the book in two sittings. The author brought the world of the '30's to life in her fictitious small town playground where Hollywood's A List and the wealthy came to play and be seen.
The author didn't go for the cliche with her main characters and I had a lot of fun with that. You don't get many books with a circus entertainer and an engineer for occupations.
Amalie is a beautiful, graceful, and edgy woman. This woman flew without a net and survived a brutal attack by a serial killer. No one believed the truth and even reputed to her the killing of a lover. She's making a go of turning an old mansion where a gypsy fortune teller committed suicide into an inn and now her first guest was murdered by his robot invention, no less, and a Horror film star shows as her second guest with a sharp-penned gossip columnist in tow exercising her wit in articles at Amalie's expense. Only, Amalie turns the tables and shows that no publicity is bad publicity.
Opposite Amalie is enigmatic Matthias Jones who is investigating the murder and has ties to the mob. He is definitely more than he seems and I loved how the author slowly peeled back his secrets and the truth of the investigation that goes beyond solving a murder. He was so enamored with Amalie from the start and had no trouble seeing her as an equal in their pursuit of the truth. He's a tough guy and smart, but I loved how he had dreams of building up his own business and hoping for something with Amalie.
I really did feel like I was dropped back into an old hard-boiled detective flick and I was having a blast with the glitzy night clubs, the swanky people, the backroom gambling, government agents, action scenes, twists and reveals. I could have stayed in the Burning Cove world much longer. And, I will when I go back for the first two books.
Incidentally, that cover is exquisite. I don't normally mention covers, but I have to give a shout out to the team that put this one together.
In summary, I think the series has a new fan after just one book. Those who enjoy romantic suspense set in the past are the target audience and I can definitely recommend this one.
My thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tightrope is the third of the Burning Cove series set in the 1930's bringing back to life a nostalgia for Old Hollywood, gangster and spy movies and a tip to the horror films of the era in this latest standalone installment.
I read Tightrope out of order and had no trouble slipping right into this story that begins with a 'heart-in-your-throat' scene and segways into yet another stunning scene though not as thrilling. I was engrossed from the beginning and read the book in two sittings. The author brought the world of the '30's to life in her fictitious small town playground where Hollywood's A List and the wealthy came to play and be seen.
The author didn't go for the cliche with her main characters and I had a lot of fun with that. You don't get many books with a circus entertainer and an engineer for occupations.
Amalie is a beautiful, graceful, and edgy woman. This woman flew without a net and survived a brutal attack by a serial killer. No one believed the truth and even reputed to her the killing of a lover. She's making a go of turning an old mansion where a gypsy fortune teller committed suicide into an inn and now her first guest was murdered by his robot invention, no less, and a Horror film star shows as her second guest with a sharp-penned gossip columnist in tow exercising her wit in articles at Amalie's expense. Only, Amalie turns the tables and shows that no publicity is bad publicity.
Opposite Amalie is enigmatic Matthias Jones who is investigating the murder and has ties to the mob. He is definitely more than he seems and I loved how the author slowly peeled back his secrets and the truth of the investigation that goes beyond solving a murder. He was so enamored with Amalie from the start and had no trouble seeing her as an equal in their pursuit of the truth. He's a tough guy and smart, but I loved how he had dreams of building up his own business and hoping for something with Amalie.
I really did feel like I was dropped back into an old hard-boiled detective flick and I was having a blast with the glitzy night clubs, the swanky people, the backroom gambling, government agents, action scenes, twists and reveals. I could have stayed in the Burning Cove world much longer. And, I will when I go back for the first two books.
Incidentally, that cover is exquisite. I don't normally mention covers, but I have to give a shout out to the team that put this one together.
In summary, I think the series has a new fan after just one book. Those who enjoy romantic suspense set in the past are the target audience and I can definitely recommend this one.
My thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
While this isn’t my favorite time period to read in, AQ has done a good job of drawing me into the story and people. Looking forward to the next one.
December 28, 2021
DNF on Page 220 (Chapter 35):
I couldn't take this anymore. I was so throughly bored by the characters and the so-called central mystery that this was killing my motivation to read. I usually don't expect a lot of chills from Amanda Quick mysteries but the romance was quite dull as well. As a result, I am not sure why I would push through this.
I've read enough to know this would end up as an average book at best. It is more likely that I wouldn't like this book (which is a 1 star read for me), so I am stopping now and leaving this as a 2 stat read.
Maybe I will come back to this sometime but it is highly unlikely....
I couldn't take this anymore. I was so throughly bored by the characters and the so-called central mystery that this was killing my motivation to read. I usually don't expect a lot of chills from Amanda Quick mysteries but the romance was quite dull as well. As a result, I am not sure why I would push through this.
I've read enough to know this would end up as an average book at best. It is more likely that I wouldn't like this book (which is a 1 star read for me), so I am stopping now and leaving this as a 2 stat read.
Maybe I will come back to this sometime but it is highly unlikely....
May 25, 2020
A former trapeze artist starts over as an innkeeper and gets embroiled into another murderous situation.
What I enjoyed:
* I really liked Amalie. The book started off strong with the trapeze scene. Amalie is a survivor and a caretaker.
* Nice cameos by characters from the previous books
* The mystery
* I wanted to meet Mattias's family
What could have been better:
* I would have preferred to leave the paranormal out of this series. I like paranormal, but she has a pseudonym for that.
What I enjoyed:
* I really liked Amalie. The book started off strong with the trapeze scene. Amalie is a survivor and a caretaker.
* Nice cameos by characters from the previous books
* The mystery
* I wanted to meet Mattias's family
What could have been better:
* I would have preferred to leave the paranormal out of this series. I like paranormal, but she has a pseudonym for that.
May 8, 2019
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
After a brush with death, former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn has started fresh in Burning Cove. She and her aunt have purchased a mansion that was once owned by a famous psychic who came to an ill end and they’ve turned it into the Hidden Beach Inn. But when their first guest – Dr. Norman Pickwell – is murdered by his robot creation, the rumors start flying that perhaps the inn is cursed. Enter Matthias Jones, an investigator connected to Burning Cove’s most notorious mobster. Matthias is on the hunt for a prototype of a cipher machine Pickwell is rumored to have had. And he’s not the only one on the hunt for the machine, which means Amalie is now in danger. With her life and her business on the line, Amalie isn’t content to sit on the sidelines while Matthias investigates. Close quarters means the sizzling attraction between them is nearly impossible to resist. But if Matthias and Amalie want a chance to find out if that attraction could lead anywhere, they have to survive the dangerous figures closing in on them…
High glamour meets dark and dangerous secrets in Tightrope . I love the world of Burning Cove that Amanda Quick has created so I was eager to dive into this book. I’ve gone back and forth in the days since I read Amalie and Matthias’s story and while I did enjoy reading it, to me it simply wasn’t one of Ms. Quick’s more memorable stories. Amalie and Matthias are both likeable protagonists. Amalie has a strong spine, which I liked, and Matthias’s human lie-detector ability (a callback to Ms. Quick’s Arcane Society series) was intriguing. However, I never felt like I got to see too far beneath the surface, which was a pity. Their romance felt like a bit of an afterthought, though the bones of a good love story were there. The ineffable spark I’m used to from Ms. Quick’s characters seemed to be missing, so I wasn’t as invested as I would have liked to be. Don’t get me wrong – neither the characters nor the romance were bad, merely not as engaging as I would have liked.
The mystery and suspense elements are where the energy is at in Tightrope . There’s quite a bit going on that I can’t really talk about without spoiling the story. Murder and a missing cipher machine are only the beginning of the action. Ms. Quick deftly handles multiple plotlines and points of view, weaving things together so well that by the time everything comes to a head you won’t want to put the book down.
Tightrope is the third book in the Burning Cove series, but it can be read as a standalone. Characters from The Girl Who Knew Too Much and The Other Lady Vanishes do play supporting roles and fans of the series will delight in seeing some favorite faces again. Even though I was a bit let down by the romance part of this romantic suspense, the mystery elements and rich atmosphere were highly entertaining.
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.
After a brush with death, former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn has started fresh in Burning Cove. She and her aunt have purchased a mansion that was once owned by a famous psychic who came to an ill end and they’ve turned it into the Hidden Beach Inn. But when their first guest – Dr. Norman Pickwell – is murdered by his robot creation, the rumors start flying that perhaps the inn is cursed. Enter Matthias Jones, an investigator connected to Burning Cove’s most notorious mobster. Matthias is on the hunt for a prototype of a cipher machine Pickwell is rumored to have had. And he’s not the only one on the hunt for the machine, which means Amalie is now in danger. With her life and her business on the line, Amalie isn’t content to sit on the sidelines while Matthias investigates. Close quarters means the sizzling attraction between them is nearly impossible to resist. But if Matthias and Amalie want a chance to find out if that attraction could lead anywhere, they have to survive the dangerous figures closing in on them…
High glamour meets dark and dangerous secrets in Tightrope . I love the world of Burning Cove that Amanda Quick has created so I was eager to dive into this book. I’ve gone back and forth in the days since I read Amalie and Matthias’s story and while I did enjoy reading it, to me it simply wasn’t one of Ms. Quick’s more memorable stories. Amalie and Matthias are both likeable protagonists. Amalie has a strong spine, which I liked, and Matthias’s human lie-detector ability (a callback to Ms. Quick’s Arcane Society series) was intriguing. However, I never felt like I got to see too far beneath the surface, which was a pity. Their romance felt like a bit of an afterthought, though the bones of a good love story were there. The ineffable spark I’m used to from Ms. Quick’s characters seemed to be missing, so I wasn’t as invested as I would have liked to be. Don’t get me wrong – neither the characters nor the romance were bad, merely not as engaging as I would have liked.
The mystery and suspense elements are where the energy is at in Tightrope . There’s quite a bit going on that I can’t really talk about without spoiling the story. Murder and a missing cipher machine are only the beginning of the action. Ms. Quick deftly handles multiple plotlines and points of view, weaving things together so well that by the time everything comes to a head you won’t want to put the book down.
Tightrope is the third book in the Burning Cove series, but it can be read as a standalone. Characters from The Girl Who Knew Too Much and The Other Lady Vanishes do play supporting roles and fans of the series will delight in seeing some favorite faces again. Even though I was a bit let down by the romance part of this romantic suspense, the mystery elements and rich atmosphere were highly entertaining.
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.
July 10, 2019
For some reason some poor writing bothered me in this one, but these are my junk food reads so it doesn't matter as much...
December 30, 2021
Tightrope
3.5 Stars
Series note: Each book in the series focuses on a new couple but characters from previous installments play important roles. As such, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn has come to Burning Cove to reinvent herself as the proprietor of bed-and-breakfast. Unfortunately, when her first paying guest is murdered, Amalie and her inn soon become the epicenter for an investigation into murder and espionage, and she must quickly decide if she can trust the primary investigator, Matthias Jones (yes, one of the Arcane Joneses), with her life and her heart.
The romance and suspense have potential; unfortunately, both are rather lackluster and predictable.
To begin with, it is entertaining to get a short but delightful glimpse into another branch of the infamous Jones family. Matthias is a typical Jones hero with an interesting talent and he and Amalie are very appealing. Their banter and interactions are witty and amusing. That said, their chemistry is lacking in intensity and their emotional connection feels forced.
The investigation revolving around the death of a traitorous inventor and the search for a cryptographic machine (akin to Enigma) is compelling with some excellent twists and turns. There are several suspects to choose from, and this is where the problems start. There are simply too many intertwined and confusing motivations for the crimes, and the eventual revelation of the villain falls flat as their identity becomes glaringly obvious at one point.
Despite these issues, this series is entertaining overall and I am enjoying the portrayal of the 1930s time period, which is not a staple of historical romance.
3.5 Stars
Series note: Each book in the series focuses on a new couple but characters from previous installments play important roles. As such, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn has come to Burning Cove to reinvent herself as the proprietor of bed-and-breakfast. Unfortunately, when her first paying guest is murdered, Amalie and her inn soon become the epicenter for an investigation into murder and espionage, and she must quickly decide if she can trust the primary investigator, Matthias Jones (yes, one of the Arcane Joneses), with her life and her heart.
The romance and suspense have potential; unfortunately, both are rather lackluster and predictable.
To begin with, it is entertaining to get a short but delightful glimpse into another branch of the infamous Jones family. Matthias is a typical Jones hero with an interesting talent and he and Amalie are very appealing. Their banter and interactions are witty and amusing. That said, their chemistry is lacking in intensity and their emotional connection feels forced.
The investigation revolving around the death of a traitorous inventor and the search for a cryptographic machine (akin to Enigma) is compelling with some excellent twists and turns. There are several suspects to choose from, and this is where the problems start. There are simply too many intertwined and confusing motivations for the crimes, and the eventual revelation of the villain falls flat as their identity becomes glaringly obvious at one point.
Despite these issues, this series is entertaining overall and I am enjoying the portrayal of the 1930s time period, which is not a staple of historical romance.
Read
June 4, 2019These books are so entertaining. I love the way she makes the stories seem timely even though they are set before WWII. Love them!
June 17, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn has moved to Burning Cove and opened a guesthouse hoping for a fresh start after a terrifying and scandalous ordeal . However, it seems her bad luck has followed her when her one and only guest is killed in a spectacular fashion. Investigating the case is Matthias Jones. However, Matthias isn't a detective, in fact rumour has it his past leans more towards the criminal. However, their attraction is immediate and as the mystery deepens the danger pushes them closer and closer together.
This cover. I already knew I was going to read this book as I've enjoyed the previous books in the series, but seeing that beautiful cover really cinched it. However, we all know a beautiful covers doesn't necessarily make a great book. Tightrope didn't fall in to that trap. It was a fun historical mystery romp with murderous machines, old Hollywood glamour and a little romance.
This book can be read as a standalone, it just means that you won't know the background of some of the background characters. However, to understand the mystery and the romance, you can dive straight into this book. The mystery was a lot of fun. An inventor is showcasing a mechanical man, which then proceeds to murder him on stage during the demonstration. However, the inventor is caught up in more than just making robots. He has in his possession an enigma machine. A machine that goes missing after his death. A machine the murderer will go to any lengths to get back. It was a really great mystery and I enjoyed investigating alongside Amalie and Matthias, it was a tense ride.
It wasn't just murder that brought tension to the book, Amalie and Matthias had great chemistry and sexual tension. From the moment they met you could feel their attraction and it only grew as the book went on. This was a really great read. It combined mystery and romance very well leaving the reader satisfied on both fronts. If you want to read something light and fun with a spot of murder I recommend giving this book a try.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 10, 2019
Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Jayne Castle aka all one and the same, have been auto-buys for me for years. The reason is simple—I am never, ever disappointed in anything this talented author writes. All I can say about Tightrope is that it’s wonderful, a quintessential Amanda Quick romantic suspense that pushed all my buttons, kept me glued to the pages, and satisfied me with a perfect ending. The way our heroine (Amalie Vaughn, ex-trapeze artist extraordinaire) reaches the final dramatic scenes in her story, along with Matthias Jones, who is a truly wonderful hero, was totally entertaining, in a lot of ways unexpected (because I honestly thought I had it all figured out, but I was wrong!) and a book that forced me to set aside my own work because I could not put TIGHTROPE down.
I love the strong, smart, quick-witted women that people all of this author’s books, and her heroes are each unique, but with that same sense of honor while easily skirting the edges of what’s legal and what’s not that keeps a reader on her toes. (he’s not really going to do that, is he?)
This is yet another of AQ’s wonderful books going on my keeper shelves. (Note that’s plural...) I reread her stories on a regular basis—when I want a book to take my mind off things, I know that I’ll find just what I need with one of this author’s stories. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read one—I know I’ll enjoy it every bit as much the next time I pick it up.
I just checked Amazon, and it appears that a new Jayne Ann Krentz series will debut on January 7, 2020. Just a suggestion that you watch for The Vanishing (Fogg Lake Book 1) It sounds good...and maybe just a bit creepy...
I love the strong, smart, quick-witted women that people all of this author’s books, and her heroes are each unique, but with that same sense of honor while easily skirting the edges of what’s legal and what’s not that keeps a reader on her toes. (he’s not really going to do that, is he?)
This is yet another of AQ’s wonderful books going on my keeper shelves. (Note that’s plural...) I reread her stories on a regular basis—when I want a book to take my mind off things, I know that I’ll find just what I need with one of this author’s stories. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read one—I know I’ll enjoy it every bit as much the next time I pick it up.
I just checked Amazon, and it appears that a new Jayne Ann Krentz series will debut on January 7, 2020. Just a suggestion that you watch for The Vanishing (Fogg Lake Book 1) It sounds good...and maybe just a bit creepy...
November 2, 2020
I've liked this whole series and accidentally read this one and the next out of order, but it was still exciting even though I knew some of the events as they were referenced in the next book. I liked the main character, a former circus performer who nearly died when someone tried to force her onto a rigged trapeze, who is now running a B&B in Burning Cove.
Every time I read these, I want to visit Burning Cove, which would be an ideal vacation spot if it weren't for all the murders. :)
Every time I read these, I want to visit Burning Cove, which would be an ideal vacation spot if it weren't for all the murders. :)
April 22, 2025
My main qualm with this book is that it was trying to do too much. There were too many villians, too many weaving storylines, and it just didn't seem cohesive. I wish that the ending felt less sudden, it seemed like things were just abruptly over. In general, not my favorite from this author.
August 15, 2019
A nice fun read that is a good addition to the series.
May 10, 2019
Another fascinating "Jones" character, with an equally fascinating counterpart/love interest in Amalie Vaughn. Clever murder/mystery plot. All in all, a good book in a fun series!
April 15, 2019
I have to say I love Amanda Quick books. She was the first romance writer I ever read, so I have a soft spot for her writing. This book lived up to my expectations. (No spoilers.) There were a couple of story lines that started out independently and ended up all coming together at the end. I expected that they would be interwoven, but could not figure out how that would work. I love all of the characters who inhabit Burning Cove, no matter what era. This is a fast-paced novel and a good story line. I highly recommend it. A big thank you to First to Read for providing me with an advance copy.
December 8, 2019
Such a disappointment. The plot was weak, villains were underwhelming, romance was nonexistent. Up to the end of the book, villain is described as a mastermind, elusive puppet master who no one knows. And then, not only they figure out his identity ridiculously easy (surprisingly shoddy work by a master villain), he dies in a most inglorious way, but not before he announces the sequel.
What was the point of the giggler. The story would be exactly the same without him.
Also, why bring Jones and paranormal in the mix. The series was fine without it.
What was the point of the giggler. The story would be exactly the same without him.
Also, why bring Jones and paranormal in the mix. The series was fine without it.
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