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High Sierras #5
Deadly Purpose
THE SILVER LINING
Meghan Bennett is a desperate woman running for her life, and the one place she's sure she'll be safe is the old cabin in the Eastern Sierras she inherited from her father. Exhausted, and fighting a nasty flu, Meg can't believe someone is squatting in her cabin. The tall, handsome, bearded stranger who answers the door is her worst nightmare. Grumpy, growly and intractable, she can't convince him to leave. When she nearly collapses, she finds herself on the couch in front of a welcome fire. Over the next few days she thinks she can trust this man with more than her safety. Too late, she learns he has betrayed her, and he shatters her trust right along with her heart.
Declan Murphy has been trying to rebuild his life, and he revels in the solitude his old friend and mentor's cabin provides. When a gorgeous, pissed-off woman shows up in the middle of a cold, snowy night insisting the cabin is hers and he needs to get out, Dex is ready to shut the door in her face - until he realizes she's sick, and even he's not that big a Neanderthal. When he finds out she's the daughter of the man who'd owned the cabin, and that she's the biggest asset in the investigation he's working on with the FBI, he can't believe how screwed he is. He's fallen hard for the stubborn, independent beauty, yet he can't tell her the truth about what he's doing. He knows when she finds out, he's going to lose the woman he hadn't been looking for but needs more than his next breath.
Meghan Bennett is a desperate woman running for her life, and the one place she's sure she'll be safe is the old cabin in the Eastern Sierras she inherited from her father. Exhausted, and fighting a nasty flu, Meg can't believe someone is squatting in her cabin. The tall, handsome, bearded stranger who answers the door is her worst nightmare. Grumpy, growly and intractable, she can't convince him to leave. When she nearly collapses, she finds herself on the couch in front of a welcome fire. Over the next few days she thinks she can trust this man with more than her safety. Too late, she learns he has betrayed her, and he shatters her trust right along with her heart.
Declan Murphy has been trying to rebuild his life, and he revels in the solitude his old friend and mentor's cabin provides. When a gorgeous, pissed-off woman shows up in the middle of a cold, snowy night insisting the cabin is hers and he needs to get out, Dex is ready to shut the door in her face - until he realizes she's sick, and even he's not that big a Neanderthal. When he finds out she's the daughter of the man who'd owned the cabin, and that she's the biggest asset in the investigation he's working on with the FBI, he can't believe how screwed he is. He's fallen hard for the stubborn, independent beauty, yet he can't tell her the truth about what he's doing. He knows when she finds out, he's going to lose the woman he hadn't been looking for but needs more than his next breath.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
About the author
Diane Benefiel
22 books100 followersMurder? 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 10, 2020
3.5 stars
May 14, 2019
Quick and easy but true love!
Loved the build-up of the relationship. The description of the town and its residents made me want to go visit and meet them myself.tHey seemed so welcoming. The author painted a fantastic picture of the town, the people, and the scenery. Can't wait to read Clear Intent!! Great read! Keep 'em comin' Diane!!
Loved the build-up of the relationship. The description of the town and its residents made me want to go visit and meet them myself.tHey seemed so welcoming. The author painted a fantastic picture of the town, the people, and the scenery. Can't wait to read Clear Intent!! Great read! Keep 'em comin' Diane!!
August 12, 2024
Good story. I was SO happy to see the author truly showed a smart woman who knew when she needed help to ask for it and to not run off blindly doing stuff just because “she can take care of herself!” Dax said it correctly, “we all have our strengths.” Even though it may have irked Meg, she still was smart enough to know not to run off half-cocked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2019
Another winner
Diane Benefiel again delivers an exquisitely crafted story in the High Sierra series. This is romantic suspense at its best with a plot that draws you in, characters you care about and a love story that completes the triad. You will not be disappointed.
Diane Benefiel again delivers an exquisitely crafted story in the High Sierra series. This is romantic suspense at its best with a plot that draws you in, characters you care about and a love story that completes the triad. You will not be disappointed.
March 22, 2019
All for one, one for all
This series continues to provide heartfelt romance and heart stopping action. Hangman's Loss has its share of everyday heroes , quirky characters like the eccentric 70+ year old triplets and beautiful scenery. I can't wait to visit again.
This series continues to provide heartfelt romance and heart stopping action. Hangman's Loss has its share of everyday heroes , quirky characters like the eccentric 70+ year old triplets and beautiful scenery. I can't wait to visit again.
October 16, 2019
Lukewarm
Basically a good story. At times the story dragged. Declan could have told Meg the truth and more action could have ensued. The bad guy had a plan that was never carried out and final action was added. Lukewarm love scenes.
Basically a good story. At times the story dragged. Declan could have told Meg the truth and more action could have ensued. The bad guy had a plan that was never carried out and final action was added. Lukewarm love scenes.
October 19, 2019
Hot and full of Excitement
This was a Great Book and I suggest even though stand alone start at the begifng. I'm going back to book one now. This was a had you by your seat and full of Hot Sexy Cop
This was a Great Book and I suggest even though stand alone start at the begifng. I'm going back to book one now. This was a had you by your seat and full of Hot Sexy Cop
July 28, 2020
Good intent.
Very much LIKED this book. I still have a problem with the adult sexual content. I dislike the use of booking up and being together ,it sounds juvenile, like teenagers justifying having sex without commitment. All in all a good read
Very much LIKED this book. I still have a problem with the adult sexual content. I dislike the use of booking up and being together ,it sounds juvenile, like teenagers justifying having sex without commitment. All in all a good read
December 27, 2020
Fantastic read
## Another marvelous addition to the series. I enjoyed Meg and Dex. They were great together. I loved the way they met and how they slowly but surely became friends and more. On to the next one.
## Another marvelous addition to the series. I enjoyed Meg and Dex. They were great together. I loved the way they met and how they slowly but surely became friends and more. On to the next one.
November 4, 2021
Not a dull moment!
You won't want to put this book down. Full of intrigue, drama, suspense. Romantic, not with just Declan and Meg but with the rest of the characters. Someone should have slapped Delgado senseless. Having a hard time picking my favorite book of this series.
You won't want to put this book down. Full of intrigue, drama, suspense. Romantic, not with just Declan and Meg but with the rest of the characters. Someone should have slapped Delgado senseless. Having a hard time picking my favorite book of this series.
May 19, 2019
Great story!
This was a great plot with both Dex and Meghan having secrets. Great chemistry and some good secondary characters with some action and an HEA. Loved it!
This was a great plot with both Dex and Meghan having secrets. Great chemistry and some good secondary characters with some action and an HEA. Loved it!
September 12, 2019
The High Sierras series!
All of the books in this series are awesome, and Deadly Purpose doesn't disappoint! I'm already looking forward to reading the next installment!
All of the books in this series are awesome, and Deadly Purpose doesn't disappoint! I'm already looking forward to reading the next installment!
July 17, 2020
Your head may be cloudy from the flu, but you can recognize a fine man! Meghan Bennet running for her life, runs to Eastern Sierrras and the cabin she inherited from her Dad. She is barely hanging on while suffering from the flu.Her last straw, is finding a stranger in her cabin who won't leave. Luckily, he helps her through her illness. Declan is spending some down time in his old friend and mentor's cabin when a woman shows up demanding he leave. He's about to blow her off when he realizes she's sick. He helps her out and gets to know her. Then he realizes she's the daughter of his old friend and an integral asset in his joint investigation with the FBI. She may not like that last bit of news. There is an instant attraction which they both work through. How will Meghan take the news when she feels better? Will she be willing to help? How does Declan tip toe around the very thin line he's walking? Nice story. Good action. Great supporting characters. Nicely done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2019
I loved everything about this book, and it made me want to check out the other books in the series! The immediate suspense drew me in, and the High Sierras setting was perfect, as was the mysterious stranger Meg finds in her cabin. This novel had a well-written, exciting, and descriptive narrative that kept me glued from start to finish. The chemistry between Meg and Dex sizzled off the pages and held my interest throughout the whole book. Both Meg and Dex were strong, dynamic characters with interesting backgrounds, each driven by their past and cautious about the future, never expecting to find each other. Without giving away spoilers, the author has crafted one exciting, romantic ride, full of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
July 11, 2020
In this fast paced , action packed suspense Meghan is on the run from Julius her ex boss, and meets up with grumpy Declan. At first he does not believe that the cabin is hers but later he realizes that she is the key to the investigation he is working on with the FBI against her ex-boss. Declan lies again and again to Meghan, even though they fall in love and have this amazing chemistry. When Meghan finds out, she still helps the FBI to help save innocent people but leaves Declan immediately afterwards. I think she forgave him to soon when he came back to apologize to her. Eventually after some more surprises, seems Julius is more cunning than the FBI gave him credit for they find their HEA. I enjoyed the book and it was a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2020
When Meghan Bennett has to leave everything behind with danger on her heels and fearing for her life. She runs to the only place she thinks she will be safe, her fathers cabin. But when she arrives sick and just wanting to lay down she finds her cabin occupied by a grumpy man . Declan Murphy is trying to get a new fresh start in his old friends cabin when a sick woman shows up on the front porch of the can he is staying in demanding he leave and then promptly passes out. This is a great story if I had to choose which book is my favorite I would choose this one, though that are all wonderful. I hope she continues with the citizens of Hangman's Loss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2020
We met Declan (Dex) earlier in this series in Maddy and Logan's story and even though he isn't related to any of the previous characters it is great to get his story
Dex was injured while working as a cop in a huge trafficking case a case he helped to solve when it came to Hangman's Loss but now he is sitting back and hoping to recover from his injury and he is doing that in his old mentor's log cabin. Then he finds a sick woman on his doorstep who insists that he is squatting in her home When he learns that she is the daughter of his old mentor and that she needs his help he will step up to help and in the process he will loose his heart Can she forgive him that he has held back details of who he is and give their future a chance.
Dex was injured while working as a cop in a huge trafficking case a case he helped to solve when it came to Hangman's Loss but now he is sitting back and hoping to recover from his injury and he is doing that in his old mentor's log cabin. Then he finds a sick woman on his doorstep who insists that he is squatting in her home When he learns that she is the daughter of his old mentor and that she needs his help he will step up to help and in the process he will loose his heart Can she forgive him that he has held back details of who he is and give their future a chance.
July 14, 2020
This book was quite the page-turner - I simply could not put it down! After reading this book, I definitely want to go back and read the ones I've missed. The storyline caught my attention right from the start. The suspense and drama is what really drew me in. Ms. Benefiel does an excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life, allowing me to see what they're seeing and feel what the characters are feeling. I loved every aspect of this book. Meg and Declan were strong characters and they had amazing chemistry. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2020
Meg is on the run from her criminal boss and shows up in to the cabin owned by her lare father for safety. Declan is staying at his mentor's cabin to regroup when he discovers a sick woman at his doorstep claiming that he is trespassing. He brings her in and tends to her to aide in her recovery only to find out that she is what he needs to aide in his current case. They bicker back and forth throughout the book, however the attraction grows. Will the developing relationship survive once the truth comes out? I enjoyed this book. It jas qondwerful characters that interact well with an HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2020
Dex is living in his friend's cabin. He needs to think about what to do with his life.
Meg is running away from her crazy boss. She goes to her father’s cabin in the mountains.
Another interesting story by Diane Benefiel, full of suspense. I was always waiting for the bad guy’s strike.
Too many secrets are not good for a starting relationship, but sometimes you have no other choice.
One of the things I like most about this series is that all the characters from the previous books appear in this one. It is good to see all of them again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Meg is running away from her crazy boss. She goes to her father’s cabin in the mountains.
Another interesting story by Diane Benefiel, full of suspense. I was always waiting for the bad guy’s strike.
Too many secrets are not good for a starting relationship, but sometimes you have no other choice.
One of the things I like most about this series is that all the characters from the previous books appear in this one. It is good to see all of them again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
This is book five in this series and it is Meghan and Declan's story and what a great story it is. This book is a real page turner and you have to keep going to see what happens next. This book was so well written by Diane and really enjoyable and i definitely recommend you read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2020
This is the 5th book in High Sierras series and this series just keeps getting better.
This is Meghan and Declan's story and what a great story it is.
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.
This is Meghan and Declan's story and what a great story it is.
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.
July 13, 2020
Deadly Purpose is the fifth book in The High Sierras series and is a great addition to the series.
I really loved the characters in this book. Meghan and Dex are both strong individuals who end up at the same cabin. Dex is somewhat of a grump but she manages to steal her way into his heart. Can she forgive him for his lies?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really loved the characters in this book. Meghan and Dex are both strong individuals who end up at the same cabin. Dex is somewhat of a grump but she manages to steal her way into his heart. Can she forgive him for his lies?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
August 7, 2020
If you want to lose yourself in a great series...give this one a go!
Characters that are easy to root for and all that swirls around them in the storylines are super interesting.
Some great ins and outs, twists and turns. It's simply REALLY GOOD STORYTELLING.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Characters that are easy to root for and all that swirls around them in the storylines are super interesting.
Some great ins and outs, twists and turns. It's simply REALLY GOOD STORYTELLING.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
July 10, 2020
The story line was good, the character work was terrific and the book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was another 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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2020
This is a wonderful romantic suspense novel. I liked it! It has a grumpy hero and a heroine who discovers that he might not be so bad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
I had read 2 by her already and this was the 3rd one. They are all well written and once I started reading them I could not put them down. I look forward to more by this author!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
This book was okay. So far, I think that it hasn't been the best one in the series that I've read so far. I think that the characters were well developed, but I had a difficult time getting into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2019
Yet another in this series which does not disappoint! I love that these women are strong and the "strong" men aren't intimidated by them - makes for a far more realistic story, imho.
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October 12, 2019DNF... I just couldn't get into it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews