Clear Intent

High Sierras #6

by Diane Benefiel

RUNNING OUT OF TIME Dory Morales knows the kind of heartache no woman should endure. Her ex-husband is in prison for abusing her and her precious son. It will take a long time to get over the shame of having allowed that to happen to them, and she’s worked hard to get their lives back on track. Of one thing she is certain, her life and destiny belong to her, and no man will ever have control over her again. Hangman’s Loss PD Captain Jack Morgan is done with the sniping and snide comments that fly every time he and Dory run into each other. It’s time she lowered her defenses and let him in. He better than anyone knows what’s she’s been through, and he intends to prove to her that he would never hurt her. Far from it. He plans on loving her for the rest of her life, if only she would let him.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2019

About the author

Murder? Stalker? Mayhem? Are bad guys coming to get her? Nope, Diane is just a retired school teacher with a laptop. She’s been married for decades. Decades. She walks Finn every morning (mostly). She FaceTimes with her grandkids. The most excitement she’s had lately is a bumpy ride on a plane, and that’s not the fun kind of excitement. But her heroines? They have all the thrills. Scary things happen to them. Hot, compelling men find them fascinating. And they always find their HEA.

An avid reader for as long as she can remember, Diane has always favored stories with strong female characters who go on adventures and can think themselves out of the most dangerous situations. It’s no surprise that those are the kinds of books she enjoys writing.

Diane’s love of the outdoors is reflected in her books. Born and raised in Southern California, family vacations meant camping in locations ranging from Big Sur to Death Valley to Zion. Two of her series are set in fictional towns in her happy place, California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her love of travel took her to Sweden as an exchange student when she was sixteen and backpacking around Great Britain (after a week in Paris) while in college. She and her husband have enjoyed pulling their little trailer to the National Parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Pinnacles.

Winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award in Romantic Suspense and a USA Today Bestselling author, Diane has recently retired from a career teaching high school history. She now has all the time in the world for writing, gardening, and travel. That's the theory, anyway. She is a member of the Orange Country Romance Writers.

***Note to readers: Looking for High Sierras, Book 4? Burnover, High Sierras Book 4, is a novella you can find included with Already Gone, Book 3.

Check out her website at dianebenefiel.com.

Reviews

[Judi Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thoughts: I can't think of one thing that was wrong with this book. The writing was good. The characters developed well and there was a great crowd to create a wonderful series. The story was very good with some creative twists. Seldom do you see an 8 year-old child's personality shine through in a romance, but Adrian was very much a well developed character all on his own. Highly recommended.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've looked forward to every book in this series and have enjoyed each one, loving the characters as it feels you walk with them through exciting, scary situations and sigh as relationships become beautiful. This was an exciting story with almost nonstop action and heart stopping dangers. All of my favorite people in Hangman's Loss are together to help Jack, Dory, Adrian and the town through crisis.

[Elise Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed returning to Hangman's Loss and getting reacquainted with people in the High Sierras series. Each suspenseful story features a woman in danger and a hunky hero (often a cop) who's determined to protect her. Naturally, close proximity eventually leads to love. These stories usually receive high praise from me, but Clear Intent doesn't quite reach five stars. Here's why.

I couldn't garner much sympathy for Dory Morales, our heroine. Dory went to high school with Jack Morgan (our hero), but she married Jack's friend (Rodrigo Calderon) instead. Rodrigo turned out to be a vicious abuser, beating Dory so badly when she was seven months pregnant that "she hadn't known if she would survive until morning." Did she report the abuse? No. She endured his attacks for years, repeatedly endangering herself and their small son (Adrian), because "I took the vows I made when I married him seriously."

How pathetically dumb could she be? Dory had many friends who would've helped her, including Police Chief Brad Gallagher and PD Captain Jack Morgan, but she hid her bruises from them and from her own father, the town's mayor. It took her six miserable years to finally decide to press charges against Rodrigo, who goes to prison and plots revenge.

Contrary to the online book description, this is not an enemies-to-lovers romance in my opinion. Jack has secretly loved Dory for years, but she keeps pushing him away because she no longer believes in love. In her experience, "love could be used for control, love didn't last." Can Jack change her mind, or will Rodrigo's escape and a raging forest fire destroy their chance for happiness?

Kudos for immersive mountain scenery, likable small-town characters (except for the villains), and the author's research into police and firefighting procedures. Don't miss this suspenseful story of danger and romance in the majestic High Sierras!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you take back your life, you are no longer a victim, you are a survivor! Dory Morales took her husband's abuse, until she couldn't. She took her son and moved back home to Hangman's Loss. She felt safe there especially since her husband was in prison for the abuse. PD Captain Jack Morgan knows and understands Dory's troubles, they have history. He felt he's been patient giving her time to heal and grow. Town folk tease him about the dance he and Dory do when they accidentally meet.Their relationship is not all smooth, there are a few unexpected twists and turns that could turn dark very quickly. We know Jack is up to the task. After all Dory has been through, she has unexpected strength and nerve. Can she handle the challenges? I absolutely empathize and like Dory. She is not only a survivor, she takes her life back! Well done. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Dory sends her husband in prison for beating her and her son. She thinks she has put the past behind her and can start her life over she learns her husband has escaped. Jack has loved Dory since the first time he saw her in high school. But he has been there at the worst times in her life and she has always thought of him as her ex-husbands friend. And since he works for the police department he saw the results when her ex would get angry and beat her.
Now Jack has to find a way to get Dory to let down her guard and give him a chance. This is a great story with a lot of action and a great romance about taking a second chance and opening up to love. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Dory in the first book in this wonderful series when she had first left her husband for his abuse and Emmy gave her not only a job but a place for her and her son to live and during all of the books we have seen the interaction between Jack Morgan a captain in the local police force and her. She always felt that Jack held some of the blame for what happened to her at the hands of her ex after all he never stepped in but as she learns what eh actually made himself a punching bag for Rodrigo so that he would take out some of his frustration before her got home. Now Rodrigo is working on a fire near by and has fled from his wardens Can Jack keep Dory and her son safe and will she finally admit what he means to her especially when she discovers that Rodrigo new all along that Jack loved her and is main reason for been with her was to prove to jack that he could have her.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well-written and engaging story. The characters were all well-developed and had great personalities and qualities that really endeared me to them. The storyline captured my interest from the start and kept my attention all the way through. I became thoroughly engrossed in the story, wanting to know what the outcome would be. The author 's writing really made the story and all the emotions come to life. This was an intense story that had me engaged and invested in the characters. This book catches up with Dory, who was introduced in the first book, and her life after her husband is sent to jail for abusing her and her son. This is for sure a wonderful series, and I highly this book and the whole series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dory has been abused by her husband. After he hurt their son Adrian, she abandoned him and reported him to the police.
Jack has been in love with Dory nearly all his life, but she got married to another man who was supposed to be his friend.
Fighting a violent fire that threatens to engulf the whole city and looking for two criminals on the run, among other things, never let the reader time to breathe. A novel full of action and suspense, with lovely characters that you never wanted to finish.
I would write more things about this book, but I don’t want to reveal too much, so if you want to know more, just read the book and you will see for yourself.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Dory's character! Jack Morgan and Dory's interactions with their snide remarks is just hilarious to watch! Dory is trying to put her past behind her with her son and it was so touching how hard he works to prove that he could be the one for her. With her ex-husband being part of the group of convicts to help out with the fires, he becomes a great example of a partner who wont end up hurting her. This was a wonderful addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story of Dory and Jack. Dory’s Adrian was such a traumatized young boy and I felt so bad for the trauma he suffered at the hands of his father “the Man” Jack has been in love with Dory since the day he say her but his best friend was a less than stellar person and decided to make sure jack would never be with Dory. The suspense between the fire, Dory’s ex Rodrico’s prison escape kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat. I was thrilled when Dory and Jack finally got their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to round out the series

I’ve been waiting for Jack and Dora’s story and this didn’t disappoint. While the steamy part is delayed, the slow build is entertaining. I admire Dora for her strength after being in an abusive relationship. She’s also a really good mother to Adrian. Jack is a true hero but he displays vulnerability a couple of times. The supporting characters are great background and it’s nice to catch up with couples from previous books in the series. Nothing not to love here.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a wonderful storyteller and this is such a beautiful, heartwarming romance.
It had me under its spell from beginning to end. I just loved it!

I loved how their relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways you never expected. This book had me laughing and crying and I could not be happier with their HEA and how everything played out.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Dory and Jack. Dory and her son are living in Hangman’s Loss and only now putting the past behind them. With her ex-husband in prison for abusing her and her son, she now has walls around her heart and is determined to protect her son at all cost. What happens when her childhood friend Jack is determined to make her see he’s different? I enjoyed this romance with its twists. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dory and her son return to her hometown to escape the bad memories of her abusive life with her ex husband, who is i prison. Jack is the local police captain and an old friend/flame of Dory's. Can he gain her trust in men again or will it be a battle? Will she let him on or still hold him at a distance? He is out to prove to jer that not every man is like ex hisband. HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book six in this series and it is Dory and Jack's story and everything that they have to go through to get a happy ending. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Diane's books as they are so well written and worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great love story. Along with a bit of everything else. It’s a story set in the middle of a series that I hadn’t read. Although the author lets on about who is who, I almost feel as though I want to go read them in order now.
There is a bit of language and sex so maybe not for those under 18.
It’s to bad too, because it could have been 5 stars and a great read for every age without it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the High Sierra series and as all the others before it, it doesnt disappoint.
This is Dory and Jack's story. Its about heartache, betrayal at the highest level (wife and child beating) and about trust!
This is their story and that they have to go through to get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police Captain Jack has been attracted to Dory for years and now that her ex is in prison for the abuse he caused her and their son Adrain Jack intends to make his move but she is resistant. Dory is ashamed of what she and her son have went through and thinks the town will look down on her but Jack is determined to show her that is not the case and he wants forever with her.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear Intent is the sixth book in the High Sierras series and is Jack and Dory's story.

I loved this book and the way it brings in the characters from the other books in the series. This story has suspense and intrigue as Jack tries to protect Dory and her son Adrian from her abusive ex-husband.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Emily Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with Dory and Jack. Dory was an interesting character and Jack had me just a little confused. I just couldnt picture a guy taking a beating from a jerk like he did. Some action and some good chemistry.

[Myrna Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovetorrad

Loved the book and the whole series. You can't go wrong getting this series but do start with the first one as the same characters appear all through the series. It makes it feel so friendly and tired together. Enjoy!!!!!!!

[Charles L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Diane Benefiel

I love Diane's stories! Dory and Jack are both likeable and and and fun to root for. She creates just the right amount of menace to make the story fun and not overpower the love story. I look forward to more from her.

[Patricia M Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!

Great character and scene descriptions. The author put me right there. I am an intrigue junkie and this book satisfied that need along with just the right amount of romance.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Dory and Jack's journey to love , and it did not disappoint. Wonderful High Sierras community with characters and story lines. Settle in for good tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line and character work were good. The book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was another great addition to the series and I was entertained by this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooooooooooooooo good!

[Mimi Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing!!

I'm new to Diane Benefiel, and thoroughly enjoyed last two books of High Sierras series. Looking forward to next project and hope it's soon!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. I'm sorry to see it end. Of course, leaving Jack and Dorys story until the end was genius.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack finally gets the woman he loves.

[BooksSaveMe]

3.75 stars