Beachcomber Investigations - Book 1 Dane partners with Shana... But is it a deadly mistake? Ex-special ops legend Dane Blaise is desperate to recruit Shana George away from Scotland Yard to partner with him in his new venture, Beachcomber Investigations. She has impressive skills and if he's honest, he needs her to keep him grounded. But most of all, Dane wants to keep Shana on the island of Martha's Vineyard because he can't get past his insane longing for her. Shana's boss David Young forces her to decide on the spot when he assigns an important case to Beachcomber Investigations. She chooses to partner with Dane, going with her gut--or more accurately her heart--rather than her brains. They may be good partners in crime-fighting, but they are all wrong for each other in every other way possible. He's soulless and lost and likely has more wounds from his past than the bullet and knife scars scorching his body. But she's crazy. About him. Their big assignment is to protect Dane's old special ops buddy, Acer. They need to find whoever paid a sniper to take a shot at Acer--before the sniper takes another shot and doesn't miss. Dane and Shana need to be on top of their game to keep Acer alive, and not on top of each other. But each of them is secretly worried whether that's possible--and worried about what will happen if it's not.
I’ve always been a sucker for a great crime read. Combine crime and sizzling romance together, though, and CHA-CHING, I’m yours for life.
Being said, BEACHCOMBER INVESTIGATIONS, Book One in the Romantic Detective Series, and written by the talented author Stephanie Queen, hooked me the moment the hot sexual tension between Dane and Shana was revealed early in the story.
Dane, referred to as a ‘Fixer of Things’ has recruited the luscious Shana (who is on the books as a Scotland Yard operator), and a surfer and shooter, on a mission to capture a sniper when Acer, a cyber security consultant and Dane’s old unit buddy, is almost assassinated. Dane and Shana’s ‘Sea-Saw’ sparring as professional partners is amusing, while their potent, sexual attraction simmers, hits medium heat, and then goes beyond the boiling point…in spite of their No Intimacy Rule.
Tadd to the cast of characters - an up-to-no good FBI agent snooping around, a dopey delivery boy interested in getting involved with the folks at Dane’s Beach Shack (fortified with security precautions), and their mainstay “Cap”, creates more mysterious elements of this story as their investigation is underway.
What moved me further were the couple’s chaotic, mixed emotions – their caring about each other’s safety, the things they’d like to say, but can’t or won’t. That Dane is a ‘danger magnet’ and he knows. He’s trying like heck to keep everyone safe and away from danger, especially Shana. They, as a whole, are fearless about everything – except love.
On a personal note, the majority of the setting occurs in one of my favorite places, Martha’s Vineyard, and I loved the mention of The Black Dog, where I lunched each time I visited the island.
I’m not a reviewer to smooch and reveal spoilers, but I will say this: I found myself rooting for the good guys in BEACHCOMBER INVESTIGATIONS. They’re engaging, thought provoking, and at times, irritating – plus the sex scenes are titillating and well done, a combination for an extremely satisfying read. I’m now a fan of Ms. Queen, the series, and can’t wait to move on to the next installment.
[I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book]
"When they were on, they were so good together— a matched pair— and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else with anyone else. She marshaled all the determination she had to hold onto that feeling and to soldier through the rest of it."
Once upon a time there was a girl named Shana, who worked with some pretty scary dudes on Martha's Vineyard in a small house on the water. Dane Blaise was her partner in the business, a former Special Ops guy, Capt Colin Lynch, Massachusetts State Police, and Acer, another one of the team, who under the leadership of the now governor had had their fingers in lots of pies before the grew up and "settled down."
With Acer under attack and almost killed, the trio have settled into the too small "beach shack" Blaise lives and works out of. Acer's some sort of computer security whiz, Shana,Dane and Acer have Scotland Yard credentials, and their boss, David, was also with the Special Ops group. Everyones gets a surprise when in looks like the FBI wants to join the fun when Special Agent Peck gets added to the mix....
Embezzlement is the game on the board and everyones in play. When it becomes a game of life or death, that's when it gets interesting....
I really liked this book. There are a lot of chracters, but each one is drawn well and intelligently. Once I restarted this book, I was up all hours of the night until I finished it. And I can hardly wait to see where Beachcomber Invrstigations ends up next
A roller coaster of a read with twists and turns and great main characters!
This was my first introduction to Stephanie Queen. I was hooked by the first chapter! I love the complexity of the characters. The two main characters former special op Dane and Scotland Yard Detective Shana butt heads constantly although Dane needs Shana in so many ways. She is snarky and can take care of herself even though Dane tries to protect her from everything. He wants to lure her away from Scotland Yard to become a part of his Beachcomber Investigation business. He has incredible skills and contacts and Shana has the skills that can almost match his and she is not afraid of getting into the mix. The author takes you on a crazy roller coaster ride of ups and downs and twists and turns. The only sexual content was mild when both protagonists have a moment of weakness. Then they both back off and become all business. They do make great partners. Loved this book and will read the rest of the series to date.
Stephanie Queen has a great cast of characters in her Beachcomber Investigations #1. There is lots of action and of course heat from the "prohibited attraction" between partners Shana and Dane. The book could really do without Shana being in the kitchen and making it a focal point and calling her "girlie and darlin' ". Fast paced, and suspenseful. It is a good beginning to a new series.
I hadn't read any of the other Beachcombers books that this was a spin off of. But after a few pages I was hooked. The characters were so complex and brilliantly described. Each had a codependence on the others and the story line. I found myself not wanting to put the book down and wanting to find out who did the nasty dead. I was rooting for the home team all the way. It was a well written, enjoyable and adventure filled book. I hope you love it as much as I did.
I recieved a copy of this book free in exchange for an honeat review. I loved this book. I enjoyed reading all the interactions between these characters. This was a mystery but mixed in a little bit of fun and intrigue. I look forward to reading more. Strphanie Quenn has just moved to my must read authors list. Great book
Beachcomber Investigations is the first in a new series from Stephanie Queen. It features Dane Blaine who is ex-special ops and Shana George, a Scotland Yard detective who is on an exchange programme with the Boston Police Department. Dane has asked Shana to become his partner at Beachcomber Investigations based on Martha’s Vineyard where their first case as a partnership is to find out who’s trying to assassinate Dane’s old team mate Acer.
This story had everything I look for in a book. An intriguing, well written plot, fast-paced action, witty banter and engaging main characters with a sexual tension between them that sets the pages on fire with the whole will they/won’t they scenario that runs throughout the book, although I would’ve expected a Scotland Yard detective to be British not Australian. In fact I’d give it five stars if not for the confusion I felt both at the beginning of the book when it starts in a hospital room with an injured police chief & the periodic mentioning of a previous case they’d both worked on which I’m assuming is how they met. I had to check that this was indeed the first book in the series and that I hadn’t skipped one as I felt I was missing something. This won’t however stop me from reading the rest of the series if only to find out if Dane and Shana get their happy ending.
Beachcomber Investigation is a blend of sexual tension, mystery, mix of odd and fun characters that bring laughs, fun and story that readers will not want to put down.
Dane is ex special ops and Shana is an Aussie surfer chick and ex-Scotland Yard detective. The author is able to make the love hate relationship work without leaving readers rolling their eyes at some of the lines. Instead readers will find they the characters are perfect blend of the classic TV PI shows.
I can't wait to pick up the next in the series.
Thank you to Netgelly for a copy of Stephanie Queen Beachcomber Investigations.
My first read by this author, Beachcomber Investigations is the first book in the series by the same name. I really liked this story, it has great character dynamics, along with plenty of action and sizzling. I will definitely be recommending and looking to read more by this author.
Beachcomber Investigations by Stephanie Queen is a romantic detective story and the first book in the Beachcomber Investigations Series. I really enjoyed this book as there was plenty of everything you could want in a story, from action and suspense, mystery and intrigue, romance and witty banter that will have you laughing out loud. Leave yourself plenty of time to read it because once you start, you won’t want to stop, until you have absorbed every last word, as you become entertained and lost in the world of these loveable heroes.
There are many lovable characters in these books but Dane and Shana are our main focus and the sexual tension is sizzling, with their love hate relationship and their own issues holding them back. Dane is ex special ops and a legend and certainly not looking for a partner. Shana is an Aussie surfer chick and ex-Scotland Yard detective. When their worlds collide sparks come flying and tortuous games begin as they go from case to case to catch the bad guys.
You won’t just fall in love with and be captivated by Dane and Shana, you will be just as drawn to the rest of their unruly gang of players as well. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next books in the series.
Stephanie Queen, ‘Beachcomber Investigations’, book 1.
As an Hidden Gem ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 3,5 stars (of 5).
In general: Good investigation story with unconvincing main character.
Main characters: - Dane Blaise. Officer at State Police headquarters on Martha’s Vineyard near Boston. He’s in love with Shana his ex team mate.
- Shana George. Dane’s ex-colleague and ex lover. Promoted to another police unit. She still has a crush on Dane.
Dane and Shana are working together again when she’s temporally detached to Dane’s team to protect a computer genius who was almost killed by a sniper. Stephanie Queen describes how the killer and his bosses are finally arrested. The plot of the story is OK. However the end wasn’t a surprise for me, because during the story there were enough signs which persons could be the offenders. The description of Dane’s character didn’t quite convince me as credible. He’s afraid to have Shana in his team because his feelings for her obstruct his functioning as a cool, ruthless and experienced investigator/bodyguard. But he’s angry at the man who promoted her to another job and when she rejoins his team he - the cool, experienced leader - thinks about her like he’s a teener with a crush on a girlfriend. And the experienced teamleader accepts a young, innocent pizza delivery boy as a co-operator of his unit during a dangerous mission. These limitations in credibility constituted a bit of an obstacle for this reader to get me completely involved in the story notwithstanding the well constructed plot.
Judging by other reviews, I'm in the minority, but I honestly didn't like Beachcomber Investigations Book 1. I didn't get the the connections between the former members of a Spec Ops unit and their current relationships. I didn't get why a murder on US soil, and an attempt at killing a former unit member, somehow involved the FBI, Scotland Yard, and the state governor. The plot just wasn't substantial. Most of the focus of the novel is on the relationship between Dane the damaged hero and Shana, the screwed up heroine, who may or may not be working for law enforcement (Scotland Yard? in the US?) She's living with Dane, and their relationship consists of relentless torment. He wants her, he can't have her because she makes him emotional, he pushes her sexually, he turns off as soon as she gives in... She wants him, she can't think straight when he's around 'cuz the hormone rush is crippling, She's a relentless cock-tease but shuts him down if he takes the bait... These two go play the ultimate masochistic version of "Loves ME, Loves Me Not. Neither character is very appealing, and I wanted to lock them in a closet until they either beat - or boinked - each other senseless. Bottom line: the crime story has more holes than a fishing net. The romance isn't romantic. The writing style is overblown. The crime plot does resolve, but the "love story" does not - definitely a set-up for a sequel - and I'm not going anywhere near it. This is a voluntary review of an ARC, and therefore independent and uncompensated.
The ARC for this book was received from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by this author and it was an interesting start to a new series The story takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, where Dane has setup shop as a PI.
As the book opens we are introduced to Dane and Shana, who have apparently worked together in the past and have been forced back together to help Acer, a former military teammate of Dane’s. In fact their time in the military plays heavily on the story as many of the secondary characters are from that unit and ties these men together. Shana is an Australian investigator on an exchange program from Scotland Yard working with the police in Massachusetts . The story unfolds as the team looks at Acer’s past and the personal security/hacking skills that he has offered to clients.
As they investigate further, the FBI gets involved in the case and the story is filled with action and adventure. Overall, the story is a bit far-fetched and I felt at a loss since I did not see how the main characters had met or their history. Their attraction seems a hindrance to their ability to investigate the case. Also, the amount of people involved in the case is so broad and all connected in some confusing way. Some elements of the case and characters were hard to believe, like Shana being an Aussie with Scotland Yard, but is still working in the States.
This book is marketed as Book One in this series. This is definitely NOT a book one. There was a prequel or another series that tells all the backstory and (I hope) the character development. Don't get me wrong. I read a lot of series and I've picked up books out of sequence and I've never been so lost. I'm not greedy. Just give me a couple of paragraphs summarizing the backstory. I mean, other than a few chapters in when Shana is briefly described, there aren't even physical descriptions of the characters.
Then there is some crazy case everyone but Acer worked on before that keeps coming. Something about a surfing competition but it's never explained. Where does this tension between Dane and Shana come from? There's no build. It's just BAM there's this crazy sexual tension between these two and if you haven't read the backstory just doesn't make sense.
The main plot of this book was a pretty decent as far as mystery. The action seemed a bit rushed and the book itself seems a tad short. If it had recapped all of the previous action and had a bit more character development I wouldn't mind as much.
Oh yeah.. and the computer tech guy's name is Acer. Seriously?
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Dane is a charming genius and utterly ruthless – to the detriment of his own best interests sometimes. Shana shares these same traits. As investigators it makes them unstoppable. In matters of the heart it makes them downright tragic. There’s something about this book that makes me flash back to The Finder. There’s also something so very Remington Steele about it, with a splash of Agatha Christie. These two brilliant, slightly broken, minds head up a cast of quirky characters with A-Team-like special abilities. I think I might have liked the supporting cast just a bit better than our leads. I’m pretty sure I was able to decipher most of the interpersonal connections, but I know this story would have made more sense if I’d read the Scotland Yard Exchange series first. There are a lot of previous events that are mentioned in this book that feel like they need that additional context. The bottom line is that in spite of how frustrating I found our leading couple and the non-answer to their relationship status, I’m intrigued to know more and will be looking into other books in this and the related series in the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
Wow - I am actually really surprised how much I liked this book compared to the prequel of the series. The author has definitely grown in the writing process, developed the characters more robustly and made the story line a little less complicated.
Shana and Dane are back in action and to be honest, I loved the story line. I read a lot of romantic suspense books, but this one stands out due to the high tense drama, edge of your seat action and steamy (yet demure) love affair.
Dane's service buddy is under attack and the governor implores Dane and Shana's assistance on finding out who took the shot. While tracking down the shooter, Dane and Shana break their cardinal rule: No sexual relationship. Auxiliary characters make an appearance and pick up on the sexual tension between Shana and Dane, making it the pink elephant in the room. A corrupt FBI agent, Captain Lynch and a stringer of a delivery boy elevate the story from the basic "Who Done It?"
I didn't think I would be interested in the series - but now I need to know, will Shana and Dane every work out??
This book was provided to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
Surprisingly enough, Dane Blaise and Shana George made it through their last mission. Shana is staying at Dana’s beach shack but has her own bedroom. In spite of all the sexual tension between them, their living arrangement is working because they made “the Rule”. No real caring, no sex; stay away from anything that sets off the fireworks between them and takes away the focus on their missions. However, their new mission just made it harder to stick to “the Rule”. Someone is targeting a member of Dane’s old team. Dana and Shana need to find out the who and why before Acer dies. In the meantime, Acer will stay in Shana’s bedroom and she will move in with Dane; a situation designed to drive them both crazy.
Their research points in a surprising direction and they find themselves mired in an old case that could ruin their careers or worse.
This is a good series with non-stop action and some good surprises. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
This first book in the Beachcomber Investigations series by Stephanie Queen had good suspense and action adventure to it. The characters, Dane and Shana, are still trying to decide if they are going to be friends or friends with benefits, which of course, violates their unwritten golden rule: no sex between partners working cases. The story-line moves along very smoothly and quickly. In fact, the only negative I have is that this book seemed to beat up their golden rule way too much with repeats of it over and over. I understand it was intended to show the difficulties the two characters were having emotionally, but it still seemed a little too much. Of course, I am planning on adding further books in this series to my TBR. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
I received this book free for a voluntary and honest review. This is the first book of the series by my understanding there are many more and they can be read as a stand alone. I just felt as I missed something. I read the synopsis, and figured the h and H would be meeting and falling in love, but as chapter 1 started you find out they do have a history. I struggled with connecting with the characters as well. May pick up more of the series, now that I've found there is a prequel.
The mystery part wasn't bad, the author gives us enough hint that we can keep up if we're part attention. At least one thing was never explained and that was troubling. I don't like loose ends. I will say if the yes/no between Shana and Dane continues over too many books, I'll be done. It is a little too high school for seasoned law enforcement officers.
I don’t understand the high reviews I saw for this book. I was only able to finish it because it was short. All the characters acted illogically. Also, this said it was book 1 in the series, but kept referring to instances that didn’t occur in this book. The main characters weren’t likable and couldn’t stick to a decision. Waste of my time.
Fast-paced storyline, twists and turns in abundance to keep you turning page after page. The only downside is the too stereotypical relationship between the main characters, it’s starting to get borderline boring 🤔
Let’s get the formalities out of the way before we go any further- I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and as anyone that knows me knows, my reviews are brutally honest. With that said, this has been one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time! The writing was superbly smooth and flowed flawlessly without errors or typos. Scenes were colorful and nicely drawn so that you felt you were there in the middle of the action. Background details were accurate and believable. The characters come to life before your eyes and the plot grabs you from the very start and carries you along to the end with enough twists and turns to keep even the most avid mystery buff entranced. This story had it all; sexual tension, action, suspense, and even a night of passion that adds more believability when the sexual tension overflows. A great start to a promising series. You will definitely find yourself wanting to spend more time with this ensemble of characters.
A romantic mystery story. Shana and Dane are considering starting a private investigation partnership named Beachcomber Investigations. When Acer, one of Dane's old army unit buddies, has been shot at they decide to keep him under protection at the beach house. What follows is an investigation into who shot at Acer and why. Of course they discover it's not who they thought. Along the way they are aided by other characters, including Ronnie a young delivery boy. As they work the investigation Shana and Dane are also trying to figure out their relationship. Are they just partners or something else? A good mystery, but it had a little trouble holding my attention. * I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but once I got the characters straight, I enjoyed the read. Dane and Shana have almost a love hate relationship. Shana is in love with Dane and allows her heart to make the decision to work as a member of his Beachcomber Investigations. Dane, on the other hand, has lived a hard life and it shows in his fascination, rejection and pursuit of Shana. The two are concerned about protecting Acer, Dane's friend, who has been shot at. The novel has plenty of twists and turns in finding the person trying to assassinate Acer. The book has a fast tempo, interesting characters and is skillfully written.
I loved this book - it's another winner in the Beachcomber books and starts a new series by the same title. Shana and Dane are thrown into an investigation into threats against one of Dane's old friends. Shana gets on board, but is then forced to make a choice between working with Dane or Scotland Yard.
Dane, Acer, Cap, and Shana begin a complex investigation that brings danger to their door. Along the way, Dane adopts a stray, Reggie. Reggie added an interesting dynamic and I'm hoping he continues in future books.
This is a fast paced romantic suspense that fans of the genre will love. While it is part of a series, it is a stand alone novel.
This was my first introduction to Stephanie Queen’s work, and I was impressed. Beachcombers is fast past and an easy and enjoyable read. The story is set in Martha’s Vineyards during a Surf Competition (or is it really?), when one of the contestants goes missing. A firecracker of a detective from Australia is called in to team up with the local detective to find the missing girl. A rollercoaster of an investigation ensues filled with plenty of sexual tension and a creepy bad guy. Enjoyed and look forward to reading more from Ms. Queen.
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.* JoyceH. Reviewer for Romantic Picks Reviews
Dane wants Shana to partner with him, and it’s off to the races. One of Dane's former special ops buddies needs help and the new partners jump in. While helping the buddy out of his predicament, the heat between the partners just keeps getting hotter. However, would a relationship really be good for business, much less good for either of them? You'll have to keep reading to find out, because the answer is not in this one. And while I had to drink a lot of coffee to finish in one evening, I can't wait to get started on the next chapter. Stephanie Queen has captured my attention and won't let go!