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Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach
Probation Officer Riley Reynolds has never been good at staying in her lane. Her reckless determination both infuriates and captivates Detective Tate Walker, whose professional cool is constantly tested by her impulsive girlfriend’s knack for finding trouble.
When a stolen vehicle incident collides with Tate’s arson investigation, their carefully balanced personal and professional worlds collide. As evidence points to a vengeful arsonist targeting Riley, the stakes climb higher with each new blaze. Now Riley must juggle her demanding caseload, her complex feelings for Tate, and a killer determined to make her his final victim.
When a stolen vehicle incident collides with Tate’s arson investigation, their carefully balanced personal and professional worlds collide. As evidence points to a vengeful arsonist targeting Riley, the stakes climb higher with each new blaze. Now Riley must juggle her demanding caseload, her complex feelings for Tate, and a killer determined to make her his final victim.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Gael
3 books19 followersAlicia Gael (she/her) started writing stories when she was twelve, but didn’t publish her first novel until she was sixty-five. She has a Creative Writing Certificate from UC San Diego Extension, a master’s in criminology from CSU Fresno and is a graduate of the Golden Crown Literary Society’s writing academy I-III. She is also a retired probation officer and criminal justice professor. Her short stories have been published in The Bangalore Review (Deception) and The Quiet Reader (No Time For Stories.) The first chapter of her yet to be completed historical fiction novel, The Journey, was published in the 2022 CA Writer’s Literary Review anthology.
She lives on the California Central Coast with her wife and can often be found kayaking or looking for sea glass on the beach.
She lives on the California Central Coast with her wife and can often be found kayaking or looking for sea glass on the beach.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 26, 2025
This was a really fun read. I liked both main characters so much. Riley acts like she’s a bit uninterested in her job, but she is a college grad and a good student. She tries to portray herself as an underachiever, but the opposite is true. Detective Tate is a hot motorcycle cop. She looks like a player but she’s crazy in love with Riley. And a great officer as well.
The plot and action were interesting and kept me turning pages. It also had good humor and great chemistry between the MCs. This is my first read by Gael and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The plot and action were interesting and kept me turning pages. It also had good humor and great chemistry between the MCs. This is my first read by Gael and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
April 6, 2025
A fun vibe. A quick read. I liked the characters, a probation officer named Riley Reynolds who is smart and determined but who also has a knack for stepping in it. She has a dream girlfriend, a motorcycle riding, buff blonde detective by the name of Tate Walker. Tate adores Riley and is the most patient, loving person in the world but even those qualities don’t soften Riley enough to commit to her. In the meantime, they go after bad guys in San Luis Obispo, California and after work, have hot sex. It’s the kind of book that has you craving greasy breakfast burritos from your favorite hole in the wall spot. A shout out to Riley’s scene stealing goldfish, Randolph. I hope we get more Riley and Tate stories.
February 28, 2025
A commitment phobic probation officer, the cop that’s in love with her and a thrilling murder plot. Alicia Gael sure knows how to keep you turning those pages!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Probation Officer Riley has been entangled in a friends with benefits situation with the extremely sexy cop Tate. Ok, let’s be honest, they have been seeing each other exclusively for the past few years, but Riley is NOT Tate’s girlfriend. No way Jose. It does not matter that she spends all her free time with Tate, she can’t keep her hands off of her and Tate is the first person she calls in any situation. It. Is. Not. A. Relationship.
The two women are in for a wild ride when a probation case leads to a drug raid and an angry probationer with arsonist tendencies is out for revenge on Riley…
I was hooked into this story from the first paragraph. Riley is such a relatable character. Her feistiness and quick wit made me love her instantly. The story is solely told from Riley’s POV and although I do like to read books with multiple points of view, Riley’s inner dialogue was more than enough to carry this story.
The murder and mayhem parts of the book are well thought out and keep you invested to see what happens. I feel those parts are ultimately designed to show the developments in Riley and Tate’s relationship. Riley has some serious, deeply rooted commitment issues. Tate is very obviously in love with her and has the patience of a handful of saints combined. I love that the whole story is not about Riley making a 180 turn and promptly hauling Tate down the aisle. Instead she takes some tiny steps towards cementing their relationship but in no way, shape or form does she change her entire personality like how it often happens in sappy and unrealistic stories. It’s just one example of how authentic these characters feel to me. Gael really nailed it.
Three honorable mentions are for landlord Mike, temporary colleague Bud and sneaky aunt Liz. Both queer man bring the extra rainbow colors to the story. Mike is a hilarious cliche of an older drag queen: wearing silk kimonos and playbacking Barbra Streisand in his kitchen. Bud being the ultimate, goodnatured sidekick with queer puns. Aunt Liz is the quintessential nice old lady by day that secretly runs in the same circles as the local druglords by night.
Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach is a seriously fun and very well written read. It has a bit of everything: interesting characters, a mysterious plot to solve, a few harrowing scenes, some good spiciness and loads of witty dialogue that’ll make you chuckle. Seriously, who doesn’t like all that?!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Probation Officer Riley has been entangled in a friends with benefits situation with the extremely sexy cop Tate. Ok, let’s be honest, they have been seeing each other exclusively for the past few years, but Riley is NOT Tate’s girlfriend. No way Jose. It does not matter that she spends all her free time with Tate, she can’t keep her hands off of her and Tate is the first person she calls in any situation. It. Is. Not. A. Relationship.
The two women are in for a wild ride when a probation case leads to a drug raid and an angry probationer with arsonist tendencies is out for revenge on Riley…
I was hooked into this story from the first paragraph. Riley is such a relatable character. Her feistiness and quick wit made me love her instantly. The story is solely told from Riley’s POV and although I do like to read books with multiple points of view, Riley’s inner dialogue was more than enough to carry this story.
The murder and mayhem parts of the book are well thought out and keep you invested to see what happens. I feel those parts are ultimately designed to show the developments in Riley and Tate’s relationship. Riley has some serious, deeply rooted commitment issues. Tate is very obviously in love with her and has the patience of a handful of saints combined. I love that the whole story is not about Riley making a 180 turn and promptly hauling Tate down the aisle. Instead she takes some tiny steps towards cementing their relationship but in no way, shape or form does she change her entire personality like how it often happens in sappy and unrealistic stories. It’s just one example of how authentic these characters feel to me. Gael really nailed it.
Three honorable mentions are for landlord Mike, temporary colleague Bud and sneaky aunt Liz. Both queer man bring the extra rainbow colors to the story. Mike is a hilarious cliche of an older drag queen: wearing silk kimonos and playbacking Barbra Streisand in his kitchen. Bud being the ultimate, goodnatured sidekick with queer puns. Aunt Liz is the quintessential nice old lady by day that secretly runs in the same circles as the local druglords by night.
Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach is a seriously fun and very well written read. It has a bit of everything: interesting characters, a mysterious plot to solve, a few harrowing scenes, some good spiciness and loads of witty dialogue that’ll make you chuckle. Seriously, who doesn’t like all that?!
February 5, 2025
A fun read I finished in a day. I look forward to reading more from this author . Loveable characters with humor and tense situations mixed in.
May 31, 2025
Cute little mystery with a hot, golden retriever girlfriend thrown in! 4 stars for Tate!
March 3, 2025
Murder Mayhem and Sex on The Beach. Let’s begin by recognising how fun and catchy this title is! I kind of just fell into the pages of this book, enjoying the slightly satirical feel behind the first-person POV narration.
Riley is a parole officer who can’t manage to stay out of trouble in her work or her private life. Her role often has her mixing with the local police, including Tate, her friends with benefits lover. This cute, ‘established couple’ often find themselves at the same crime scene, and as much as Riley tries to keep it no-strings, it clearly isn’t. How could it be after four years? When it becomes clear that an arsonist is an old parolee of Riley’s, and out for revenge, she finds herself caught up in trying to stay alive and keep everyone around her safe as well.
Gael’s writing is crisp and compelling, her style a new favourite of mine, making me eager to check out her other work. I absolutely adored Riley and Tate. Though how Tate put up with Riley’s need for casual for so long is beyond me! Reading the development of this relationship into what it should be was a highlight of the story for me. The crime fighting side of the story added mystery and a comedic side, making Murder Mayhem and Sex on the Beach into a story I couldn’t put down.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and am leaving a voluntary review.
Riley is a parole officer who can’t manage to stay out of trouble in her work or her private life. Her role often has her mixing with the local police, including Tate, her friends with benefits lover. This cute, ‘established couple’ often find themselves at the same crime scene, and as much as Riley tries to keep it no-strings, it clearly isn’t. How could it be after four years? When it becomes clear that an arsonist is an old parolee of Riley’s, and out for revenge, she finds herself caught up in trying to stay alive and keep everyone around her safe as well.
Gael’s writing is crisp and compelling, her style a new favourite of mine, making me eager to check out her other work. I absolutely adored Riley and Tate. Though how Tate put up with Riley’s need for casual for so long is beyond me! Reading the development of this relationship into what it should be was a highlight of the story for me. The crime fighting side of the story added mystery and a comedic side, making Murder Mayhem and Sex on the Beach into a story I couldn’t put down.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and am leaving a voluntary review.
January 4, 2025
Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach is a delightfully humorous rollercoaster of fun and flirtation wrapped around a good dose of suspense as the two main characters try to apprehend wayward probationers and take down the bad guys. The title sums the situation up perfectly.
Detective Tate Walker and Probation Officer Riley Reynolds are in a friends-with-benefits relationship. Tate would be interested in taking the next step but Riley isn't interested in that because a) she isn't interested in marriage, b) she doesn't want kids and c) she has grand plans of joining the FBI which would take her away from Tate (assuming Riley can ever pull her finger out and actually submit the application).
However, when a vengeful arsonist being investigated by Tate sets his sights on Riley, things start to get rather tense. Can Tate and the other police investigators catch the crook before he manages to get his hands on Riley. And how is this all linked to the punky pink-haired car thief that Riley is supposed to be apprehending after she stole Riley's probation vehicle at the start of the book.
Come along for the ride of your life with these two flirty women as they attempt to bring down the baddies while juggling their increasing attraction and concern for each other's well-being as fires burn and bullets fly.
I am grateful to Alicia Gael and Bella Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
Detective Tate Walker and Probation Officer Riley Reynolds are in a friends-with-benefits relationship. Tate would be interested in taking the next step but Riley isn't interested in that because a) she isn't interested in marriage, b) she doesn't want kids and c) she has grand plans of joining the FBI which would take her away from Tate (assuming Riley can ever pull her finger out and actually submit the application).
However, when a vengeful arsonist being investigated by Tate sets his sights on Riley, things start to get rather tense. Can Tate and the other police investigators catch the crook before he manages to get his hands on Riley. And how is this all linked to the punky pink-haired car thief that Riley is supposed to be apprehending after she stole Riley's probation vehicle at the start of the book.
Come along for the ride of your life with these two flirty women as they attempt to bring down the baddies while juggling their increasing attraction and concern for each other's well-being as fires burn and bullets fly.
I am grateful to Alicia Gael and Bella Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
January 15, 2025
What a great read. I loved this book from the first chapter to the last. I hope that Riley and Tate make another appearance. The characters carried the story throughout and secondary characters were so well written. I received this book as a review copy and would recommend it to anyone who loves crime mystery with a romance twist.
January 9, 2025
Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach is an exhilarating book that combines police/probation officer suspense with spicy love scenes between the two main characters along with a healthy dose of humor. The story features Probation Officer, Riley Reynolds, who always seems to be in some sort of trouble to the ire of her department head, Stan. Riley has severe commitment issues but has been in a friends with benefits arrangement with not girlfriend, Tate Walker, for four years. Tate is a Police Detective whose side job is trying to keep Riley out of trouble.
Although the story delves into a variety of the cases that the main characters are involved in, the bulk of the action revolves around a stolen vehicle incident that Riley is following and an arson investigation that Tate is pursuing. When they discover that the vengeful arsonist is targeting Riley and the action ramps ever higher.
Additional things that I loved about this book included Riley's commitment to her goldfish, Randolph; Riley's envy of her supervisor, Stan's, meals in particular his breakfast burritos; and Riley's relationship with her fellow Probation Officers, Patty and Bud. This was an excellent book that I would recommend to other readers.
I received an ARC from Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
Although the story delves into a variety of the cases that the main characters are involved in, the bulk of the action revolves around a stolen vehicle incident that Riley is following and an arson investigation that Tate is pursuing. When they discover that the vengeful arsonist is targeting Riley and the action ramps ever higher.
Additional things that I loved about this book included Riley's commitment to her goldfish, Randolph; Riley's envy of her supervisor, Stan's, meals in particular his breakfast burritos; and Riley's relationship with her fellow Probation Officers, Patty and Bud. This was an excellent book that I would recommend to other readers.
I received an ARC from Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2025
I enjoyed this book.
It is a light hearted, humorous, story about the evolution of the ongoing friends with benefits situation between Riley (a probation officer) and Tate (a cop). There is also plenty of action (0f the criminal and crime solving type) to help the story along. Or is a cop/probation story with a side helping of their relationship?
Either way, it works.
Riley has a Kinsey Millhone way about her - lives in a very small apartment above a garage with an onsite landlord, doesn't really cook, shop, etc. Rolls out of bed and out to work (apart from the frequent sex she has with Tate). Riley wants to do this job while she applies to the FBI - but seems fairly settled and the application still has not been completed.
This is a good story based on years of work in the probation service - they say write what you know!
I like the casual author name dropping - of books that Riley reads. Always makes me laugh when you see which authors are considered worthy of a mention.
There is of course an epilogue.
A year later and there has been no FBI application while there relationship is now acknowledged and established.
This is an interesting read - the years of experience replacing the need to research. Both efficient and effective.
Thanks to Bella Books for the ARC - I leave my review voluntarily and as always the review is honest.
It is a light hearted, humorous, story about the evolution of the ongoing friends with benefits situation between Riley (a probation officer) and Tate (a cop). There is also plenty of action (0f the criminal and crime solving type) to help the story along. Or is a cop/probation story with a side helping of their relationship?
Either way, it works.
Riley has a Kinsey Millhone way about her - lives in a very small apartment above a garage with an onsite landlord, doesn't really cook, shop, etc. Rolls out of bed and out to work (apart from the frequent sex she has with Tate). Riley wants to do this job while she applies to the FBI - but seems fairly settled and the application still has not been completed.
This is a good story based on years of work in the probation service - they say write what you know!
I like the casual author name dropping - of books that Riley reads. Always makes me laugh when you see which authors are considered worthy of a mention.
There is of course an epilogue.
A year later and there has been no FBI application while there relationship is now acknowledged and established.
This is an interesting read - the years of experience replacing the need to research. Both efficient and effective.
Thanks to Bella Books for the ARC - I leave my review voluntarily and as always the review is honest.
January 16, 2025
Detective Tate Walker met Probation Officer Riley Reynolds a few years ago. Tate wanted to have a relationship that saw them both sharing the same home. But Riley’s number one reason for not letting herself become more involved with Tate was her goal of joining the FBI.
Riley used this excuse with everyone, friends, co-workers and even her family as the reason she couldn’t be any more involved with Tate. Mind you she’s already missed the deadline to have her application for an opening with the FBI. This has so far been four years of ‘going to the FBI’ and everyone knew Riley was just scared of commitment.
Riley had a habit of getting herself in some tight spots and calling Tate for a recuse. When they have a case that overlaps with each other it doesn’t seem that big a deal but when they finally figure out the arsonist wanted to do more than burn businesses, he/she wanted to kill Riley. Riley worked with him while he was on patrol, and didn't think she did a good job, which led to him spending a few years behind bars.
I must say that when an author writes in ‘first person’ I usually don’t read it but Ms Gael has done a great job making this one of the most enjoyable reads so far this year. Ms Gael has given us a fun, fast paced book that you will have to see for yourself. Great read.
ARC via Bella Books
Riley used this excuse with everyone, friends, co-workers and even her family as the reason she couldn’t be any more involved with Tate. Mind you she’s already missed the deadline to have her application for an opening with the FBI. This has so far been four years of ‘going to the FBI’ and everyone knew Riley was just scared of commitment.
Riley had a habit of getting herself in some tight spots and calling Tate for a recuse. When they have a case that overlaps with each other it doesn’t seem that big a deal but when they finally figure out the arsonist wanted to do more than burn businesses, he/she wanted to kill Riley. Riley worked with him while he was on patrol, and didn't think she did a good job, which led to him spending a few years behind bars.
I must say that when an author writes in ‘first person’ I usually don’t read it but Ms Gael has done a great job making this one of the most enjoyable reads so far this year. Ms Gael has given us a fun, fast paced book that you will have to see for yourself. Great read.
ARC via Bella Books
December 19, 2024
While Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach differs from Gael's debut novel, it's no less entertaining. It's a circus of sorts, and Gael does an impressive job keeping all the balls in the air until the very end.
There's a romance within all the hijinks surrounding the mystery and intrigue, although it's not your usual romance. There's no meet cute, no bumping into each other and spilling coffee, and it's refreshing. Readers are introduced to them by being dumped into their relationship (if it can be called that) after it's already in progress. Riley and Tate are adorable, the former for her inability to admit to the truth, and the latter for her patience and steady support. And tell Abe Maslow to throw his Hierarchy of Needs out the window. These two have sex like food, water, and shelter are afterthoughts, and I'm here for it.
By necessity, the list of characters is considerable, and the plot involved Gael making sure many loose threads were tied up by the end of story, and she succeeded.
Lastly, humor shines in Gael's sophomore effort. It's zany, hilarious, and an unexpectedly refreshing read.
Thanks to Bella Books for the ARC.
There's a romance within all the hijinks surrounding the mystery and intrigue, although it's not your usual romance. There's no meet cute, no bumping into each other and spilling coffee, and it's refreshing. Readers are introduced to them by being dumped into their relationship (if it can be called that) after it's already in progress. Riley and Tate are adorable, the former for her inability to admit to the truth, and the latter for her patience and steady support. And tell Abe Maslow to throw his Hierarchy of Needs out the window. These two have sex like food, water, and shelter are afterthoughts, and I'm here for it.
By necessity, the list of characters is considerable, and the plot involved Gael making sure many loose threads were tied up by the end of story, and she succeeded.
Lastly, humor shines in Gael's sophomore effort. It's zany, hilarious, and an unexpectedly refreshing read.
Thanks to Bella Books for the ARC.
February 1, 2025
(4.5 Stars) Very fun story. Riley Reynolds is a Probation Officer, which oddly enough the writer was in real life. Riley is a college graduate and dreams of becoming an FBI agent. She has an ongoing situation-ship with hot motorcycle cop Detective Tate. The story follows Riley during a few weeks of her job. One of her probationers is actively wanted for car theft but may have information on a bigger crime. A series of arson fires ties back to a convict who is out of jail who blames Riley for sending him back to jail when he broke probation.
There are lighter moments in the storyline as well including interactions with Riley’s family. Some of the humor is slyly written. Riley’s fear of commitment and how Tate handles it is very sweet. I love that her dearest pet is a fish. I am not sure if this is a stand alone novel or if it will continue as part of a series. I am happy where it ends but would gladly join Riley and Tate on their cases in the future.
Thank you to Bella Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
There are lighter moments in the storyline as well including interactions with Riley’s family. Some of the humor is slyly written. Riley’s fear of commitment and how Tate handles it is very sweet. I love that her dearest pet is a fish. I am not sure if this is a stand alone novel or if it will continue as part of a series. I am happy where it ends but would gladly join Riley and Tate on their cases in the future.
Thank you to Bella Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
January 14, 2025
A hilarious, fast paced, sexy suspense
This was my first book by Alicia Gael and I loved it.
It starts off as total romp where a young woman on probation steels the car of Probation Officer Riley Reynolds which is not only funny as heck but also starts off a series of criminal events.
Enter her not-quite-girlfriend (oh those commitment-phobes), the very hot, motorbyke-riding Detective Tate Walker and a rollercoaster of murder and mayhem and yes, cocktails on the beach take off.
I totally liked the mix of serious investigation and threats with witty banter and very quirky characters. The pace was fast and fun. The writing smooth, entertaining and accomplished. I especially loved that Gael knew what she is writing about as a former probation officer and criminal justice professor.
This author is now on my radar!
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This was my first book by Alicia Gael and I loved it.
It starts off as total romp where a young woman on probation steels the car of Probation Officer Riley Reynolds which is not only funny as heck but also starts off a series of criminal events.
Enter her not-quite-girlfriend (oh those commitment-phobes), the very hot, motorbyke-riding Detective Tate Walker and a rollercoaster of murder and mayhem and yes, cocktails on the beach take off.
I totally liked the mix of serious investigation and threats with witty banter and very quirky characters. The pace was fast and fun. The writing smooth, entertaining and accomplished. I especially loved that Gael knew what she is writing about as a former probation officer and criminal justice professor.
This author is now on my radar!
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
I enjoyed this second book by Alicia Gael. Riley and Tate were easy to fall into. Their chemistry and connection is fun and light throughout the story.
Riley is a probation officer and Tate is a local detective. I enjoyed their banter and flirtation as they become closer while trying to catch Riley’s stalker.
The story is engaging, fun, suspenseful and spicy! The author keeps the suspense going throughout as their relationship evolves. A good read!
I received an arc from the author and leave my review voluntarily.
Riley is a probation officer and Tate is a local detective. I enjoyed their banter and flirtation as they become closer while trying to catch Riley’s stalker.
The story is engaging, fun, suspenseful and spicy! The author keeps the suspense going throughout as their relationship evolves. A good read!
I received an arc from the author and leave my review voluntarily.
January 30, 2025
Fun ride
The book reads easy. The banter between characters as the story unfolds seems so realistic I feel like I’m a part of it. It’s a witty and fun read.
The book reads easy. The banter between characters as the story unfolds seems so realistic I feel like I’m a part of it. It’s a witty and fun read.
July 8, 2025
4.5/5
November 9, 2025
would like to thank the publisher for letting me read this short book
riley has big dreams of getting into the FBI.... but so far she hasnt gotten her application form in yet.... at the moment she is a probation officer and she is very good at her job though when her car is stolen her boss isnt to pleased
but then again things of this nature always happen to her....
her very hot girlfriend tate is a police officer and loves to tease riley
but when an arsonist targets riley things start to look very serious for them both....
loved how this authors writes though i have to wonder why introduce characters into a short storyline that really didnt need to be there.... they didnt add anything to the storyline ie... the ex girlfriend and wife moving to town...
maybe this was suppose to be a bigger story and then shortened but that was my only bug bear.... the two main characters were very well thought out
riley has big dreams of getting into the FBI.... but so far she hasnt gotten her application form in yet.... at the moment she is a probation officer and she is very good at her job though when her car is stolen her boss isnt to pleased
but then again things of this nature always happen to her....
her very hot girlfriend tate is a police officer and loves to tease riley
but when an arsonist targets riley things start to look very serious for them both....
loved how this authors writes though i have to wonder why introduce characters into a short storyline that really didnt need to be there.... they didnt add anything to the storyline ie... the ex girlfriend and wife moving to town...
maybe this was suppose to be a bigger story and then shortened but that was my only bug bear.... the two main characters were very well thought out
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews