Dead Giveaway

High Sierras #2

by Diane Benefiel

THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN


If asked, Gwendolyn Ballard would admit she co-parented her best friend Chloe's son, Cameron. Now Gwen is all he's got as they flee from the man who murdered his mother. There's only one place Cameron will be safe, and that's with his uncle, Elijah MacElvoy. Arriving on his doorstep at the Broken Arrow Ranch is a desperate decision, and Gwen knows he'd slam the door in her face if she didn't have his nephew with her. But she'll do anything for Cam, even if it means putting up with Elijah's distrust and judgment.


Chloe's dead. Cam's orphaned, and Elijah is confronted with the prospect of living with the one woman who's driven him crazy for the past ten years. He'll fight to keep her safe. That's encoded in his DNA. But can he trust her with a little boy who just lost his mother? As Eli watches how Gwen loves and cares for his nephew, he reevaluates his thinking and gives in to the smoldering attraction he felt the first time he saw her. With so much on the line, Eli comes clean about his past, making way for a future that's all about silver linings.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2018

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

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the High Sierras series by Diane Benefiel. Gwendolyn Ballard witnesses her best friend's murder and takes off with her son, Cameron. She takes refuge with Cameron's uncle, Elijah MacElvoy, at his ranch in the Sierra Mountains. Elijah has never cared for Gwen, believing that she was a bad influence on his sister. But he is not going to reject her and his nephew and will protect them with all he has.

This was a nice little romance. It had all the right elements I like. Just wasn't a 4 or 5 stars.

[Ria Restrepo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Giveaway is the second book in Diane Benefiel's High Sierras romantic suspense series. Although it takes place in the same general area as the first book, Flash Point, the story and main characters are entirely independent, so it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, I'd highly recommend reading Flash Point, as well, if you love gripping romantic suspense novels. Much like Flash Point, Dead Giveaway is an addictive page-turner that will keep you up late into the night to see what happens next.

After witnessing her best friend Chloe's murder, Gwen Ballard flees with Chloe's young son to the boy's uncle, Eli, who owns a ranch in the Sierras near the town of Hangman's Loss. Despite the antagonism between her and Eli, she's certain he won't turn away his nephew. Besides, with nowhere else to go and both their lives in danger, Eli is her only option to keep them safe.

Elijah MacElvoy has no use for party girls, and that's how he pegged Gwen from the start. His prejudice managed to keep his strong, immediate attraction to her at bay all these years. But now that he's taken in his orphaned nephew and the boy's Aunt Gwenny, things aren't as black and white as they first appeared. While protecting them from the bad guys, Eli is forced to admit he may have misjudged Gwen. The carefully built walls between them start crumbling and it becomes more important than ever to keep Gwen and the boy alive.

The sexual tension between Eli and Gwen is tangible from the very beginning and builds right along with the danger facing them. Watching the sparks fly as they butt heads and fight their mutual attraction is riveting and highly entertaining. Dead Giveaway is an irresistible mix of passion, danger, humor, and heartwarming tenderness.

Diane Benefiel masterfully creates intense situations for her characters, but no matter what torment they go through, readers are guaranteed a satisfying ending. I'm looking forward to the next book in the High Sierras series – or anything else from this talented writer.

[n_ow_n · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading at Chapter 13. Usually, I would try to finish a book in hopes that it will get better but this kept getting worse for me.

I completely disliked the main female character - Gwen. Apparently, she's supposed to be this strong independent selfless persona. Instead, she gave the feeling of being incredibly insecure of herself and unstable (for instance, she constantly flipped from "the boy needs me" to "the best I can do for him is leave him here"). Her toughness apparently came from wanting to work for her keep and refusing help when sick. I didn't understand why this so called strong woman had to go to the man for protection if she was so tough and capable. Her character was inconsistent and made no sense!

Another inconsistency was Cameron (her best friend's son). He was supposed to be 9, turning 10 but sounded more like 5yo. He's supposed to grief the loss of his mom who ditched him whenever the mood struck. So, one minute we are told that he's grieving, the next we're told that he had more connection with Aunt Gwenny than his biological mom. Meanwhile, he's happy and carefree with his new friends on the ranch. Go figure!

The main male character - Eli - wasn't very noticeable. He's apparently all strong and protective and has the hots for Gwen. The book is written in 3rd person but it's obvious he gets less page space (unless Gwen is ogling him). Also, he thought the best way to explain her presence and protect her was to call her his girlfriend. And let's just say Gwenny didn't put too much fight with it...

The romance did not work for me at all. Basically, Eli decided "let's give it a chance" and Gwen decided to play it hard to get. I'm guessing this would've continued for most of the book.

There were somewhat extensive descriptions of the nature, the ranch and the horse business but it didn't necessarily take away from the story. It didn't add any appeal for me either.

What made me stop reading was the childish way the bad guys were described as "neanderthal", "bad bikers". Very cheap, uncreative and narrow-minded way to make something look evil!

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAD GIVEAWAY (High Sierras Book 2) by Diane Benefiel can be read as a standalone. I have read a few of these books in no specific order. These are fast paced not long books. This one is a slow-burn romance, but that first kiss will change everything.

Gwen Ballard is a kindergartner teacher that has helped co-parent Chloe's son since he was born. She also is Chloe's best-friend. She loves Chloe's son, who is named Cameron, like he was her very own. So when Gwen gets a call from Cam that his mother & step-dad were having an awful fight & he was scared. Could she come get him? Since school was out for the summer, Gwen had been planning on taking Cam with her on vacation. When she arrived she had heard the awful yelling & sneaks in the back to get Cam out with his suitcase for their vacation. She wants to let Chloe know she has Cam, but again takes the back way. What she witnessed is the murder of her best-friend & mother to Cam, now dead. Brutally murdered by her own policeman husband. He spots her when her phone dings & she is sure she will be next murdered if she doesn't get back to her car & take Cam out of danger. Gwen knows the corrupt police won't take her word over fellow police officer Justin Bennett. There is only one place Gwen knows they will be safe, and that is with Cam's Uncle Elijah MacElroy on his Broken Arrow Ranch. She is sure he will welcome his nephew. She is not so sure about how he will welcome her. But they are a package deal. Not one without the other.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwendolyn Ballard is in a world of trouble. She just witnessed her best friend, Chloe, murdered by her husband and now she must run! She can’t go to the police…he is the police! What a beginning to a wonderful story. Gwen leaves town with her friend’s son, Cameron, and heads for Chloe’s brother ranch in the High Sierras. She knows if Chloe’s murderer finds them that he will kill them. Elijah MacElvoy owns the Broken Arrow Ranch and Gwen knows she and Cameron will be safe with him. I loved this second book in the “High Sierras” series. This is not a sequel, but a standalone story of two people who are attracted to each other, but reconnecting under the worst of circumstances. Cameron’s character is so endearing (I love the way he is so protective of Gwen and calls her “my Gwenny”). Eli must keep them safe as well as figure out who is vandalizing his ranch. He is a strong lead character who is about to see that his whole way of life is changing. Gwen is not afraid to fight for what is right and loves Cameron as her own. She will do everything to keep both of them safe. I discovered Ms. Benefiel’s books and have loved the careful way she draws you in to the story with characters that make you feel as if you are reading about friends. I am really looking forward to the next High Sierras book, “Already Gone”. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Ken Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the 'High Sierras' series wasn't bad, but it also wasn't very good.
It was enough, however, to encourage me to give the author another shot, and it turnede out to be a wise decision.
“Dead Giveaway” has a much stronger plot and a romance that that takes its time to ignite.
Gwendolyn Ballard is on the run with her best friend Chloe's son, Cameron.
She saw the murderer, Chloe's husband Jason, standing over her body just after the crime was committed – and he saw her.
The problem is that he's a policeman, from a police family, and there's no way she'll stay alive if he finds her.
She seeks refuge with Chloe's brother, Elijah MacElvoy, on his ranch outside Hangman's Loss.
They've cordially detested each other since they first met – he's sure she's a party animal who enabled his sister, she thinks he's rude, opinionated and set in his ways.
Of course none of the above is true as Eli is actually a teddy bear at heart and, surprise, she's actually a very serious, caring, person.
So, all that's left is the matter of (a) the attempt to kill Chloe and (b) Chloe and Eli falling head over heels.
And that, dear reader, is exactly what happens.
It's nicely done and there are some moving moments – the scene where Chloe gets a fever is quite touching.
4 Stars.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! Gwen can take a breath, or can she? Gwendolyn witnessed the murder of her best friend, Chloe. So she takes Chloe's son, Cameron and flees. She felt she co-parented Cam with Chloe, so she has skin in the game. She runs to Cam's Uncle Elijah MacElvoy on the Broken Arrow Ranch. She knows Elijah doesn't trust and maybe even hates her, but he loves Cam. And he is their safety net. Elijah doesn't trust Gwen and thinks she is flighty and unsafe for his nephew. Once he observes their relationship, he has to reevaluate his assumptions. There's lots going on in this story, many moving parts. Is Gwen feeling the stress? She has drama coming at her from 360 degrees. Cameron is her steady rock. Will Elijah step up and protect Gwen? Will he give himself a chance to get to know this amazing woman? Can Gwen finally breathe? Excellent story. Romance during a suspenseful time does add a little kick to the relationship! Nicely done. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. It was the first I have read by Benefiel, and I was definitely impressed by the storytelling and detail, as both combined to create a story that was very hard to put down.

The characters, in this book, really came together in a unique way, after a tragedy, that put the main character on the run, with her best friend’s little boy. She was opened to a new world, built on being afraid and doing anything to ensure the safety of the most special person in her life, which leads her to go somewhere she never would have expected. I liked that this was true to life, as we often do things we wouldn’t normally, when it is for the safety of someone we love.

Overall, I found the story very interesting and engaging, which made it hard to put down and very easy to really get attached to. It was easy to dive right into the story and already start wishing the best for all those involved in the tragedy, except the killer of course.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago Elijah judged Gwen based on his sisters behavior, they were friends and therefore must be similar, Gwen overhears him telling his sister she needs better friends and doesn’t bother to set him straight. When Chloe is murdered by her cop husband, Gwen has no where else to go, and ends up on Elijah’s doorstep. While protecting her, he gets to know the real Gwen and their multilateral sizzling chemistry and attraction blooms into a long lasting love. The suspense of when Chloe’s murderer will show up is palpable and thanks to excellent writing the reader is captivated and drawn into the action, and relieved when It’s comes to an end. Great characters with growth, emotions and relatable. Excellent and thrilling read

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

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the High Sierras series. Gwen witnesses her best friend's murder and runs away with her son, Cameron. She takes him to the one man she knows who will keep him safe, Cameron's uncle, Elijah MacElvoy. Elijah has always thought Gwen was a bad influence on his sister and doesn't trust her to care for his nephew. But being who he is, he won't reject her and will protect both his nephew and Gwen. I became glued to this book right from the start. The storyline was so gripping and full of suspense, I couldn't put it down. The story was so intense with respect to the danger as well as the attraction between Gwen and Elijah. A wonderfully written story that I really enjoyed and would highly recommend.

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

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this great series and we are starting to learn more about the people that inhabit the High Sierras this is the story of local rancher Elijah (Eli) MacElvoy

Eli always knew that Gwendolyn (Gwen) Ballard was a bad influence on his half sister Chloe but there is nothing he can really do about it. But is all that it seems true When Gwen arrives on his doorstep with his nephew Cameron (Cam) he will have to rethink all the assumptions he has made Has he learns that Cam's father is the one who killed his sister and that in fact Gwen isn't the part girl and bad influence he always assumed her to be Can he get her to look at him as anything but the enemy as he begins to fall for her and when Cam's dad comes after them can he keep his new family safe.

[Sleepless · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story!

I would have liked some background about the relationship between Chloe and Justin? What led up to the violence? Why did Gwen play such a huge role in raising Cameron? As Chloe's best friend did she try to advise her friend to be a better mother? What was the relationship involving Justin, Cameron, Gwen and Chloe?
Eli was a hard person to like at first because he raged at Gwen without knowing a thing about her! Later when recognized his error he does apologize and change his attitude! Gwen is adamant about carrying her load and her own expenses! These are good things, but her desperation to meet these standards was irritating at times!
The story had some terrific and moving moments! Dead Giveaway was a satisfying read!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in this series and it is Gwen and Elijah's story. When Gwen witnessed her best friend Chloe's murder she take's Chloe's son Cameron and run's to keep him safe and the only person she know's that she can trust is Elijah, but will he be able to keep them safe from the murderer. Wow i could not put this book down and had to keep turning the page's to see what would happen next. This book was well written and a real page turner and i definitly recommend you read it and you will not be disappointed.

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

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the High Sierras series. I really am enjoying this series.
This is Gwendolyn Ballard and Elijah MacElvoy's story. What a story it is.
She has witnessed the murder of her best friend Chloe, grabs Chloe's son Cameron
and runs to find the only person who can protect them - Cameron's uncle, Elijah MacElvoy!
Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters.
The chemistry was palatable.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the High Sierras series a well written suspense story with a very good storyline, the story flows smoothly across the pages. Gwendolyn Ballard ran to the Broken Arrow Ranch when her best friend is murdered. She takes Chloe's son, Cameron with her, to Chloe's brother Elijah MacElvoy. There is suspense, drama, danger, dirty cops, attempted kidnapping, and romance. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane Hermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was painful. I've only read 2 books by this author & didn't like the "heroines" in either one. Here she witnessed a murder & went to Eli for help/protection, all throughout the book saying she can take care of herself. Really? She has experience running from someone who wants to kill her? Then she does stupid things like forgetting to keep her phone or radio on her at all times, riding alone, etc. I'm obviously the odd one out based on other reviews, but if this is how the female MC's act in all her books, I'm done.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Gwen witnesses her best friends husband murder her she takes her son and runs to the only place she can where she knows she and the boy will be safe. She also knows that his uncle may turn her away but will never turn his nephew away. This is another stand alone story in the High Sierras series. Another great story that holds your interest to the end. Can not wait to read more from this author

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Giveaway is the second book in the High Sierras series and is a great romantic suspense story.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters of Eli and Gwen are well developed, realistic, and both have the same goal in mind: to protect little Cameron. The storyline is well crafted and flows smoothly from start to finish, with murder, suspense, danger, and a chance for romance. Can Eli keep Gwen and Cameron safe from Cameron's father?

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen takes Cameron, her best friend’s son to his uncle after being a witness of her murder n the hands of her husband.
Elijah is a good an honest rancher who thinks Gwenn s a bad influence for her sister.
A very emotional read, well-written and well-developed characters. I like this author and the reason is that it is impossible for me to stop reading her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Warning: part of a series, but each have different sets of main characters within their world, each book has its own HEA)

I cannot get enough of this author and this series!

It is wrought with emotion and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
Each book has been cohesive and enlightening to the overall theme between these characters.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Marie Vayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book by this author, I enjoyed the first one so much I bought the second, I will finish buying the series. Loved it! a couple simple editing errors but not bad at all. Great Characters, interesting story and enough going on to keep you going but not too much to lose the main story. I can't wait to open book three.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking shelter

I loved this book as much as the first in the series! Diane Benefiel writes stories to get lost in, with heart thumping suspense and romance. Every page opens up the heart of (I know it's not real and I should say characters) the people and you can feel the cold air of the mountains and hear the soft whinnies of the horses. Looking forward to book three!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. I usually read mystery murder books with a lot more grit, but every once in a while need something lighter. It can be difficult to find those books that aren't overly light and sappy, or else filled with too much smut. This series hits all of the right notes.

[Donna Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, suspense, with mountain scenery described ... what more could you ask for?

The entire High Sierras books are entertaining reads that keep you wondering how the characters are going to stay safe physicality and emotionally. You don`t want to quit reading until the book is finished.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great new series. It was a bit of a lighter type of mystery and so far I am really enjoying this new series. It has just the right amount of suspense mixed with some great romance between Elijah and Gwendolyn.

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

[Jan Fortelney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story and we'll developed characters

This book had a lot of emotion and the story line was believable and we'll laid out. You knew there would be a happy ending, but it was touching.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was good, the character work was terrific and the book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was a great addition to the series and kept me entertained from beginning to end.

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another suspense and romance rolled into one book. Gwen takes her friend's son to the mountains when her friend is murdered. She goes to Elijah's home knowing he will protect Cameron even knowing he does not care for her. I liked the characters and the suspense keeps you reading.

[Mary Knopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Young lady in book witnessed her friends murder. The friends husband realized this and chases her to kill her and his wife's son. Story has many twists and turns. I recommend it.

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ENTERTAINING ADVENTURE AND ROMANCE

Am impressed with this new author and her second book does not disappoint. A fun romance with a touch of intrigue and tension.